My last spring semester in college ended yesterday. As expected, it was filled with a lot of school work, plus, a job, new friendships, old friendships, and a magical wedding for my longest friend. At the start of 2012, I had a gut feeling that this year would be unlike previous ones. It has already proven to be my favorite year of life so far.


Why I've loved it...

1. I made a B in PhotoShop! What I thought would be an easy elective wasn't easy, so I'm happy with my grade. 
2. I went techno contra dancing. The name should give you an indication of how silly it was.
3. Every girl from the bible study group I'm a part of, chopped their hair off to support a girl in our group battling cancer for a second time. 
4. I lined up an internship with Asterisk Creative, a marketing agency in Charlotte, for the summer.
5. I've experienced contentment, real contentment. Such contentment that I started to worry because I've never felt so at peace. I often have to remind myself that the peace I feel, is the peace I've been praying for. 
6. Learning that God is concerned with every concern of mine, small and big. He continues to prove that over and over.
7. I visited The Biltmore Estate with my family in March.
8. I'll be an Appol Corps leader next school year. It will be very similar to what I did at Gardner-Webb as a peer leader, except it's a four day commitment instead of a five month commitment.
9. Taylor Bromby's wedding in Valle Crusis was beautiful, intimate, and fun. My heart was so full after that weekend. That's what happens when you're surrounded by a lovely couple, with lovely families, in the lovely NC mountains, with 150+ lovely people.
10. Living in an apartment with Caroline is an adventure, always. Everyday there is something laughable going on.
11. I registered for my last semester of college. Surreal.

I created this blog last December, and I have failed to blog since then! I would say that I'm back in blogger world, but I was never really in it. 2010 is coming to a close, and I thought it would be fun to briefly reflect on the year.

1. I transferred from Gardner-Webb to Central Piedmont to Appalachian State. It was a year of transition, that is for sure. In the 1.5 years I attended Gardner-Webb, I soaked up everything I possibly could have, and felt led to transfer somewhere new...that place being ASU. I love the school, and I love Boone. The first couple days of class were a little overwhelming. The number of students in the cafeteria seemed to outnumber the entire student body at GW.

2. I went to Paris and Brussels for spring break. It was the longest plane ride that I had ever been on. It was also my first time eating authentic airplane food. Who says it's gross? I really liked it! My favorite part of the trip was riding the elevator to the tip-top of the Eiffel Tower! We also went to Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, and the Atomium in Brussels. I shopped at my first H&M too! The trip was incredible, and one that I'll never forget. My box of "stuff" (pictures, postcards, ticket stubs, etc.), will have to last me until my next trip back. Oh, and I drank my first beer. Before you shake your head, you should know that I was of age. It wasn't anything special. I tried wine too, and I thought it was disgusting. Am I the only person who thinks it tastes like poison?
3. Through God's word, people- both old friends and new, and Elevation church, God has been hard at work in my life. I wish I could sit down with each of you over food, since eating is one of my favorite things to do, and talk about it all. A few sentences on here, explaining how good God has been to me over the past year wouldn't do him justice, so I'm not going to try.

4. I failed to run a 5k this year. I think 2011 is going to be the year that it actually happens! I thought 2010 would be THE year too, but it wasn't. I don't think I'll feel like a REAL runner, until I safety pin a number to my shirt before I start my run. Let me know if you want to run one too!

5. I was a braceface for the entire year of 2010. I think all of my friends will celebrate as much, if not more than me when I get them off. I'm hoping to get them off in either January or February of 2011. My fingers are crossed!

I have started a list of things that I want to do in 2011. One of those things being run a 5k, and another being go to the Biltmore House. I'VE NEVER BEEN! How ridiculous is that? I'm from NC! The list is longer than just those two things, but I'd rather keep them a secret for now.

With a lot of love,

Lori

"I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with Thanksgiving." Psalm 69:30

Waiting. . . Checking e-mail. . . The phone. . . The mail. . .
A pregnant time. So, that means a time of growth, a creative time.
Once something is sent out, energy and focus can shift to the next story that needs a character study, plot considerations, a first draft, revision, more revision, another revision . . . Lots to do.
In the meanwhile, if a rejection arrives via e-mail, mail, or by no response, I learned from Jane Yolen that "no" means "go." Go on with other stories, go on with revisions, go on with resubmissions. It's all part of the story.

When a story is submitted, hopes and dreams go with it.

I revised my hospice story one final time for ICL course Assignment #7. It amazes me that a story can deepen, grow, and come together so powerfully when reworked. The advice I receive from my instructor is invaluable. The critique from my peers helps me with final polishing. I worked today on a new ending to replace the previous, too-abrupt finish. I will send it in to Kristi (ICL instuctor) once I complete a proposal ready for a publisher.

All the paperwork for purchasing our new house has been completed. We await approval of the mortgage, an interview with the home owners association, one tiny repair, and the closing. We decided to reduce the asking price on our present home. The great room, hall, and trim are newly painted. Finishing touches have made the house just lovely. It awaits discovery by a new owner!

The new critique group met on Friday. The insight, suggestions, and encouragement that come from dedicated children's writers is powerful. We all went off energized, with revision ideas and enthusiasm.

On the home front, we've had realtors and several prospective buyers through the house. Everyone is impressed, which is encouraging--as we await the one who will fall in love with our house and choose to buy it. We are in the process of buying a villa/condo just 1/2 mile from my in-laws which is just right for us. The paperwork involved is daunting.

Nonetheless, I completed Institute of Children's Literature advanced course lesson 6: revisions on the octopus story, and received great feedback from my instuctor, Kristi Collier Thompson. On to lesson 7: final revisions on the hospice story.

Where have I been? Where did the time go?
When time is limited, I struggle with priorities. With an old injury in my arms, I even have to prioritize use of my hands. Writing, revising, blogging, cooking, driving for errands, ironing, cleaning, folding clothes fresh from the dryer . . . all use my hands/arms, as does almost everything except reading and watching TV. So I pace myself: iron two shirts, sit and read for 15 minutes, work on a manuscript for half-an-hour, meditate, clean the bathroom, take a break for tea . . . I can get a lot done in small doses this way.
I've been working on revising my octopus story, the one I tried in verse. I've rewritten it in prose. My hospice story has been revised once again and received helpful feedback from my ICL instructor. With a bit more polishing, it will be ready for a publisher. My third picture book manuscript for the course will be a reworking of a story that won 3rd place in the Charlotte Writer's Club Children's Story Contest two years ago. Thank you to Jane Yolen for the suggestion on how to turn it into a picture book.

I began a new critique group for writers for younger children in my area, south of Charlotte. We've met once so far and the experience was very promising! The group will go on, despite the next bit of news.

Two weeks ago, my husband and I decided to move to Florida to be neighbors to his parents. We have put our house on the market already. The folks have had many serious health issues in the last year. It is easier for us to move than them, so we are off on a new adventure (preceeded by sorting, cleaning out, preparing the house for potential buyers, packing, and looking for a new home). We want to be near, to spend the next years with them, to help when and however we can. They are very dear to us.

Know anyone who wants to move to the Carolinas, be near Charlotte, buy a lovely, renovated ranch home? Check out the link in the title of this blog.

So, it's been a busy time. Blogging got put on a back burner. I'll keep it at a simmer now. Don't want the soup to go cold!

Last week, I was privileged to spend four days at the Highlights Foundation in Honesdale, PA. Jane Yolen gave the workshop on writing picture books. She is amazing. Having more that 300 books for children published (with more on the way), Jane is a fount of knowledge, wisdom, and experience, which she shared generously at meals and during sessions. I learned so much. Each participant had two or three manuscripts critiqued by Jane and the group. All being published authors added to the wealth of insight and suggestions. Many people associated with Highlights joined us at one point or another. We spent time with Kent Brown, Editor in Chief Emeritus, and with multiple editors and staff members. What a valuable few days! The meals were prepared by Marcia Dunsmore, a chef par excellence, and her assitants. The cottages, tucked in the woods on a hillside, were cozy and comfortable. This was a writer's dream come true.

My instructor at the Institute of Children's Literature sent her critique of my last lesson, a manuscript for a picture book written in verse. Though I had revised the ms innumerable times and felt quite happy with it, I knew there were some flaws. I just couldn't put my finger on what changes were needed or where. Friends and relatives laughed in all the right places. They thought / pretended I was brilliant. So when the critique arrived in my inbox, I read with a sinking heart about all the changes, tweeks, suggested cuts, and missing pieces that needed attention. Yes, here were the flaws. Sink. More flaws than I suspected. Sink. But she loved the story line, the rhyme & rhythm, the humor, the wealth of possibilities for illustrations. I put her email away for a day or two to give my heart and brain a rest. When I pulled it out, the fog of "how can I do all these changes?" lifted. Her comments were clear, casting light on how to repair the flaws. What a gift to have a professional help me hone my craft! Now, it's time for another round of revisions--with an encouraged heart. This story might turn out better than I dreamed it could.

I've been following Jane Yolen's on-line journal. In her last entry, she mentions 12 or 13 manuscripts she is working on, in various stages of revision or publication. I marvel at her prodigious output and creativity. To be able to participate in a Highlights Foundation workshop with Jane is daunting and hopeful. I look forward to all I'll learn and am scared that my work is so elementary. But I aspire to greatness, so I'm packing courage and openness and setting out on an adventure (in a month). Meanwhile, I'm working on two picture book manuscripts, one to send ahead to the Highlights workshop, one for my ICL course. Both are in early writing stages. I entered a Charlotte Writers' Club children's story contest and Highlights Fiction Contest. Now the SCBWI contests are looming. If I do my exercises and pace myself, my repetitive strain injury (in both forearms) will stay under control, and I can keep typing.

Ann Whitford Paul, in Writing Picture Books gives a great introduction to writing in rhyme. She also explains the various patterns of stresses and rhythmical feet, with clear examples. I studied chapter 13 and then went to picture books that are written in verse by well-known authors. Most of the time, I can follow the pattern, but there seem to be instances when the rhythm scheme gets altered. I'll study these books again, in case I am not reading them correctly. If I am, then I guess the rules aren't rigid. I know editors groan when they receive picture books written in verse, but it they are well-done, interest can be peaked. Always one to rise to a challenge, I tried my hand at writing a story in verse. This is not for the faint-hearted. The Charlotte Writer's Club is sponsoring a poetry workshop on April 24th with award-winning, former professor, Peter Makuck as the presenter. I look forward to learning more!

A contest is being held on the "Guide to Literary Agents" Blog (Editor Chuck Sambuchino). Authors may submit "The first 200 words of your unpublished, book-length work of memoir, femoir or narrative nonfiction." Each month a different genre will be featured. An agent-judge will critique twenty-five pages of the winner's manuscript. By the way, this is a great blog with very helpful information. For details, click on the title of this blog (which is the link--for those who are new at links like I am).

For my ICL course, I've been working on proposals for two more picture books. I envisioned one book to be historical fiction, based on a true story from my husband's family. It involves a young Russian Jew in the 1880's who takes a neighbor's name to avoid a twenty-five year conscription into the Russian army, and lives that deception for the rest of his life. I lost all track of time and days doing research on-line and through the library. I especially enjoyed an interview I had with my in-laws. We reviewed the family history, facts, and lore, and brainstormed plot and characterization for the fictionalized story I have in mind. My initial plan was to write this as a high-interest/low reading level book for 10-12 year olds. After receiving my instructor's feedback, I realize that the whole project has most probably evolved into a young adult novel rather than a picture book because of the complex dilemnas and moral issues involved. I will continue work on this project in the future, but for now, it's back to the drawing board for my picture book course.

Jane Yolen has published more than 300 books for children. Sleep, Black Bear, Sleep , one of her recent ones, is a delightful lullaby for children. It was written with her daughter, author Heidi E.Y. Stemple, and illustrated beautifully with charming details by Brooke Dyer. A winning combination all around! I will have the privilege of learning from Jane Yolen at a Highlights Workshop in March 2010--and can hardly wait. In the meanwhile, as I practice the craft of writing picture books, I read her children's books and follow her on-line journal at http://janeyolen.com/telling-the-true-a-writers-journal/.

Carole Boston Weatherford is a member of the SCBWI-Carolinas. I heard about her book through the group forum, and wanted to read something by this award winning author. Becoming Billie Holiday is the most amazing biography, written entirely through a series of poems. The emotional impact is powerful. This is a great book!

Spending time at the AASL [American Association of School Librarians] exhibit, held in Charlotte this year, afforded a great opportunity to meet some of our SCBWI-Carolinas authors, buy books, and get signatures.

As I wandered around the hall, I looked for publishers who are open to working with difficult subjects. I found one with beautiful picture books on disabilities and other topics. We struck up a conversation, and both felt a connection with each other. To make a long story short, she invited me to send her my hospice story! I took the manuscript to the Charlotte SCBWI critique group on Saturday and was given very helpful feedback. [Thank you all!] I worked on revisions throughout the week and emailed back and forth with the publisher. The manuscript went off to her yesterday.

I'll be on pins and needles until I hear back. To be continued...

Listening, learning, connecting. The three days were filled with value, community, insider info, more listening, learning, and connecting. Helpful insights came from editors: what they look for, what the process is once a manuscript is accepted, what the business side of publishing is all about. The bottom line is that they need outstanding stories, well-executed, with true market appeal. "First Pages" open review by three editors was tough, eye-opening. Listening to other authors made it all real.

My manuscripts will be revised in light of all I gleaned from the conference. I am only at the beginning of this learning arc.

"Courage does not always roar. Sometimes it is a quiet voice at the end of the day, saying . . . "I will try again tomorrow." - Mary Anne Radmacher

I've worked with children all my life, but being retired, I find myself with little or no contact with the age group I want to write for. A former colleague/on-going friend, who is still teaching, welcomes my help with her kindergarten students. This will also provide me the opportunity to listen to/observe/and interact with children. My friend will connect me with a first grade teacher as well. I loved the years I spent as a primary school teacher, so I look forward to this opportunity to be with 5-7 year olds once again. I am happy to volunteer, and my writing for children will be the better for it. It's a win-win all around!

As a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature, I've been accepted for one of their advanced courses: WRITING & SELLING CHILDREN'S BOOKS. I'm honored to be working with author/instructor Kristi Collier Thompson http://www.collierbooks.com. I look forward to learning all I can about the world of writing books for children.

In Ann Whitford Paul's Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide From Story Creation to Publication, I learned about the value of doing a character study. I have always written from real life, so creating a character from my imagination is challenging and exciting. Even though the main character's father doesn't appear in the story (at this point), I included him in the study. I discovered that my MC takes after him rather than the mother who is part of the story. In light of what I learned doing the character study, I made my first revision of the pb manuscript. Writing is work, but this part has been fun.

As I turn my attention to picture books, I continue the writing process on other fronts. My memoir is finished, at least until an editor requests changes. The synopsis is written, a chapter-by-chapter summary is ready. I sent out a query today to a terrific agent and await a reply. I appreciate email queries as they save time and trees!

A huge thank you goes out to Michael Kaye, my writing coach, for clarifying, challenging, guiding, and encouraging the work we both believe in. What you taught me strenghtens all my writing. http://www.begin2write.com/

A delightful character has introduced herself to me and I'm enjoying getting to know her. A story is presenting itself as ideas swirl during the day and wake me in the night! This is a new experience (as I have always worked from true stories in the past) and a bit ambitious as I am just starting out in the world of picture books. Dreams that are worked on have a way of becoming, so I will put heart and soul into this and see what happens.

I'm so excited! I was "selected as one of the 10 participants at Jane Yolen's March 11-14 workshop" called Every Word Counts: Writing the Picture Book. I have such great respect for Highlights for Children and all they do in the world of publishing for children. To work in a small group with Jane Yolen is a dream come true. I'm thrilled beyond words.

Our neighbors had to take a tree down between our two houses. The afternoon and early evening sun blinds us as we sit at our dining room table. The configuration of the window made shades impossible and a curtain was tricky. I didn't want to lose the beauty of the amber glass in the window. Bob had so lovingly built glass shelves for my collection. So yesterday, I made curtains which can be drawn when needed, and even with them over, the amber glows.