Writing For Children Blog Fest Ebook

Writing For Children Blog Fest
At
The Writing Jungle
Offered to you
By
Lea Schizas
http://leaschizaseditor.com
©2008 This is offered to you FREE to help you in your writing career. All
copyright belongs to the author of each post.
INTRODUCTION
On March 31 until April 5th, The Writing Jungle blog hosted its first Writing
For Children Blog Fest. Within this FREE ebook you will find just some of
the amazing and helpful posts by the participating writers.
To read all of the posts within that week, please hop on over to The Writing
Jungle, and click the March and April archives.
I’d like to thank each of my guests for a wonderful week and looking
forward in the fall for another great blog fest once again.
Lea Schizas
http://leaschizaseditor.com/
CONTENTS
Barbara Ehrentreu:
~Happy To Be Here Blogging at the Jungle Fest
Beverly Stowe McClure:

~A Tip a Day
~Jade Wants to Say Something
~Action = Reaction
Carol J. Amato:
~Sell Your Books to the School Market
~So What’s in a Teacher’s Guide, Anyway?
~How to Write to the State Educational Standards
Chris Verstraete:
~Dogs, Miniatures, and Searching for a Starry Night, A Miniature Art
~Adding a Different Story Dimension- Add a Dog
Cynthia Reeg:
~Kitty Capers
~Tips for Improving Your Writing
~Two Pieces of the Picture Book Puzzle
~Quick Tips for Query & Cover Letters
Diana Symons:
~The Princess Has Arrived
~Princess Here Again
Donna McDine:
~Swinging into The Writing Jungle
~Rejection Letters-What to make of them
~SCBWI NY Winter Conference – 2008
~The Brick and Hopefully Crumbling Wall of Parenting and Writing
Elysabeth Eldering:
~Where in the United States are the Junior Geography Detectives?
~Why a Geography Series?
Holly Jahangiri:
~Things that Go Bump in the Night
Jan Verhoeff:
~Pops VS Hubert-The Characters Unite
~Fundamental Design-Reality Based Fiction
Jennifer Gladen:
~Network Brule
Jewel Sample:
~Over Coming Challenges in a Tight Niche Market
~Writing with Passion and Developing Your Voice and Brand
Joyce Anthony:
~Do They Only Want Happy Endings?
Joyce Moyer Hostetter:

~What’s That?
~A Beautiful Thing
~The Teacher Who Made Me a Writer
Kevin Scott Collier:

~Big Words in Little Books Can Educate
~Writer or Artist: Which is More Revealing?
~Coauthors Cover Each Other
~Photoshop is an Illustrator’s Tool
~Remember- Kids Love Villains, Too
~Expand Out Beyond One Publisher
Kim Baccellia:
~Five Musts on the Road to Publishing
~New trends in MG/YA
~My Five Favorite Sites
~YA books that address sensitive matter
~Epubishing 101
Kim Chatel:
~The Inspiration Behind “The Stone Beach”
~Markets for the Next Generation
~Write what you “Know” in Your Heart
~I’m Not An Illustrator, But I Am An Artist
~A Marketing Plan in Brief
~I Can Write a Picture Book
Kim Sponaugle:
Helping Authors Find Illustrators: Picture Kitchen Studio
Lea Schizas:
Hey! What’s Going On Around Here!
Why I Write for Kids and Young Adult
Bullying, Teasing, and Two Complete Opposites
Bring Our Children Into Our Writing World
Writing for Children-Easy or Hard?
Winding Down and Announcements
I Am Who I Am- A Writer
Lori Calabrese:
Let the Blog Fest Begin
A Cool Tool for Authors Websites
Links On How to Write A Query Letter
Writers Resources
So You Think You’re Done? Revise, revise, revise
A Writer’s Critique
Margarette Burnette:
Behind the Scenes – How My Children’s Book was Created
Classroom Visits
Margot Fine:
Margot’s Back: More Serious Now, Mates
Rattlesnake Jam – Requested Verses
Swingin’ in the Jungle BlogFest
Margot’s Simple Words and Rules To Write By
Mayra Calvani:
The Magic Violin
On Writing Horror and Children’s Books
My Young Daughter, the Author
My Pen Name and I…Have Broke Up
Stacy Dawn:
Teensy Tiny Fun
For Readers and Writers
Author Illustrator
Suzanne Lierrance:
Three Simple Writing Mistake to Avoid
Why Whining or Complaining May Actually be Good for your Writing Career
Top Ten Mistakes Made by New Children Writers
Show, Don’t Tell – What Does That Really Mean?
Vivian Zabel:
Hurries Into Blog and Stumbles
Writing for Children and Teens
Daddy-My Inspiration by Lea Schizas

Barbara Ehrentreu
Happy to Be Here Blogging at the Jungle Fest
Thanks to Lea I am here with all of you awesome people. I am a member of KidsMuse on
the MuseItUp Club and thanks to Lea I have had some amazing changes in my writing
and have met so many great writers in the past couple of years. I am a YA writer for the
most part with one finished but unpublished novel and a second one halfway finished
which I'm sharing with the KidsMuse group. I also have an MG children's story published
on Story Station and I have also written a few adult flash stories. You can go read all
about me on my website which is still under construction: ALL ABOUT BARBARA
AND HER WRITING.
My writing comes mostly from my own experiences and I use my family as fodder for
my characters. I wrote an MG fantasy when I first started writing seriously and it was a
story that I had first told to my little brother that was passed down to be told to my own
children. But that one is pretty much in storage now gathering dust in the archives of my
computer.
Unlike some people my writing never seems to have any organization when I begin. The
idea happens in my head and then flows through my fingers and when I see the first
sentence it takes off with my fingers flying until I've come to the end. I've gotten so used
to using the computer for writing that when I have to use a pen and paper I'm bogged
down by the slowness of it all. And where is the Delete? But after awhile I'll step back
and see if what I've written is a short story or the beginning of a novel. Then I'll take it
out and show it to people to see if it makes sense to anyone else and whether or not they
like the characters. That's where my critique group helps so much. But what really almost
brings tears to my eyes is the reactions of the group when you've written something that
works. It's like applause for an actor when the group appreciates your writing. I beam for
a day and reread the comments when I'm down.
It took me a long time to get to point 5, Kim so now I have to send out my first YA
manuscript to a publisher. Would some here please give me a virtual kick to do that?
Who else has work that they need to send out but they are procrastinating or have no
time? (my problem!)
Beth Fehlbaum, Author said...

I know what you mean about writing from your brain straight out the tips of your fingers.
I write the same way, then look back and see what all fell out on the page.
Nice to meet you!
Beth Fehlbaum, author
Courage in Patience, a story of hope for those who have endured abuse
http://courageinpatience.blogspot.com
Lea Schizas - Author/Editor said...
Barbara, I, too, allow my characters to take me wherever they want to go. I find this frees
my creative side to write. I've tried using a chapter to chapter outline but what happened
down the line is that I changed something along the way and then the whole outline had
to go. So for me, and this doesn't work for everyone, I come up with an idea where I want
the story to go, who my characters will be and what obstacles they will face, and then
allow the story to flow where it wants to go.
I never edit while writing but simply write until I reach THE END and then go back and
rework it, adding the five senses to lenghten the story, and tightening my sentences.
Donna McDine said...

Barbara...wonderful post. I first write in long hand and just write without editing. I then
type my first draft, printout and then give a first edit. Here's the kick in the seat of your
pants that you need to send out your ms...if you don't send it you can't publish it. Looking
forward to checking out your website.
Kim Baccellia said...

Wow, it is hard to know when it's time to send your story out. If you think you're story is
ready, go for it! A good place to start is going to www.agentquery.com for names of
agents who rep YA.
Good luck! I also subscribe to Publishersmarket. This site keeps me up to date on what is
selling and who's buying.
On the whole writing process, I map out my story. I use a story paradigm, similar to ones
used by Chris Voight in THE HEROES JOURNEY. I have a huge whiteboard in my
writing room. For my latest story, I've tried to turn off my inner editor and just write. So
far that's been working. Before I got stuck in going from scene to scene. But that took
forever.
Both my writing groups help too to make sure I'm not going off on a tangent or doing too
many reps. I also have a YA writing mentor who helps with the end, after I've finished
the first crappy draft. She's been great! Right now she's helping me tighten and strengthen
my revision. I've found it helps to have that extra help.
Beverly Stowe McClure
"If anyone had told me I'd be a writer someday, I'd have thought they were crazy. When I was a
child I hated to read. Even though my eighth grade teacher sent my poem "Stars" to a high
school anthology and it was published, I hated to write. In spite of my rocky relationship with
books, I attended college and graduated with--would you believe?--a teaching degree.
For twenty-two years I read to my students, they read to me. I read to my three sons and
discovered the world of Dr. Seuss, among others, and realized what I'd been missing. Now I
read constantly. I also write.
I'm a fourth-generation Texan, retired teacher, wife, mother, grandmother and great-
grandmother. To relax I play the piano, make scrapbooks, research my family history, and take
pictures of clouds, birds, butterflies, and cats or anything else that catches my fancy. Oh, the
grandkids are my favorite photo subjects.
Link to my site: http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com
A Tip a Day
I thought I'd post a tip a day. Some of them you may already know. You may agree or
disagree, but they are my thoughts about writing.
#1. Write about what interests you.
Yes, we're told to write about what we know. Why? To me, part of the fun of writing a
story--and I would stop writing if it wasn't fun--is going places I've never been. For
example, I've never seen a ghost, but I wrote about one. She introduced herself to me,
complete with her own personality and abilities that went way beyond what we usually
think a ghost can do.
I don't know if a drug like the one I wrote about in my YA mystery exists or ever will
exist, but I invented one and made it an important element in the story. The illustrator of
the cover was so convinced the flower that produced this miracle drug was real that he
tried to find a picture of it, but was unable to, since the flower existed only in my mind.
Together, we came up with an image of the flower for the book.
The Civil War was before my time, but it is the setting of my YA historical novel. I think
this is true of any historical work. We weren't there, but through research and perhaps
visiting the sites in our stories, we are thrust into another world, one we don't "know" but
can learn about and reveal to our readers.
If I tried to skateboard, I'd end up in the hospital in traction, but the boys in my MG story
skateboard. Again, I researched the sport and learned about "Ollies" and other terms that
describe the sport, and my characters did the rest.
So write what you know, but also write about things that interest you. Climb mountains,
scuba dive, visit with dragons, princesses, fairies, vampires, and werewolves. Your
imagination is your only limit.
Kim Chatel said...

Beverly, when I first starting writing in High School my English teacher was very
disappointed because I wrote a story about foxhunting, though I'd never actually done
any hunting. I had diligently researched the subject in the library and was pretty proud of
my story. His offhand rejection "write what you know" took the wind out of my sails.
Luckily I bounced back and I now write fantasy and paranormal. I "know" my subjects in
my heart and that's enough.
Jade Wants to Say Something
A ghost who doesn't want to be a ghost.
A girl who wants to forget her ex-boyfriend and his lying

lips.
A one-hundred-year-old neighbor who talks in riddles.
And a handsome sax player who changes everything.
Hi All,
My name's Jade Dalton. Beverly sent me over to tell you about my ghost. You see, my
brother, David, my bff, Elaine, and I are housesitting our grandparents' home in
Charleston, SC, this summer. I've spent every summer of my seventeen years in this
house, but never knew it was haunted.
Shh! Don't tell Phoebe (she's my ghost) I said she haunts. She's real touchy about being a
ghost.
Anyway, I don't ... didn't ... believe in ghosts. Just the idea of them defies logic. But how
do you explain kamikazi hamburgers, missing jewelry, and a pink mist that turns into a
girl, or more accurately, a ghost girl?
A ghost who has problems. And wants me to solve them for her. I'll try, but it's gonna be
tricky.
Okay! Here comes Phoebe. I'm outta here.
You can find out more about Phoebe at:

Twilight Times Books Amazon

Beverly...I enjoyed reading and writing a book review for "Listen to the Ghost" Everyone
else...this is a great read! I love your character guest post...LOL :} Especially since your
characters have stayed with me long after I finished reading your novel!

Jade sounds like a tough cookie. I'm in the midst of reading your book and loving it so
far.
Action = Reaction
Tip # 2.
Your main character wants something or has a goal.
Your main character takes certain actions to achieve her goal.
But someone or something prevents her from getting what she wants.
Each attempt she makes brings her closer to her goal, until she finally suceeds, or doesn't.
Make it hard for her. Make her struggle. The outcome must be in doubt. Make the reader
chew on her fingernails or bite her lip wondering if the character, who the reader should
be rooting for, will win.
This, of course, is the plot of your story. For example:
Rebel wants her mother and father, who have separated, together again. So she takes
action. First, she asks her father to go after her mother, to bring her home where she
belongs. He refuses and tells Rebel the marriage is over. Reaction.
That didn't work, so Rebel tries to convince her mom the new guy that she ran away with
is a tattooed, long-haired druggie. Action. The guy proves otherwise, and Rebel finds
herself even liking him, a little. Reaction.
But she hasn't given up. She still wants her family the way it once was. So she keeps
trying. And it goes on, each step Rebel takes bringing her closer to her goal. In a novel,
you'll have subplots, as well, that cause minor problems for your main character or her
friends. Sometimes the character does not get exactly what she wants, but, to me, a story
must be true to life. Endings are not always fairy tale endings, with everyone living
happily ever after. But endings should give hope for the future. The character grows from
events that she experiences in the story. And the reader comes away satisfied, though the
ending may not be what they had in mind.
Let me know your thoughts on this.

Bev...great post. You summed this up for me perfectly...I'm making note of this. I agree
with you 100%!

Beverly, I don't think an ending has to be happily ever after if it's for the YA but a change
of some sort needs to be there in the main character to show how they've grown as a
person.
I think the younger grades and target audience can also handle a not so happy ending, like
a pet dying, a parent succumbing to an illness, since this is part of life and trying to teach
children about the various emotional upsets they will face in life. But certain subjects
may be taboo for the younger ones. I'm not sure so input from others would be great to
read.
LCalabrese said...
I'm with you every step of the way. Endings are not always fairy tale endings, and these
stories must be true to life. Real life IS drama and that's an important part of a good book.
Great tips!
http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com/
Young Adult Contemporary,

forthcoming 2008
Carol J. Amato
Carol J. Amato knew she wanted to be a writer
when she was in the 4th grade. Her memorable
books for young people include the acclaimed
series Breakthroughs in Science (The Earth,
Astronomy, The Human Body, and Inventions),
50 Nifty Science Fair Projects, Super Science
Project Book, and 50 More Nifty Science Fair
Projects.
Firmly believing that kids’ fiction can be

educational as well as entertaining, Ms. Amato
has applied her M.A. in Anthropology to creating
the exciting mystery series, The Phantom
Hunters! ™. Each mystery takes readers to a
different culture. Currently, she is finishing Book
#2, The Secret of Blackhurst Manor, set in
Lincolnshire, England, and due out in the Fall of
2008.
She is a member of the Writers’ Club of Whittier,

Inc., a professional writers’ work-shop, and a
member of the Society for Children’s Book
Writers and Illustrators. She is listed in Who’s
Who in America, Who’s Who of American
Women, Who’s Who in the West, Who’s Who in
Orange County, and the World Who’s Who of
Women.
She has taught at the junior high and high school

levels and currently teaches writing part-time at
the college level. She has served as a judge for the
Orange County and California State Science Fairs.
Ms. Amato lives in Southern California with her

kids and her very big, very fluffy Norwegian
Forest Cat, Two Socks.
Sell Your Books to the School Market
When I was young, I was a big Nancy Drew fan. Hooked on that mystery series, I
remember using a flashlight to read under the covers at night.
I had been selling non-fiction for years when I decided that I wanted to follow my
passion of writing fiction. I particularly had a middle-grade series in mind, The Phantom
Hunters!, one in which the main character could see ghosts. The rights to a ghost story I
had sold years before had been given back to me when the magazine folded. I thought it
would make a perfect ending point for a plot in my mystery series.
Since I exhibit at trade shows to make contact with librarians and teachers for my other
books, I took time to talk to the middle-grade teachers and librarians to see what kind of
fiction kids at that age liked. They all said mysteries. I told them about my proposed
series, and they seemed very excited.
I set about reading every middle-grade novel with ghosts that I could lay my hands on. I
wanted to see how they handled the ghosts. Were they real or fake? I found that the books
had both. I wanted my ghosts to be real, so I was happy to see that some did deal with
ghosts that weren't just the older brother dressed up in a sheet to scare the younger kids. I
also found that a lot of the books on the market had very little redeeming or educational
value.
My mystery series would be different. I wanted something that kids could read and end
up learning something as well as being entertained. I have a master's degree in cultural
anthropology, so my plan was to set each book in a different culture. That doesn't mean
necessarily leaving the United States, though.
I've always been interested in the Navajos, since, despite all odds, they have managed to
rebuild their tribe from 8,000 people at the beginning of the 20th century to nearly
300,000 today. They have hung onto their native beliefs despite the government's best
attempts to wipe them out. I decided to set the first story on the Navajo Nation. My main
characters travel there from California.
The main characters are Annwyn (Anny) Bradford and her identical twin sister, Scout.
Scout, whose real name is Rowan, is a dedicated Girl Scout who is popular and good at
all things athletic. Anny, on the other hand, is introverted because she sees things that
others don't, and she is constantly being made fun of. She tries to make up for it by being
a good student, something Scout isn't. Anny also hates her name; she doesn't know why
her grandfather insisted that she be called that.
Setting the first novel, The Lost Treasure of the Golden Sun, on the Navajo Nation gave
me the opportunity to showcase the Navajo culture at the same time. Tony Hillerman has
done the same for adults with his mysteries, and I’m a big fan of his.
That got me thinking about how to make my mystery series last, though. Most books are
in the stores for only a few months, unless you're a big name author, which I hope to be
someday soon but am not at the moment. I didn't want to be the victim of the remainder
tables, so I decided to write a teacher's guide to accompany each novel in the series.
Although I’m not a grade-school teacher, I have taught at the college level. I bought and
looked at a lot of middle-grade materials at the teacher supply stores.
Most of the teacher’s guides were 32 pages, so I made mine the same. I developed
activities across the curriculum (math, science, reading comprehension, writing, history,
geography, etc.). Then I had a 5th grade teacher review it.
I discovered one mistake I had made. I should have reviewed the standards for the
different grades before I started writing. Luckily, the Southwest is studied at the 4th grade
level in Arizona and at the 5th grade level in California, so I was still hitting the middle-
grade kids, but I should have written activities that directly related to the standards
themselves. The standards pretty much tell you exactly what the activity should be. I
could have saved myself a lot of work.
One suggestion the teacher made, however, was to put the standards on each page rather
than on one page at the beginning or end of the book. This way, the teacher can tell at a
glance which activity matches which standard and subject. She also suggested coding the
activites for Resource (slow learners), GATE (gifted), and ELL (English-Language
Learners) students. This meant I had to have activities that fit each of these levels. Her
advice was invaluable.
The result of having a teacher’s guide is that the teachers and school libraries gobbled up
the entire first print run. Of the second print run, 360 books and 10 teachers’ guides went
to one school, where I was privileged to make a school visit, for which I was very well
paid.
Take a look at your settings and plotlines. Do students study that locale at a particular
grade level? You don’t have to have an exotic setting. If your story takes place in a
particular state, remember that most kids study their states in 4th grade. You’ll have a
built-in audience there, and you can write a teacher’s guide that correlates to the history,
geography, landmarks, stories, etc., of that state.
The second book in The Phantom Hunters series, The Secret of Blackhurst Manor, will
be out this fall. Anny and Scout’s grandfather has died, and they discover he left Anny
the manor house in England where he grew up. Since he had brothers and sisters, no one
can figure out how Grandpa got ahold of the house by himself, and further, why he didn’t
leave it to his four sons, or at the very least, to Scout and the twin’s younger brother,
Jordan, too. The family decides to go to England to inform their relatives of the death and
to investigate the house. The plot thickens, as they say, when they discover the house in
ruins. Anny knows something is not right. The mysterious family that appears outside her
room at the inn is only the beginning.
The ending of this book was the plotline I had from the short story I had sold years ago.
To make sure teachers would be interested, I looked at the standards. Kids study Ancient
Rome in the 6th grade. My husband was from Lincoln, England, a town built by the
Romans, so I decided to set the book there, since Roman ruins abound and the castle and
cathedral are 1,000 years old. Of course, a few of the ghosts are Roman soldiers.
I am currently finishing the teacher’s guide for this book. I have too much material,
though, so I plan to put some of it on the publisher’s website as free downloads for
teachers.
I hope this inspires you to consider the educational market for your novels.
Kim Chatel said...
You have given me a lot to think about, Carol. Thank you for this interesting article.
elysabeth said...
What I would like to know is how to contact Carol and what kind of research she did on
writing the teacher's guides? My stories definitely need to be to this market - and I have
the National Social Studies Standards already - so not sure who to incorporate them to be
useable in schools.

Carol was one of the Muse Online Conference presenters and she will be gracing us once
again this year.

As a former elementary school teacher, I can vouch for the whole idea of putting
standards down in a teachers guide. I know that California public schools use these and
you can find them by looking up the info on districts websites. I always loved it when
authors and publishers provided similar info with books. It made my job as a teacher so
much easier.
With my current project, I plan on putting together a teacher's guide on ancient Egypt
which is part of the sixth grade curriculum. My younger sister is studying to be an
Egyptologist and can help me with some ideas.
Thanks for sharing this! You have some very interesting and helpful info!
So What's in a Teacher's Guide, Anyway?
by Carol J. Amato
I’ve been asked to elaborate on how to create a teacher’s guide for one’s novel and how
to develop the activities. Let me start by describing what I have in my teacher’s guide.
I’ve divided it into three sections: activities about the story itself, activities about the
Navajo Nation, and activities about Arizona. It’s important to go beyond the scope of
your story to include the setting at large. Here is the detail of what is on each page of my
teacher’s guide:
Page 1 is the inside title page.
Page 2 is the copyright page.
Page 3 is the table of contents.
Pages 4 and 5 (two-page spread) are the synopsis of the story for the teacher’s use. I’ve
also included some photographs of places on the Navajo Nation that correspond to the
scenes in the story.
Pages 6 and 7 (two-page spread) are a quiz called “Reading Between the Lines.” This
tests the student’s comprehension of the story with such questions as “What is the lost
treasure?” “What is Anny’s biggest fear with her sister, Scout?” “How does Eric know
what the archaeologists said?” “Why does Mr. Roanhorse give Anny the gall medicine?”
and ending with “What do Anny, Scout, Eric, Ben, and Jim learn by the end of the
story?” The kids can’t answer these unless they’ve read the book.
There’s also a multiple choice section called “Finding the Theme.” This pertains to the
theme the author intended. Another question asks the kids whether or not there are any
other themes, and if so, to write them on a sheet of paper.
Pages 8 and 9 (two-page spread) are “Who Said That?” Lines of dialogue from each
character are presented and the kids have to guess which character said that. For example,
“I am mysterious, and I have guarded a secret for centuries.”
Page 10 is a word search with words from the story.
Page 11 is matching game. The kids have to match the phrase to the word with the correct
meaning. Again, these are words from the story, but ones that are a little more complex.
Pages 12 and 13 are a quiz, the first part of which is called “What Happened When?” The
kids have to put the listed events in chronological order. The second part is “What Do
You Think?” In this section, several statements about the story are listed. The kids have
to write their own opinions on what they think about these statements. Again, the kids
can’t complete this unless they’ve read the book.
Page 14 is a recipe for Navajo fry bread.
Page 15 is the American Sign Language alphabet and the numbers from 1-10. One of the
characters in the story, Eric, is deaf, so this page allows the kids to learn a bit of sign.
Page 16 is an information page on the Navajo Nation for the teacher’s use.
Page 17 is a geography page with a U.S. map so kids can chart the route from their homes
to the Navajo Nation. They have to use the Internet to find out how many miles they are
from the reservation. There are several questions to answer.
Pages 18 and 19 (two-page spread) is background information for the teacher about the
Navajos and their history and crafts.
Page 20 is an activity in which the kids have to plan to spend the day with one of the
characters in the book, who will act as a tour guide. They choose three places to visit,
then write a one-page description of each. They have to include their observations about
what they saw. This means they need to do research on the Internet. There’s a newspaper
and a display board to create, websites to visit, an e-mail to write to a friend about the
book, and an art project.
Page 21 tells all about the Navajo Code Talkers. This is what I mean about going beyond
your story. The Code Talkers were active in World War II. This serves to provide
background for a research project on finding out the names of the original code talkers
and writing about them. They also have to look up what words were used as the code
alphabet. They write about that and the other Indian languages that were used as code
(none of these languages was written at the time, so there was no way for anyone to
decode them).
Page 22 is all about Navajo Clan structure. It includes some writing activities about the
clans and their history. The kids also create their own family tree, then give their relatives
clan names based on physical characteristics, personality traits, or another criterion of
their choice.
Page 23 is another matching game, but this time with the Navajo words that were used in
the book.
Page 24 is an art project to create a sand painting.
Page 25 is is another word search using more words from the book.
Pages 26 and 27 are a backgrounder on Arizona. Included are a short history and
information about the Grand Canyon, the Petrified Forest, the mountain ranges,
Tombstone, the Lowell Observatory, the Four Corners region, and the baseball teams that
have spring training there.
Page 28 is a facts page about Arizona as a state (nickname, motto, state flower, etc.).
There is an art project to draw a map of the student’s own state and to find out the
nickname, motto, state flower, etc., for that state.
Page 29 is a list of several writing projects that deal with the other tribes that live in
Arizona and the famous chiefs and places, such as Cochise, Geronimo, Oraibi, Chaco
Canyon, etc.
Page 30 is a list of several research projects that deal with the Navajo Tribal government,
Tribal Police Force, Health Authority, Window Rock (the capital), other lost treasure
myths, and other aspects of Arizona.
Page 31 is another quiz, this time on Arizona.
Page 32 is the Answer key for all quizzes, word searches, etc.
For each activity, come up with snappy titles that fit the setting of your story. For
example, for this Navajo Nation story, I’ve stuck to an Old Southwest type of theme. I
have called the page that deals with research projects “Research Roundup.” One of the
word searches is “Tribes, Trails, and Treasure-Hunters.” The pages that the teacher can
photocopy have the word “Reproducible” at the bottom.
I hope this gives you a good idea on the kinds of activities you might create for your own
teacher’s guide. If you are at all hesitant to create these items yourself, team up with a
teacher from the grade level for which you are aiming and ask him or her for advice.
elysabeth said...
Thank you Carol. It almost sounds like some of the things I'm actually doing in my story
are crossing over with what you are doing.

Carol, I can't thank you enough for this amazing information. Like Elysabeth, this has
truly opened my eyes to possibilities for my upcoming children's books. Now, what is
AR?
Beverly Stowe McClure said...

I believe AR is Accelerated Reader and students are given points for reading them, so
they opt to read these books rather than those not on the AR list.
Jewel Sample said...

Awesome information Carol! I am so glad you posted because it tells me I am on the
right track with my Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (Lifevest Publishing Inc,
2007). The 66 page coloring and drawing activity book contains points beyond the story
to help children further process questions about grief and loss through imaginative play
and participating in the activities. For example, there is a maze, a story related word
search, a game, and a puzzle to help pace the different intensity levels of the activities, as
well as to give children a some respite from their situation.
Again thank you so much!
http://jewelsamples.blogspot.com
Carol J. Amato said...

The AR list is the Accelerated Reader program. It's run by Renaissance Learning.
Schools subscribe to Accelerated Reader, then buy the books on the list. These books
have quizzes already made up that are on the Renaissance Learning website. The kids
read the books, then take the quizzes. These quizzes serve not only to save the teacher
time in creating his/her own, but also prove that the students have read the books.
How to Write to the State Educational Standards
by Carol J. Amato
Now that you’ve decided you want to write a teacher’s guide for your children’s novel
and you’ve seen what I included on each page of my 32-page guide, the next question to
consider is writing to your state’s Department of Education standards.
The first step is to go through the standards to see which ones apply to your book or
which ones for which you can develop activities. The history, social science, and
geography sections will give you the meat for your teacher’s guide.
The next book of my mystery series, The Secret of Blackhurst Manor, takes place near
and in Lincoln, England, a town built by the Romans in 48 AD. (It was originally called
“Lindum Colonia” and later became “Lincoln.”) Lincoln has a castle and cathedral that
are 1000 years old. (My husband came from this town, so I've spent a lot of time there.)
Kids study Ancient Civilizations in the sixth grade, and one is Ancient Rome. Since the
Romans were in Britain, my book had to have some ghosts who were Roman soldiers.
Let’s see what the California standards have that would apply to my story. Here’s one
from the Grade Six World History and Geography, Ancient Civilizations:
6.7 Students analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures
during the development of Rome.
1. Identify the location and describe the rise of the Roman Republic, including the
importance of such mythical and historical figures as Aeneas, Romulus and Remus,
Cincinnatus, Julius Caesar, and Cicero.
2. Describe the government of the Roman Republic and its significance (e.g., written
constitutuion and tripartite government, checks and balances, civic duty).
3. Identify the location of and the political and geographic reasons for the growth of
Roman territories and expansion of the empire, including how the empire fostered
economic growth through the use of currency and trade routes.
4. Discuss the influence of Julius Caesar and Augustus in Rome’s transition from
republic to empire.
5. Trace the migration of Jews around the Mediterranean region and the effects of their
conflict with the Romans.
6. Note the origins of Christianity in the Jewish Messianic prophecies, the life and
teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as described in the New Testament, and the contribution
of St. Paul the Apostle to the definition and spread of Christian beliefs (e.g., belief in the
Trinity, resurrection, salvation.
7. Describe the circumstances that led to the spread of Christianity in Europe and other
Roman territories.
8. Discuss the legacies of Roman art and architecture, technology and science, literature,
language, and law.
Which ones above fit my book? Nos. 3 and 8 look pretty good. I can create some
activities based on how and why the Romans moved into Britain, what their trade routes
were like there, the currency they used, their military forts (one of which was Lincoln.
With number 8, I can create activites based on the Roman architecture in England and the
words in English with Latin roots (I have one designed already listing words that are the
same in English as they were in Latin, such as bonus, forum, gratis, major, minor, vigil,
quorum, mural, etc. Part of the activity will be having the students look up more words
and write a paper about them.
I could also have a word search using a lot of these Latin words. I could create some
research projects for the students to do based on some of the aspects of Roman history in
Britain. For example, all the towns ending in “-chester” (such as Colchester, Chichester,
Winchester) were originally Roman towns.
I have to admit that considering these are public school standards, I am surprised that No.
6 is included. It seems like a violation of the separation of church and state, so I would
advise staying away from that one unless your teacher’s guide is directed at church-run
schools. You could always have those extra activities your website as free downloads for
the teachers at those parochial schools.
I hope this gives you an idea of how to create activities from the standards. As I
mentioned before, if you feel you need more help, team up with a teacher from your local
grade school who teaches the grade level toward which your book is aimed.
Cynthia Reeg said...

Carol,
Thanks for all your tips on creating study guides and curriculum tie-ins for our stories. As
a former school librarian, I know how important it is to support the teachers. And the
teachers love it when they can find easy-to-use supplemental material to help make their
lessons more enjoyable for the students. Great stuff!
elysabeth said...
Carol,
Thank you so much for information on doing a teacher's guide to go with the stories. So I
guess my next question would be this - instead of state standards, wouldn't it be better to
use the National Standards so that you cover every state and your books could be in every
school across the nation?
With my state stories, I wouldn't want to target each specific state to that the state only
because the kids are definitely learning different states in the schools. Most get their own
state in 3rd grade I think but they also get to United States history so they are picking up
more than just their own state.
I have the National Social Studies Standards, guess I need to find the National other
standards to fit my state stories - again - many thanks for this - very helpful - E :)
Carol J. Amato said...

Thanks, Cynthia!
You make a great point, Elysabeth. For your particular book, the national standards
would probably be best. The state standards would apply to fiction books that take place
in specific locales.
Carol J. Amato – Stargazer Publishing House –

http://www.stargazerpub.com/index.html
Chris Verstraete
Dogs, Miniatures and Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art
Mystery
Hello, readers!
I want to thank Lea for allowing me to pop in and

participate although the party's already started!
My name is Christine Verstraete and my book,

SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT, A
Miniature Art Mystery, will be published in May
by Quake/Echelon Press.
The "tweens" novel, for children, young adults and

the young-at-heart, focuses on the search for a
missing miniature replica of Van Gogh's painting,
(The) Starry Night; hence the title.
It features Samantha Carlton, better known as Sam,

her mother, Grace, her bff, Lita, and a mischievous Dachshund named Petey.
Like many mystery authors, I grew up on Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. As I
progressed in my own fiction writing, I found myself forming a "split" personality,
channeling either Stephen King or Nancy Drew. So I tend to gravitate to both in my
writing.
My short story, "The Witch Tree," was inspired by the hundreds of blackbirds that flock
in the trees outside each spring. In the award-winning ebook from Echelon Press, Jimmy
Grayson thought he'd found utopia... until they came. He is faced with a growing evil and
a fight for his very soul. It's a battle to the finish... will it be him, or them?
My interest in horror and mystery, (SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT does have
some slightly spooky elements), plus my longtime passion for collecting and making
dollhouse miniatures, became the perfect elements for my mystery novel. Funny, as it
seems to be a trend, with miniatures now making a splash in several new adult mysteries
recently released by other authors, too.
Details and chapter one (latest edits) of the book can be found at my website . You can
see some of my miniatures there as well; click miniatures gallery.
The Incredible Shrinking Van Gogh!
Meet Vincent Van Gogh in miniature and see some other incredible miniatures at my
blog, Candid Canine.

Chris, I have to say I love the cover. That little magnifying glass popped Sherlock
Holmes in my head and without reading what your book was about I had a suspicion it
would be a mystery. Very nice!
Adding a Different Story Dimension - Add a Dog
Writing SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT

started out one way. Shorter.
Then a pesky, mischievous Dachshund named Petey

poked his head into the plot. He stirred things up; he
grabbed things and took off. He became a friend, and sometimes foe, to my main
character, Sam, and her best pal, Lita.
The fun of adding dogs to stories and books is that they add a different dimension to the
characters. Including a dog shows the character's humanity; it shows their love, or lack
thereof. It adds a deeper element to their character.
Adding a dog (okay, or cat, or other pet, too) into a story, allows the writer to move the
plot forward through another character, albeit a silent one. But a dog can be just as
expressive through his/her actions. Petey, my Dachshund in SEARCHING FOR A
STARRY NIGHT, is definitely not a "wallflower" dog. He digs; he steals, but he's still a
good dog, just with character. His actions also allowed me to add a small subplot that
affected both Sam, and her best friend, Lita.
Why add pets to your story or book?
1 You can show the kind of people your characters are by how they treat their pets.
2 It's fun. If you're a pet lover in real life, then why not let your characters enjoy that
same camaraderie?
3 A character might be able to show their emotions better with a pet. Are they shy?
Perhaps they feel more comfortable telling their secrets or sharing their fears to a dog or
cat.
4 A pet gives you permission to do outrageous things. Your character may not be able to
do or say certain things, or go certain places. Ah, but a dog may not have such
restrictions!
To other writers: does your book contain a pet? What is their role in the book? Why did
you add him or her?
elysabeth said...
Hey Chris,
My stories won't have pets because my characters are interacting with a game to guess
which state is being described (or clues given about). I'm doing my character sketches on
my blog (http://jgdsseries.blogspot.com ) and I'm definitely making them all different.
I've got one more to do and not sure if any of them really have pets. If my characters do
have a pet, it would probably be the brother/sister combo (now I have to go back and
make sure I didn't sneak a pet in somewhere - lol) -
Interesting post though - I just recently read a series where the pets are actually the main
characters and solve the mysteries - it's the Ivy League series (Ivy is the author's dog, and
she is the main character and with the help of several other neighborhood dogs and a cat
and a canary, they solve some fun kid-oriented mysteries). I know I shouldn't be
promoting someone else's books here but she has a good series. The human characters are
vital to the stories but the animals get the fame and fortune - lol.
Not sure any pets would benefit my stories really but I will have to think about it. - see
you all in the postings

I decided to have a cat in my latest WIP. The cat is there to keep an unwelcome guest, in
this case an Egyptian goddess, in line.
I've also used a dog in my more edgy YA. The dog gives the main character comfort
during her trying times.
Joyce Moyer Hostetter said...

I like this post. Very helpful!
My book BLUE is historical fiction based on a real 1944 polio epidemic and the
emergency hospital my town put together. A dog showed up at the hospital and was
quickly adopted by the staff there. I couldn't leave him out of the story. After the book
came out I quickly discovered how popular "Polio Pete" was with my readers. I think
there's a good possibility all my books for young people will contain animals from now
on.

In my YA fantasy adventure, The Rock of Realm, I originally had three characters as
young teens but then decided their humor and bickering sounded snobby, rude so I
switched them to:
Butch, the 110lb German Shepherd and hero
Pops, Butch's pet squirrel
and Jinx, the six-legged hamster from Rock Kingdom who is like a thorn in Pops' butt
because both are trying to be Butch's best friend.
After reviews came in, everyone fell in love with these three and their antics and sarcasm
so in the end I was glad I did the switch.
I find children, even adults, can relate to pets. They are like a soothing pacifier...unless
they are Damien's pets. :)

I like animals in stories, Chris. My YA mystery, Secrets I Have Kept, has a dog that
causes trouble for the "bad guy." It also has horses. Rebel in Blue Jeans, my forthcoming
YA, has dogs, a cat, and horses showing my MC personality. Another forthcoming MG
story has a dog and a cat that add humor to the story. I think most young people enjoy
reading about our four-legged friends.
Kim Chatel said...
I think pets are overlooked not only in fiction but in film and TV. How many shows do
you watch that have pets? I realize that the logistics of working with pets on screen is
restrictive, but as writers we don't have that problem.
I love the ideas you present in your post and I'm going to try to implement them in my
writing. My first YA novella "The Stone Beach" has a cat, and he is central to the story,
but that doesn't really count. There would be no story without him. I like your ideas about
bringing animals into the periphery of the story to add interest.
Charlie said...
I too agree that animals are a uncanny addition to my characters. I don't know if I've
written anything without at least one pet in it. Not just because I'm addicted to my pets,
but I think that pets sometime help us keep the humanity within ourselves. I have a little
dog that is a Therapy dog and it's such a joy to see the immediate changes in people when
we meet them in nursing homes and hospitals. Talk about story ideas... ;)
Christine A. Verstraete
http://cverstraete.com/
Cynthia Reeg
I am a Children’s Author (formerly a librarian and now I

am also a volunteer reading tutor at a local elementary
school.)
I have been published in various magazines (FACES,

My Friend, Clubhouse, Dragonfly Spirit) and have
publications pending in Ladybug, Highlights, and Stories
for Children.
Plus, my middle grade story, “The Emily Explosion,” is

coming soon from Blooming Tree Press in its anthology,
THE GIRLS.
I also have two PB’s published by a local St. Louis

publisher (Guardian Angel Publishing,
www.guardianangelpublishing.com) GIFTS FROM
GOD—a colorful celebration of God in our lives, and
KITTY KERPLUNKING: PREPOSITION FUN—a
purrrfectly enjoyable introduction to prepositions.
Born in Kansas, I’ve moved around the Midwest a fair

amount and now live in the St. Louis area with my
husband, 2 cats, and 1 puppy. Our two grown sons live
nearby. I enjoy dancing, hiking, yoga and tennis.
Kitty Capers
Hi Lea!
Thanks for inviting me to your Blog Fest.
Today I’ve brought Preppy the kitty along

from my picture book, KITTY
KERPLUNKING: PREPOSITION FUN.
Preppy says she is the purrrrfect character
to introduce young readers to the wonders
of prepositions. With a day full of kitty
capers, Preppy highlights more than a
dozen prepositions. Plus, she offers 6
pages of games and puzzles to help readers
enjoy their newfound knowledge.
Here’s what Tammi Rhomberg, a K-5 reading specialist in the Rockwood Missouri
School District said about KITTY KERPLUNKING: Preppy the kitty in KITTY
KERPLUNKING: PREPOSITION FUN is a huge success with the OASIS tutors. They
have loved reading your story to their students and engaging them in language play
using prepositions. Each page provides a rich visual and literacy experience for the
students in a fun and lighthearted manner. Thank you for providing the instructional
materials at the back of the book. These extension activities help to solidify appropriate
practice for using prepositions. The study guide helps tutors understand the proper use of
prepositions and how to interject them into student writing.
I believe that introducing grammar to children in an entertaining manner helps them

master the language without any pressure. They’re learning and gaining confidence while
reading an entertaining story. I know from my school presentations that the students love
finding the prepositions in each sentence as we read the story. What a boost for their self-
esteem books like KITTY KERPLUNKING can be. And so many of the children have a
special kitty in their own lives. They can easily relate to her adventures in the book. I
love opening up the world of language to children in this way. Who said grammar has to
be dull!
To find out more about KITTY KERPLUNKING, please visit my website:
http://www.cynthiareeg.com/ or my publisher, Guardian Angel Publishing:
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com
LORI: The best way for kids to learn is to make it fun! What a great idea! Congrats on
the book!
Lori Calabrese
http://www.loricalabrese.blogspot.com
PATRICIA: I love the concept of Kitty Kerplunking and agree about the early
introduction to prepositions and the building up of self-esteem in the children. I didn't see
a ready link to the book--and would suggest doing that. I was going to order it just by
clicking on the book cover pix, but it only came up as an enlarged photo.
Best to you,
Pat Harrington--Mom and Creator to "Fat Cat and Gray Mouse," a dynamic sleuthing duo
who show how age-old adversaries become good friend and "do good."
TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR WRITING
STEPPING STONES TO BETTER WRITING

by Cynthia Reeg
Below are a few tips for improving your fiction writing for children--although I'm sure
the suggestions offered would apply to writing for adults as well.
Begin with a great start. Grab the reader from the first sentence. You have an editor's
attention for a matter of minutes (maybe) before she moves on to the next slush pile
story. I've been told that you should start your story when "the cup is ready to fall off the
shelf."
Start with gusto. Bam! Wham! Kapowy! Just like in the old Batman TV show make sure
your audiences can feel, see, and hear the action. Start with a problem or intriguing
dialogue. Read some of the opening lines or first pages of stories that you like or stories
that have become children's classics or best sellers. Study and perfect the art of a good
beginning.
Let your characters do the talking. Provide them with realistic voices. Interesting
voices. Voices that the reader wants to hear more of. Voices that move the story along.
Voices that reveal the character.
Don't dilly-dally around with small talk. That's for everyday stuff in the real world but
not in fiction. Create drama with dialogue. Show the characters’ emotions and opinions.
Mix the dialogue with action, creating rhythm in your story, and using body language to
further reveal your character. People are more likely to form their opinions of someone
from what they do rather than what they say. The same applies to your story characters.
Visualize each scene as though the characters are performing on a stage before you.
Simply take down notes as they move and speak. Watch closely for their facial
expressions, shoulder shrugs, sighs, raised eyebrows, glares, tapping foot. Write these
into your story to create an amazing mix of dialogue and action. Think of creating a
symphony. You must orchestrate all the various mix of instruments.
Revel in the tension. Don't rush through the really exciting parts of your story. And for
the reverse, don't drag out less thrilling but substantial sections. Make them as tight and
thoughtful as possible; then move on to the fun stuff.
Slow down the important scenes. Pretend you've pushed the slow-motion button on your
recorder. Study each action in great detail and write it down in clipped, fast-paced
sentences. Power-packed with emotion. Strong verbs and nouns, few adjectives and
adverbs. Make the scene even more suspenseful by compacting the time frame needed for
the hero to accomplish the goal. Hear the clock ticking in your head. Feel the tension
down into your fingers. Then let them type away.
Write in a rush. Initially, while the idea is hot and the scene is flowing, write without
looking back. Feel the need to rush on. To reach the finish line. Take deep breaths. Listen
to some mind-enhancing alpha brainwave music like Mozart selections. Don't let your
inner critic come out to play during this writing phase.
I find it's helpful to let this story concoction rest for a while before coming back for
serious editing. Depending on the length and complexity of the story, the down time may
vary from a day or two to perhaps weeks or even longer.
Edit with determination. Believe in the story that you've written. But believe that it can
always be better. Read it out loud. Listen to the music of it. If you can't hear a beat, then
you haven't written it in yet.
Look for the strong foundation of story elements: plot, setting, characters. Beef them up
with subtle word shifts and tight editing. Paint colorful character strokes, especially with
the main character and supporting characters. Expand your palette and your painting
techniques for each new story. The reader should feel he knows enough about each
character to like or dislike them. The characters should be real enough that the reader
almost feels as though he is a part of the story, too.
Then read your work like a copy editor. Line by line. Letter by letter. Correct the typos
and punctuation errors. The more professional looking your story is the more believable it
is for an editor.
Read! Read! Read! Probably the most important thing you can do to improve your
writing is to read. Read great stories like you want to write. Read some stories that aren't
that good. Study the differences. Why did one work and not the other?
Read a variety of works by a variety of authors. Expose yourself to different writing

styles and genres. Reading poems is a great way for me to loosen my writing and help
generate ideas. Reading nonfiction often leads to ideas for fiction stories as well. Read
the newspaper and adult magazines for a wealth of ideas.
Keep a record of what you read and who publishes it. This way you can refer back to
your notes when trying to remember which publishing house likes romantic picture books
or which one walks the line with edgy stories. Is there a pattern to what they like to print
or what a particular editor likes to work on? Or which writer crosses the boundaries
between picture books and young adult. How does she do it?
Read. Study. Read. The only way to be a writer is to be a reader first.
Marianne H. Nielsen said...

It's always great to be reminded of the all those great points. Especially, the one about
writing and not looking back, because that is so hard for me to do...but I will continue to
give it a try. Thanks for sharing this info.

Marianne, I used to also go back and edit while I wrote and found it took me longer to
write my stories. Now I just write, write, write, only read the last paragraph to refresh my
memory where I left off and worry about editing once I've penned THE END.

I also used to go back and edit each scene as I wrote. Problem was this took me forever to
finish my stories. Now I just write, write, write. Then later, I go back to edit.
Reading is a major part of writing. I read all the time.
TWO PIECES of the PICTURE BOOK PUZZLE

by Cynthia Reeg
Today I’m bringing my children’s picture book, GIFTS FROM GOD, along to share. I
want to use it as an example of two special aspects of picture books.
Picture books are made possible by a winning combination of PICTURES and WORDS.
Each part needs to stand strong yet blend together in perfect unison. In Gifts from God—
which highlights children and nature, thus revealing some of God’s most precious gifts—
I had the opportunity to explain my concept for this book with the illustrator, MarySue
Roberts. This isn’t usually the norm, but I greatly appreciated that our publisher, Lynda
Burch, arranged this meeting so we were sharing the same vision from the start in
creating this book. And after that one meeting, MarySue took my concept and words and
meshed them with her photoart to fashion a masterpiece. M. H. Furlong, a mother of two
young sons (3 & 6) wrote this about the book, “It is very well done and every picture
explodes with color and happiness. If only church were as fun for kids as this book is.”
Picture books need to appeal to both CHILDREN and the ADULTS reading the books
aloud. I took this aspect into account from my initial planning of Gifts from God. I
wanted this spiritual book to be simple enough for beginning readers to understand on
their level, yet insightful enough to inspire the adult readers on their own religious
journeys. I did this by specifying that each double-page spread have an easy reader
sentence on the right and a corresponding scripture quotation on the left, making this an
enjoyable and uplifting book for both children and adults. Or as reviewer Mayra Calvani
said, “…a lovely book for the entire family, one to be read not only at bedtime, but at any
hour of the day.” http://mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com/2008/02/reviews-of-gifts-
frm-god-and-kitty.html
Here’s an example in which you’ll be able to see how MarySue’s photoart makes it all
work.
Visit my website (http://www.cynthiareeg.com/) or Guardian Angel Publishing

(http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/) to learn more about GIFTS FROM GOD.
At my website you can also find

· a list of some of my favorite picture books
(http://www.cynthiareeg.com/teachers/aloud.html)
· helpful tips on reading aloud with children
(http://www.cynthiareeg.com/teachers/aloud2.html)
* a study guide I created for sharing Gifts from God with children of various ages
(http://www.cynthiareeg.com/teachers/gifts_god_study.html)

What a wonderful idea to include scripture with the easy sentences, Cynthia. Such lucky
little ones to get the chance to read your book. The pictures are lovely.
Quick Tips for QUERY & COVER LETTERS
by Cynthia Reeg
Children’s Author
http://www.cynthiareeg.com/
Writing query and cover letters can be made much

easier if you break down the process into four steps.
Remember the old adage: Divide and Conquer. You
can use this technique to overcome your fear for
writing letters to the editor. Learning to write better
query and cover letters will encourage you to submit
more often and thus earn more publishing credits.
Rule 1: Make sure to grab your reader immediately. Start with a snappy opening line.
Here's an example of my query letter to FACES magazine for a retold Australian legend
that was accepted for their May 2005 issue titled "Australia Today."
What story do you get when you mix three Aborigine sisters, a devoted father with a
magic wombat bone, and an evil monster named the Bunyip? The Australian legend of
The Three Sisters.
Rule 2:Provide a quick break down of the necessary facts: fiction or nonfiction; word
count; intended audience; chapters and supplementary information; and a brief
annotation. Here's an example of the cover letter for my story that appeared in the
September 2005 issue of DRAGONFLY SPIRIT, an online children's magazine.
In “The Dragon Artist’s Tale,” a 994-word fantasy story for middle grade readers, Rudy
accepts an offer for extra help from ancient Professor Bumbles, his fumbling art teacher.
Will this unlikely team solve Rudy’s problem or create an even bigger dilemma?
Rule 3:Sum up your qualifications, experience, and inspiration for writing the particular
work for which you are submitting or querying.
Visiting Australia several years ago, I became intrigued with the Sisters’ story. I feel
children also will enjoy this timeless tale rich in Aboriginal folklore. I am an SCBWI
member and a member of the St. Louis Children’s Writer’s Circle. I have a Masters
Degree in Library Science and have worked for many years as a children’s librarian.
I’ve recently had an article accepted for publication in Ladybug magazine. (a sister
Carus publication of FACES)
Rule 4: Explain why you believe your writing is just what the editor is looking for. Show
you've done your homework.
I think this legend is a perfect fit for your May 2005 Issue: Australia Today. Or “The
Dragon Artist’s Tale” seems created specifically for the winged premier issue of
Dragonfly Spirit.
Here’s an example of the email cover letter I used when submitting “BF’s & Butterflies”
to online magazine STORIES FOR CHILDREN:
December 17, 2007

Gayle Jacobson-Huset, Asst. Editor Stories For Children
Dear Ms. Jacobson-Huset,
Small town girl, Leya, wants to figure out a way to befriend Kari, the new girl, before
Nasty Nona, self-crowned queen of fifth grade, claims her. Leya’s just lost her BF—Best
Friend—Lucy, who’s moved all the way to Florida. Now as Leya struggles to find a new
BF, as well as her place in her fifth grade class, she discovers that butterflies can lead to
friendship.
"BF’s & Butterflies" is an 923-word submission for Stories For Children’s February
2008. It is realistic fiction for 10-12-year-olds. This story highlights the anxieties faced
by school children in making and losing new friends, as well as the individual rivalries
within a class when individuals vie for another’s friendship. Jealously, popularity, and
competition sometimes outweigh the true motive behind gaining new friends. As Leya
learns, love is the only way to earn a new BF.
My children’s writings have appeared in FACES, Clubhouse, Dragonfly Spirit, My

Friend and have been accepted for Ladybug and Highlights. I have two picture books,
KITTY KERPLUNKING and GIFTS FROM GOD, published by Guardian Angel
Publishing (http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/). Blooming Tree Press is
publishing my short story, “The Emily Explosion,” in their upcoming anthology. I am a
member of the SCBWI, the Missouri Writers’ Guild, the American Library Association,
and the Catholic Library Association. Recent awards include the Missouri SCBWI 2006
Mentorship Award and honorable mention in the 2007 Springfield, Missouri Writers'
Guild Contest for my short story, “Christmas Treasures.”
Thank you for your consideration of this submission. I look forward to hearing from you.
Remember to be professional—but don’t be afraid to show your style. Editors won’t be
able to resist when you sell your story and yourself with a great cover or query letter.
To read “BF’s & Butterflies,” visit STORIES FOR CHILDREN MAGAZINE’s April
issue: http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com/id491.html.
KEVIN SCOTT COLLIER HOMEPAGE said...

Nice article... the art made me smile, too... I am the guy who illustrated Stanley
Bookman, the Stories for Children Mag mascot!

I cyber met Kevin end of last year and have to admit that I had heard of him but never
knew nor seen his illustrations. Ever since last year, all I come across are Kevin's
amazing covers and he's like the new bought car...you know, when you buy a
Toyoto/Acura/Honda, all of a sudden all you see are Toyotas/Acuras/Hondas. :)
Carma said...
Learning query letters is a work in progress with me. These tips are just what I need.
Thanks
http://carmaswindow.blogspot.com
Cynthia Reeg
http://www.cynthiareeg.com/
Diana Symons
Diana Symons writes for the young and the young at heart.
Previously married with a son now in the Navy, she lives in
Sunnyvale, CA and keeps busy with her small church, friends, and
family. Tales From The Throne: Where The Jewels Are is her first
book.
The Princess Has Arrived!
Hello everyone! It's so great to be here. For those of you who don't know me,
I'm the Princess from the Land of Wonderful. You can read my story in Where
The Jewels Are. I'm so excited to be part of a blog fest! Who ever heard of such
a thing? Granted, we are a little behind the times in the Land of Wonderful.
Can you believe that we just got DSL hooked up in the castle? I'm still waiting
for wireless. The Royal Scribe, aka Diana Symons, has been very good about
keeping us current on such things, but it's hard to keep her motivated. She's
always in the throne room talking to my Father.
Everyone loves my Father. He's very wise. Sometimes He makes me do things

that I'm not happy with though, like taking the trip to find my jewel. Well, you
can read about it.
I'm here to talk about writing for children. Yes, I am the real writer of the
book, and I have to say that the real trick to writing for children is keeping a
childlike attitude. It seems to me that even adults have an "inner child". I do
hate that phrase, but it says it so well. When you let that little one out to play,
the most amazing stories can develop. Children have wonderful imaginations
and keeping the ability to go back to that as an adult is a gift to be cultivated -
not that I'm that old! I'm just saying. And I have to say that working the Royal
Scribe has been fun. She tends to be a little goofy at times, but I've been
successful at keeping her directed to the work at hand.
Do stop by the castle any time. We always have great pastries at teatime. Visit
us at: www.dianasymons.com or my very own blog at:
http://landofwonderful.blogspot.com. I'm looking forward to this week of
blogging and festing!

Diana...great statement: "When you let that little one out to play, the most amazing
stories can develop." How true this is! I enjoyed the character portion of the blog post
also!

POPS: Well helllooo Princess. Been to a castle myself but I can forego that horrible time,
thank you very much. Hopefully, your land is much nicer than Rock Kingdom. So, do
you love adorable squirrels?
JINX: Um...what he means is if you like six-legged hamsters who DO live in a castle.
POPS: Get lost, squirt. I was talking to the lady first.
Princess Here Again
Hello dwellers from another land. These posts about writing are so interesting,
but I bet none of you have the issues that I have. For instance, I recently asked
for some articles for the village paper, Parchment Press. What did I receive?
Articles torn in half because a troll got grumpy at a river crossing. Another
article singed by an uppity dragon because his cheese was late. Or an entire
article spelled out in flower language that could only be read during a full
moon!
But the best ones are always the ones written by the children. I love to take
paper and ink down to the village square and let the children write their own
stories. The things they come up with! We have one very bright young man with
the strangest imagination. He writes stories about huge machines that fly in
the sky and carry people around the kingdom. It's just priceless.
The best advice I have for well-intentioned writers is to get outside the castle
walls and explore the world. You just never know what you'll run into. But stay
way from the trolls because they really can be irritating.
The Princess can be visited in Where The Jewels Are.

www.dianasymons.com
When I was teaching I loved to have the students write stories. We did a poetry book
every year and some were placed in the library for everyone to read. They illustrated their
books and had a great time.
Diana Symons said...

That's so great! I love it when kids get to show off their work.

We used to have author's tea where parents were invited to our class and the children
were the guest of honors. Their 'books' were autographed and read by the visiting parents
and the senior grades served Ginger Ale instead of Champagne.
Jan Verhoeff said...

I love children authors. My son published his first book at 9 and has two more working
on graphics. He's been spending the majority of his time recently writing a fantasy
adventure about creatures of his own designs. There are dragons and humans and critters
you can't imagine. I've been attempting to edit it for him... During break times, because
he has to sit right beside me to edit, and gets very upset with me when I misspronounce
one of his wildly spelled names.
Children are the BEST!

Diana,
I loved your last paragraph: The best advice I have for well-intentioned writers is to get
outside the castle walls and explore the world. You just never know what you'll run into.
But stay way from the trolls because they really can be irritating.
I have a middle grade novel called MONSTER MISFITS. I'll have to bring some of those
characters along here...one is a particularly irritating troll named Malcolm McNastee. :-)

Ha, ha! Cindy, bring 'em on! It's funny, but I just started a new blog for my characters to
talk for themselves: http://landofwonderful.blogspot.comand the first person to add a
comment was a character from another book!
Jan - that's so awesome about your son! So cute that you have to get the names right. I
can just imagine : )
Diana Symons
http://www.dianasymons.com/
Donna McDine
Swinging into The Writing Jungle
I'm delighted to be part of the Writing for Children

Blog Fest ~ Lea...thank you!
As always the wealth of information fellow writers

share with one another is tremendously helpful as I
learn to navigate my way to publication.
While I do not have a published book, I'm enrolled in

the Institute of Children's Literature Advanced Book
course and I'm in the process of developing a middle
grade historical fiction manuscript.
However, I have had magazine publication success. My publishing credits include:

Stories for Children Magazine, Kid Magazine Writers, Long Story Short, Institute of
Children’s Literature Rx for Writers, SCBWI Metro NY Newsletter, and Once Upon A
Time. With an acceptance to Boys’ Quest to be published in December 2012. I’m also a
children’s book reviewer for Musing Our Children Group and the The National Writing
for Children Center.
I offer through my blog, Write What Inspires You! - (http://www.donna-

mcdine.blogspot.com) book reviews, guest author visits, and provide updates for SCBWI
events, Musing Our Children and Muse It Up Club events, and The National Writing for
Children Center events.
Rejection Letters - What to make of them
I had the opportunity to attend a SCBWI Metro NY Tuesday Professional Series on

Finding New Talent: Middle-Grade and Young Adult Novels at Delcorte with presenter,
Pamela Bobowicz, Editorial Assistant from Knopf Delacorte Dell.
I'd like to share with you Bobowicz's take on rejection letters:
1. A form letter. This could possibly mean any one of the following reasons: can’t
successfully publish, can’t take it on, doesn’t fit our needs, or a lot of work still needs to
be done. This is an ideal time to review your manuscript, share it with your critique
group for further suggestions, and research additional markets for submission. Don’t
despair…this is part of the industry.
2. Rejection letter with notes. This type is semi-hopeful to the writer. You have been
given the opportunity to review your manuscript with the editor’s questions and revise
where needed. Resubmit to the editor who took the time out to make their questions
and/or comments known.
3. Potential here, but not for me letter. Simply not right for this particular editor. As a
writer you need to share your manuscript further with fellow writers for their
constructive opinion. Take the time out to research a new agent and/or house and
resubmit.
4. Potential here, let’s try a revision letter. An editor has shown your manuscript to
his/her supervisor and has been given authorization to contact you. It is important what
the writer makes of this letter and what the writer takes out of it.
Don’t rush to respond back. Take the time to carefully go over all suggested changes and
questions addressed before responding back.
I was chosen to report on this event and it will be published in the SCBWI Metro NY
Spring Newsletter.

Donna-
Very true. I've received all of the mentioned rejection letters. My favorite had to be the
last. This one editor took the time to write me a detailed revision letter going over three
different options on how to tighten and make my story more marketable. I was excited
because I knew I could do this.
Another important thing to do if you do receive a personal rejection is to send a thank

you card. The above editor told me she was pleasantly surprised that I did this. I try to
send out thank yous especially to agents and editors who took the time to go over
requested partials and/or fulls and made comments.
klchatel said...
I'm one of those strange people who actually like rejection letters (of course, I like
acceptances much more!). I think they are a real insight into the way a publisher works.
For me a form letter is always a let down, because it gives me nothing to work with. I am
always grateful when an editor takes the time to provide feedback.

A form letter does nothing for a writer other than to tell them, "thanks, but no thanks."
Mind you, publishing houses go through tons of manuscripts a week so it would be
difficult to add comments for each.
Having said that, any rejection letter that comes my way is perceived the same way...as a
challenge for me to prove to them I can do it.
If you stop and begin feeling maybe you're not cut out for this biz, well, don't. You won't
be the first nor the last to get a rejection letter come your way so toughen up and get back
into the game. Sub it elsewhere or if this same manuscript keeps getting rejections, then
either you're not targeting the right house for it or you need to go back in and look over
your story objectively, and not like the protective mom.
SCBWI NY Winter Conference ~ 2008
Hello All ~ I originally posted this on my blog at: http-://www.donna-

mcdine.blogspot.com and wanted to share it with you all here.
The SCBWI 9th Annual Winter Conference blew into NYC on a not too frigid day, which
is great since February in NYC can be downright frosty.
I had the distinct pleasure of attending the SCBWI Writers Intensive on Friday, February
8th.The day begin with the keynote speakers, Judy Enderle & Stephanie Gordon. It is no
wonderful these two talented women work as a writing team. They compliment one
another and fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. Their presentation titled, "Begin Again!"
was full of helpful tips that fit around the theme, "A Look at Beginnings that Won't Let an
Editor say NO!"
The morning continued with the first round of Moderated Critiques...for those who have
not had the privilege and opportunity to participate in this unique session...you are
placed at a round table with eight other writers and one agent or editor. Each person
gets the opportunity to read their 500-word excerpt or synopsis. The agent or editor
provides you with their professional critique and suggestions for your piece and then
each of your peers provides you with their critique.I cannot say enough how wonderful a
experience and opportunity this is for a writer.
Networking is key and the lunch break serves to be the perfect time to head to lunch with
several of your new writer friends. Getting to know one another over an informal lunch is
the perfect time to exchange contact information and your personal experiences and
suggestions in writing for children.
The afternoon picked back up with the afternoon Moderated Critique session. And the
day ended with yet another fabulous and informative lecture entitled, "Whew, I Can't
Believe I Made It! I Need a Drink/Massage/New Keyboard...and Deeper Thoughts About
Last Pages," from Jane Yolen was filled with fabulous insights and tips.
Much like the day before, the ballroom at the Hilton was filled with energized writers on
Saturday, February 9th and all were a buzz in anticipation of the days events. Many
writers met friends from the SCBWI boards in person for the first time and were able to
finally fit the typed words to the faces of so many.
The day began with the welcoming humor of Lin Oliver & Stephen Mooser as they
introduced the day events and the morning keynote speaker, Nikki Grimes. Ms. Grimes
presented an energizing and enlightening speech entitled, "The Power of Poetry," she
has definitely converted one attendee to look at poetry in a different light.
The morning speeches continued with a delightful and humorous presentation from
David Wiesner entitled, "Storytelling Without Words." The illustrator talent of David
Wiesner takes your breath away.We were all then treated to the Breakout Workshop
Sessions, which each attendee had the opportunity to pre-register for two from a list of
ten (one in the morning and one in the afternoon).
Presenters included: Anamika Bhatnagar, Scholastic; Alessandra Balzer, Hyperion;

Caitlyn M. Dlouhy, Atheneum; David Gale, Simon & Schuster; Jennifer Hunt, Little,
Brown; Wendy Loggia, Delacorte; Mark McVeigh, Aladdin Paperbacks; Molly O'Neill,
Harper Collins; Reka Simonsen, Henry Holt and Nancy Siscoe, Knopf & Crown.
I attended the sessions with Molly O'Neill of Harper Collins and Reka Simonson of
Henry Holt. Both were informative and I walked away with an immense amount of
information to better help me understand the publishing industry.
The Luncheon Keynote Address was made by Carolyn Mackler entitled, "Laughing,
Crying & Being a Major Snoop: My Life as a Teen Novelist." Her presentation was both
humorous and heart touching...she definitely pulled at your heartstrings.
After the second round of the Breakout Workshop Sessions the day concluded with a
presentation entitled, "Five Agents View the Marketplace." The panel consisted of:
Tracey Adams, Adams Literary; Miriam Altshuler, Miriam Altshuler Literary; Barry
Goldblatt, Barry Goldblatt Literary; Elizabeth Harding, Curtis Brown, Ltd; and Jodi
Reamer, Writers House. This interactive panel after their initial presentation was the
perfect way to conclude the day.
I unfortunately, was unable to attend the Sunday session due to a family obligation. This
being my second SCBWI Winter Conference I can honestly say I did not have a favorite
session or event. Each moment was filled with the perfect opportunities to network. And
the positive support and encouragement everyone provides makes me walk away feeling
energized and encouraged to keep traveling down this path of writing for children.
The Brick and Hopefully Crumbling Wall of Parenting and Writing
Inspired to write the below from an email conversation that I had with Gayle Jacobson-
Huset, Assistant Editor - Stories for Children Magazine in the summer of 2007. I
originally submitted this to a personal essay contest (did not win) but the Stories for
Children Writers Newsletter accepted it for publication September 2007 - albeit at the
time Gayle was not aware she was my inspiration. Here goes:
You dream of the days of no commute to a 9-5 job and you finally give your writing
aspirations the chance that they deserve. You have stocked your office or any small
writing space that you designate in your home with all the essentials; computer, paper,
pens, pencils, books and research resources, etc. However, the responsibilities of mother
seem to intrude every moment of the day.
Now that you are home, everyone thinks that you are accessible all day long. The kids
feel that since you are home that you aren’t “really working”. You’re not sure when it
happened, but responsibilities that were normally delegated, somehow have become all
your responsibility. A writer’s life can easily become frustrated when the creative juices
are without fail interrupted by the most mundane questions or needs. You know how that
goes. Cleaning the sticky keyboard. Mom where are my soccer cleats? What is there to
eat? Can you put the movie in for me? The list is endless. When did my family become
so helpless?
We all love our families, but how does one carve out that special and much desired
writing time without the feeling of neglect on the family? It is important to reset
boundaries as quickly as they disappear. Let your family know that writing is indeed
work, but also a passion that you want to achieve. Teach your children the importance of
uninterrupted writing time and that they will get your undivided attention once your
writing session is completed. Hopefully they will come to understand that what is
important to you should be respected. Just as you respect what is important to them.
Although there will be times and sometimes it will feel like many, where interruptions
are a necessity. Such as, when the school nurse calls to say that you need to pick up your
child that has a fever. Like any mother, we quickly grab our car keys and head to the
school. If you attempt to balance your writing and the care of your sick little one it will
tend to leave you both feeling frustrated and neglected. At this point, you are much better
accepting the fact that your child needs you and that your writing can wait for another
time. Even if that deadline is on the horizon, you will not do your best work, just leave it.
Grab any time thrown your way, especially when the little ones are asleep. When the
house and telephone are quiet it tends to be a great time for creativity. These little pockets
of time may not feel like much, but the time over a week to a month will accumulate and
you can get quite a bit accomplished.
Keep a handy pocket notebook with you at all times, you never know when your next
inspiration will come to mind. It could happen anywhere, such as that crowded doctors
office you just brought your sick child to. Like anything in this life, this too shall pass,
but we hope not too fast, since they do grow up quickly.

Great article, Donna. I don't have kids at home anymore, but other things try to rob me of
my writing time. You have to find the time whenever you can. I have notebooks all over
the house. Now if I could only remember why I wrote that particular line down. :)
Stacy Dawn said...
Oh man! Can I relate LOL. My boys are still young and it is a challenge finding time to
write/work around family. A mother's guilt always kicks in when you sneak a little time
for yourself, even though you keep telling yourself it shouldn't LOL
Donna McDine
http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/
Elysabeth Eldering
Elysabeth Eldering, a 45-year-old mother of three, lives in a small town near Greenville,
South Carolina, where she is an active member of Sisters in Crime and the South Carolina
Writer’s Workshop.
After writing her first story on a dare, Elysabeth hasn’t stopped since, with writing credits
that include short stories "Train of Clues," "The Proposal," "The Tulip Kiss," "Butterfly
Halves," and "Bride-and-Seek", as well as articles on editing and self publishing. Coming
soon is the Junior Geography Detective Squad, the 50-states mystery series, where we
follow four friends in their game-playing fun, trying to guess the states.
Elysabeth also reviews books, edited a paranormal mystery storyline, and is currently
participating as a judge for the Derringers Awards.
Where in the United States are the Junior Geography Detectives?
Hey everyone. JGDS (Junior Geography Detective Squad) here and we were just going to
put our two cents worth in here. Seems lots of authors have come on board to get noticed
but they have some good advice.
Ms. Elysabeth thought it might be a good idea to give you all some geography lessons
along the way and thus created our series. Now we aren't all smart and all-knowledgeable
about geography but we are learning, some pretty fascinating things too.
Somone told Ms. Elysabeth back when she was in school trying to figure out what she
was going to do with her life that she should be a teacher. She loved working with kids
and had a way of getting information across in a fun way. Ms. Elysabeth didn't want to be
a teacher though. She always knew she wanted to go into the medical field but didn't
want to be a nurse, didn't want to be a doctor and had thought possibly of becoming a
physician's assistant (but we hear that they can do almost as much as a doctor anyway, so
why not just go all the way and become a doctor) but she settled on being a medical
transcriptionist.
She loves research and loves typing and doing all that medical stuff but a few years ago
decided to start writing. The first time she entered a contest, she won a shared second
place for that particular contest and she loved it. The idea that it had been a children's
mystery of sorts got her thinking about expanding the story out to make each state the
mystery destination. Well, it took her a little over two years to really get the right format
but she has finally hit upon it and we think it is so cool that she will be doing all 50 states.
So where are we anyway? Well we are basically in Anytown, USA and that is wherever
you want us to be when you start. Since we are playing a game and gaining insight and
clues from the game, it doesn't matter where we start off.
For the first state, we are in Matt's bedroom and it's just Matt and Guy at first and then
Mary Beth (Matt's sister) joins in. For character sketches on who is who, you'll have to
check out the website - http://jgdsseries.blogspot.com. While there, why not think about
signing up for Ms. Elysabeth's newsletter forum and get some fun and interesting facts
about some of the states once a month in addition to some information about the stories.
We are going to try to talk Ms. Elysabeth into posting something from the stories on the
website too. So check back for updates all during the week, you never know what will
pop up.

Hi Elysabeth...thanks for the gifts for Hayley. Yes, she is enjoying them. She loves to
play school and she is using the gifts as part of handouts when she is the teacher and her
friends are the students. We are certainly in great company. Wonderfuly post, with great
background info on you!
Why a geography series?
Since I won a shared second place with my first ever submitted story, the idea of doing a
geography series of sorts has been niggling. I have tried it many different ways and
started it just about a gazillion ways too. Every idea I tried I hit the proverbial wall - it
wouldn't work this way because they would be tired of the story but a certain point; it
wouldn't work that way because simple deductive reasoning would let the kids know
which state was the correct state before they finished and it definitely wouldn't work this-
that way because it wasn't doable. You name it, I've hit the wall.
I attended the SCWW writer's conference in Myrtle Beach last October as a volunteer
(allowed me to have the benefits the same as the attendees who paid for the full package
without the cost) and part of the package was submitting up to 30 pages for a full critique
from an agent, editor or author. I submitted my YA fantasy that had been published but
was no longer published at the time. I chose Andrea Brown as my critiquer because she is
supposedly the "children's book agent". She has been doing this for over 20 years and
should really know what would work and what wouldn't. When I met with her Sunday
morning during my appointed time at the breakfast table (we had a weird thing happen
that weekend at the hotel - every clock reset out of daylights savings time, so everyone
was running late for first classes/workshops or critique meetings). So when I saw her at
breakfast, I told her no rush since I was her first appointment and so she offered to do my
critique at the table. After she pulled out my submitted story, I told her that really I
wanted to pitch my other idea as opposed to get feedback on the story. She allowed me
the opportunity to pitch my geography series. Point blank she told me conflicting things -
"It won't sell; it's been done before" and "You've got to think outside the box, but it won't
sell." How outside the box could I get? I mean I was trying to find a way to write all 50
states as the mystery "destination" in a way that would be fun for kids to learn about the
states without beating them over the head with the info.
Well, I felt a little discouraged after talking with her but also encouraged by my friends
and fellow authors. Upon returning from the conference, I was just going to put the
story(ies) aside and let them happen when they would. About a month after the
conference, while surfing through the postings on the Short Mystery Fiction Society
yahoo forum, I saw a posting that was a call for submission for 5-minute mysteries. They
wanted stories that were at about a 6th grade level (about where I wanted to gear mine
towards anyway), that could be used eventually in schools as educational tools and stories
that were about 1500 words in length. Now 1500 words isn't very much but I thought,
"You know, I could turn my state stories into really short mysteries and see if it works." I
emailed the person who made the posting and asked if the stories had to be "murder
mysteries" and ran my geography idea by him. He loved it and shared with his partner,
who happens to work for an educational publisher and who just so happens to be in the
social studies area (or that is his forte). We communicated back and forth and I did the
first story, submitted it and then got told it wouldn't work (and it was too short for what I
wanted to convey). Anyway, we went back and forth with the National Social Studies
Standards and what they wanted and what I wanted and so I put it aside.
In January, I was chatting with Aidana, the lady who designed my logo, and we were
talking about my idea for the geography series. She had just started out as an agent, so I
signed her up on a trial basis. Figured it would take some of the pressure off me when I
had something to shop around. We talked about the series and I shared my different starts
and ideas with her on where I was trying to take the series; she shared with Lacresha
from Living Waters Publishing Company, and she loved the idea and signed me up. So in
two days I had a contract with an agent (wasn't really sure I would continue with Aidana
because it was a trial thing and I figured I wouldn't have anything to submit until after the
trial was over) and a publisher for all 50 stories.
Check out my blog posting on my blog about coming full circle with the series -
So long posting about how I came about to this point but the moral of this is - when you
get a niggle of an idea, don't push it aside. Let the idea brew, steep, and come to full
fruitition and guess what, you may just have the next best seller on the NYT's list.

Your geography series sounds great. I'd think schools would snap it up to add to their
geography lessons.

Elysabeth, what I like about your upcoming series is that not only will it be educational
but the children will have fun along the way solving a mystery.
I find series that have a theme to attract them to is always a good bet but that theme needs
to be something they will learn from and your geography series is spot on.
Elysabeth Eldering
http://jgdsseries.blogspot.com/
Holly Jahangiri
Things that Go Bump in the Night
by Holly Jahangiri
I was tucking my son, William, into bed.

"Mom, I can't sleep. There's a monster
under my bed."
"Really?" I said, tired and unimpressed.

"What makes you think that?" I figured it
was the product of an older sister's teasing,
an overactive imagination, and too much
Cartoon Network.
"I can hear him. He tries to grab my feet

when you turn out the light." Oddly, I
remembered this monster from my own
childhood. I remembered coats and chairs
and blankets and books that took on
different shapes in the dark - sinister, scary
shapes. I remembered being terrified of
what lay at the top of the stairs in my
grandmother's house - absolutely nothing.
It was 10:00 PM, and logic wasn't going to
lead to sleep any time soon. I would have to bring out the big guns - the Monster
Repellent. Now, this powerful stuff is known to most adults by a number of names:
water, Febreeze, Lysol... but the truth is, it's all Monster Repellent. Works every time.
Except this one.
"He's still there. Will you leave the light on?"
"Sure." Three tuck-ins later, I was pretty exhausted. I didn't know what to do. Then I
remembered, it's all grist for the mill. I gave up fighting it. "Stay in bed - keep your feet
under the covers. I'll be back in a few minutes. Yell loud if anything grabs you, and I'll
come running, okay?"
That night, Trockle was born. The monster under my son's bed wanted to be tucked in,
too. And he had a story to tell - a story he wanted me to share with my son. Turns out, he
was just as afraid of that great big boy who lived over the bed as the boy was of him! And
William, who is now in Sixth Grade and finds the whole thing laughable (not to mention
slightly embarrassing), was just learning to read. So, figuring that if he was going to lay
awake with the light on, worrying about what lurked under his bed, he could at least be
practicing his new skills.
The words flew from my fingers. I listened first to Trockle, then shared an affectionate
chuckle with his mother. I quickly hit the Print key, and took the very first draft of the
manuscript to my son. He was still wide awake, of course. "Here, read this."
"What?"
"It's about the monster who lives under your bed."
"You wrote this?"
"Yes. He told me all about himself. Now read. Let me know what you think." I half
hoped it would put him to sleep, and half hoped he'd offer some useful suggestions.
About fifteen minutes later, he climbed out of bed and came into my home office with
edits--and a great big smile on his face. He was no longer afraid of Trockle, either. They
had reached an understanding. I made the requested changes, printed off a fresh copy,
and escorted William back to bed.
"Will you read it to me?"
"Why don't you read it to me, instead?"
"Okay." And so he did. And late as it was, I promptly fell asleep to the sound of my son's
voice, dreaming of a little orange monster--and his mother--living under the bed.
***
I didn't really set out to write a children's book, but the minute I'd finished writing
Trockle, I knew I had something special. I shared it with my friend and fellow writer,
Vivian Zabel. "You have to get this published," she said. Little did either of us realize
that several years would go by, during which I did lots of things - but not that. The
manuscript sat on my son's bookshelf and in a file on my hard drive. Meanwhile, Vivian
was establishing 4RV Publishing. One day, she asked me what had become of the story I
wrote for my son, and did I still have it? Could she publish it? She found a wonderful
artist, Jordan M. Vinyard, to illustrate it and bring the characters to life. Looking back, I
think that it was just waiting there, for Viv, Jordan, and 4RV. I wouldn't be surprised if
my little monster found his way under their beds and into their hearts, too.
Kim Chatel said...
I love the twist on this old tale. Your story reminds me of the time I found my
daughter, then 4, all ready for bed--in my bed. She said that she was afraid of the
monster under her bed. I asked her why she was so sure that there was no monster
under my bed. She replied with her four-year-old wisdom, "Because, Mommy,
this bed is filled with your love and it protects me." How could I argue with that?
Vivian said...
Trockle is something special. I feel in love with the little monster (and with Stephen) the
first time I read the story.
As Jordan brought the story to life with her marvelous art work, I knew the world should
fall in love with the story, the illustrations, and the characters, too. So far, they have.
Everyone who works with the t-shirts with Trockle on the front, everyone (except a few
oddities) who has seen the cover and/or some of the illustrations, think the cover, the
illustrations, the story fresh.
When I attended the SCBWI conference Saturday, I had a laminated copy of the cover in
my padfolio, had forgotten it. When I opened my zipped folder, it fell out. People wanted
to know what it was; was it published; where/how could they get a copy. A repeating
comment included, "Ohhh, isn't that the cutest little monster. I just want to hug him."
Anyone know where/how we can get stuffed toys made? I'd like to "hug" Trockle, too.
Oh, and people can reserve their copies now on the www.4rvpublishingllc.com/store.html
page.
Vivian, proud publisher of Trockle.
LCalabrese said...
Looks like a wonderful story. Every parent and child will be able to relate to this one!
Holly said...
Thanks, LCalabrese. I think so - monsters under the bed seems to be a universal theme!
(Kind of makes you wonder why, doesn't it?) Maybe, down there with the dust bunnies...
Naaaah.
You think?
Holly Jahangiri
http://trockle.wordpress.com/
Jan Verhoeff
Pops v. Hubert - The Characters Unite
Seriously, when the issue of children's books come up among writers there's a lot of talk
about characters. But the reality is that characters tend to take over the book and writers
are just there to check the spelling and grammar. Characters are something like children,
you keep their noses wiped, their butts clean and their tummies full and they happily go
about their business enjoying life, disrupting your days and nights.
When I started writing, my goal was to write business articles, books, and informative
content that would help people in some way... Then I realized I had to write about
OOOsoh. OOOsoh was my shadow. When I was a small child, OOOsoh followed me
everywhere I went. Sometimes, if the light was just right, he arrived first. I don't
remember when I realized OOOsoh was a boy, but that was my first clue that something
in this world wasn't quite right. I was, after all, a girl; still am.
By the time I was a teenager OOOsoh had become not only a boy, but he was a raging
bull stallion with a black star in his forehead and four stocking feet. OOOsoh, who began
as a shadow, became my steed, carrying me into the future in a fury of dancing hooves
and blowing maine. I was transformed into a princess on the back of OOOsoh.
When my daughter came along, shortly after my twenty-fifth birthday, OOOsoh became
a gray bear with a red sash ribbon around his neck. Then he became the center of bedtime
stories. Since then OOOsoh has accomplished many feats, some so simple as keeping
away the monster, then he was the monster, and just this last month I hear my daughter
tell her baby girl to shush and go to sleep and she'd get to visit OOOsoh in slumberland.
OOOsoh has become the dream keeper in the land where my grandbaby rests. The
miracle is not so much in the transformation as it is in the fact that OOOsoh has managed
to remain a part of our family's heritage over nearly half a century (please don't tell me I
put that in print!) and continues to develop, just as other characters do: at his own pace, in
his own time, and in his own world.
Characters are a requirement in the vast world of writing for children and as authors, we
can only hope to contain them long enough to visit between the pages of our books. Our
biggest hope is for them to suck air and procreate into the minds of our readers and
inspire vast future exploitations of inspiration.
Bambi sent generations of children into the world to save Bambi's mama.
Little Sleeping Beauties long for their prince to come riding up on a white stallion to save
them from a world of doom.
And every Cinderella dreams of losing her glass slipper at the ball.
Where will your characters be in thirty or forty years? Fifty?
Jan Verhoeff writes a variety of genre and can be found at http://janverhoeff.com/ or visit
her at the Coffee Clatter for a cup of Inspiration!
Fundamental Design - Reality Based Fiction
There's a required foundation of fundamental design for children's books. They must have
unforgettable characters. Absolutely the most incredible story in the world has to be
revealed in the time it takes to fall asleep after a hard day of play. No plot can reveal the
secrets of real adulthood, lest you betray adults everywhere of their childish reality.
Are you listening?
"My gosh! I know I've read this story at least two million times in the past week, but
aren't you sleeping yet? Isn't it time for another drink or a bathroom break? I'm sick of
this book!"
"Bedtime, night after night is a redundant do over of the night before and you're probably
sick of reading the same stupid book. Don't children's writers have any imagination at
all?"
If you're a normal parent of the expected 2. 49 kids, you already know where I'm going
with this. We writers need to put replay options in our books. Yes, you read that right.
Mom and Dad have to read these books Forty-nine hundred and eleven times, every
single night, and they really get tired of the same old endings, every single time they read
the book.
So change it!
Cinderella doesn't always have to get Prince Charming. The wicked step-mother doesn't
always have to eat the poison apple. And, beyond what you might think, the ending of
your story can have some imagination.
You might even really offer up a twist with three or four endings for your story on the
last several pages. "For story ending #1 go to page 36, for story ending #3 go to page 38."
In story ending #3, let Prince Charming get the ugly step-sister with big feet. She
deserves a good man!
This is revolting!
Seriously, I've just spent the afternoon posting three different posts for The Writing
Jungle and all three of them disappeared. So, I'm writing this one differently. I'm not
about to share how it's written, I don't want anyone to sabotage it!
My point is, predictable stories SUCK!

When you write a story for children, include some ingenuity and a bit of imagination and
inspiration. Children want to read and hear different endings, just the same as adults do.
Don't you prefer to read books where you don't know the ending by the second
paragraph? Give children some plot variety. Don't always give the luscious prince to the
decadent princess. Sometimes let the toad remain a toad and give the princess to little
Johnny plain and boring, so children understand that you don't have to be beautiful, rich
and smarter than a green horny toad to get the princess. Sometimes, the prince gets the
old maid with a wart on her nose, and because he loves her, she's simply loved. Not
necessarily beautiful, but loved.
As much as children love fantasy, they live in reality with the rest of us, and they often
have to face ugly truths about themselves. Wouldn't it be easier if every book they read
didn't end up the same way with the good looking, charming couple of least resistence
living happily ever after?
Jan Verhoeff lives in a real world where not every child has their own bedroom, an IPod
and an MP-3 player, or two parents. Some children are blessed with one parent who loves
them, a room they must share with brothers and sisters, and cardboard box toys. She
writes intriguing tales of adventure where life isn't always pretty, and people still turn out
okay with ambition and drive to achieve their dreams.
Kim Chatel said...

I love this idea. As a teenager I was a big fan of those interactive novels where you
decided what route the hero took. With ebooks and ezine hyperlink fiction has made a
slow comeback. but I think the simple multiple choice books would still go over great
with kids. In fact, I was thinking about this with one of my middle grade books. It's sort
of an old fashioned narrative, and I love the tone, but I thought making it interactive
would modernize it a bit.
Thanks for a great prompt.

LOL. The idea of replay options is cool. I also like to see the underdog win the girl or the
boy.

I always hated the whole Cinderella story. I loved it when THE PAPERBAG PRINCESS
came out and showed that the princess didn't need to have the prince to be someone.
Great message for little girls!
Jan Verhoeff
http://janverhoeff.com/
Jennifer Gladen
Jennifer Gladen is a children's author. Her favorite is fiction, but writes
everything from stories, articles, poems and picture books. She has had her
articles and stories appear in Stories for Children Magazine, with future articles to
appear in Once Upon a Time. She is thrilled with the news that her first e-picture
book, A Star in the Night, will be published this summer by Guardian Angel
Publishing.
NETWORK BRULE'
Network Brule: A Recipe for a Fine Networking Experience
You hear it all the time. Someone tells you that networking is as important to writing as
the actual manuscript. You're told it is the key to publicity, which in turn is key to your
sales. The message is always the same: "Get your name out there".
Okay. That's great advice. "But how do I do it?" you might ask. Successful networking is
like creating that perfect Crème Brule. With one look, it seems impossible to do. Have no
fear. A recipe follows that is sure to get you started on your networking experiences.
First, you need all the ingredients: websites, e-mail, blogs, social groups and professional
organizations. Handle with care and attention. Then, follow these steps carefully:
Step One: The Base
Start a website and/or blog. Add a page about you, your works and your links. This will
help you build a platform and make you more visible. When your book comes out, you've
already started a reader base. It also makes it possible for future readers to learn about
who you are.
Step Two: The Seasoning
Season with e-mail signatures. Carefully place your links in the bottom of your e-mails.
Now, every time an e-mail goes out, so do your links. Many times when you least expect
it, someone will see your link and visit your site. If they like it, they may even pass on the
link to a friend.
Step Three: The Flavor
Visit other blogs and websites. This helps you get ideas to flavor your own sites. In
addition, leave a comment. Often the blog owner will visit your link in return. There you
go. One more person knows about you. They may even want to exchange links with you.
Step Four: The Sugar
Sweeten your experience by joining online listservs such as Yahoo Groups or Google
Groups. Choose groups with the same writing interests as you. You'll make many friends.
Visit their sites. Ask if anyone's interested in a link exchange where you'll put their link
on your site and vice versa. In fact, most of my contacts came from social groups.
Step Five: An Added Touch
Enhance the pot with professional writing organizations such as The Author's Guild or if
you're a children's author the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. You can
meet fellow authors or other important contacts through sites like these. Many
organizations have writing conferences where you don't just learn about your craft, you're
meeting other writers and editors.
Mix everything together. Garnish by serving business cards, complete with your name
and website, at conferences. Keep them handy when you go out. You never know who
you may run into.
Like creating that perfect Crème Brule, these steps might not seem like much by
themselves. However, together you have a recipe for a fine networking experience.
Jennifer's bio:
Jennifer Gladen lives and writes for children in Philadelphia. Her short stories and
articles have appeared in Stories for Children Magazine. Her future publications include
three articles to appear in Once Upon a Time Magazine. In addition, her first children's
book, A Star in the Night, will be released this summer. To learn more about Jennifer and
her work, visit any of her links:
www.jennifergladen.com
http://jgladen.blogspot.com
http://www.authorsden.com/jennifergladen http://jengladensmusingswordpress.com/
Jewel Sample
Over Coming Challenges in a Tight Niche Market
Hello Fellow Writers,
A few weeks ago a discussion about the

challenges of researching for publishers and
submitting picture book manuscripts to the
Christian children’s book market was presented.
I thought it would be interesting to see what
your thoughts or experiences are on the subject
and all of us can learn together.
Some writers have mentioned that it appears

Christian picture books are not a hot product
right now, so it is difficult to get publishers to
take interest in new manuscripts. Why do you think this is happening? Do you see picture
books at a disadvantage because libraries, booksellers, and reviewers are more interested
in secular books than Christian books?
From my personal experience I find that when I tell secular or Christian bookstores about
my children’s grief recovery books they are happy to place the Flying Hugs and Kisses
set on their shelf, but will only keep a few copies in their stores because of the small
niche topic. Libraries have also placed my books on their shelves and there are plenty of
Flying Hugs and Kisses book reviews out there.
I have found it to be very challenging to do school visits because most schools tell me
their school counselors handle grief and loss issues. There have been a few teachers who
have read my book in their classroom as part of their science projects when they discuss
the life cycle. So from my perspective I see my challenges being more to the sensitive
topic of my book, not that it is a picture book.
I have learned to compensate for the few books placed in the bookstores and low library
interest by networking and promoting by word of mouth. Additionally, I have taken
advantage of opportunities to guest blog, speaking at bereavement conferences and radio
interviews to gain an interest in my book and push sales forward.
How have you gotten your title noticed and over come challenges?
Jewel
Jewel Sample, Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006), also translated:
Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity
Book (2007)
Stacy Dawn said...

You're efforts are truly admired...not just for getting your book to the public but for
promoting a sensitive topic too.
I think promoting in general is a whole new field that no one really tells you about until
AFTER the contract is signed LOL. It is an eye opener but at the same time, the people
you meet and lives you get to touch because of writing is huge!
I'm still a big believer in word of mouth and, though it is a slow process, is still the best
way. Networking, talking with other authors as well as readers really helps for
inspirations, ideas, and new markets to access.

Thank you so much for your kind words Stacy.
You have made an important point about no one really tells you about promotion until
after your published.
Touching another's life through our writing is like living your best life now!
Writing with Passion and Developing Your Voice and Brand
1. What is your writing passion?

** A writing passion is the enthusiastic creative drive that stirs
from within oneself that is just itching to be shared with others using
your inner voice words.
** My passion is finding ways to show children God's love for
them in story form.
2. How do you develop your own voice and brand?

** A writing voice is the essence and quality of the narration regardless of whether it is
told in the first or third person or whether it belongs to the narrator or the character. Our
writing voice is influenced by tone, which sets the atmosphere of the story.
** To me my own voice is writing from where I am, not where I hope to be. I write
stories best from the first person point of view. I discovered this during my childhood. It
was easier for me to keep the attention of my childhood friends and siblings by speaking
as if I was the main character. I continued this practice in telling stories to my children
while they were growing up and now to my grandchildren.
** Branding or brand association is a method used to join together a product such as a
book or a social interest, or a genre with the writer that is easy to remember. It can come
in various forms such as a trademark or a symbol.
** My brand is in the form of a puppy dog with a balloon tied to its tail to symbolize
grief and loss and the genre of children's fiction. It was developed from the illustrator’s
interpretation of my story, Flying Hugs and Kisses.
3. What phrase would you use to describe your brand?

** The phrase that stirs within me to describe my brand is "Planting seeds of
encouraging words in the heart of a child." I have also used my book title, Flying Hugs
and Kisses.
What have you discovered about writing with passion and developing your voice and
brand?
Jewel Sample
http://www.authorstobelievein.com/flying.hugs.and.kisses.htm
Joyce Anthony
I'm so glad to see my pal Joyce Anthony
joining The Writing for Children blog fest.
This woman is a strong presence in the
writing world and constantly filling the air
with great advice to everyone within the
writing groups we both are members of.
Joyce Anthony shares her PA home with her

teenaged son and mini-zoo. She has written
numerous articles and has published one short
story. She is one of the founders of WINGS,
an advocacy group. When not writing, Joyce
spends time homeschooling her son and
working on her photography. She is currently
working on her next book, Spirit of the
Stallion. A portion of all royalties from this
book will be donated to StopItNow.
Storm- YA: What do a prostitute, an abused

child, a disillusioned minister, a Vietnam Vet
and a homosexual have in common? These
and many others find their lives changed
when they meet Storm and his companion, an
amethyst-eyed dog named Maggie.
As you follow Storm on his journey to

discover his true identity, you will meet many
of society’s forgotten people. You will laugh,
cry and get angry—whatever the emotion,
you will feel deeply.
When Storm realizes who he is and why he is

here, the world is completely changed and not
one soul remains untouched. Upon closing
the covers of this book, you will see the world
around you in a far different light and find
yourself wondering—is it really fiction?
Do They Only Want Happy Endings?
I am delighted to be part of this BlogFest :-) What a wonderful group of talented

individuals I've seen so far. Today, I'd like to discuss the content of children's books,
particularly for mid-grade and young adult readers.
I have had the privilege over the years of interacting with many kids with special needs.
What I have discovered is that many don't like to read because "they don't write books for
kids like us". What exactly does this mean?
There is a growing community of children with emotional issues. The number of
children, especially in cities, who are "crack babies" is high. There are children who
come from homes where one or more parent is addicted to drugs or alcohol, or has a
mental disorder.
The majority of books available have characters who face challenges like being popular,
winning the next soccer game, getting the cute boy to notice them. Any characters from
"dysfunctional" homes are relegated to minor positions.
There is a growing number of would-be readers out there who want to see main
characters dealing with the same issues they live with daily. They want to see characters
who have emotional disorders show them ways to overcome stigma and survive. These
kids want to know how someone like them deals with a drug-addicted parent, being
molested or having to function in a world that is so often too confusing.
We need more strong characters these kids can relate to--characters these children can
feel understand their issues and show them ways to overcome.Don't be afraid to include
these characters in your stories. Mid-grade and Young Adult readers especially will
welcome them.
Joyce A. Anthony
Author of Storm
Vivian said...
Random House for Young Readers and Harcourt both want middle-grade and YA dealing
with the problems kids face. Anyway, that's what they said at the SCBWI conference
Saturday.

Great article and I have a child with severe emotional issues, and so far I have chosen not
to include such a character in any of my stories or books because I know he would feel
betrayed if I exposed the degree of his issues. I know one day I will write a story but I'm
waiting for the right time. Because you're right there does need to be more of such books.
The seed has been planted and I'm sure it will grow now... Thank you.

Some of the recent books I've reviewed paint very realistic pictures of today's problems.
One author I love, Ellen Hopkins, has written books in free verse that deal with such
subjects as addition to meth, mental illness, and abuse in a religious home. One of her
books, BURNED, touched me so much--as I was very similar to the teen in the book--
that I both emailed her and also told her agent Laura Rennert.
One of my current projects--SHATTERED ILLUSIONS--deals with a very tough and

edgy subject of abuse.
I wish more of these kinds of books were available when I was a teen. Then I would have
known I wasn't alone.
Yes, some people love 'happy ever afters'. But there's others who want to read about teens
who go through hard situations and how they deal with them.
Joyce Anthony
http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/
Joyce Moyer Hostetter
Joyce Moyer Hostetter is an educator who has worked with children in a variety of
settings – public school, camp, church, and homeschool. Ultimately, however, she
couldn’t resist the urge to write! Combining love of story with her fondness for young
people, she now writes juvenile novels.
BEST FRIENDS FOREVER is a story of friendship between a Ukrainian Orthodox girl

and an American Mennonite. Hostetter’s multi-award winning novel, BLUE retells the
story of North Carolina’s 1944 polio epidemic. Her latest, HEALING WATER, takes
place in Hawaii’s leprosy settlement in 1869.
Visit Joyce on the web at www.joycemoyerhostetter.com

www.joycemoyerhostetter.blogspot.com
http://moyer-girl.livejournal.com/
WHAT'S THAT?
The most frequently asked question about the cover

of my brand new book, HEALING WATER (April 1,
2008) is, "What’s that thing around his neck?"
“That thing” is a lei. Nearly everyone is familiar with

the Hawaiian lei made of flowers. But a lei can also
be made of shells, seeds, leaves, and nuts. Of course
you can also order a lei made of ones, tens, hundreds
or five hundreds. (If you mortgage your home!)
The lei on the cover of HEALING WATER is made

of kukui nuts cut in half. National Geographic
photographer, Richard A. Cooke III made it for his
young friend and then took this photo. The photo was
included in this multi media program about Hawaii's
cultural traditions.
Richard lives on the island of Molokaì which is fitting, I think, since the story takes
place in Molokai’s leprosy settlement.
Also fitting is that the kukui bloom is Molokaì’s official flower and Molokaì's symbolic
color is the silvery green of kukui leaf.
Kukui nuts are filled with an oily kernel which Hawaiians traditionally used as fuel for
torches and lamps. In addition to providing light, the kukui has many medicinal uses.
I'm honored to have such a perfect symbol included on the cover Healing Water.
A BEAUTIFUL THING
The Kalaupapa peninsula where

Hawaii isolated her leprosy patients.
In February 2002 I traveled with my

daughter and a friend to Hawaii. On my
first morning in Honolulu, I attended the
Kawaiahao historic church. The
windows were open. There were no
screens and a balmy breeze carried the
lovely floral smells indoors. Just outside the windows, parrots chattered and palm trees
clattered. A choir began singing in the balcony. They sang in Hawaiian and it was so
heavenly, I began to cry. The visiting pastor stood and this is what he said.
It is a beautiful day and we have begun in a beautiful way.

We are called to be here.
We are called to do a beautiful thing.
We are called to worship.
I couldn’t stop crying. I had come to Hawaii to do research for Healing Water. And this
is how my trip began. With this blessing. I felt like God was talking to me – telling me I
was called to do a beautiful thing. And that He was promising beautiful things to grow
out of this story.
I did not know then that my book would be called Healing Water. This book has gone
through numerous titles. The right one didn’t come until certain aspects of the story
found their proper telling.
Wai is the Hawaiian word for water. This church where I felt God’s blessing on my
writing is called Ka Wai a Haò (The Water of Haò) because there was a fountain on
this spot that was once mostly a dry dust bowl. Haò was a High Cheifess who came here
often.
Recently I found my notes from this day. And just below the pastor's remarks mentioned
above, I also found these words.
Be straight with God.

Be right with your neighbor.
Seek after truth.
I sought long and hard for the truth of the story found within Healing Water’s pages. It is
about one boy’s struggle to be right with his neighbor. In many ways it is about Hawaii’s
struggle to be right with its leprosy patients. And ultimately it is about each of us and our
response to disease, injustice, and betrayal.
We are called to do a beautiful thing.
elysabeth said...
What a wonderful inspiration - thank you for sharing this with us. It shows how research
is so important to our stories and to follow our "niggles" and "calls".

Oh Joyce, what an amazing and spine tingling post. Loved the picture. As Elysabeth
wrote, the more research and in-depth analysis you do before you write the closer you
bring your reader to your message.
THE TEACHER WHO MADE ME A WRITER
I suppose I would have discovered

that I’m a writer without the help of
my 7th and 8th grade language arts
teacher. After all, by the time I was in
second grade it was evident that I had
no talent for numbers. And given
how often I was reprimanded for
talking, I obviously had a way with
words!
Surely I would’ve eventually figured

out that these things meant
something.
Imagine my consternation, however, when in 7th grade I had a book report returned with
the following message. "I hope you did not plagiarize (that is merely copy from the
book). But if these are your words then you are a really good writer)."
Of course I hadn’t copied from the book! So naturally I was insulted. At least for about
ten seconds. Then it dawned on me. Mrs. Cunningham was telling me that I was good. As
good as the author of the book I’d reviewed!
I decided to take her words as a compliment. And you better believe that for the next two
years I wrote my heart out for her. Then at my 8th grade graduation she announced to the
audience that I would be a great writer someday.
Her blessing followed me into high school and then on to college. I did other things for
awhile – taught school, married, and raised two children. Eventually though, I met up
with a midlife crisis. A death in the family caused me to evaluate what I wanted to do
with my time on earth.
It was the perfect time for my teacher’s blessing to catch up to me.
I decided I wanted to be a writer. A great one, even. It doesn’t happen overnight. I won’t
bore you with stories of writer’s conferences and rejection slips. Trust me when I say I
have a plethora of unpublished books and articles.
But I also have several novels on bookshelves across the country. I happen to know
they’re on Mrs. Cunningham’s shelves too. I’m honored that I'm able to share my books
with her. But even if I couldn’t, I’d still be writing my heart out for the teacher who made
me a writer.
Joyce Moyer Hostetter

http://www.joycemoyerhostetter.blogspot.com/
Kevin Scott Collier
Big Words In Little Books Can Educate
By Kevin Scott Collier
Children's book author and illustrator
Recall when you were a kid how on occasion you’d encounter a monster in a
storybook? It jumped off the page and smacked you in the face. It was
gruesome and intimidating but you faced it with courage. I’m not talking about
the red-eyed purple people-eater, but a word. Are “big words” monsters to
children?
In the class I teach on children’s writing, this topic comes up when I discuss
writing for juveniles or tweeners to students. There is a perception that “big
words” are off limits when writing for children. I see nothing wrong with
sprinkling in a few challenging words beyond the grade level of my targeted
reader. This topic has become a debate among children’s writers, so I decided
to ask some experts. Kids.
Aside from teaching about writing, I appear at countless schools a year at

author events, which puts me in direct contact with my target audience. I have
asked children about the use of some “big words” in little stories and the results
were encouraging. It may frustrate them a bit, but it presents a challenge to
learn.
One little girl explained that “it teaches me new words to use” which is not a
determent. She went on to describe even if she didn’t know what the word
meant, in a way she did, as the surrounding words in the sentence supported a
definition. “You can sort of tell what it means.” Other students in the library
agreed. “If I don’t know what it means, I look it up,” a boy chimed in. Another
little girl said she learned the word “resilient” in a book, liked it, and uses it in
her vocabulary. Very impressive!
The one thing I have learned about children who read is they are a lot smarter
than writers imagine. Kids will rise to the occasion of “big words” and eat them
up. I don’t know how many 8 and 9-year-olds I have met that battled through
the 870-page “Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix” or 12-year-olds who
consumed “Eragon”, which was a challenge for me to read.
In the classroom I teach I caution children’s writers not to use too many “big
words,” but smugly sprinkle a few around here and there. And, I do not mean
“big” as in the amount of characters that make up the word; I mean a word that
is likely not in their vocabulary. When you write a word for a children’s book
that is grade levels ahead of the target audience, use it in a sentence that
supports a definition.
The blackbird scolded Esther, the painted turtle. Esther frowned and hissed
with contempt.
Kids should be familiar with the words scolded, frowned and hissed, but
contempt may present a challenge. The word isn’t beyond comprehension when
it is used as in the example above. A child will sense that the word means to
dislike, angry, or mad in a personal way.
You may have just introduced a young reader to a new word.
Books for children are forum where stories unfold reinforcing values and
navigate through lessons. Give your juvenile audience some credit; don’t make
it a practice to “dumb down” all vocabulary. A residual benefit of using
occasional “big words” in little stories is blessing a child with a new word he or
she can treasure.
Kim Chatel said...

I agree with you, Kevin. My daughter is 8 and she loves to find new words in books. I
think parents worry that big words will discourage kids from reading. I think, as long as
the book is engaging, the new words will not bother even a mediocre reader, and they
will delight a curious child.
I still get excited when I read a new word. It doesn't happen so often anymore, but it's
always a kick.
elysabeth said...
Kevin,
Great article here. My kids are all at different levels. My oldest, now 22, seemed to know
the words regardless of who they were written for; he hardly asked for anything to be
defined because as he told me one time in Wal-Mart after reading one of those huge signs
hanging down from the ceiling and explaining it as best he could what he had just read, in
his 3-year-old way, when asked how he knew what those words meant (I asked if his
grandfather or uncle had bestowed the knowledge on him), his response to me was "My
brain told me." No lie. He was so smart and advanced for his age it was scary.

Kevin...my 10 year old daughter also loves to find new words in the books she reads. She
has said she loves the big words...it makes her think more about what she is reading.

I 100% agree with you, Kevin. My 14 year old reads at least two books a week. I believe
we have Chapters right in my own home.
What I've found with her is that she'll readily read books that have these 'big words'
sprinkled all over but will put down a book when it's riddled with them. So knowing
when to place a word as you showed in your example is very important. She may be 14,
not a reluctant reader but does have a slight learning disability which makes it at times a
bit difficult for her.
Jennifer Gladen said...

Kevin,
Great article. You're right. There's nothing wrong with putting an occasional big word in
your work. As a teacher, I found your results heart warming. The children all at once
have used context clues, dictionary skills and cognitive skills. What could be better?
Writer Or Artist: Which Is Most Revealing?

I visit many schools throughout the year and some students are surprised that I
am both a writer and illustrator. One young lady commented, “I didn’t think you
could do both.” Apparently she imagined you were either one or the other, but
never one in the same.
One question I am asked often is, “Which do you like best, writing or drawing?” I
think, in general, more people can write than draw. So, artists might seem to
garner more attention. That makes being an artist more fun than being a writer,
as I can create images beyond written words.
If I asked any classroom I have visited, “Which would you like me to do for then
next hour, read my stories or draw for you?” The response would be unanimous.
Kids would want the artist, not the writer.
When youths ask me what I “like best,” question should be “which do I prefer?”
My answer this question is I prefer being the writer.
“Drawing looks like it would be more fun,” one boy said. “It’s much cooler.”
Both are fun, and can be cool. But an illustration doesn’t reveal anything about
the person who created it.
Walk into any art gallery and examine the work of an unknown artist. Write down
the artist’s name then what you have learned about the person through their
works. It would be only a guess.
Read several books written by an unknown author. Examine the works, tone and
messages. Scribble out what you have learned about the person through their
stories. It would still be a guess, but much better one. In fact, you might be right
on the money.
Writers reveal themselves; whether intended or not. Woven into their crafted
words and creativity are images of themselves. How they feel… how they reason…
a glimpse into their emotions. They write about what they have experienced and
how they view circumstances. Writers rarely hide their faces, while artists are
chameleons.
I’m a writer and an artist. Both are fun, and rewarding. But only one reveals the
person I am.
Mayra Calvani said...

Hmm... this is thought provoking. I always thought you could tell a bit about the artist
from his paintings, since art can evoke many feelings. I don't know, maybe I'm wrong.
Impressions are subjective and can be misleading, I guess.

I thought more about this... I think paintings can reveal things about the artist as well--
darkness, genius, desperation, serenity, joy--separately from the viewer's own
feelings/interpretations.
Holly said...
I think artists reveal themselves to others who are visually inclined.
All of us grow up speaking our native language and learning to read. Not everyone
receives extensive training in art, so only those adept at the "language" of art are likely to
become truly fluent in it. We can listen to a language that is not our own, and appreciate
its intonations, its melodies (for that matter, the same can be said of music). Even if we
can't understand it, as one who is fluent in it could, we can enjoy it.
Writers are especially adept at picking up clues from the written word, and readers are
nearly so.
I have a coworker who has written several novels. I read a couple of them. One day, I ran
into him in the hallway, and I said, "You chew your ice, don't you?" He looked surprised.
His main character had a habit of chewing ice, and that one detail stood out to me as
having been written from personal experience.
I think it's often in the tiniest, most subtle details we weave into the story that we are
revealed, bit by bit. I suspect that the same is true of the artist, if only the observer
understands the language of the art.
COAUTHORS COVER EACH OTHER

In my many visits to area classrooms speaking

on youth fiction writing, curiosity emerges
concerning my writing partner. Most authors
do not have one, but I do. She's my wife,
Kristen.
"What is it like writing with your wife? Do you

ever get into arguments? Whose name goes
first on the book? Which author gets paid more
on a joint title?"
Writing with my wife is fun. We do not get into

arguments over material, but sometimes we
have debated a story point. Ladies go first in
author credit.
While I have written many books as a solo act,

interested in the manuscripts and books
scheduled for print with my better half capture
attention in the eyes and ears of kids. They want to know which one of us writes what,
and who comes up with the most ideas. They even want to know who gets the most
money.
Kristen and I generally think up stories together. While my imagination runs wild, she
has a way of building the visual props that sets a stage for a tale. Thought provoking
dialog is my strength, while hers is description and detail of environment. So, a balance is
created.
My weakness is her strength, and her weakness is my strength. We cover each other.
If you are an author seeking a coauthor, look for someone who can cover the areas you
need to grow in. Two writers who write the same doesn't create growth. Also, a good
coauthor is one you have a literary chemistry with. You understand how the other writes,
and craft works that are complimentary, yet joined. A good work by coauthors doesn't
read like it's written by two individuals, it reads like one.
And, to answer to the question, "which author gets paid more on a joint title?" We have a
"joint" checking account, so it doesn't matter. Our books are a deposit into our son's
future.
Pictured: Kristen and Kevin Collier with son Jarod.

Kevin
That's a great suggestion for teaming up with another writer. You can bounce ideas off of
each other, and as you said, compliment each other's strengths and overcome each other's
weaknesses.
It certainly worked for Debbie Dadey & Marcia Thorton Jones who wrote the very
successful Bailey School Kids series.
Lovely post and family photo, Kevin!
I just co-authored a book with Anne K. Edwards (not a children's book, but a nonfiction
book about book reviewing). It was a very rewarding experience. We complemented each
other perfectly well. The stuff I didn't think about, she did, and viceversa. Because of
this, the finished result was much better than if I had written it alone. There was a lot of
research as well, so splitting the tasks between us really helped speed things up.
One thing which gave us a bit of trouble was our different writing styles. I like bullets;
Anne likes long paragraphs. So we had to do some modifying during the editing stage. In
the end, all worked really well.
PHOTOSHOP IS AN ILLUSTRATOR'S TOOL

One thing all children's book artists should

work for is to have Adobe Photoshop in their
home computer. There is this perception, by
some in the art world, that using a computer is
a betrayal of the craft. Actually, nothing could
be farther from the truth.
Adobe Photoshop is a tool an artist uses, and, in

the children's book illustration market, we are
seeing more of it. Some in the trade scoff at the
thought of it, but I guarantee you, those who do
that simply don't understand it or know how it
works.
There is this other perception that when an

illustrator uses their computer, or rather, Adobe Photoshop in their computer, that the
finished art is "computer generated," as if the computer drew it, and the artist had nothing
to do with the work. That is a myth. This perception can be compared to throwing paint at
a canvas with no creativity, craft or skill involved.
With a scanner and Adobe Photoshop, you begin to expand what you do with children's
book art, and understanding the program allows you to see in your mind what new
appearances your art can assume. It has changed not only the speed of which I can
illustrate a book, but the enhancements I can engage in the work. So, what I draw now is
not exactly how it will end up.
I have included a drawing of a boy to show as an example. The original drawing above,
done with a flair pen on paper, took about 3 minutes. It was scanned into my computer,
then colored using paint buckets. Add another 3 minutes for the coloring process.
The completed work appears on the right. I have done numerous things to the art to
render a finished work. I have embossed it and created inner shadows. I have added
lighting effects to the eyes. I have softened and blurred the black pen lines. Then, I added
a graduated background shade. This process took 5-7 minutes, tops.
While this is a simple example, it shows a vast difference. This shows what can be done
in just about 15 minutes.
Fine art still has a solid and fond place in children's books, those illustrations rendered
with paint, colored pencils and pastels. It's not one technique over another, but this just
shows where children's book art has been headed for some time. It's one those pieces of
art where you wonder, "How was that created?" The answer is simple: by an artist using
the latest tools.
Kim Chatel said...

Kevin, I think it's fascinating what illustrators can do with Photoshop. Have you ever
considered selling your images on iStockphoto? I am a photographer for them. I don't
make a lot of money, because my photos are mostly nature and the best sellers are usually
more commercial. But illustrators do really well, and you keep the copyright to all your
work. I'm sure you could pop off a few dozen images in no time! The best sellers are
often simple images, hearts, stars, backgrounds--things people can use on websites and in
brochures. You should check it out istockphoto.com

Kevin,
I enjoyed learning how you create your illustrations. An artist's tools can be most any
medium he chooses. I don't see why he shouldn't make use of computer technology.

Kevin, very interesting explanation. Once when I was taking a watercolor class, the
teacher encouraged me to outline the face I wanted to paint on the wall with a picture
viewer. I thought it was cheating, but apparently, it's just a tool too!
Toyhabilitation said...
EBSQArt dot com has a photoshop tutorial. If you are interested in learning how to use it,
step by step, go to their web site and click on the "Learn" button, then scroll down the list
of Live Studio entries to find it (they are in alphabetical order). Just an FYI!
It is a fascinating process...
Stacy Dawn said...

Very interesting. I'm both writer and illustrator too...and each reveals a different part of
me.
Holly made a good point about her co-worker and the ice, second nature we put into our
writing the details of life the way we observe it, live it, breath it, and I've always found it
more interesting when a reader finds the small details in my work rather than the over all
concept.
LCalabrese said...
Of course the children are going to think that illustrating is the coolest. When they think
of writing, they're thinking of homework and who likes that?
I agree with Mayra in that paintings can reveal things about the artist as well. Cartoon
and animated pictures reveal different things than dark colors and real life paintings.

I have to agree with my fellow artists that both areas would most likely depict some
element of the artist, whether knowingly or subconsciously.
Picture kitchen studio said...

I think that the work an artist expresses is their unique impression of the world.
I think my world view is revealed in the images I create and how I create them. Color,
light and shadow and other design concepts all tell a story of how I see a story. As I have
grown a bit older, I see better (hopefully) and "seeing" is what artists do best. Great art,
like great writing moves the heart and can stir the soul. Is this not a lens into the heart and
mind of the artist?
Kevin Scott Collier said..

In cases of fine art, like paintings, at times the type of person can be revealed through the
subjects they paint. In commercial art, a good artist will use so many styles for different
projects it's hard at times to even know the the same artist has done the work. I recall
once seeing several paintings that an artist did and thinking this man had a gentle manner,
only to discover he was in prison, convicted of murder.
In my case, I don't think my art reveals much about me personally.
Picture kitchen studio said...

Kevin,
Your work may not tell much about your personality, but it says much about how you
look at life.
Your artwork encourages the reader to laugh and be joyful, to see what is good in life and
not excuse the wrong. Your consistent style says you are diligent to your craft and your
clear concepts make you thoughtful! I would say your work says much about you!
Holly said...
Even a murderer could have a calm, peaceful side. Perhaps the art expressed a yearning...
Calm, peaceful people can write murder mysteries with convincing characters, no?
REMEMBER: KIDS LOVE VILLAINS, TOO

Rufus Tweed, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier

Children's Book Author and Illustrator
I have had over 70 books published in the past 3

years, most of them in the capacity of artist. The
one thing I have not seen a lot of in the children's
books I have illustrated is a good villain. Where
have they gone?
Last year I jumped at the manuscript for "Rufus Tweed, the
Father of Greed," by author James Tague. He was publishing through Xlibris, and the
company recommended me. When I established contact with Tague, I knew this was the
book I had been dreaming to draw.
In the role of illustrator, I get to create the appearance of characters for the author. In the
case of villain Rufus Tweed, notes only dictated that he wear a plaid coat, red and black
tones in color. The rest of what he was to look like was up to me.
I created a little, balding man, with blue skin. I wanted him to

look almost lifeless. A sprig of hair atop his head would resemble the claw or talons of a
bird. Even his eye color would be unpleasant. After a few sketches, I sent the prototype
image to Tague, who cheerfully approved. Rufus Tweed had now become real.
Most children's books I illustrate have sweet themes and characters. I wonder if political
correctness, or an overly cautious demeanor not to offend or frighten has diluted some
children's book stories. Do even the villains have to look sweet? Isn't their nasty, yet
whimsical appearance enough to put the stamp of fantasy on the work? Characters can
look evil, if done right, and not frighten a child.
It would be nice to see nasty looking villains reappear in children's books. I, for one,
enjoyed them in books I read as a kid. It was always fun to see their evil ways become
their undoing.
Even villains have a place in the hearts of children, too.

Kim Chatel said...
My villain ending up taking over my story. I realized he was more fun than the MC.
Rather than dumb down the villain, I opted to spice up the MC, so that she could stand on
her own against a formidable opponent.
Kids really do love villains. Adults too. How many kids dress up as Darth Vader for
Halloween? And was does everyone like Simon on American Idol? Villains act out so
that we don't have too.

Kevin, I believe the right villain is a necesary part in any story to add to the full
dimension of the hero/heroine and how they will change at the end.

Love your little bald man, Kevin. And my villians are what I need to work on. I have
trouble making a character really bad.
Expand Out Beyond One Publisher

Children's Book Author and Illustrator
One of the first things I look for when I visit an

author's website "Book Store" is to see how
many publishers they have. When an author has
a few books to their credit, and all are from the
same small publishing house, it reveals
something. While the company they work for may be good, the solitude of it shouts out
that no one else, but that publisher, has contracted their work.
Was your first book released three years ago or more? Has every book since, come from
the same publisher? Are you stuck in a rut? Perhaps not, but are you expanding your
opportunities? Think about it.
Once you become published by a company, do not just settle in and polish your nails
thinking you've made it. If you are as good as you imagine, shouldn't other publishers be
receptive to your work, too?
Many of us work for small publishing companies, so I am not talking about the writer
who has a lucrative, multi-book deal from Random House. You have made it. But, if you
are relatively new to the business, and have been stuck with one publisher for some time,
think outside the box. Dare to expand.
Many small publishers are niche companies. Some service only particular regions,
audiences or distribution venues. Some Canadian and Australian publishers can be
restricted to operational service within their own borders. While the internet booksellers
make the market global, different publishers have different reach on the ground.
My advice is, once you have a publisher and see a couple titles of yours in print, start
going after other publishers to contract your work. See if you can get your stories
accepted beyond that one small publishing house. See if your work has commercial
interest beyond that one company.
I have spoken with many writers who excitedly recall getting their second, third and
beyond publishers. It validated their work to a new level, where they had new reach and
opportunities.
I have even heard from authors who have had a string of books published by one
company, and are unsettled. They have expressed concern whether their one publisher is
the only one that will ever publish their stories. Perhaps they are, but you'll never know
unless you go after other companies and submit your work to them for consideration.
Most of us work for small publishers. Having one is great. But, having more than one is
better. It reveals a fact that more than one company thinks your work is worth the
investment.

Well, I think you know that I totally agree with you, Kevin. I never thought about the
'accepted by other publishers' thinking until I read your article but more that if I wasn't
satisfied with one publisher down the line I didn't want to have all of my books stuck in
their production line.
I love the new and small to mid-sized publishers because many, not all, will do their
darnest to get their authors noticed. This isn't to say writers shouldn't be promoting and
marketing their books all the time, but it helps when some of this promo is an added
bonus coming from your publisher.
Kim Chatel said...

This is important for all authors, whether they write adult or children's fiction. I have 3
publishers right now. They all do something different. And the diversity gives me a sense
of pride and security. Many eggs, many baskets and all. Even for short stories, I try to
target as many magazines as possible.
Carma said...
Kevin, you have answered a question I have asked myself many times. Why do so many
authors have so many publishers?
I don't have one yet but now I know not to be satisfied with only one.
Kevin Scott Collier http://kevinscottcollierhomepage.blogspot.com/

Kim Baccellia
Five Musts on the Road to Publishing
One trend I've noticed in current YA books is having lists. So I thought why not share my
own list of things I've found helped me on the road to publishing.
Here we go!
1) Have a critique group. This is very important. Right now I have two on-line groups. It
helps to have others look at your work. And by others I mean people would aren't just
family members.
2) Have a place to write. It doesn't have to be much. I have my own writing office,
complete with a huge whiteboard where I write out story paradigms. I also have a space
where I post character's quirks and traits and a wall with my rejections and acceptance
letters. But mostly my room has my computer, writing books, research books, and things
to get me into the mood of my current story. Right now since I'm writing a tween
fantasy/mystery that involves the goddess Hathor, my room has incense from ancient
Egypt (thanks to my Egyptologist sis, Autumn) and I hope to add a copy of the bracelet in
there too.
3) Be persistant. This is a biggie. Be prepared for rejections because they will come. One
thing I learned as a Cybils-Children and YA bloggers literary awards-panelist is how
subjective this business can be. Don't give up! Keep sending out your story. All it takes is
that one 'yes'.
4) Belong to a professional group. I belong to SCBWI-Society of Children Book Writers

and Illustrators. I'm active in my regional area and attend schmoozes, Agent's Day, and
Editor Day events. I'm hoping to attend the Saturday session of Nationals this August
being held in LA.
5) Believe in yourself. Because if you don't, who else will!
Does anyone have a list of things that have helped them on their own journey?

Yes, yes, yes to believing in yourself. I always say when you're feeling down in the
dumps to go back and reenact that emotional turbulence you once felt for writing. Think
of the reasons why you began writing in the first place and that passion will reignite your
writing juices.
We're writers because we love what we do. Money would be great but if we play our
cards right, that, eventually, will come with tons of determination and perseverance.
elysabeth said...
Kim,
I have to agree that this is a great posting. You have hit some terrific items to list here and
it shows we are not alone - we all think low of ourselves at some point and it's hard to
really believe in ourselves but when that one yes comes along, the whole world changes
and you can say that you believe in yourself.
lionmother said...
Hi Kim,
I agree with all 5 of your points, but I want to add a 6th one.
6) Don't think of your WIP as written in stone. Revise, revise, revise.
Speaking of revisions, here's the cover of the story I thought for sure would get picked
up.
After hearing positive feedback from a number of people, I disregarded the advice of
others to wait to send it out. I mean, this story was a sure winner, right?
Wrong.
After numerous rejections, I decided to take some of the advice given. Now I feel my
story is tighter and stronger.
Stephanie and Dylan might step in during this week to talk about their 'changes'.
Has this happened to anyone else? Please share!
Keely said...
I revised my YA many times with the help of my critique group - The Inksters - I didn't
try sending it out until I absolutely felt I'd done as much as I could do. But I knew if it got
accepted it would need to be revised again.
I managed to get an awesome agent who has suggested two major revisions which
completely made sense, and one minor one.
It is so much better now, sharper and clearer but still very much mine.
I find writing the first draft is the really scary/exciting/flying/crashing part. Okay, I
should say like being on a roller-coaster on a pitch black night! But revisions can be
amazing. Like 'oh that's why that happened at the beginning!'

Kim, I think many writers see the difference in their manuscripts once they redo because
of rejections or critique feedback. That's why I find having more than one pair of eyes to
check out your manuscript before it's subbed is crucial.
Also, having the right person read and critique is also a big factor. Although writers have
an in on the editing process of a manuscript, having a writer who writes in the genre of
your book helps to pinpoint areas your book may be lacking since we know that certain
genres have specific areas they should entail.

Very true, Lea. My biggest mistake was staying with a group that didn't get 'YA.' It
wasn't until I meet my current YA mentor, Joyce, that I realized how important it is to be
in a group where others are writing YA/children stories. Wow, talk about the change!

Kim, although many writers have an idea what needs to be in a certain genre because
they are avid readers, many don't. So having a writer who writes romance looking over
your children's picture book may help hone a few areas but it won't help if they have no
idea the area where using the right word choice for a certain grade level will make a
difference in the story and acceptance, or why the character appears to be in one spot and
then turn the page over and they are somewhere else, or why...you get my drift.
Writing a novel of 60,000 words and writing a children's pic book that might have 1000
words is a BIG difference.

I'm in my first critique group and their input on my work is invaluable. My wip is much
improved because they pointed out inconsistencies and other problems I missed.
Kim Chatel said...

It's always so tempting to send out a manuscript as soon as you finish it. The excitement
of its creation is still with you and it's easy to imagine that everyone will feel the same
way. I've learned to put an ms away for a few days, weeks, months and then look at it
with fresh eyes. And of course a crit group really helps.
Talking about critiquing out of genre, I had an interesting experience a while back with
my MuseMints crit group. This is the best bunch of ladies I've ever had the pleasure to
work with. I value their input like nobody since my mentor in college. However, I write
dark fantasy and none of them have much experience with this genre. When I subbed a
vampire story, this inexperience worked in my favor. As a writer of dark fantasy, its easy
to forget that not everyone knows the history and lore of vampires.The MuseMints
brought new light to my work, and they helped me make the story accessible to a wider
audience. But then I should have expected nothing less from them. I am lucky to be part
of this group.
New Trends in MG/YA
One of the fun things about being a reviewer is

getting to read upcoming books. I was a panelist
for the Cybil awards--Children and YA bloggers
literary awards--for the past two years. Right now
I'm a YA reviewer for Enchanting reviews.
Here's some fun books I'd like to share:
1)
PENGUINS OF DOOM. This is more of a hybrid

type of book in which comic book like text is
woven into the story. I loved the quirkiness of the
story.
2)
I admit, I'm a big BUFFY fan. I think it's brillant what Joss Whedon did with this. Do
season eight in comic book format.
3)
I loved this book! The main character, Addy, writes her journal in comic book format.
The voice is fresh and exciting!
I guess you can tell how much I'd love to write my own graphic novel. I know that
SCBWI will be having another Graphic Novel Day coming up in November. I love new
ideas!
Has anyone else seen some newer trends in MG/YA? Please share!
Kim Chatel said...

I love Buffy too! It's the only TV show I actually miss. I've been eyeing this comic book.
Thanks for the suggestions!
As a reviewer, have you seen any books similar to Kate DiCamillo's Tale of Desperaux? I
love this old fashioned narrative style, but I think editors shy away from it. I have WIP in
this style that I'm hanging onto because I don't think it will go over well. What do you
think?
lionmother said...
Greg is in my old critique group and I'm going to link him to this blog. I've read The
Penguins of Doom and loved the characters and the zany situations.
My Five Favorite sites
There's so many different sites out there for writers. I've found some that I'd like to share.
1. The blue board. www.verlakay.com

This is a great networking site for children and YA writers. There's even a nightly chat.
But be careful, this is like addictive computer candy. I find I'm in the chatroom often.
Other writers pop up and even an agent or two!
2. SCBWI
This national board has up to date information on local and national conferences,
workshops, and schmoozes. The first time membership is $75 but after that every year it's
$60. The expense is well worth it. There's also a message board.
3. Bookswelove.net
This site is great PR for both epublished and small presses. I've been a member for the
past two years. There's seasonal contests. Plus, you get a site where guests can leave you
messages.
4. MySpace. http://www.myspace.com/ixtumea
I held off for the longest time on getting a MySpace site. But I found the trick is not to
have a personal site but one for your book. This has been a great PR tool. Teens, other
writers, and libraries have contacted me wanting to know more about my book. I highly
recommend getting a MySpace for your book.
5. Publishers marketplace. For $20 a month you get your own site to advertise your
projects to agents and publishers. Also you get a weekly email with recent sales. This
alone is worth the cost. I was able to find out that the title for one of my projects was
already used. Also I found out info on new agents and what publishers are looking for.
Another site I enjoy is AuthorMBA, which has great info on how to market your book.
About twice a year Louise Ahern offers the class, BOOTCAMP FOR WRITERS. I
highly recommend taking this class. Louise is great with helping newly published authors
get press kits and other material ready.
Are there others that any of you enjoy?

Thanks for this, Kim. I especially like your advice on how to use My Space...so as soon
as one of books hits the market, I'm going to give it a try.
Paul West said...

A couple of sites I like include Authors by Design and QueryTracker.

These are all good, Kim. I know about most of them, but you gave me an idea of how to
do better on MySpace. I have a site there, but think I'll make a new one for my book(s).
Kim Chatel said...

I'm curious, Kim. Does this mean you would have a myspace page for each book?

No, I'll just have it under my first book, then add others when they come.
YA books that address sensitive subject matter
Here's a post I did as a guest blogger at www.enchantingreviews.com last month. I

thought I'd share it again.
YA BOOKS THAT ADDRESS SENSITIVE MATTER

I've always loved books that weren't the typical happily-ever-after
story. I hated the story Cinderella maybe because my own family life
wasn't perfect. I mean, why would anyone wait around for Prince
Charming, especially if he might turn out to be abusive or even
worse?
My first novel EARRINGS OF IXTUMEA deals with a fourteen-

year-old Latina who's embarrassed of her own heritage but finds herself swept into a
world similar to that of her Mexican ancestors. One scene in my book deals with a touchy
subject that I couldn't take out of my storyline. One reader asked if something that
terrible happened to me. Though I came from a family of nine children, let's just say my
childhood wasn't something from The Brady Bunch.
Maybe that's why books that deal with sensitive subject matter appeal to me. How I wish
these books were around when I was a teen. It would have been nice to know that I wasn't
alone. That I wasn't to blame. That just because my own abuser had been abused didn't
mean he had to choose to do the same thing to me and others.
Here's a list of some books that have touched me. Some of the subjects are tough but I
strongly feel they need to be addressed.
BAD GIRLS CLUB by Judy Gregerson.

This book addresses how children deal with a mental ill parent. Beautifully written, this
book shows how Destiny tries to keep her family together though her mother comes
apart. Growing up with a bipolar father in my own house meant confusion and secrets. I
could relate with Destiny's struggle and pain.
I NEVER PROMISED YOU A ROSE GARDEN by Joanne Greenberg

This is one of the first YA books to have the courage to deal with mental illness. The
story shows the world of a mentally ill sixteen-year-old and how she struggles to break
free and come back to reality. A must read.
IMPULSE by Ellen Hopkins.
This free verse tale follows three teens in a psychiatric hospital for those who attempt to
commit suicide. I was especially interested in one character, Vanessa, who is bipolar and
how she handles her illness. Hopkins doesn't sugar coat this story. I love how she shows
each teen and how they are able to reach out to others while they struggle with their own
pain.
4. THIRTEEN REASONS WHY by Jay Asher.
What would you do if you received a collection of tapes from someone who'd just killed
themself? And even worse, you find out that the tapes show how you affected that
individual? Powerfully written, this story is sure to have you stop and let twice about how
your comments and actions might affect another.
5. SUCH A PRETTY GIRL by Laura Wiess.
This book hit close to home. Fifteen-year-old Meredith's world comes apart when she
finds out that her father who sexually abused her is released early for good behavior. The
portrayal of the mother in denial was realistic. How the teen deals with her father will
stay with the reader. This story shows how a father can abuse power and trust. Very
powerful story. Yes, this subject isn't pretty. But once again, I think of those girls who are
being abused. These books help them know that they are not alone and that there is help
available.
6. BURNED by Ellen Hopkins
Filled with anger while watching her abusive father beat her mother, Pattyn starts to
question her faith and her subservient role in her church. She's also confused as she longs
for love and approval. It isn't until a questionable act that she's sent away to an aunt's
home. But it's here where she finally finds the love and acceptance she's been looking for.
At first I didn't want to read this book fearing the author would have an anti-religious
message. Boy, was I wrong. This story touched me so much I emailed the author to thank
her for sharing this. Hopkins paints a very realistic portrayal of a teen that experiences
abuse in her own religious home.
7. BLOOD BROTHERS by S.A. Harazin
Clay and Joey have been close since children. One day things change for the worse when
finds his friend in their shack in an apparent drug overdose. Was it a girl? Was it drugs?
This powerful story shows what happens after someone takes drugs. This isn't the usual
best-friend-smokes-PCP-goes-into-coma tale. No, it's much more.
8. LESSONS FROM A DEAD GIRL by Jo Knowles
Pretty Leah seems to have it all. Laine is excited when she asks her to be her forever
friend. Leah asks Laine if they can play house inside a walk in closet. Laine feels
uncomfortable with what goes on even when Leah tells her it's to practice for when
they're older. Later Leah blackmails Laine and even tells her vicious comments that have
her question her own sexuality. This tale shows readers what happens when children
abuse children. While Laine struggles with conflicting emotions, she finds out why Leah
treated her the way she did.
These are just a few books that deal with sensitive subject matters. What are some books
that have affected you?

Hi Kim...I recently read and completed a book review of "Lessons from a Dead Girl," for
the National Writing for Children Center. Jo Knowles tackled this subject matter in a
fantastic way. I'll be sure to check out the other books also.

Kim, I still remember how powerful I NEVER PROMISED YOU A ROSE GARDEN
was when I first read it many, many years ago. What an incredible book. A more recent
one I've read was SPEAK by Lauri Anderson, dealing with a teen girl who has been
raped. Very well written and very powerful. It was made into a movie as well.

Hi there, Kim,
These books look like awesome reads. I have to wonder, though, if adults, more than
young adults, are the people purchasing this type of books. Maybe I'm wrong--feel free to
cut in and correct me --but I always thought teenagers went for the Stephanie Meyer type
of story, and not for books like these which are serious reading and, to be honest, quite
depressing. From an adult's perspective, of course I see the value and importance of these
books, but I have to wonder how many teenagers with money in their pockets and
browsing in a bookstore will actually choose to read these titles.
JudyG said...
Mayra:
I have received many emails from teens, librarians, and teachers about Bad Girls Club
and no one has told me that it's quite depressing. Intense, compelling, sad, yes.
Depressing, no.
Kids do read these kinds of books. Some love this type and gobble them up. If it weren't
so, Ellen Hopkins book wouldn't have hit the NY Times Bestseller list after being out for
a while and finding its readers.
Not every book is for every person. What you might consider depressing might be
enlightening to someone else.
Yes, teens read these books. If they didn't, Gail Giles, Nancy Werlin, Ellen Hopkins, and
many others wouldn't be so popular.

Mayra-
It depends on the teen. I know one teen who loves these kinds of books while another one
only likes the 'happy ever after' types of novels.
I know that the author of BAD GIRLS CLUB, has had tons of positive feedback for her
book. I for one loved her book and the character Destiny.
Yes, some of these books can be hard to read but I can't help but think of the teens who
are going through these kind of experiences and think they're alone. These help them see
that they aren't.
Ellen Hopkin's agent told me that Ellen wrote her book CRANK( Another great book
about drug use) on her own daughter's struggle with meth. Maybe that's why her book
and the sequel GLASS are so powerful.
Kim
Toyhabilitation said...
I'd love to read Earrings of Ixtumea. I love Mexico, and I used to be a Spanish teacher, so
it's a topic that strikes a chord with me.
Many young adult girls love to read stories with "sad" endings or not conventional
happy-endings. As a young girl, I was more into the fantasy and paranormal genre (such
as it was in the late 70s/early 80s!). I recently rediscovered an author I loved, whose
books are now out of print, Ruth M. Arthur (A Candle in Her Room; Portrait of
Margarita; The Saracen Lamp; etc). Very suspenseful dramas, and Portrait of Margarita
deals with the story of a young woman who has to deal with not only the loss of her
parents, killed in an accident, but also has to confronts secrets of her new family and her
own.
Kim, where can we buy your book?

You can buy EARRINGS OF IXTUMEA at Amazon and Virtual Tales.com
The ebook is available at Fictionwise.
Epublishing 101
I always thought my first novel would go the traditional route--agent, editor, publisher,
and then a book at my local Borders. But after a number of rejections and
disappointments, I decided to think outside the box. Why not try another way of
publishing? Thus the idea of epublishing came to me.
There are a number of things I liked about epublishing. I liked the way you can download
a number of books. I love the new Sony reader! But also, I love the idea of doing
something different and new. And what better way to do this then by having my book
epublished.
I ended up looking into an epublisher that does e-serials. Think Dickens meets the
Internet. I thought this was a good idea, so I looked up their website. I ended up
subscribing to two of their serials, and was impressed. So I queried them and later
received a letter requesting the first four chapters. Then a month later, I received a
request for my manuscript. After a couple of months, I received an acceptance letter. I
decided this was a great opportunity to get my book out there and also to learn more
about the publishing world.
So I signed with them.
Some suggestions if you decide to epublish:
**Not all epublishers are created equal. Make sure to do your research.
**One great site is Piers Anthony’s website. http://www.hipiers.com/publishing.html#V1

He lists some legit epublishers.
** Predators and Editors lists some epublishers that are legit and which ones to avoid.
**Join EPIC. http://www.epicauthors.com/index.html

This organization will help you with links to contests, reviewers, and other sites that
support epublished work.
** Attend on-line conferences. A good one to attend is The Muse On-line conference in
October.
http://themuseonlinewritersconference.com/
**Have a website.
**Don’t be afraid to get word out about your ebook. One good site is
http://www.bookswelove.net/ This site holds annual contests for epublished writers.
** Have a blog.
** Check out the book PLUG YOUR BOOK! by Steven Weber. This book has some
great tips on marketing your book.
In conclusion, signing with an epublisher has opened doors for me that otherwise would
have stayed close. Epublishing is the future. Who knows what the next few years will
bring?
Kim Baccellia http://www.kim-baccellia.com/

Kim Chatel
I've been going back and reading some of the posts of our upcoming
Blog Fest Writers and have to say I am truly impressed.
Meet Kim Chatel, another one of our Writing For Children

contributing guest bloggers:
Kim Chatel is a Canadian born novelist and picture book author. She
now lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, daughter and assortment
of animals, which, until recently, included an alarmingly orange tabby
cat named Casey. Website www.kimchatel.com.
The Stone Beach, A Paranormal YA novella. Only $2.95 USD, from

Eternal Press. www.eternalpress.com.au
The Stone Beach by Kim Chatel

Genre: YA paranormal
Release Date: January 7th, 2008
Publisher: www.eternalpress.com.au
When Caroline begins her last year of middle school, she barely
recognizes her best friend. Brenda dresses differently. She blows off
classes, homework and friends. But has Brenda really changed, or is
Caroline just seeing her with new eyes?
Caroline has worries that Brenda doesn’t even understand. Her fifteen-
year-old cat, Casey, is sick and the vet has been hinting that it’s time
to put him to sleep. How can Caroline lose her two best friends at
once?
In the next few months, Caroline learns that some friendships are not
worth keeping, others are worth fighting for and still others will
endure into the afterlife.
Read more about Casey and Caroline at www.kimchatel.com.
See a slide show of the real Casey at

http://www.kimchatel.com/My_Albums/Pages/Casey.html
Watch The Stone Beach Video Trailer at:

http://www.kimchatel.com/Movie.html
The Inspiration Behind "The Stone Beach"
Readers always want to know where authors find their inspiration. Often there is no easy
answer to that question. Ideas come from all around: family stories, life experience, news
articles even jokes. Often a story comes from a combination of ideas.
In the case of “The Stone Beach,” inspiration was a clear as a knock on my door. Our cat,
Casey, an alarmingly orange, long-haired tabby, had been diagnosed with diabetes and
hyper thyroid disease. He was fourteen years old, and as I watched him shrink from a
robust 17 pounds down to 11 pounds (he shrunk to only 6 pounds in his final days), I
knew that we didn’t have much time left with him. My daughter was only five-years-old
at the time. One afternoon, after one of our many trips to the veterinarian, she asked,
“What if Casey just doesn’t wake up one morning?” My heart broke to tell her that might
happen. I thought back to other pets I had lost and realized how hard it was to speak of
such things to a child. As a parent, I wanted to brush her worries aside, tell her everything
would be all right. But how could I make such empty promises, when her heart was so
full of love and worry?
So I wrote "The Stone Beach." In the course of editing it, I’ve read this book dozens of
times, and my eyes still prickle with tears in certain parts, but it brings me comfort. I
hope my daughter and all the children who are hurting from the loss of beloved pets, will
read it and find comfort too.
I will post some excerpts from "The Stone Beach" later this week, but first, here's a little
story about Casey, my muse.
Casey (March 31st, 1992 - October 18th, 2007)

Casey started life as a runt. He was so tiny, I worried he wouldn’t live. He was also
shockingly orange with wide, blue eyes. His brother, Moe, was identical, but black. I
called them my Halloween cats. They came into my life in 1992. It seems like a lifetime
ago now, and I guess it was—Casey’s lifetime. For the first few months, he hid from me
constantly. He was so timid; I thought I’d never get a cuddle. By the end of his life, he
was my constant companion. Many of my typos can be blamed on his big pink and
orange paw stretching out to tap my keyboard.
Casey and Moe were best friends. When a German Shepherd chased Moe up a tree,
Casey came storming out of the bushes, puffed up like a big orange ball and swatted the
dog across the nose. I could almost hear his ire. "Nobody chases my brother up a tree!"
We lost Moe in 1995. Casey spent weeks sitting on our back deck, scanning the horizon
looking for him. His first unusual illness hit him not long after Moe died. I often
wondered if he wasn't just depressed.
But Casey was a trooper. For the first two years, he came to work with me everyday. We
moved ten times in sixteen years and adopted numerous kittens, puppies and other
critters. Casey took it all in stride. He was the boss. As long as the other furry inhabitants
of our house understood this, all was fine.
Though he outgrew his runtiness (he was 17 pounds in him prime), his life was plagued
with inexplicable illnesses, so I am thankful that I had sixteen fabulous years with him.
You can read more about Casey and "The Stone Beach" at my website
www.kimchatel.com

I'm glad you had those years with Casey, too, Kim. We have a cat that's twenty years old.
She's still healthy, but gets around much slower than she used to. A little calico has
adopted us now, and we've added her to the family.

Thanks for sharing this with us, Kim. The photos are adorable. I have a golden retriever
and sometimes feel like crying, just thinking about that day in the future when he no
longer will be in my life. What counts is that special time we get to share with our pets.
We really should enjoy them and love them every step of the way.
Chris V. said...
Love that photo! It's so fun when we have them around and so sad when we lose them.
They always fill a special place in our hearts though. It' s nice that as writers, our special
pets can live on in other ways, too.
Markets for the Next Generation
This is my Market Watch column for Mike's Writing Newsletter. Mike Geffner has
opened up this great newsletter as a free publication. It is full of tips and articles on
writing. You can subscribe to the newsletter at Mike's Yahoo Group. Mike is also looking
for advertisers. The rates are reasonable and the newsletter reaches a large audience.
Contact Mike at mikeswritingnewslettergroup-owner@yahoogroups.com .
Markets for the Next Generation

By Kim McDougall
When I was eight-years-old, I wrote my first book of poems. I proudly illustrated each
verse and put them together in a binder. With pride and joy, I showed my collection to
my mother. She dutifully praised me, and I put the book away. When I was a teen I
started to write again, sporadically, but I didn’t commit to being an author until well into
my twenties. A few years ago, I found that book of poems and wondered how my writing
career would have differed if I had been encouraged at a young age. Not that I blame my
mother or my teachers for this lapse in my education. At the time, there were few
resources for young writers.
Today, many authors mentor emerging writers through critique groups and chat forums,
but what about our youngest generation of aspiring writers? Shouldn’t we make an effort
to encourage them? Thankfully, several print and ezine markets have sprung up for just
that purpose.
Magic Dragon Magazine publishes stories and artwork for grade school children. Their
mission statement says, “Our conviction is that encouraging children in the elementary
grades to be unafraid to express their creative ideas will increase their chances of
becoming adults unafraid to apply a creative approach to all aspects of their lives and
work.” Many educators agree that reading and writing are the building blocks of a
successful school career as well as the foundations needed to succeed in the multi-tasking
world that lies ahead.
Apart from the educational benefits, having a story or picture published can build self-
confidence. Can you remember the pride and excitement of your first publication? How
much more exciting would that be for a child?
Apollo’s Lyre, a well-respected fiction magazine, has recently expanded to include Junior
Muses. On this forum, kids can publish stories and get feedback from established writers.
With school budgets being cut, arts programs are nearly a thing of the past. These forums
are invaluable resources for kids who otherwise would have no outlet or feedback for
their creativity.
Not every kid is going to be an author, but writing fiction isn’t the only way to get kids
motivated about literature. Musing Our Children is a site for kids to post reviews of their
favorite books. With resources for parents and teachers, this forum offers a new way for
adults to encourage and interact with children.
My eight-year-old daughter recently wrote a review for Musing Our Children. Her
excitement at seeing her words in print was infectious. She read her review at school and
showed the website to all her friends. On her next report card, her teacher commented,
“Genevieve continues to exhibit a positive attitude towards school. Towards the end of
the marking period, she displayed great enthusiasm towards reading and writing. I think
the on-line book review really sparked her motivation."
Of course, kids aren’t going to find these sites by themselves. They need gentle nudges
from parents and teachers. If you have a child in your life, consider introducing her to a
world of creativity through the written word. When she sees her name in print, her eyes
will come alive and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are setting her on
a path for success.
Take a look at these sites by and for kids:
Children’s Fiction:
Magic Dragon publishes fiction and artwork for children in the elementary school grades.
Stone Soup publishes stories, poems, reviews and art of children 8 to 13 years of age.
Apollo’s Junior Muses publishes fiction from children up to 17 years of age. Provides a
forum for feedback from readers and resources for teachers.
Water Lilies Network publishes books written and edited by children.
Stories for Children publishes fiction and artwork from children 17 years and younger.
Book Reviews:
Alex’s Spotlight Reviews. This teen hosts a podcast of book and movie reviews. Her site
also includes a forum for other teens to discuss the reviews.
Flamingnet Publishes reviews from student reviewers.

Musing our Children. Publishes reviews by children. Includes resources for parents and
teachers.
Other great sites for kids:
Innovative Teen is a blog for aspiring teen writers.
Jessica Kennedy’s website has a very useful little bug named Herb who has many links
for kids.
If you know of any other great sites for kids, leave a comment so that I can add them to
my database.

Great article, Kim. My daughter, now ten, wrote and illustrated a picture book when she
was seven. The book, Angel in a Bubble, was published last year by Guardian Angel
Publishing. It's done wonders for her self confidence!

Other great sites for teens are:
YAbooks Central. This site lets teens review books and has a great message board too.
Teens Read Too. Another great site where teens are involved in reviewing books. There's
also monthly contests to win new and upcoming books.
Harper Collins First Look program. This site is great! Teens can sign up to win the
chance to review upcoming books. There's also now a Children's site.
Write what you "know" in your heart
This is a short story that I wrote for my Between the Cracks Digest in February. I'm
posting it here to second Beverly Stowe McClure's article about writing what interests
you. When I first started writing, I heard the old mantra "Write what you know" so many
times I almost began to believe it. Luckily I didn't.
Mentor
Okay, let’s call her Kate (secretly, my favorite name in high school). She’s fourteen years
old, completely unaware of life barreling down on her. An idea comes into her head,
(where does it come from and why? She’s too green to even question it) and she decides
to write a story about fox hunting.
She knows nothing about fox hunting, but her innocence leads her to the library. She
researches, learns the jargon, the history, smells and sounds of the foxhunt. She writes a
brilliant story, fresh with sentiment and overflowing with relevant details. (Okay it’s a
mediocre story, but it’s her first. Give her a break.) The story gets noticed by the powers-
that-be: the editor of the school district’s student magazine, Fledglings. Kate thinks it
must be a fabulous story to be published in such an august journal, but the truth is the
editor didn’t have many stories to choose from. Her peers are too bleary-eyed with
hormones to worry about arts or literature. Few of them even notice her startling debut,
and those only wonder why she would bother.
Kate does get her moment to shine when Mr. Walter Whitehead, English teacher, calls
her into his office, something he had never done. He wears a purple silk shirt and his
horn-rimmed glasses are attached to a long silver chain draped around his shoulders.
(Geez, you can't make this stuff up.) Kate wonders why he wears the glasses, because he
never looks through them; they perch on the end of his nose and he peers over the rims.
His face is ruddy and flaky. He mouth is either an exaggerated grin or melodramatic
frown. Never anything in between. Students say he has a beautiful young wife. Kate
doubts it.
He asks Kate in his Shakespearean voice (he is also the drama teacher) how she knows so
much about fox hunting. Pride and fear tinting her voice, Kate tells him about the hours
she spent researching the topic in the library. His smile plummets to a frown.
"From now on, you should only write about what you know. That, my young friend, is
what separates us from the apes,” says Walter.
That is the end of Kate’s interview. All through math class and part of geography she
ponders Walter Whitehead’s attempt at mentorship. She looks at her peers who sit with
glassy eyes while the teacher drones on about plant-life in the Canadian tundra. Someone
snores quietly. Others agonize over first love jitters and first heartbreak horrors (but with
much less panache than Kate gives them credit for).
Kate feels that now familiar urge to pick up a pen. She opens her notebook. The idea is
coming…it’s almost here…yes…She writes.
What do you do with a drunken sailor when she’s your mom?
2008 by Kim McDougall
Karen said...
It's a wonderful thing to be able to write from what's in our heart. I do that with my
Picture Dees I do for children at karenskidskorner.blogspot.com Thanks for sharing.
Charlie said...
Great comments! I'm so glad to hear someone praise this type of writing. How can we
grow as people, let alone writers, if we only write what we know! I love to write about
things I don't know and learn all I can about them. Thanks!
Yay for writing what's in your heart, Kim. We should never discourage young people or
anyone from doing so.
Holly said...
I don't know...what DO you do with a drunken sailor when she's your mom?
I've always told people it should be "Write FROM what you know." Meaning, maybe
you've never experienced the death of a classmate, but you've experienced the death of
someone you loved and you've had classmates move away. These are miles apart, but
with enough empathy, we know that - and with enough imagination, we can write
convincingly about situations we've never experienced first-hand.
I'm Not an Illustrator, but I am an Artist
Guest Blogger Kim Chatel, Author and

Fiber Artist
Crafts are a big deal in my house. My

daughter and I make something new almost
every week and I insist that she makes her
presents for family at Christmas. I can’t draw
or paint. I’m too impatient for knitting,
sewing or other needlework, but I love to
make things. I’ve dabbled in polymer clay,
paper crafts, model painting, scrapbooking,
and dozens of other mediums.
But the first time I picked up a felting needle and some wool roving I felt
like I had come home. It was just right. Somehow, concepts that escaped me on paper—
like distance perspectives and facial expressions—came naturally to me with wool. At
first I made only small Christmas ornaments. Soon I moved into bigger projects like
music boxes. Finally, I decided to transfer my vision onto a canvas and created felt
“paintings”.
At the same time, I had been writing “Rainbow Sheep,” a story I told my daughter every
night to help her sleep. I decided to illustrate the story with my fiber art. It’s an unusual
medium and I wasn’t sure how publishers would take it, but I was lucky enough to hook
up with Lynda Burch from Guardian Angel. She saw the potential in my art and I signed
a contract. I am delighted to say that “Rainbow Sheep” will be available in May. The
book includes added features: an article on needle-felting, and the instructions for two
simple felting projects.
Having these bonus features opens up a whole

new dimension of marketing possibilities. I will be targeting online craft stores and felt
suppliers. There are several fiber festivals in my area for spinners, knitters and felters. I
have already booked a table at several of these. I made nearly 50 little felt sheep to give
away with the purchase of a book. They don’t cost me much, but my time to make. I have
booked one school visit too, and I can’t wait to bring the original artwork for kids to see
and handle. It’s very tactile and I know they will enjoy the experience.
I’ve always admired picture books that were illustrated with unusual mediums. One of
my favorites is “The New Baby Calf” by Edith Chase and illustrated by Barbara Reid
with plasticine. This book inspired me to try my hand at felt “paintings.” I may not be an
illustrator, but I am an artist. It took me a long time to be able to say that with confidence.
Why not try your hand at illustrating with your favorite craft medium, whether it be
needlepoint, polymer clay or mosaics? Kids love crafting and picture books are a great
way to bring new types of art to little hands.
Note: Needle felting is done with raw wool fleece (roving) and a special needle. The
needle draws the wool fibers inward, where they tangle together and get compressed into
a shape. There is no stitching or gluing involved in the process. Each of the panels shown
here are 8x10 inches and take 5-8 hours to make. The last picture is part of my flock that
I've made to give away. After 50 sheep, I can make one in about half an hour! For anyone
interested in the process, you can check out my needle-felted polar bear on Crafbits. You
can read more about "Rainbow Sheep" on my website at www.kimchatel.com

Kim,
This is really fun stuff! I'm sure kids will enjoy reading the book as well as learning how
to do the craft as well.
A Marketing Plan in Brief

Kim Chatel
Rainbow Sheep Marketing Plan
For those of you who have been following this

blogfest from the beginning, you will have seen
mention of my new picture book "Rainbow Sheep"
being released by Guardian Angel Publishing in
May. You can scroll down the posts to see my book cover and additional images. To the
left is one of my felt illustrations. I plan to bring the originals with me to signings and
school visits. I think kids will get a kick out of its fuzzy texture.
I illustrated this book with fiber art, or needle-felted images. The book includes
instructions for two simple felting crafts--a needle-felted sheep and wet felted soap. The
addition of this nonfiction appendix allows me to think out of the box for marketing. I
believe that every picture book has some unique slant that can be exploited. Is your book
about hamsters? Target pet stores. Does it have a spiritual message? Why not speak to a
local pastor and have him mention it in his weekly sermon? In my case, I will be
targeting fiber and craft stores. Along with traditional book signings, I have reserved
space a local craft fairs and fiber festivals. So here is my marketing plan in brief. My real
plan is much more fleshed out, with a timeline and addresses or links to the contacts. But
since most of them are local, I didn't bother to include them here. If you would like more
info about this marketing plan, feel free to leave a comment or email me at
klchatel@verizon.net
Press Materials:
Tip Sheet: Cues about what is interesting in this book.
Background articles (for blogs): Research history of felt. Find other simple felt ideas for
kids
Press Release
Sales Handles: Includes, blurb, hook and bio
Pitch Letter: For demos/signings at stores
Signings and Appearances: Local bookstores, libraries, elementary schools, craft fairs,
fiber festivals, spinning stores (teach felting), conventions
Internet Marketing:
Group blogs
Radio interviews
Book reviews
Author pages to update: Jacketflap, Shelfari, Author’s Den,
Book awards (New Covey Book Cover award, Moonbeam award)
Book trailer for YouTube and similar sites
Kim Chatel Website Update:

Optimize search engine submission
Contest: Free sheep music box drawing
Create page where children can send in pictures of their felt sheep.
Put up a “Contact Me” page for school/library readings.
Add article on felting,
Promo Materials
Large copy of book cover (mounted on foamcore)
“Signed by Author” stickers
Postcards (with ordering info and book formats)
List of felt suppliers
Freebies to give-away at signings: felt sheep (with adoption certificates) & soaps, felting
kits, bookmarks
Framed original artwork.
Send Press Release to: Local media (newspaper, radio), craft stores, art schools, local
parenting magazine, PA arts council, local pediatricians & dentists (offer free book for
waiting rooms)
Miscellaneous:
Create an email database for mailings: Use addresses from raffle of felt sheep music
box
How-to Video: Create a video about making a felt sheep. Have it burned to dvd and then
make a YouTube video with music, book cover etc.
Groups to join:
Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group (for local contacts)
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
EPIC
Big Mouth List: celebrities who might be interested in the book
So where did I distill all this info from? A couple of books, some newsletters and much
internet research. Here are some of my sources:
Books:
Jump Start Your Book Sales, by Marilyn & Tom Ross and
Publicize Your Book! By Jacqueline Deval.
Newsletters:
Working Writer's Coach
Author Marketing Expert
Read more about "Rainbow Sheep" at www.kimchatel.com

I Can Write a Picture Book
“I was thinking about writing a picture book,” said an acquaintance of mine, when I told
her that I was an author. “I mean, I read so many of them to my kids, how hard could it
be?” How many writers have heard this line and cringed?
I would never pretend to know anything about truck driving or selling pork futures, why
is it that people think they know about publishing? Because they don’t realize it’s a
business. Many people view the writer as an artist, plugging away at an old typewriter
with mounds of crushed up paper at his feet. Hollywood promotes this stereo-type too.
What I tried to explain to this would-be author is the need to immerse oneself in the
publishing world even before the creation of a book. Two years ago, I joined several
writers’ groups. It was the best decision of my career. Not only do these groups provide
valuable feedback on manuscripts, they are also networking opportunities. Contacts I
made on Zoetrope led to my first stories appearing in an anthology with Double Dragon
Publishing. Once I was a DDP author, I had an opportunity to present my adult fantasy
novel, “Caul, Shroud and Veil” to the publisher even though they were closed to regular
submissions. My novel will be released from DDP this fall.
At the Muse Conference last fall, I participated in the chat with Guardian Angel
Publisher, Lynda Burch. As a direct result of that chat, I signed a contract for my first
picture book, “Rainbow Sheep.” None of these sales would have happened if I hadn’t put
in the hours, making contacts, critiquing manuscripts for others, and researching
opportunities.
As any author knows, the business of publishing doesn’t end with a signed contract. I just
spent a two weeks learning how to create a marketing plan for “Rainbow Sheep” and then
another week actually writing the plan. For the next 6 months to a year I will be
implementing that plan. I have researched markets, made give-aways such as flyers and
bookmarks, blogged, booked interviews and signings, tooted my horn until I can toot no
more.
When I explained (kindly, I hope) this business of writing to my friend, her eyes glazed
over and she quickly lost interest in the conversation. I’m afraid I might have frightened
her away from ever writing a book, which was not my intent. I did offer to help her start
this great journey of writing. I’m still waiting for her to take me up on the offer.
Here are two great books on marketing for authors: Jump Start Your Book Sales, by
Marilyn & Tom Ross and Publicize Your Book! By Jacqueline Deval. Both books were
slanted more toward non-fiction, but they had excellent tips for children’s fiction.
Visit me at my websites: www.kimchatel.com and www.kimmcdougall.com
Kim Chatel
Kim Sponaugle
Helping Authors Find Illustrators - Picture Kitchen Studio
Tips to help you find the

right illustrator for your
book!
Let's say that you really don't

know where to begin to find
an artist to illustrate your childen's book. You have already decided
that you are going to self publish, or have been encouraged by the
publisher to hire an artist to illustrate your story. So you now need to
have an idea of the style that would suit your book. Whether you hire
an artist directly or the publisher provides one for you, it's good to
have a solid idea of the "feel" or style you need for your book. You
can find several websites such as http://www.picturebook.com/ or
http://www.childrensillustrator.com/ that can be very helpful. You
can brouse through pages of artists, viewing their illustrations and
build a file of what you like. This file can give the artist a good idea
of the style and feel you are looking for. You can email some artists
directly for information regarding a quote. Here is a list of things to
remember:
1. Have a budget idea for your project before you even ask for a
quote.
2. Hire a professional or someone who has some experience in book
illustration. - If you are new to book publishing, it's best to work with
an experienced illustrator- ultimately, it can be less stressful and
with the right match you will find it is worth every penny!
3. Ask for references. Feel free to Contact other authors the artist has
worked with, if you can - this is a great way to see if it has been a
good experience for them and will be for you and most reputable
illustrators have no problem offering references.
4. A contract is important. Always request a contract, it protects and
clarifies both the author and artists obligations to the project.
5. Be flexible, willing to negotiate. Most artists are fair folks and are
willing to work with you if the price is reasonable, if not there are
many other fish in the sea!
6. Ask if the artist would be willing to sketch a main character. See if
they are a match - many artists that are interested in your project will
be willing to do this for you - for free.
7. Keep an open mind regarding creativity. The artist needs some
"artistic" room to illuminate your words. Be patient, wonderful
things can happen!
8. Share your ideas, but leave room for artistic license. There is a
balance between words and images and you now need to leave your
"baby" in the artists capable hands.
9. Try to avoid calling the artist "my illustrator." Remember the
book's completion is a team effort and to make your book the best it
can be - there needs to be mutal respect.:)
10. Take your time when searching. Do not let passion to see your
book project completed cause you to make hasty and "costly"
decisions.
Enjoy watching it all come together!
Kim Sponaugle (Picture Kitchen Studio) has illustrated over a dozen children’s
books and enjoys helping authors bring their stories to life.

Great tips and info, Kim. I think many beginning writers have no clue as to what the cost
of an illustrator might be. Does it go per picture or by project or maybe both?
KIM: Really, it can be totaled either way. I usually add up how many illustrations the
author needs, cover, spots, etc. and give them a total price for the project.
I also like to break the project into thirds for payment. This way it's not such a large
chunk of a payment but in easier installments.
I think new authors feel more comfortable with this too.
Kim Sponaugle http://clearblogs.com/kimsponaugle64

Lea Schizas
Hey! What's going on around here!
POPS: What's the party all about? Why wasn't I invited?

Hey!!!!
JINX: Oh, Lea didn't tell you? hehehehe I was invited.

Have a personal...HEY! That hurts!
POPS: Then stop yakking away.
LEA: Boys, be polite. We have guests on my blog.
POPS: Oh, sure, YOU'RE blog. Like without us

characters...um...where would you be?
LEA: Creating new ones?
JINX: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
LEA: That means you, too, Jinx.
The Rock of Realm

Lea...I love the antics of your characaters. Keeps The Rock of Realm fresh in my mind. I
can't wait for the sequel!
Thanks, Donna, but these guys are going to be the death of me. They are always
coming out when I don't expect them. People are beginning to think I'm nuts.
POPS: Um, can I add to that?
LEA: NO!!
Why I Write For Kids and Young Adult
No matter how many times I begin a novel or story geared

for adults, my characters begin to turn into young adults. I
couldn't figure it out for the longest time since my heart
said I wanted to write for the adult market.
Once I sat down and had a talk with myself, away from the careful and watchful eyes
from the men holding up a white jacket, I realized why I kept drifting to this age group.
They are spontaneous, they are daredevils, they have emotional ups and downs, they
speak 'cool', they dress different, they fall into dares easier than adults, and they know
how to have fun.
All of these attributes can be for adults, as well, but the young adult has a different
'energy level' I can use in my stories.
For example, in my paranormal suspense thriller, Doorman's Creek, I have my 15 year-

old teen, Kyle Anderson suddenly gifted with the ability to have visions of past murders
through the eyes of the killer. I could have easily given this gift to an adult but it's the
energy and sneakiness Kyle displays that makes it a different and more energetic read
than if I had an adult as my main character. Although Kyle is terrified, this curiosity to
find out more about the murders draws the attention of his two best friends and together
they 'teen-like' jump into situations an adult would not have.
That's the reason I love to write and use young adults/teens as my main characters. In
some ways, they're helping me keep my youth- without getting me into trouble. :)

I agree, Lea. I think I write for middle graders and teens because my characters make me
feel "young."
Kim Chatel said...

I never know who I'm writing for until the story begins. The Stone Beach started off as a
picture book, but I realized soon that the dynamic of friendships in the story was better
suited for YA.
I love to write YA mostly because I love to read it. There is a freedom in YA. Anything
can happen.

Kim, you mentioned something so important that many writers fear doing...changing
their original ms intent to something totally different.
You went with the intent of writing a picture book to a young adult, talk about a big
difference.
Writers need to put away that fear 'wait, that's not what I wanted' and try something else.
If you don't try you'll never know. Worse case scenario, you go back to your original
plan.
I had finished one YA novel then went back and started to edit when I totally hated the
first person account. The story is based on a brother and sister and I needed to have
alternate pov's from both of them but in third person POV. So off I went changing the
whole manuscript. Still not finished but that's my procrastination. :)
LCalabrese said...
I love hearing why children's writers write for children, and not adults. "It keeps me
young," and "it's fun" are the ones that you'll hear the most! I love writing picture books
because I just can't get enough of the pre-school and up crowd- they always make me
laugh, and I just hope to return the favor!
Bullying, Teasing and Two Complete Opposites
Many writers sit and sit and sit without a clue what to write about. I have to say this
amazes me and perhaps I'm part of the small group of writers who never lacks for a story
idea. If you look all around, study children, visit schools, talk with children, you will see
the vast subject storylines you can write about.
My newest middle grade chapter book, Bubba and Giganto, to be published by 4RV
Publishing and still in its editing stage with the publisher deals with teasing, bullying, and
bringing together two totally opposite boys who fast become best friends.
Bubba, my first person point of view character, is your typical get in trouble teen who
hates moving from school to school because of his dad's contract work. You may be
wondering why I gave him the name "Bubba" and not Bobby or Butch or Billy. Simple:
to show children that even tough guys need to have a handle on teasing.
Bubba meets Giganto, whose real name is David but nicknamed Giganto by Bubba
because of David's 300 pound weight.
Totally opposites in characters, in size, in popularity, in almost everything but one area-
they both love soccer. And in this sport is where I show my little readers how these two
different boys come together and learn from one another.
Bubba gives it his best shot to teach Giganto how to play soccer in order to make it on the
team. However, one of them is holding back a secret that will put his life in jeopardy.
The bullying comes in when a trio harass Giganto, make fun of him, and claim he doesn't
have what it takes to make it on the team. Bubba makes a rash decision at one point and
now will face the consequences for his action.
Making a book interesting, bringing in things kids can relate to, obstacles and situations
they possibly face each day at school and showing them without preaching to them on
possible solutions is why I love to write for this age group. You never run out of ideas.
All you have to do is keep your ears and eyes open and children will tell you what they
want to read about.
Jan Verhoeff said...

I think I grew up with Bubba, and Giganto was my neighbor. I always find it intriguing
that life can hand over so many opportunities and we miss them, simply because we
weren't looking! What do we do with all of our time?
I can't imagine having writer's block. It's like being speechless. The only logical reason
for being speechless is not having a voice and God gave me a computer! I can write if I
can't talk.
You'll find me at http://janverhoeff.com

You know, I don't think writer's block is as much on what to write about as much as it is
on where to start a story. That's the area I find many writers have difficulty in.
Kim Chatel said...

Bullying is such an important topic now. There are posters about bullying all over my
daughter's school. I truly believe that the new awareness is helping.
As for writer's block...never worry about it. I have a file an inch thick of stories I want to
write. It's time that I need. So many stories, so little time.
Bring Our Children Into Our Writing World
As a mother of five, I never hesitated to bring storytime into our

family. I’m not sure how many families continue with this tradition
but if it’s any indication to some I have bumped into around my
neighborhood, then it’s slowly going away along with the
dinosaurs.
Some of the remarks I have had the displeasure of hearing are:
“Why should I buy books since my child has the school library.” -I feel sorry for this
child since it’s obvious the healthy growth of reading and writing is not encouraged in
this household.
“If teachers don’t encourage my child to read books then how can I?” -Easy, monkey see,
monkey do. Allowing your child to see you read the TV Guide, the cookbook, the
newspaper, and bringing them into these areas will help instill that reading has a purpose.
What I used to do is I asked my child to pick a story to read to me, whether it was a
comic book or a book I didn’t care. I would choose a book, as well, and we’d read one
chapter to each other, stopping after our own chapters and discussing it. This allowed
both of our imaginations to grow, to ponder what the next chapter or scene was going to
be about. Granted, there are reluctant readers out there so the task to find what inspires
them, what their likes are is another area a parent will have to persevere if they are
adamant in helping their child develop a love for reading and eventually writing. For
reluctant readers, maybe my method of sharing reading portions might be helpful.
“I’m not interested in my child reading about fictional characters or worlds.” – Oh, I
couldn’t have heard a more out of place statement. I was stunned when this came out of
one of my own friends. Reading about fictional characters helps a child relate to that
character’s events and turbulence. It helps them build their vocabulary. It stimulates their
thinking by allowing them to figure out what’s going to happen next. It helps them
explore different situations, different worlds, different people.
It’s not because I am a writer that I feel so strongly about encouraging children to read
but as a person who believes our children need to understand the benefit of reading and
writing go hand in hand.
Musing Our Children has a section, Reviews by Kids for Kids, where we encourage
children seventeen and under to send us a short review of any book or movie they’ve
seen. One teacher wrote to us and stated how enthusiastic one of her students is now and
reading like there’s no tomorrow to get her review in to us. Although the child might not
understand at the moment, but this ‘enthusiasm’ has hopefully sparked a lifetime of
reading and writing in her. And who’s to say she won’t be our future Nora Roberts, or J.
K. Rowling.
I invite all writers to extend their knowledge base and encourage as many children,
parents and help our teachers demonstrate the benefits of reading and writing along with
me.

Sigh. Some parents just don't get it. I don't recall ever being read to. I'm not saying that's
the reason I hated to read. My parents were wonderful, but I doubt books were big in
their families. My sister was an avid reader, so that's not a valid excuse for me.
Anyhow, I read to my sons and am glad I did.
Great article, Lea.

Okay, here's my pet peeve. In California the schools use a system to have books labeled
for children to read. It's called AR books and what happens is children end up not reading
books they want in order to get more points for other books. More than one parent has
complained to me how their child wanted to read a fantasy book but it wasn't one of the
offered AR books for their child's grade level.
I've always had books. As a child my mother shared with me her love of reading. As a
teacher, I always ordered from Scholastic book orders and gave out books as rewards and
as gifts. Since I worked in inner city schools, I made sure my students had books.
max said...
Hi Lea,
I grew up as a reluctant reader. Now I write action-adventures & mysteries, especially for
boys 8 and up, that kids hate to put down. My web site is at
http://www.maxbooks.9k.com and my Books for Boys blog is at
http://booksandboys.blogspot.com
Ranked by Accelerated Reader
Thank you,
Max Elliot Anderson
Fantasythyme said...
My mother worked as a middle school, and later high school, librarian. I grew up around
books and loved to read every chance that I had. In high school english teachers would
call me down for reading during their class. At the time reading a good fantasy or science
fiction book was more interesting than learning how to diagram a sentence. The funny
thing was the science fiction stories I read helped me college entrance exam scores more
than sentence diagramming.

Great article, Lea. I know some people like that ("What can a fantasy book give a kid?
Fiction is a waste of time").

Lea,
I'm passionate also about helping kids love to read. I've recently posted two blogs on my
website about this topice. Any interested can find the articles at
http://www.cynthiareeg.com/blog/index.html under the titles: READING MAGIC and
MORE READING MAGIC.
Writing for Children- Easy or Hard?

Writing for children is not as easy as you may think. Many writers believe writing for
children is a cinch than writing for adults and will have no problem getting published.
Wrong! Although children’s books are shorter than adult books, there are quite a few
differences.
The most important difference is that children are highly impressionable to what they
read and you have a big influence with the words you pen to paper. Writing for children
is not only a challenge but also a market that is highly congested with submissions to
editors. You need a story that will bond with your reader by bringing your character(s) to
life with a storyline that’s visually captivating.
Let’s take a look at some of the differences found in children’s books compared to adult
novels.
-Children are easily bored. In adult novels, you have the convenience of building your
plot, intriguing the reader to continue to find out what’s going to happen. It is the same
for children but the action needs to be constant lest you lose their attention. You don’t
have the pleasure of making a child continue reading in the hopes the book will pick up
further down the road or if you’ve stumped them and they don’t understand. I guarantee
you they will put down the book and go on to something else.
Another obvious difference between the children and adult books is that the children
books are read to the younger ones by their parents, teachers, grandparents; therefore, the
book needs to be interesting not only to the child but to the adult most likely to read this
book a few hundred times to them. In most cases, it is the adult who purchases the book
so their interest must be captured, as well.
Here are some books I have purchased via school book fairs and have found them in the
school library, as well:
1-“Junie B. Jones” series by Barbara Parks

2-Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
3-Curious George by H.A. Rey
4-GoodNight Moon by Margaret W. Brown
5-If You Give A Mouse A Cookie by Laura J. Numeroff
6-Madelaine by Ludwig Bemelmans
7-I Love You by Robert Munsch
8-The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsberg
Going to your local bookstore and checking out some of the books above, you will see
the different styles of each writer and the illustrations within each page to give you a
sample of what publishers seek. While you’re at it, check out the different writing styles
of these authors. How do they begin their books? What captured your interest in the
characters? How did the story move forward and was the ending satisfying? Also
compare the amount of dialogue from one book to the other. How did the author use
dialogue to move the story forward? If you have any children’s books at home, then
compare some of those books with the above questions to give you a better understanding
how to write for this targeted audience.
When writing for the adult audience, you are relating things adults may have experienced
or have knowledge of. Children do not have this luxury. They are still experiencing life
as they grow. Everything they may read is new to them. I already stated you must capture
their attention right off the bat since they get bored very easily. One of the ways to do this
is to make sure your story comes alive with descriptive images of your character and
his/her surroundings. Allow the child to ‘see’ what you are writing about. And children
love to read about other cultures and their way of life so this makes it even more
important to give them the descriptive details of this new area to them, to visualize for
themselves. But remember, keep these details precise, not long, or else you lose their
attention.
LCalabrese said...
You really do have to capture a child's attention right off the bat. They could be watching
TV, playing with toys, playing outside, or playing video games instead. Many things for
an author to compete with!
Winding Down and Announcements
I can't believe it's been a week all ready since the Writing for Children blog fest began.
We've had an amazing amounts of posts, informative posts, humorous posts, helpful
resources, a look behind the making of a book, and more and all because of the caring
writers who joined me this week. To all I want to thank from the bottom of my heart for
your insight to all the writers and readers joining us this week and reading.
I am looking forward to everyone popping in whenever they want to post updates on your
writing careers and your books as my permanent guest bloggers.
To all the readers visiting us this week, thank you and keep coming back for more posts
from everyone.
Our random ebook doorprize winners will be announced on Sunday, April 6th, right here
so tune in tomorrow and see if you are one of our lucky winners.
Each month I offer a FREE Links ebook loaded with publication venues, agent listings,
promo sites, and more. If you'd like to recieve my Free ebook then I suggest you join
here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MonthlyEbookNewsletter/
Don't delay, however, because come FAll, this will be a ten dollar yearly subscription so
join the group now before the subscription comes into play. Tell your writing pals to join.
You won't regret it. The group is a newsletter only format-no email exchange.
Lea Schizas
I Am Who I Am - A Writer
I Am Who I Am - A Writer
Let’s begin with a simple question: Why

do you write?
Knowing the answer to this will help

you fight the negative forces that are
surely to come, such as:
“Oh, you’re a writer? Like, are you

famous? You get a lot of money for
writing? Where can I buy your book?
Oh, you’re self-published. POD? Is that
like a book club or a big publishing
house? No? Oh, I get it. You’re trying to be a writer.”
Sound familiar? If not, soon enough you will get one of these comments pop at you at
any time so knowing why you write will ease your response…and your nerves.
“I write because I love to write and would love to earn my living as a writer. I do not
have high hopes of becoming the next Stephen King or Nora Roberts but the possibility
of making it is there and I will try my hardest to achieve it.” This is the response I give. It
tells the curious person in-between the lines that when I do make it I will remember your
sarcasm and doubt in me and won’t answer the door when you ‘comeaknocking’
disguised as my best friend.
Do you write thinking your first novel being penned right now will make you rich? Oh
my! You do, don’t you! Look at me, well, pretend, now shake your head left and right
when I ask this again: Do you write thinking your first novel penned right now will make
you filthy rich? That’s what I thought.
Having high expectations is grand, we all have them. These are called dreams and dreams
are meant to be achieved with hard work. BUT, being realistic will help you detour the
disappointments with each rejection letter coming in, with each critique suggesting more
and more changes to your manuscript, with reviews going to the opposite side of ‘good’.
Perhaps you just may be one of the lucky ones who will make it big with your first novel,
and it’s happened to a few select writers.
Some writers write for personal therapeutic reasons. They have no grandeur of being
published. Are they considered writers?
Some writers write for their immediate family, concocting chapbooks filled with recipes
or poetry. Are they considered writers?
What defines a writer? I am sure many of you have your own opinion but seeing how this
is my post I will give you my opinion for you to agree or disagree with me. Either way, I
welcome your input by leaving your comments.
To me there are only two types of writers:
The above I mentioned and the ones who seek publication along with the fame and
wealth are ‘true writers’. (Note: wealth and fame are the toppings to the cake. They don’t
always come but if you do your homework and promote and market yourself you will be
surprised one day with a nice big fat royalty check.)
The ones who write, shove their manuscript in their desk drawer, complain they are not
cut out to be a writer, find every excuse in the book not to write, brag and brag yet never
produce anything…these are ‘wannabe writers’. To be honest, perhaps they should be
considered writers with the creative excuses they come up with.
Two simple classifications in my book.
Getting published is not the only factor to brand you a ‘writer’. If you have the passion
and the strive to get that manuscript finished and subbed to the hundreds and hundreds of
publishing houses out there, then you are a writer and achieving publication is simply an
added award to your name.
Every writer MUST possess:

DETERMINATION & PERSEVERANCE
This was an excerpt from my FREE ebook, Assaulting a Writer’s Thinking. To request
your copy, send me an email to museitupeditor@yahoo.ca with the title of the ebook on
the subject heading.

Yes, Lea, writers write because they can't not write, whether they make any money at it
or not. We do need to set high expectations for ourselves. It's like teachers expect the best
from each of their students. If we expect any less then we're doing the students a
disservice. So writers expect to write the best we can. For each of us that means
something different. If the money's there, super. But we keep on anyway.
Donna McDine ~ Children's Author said...

Lea...to echo Bev's comments and your post I find that if I don't write on any given day I
tend to get a little cranky...at times real cranky. Even if I just get those precious 15
minutes its makes my outlook on the day and world much better. Everyone's outlooks are
different but a combination of writing and publication for me is important at this point in
my writing career whether it be paid or not.
Warmly, Donna
P.S. Love the monkey clipart!

You can't imagine the willpower(okay, maybe you guys can since you're writers) it takes
when I wake up in the middle of the night NOT to turn on my laptop.
The first thing I do in the morning is put on my glasses, get up, and gear up my laptop for
another round of reading, writing, and editing. I love it.
LCalabrese said...
What a wonderful post. I definitely have to get the ebook now! I absolutely agree with
you. It's those writers that persevere that will, hopefully, get published. As long as you're
writing and sending out those manuscripts, you can consider yourself 'in the game.' I
always try to stay positive when I get those rotten rejection letters. It's a point that not
many others get to, and it's one step closer to getting my manuscript in the right hands.
Thanks for the insight!
Lori

I totally agree. Perseverance is a big part of this whole writing thing.
I can't get away from writing. As a teacher I taught writer's workshop and had my
students make and publish their own books. I even had my husband make a computer
program to show the children doing this. This was a big hit at Open House.
I get up early to write too. There's been some mornings at 2 or 3 that I can't sleep and
instead go up to my writing room, turn on my laptop and write.

Wonderful post, Lea. I can relate so much with you. I write because if I didn't, I would go
crazy--I don't know how I would live if I couln't write. Writers have to write, that's it.
Whether we make money or not, or become known or not, we write because we HAVE
to. So it's not really about the end result (though of course it's nice to be rewarded for our
work!), but the process of writing itself.
Lea Schizas
http://leaschizaseditor.com
http://editingservices.tripod.com/
http://leaschizaschildrensauthor.tripod.com/
Lori Calabrese
Meet Lori Calabrese:
"I'm a children's writer who writes picture books, short

stories, articles, crafts and experiments for children. Be sure
to read one of my nonfiction articles in the May 2008 issue of
Stories for Children Magazine. I love kids and I love
children's books.
Before I began writing for children, I was the managing

producer for a large television company where I wrote scripts
for TV shows and DVDs for 10 years.
With 2 boys at home, I'm fortunate enough to read LOTS of

children's books. This is how I've discovered that I can't get
enough of them. We make endless trips to the library and
read stacks of books. The books that I've read to my children
have inspired me to write my own. I've honed my writing
skills at The Institute of
Children's Literature and my goal is to write one of the best
books that a kid can read. Reading new and classic stories has
been inspiring, but I've also learned that writing is hard work.
A good story is not an accident. Very few stories come out
right the first time and require re-write after re-write.
However, it's worth it! To quote Eve Bunting, "Think of
Good Night Moon and how many children have gone to bed
loved and tucked in safe for the night with that picture book.
It is not War and Peace, but don’t tell me that it doesn’t have
its place in the future, because it does."
Let The Blogfest Begin!
Welcome to Lea Schizas' Writing for Children Blogfest! My name is

Lori Calabrese and I have to say I'm honored to be a part of Blogfest. Lea has gathered up
a plethora of writing talent. I'm certain there will be many posts this week that will satisfy
your need for all things related to writing for children. I love children's books and all that
they have to offer. I'm not only a writer, but also a reader. I'm fortunate enough to have 2
boys at home, so all this talk about boys being reluctant readers has sent me on my
mission of making sure that they grow up with the ability to enjoy a good book.
Children's books start children on reading and we all know that reading is an increasingly
important skill in society. It's important to lay the foundation for your children as early as
possible. Those early years play such a key role in his or her future reading success and
you are your child's most important teacher.
As a children's writer, I think the first question one has to ask is. . . who is the reader?
Who am I writing for? Children's books are tricky. Most people will say that you're
writing for children. Children should come first and foremost because after all, you're
trying to start children on reading. Others will say that in addition to writing for children,
you're also writing for the parents. It's the parents that have to buy the book in order for it
to get to the child. Parents want stories that they can endure reading two or three times a
night! I know that when I read to my kids, I want to be entertained, too. There's nothing
wrong with that. Lastly, others will say that you're writing for an editor. An editor must
like your book, so that it can get published, to get to the parents, to get to the children. Do
you see this vicious cycle that a children's writer must endure? That's not mentioning the
librarians, teachers, and educators out there that are also filters in getting books into
children's hands.
I think that when one writes for children, you can't think of a huge audience. Every child
is different and has different interests. Your book might not appeal to everyone, but it
will reach the hearts of many. Just think of the books that you read as an adult. You might
not like Danielle Steele, but you're a big fan of John Grisham or Steven King. Children
are no different. They have their likes and dislikes. If you're a children's writer, one of the
biggest things you'll hear is, 'write what you know.' When you do this, you can write
from the heart, and put everything into your story. Part of writing what you know is
writing for yourself. If you're entertained, chances are, someone else will be, too! Isn't
that what children's books are all about? Let's be entertained!
Jump into the world of picture books at my blog. . .

Lori Calabrese Writes
I offer reading recommendations, author interviews, writing articles, writing resources,

and information for those interested in children's books.
LEA: Lori, what an amazing post. Full of insightful tips and help I am sure many will
use.
I believe picture books have to be the hardest books to write because a child not only has
to focus on fun and entertaining words and pictures, but you need to gear it toward the
parent as well. Am I mistaken in this?
LORI: I absolutely agree with you and I think many others would, too! Picture books are
very difficult to write. There are so many people that you have to please when writing a
picture book, not to mention in so little words- usually 500 words or less! WOW! But, it's
so much fun, so keep trying if this is something you really want to do.
A Cool Tool For Author Websites

There's so much helpful advice here in The Writing Jungle for writers. I wanted to add
one thing on maintaining author websites and blogs. . .
An author not only has to write these days, but they also have to concentrate on author
visits, interviews, press releases, promotional materials, and all of the other business
aspects of being a writer. Don't forget maintaining a presence on the world wide web.
This can take up a lot of your time, but you spent all that time writing your book and
getting it published, you want to get it into the hands of readers.
If you own a website or blog, consider checking out Adaptive Blue. I discovered this site
by using the Cybils' book widget and have since implemented it on my blog.
What is it? It's a FREE add-on for Firefox. Just download it for free at their site.
What does it offer? I love their SmartLinks. These are little blue squares that are inserted
automatically when you link to books on your site. (it can also link to music, movies, and
more) When a reader clicks on the SmartLink, this page comes up. . .
With SmartLinks, you instantly give your readers a way to learn more about your book.
They can read about it on the site of their choice, find reviews, and buy it on their
preferred online bookseller. Individuals can save your book to online book communities
and social networks, helping further promote your books. Each book SmartLink has
shortcuts to other books that you've written, as well as your bio on Wikipedia and
additional links on Google.
SmartLinks work in Blogger, TypePad, WordPress, and more.
Or you can make your own custom widgets for your site! It's really easy to do, and the
site offers video tutorials (I posted one below) to help you out along the way. It really is
as easy as bookmarking your favorite products. Once you create the SmartLink Widget
and post it on your blog or profile page, it will update anytime a new item is added much
like RSS feeds. Besides making the best information about the book available from your
site, the widgets are also easily grabbed and shared by fans to display on their own site,
helping to further market your books across the web. The widgets update automatically -
so when you release a new book everyone receives the update in their widget.
I have no affiliation with Adaptive Blue whatsoever! I'm a children's writer who
maintains a blog, found their product, and fell in love with it. I just wanted to share this
information with others. You can check out SmartLinks in action at my blog,
Lori Calabrese Writes
I offer reading recommendations, author interviews, writer's articles and resources, and
information regarding the world of children's publishing.
Read an article about Adaptive Blue at Wired.
testsmrtlnks said...
Lori! Thanks for the wonderful write-up, we love having passionate people such as
yourself use our products.
A few follow-up notes:
If you want to install SmartLinks, it's super simple, just visit

http://www.adaptiveblue.com/install_smartlinks.html and follow the instructions
If you don't want to build your own widget you can pick one from our widget gallery:
adaptiveblue.com/widgets_auto.html
You can connect a range of affiliate IDs to your SmartLinks/Widgets and start earning
even more revenue from your site.
Finally, if you have ANY questions please don't hesitate to drop us an email - we pride
ourselves on wonderful service.
Best,
Fraser
LCalabrese said...
I'm glad I could share this tip! I wish more websites had SmartLinks. It's free and easy, so
why not? As Fraser said, don't hesitate to drop them an e-mail because they'll get back to
you quickly and help you with whatever you need to get these on your site.
Links on How To Write A Query Letter

By Lori Calabrese
Children's Writer
http://loricalabrese.blogspot.com
Cynthia Reeg wrote a great post giving tips on query letters, so I thought I'd add this post
from my blog that gives you links on how to write a query letter.
A query letter is your introduction to a publisher. Learning HOW to write a killer query
letter is going to help you sell your book. Query letters help publishers weed through the
manuscripts that they would like to receive and it gives them an idea if your manuscript
will fit in with their current line. A great query letter is also your way 'in' to a publisher
that does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Write a great query asking them if they'd be
interested in seeing your book and they might just reply 'yes.' Many people have different
ways of writing a query letter. Straight up and formal, or casual and relaxed are just a
few. Study query letters by other writers and learn what worked for them.
There are so many links to query letter information. Here are a few...
Harold Underdown covers the topic of query letters and offers this article by Margot
Finke.
Margot Finke- go to writing chat for all seasons and find sample query letters and more
links to query info.
Author, Kim Norman, gives a sample of a winning query letter that got her published and
offers some inside tips.
Miss Snark throws out this idea when it comes to e-mail queries and that evil formatting
problem we all face on the computer!
Cynthea Liu tackles the anatomy of a children's book query letter. If you're interested in
getting published, take Cynthea's crash course now!
Of course, don't forget your handy dandy friend...Google! Enter 'Query Letters' and see
what other gems you find!
Writer's Resources
By Lori Calabrese
Children's Writer
This is the most visited page on my blog. I love links- Some may call me a linking
machine! These are some of my favorite resources for children's writers. When I started
writing for children, I scoured the internet for any information I could find and I found
tons! There are so many places to visit where you can learn A LOT about writing for
children. I think it's important that writers have the resources available to find all the help
they need, so check them out!
GET ORGANIZED!
Free Manuscript Tracking Software
Yeah, you can create a word or excel document, but if you like gadgets, this will help you
track your submissions and those rotten rejections.
Query Tracker
Find Literary Agents, track your submissions, and view stats on agents
Easy Bib
-Write nonfiction and need a bibliography? This makes it as easy as 1,2,3.
GROUPS
The Author's Guild
This is a national organization open to published authors for adults and children.
SCBWI
As a member, you get access to their member's section that offers publishers lists, how-
tos, and many more. Sign up for their newsletter that offers great writing articles and find
out about their conferences that are a great opportunity to network with other writers and
editors.
MARKET NEWS
Anastasia Suen's blog
Offers information on publishers, editors, agents, etc...
Alice's CWIM Blog
The editor of CWIM's blog. Offers information on publishers, editors, agents, etc...
MEET OTHER CHILDREN'S WRITERS

FaceBook
Institute of Children's Literature Chat Room
LiveJournal
MySpace
SCBWI
Verla Kay's Blue Board
Yahoo Groups
Author's Den
POETRY
Rhyme Zone
Offers free rhyming tools and thesaurus.
Dori Chaconas
Highly regarded children's author breaks down what you need to know about rhyme.
RESEARCH AGENTS
Agent Query
A large database of literary agents.
CWIM- Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market
The Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market is THE writer's tool. Find useful tips from
many in the field and find listings for agents.
Query Tracker
Find literary agents, track queries, and view stats on literary agents.
Preditors and Editors
A guide to agents, publishers, and other services for writers. Before you sign on the
dotted line, check this website for an agent or publsher's reputation.
SCBWI
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
RESEARCH CHILDREN'S PUBLISHERS

Amazon
Amazon is a great tool to research children's publishers' catalogs, and scope out what's
been published on your topic or idea.
CBC
The Children's Book Council is a trade association for children's publishers. You can get
a list of their members.
CWIM
The Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market is THE writer's tool. Find useful tips from
many in the field and find listings for book publishers and magazines.
Jacketflap
Offers information on the world of children's publishing from publishers listings, a
database of children's books, author's blogs, etc...
kidmagwriters.com
Offers lists of magazines and links to their websites that contain submission guidelines. A
useful resource for the children's magazine writer.
Preditors & Editors
A guide to agents, publishers, and other services for writers. Before you sign on the
dotted line, check this website for an agent or publsher's reputation.
Publisher's Weekly
Market news and great information for writers.
SCHOOLS/ ONLINE COURSES

Highlights Foundation Writers Workshop at Chautauqua
Offers an annual workshop for writers. Check out the website too because there are so
many interesting writing articles.
Institute of Children's Literature
A great online/ mail course where you work one-on-one with your own instructor. Get
textbook material, write manuscripts, send them in to your instructor, and get individual
critiques on how to improve your writing.
Anastasia Suen's Online Workshops
Anastasia is a children's author with over 100 books! Her online workshops are highly
respected in the writer community.
Laura Purdie Salas' Online Workshops
-Writing Kids' Nonfiction books for the Educational Market. Participate in a daily class
(weekdays only) for four weeks and learn how to get assignments writing nonfiction
books.
SELF-PUBLISHERS
AuthorHouse
Booklocker
BookSurge
iUniverse
iUniverse is now owned by Authorhouse
Lulu
Xlibris
TRADE MAGAZINES/ NEWSLETTERS

Booklist
A great review magazine. Published monthly.
Children's Book Insider (write4kids.com)
A monthly magazine for writers that lists publishers and markets, and how-to articles.
Subscribe to their free newsletter for updates in the world of children publishing.
The Horn Book
A great review magazine. Published bimonthly
Publisher's Weekly
A great review magazine. The semiannual children's book issues are a must!
School Library Journal
A great review magazine. Published monthly.
WEBSITES WORTH VISITING

The Purple Crayon
-Children's book editor, Harold Underdown created this site to post articles and other
materials about children's book publishing. Over the years, the site has grown and now
includes articles contributed by other people, covering writing, illustrating, marketing,
and editing.
Cynthea Liu
-Children's author, Cynthea Liu offers tips and recommendations for children's writers. If
you haven't taken her crash course, it's a must!
Cynthia Leitich Smith
-Children's author, Cynthia Leitich Smith offers tips and recommendations for children's
writers.
Margot Finke
-Children's author, Margot Finke offers tips and recommendations for children's writers.
BOOKS ON WRITING
SELF-EDITING
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by
Renni Browne and Dave King. Learn the techniques of professional editors.
Write Tight: How to Keep Your Prose Sharp, Focused and Concise by William
Brohaugh. Offers tips and suggestions on how to tighten your writing.
WRITING MECHANICS AND THEORY:
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott. Read this to hear
Lamott's take on a writer's life.
The Chicago Manual of Style This manual will answer all of your questions regarding the
mechanics of writing; punctuation, capitalization, comma placement, etc...
-You can also find them online for quick reference here.
The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition A must have for any writer that offers information
on the mechanics of writing.
On Writing An autobiography by Stephen King that offers many tips and theories on
writing. Very useful for any writer.
On Writing Well, 30th Anniversary Edition: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction
(On Writing Well) William Zinsser wrote this as an informal guide to writing nonfiction
but I think it applies to every writer. I got a lot out of reading this book.
Stein On Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our
Century Shares His Craft Techniques and Strategies by Sol Stein. Offers solutions to
some common writing problems.
HOW TO WRITE CHILDREN'S BOOKS:
Childrens Writers Word Book (Children's Writer's Word Book)This book will give you
an idea if you're using the right vocabulary for your selected age group. A very useful
reference!
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books, 3rd Edition (Complete Idiot's
Guide to) Harold Underdown crams everything about writing and illustrating children's
books into this guide. Who doesn't love these guides, anyway? Offers inside tips and
advice, sample proposals and queries, how to format a manuscript, and many other
resources.
Also, check out Harold Underdown's website- The Purple Crayon
How to Write a Children's Book and Get It Published by Barbara Seuling. Respected
children's writer Barbara Seuling gives you the essential steps to getting published in the
competitive, exciting world of children's literature.
How to Write a Children's Picture Book: Learning from The Very Hungry Caterpillar,
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Corduroy, Where the Wild Things Are, The Carrot Seed,
Good Night, Gorilla, Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, and Other Favorite Stories by Eve
Heidi Bine-Stock
How to Write a Children's Picture Book Volume II: Word, Sentence, Scene, Story:
Learning from Leo the Late Bloomer, Harry the Dirty Dog, Lilly's Purple ... Purple
Crayon, and Other Favorite Stories by Eve Heidi Bine-Stock
How to Write a Children's Picture Book Volume III: Figures of Speech: Learning from
Fish is Fish, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, Owen, Caps for Sale, Where the Wild Things Are,
and Other Favorite Stories By Eve Heidi Bine-Stock. All three volumes are a rich
resource in the planning and revision of picture books. The deconstruction of picture
books, and the detailed classification of crucial characteristics - using classic picture
books to illustrate each detailed point - make these books invaluable.
Picture Writing: A New Approach to Writing for Kids and Teens (Write for Kids
Library) This guide has a lot of what Anastasia Suen teaches in her highly respected
online course. Visit Anastasia online at her website and blog.
Writing with Pictures: How to Write and Illustrate Children's Books Everyone will
recommend this book to you if you're interested in writing picture books. It's a great book
to learn how to prepare a dummy but even writers can find a lot on technique and style. It
contains a lot of step-by-step detail. Uri Shulevitz has been writing and illustrating for
children since the 1960s so he offers a lot of insight. The only negative that you'll hear
about this book is that it hasn't been revised since 1985, so the focus is on black and
white and preseparated color art (this has been replaced today by scanned color art). It is
still highly recommended in the field for technique.

WOW! Thanks for all this information...incredible...thanks for sharing!!!

Lori, you're a link freak like me...and a share freak like me. I LOVE IT!!!
For more links, I keep updating my MuseItUp Club LINKS webpage:

http://museitupclub.tripod.com/
LCalabrese said...
Cynthia. . .That's a great motto, and I think every writer should strive to be a better one! I
know I do.
If anyone finds other valuable links, please contact me via my blog, so I can update my
list. I'll continue to update, too, so please stop by (and sign up for Lea's newsletter full of
links, too! You can never have too many.)
Lori
So You Think You're Done? Revise, Revise, Revise. . .
By Lori Calabrese
Children's Writer
Thanks, Lea for hosting The Writing for Children Blog Fest. This has been a week full of
exciting and interesting posts, and I'm grateful to have been a part of it alongside the
plethora of talent that read and posted. I can't wait for the next one! The Writing for
Children Blog Fest may be coming to an end, but be sure to check out all of the author's
websites and blogs that contributed. The party never ends!
Now, how about that manuscript? So you think you're done? Revise, Revise, Revise!
Some writers thrive on it and others compare it to sticking a needle in their eye. I'm
talking about the revision process. Writing IS revising. Revising IS writing. In a perfect
world, a writer would just spill their thoughts onto paper or a computer and, magically, a
story would appear. However, this is the real world and that only happens one in a
million times. So you're saying there's a chance? Yes- a very slim one! A lot of us don't
know how to improve our own work. We need to teach ourselves how to self-edit. This is
where many how-to books come in handy and can teach you what to look for.
Two books that I find extremely helpful with this are. . .
Write Tight: How to Keep Your Prose Sharp, Focused and Concise by William
Brohaugh.
-An editor for Writer's Digest, he has written extensively about the craft. This self-help
work aimed at the active writer contains 192 pages identifying and correcting the many
errors made by those who write seriously. It assumes knowledge of grammar and instead
emphasizes style.
On Writing Well, 30th Anniversary Edition: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction
(On Writing Well) by Dr. William Zinsser.
-"On Writing Well belongs on any shelf of serious reference works for writers." - New
York Times. Although it says it's a guide to writing nonfiction, the advice that Dr.
Zinsser shares applies to all writing.
In addition to how-to books, study other books and writing. However, after you've
absorbed as much information on self-editing that you can, you actually have to execute
it, and execute it correctly. Why do we need to do this? We're sending it to an editor.
They'll edit it for us, right? Editors are busy folks. They'd rather see articles that don't
need a lot of work. Since they receive piles of manuscripts daily, you need to polish it to
perfection.
Check out the website of author, Mem Fox. She gives the story behind her book, 'Green
Sheep.' It's a fascinating article as she tells us where she got her idea from, how many
times she thought about ditching the project, and the painful process of revising. She
compares an original draft of the book to what it eventually became. This is a very
inspirational article for those who long to write picture books. She has many other
articles that are worth reading, too!
The bottom line is that it's impossible to write a perfect story the first time. It's hard to
take all the elements that you've learned and apply them in your first draft. Take
everyone's advice when they say, "Put your story away for a day or two. Maybe even
longer. When you pull it out again, read it out loud and look at it with fresh eyes." You'll
probably catch things that you know need fixing! Also, know that there isn't just one way
to revise. Everyone has a different style, just as they do with their writing.
Happy Revising!
A Writer's Critique
By Lori Calabrese
Children's Writer
So you want to write? You'll hear it over and over again...Join a critique group. Every
writer will tell you the importance of joining a critique group. When we receive critiques
on our work, we're looking for suggestions to make our work better, so it will, inevitably,
be published. There are many things that a fresh eye can see in your work that you can't.
In order for us to receive critiques, it's important that we give critiques, right? Fair is fair
and critiquing others' work will help your writing. It will teach you what to look for when
self-editing your own work, and give you a sense of what you like and don't like to
incorporate in your own writing.
So you need to do a critique? Where do you start?
First, know that we all are human beings and we have feelings. We're not critiquing the
person, we're critiquing the work. It doesn't hurt to begin by pointing something out that
you like about the manuscript. A little encouragement goes a long way!
However, critiques need to be brutally honest. A writer would rather hear these notes
from his/her critique group instead of an editor giving a flat out rejection with no reason
why!
1. Did you like the story? Why or why not? Does it flow? How is the pacing (too fast, too
slow, just right)? Is there a beginning, a middle, and an end and are they logical?
2. Does the beginning set up a problem or conflict? Did it catch your attention? Did you
want to keep reading?
3. Are the characters' behavior consistent? Are the character's believable? Do the
characters have good names?
4. Consider the audience- is it age appropriate?
5. Can you restate the story in a single sentence?
6. Does the author show instead of tell?
7. Technically, point out bad punctuation, incorrect grammar, misspelled words,
formatting
8. Is the dialogue realistic? Does the dialogue help move the story along? Is there a
perfect blend of dialogue with narration?
9. Is the title a good one?
10. Does the ending make sense and is it rewarding? Was the conflict or problem
resolved? Does the main character undergo some sort of change?
11. Does the point of view work or would the story be better if it was told by another
character?
12. Is there variation in sentence length? Too many short, too many long, or just right?
13. Excessive use of Passive voice? ex: Emily was running to the store is passive voice.
Should be...Emily ran to the store.
14. Is the story original and creative?
15. Does the setting work? Do you get a sense of when and where you're supposed to be?
16. Did the writer make use of all the senses?
Some examples of critique notes that you might give/ receive:
-Paragraph or chapter needs tightening - give examples of where the writer can cut out
necessary words and sentences.
-Verbs are weak—verbs to watch out for are. . . is, as, was, were
-Plot lacks focus—give a suggestion for the writer to consider.
-Dialogue is not age appropriate—show an example that is right for the age..
-If the overall concept and writing is weak—suggest classes, how-to books, and online
articles that can help.
General Tips:
-Tell the writer if the work is not your genre or favorite type of story
-Don't be afraid to critique if it's not your favorite type of story.
-Don't read other critiques of the work yet. Give your own critique, then read others. You
don't want others to sway you! Everyone has an opinion, so give your own- don't steal!
Everyone points out the advantages to a critique group, but not many address the
disadvantages. When you have your work critiqued, your exposing your work to others.
Unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world and there are dishonest people out there.
When you put your work out there, yes- there is a chance that it can be ripped off- stolen!
Ugh- can you imagine all that work and somebody else reaps the benefits? It's just not
right! There's no need to copyright your work because once it's written, it is copyrighted.
However, you can't put a copyright on ideas and that person that just critiqued your work
can go out and write another story with your idea! You need to weigh the advantages of a
critique group with the disadvantages and you have to be selective with who you show
your work to!
Writers need to encourage each other and realize that writing is a craft. It takes a long
time to master a craft and it doesn't just come to us. It takes work and revision after
revision to get a good story! A good rule of thumb when it comes to critiquing is...
Critique as you would want to be critiqued!
Lori Calabrese
http://www.loricalabrese.blogspot.com/
Margarette Burnette
It all started when she wrote a story about camels that won her a
prize in a local writing contest. An admirer suggested that Margarette Burnette should be a
writer. But the timing wasn't right, as she was in the first grade and had other priorities.
Fast forward a few years: she made it through school (University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill). She got married. She had kids. And she started writing. Margarette's work
has appeared in Parenting, Pregnancy, and Essence magazines.
Margarette enjoys visiting schools. Her presentations involve the themes of "counting to
ten", "healthy food", and "gardening". If you'd like her to come to your school, please
contact Lauren Bradford at JenPrint Publications.
She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband Chuckie and two boys, ages four
and six.
Behind the Scenes - How My Children's Book Was Created
Guest Blog by Margarette Burnette

Children's Book Author
I'm going to spend the first day discussing

how I wrote Counting in the Crazy Garden.
Later on in the week I'll also talk about how
children have responded to the story, what a
typical writing day is like for me, and my
professional tips for aspiring children's
writers.
Counting in the Crazy Garden is the first

book of the Chipper Kids™ series. The
Chipper Kids are Arnold and Albert Chipper
and their friend Maria--all three very cuddly
teddy bears whose personalities remind me
of my own sons and their friends. The book came about because I was looking for a way
to get my kids to sample the veggies on their plates. Since I had a hard time convincing
them that their meals were good, I created a story where the characters were given truly
crazy ‘snacks’. By the time I got to the end of the tale, my kids had a new appreciation
for good food. At that point, I knew the story could be a book for other children to enjoy.
Writing the book wasn't as simple as coming up with the concept, though. I'm used to
writing magazine articles for parents, where I can include lots of information in several
paragraphs. When writing for children, however, you use few words and every single one
must count. The chosen words also have to allow the illustrator to draw great pictures.
That's why I created the"jiggly wiggly wobbly worm cobbler" and "hairy, scary spider
cookies".
The next point I had to grasp--and this may seem obvious--is that I needed to actually
have a plot in my story. Usually, the magazine pieces I write are how-to articles. They
have a beginning, middle, and end, but they don't need to have fictional characters who
display a wide range of emotions. In my first draft of Counting in the Crazy Garden, I
used that same formula, and the result was a boring story.
Fortunately, I had an excellent editor, Jen Weiss Handler, who steered me in the right
direction. She told me she liked the counting concept and the crazy picture words, but
there really wasn’t enough tension. I had Albert and Maria practically rolling around
laughing at each creation Arnold made. By the end of the story, nothing happened. I
needed a plot. What if Albert and Maria were actually annoyed with Arnold’s offerings?
What if they were truly hungry, and they thought Arnold might really be trying to offer
them something edible to eat? Introduce that into the manuscript, and "Aha"! Now we
have a story. After that, it was easy to keep the plot moving along, and to also introduce
gardens and vegetables at the end without being too preachy.
The results so far are great. The kids I read to love the book! Tomorrow, I’ll talk about
how kids respond at my classroom visits, and I'll also answer the questions they ask me
about what it’s like to write for children.

What interesting names for your snacks. I'm surprised your children weren't asking for
them in particular. :)
You are so right about the difficulty in writing picture books. Each word does count and
you do need the tension to interest the little readers.
Is your book available for purchase?
Margarette Burnette said...

Thank you! Yes, my book is available for purchase through traditional bookstores as well
as the online retailers.
Classroom Visits
Guest Blog by Margarette Burnette
Childrens Book Author
In my last post, I talked about what it was like to write Counting in the Crazy Garden and
how my editor helped me create a plot that would resonate with kids. Today, I'm going to
talk about what happens when I make school visits.
When I enter the media center or classroom, many of the students are already familiar
with the story. They’re primed and eager to say “ewwww!” when I talk about Arnold
giving his friends a “jiggly wiggly wobbly worm cobbler”. They love the funny word
play. They also love to repeat the “no way” responses each time Arnold offers up one of
his outrageous creations.
Usually, the students are studying a related topic: healthy foods, growing a bean plant, or
counting to ten. "Counting in the Crazy Garden" reinforces what they've already been
learning.
My book's target is a younger audience: preschoolers and young elementary children.

Pre-K and Kindergarten classes get most involved with word play, but they still enjoy the
colorful pictures. Older audiences appreciate the work, too, but I mostly talk to them
about how a book is made. I discuss how it involves a team of people: the author,
illustrator, editor, art director, and publisher. Then, I talk about how the publisher
contacts different stores and schools to bring the book to them. For fifth and sixth
graders, I supplement my pictures books with my magazine articles and talk with the
students about how magazines are made. Both types of writing round out my freelance
career.
If you're interested in learning more about how I write for children, stay tuned. My next
post will be my personal best tips for reaching young audiences.
BTW, Chipper Kids: Counting in the Crazy Garden is available from both online and
traditional bookstores. To find out more about what I'm doing, please visit my Chipper
Kids blog. Thanks!
Kim Chatel said...

Thanks for the informative article, Margarette. I'm going to be doing school visits soon
too, for my book "Rainbow Sheep," so I'm eating up any advice I can find.

Your school visits sound like a lot of fun, Margarette. I bet the kids look forward to
seeing you and your books.
Margarette Burnette http://www.chipperkids.com/blog/

Margot Finke
I am an Aussie who writes midgrade adventure fiction and rhyming

picture books. For the past 25 years I have lived in Oregon with my
husband and family. My 6 books series of rhyming picture books
are fun and educational. They bring kids closer to many of the neat
animals in the US and Australia. Excerpts and illustrations from
these books can be viewed on my BOOKS page, along with
instructions on how to BUY and great reviews.
BOOKS: http://mysite.verizon.net/mfinke/Books.html#clues
"Musings," my monthly column for children's writers, can be read

in The Purple Crayon and the SCBWI NewsWorthy magazine. My
Website offers help to upcoming writers, and my Critique Service
can help you iron out plot and character problems. Nothing gives
me a greater thrill than to find out an editor bought a book I helped
polish. Gardening, travel, and my cats, fill in the cracks between
writing.
MUSINGS
MY WEBSITE
CRITIQUE SERVICE
My husband, Alan, is very supportive, though not interested in

children's books himself. Our three children are now grown and
doing very well out on their own. I didn't begin serious writing
until the day our youngest left for college. This late start drives my
writing, and pushes me to work at it every day. I really envy those
who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between
kid fights, diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs.
You are my heroes!
E-MAIL ME - We can chat about writing.

margot@bigstring.com
POSTS BY MARGOT
My name is Margot Finke, and I am an Aussie who has lived in Oregon for many years.
I have 2 x Blogs:
#1 - http://margotfinke.blogspot.com/
#2 - http://rattlesnakejam-blogspotcom.blogspot.com/
+ a Website, and I write rhyming picture books, and midgrade books.
You said I could do what I like - WOW - this will be fun!
So, I will jump right in and tell you about my new picture book "Rattlesnake Jam." Of
course half the crazy fun comes from Kevin Scott Collier's illustrations. He captured Gran
and Pa just right. See, Gran wants Pa to catch as many rattlers as he can, so she can make
them into her "cure everything" concoction. Pa catches 'em all right, but yearns for a few
made into fritters, or maybe into yummy rattlesnake pie, instead of jam. Has quite a ring
to it - right?
All this fun and craziness is told in rhyme!!
Here are a couple of my favorite illustrations:
Pa dreaming of Rattlesnake Pie. . .
Gran selling her Rattlesnake Jam

Gran with her "Jam"
Hopefully, Rattlesnake Jam (Guardian Angel Publishing) will be out in soft cover and on
CD some time this spring
Helen: It sounds like a very interesting story! Where did the story idea come from? (I am
curious.)
Margot: Helen, the idea for "Rattlesnake Jam" just came to me one day. I have a brain
that naturally rhymes, and it is not hard for me to get into rhyming mode. I must confess
it is one of my favorites.
Margot's Back - More Serious Now, Mates.
Dinner is over, dishes done, and my husband is safe watching TV.
I promised serious talk, so here goes:
I don't think you can overrate the value of Networking. Men have done it since dirt
was invented, and it paid off for them in CEO positions, and other high places of
employment. Women in the workforce have finally woke up to networking, and now the
glass ceiling is cracking for them as well.
Writing is no longer a hobby for those who have a little spare time. Today, writing is a
business you have to work at - ask the publishers. It sure is a business to them. And not
only the writing part. These days we writers must know how to choose the right
publisher, write a Press Release, contact newspapers, radio and TV for interviews and
print space, as well as entertain and inform children during paid school visits. All this in
the name of promoting our books and making sales. Successful writers today have a full
time CAREER!
So, where should you network for best results:

Writer's conferences are a good place to start. Mingling and making friends with fellow
writers is a way to find good critique partners and discover trade secrets. SCBWI
branches offer conferences in every state, as well as overseas. Editors and agents, that
mostly unapproachable breed, can be safely stalked at a conference, with a good chance
of getting permission to send your first three chapters, or complete PB, for them to read.
With so many of the larger houses and their imprints closed to unpublished writers, only
a writing conferences bestows this privilege. And you know, most editors, when viewed
up close and personal, turn out to be quite human. They, too, are often at the mercy of
those higher up the publication food chain. Gone are the days when if an editor loved
your book, it was a shoe-in to be published.
Another great place to network is online writing lists. For sheer volume of writing
information, support and encouragement, they can't be beat. Writing lists like CW,
CWToday and CW-BIZ + your state SCBWI list, are great places to find critique groups,
ask writing, publishing, and agent questions, and suddenly feel you have found friends
who actually "get" your passion for the written word. There are also many other great
writing lists worth joining. Ask around. Get recommendations.
Over time, you build lasting friendships, improve your writing, and the knowledge of
what you need to do to add that final polish to your manuscript. The more writing
contacts you make, and the more editors and agents you meet at conferences, the easier it
becomes to network further afield. Every new contact you make is another rung on a
ladder you have successfully climbed. Suddenly YOU are the one answering newcomers
questions. YOU get asked to give a writing workshop at a conference. YOU receive an
acceptance instead of another rejection. YEA!!You discover you have built up an
impressive folder of publishers, agents, bookstores and school information you can use
over-and-over, AND share with others.
Like a snowball rolling downhill, your networking portfolio grows fat with
accumulated knowledge. When this happens, you can enjoy the pleasure of sharing your
knowledge with those who are just starting out in the business of writing for children.
Happy Networking, Mates!
"RATTLESNAKE JAM" - Requested Verses.

For year-after-year, our crazy old Gran,
Nagged Pa into filling her best cooking pan.
Gran cooked up some doozeys, but her best of all scam,
Was the bottling and selling of rattlesnake jam.
Pa hankered for rattler served hot on a plate.
He surely deserved it, so why the long wait?
But snake cooked for Pa was not in Gran's plan.
She dreamed of them sweetened and made into jam.
Pa and Gran battle it out until the end. . .
"Musings" -- Website -- BLOG
SUZANNE: Margot Finke is not only a wonderful children's writer, she's also a great
teacher. Read her posts carefully. She knows what she's talking about when it comes to
children's writing, that's for sure.
Go, Margot!
Suzanne Lieurance
National Writing for Children Center
http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com
Margot - SWINGIN' in the JUNGLE BLOGFEST!!
Thanks to Lea Schizas,

I have this wonderful opportunity to Blog
alongside other talented writers and illustrators, on Lea's Blog -
YEA!
TO BUSINESS:
My big RANT these days is about children's books on CD and download, and why
sales for them are not better. I think some of the problem lies in the fact that in the
beginning, many of these books were just plain terrible - lack of good editing, and
professional illustrations, made buyers feel ripped off. Strictly amateur stuff.
Nowadays that is changing. Writers are researching, learning the publishing ropes, and
realizing that every book needs to be well edited before publication - even e-books and
books on CD. However, the stigma still hovers - like that faint whiff of fish or cabbage
after last night's meal.
All Publishing success is built on QUALITY - quality writing, quality illustrations, and
quality layout and printing. You have to know what you are doing before you attempt to
publish your own book. Thankfully, today there are great online writing lists that will
point you in the right direction, answer questions, and offer support as you struggle to
DO IT RIGHT!
BUT BE FOREWARNED. It takes hard cash to have your book properly edited, layout
done, and published with good paper and binding. All this gives you a book your can
promote ( more time and money, mates) with pride.
RANT OVER!
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
On the lighter and more fun side of books on CD, I would like to share how I began
writing my rhyming series of 6 PBs about animals from the US and Australia - publisher
WritersExchange.
Many years ago, when my American husband brought us from Australia to Oregon, our
two youngest were still preschool. I didn't want them to forget their Aussie heritage, so I
put up a map of Australia that had all their weird and wonderful animals on it. Every I
night said, "Pick an animal, and I'll tell you a story about it." And I did - right off the top
of my head. When they went to school I became a Teacher's Aid. I soon found myself
telling the classes all about Down Under and it's critters. Off the cuff stories followed.
One day a hand raised, and a small voice complained, " But you told it different last
time!"
My teacher friend laughed. "For goodness sake write your stories down. Then you won't
forget to tell them the same way." So I did.
Of course I had always written, but I just never thought these snippets of animal fun were
worth the effort. How wrong can a writer be?
The saga of finding illustrators for these 6, fun, educational books, soon filled my every
waking moment - and some dream time as well! I put out a call to the CW list, asking if
any illustrator would like to give their career a boost by taking on one of my rhyming
books. I received many replies: and I found two of them in a particularly amazing way.
A Turkish friend on the CW list, who spoke and wrote very good English, asked if I
would be interested in using two artist friends of hers. One of them illustrated her books,
and was a well known portrait painter, with work in European galleries. The other was a
well known illustrator and artist. I was thrilled with their samples, and said YES to both
of them.
Then the fun really began. See, one spoke no English and had no computer. The other
spoke and wrote a little English, but did have a computer. So this wonderful CW friend
donated her time as go-between, translating and running back and forth with messages
and information about what I wanted, and what both illustrators thought worked best.
WHEW! it was a marathon effort from both sides of the globe. Yet the finished
illustrations from both of them were wonderful. They made my rhymes work like magic.
Their art-work jumped off the pages. I am forever grateful to my CW friend -
unfortunately no longer a CW member, and two great Turkish artists who made
"Kangaroo Clues" and "Never Say BOO to a Frilly" such standouts.
And the other illustrators who worked with me also did a terrific job. I was thrilled to
bits with the illustrations for every book.
So, if you want to see the series, look at cover art, read some sample verses,
or BUY them, go to MY BOOKS page. GO HERE to read about the artists
who illustrated my books.
LEA: NOOO!!! I love rants. Don't stop. I totally agree with you about the sloppy editing
and publishers who take whatever is handed over to them.
I do believe this is one reason why bookstores have turned their back on many self-
published authors and that's a shame because there are far too many out there with quality
books.
PARTICIA: I slipped over to your website and enjoyed it and also your blog! Your
comments are right on. My beginning reader series, Fat Cat and Gray Mouse, was on CD.
It did well, but then the publisher went out of business, sad to say. Best to you on your
series and writing!
Pat Harrington
Mystery and Children's Author
www.patriciaharrington.com
Margot's SIMPLE WORDS and RULES to WRITE by.
Presented Here is an Offering of

Writing Wisdom
I Have Collected Over the Years.
* Think of Your Chapters as Gardens to be Tended:
Weed out weak words and characters. Prune overlong sidetracks.
Stake up those wobbly plots, and dig out sentences that don't move your story forward.
* A Few Pithy Sayings - If the "Pith" fits, scrap it!

*Don't waffle on. Waffles are for breakfast, not for writing!
*Adverbs are like leaches - they stick to weak verbs.
*Strong verbs in play keep rejections at bay.
*Powerful verbs are a writer's best friend.
*Make your writing as tight as your Aunt Fanny's new girdle.
*A great book is like a house - it sits on a strong foundation.
*Write it once, write it well, and then move on.
*A watched mailbox never delivers a contract.
*True happiness is a terrific 4 star book review.
*Writing Wisdom Worth Hoarding:

First, Understand Book Categories.
Polish your basic writing skills.
*The 5 "C" Rules for Writing Compelling Fiction:

CHARACTERS: both you and the reader care about.
COMPLICATIONS: something happens: crises, conflict.
CHOICES: your character makes.
CONFLUENCE: tie it all together at the end.
CONCISE: make the writing tight.
(don't waffle on about things that don't move the plot forward)
*SETTING, SETTING, SETTING - Expose your readers to new worlds.

All readers (editors & agents included) love to learn as they read. Whenever possible,
place your action in a setting that treats your readers to a locale about which they know
very little. A dairy farm, a secret intelligence agency, a coalmine, even another time in
history are all settings that have the potential to transport readers to new worlds. It's no
secret that the success of medical and legal thrillers is due in large part to their "settings"
(we all love to learn about the inner workings of hospitals and courtrooms.) Readers love
to learn, so choose settings that teach.
*IN AND OUT SCENE-BUILDING - Keep things moving

Regardless of what type of manuscript you're writing, scenes that "drag" are the kiss of
death. Often, dull scenes are the result of elaborate setups and wind-downs -- extra
commentary before and after the critical event. You often hear successful authors and
screenwriters quote the mantra, "In late, out early." This simply means that they open
their scenes as late into the action as possible and close their scenes as early as possible
(often before the action has even concluded.) If you have a scene that seems to drag, try
trimming from the beginning and the end rather than the middle.
*A SOLE DRAMATIC QUESTION - Build your foundation with a SINGLE brick.

The best manuscripts have a single dramatic question: Will Ahab catch the whale? Will
the Jackal kill his target? Will the young lawyer escape the corrupt law firm that hired
him? The twists and turns in your novel can (and should!) be intricate, but your
foundation needs to have a sole, central conflict around which all the action revolves. A
good way to test your manuscript is to synopsize your plot in a single sentence. Can you
do it?
*INFORMATION WEAVING - Doling out description in bite-sized chunks.

Once you've researched the "specifics" of your novel, there is an overwhelming urge not
to let any of it go to waste. Be careful. Long dry passages of description are a turnoff to
readers and agents alike. Remember, we read novels to find out what happens to
characters (if we want to read a five-page description of New Delhi, we buy a travel
guide.) whenever possible, intersperse your factual description with action and dialog.
Better yet, have your characters interacting with your description, that is, let your
characters see, smell, and taste your specifics.
*Creating Tesnion: The Three C's

The Clock - The Crucible - The Contract.
We've all heard of the four C's of diamond buying, but writing suspenseful fiction has
some C's of its own. Here are three elements that your favorite authors invariably employ
in their manuscripts to infuse their stories with extra pace and tension.
*THE CLOCK: Placing your action in the shadow of a ticking clock. Nothing
intensifies dramatic tension like time pressure.. a fixed window of opportunity after
which all is lost. In some genres the time pressure literally can be a ticking bomb (a la
James Bond), but more subtle ways exist to apply time pressure. Bridges of Madison
County is a good example. In Bridges, the heroine must make a major life decision before
her family returns from vacation in three days. (If she'd had the rest of her life to make
the decision, the story would have been dull.) Time pressure forces your characters to
take action.
*THE CRUCIBLE: Constraining your characters as you apply the heat. A crucible is
defined in Webster's as "an enclosed vessel used for melting materials at high
temperatures." Whenever possible, place your characters in a crucible. Lock them in to
that when you turn up the heat, they do not have the option of running away. In other
words, tie our characters' hands and force them to become resourceful in finding a
solution to whatever challenges you put before them. Peter Benchley created a brilliant
crucible for his characters in the final scene of Jaws. He placed them on a sinking boat...
with the radio blown out... miles from shore... the shark closing in. Even if his characters
wanted to run, they could not. They were constrained. The ocean was their crucible.
*THE CONTRACT: Making promises to your reader, and then keeping them. Good
writers create tension by filling the pages of their novels with "promises" to their readers.
For example, if an author makes ominous mention of a loaded shotgun in the closet, the
reader perceives this as a contract with the author: If I keep reading, that shotgun will be
used. This promise serves as foreshadowing and creates tension. When will the gun be
used? Against whom? Promises can work on more subtle levels too. By describing a
gathering storm outside a character's window (and doing it in just the right way) you can
promise your reader that tough times lay ahead for this poor soul. Again tension.
Remember, though, once you make your reader a promise, you better deliver...
*CHECKLIST FOR MIDGRADE & YA
1) SETTING:
Does my setting reveal a "new world" to my readers? Does it have the potential to teach?
2) IN-AND-OUT SCENE BUILDING:
Do my scenes start late and end early? Does my plot keep moving? Can I trim excess fat
from lead-ins and wrap-ups?
3) DRAMATIC QUESTION:
Is the fundamental question driving the action a simple one? Can my plot be summed up
in a single sentence?
4) TENSION:
Do I employ the three C's? Do my characters exist in the shadow of a ticking clock? Are
they constrained by some sort of crucible? Do I make contracts with my reader... and then
follow through?
5) RESEARCH:
Do I know enough about my topic to write a manuscript filled with specifics? What
(specifically) will my reader learn?
6) WEAVING INFORMATION:
Is my background information "woven" into my story, or does it occur in long blocks of

description?
7) REVISION:
Have I reworked my manuscript many times? Have others read it and offered criticism?
Have I tightened dull scenes? Have I seasoned the stew?
Some of this information is mine, while other pieces of it were sent to me, or given to me
over the years by other writers. Hold these writing words of wisdom close, and practice
using them daily. If you do this, your manuscript stands a good chance of an acceptance.

Margot,there hasn't been one single post so far that I haven't enjoyed from you. Very
informative, motivating, and inspiring. Thank you for an amazing week so far.

HA! Love your pithy sayings. It feels good to laugh at painful truth as well as learn. I
think the one about Aunt Fanny's new girdle is the one I will remember. My mother-in-
law's name is Fanny, so my imagination just had to go there....
Thanks so much,
http://jewelsamples.blogspot.com
Margot Finke http://www.margotfinke.com/

Mayra Calvani
I had the privilege of reading and reviewing Mayra's picture book
The Magic Violin.
Multi-genre author and reviewer Mayra Calvani hails from San

Juan, Puerto Rico. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading,
playing the violin, interviewing other authors for her blogs and
newsletters, and watching too many reruns of Gilmore Girls. She's
the author of The Magic Volin and CRASH!
www.mayrassecretbookcase.com
THE MAGIC VIOLIN, by Mayra Calvani
The Magic Violin

A little girl learns the mysterious power of self esteem in this children’s story which
combines violin music, magic, Christmas, and the charm of Europe.
What reviewers are saying...
“Filled with old world charm, children will find this book has a distinctive foreign flavor.
Illustrations are reminiscent of earlier days and the story itself conveys an old-fashioned
feeling. The magic of a European Christmas Eve comes to life through text and pictures
in this gentle tale for music lovers. Young violinists may discover their own dose of self-
confidence in this unique picture book.” –Nancy K. Wallace, librarian and VOYA
reviewer
"Mayra strings the reader with her simple yet precise words, and the illustrations bring
the whole book to life. The Magic Violin is a tale of believing in yourself, a ‘feel good’
classical read."--Lea Schizas, Muse Book Reviews
"The Magic Violin is a wonderful Christmas story..." --Midwest Book Review
"... The Magic Violin is an inspiring and uplifting book about a young girl and her
realization that believing in oneself can have a very magical outcome... Mayra’s book
definitely has a strong message, one that is important and everlasting. For children and
jaded adults alike, The Magic Violin will lift spirits and just may give you and your child
the boost to believe in your power to reach your goals." --Mama Divas
"I love children’s books that inspire. And The Magic Violin inspires and entertains. The
story is set in Belgium (where the author lives) and is sweet, well-written and zero’s in on
a huge problem with many children; self-esteem. The illustrations are all lovely but the
cover captivates the reader’s attention. It is so beautiful it could be framed... "The Magic
Violin" is a must read, must have for children. They’ll be inspired by the story and the
illustrations will delight them."--Andrea Sisco, Armchair Interviews
About the author:
Multi-genre author and reviewer Mayra Calvani hails from San Juan, Puerto Rico. When
she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, playing the violin, interviewing other authors for
her blogs and newsletters, and watching too many reruns of Gilmore Girls.
For her latest books, reviews, and interviews with other authors, visit her BLOG.
Mayra's other links:
Official Website (adult fiction)

The Dark Phantom Review, reviews, interviews, short fiction
The Fountain Pen, monthly newsletter
Violin and Books, violin-related books/reviews and interviews
Available from Amazon, B&N, and from your local bookstore.

Mayra...I had the pleasure of purchasing your book for my daughter, Hayley for
Christmas. She started with violin lessons this year and is loving it. She thoroughly
enjoyed your book. Reads it all the time!
On Writing Horror AND Children's Books...

A lot of people ask me how I can write chilling horror and sweet children’s picture books
at the same time. Somehow they cannot imagine a writer doing that, switching from two
absolutely different modes and wandering in such dissimilar imaginary worlds at the
touch of a mouse. That question flatters me to some extend, but it also makes me
wonder… am I weird? Is there something wrong with me? Do I have split personalities? I
hope not!
Nah, I’m just a multi-genre, multi-faceted person who is inspired by many things and
who feels the need to bring those ideas to life. I don’t think I could ever write in only one
genre, as many authors are able to. For me, it would feel claustrophobic! I simply write
what I love and I love paranormal, suspense, satire, mystery, modern fantasy, literary,
romantic comedy, picture books, tween and young adult fiction, and even nonfiction.
Each genre transports me into a marvelous, different dreamland where everything is
possible and where I set the rules—except, of course, when my characters take over, as
sometimes they seem to think they have control over me.
I can write a scary story in the morning, have lunch, then work on a sweet picture book in
the afternoon. It’s like switching modes and happens pretty much automatically, though
my mood changes as well. Of course, although the actual writing process is the same for
all fiction (after all, it doesn’t matter what you write, it all must contain a good plot and
flow, compelling characters, sparkling dialogue, etc.), the actual ‘atmospheric’ aids I use
for writing change. For instance, I like to listen to haunting, mysterious music when I
write horror and paranormal suspense. During the writing of latest horror novel, Dark
Lullaby, I spent months listening to the music score of the movie The Village. On
occasions I even lit candelabra on my desk. It goes without saying that I would never do
this while writing a picture book! During the writing and editing of The Doll Violinist and
The Magic Violin, both children’s picture books, I selected soul-filling, sublime violin
music.
In the end, there is that absolute need to put those thoughts to paper, to convert those
ideas to the ‘reality’ of my fictional world, yes, to bring those dreams to life until they
become so real, I find myself thinking about the story and conversing with the characters
day and night—no matter the genre. This is the way creativity works.
Mayra Calvani is a multi-genre author and reviewer. For her horror and paranormal
suspense novels, visit www.MayraCalvani.com. For her children’s books, visit
www.MayrasSecretBookcase.com.

Oh Mayra, you're not alone. I write in so many genres as well:
fantasy
paranormal
murder mysteries
romance
dark fiction
besides the children and young adult writing.
I find this keeps my muse alive and active as I'm sure it does for you.
Chris V. said...
Mayra, I'm with you there. But even when I'm trying to write something else, somehow
my mind seems to bring in that "horrific" twist. ha!

That's weird--the same goes for me, Chris. There's always a little bit of 'darkness' in my
juvenile fiction as well. Not so much for the picture books, but for the middle-grades and
YAs for sure.
Thanks for the comment, Lea! Yes, I was aware you also write in many genres. When I
first started writing for kids I was going to take a pen name, but in the end I opted not to.
For a while I was really torn, though, wondering what the best thing would be.
Stacey Graham said...

This is what I love about writing! I am able to give in to my short attention span and
work in whatever genre fits my mood. Ghost stories by day for adults and picture books
at night for my daughters. :)

I also write in different genres:
paranormal
edgy contemporary YA
tween mystery
multicultural fantasy
I've also written my memoir and numerous essays.
I'd hate to be tied to just one 'genre'. Very boring. I write what comes to me. A rejection
on one of my fulls lead to the premise of a different story.
Vivian said...
When I write children's, middle-grade, or YA books, I try to write for my grandchildren
and great-grandchildren, something that will appeal to them, hold their attention, and that
they will "want" to read.
So far, thankfully, I haven't been led to write horror. I would hate to scare myself.
Kim Chatel said...

Mayra,
Your post is so familiar, I could have written it myself (except the part about the
candelabra!). I write horror and dark fantasy for adults and cute, picture books plus YA.
Sometimes I even write literary fiction. Gasp! One advantage to writing across so many
genres is the diverse people I meet. My website is dedicated to what I call "Between the
Cracks Fiction." That's the kind of fiction that does away with genres. You can take a
peek at www.kimmcdougall.com
I did take a pen name for my children's fiction, (Kim Chatel) simply because some of my
adult fiction is kind of racy (oh yeah, I write erotica too), and I didn't want some little
kid's eyes popping out when he googles my name. But I don't make a big secret of my
two identities. I'm not superman. The pen names can be a bit of a nuisance though. Some
times I forget which hat I'm wearing.
Charlie said...
I'm so glad to see this story and the comments that go along with it. I too like to write a
variety of different styles and the comments about the pen names are just what I needed
to hear. Thanks!
My Young Daughter, The Author
Hi all,
I wrote this article for OhMyNewsInternational last year. I thought it would be a good
follow-up to Kim's post (some links may be outdated):
That's right. Talk about living with the competition!
Guardian Angel Publishing, a company specializing in children's picture e-books and

paperbacks, has started an imprint of books written and illustrated by children under 12
years of age. These books will be given the same amount of attention as those written by
their adult counterparts, distributed to schools and libraries by Follett Inc. (the largest
distributor of children's e-books to schools and libraries) and sold through all the major
online retailers as well as on order at any brick-and-mortar bookstore. The low expense
of electronic and print-on-demand publishing has made this innovation possible.
Of course my daughter is thrilled … how can she not be? Already all her classmates have
asked for her autograph and her school librarian bought a copy of her book. There's no
question a thing like this can do wonders for a child's confidence and self-esteem, not to
mention the way it also encourages and nurtures a child's artistic talents. She's already
planning a sequel and I can't blame her. Take a look at her book: Angel in a Bubble.
How did I find out about this publisher? How did my daughter come to write and
illustrate a book?
Actually, I didn't even know there were publishers who were doing this. I stumbled upon
this company while searching a publisher for myself. As to how did my daughter write
and illustrate the book, it happened last summer … yes, on those long, hot and often
boring summer days when you have nothing to do and wish school would start soon. We
turned the kitchen into an atelier -- papers, paints, brushes, pencils, crayons everywhere. I
wanted to teach her the whole process of how a picture book is made. She worked and I
supervised. Sometimes I helped, too. When she faltered, I kept encouraging her.
After five days (we worked about three to four hours a day), we had what is called a
dummy! When, a few months later, I stumbled upon Guardian Angel Publishing, I knew I
had to give it a try. Lynda Burch, the publisher, answered the same day. She said she
loved the book and would like to encourage my daughter's talent. The rest is history. My
daughter is the first author under this imprint, "Angel to Angel," but there are books by
other young authors in line as well.
Is this to remain an oddity or will it become a trend? I have devoted and plan to still
devote time promoting her book, but would a mom who is not an author know how to do
this? What about book reviewing? So far I have not been too successful gathering
reviews because most reviewers, while they congratulate my daughter on her
achievement, aren't sure how to critique a child's work. As a reviewer, I fully understand,
so I'm concentrating on gathering endorsements instead.
Guardian Angel Publishing is offering contests sponsored in elementary schools and will
select winners for publication. If your child has written and illustrated a book and you
would be interested in seeing it published, you may find more information and
submission guidelines on the publisher's Web site.
This publisher does the layout and cover design and publishes the book in various
electronic formats at its own expense. In this sense, it is a traditional electronic publisher
in every sense of the word. For the paperback version, however, which is optional, there
is a fee of $99 for the printer. A few other publishers and e-zines are venturing into this
new type of publishing and offering young authors the opportunity to express their talents
and see their work in print. Some of these publishers are Kids Love to Write Children's
Publishing and Booklocker, though this last focuses on novellas/novels and doesn't do
full-color picture books. There are fees involved so parents are advised to check the
publishers' Web sites carefully. Another company that works with children is First
Edition Originals. However, this company specializes in custom-made books and unlike
the other companies mentioned, the books aren't put for sale or distributed but rather sold
to the authors to be given to friends and family members. The books by First Edition
Originals can be quite expensive but are beautifully made and bound, and can compete in
quality with any hardcover book sold at major brick-and-mortar bookstores. I can attest to
their quality and professionalism because my daughter has published two titles with
them.
The low cost of electronic publishing has also made it possible for magazines to publish
young authors' works. Stories for Children, Launch Pad, Silly Books, Apollo's Junior
Muses, Wee Ones Magazine and Kids Bookshelf are some of the e-zines/Web sites that
consider poetry, short fiction and artwork by children.
For those kids who love reading and would like to review books, there are review sites
specifically for young reviewers: Building Rainbows and Reader Views Kids. Kids
Bookshelf (mentioned earlier) also publishes book reviews written by children.There's a
book available to help children draw and write their own books. The title is Helping Kids
Draw and Write Picture Books, written by Emily Hearn and Mark Thurman. There's even
computer software that helps kids ages 8 and up write and publish their work. The
program is called "Knowledge Adventure Books by You!"
In the end, I think this is something schools should definitely get involved with in order
to encourage students to read and write more. There must be thousands of talented little
authors out there who aren't even aware of their talents and whose creativity needs
unleashing and nurturing. Even if you don't submit to a publisher (though I have to tell
you, there's nothing quite like holding your child's published book in your hands!) writing
and illustrating a book is a fun and educational activity for your child during those long
summer holidays.
Kim Chatel said...

Tell your daughter congrats on her success. You both must be so thrilled.
I am also a GAP author (my picture book "Rainbow Sheep" will be out in May), so I
know the quality of their publications.
I hope my daughter will take advantage of the GAP program for kids one day. She is only
8 now, but she already likes to write poetry.
elysabeth said...
Mayra,
Congrats to you and your daughter. I noticed you have different last names. Is that
because you are writing under an alias? Now you could write under your own name and
wing it off your daughter's success. Only kidding because what I saw in a previous post
your "Magic Violin" book is well done and stands on its own.
Good job. I have been trying to encurage my kids to do something over the long summer
months but now it is too late; they are teenagers and have such large consuming activities
that it isn't any wonder I hardly see them over the summer (thank goodness though
because the more they are out and about, the more work I do get done).
Beautiful book and I will have to see if I can order the ebook (although the printed
version would be better for my nieces or my husband's granddaughters). Thank you for
encouraging the young ones in our lives. See you all in the postings - E :)
Beth Fehlbaum, Author said...

I'm a teacher and I'd love to share this info with my fifth graders, who are all children of
Mexican immigrants. What a cool way to empower kids.
Thanks!
Beth Fehlbaum, author
Courage in Patience, a story of hope for those who have endured abuse
http://courageinpatience.blogspot.com
My Pen Name and I... Have Broken Up
Hi all,
I wrote this piece last year, when my first children's book came out and I felt really torn
between having a pen name or not.
Best,
Mayra
Since I have several children’s titles coming up later this year and the next, I thought it
would be a good idea to get a pen name. For one thing, my children’s book publisher
advised me to do this. I write horror fiction, and normally people don’t like associating a
horror name with children’s books, which is a fair argument. The idea of acquiring a
double persona was also appealing in a dark way, like having multiple personalities
without being demented.
Many authors use pen names for different reasons. Some authors wish to keep their real
names private even though they only write in one genre. Others adopt pen names to
‘brand’ and distinguish their different works, as would be my case. Still others use pen
names because they find their real names too common or boring, not ‘catching’ enough.
Some authors use pen names simply because their publishers tell them to do so. There are
many authors out there who write books in similar subgenres (romantic
adventure/romantic suspense/paranormal romance, etc.) yet have multiple pen names for
each category.
It is often common for romance authors to adopt pen names that sound ‘romantic’ or
somehow match the theme and tone of their books. Sometimes pen names are useful to
avoid confusing readers. For example, an author who has written ten novels in only one
specific genre (like crime fiction) would be advised to use a pen name if he/she suddenly
writes a book in a completely different genre (historical romance) because fans of this
author would already have fixed expectations. Since I write in so many genres—horror,
dark paranormal, literary fantasy, satire, YA, children’s, and non-fiction—this rule
doesn’t apply to me. If it did, I would have to get too many pen names.
The reasons stated above could be viewed as advantages. However, there are
disadvantages as well, the biggest one being promoting your new or various pen names.
Let’s face it, with so many thousands of authors on the internet, it’s already an arduous
task promoting only one name. Authors who use more than one pen name have to spend
twice or triple the amount of time promoting all their names. Multiple pen names mean
multiple websites, blogs, author pages and email accounts, not to mention promotional
material like press kits, postcards, bookmarks—all these in the end amount to more
money. Still, with so many authors using pen names it’s obvious people think it’s worth
it.
But how do you decide if you need a pen name? Ask yourself the following questions:
*Do you wish to keep your real name private?

*Is your name too common, plain and ugly? (If you’ve always hated your name, this is
your chance to have a new one!)
*Have you always been attracted by the idea of having two or more personas?
*Do you wish to separate your fiction from your nonfiction?
*Do you wish to separate your different types of fiction from each other? (There are
situations where this is almost an absolute necessity. For instance, you should have two
different names if you write erotica and children’s books, for obvious reasons. The same
goes for books which are overtly violent, as is the case with some types of horror and
crime fiction.)
*Are you already known as the author of many books in the same genre?
*Do you loath or love book promotion?
*Do you have the time and resources required to promote more than one author name?
*Are you an author who also happens to be a self publisher? (If your name is Wilson
Harris, and you plan on self publishing your book under this name, you sure wouldn’t
want your small press to be named Wilson Harris Publications!)
As I said, in my case I didn’t want my horror or dark paranormal fiction to have a

negative influence over the parents who are going to buy my children’s books. I
considered various pen names and finally opted for M.C. Garcia, which in fact could be
considered as one of my real names—Mayra Calvani Garcia (this last one my mother’s
last name). It was ‘close to home’ so it felt good. I knew I needed a separate website
under this name, but I decided to wait and start a blog first to test the waters—boy, am I
glad I did. Because, you see, I made a big mistake before choosing that pen name—I
forgot to google it! I knew that Garcia was a pretty common name, but I never thought
that M.C. Garcia was just as common. Not only did I now have a common pen name, but
I also had to compete for search ranks among hundreds of thousands of others with this
name.
Even though I had signed with Technorati to send their powerful ‘spiders’ to detect my
blog tags, my blog/pen name was sunk under all those others M.C. Garcias on the net. A
lot of people told me that they liked my real name for children’s books as well, so in the
end I told myself, Why not keep my name as it is? For one thing, it is a pretty unique,
unusual name. It also has a nice ring to it. Yes, I write horror, but it’s not graphic or
particularly offensive. And anyway, even if I use different names, it’s not as if people
aren’t going to find out. After all, I would have to put a button on my children’s book
website directing readers to my other website, and vice versa.
While using a pen name for children’s books may not always be a necessity, having a
separate website is a must, and there’s a good reason for it. In the US, children’s book
authors cannot get their websites listed in many sites and rings and get free PR if their
websites contain adult book information. Okay, so I was decided. I would keep my name
but have a separate website under another domain name. This time, I wrote down several
possibilities, then I went straight to Google!
Most of my choices were already taken (so much for my originality!). Then I realized my
domain name would be unique if I added ‘Mayras’ at the beginning… thus
http://www.mayrassecretbookcase.com/ was born. I deleted the M.C. Garcia blog and
created this instead: http://www.mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com/. After a lot of
mental struggle, I think I’m happy with my decision.
Getting one or multiple pen names might work for you. Just make sure you get a few
opinions from your publisher, fellow authors, and friends before you make a decision.
Most importantly, be sure to google it too before going through the trouble and expense
of starting a blog and setting up a website.
Kim Chatel said...

Mayra I commented on this in your other post about writing horror and children's fiction.
I write both too, and sometimes a little mild erotica. My horror can be rather graphic, too.
So I opted for a pen name. For me, the choice was easy. Kim McDougall is my maiden
and legal name. I was married in Quebec where women don't take their husband's names
anymore. So I use my husband's name Kim Chatel (which is a name I love. It's
pronounced Sha-tel) for children's fiction. Luckily, both are unusual enough to google
well.
I also have two websites and yes, the promotion is double the cost. However, I'm not sure
if it's double the work (except for the websites). I would promote my children's books and
adult books anyway. We'll see. My picture book comes out soon and I am planning to do
a lot of promos. Then my adult fantasy comes out later this summer. So I'm up for a busy,
busy year.
Thanks for posting this article. It's nice to read about someone in a similar situation as
mine.

I love your last name--Chatel. It has a Parisian flair!
For me, it has worked well so far. Sometimes I regret not having a pen name, but
sometimes I think, "It's not a big deal". I mean, it's not as if I'm well-known as a horror
author. I don't know why it was such a tough choice for me, when I see many authors out
there writing under many names (frankly, I don't know how they do it!)
Kim Chatel said...

Thanks Mayra. Chatel is a French name. I love the flair too. You can take a look at my
websites www.kimchate.com Picture book coming soon. Stone Beach already out.
At www.kimmcdougall.com I have my Between the Cracks Digest. The Feb issue is up

now, but I'll be changing it in the next couple of days. As for horror titles, I have mostly
short stories. My two fantasy novels will be out this year with Double Dragon.
I'll be spending some time on your site too. Sounds great.
I forgot to mention, I actually have a third pen name! I had a romance novel published 10
years ago. I'm not sure why I used a pen name for that one, except that I don't usually
write romance. Anyway, I'm glad I did, because the publisher butchered it. The editing
was so poor, they actually made it worse, not better. I am thankful now that my real name
isn't on it. I don't promote it at all. My contract with the publisher expires next year. I
plan to rewrite it and publish it again under Kim McDougall.

I use a pen name to protect the privacy of my adopted son. His social worker strongly
suggested I use a pen name with my writing.
Later on I might even use another one for my other writing, including my edgy YA.
Mayra Calvani
http://www.mayrassecretbookcase.com/
Stacy Dawn
"A mother of two young boys, I live and work in a small

town in Southern Ontario, Canada. Married to my first
love, the antics of my own crazy family herd (as shown by
the picture) never cease to provide me with inspiration.
"There is nothing like a smile and the

laughter of children to fill the heart. I
sincerely hope Harriet brings a smile to
children everywhere....and not just the
young, for we are never too old to smile or
too young to learn."
Teensy Tiny Fun
Stacy Dawn
Good afternoon everyone! First let me thank Lea for

hosting such a wonderful week for both authors and
readers of Children's stories.
For those who don't know me, I have a new children's

ebook series out called, The Adventures of Harriet, the
Half-pint Holstein from Firedrakes Weyr Publishing. The
unique thing about Harriet is that she is a Very, very,
very small cow. Her humorous escapades have her
meeting all sorts of friends and finding adventures in big
and little places.
You may think an ebook series for children is also unique, but with the technology
flowing within school these days, ebooks are becoming more and more popular
(especially for the fact that they are much more easily stored on a computer than an
overflowing bookshelf). Children love the technology of computers, and to enhance their
love of reading along with this is a win-win benefit to kids, parents, and teachers.
Let's see, a bit about myself for today's introduction? I live in Southern Ontario, Canada
with my husband and two sons ages 4 and 6. I started writing Harriet after my first son
was born. I loved reading him stories and started making up some of my own.
Considering there are cows flowing out of my kitchen and office in all sorts of shapes and
sizes, it was a natural process to start writing about one. My goal has always been to
make the stories entertaining but also to touch upon the trials that children have with
being small in a big wide world. Harriet's adventures shows both the problems and the
accomplishments that come from being different and I hope her enthusiasm for
adventures captures the hearts of children of all ages.
I also illustrate the covers for the series. With a background in photograpy and graphic
arts, I was thrilled with the opportunity Firedrakes Weyr gave me to do my own
illustrations. I actually have a picture of Harriet in my office that my oldest son drew
when he was 3 years old--a purple, blobbing rendition that I love because even at a young
age, he was showing his mom some love and support. I am so blessed to have the full
support of my family behind my dreams.
In connection with my stories, I've created a website for Harriet where you can find her
stories as well as fun activities for the kids. So pop by http://www.harrietholstein.com/
for my books and some playtime fun!
I was also on the blogtalk radio program, The Puddle People, talking about the series and
reading excerpts from my stores. You can catch an archived copy here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/puddlepeople and scroll down to the interview with Stacy
Dawn!
As noted there on the side, I'll be giving away a Harriet Magnet and Bookmark as a
doorprize....and tomorrow is the release date for my second book of the series, The Troll
in the Chicken Coop!

The cover is very cute! Must be a fun series to young kids! Children find cows realy cute.
I know my daughter loves them.
Stacy Dawn said...

Yes, Mayra, they are a brand new e-publisher who opened their doors on January 31st.
They are working hard to get their name out there and their authors as well. They do a
variety of genres too and I was thrilled to discover an epublisher who also focuses on
children, that in itself is rare.

Hello Stacy. Loved your post. I'm looking forward reading about your LIttle cow who
gets into BIG and little things. :)
Also, thank you for introducing us to a new publisher.
I have to say I was glad to read that more and more schools are open to children's ebooks
because the opportunity to use a computer combined with reading educational books is
very appealing.
For Readers and Writers
How do you choose what to write/read for children? Is it also something you enjoy or
something you researched that you thought would be interesting for you/them?
Like I said earlier in the week, I have a collection of cows and just something about their
casual lifestyle strikes a peaceful cord with me. They are big and bulky and sometimes
funny looking--they are, to me, simply a happy animal. That extension of my mind set
lended to the eventual use of one as a heroine in my stories for young children.
Do you tend to gravitate towards things that touch a cord with you personally, or that you
hope will touch something within the child/youth you are writing for?
And yes LOL, I realize a lot of these questions are sort of a combination of both, but I
love hearing the process of other writers, what motivates them, inspires them, and keeps
them doing what they love in a very hard career choice. And also what readers are
looking for for their own children or as caregivers to others.
Stacy Dawn
www.harrietholstein.com
Carma said...
I think gravitating toward familiar ideas and stories are natural. Just recently I found
myself asking my grandkids for ideas since I see them everyday and they are a great
resource.

I have definitely gravitated toward what tugs at the heart strings with my first children's
book, Flying Hugs and Kisses.
What motivates me to write is my fourteen grandchildren who beg me to tell them one
more story before their playdate ends. I love encouraging children to have courage and
fun with made up stories about everyday events.

Stacy, I come up with a title believe it or not and then the story unfolds for me. I don't
think of a concept. Maybe I'm just wierd but a title does it for me.
Author/Illustrator
I've enjoyed reading about the various

author/illustrators this week. I do both for my
series as well, but this is the first time I've done
painting for more than just a hobby.
It was a little daunting to start with because,
though writing throws me out into the spotlight, I'd
never really shown anyone my artwork. Now, you
would think that wouldn't make a difference but it
was like submitting that first story--like sending
your baby off on the school bus for the first time
all alone out in the big wide world.
I remember the first manuscript I ever submitted
hoping for the best--that it would go straight to the
top of the pile and be the best they ever read (yes,
you can all snort, one thing submitting teaches you
very quickly is humility LOL) but all the while
nervous because I was revealing a large part of
myself. Well, that one and many more didn't make the cut but each one was a learning
process.
You learn more from the rejections, trust me. You learn to research and study your craft,
you learn to improve yourself, to practice and practice and write and write. The more you
do, the better you become until eventually, someone sees that spark--that voice you've
worked hard to project, and takes a chance on you. Publication is NOT an overnight
success. For most writers it takes years and years of honing our skills, working, building,
writing, editing, etc.
And I'll be honest, even now with a number of both

romances and children's stories published, the minute
I put a new submission or piece of artwork in the mail
or hit that SEND button, all the anxiety puddles
around just like that first time. I may have more
confidence in what I do now, but there is always that
element of putting yourself out there for all the world
to see and hoping someone believes in you as much
as you try to believe in yourself.
Writing, whether for children or adults, is a hard,
solitary business. You are the only one who can get
that story written down. You are the only one who knows how it is supposed to turn out.
You are the only one who can revise and revise and rewrite until it is ready for
submission. You are the only one who can take your baby and put them out into the real
world. And you are the only one who it REALLY matters to initially if it is accepted or
rejected. That's why moments and weeks like these, when we can get out from behind the
computer and talk to others about our work, about our dreams, and about what inspires us
to write these stories for you...and for ourselves...mean a great deal to me. It gives me a
chance to interact and have fun, to meet new people, readers/writers alike. To gain new
inspiration and new insights into the career I've chosen. To show me that all the work I
do alone has a vast amount of people waiting to share it when I'm done.
Each story, each picture has a piece of me in there, in the words, the expressions, the
colors, the expressions, the fun. I'm a pretty simple person, what you see is what you get.
And I'm blessed to have a supportive network of family and friends around me to give me
the encouragement to build my dreams and share them with you.
Thank you all!
Stacy Dawn
www.stacydawn.com
www.harrietholstein.com
Stacy Dawn
http://www.harrietholstein.com/
Suzanne Lieurance
Three Simple Writing Mistakes to Avoid
by Suzanne Lieurance
A few simple writing mistakes can often make the difference between a very good
manuscript and a not-so-good one that is rejected by publishers.
Below are just three of the most common mistakes I see day after day as a writing
instructor and writing coach:
1) Overuse of participle phrases to begin a sentence. A participle phrase usually begins

with a word that ends in the letters "ing." There is nothing wrong with beginning a
sentence with a participle phrase. But when you do it too often, it begins to draw attention
to itself and distract the reader from the action of the story.
Like this:
Reaching behind her, Mary grabbed her backpack and ran straight for the woods.
Pushing branches and tangled vines out of her way, she was able to find the foot path.
But a snake was stretched out across it. Turning around quickly and searching for
another way through the forest, she suddenly heard someone call out her name.
Notice how clunky that sounds.
When you finish writing a story, go back over it and circle all the sentences that begin
with a participle phrase. If you have several of these phrases on each and every page,
change most of them.
Like this:
Mary reached behind her and grabbed her backpack, then she ran straight for the woods.
She pushed branches and tangled vines out of her way until she was able to find the foot
path. But a snake was stretched out across it, so she turned quickly and searched for
another way through the forest. Suddenly, she heard someone call out her name.
2) Dislocating or projecting body parts. Yes, many writers actually do this in their stories.
The most common example of this is when characters' eyes leave their bodies.
Here’s what I mean:
I was angry at my brother. I shot my eyes across the room at him and gave him a dirty
look.
Yikes! Was the poor brother left holding those eyeballs, or were they just stuck on the
front of his shirt or something?
3) Dialogue that is punctuated incorrectly. The most common example is when characters
laugh words. They simply can’t do this.
Try it yourself. Can you laugh and speak at the same time? Not really. Yet, when you use
a comma to separate the dialogue tag from the dialogue itself, you are indicating the
words were laughed.
Here’s an example:
"I'd never try that in a million years," laughed Denise.
To avoid this mistake, simply use a period after the dialogue, creating two separate
sentences.
Like this:
"I'd never try that in a million years." Denise laughed.
As you can see, these common mistakes are easy to correct, but now that you're aware of
them, try to avoid making them in the first place and you'll be a much stronger writer
immediately.
For more writing tips visit http://www.workingwriterscoach.com and sign up to get

Suzanne Lieurance's two free ebooks for writers.
If you'd like to learn more about writing for children, visit the National Writing for
Children Center at http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com and find out how to join the
Children's Writers' Coaching Club.

I can't say enough about Suzanne's advice. I taken this advice (from quite a few
months ago) and actually have it tacked up at my computer for a good reminder
when I edit. Thanks Suzanne!!

Thanks. I totally agree with you. Yet I find these 'mistakes' often in books published by
major presses...
Holly said...
I always liked things like "She shot daggers from her eyes." Wha--? Or "She narrowed
her eyes at him." I think maybe cats can do that, but if I ever see a human do it, I'm going
to RUN.
Why Whining or Complaining May Actually Be Good for Your Writing

Career!
As a writing coach, I think I've heard

every excuse in the world as to why some
so-called writers just can’t create the
freelance writing career of their dreams.
I can usually tell right away if this

whining or complaining is either a “good
thing” or a “bad sign” as far as someone’s
potential career goes.
First of all, it’s a “bad sign” when writers

say they want to write and publish a book,
or they want to quit their regular job and
make a living as a freelance writer, yet - when I talk to them - they give me every reason
in the world for why they don’t possibly have time to write anything right now.
They work full time.
They have a very demanding family.
They have to go to exercise class every night after work and then they’re too tired to
write after that.
You name it and they’ve given me that excuse as to why they don’t possibly have time to
write anything.
Hmmm…don’t they get it?
Writers write.
They don’t just TALK about writing.
They don’t just WISH they had time to write.

They write.
Okay, so how can complaining or whining ever be a “good thing” for writers?
Well, when whining or complaining writers HAVE been writing on a regular basis, their
whining or complaining probably means they’re ready to step out of their “comfort zone”
and start querying more publishers, start pursuing more job leads, and generally, just start
doing everything they can to move to the next step of their writing career.
Since they’ve been writing on a regular basis, they aren’t about to give up writing - no
matter how much they whine or complain and talk about quitting.
I know that.
So I just listen to them whine or complain.
Then we get back on track, and they move out of their comfort zone and really start to
take charge of their writing career.
If you’ve been whining or complaining about your career, yet you haven’t been writing
anything, what do you have to complain about?
If you have been writing on a regular basis, and now you’re feeling discouraged because
your career isn’t moving ahead as quickly as you’d like, realize that this feeling of
discouragement just means you’re ready to take things to the next level.
Complain or whine to your writing coach, or to your spouse, or to anyone who will listen
to you.
Then get back to your writing - only start taking a few more risks now.
You’re ready.
For other tips and information to help take your freelance writing career to the next level,
visit The Working Writer's Coach at and sign up for The Morning Nudge. When you do,
you'll also receive two free ebooks for Writers.

Suzanne...I knew this was your post even before I got to the end. Everyone out there...if
any thing subscribe to Suzanne's Morning Nudge she's better than any exercise coach on
video that is constantly smiling at you while you try to do moves that really aren't
humanly possible. But the Morning Nudge is definitely a great kick in the pants. I can't
start my day without reading it first!

Suzanne, I've been known to kick a few writer butts in my career and you are right, allow
them to whine and get over a hurdle. They are 'real' writers who will finish a project
sooner or later.
The 'wannabes' talk the talk but nothing ever comes out of their 'talk'. I have an enormous
amount of patience and will guide many but when after a few hundred emails all I hear is
'but I can't do it' constantly, then I have to step back and give them some tough writer's
love, such as, "Then quit", and leave it in their ballpark. I never do this unless, as I wrote,
after about 50 or so emails from the same writer.
I find usually the newbie writers are shy to hand in their manuscripts to me in fear I'll
laugh at some of their typos or whatnots. Eventually, they see that writing is a craft based
on improving your know-how and we all start at the beginning. Two in particular
manuscripts I'm working on now with clients can't believe the improvement. However,
all I did was point out and offer suggestions and I tell them they should pat themselves on
the back because it was their determination to improve these scenes that made all the
difference in the world.
Guidance is all they seek and not judgement.
So thank you for your post today. Absolutely loved to hear someone else 'whine' about
the same thing. :)
Top Ten Mistakes Made by New Children's Writers
Okay. So I’m not David Letterman. But I doubt if

he’d know much about the top 10 mistakes made by
new children’s writers anyway. I, on the other hand,
read from 10 to 20 manuscripts for children every
week (I'm not bragging - I’m just an instructor with
the Institute of Children’s Literature). While many
of the stories I read are destined for publication, I
find that 10 common mistakes crop up again and
again in the other manuscripts I edit each week.
I’ll start with number 10 (just like Letterman) and work my way up to the number one
writing mistake made by new children’s writers (and, just so you know - I’ve been guilty
of making some of these mistakes myself, so don’t beat yourself up if you realize you’re
guilty of some of these, too):
10) No Clear POV Character – Children tend to relate to the POV character in a story.
This is the person they will root for. Make it clear right from the start whose story is
being told. Even if you have two main characters (twins, for example), you need to pick
just one of these kids to be your POV character. And, it should go without saying, when
writing for children, make sure your POV character IS a kid - even if Grandma has a big
part in your story.
9) Multiple Points of View – Unlike stories for adults, stories for children are generally
told from only one POV. It isn’t difficult to maintain a single point of view once you get
the hang of it. Just remember - if you are “showing” everything from your main
character’s point of view, then he or she has to be present for everything that happens. I
see stories all the time where the POV character suddenly leaves the room. Yikes! If your
POV character wasn’t there to see or hear what went on, then we can’t see or hear it
either.
8) Telling instead of Showing – Read a good story and chances are there is a lot of
action and dialogue (showing) with minimal stretches of straight narrative (telling). Too
much narrative and the story sounds like a summary. Readers don’t want a summary.
They want scenes with action and dialogue that make them feel they are actually
experiencing what is going on. So “show” as much as possible of your story through
action and dialogue.
7) Overuse of Adjectives, Adverbs, and Other Unnecessary Words – Do you really

need to say someone “whispered quietly” Or “shouted loudly” Or, my favorite - she
“nodded her head”? What else could she nod? Or, she “shrugged her shoulders” - she
certainly wouldn’t shrug her foot!
6) Dialogue That is Not Punctuated Properly – Get a grammar book to learn how to
punctuate dialogue properly. But, most importantly, remember to change paragraphs each
time the speaker changes. I read manuscripts all the time where three or four characters
are speaking, yet the paragraph never changes. Just imagine how confusing that is to the
reader!
5) Long Timeframes – I know Harry Potter takes place over several years. But, the story
also takes place through several books. Most children’s writers start out writing stories
for children’s magazines or they want to write picture books for very young children.
Either way, the timeframe in these stories should be rather short - a couple of hours or a
day or two. If your story takes place over a couple of weeks or (gulp!) a couple of years,
then you need to shorten the timeframe.
4) No Narrative “Hook” for the Reader – I know what you’re asking - “What is a
narrative hook?” Well, that’s simple. It’s just an opening sentence or two that “hooks” the
reader and makes him or her want to continue reading to find out what happens.
3) Dialogue That Doesn’t Sound Real – Listen to any child or teenager and you’ll find
out that much of what kids and teens say (at least to each other) tends to sound like a
series of grunts. So don’t have the child or teen in your story use words like “shall,” or
never use contractions. If you do, the dialogue will sound too formal and your work will
not have a child’s or teen’s voice.
2) Adults Who Step In to Save the Day for the Child – I know what you’re thinking.
Parents and other well-meaning adults DO step in all the time to save the day for kids. So
why can’t they do it in stories for children? The answer to that is - because children don’t
want to read stories like that. Stories for children have strong children (or children who
eventually become strong throughout the course of the story) as characters. This
empowers the children who read these stories. They figure, if the POV character can
solve his own problems then maybe they can too.
Now. Drum roll here.
The number one mistake new writers make in their stories for children is
1) No real conflict - There’s no story problem. Your POV character needs to face some
big problem right at the start of the story. Then, he or she needs to struggle and struggle
with this problem as he/she tries to solve it. That is, things need to keep getting worse and
worse until finally the POV character is able to solve the problem (or at least resolve it)
and change or grow somehow in the process. Without a story problem you have what
editors like to call “an incident,” and editors don’t publish incidents. They publish stories.
So that's my list of top 10 mistakes new children's writers make. Use this article as a
checklist when you're writing for children. Avoid these mistakes and you’ll be well on
your way to publication.
See you in print!

http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
*********************
Visit my author site at or the National Writing for Children Center at

www.writingforchildrencenter.com for more tips and resources for children' writers and
illustrators.

Yes, yes, yes, and so precise and simplistic that you would think any writer who has done
research on writing for children would know. But...
Carma said...
Suzanne you put it down in the KISS method. There is no
reason not to do it.
Show, Don't Tell - What Does That Really

Mean?
Do good writers tell stories?
Well, not exactly.
Good writers show stories.
To show a story instead of just tell it, you should include details that make the reader feel
he is experiencing the story right along with the characters, rather than just hearing about
it.
There are several ways to do this - through dialogue (you show the reader what the
characters are saying to each other), through action (you show what the characters are
doing), and through sensory details (you help the reader see, smell, taste, touch, and hear
what is going on).
This is telling: Mary was sad.
It doesn’t show the reader much.
It just tells him how Mary felt.
But can the reader really envision what’s going on with Mary?
Probably not.
This is showing: Mary felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. Then her eyes watered and
her bottom lip started to quiver before she burst into tears.
This lets the reader see what’s happening to Mary, then he can figure out for himself that
she must be sad.
As a writer, you want to take the reader to the action in the story.
Help him to feel as if he's experiencing it firsthand.
For that, you need details.
And the best ways to include details that show what’s going on are through action and
dialogue.
But you can also show a scene through sensory images - describing how a particular time
and place smelled, how it sounded, what it felt like, tasted like, and looked like.
Here are some examples of sentences that merely tell the reader something:
1. My room was a mess.
2. It was a beautiful day.
3. Mark had a terrible cold.
Now, here are the same situations, only this time, the paragraphs show the reader what is
going on in each situation:
1. Where was my homework? I looked under the pile of Legos behind my bedroom door.
Nope. I pulled dirty clothes, shoes, a green sandwich, and a rubber ball from under my
bed. Not there either.
2. Sun soaked into my dark hair and sweater. I leaned back and took a deep breath. The
smell of saltwater taffy and the sea filled me, and the breeze tickled my cheeks. I listened
to the children laugh and the seagulls argue.
3. "Achoo!" Mark sat up in bed. His head throbbed and his nose dripped like an ice cube
in July. He shuffled to the mirror. "Achooo!" SPLAT! At least he couldn’t see his puffy
face through the goo. Mark shuffled back to bed.
Once you get the hang of showing instead of telling, you’ll never want to go back to
simply telling a story again.
A story that includes too much telling and very little showing tends to sound like a
summary.
But showing things in a story makes every scene come to life for the reader.
And isn't that the kind of story you're really hoping to create?
See you in print!

http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
******************
For more writing tips, visit the National Writing for Children Center and find out how to
receive two free ebooks for writers and a free subscription to The Morning Nudge (a few
words of inspiration and motivation to help you get a little writing done each day). Email
Suzanne Lieurance to find out how to receive a FREE one month membership in the
Children's Writer's Coaching Club.
Suzanne Lieurance http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com/

Vivian Zabel
Vivian Zabel writes for middle grade and young adult
readers under the name V. Gilbert Zabel. As Granny
Zabel (the name given her by her oldest granddaughter
and used by all since) she writes children's books.
She has been around children and teenagers all her life:
first as a child herself, then a mother, a teacher, a
grandmother, and a great-grandmother. With a vivid
imagination, travels across the United States (including
Alaska and Hawaii) and overseas to Guam and Morocco,
and her life experiences, she weaves together tales of
ducks and geese, boys and baseball, and cowboys and
prairie dogs.
POSTS FROM VIVIAN:
*Hurries into Blog and Stumbles*
Ooops. Hi. I hurried in from a baseball game. Ryan is now a high

school freshman, and he and Colby aren't on the same teams as all the
base stealers club. The members, at least most of them,
do see each other often, though.
Did I hear you ask, "Base stealers club, what's that?" A small number of
the Jonesville Chargers banded together to help solve mysteries, first in
The Base Stealers Club and again in Case of the Missing Coach. Ish,
what happened to the colors in the cover? Very odd. *shakes blog but
colors still stay faded out*
Now you want to know who I am? Really, you sound like Pops.
I'm Vivian Zabel, or as the name I use for my young adult books V. Gilbert Zabel. I write
children's books for people ages 3 to 16, and I publish them for the same ages by other
authors through 4RV Publishing LLC.
Now, back to Ryan and Colby, oh, yes, and Shane. They are playing baseball again, but
maybe I can get one or more of them to visit this week. Ryan plays first base, catches,
and pitches. Colby plays third base and first. He pitches occasionally. Shane catches,
plays in the field, and on first.
I'll also invite some of the characters from the other 4RV books. Trockle is a cute little
monster who likes to make friends, and Buddy is someone who wants to be a cowboy,
who lived many years ago. We have a lion who lives in the living room, and a leopard
who sleeps in an easy chair. Bubba and Giganto, two of Lea's people, are going to be in a
book from 4RV, too.
So I'll visit tomorrow and try to have someone with me. Right now everyone else is either
playing ball, hiding under a bed or under the covers, roping and riding, or loafing in the
living room.
LEA: Why did you choose baseball as part of your storyline?

VIVIAN: I choose baseball because I love the sport and played whenever I could
growing up. Of course back then, girls couldn't play on any official teams, so I played
unofficial games and played softball with the girls.
Both my sons played baseball from the time they were very young until they graduated
from high school. Then three of my grandsons play ball -- all kinds of ball.
I also helped coach and took care of team books. I understand baseball probably better
than any other sport.
Besides, I wanted to write books that reluctant readers would find exciting.
Writing for children and teens

Hello, I'm back. I appreciate this opportunity, Lea.
Saturday, I attended a SCBWI (Society of Children Book

Writers and Illustrators) writing conference. The presenters
were editors from a few major publishing houses' children's
divisions, and an agent who represents authors of children's
and YA books.
I enjoyed the conference except for one jarring note: Some

publishing companies are promoting "weird" children's
stories and illustrations. Shock rendered me speechless when
a few of these books appeared on the power point
presentations: Text nor illustrations made sense. I could hear, in my mind, my great-
grandson asking me, "What is that, Granny?" And I would have to answer, "I have
absolutely no idea, looks like nightmares."
However, thankfully, the majority of the publishing houses want well-written, greatly-
illustrated books for picture books, and interesting appropriate books for chapter, middle-
grade, and young adult books. In fact, one of the editors of a major house is interested in
one of my books: Prairie Dog Cowboy.
"Yes, she liked my story."
Oh, hi, Buddy. Yes, she thought I wrote your story extremely well, but I have some
revising to do.
Revising! Yes, for the upteen-millionth time, I'll revise the first two chapters. Everything
else she liked, Buddy, especially you. In fact, allow me to quote her, "This is excellent
writing, and I really enjoyed reading it."
I could write a short book to cover all that the publishing company reps said, most helpful
and interesting. I'll try to slip in a few things over the next week.
The main message, though, contained the following: Read, read read; write, write, write;
network, network, network.
Everyone emphasized the necessity of attending conferences. I heard that message all day
long, and I agree completely.
Another idea reiterated by everyone, is that writing for children is NOT easy, in fact, as I
have said multiple times, writing for children is the most difficult and important writing
around.
Hmm ... maybe I rambled a bit, but I'll be back and try to be more organized.
Vivian
V. Gilbert Zabel, author of The Base Stealers Club, Case of the Missing Coach, and soon
Prairie Dog Cowboy.

I'm curious what kind of illustrations they showed.
At the last SCBWI Editor's Day I attended in October, TokyoPop was one of the
presenters. I was really excited about their presentation.
I love graphic novels! One of the last books I reviewed for Harper Collins wove in comic
book sections with text. Very fun! I blogged about the book the other day at
http://kbaccellia.livejournal.com
Congrats, on the feedback on your own book!
Vivian said...
The text of the books that were "way out" were just words strung together, words that
made no sense. The illustrations were ugly things that also made no sense.
Graphic novels are one thing, but these were supposedly picture books for children.
Notice, I am not giving any names of the items or people involved with the things I did
not like. The Harcourt and Random House editors were marvelous, and they both gave
great ideas. The sample books and illustrations definitely should have been published,
and were. The agent and they agreed on everything. I could do business with any of those
three.
One picture book that was adorable was Little Blue Truck. *sigh* Wish I had written
that.
I will be sharing some the ideas they shared with us as this week progresses.
Vivian Zabel
http://www.viviangilbertzabel.com/
Daddy, My Inspiration
By Lea Schizas
Writers each have someone in their lives who are their Muses, their writing motivators.
For some it may be a favorite author. For me, it’s the man who displayed his own
creative writing skills, who wrote with poetic flair, who had that savoir faire like
Shakespeare…my dad.
I remember going to weddings, even my own, where dad was always invited to be the
first person to make a speech, even if he wasn’t a family member. Not only would he add
humor to his speech and have everyone laughing and applauding, but he’d repeat it in all
the languages he knew: Greek, English, French, German, and Italian. His Russian wasn’t
the greatest, even though part of our ancestry is Russian from his grandfather’s side.
As a little girl I knew right away that I wanted this same attention from guests, readers,
family members…to read and write as prolific as my hero, Daddy.
My father passed away one year ago on April 16, 2007 and he left this world the way he
lived it- his way. He simply closed his eyes and entered the heavenly gates without a
complain, without a flutter of a last breath. Just…slept.
Before he left, however, he gave me the greatest gift a daughter could ever ask for. But
before I get to that gift let me add that three months before he passed away I had a dream
of 6:30. I didn’t know whether it meant June 30 or the time 6:30. Well, you guessed it:
dad passed away to the minute at 6:30am.
My last gift from dad? The man was riddled with brain cancer. Doctors told my sister
(dad lived in Greece with my mom at the time) that this man should have died a long time
ago, couldn’t figure out what kept him going, why he was so coherent, could walk, talk,
joke whereas it showed his upper body from his chest to his head, contained more cancer
cells than he’s ever seen before. My sister told him he was waiting to see his oldest
daughter flying in from Montreal.
I walked into his hospital room on April 16, 2007, he looked up at me, squeezed my hand
and asked me how my trip was. All I wanted to do was hug him, tell him I loved him. I
did neither…I played the game dad and I always played- we ignored the obvious and
tried to concentrate on other things. Two hours later, dad closed his eyes for the last time.
My only regret was that I should have told him I loved him but as I bent forward four
times kissing his still body and whispering in his ear, “I love you, daddy,” I am sure my
message was delivered to him.
If not, then here it is one more time, hoping a caring angel will deliver it to him:
“I love you, daddy, with all my heart. S’agapo.”

We hope you’ve enjoyed our
Writing For Children
Blog Fest e-Book.
Bookmark The Writing Jungle:

http://thewritingjungle.blogspot.com
And come back often since I’ve made all of my guests my
lifetime honorary bloggers. They’ll be popping in when I’m not
expecting them, scaring me with a quick “Hello there,” and
posting updates on their books, their writing careers, and more
helpful info for one and all.
Until our next blog fest, keep writing, keep posting, but more
than that…be well.
Lea Schizas
museitupeditor@yahoo.ca
http://leaschizaseditor.com/

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Beverly Stowe McClure:

Joyce Moyer Hostetter:

Kevin Scott Collier:

Daddy-My Inspiration by Lea Schizas

Beth Fehlbaum, Author said...

Donna McDine said...

Kim Baccellia said...

Link to my site: http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com

#1. Write about what interests you.

Kim Chatel said...

Jade Wants to Say Something

A ghost who doesn't want to be a ghost.

A girl who wants to forget her ex-boyfriend and his lying

A one-hundred-year-old neighbor who talks in riddles.

And a handsome sax player who changes everything.

Okay! Here comes Phoebe. I'm outta here.

You can find out more about Phoebe at:

Donna McDine said...

Lea Schizas - Author/Editor said...

Your main character wants something or has a goal.

Your main character takes certain actions to achieve her goal.

This, of course, is the plot of your story. For example:

Donna McDine said...

Lea Schizas - Author/Editor said...

Young Adult Contemporary,

Firmly believing that kids’ fiction can be

She is a member of the Writers’ Club of Whittier,

She has taught at the junior high and high school

Ms. Amato lives in Southern California with her

Sell Your Books to the School Market

Lea Schizas - Author/Editor said...

Kim Baccellia said...

So What's in a Teacher's Guide, Anyway?

Page 1 is the inside title page.

Page 2 is the copyright page.

Page 3 is the table of contents.

Page 10 is a word search with words from the story.

Page 14 is a recipe for Navajo fry bread.

Page 24 is an art project to create a sand painting.

Page 31 is another quiz, this time on Arizona.

Lea Schizas - Author/Editor said...

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Jewel Sample said...

Carol J. Amato said...

How to Write to the State Educational Standards

Cynthia Reeg said...

Carol J. Amato said...

Carol J. Amato – Stargazer Publishing House –

I want to thank Lea for allowing me to pop in and

My name is Christine Verstraete and my book,

The "tweens" novel, for children, young adults and

It features Samantha Carlton, better known as Sam,

Lea Schizas - Author/Editor said...

Adding a Different Story Dimension - Add a Dog

Writing SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT

Then a pesky, mischievous Dachshund named Petey

Why add pets to your story or book?

Kim Baccellia said...

Joyce Moyer Hostetter said...

Lea Schizas - Author/Editor said...

Butch, the 110lb German Shepherd and hero