Wednesday Writers Weigh In: What is Your Stroke?

Emma: So, what's your stroke?
Ian: Sorry, my what?
Emma: Waiter stroke actress? Waiter stroke model? Waiter stroke writer?
Ian: Well, I'm a comedian.
Emma: Oh, we could use a comedian. We all like to laugh, I know I used to.

In the novel ONE DAY by David Nicholls, the question is posed "what is your stroke?"  Basically, what is it that you do to pay the rent?  And what are you pursuing or what is your dream?

I live in NYC and therefore everyone I know has "a stroke".  Caterer stroke actress.  Bartender stroke model.  Office Manager stroke screenwriter.

I, myself, am a Nanny stroke Children's Writer.

The thing about writing is that even once a writer finds themselves published they still have to find other ways to pay the bills.  A Picture Book usually only gives a $5000 advance.  Subtract the agent fees and other promotional fees (curriculum guides, freebies, etc) and you are looking at a $2000 take home.  But we don't do this for the money, do we?  I know I don't!

So, Writers Weigh In...what is your stroke?  I am curious...as I know others probably are.  :)

Did I Write That?: When Critiques feel like Collaboration

Every writer knows that sharing their work and getting their manuscripts critiqued by other writers, editors, agents, etc is part of the process of fine tuning and finally completing their work.  I am no stranger to the critiquing/feedback portion of the writing process and find ways to share my work whenever possible.

Through my monthly Critique Group, classes, and other industry avenues I have had the wonderful opportunity to have my work looked at by others and have been given some really awesome feedback.  In fact, currently I have 3 manuscripts posted in the forums for Write On Con, a free online Children's Writing Conference, and have received such amazing critiques that I was motivated to spend half the weekend revising.

If you ask me, the BEST critiques are those that not only point out what doesn't work in a particular manuscript, but gives ideas or options for improvement.  For example, instead of simply saying that the beginning of a story seems too wordy or doesn't provide enough information regarding the main characters desire, the critiques that actually show me where I can cut or that provide a possible line that I could add to build on the mc's desire are sooooo helpful to me.  I have been lucky enough to encounter many readers who have provided this kind of critique. 

The outcome is that I have some pretty strong manuscripts which really feel more like collaborations.

I can look at specific sections of a story and tell exactly where I got the idea to write it.  It sometimes makes me feel like its not my story any more.  Its a creation from all of the helpful, creative people I have in my life.

I'm sure I am not the first person to feel this way.  I don't think it means that somehow I am any less of a writer.  I don't think it means I am not the author of my own stories.  Perhaps it just means that I will have a lot of people to take out to lunch, buy a drink for and thank once I get published.

It also means that the picture book writing community is one of the most giving, encouraging, and supportive communities I have ever encountered! Its a community which nutures and understands the need to "pay it forward" and not simply get wrapped up in competition and squashing others with the same dream as you.

Although this is a little premature, thank you to each and every one of you who have ever read one of my pieces and nudged me gently and graciously in the right direction. 

Disclaimer: Part of receiving criticism includes weeding out what you want to listen to and what does not fit in with YOUR particular vision for the piece. Remember, no one should feel they need to listen to and revise based on each and every bit of criticism they receive. You are never going to please all of the people all of the time, so focus instead on pleasing yourself and writing the story you want to tell.

Friendspiration Friday: Scott Hammon

If you are lucky, at some point in your writing career you will meet someone who makes you laugh, gives amazing critiques, "gets" your own writing and is an overall great friend.  For me, that person is Scott Hammon. 

Scott is a member of my Critique Group and he is solely responsible for some of my best edits in my manuscripts.  We  seem to share the same sensibilities and humor...and have uncannily some very similiar ideas when it comes to stories.  I will be able to say, "I knew him when..." probably sooner rather than later.

Although Scott claims he does not laugh out loud when reading, I do...and I challenge you to read this interview without cracking up...loudly! 

I am pleased to introduce a true Friendspiration to me...Scott Hammon!

What do you do in real life?

In real life...I do everything that characters on reality TV do, except without all the fancy edits. I think that means there's a lot of annoying and boring things I can't fast forward through. To pay the bills, I teach elementary school. Which means I'm professionally trained to teach numbers, letters, and cope with the spontaneity of pee and poo. To appease the hungry voices in my head, I write children's books, screenplays, make movies, draw, and play music.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

When I was a kid I saw this movie called Evil Dead 2. It's an 80's silly comedy horror film directed by Sam Raimi (he did the Spider-Man trilogy). Well, that was and is one of the most innovative movies ever shot. If you haven’t heard of it, then I’m sure you think I have the worst taste in movies ever. But if you know any filmmakers, many will site this movie as an inspiration. Go ahead and rent it. Just wait about 15 minutes and ignore some of the cheesy dialogue. Then you’ll witness some impressive camera angles and filmfoolerly. Anyway, this movie got me to pursue filmmaking. Which got me to write screenplays. Now the movies I write don't fit a younger audience. So when I started teaching I got inspired to write something more universally accepted. Like a story about serial killer babies.

How often to do you write? Where? What time of day?

I try to write everyday, usually after work or after I get home from the gym. Most times I try to flesh out story ideas in my head whenever I have a free moment (on line at the store, driving in the car, baking cookies for the homeless). Quite often I have to convince myself not to bring an mp3 player to the gym just so I can resolve lingering plot issues. I really wish I could write all morning when my creative juices are producing waterfalls. But then how would students learn to stop sharpening their pencils so much. Exactly.

My favorite place to write is in my bedroom. It’s quiet and away from the TV. Sometimes I have to unplug my internet wire or else I’ll be tempted to follow a never-ending path of information. Consisting of: Who wrote this? Who directed that? What year did that happen? No way, when did that person die? Is this gonna kill me? 1 out of 500 kids are born with six toes. Monkeys never get tired of being tickled no matter how old they get. Grapes and chocolate can kill dogs?

…Well, you see what I mean.

What was your favorite story/book as a child? and why?

My favorite book was Barney Beagle. It was about a puppy waiting to be sold at a pet shop. Every time a kid walked into the store, Barney Beagle would ask “Is that my boy?” I guess this book stood out because I liked how my mom read it to me. I think it’s important to read a book with feeling or with unique voices. Some books really require it. I’ve heard some teachers read to their students and it made me feel so bad for the class and the author…I’ve written/read eulogies with more spunk.

What kind of stories do you like to write? Where do you get your inspiration?

I like to write stories that make people laugh. However, when I read, I rarely smile or laugh aloud. But when I do, that thought, scene, picture, or line stays with me. And I love that. It’s so important to connect with a reader’s emotions.

I get my inspiration from childhood memories, teaching, socializing and movies. As a kid, I saw movies on a regular basis. During summer break, my mom would take me to see almost every film genre out there. Being exposed to comedy, action, war, horror, AND Steel Magnolias/Beaches, definitely rounded out my film appreciation. Whenever I see a great movie or read a great book or watch a great stand-up act, I get inspired to create something great. Tony the Tiger says Frosted Flakes are great. But are they?

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I’m gonna change the “What” in this question to a “Who.” When I was really young I wanted to be Kenny Rogers. At home, in the car, on the TV, I was constantly bombarded with his music – thanks to my parents. I still remember the time I told my dad that I wished Kenny Rogers was my father. My mom came into my room and said I really hurt his feelings. That night, we had a bonfire and my sister and I were forced to burn every piece of Kenny Rogers memorabilia we owned…okay, that last sentence I totally made up.

If you could go back in time and tell your 8 year old self one thing, what would it be?

When your teacher asks the class about what chores they do at home, and she notices that you don’t have your hand up, and she says “Scott, don’t you wash the dishes?” Don’t try to be funny and say, “That’s woman’s work.” She won’t appreciate your first attempts at sarcasm.

What is the greatest piece of writing advice you have ever received?

I was always told to write what you know. I’ve found that when you write from experience it becomes more personal and allows your work to be injected with life. If you’re writing about a boy that is running home to use the bathroom, and you personally know what it feels like to have an accident in your pants -- you’re gonna bring that kind of experience to the writers table – most likely with a sickening wet vengeance.

Check out Scott's blog called The Weekly Tickle at www.scotthammon.com.

Do YOU have a Friendspiration you would like to introduce us to on a future Friday? Please send an email to marciecolleen@gmail.com and we will make that happen.

Wednesday Writers Weigh In: Its Almost Back to School Time!

Its almost back to school time!  Can you believe that we are already in the last few weeks of summer?  Its been a hot one for many of us around the globe.  I know that I am eagerly anticipating apple picking, pie baking, colored leaves and pumpkin lattes.

I am also excited about a new endeavor that I am developing this fall and looking to launch in early 2013.  That's right folks, I am going to start a business of creating educational curriculum and lesson plans for authors and teachers!  Its time I tapped back into my bachelor's degree in education, my masters degree in educational theater and my extensive resume of curriculum building.

Anyway, as I move forward with this project I could really use your help.

Authors, what do you look for in curriculum tie-ins and activities for classroom/library visits?  Also, what is usually your budget for such materials?

Thanks, writers!  I really appreciate your answers in advance!

Weigh In!

Party with the Pity, Then Move On!

Saturday was an incredibly hot and humid day as I set out to run 11 miles with Team in Training in preparation for the NYC Marathon.  Needless to say, it was a tough run on Manhattan streets of steaming asphalt.  With the sun beating down on me and the sweat not evaporating, I quickly felt sluggish and my attitude plummetted.

I ended up walking some of the route, which made me even more frustrated with myself.  And having a coach, that I didn't even know, start lecturing me about walking made me want to throw in the towel and call it a day.

In the end, I pushed it and ran 9.6 miles.  And although that was pretty impressive for such a brutal day, all I could focus on was the 1.4 miles that I didn't run. 

How can I call myself a runner?  How will I EVER be able to complete a full marathon on November 4th when I can't even run 11 now?  I spiraled and spiraled into my own self-doubt and gloominess.

To top it all off, when I got home I had received an email which made me doubt myself as a writer and a member of the kidlit community.

Chalk it up to one crappy Saturday!

We all have days like this.  When nothing seems to be going well.  When we doubt why we are trying to pursue what we are trying to pursue.  And those negative voices are strong and seem to drown out anything positive that might be occuring (ie. a 9.6 miles run in horrible conditions). 

There is absolutely no way to guarantee to never have a bad day.  But, whether its a bad day of writing or running, its recovery that in my opinion counts!

• Allow yourself the day.  It may sound weird, but when faced with a really terrible day, chalk it up as that and allow yourself the day.  However, vow that it is only the day and tomorrow HAS TO BE better.  Binge on chocolate, listen to sad music, gripe to a friend.  Whatever it is that you need to do, do it for the day.
• Strategize.  Plan what you can do tomorrow to kick some butt and get back on track.
• Sleep.  Nothing beats a good solid sleep.  Perhaps take a nap or just get to bed early at night.  But get those Zzzzzzs.  Your mom is right....everything looks better in the light of a new day.
• Make no excuses.  The next day, kick butt.  Quite simply put.  Wake up and set out to make yourself proud.  Do what you can to succeed, even in a small way.
• Learn.  Make note of what you can learn from your crappy day and take pride in your recovery.

Sunday morning I did a "No Excuses, No Walking" 5 mile run through Brooklyn.  Yes, it was hot.  Yes, I was sweating more than usual.  Yes, it would have been more fun to wallow some more and have brunch instead.  But I knew it was what I had to do to prove to myself that I can do this.  I am a runner.  I have bad days.  I get back out there and run again.

Today I am going to kick some butt in the kidlit world.  No, I will probably not be published by the end of the day, hence eliminating that struggle.  But I can find something small to do and succeed at to help get my self-esteem back on track.

Because despite one day, I am a writer.  I can do this.  I have a dream.  I have bad days.  I get back out there and write again.

Friendspiration Friday: Lori Alexander on Kellie Dubay Gillis

Its Friendspiration Friday and today we continue to celebrate the special people who inspire us to be all we can be.  Today, we focus on critique partners. 

Let's face it, finding a good critique partner can be as difficult as finding a soul mate!   When Lori contacted me about sharing this wonderful Friendspiration, I jumped on the idea!  Afterall, I am a HUGE cheerleader for Crit Partners!  

May we all be as lucky as Lori and Kellie have been.

Thank you, Lori, for joining us today!  Take it away...

WANTED: PB Critique Partner

MUST LIKE: Quirky characters, humorous plotlines, unique settings

MUST DISLIKE: Bad rhyme, stories without tension

OTHER: Must be willing to show not tell

LOOKING FOR: A serious relationship; long distances okay

*Please respond in 500 words or less*

A trusted critique partner is an absolute must for a writer. But like dating, finding that perfect match takes time. After striking out with a handful of writers, I completely clicked with my now dear friend, Kellie DuBay Gillis. We found each other in the “Queries and Critique Requests” section of Verla Kay’s Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Chat Board, otherwise known as the Blue Boards (check out this fabulous resource, if you haven’t already). Kellie and I have been swapping stories for over two years now. Here’s why she’s a fabulous critique partner and my friendspiration:

-She’s dedicated. Kellie is a working mom with two young children, yet she devotes much of her free time to staying up to date on the kidlit market. Not only is she an avid PB and MG reader, she’s an active SCBWI member, conference goer, and one of the hosts of a weekly MG twitter chat. Did I mention Kellie has multiple picture books in the works as well as a middle grade novel?

-She’s knowledgeable. Kellie’s critiques are spot on. From her, I learned how to raise the stakes in my own writing. I learned that my PBs need layers—my main character has to face internal and external struggles. I can email Kellie a half-baked idea or a fully polished manuscript. She knows my style of writing and her suggestions always make for a stronger text.

-She gets it! More than just critiques, Kellie and I have shared ups and downs over the past few years. We’ve queried agents, dissected editor feedback, and traded nuggets of info gathered from conferences/webinars. We’ve crossed our fingers. We’ve waited. And we’ve weathered plenty of rejection. Kellie understands how huge it is to go to acquisitions and how heartbreaking it is when your best PB is rejected again. Even though I keep my husband semi clued-in to my dream to be published, he can’t talk in depth about word count or coming up with a PB idea that has universality and a strong commercial hook. Kellie can. She knows how difficult (and how rewarding) this business can be. When I got my good news* last week, Kellie’s cheers could almost be heard from her home state of OH (I’m in AZ). We’ve never met in person, but she swears she’ll be first in line at my launch party next year. How great is that!

Thanks, Kellie, for all your support and encouragement. And blog readers, here’s to hoping you’ve found your perfect crit partner as well!

Finally, a big thanks to Marcie for letting me rave about my Friendspiration!

Lori Alexander is a member of SCBWI and volunteers as the Fiction Editor for the online Stories for Children Magazine. *Her first picture book, BACKHOE JOE, will roll out in 2013 from Harper Children’s.


Do YOU have a Friendspiration you would like to introduce us to on a future Friday? Please send an email to marciecolleen@gmail.com and we will make that happen.

Wednesday Writers Weigh In: Inspiration of Olympic sized Proportions!

Did you know that the Greeks included Poetry Competitions in the Olympics? 

To celebrate, NPR is hosting the Poetry Games.  They have invited poets from all over the globe to participate by submitting poems inspired by althetes and athletics.

Have the Olympics inspired you to write a story? 

Summertime can be very busy...and very inspirational!

I was inspired to write a new story about one boy's desire to be tall enough to ride the Bumper Cars while spending time on the Boardwalk in Point Pleasant, NJ with some kids last weekend. 

What other summer time adventures or activities this summer have inspired your writing?

Writers...Weigh In!