Writer in Progress - Lupe Ruiz-Flores Blog

Excellent Read

2012-02-12T18:51:00.000-06:00

I just finished reading the 2012 Newbery Medal book, Dead End in Norfelt, by Jack Gantos. It was an excellent read. I really enjoyed it. You might want to listen to a five-minute mini-documentary provided by TeachingNet.com where Gantos talks about his love of journaling and writing. I am in the mood for reading so I also bought two of Richard Peck's books, The Teacher's Funeral, and The River Between Us. Of course, I recommend my friend Lupe's book, Under the Mesquite, which is written in verse and got the Pura Belpre Award.

Rio Grande Valley

“Five Questions for Jane Yolen,” is also something you might want to read. The Horn Book blog post by Roger Sutton features an interview with Yolen about her book, Snow in Summer. According to the post, Yolen has over 300 titles to her name. Yikes! I have a lot of catching up to do. It was my pleasure to have met Ms. Yolen at a writer’s retreat a few years back. She was charming and supportive of all the aspiring writers there, including yours truly.

"The only way to fail is to not write the book you care about." - Libba Bray (From Ingrid’s Notes blog).

Wordless picture books

2012-02-06T21:14:00.000-06:00

Did you know that the 2012 Caldecott book is a wordless picture book? Amazing! A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka won the Caldecott for best illustrated story. Raschka already has another Caldecott under his belt—Hello, Goodbye Window won in 2006. But A Ball for Daisy was his first wordless picture book and Raschka said “…was a challenge … and went through many, many variations” in an NPR post. Read the entire article on NPR’s blog. Pretty fascinating.

School Visit

At the SCBWI-LA 2009 conference, which I attended, the Golden Kite Award was presented to Hyewon Yum for another wordless picture book, Last Night. It was a delightful illustrated story.

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates’ loot on Treasure Island … and best of all, you can enjoy these riches every day of your life.” – Walt Disney

Great stuff on SCBWI Winter Conference

2012-02-02T21:15:00.003-06:00

The SCBWI winter conference in New York was over just a few days ago. If you were not in attendance, here’s your chance to take a look at their official blog on the happenings that went on at the conference. From fabulous pictures of editors, agents, conferees, panels, etc., to videos of conferees talking about their experiences there, to great articles about the keynote speakers’ addresses, you won’t want to miss reading this post.

While scrolling down through the blog, I saw where Regina Brooks, founder and president of Serendipity Literary Agency, sponsors an annual writing contest. Here is your opportunity if you’ve been working or have finished a YA novel.

Sigh. Wish I had been there.

Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him. – Maya Angelou

Do book awards matter?

2012-01-28T12:07:00.000-06:00

In my previous post, I mentioned some of the 2012 award-winning books and offered a link, ALA Press Release, for the entire list of awards. If you wish to read more about why these awards matter, visit Harold Underdown’s blog (The Purple Crayon). He breaks this topic into three sections: (1) Why awards matter, and what you'll find here. (2) More sources of information and places to buy award-winning books. (3) Articles about children's book awards.

And don’t miss Publisher’s Weekly interviews with the winners of the Newbery, Caldecott, and William C. Morris Debut YA award in the article: “Gantos, Raschka, Whaley: Where They Were When the Award Call Came.” It is an interesting read.

“No matter what your writing life brings, believe in yourself and keep moving forward. Most writers cycle between periods of self-doubt and periods of confidence.” – Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner

Newbery, Caldecott and More

2012-01-23T19:20:00.013-06:00

The book awards list is out. Congratulations to all those on the winner and honor lists. I am especially excited because I know three of those on the Pura Belpré list: Monica Brown, Guadalupe Garcia McCall, and Xavier Garza. What an honor.

The 2012 Newbery medal (most outstanding contribution to children’s literature) went to Jack Gantos for his book, Dead End in Norvelt, published by Farrar Straus Giroux.

The Caldecott Medal (most distinguished American picture book for children) went to author/illustrator Chris Raschka for the book, A Ball for Daisy, published by Schwartz &
Wade Books, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books.

The Pura Belpré Author Award (honoring a Latino writer and illustrator whose children’s books best portray, affirm, and celebrate the Latino cultural experience) went to Guadalupe Garcia McCall for her YA book, Under the Mesquite, published by Lee and Low. The Illustrator Award went to author/illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh for the book, Diego Rivera: His World and Ours, published by Abrams Books for Young Readers.

For a complete look at all the winners and awards, link to ALA Press Release blog.

"Surprise is what keeps readers turning the pages and writers filling them up." -- James Howe

Kids' Book Club Pick

2012-01-22T11:33:00.001-06:00

Here’s an interesting article, “January Kids' Book Club Pick: 'The Watsons Go To Birmingham’ – 1963” published on the National Public Radio (NPR) blog by Michele Norris. The book, written by Newbery Medal winner, Christopher Paul Curtis, is what is becoming what NPR calls a modern classic. I was privileged to meet Mr. Curtis at one of the SCBWI-LA conferences. His book, Bud, Not Buddy, is one of my favorites. Enjoy the article.

Christopher Paul Curtis autographing his book!

If you’re writing a chapter book, Little Pickle Press is accepting submissions. For more details, visit their website. Best of luck with your queries and submissions for the new year.

I attended our first local SCBWI chapter meeting of the new year yesterday. The session, “Goals: Set, Track, and Meet Them in 2012 (and Beyond!),” was a great way to start the year. I came home and set up a spreadsheet defining my writer’s goals for the year. I hope to stay true to those goals. Have you set up yours for the year?

"A book is like a garden carried in the pocket." -- Chinese Proverb

Writer Contest

2012-01-17T21:09:00.000-06:00

If you’re in the middle of writing or have finished a YA novel, perhaps you’d be interested in entering the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. According to their website: “…the award brings together talented writers, reviewers, and publishing experts to find and develop new voices in fiction. The 2012 international contest will award two grand prizes: one for General Fiction and one for Young Adult Fiction. Each winner will receive a publishing contract with Penguin, which includes a $15,000 advance. Open submissions for manuscripts will begin on January 23, 2012 and run through February 5, 2012. If you're an author with an unpublished or previously self-published novel waiting to be discovered, visit CreateSpace to sign up for regular contest updates. See the official contest rules, or read details on how to enter.”

Garden

Great news! The talented author/illustrator, Laura Lacamara, who is illustrating my next book, Alicia’s Fruity Drinks/Las Aguas Frescas de Alicia, is on the 2012 Top Ten "New" Latino Authors to Watch (and Read) posted on the LatinoStories blog. I am thrilled for her and wish her much success.

"Sing like no one's listening; love like you've never been hurt; dance like nobody's watching; live like it's heaven on earth." -- Mark Twain

Creative Writing Prompts

2012-01-11T21:12:00.006-06:00

I enjoy going to Albuquerque, New Mexico. I love the wide open skies and the Sandia mountains looming over the city, changing color as the day goes by. Tumbleweeds roll across the road as the winds help them along. Historic Old Town in downtown Albuquerque is vibrant and colorful. I can see why some artists and writers find inspiration there and are attracted to that city.

But as a writer, you don't have to wait for inspiration or visit another city. All you need to do is sit down in front of that computer and write! Easy to say, right? I know it's hard staring at a blank screen sometimes. If you're like me, you try to find excuses to get out of that chair. But it takes discipline to stay put. Try some writing prompts to get you started. Or pick one word and write around it. Sometimes what I do is start this way: I remember when ..... Or I would really like to write about ....(something you don't know anything about but wish you did). I know it sounds simple but I’ve heard the expression of keeping “butt in chair.” Try it. You might just find out it really works.

Albuquerque

But if you’re still having trouble getting those creative juices started, try some simple prompts. The following website has tons of writing prompts to choose from: CreativeWritingPrompts.

“A room without books is like a body without soul.” -- Cicero

A Milestone

2012-01-09T17:49:00.000-06:00

A milestone for me today: It is my birthday!!! A great one too, I might add. But I refuse to divulge how many. Birthday wishes came from all over. My children, friends and family called or sent snail mail cards and e-cards as well. I am blessed and fortunate to have such people in my life. Take a peek at my birthday cake that a friend brought over. Only about 1,000 calories. Heh-Heh. But I enjoyed it.

My Low-Calorie Birthday Cake!

To help you get a head start on the new year, check out the The BookShelf Muse blog. It’s got tons of helpful information and offers “writing tools and musing on reading, writing, and other randomness.” I especially like their “emotions’ thesaurus.”

“If we had to say what writing is, we would define it essentially as an act of courage.” – Cynthia Ozick (Writer’s Quotation Book)

Pictures for your book

2012-01-03T22:04:00.000-06:00

Is everything on the Internet free? What if you see a magnificent picture/photo that is just right for that story you’re sending to a magazine? What if you’ve written a story and the publisher asks for pictures? Can you just cut and paste from the Internet? In Jan Fields’ article,"I Found This Picture Online -- Can I Use It?" posted on the Institute of Children’s Literature blog, she addresses this topic and whether you are violating copyright laws or not. To find out what is public domain and what isn’t, read her excellent article on how to deal with this issue.

Hemisfair

Your book is coming out and you’re thinking of building an online presence but don’t quite know how to start? Visit Chuck Sambuchino’s article, “7 Best Practices for Building an Online Presence,” on The Writers’ Digest blog, which shows how to start building your platform.

"A good book is the best of friends, the same today and forever." -- Martin Farquhar Tupper

A Writer's Goals

2011-12-30T18:45:00.006-06:00

Well, the year is just about over. Time to set new goals as a writer. I seem to have the same goals every year: write and read more, submit manuscripts to publishers, nurture myself as a writer, attend at least one writer’s conference or workshop, value my writer friends, keep the hope up. Of course, I don’t always get all of these done. Each year seems to go by faster than the last one.

The above is what I wrote a couple of years ago, but it still applies. I went over my journal to see if I had really read as much as I had hoped to in 2011. I could have done better, but, oh, well. Some of the books I read were: Moon Over Manifest, Writing as a Sacred Path, Olive’s Ocean, Between Us Baxters, Noah’s Compass, Climbing the Stairs, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, The Help, The Water Seekers, Turtle in Paradise, Between Shades of Gray, Three Quarters Dead, Under the Mesquite, and There is no long distance now: very short stories by Naomi Shihab Nye. Add one more, a nonfiction book which I just read last night: Frances Hodgson Burnett: Beyond the Secret Garden by Angelica Shirley Carpenter and Jean Shirley.

This past year was a pretty good one for me as a writer. I feel truly blessed. I got three book contracts for picture books and McGraw Hill bought subsidiary rights for one of my books. I also was a recipient of the SCBWI/Amazon.com award for a work-in-progress piece. I hope 2012 will be a great year as well. I wish you a year of inspiration and great writing.

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates’ loot on Treasure Island … and best of all, you can enjoy these riches every day of your life.” – Walt Disney

Writers' Retreat

2011-12-23T13:55:00.000-06:00

I’ve been reminiscing about a writers' retreat I attended a few years ago in Pennsylvania. It was during this time of year that I had that wonderful experience. During the past few days, I have received emails from across the country from some of my fellow writers who attended the same retreat. We have so many fond memories of our time together in those beautiful, rustic cabins.

From my journal on one of those days, I wrote: Arrived a little while ago from the Scranton airport. It is cold here, but the sun is out. Remnants of powdered snow linger in patches on the ground and on nearby rocks. I have been assigned to one of the cabins, which is nestled in a wooded area surrounded by tall trees. There’s a tiny porch with a rocking chair. There’s also a pathway that leads down into the woods.

The Cabins

The leaveless trees stand tall and firm and let the sun filter through. Some dry orange leaves still cling stubbornly to some trees as if not wanting to yield to the coming winter cold. My little cabin creaks as the strong wind pounds the walls.

The other writers and I are to meet with the editors in the “big house” down the hill. That house is quaint and charming. Across the street is a creek. We shall workshop our manuscripts then. Looking forward to it.

The Creek

I wish you abundant blessings and happy writing in the coming year. I hope that you too will someday attend a writer’s retreat that will leave you with wonderful memories.

Picture Books

2011-12-16T14:45:00.000-06:00

For those of you who write and/or illustrate children’s picture books, here’s an interesting article on the TheTeachingBooks.net blog from an illustrator’s perspective. Guest blogger, Mélanie Watt, award-winning author/illustrator, writes about the techniques, styles, swing moods and facial expressions she uses for the characters in her books. In her fascinating piece, “From Crayons to Computer-Generated Art,” she writes about how she got started with an art project and a “teacher who sent her mockup to a publisher.” For both illustrators and writers, I believe this is an inspiring article of one author/illustrator’s journey into the world of picture books.

San Antonio River Walk
Happy Holidays!

“Possibly the greatest role a book can play in the lives of young readers is to assure them that they aren’t alone.” – Richard Peck

Writing Goals

2011-12-14T19:22:00.000-06:00

One of the things I look forward to during the holidays is getting together with family for our annual Cookie Exchange Party. We take turns hosting the party each year. At the gathering, we listen to Christmas music, catch up on the latest in family news, eat delightful snacks, and then start the “ritual” of the cookie exchange. The cookie containers get fancier and fancier each year. Some are so beautifully wrapped, you hate to even open and disturb the elaborate decorations that you know have been created with a lot of love. Over the holidays, I share the dozens of cookies (all different varieties) with neighbors and friends. It’s a tradition I have enjoyed with my family for many, many years now. Do you have a special tradition you treasure during the holidays?

And it’s not too soon to start setting some writing goals for the coming year. In Jody Calkins’ article, “Breaking Down Your Writing Goals and Setting Doable Tasks,” on the Institute of Children’s Literature blog, the key word here is “doable.” She writes that writing goals down is easy, but achieving them is another thing. (I can vouch for that). In this article, she comes up with a “a different approach to defining your goals.” Step by step, she shows how to break up goals into smaller goals that are “doable” and not so overwhelming. This is an excellent article to read before you start writing out those goals. Wishing you luck with your writing!

"My never-fail secret to getting your book published ... Write it!" -- Sephanie Gordon Tessler

Procrastination in writing

2011-12-07T21:54:00.000-06:00

Do you find yourself with so many time constraints you can’t fit in some writing time? Once in a while we’re all guilty of that. Besides time constraints, might there be other reasons we procrastinate? There’s an article on the Institute of Children’s Literature blog written by Claudette Young, "Procrastination -- Fear's Time Thief," where she suggests that sometimes we make excuses so that we don’t have to tackle the job before us. Is it fear of failure or fear of success? Or is it something else? Whatever the reason, she lists five baby steps to get yourself back on track with your writing. It’s hard to recapture the momentum if you stay away too long. Take a look at the baby steps in the article and see if they help. Happy writing!

Albuquerque 2006

"The greatest children's books are about the journey to wisdom." -- Jane Yolen

YA Book Author

2011-12-02T16:59:00.000-06:00

I feel compelled to brag about this author, Ruta Sepetys, because I met her last summer at the SCBWI-LA conference. We talked for a bit and I bought her book, Between Shades of Gray, and she graciously autographed it. She told me she was one of the “success” stories of SCBWI. Seems she met her agent at one of these annual conferences, and the rest is history. I really enjoyed reading her book and now I see her name all over the place. She’s featured in the December 1, 2011, Publishers Weekly Children’s Bookshelf online newsletter. I am so proud to have met her. I wish her the best of success with her book and the next two that are coming out. I can say, “I knew her when.”

Lupe Ruiz-Flores and Ruta Sepetys

Here’s the article from PB Children’s Bookshelf:

“Winners' Circle

The French literary magazine LIRE has selected Ruta Sepetys's Between Shades of Gray as "Ce qu'ils n'ont pas pu nous prendre"— Best Novel for Young People 2011. It is the first time the prestigious French prize has been awarded to an American in the children's category. Between Shades of Gray, published here by Philomel and in France by Gallimard Jeunesse, tells the story of Stalin's deportations of Lithuanians to Siberia. Sepetys, the daughter of a Lithuanian refugee, told PW in an interview that she was compelled to tell the story after a visit to family in Lithuania in 2005, during which she learned about her own grandfather's story of Siberian deportation and his eventual emigration to America.”

"If a book looks like you worked too hard on it -- go back and work on it some more." -- Betsy Byars

Story submission

2011-11-28T20:18:00.000-06:00

With the holidays fast approaching, I haven’t written much lately, but I did submit a picture book story about a woodpecker with attitude that I had filed away some time back. I revisited it, dusted it off, revised a bit, had it critiqued by my writer group, and sent it off to publishers. Wish me luck!

Researching publishers takes quite a bit of time as well. It’s all part of the writing process. Having a link to publisher websites helps. Here’s a children’s book publisher website that has valuable information on guidelines, agents, manuscript formatting, and so on. Website: Signaleader

During the holidays, I like to read from two books given to me by writer friends whose stories are included in the books. It’s a real treat for me!

Don’t get too frazzled during the holidays. Relax a bit, drink some tea, and read a book. Enjoy!

“What does an editor do? Michelangelo said it best: ‘I saw an angel in the marble and I just chiseled till I set him free.’” – Deborah Brodie

What is a story?

2011-11-20T11:34:00.001-06:00

What is a story? We’ve all been told that a story has to have structure, i.e., a beginning, a middle, and an end, right? Well, according to Brian A. Klems, a blogger for Writer’s Digest, he writes that a story has to have much more than that. He addresses this topic in his article, “The 5 Essential Story Ingredients.”

Some of what he writes: “stories have an origination, an escalation of conflict, and a resolution. Of course, stories also need a vulnerable character, a setting that’s integral to the narrative, meaningful choices that determine the outcome of the story, and reader empathy. But at its most basic level, a story is a transformation unveiled—either the transformation of a situation or, most commonly, the transformation of a character. Simply put, you do not have a story until something goes wrong.”

Read his entire article as he defines the “5 essential story ingredients,” which are Orientation, Crisis, Escalation, Discovery, and Changes.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

“I can create my own theatre in picture books. I love the flow of turning the pages, the suspense of what’s next.” – Don Freeman

Panel discussion with publishers

2011-11-14T16:31:00.000-06:00

Recently Ingrid Sundberg, YA writer and illustrator, posted on her blog, Ingrid’s Notes, an excellent piece covering the 2011 SCBWI-LA summer conference panel discussion with five publishers. Ms. Sundberg writes on her post some of the questions raised by the moderator to the panel:

What kind of skills does an author or illustrator need? What do you expect from them more than just the ability to write?

What about self publishing?

How does New Media affect picture books?

Visit her blog to find out the answers to these questions and many more. I was there during that panel discussion and found it extremely helpful and interesting.

And here’s a peek at the Publishers Weekly Children’s Books (long list) - Spring 2012 Sneak Previews Compiled by Shannon Maughan

Happy Harvest

“I always yield to the inevitability of events in my novels even when it causes me to shift course, toss away pages and notes and make sudden revisions.” – Robert Cormier

YA Debut novel

2011-11-11T21:26:00.000-06:00

I just returned from a book signing at Barnes & Noble for a writer friend of mine, Guadalupe Garcia McCall. It was a lively event where kids from the middle school where McCall teaches performed in mariachi groups to the delight of the crowd.

The YA book, Under the Mesquite, published by Lee and Low Books, is McCall’s debut novel. I first met McCall two years ago at the SCBWI-LA conference where she was on a panel of Latino writers. I found out she lives very close to San Antonio so we’ve become friends.

Guadalupe Garcia McCall

It’s always a pleasure to see writers you know, especially local ones, get published. We all know how much work goes into the writing process and so we congratulate one of our own. Wishing you the best with your new book, Lupe!

“An author who is proactive in her book’s marketing and promotion is much more desirable than one who waits for the publisher to make the first move.” – Writing Tip from Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner

Picture book illustrations

2011-11-05T17:17:00.002-05:00

I’ve always said that a picture book is collaboration between the writer and the illustrator. In my opinion, the illustrator brings our stories to life. I always have my own vision when I write the story. However, I’m always amazed at how much better the illustrator’s vision is for the same story. I leave it up to these talented artists to work their magic.

Take a peek at the 2011 Best Illustrated Children’s Books by the New York Times Book Review. The post, published by Pamela Paul on Arts Beat blog, announces the ten titles.

You might also enjoy Shirley G. Webb’s post, “A Book is Born,” on the Institute of Children’s Literature blog. She describes her excitement when she first became a “published author.”

Piñatas

“Know yourself. Listen to a lot of music. Don’t whine. Maintain your sense of humor; indulge your sense of play. Persist, persist, persist.” – Kathleen Krull

Critique groups

2011-11-02T10:57:00.000-05:00

I know I’ve mentioned critique groups before. I just had a critique session with my group yesterday and their comments were right on target. In certain areas of my manuscript where I had misgivings, the group readily picked up on it without me mentioning it beforehand. That was enough validation for me to revise those parts.

The Austin SCBWI has a brief description of what a critique group is. They mention the “sandwich” method, which I’m sure many of you have heard before. Critique etiquette and group parameters are also addressed. Join a writing group in your area and form a critique group. You’ll not only make lifelong friends, but you’ll get valuable feedback.

A group of writers, including yours truly, recently participated in Educator Appreciation Day at a local Barnes & Noble. The teachers and librarians in the audience were treated to presentations by the authors. A booksigning followed. We had fun!

Educator Appreciation Day

"Nothing one ever experiences or feels is wasted." -- Lynne Reid Banks

Dialogue in your story

2011-10-29T12:35:00.000-05:00

Sometimes as writers, we struggle with dialogue in our stories. Is the dialogue in our story boring, an info dump, or does it move the action along like it’s supposed to? “Not all dialogue is created equal.” That’s what Jan Fields writes on her post, “Diagnosis Dialogue,” on the Institute of Children’s Literature blog. She addresses the different types of dialogue, the problem, and the diagnosis. She gives examples as well. Interesting post.

In the book that I’m reading, Writing Tools, by Roy Peter Clark, one chapter devoted to dialogue begins with, “Use dialogue as a form of action. Dialogue advances narrative; quotes delay it.” Another great line in that chapter: “… dialogue defines a story because its power drags us to the scene and sets our ears to the action.”

What I like to do once I’m finished with a chapter or the story itself, is to go over the dialogue on the pages, highlighting it in blue to see if there is too much on the page or not enough. I also check to see if it is moving the action forward. What about you?

“The biggest mistake a writer can make is not taking the time to fully understand the publications, publishing houses, or literary agents she queries.” – Writing Tip from Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner

San Marcos Texas Author Day

2011-10-24T11:33:00.000-05:00

Join us for the annual San Marcos Texas Author Day on Sunday, October 30, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the San Marcos, Texas, public library. There will be a host of authors including yours truly. I will be doing a reading of The Battle of the Snow Cones at 2 p.m.

From the San Marcos Mercury: “These published writers and illustrators will sign copies of their books and chat with fans. A variety of genres will be represented including Texana, mystery, romance, memoirs, children’s literature, poetry, and non-fiction.”

San Jose Mission Window

“ … one day you experience a new joy, that of your story being published (giving birth). Everyone sees this beautiful thing that you have created. They will dress it up (illustrations and packaging). Family and friends shower you with praise.” These are some of the words Shirley G. Webb wrote on her post, “A Book is Born,” for the Institute of Children’s Literature blog. It’s a wonderful piece that addresses the passion, the revisions, the rejections, and all that goes into the process of finally getting a book published.

"You must write for children in the same way as you do for adults, only better." -- Maxim Gorky

Word choice in scenes

2011-10-21T11:49:00.000-05:00

Guest blogger, Ingrid Sundberg, had a really good article posted on The Parking Lot Confessional blog. Titled “The Right Word,” it addressed the topic of word choice in your manuscript. A few weeks ago, I had a manuscript critiqued at a local conference, and the editor talked about using the right word choice to bring a scene to life.

Sundberg has a couple of examples in her piece and also two exercises that go into more detail. In the first exercise, “Scene Analysis … pick a scene in a book where you (as reader) felt an emotional connection…. Exercise two … Write with Word Lists … A great way to use this technique in your own work is to create word-lists.” Of course, you need to read the entire piece to appreciate why word choice in scenes is critical. According to Sundberg, “a new emotional layer has been added to your work with the touch of a few carefully chosen words.”

She’s right.

Pinatas

I love the definition of scenes in the book, Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer, by Roy Peter Clark. The author writes, “You don’t build a story or a book of words and sentences and paragraphs—you build it of scenes, one piled on top of the next, each changing something that came before, all of them moving the story inexorably and relentlessly forward.”

“I try to leave out the parts that people skip.” – Elmore Leonard

Handwriting in cursive

2011-10-18T23:17:00.000-05:00

This doesn’t have anything to do with writing, but in a way, it does. Handwriting in cursive, that is. I wrote an essay on penmanship a couple of years ago and it was published in our local paper. The other day I came across an online article dealing with the same topic. Titled “Should cursive be saved?” it was posted by Kathy McManus on The Responsibility Project blog.

According to the article, there are supporters of the flowing script and those who think it’s not really needed anymore. Comments in the article: “… But others say there is zero need to save a communication form which fails to prepare students for a practical future. ‘Do people need to be able to write? Of course,’ said one online commenter, who continued, ‘Is cursive the best method? Probably not, given how few people use it on a daily basis.’”

In this day and age of texting, IPads, and PCs, I guess penmanship is fading. I’m glad I had a chance to learn it, though. What do you think?

Aguas Frescas

“Great editors do not discover nor produce great authors; great authors create and produce great publishers.” – John Farrar

The Chautauqua Experience

2011-10-12T15:28:00.001-05:00

Lucky enough to have been the recipient of a scholarship, I attended the Highlights Foundation workshop in Chautauqua, New York, two years in a row. It was quite a while back, but I still remember the excitement of it all. Besides meeting and getting books autographed by renowned authors and illustrators, I enjoyed the fabulous food, basked in the tranquility of the campus, and made lifelong friends. I’d like to share some of what I learned about the craft of writing.

“A writer is the verbal painter,” said Peter Jacobi, professor emeritus of journalism at Indiana University. He used examples of art and music, sensual art versus impact.

“Capture your reader,” he said. “Think first, plan, then write.” Some of his writing tips:

§ Promise and deliver – The first page should set subject, tone and direction. Then what you promised the reader must began to be delivered.

§ Flow – Make your narrative flow steadily ahead. A river of words unbroken from start to finish.

§ Clarity in language – Lucidity in thought. Word choice. Seek to find the right one.

§ Rhythm – Listen to your sentences as they grate against the mind. How do they come together?

§ Movement – Do not bind your story with a pile of ingredients where there is no sense of movement or forward propulsion of your story.

§ Surprise the reader with the unexpected from left field.

§ X-ray – Take the reader behind the scenes.

“Nice writing is not enough,” he said. “Surprise the reader along the way. Do not write the fact that it’s raining, but the feel that you’re being rained upon.”

There was much, much more. I am only able to skim the surface in this article. I hope many of you will one day be able to attend the writers’ workshops at Chautauqua. It is well worth it. Most rewarding was the accessibility of the faculty and the inspiration and guidance they offered in a setting that most writers only dream about.

If you want to write for Highlights magazine, make sure your story applies to their mission statement. Address your manuscript to the appropriate editor. Go to their web site, www.highlights.com, subscribe or get a copy of Highlights so you can get an idea of what types of stories they’re looking for.

"When composing a magazine article, it is usally better to write with a specific market in mind so your work will match the publication's style and tone and be directed toward its unique readership." -- Writing Tip from Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

Writing Animal Stories

2011-10-07T17:38:00.016-05:00

The Children’s Writer is taking submissions for their Poetry or Verse Story Writing Contest. Polish that story you’ve been working on and submit before their deadline of October 31, 2011. Visit their website for contest rules. Good luck!

I once wrote a story about a dog that was rescued from the animal shelter by a family when they saw him perform in a local school play, Little Orphan Annie. Although it hasn't been published yet, I'm thinking of resubmitting. I took it out of my file, read it again, and decided it’s pretty darn good. I might just resurrect it someday soon and send it out.

This thought was triggered when I read the post, “5 Tricks Animal Writers Should Know,” on Writer’s Digest Chuck Sambuchino’s Guide to Literary Agents Blog. The guest column by Patti Sherlock, award-winning author, (latest book, A Dog for All Seasons), offers tips on how to write animal stories starting with “Respect what animals mean to your audience.” Take a peek.

Pumpkins, pumpkins, everywhere!

"So much can be said and felt through poetry in just a few words or lines. A poem can have as much impact in ten, twelve, or fourteen lines as an entire novel." -- Lee Bennett Hopkins

Book Events

2011-10-04T21:01:00.000-05:00

Just had a jammed-packed two weekends of book events. First, I participated in the Education Services Center (ESC) Roundup in San Antonio on September 23. There were hundreds of librarians from the local and surrounding areas. I was on a panel with several other writers and illustrators who came from all over Texas. Between signings, we discussed our latest works and upcoming events.

Then on September 30, I was in the Rio Grande Valley at another ESC book event, this time at Region One in McAllen. Again, I was on a panel and met different writers and illustrators who were all enthused to be there.

Come Saturday, October 1, we all headed to the Harlingen Public Library where a book festival was the event of the day. The library is beautiful with a gorgeous courtyard where I did a reading of my book, The Battle of the Snow Cones. Then some of us were on a panel answering questions about the writing and illustrating process.

Courtyard - Harlingen Public Library

It was an exhaustive but fun time. Networking and socializing with teachers, librarians, writers, illustrators, parents of young school children, and of course, the children themselves was a super rewarding experience. Cannot wait until next time.

Mark Twain and Author

“To do without tales and stories and books is to lose humanity’s past, is to have no star map for our future.” – Jane Yolen

First scenes in MG and YA fiction

2011-09-22T15:47:00.000-05:00

First scenes in middle grade and young adult fiction from editor's comments at the SCBWI SW-TX conference.

§ The goal of a first scene is to grab your reader’s attention and make them want to read your second scene.

§ Example of a first sentence in a scene: “I stole a body.”

§ Example of a first sentence in a scene: “The house did not want her there.”

§ Intrigue the heck out of the reader with your first scene.

§ A great first scene starts the story in the right place. Otherwise, you can confuse your reader.

§ A scene only matters within the context of its plot.

§ Think about the promise that you made to your reader and keep that promise throughout the scene that you write.

§ It’s like a puzzle: every scene has to be in its place in order for the plot to be complete.

§ Every scene needs a goal and every scene advances your story.

§ Do not start with back story. Give the reader only what they absolutely need. No info dump. Integrate this throughout the novel instead.

§ Your first scene is not about a lot of details about your character. You don’t have to introduce ALL of your characters. You will bog down the reader with too many details.

§ Your story needs to have momentum and tension from the very first scene.

More on scenes to come.

Old-fashioned stove in Albuquerque

"No matter how much formal education you've had, it's best to read as many classics as possible and keep abreast of today's popular reading, especially in the area to which you hope to contribute." -- Writing Tip from Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

Writing tips for picture books

2011-09-19T18:58:00.000-05:00

A success! We just had our annual SCBWI-SWTX (San Antonio Chapter) conference in our lovely city of San Antonio. Attendance was good and everyone seemed to have gotten something out of the conference and critiques by editors and agents from New York and California. Some comments from the editors on picture books:

§ A book has to mean something to a child.

§ Voice – Story has to be told in a way that feels new and original. Unique voice.

§ Use clever, evocative language.

§ Narrative arc – what’s going to happen next?

§ Not all books have narrative arc, i.e., concept books.

§ Pacing – what keeps the reader turning the pages.

§ Are characters memorable and relatable?

§ Word count should be around 250 – 1000 words.

Captive audience

Conference Luncheon

River Walk

If you're a writer or illustrator and wish to join the local San Antonio SCBWI chapter, contact our Regional Advisor for details.

Next time: First scenes in middle grade and young adult fiction.

"Membership in a national professional writing group or organization can help you establish a professional image as it increases your visibility." -- Writing Tip from Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

Book Illustrations

2011-09-16T16:07:00.000-05:00

For illustrators and writers alike, you might want to see the gorgeous book illustrations in Elizabeth Bluemle’s post, “Overlooked by the Caldecott,” published in the Publishers Weekly, Shelf Talker blog.

What is the Caldecott? According to the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), “The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.”

To learn about the history behind this medal and the criteria for awarding the Caldecott, visit the Randolph Caldecott Medal ALSC link.

In the meantime, enjoy the beautiful art of those illustrators mentioned in Bluemle’s article.

Fredericksburg

“Know yourself. Listen to a lot of music. Don’t whine. Maintain your sense of humor; indulge your sense of play. Persist, persist, persist.” – Kathleen Krull

Traditional versus vanity presses

2011-09-13T20:55:00.000-05:00

Have you ever thought about self publishing your book? These days, more and more writers are thinking about it. What are the risks? What are the pros and cons? How much does it cost? The questions go on and on. Harold Underdown addresses this issue in his article, “Between Publishers and Vanity Presses: Opportunities and Dangers in the Twilight Zone.” He lists the options you, as a writer, have. He points out the difference in publishing with traditional presses and vanity presses. He doesn’t condemn or endorse either one, but leaves the decision up to the writer. What he does offer are the options that are available. Interesting read.

The Texas Book Festival (Austin, Texas) is coming up on October 22-23, 2011. For a preview of the author lineup, visit the link above. I've been a featured author there twice and have really enjoyed the event. Attend if you can. Well worth it.

"I want to write a book that will be read from beginning to end with a mounting sense of anticipation and discovery--read willingly, with a feeling of genuine pleasure." -- Russell Freedman

Audio recordings of books

2011-09-08T13:03:00.000-05:00

If you enjoy listening to authors and illustrators discuss the creative process in bringing their books to life, I recommend the Teaching Books link. The nine books on this list (link) are award-winning books, i.e., 2011 Newbery Medal winner, Moon over Manifest, by Clare Vanderpool. I read this book when it came out and loved it. Of course, I am partial to historical fiction. Another book on the list, is 2011 Pura Belpré Award winner, The Dreamer, by Pam Muñoz Ryan, one of my favorite authors. The audio recordings include excerpts from the books read by the authors themselves. Enjoy.

It's nice to walk into a bookstore and see your books on display!

"If you doodle enough, the characters begin to take over themselves--after a year and a half or so." -- Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss)

Editing Symbols

2011-09-04T22:10:00.000-05:00

Do you know some of the editing symbols that go with the territory? For instance, if an editor or someone in your critique group goes over your manuscript and scribbles all those strange-looking squiggles all over your pages, would you know what they meant for your editing process? Most writers know, but just in case you don’t, this post, How to Revise Your Work (& Awesome Editing Symbols You Should Know), by Brian A. Klems on the Writer’s Digest blog is informative but also a fun read because he adds some of his own editing symbols to the well-known ones. Have fun.

Out in the Hill Country

"No matter what your writing life brings, believe in yourself and keep moving forward. Most writers cycle between periods of self-doubt and periods of confidence." --Writing Tip from Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

First Pages

2011-08-30T21:18:00.001-05:00

One of the sessions I attended at SCBWI-LA was on “First Pages,” or what some of us call, “the hook.” Three YA books were recommended as examples of great first 500 words:

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Chime by Franny Billingsley

I’ll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Los Angeles

Author Nathan Branford’s blog, “Five openings to avoid,” offers tips on how not to start your first pages. On his post, he writes: “I am saying that you should think once, twice, and five thousand times about using these.” So take a look.

Here’s a treat if you want to take a peek at the Spring 2012 children’s books posted by Publishers Weekly.

"Search through your childhood memories and rediscover what it felt like to live in the world of a child; the joys, the fears, and the dreams." -- Audrey Wood

More SCBWI-LA

2011-08-26T11:09:00.000-05:00

More notes from the SCBWI-LA conference. Bruce Colville was one of the keynote speakers. He’s written so many books I can’t even list them. Go to his website to find out. Notes I took during his speech:

Take your art and yourself seriously as a business person.
Pay attention to contracts.
Pay attention to your royalty statements. Learn to negotiate. Provide for your retirement and insurance.
Never throw anything away, i.e., drafts, half-finished manuscripts, ideas, notes, etc.
Scare yourself. Take on assignments that challenge and scare you. Take risks. Go further.Make your own rules. (There’s no right way – each path is different for each book).
Don’t be afraid to show your heart. Put it in your writing. Explore the unfinished cord. Give kids something they can’t stop thinking about. An image you cannot forget.
Our words have an effect that ripples on. You don’t know what effect your words will have. Don’t start with a message. Start with your own heart. Start with a great character.
Polish those pebbles until they shine.
Unlock the heart and free the spirit.

Pretty good advice, don’t you think?

Richard Peck and Lupe Ruiz-Flores

Newbery Medal winner (A Year Down Yonder - 2001) Richard Peck was also a keynote speaker. His talk is always inspirational. I love his books and I bought his latest one, Three Quarters Dead, and had it autographed.

Booksigning lines

“A writer who isn’t ‘serious’ isn’t a writer at all.” – E.B. White

My pic with Judy Blume at SCBWI

2011-08-19T20:17:00.000-05:00

I consider myself very lucky to have attended the SCBWI’s 40^th anniversary conference. The speakers were inspirational, accessible, and offered great advice on the writing and publishing process. Wendy Werris summarized it well on the Publishers Weekly blog. Take a peek at her article covering the SCBWI-LA conference. Enjoy. By the way, I was thrilled to have taken a picture with none other than the great, famous author, the surprise guest speaker, Judy Blume of numerous books including Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. I also met and took a picture with actor/author Henry Winkler (The Fonz!)

Judy Blume & Lupe Ruiz-Flores

“We start writing books on the day something different happens." -- Judy Blume at the SCBWI-LA Conference

Lin Oliver (Co-founder of SCBWI), Lupe Ruiz-Flores, Henry Winkler

Special 40th Anniversary Dessert

Attendee at SCBWI-LA

2011-08-15T22:46:00.000-05:00

I’m back! I attended the SCBWI-LA conference from August 4-9 after which I took a side trip to Albuquerque. There were 1,342 people in attendance at the conference, forty-nine states and twenty countries represented. Impressive, right?

Book Store at SCBWI-LA conference

The keynote speakers at the conference were inspirational, as usual. The writer and illustrator workshops were packed every day. I took advantage of a round-table critique discussion where each table consisted of only nine people and an editor. I also signed up for a “First Page” critique workshop with about twenty people in the class.

SCBWI-LA Conference

One of my favorite workshops was “Sources of Tension and How to Use Them” conducted by Donna Jo Napoli, author of so many books including Alligator Bayou, Bound, and Zel. She mentioned plot, character, setting, and timing as sources of tension and gave us examples for each. In plot, a writer needs to tighten the screws, make the situation worse. She mentioned “ripples,” and how a writer needs to disturb the flat surface to be disrupted.

Donna Jo Napoli and Lupe Ruiz-Flores

“Challenge yourself as a writer,” she told us. “Your greatest job as a writer is to make the reader TRUST you. Show, don’t tell, so that your reader reads and believes what your character feels, thinks, and does.” I met Ms. Napoli at the Highlights Foundation Writers’ retreat in Chautauqua a few years back and have since become a fan of her books. More to follow later once I get all my notes together.

“Art is really the language of feeling.” – Steven Kellogg

Story Structure

2011-08-03T20:55:00.000-05:00

When you think of story structure, you automatically think of a story having a beginning, a middle, and an end, right? Well, here’s an interesting blog that adds a bit more to story structure. Brian A. Klems’, “The 5 Essential Story Ingredients,” posted on the Writer’s Digest blog lists the following five and elaborates on each: (1) Orientation (2) Crises (3) Escalation (4) Discovery and (5) Change. He points out what makes a story a story and not a report. Very interesting stuff. See for yourself.

And I won’t bog you down with blogging about entering writing contests … except … one last time. Here’s another great blog that addresses this topic. It’s a guest column by author Janice Hamrick posted on Chuck Sambuchino’s Guide to Literary Agents Editor’s blog. The title: “Contests: The Writer’s Fairy Godmother.”

School Visit

"Local clubs and organizations often use volunteers to create newsletters and publicity pieces. This is an excellent way to bolster your confidence and give you published work for your portfolio." -- Writing Tip from Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

Writing contest entries

2011-07-30T12:56:00.000-05:00

I mentioned in a previous post a few days ago that SCBWI/Amazon.com awarded me a WIP grant. I consider it a sort of contest because besides the application, I submitted a sample of my writing plus a synopsis and a brief summary of how I intended to use the grant. I followed their guidelines to a “T.” I also mentioned in a long-ago post that being a winner in a national writing contest is what gave me the confidence to leap into the world of writing. Which brings me to the topic of writing contests.

How many how you entered lately? Jan Fields, Institute of Children’s Literature web editor, has an excellent post on the ICL blog about this topic. Besides following the contest guidelines, she offers “Ten Tips for Contest Entries,” which is a must read if you’ve ever considered taking the plunge and entering one. Here’s a couple of contests you might consider: Pockets Annual Fiction Contest. Entries for this contest must be postmarked no later than August 15, 2011. Highlights 2012 Fiction Contest. Have fun. Let me know the outcome. ENTER!

Assisi, Italy

"I like the idea that magic can be hidden under the surface of everyday life." -- Trina Schart Hyman

Remember typewriters?

2011-07-28T16:24:00.000-05:00

How many of you remember those Selectric typewriters of yesteryear? No cut and paste back then. Here's a nostalgic piece about the Selectrics. Visit the blog posted by Nicholas Jackson, associate editor at The Atlantic. His article, “IBM Reinvented the Typewriter With the Selectric 50 Years Ago,” is filled with historical details about how this typewriter came to be. I guess they're part of history now.

Miniature toy model (not a Selectric)

Here’s another interesting post, “First Page Tips from the Pros,” by Becca Puglisi posted on The Bookshelf Muse blog. She offers writing tips on this topic, which she picked up at the Florida SCBWI summer conference. Essential reading for any writer.

“Seasonal queries to a magazine should be submitted at least six months ahead of schedule to allow for editorial lead time.” – Writing tip from Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner

Picture Book Problems

2011-07-24T20:16:00.000-05:00

Have you been getting rejections on those picture book manuscripts you’ve been sending out? Most of us, at one time or another, have had that happen. Maybe the tips in Jan Fields’ blog will help. She addresses this topic on her post, “Patching Picture Book Problems” on the Institute of Children’s Literature blog. Check it out. I found it helpful.

A sad day indeed. I was at a Borders Bookstore this afternoon. Since the bookstore is closing, the place was packed with bargain hunters looking for the big discounts being offered. As recently as two weeks ago, I browsed through the Borders in my area. I had coffee in their coffee shop while I read a magazine. I will miss those visits. There’s something soothing about being surrounded by hundreds of books and smelling the aroma of coffee being brewed a few feet away. I wish Borders weren’t closing, but sadly, that is the reality of today. I did buy a book on writing titled, Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer by Roy Peter Clark. I’ll let you know what those strategies are when I read the book.

Rio Grande Valley

“Never say you don’t have enough time to write. You make time for the things you care about; if you care about writing, you will make time.” – Writing Tip from Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner

SCBWI/Amazon 2011 Runner Up

2011-07-20T23:24:00.003-05:00

Great news! The annual SCBWI 2011 Amazon.com Work-In-Progress Grant winners were announced yesterday. And …. I was a runner-up in the Multicultural Category!!! Not only that, but one of my fellow writers, a member of our local Southwest Texas SCBWI chapter, Shannon Morgan, was also a runner-up in the General Category. Is that too cool or what? Yea Texas!

Last March, I submitted an application to the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators along with a synopsis and a writing sample (2500 words) of my work in progress, my YA novel, Dulce’s Quest for the Crown. The grant that I won can be used for research, travel, conferences, writing workshops – anything related to the writing process to help finish the work in progress.

I want to thank SCBWI and Amazon for this wonderful gift. It shall be used wisely. I congratulate all the other winners, runners up, and those who received letters of merit. I am honored to have been included with such talented writers.

"What I do with my books is to create windows to my world that all may peer into. I share the images, the feelings and thoughts, and I hope, the delight." -- Walter Dean Myers

Pitching Your Book

2011-07-18T12:41:00.000-05:00

When an agent or editor asks you what your story is about, do you automatically come up with a genius pitch? Will your pitch grab the agent's attention right away? Or do you fumble your words and that person makes a quick getaway before you actually get to the gist of your story? I know. I know, it's easier said than done. It’s hard to summarize your entire story into a few words. But maybe this post, “One Simple Way to Sharpen Your Pitch,” written by Zachary Petit on The Writer’s Digest blog will help. It’s never too late to start practicing that pitch for when you’re at a conference and come face to face with editors and agents.

Chautauqua, New York

Be sure to visit this Publishers Weekly link for a sneak preview of the Fall 2011 Children’s Books.

"When pitching a cross-genre work to an agent or editor, increase your chances of success by aligning it with the one genre that's at the heart of your story--or the audience most interested in it." -- Writing Tip from Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

Roadblocks

2011-07-14T14:59:00.000-05:00

Roadblocks. We all have them. Whether it’s an illness, family trips, friends that need us, etc., life happens. And so there goes our well-planned schedule for writing. I had to be away from my writing for several days because of a trip. A necessary one. So there went the momentum that I had at the time. It’s really hard to get that back when you return. But because life happens, we have to learn to live with it and make the necessary adjustments. Best advice I have: just stick with it and don’t give up. Follow through. Persistence will pay off. You’ll get that momentum back … until next time.

In the meantime, here’s an interesting post, “7 Things I'veLearned So Far,” by author Amanda Flower, posted on Chuck Sambuchino’s Guide to Literary Agents’ Blog.

"When submitting a query or manuscript, skip the fancy fonts, graphics, and colored paper. No need to send gifts or pictures either. A clean, clear, typewritten manuscript speaks for itself." -- Writer's Writing Tip from Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

Plotting

2011-07-08T21:30:00.000-05:00

According to Wikipedia, narrative plot is: “a literary term defined as the events that make up a story, particularly as they relate to one another in a pattern, in a sequence, through cause and effect, or by coincidence. One is generally interested in how well this pattern of events accomplishes some artistic or emotional effect.”

In D*I*Y Planner, Chris Brogan posted this on plotting: “When writing a story, you have an obligation to fulfill: your main character(s) must experience the events you lay before them, and they must react to the conflicts those events provide. Further, the state in which your focal characters find themselves must be either improving or degrading, as a means of moving the story forward towards a conclusion. Without that, the reader is merely being dragged along a flat line towards an ending that they can see a mile away.”

Pottery in the Rio Grande Valley

Sounds like a mouthful, right? But without a plot, you don’t have a story. A post by Zachary Petit on the Writer’s Digest blog very simply lists eight points on how to plot a bestseller. If you’re struggling with plot, visit both blogs mentioned here and see if that helps. If not, you might consider a book that I’ve used: Blockbuster Plots, Pure & Simple, by Martha Alderson, M.A.

“Does your story contain character conflict, change, and growth? If you are just relating a series of events that involve one or more characters, your story is likely underdeveloped.” – Writing Tip from Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner

Let the writer decide!

2011-07-03T17:31:00.000-05:00

Once when I presented a few chapters of my latest manuscript to an editor at a conference, she suggested changing it from third person to first person. "More immediacy," she said. I tried it and it seemed to work better for me. But then so did third person. How does a writer decide? And just what does first person versus third person really mean?

The following definitions of first and third person and the advantages and disadvantages of both are posted by author Vickie Britton on the website www.suite101.com.

She writes: “First person makes the narrator close up and personal. The reader can identify with the character and experience their deepest, innermost thoughts and feelings. While third person and omniscient points of view distance the reader, first person allows the reader to enter the world of the narrator, privy to his personal thoughts and feelings.”

Read more on this blog to find out the advantages and disadvantages of writing in either one.

Author Nathan Bransford also addresses this issue on his post First Person vs. Third Person.

Visit both blogs and then you decide. Have a great Fourth of July!

Writer & Illustrator Conference

2011-06-29T22:07:00.000-05:00

Southwest Texas SCBWI Fall Conference

Saturday, September 17, 2011, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (CT)

San Antonio, TX

Join us in lovely San Antonio on September 17 to strengthen your skills as a children's book creator from our amazing editors from two closed publishing houses. Get tips on polishing your submissions from an experienced agent. Learn how to tackle social media to promote your books and yourself. Want to know the secrets of plotting a novel from an award-winning author? Discover the exciting new field of creating ebooks for kids. Network with other authors and illustrators and submit your work to our editors and agent after the conference. – Click on this link for more details and to Register online now!

San Antonio River Walk

"The most important thing you can bring with you to a writers' conference is an open and alert mind, ready and willing to listen and learn. Take advantage of every opportunity the conference offers." -- Writing Tip from Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

Educational publishing

2011-06-22T18:52:00.000-05:00

Have you ever thought of writing for the non-fiction educational market but think it’s only for those in the education field, i.e., teachers, librarians, professors, etc.? Well, think again. "Educational Publishing," an article by Joanne Mattern addresses this topic and offers advice on how to write for this genre. She also lists resources to go to for more information.

According to Ms. Mattern’s article on the Institute for Children’s Literature blog, “Basically, educational publishing is tied to topics that kids study in school, such as social studies, history, science, math, and language arts, but it can explore any topic. You'll see lots of books about things that aren't specifically studied in school, like biographies of celebrities or books about Navy SEALs or unusual pets, but these are nonfiction topics that kids are interested in. Also, kids always have to write book reports and other research projects, so publishers put out books that they can use for that. They are educational in that they provide facts and figures and information about a topic, but they are fun to read and are about topics kids either want to know about or need to know about for school.”

Santa Fe

After you read what educational publishing entails, you might decide to try that genre. Or not. But it’s worth looking into.

"Query letter tip: If you've never been published before, it's best to ignore the subject of past credits and discuss instead your qualifications to write the book or article at hand." -- Writing Tip from Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

Publishing Terms

2011-06-18T20:46:00.014-05:00

Okay. You have dictionaries and then you have dictionaries. But have you ever heard of a publishing dictionary? I had not until I came across this blog that is really cool. For instance, do you know what the acronym AAR stands for? How about ARCs? How about Galleys? Options? These are just a few of the acronyms and publishing terms that BookEnds, LLC - A Literary Agency (Primary Agents: Jessica Faust, Kim Lionetti, and Jessica Alvarez) define on the agency’s blog, which is a great resource for writers.

By the way, ARCs’ definition on this blog: : "Advance Review Copies. Not the final book. These are advance and unfinalized copies of the book that are sent out to reviewers."

River Walk

“With a first novel, don’t send a query letter to agents or editors until the work is complete and revised. You need to be able to demonstrate that you are capable of finishing a novel.” – Writing Tip from Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner

Nurture creativity

2011-06-15T13:26:00.000-05:00

It was nice to take a break for a while. I was called for jury duty and so took advantage of the day and went downtown. I visited our famous San Fernando Cathedral, which by the way attracts many tourists. It was quiet and soothing in there. The golden retablos behind the altar are dazzling. The brilliant colors of the glass-stained windows are vivid as the outside light shines through. The intricately-carved pulpit from olden days is still there. This cathedral was founded in 1731. So you can imagine the history behind it.

Cathedral

I had lunch at a nearby café and afterwards took pictures of the plaza, the flowers, and the river walk. It was a hot day but an enjoyable day, nonetheless. People from all walks of life walked around the plaza. Some were on their lunch hour; others were definitely tourists, lugging cameras around, caps or hats shielding them from the hot sun.

Court House

Have been reading The Right to Write by Julia Cameron. She writes about taking such breaks from your work once in a while, whether it’s music, a museum, or just a walk in the park. It’s good for the soul. We work in isolation most of the time. That’s why it’s nice to take breaks once in a while. How do you nurture your soul and your creativity?

Plaza

“Nothing one ever experiences or feels is wasted.” – Lynne Reid Banks

School Visits

2011-06-08T09:37:00.000-05:00

When I get home from a school visit, I try to remember some of the questions the students ask me during the presentation. Time goes by so fast that most of the time I forget to write things down and then go on to do something else and I forget. But during a recent one, I wrote some of the questions down as soon as I got home. They went like this:

Q.: Do you only write picture books? A: No, I’m working on a middle-grade novel right now.
Q: When did you decide to become a writer? A: I’ve always been a writer at heart.
Q: Where do you get your ideas for a book? A: Sometimes articles in the paper, a life experience, a conversation, visual images, etc.
Q: Are you rich? A: No.
Q: Do you make a lot of money from your books? A: No.
Q: Then why do you write? A: Because of my love for writing.
Q: Do you draw the pictures in the book? A: No. The illustrator selected by the publisher does that.
Q: Do you get to meet famous authors? A: Yes. At conferences and workshops.
Q: How old are you? A: Old enough.
Q: You used to work with airplanes. Why don’t you write about airplanes? A: Maybe I will.

These are just some of the few questions I get asked. What are some of yours?

"My never-fail secret to getting your book published ... Write it." -- Stephanie Gordon Tessler

Word Count on Children's Books

2011-06-01T15:36:00.000-05:00

Word Count: From one extreme to another, did you know that the book, Sarah Plain and Tall, was only 9,000 words? Or that a YA novel, This Is All: The Pillow Book of Cordelia Kenn, was 250,000 words? Where the Wild Things Are was only 336 words while Harry Potter & the Sorceror’s Stone was 77,508. Yikes!

Santa Fe

Literary agent at Andrea Brown Lit., Jennifer Laughran, blogs about this topic. She lists the genres in children’s books. From picture books, early readers, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult, she posts the titles of famous books and their word counts. I think this is great information, which will give you, the writer, an idea on word count for the type of story you’re writing right now. Have fun with this!

Submitting Electronically

2011-05-24T22:13:00.009-05:00

Remember when we used to submit queries and manuscripts via snail mail? Well, in some instances, we still do. But more and more frequently, publishers, editors, and agents ask for queries and manuscript submissions via email. So what is different about submitting this way as opposed to the put-it-in-the-envelope with a stamp and send it on its way?

If you're wondering on the correct way to submit electronically, I suggest you read Jan Fields’ “Postage-Free Submissions” piece on the Institute of Children’s Literature blog. From contact information, attachments, and formatting codes, this article will help you submit the right way. Also addressed are query and cover letters. Do we use the same format as we would for these in snail mail? This is an excellent article to bring you up to speed on the latest way to submit.

"Most editors do not like receiving more than one submission at a time from a writer--it's overwhelming. Limit yourself to submitting one idea, unless invited by the editor to do otherwise."-- Writing Tip from Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

Writer & Illustrator Critiquenic

2011-05-19T17:19:00.000-05:00

This coming weekend, our SCBWI local chapter is hosting a writer/illustrator “critiquenic,” where writers and illustrators get together in groups and critique each other’s manuscripts and portfolios. These manuscripts come in all genres, i.e., picture books, YA, middle grade, historical fiction, etc. Sometimes by meeting in such gatherings, critique groups are formed. We call it “critiquenic,” because it’s like a fun picnic, where we meet in a park, bring our sack lunches, critique, and then enjoy each other’s company and catch up on the latest writer/illustrator news.

If you’ve been considering joining a critique group in your area, take a look at this blog, “How to Get the Most Out of a Writing Group,” written by Chuck Sambuchino on the Guide to Literary Agents Editor’s Blog.

Honesdale, PA

In case you’re interested, Cheerios is having a new author contest again. You MUST be unpublished to enter this contest. It is for stories of 500 words or less. There are several cash prizes. Deadline is July 15, 2011. Entries must be submitted through online form. Visit the link above for more information.

"A writing group should share your goals -- whether it's getting published, getting critiqued, getting support, or getting out of the house. Avoid those that do nothing other than sit around and gripe." -- Writing Tip from Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

Cliffhangers

2011-05-12T10:31:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wondered how to end your chapters as you’re writing your story? Although I wouldn’t want a cliffhanger after the end of every chapter, I do want the reader to keep reading on to the next one.

Wikipedia describes cliffhangers this way: “a cliffhanger or cliffhanger ending is a plot device in fiction which features a main character in a precarious or difficult dilemma, or confronted with a shocking revelation at the end of an episode of serialized fiction. A cliffhanger is hoped to ensure the audience will return to see how the characters resolve the dilemma.”

More definition: “The phrase is believed to come from the end-of-episode situation in adventure silent films of the early 1900s days, with the protagonist literally left hanging from the edge of a cliff, although the oldest usage the Oxford English Dictionary has is from 1937. Some serials end with the caveat "To Be Continued..." or "The End?"

Rio Grande Valley

I learned more about chapter structure when I went to the blog mentioned below. If you have any questions on this, I recommend you go to Aaron Elkin’s Writer’s Digest blog on this topic, 3Ways to Know When to End Your Chapters. He mentions that “chapter breaks lend continuity and pacing—both of which are essential for balancing suspense—to your story.”

"Does your story contain character conflict, change, and growth? If you are just relating a series of events that involve one or more characters, your story is likely underdeveloped." -- Writer's Tip from Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

Is it a picture book?

2011-05-05T18:37:00.000-05:00

Are you ever confused as to whether your manuscript is a picture book or a magazine article? When I wrote my first story, Lupita’s Papalote, I was totally unfamiliar as to what constituted a picture book versus a magazine article. As I’ve mentioned before, that story was initially a poem. Once it became a story, I had no idea what to do with it. Then I attended my first writer's conference and learned the nuts and bolts of the writing and publishing process. If you’re struggling with the same question, I would recommend visiting Verla Kay’s blog, which addresses this topic.

Homemade kite

Another question for you. Are you thinking of creating your own website for when that book of yours comes out? Or maybe it’s already out, but you’re not sure how to get started. Here’s a Writer’s Digest link that will be of help to you in that area. Starting a website is really very simple. See for yourself.

"People often ask, 'How do you start a book?' Well, I've always started this way ...Chapter 1." --Paula Danziger

El Dia de Los Ninos/El Dia de Los Libros

2011-04-30T21:27:00.000-05:00

What a fun-filled day I had today. To help celebrate El Dia de Los Ninos/El Dia de Los Libros, I was invited to share the spotlight with young folkloric dancers from the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Dance Academy at Barnes & Noble, La Cantera. After their delightful performance, I did a reading/book signing and answered questions from the audience.

Folkloric Dancers

Author with prop during reading

Then I departed to go way across town for the opening of the spanking new library, Mission Branch Library, which was built right across from the historic Mission Movie DriveIn of the 1960s. The gigantic screen is still there.

Mission Movie DriveIn

I did another book reading/signing there. Many other local authors were also in attendance. There was entertainment, activities for the children, and family fun. I was so impressed with the new library as were so many of the new patrons who were signing up for library cards left and right. Needless to say, I was happy to be part of both events to help promote literacy, children, and books.

"Writing is having a second life." -- Lila Perl

Query Letters

2011-04-28T09:55:00.000-05:00

In my critique group, we not only critique each other’s manuscripts, but we also critique the query letters that we’re sending out with our manuscripts. Query letters are super important, I believe. Based on your query, an editor or agent might ask for more chapters of your story or for the entire manuscript. It gets you in – or not. How do you get everything you want to say about your story on just one page? I found a great link on query letters that I think will be helpful. If you’re wondering how to write one, visit YA writer Natalie Whipple’s blog, Between Fact and Fiction. Her article, “Don’t Knock the Query,” is an excellent one.

School Visit

"The nonfiction query letter serves two purposes: It should convince the editor that your idea is a good one for her readership, and it should sell you as the best writer to cover the topic." -- Writing Tip from Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

Old Notes

2011-04-27T22:16:00.000-05:00

I hate filing so I let papers accumulate until I absolutely have to tackle the problem. That is one chore that I hate to do – Yuk! Anyway, I was filing and shredding papers when I came across some shorthand notes (Gregg) that I took a long time ago. They were scribbled on a manila folder so I must not have had a notebook or was totally unprepared when I attended some workshop or conference. I regret that I did not date the envelope because I don’t even remember where it was that I took such notes. However, it had something to do with novels.

A sample: A novel is about the reader, not the author. Start a novel with movement, i.e., like a movie. Maybe two voices bouncing off each other. Know where your story begins. It should start with some kind of impact. There has to be change. Ask yourself: “How is my character different at the end of my story?” Our stories have to be better than real life, more interesting. Give your characters more authority in their speech. Don’t let them go on too long. Eliminate the parts of the story that the readers skip – the boring stuff.

On writing historical fiction: go to the library and drench yourself in that period. Study ads in newspapers of the period you’re writing about. Do your research. Watch movies, videos, and go through archives. (I did do this for the historical fiction that I finally finished).

Cibolo Creek

No matter when these notes were taken, they still apply. Since then, I have learned to be prepared when I attend workshops and conferences. Whether you use old-fashioned pen and paper or new technology like IPads, be prepared.

“Identifying research needs is a project-specific task. The best time to do this is during the outlining stage. As you add each scene, make note of any research required to complete that section.” – Writing Tip from Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner

Writing Dialogue

2011-04-23T11:45:00.000-05:00

One of the sessions I attended a week ago at the Writers’ League of Texas YA conference was on “The Mechanics of Dialogue.” It was conducted by Tim Wynne-Jones, author of more than thirty books, so you can bet he knows what’s he’s talking about. We all know what dialogue means. According to Webster’s dictionary, the definition is “a conversation between two or more people.” Sounds easy, right? But when you’re writing, the dialogue in your story has to sound believable and authentic. “It also has to either reveal character or push the plot forward,” according to Wynne-Jones. Otherwise, there is no reason for it to be in there. “Never use dialogue to give information dump to a reader,” he said. “Use it only for revelation and plot movement.”

He spoke of dialogue taking place in “real time.” He pointed out that a scene takes place in real time while a summary takes place in storyteller time, i.e., suspended time. Example: “It was five years ago that …” When writing scenes, he urged us to think of our reader as a fly on the wall. I will keep this in mind next time I write a scene.

Santa Fe

Have a good writing day with those scenes in your story!

“The feeling for words, the driving need to tell a story, the love of characters who constantly inhabit your mind waiting to be born, these are the inherent things that make us writers.” – Eve Bunting

Young Adult (YA) Conference

2011-04-18T14:40:00.009-05:00

This past weekend, I attended the Writers’ League of Texas YA “A to Z” conference in Austin. It was the first one of its kind that the League had put on. The WLT staff did a fantastic job. The faculty that attended (editors, agents, authors) was easily accessible. The workshops were well organized and the topics varied from blogs, tips on finding agents, author interviews, agent and editor panels, marketing, graphic novels, craft of writing, etc.

Austin, Texas

I’ll share some of my notes: Marketing – Librarians are critical to your book because they are the ones who read and pitch them to the kids. Librarians transmit the culture of literature. As an author, make connections with librarians and with schools, i.e., school visits. Your book could become supplemental reading. Getting your book selected for the State Reading List is big; let your publisher know that you want your book considered for this.

One workshop that I found very interesting was the Do-It-Yourself Publicity: Tips for Authors. Their website reads: “PR by the Book is a boutique publicity firm specializing in literary media relations campaigns, publishing consultation, small business publicity, and publicity tours for authors and experts.” Marika Platt, the moderator, offered tips for authors such as hooks and angles and media wish list to publicize a book.

I keep hearing this over and over again -- there are not enough books out there for boys. There is a big demand for books that appeal to boys, i.e., fantasy, authenticity, and action. Address those issues that are important to boys. Books give them reassurance.

More notes to come. Will keep you posted.

"Each time a child opens a book, he pushes open the gate that separates him from Elsewhere. It gives him choices. It gives him freedom. These are magnificent, wonderfully unsafe things." -- Lois Lowry

That time of the year

2011-04-14T09:41:00.000-05:00

It’s tax time again. Only a few days left to get in that form. I just did my taxes a couple of days ago. I procrastinated until the last minute and was getting a little anxious about it. But because I kept careful records during the year of writer expenses and honorariums, filling out those forms didn't take much time. So it's done. Whew! Until next year.

To make it easier on myself for when that time of year rolls around again, I start a new spreadsheet at the beginning of the year, keeping tabs on a month-by-month basis of all the information I will need at tax time. I also keep receipts in a special folder marked Writer Expenses for that year. Being organized is one of the ways to avoid last-minute anxiety when you’re doing your taxes. Keep everything in one place. Just keep adding to that folder during the year and you’ll have no problem at tax time. Know what is tax deductible and what is not. Don’t forget those conferences and workshops that you attended and paid for. Keep a record of the school visits and mileage. Don't forget your website and domain renewal fees plus writer organization fees. Set up your own type of record-keeping system. What works for one writer might not work for another. Good luck.

The River Walk

"A relaxed mind is an open mind, and an open mind is prepared to accept new and creative ideas. Remind yourself to enjoy the craft.” -- Writing tip from Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner

Young Writers' Conference

2011-04-09T11:56:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I was invited to conduct a writing workshop at a Young Writers’ Conference for middle-grade students in the Edgewood ISD. We focused on the five senses that enable us, as writers, to express ourselves: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. We brainstormed on ideas, where they come from, and how to use them in stories. Coming up with their own ideas, they then wrote in descriptive detail, using the senses we had talked about to allow their readers to experience and feel what they had written. Some students were shy about sharing their work, but others opened up freely. Later, we discussed the revision and editing process of the rough drafts they had composed. It was fun watching these young people expressing themselves on paper.

"When I put a line down, the only thing I know is how it should feel and I know when it doesn't feel right." -- Jerry Pinkney

Jerry Spinelli

2011-03-30T13:52:00.000-05:00

Here is an inspiring story about Jerry Spinelli, author of numerous children’s books, including the 1998 Newbery Honor, Wringer, and the 1991 Newbery Medal, Maniac Magee. I originally heard his story at a writers’ conference in Chautauqua, New York. I felt honored to meet him and his lovely poet/writer wife, Eileen. They are both really down-to-earth people, friendly, and ready to share their writing experience with other aspiring writers. What a great, talented couple.

Jerry Spinelli, Lupe Ruiz-Flores, Eileen Spinelli

And here’s another neat Writer's Digest blog titled “10 Ways to Stay Sane When Frustrated With Your Writing,” which by the way I was this morning. I did #9 and it worked. Didn’t even go far. Outside. Watered plants, pulled weeds. Viola! Came up with a scene. I think the fresh air did it.

"A child’s bedroom is as much a window to the universe as a scientist’s lab or a philosopher’s study." – Jerry Spinelli

Writing books for children

2011-03-25T22:12:00.000-05:00

If you’ve just started writing books for children, have you been wondering what subject to write about? I know when I first started, I had so many ideas that it was hard to focus on one. However, you do need to stay focused and decide on a topic, what target audience you’re aiming your book for, what age group, etc. Here is a link to a video that addresses some of these issues. It might help you figure out where it is you want to start. The video, “What Should I Write About?” is narrated by Jon Bard of Children’s Book Insider or http://www.cbiclubhouse.com/. So take a look and go for it.

Recently a writer friend of mine, Crystal Allen, got published by Harper Collins. Her middle-grade debut novel, How Lamar’s Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy, is getting all kinds of great reviews. Crystal and I met at a writers’ workshop in Chautauqua, New York. I saw her again last summer at the SCBWI-LA conference. She also did an awesome interview on Cynsations blog. Her hard work paid off. I could not be happier for her. Congratulations, Crystal!

"The young child's mind is very much like a poet's mind." -- Charlotte Zolotow

Hook the reader!

2011-03-19T22:24:00.000-05:00

We’re always being told to “hook” our reader at the beginning of the story. We’re constantly reminded at workshops to visualize a reading patron at a bookstore, browsing through books, reading the first page, and quickly deciding whether to buy your book OR NOT. That is absolutely true, for me, anyway. When I pick up a book, I read the first couple of paragraphs, and if they grab me, I buy the book.

Three MG and YA examples of some of my favorites: Trino’s Choice by Diane Gonzales Bertrand, fellow writer and critique partner. “Trino had to run or die. Hands clenched into fists, he ran through the hot dust that stuck to his tongue and made his eyes burn.” Becoming Naomi León by Pam Muñoz Ryan. “I always thought the biggest problem in my life was my name, Naomi Soledad León Outlaw, but little did I know that it was the least of my troubles, or that someday I would live up to it.” When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt. “Nothing ever happens in Antler, Texas. Nothing much at all. Until this afternoon, when an old blue Thunderbird pulls a trailer decorated with Christmas lights into the Dairy maid parking lot.”

I found a really good blog, The Writer Today, by writer/blogger Ana Martin that addresses ten ways you can begin your story with a great hook. The title of her article is “Beginning Hooks - Strategies to use to catch your reader's attention.” I found it truly helpful. So let's all find and work on those hooks and get started on our stories. Good luck!

“No matter how much education you’ve had, it’s best to read as many classics as possible and keep abreast of today’s popular reading, especially in the area to which you hope to contribute.”—Writing Tip: Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner

Point of View

2011-03-16T15:05:00.001-05:00

What is point of view in writing? We all know POV can be in first person, second person, or third person. In http://www.dummies.com/, “Understanding Point of View in Literature” By Geraldine Woods, she writes the following: “Literature provides a lens through which readers look at the world. Point of view is the way the author allows you to ‘see’ and ‘hear’ what's going on.”

Sunset over Albuquerque

Sometimes in the middle of writing, I find myself switching point of view, not really intending to. In my critique group, we often find these point-of-view changes when we’re reading each other’s manuscripts and find it somewhat alarming that we didn't see it ourselves before. It’s very easy to switch and be totally unaware when you’re in the middle of intense writing. As a reader, I find this switch of POV distracting and jolting. It interrupts the flow. That’s why it’s important to stick with your point of view unless, of course, you’re doing it on purpose. For an excellent article on the “Point of Point of View,” visit the blog Ingridnotes.

"An author who is proactive in her book's marketing and promotion is much more desirable than one who waits for the publisher to make the first move." -- Writing Tip: Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

Regional writer's conference

2011-03-03T22:56:00.000-06:00

Last weekend I attended the Austin SCBWI regional conference. In attendance were editors, agents, illustrators, and authors. It was a thrill seeing author Carolyn Coman (Newbery Honor for What Jamie Saw) again. She was one of the faculty at a writer’s workshop I attended a while back in Pennsylvania. And she remembered me!! Another exciting moment for me came when I was in a small group at the conference and one of the editors speaking was Michelle Poploff of Delacorte. She is the editor for the 2010 Newbery Medal book, Moon over Manifest, written by Clare Vanderpool. I had just finished reading the book the day before, which by the way, I thoroughly enjoyed. I happen to love historical fiction. Another favorite author who writes in this genre is Donna Jo Napoli.

Writer’s conferences are part of the writing process so I try to attend whenever I can. It gives me a chance to get feedback from editors and agents and catch up with the latest in the publishing world. It’s always great to see old friends and make new ones. It’s a great way to get inspired, being among peers who have the same passion for writing. Have you made plans to attend one? What are you waiting for?

I got a pleasant surprise the other day. My book, Lupita's Papalote, was the February 2011 Children's Pick at the independent bookstore, Dulce Bread & Book Shop, in Dripping Springs, Texas.

Homemade kites!

“Workshops and conferences are a great source of information and inspiration, no matter your experience level.” – Writing Tip from Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner

Query Letters

2011-02-28T20:41:00.000-06:00

You’ve done your research. You’ve polished your manuscript. Now you’re ready for that query letter to be sent out to editors. Most of us struggle with those query letters. For me, they take much thought. It is not easy. How can you catch that editor or agent’s eye with a one-pager? You’re limited on your word count and are only supposed to include the essentials. Ouch! Query letters are like drafts. They need to be “revisited” and revised until you have it just right. Maybe even run it through your critique group. I do. Here is a link that will provide information on this topic, “Query me crazy,” by blogger YA author Corrine Jackson. She offers tips offered by an agent assistant. She even shows an example of a before-and-after query, which I found super helpful. So if you’re about ready to write that all-important query letter, you might want to visit her blog.

Mission Window

A few days ago, I got a nice surprise. Criticas Connections, of LibraryJournal.com did a review of my book, The Battle of the Snow Cones, in their February blog.

"Professionalism is an attitude. For a writer, this means professional presentation of queries and manuscripts, a thorough study of the market, and the ability to deliver assigned work on time." --Writing Tip from Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

Revisions

2011-02-23T23:01:00.000-06:00

If you have a children’s story ready to go, my suggestion is that you enter it in the Kindergarten Story Writing Contest sponsored by Children’s Writer. Visit their Website for further details. But hurry. The deadline for entries is February 28, 2011. Good luck!

Whenever I do school visits, part of my presentation is on the writing process. I stress revision, revision, revision. Revision is “revisiting” your draft, I tell students. It’s taking a look as to whether you want to change the point of view, add a section, delete a part, change the tone, change the tense, change the beginning or the end. In your messy first draft, you were just brainstorming and composing, writing text down. In revision, you’re getting to the final part before editing. It’s all a process to make your final piece the best that it can be. Chuck Sambuchino’s article, “Revisions: What Every Writer Should Know,” on the Guide to Literary Agents Editor’s Blog, also links to other blogs on the same topic.

Pinatas by the roadside

"Great stories give us metaphors which flash upon the mind the way lightning flashes upon the earth, illuminating for an instant an entire landscape." -- Paula Fox

Illustrator Perspective

2011-02-16T17:45:00.000-06:00

If you’re thinking about writing a picture book, here are a couple of great blogs that address this topic. They are both from an illustrator’s perspective. The first one is Ingrid’s Notes, where blogger Ingrid Sundberg summarizes briefly what author/illustrator Adam Rex, of Tree Ring Circus, and many other books, shared about the picture book layout.

Another excellent blog is Et Tu Journal, where writer/illustrator Carolyn Flores shows step by step the creation of a dummy book. I found this fascinating. As I’ve mentioned before, a picture book is a collaboration between the writer and the illustrator. The more you know how an illustrator works behind the scenes and the guidelines required for a picture book, the better for you as a writer.

Now get to work on that picture book you’ve been wanting to write. Best of luck!

“Touch magic — pass it on.” – Jane Yolen

The writing life

2011-02-08T20:30:00.000-06:00

If you’ve ever been frustrated as a writer about getting your work published, here is a message of hope from YA author Sara Zarr who was one of the keynote speakers at the 2011 SCBWI winter conference. Her inspirational speech is written in an article by Candy Gourlay on the blog Notes from the Slushpile. Zarr offers hope and encouragement for writers and the waiting game we all go through. “There is going to be a lot of waiting and you are going to have to decide what you are going to do while you are waiting. It is not about a book deal, a good review, a big advance. It is about a life,” she says. In the article by Gourlay, Zarr offers advice on how to nurture a creative life. Great article.

And, I just had to stop and take a picture of this Styrofoam-cup Valentine message on a fence on a busy local street. You can bet there is a story behind this.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Snow Day!

2011-02-04T21:58:00.000-06:00

Well what do you know! It did snow here. Okay, okay. So it was more like snow dust, barely covering the ground, more like patches here and there, but it was SNOW! I hadn’t seen the powdery stuff in years. We’re too far south for that sort of thing.

In 1985, we did have about 13 inches of the white stuff. It paralyzed the city. We’re not used to that kind of thing. So every now and then when it does happen, we go crazy. The locals were busy sending in photos to our TV station. The kids were out making snow angels. By noon, the snow was all gone. But for a few hours, it was fun.

Night of typhoon

2011-02-03T16:32:00.000-06:00

Reading this article, “Igloo Reading,” by Elizabeth Bluemle, in Publishers Weekly Shelf Talker, about “ … a fourth grader reading a book in an igloo … oblivious to the outside world,” triggered a memory of when my then third-grader daughter did something similar.

We were living on Okinawa Island when a typhoon hit. It was the middle of the night and sheets of rain pounded our house, the shutters on the windows rattled, and water seeped right through the walls. I kid you not. The power went out and we were in total darkness until we lit candles, always handy to have during times like that.

For what seemed like hours, my husband and I mopped up water from the floor as the rain kept seeping in. My daughter, feet propped up in an armchair, was deeply engrossed in a book she was reading, her only light the flickering flames of a candle. She was completely oblivious to the raging winds howling right outside our door. A simple typhoon never stopped her from enjoying one of her favorite books.

New Mexico

By the way, we're supposed to get some snow here in southwest Texas tonight. Will keep you posted to see if we really do. Took the picture above a few winters ago in New Mexico.

“The young child’s mind is very much like a poet’s mind.” – Charlotte Zolotow

Battle of the Snow Cones School Visit

2011-01-27T12:45:00.009-06:00

Yesterday I was on a school visit to Reilly Elementary in Austin. It was a delightful one. Two fourth-grade ambassadors, Alisa and Anna, greeted me at the entrance to the school and escorted me to the office and to the library. The fourth graders and their teachers went to a lot of trouble to make my visit memorable. They constructed welcome signs and even made a raspa stand complete with paper snow cones and papel picado for my reading of The Battle of the Snow Cones.

After the reading, we did a brief writing exercise, which turned out to be a lot of fun. We talked about the writing and the illustration process as well. The enthusiastic students asked really great questions of the author. So did some of the teachers. My objective was to show students that books are magical and fun. I hope I inspired them to read and write more.

I am always amazed at how much work the librarians put in to make their school libraries so inviting and cozy. Had I not had to get back home, I would have loved to just relax with a book or two in that lovely library. Hats off to the librarian, Ms. Camacho. The school visit was a great way to start off the year.

"I hope to say to all children that they are special ... that all of us are special ... important just because we are ourselves." -- Patricia Reilly Giff

Black and white sketches

2011-01-21T21:36:00.015-06:00

River Center Mall

What a great way to start the year! I just received via email the black and white sketches for my next bilingual picture book, Alicia’s Aguas Frescas/Alicia’s Frothy Drinks. The illustrator, Laura Lacamara, has done a great job bringing the characters in my story to life. I think it’s going to be a fun book that all kids as well as adults will like. This is all part of the journey of the book. Pretty soon I will be shown the sketches in color! Then the galleys. Then the finished product sometime in the spring. As I’ve said before, a picture book is a collaboration, a team effort, between the writer and illustrator and publisher. It becomes “our” book when it’s finished.

On the topic of manuscripts, are you about ready to pitch or query the story you’ve been working on to an editor or an agent? Has it been critiqued and polished and is ready to go? So where do you go from here. When I first started, I had so many questions and knew so little. I’m still learning about this business. I came across a blog article by Janet Reid, literary agent, on “ … the difference between pitch and query.” Visit her blog to learn more on this. Be ready. Submit. And best of luck.

“If you doodle enough, the characters begin to take over themselves — after a year and a half or so.” – Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss)

Self promote your book

2011-01-16T20:57:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was on a panel for our local chapter. The topic: learning tips and tricks to market your book through online and traditional methods. There were four of us on the panel, three writers and one illustrator.

Heather Powers, Maritha Burmeister, Lupe Ruiz-Flores, Catherine Stier

As we all know, with diminishing budgets, most publishers want authors and illustrators to do most of the promotion of their books. Some tips:

Promote your book on your Website, Facebook, and Twitter. Contact bookstores and libraries for booksignings. Network at writers’ conferences and at book festivals. I’ve gotten many an invitation for school visits and speaking engagements at these events. Always have with you promotional material for your book, i.e., brochures, postcards, business cards. The objective is to get your book out there in the public eye. Even if your book is not out yet, prepare and be ready for when it is published. It will make a big difference.

Some time ago, I bought the book, How to Promote Your Children’s Book: A Survival Guide for Published Writers, by Evelyn Gallardo. It offers excellent tips on self promoting your book.

On the topic of Websites, I came across an interesting article, “Update That Website,” on publishersweekly.com written by Barbara Vey. It mentions the importance of websites and blogs for authors and why they should be updated regularly.

“Never try to chase trends. Write what you love, and write the best book you can, and worry about publication later.” – Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner

Thailand

2011-01-08T11:06:00.000-06:00

Taken at San Antonio Zoo

The other day I was watching a travel show on TV which triggered memories of when I lived in Southeast Asia. Years ago, I lived in Bangkok, Thailand. I remember the day I arrived. The first thing I saw was a water buffalo hitched to a plow out in the lush countryside. The few houses scattered around were built on stilts. I knew then this was going to be quite an adventure.

Pic taken at San Antonio zoo

We lived right in the city and every morning I watched from my balcony as Buddhist monks in flowing orange robes walked by stopping by the roadside to accept small bowls of rice offered by the faithful who came out to greet them each day. Images of magnificent pagodas (temples) around the city also come to mind. I remember the exotic floating markets (boats) with colorful wares of flowers, fruits, and vegetables streaming down the river. I remember being high up atop an elephant and its rough skin rubbing against my leg as my children and I rode on it. Then there were the giant geckos (lizards) that came out at night from the canal behind our house. They would adhere themselves to the outside surface of the windows scaring us to death.

Quite an adventure living in Thailand. I recently wrote a children’s story about a Thai elephant who yearns to be part of the royal court in the king’s palace but is constantly rejected. I will be sending it out soon. Wish me luck!

“Don’t hesitate to use a big word in a children’s story if you think it’s the best word – as long as young readers can ascertain the meaning through the context of the story.” – Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner

First day of 2011!

2011-01-01T17:19:00.000-06:00

McNay Art Museum grounds

Hope you’re having a super new start on this first day of 2011! I started a new journal, a splendid one with a beautiful leather cover. It’s got inspirational quotes on each page. I already jotted down my writing goals for 2011. Speaking of goals, I came across a blog article, “Wishing Up Good Goals” by Jan Fields of Institute of Children’s Literature, which mentions goals versus wishes.

She writes about the difference between the two. “Many of us set goals for the year that sound like this: sell two stories a month or get book contract or get more respect for my writing from my family. Those are great things to hope for, but they depend upon someone other than you. Therefore, they aren't goals, they're wishes or hopes.” Visit her link for more on this topic.

McNay Art Museum grounds

I took my own advice for one of my goals: nurture your creative side. I went to the McNay Art Museum in town and had a wonderful day viewing the magnificent art. The grounds are beautiful as well. I hope to do this more often. It’s good for the soul.

Mural at McNay Art Museum

A journal can be an invaluable tool for recording ideas, impressions, and anecdotes for future use. It can also help your career by instilling in you the habit of writing regularly. -- Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

New Year's Writer's Goals

2010-12-28T22:43:00.001-06:00

Well, the year is just about over. Each year seems to go by faster than the last one. Time to set new goals as a writer. Looking over the soon-to-be-over-2010 list, I seem to have the same goals for the coming one: write and read more in different genres, polish unfinished manuscripts, submit them to publishers on a regular basis, journal, nurture myself as a writer, attend at least one writer’s conference or workshop, value my writer friends, keep the hope up, never give up. Of course, I don’t always get to do everything on the list, but I try.

My shelves are full of writer’s books, which I really find helpful. One of my favorites, which I plan to read again is The Writer’s Book of Hope by Ralph Keyes. It’s uplifting and inspirational. I want to start the year off right by rereading this one.

Some sentences I highlighted: “Some aspiring writers give the impression that they’re looking for a ‘key,’ some wisdom known only to insiders on how to write and get published. There is none. The only key is persistence and knowing what you’re about.” Another one: “The struggle is part of the process.” And another: “Good writers think nothing of revising a manuscript dozens of times, if necessary.”

A writer friend emailed me that one of her New Year’s resolutions is to not get on the Internet or check emails until late in the afternoon. She’s reserving the morning for writing only. That is discipline. Carve out time for writing and stick to it. I read somewhere that if a writer writes one page per day, she/he will have written a novel by the end of the year. Some of us don’t have the time with our busy lives, but we can still devote at least 15-30 minutes a day to writing. A very good habit to form is to set up a schedule for the week and abide by it.

So for 2011, I shall be persistent in my writing and never give up hope. What are your goals?

Wishing you great writing days and a Happy New Year!

“I am still encouraged to go on. I wouldn’t know where else to go.” – E.B. White

Christmas stories

2010-12-21T10:04:00.001-06:00

Like I do every year around this time, I like to read Christmas stories from two books that my writer friends (who contributed to stories in the books) gave me a couple of years ago. Some stories are nostalgic, some are humorous, others are a little sad but with hope at the end. Always with hope at the end. The stories are uplifting and inspirational. Every morning I read at least two stories from each book.

Maybe you have a story or two that you’ve been meaning to send to publishers who publish anthologies. That is a great way for a writer to break into the business and get a byline. Not only will readers enjoy reading your story, but you’ll have the satisfaction of seeing your name in print. Make it a goal next year to submit your manuscripts to magazines, book anthologies, newspaper articles, as well as to book publishers. I might just be reading your story next Christmas.

Writing Slow

2010-12-17T16:27:00.000-06:00

Waiting for an appointment today, I continued reading the book, Chapter after Chapter, by Heather Sellers. The page I was on seemed to be just what I needed to read. You see, during a critique of my latest manuscript, some feedback was that the last few chapters seemed “rushed.” Hmm… After rereading, I had to agree. How did this happen? Well, according to Sellers’ fifth chapter, “Slow is Fearless,” she points out that sometimes when we’re anxious or nervous about deadlines, the amount of time it’s taking to write a book, or the fear that we have nothing to say, we tend to “speed up.” These are just a few of the reasons. She brings up several others.

But “… writing too fast, wanting too much too soon, is writing scared,” she writes. “Writing books is, and should be, really slow. The great books are still around – just like the great recipes, the great songs, the great trees – because they took a long time to develop.”

I think the word “develop” is the key here. It took me a long time to develop my skill in sewing. In the beginning, I ripped out seams, time and again, because I knew they were not right. But I stuck with it because I loved it. I took it slow, started to enjoy it, and finally became proficient in sewing. “Time-soaked writing is good writing,” Sellers writes. “Slow is good for the alchemy – the rise — of words and ideas and imagination and emotion.”

My cookies for Cookie Exchange Party

So I need to go back and take my time with those chapters that seemed “rushed.” Take a deep breath, take it slow, enjoy the process, and it will all come together.

Cookie Spread - Yum! Yum!

Wishing you a Joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Writers' Retreat

2010-12-11T19:43:00.000-06:00

I was reflecting on a trip I took several years ago to a writers’ retreat in Pennsylvania. It was around this time of year that I spent a week secluded in a cabin surrounded by hundreds of trees and a nearby creek. It was cold when I arrived and some snow was on the ground. There were about a dozen other cabins for the other writers attending. We met each morning in the “big” house down the pathway where we had scrumptious breakfasts and settled down in the cozy living room to start our day.

Cabins in the woods

There were eight of us plus three faculty and for the next six days, we immersed ourselves in writing, making new friends, reflecting, experiencing great conversation at dinner every night, and joining in critique sessions. We came from all over the country and wrote in different genres. The faculty members gave us excellent guidance in the writing process. It was a writer's dream. I kept a journal while there. Here is an excerpt from the first day.

My Cabin

It’s cold here but the sun is out and remnants of powdered snow still blanket the ground. Glad I brought my boots. My one-room cabin is nestled in a wooded area. The window in the cabin faces hundreds of huge trees. They stand firm and tall letting the sun filter through. A few orange leaves still cling stubbornly to some trees as if not wanting to yield to the coming winter cold. The small cabin creaks as the wind hits the walls. I like that the cabin has a tiny porch and a rocking chair where I can sit and take in the beautiful scenery. The radio is playing Christmas carols, but the reception is coming in with a lot of static. We’re out in the boonies; no cell phone service here. A few yards away are the other writers’ cabins. Can hardly wait for tomorrow to start the writers’ workshop.

My porch and rocking chair

After that week was over, I was more focused on where my story was going. I had a clearer map of the storyline. I listened and I learned. I had been experiencing doubts about my writing, but after that week, I felt validated. It was great being among experienced faculty and writers passionate about their work. If you ever get a chance to attend such a retreat, do so. We need to nurture ourselves as writers when we get the opportunity. For me, it was an inspirational experience I remember to this day.

"The most important thing you can bring with you to a writers' conference (workshop) is an open and alert mind, ready and willing to listen and learn. Take advantage of every opportunity the conference/workshop offers." -- Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

Writer's Inspiration

2010-12-05T10:43:00.001-06:00

In between wrapping Christmas presents and getting ready for the holidays, I’m trying to squeeze in some reading whenever I get a chance. The other day while at the dentist, I reread a few pages from the book, Chapter after Chapter, by Heather Sellers. I remember reading it a while back and really getting inspired to write. The second time around, I felt the same way. Not only does the author offer writing tips but she offers inspiration along the journey of writing a book.

In her introduction, she notes: “… Creating a book-length work is a whole thing unto itself, with quirks and lessons and challenges not found in any other endeavor. This book hopes to light the path, at least a little, so you can see what’s up ahead and prepare accordingly.”

Annual Christmas Cookie Exchange Party

Another form of inspiration for me are images and photos. I’ve gotten some ideas for stories from pictures and newspaper articles. In fact, my latest book, The Battle of the Snow Cones, was inspired by a photo in the local paper. If you’re always taking pictures like I am as you can see by my blog, here’s an interesting article, “Writers, Keep Your Camera Ready,” by Christine Collier, on how to make those photos work for you as a writer. Scan your local paper for ideas. I’ll bet there’s a ton of stories out there.

“A relaxed mind is an open mind, and an open mind is prepared to accept new and creative ideas. Remind yourself to enjoy the craft.” – Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner

Writer's Goals

2010-11-29T12:10:00.000-06:00

Trying to get back into the routine of writing is pretty hard after the Thanksgiving holiday. With all the hustle and bustle of family and friends, it takes a while to get back to the PC and pick up where you left off on your manuscript. But that’s exactly what I’m doing. I don’t want to lose too much momentum here.

I’m also thinking ahead to 2011. What are my writing goals for next year? It’s not too early to start planning. The year is almost gone. Where did it go? Is time flying fast for you too? Have you met some of the goals you set at the beginning of the year? I know I haven’t. As the months go by, we tend to forget the enthusiasm we felt around the New Year – all kinds of expectations about where our writing will take us.

Have we pitched those stories we were going to pitch? Have we done our market research? Have we finished that story that needs to be finished? I’ve done a lot of things so far, but I still have a long way to go. Right now I’m trying to squeeze some reading in too. But I’m working on time management as well. Go back and revisit that list that you started at the beginning of the year. It feels good to check off a few off the list.

Santa Fe

"The scariest moment is always just before you start." - Stephen King (On Writing)

Book Journey

2010-11-20T20:33:00.000-06:00

Well, the book signing was a great success! I had so much fun seeing friends and family show up for this event. I did a short presentation of how a book is born, from idea to final publication. Had a brief question-and-answer session, then on to signing books. Lots of pictures taken. The community relations manager at Barnes & Noble was fantastic. Had everything arranged very nicely for the book signing and made me, the author, feel special. I really appreciate that.

Before the launching of a book, the author has to do some leg work to start promoting the book. Nowadays, most publishers have limited budgets and so they are glad when the author is out there presenting the book before the public. Way in advance, the author should be making plans for the promotion, i.e., having a list of invitees for the book signing, collaborating with the book stores on schedules, promoting on websites and blogs, book reviews, school visits, word of mouth, etc. A launching is very exciting because your book is finally finished but the journey is just beginning.

Many thanks for the support from family, friends, and fellow writers.

"The hand of the artist, a little stained with paint around fingernails, must be seen. The voice of the writer, passionate and idiosyncratic, must be heard. And whether it is through adventure or humor or pathos, the story and pictures must always touch the heart." -- Rosemary Wells

The Writing Spark

2010-11-17T10:30:00.003-06:00

Do you ever lose the spark for writing? There are days and there are days for me. Sometimes I’m really enthused about whatever it is I’m writing about. Other days, it just isn’t happening. Nathan Bransford, has interesting comments on his blog forum about what happens when you lose that spark in writing and how some writers cope with it.

Which brings me to a couple of days ago when I was feeling guilty for not wanting to write but instead wanting to visit one of our local museums or missions. A waste of time away from writing, I thought. But then I read YA author Veronica Roth’s blog and changed my mind. As soon as I can, I am taking a special day off and will browse those historical places in town that I love. I believe it will make me a better writer.

Roth’s blog sort of connects with the same topic of losing that spark. That’s why I listed it here. She writes, “I am learning that you cannot write well if you are not engaged with the world. The writing mind is like an ice cream maker. It will always produce ice cream, but unless you intervene, that ice cream will always be vanilla. You have to acquire new ingredients if you want to make the ice cream taste like something else, or have an interesting texture.”

Have a great Thanksgiving!

"Nothing one ever experiences or feels is wasted." -- Lynne Reid Banks

Opportunity for Writing

2010-11-11T14:08:00.000-06:00

Remember that blog a few days ago when I mentioned being distracted from my writing by a squirrel on my neighbor's roof right outside my window? I had to laugh when I read the following article, “Squirrels in the Attic,” by Ruth Schiffman from the Institute of Children’s Literature online newsletter. In it, she mentions squirrels in her attic and how she turned this into an opportunity for writing. Read it and I'm sure you’ll think it’s funny too.

I kind of did the same thing one day when a woodpecker made holes in my neighbor's wooden chimney and then came over and pecked, pecked, pecked on the side of my house. It was irritating. This went on for days.The woodpecker (I named him Oscar) would visit early in the morning, waking me up with all the noise. I ended up writing a short children’s story about Oscar making him the main character. The reason I did that is because Oscar had an "attitude." One day I went outside and actually took his picture while he pecked on the wood. It didn't faze him. He looked at me and went back to his pecking. I filed the story in my “someday go back and revise” folder. Come to think of it, I might just take it out right now and have a look. Ms. Schiffman has motivated me to do just that. Yea!

River Walk

“I dive into a story the way I dive into the sea, prepared to splash about and make merry.” – E.B. White

Critiques

2010-11-04T22:28:00.000-05:00

I was talking to a lady last week who told me she’s always wanted to write but is afraid of critiques. Why? I asked. “Because I can’t take it,” was her reply. “I can’t stand being told it’s not good or something.” Which brings me to an article I just read in the September 2010 issue of Writer’s Digest, “Develop a Thick Skin,” by Steve Almond and Sheila Bender. Part of the article reads, “You have to recognize criticism and rejection as a necessary step in the process . . . you have an obligation to recognize in these disappointments the seeds of your own improvement. Because if you can’t accept your failures at the keyboard … you simply won’t get any better.”

If the dynamics of a critique group are right, I think being in one is of immense value. I found a good blog, Right-Writing, that offers tips on how to find and join a critique group. Written by editor/writer, Terry Whalin, he offers advice on how to organize a critique meeting, how to critique one another’s work, whether fiction or nonfiction, and what are the advantages of joining such a group. I highly recommend being in a critique group. It will enhance your writing skills and make you lasting friendships.

"I always yield to the inevitability of events in my novels even when it causes me to shift course, toss away pages and notes and make sudden revisions." -- Robert Cormier