Congrats to our own JoAnn Early Macken on the fabulous review of Waiting Out The Storm in The Washington Post this weekend. (She might be too modest to mention it, but I am not! She also happens to be in excellent company.) If you'd like to win a copy of this terrific read-aloud for young kids, post a comment here by 11 pm Thursday, CST.
Thanks to Mary Roy for the following question:
"I am writing a children's story for the first time. I've published articles in local magazines and special sections, but not yet a book. I am starting at ground zero with this story. I feel that I probably need a class. For certain I need direction, and that's really what I'm asking for. Where should I start? How do I develop the basic story into a charming book for children?"
Mary, this is a question that bears repeating and is something I still ask myself all the time.
One good place to start is this post by Esther Hershenhorn.
I will echo her sentiment that one of the most important things to do is read, read, read. Study what's out there. Has a topic similar to yours already been covered in a published work? How did other skilled writers solve the same problems you face in your own writing?
I like to visit the bookstore (support indie bookstores!) and see what's new -- what books are being marketed heavily, which ones are facing outward, etc. It is always fun to find a friend's book on the shelf and give it a little marketing boost by making its place more prominent. :)
Bear in mind that what is trendy today (hello, vampires) will almost certainly be well on its way out by the time anything you write now could be published in, say, two to three to four years.
I also go to the library. They might not have the best selection of what's new, but they almost always have the classics. Check out the works of Esme Raji Codell and Anita Silvey for books every children's author should know.
Google is also my friend, and I often search on http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.indiebound.com/ for card catalog-type information so that I can get a general sense as to what books are "out there."
Do you know whether you are writing a picture book, a middle grade novel, or a YA? Do you have characters in mind? Plot? Beginning, middle, end? I find it hard to begin writing until I have a somewhat solid sense as to all of the above, even though these elements may change significantly in the writing process. There are so many ways to go about fleshing out a story -- of course you have to find what works for you. You already have good writing habits, or you would not be a published author. You will likely find that many of these habits apply to writing fiction as well.
When I write mystery novels and soap operas, I outline. In fact, all TV writers and screenwriters outline (or write treatments, as they're ca
Jeanne Marie,
You've offered Mary some great advice. And thanks for the reminder to put our friends' books face-out when we find them on sale in a bookstore. I LOVE doing that!
Carmela
This is really great advice!
Thank you, Jeanne Marie! I'll post more about the publication process on Friday.
I love your recommendations! "Write, revise, repeat" is good advice for any writer.
xox,
JA