How the Novel Grows--the Plot Edition

I've been singing more than writing--practicing for our newly ordained deacon's first Solemn High Mass as well as our barbershop concert at Piccolo Spoleto festival (local friends, please come!), but even so I've begun working on a new novel, a sequel/standalone to BOUND. As I got familiar with the characters again, nearly 20 years after the events that occur in Bound, I realized I needed a proper structure to tell the story. So when a writing friend from over a decade ago (we met at a Highlights workshop) came for a visit we had a chance to talk shop and the discussion turned to plotting. I promised her that I would send her my favorite resource: in nine boxes. I learned this first on Verla Kay's Blueboards (that were bought out by SCBWI, but now sadly shut down, and who knows whether they'll bother to offer that safe and friendly gathering place again online--I was a longtime moderator on the boards and miss it for its congeniality and generosity of the members). I love how organically I can think about my story and the scaffolding it needs so that all the elements fit together. This doesn't address the subplots, but typically, as my characters develop, so do the subplots. Each character will have his or her own journey through the novel.

I'm also fond of the Hero's Journey. But not being content, I took a deep dive online to see what else was there. And holy smokes I came across a compilation: 16 Narrative Structures to Plot a Book With. I love how different people think about story structures and how they might fit. 

Here's a picture of some of them all on a page. Enjoy! And let me know what's your favorite plotting method, or if you write by the seat of your pants. I did try Writing into the Dark (and in essence, that's what I've been doing these past few weeks exploring my characters), but I find that at some point I need structure to guide my writing, otherwise I end up meandering all over the place. My mewses help! 

NB: Has anyone noticed the palindromic nature of the dates beginning 5/20/25? Fun.

SCBWI Message Board is Down

People are asking me about the SCBWI boards. I don't know when it will be restored--I'm just a lowly moderator. Please direct your inquiries to SCBWI. You can use the green help button at the bottom of the page. And I do encourage you to ask what's going on. There's no update on the main website. 

Verla has another craft board. However, children's writing would be off-limits due to conflict of interest with SCBWI at this time. But it is a place to gather if you so choose to maintain our friendships and share other crafts: Verla Kay Creations Forum - Index 

When requesting membership to the craft board, be sure to mention you were on the SCBWI message board. It will speed up your acceptance and give you access to an exclusive Message Board Alumni group. Of course, it's open to all who enjoy crafts.

Do any of you remember this? I use this bag for my barbershop music. I added the Sing/Pray after I got religion :) I learned that Verla Kay used to sing in a barbershop chorus as well. So fun!

Carolinas SCBWI Conference Recap

I've missed seeing my Carolina writer friends so much and was pleased to know that none were affected severely by Florence. Of course, many towns north of Myrtle Beach are still not in operation. This is going to be a long recovery and many had just recovered from Matthew two years ago.

Vanessa Brantley Newton got us started off with a story about a farmer, his wife, and their little goat who had sensory issues and was dyslexic too. And the way she tells the story of this little goat who fell into a pit and managed to still get out is one that is only she can tell. She *is* the little goat. I loved hearing her story, her struggles, her triumph. She mentioned "diversity designed by adversity."  The thing that stuck with me is how she kept making art even when times were hard and there wasn't any money for food, let alone art supplies. And it's not what's expected of an African American. However, when opportunity knocked, she was prepared! I've read many of her picture books and now I can enjoy them even more. She's an amazing storyteller on and off the page. And can she sing! She sang You Have to Be Taught from South Pacific. She's pictured here with Teresa Fannin, who is our Regional Advisor, and who works tirelessly (with Bonnie Adamson) to make this a memorable conference for all. Thank YOU, Teresa.

Vanessa and Kelly Starling Lyons shared how they fell into writing and illustrating chapter books [CBs]. These are bridge books between the EZs and the MG novel. They are written for children ages 6-10 and have a wide range from 1,500 to 15,000 words. They tend to be very character driven, with a plot that moves right along. Think Junie B. Jones, Ramona, and now Jada Jones! 

Both these ladies are excellent teachers. The majority of stories will revolve around family and friends because that is their world. And as always, develop your character with these basic questions (replacing Jada with your own main character):
What does Jada want?
Who or what is standing in her way?
How does she solve the problem?
How is she changed?

I have so many CB ideas written down! And I hope some of them are marketable! My kids loved these and though they are part of a child's life for a short time, perhaps only for a couple of years, they are beloved books. I still remember learning to read by myself at age 6 and how the world opened up for me. I would've loved Jada then, a girl much like myself. I was reading the Brer Rabbit books written by Enid Blyton at the time and I saw myself in those animal characters. 

I was super-excited to meet Tammi Sauer. I've known her for a long time on the Blueboards and remember when she sold her first PB, Cowboy Camp! She has sold nearly 30 PBs with many more in the pipeline. And these are books you want to read over and over because they bring so much joy! Not only is she talented, she's delightful and generous. And when she's on, she puts on a show! She takes the prize for entertaining!!! She shared her PB secrets--it's stuff you know, like the necessity of reading, having conflict, using word play, words that sing, etc.--but the way Tammi presents it is completely unique. Don't miss a chance to see her. 

Rebecca Petruck has a new book out: Boy Bites Bug! That title reminds me of my sister, who chased ants until the day one big one bit her tongue. Yes, she ate ants! But I digress. 

Rebecca's lecture on what to do when you are sooooo close was probably the most heart-breaking because we've all been there. The collective sighs said it all. But she provided some advice that she collected from published authors and the single best advice is to move on to the next story. I agree so much with this. Everything you learn writing a book can be applied to the next one. Of course, it has its own unique lessons to teach. The second piece of advice seems contradictory: Persevere. But it isn't really. Listen. Revise. Repeat. Don't stop making art. She shared how Carol Baldwin has been returning to a historical fiction book over and over, not afraid to gut it and start over from scratch. It is going to be so wonderful when it's finally published. 

Rebecca also mentioned the value of using professional editors, contests, and connecting with your tribe. She mentioned how valuable Pitch Wars has been, not just if you get picked to be mentored, but for its community. It's precisely to meet more writers from SC that I went to this conference. I really, really miss my vibrant critique group I had in WA, the monthly get togethers with the writers from a larger area. Writing is a wonderful profession but it's hard to grow in a vacuum. I have online partners but nothing beats having a little group where you can talk shop.

I know a lot of people go to conferences to connect with editors and agents, but for me, this was all about reconnecting with other writers. I want to build a kidlit community here, preferably on Daniel Island, because you know that it is the center of my universe :) I still get those darned migraines and wish to be free of them but until then, I get so much support. My dear Michael drove me up. I rode home with Rebecca Ivester and she managed to get me to church in time for choir practice. I was so happy to get to know her better. We are plotting...something. Stay tuned. 

Becky Shillington was my roommate and we tried not to stay up too late gabbing. She took such good care of me, letting me sleep in, making me a cup of tea, sharing her cookie. I am like an elephant, never forgetting a kindness. I learned that her husband makes really good naan, so I'm wrangling an invitation to stay with them for a day. I figure we can cook an Indian meal. By the way, I'm thinking I should have a BOUND workshop that's all about food. It'd be so fun. I made another batch of kalakand but this one is more like ras-malai, with cardamom and saffron. Yummm.

It was fun to run into my very first room-mate, Jacqueline, and Viviane, who has a new picture book coming out next month--Teach Your Giraffe to Ski. I also made a couple of new friends. And last, but not least, I got a big bear hug from Donna Earnhardt, author of Being Frank, and our keynote speaker. What Scares You? Well, write it anyway. Sorry, she said it much better with stories from the Bible, LOTR, Ella Fitzgerald, and a reading of Oothar the Blue by author Brandon Reese himself.

Hope and Fear ask the same question. What if? How will you answer it? I'm leaving you with a poem that Donna shared:
Hope is the thing with Feathers by Emily Dickinson and my sweet Benny, who allowed me to finally type up a few notes.

Hope is the thing with feathers 

Art on folder by Ashlyn Anstee.

That perches in the soul, 
And sings the tune without the words, 
And never stops at all, 
  
And sweetest in the gale is heard;         
And sore must be the storm 
That could abash the little bird 
That kept so many warm. 
  
I’ve heard it in the chillest land, 
And on the strangest sea;        
Yet, never, in extremity, 
It asked a crumb of me.

SCBWI Summer Reading List

Check out the SCBWI Summer Reading List here. It is organized by region and category (PB, MG, YA, etc.) You can click on your region to support your local authors.

And lookie, Ten Easter Eggs is on page 92 in the Southwest section. Remember, we are an Easter people and every Sunday is a mini-Easter.

Notes from the Carolinas SCBWI Conference

Deana and her mentor Lisa Kline

Deana (my face-to-face critter) and me.
I brought a sales copy of Ten Easter Eggs
to show-n-tell at the book signing.

Me and Becky.
Next year we have to get
Butt and Underpants guy
to pose with Becky.




Emma Dryden and me
 

 I have no tidbits to share about what editors and agents want. Zero. That's because I parked my butt in Emma Dryden's class the entire time. If you ever have the chance to study with her, do it. She is a pro! Some of this you all know -- write hot, lusty first drafts. Anything goes. Revise with a cool head. Change it up. Try different viewpoints, voices, formats. I had minor heart-attack epiphanies while I did the writing exercises. I realized I should add a plot thread in the historical. Oh, good grief, do I really need to do this? Esp. after I cut out not one, but THREE plot threads already? You can see why this is both distressing and wonderful all at once. Instead of plodding on by myself, I have some insight into what will make my book better. Now if only the words would magically write themselves :) I think many of us had these moments in that classroom. I loved hearing excerpts of what others were working on and was impressed with the quality of writing during brainstorming.




My roomie Jacqueline and me

Keynotes were fabulous. Linda Ashman spoke about the lessons she's learned from twenty years of writing picture books. I'll share two: cultivate patience. Read and write poetry. I'm working on the first. It's my *word* for the year. Linda is incredibly gifted and of course, by the time I made it to the bookstore, all hers were sold out. I did get a look while sitting in the book signing line. And I just ordered Myra Cohn Livingston's Making Poems.

Carrie Ryan gave the closing keynote. Writers WRITE. Make time for it. Make it a priority. I cracked up over not wasting precious time telling someone on the internet that they are wrong! Ahem ...

I came home to this: key lime pie, some fresh veggies from the garden, and my sweet family. Now it's time to put all that I learned from Emma into practice. I might have a few less hair on my head, or maybe it will turn whiter .. but the writing calls to me. I'm sure some of Emma's wisdom will seep into my future posts, so stay tuned.







Why I Love Sept.

This little fellow *is* a pocket hamster. He's very much attached to my daughter and loves the sound of her voice. He'll clamber up the cage to be picked up or a treat. It's so much fun to watch him nibble on a piece of banana or carrot. Sometimes, he'll taste your finger, but has not drawn blood yet! Of course, he has nothing to do with Sept.

Despite the school/sports busyness, it's good to see the kids working hard and growing. It takes a couple of weeks to adjust and believe me, there is grousing every fall. But I am happy to see how the organized sports teach our children many, many life skills, particularly discipline. It carries over into so many other areas of their life. I highly recommend it, even if your kids are not athletic superstars. Mine aren't. They take after me ...  School days also provide me with several hours of quiet, not just for the writing, but the praying/thinking/daydreaming that is so essential in a writer's life. Even as I do the household chores, I can be thinking about the stories I'm working on. I take leisurely walks with the dog, sit out on the back porch to read, write and just soak in all the beauty. One of these days I'll have to record the symphony in my backyard. Having the quiet during the day balances our busy evenings.

It has cooled off considerably with the afternoon storms we've been having. Alas, the mosquitoes haven't quit biting me yet ...  Soon, soon. I love Sept. because it is the month my husband was born. He's growing after God's own heart. I say this to encourage those of you who mourn not introducing your children to Jesus when they were young or those who mourn the loss of faith in your adult children. Conversion of heart, the turning away from sin, can and does happen in adults. In fact, Michael was raised without God. But his heart began to turn as he read the Bible stories to our children. I cannot say I understand what went through his mind as he cast away his old thinking but he was falling in love with Jesus. And during RCIA we talked incessantly about Jesus, this God-Man, as we began to know Him. It was so much easier for me to return to faith, but in Michael I saw a greater humility as he confronted his own past and admitted that what he based his life on was wrong. This is no small thing for a grown, intelligent man. We joked about how squeaky clean he was when he was baptized. I admit I was a little bit jealous. Alas, we muck up our soul on a regular basis with all the trivial things, so thank God for confession and confessors.

That Easter Vigil, when our children were baptized and confirmed as well, I realized we've finally done right by them. But they will still need to embrace it on their own when they leave home. They will have to make a choice. Are they with Jesus or against? There is no half-way, no sitting on the fence, no wishy-washy. So keep the faith and keep praying. Two books my husband recommends for fathers: Fr. Alain Delagneau's Advice for Successful Families and Joseph's Way: the Call to Fatherly Greatness by Devin Schadt. Michael has given away so many copies of Advice, I've lost count. It's a slim book, chock-full of the most practical advice for families.

And last, I love Sept. for the SCBWI Carolinas conference. What perfect timing, even if I have to leave my sweetie for a weekend. We have a terrific chapter and I always enjoy being with like-minded folks. If you are in Charlotte this weekend, come say hello, have a cup of tea with me.

  

Fall

Fall is here ... The water's too cold for swimming, and the air too cool for drying clothes out on the porch. But the mosquitoes are also gone. I've not bitten in a couple of weeks. I didn't realize until now that not only do I switch from a summer writing pattern to school-days writing pattern, but that I have a different routine given whether it's hot or cold, and I'm finding this transition hard. I suspect the stack of good books I'm reading or planning to read is not helping my writing one bit. But I'm going to try to do better and write first, then read. I've also begun volunteering at school and it makes me realize how wonderful all the teachers are at school. I could never do even half the things they do with a group of children. We've been so blessed. I've not met a single teacher who has not been dedicated. The Blueboard created by Verla Kay has moved to its new digs at SCBWI in one piece! Lots of little glitches to take care of, but overall, a huge success. Check it out -- the best kid-lit community online. I've been a member nearly ten years!



Doesn't that clementine look ripe for the picking? It's in our back yard. Sun ripened and sweet. We've already eaten a couple and I wonder how many years it'll take until we no longer have to buy from the stores. Fall is here. What are you doing?

SCBWI Carolinas Conference

Last year was my first time to attend the Carolinas SCBWI conference and I was so impressed with the variety offered. Most of it was for book writing and illustrating. However, I spoke to many beginners or writers who had not yet been published but had been writing for a while. You all know I'm a magazine evangelist, so I'm happy to tell you I'll be offering a breakout session on magazine and nonfiction writing as a way of developing your writing career. I'd love to see you in Charlotte, NC the last weekend in Sept. if you can make it. It's great timing ... school will be in session and most of us will be in our new fall writing routines. Yes, there will be sports to manage, but I am leaving it to my husband and friends.

Some fabulous agents and editors will be there: Sarah Davies, Greenhouse Literary; Susan Hawk, The Bent Agency; Stephen Barr, Writer's House; Emily Easton, Walker Books;  Emma Ledbetter, Simon & Schuster; and Joy Neaves, namelos.

Sarah Davies, Joy Neaves, Patti Ann Harris and Dan Yaccarino are offering intensives on Friday morning.

Check out the program and entire faculty here and the links within.

Bad News and Good News

I was flossing my teeth this afternoon and a part of my half-crown fell off. I just had this work done -- it's an old cavity that was deteriorating and you don't want bugaboos getting behind and damaging any more of the tooth. But they had. More than a quarter of my tooth was missing after the dentist was finished with me this spring. She fitted me with a half crown and I was quite pleased with it. So imagine my surprise when I had a little hole in my molar again. Oy! Luckily, they were able to see me this afternoon and give me a temporary.

I was planning on writing this afternoon because my children went bowling with a friend, and what a sweet friend, because I told my kids that the only way they could go was if they found a ride to the bowling alley given that I'm still not out of hot water with those headaches -- I have been having aspirin with some coffee every afternoon to ease some of the pain. God has other plans sometimes.

But I returned home from an envelope from the SCBWI Carolinas. I was hoping it's a letter to say I won first place, because that meant my tuition for the conference would be paid ...  alas, it is third place. But it is still so wonderful to have my writing rise to this level. I had polished off the first chapter of my first novel -- a YA historical. I guess I'll have to polish the rest of it. Gee ... I hope no more teeth parts  fall out.

I highly encourage you all to enter contests. Not only do they help you to prepare your manuscript to specification (that in itself is a big accomplishment) but you can win money (as I did with the ICL contest years ago -- with a contemporary YA short story) or a trip to a conference that helps you to meet wonderful writers and editors (I had the pleasure of going to Chautauqua and to Barbara Seuling's Workshop) and even plain ole recognition is nice to have. I can say that my kids are not the only ones who like my stories.

This reminds me to start submitting more stories. After all, we've been in SC for nearly a year. I have run out of excuses. I can't have a good mail day if I don't send anything out! So send your stories out! I promise the teacher in me is going off-line for the day now.

I know several of my readers are contest winners -- Bish, Faith -- who else? Chime in please.
+

Conference Pictures and Notes

I hope you've had a chance to go through the conference notes that have been posted on the Chinook Update. If you begin here and scroll down, you'll get most everything. So fun to catch up with old friends, Lois Brandt, Jeanie Mebane, and Allyson Shrier.

And it was great to meet the Blueboarders (sorry, no pictures) and see Diana Greenwood modelling her new book, Insight.

I also made a new friend -- Sabah. We had a great time relaxing during the wine and cheese reception and sharing stories about our families.

I do have some writerly thoughts to share :) I went to a nonfiction intensive led by Lionel Bender and Jim Whiting and although I've done a fair bit of work-for-hire, I didn't realize how many books are made by book packagers -- about 30% of the children's market, I believe. So, if you like to work on a team and write market-driven books (fast!) consider not only approaching publishers but also book packagers. Jim's notes are excellent and I enjoyed hearing how Lionel became a book packager.

Deborah Wiles spoke about writing from the head, the heart and the gut -- what you know, what you feel and what you can imagine (or cannot bear to imagine). I went to her workshop on revision and she pointed us to George Ella Lyon's Where am I From? Powerful stuff. Deborah said that when you are stuck, write your own poems like Lyon's because the better you know your own story, the better writer and reviser you will be. Here she is with Peggy (more about her later).

The two agent talks I went to -- Tina Wexler and Sarah Davies -- were both extremely organized and informative about the books they like, including the heart-stopping factor. Years ago Tina (then duBois) had contacted me after I won the YA writing contest, but I was not ready to even think about an agent. I was doing a lot of magazine and work-for-hire and my novels were unpolished. I'm glad I didn't send her anything then. Five years make a difference. And Sarah Davies ought to write a book on writing. She's a marvelous storyteller herself and I found myself thinking of Ian McEwan while she told her grandmother's story. Lucky for us, she keeps a blog where she shares her knowledge unstintingly.

I loved Holly Black's keynote on plotting. She was funny and I saw how useful it is to *talk* out a novel. I'd never done this until my recent one and it's the best one so far because my partner, Jen Heger, keeps me honest. "Nah," she'll say, "your character wouldn't do that." Holly also talked about weaving subplots and it was great fun to have a demo together with Holly and E. Lockhart on a dragon story. Good stuff.

Dan Santat was so honest and vulnerable. He made us all cry. I see so many parallels between him and my son, who loves art. And here I am, the typical immigrant parent, thinking, he needs to have something practical to fall back upon. I truly hope that I'm the kind of mother who will nurture his talents. My sister and I were talking about this very topic, and how both of us gravitated towards the arts, even though we were the practical sort (out of necessity, of course). Follow your heart, your calling.

I was beyond thrilled to see Peggy King Anderson recognized for her years and years of hard work and dedication and nurturing writers. She was my first writing teacher and she told me very early on that I was a novelist hiding behind the short story. She's right. There are some stories you simply cannot fit into the short form, and so I am learning to write bigger books. She has taught me so much and I will always be grateful for all she's done for me. It was lovely to go to Palm Sunday Mass with her right after the conference; the perfect way to end the conference, bringing the focus back to Jesus, His Passion and why I am here in the first place. I missed saying goodbye to many folks, but we really did have to shoot out of there after Holly's keynote.

I could write loads more; I have an entire notebook filled with my chicken scratch, but I'm sure you've had enough. I'm so blessed to be part of such a vibrant regional SCBWI chapter. Thank you all for your hard work in making the conference such a wonderful experience.

*

Conference Notes

Our SCBWI chapter is so organized ... I was going to post a few things tonight but the Chinook Update is on top of everything. Read and enjoy. I'll be back later ... I'm so energized I have to write! It's been three days since I worked on my revision and I have several shiny tools in my writing shed I want to try out. Adios, friends. *

Exciting Weekend Ahead

Conference time! Our local SCBWI chapter rocks. So fun to meet with friends I've made on the Blueboard. We'll be meeting again: at Desert Fire 5:30 pm Friday. If you're in the area, feel free to join us. You don't need to be registered for the conference for this.

Here's my first writing teacher, Peggy King Anderson, and me. If you haven't taken a class from her, you're missing out. Check out her newly designed website. It's got bells and whistles and great writing tips.

I found the cutest website about Writers and Kitties. Check it out.

I'm all set for a weekend of inspiration and learning and getting together with old friends and new. See you there!

*

Shiny New Tools

The SCBWI-WWA team always hosts a great conference. I didn't realize that the Chinook Update was being updated live ... so go here for juicy tidbits and shiny new tools.

I love catching up with the larger writing community in the Pacific NW. I always come away inspired with new tools in my writer's toolbox. This time I have some concrete methods to try for pacing my novel, thanks to the excellent advice of Laini Taylor, Jay Asher and Edward Necarsulmer IV.

I enjoyed the Blueboard+ dinner Saturday night. What a crowd! I almost didn't go because of a severe headache, but luckily I had some medicine with me. So if anybody thought I had a pained expression on my face, please don't think you were the cause of it. Thanks to Janeen Adil and Loralee Leavitt for taking care of me.

And now it's time to catch up on my teaching and get back to my novel -- I have shiny new tools to play with.
*

SCBWI WWA Conference

Not only is Lent over ... but this weekend, our local SCBWI chapter is hosting its annual conference. Check out the details here.

Blueboarders and others who'd like to join us for Sat. evening for dinner, please walk over to the Indian restaurant Mehfil at 7 pm.

Drool.

*

Feed Your Genius!

Here I am with Peggy King Anderson. My writing journey begins with her ... she was my very first teacher (as a grown up, when I had forgotten how to write creatively) and I will always thank God for that. She brings out the best in all her students.






Here we are waiting for our wonderful Indian food to arrive, the blueboarders: Rachel, Elissa, Linda, Deb, Jeannie (I hope that's right), Denise, Laurie and Deb. So much fun to meet these ladies and talk shop. Denise has just sold her book, LOSING FAITH, and I'm looking forward to reading it. Thank you all for coming.

Grace Lin was gracious enough to stand with me right after her keynote speech so that I could have this souvenir. My kids are practically growing up on her books and I am so thankful for them and Grace.

*

Feed Your Genius!

I am certainly very well fed from our local SCBWI conference whose theme was: Feed Your Genius. Thank you to our fantastic RAs and AdCom that do so much to keep the show running smoothly.

I especially enjoy listening to local success stories ... so much heart and inspiration.

Kevan Atteberry wondered why he was even on the panel because his vision of success is to write and illustrate his own picture books. It will happen, Kevan. But it's lovely to celebrate the smaller successes along the way.

Justina Headley reminded us all to: "stop whining and do the work!" Yup, she was speaking to me.

Deb Lund wrote a poem about her inner critic!

Some of the best sessions that I went to were about plotting and deepening our work by Lisa Papademetriou, Michael Stearns and Grace Lin.

The keynote addresses were wonderful.

Adam Rex talked about getting his break in Spider magazine.

Grace Lin told us a story about wanting to be a champion ice skater and while she waited for winter, how she drew ... lovely, lovely presentation. She talked about being labeled as a multicultural author, how insecure she felt by it at first, but how these were the books that touched children. So now she doesn't worry about the label and instead writes the stories that only she can write.

Ellen Hopkins shared how she came to write her first book, Crank.

And Jon Scieszka made us laugh with stories from his childhood. What a knucklehead!!!

The best part was meeting up with old friends and making some new friends. Pictures forthcoming.
*

The Great Critique

I should've posted this before so that more people could sign up if it had slipped their radar. Better late than never, I suppose.

Wed. night, Jan. 14th, I will be critiquing nonfiction manuscripts at the Great Critique offered by our local SCBWI chapter. You can go here and register.

The Great Critique was my first visit to our local SCBWI. Molly and I were already in a critique group together and she kept encouraging me to join SCBWI, but I didn't feel ready because frankly, I didn't feel like a professional writer. Molly persisted and I finally agreed to go with her to the Great Critique.

I brought a picture book manuscript, which was very kindly reviewed by Kathryn O. Galbraith. Her biggest criticism was that it wasn't really a picture book at all, but had flavor of a chapter book. A couple of years later, I was submitting the revised manuscript as a chapter book. I got a few good rejections (more about that in another post), but no takers. I've submitted pieces of it as magazine stories and some of them have been accepted. Ever since that first Great Critique meeting, I've been receiving helpful comments on making my stories better, every year. This year I'll be the one encouraging and helping other writers. It feels like I'm coming full circle.

As a result of that first meeting, I finally joined our local chapter (they call this being a subscriber) and have learned so much from so many of our local authors and visitors. A couple of years later, I felt professional enough to join the parent SCBWI (I am a member). This organization is the only one I know of that is devoted to educating and networking children's authors and illustrators. If you are one -- join it. Don't wait to feel professional like I did. Consider it an investment. SCBWI especially geared toward the beginning writer.

So what are you waiting for? Go join.
*

Letters of Merit

My critique group rocks!

Allyson Schrier and Molly Blaisdell both got Letters of Merit for the Barbara Karlin grant (for picture book) and SCBWI WIP grant (YA contemporary) respectively!!!! Woo-hoooo!!!

I know, too many exclamations!!! But I can't help it. I'm so proud of these ladies for sticking to it and submitting their work and getting this recognition. Way to go!

See, I controlled myself (but I'm grinning ear to ear).
*