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Check this out: Pumpkins modeled after kids' books.
And -- bonus -- one of the books is the brilliant and wonderful Debbie Diesen's fun rhyming read-aloud book, The Pout-Pout Fish!
'Tis the season to carve a pumpkin; why not get your inspiration from a kids' book like the kids at that cool school did?

I’m just back from a Novel Revision Retreat in San Rafael, CA. What a great time. I always learn so much from other writers.

• My suite-mate wasn’t taking my class, but I watched her hunker down for a weekend of writing and learned that sometimes solitude is just as helpful as working in a group.



• I learned all over again, that critique groups can be more honest and more helpful than anyone expects.
• I learned that continuing a group after a retreat like this means commitment to common goals. We talked about how to extend those goals by creating rituals (For example, a Friday check-in to see how you did that week, as the Summer Revision Smackdown has done.)
• I learned that it is San Ra-FELL, not San RA-fey-ELL. And that is in ma-WREN County, not MARE-in County.
• I learned that young men liked to read Tom Sawyer because they fell in love with Becky Thatcher. (Thanks, Howie, for a great laugh!)
• I learned that we all need to do a better job of sharing information about advances. If you’ve sold a picture book in the last five years, I urge you to fill out Barbara’s Kanninen’s survey. If you do, she will send you a copy of the most recent results of that survey.

Related posts:

1. A Washington Voice Retreat
2. SF Retreat
3. Revising for Audience

How Many Times Do you Revise?

When do novel or picture book revisions ever end? I’m always a new person, with a bit more knowledge and a bit more life under my belt. I could always make changes to the story. When do you know it’s time to submit your baby?

• My Best. When I’ve done everything I can right now. I try to revise as many times as necessary to get it right. If I’m happy with the story as it is, and I can’t think of anything else to try. And when I do try, it seems to mess it up, then I quit. For me, there’s also an emphasis on RIGHT NOW. Ten years from now, I’d do the story different, but RIGHT NOW (which is the only time we really have), I’ve done my best.
• Cool off. When I’ve let it sit for a while and still can’t figure out anything to do. Now this? I’m not so good at letting it sit. I want it out and accepted and published! But rejections have forced me to get better about letting a mss cool off. Time sometimes shows you what you couldn’t see before and you’ll know exactly where to revise. It might even, if you’re lucky, give you the right approach to improve the mss.
• Critique Group. When my critique group agrees with me. Ha! That doesn’t happen often enough. Sometimes critique groups make me feel like I’m back in junior high gossiping. As my son says, I don’t like all the drama. BUT, for the sake of my mss, I not only put up with it, but I encourage it. I need it. After a gossip session, though, I go away and consider and process and then approach a revision my way. Sometimes, it incorporates ideas from others, but in a different way or with my own twist. If I’m wise, though, I wait until my critique group likes the novel or picture book mss and then I send it out.
• Never. Some old novels and picture book mss are still in my file drawer. They need massive rewrites, I know. But for various reasons, they’ll never get what they deserve: the impulse for the story is gone, the story isn’t marketable today, I’m bored with the characters/voice/setting/plot/whatever. OK, I’ll admit it. Some sit because some critiquer made a remark that stopped me cold. Some sit because I don’t believe myself capable of doing the story justice. Some sit because, well, just because. Not all stories are meant to be shared with the world.

Be brave! Submit.

Post from: Revision Notes Revise Your Novel! Copyright 2009. Darcy Pattison. All Rights Reserved.

Related posts:

1. Revisions Take Time
2. Critique Groups
3. Test Submissions

Submit, Then Revise

At our spring conference, Jen Rofe, literary agent at Andrea Brown Literary spoke about sending out manuscripts.

The one thing that surprised me was her attitude toward submission and revision. Rofe said she usually sends out a mss to about five editors. Then, depending on the feedback, she’ll often ask the writer to revise. She considers those “test submissions.”

Re-reading some of Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook by Donald Maass, I noticed the same thing. He said that Parnall Hall had to revise a mystery:

A test round of submissions suggested that the points of view in A Clue for the Puzzle Lady were improperly weighted. Hall revised, and the second round hit the jackpot. p. 47

Interesting. If literary agents regularly use this approach of test submissions then revision, it’s something to think about.

THE CRITICAL EYE

Next time you send out your children’s picture book manuscript or your novel manuscript, target five publishers. If you get feedback, especially if it’s consistent in what it says, then revise before you send to five other editors.

Individual Critiques v. Group Critique

What if you don’t get personal letters from editors? I recently sent a picture book manuscript to about five different people and, without consultation with each other, four of the five mentioned a few items that needed work. Now, personally, I loved the fifth person’s comments! If she was an acquiring editor and bought the mss as is, no problem. But she’s not.

So, I have an overwhelmingly consistent opinion that something needs work.

Usually, I send to a critique group and everyone there sees the mss and it’s a group discussion. That always feels like a single opinion to me; here, I sent it privately and it’s five opinions. If those five had been in a group, the discussion may have progressed the same, but I would not be as likely to pay attention.

Will I always ask for separate critiques now? No. The group discussions are valuable. But I’m definitely adding this variation to my arsenal of revision strategies.

And yes, I’m working on revising the picture book manuscript, trying to do at least some of what these individuals asked for, while secretly hoping to find an editor who agreed with the other person!

Post from: Revision Notes Revise Your Novel! Copyright 2009. Darcy Pattison. All Rights Reserved.

Related posts:

1. Are You Still Not Tracking Submissions?
2. Are you Still Submitting Before Revising?
3. Q&A: How Do I Find an Editor’s Name for Submission?

Greetings from the SCBWI Writers of Lower Fairfield County’s Picture Book Critique Group!

For those who are new or lurking, we meet each first Monday of the month in Westport from 7pm to at least 9pm. At our last meeting on Monday May 4th, there were nine of us gathered around the table.

Our pre-critique discussion was as follows:
- We determined that critiques would happen in order of member arrival
- We discussed whether or not to continue “first Monday” scheduling (yes)
- We were updated on Patricia Hubbell’s poetry classes that are in the works. Susan Hood is coordinating this. Seven people have expressed interest. The classes will be held in Easton at a cost of $25 each per class. Ms. Hubbell isn’t sure what attendees will want to focus on just yet; please let Susan know if you would rather cover authorship of children’s poetry or authorship of one-poem picture books.
- We discussed difficulties of finding an agent.
- We shared news of encouraging notes from publishers; also Tassy Walden award results.

Seven people shared their manuscripts and received brilliant critiques! Two who did not bring manuscripts discussed their current submissions.
Other notes from meeting:
- The book, Query Letters That Rock was recommended.
- Children’s Book Insider newsletter was recommended (w/paid membership at http://cbiclubhouse.com/)
- Using a picture book “dummy” was recommended for help in visualizing text placement and pacing (email Karen Jordan for blank online Word template)

Our next meeting is Monday, June 1. Please join us if you can!

Yep. That's right. My critique group buddies are not just hot, happenin' and cool. They aren't on fire. They R on Fi-Ahhhhhh! I'm so proud of them.

Take for instance Ian Sands. Yes. I'm mentioning Ian again. That's because is art is taking off faster than a like a gazelle at a cheetah convention. (Does that phrase make me sound southern?)

In addition to his exhibits, sales and contest wins, he has just released a book called Ligers, Tigons and Pizzlies that gives insight into the inspiration of his latest exhibit, The Newimal Collection, which is based on real life hybrid animals. Give your mouse a clickety-click right here to purchase a copy.



Next is another critique buddy, Kathleen Reilly. This gal knows her stuff. If I were ever stranded out in the wilderness I would want to be stuck with her. Last year Kate launched her book Planet Earth. In honor of Earth Day this month, she is giving away a free copy of this awesome environment-friendly project book. Go on over to her blog and leave a comment for a chance to win. Hurry! Why are you still here? Go on over! But be sure to come back. There's more.

Are you back? Good.

The last thing I need to mention is that my critique group is putting together a schmooze coming up in May at Quail Ridge books in Raleigh, NC. Our guest speaker will be author, Kelly Starling-Lyons. It's gonna be great. More details to come!

Okay, well if you like my new blog name (hello? anyone out there?) I can't take credit for it. I have to thank my remarkably diverse-thinking critique group. We were all brainstorming titles for my current middle-grade novel, when one of them fired off an entire list. I mean, a LIST!

Next thing you know, I have a new title for my MG novel...CROSSING CHALK.

And I liked it so much that I renamed my blog after it.

This is just one of many reasons to find a critique group and stay dedicated to it. For me, it's like having three editors I trust pick my novel apart once a month. As a writer, can you ask for anything more?

With Thanksgiving approaching, I’m going to jump into the cliché. I’m grateful for so many things in my life right now—a lovely family, healthy children and loving husband, my beautiful home, warm clothes and food to eat. I’m going to focus this blog on giving thanks for things related to my writing.

1. Thanks for a mind overflowing with ideas, some of which end up on the page.

2. Thanks for my brilliant and extraordinarily patient critique group who has helped me immensely, plodding through my WIP (which I’m about to revise so drastically, they’ll probably have to start from the beginning again (sorry gals!))!

3. Thanks for my conference buddy, Kelly, who gives me the courage to overcome my schoolgirl shyness to talk to the editors and agents.

4. Thanks for the speakers at the SCBWI Prairie Writer’s Conference for giving me valuable insight into my own WIP, helping me to understand the elusive Voice, and breaking my block.

5. Thanks for the rejections coming back from agents who truly encourage and give me advice about how to improve my piece.

6. Thanks for my former students who encouraged me and taught me about young adults and about YA literature.

7. Thanks for my children who are patient and loving and so good at sharing the computer with me.

8. Most of all, thanks for my amazing, hard working, beautiful husband who gives me the freedom to write everyday if I choose to do so.

Sunday I attended NJ SCBWI's First Annual Illustrator's Day.
This is the final art for the assignment we were given. (My first sketch and feedback are posted below.) I received feedback from AD Laurent Linn. He was kind and supportive of all the artists in our group. I later had a portfolio review with Patrick Collins. Look for coming posts about "eyes". I seem to have two extremes too big "shocking", and the dreaded "dot" eye. He recommended I play a bit with the eye to find a compromise. He also recommended dividing my portfolio, trade in one area and educational/mass market in another area. I also have to beef up my narrative. I have a bunch of what amounts to spot illustrations. I look forward to taking the information I received and using it to build a stronger portfolio.

I want to thank the NJ SCBWI for hosting this wonderful event. A special thanks to Leeza Hernandez for doing an amazing job coordinating the event. She also headed up a session that did a pretty kickin 10min. exercise that really got you to speed through thumbnails and see your story quickly. Leeza, you rock!

Karen and Lori were my travel buddies this trip. We had a good time...even if my driving made Karen a bit ill.

Last night I met with my potential critique group. I say potential because I haven't been officially accepted as part of the group yet. It was my first time meeting two of the ladies and the other one I already knew. We met at a restaurant close to the Hyatt in LA, the site of the Annual SCBWI Summer Conference. Overall, it was a nice evening of conversation about anything from the current state of education to writing for children. 

Does life ever slow down? And would I want it to? No, and no, I guess.

(from an Attwood Elementary School Field Day 2008 sign; this year's theme was Ellie McDoodle! Last year's was Dr. Suess)

Ellie 2 is out! Ellie McDoodle: New Kid in School is on bookstore and library shelves right NOW. Buy it! Borrow it! Read it!

I think it's a better book than the first. The first reviews are in, and they agree. It's the best I could make it... which means there's plenty of room for improvement. ;)

The book launch party at Schuler Books in Eastwood Towne Center last weekend went FANTASTIC. We had more people than chairs -- I was truly heartened (and surprised -- expected about 3 people there, and even told Jim at Schulers to only set up 3 chairs. He laughed and set up 40). My friend Lori reports on the event here.

Ellie and Er-ick play tug-o-war on a sign at the Attwood Field Day

I'm working on a few other book projects right now. When my wonderful-beautiful-brilliant (honestly, she is all that) editor says those magic words, "What do you have for the next Ellie book?" I'll be ready. In the meantime, I'm working on a book for older kids and a book for younger kids.

I've done a zillion sketches this summer, but haven't scanned many in because I've been too busy with other obligations.
Here are two sketches from my cousin's Ordination as a Priest, in May.

It was a fascinating ceremony, held in downtown Detroit at a lovely cathedral. Here's Father Charles, no longer Chuck:

Our car is in the shop, the first loaner car died (same problem as our car, ironically), and now the second loaner car is dead. I'm distressed; I missed a crit group meeting this morning and will probably miss my friend's birthday party this afternoon.

Crying doesn't help, so I'm writing (working on a book about a kid in NYC).

And, when I need a break, I pull pranks on my kid.

I'm laughing at the moment, because she just walked into my studio dressed like me! And talking like me! And it's hysterical.

Got time on your hands because your car isn't working?

Read this: Debbie Diesen's blog

Her book just went into a second printing -- and it's only been out a couple months.

And read this: Ann Finkelstein's blog.

And this one: Lori Van Hoesen's blog.

And check out this site: http://runamokink.com/ That's April.

These are all brilliant writers in my crit group. (Tim, Amy and Kay don't have blogs yet)

I love them so much I put their pictures in my second Ellie book. Page 7.

My Far Flung Writers novel group is looking for two new members. This is a fantastic group. (If you don't believe me, you can ask P.J., or HipWriterMama, or Chris, or Kim, or Patty.)

What we write:

• Middle Grade and YA novels
  

• approximately 5,000 words every four weeks

• In 3 of 4 weeks, we read and critique two 5,000 word subs. (In week 4--the week you submit--you only critique one.) This is a major time commitment, I won't lie. Two hours a week or more, depending on your speed.
  

Dear Ms. Snark,

Let's say you're writing a novel (literary suspense) about, oh, let's say a professor of English who discovers a lost novel by Jane Austen. After writing about half of your first draft, you see an ad for a forthcoming literary suspense novel about...a professor of English who discovers a lost novel by Jane Austen. Your first instinct, of course, is to jump in front of a truck. After you settle down, though, you realize (please choose one):

a. It's not the end of the world--you scrap the thing and start a different novel the next day.

b. Plow ahead with your novel--chances are the guy who got there first won't have written a bestseller, and a year from now, when you're querying, most agents won't have heard of the thing. Besides, if one sold, another can sell!

c. Keep writing your novel, but make damn sure you can talk intelligently when you query about why it's different from that piece of Austen crap that came out last year.

d. Go ahead with that truck idea.

Thank you!