Trees are so much a part of our daily lives, whether we take them for granted or find ourselves fighting for their survival: so it is perhaps unsurprising that there are many stories from all over the world that feature trees, woods or forests as a central theme or ‘character’… … Continue reading ... →
Award-winning author Jerdine Nolen‘s picture books often tell stories that blend fantasy and realism in an unsettling way that delights young readers and fires their imaginations, from her first book Harvey Potter’s Balloon Farm, which was made into a … Continue reading ... →
Darlene Beck Jacobson has loved writing since she was a girl. She wrote letters to everyone she knew and made up stories in her head. She loves bringing the past to life in stories such as WHEELS OF CHANGE, her debut novel.
More months than I would have hoped for have passed since my last blog post. It’s not as if I haven’t been writing. I have. For hours on end. At this time in my life, the work I do on my novels bears more importance because ultimately, I want to leave something behind on this earth. Something beautiful. Whether it be through published works, photographs, or inspiring the children I encounter on a daily basis, that is where my main focus remains. Still, I enjoy blogging, so I am jumping back in with hopes that I can resume a more regular routine. Thank you for bearing with me.
I recently returned from a three-day stay at The Writing Barn in Austin, Texas. This inspiring place of sanctity is run by author Bethany Hegedus, who couldn’t be more kind, welcoming, or talented. The Writing Barn is just as welcoming with its endless shelves of books, calming figurines, and the artwork of E. B. Lewis, all of which greets you when you walk through the front door. Before you even unpack your bags, you know you won’t want to leave. You want to breathe everything in, read the array of fabulous novels, books on writing, all there for visitors to enjoy. You want to sit outside and watch hawks soar above the grounds, traipse past cactus plants in search of a bunny you spot on the drive in. And the baby deer romping through the thicket, you want to enjoy their presence.
You unpack your bag and get to work, because that is why you are here. To learn. To grow. To absorb the energy that exists in this beautiful place. To look deep into your current WIP and be truthful about what needs to change. Because in order to grow, one must change, even in the way we approach our writing.
I was fortunate to have a dear writer friend with me. Both Nanci Turner Steveson and I had important revisions to tackle. We had read each other’s manuscripts. We took vows to be honest, painfully honest about what didn’t work, while emphasizing the qualities that stood out. While compliments are nice, I’d prefer to know where I’ve fallen short in my writing. I thrive on revision, really. It makes me feel alive, it brings out the best in me. I always tell my agent to hold nothing back in terms of questions or asking me to delve deeper. The more intense a revision, the happier I am. The most valuable critique groups, or critique partners, are those that aren’t afraid to be honest. How else do you get better?
My stay at The Writing Barn did wonders for my soul. It could have been the colorful lanterns that swing in the trees, the sound of Nanci tapping on her laptop with her headphones on, or the moments of clarity that would happen after taking a photography break outside. There is a sense of peace here, and writing juju. While not quite tangible, you feel the wisdom left behind by previous writers, many of them published authors. In the porch beyond the kitchen, the wooden beams hold the signatures of published illustrators/writers. Every now and then I’d look above me, knowing that I, too, would sign a beam one day.
We have to believe in our writing, even when we close ourselves around our work, protecting it. Do not be afraid to do this. Think of your work as precious, like a baby fawn not ready to be on its own. For the most part, all else is beyond your control. The only thing that matters is that you do the work. Day in and day out, to the best of my ability. My father always told me to protect the energy surrounding a story, to keep it safe, until it was strong enough to send out into the world.
So that’s what I’ve been doing since I returned from The Writing Barn. Revising, revising, revising. Writing, writing, writing. Aside from that, I am living life, always thankful for the people I hold closest to my heart, thankful for the wonderful books I read each night before falling asleep, and thankful that places like The Writing Barn exist.
My deepest gratitude to Bethany Hegedus, who believed in creating this barn of wonder and inspiration and much beauty. Thank you for sharing your joy of writing with others.
For more on information on booking an individual writing retreat or attending one of their classes, go to: http://www.thewritingbarn.com.
by Suzanne Lieurance
Every week day afternoon at 2:00 CDT, I host Book Bites for Kids, a talk show about children’s books on blogtalkradio. I love talking to the other children’s writers, illustrators, publishers, and editors I interview on the show.
Today it was my great pleasure to interview Hester Bass about her new picture book, The Secret World of Walter Anderson. Generally, authors I interview will have a review copy of their latest book sent to me. And, I have to say, I immediately fell in love with this beautiful picture book the moment I opened it. The detailed, colorful illustrations from Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator E. B. Lewis set the tone for the story that takes readers into the amazing world of artist Walter Anderson, who spent weeks at at time alone on Horn Island, off the Gulf Coast, as he sketched and painted the natural surroundings and animals he found there.
I hope you listen to Book Bites for Kids. If you missed the live interview this afternoon with Hester Bass, simply click on the automatic blogtalkradio player in the right sidebar of this page to listen to the replay of that interview. No doubt, you’ll enjoy hearing about the adventrues of Hester Bass AND Walter Anderson just as much as I did!
No Tags
Because I have amotivational syndrome (that’s a fancy way of saying that I’m lazy), I‘m going to link here to Stacy Mozer’s nice notes about a fantastic event that I attended yesterday. (Thank you, Stacy.)
How nice to see your beaming face, Betsy It sounds like you and Nanci had another nice retreat together I can imagine how invigorating it must be, especially with your words and pictures making it a very clear picture!
As soon as you mentioned Bethany’s name, I remembered her being at the 2009 NJ SCBWI Conference. She was handing out pamphlets. I had her favorited in my “Places” http://www.bethanyhegedus.com/ I had no idea she was stationed all the way down in Texas though!
And I agree with honest critiques—completely. Life’s too short to beat around the bush. But just as the insights as to where you’re falling short are helpful, don’t discount the compliments—they help you see how you’re succeeding
Thanks, Donna! I hope all is well with you, and that you are finding much happiness in writing. And yes, compliments should never be discounted. They do confirm where we are succeeding in our work, which is very important.
Hugs, Betsy
Thanks, Betsy Life STILL hasn’t allowed me proper writing time, but I’m getting there!