Perpetuate the Dream!

 

(from a dear friend of mine, Jon Egging)

 

2012 is an important year in the life of us all. We have a chance to be everything we have dreamed we could be. It is in no small part due to the efforts of great people like MLK that we can all look at life in this way. I encourage you to celebrate this fact by finding ways to encourage others to dream big.

 

I thank you for being a Follower of this blog and hope that next year will be filled with success.

 

Check out these links for further inspiration:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umsu2ybYPa0&feature=related

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm

 

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/special/mlk/

 

 

The Curious Case of...Buttons!

When trying to gather thoughts for this post I Googled "story" and "buttons". I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when the only hits were about interactive apps and ebooks for kids. For example, "Press the button and hear the sheep sing out in chorus." I was then reminded of Lane Smith's brilliant "Its a Book!" and want to say simply, what I am talking about here is "a book, jackass." But that is another topic for another day...don't need to get in to my thoughts on ebooks right now.

Today I want to talk about the beauty of the well-crafted "button" at the end of a picture book. 

Tara Lazar kicked off the 12 x 12 in '12 challenge with a post about how to end a story...afterall, it can be helpful to have that roadmap approach to writing and know where you are going to end up.  If you missed her article, read it here.

But I want to take the idea of how to end a story one step further and talk about buttons.  In fact, that is exactly what a button is.  Its the last little phrase or visual at the end that kinda seems to take things one step further.  In fact, if eliminated you would still have a fully formed story.  But the button adds a little oomph and leaves the reader with that much more.

Let's look at 2 amazing examples of buttons...one verbal and one visual...one from a classic children's picture book that you have probably read 100 times and one from a newly released non-fiction picture book that is topping bestseller lists shortly after its recent release.

1)  A verbal button:  Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

"and it was still hot."

After Max has returned home to his room to find his supper, Sendak found it important to add "and it was still hot" on the last blank page.  No illustration.  Why is this?  What do those 5 little words add to the end of the story? 

In a recent writing class, my instructor said that his wife cannot read that line to their son without tearing up.  To her, this little button further comments on the love that his mother has for Max.  Despite his "wild thing" behaviors and being sent to his room without supper, his mother still leaves a hot meal for him.

This button can also be interpreted as a measure of time...meaning that Max has felt like he has been on such a long journey, but back in reality we realize that supper is still hot and although Max's world has grown through imagination, the time it took was actually not that long.  Therefore a comment on imaginative play.

You might have other interpretations or comments on this button.  I would love to hear them below.  But the point being here is that the story was actually quite complete when Max returns to "his very own room where he found his supper waiting for him."  However, this button adds something...

2)  A visual button:  "Me...Jane" by Patrick McDonnell

If you haven't already read this "sure to be a classic" bestseller, you really need to get your hands on it!  Its a delightful nonfiction account of Jane Goodall's childhood.  The story takes us through the adventures and dreams of Jane as a child with her companion....a stuffed chimpanzee named Jubilee.  Little Jane dreams of someday going to Africa to be with the animals...and at the end we are told, "At night Jane would tuck Jubilee into bed, say her prayers, and fall asleep...to awake one day...to her dream come true."  What a beautiful story!  But Patrick McDonnell did not leave it there.  And he also did not illustrate this page...although I absolutely love his charming and whimsical illustrations throughout.  No, Patrick McDonnell adds a button here of a photograph of grown-up Jane (the real Jane Goodall) with a young chimp (shown right). Gorgeous! 

I have to admit, the first time I read this story I instantly teared up and got goosebumps upon the turning of this page. Was this photo necessary to finish the story?  No.  But it serves as a lovely reminder that Jane Goodall is a real person and that dreams really do come true. 

A button adds that little tear, smile, chuckle or "awwwww".  Perhaps a button is even the reason why we like to read certain stories over and over again.  They satisfy in some way that a simple ending does not.

What are some favorite stories of yours that have buttons? 



New Series: Wednesday Writers Weigh-In!

I have questions.  Some basic, some frivolous, some pressing.  But I have questions that I really want to pose to the writing community. 

So today I launch a new weekly series on this blog called Wednesday Writers Weigh-In!

This highly re-Tweetable series will hopefully spark dialogue, ignite inspiration and possibly answer some pressing and/or just plain curious questions about writers' lifestyle, practice, the biz, etc.

Let's start out with a fun, light topic.  Today's Weigh-In is something I have been curious about.  It is inspired by Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  So, writers, Weigh-In and re-Tweet away as we answer the question:






And please feel free to expand upon your answer by commenting and starting a dialogue.

Note: Special thanks to Susanna Hill for the tips on how to place a poll on my blog.

Waiting for the Lightning to Strike!

Ever feel like Marty McFly waiting out in Hill Valley til historic lightning hits the clock tower and you're home free?  I know I do.  I have the brilliant idea, the excitement for the project, the laptop to write it on, various notebooks in my book bag, purse, by the bed and on my desk...the only thing I need is the "lightning" needed to actually write the manuscript!  I know it will come and when it does I will be shaking with adrenaline and creative energy.  I've been here many times before.  But the waiting is tough.

So what do I do when I am waiting for the lightning? 

1)  Stay calm and relaxed about it.  Chances are there are no family pictures with fading relatives that will eventually be erased from existence if I do not complete the manuscript urgently.  Therefore, it is best to breathe deeply and tell myself that it will come...just not right now.  I try not to fixate.  Just go about daily life.

2)  Keep that pan on the back burner simmering and sauteeing.  The key is to not forget about the brilliant idea but to keep checking on it and perhaps even getting my spatula in there and move things around a bit.  Maybe at this point I will realize it needs more salt or oil.  I just keep an eye on it, checking in on the idea daily (or more often). 

3)  Build craft and gather more inspiration.  I know when I am waiting for the lightning I sometimes start to freak thinking, "what if I don't have anymore good ideas?  what if the manuscripts I have already written are the only ones I will ever have?"  Its best to kill these thoughts.  One way is to continue to treat myself as a writer.  Hang with other writers or a Critique Group.  Read online blogs.  Enroll in a webinar or class or workshop.  The key is to continue to build craft in the waiting....afterall, who knows what will spark that lightning.  Its best to keep creating the atmospheric conditions.

4)  Read past work.  At these times I like to read past work for mine.  Isn't wonderful when you become your own inspiration?  Continue to foster belief in yourself.

5)  Research.  Ok.  So this seems more relevant for certain manuscripts over others.  I mean, my current manuscripts is about monsters in the closet.  I could embark on a journey through closets and interview the monsters living there....OR I could just hang with kids and possibly ask them about monsters living in their closets and how they would deal with it.  Or post a poll on some social networking.  Keep those ideas coming.

6)  Chill the champagne and buy the chocolate.  Bottomline is to believe that it will come.  It has come before.  It will come again...and the exuberance will be overwhelming!  And when it does come...don't forget to celebrate! That is important.  So...in the meantime, get that post-manuscript reward ready!

So here I am with my lightning rod up high, drinking coffee, heading to the playground, getting ready for a workshop and webinar this week, reading various blogs...Happy Monday, Happy Writing everyone!  Breathe...and triumph will come!

Bear+Hat+Crime=Murder and Inspiration!

"I Want My Hat Back" by Jon Klassen has spent the last 4 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list, so obviously, as a Picture Book writer I was looking forward to reading it.  Afterall, I am always curious to see what makes a best-selling picture book...and what kind of story skyrockets a first-time author to the top!  What I found was a delightfully simple story with equally simple, yet engaging, illustrations...and some unexpected inspiration!

In this simple story a bear is on the quest to find his lost red and pointy hat.  After questioning several other animals he finds the perp and takes the law into his own hands.  Brilliant...and I have to say, a breath of fresh air.  Why?  Because I learned to no longer edit those crazy stories in my head that others might say would be "controversial". 

Let me explain....

Sometimes as Picture Book writers I think we tend to "play it safe."  We don't want to write about anything too scary or controversial....so instead we edit our stories to avoid such criticism.  Let me give a few examples to better illustrate my point.

1)  I was once a part of a conversation among writers regarding a portion of a story I had written that included what could be described as Bullying.  It was told to me that in this day and age bullying is a very serious issue and it is important that parents and other adults intervene.  So...it was not considered a good move for me to write a story in which the protagonist was bullied and decided to deal with the issue on his own, without adult help.  Worst yet, my story took a comical look at bullying which I was told would be very frowned upon.  But how do you explain Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series?  Does his behavior and the way that Harry, Ron and Hermoine deal with it on their own somehow condone bullying?  This is an issue I have really struggled with...

2)  A colleague of mine once wrote a Picture Book in which the protagonist ran away from home and into the woods because she was not happy with her step-mom.  In the woods she meets an enchanted frog and the story escalates from there.  It was brought up that her book seemed to make running away enticing and therefore would not be a good sell.  But how many fairy tales involve children wandering off on their own?  This is a real conundrum.

3) Lastly, and perhaps worst of all is when someone says they think a word or phrase is not "kid language" and needs to be changed!  Really?  So if I use a big word my book will no longer appeal to children?  Hmmmm....

Anyway, my point here being that storytelling...GOOD storytelling...will prevail no matter what!  Jon Klassen's book is delightful despite including thievery and eventual murder.  Its fun, believe it or not!  But upon reading it, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of feedback he got from other writers when he would share his manuscript!  Is it too dark?  Should it be more benign?  Should the bear become friends with the rabbit at the end and share the hat?  All I can say is that I am happy the story is what it is. 

Congrats, Jon Klassen for showing me that the sky's the limit!  Despite naysayers, the spirit of the Grim Brothers lives on!

Tell your tale!  Believe in your writing....someone has to, right? 

Put One Foot in Front of the Other

"Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible."  ~ Anthony Robbins, American advisor to many leaders.

One of the reasons why I simply do not like New Years resolutions, is that I feel like you are setting yourself up for failure.  We can often visualize these grand gestures of good intentions, but few of us actually take that first step to "turning the invisible into the visible." 

Many of us are guilty of the "its in my head, I just haven't written it down yet" syndrome.  But the scary reality is that that's where many great stories begin and end.  Let's make sure we don't fall victim to that in 2012.

I struggled with this as I sat down yesterday to write my first picture book draft for 12x12 in '12.  I had an idea in my head...but I felt frozen when it came down to writing it.

So...how do you make the invisible into the visible?  I can answer that with a quote from another great leader, Kris Kringle.  "Put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking out the door!"

As a Picture Book writer what does that look like? 

1)  Get all of the ideas in your head down on paper...or screen, in many cases.  Take that idea that has been swimming around and get it out.  This doesn't have to be anymore than a brainstorm session or stream of consciousness.

2)  Fill in any other ideas through research or further investigation into your topic.  Do you have enough conflict?  Does your character have enough to do?  Do you have a story arch?  Take as long as you need.  Remember, you might not have a draft yet, but you are taking the steps necessary.

3)  Start putting those "bones" together to create a first draft.  Tbis may take awhile...but you will probably feel yourself build up momentum as you start this process.

Voila!  You are well on your way!  No one said it had to be done in one day.

Stop staring at that blank screen looking for your award-winning first line!  Just do it!  Write!  It will come!  And as for 12x12 in '12...its only January 4th! 

2012...Bring It!

I've never been much for New Year's Resolutions, despite my goal-oriented nature. In fact, I have never put that much emphasis on New Years, in general.  Sometimes I don't even stay awake til midnight.  What can I say?  One year in California we decided to party with the East Coasters at 9pm, watch the ball drop and head to bed.  Its just not my thing.

Instead, I usually set professional goals for myself in the fall (its probably the former teacher in me).  This past September I launched this blog and embarked on my 10 month war against dabbling. 

I also set personal goals for myself on my birthday each year.  This past year I created a list of 37 Things To Do When 37.  I am proud to say that I have accomplished many of them...but still have 4 months to try and complete them all.  We shall see.  If not, come April 17th I will be transferring some of them on to my 38 Things To Do When 38 list.  :)

But this New Year is different.  2012.  Whoah. 

Why?

Well, first, I am going to be running the ING NYC Marathon on November 4th.  This will be my very first marathon.  The longest I have run is the NYC Half Marathon (13.1 miles) in March 2011.  This is huge!  And I am focusing on this goal from this day until November 4th.  So, 2012 to me means building running endurance, taking lots of boot camps to strengthen and slim down my entire body, and overal mentally preparing.  I have always said I wanted to run the NYC Marathon before I turned 40...so November 4, 2012...Bring It!

Secondly, I have enrolled to participate in Julie Hedlund's 12 x 12 in '12 challenge.  What does this mean?  It means that I will be working to write 12 Picture Book Manuscripts in the 12 months of 2012...one per month. 

There are monthly prizes for participants, guest posts from those in the picture book industry and a great community of fellow particpants in the Facebook group Julia has set up for the challenge. You can also follow the #12x12in2012 hashtag on Twitter.

So....yes, 2012 looks to be a busy one.  I look forward to sitting at my favorite pub on December 31, 2012 and raising a glass to accomplishments!  I might be raising that glass at 6pm before passing out from exhaustion...but midnight or no midnight, this girl is getting it done in 2012. 

Now I have some work to do...excuse me.  :)

What goals have you set for yourself this year? I'd love to hear all about them. And if you are a Picture Book writer, please consider joining 12 x 12 in '12. :)

Happy Writing!