Little Glitches

Recently, I searched for a graduation card that I had squirreled away.  With graduation fast approaching, I wanted to wrap my daughter's gift and add the card.  But the card was nowhere to be found.  I searched the  basket where cards are always kept.  I rifled through the stack three times, but without any luck.  The card had disappeared.  I was crushed. No other one would do.  It was after all, the perfect card.

This little glitch was ruining my day.  I questioned why this had happened.  Finally, after realizing that complaining about it wasn't going to help me find it, I accepted the fact that losing the card was meant to be.  The solution:  to drive back to Target with the hope that an identical card would still be available.  Since I was hell-bent on finding the exact card, I dashed out that very day to buy one.  While I rushed out, I decided I would make the most of my time.  I'd run two errands: one to Target and the other to Macy’s, located just a few minutes away.

"Look out world. Here you come!"

Luckily I found the exact same graduation card.  Perfect!  Amazing!  Unbelievable!  Then I drove over to Macy’s to make a return.  On my way out, I noticed the shoe saleslady who frequently waits on me.  Over time we had gotten to know each other. On the occasions that she fitted me for shoes, she'd often talk about her son's health.  So before rushing back to my car, I stopped to ask about him. She shared with me that he would be needing major surgery soon.  I listened quietly as she described what would be involved.  Before leaving, I told her I’d keep him in my prayers and for this, she hugged and thanked me.

I firmly believe things happen for a reason.  When the graduation card was lost, it put me on the path to connect with an acquaintance who needed some support.  I adopt this belief to my writing as well.  When I get a rejection I try to remember this was meant to be.  I tell myself to consider editing my work or to start searching for another market.  Rejections are little glitches, that if I let them, can ruin my day.  But when I remember there’s probably a good reason for a rejection, then I can move on and focus on what is supposed to happen because of it.

DitzAbled Princess

The Children's Writer's World invites Jewel Kats to share the inspiration behind her new book.

Everything starts off as an idea.

E-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.

Webcomics are no different.

There’s a tale behind the popular reality-series webcomic, “DitzAbled Princess,” and graphic novel that features the same “cast” of characters.  This story involves inspiration, needs, and wants.

Here’s the back story…

I’ve always been a comic strip junkie. I can’t run anymore, but I’ll grab the funny pages faster than you can blink. As a kid, I spent hours reading Archie comics as an in-patient at The Hospital for Sick Children. I reached for “Betty and Veronica Double Digests” during my bout with anorexia and depression. I turned to comics during my divorce. In short, comics have given me the will to live at times.

Now, the idea for “DitzAbled Princess” came during a happy time in my life. (Thankfully, this period has lasted!) I was engaged to my second husband, Alan, when the idea struck. Our conversation has almost become legendary.

It goes like this…

“You’re always reading ‘Betty and Veronica Double Digests’,” Alan once said. “You’re such a funny character in real life. Why don’t you try writing a comic strip?”

These three sentences changed my life.

I never told him this, but I immediately knew that I wanted to write about the present. Sadness hung over me for so long, and I wanted to finally record my joys. I also knew women like me—chicks with disabilities—failed to appear in the mainstream comic strip market. I wanted to change that. Pronto. 

Confession: I just never knew that “DitzAbled Princess” would take off this way.

I attribute the success of “DitzAbled Princess” to the lacking presence of a female comic character with physical disabilities. The fact that “DitzAbled Princess” is a reality-series webcomic based on real everyday people only heightens its appeal. (Who doesn’t want to be a guilt-free peeping Tom?)

I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again. It really boggles my mind why this has never been done before. C’mon it’s 2013! People with disabilities have existed since the beginning of humankind. It’s about time someone included a “DitzAbled Princess” strip in their lineup.

Our webcomic publisher, Tapastic.com, has taken a lead. Our graphic novel publisher, Marvelous Spirit Press, is playing its vital part.  Now, it’s YOUR turn to be a pioneer, and take in the world of “DitzAbled Princess.”

Remember, everything starts off as an idea.

E-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.

Webcomic and graphic novel reading is no different.   

Andy Smithson: Blast of the Dragon's Fury

The Children's Writer's World invites L.R.W. Lee to share the inspiration behind her new book.

From my earliest memory, I’ve always wanted to write a children’s novel that was multi-layered with a complex story line.  But I wanted to do more than this.  I wanted to leave my readers with a narrative that could improve their lives as well. 

I well remember the first time I read C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia.  It was an almost magical experience for me.  I was fascinated by the land and all the characters and how they got into a strange, but wonderful world.  Narnia was more than that for me though.  Running through the story was another narrative, one of redemption.  Aslan was a depiction of Jesus.  The Stone Table that was rent in two when Alsan was slain on it was just like the veil of the Temple that was torn in two when Jesus died.  And there was so much more.  I loved the two levels of meaning…I was hooked! 

Since then, I have read J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and many other similarly styled narratives.  I love the complexity and multiple story layers; this general form fascinated me.  I assessed I was up for the challenge.  But, what message should be included to potentially improve my reader’s lives?

I puzzled with this question for many years.  Only while I was working with a mentor growing a company did I arrive at a satisfactory conclusion.  My mentor is a man of integrity and ethics.  I learned from him many lessons including overcoming frustration, impatience, fear and many more.  As I embodied these, my life became more peaceful and enjoyable.  I wanted to share.

Taking these elements and coupling them with my love of the mystery of castles with hidden tunnels and more, Andy Smithson was born.

How to Get Published in Highlights

Over the years, I’ve come close to being published in Highlights, having received personalized letters that read "keep writing" or "we have a similar piece on hand."  But I never received an acceptance letter—until this year.  This year!  It finally happened!  My article "How Penguins Pair Up" will be published this year in Highlights.

So, what made the difference?  I count five things:  performing outstanding research, finding a unique topic, researching and writing quickly (without sacrificing quality), finding great quotes, and adding drama.

Outstanding research means using primary sources.  That means avoiding encyclopedias or Wikipedia. Primary sources are first-hand accounts like newspapers, journals,  diaries, and interviews.  Reliable sources also include Internet website addresses that end in .org or .edu.

Unique topics can be found online in scientific news journals or even in local newspapers. Be persistent and check these sources daily.  Once you've found your topic, it's crucial to conduct your research as quickly as possible.  Once, I had researched and written about singing mice.  Unfortunately, this topic (as rare as it seemed to me) had been covered and had been already accepted by Highlights.  I was shocked.  Someone had beaten me to the punch.  

Besides working quickly, be sure to spice up a nonfiction article with amazing quotes.  The best way to do so that is to interview an expert.  First, become  familiar with the scientist's research so that you can ask thoughtful questions.  Also, when composing the questionnaire, think about the kinds of questions that kids would ask.  Then insert those quotes with balance throughout the article to clarify points or to liven up the piece. 

What's next?  Dramatic action!  You've got to hook kids right from the start.  So, start with a scene that paints the picture.  Write in present tense.  Use short sentences to create suspense.  For instance my article for Highlights begins in the ocean depths as a hungry leopard seal awaits to attack an unsuspecting penguin.  This dramatic action scene pulls the audience right smack into the article. 

It had taken me years to figure out the formula to getting published in one of the best loved children's magazines.  So, let's review.  Outstanding research + a unique topic + researching and writing quickly (without rushing quality)  + finding great quotes + adding drama = can you say, acceptance?  I thought you could.

A Passion for Animals

Author Sarah Sauer shares the inspiration behind her new book
What Do You See When You Look At Me?

When I was little, I dreamed of owning my own horse and being a vet at a zoo. I loved animals and I felt a special connection to them. However, all that changed suddenly when I was diagnosed, at age seven, with brain cancer.

During my chemo, radiation treatments, and rehab, I looked to  my animals for comfort and strength. When I couldn’t walk, my parents took me to hippotherapy and I felt freedom and hope while I was riding on the horse. Eventually, I got my own horse. In fact, in order to get me to cooperate during my treatment, my parents promised me a new animal for our barn after each treatment cycle.

It was when I feeling sad because the treatments hurt, I couldn’t go to school and be with my friends, and I lost all of my hair that I turned to my animals. They would quietly come up to me and comfort me. Somehow they just knew. My horse would nuzzle me, my llama would give me kisses, and my dog would lick the tears from my face. They did not care that I couldn’t walk or that had no hair. They just loved me for who I am. They loved me unconditionally. But after my treatment was over, I was worried that my animals would not recognize me without my hat!

Even though I knew my dream of being a vet was over, I would not let go of my dream of working with animals. I volunteered at the Louisville Zoo, but soon learned that because of my limitations, I really could not be a zoo keeper. So, after a lot of thinking, praying, and discussions with my family and teachers, I realized that I could combine my love and passion for animals with my love of talking to young children about animals. I enjoyed when the kids would come to the petting zoo and I could teach them about the tortoise, donkey, and goats. I wanted young children to feel the same love and respect I have for animals. I hoped that they would grow up and want to be protectors and supporters of animals and nature.

My passion for animals began at an early age.  When I was about five-years old, my parents gave me my first disposable camera. They asked my sisters and me to take photos while we were on vacation. When we got the film developed, all my pictures were of dogs, birds, and any other animal I saw!

It was during my high school photography class that I learned of and developed my photography skills. My teacher, Ms. Iles told me that she saw a talent in me to tell stories through my pictures. So when I was given an assignment in my early childhood class to create a project that would show my goals in my chosen profession, I turned to my animal photos and decided to put together a children’s book that would show the beauty of each animal.

I want to teach children to look at each animal and see more than just an animal—to see the detail, the wonder, and the emotion of each animal. And so, I now have my first children’s book, What Do You See When You Look at Me? I hope that when children look at and read my book, they will come to look closely at all animals and develop a love and appreciation for all of God’s creation.

Twenty-five Top Picture Books

Scholastic asked more than 200 teachers, children’s authors, and children’s literature experts to name the best picture books ever.   Below is the list of their choices.  Did your favorites make the list? Read on to see.

1. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. For grades Pre-K -3.

2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. For grades Pre-K -2.

3. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. For grades K- 5.

4. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. For grades PreK - 2.

5. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. For grades K - 3. 

6.  The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. For grades 2 - 5.

7. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig. For grades K -5.

8.  Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans. For grades K - 5. 

9.  The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton. For grades 1 - 4.  

10. Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey. For grades PreK - 2.  

11. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. For grades K - 4.  

12. Stellaluna by Janell Cannon. For grades K - 3.  

13.  If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff. For grades PreK - 2.  

14.  The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson. For grades 1 - 4.  

15.  Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. For grades 1 - 5.

16.  The Snowman by Raymond Briggs. For grades PreK - 2.  

17. The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg. For grades 2 - 6.  

18. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. For grades K - 3.  

19.  Skippy Jon Jones by Judy Schachner. For grades 1 - 4.

20.  No, David! by David Shannon. For grades K - 4.  

21. The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco. For grades K -3.  

22. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper. For grades PreK - 3.  

23.  The Mitten by Jan Brett. For grades K - 4.  

24.  Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. For grades PreK - 3.  

25.  Curious George by Margret Ray. For grades PreK - 2.

For descriptions of each book, please see:  http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/teachers-picks-top-25-picture-books

To Rhyme or not to Rhyme

A good many children's stories are written in rhyme. I don't necessarily advocate that you try this. It's difficult to pull off and some publishers have a strict policy against rhyming stories. They simply won't publish them.

However, if you feel this is the best way to tell your story, then proceed with caution. Rhyme has to be perfect.  No cheating.  Liz Waniewski, editor of Dial Books for Young Readers once told me that rhyme has to be "spot on."   Song writers and poets can get away with it.  Children's writers must produce perfect rhyme.

Author Tara Lazar has four pointers:
1.  Rhyme scheme can dictate story, but shouldn't. Tales shouldn't be forced into the confines of the rhyme.

2.  Editors want to see rhyme that surprises them—not the overly simple, one-syllable rhyme schemes that readers can guess the word before they get there.

3.  Forced rhyme, words that don't exactly rhyme unless you mispronounce them, can ruin a story.

4.  The meter or beat must be perfect—not just matching the number of syllables in each line, but having the correct emphasis on those syllables.

According to author Laura Backes of Writing-world.com, "All picture books consist of characters and a plot.  The plot ideally starts at the moment where everyday life for the main character changes from ordinary to extraordinary. The story proceeds through the extraordinary events the character faces, and his or her efforts to return life back to normal. Once this happens, the story ends immediately.  The mistake many writers make is that they make the rhyme more important than the story."

Don't be intimidated to write in verse.  It's not easy, but not impossible.  But if you love playing with language and if rhyme is an integral part of the story than give it try.

Check out these books to see how rhyme is achieved:
Bubble Trouble by Margaret Mahy
Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr.
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess.

For the entire list of 25 great rhyming books, go to:  http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2013/02/picture-books-that-rhyme.html

Writing Fiction

Recently, I received a fiction submission for the Kid’s Imagination Train.  The story was cute but needed some editing.  When the piece was first submitted, it read like an itinerary. The main character did this first, and then he did this next, and so on.  There was no conflict and there was no character change.

The story had potential.  After a few suggestions were made, the author handled the revision brilliantly.  

In the first line of the story, the main character cries as his mom and dad drops him off at his aunt’s home so they can have a date.  This is a good example of conflict.  Eventually, the little boy begins to have fun.  He plays with his aunt’s dog and throws its favorite play toy onto the couch, under the bed, and into the kitchen.  This is how you show, not tell.  

Then the author incorporated the senses into the story.  This helped to draw the readers in to experience what the main character was feeling.  We tasted his sweet snacks, we felt his warm outdoor clothing and the cold snowy playground, and we listened to music they danced to.

Lastly, the author wrapped up the story with a  character change—the little boy finally realized that he had a very good visit with his aunt.

I think writing fiction for children is difficult.  You have to tell an engaging story in just a few words.  And, there's a lot to remember as you write.  But if you show, not tell, throw in conflict, tap into the senses, and add character change, you will be off to a very good start.

The Kid's Imagination Train

By: Elke

The Kid’s Imagination Train is off and running. After four published issues, the word is getting out.

Each month, KIT offers fiction and nonfiction as well as book reviews by the talented Donna Smith.  Up and coming articles include: beach bronos, cat communication, singing mice, and a notorious highwayman.  

KIT is unique in that it helps children to read and to learn, engaging them by providing the opportunity to illustrate and have their favorite features published online.  In fact, as more young artists discover KIT, their work will be linked to an illustration gallery. 

Another great feature about KIT is we support authors and writers. For a very low price, you can advertise your services or books on KIT. Contact Editor Ms. Randi Lynn Mrvos: Randi.lynn.mrvos@insightbb.com  for more information.

KIT will be a paying market in the near future. So what you are waiting for?  Do you have a story you’d like to share?  Have you written an article that will help children to read and to learn?  Or do you know kids who are dying to draw pictures?  Then check out KIT at: www.thekidsimaginationtrain.blogspot.com.  

We welcome you aboard!   

How to Work with an Editor

I've worked with editors from numerous publications—the Christian Science Monitor, Mothering, and Highlights (to name a few).  Below are ten suggestions when working with a publisher. 

* Be polite.  Whether you are writing an email or talking on the phone, use Ms. or Mr. until told otherwise.

* Be respectful.  Refrain from phoning an editor unless she has invited a call. 

* Give an editor what she has requested.  If an editor wants a revision and has pointed out how to go about making changes, follow her instructions. 

* Send your manuscript on time.  Editors have strict deadlines.  Have your work ready to be submitted when it is expected.

* Develop a thick skin.  Editors have preferences and their opinions may be subjective.  If an editor rejects your work, it’s up to you to find another publisher.

* Be open to constructive criticism.  If an editor offers advice, listen well and learn.  Use her suggestions to improve as a writer.

* Be professional.  Never argue with an editor.  Ever. 

* Avoid being judgmental.  Never criticize an editor or point out her faults.  No one’s perfect.

* Be understanding.  If an editor has written an email that comes across as curtly, chances are she didn’t intend to offend.  Emails can be easily misinterpreted.  Write again and ask her courteously for clarification.

* Show appreciation.  Thank an editor for her time and help.  Tell her that you like the illustrations that accompany your work.  Thank her when you receive contributor copies.

Following these suggestions may strengthen your reputation.  It’s important to establish a good working relationship with those who will publish your work.

Book Review: Writing Fiction

Writing Fiction: a Guide to Narrative Craft is now in its eighth edition.  The book, written by Janet Burroway, Elizabeth Stuckey-French and Ned Stuckey-French and published by Longman (an imprint of Pearson) belongs on every writer's shelf.

From the first inspiration to the final draft, Writing Fiction is a great guide for the novice writer.  Written in a personal tone, the book covers the writing process, place and atmosphere, summary and scene, story structure, point of view, revision, and characterization.  More, each chapter offers writing exercises and presents short stories which serve as examples and stress the importance of reading.

In an Amazon.com review, the book is described by having "excellent criterion, emerging from the author's decades of writing and teaching experience. This edition, like the seventh and sixth, engages and isn't too prescriptive."

Writing Fiction can come in handy when writing MG or YA.  The book will help you in developing character, setting, scene, and theme.  In addition, you will learn about the factors that comprise the crisis moments in a novel.  Specifically, readers want to experience everything in these moments—they want to see it, hear it, and feel it.  The authors of Writing Fiction explain that this difficult to accomplish because it can be exhausting to collect all of that emotion in its full intensity.  Still, writers must fully imagine that scene, place themselves in it, and emotionally experience it.

The book is an expensive purchase.  It usually costs close to ninety dollars.  But shop around and you may find one less expensive.  I bought my copy for under seventy dollars.  While this is probably one of the most expensive books I've ever bought for writing, its lessons are priceless.  My writing has improved; my confidence has grown.  Think of the purchase as an investment toward your writing career.  Writing Fiction will make your writing stronger.

On Writing

Today, I'd like to share a wonderful inspirational piece by Anjali Amit, originally printed at:  readlearnwrite.com

A lady walked into a milliner’s shop. “I have this party to attend,” she said. “I’m looking for a hat like no other.”

The milliner picked up a roll of ribbon and wrapped it around her head, shaping and fitting as he went along.

“Ah! beautiful,” the lady sighed. “How much do I owe you?”

The milliner named a sum that had his customer gasping in disbelief. “But it is just a roll of ribbon,” she exclaimed. The milliner unwrapped the ribbon and gave it to her. “The ribbon, madam, is free,” he said with a bow.

Writing is like that. Letters of the alphabet. Just letters, mere pencil strokes on paper. The letters, dear readers, are free; the masterpieces they create are paid for in blood — long nights and sweaty days, the unending search for the informing thought that brings them value.

Do we, then, cut a vein and let it bleed drops of blood onto the paper, as Hemingway is reputed to have said? No. Writing is not the spilling out, but the going within. A good writer, like a great actor, loses himself in the characters he creates, and finds himself with every character, every sentence and word chosen.

To find herself a writer has to first lose herself. To put his ‘I’ before the reader a writer has to find the ‘you’. Writing is best described in paired opposites, in binary terms almost, with the caveat that the opposites are not mutually exclusive but contained in each other. “The longest journey is the journey inwards,” wrote Dag Hammarskjold in his book Markings. So short a distance, so long the journey, and we may never reach the end.

Write anyway. The truths you have within you are yours, and yours alone. Unstated, they are lost forever. The prince and the pauper look at a bird on a distant tree. “Target practice,” thinks the prince.

“Food,” hungers the pauper. The professor and the student see a thick notebook lying by the roadside.

“Oh, oh, looks like someone’s thesis,” says the professor. “Kindling,” thinks the poor student shivering in the cold. Both voices need to be heard.

Shakespeare, master dramatist, paired the hero/heroine with the Fool, and gave him lines that state truths often invisible to the other characters. King Lear called the Fool “my philosopher”. Feste, in Twelfth Night, points Olivia to her excessive mourning:

Feste: Good madonna, why mournest thou?

Olivia: Good fool, for my brother’s death.

Feste: I think his soul is in hell, madonna.

Olivia: I know his soul is in heaven, fool.

Feste: The more fool, madonna, to mourn for your brother’s soul being in heaven. Take away the fool, gentlemen.

Writing requires courage. Disguise your words as coming from a fool, if you so desire. Take a lesson from Lewis Carroll’s Jabberwocky:

Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

Be brave. If you hold onto your truths you may be mocked and scorned. You may be disbelieved. That goes with the territory. Tell your truth anyway.

=========

Anjali Amit does not subscribe to the ‘eat to live or live to eat’ debate. She reads to live. Occasionally she writes stories for children, and has been known to create a crossword or two.  Please visit Anjali's website: thefabletable.com.

Photo: courtesy of Clipart

All about Fairy May

Today, Jo Lindsdell shares the inspiration behind her book Fairy May:

I'm a mum to two wonderful little boys, a five-year old and an 18 month-old. This makes me a very lucky children's author as I have a constant font of inspiration for my books. Sometimes ideas come to me from playing with my kids or from watching them play with each other. I also get inspiration from watching cartoons and from reading books with them. All these things help me to connect with their way of thinking and brings me closer to seeing the world the way they do.

The idea for my latest book Fairy May came from a mixture of sources though. It all started when my three-year old niece asked me to write a book for her. She'd seen that my last book had been dedicated to my sons.  So, she wanted one dedicated to her. When I asked her what she'd like the book to be about she said that it had to have fairies in it. The inspiration for the tooth fairy theme came about due to my youngest going through the teething phase and my oldest noting that some of his friends from school had lost their first tooth. Teeth were a hot topic in our house. So it naturally became the theme for the book.

I wanted Fairy May to be more than just a typical tooth fairy story or just about encouraging good dental hygiene though. With this in mind, I started thinking about possible story lines. I've always believed that just because something is difficult doesn't mean it can't be done, and I felt that this strong message should be relayed to kids. Fairy May therefore, became about following your dreams and not giving up.

As you can see the inspiration for the book came in waves and from a variety of sources. It was then just a case of pulling all the elements together and creating rhyming text that could tell the story in a fun and captivating manner.

So far, Fairy May (which was officially released on 1st February 2013) has received some excellent feedback and multiple 5 star reviews. I think that one of the main reasons for its success is that most kids (and adults) can relate to Fairy May and have been through moments when realizing their dreams seems like the hardest thing to do. Fairy May is simple and yet carries a strong message for its readers.

Kids inspire my books and I hope that in return I can inspire them a little, too.

About Jo Linsdell:  Jo Linsdell  is an award winning blogger and freelance writer living in Rome , Italy . She is also the author of several books including the popular Italian for Tourists, A Guide to Weddings in Italy  and the best selling children's picture book Out and About at the Zoo. Her latest book Fairy May was released on 1st February 2013. You can find out more about her at www.JoLinsdell.com

When you guest blog

Have you ever had the opportunity to guest blog for another writer?  If so, you know it's a win-win situation.  Guest bloggers may help enlighten other writers (with the extra bonus of promoting their work) while the host's blog may be visited by more people.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when you are invited to write a post:

1.  Understand what the host requires in terms of subject matter.  Stay focused on that topic.  If you have another subject you'd like to write about other than the one the host has suggested, check with her first to see if she is open to your new idea.

2.  Know the expected word count.  Try to keep within the expected range.  The host is counting on you to provide what she has specified.

3.  Send the post in a timely manner.  For my blog, I like to receive the guest post at least five days in advance.  Sometimes, guest blogs need revision, so be polite and give the host time to edit your work.

4.  Review your guest blog several times after you've written it and before you send it.  Occasionally, I will receive a blog that looks like the guest writer simply jotted the first thing that came to mind and sent it for me to publish.  It's exasperating to receive a guest blog that has grammatical mistakes and lacks clarity.

Guest blogs score big with audiences when they are educational and inspirational.  That's easy to accomplish when you're passionate about your writing.  Throw in a well-written, nicely edited piece and your host will take notice.  If you impress her with your writing, she's likely to invite you to guest blog for her again.

Sharing the Love of Reading with Children

Today, a guest blog by Sands Hetherington:

I immersed my son John in stories from the time he could understand speech.  Bedtime stories were an absolute essential to us, like air and food.  We may not have missed five nights in ten years, even on trips.  And on trips we would listen to books on tape for days in the car.  I read him everything from Aesop to Tolkien to Dahl (Harry Potter hadn't come along yet).  By the time John was twelve, we had gone through most of Dickens and Victor Hugo.  So he was always immersed in stories, and man did it ever work!  He got an M.A. at Edinburgh University with Firsts in German and Russian, reads two or three books a week, and still watches Hobbit movies.

If you're determined to get kids hooked, there's something you can do in addition to bedtime stories: Get them involved!  Let me illustrate by telling how my Night Buddies stories got started.  The series features John Degraffenreidt and Crosley.  John is a young kid pretty much like my own and Crosley is a bright-red crocodile.  He sneaks John out of the house for adventures on nights when John isn't ready to go to sleep. 

This is how the idea for stories came about:  My son John had invented Crosley from whole cloth.  One night when I was done reading, I may have suggested that he make up a night companion to go off to sleep with.  Or maybe I didn't suggest it.  He could have taken the initiative himself.  But in any case, in a day or two, there was Crosley, red color, goofy name and all.

So at bedtime we started batting around the Crosley stuff.  I encouraged John to make up episodes.  I mostly listened.  If he did come up with something, I told him how super it was and asked him when could I hear the next installment.  I think he was still six.  He got really facile at it, and I got the larcenous idea of putting the two of them in a book.

In my books I had to explain why Crosley was red, of course.  (He was red because he was allergic to water.)  And the rest fell into place fairly easily.  Crosley first began as a lights-out buddy.  But from there, he became part of Night Buddies Amalgamated, whose members sneak kids out on adventures when the kids aren't ready for bed yet.  That's the story formula, and John was hooked, and I was hooked.

You may need some luck with the "getting involved" part.  But anybody can do bedtime stories, and I haven't met a child yet who didn't take to bedtime stories.  You just have to do it and do it every night.  If you do, the child will enjoy it and look forward to it and quickly know literature as a pleasure.  Then, when he learns to read, he will want to read.  So get him in on the process if you can. It's as simple as that. 

Kindness

What does it take to be kind?  Here’s an example:

Last fall, my husband ordered parts for our broken water heater.  However, a neighbor that lived several blocks away received the packages of parts by mistake.  She tracked us down and called to tell us she had our boxes.  I don’t know of many people who would have gone to the trouble or taken the time to hunt us down.  She told me she’d leave our packages on her front porch.  So when I came to pick up them up, I left her a basket of flowers with a thank you note.

Several months later on Christmas Eve, the door bell rang.  A woman introduced herself as a neighbor and handed me a beautiful basket full of treats.  I couldn’t place this neighbor, so when I asked, she reminded me that she was the lady who had accidently received our packages. (We had only talked on the phone, but had never met personally).  My heart melted.  I invited her in as we chatted and she told me that she thought our house looked so pretty for the holidays.  That too, brightened my evening.   

Just a simple gesture and a sincere compliment made my day.   And so what’s the point?  (And what does this have to do with writing?)

Make it a point to reach out to fellow writers.  Find opportunities to be helpful and to be kind.  For instance, you could encourage writers if they are facing writer’s block or help them in reviewing their work.  You could compliment writers if they have written a story that you like or if they have posted a great blog.  You could congratulate writers when they win a writing assignment or contest.  On the other hand, if others have helped you with your writing, you could send them a thank card or buy them an inexpensive book on writing.    

Kindness is a little about you and a lot about others.  Simple acts of kindness are greatly appreciated.  It costs very little to be kind and people will remember you for it.  I can guarantee that when you show kindness, you will be rewarded in unexpected beautiful ways.

Would You Revise?

You’re lucky.  You’ve submitted an article to an editor and instead of rejecting the piece, she offers suggestions for a revision. 

When I had received articles for Stories for Children Magazine and now, when I read submissions for the Kid’s Imagination Train, I try to work with writers so that their work can be improved for publication.   Some writers like this approach, other don’t.  Below are some of the choices that I’ve seen writers make regarding revision: 

1.  They apologize for what they’ve written.
2.  They argue that what they’ve written doesn’t need revision.

3.  They give up on their submission and never get back in touch with the editor.  

4.  They ignore the editor’s suggestions and submit their work elsewhere.

5.  They send the exact piece back, with no revisions (REALLY!)

6.  They take into consideration the editor’s suggestions and try to revise.

While I’m a “hands-on” editor who likes to edit submissions, many editors don’t have the time or the interest to help with revision.  It’s easier for them to send a rejection if a submission isn’t quite right for publication; others may not even respond at all.   

Trust me.  When an editor sends you advice on how to improve your work, take it.  If she has specifically told you what your manuscript needs in order to be published—perhaps more facts, better descriptions, or livelier language are required—then work on those points to improve your submission.  She has made time in her busy day to help you.  Help yourself by taking her advice.

The Challenges of Writing and Illustrating Children's Books

Today, a guest blog by J. D. Holiday:

When I first started out, I found many challenges in being both the author and illustrator of children's books.  I self-published after many years of trying to get published the traditional way.  Though doing my own artwork was not something I found easy, I wrote for twenty-five years without doing the illustrations for two reasons. The first was traditional publishers told authors in those days (and still tell them) that if authors did their own illustrations that they, the publishers, might not want the book. Publishers reasoned they might like the stories but not the pictures—which would make them reject the book entirely. Secondly, I didn’t feel confident enough to do my own art work because to that date, I had painted for fun and enjoyment.

It took me some time to get to the point in a painting where I felt that the painting was heading in the right direction. Also, it took me a while to work with digital art programs to do whole paintings that way. Previously, I used my paint programs for touch ups to my drawings and paintings.

Now, my being the author and the illustrator is actually helpful in putting the story together. Doing both allows me to easily move back and forth between the story and the pictures. I can easily revise the story line and the paintings to match. Once I let myself go and commit to doing the art work myself, being both the author and illustrator became an asset.

Since I am the artist, too, I don‘t have to worry who will do the drawings and paintings for my books. Nor will I have to split the money made on the sales of my books with someone else. I alone have the satisfaction that comes from doing it all and having a good product.

The Inspiration and Art of Children's Books

Today, illustrator Jessica Love guest blogs about the wonder of children's books:

I believe that children's books occupy a very important, sanctified part of our memory. There is a kind of magic to them. Probably that's partly because of the way they imprint on us—enjoying our Mom or Dad read to us in bed; hearing a favorite story that we only get to listen to at our Grandparent's house. I remember my Dad reading me The Hobbit when my family was in Alcapulco. The floor of our beach hut was sand, and I could hear the ocean outside while Bilbo invisibly approached the sleeping dragon.

I think people have a personal feeling about the children's books that they love, which is deeper than the books discovered in adulthood. These stories are fundamental to who we are. I think Maurice Sendak typified this quality in a profound way. He understood something about the way children exist in the world, which is part of what makes his work so lasting and vital; he didn't ever simplify the experience of being a child. He wan't saccharine or cute. His stories felt true because they contained elements of terror, of extravagant boasting, and of the animal urges we all have. That is why perhaps, his stories always felt like they were speaking to you, rather than down to you.

I remember in an NPR interview with Terry Gross, Sendak spoke about a promise he made to himself: never to forget what it felt like to be a child. I think most kids swear this oath to themselves at one point or another.  I remember making that promise myself. I had a running list of things I would never do to a kid when I crossed over to the other side of the river, into adulthood. Most of the things on the list had to do with never underestimating the depth of a of child's ability to remember. What children don't have is experience to measure new encounters against. What they don't yet have is "wisdom."


On one side of this coin shows itself in the face of a child's hysterical crying over the loss of a toy, or the fear of a horror, or the rage of an injustice. There is nothing to measure those experiences against, therefore, they all register as seismic. The other side of the coin, however, is the perpetual sense of awe, because everything is new, demanding understanding. And this, I think, is the quality of experience all great children's books are able to capture—the sense of immediate, strange, and dazzling wonder.

The Fate of Your MS

Have you ever submitted a nonfiction article to a magazine editor, but never received a reply?  You're not alone.  Many writers have experienced the “silent treatment.”  It’s frustrating because you not only wrote a wonderful piece, you have waited on the average of three months or more to hear back.  

What can you do?  Make sure you understand the writer's guidelines for that publication. Some editors only respond if they are interested in your work.  If however, an editor has stated that they will respond in a given amount of time and you haven't received a reply, then send a follow-up letter.  In your letter, include the date that the piece was submitted, the title, and a brief synopsis. Remember to thank the editor for his time.  Be polite and professional.

Hopefully, you’ll hear back with a decision on the fate of your manuscript.  But what if you fail to receive a reply on the follow-up?  Then it's time to move on.  That doesn't mean you should forget about that fabulous manuscript.  If you love what you have written, then you must find other markets that will make a good home for your work. 

You can shop for a market by searching online or by using books like the Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market by Writer’s Digest.  Join SCBWI so that you’ll have access to the valuable market surveys.  Make a list of markets that publishes pieces like the one you’ve written.  Read some back issues.  Review the writer’s guidelines.  Edit your piece if necessary to meet this magazine’s needs. Write another query letter tailored to this new market.  And submit again.  Persevere.  The fate of your manuscript lies in your hands.   

Creating Believable Characters

Today, Cheryl Carpinello guest blogs about knowing your reader for believable characters:  

Authors can have the most exciting plot loaded with lots of action in the most exotic place, but if their readers do not form a connection with the characters, then they won’t finish the book. How do children’s writers ensure that their characters will appeal to young readers and, hopefully, draw those readers back for more? This is no easy task, but these exercises may help a writer connect their characters to their readers.

1. Determine the age group that will be reading the story. The most common breakdowns, but not the only ones, are infant (ages 0-3), preschool (4-6), lower elementary (7-9), upper elementary or Middle Grade (9-13), Tweens (12-15), and Young Adult (15 +). Every time I do a writing workshop with elementary students, I ask them to decide who they want to read their story. Inevitably they say, “Everyone.” I use this vivid example to help them understand why they can’t write for everyone. If they want high school students to read their story, then they need to put in kissing. The groans are sufficient to get my point across. Writers cannot write for all ages if they want to create believable characters that readers can relate to. Each age group has its own distinct qualities which must be embedded in the characters.

2. List qualities associated with the chosen group of readers. Consider their maturity as far as what they are able to do on their own and how developed their thinking skills are. When writing for children, a copy of Bloom’s Taxonomy is a must. It gives a breakout of what children are capable of doing at different stages of their development. Take into account the immediate world(s) of the readers as these can vary greatly based on economic, social, and even political situations. See how the different age groups handle relationships with the same sex and the opposite sex. Don’t forget think about their dependency on parents and their sophistication of language usage.

3. Observe and interact with the chosen age group. Observation only is not enough. Writers need to interact with them. Find out what makes them laugh, what makes them cry, what angers them, what touches their hearts. Each age group is different. Learn what makes each group of readers unique. Some ways to do this are to volunteer in classrooms, lead Sunday school classes, work with after school activities, and help out at homeless shelters for families and battered women’s shelters. The opportunities are limitless.

At the end of these exercises, writers will find themselves building characters that echo the world and surroundings of their readers. These characters will then find their places in the hearts of readers.

Cheryl Carpinello

author/speaker

ccarpinello@mac.com

http://www.beyondtodayeducator.com

http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com                                                                

The King's Ransom (Young Knights of the Round Table), 2012 CLC Silver Award for YA Fiction, 2012 USA Best Book Awards Finalist for E-Book Children's Fiction

Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend, 2011 Global E-book Finalist

Check out my books at one of these stores:

https://www.amazon.com/author/cherylcarpinello

http://www.outskirtspress.com/Guinevere

http://www.museituppublishing.com

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/CherylCarpinello

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What is a blog hop?

A blog hop is a linky list that is SHARED ON MULTIPLE BLOGS. When several blogs put the same linky list code on their blog, the exact same list appears on each blog.  Blog visitors can submit their entries on any blog that contains the list. The entries will appear on each blog where the list resides.  Blog readers see the same list on each blog, and can "HOP" from blog to blog seeing the same list of links to follow: BLOG HOP!

Book Lovers Blog Hop:

Make friends, share the love of reading and be entered to win a FREE book!

For the list of Hop Rules visit:

http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com/2011/10/book-lovers-blog-hop-october-2011.html