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A Timeline on Becoming a Children's Book Author
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Are you in a quandary about writing queries?
Well look no further.
I've spent a lot of time learning the craft of writing picture books. Equally important is learning how to write a query.
Brian Klems of Writer's Digest writes, "You should put just as much care and attention into crafting and polishing your query as you did into your manuscript."
The purpose of a query is to tempt an agent into wanting to read your manuscript.
Finding an agent is like fishing. You want to use the right bait to get the agent to nibble and request to see more of your work. If they bite and like what they've read, you'll hook an agent into signing you up as their client.
My wonderful friends in my various Facebook writing groups have been generous in sharing online resources that have been valuable to them. I've collected the links and compiled a list to share with all of you.
Query Resources:
How to Write a Query Letter- This is an introduction to writing a query letter found on AgentQuery.com. It covers query letter basics and gives you a list of basic query letter tips. This is a good place to start if you haven't written a query before.
The 10 Dos and Don'ts of Writing a Query Letter- This article by Brian Klems basically sums it up. It makes a nice checklist for you so you can be sure you didn't leave any important points out or that you didn't write any unnecessary verbiage.
The perfect query letter- Brian Klems analyzes a sample query and breaks it down by parts. He comments on what's important to include in the letter and what's not necessary.
Common Query Questions Answered- In this article, Chuck Sambuchino answers the ten most commonly asked questions about writing a query and covers topics such as writing series, self-published books, genre, rejections, manuscript length, follow-ups, writer's platforms and more.
What to Write in the "Bio" Section of Your Query Letter- In general, a query should include 3 parts: 1- Introduction, 2- pitch, 3- biography. The biography part of a query generates the most questions by writers. Chuck Sambuchino answers the most commonly asked questions about writing a biography and discusses what should or shouldn't be included in the section.
Why you Should Only Query 6-8 Agents at a Time- Here Chuck Sambuchino explains why querying all agents on your list at one time is a bad idea. He discusses the benefits of submitting to a short list of agents to protect yourself.
The Most Common Submission Errors- Seven agents come together to discuss the common errors they've seen writers make when querying them. They discuss their pet peeves and share with us what they want to see in a query.
Query Letters That Worked- In Harold Underdown's website, The Purple Crayon, Margot Finke shares with us 3 query examples.
Here's a great video by Emma Watson on How to Write a Query:
Feel free to share with me which of these links you found most helpful to you. Until then, happy querying!
I love reading picture books. This year, I made it a point to read not just any picture book, but the latest (within the last 2 years). Today's total came to 186 picture books read in 2013.
Within this list, I compiled my top favorite picture books published in 2013. Here they are in no particular order:
Author/Illustrator: Benjamin Chaud
Chronicles, 2013
The Bear's song, written and illustrated by Benjamin Chaun, is a beautifully written story with lovely language and mesmerizing artwork. The illustrations reminds me of the I Spy and Finding Waldo books with its details. The Bear's Song is a story about a bear searching for his cub, but winds up in an opera house. What's a bear to do? What bears do best- sing! An endearing story about father-son love with a surprise that will make your own heart sing.
This book was first published in France in 2011 under the title Une Chanson d'ours. A clear classic that will stand the test of time.
Author/Illustrator: Mike Boldt
Harper Collins 2013
123 versus ABC is a humorous book about number one and letter A competing as the star attraction. This is a modernized version of the traditional alphabet and number book that's called
metafiction- a story referring to itself as a book, which pulls the reader into a world that crosses the line between reality and fantasy. It's a wonderful story of compromise that's fresh and brilliant. Who doesn't love a robot wearing a sombrero? The fun read-aloud and bright, animated illustrations add to the silliness that makes this a great book for the evolving young reader.
Author: Aaron Reynolds
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Chronicle Books, 2013
I adore this book! Aaron Reynolds did a fantastic job of instilling in our hearts the importance of self appreciation and also the fact that sometimes others can be misunderstood in a hilarious way. I love that he used the "top of the food chain" as examples. Dan Santat did an excellent job of conveying the emotions of the characters through his brilliant, artistic talent. The author-illustrator combo is a dynamic duo!
A small note of warning: Not ideal for the sensitive reader. A few characters do get hurt in the story-telling of this book. On a side note, it makes for good discussion and lesson about ecology and the nature of things.
Author/Illustrator: Peter Brown
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2013
I love this book! Mr. Tiger is a proper gentleman in an upscale town living a classy life until Mr. Tiger decides he no longer wants to walk on two feet. Mr. Tiger Goes Wild is a clever story that tells us that it's okay to be yourself no matter what others think of you. I love that when Mr. Tiger returns to the city he finds a pleasant surprise. The illustrations are also brilliant starting out of monotones and gradually transforming to a life of color as the story develops. This is a wonderful read with excellent pacing and the right amount of humor.
Illustrator: Mark Pett
Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2013
I'm not really a fan of wordless picture books, but The Boy and the Airplane, which had a nostalgic feel to it, spoke to me. It was like watching an old black and white film but in sepia tone. This story follows the growth of a boy who has lost his airplane up on a rooftop and tries to retrieve it. The ending is sweet and endearing. This falls under the category of timeless picture books that begs to be passed on to generations.
Author: Drew Daywalt
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Philomel, 2013
Author: Jason Carter Eaton
Illustrator: John Rocco
Candlewick Press, 2013
Everything you wanted to know about trains:
Where to find one
How to catch a train
Finding the perfect train for you
Getting to know your train
Training your train
This is a hilarious read for the young and old. A great gift for the train lovers.
Author: Julie Fogliano
Illustrator: Erin E. Stead
I just adore Julie Fogliano's poetic language that is soothing to the reader. When you read If You Want to See a Whale, you'll notice no punctuation marks are used other than the three ellipses near the end. I find that so artistic in that it creates a flow of language that is fluid and dreamy. If you want to see a whale, you'd think the story is telling you that you need to ignore everything around you and concentrate, but au contraire! In fact, this story cleverly suggests the opposite. You'll find yourself amused by the little things in life that are made more beautiful in this wonderful book. Erin E. Stead does an amazing job complimenting the text with soft colors and gentle art. A great story about embracing the moment.
Author: Tara Lazar
Illustrator: James Burks
Aladdin, 2013
My boys and I enjoyed this book immensely. What's not to love about a Monstore. I have 2 monsters on layaway now! Tara Lazar's language and word choice are superb. The Monstore makes a fun read aloud. Illustrator, James Burks, did an outstanding job of bringing the characters to life. Kids will have a field day thinking of the monsters they'd like to have. It may even encourage them to create monsters of their own and let their imagination soar. I can see this as a cartoon movie coming to a theater near you!
So there you have it. My all time favorite books read and published in 2013. What's yours? Feel free to share in the comments below.
I can't wait to see what's in store for 2014! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
In the age of high speed internet and impersonalization, I bring you Twitterview! What is a Twitterview? you ask.
Twitter + Interview = Twitterview
A Twitterview is a creative use of social media in which a person uses Twitter to interview someone through a question and answer format.
Just last week, Lori Sailiata, of Hawaii Content Marketing (HICM) asked me to do a Twitterview with her to talk about my latest release- Tummy Monster, a picture eBook by MeeGenius.
A Twitterview? I've never done that before. My friend Amy Pabalan offered to sit with me and show me how it's done. Here's how it works:
2) Log in with your Twitter account. You'll need to authorizeTweetChat to use your Twitter account.
3) Choose a hashtag to follow (A hashtag identifies specific topics). In my case it was #HICM.
4) The site will direct you to a TweetChat room. You can now start following or chatting away.
The advantage of TwitterChat is that it isolates your feed to only the topic or hastag you choose. This way you can follow the discussion without the distractions of other feeds. Another advantage of using TwitterChat is that you don't have to enter the hashtag every time you write your message. It is automatically added. If you are messaging via Twitter, you have to manually type in your hashtag to make sure your followers can follow the particular discussion or topic. Followers can also read the interview at a later time by following the hashtag either on Twitter or TweetChat.
My Experience on Twitterview
Being that this was my first Twitterview, I wanted to make sure I was ready with my links and that I had computer back up in case anything went wrong. To triple secure my experience, I had Amy sit with me through the interview in case I ran into problems.
Well, with my laptop and iPad going simultaneously, you'd think it would be a smooth process. Nope. My faulty laptop decided to shut down in the middle of my Twitterview. I didn't know why but later realized that my laptop just had completed a virus scan and shutdown automatically. Thank goodness I have my iPad too, I thought. Well, turns out that my feeds weren't visible to the public so my iPad didn't do me any good anyway. The problem? Somehow my Twitter feeds were "protected."
Lori immediately identified the problem and Amy directed me to the source. So when you are doing a TwitterChat make sure you do the following:
1) Go to Settings
2) Click on Security and Privacy
3) Under Privacy, make sure to uncheck "Protect my Tweets"
4) Save the setting
About 20 minutes later, the Twitterview was on. The questions rolled in. It gave me a rush trying to answer the questions quickly as possible. The challenge? Responding in under 140 characters!
Overall, it was a fun and thrilling experience to take part in this concept. In an era of technology and time pressure, Twitterview is the way to go.
~Romelle aka HerStory2 Please note:
My entire Twitterview will be made available for easier viewing via Storify. More on how that works later (as soon as Amy puts it together and shows me how it's done).
You can tell a lot about a person by the books they purchase. Don't you agree?
Well I recently attended a Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Walnut Creek Library in California.
I love rummaging through used books because it's like digging into a treasure chest. You'll never know what you'll find.
In the short hour that I had, I managed to walk away with 8 books all for only $8! If I had more time to spend, I'm sure I'd spend more than that.
Anyway, here are the books I took home and what they tell about me and my family:
My 13-year-old dreams of going to Stanford. I thought he'd appreciate this lovely coffee book all about the history of Stanford. If he plans to go there, it might be a good idea to be proficient at its history.
This dusty cover caught my attention because it was written and illustrated by one of my favorite authors, Shel Silverstein! It also so happens that it is the 50th anniversary of Shel Silverstein's very first children's book, Lafcadio, The Lion Who Shot Back, which was published in 1963. I read through this book in an hour. It's full of good laughs in a twisted kind of way. I think Shel Silverstein was ahead of his time. This was written before the term "quirky" was a buzz word in the writing industry. This one is a keeper!
One of my favorite childhood memory is huddling around a campfire sharing scary stories when I was in 4th grade. It was my first camping trip ever and it was with my school. So it was also my first time away from home. I thought it would be fun to reacquaint myself with some of these stories so I can practice my spooky story-telling voice with my kids. That will be a scream!
When I was a child my dad made me read the Reader's Digest during my summers. He was adamant about me improving my vocabulary. So now it's my turn to pass on the torch to my kids. I thought this would be more fun than the Reader's Digest. This book contains puzzles, games, and brain ticklers to make learning new words much more enjoyable.
How can I pass up a comic book of one of my favorite cartoonist, Gary Larson. I always look forward to the Sunday comics. Now I can prescribe myself some comic relief without having to wait for Sunday to arrive. But I have a feeling I'm going to have to pry this out of the hands of my boys.
Of course, I had to pick up a reference book for myself. As a writer, this will come in very handy. I know I can use the online thesaurus, but I still prefer a book right next to me. Besides, did you know that when I used the online thesaurus for the word "happy" and compared it to the results in this book, the Descriptive Word Finder gave me better choices (IMHO) for the word "happy"? I am exuberant about this find!
My boys asked me to pick out a book for them. I picked up this book because I thought they would enjoy the cool facts about the history of more than 1000 people, events, places, and things. What they don't know is that I really got this book for myself. Think of all the possible story ideas and articles I could write about from the inspiration of this book!
WWJD: What Would Jesus Do? I feel so blessed to have God as the center of my life and am even more thrilled that I can share the joy with my children. My eldest is 13-years-old and the teen years can be a challenging time for some. As I thumbed through the pages of this book, I discovered a wealth of life lessons that my son can learn from. It will help him deal with challenging situations and help him make good choices if he ever faces difficult situations that teenagers encounter. This book shares real stories from real teenagers and how they dealt with the problems they faced and how their experiences can help others. I have yet to read it, but I have a feeling this is going to be a good book.
There you have it. Eight books. Eight facts about me and my family. What do your book choices say about you? Check out your bookshelf and share.
In the meantime, I highly recommend you attend a library book sale. You'll be 1) helping your community library fund itself, 2) saving yourself money, and 3) be surprised at the treasures you will find.
Writers have great imaginations. I am guilty of having too much of an imagination. Take my SCBWI conference in LA experience for example.
The Andrea Pinkney, Vice President of Scholastics, critiqued my manuscript and gave me glowing compliments that left me giddy all weekend long.
Andrea said that she loved my manuscript and that it is what Scholastics is looking for. She even told me to promise her to send it to her. She also wanted to see more of my work. The only caveat is that in order for me to do so, I needed an agent because of Scholastic's policy.
Andrea asked if I had one. I didn't. So she went so far as to recommend a couple to me (which she said she never does) and even had cocktails with one of them to talk about my work (or at least that's what she said she'd do). This is where my imagination begins to unfold.
I imagined:- my phone ringing off the hook with agents wanting to represent me
- me having the difficult task of deciding who I should choose
- my manuscript being chosen for the Sue Alexander award
- me moving to Big Sur and living in a quiet cabin so I can write all day
- me quitting my day job so I can learn to surf
- my kids bragging about their mom being the coolest
- me taking my private jet to have lunch in New York with Andrea Pinkney
- Ellen Degeneres or Oprah Winfrey knocking at my door
- me making news in Time Magazine
Well, I soon realized that it wasn't going to happen.
Rejection after rejection sent me back to reality.
The truth of the industry held true.
Writing is a subjective business.
Just because the V.P. of Scholastics loves your work doesn't mean an easy ticket in.
My imagination got the better of me. The story I submitted to Andrea Pinkney is still sitting in my folder waiting to be discovered and LOVED by an agent.
But wait!
There is something I DID NOT imagine.
It's the fact that, not one, but TWO of my picture book manuscripts was accepted by MeeGenius!
I am proud to announce that my story THE TUMMY MONSTER is out! You can find it at MeeGenius.
And another, RUNNING BOY will be coming soon!
With every bad news, comes good news!
Oh my! It's been a while since I've had an interview with a debut author. But as writers, I'm sure you are used to the waiting! We wait for a response from agents, editors, publishers, and if we're fortunate, the release of our new book. So what's one more wait to add to your list?
Today's featured author knows a thing or two about waiting. Introducing Kristen Remenar!
Kristen is the author of Groundhog's Dilemma, which is scheduled to be released in 2015 by Charlesbridge. She has waited 13 long years to get her first picture book published. In this interview you will learn how Kristen's patience and perseverance got her a publishing contract.
The 13-Year Wait: A Little Patience Pays off Big Time
It took you 13 years to publish your first picture book. Congratulations! While some people may be tempted to give up, you managed to stay strong and pursue your dream with patience and perseverance. Tell me about that.Yes, perseverance has indeed been the name of the game for me. I joined SCBWI and sent out my first manuscript in 2000. A little over a decade later, I finally got the yes! Admittedly, life happened along the way to slow down the submission process but even though writing was often on the back burner, all the simmering resulted in something good.
"Don't rush to get something 'out there.' It takes time to learn to write and write well." ~ Charissa Weaks, Author
How many picture books have you written before coming up with the idea for GROUNDHOG’S DILEMMA?I've been writing since I was in second grade, and writing picture books since I was in college learning to be a teacher, but since I began to get serious about publishing in 2000, I wrote twelve picture books before I wrote what I called TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE and what will be published as GROUNDHOG’S DILEMMA.
"...you really need to write 50 so-so stories, 30 okay stories and 20 good stories before getting to that one GREAT story." ~Bob Staake, author/illustrator
Submitting manuscripts (and facing rejection) has been one of the hardest parts of the process for me. I’m much more comfortable keeping my writing in my folders and considering myself an “undiscovered genius”, so Charlesbridge was the first to see this manuscript. |
| Image courtesy of Phaitoon / FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
Looks like you struck gold when you submitted your manuscript to the first publisher on your list and got a contract! Can you explain that?
My editor, Yolanda Scott, at Charlesbridge had seen and passed on three manuscripts before she saw GROUNDHOG'S DILEMMA. Each time she said "no, thank you, but keep sending," so I did. So perhaps part of my success was building a relationship with an editor.
How do you deal with a rejection from an editor/publisher?In the past, I would curse like a wounded sailor, soothe myself with chocolate, sob to my writing friends who’d then feel obligated to reassure me of my talent, vow never to submit again, and eventually send out something new. Now, I skip the vowing never to submit again."There is no such thing as failure. There is quitting or there is success." ~Eleanor Roosevelt
In the 13 years it took you to get a contract for your first picture book, did you ever think of giving up?
I promised myself that I’d give my writing career 50 years, and if I hadn’t published by then, it might be time to call it quits.
What keeps you motivated?
It’s the one dream I’ve had since I was a kid that I can actually achieve. Solid Gold dancer? No. Published author – that I can do!
You are married to Matt Faulkner who has written and illustrated a number of children's books! What's it like having an award-winning writer/illustrator as your husband? Does he give you any tips or advice on writing for children? My husband is fantastically supportive. He gives only the advice I ask for. If my story is new and I just want someone to cheer me on, he does that. If I have a question about pacing or a section where I’m stuck, he gives terrific advice.
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| Illustrated by Matt Faulkner |
What was your reactions when you found out that your husband was going to illustrate your book?
When my editor asked me how I felt about having Matt illustrate my first picture book, I felt so grateful because not only was she pairing me with such a talented artist, but that she was so considerate to ask me about it. Matt is so excited to be a part of this huge first experience for me. Yolanda has worked with Matt before, so we were hoping he’d be on her short list of artists.
Any plans on collaborating on a picture book together in the future? Matt and I have had fun working on some ideas together, but we’re taking the advice of Sarah Stewart and David Small, another wife/husband picture book team. Sarah writes, the editor edits, David makes art and treats Sarah like any other writer – Sarah doesn’t see the art until it’s done. I want to be married to Matt for a long time, so instead of watching over his shoulder, I won’t see (and won’t comment upon) the art for the book until it goes to the publisher.
Any advice for writers who are still waiting to be published? Give yourself 50 years before you call it quits!
*****
Here are some fun facts about the creation of GROUNDHOG'S DILEMMA:
- # of days/weeks/months to write the first draft: The very first draft was 2 weeks of tinkering.
- # of years from draft to contract: 3 years
- # of months from submission to Charlesbridge to getting a contract: 10 months
- # of revisions while in the hands of your editor at Charlesbridge: 2 before publishing, 2 since, and still counting!
- # of years it'll take to get GROUNDHOG'S DILEMMA published: 3 years
Thank you so much, Kristen, for taking the time to share with us your story as a debut picture book author. I can't wait to read GROUNDHOG'S DILEMMA! But I guess I'll have to wait until 2015. That I can do!
The Liebster award has been making its rounds. It is awarded to blogs with fewer than 200 followers who have inspired others in some way and could use more love from readers like you. I am honored to be nominated by 2 extraordinary people:
Chieu Urban, the author-illustrator of Away We Go! (Scholastics, Cartwheel) and Raindrops! A Shower of Colors (Sterling).
Jennifer Young, author of Poison Apple Pie (MeeGenius), Cherry Tomato on Top (Willow Moon Publishing), and Baby Bug's Yawn (to be released in 2014 also by MeeGenius).
Check out Cheiu and Jennifer's blogs to learn more about these talented authors more intimately.
I, too, will share a little about myself through their Q & A. Since they've each asked me 10 questions, I am going to break the rules and answer 5 from each of them. Here goes:
Questions from Chieu:
1. Summer or winter?
I grew up in Hawaii so I have rays of sunshine in my blood. I love the warmth of the sun on a summer day. I enjoy runs along the beach, hikes in the woods, and walks in the park without a heavy coat to way me down.
2. Chocolate or vanilla?
My name is Romelle and and I am a chocoholic.
3. Who is your favorite cartoon character?
I love the cute and witty Tweety Bird. Okay, my character choice is revealing my age.
4. What is your favorite hobby?
I love the 3 R's- running, 'riting, and research (listed in no particular order). Okay, so writing doesn't begin with the letter R, just go with it. Anyway, I can't seem to decide on a favorite between the three.
5. If you can do something without consequences, what would it be?
Snack all day and eat anything I want!
Questions from Jennifer:
6. Favorite part of the day to write?
In the morning after I drop off the kids to school. It's so peaceful.
7. Funniest picture book you've ever read?
Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London is my boys' favorite when they were toddlers. It made us all giggle.
8. What age group do you write for and why?
I enjoy writing for 3-8 year-olds. There is an innocence about them that makes them open to the silliest things. They are easily amused and I love that about them because I am a kid at heart and my dorkiness shows in my writing. Kids love that.
9. If there are no more computers would you still write?
Yes! I still use a pen and a notebook to write my drafts. I love how the ink flows on paper just as my thoughts do. But I'd have someone else rewrite my revisions. :)
10. What was your favorite blog post you published?
I have a running blog dedicated to my running and my favorite post is titled Running with Giants. I get goose bumps every time I read it. It was a challenging time for me in my running career (if you want to call it that) and it was the people I wrote about who have helped me put things into perspective.
Well, there you have it. Now I am nominating these 5 people for the Liebster award. They are fascinating people I'd like to get to know more of through the Q & A. Please visit them and give them a warm greeting!
Jackie Weliington of Why I write Picture Books?Jarm Del Boccio of Making the Write ConnectionsDana Carey of Up in the Attic LatelyMary Bauer of Poems of SillinessLinda Hofke of Lind-guistics
All you have to do is:- Nominate 5-10 bloggers and let them know of their award.
- Ask them 10 questions as well as answer the questions from the blogger who nominated you.
- Link back to that blogger and spread the love.
Here are my 10 questions for you:1. If you weren't a writer (or other current occupation), what would you be?2. What types of books do you like to read?3. Who is your favorite author?4. What is your favorite color and why?5. What is your favorite inspirational quote?6. What is the best tip on writing you've ever received?7. What is your favorite blog post you've written?8. What is your writing goal for this month?9. If you could have a super-power, what would it be?10. Apple or PC?
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| Blog button designed by Carrie Butler |
Fellow blogger, Melissa Maygrove, is hosting a 'cyber meet-and-greet! This is a great opportunity to connect with writers of all genre and it is happening this week.
If you'd like to join the fun, visit the Follow Fest hub for more information.
Here is my Follow Fest Q & A for more about me and what I write:
Name: Romelle [prounouced RO-ma-lee]
Fiction or nonfiction? I write both fiction and nonfiction.
What genres do you write? I write picture books and nonfiction for children's magazines.
Are you published? Yes. You can see a list of my publications by clicking on the tab above.
Do you do anything in addition to writing?
I'm a dental hygienist by day, writer by night, and mother all the time.
Where can people connect with you?
You can connect with me by clicking on the buttons on the sidebar to the right of this post that says "connect with me." You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn. You can follow my blog by submitting your e-mail or clicking on the RSS feed button too.
To make it easier for you I've listed the links below.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know?
I belong to 3 wonderful online critique groups- The Yellow Brick Road, The Prose Shop, and the Picture Book Critique Group.
Other groups I belong to:
Facebook groups
Sub It Club
12 x 12
Wordsmith Studio
Children's Book Hub
Children's Book Creatives
LinkedIn groups
Children's Book Illustrators & Writers
Children's Books
Children's Publishing
Institute of Children's Literature
SCBWI
As Bugs Bunny would say~ "A-blee-bleet-blee-That's All Folks!"
Thanks for stopping by! Please be sure to visit other blogs via the linky list to win great prizes.
~Happy Writing!
~~~~~
My vocabulary list has grown since the SCBWI conference in LA. I thought I'd share it with you since you'll probably be hearing a lot of these words in the industry.
SUBVERSIVE- Keynote speaker Jon Sciezka, author of Cowboy & Octopus, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, and Stinky Cheese Man, talked about stories that broke all the rules. His picture books are perfect examples of these.
"We have a bold tradition of being experimental in our books because we have the most bold and experimental readers." ~Mac Barnett
PALIMPSEST- Kirby Larson, author of Whispers of the Past, talked about ideas and how many of them are reused to make something new.
METAFICTION- Mac Barnett, author of Extra Yarn, talked about writing a book with new rules. He defines metafiction as "a book that talks about it being a book." like his own Chloe and the Lion.
TRANSMEDIA- Julie Hedlund and Sarah Towle talked about publishing across multiple formats (print, digital, and film) and how a story is reworked and adapted to each form resulting in the creation of a story world. A good example of this is The Fantastic Flying Books by Moriss Lessmore
GENRE BREAKERS- Julie Hedlund, author of A Group is a Troop of Monkeys and A Shiver of Sharks, mentions that books in app form offers possibilities for subversive stories or genre breakers, which is the crossing over of two or more styles- think mash-up of genres.
Key Points
The SCBWI conference in LA was loaded with fabulous workshops. Here are 2 of my favorite speakers and the message that resonated with me.
From Richard Peck, award-winning author: You are Only as Good as Your Opening Line- Find something that interest your reader and put it in your first line.
From Andrea Pinkney, V.P., Executive Editor at Scholastics and award-winning author: Think about your unique talent. Explore new genres. Find your twinkle! There could be more interesting stories that may or may not come out of you if you hadn't explored other topics or genre.
"To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong" ~Joseph Chilton Pierce
What agents are seeking
Now, what you've all been waiting for! There is a consensus among agents and editors as to what manuscripts they are seeking. Here is their list:
- a story that they connect strongly enough on a personal level
- a story that they feel passionate about
- a sorry that touches the emotional core
- a story with a great concept and great writing!
Sorry to disappoint you, but that's all I've got out of them. The last bullet says it all.
Well that's it for my SCBWI LA reflections. There was a lot of sitting, listening, and note-taking. But as they say, work hard and play hard. Writers sure know how to party!
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The faces of these partiers have been disguised to protect their identity.
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For this post, I just want to share with you my first day at the SCBWI LA Conference and what I learned. If you are a first-timer like me, I recommend going to the New Attendees Orientation. Jolie Stekly, speaker for the session had us newbies answer 2 important questions:
1. Why am I here?
It had been my goal to attend the SCBWI Summer conference once I felt I was at my peak. I've read quite a number of craft books and completed a few writing classes. It was time to take my craft to the next level.
I also wanted to meet my online friends in person, network with others in the industry, and take home up-to-date information about the craft and business of writing. But the most important reason was to get a one-on-one critique on my manuscript. I belong to 3 critique groups and have had my manuscript critiqued at my local SCBWI conference, but I have NEVER had a face-to-face talk about my writing. I wanted to know what I could do to improve my skill. This was my opportunity to get that feedback.
2.What are my goals?
- To enjoy the moment! Did I ever!
- To improve my interpersonal skills and practice my pitch whenever anyone asks me what I am working on. I did get to practice my pitch on a few friends and that was nerve-racking! I fumbled. But by the time I had my one-on-one critique I felt more at ease. That surprised me the most.
- To have a face-to-face conversation with an agent, editor or publisher...about anything. I just needed to get that experience. I've always heard people say that the SCBWI LA is where people got their break in the industry or have made connections that gave them that break. So I put it in writing hoping the spiritual laws of success would manifest itself to me. God answered my prayers. More on that later.
Answering these questions really made my experience more meaningful. The conference was everything I thought it would be and more!
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| Our Hostess with the Mostess- Lin Oliver |
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| The Ballroom |
If you haven't been to an International Conference yet, you must! The following are some statistics that may motivate you to attend. Lin Oliver compiled this list and shared it with us during our welcoming session. She is as funny and witty as the stories she writes and she's got charisma that can keep this work-a-full-day-catch-a-late-flight-right-after-work, sleep-deprived, non-caffeinated attendee on the edge of her seat. Yessiree!
Ms. Oliver was nice enough to allow me to share the statistics with you:
- 1266 attended the SCBWI LA conference
- 38% of attendees are published
- 400+ attendees are first-timers to the Summer conference
- 175 submitted art portfolios
- 312 signed up for the writer intensives
- 988 attendees are women
- 192 attendees are men
- 86 are undeclared...go figure!
- Attendees came from 46 different states and 14 countries outside the U.S. If you are from Mississippi, West Virginia, North Dakota or South Dakota, then you'd better start saving for next years conference to represent!
What did I learn on the first day?
If you have to go to the Ladies' room, go during the Keynote and not when it is over or you'll be standing in line for a while, which will delay you from attending the workshop that is scheduled immediately after the keynote. If you are late, the chances are the workshop will be full and you have to scurry to find another one before that one fills up. Of course I waited until the end because I didn't want to miss the speech. And with nerves running high and the room temperature at cold, it doesn't matter if you try to do your thing before everything starts because you are bound to feel the urge to go again anyway. Men, you don't have a thing to worry about. After all, there are only 192 of you.
Well, that's it for now. In part 3 I will give you an overview of the workshops I attended.
Share: What goals do you have for the SCBWI conference?
I just came back from an exciting SCBWI conference in LA in which I felt like I was on an all-time high. I got to meet fabulous people whom I've been friends with online, but have never met in person. Turns out they were more wonderful than I had imagined. I love them all!
I got to listen to inspiring messages from authors, editors and agents, and party with them at the Black & White Ball on Saturday night.
I also got to meet with Andrea Pinkney, V.P. of Scholastics and New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, during my critique session. She praised me for my work and I left with the feeling of elation. I'll write more about my experience on another post. Back to my story...
When I got home, reality hit me like I was run over by a bulldozer. Waiting for me on my desk were not one, but TWO rejection letters. I've never had two rejection letters come in the mail at one time so it really felt like a message to me yelling, "Get down from your high horse, young lady!" Well, I didn't get off my horse. My horse kicked me off.
This rejection reminded me of a post I had written in 2009. I am re-posting it here to console myself. Hopefully it will help you too.------------IT'S NOT YOU, IT'S ME
"It’s not you, it’s me.” You may have heard these words one time too many. Your eyes well up as you process this unexpected news of a break-up and you wonder what went wrong in your relationship with your soon to be “ex.”
Hearing these words almost seems like a cop out; escaping the gut-wrenching explanation of what was lacking in the relationship.
In the publishing industry, the relationship exists between publisher and author.
And the break-up comes in the form of a rejection letter.
But the “it’s not you, it’s me” excuse may not be a bad thing.
As an author, you put effort into making sure your story has been critiqued, edited, reviewed, and perfected. You follow the submission guidelines to a tee. You study the publishing house and its back issues or book list. But no matter how hard you try to do everything right to make the relationship work, you still receive a rejection letter.
According to the Children’s Writer’s June 4, 2009 eNews, published by The Institute of Children’s Literature, “rejection letters come to you because the project you just offered to sell isn’t what the editor wanted to buy.” Most of the time, editors are limited to a certain number of manuscripts that they can purchase or are looking for a specific genre. So, even if you’ve crafted a well-written story, followed the submission guidelines, and studied the market, you just may be out of luck. It’s all about whether or not your manuscript fits their need.
Don’t feel discouraged when you get a rejection letter. Even the best writers and the well-known authors get rejected. So, when you receive a rejection letter, find comfort in knowing that it could just be that “it’s them and not you.” Hold your head high and move on. Besides, there are other publishers in the sea.
Have you watched The Bachelor or Bachelorette reality dating show on ABC TV? Neither have I. But one of my favorite segments I heard that the Bachelor/Bachelorette: Women/Men Tell All segment is the most interesting and entertaining part of the show. This is where secrets are told and discoveries are made. I just learned that Juan Pablo may be the next Bachelor (not that I follow the show or anything).
In any case, I am presenting to you a Blog Hop: Writers Tell All!
Vivian Kirkfield of Picture Books Help Kids Soar tagged me in a Blog Hop. I am to answer three questions related to my writing and tag 3 others to do the same. I invite you to visit the other writers and enjoy the updates of their writerly life. Who knows, you may discover a secret or two.
What I want to find out is who started this blog hop. So I did some investigating. Here's my blog hop tree:
Join the Blog Hop and visit their sites- Vivian Kirkfield, Alayne Kay Christian, Yvonne Mes, Elaine Kiely Kearns, Carrie Charley Brown, Kristen Fulton, Robyn Campbell, Sharon Mayhew, Sue Bradford Edwards, Cynthia Reeg, Cheryl Malandrinos, Mary Cunningham
[News flash: I just got tagged by Sylvia Liu too! She's not on the chart but she would be in the same circle as Vivian Kirkfield. Hmm...wonder what her Blog Hop tree would look like.]
Now that you know my Blog Hop tree, on to the interview!
Question 1: What are you working on?
- Polishing 2 picture book manuscripts
- Researching and submitting to a short list of agents
- Writing a new picture book story for this month's 12 x 12 with Julie Hedlund
- Critiquing my fellow writers' manuscripts (usually it's 7 in a month for my 3 groups)
- Studying current picture books by visiting my local library every week
- Participating in Pam Calvert's Picture Book University
- Gearing up for next week's SCBWI conference in Los Angeles!
Question 2: How does your writing process work?
Here are the steps I use in my writing process:
- I work through my list of picture book ideas that I came up with during Tara Lazar's PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) and write a draft of the story. Julie Hedlund's 12 picture books in 12 month challenge helps me keep focus.
- I revise until I feel my story is as good as it can be (this is my favorite step).
- I send it off to 1 of 3 critique groups I belong to. Having more than one critique group is beneficial because not all groups critique the same way. Critique group (CG) #1 focuses a lot on plot- what works and what doesn't work. They are critical thinkers who challenge me the most. CG #2 does a lot of line editing, which I appreciate so much. CG #3 is a little bit of both my CG #1 and #2 and tunes in to the marketability of a story. Eventually, my manuscripts make the rounds of all three groups after much revising.
- I get a feel from my critique groups to determine which of my manuscripts are worth pursuing and concentrate on polishing those.
- I send my polished manuscript through another round of critiques until it is submission-ready.
Question 3: Who are the authors you most admire?
Mo Willems! I admire his skill of writing humor in succinct text. His dialogue is so authentic to the child's voice. Margie Palatini I love her writing style- her rich language, dazzling word choice, and distinctive voice.
Now it's my turn to tag 3 people (Actually I'm tagging 4 because I'm a rebel). Stop by their blog and join the fun. You may discover interesting tips or leads as Writers Tell All!
TAG YOU'RE IT!
It’s been a while since I highlighted a debut author. I've been busy with submissions this month and I will tell you about that journey in another post, but for now I am excited to introduce to you today’s featured debut author, Lori Alexander.
I met Lori on Twitter and learned that her first picture book, Backhoe Joe, will be launching in 2014. Her publisher is one of the major houses, Harper Children’s Books, so I had to hear her story.
You may want to pay close attention to Lori’s interview because the steps she's taken to become a successful children's writer is what agents and editors have preached over again at conferences. Lori took the advice and ran with it. With hard work, patience, and determination, the formula works- that's no secret!
The Seven Habits of a Highly Effective Writer
LORI ALEXANDER
Lori Alexander writes for young children and their exhausted parents. Her debut picture book, BACKHOE JOE, rolls out in 2014 from Harper Children’s, with a sequel to follow. Lori resides in Tucson, Arizona, with her scientist husband and two book loving kids. She runs when it’s cool (rarely) and swims when it’s hot (often). She grew up in San Diego, where she earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in psychology from UCSD and SDSU, respectively. Lori is a member of SCBWI and can be found on Twitter @LoriJAlexander.
Lori, please tell us how you got Kathleen Rushall as your agent?
Sure, Romelle! And thanks for having me on your blog. I found Kathleen online. She had just been highlighted on the Literary Rambles website. If you haven’t visited, this website is super helpful in researching agents. Kathleen was looking for quirky, humorous picture books. We also share the same hometown and college, which helped me add a pinch of personalization to my query letter. She got back to me quickly and asked to see more work. In all, I sent her three polished PBs and an idea for a four before receiving the offer of representation.
How did you get notified that your picture book sold to Harper Children's Books and what was your reaction?
Backhoe Joe was an exciting sale because we had multiple offers and it ended up “going to auction.” The auction took place on a specific day and Kathleen kept me updated by phone and email. We happened to be on a family vacation at the time and I will always remember getting the call of good news while ushering my kids through the beluga whale exhibit at Sea World.
With your book coming out in 2014, what has the process been like between contract signing and book release?
It’s been about a year since the book sold. In that time, I’ve spoken to my editor at Harper, the lovely Margaret Anastas (Fancy Nancy, Pete the Cat), a few times by phone. She explained that there wouldn’t be much for me to do “for awhile.” I had a chance to chime in when they selected an illustrator. And more recently, I’ve been able to view a complete layout (rough sketches with text in place) of the book. As far as revisions to the text, I was asked to tweak a couple of lines, but nothing major.
What is your upcoming picture book Backhoe Joe about?
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| Lori with her children Max & Nora |
Backhoe Joe is a mash up between a construction truck story and a lost pet story.
When Nolan finds a “stray” backhoe, he brings it home, hoping his parents will let him keep it. But his mom and dad say Backhoe Joe is not trained. He revs at the mailman. He digs in the garbage. He leaks on the driveway. Will Nolan get his disobedient digger on the right track? Or will Joe’s real owner come to claim him first? A twist ending will leave young construction fans laughing and wanting a truck pet of their very own.
How did you come up with the idea for your story?
My son’s first love was construction trucks. Toys. TV shows. Themed birthdays. It was all trucks, trucks, trucks! I’m sure lots of other families have gone through a similar phase (trespassing onto construction sites to sit on parked excavators and snap pictures…anyone?). To fuel the fire, we read every construction book we could get our hands on. Most of them followed the same pattern: an excavator scoops, a bulldozer pushes, a dump truck dumps, etc. The story would end with a playground being built. I searched for books with construction trucks in different settings, but couldn't find many. So I started making up stories to tell my son. That’s when the tiny seed of an idea for Backhoe Joe came to be. I’d classified the story as “a new twist on a familiar topic.”
Do you have any upcoming picture books?Kathleen has subbed a couple of new projects, but no takers yet. Backhoe Joe sold in a two-book deal, and I’m excited to begin work on the second story when the time comes.
What classes have you taken or books that you've read that helped you become a better picture book writer?
I took Anastasia Suen’s online “Intensive Picture Book” course when I was first feeling my way around writing and publishing. It was a helpful overview. Later down the line, I took a PB webinar from agent Mary Kole (offered through Writer’s Digest). It was extremely informative regarding the current market for PBs, what is selling now, and why it is selling. The class also came with a critique. It was Mary’s positive comments on Backhoe Joe that shifted me into query mode. But overall, I’ve probably learned the most by studying successful (current!) picture books and working with great critique partners to sharpen my writing skills.
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Thank you so much, Lori, for taking the time to share your publishing journey with me. I love the fact that you heeded every advice given to children's writers at conferences and it brought you success! I know there were some low-lights along the way, but you overcame the road blocks and persisted. I wish you all the best and I look forward to your picture book, BACKHOE JOE, in 2014!
Fun Facts:
- # of agents you submitted to before getting a contract from Kathleen Rushall of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency: I submitted to agents in small batches. I got passes from my first 4-5 agents. I found Kathleen and queried her in my second batch.
- # months or years before you felt Backhoe Joe was submission-ready: Years! The story went through complete overhauls in my mind and on paper.
- # of months it took agent Kathleen Rushall to sell your ms to Harper Children's Books: Maybe 3-4 months. Three editors made offers, so it went to auction.
- # years from acceptance by Harper Children's Books to publication (2014): Two years + a few months
In summary, here is what Lori did to help her get published:
- Bring a new twist to a familiar topic. Think mashup! That's when you mix up two unrelated ideas to create something unexpected and fresh. Lori combined construction truck story with lost pet story and voilà!
- Write what is dear to your heart or write what you know. Lori's son's passion for trucks fueled her creative fire.
- Hone your craft: Register for writing classes specific to your genre and join a critique group, also specific to your genre.
- Keep writing and have at least 3 of your best completed manuscripts ready before querying.
- Research agents and editors and compile a short list that is targeted towards your writing style and genre. Try to personalize your query.
- Submit in small batches so that if you happen to receive any feedback you can make the necessary changes and make your ms better for the next batch.
- Join writing groups and SCBWI! There you will find valuable information related to the industry of writing for children. Here are a few to get you started:
So there you have it. The 7 habits of a highly effective writer, Lori Alexander!
In October 2012 I explored the possibility of finding my optimal writing time. But first, I wanted to find out when most writers write so I took a poll. Twenty-eight of you responded. Nine months later, I am finally posting the results.
With all the infographics I've been seeing lately, I decided to make my own. After all, as a picture book writer, I like reading with pictures. I am using Piktochart to share my poll results with you. I found the tool through Creative Bloq. They list 8 free tools for creating infographs so you can choose one that suits your needs. It took me the entire morning to create this. As you can see, I haven't quite mastered it yet. Part of the graph is not showing.
Here are the results:
Since many of you wrote in the early morning, I decided to give it a try. I agree. It is a great time to write. In the morning, my mind is fresh and alert. It is quiet and the days' stresses have not affected me yet so I was able to write without distractions or interruptions. I tried writing in the evening, but by that time my mind is fried and I just want to go to bed.
Experiment and find your optimal writing time.
"I like the premise of your book.""I like your voice.""I like your writing style."
LIKE. LIKE. LIKE.
I used to relish these words. It gave me validation as a writer. But the more feedback I get for my writing, the more I am realizing that liking it doesn't make it in this world. Think of the ways you can say, "I like it."- The well-meaning: With eye brows raised, a smile and a purposeful voice, "I like it!"
- The hesitant: With head tilted to one side, nodding with a half smile, "I like it."
- The liar: With no eye-contact and a hurried voice, "I like it."
- The accomplice: With someone shaking his head violently at you and waving both hands in the air like he's wiping windows, you say to the person in front of him, "I like it?"
"I like it" could mean many things. A trip to my favorite ice cream parlor, Cold Stone Creamery, put it in perspective for me.
Like it = small cupLove it = medium cupGotta have it = large cup
LIKE IT just doesn't compete with the larger sizes. Lately, I've been getting too many likes. And I'm not talking about Facebook. In this competitive picture book market, my manuscript needs to be loved. It needs to stand out.
Now when I get a critique for my story, I am looking for the "I love it" comments. That's when I know that I am getting closer to a submission-ready manuscript.
I want to write something readers will love and I want editors and publishers to tell me they've GOTTA HAVE IT.
Now if you'll excuse me, I will drown my sorrows in some comfort food- ice cream!
Tell me your favorite Cold Stone ice cream flavor for a chance to win a Cold Stone gift card. Deadline to enter is June 29- my husband's birthday! (Drown your sorrows with me or celebrate with him) One winner will be chosen by Randomizer.com and announced by July 4th!
[Disclaimer: Don't get me wrong, "I like it" is a very good comment. I am setting high-standards for myself.]
Strive for the LOVE!
7/3/13 UPDATE: Congratulations to SUSAN CABAEL! She won a gift card to Cold Stone.
I am one of the few people who actually like Spam. I grew up in Hawaii and Spam is a staple food like rice. But in Hawaii, we prepare our Spam differently, which makes it more palatable for our taste buds. The secret? We cook it in soy sauce and serve it over steaming hot rice, topped with a fried egg
or wrapped in seaweed (Spam musubi).
Then there is a certain kind of Spam I dislike- Spam comments!
Lately, I've been bombarded with Spam comments. I place these particular comments in a special file- the SPAM file.
In all fairness to the people who took the time to invade my blog, I thought I'd pull out this file and respond to these comments. I even took the time to categorize them into genres. After all, that's what writers do.
- COMMENTS THAT MAKE YOU GO HUH?!
Please note that these are actual comments I received on my blog (unedited). To make the read more palatable to you, I'm adding a bit of salt to it. Hope you enjoy.
ASK ROMELLE 
Comment: I must ask where exactly did you find your blog style? Did you find it somewhere or did you create it yourself? With a theme like the one you have, my blog could really stand out more. Kindly let me know where you got your theme. My blog post is….
Reply: I got my blog style from Blogger template. Glad you like it. Now shoo!
Comment: I know this if off topic but I'm looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is needed to get set up? I'm assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I'm not very internet smart so I'm not 100% certain. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks Visit my website…
Reply: You must be internet smart if you managed to pass Blogger's SPAM filter and post a comment on my blog. And the only thing it's costing me is a headache from doofuses like you! But thank you for visiting.
Comment: Hey there, I just wanted to ask if you ever have had any trouble with hackers? My site was hacked and I wound up losing a few months of hard work due to no back up. Do you have any solutions to stop? My blog is…
Reply: Uh...yah! I am having trouble with people like you. If I had the solution to stop hackers, you'd be the first to know!
COMMENTS THAT MAKE YOU GO HUH?! 
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COMPLIMENTS 
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Comment: May I just say what a relief to uncover somebody who truly understands what they're discussing on the web. You certainly understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people need to check this out and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you are not more popular since you certainly possess the gift. My webpage…
Reply: Aw, shucks! Thanks! It's nice to meet someone who understands me. Don't stop, go on…
Comment: Honestly, I think that if more bloggers and siteowners introduced content like your site, the internet would be even more helpful than it now is.
Reply: And if more Spammers stopped posting promotional comments on sites, the internet would be even more happier than it now is.
******
Thanks to all these wonderful people, I am going to start moderating all my comments. I will spare you the Captcha or word verification process since many of you object to that. I removed the Captcha from my blog after a campaign that has been circling the web. Maybe you should to.
I personally don't like Captchas. If I can't decipher words and numbers after the first try, I'm done.
Moderating comments is probably the best route for me. It avoids spam mail and the dreaded Captcha.
How do you ward off unsolicited (spam) comments?
What are some of your strangest or funniest comments you received?
We are spoiled!
Thanks to high-speed internet, microwave ovens, fast-acting medicines. . . we get things done in a jiffy.
We complain if our computer takes longer than 3 seconds to access a website. We grumble if our microwave breaks down and have to use the oven or stove. We cry if our medicines do not work within 15-minutes. I call these frivolous waits. |
| Photo by Richard Dudley via sxc.hu |
The drawn out waits happen when we sit in a traffic jam or stand in line for a cashier. And there are harder waits- a couple trying to have a child, a single person looking for a husband, and a worried patient waiting for a diagnosis from a doctor.
Then there is the wait for an editor's response. I don’t know about you, but I get anxious waiting for “the letter” in the mail. Will I get an acceptance letter with contract or a rejection letter?
I spend my time wondering...
What’s taking them so long?
How long will it take them to pick up my manuscript from the slush pile and read it?
Maybe my manuscript is being passed back and forth between editors trying to convince each other that this is "the one."
Maybe my manuscript got lost in the mail.
Maybe it slipped out of the mail bin and is collecting dust underneath someone’s desk.
When the publisher gives me a response time,often 3-6 months, at least I have a time frame to deal with. But when they say, “6 months but may take longer," what kind of time frame is that? What’s worse is when they say, “will respond only if interested.” Now that’s just plain mean. How do I know how long I should wait before giving up hope?
My advice? Don’t waist your time waiting. It messes up our minds and toys with our emotions and self-confidence. That’s why I think waiting for “the letter” ranks up there with the “harder wait.”
The hardest thing about life is waiting. My husband often reminds me of this:
"What we wait for is far less important than what God is doing in us while we wait."
While we wait, try not to think about the letter. Turn your focus away from the wait and work on improving your writing. When the letter comes, then you can worry about what's inside the letter.
So for now, just keep on writing. And as my New Yorker friends would say, "fuggedaboudit!"
What are some tactics you use to get your mind off the wait?
I did it! I registered for the International SCBWI Summer conference in L.A.
In hopes of offsetting the cost of the trip, I entered the FAiRy gOdSiStErS' annual scholarship contest. The challenge was to write at least one, but no more than three haiku telling them why I should be picked for this year's conference. Winning haiku receives $1000 towards the conference.
I didn't win. YA writer, Heather Hamilton-Senter won with her winning Haiku, The Haiku Trilogy of the Querying Author. You can read her winning entry on the FAiRy gOdSiStErS' Facebook page.
Now it looks like I am going to have to sell one of my sons to pay for the trip. My first-born is very bright and can serve as your personal encyclopedia. Really. Who needs Google when you've got him? My youngest makes a great pet. He'll play ball with you and provide you with lots of snuggle time. Any takers?
On second thought, I think I'll keep them.
Here's the cost of my trip:SCBWI LA conference: $795Hotel: $627Airfare: $200Cost of a jam-packed weekend of agents, editors, inspiration, knowledge, insights, memories, friendships...
PRICELESS!
I signed up for the Monday Intensives too. It's an extra full day of personal growth and hands-on instructions. I figured if I'm going to spend that much on a conference, I might as well go for broke. Sure, it cost an arm and a leg, but at least I still have my head!
Here is the haiku I submitted for the contest:
A Writer's Dream
Critiques RevisionsA tub full of hot teaLife of a writer
Yearning to be freeSpreading magical seeds- likea dandelion
To inspire andbe desired- dreams of anauthor wannabe
If you want to donate to the "Writer's Dream" fund, I accept Paypal!
I hope to see you at the SCBWI in L.A!
Look what I got in the mail!
In my interview with debut author, Donna Earnhardt, she recommended a few books that helped her become a better writer. The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi was one of them.
It is a fabulous guide to character expressions. “Show don’t tell” (SDT) is important in story writing. If you are struggling with how to “show” your character’s emotions, then this book is a great resource.
As I flipped through the pages of the book, I was immediately impressed. The book is structured in a way that makes it easy to use.
How it works:
You search for the emotion you are looking for among the 75 emotions listed in the book. Since it is listed in alphabetical order, it is easy to find.
Then you read through the different emotional responses, select the appropriate cues you want to use and apply it to your story.
Under each emotion, you will find the following subheading:
- Definition
- Physical signals (body language)
- Internal sensations (physiological response)
- Mental response (thoughts)
- Cues of acute or long-term emotion
Here are some of the advantages of this book:
- You will find fresh ways to describe emotions
- It is a great brainstorming tool for developing your character
- If your thoughts or ideas have run dry, this book will help spark an idea for you
- It will help you write a story that readers can experience emotionally
I love my book and can’t wait to revise my stories to give it that extra spark it needs to get readers to connect emotionally to it.
Pick up your copy today!
But here's a little secret. . . |
| Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominic / FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
. . .you can go to Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi's blog, The Bookshelf Muse, and get a FREE preview of the Emotional Thesaurus. They have a good list of emotions available on their site.
Got a secret to share with me?
The online community of writers is a close-knit one. We spend time forming friendships, supporting each other’s works, learning from each other, and building relationships.
I belong to Julie Hedlunds’ 12x community, the Children’s Book Creative, the Children’s Book Hub, and Wordsmith Studio. And then there is the blogging community.
My online friends are quickly out-numbering the friendships I make in person, which is a little disturbing to merefreshing thought. The only time I get to meet my online friends are at conferences or book signings. Of the estimated 500+ members, I have only met a handful in person.
This year, I hope to change that and meet more of you. I am excited to do a series titled, “My Online Community Member Highlight,” in which I introduce to you a member whom I had the pleasure of meeting in person.
Here is a preview of what it will include:
- About my friend
- How we met
- Our connection (what we have in common)
- Our first encounter (when and where me met)
- 3 things you don’t know about my friend
- Their work-in-progress (W.I.P.)
- Where to find my friend (social media sites)
********************
Allow me to introduce to you my first Online Community Member Highlight:
Lori Tian Sailiata (aka Lara Britt)
BIO: Lori is from Honolulu, Hawaii. She enjoys morning strolls through Lili’uokalani Botanical Gardens and late night walks along the beach. Lori is a chronic volunteer. When she isn’t wrangling butterflies in her efforts to birth a community blog or raising her Klout score to stratospheric heights, Lori is a docent at Honolulu's Bishop Museum. Most likely you will find her deep in a history, mystery, or memoir.
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| At the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum |
How we metLori and I met in April 2012 during a month-long Platform Challenge held by Robert Lee Brewer. After the completion of the challenge, friendships were made and the group MNINB (My name is not Bob) was formed. The community of writers has since been changed to Wordsmith Studios. Lori is one of the founding members of Wordsmith Studios.
Connection
As her biography states, she is from Hawaii. I, too, am from Hawaii. I have lived there for most of my childhood years. We enjoyed talking about growing up in Hawaii and about the foods we love like Hawaii’s very own coco puffs from Liliha Bakery.
Our first encounter
I had planned a trip to Hawaii to visit my parents. Lori suggested I give her a call when I get there. She graciously invited me and my family to the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. When we met face-to-face, it was as if I had reacquainted with an old friend. Lori volunteers for a 2.5 hours a week at the museum, but she generously spent all Thursday morning with me, my mom and my two boys.
Lori took the time to show us around the museum grounds and shared her extensive knowledge of the Hawaiian culture. Her passion is contagious as well as her down-to-earth personality. I had a lovely time with Lori.
3 Things you don’t know about Lori Tian Sailiata:
- She's been busy developing a business and has been conducting trainings and meetings with clients in an old sugar plantation town of Waialua on the island of Oahu.
- Lori discovered Hatha yoga on a PBS station called Lilias' Yoga and You (1972-1992) when she was 12-years old and fell in love with it. She later taught yoga and even led a weekend seminar with Lilia when she was almost 7 months pregnant with her elder daughter.
- Back in the day, it had been every kid's dream to be on the Bozo Show. So when a friend of hers (a writer for WGN at the time) offered her tickets, she couldn't refuse. She was thrilled to be able to bring her daughters and a friend to the televised children's program. It was a dream-come-true for Lori…um, I mean her daughters. *wink*
W.I.P.
Lori is working on 3 mystery novels in the Passport in Time series (PIT), a spin-off of Whirled Peas Mysteries, and a YA series based on Oceania myths and modern Diaspora youth. The closest to completion is her Syringa Gulch Survey, which is the 1st of the PIT mysteries.
Where to find Lori Tian Sailiata/Lara Britt
You can also follow her Tweets on Storify and #WSChat
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If you are ever in San Francisco and would like to get together, feel free to contact me. I'd love to meet you in person!
I have two sons. My eldest is the quiet and obedient one who is wise beyond his years. My youngest son...well, let's just say that I try to look at him with a positive perspective. Here is how I would describe him:
He is a good negotiator
(translation: he's sometimes spoiled and gets what he wants)
He has perseverance
(translation: he whines)
He has good leadership skills
(translation: he is bossy)
He takes a stand on what he believes
(translation: he is stubborn)
He is very passionate
(translation: he gets temper tantrums)
When I received a rejection letter from a publisher, I couldn't help but wonder about the hidden message behind the fluff. In other words, what are they really trying to tell me? Here's how I read into their messages:
It does not fit our editorial needs(translation: It's not up to our standards because...it sucked.)
We hope that you will be successful in placing it elsewhere
(translation: Go find somewhere else to submit because...it sucked.)
Be assured your submission received close consideration.
(translation: We hoped it was good, but it wasn't because...it sucked.)
Okay...I'm sure that's not what they're really saying, but I know that's how some of us take it.
From now on, I propose that we look at our rejection letters in a new light!
"Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results." ~Willie Nelson
With a new outlook and a new attitude, here is what your rejection letter is telling you:
It does not fit our editorial needs(translation: We are not worthy of your outstanding manuscript.)
We hope that you will be successful in placing it elsewhere
(translation: Your story is so awesome that we think you deserve better.)
Be assured your submission received close consideration.
(translation: We are honored that you chose us to submit to, but we can't accept your manuscript because it's just too good for us.)
Okay, I went a little overboard on the translation. But it doesn't hurt to drown our sorrows in a bowl of ice cream drizzled with chocolate syrup, a wallop of whipped cream, and a cherry on top.
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| www.sxc.hu |
As long as you did your research, had your manuscript critiqued and revised numerous times, is as best as it can be and you are in love with your story, then know that your manuscript will find its way to the right publisher for you.
So hold your head high and think positive. Better than that, keep on writing! The more stories you write, the better the chances of you finding that gem that will land you a contract instead of a rejection letter.
" A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." ~Winston Churchill
If you received a rejection letter and need something to make you feel better about it, I recommend reading the following posts:
I’m a runner and most runners like to run in the wee hours of the morning when the air is fresh and crisp…except me. I’m not a morning person. In the morning, my energy is low and I feel sluggish. So running at this hour is difficult for me. My breathing is labored, my form is poor, and my time is slow. My optimal running time is in the early evening when the sun is about to set. At this hour, I’m alert, alive, and full or energy.
This got me thinking about my writing. Perhaps I have an optimal writing time- a time when my right brain is functioning at its peak. As a mom of two young boys and a full-time job, I write whenever I have the opportunity to write.
My optimal writing time would be when:
- I feel most inspired to write
- creativity strikes me
- ideas pop into my head like popcorn
- my mind is most alert
- I am energized
In the next few weeks I’m going to try to see if I can find my optimal writing time. When I do, I'm taking advantage of that opportunity.
How about you? When is your optimal or favorite time to write?
Please take my poll on the RIGHT bar and I'll post results in May.
THE LONG ROAD TO PUBLICATION
As aspiring authors, it’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting to be published NOW. The reality is that your preschooler may be entering middle school before you get a picture book published. Nancy Viau knows this all too well. She is the author of Samantha Hansen Has Rocks in Her Head.
Nancy is my featured author today. She is not a debut author, but after reading her story, you could say that she is a two-time debut author.
A note about the picture to the left: I asked Nancy to send me a profile picture and this is what she sent me. It looks as if the looong road to publication produced cobwebs. Very symbolic, I must say. Anyway, instead of the interview format, I am having Nancy share her experience herself. It’s a story about determination, perseverance, and patience.
"In 2002, I penned the first words that would eventually lead to a picture book sale in 2009,” says Nancy. “Seven years. Seven, long years.”
Let’s welcome my guest writer, Nancy Viau. So sit back, relax, and enjoy Nancy’s journey.
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My story is a crazy one, but it may provide some inspiration for PB authors. Although I have the MG out, I feel very much like a debut author, and I guess I really am a debut PB author. It’s where I started my writer’s journey, where my heart has always been, where it will continue to be.
HOW IT STARTED
When my youngest daughter ventured out to preschool in 2001, I sat down at the computer and decided to be a writer. Of course I thought, I can write a picture book, and I began with a story about a girl on a beach—a 1700-word story, full of onomatopoeia and enough sensory-related elements to make you gag.
In the next year, many other picture book manuscripts followed, and I learned to cut, cut, CUT, leaving room for an illustrator. I wrote a rhyming story titled It's Not Easy, and I subbed that and others out to editors I met at SCBWI conferences. No luck. Form rejections, tons of them.
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| comic published with permission |
WRITING FOR AN OLDER AUDIENCE
A critique partner suggested I had a voice suitable for an older audience (*groan* NOT what I wanted to hear). So, I dabbled in writing a chapter book titled Samantha Hansen Has Rocks in Her Head. I also wrote a ton of Op Ed essays for the Philadelphia Inquirer and various magazines for grown-ups—essays about parenting, kids, cell phones, vacations, etc.
GETTING BACK TO WHAT I LOVED
Trying to keep my hand in the younger market, I submitted stories and poetry to children’s magazines, and to my surprise, acceptances started dwindling in. This encouraged me to get back to what I loved—writing for a younger audience.
I revisited that rhyming PB called It's Not Easy. A new critique partner checked it out, helped me with my horrible rhyme and meter, and said something I’ll never forget, “This may be the one.” I sent it out. It got rejected. The consensus was that it was a sweet story. Bah. END of story.
In 2005 (where did the years go?), I got up the nerve to add that manuscript to my application materials for the Rutgers One-on-One Plus Conference, and I was shocked that I got in. My wonderful mentor, Penny Pollack, who wrote quiet stories such as mine, loved my story. She gave me the idea of adding a refrain, which really made the piece come alive. Penny introduced me to editors, and I ended up sending It's Not Easy to twelve. It got rejected all around, but with each rejection came a bit of personal feedback. (Personal feedback! The Golden Nugget, right?) The story got rewritten and resubmitted more times that I can count. Eventually, I got discouraged, stopped submitting it, and stopped beating myself up about it. I continued to write other PBs, still having no luck at publication..
THIS MAY BE THE ONE
The years ticked by, and my friend’s comment, “This may be the one,” often haunted me. One afternoon while watching the forest animals play outside my window, I decided to dig out that manuscript from years ago, look at my personal rejections with a fresh (and slightly more experienced) eye, and revise it yet again. I had formed a relationship with an editor at Abrams for she had acquired my middle-grade in 2007. (Remember the chapter book above? It grew up and became my first published book, a MG novel. Selling that is a whole different story!) Anyway, I submitted It's Not Easy to Abrams, unagented, and in 2009, they made an offer.
What started out as a very early attempt ended in success! Some authors get published immediately and I say KUDOS to them. But I am thankful for the opportunity to travel on a longer road to publication…my journey taught me so much about myself.
LookWhat I Can Do! was released March 12, 2013. (Looking back, I felt my original title said it all because it really wasn’t easy (!), but Abrams preferred a more positive title.) A second picture book, Storm Song, was acquired by Marshall Cavendish (now Amazon Publishing) in 2011 with little drama. It will be published on April 16, 2013.
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Thank you so much, Nancy, for sharing your journey with us. You painted a picture of a real-life situation of the publishing industry. You proved to us that if you believe in your work, persistence is the key to success.
You can find Nancy Viau at:
She is also a wonderful resource for young writers and offers writing information and tips (WIT) at:
Look what I've been busy with...
I finally made bookmarks for my eBook, Casey Chameleon, published by Flying Books, 2012 AND a website (still in a work-in-progress)! I've been thinking about doing this for a while now. I have to thank Donna Martin for giving me the push. More on Donna later. But first, a little about my bookmarks:
Making the BookmarksI went with Gotprint.com from the recommendation of the lovely ladies at the Children's Book Hub.
Here's the lowdown:Specs: 2 x 8 bookmarks, gloss on both sides, rounded corners, economy shippingQuantity: 250 bookmarksCost: $39.36
Quality: Excellent
I recommend them. If you are comparison shopping, another company I recommend is Overnight Prints. I requested their free samples and I was impressed. They cost a tad bit more, but they offer sales on occasion and when they do, their prices are comparable.
As for the design, I recommend Alison K. Hertz. She designed a number of our picture book author's bookmarks and postcards. I happened to design my own before I knew of Alison's services. Since I spent hours on it, I didn't want to throw my hard work away. I think it came out pretty good considering I did it myself. On a writer's budget, sometimes you have to go DIY.
Childlren's Festival of ReadingThe Children's Festival of Reading is coming up on May 18, 2013 in Knoxville, Tennessee and Donna Martin is hosting a booth. She is offering a free giveaway for the over 15, 000 families that will be attending. Donna has graciously opened up her project to our writing community to help us promote our books in the hopes of instilling the love for reading. It's a win-win situation!
"Proceeds from the festival will benefit Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which fights against illiteracy by donating free books every month to children ages NB to 5-years-old." |
| I couldn't find gummy chameleons so the lizards should suffice |
Since I have an eBook, I can only handout autographed bookmarks with a QR code directing readers to my publisher's site. I am in the process of working out a way to offer the eBooks for free for a limited time or quantity. I'll let you in on the details as soon as I figure it out.
In the meantime, I am on my way to the post office to mail the bookmarks with gummy treats to Donna. The Children's Festival of Reading is a wonderful event. I wish I could be there.
If you are interested in donating to the festival, visit Donna Martin for more information!
Allow me to introduce to you the talented Angela Dominguez. I met her in our Facebook group, Children's Book Creatives. I soon found out that she lives in my hometown of San Francisco. Angela is an artist turned writer. Let's Go Hugo is her first picture book that she wrote and illustrated.
About Angela Dominguez
Like Hugo, Angela Dominguez enjoys wearing scarves and exploring, and she occasionally needs a friend to help her take a big step. Angela was born in Mexico City, grew up in Texas, and lives in San Francisco, California.
As a child, Angela loved reading books, writing, and making a mess creating pictures. She's delighted to now be doing all three. For more on Angela visit her website atwww. angeladominguezstudio.com.
Now on to our spectacular interview with the beautiful, Angela Dominguez!
Angela's Journey: From Illustrator to Author
Who or what inspired you to write your own picture book and make a transition from illustrator to writer?
When I became an instructor at the Academy of Art University, I began entertaining the idea of writing my own stories. I had always secretly loved writing. In high school, all of my teachers always encouraged to me write, but I decided to pursue art as a profession instead.
Teaching children's book illustration, has made me stronger and more confident in my storytelling abilities. Every week I'm reading stories out loud and dissecting the relationship between text and illustrations with my students. In addition, I help edit and revise stories that the students write. The process has made me realize how much I love to write, and that I'm a natural storyteller.
When I wasn't getting new projects, I decided to redo my portfolio with samples I loved and take a chance at writing.
Did the transition from illustrator to writer come easy for you?
It has been relatively easy. I am excited about the challenge and I like being able to tell my own stories. I have aspirations of writing a longer format book like a young adult novel, but I'm taking everything one step at a time.
How did you come up with the idea for your book?
My Hugo character originated in 2003. He had humble beginnings as a wind-up chicken toy that my mother mailed me for Easter. When I’d feel particularly low, I’d wind him up and say “ You go Hugo!” He was my little art spirit or art mascot.
Fall 2005, I began attending graduate school in San Francisco at the Academy of Art. San Francisco was chilly and I was wearing a scarf nearly every day. In his honor, I painted a portrait of him in the city, added a scarf, and changed him from a chicken to bird. That painting was the first painting I ever had published in an illustration annual. That success gave the extra confidence to pursue illustration more.
After a few years of illustrating books and teaching, in 2011, I revisited the character. With the suggestion of my agent, Linda Pratt, I began writing “Let’s Go Hugo!”
What is your creative process like? Do you write your story first or do you start with illustrations or with visions in your head?
It's a little bit of both. I have to visualize the characters and really get to know them. They have to feel alive to me. Often, they are just extensions of myself and my own neurosis. Once I understand and designed the characters, I doodle and fixate on the words. I'll often find myself saying lines out loud to myself. Eventually I get a flat plane for the story, and then I start developing the pretty thumbnails. Once I get to that point, it's easy. It's all about having a good idea.
What steps have you taken to prepare you to become a writer? Any books or websites you recommend?
I'm constantly reading books about drawing and in the past few years started reading books about writing. There are so many, but I would say a few of my favorites are:
Elements of Style, On Writing by Stephen King, EB White short stories and many more.
Did you find it challenging submitting as an author/illustrator?
I am lucky to have a great agent and I have some established relationships with people in publishing. I make it a point to go to New York to show my portfolio around. I've learned so much about the industry doing that and developed some great friendships. Once I had the story written, I showed it around on a NY trip and submitted it to a few people that were interested.
Thank you very much, Angela, for sharing your journey with me. As a writer, I admire and respect writer-illustrators like you. That's double the fun!
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Fun Facts about Let's Go Hugo
- It took 2 months to prepare the dummy for Let's Go Hugo
- It took only 1 month from submission to acceptance by Dial Books
- It took 22 months from acceptance to publication
- It took 3 rounds of revisions with the editor and art director after acceptance
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March 7 is the release date of Let's Go Hugo, but you can pre-order your copy today! Be sure to look out for her other upcoming books: Maria Had a Little Llama (Henry Holt) and Santiago Stays (Appleseed), to be released in the fall.
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Glad you had fun! :D
I know teachers and librarians like metafiction as a learning tool, but I was surprised when my 3 year old wanted to read Chloe and the Lion over and over again. I found it tricky as a read aloud - it felt like reading a comic book. But hey, if the kids love it...
Thanks! I know you'll get to go someday.
That's interesting Lauri. I never thought about how it reads as a read-aloud. But I have a feeling you pulled that off very well. I think it is fun because it's like role-playing/acting which, as you said, kids love.
I predict we're going to be riding a wave of metafiction for a few years!