Dreams Can Be Reached

Favorite Quotes

2012-01-12T15:06:00.000-08:00

"When life breaks into tiny little pieces, you must pick them up, examine each one with love, and place them back together."

~Naomi Canale

Current Work in Progress

You is smart. You is kind. You is important!!

2011-12-27T13:07:00.000-08:00

Hope you’ve all had a wonderful Holiday this season!

This year as I celebrated Christmas with my family, I watched many movies. I’ve been waiting to see THE HELP because I’ve wanted to finish the book first, but when my mother-in-law brought it with her into town I couldn’t resist. And OMG it was one of the BEST movies I’ve seen in a VERY LONG time. I couldn’t peel my eyes off the screen. This movie made my heart pound out of my chest and I don’t usually cry with movies, but I did. A lot.

As I thought about THE HELP, I thought about how hard it is to stay encouraged as writers and artists. But with Aibileen now beautifully branded into my mind I will never forget her words. I'm even saying them to my children, everyday!

So when you're having doubt never forget that you is smart, you is kind, and you is important!!

Happy writing/illustrating everyone!!

Favorite Quotes

2011-12-16T11:28:00.000-08:00

Last night I watched a great movie called, SHAOLIN. I'm a huge fan of Kung Fu movies! One because I've been in love with martial arts since I was nine. And two because I really admire the peace and serenity in the art and this movie definitely conveyed that. I heard one of the characters last night named, Cook, say this...

"I don't know any of this, all I know is it's worthless to train just the moves without the spirit."

This line says so much to me! And when I sat down to write today, I related this with my work.

How about you guys, has anything inspired you lately?

Happy writing everyone!

Formatting Pet Peeves

2011-12-15T14:33:00.000-08:00

This last weekend I met up with my fabulous critique group and the discussion of formatting our manuscripts came up.

So I thought I’d share with you VERY lovely blog readers some of the proper ways I've learned how to format my manuscript.

If you have any suggestions or input on things you’ve learned about formatting your manuscript or if you’re just knowledgeable on the subject, please DO share in the comments. It would be MUCHO appreciated!

Not very long ago I had an editor express interest in my work. So with A LOT of excitement I sent it and upon researching some of her pet peeves online, I found out that one of them was double spacing. Inside I was like NO, I didn’t format it properly?! After all the research and time I’d spent writing for the past five years, how did I not know this!?! Quickly, I figured out how to change this!

With a quick…

Select All ---> Ctrl f ---> Replace ---> Find period-space-space ---> Replace All period-space

Or if you want to change Word's sentence spacing behavior (On Windows):

Tools ---> Options ---> Spelling & Grammar ---> Settings ---> Spaces required between sentences ---> Change from "don't check" to "1"

…and voila you’ve now cut the manual task of fixing your double spaces. Double spacing was drilled into my head as a kid, but as many have said it's now just a hangover from typewriter days.

Another formatting pet peeve is the Tab Button. If you’re still using it, it’s probably not the best idea. In the fast changing world of technology e-readers are a very hot commodity— EVERYWHERE! Especially with editors and agents. The tab button isn't compatible on e-readers and with most of them reading your work on them you want to make sure to have it twinkling before their very eyes. So to rid your manuscript of indents just follow the steps below…

Select All ---> Ctrl f ---> ^t ---> Replace All

Next, click on Paragraph. Under the Indents and Spacing Tab, go to Indentation. Put Left and Right at 0". And then under Special for First Line make your paragraphs automatically indent by .5".

Hope this helps! Happy writing everyone!!

All about Nevada SCBWI's Mentor Program

2011-11-07T15:16:00.000-08:00

Hello my wonderful and very loyal readers! This weekend I had the great opportunity to talk all about Nevada's SCBWI's Mentor Program, at one of our local conferences. It went really well. But it really went well because my fellow mentee and critique partner, Tracy Clark lovingly helped me through the process. And not to mention that our group of writers attending were made of awesomeness as well.

So becuase I am in LOVE with the mentor program and think you all should sign up, I thought I'd share some of this weekends highlights on the program.

Here are posters about my emotional process through the program...

The Nevada SCBWI’s Mentor Program is such a rare opportunity. There aren’t many programs out there that offer something so unique and extraordinary. If you’re thinking of applying I would strongly encourage you to. You will walk away from the program with that extra jump you need to help bring your writing up to a higher, more professional level.

Our 2012 Mentor Program has something new this year! We’ve added a Published/Agented level, where before we just had a pre-published writer’s category. But even if you don’t fit into that group it’s still a very exciting and fantastic time to apply.

So what’s all the excitement about? Well, this year we have A-list authors like Holly Black, Kathleen Duey, and our very own Ellen Hopkins. But if you’re not published or agented we also have more A-list authors/agents for you to work with like Terri Farley, Verla Kay, Deborah Nourse Lattimore, Susan Hart Lindquist, Abigail Samoun, and Suzanne Morgan Williams.

And here's another fun visual (because I am a visual junkie)...

The Mentor Program is probably for you if…

You’ve been attending a critique group regularly and are beginning to get very positive feedback on your work.
You’ve submitted to publishers and received “good rejections.”
You’ve been invited to send more work to an editor.
You’ve published in other fields or other genres of children’s books and want to break into something new.
You aren’t sure if you fit any of the above categories, but the program seems made for you, and you are willing to work hard and respond to constructive criticism and comment.

The Mentor program may not be right for you if…

You expect publication and to get an agent immediately after completing the program.
You don’t like to read or write.
You think your work is perfect and needs little to no work.

Program Kick-off…

May 18-20, 2012 – Tahoe Writer’s Retreat, Stateline Nevada

Jennifer Rofé, from the Andrea Brown Literary Agency
Abigail Samoun, from the Red Fox Literary Agency

Helpful hints if you get into the mentor program…

Remember that your mentor is busy too. They’re not only busy with other fellow mentees but with family, writing, and whatever else life throws at them.
Your mentor will help find your weaknesses and help give you new strengths.
Embrace your fellow mentees. They are a great companion through the process.
Be patient and keep working hard on your manuscript.
Enjoy the process!

During the program…

May 18, 2012 to October 12, 2012
You will receive critique/revision/illustration input exchanges between mentors and mentees.
Each mentee will get at least 3 critical feedbacks, by mail or e-mail, provided he/she meets the deadlines.

Program Wrap-up…

October 12-14, 2012 (Fall Mentor Retreat, Virginia City, Nevada)
Guest editor to be announced.

The application deadline is December 1, 2011. So if you're interested check out The Nevada SCBWI's website here and GOOD LUCK!! Hope to see all your wonderful faces in the program this year!

Interview with Illustrator Alice Young

2011-09-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

Alice Young studied illustration at The Art Center College of Design. She graduated in 2001 with a B.F.A. in honors and then put a hold on illustration to pursue her other passion which ended in a M.A. in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics from Biola University in 2009. Now she’s back doing what she does best, which is creating the world through illustrations. She’s currently living in beautiful Southern California creating fantastic works of art for children.

Since this blog’s about offering inspiration to writers and artists, my first question for you is, do you have a favorite quote? If so, why is it your favorite?

"Had they but courage equal to desire?"- W.B. Yeats

This quote reminds me to not be a coward and to meet my desires with the courage to the see them through.

If you could go back in time when you first started creating and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t be hindered by a fear of looking like the fool. When I was younger, I did not ask as many questions or go for as many things as I could have because I was afraid to look like the fool. I don’t want to allow that fear to stop me now.

Who’s had the biggest influence on you? What did they do to inspire your art?

I have to say my biggest influence is my mom. She is not an artist, but an appreciator of the arts. She nurtured my creativity and surrounded me with tons of children’s books and art books growing up. I grew up seeing a lot of illustration styles that we don’t always see here in the States. I was exposed to a lot of illustrations from China, Japan, and Europe. I believe the style of my illustrations reflect these influences.

I also learn a lot from her. Like how to make the most of fragments of time. I tend to waste time that does not come in chunks. So she inspires me to get more done!

Are there ever times you feel your creative spark dying? If so, how do you light it back up?

Of course! It happens a lot. When this happens, I read. Reading is always very inspiring and gets the mind going. I also flip through magazines, listen to music, watch movies, or anything that might inspire. But sometimes, you just keep working and pushing through even when you’re not feeling that creative spark. I really believe discipline is more important than genius because I see how hard all the people I consider successful have worked for their success.

Do you have a favorite illustration you could share with us that has a story behind it?

That is a really good question! I have a hard time liking my own work, because I can see how it can be better. But I’ll share a recent piece I made for my promotional card. It is of pickled children. I was inspired to make this illustration after reading George MacDonald’s fairy tale, “The Giant’s Heart.” In the story, the giant eats children and likes them pickled instead of boiled; this is because he likes them crisp. I just couldn’t help myself after reading that!

Have you ever set a really tough goal for yourself and succeeded? Could you share with us what it was and how you accomplished it?

I don’t think it is the toughest goal I could have made more myself, but more than a year ago I set out to figure out how to make a website for myself. I took a few classes and finally launched my website in March. Even now, there are changes I would like to make to my site but I am going to need to do more learning for that!

If you could pick a word to describe yourself, what would it be?

Vicarious.

Thank you Alice! And I have to say that your website is, um, WOW! Great job. If you would like to find out more about Alice Young you should not only check out her website but her fun blog as well.

Favorite Quotes

2011-08-17T14:46:00.000-07:00

What I like in a good author is not what he says, but what he whispers.

~Logan Pearsall Smith

Totally Awesome Tuesday

2011-08-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

Out in the bloggity world lately, I've been finding different posts for certain days of the week, like Mention/Musing Monday or Follow Friday. And to be honest I'm not sure if there's one for every day of the week. But I thought today I'd make up Totally Awesome Tuesday because it's not Monday or Friday and the two of those don't quite put together how thankful I am for certain friends who dare to inspire, love, and reach a helping hand out.

An incredibly special writing friend who's done this for me and many others is Jackie Garlick. She's a fantastic YA writer represented by Adams Literary, has a fun Blah Blah Blah Blogger blog, and also puts on an amazing writers retreat/SCBWI conference in Niagara Falls. We met about five years back at a writers retreat in Lake Tahoe. Luckily, I've been able to spend more time with Jackie over the years and one of those times were more recently at SCBWI LA.

I've been out in the query trenches with my old wip and have almost gotten through the first draft of my new one. But before talking with Jackie, I'd been feeling discouraged because it's been hard for me to dig into all the reality I've put into my new wip. We sat and talked for a long time in the busy lobby of the Hyatt and the love and wisdom Jackie shared with me that day felt so powerful and deep. We both cried and laughed and when we said our goodbyes, I knew what had to be done with the entire arc on my wip. Friends are a powerful thing, and I feel so honored to call Jackie my friend.

Happy Totally Awesome Tuesday everyone!

SCBWI LA - A Recap

2011-08-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

SCBWI LA 2011 was an incredibly special year, especially because they just celebrated 40 years. Whoop! Whoop! And with keynote speakers like Judy Blume, David Small, Bruce Coville, Jerry Pinkney, Laurie Halse Anderson, the hilarious Libba Bray, and many more, I left feeling not just a creative spark emerging but literal fireworks!

When I arrived to LA I found my roommates Cyndi Kremsner and Jenny MacKay.

Then I ran into one of my critique partners Christopher S. Ledbetter whom I've never met in person, but already know so well (you definitely get to know a lot about someone when you read their work). And of course the fabulous Ellen Hopkins.

It was great meeting new friends as well. Here are some writer/illustrators I had lunch with and when they pulled their cards/postcards out for me to have, I couldn't have been more blown away with how much talent attended this conference.

Here's another great friend and critique partner, Amy Allgeyer Cook.

And since I'm such a blog fanatic I had to take another picture with Mary Kole. I've learned a ton from Kidlit.com and feel like she's been my teacher in a bloggy kind of way.

And one of my favorite Facebook friends and authors, Jay Asher. It was a blast hearing about his adventures in LA over lunch.

Bret Ballou from YA Muses and Kristen Crowley Held

Having more lunch with friends Craig Lew and Sarah McGuire.

Here's the delicious and VERY creative dessert we had.

Look I'm reading my dessert and oh, it was a damn good read!!

Then to end such a magnificent weekend, I saw these two guys dancing on the tarmac on my way home from LA. It counldn't have been a more perfect ending.

So if you've never been to SCBWI LA, I highly recommend it. You walk away with not only a new way of looking at your work, but inspiration from those who've already walked the author path and are extremely happy to help pass that energy and wisdom on to you to make sure you succeed as well. Happy writing and illustrating everyone!

Favorite Quotes

2011-08-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

"imperfections create character..."

— Ellen Hopkins

Interview with Author/Illustrator Anna Alter

2011-07-18T00:05:00.000-07:00

Anna Alter grew up surrounded by beautiful books and is delighted that it is now her job to make them. She attended the Rhode Island School of Design, where she studied illustration, then quickly began her career in books at Houghton Mifflin Company in the children's book design department. After learning the ropes, she began submitting her own stories and illustrations to publishers and has been creating books for kids ever since.

Anna's books have been selected as a CCBC Choice best book of the year, Bank Street College best book of the year, Junior Library Guild selection, Texas 2x2 Recommended Reading, and twice been included in the Society of Illustrator's Original Art Show.

In addition to writing and illustrating children's books, Anna has taught art and book making to audiences of all ages: she has worked as a preschool teacher, held art classes for grade schoolers, and taught a course on children's book illustration at the Montserrat College of Art.

Since this blog’s about offering inspiration to writers and artists, my first question for you is, do you have a favorite quote? If so, why is it your favorite?

I love this quote:

"When you write don't think, listen." -Madeleine L'Engle

It is so easy to over-think the writing or illustrating process. The times when I’ve been the most happy with the results of my efforts have been when I stop weighing decisions in my head and let myself get totally lost in what I’m doing. It requires some thinking of course, but its almost like the thinking is the framework you make to hold up the real work of listening to your creative voice.

If you could go back in time and give yourself a piece of advice, what would it be?

Relax. Don’t sweat it. Things will work out one way or another. Life continues to get more rich and interesting whether or not you get what you think you want.

What did you want to be growing up? Now that you’re an author/illustrator did this come as a surprise?

I’ve wanted to make books since I was fourteen, before that hmm… I guess I’ve always known deep down that I wanted to be an artist of some kind. And I’ve always known I wanted to be a mother. I am constantly surprised and grateful that I’ve managed to do both things.

In your writing career, who’s had the biggest influence on you? What did they do to inspire you?

All the books I loved growing up made such an impression, reading them felt so freeing. Beatrix Potter has always been one of my favorite author/illustrators, I just loved to pour over the tiny little worlds she brought to life. She is one of the reasons I love using animal characters.

Are there ever times you feel your creative spark dying? If so, how do you light it back up?

I get the most stuck when I worry about what other people will think and how they will judge my work. That is a sure fire way to kill your creative spark. When I get in that mindset, I try to talk myself down by focusing on what is enjoyable about what I’m doing. Which reminds me of another quote I love:

“Achievement is the byproduct of a happy life, not the goal of one.” -Elenore Roosevelt

Do you have a favorite illustration you could share with us that has a story behind it?

My favorite illustration from my new book, A Photo for Greta, is the one below.

The image popped into my head before I had really hammered out the story and yet seemed to fit through all the stages of revision, while just about all the other images around it changed. To me it sums up Greta’s spirit.

I too agree that this illustration sums up Greta's spirit, my eyes were glued on it while reading A Photo For Greta. Thank you Anna for sharing your wisdom, good cheer, and work with us. I feel so honored to have you today!

If you would like to find out more about Anna you can visit her site here. She also has a fabulous blog titled Painting Bunnies and frequently blogs on a group blog called The Blue Rose Girls.

Favorite Quotes

2011-07-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

“I think it’s important to – forgive me for stating the obvious – write ONLY WHAT’S NEEDED. What do you see? What do you hear? However, it’s also important to give the reader a fun ride. That means that you want to pepper the action with some fun stuff. I actually hate it when the writer talks TO the reader. EXAMPLE: “This chase scene is so great, TRUST ME. You’d rather be watching it than reading it.” — JJ Abrams

Favorite Quotes

2011-06-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

"For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die."

~Anne Lamott, "Bird by Bird"

Finding Your Voice

2011-06-18T14:16:00.000-07:00

Over at Kidlit.com, Mary Kole is doing The All-Important Beginning Workshop right now. Mary truly has a great eye on how to improve virtually any manuscript and I’ve been very fortunate to have a few critiques with her. Last year when Mary conducted her workshop, my submission was chosen. At first I face palmed myself and went DO’H (like Homer Simpson) and realized I had a lot of work ahead of me. Right away I started working hard (actually my butt off) because I knew if this dream of mine was EVER going to happen I had to find my voice, throw out every cliché known to man, and dig in deeper.

While I was plugging away I found out Mary was coming to town for a conference. I signed up right away and put in for a critique with her. I said to myself, “Oh I think she’s going to like what I’ve done and notice how hard I’ve been working!” Well, during our critique Mary had MUCH more to teach me and I had another Homer Simpson moment. This time she pointed out my over usage of metaphors and oh, that voice. You need to find your voice! She was so wonderful and I really enjoyed the time she gave teaching me more invaluable lessons.

I went back home with her notes and took a deep plunge. I started reading one hundred more books and blogs about voice, craft, and writing until my eyes just about went cross eyed. Then after sifting through the crap in my manuscript, I found out about The Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program and submitted my application. A few months later I got an email from Ellen Hopkins telling me I’d been accepted and that she was going to be my mentor. I was speechless! And I’m pretty sure that’s why I now have permanent smile wrinkles.

Ellen and I got to work. The first thing she told me was, “Find your voice!” She wanted to know who these characters were and why I was holding back. During the six months of the program I worked hard trying to find my voice and who my characters were without worrying so much about the theatrics. Ellen went on to teach me so much more and I’m forever grateful for all the time she sacrificed for me.

At the end of the program all the mentor’s and mentee’s met up in Virginia City for the weekend. When our group was up to read in front of the industry professional this is what I heard, “I really liked the voice!” Finally, I’d done it. I wanted to shout out, “EUREKA!”

I know I still have a ton of work ahead of me and lot's more to learn, but I’m enjoying every step of the way. So don’t give up when you have your Homer Simpson moments because if you work hard enough you’ll also have a EUREKA! Maybe ten. So tell me, what EUREKA’s have you had lately?

Favorite Quotes

2011-06-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it. ~Toni Morrison

Interview with Author/Illustrator Hazel Mitchell

2011-05-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

Hazel Mitchell recently finished working with Priscilla Burris in the Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program and illustrated HOW TO TALK TO AN AUTISTIC KID by Daniel Stefanski. Currently she is illustrating a series of chapter books for Kane and Miller by Anastasia Suen, and a search and seek book for Charlesbridge Publishing about New Jersey. She stems from Scarborough in Yorkshire England and now lives and works from her studio in Maine. She attended art college in York and Sunderland in the UK and worked as a graphic designer in the Royal Navy before running her print and design business in England. Her art has even been presented to the British Royal Family. Now she is working on writing and illustrating her own books as well as illustrating for other authors.

Since this blog is about offering inspiration to writers and artists, my first question for you is, do you have a favorite quote? If so, why is it your favorite?

My favorite quote is by Oscar Wilde;

'We are all lying in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.'

I think it speaks of the equality of humanity, and the state we are in - but some of us are dreaming and that's what makes life worthwhile. I hope I can help even just a few children dream.

If you could go back in time and give yourself a piece of advice, what would it be?

Believe in yourself and what you can achieve and stick with it. I have wanted to be an illustrator and writer from my earliest memories. I was always doodling and writing little stories and plays and comics for friends. And yet I always got sidelined by something else. I guess I didn't have an ideal childhood; my parents divorced when I was five and we moved around a lot. Although I showed early talent I don't feel my school was geared toward arts. I did have a great art teacher from the ages of 16 to 18 though, and his teaching kept me motivated for a long time. I don't think I was ready for art college. I did 2 years of my degree course and dropped out. I wanted to do fine art and my work was very illustrative ... here's where I should have believed in myself and asked for help! I didn't. But I am a great believer that life gives you what you need, when you need it. So my career path was a little crazy ... I joined the Royal Navy and I found myself working in graphics studios with excellent civil servant artists and learned a heck of a lot. It was a kind of apprenticeship. When I left the Navy I ran my own business in print and design. It was great experience. I started working with computers in 1988. Now, as I am starting to really follow my ambitions as a children's illustrator and writer, I find the experiences I had in my former work invaluable as well as having a wealth of life experience. It makes me what I am today! I also have professional consistency and persistence and that's important when you are dealing with publishers. I never forget that they are investing money and time in me. Yes, I wish I could have been where I am now fifteen years ago - but life gives us what we need, when we need it. (IF you are looking at the stars of course!)

In your writing career, who’s had the biggest influence on you? What did they do to inspire you?

I can't recall the picture books I read as a child. I started reading chapter books pretty early, and then moved on to adult works quickly. So as an illustrator I have had to go back and rediscover books that I didn't read, or have forgotten. I also have no children of my own so I didn't do the whole rediscovering children's books thing. Robert Louis Stephenson, AA Milne (and the drawings of EH Shepherd), Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake, Raymond Briggs. These are the books I remember. Then I moved on to classics, loving the Brontes and Jane Austen, Dickens. Like most children in England of my era I was addicted to Enid Blyton. What I really loved was pony stories ... ponies, ponies, ponies!

Right now I am being inspired all over again. And I am discovering a whole new set of writers .. because what American children grew up with is not what I was reading in England. So I have been discovering all the classic books here. I think what inspires me to keep doing what I am doing is what is happening right now in the children's book world. It's exciting to see and read about people like Dan Santat, Mo Willems, EB Lewis, Loren Long, Marla Frazee, Paul O Zelinsky and follow their careers, see how they are evolving. Just knowing that they are out there having the same struggles in their studios on a daily basis even at their level of success. Kind of like being in one big universal illustration club ... that's what keeps me going.

Are there ever times you feel your creative spark dying? If so, how do you light it back up?

I do run out of energy. But not out of ideas. Not yet!! My wall is covered in post it notes with ideas and projects. There isn't enough time. I am not good at leaving my studio though, once I am working, and that is the way to burn out. You have to balance your day. I get my mojo back by chatting with other illustrators and writers. Right now being part of SCBWI and attending conferences and workshops really keeps my fire burning. If I am feeling really jaded it's good not to work on anything for a little while. But sometimes that is not possible with deadlines. I think routine is important. Sitting down with a pile of books always gets me inspired. Going outside and remembering there is life beyond the drawing board. Having a snooze and a cup of Yorkshire Tea. Yeah, that perks me right up!!

Do you have a favorite illustration you could share with us that has a story behind it?

This is a picture that has been in my head for about 8 years. I started a story about a boy and a dog with hidden powers and doodled a rough sketch in a notepad. This story has been evolving a good while and has gone from a picture book to a middle grade, back to a PB. I found the sketch and worked it up. I really like this kind of sketchy style and colour palette. I don't know if I will ever finish the story. But I kind of feel like this boy is me. Everything is spread out before him and he just has to follow the path. He's not sure where the journey will end, but whatever is over the mountains is sure to be marvelous! That's where I'm going too!

If you could pick a word to describe yourself, what would it be?

Enthusiastic. (Just one??? REALLY?)

Thank you so much Hazel. You are an inspiration! I too look forward to watching your career. And please do visit Hazel's blog, website, pixel shavings, and flickr to learn more about this inspiring author/illustrator!

Overcoming Our Hurdles

2011-05-18T00:07:00.000-07:00

The state of Nevada has one of the highest suicide rates among teens in the nation. When I read that statistic it got me thinking about teachers, authors, writing, and books.

When I was little I constantly struggled. Any chance I got I would act out in class for attention, whether it was trying to get the attention I wasn’t getting from home or making a joke out of the frustrations of not understanding. In second grade I was held back and when third grade came along I was tested for learning disabilities. Years later they found I had dyslexia. Then life got really hard for me in my teen years when my sister ran away and started prostituting herself on the streets of L.A. for drugs. I’d fallen so deep into depression that I became a suicidal teen. It was hard for me to find a book I could relate to or find a teacher who could understand where I was coming from, because to me, no one understood.

It’s heartbreaking to see kids in despair and feeling like life can take no better turn. But as writers we are given gifts of words and roots of wisdom to help the next generation ahead of us. We can’t get caught up in the cannots, because wherever you look, the woes of the industry will bring you down. Remember why you opened that first document and wrote your first words. It was passion that compelled you, and that same passion will leak into your readers.

Writing can be extremely difficult for me, but that doesn’t make me quit. This industry can be cruel and full of rejections, but it can be very fulfilling as well. Author Richard Bach once said, “A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” It all depends on how you look at it. Sometimes negative thoughts come to my mind and I think, why keep going? I just do, because one day I’ll get there. Even if it means I have to write a billion words first, it’s okay, because every day by not giving up I defeat the adversity that was handed to me. Each word I write is another hurdle I’ve overcome with dyslexia, and hopefully those words will one day be a light to a struggling teen like I was once.

Just as amazing teachers help children face these types of issues daily, we as writers need to be delicate with every word we put on the page, help them take a stand against what they’re facing, and help them overcome it. Whether you write something life-changing, controversial, or downright funny, you have the opportunity to say something.

Life is a gift, so treat it as one. Say something, say it well, and say it with passion!

This comes from an article I wrote recently for The Nevada SCBWI Zephyr...

A Quote From The Archives

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

Recently Laurie Halse Anderson won Teen Choice Book of the Year! So to celebrate such an amazing author I bring you a quote from the archives…

"Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly."

-Langston Hughes

"When I was in fifth grade I was given a poster with this poem on it. This poem has kept me going ever since fifth grade; through heartache, disappointment, rejection letters, harsh reviews, and those days when the only words that want to flow seem to be the wrong one. Thanks to Mr. Hughes, I held on to my dream and sheltered it from the storm, when necessary. Now my heart can soar!" - Laurie Halse Anderson

2011-05-03T00:30:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Ending

The other day I came across a music video titled BEAUTIFUL ENDING and it really got me thinking. As I watched the video it felt like the characters from my book were singing to me asking me to write a beautiful ending for them. I thought to myself, do I really have a beautiful ending? And that thinking led me to an amazing quote by Helen Keller;

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.

How beautiful is that! One of the BEST things we could do for our readers is to recreate this quote into what we write. Life is made up of so many wonderful senses, colors, and memories that fill our hearts full. If we dig in deep, we can definitely weave the beauty of life through a story for a Beautiful Ending…

2011-04-29T09:39:00.001-07:00

Don't use words too big for the subject. Don't say 'infinitely' when you mean 'very'; otherwise you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite.

C. S. Lewis

A Quote From The Archives

2011-04-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

Last year I did an interview with Jay Asher. He shared some great knowledge! When I asked him what his favorite quote was he had some amazing things to say. Happy Monday everyone and enjoy this great quote from Jay Asher...

“Well! Here comes ol’ Charlie Brown!”

That line wasn’t intended to be inspirational when it was written, but it is! It’s the text from the first panel of the very first Peanuts comic strip, and I’m a huge Peanuts fan. When he wrote that, Charles Schulz had no idea where his big-headed characters were about to take him. I love the idea that we, as artists, never know when we’ll create something which truly connects. All we can do is keep trying new things.

NEVER SURRENDER

2011-04-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

Lately I’ve been thinking about why writers quit. The other day I ran into an old critique partner and our conversation went a little like this;

Me: So how’s writing going?

Friend: Oh I gave up a while ago.

Me (now with sad face): Really!?!

Friend: It just got discouraging!

After a few moments of smiles and catching up, my friend was on her way. This made me feel so gloomy. She’d always talked about her dreams and excitement of getting published one day. As I walked away I could only wish I wasn’t the one who’d discouraged her. So today I’m hoping (for those thinking about that route) to encourage you in your dreams in writing.

My life is made from lists. Here is a list on why people probably quit…

1. Too much work

2. Lack of confidence

3. Don’t know what to write

4. Don’t have the time

But as my mama always said, “If the good list out weighs the bad, keep going!”

Here’s a list on why people write…

1-100. WORDS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD

102. Cheaper than a psychologist

103. One day it will be appreciated

104. It’s fun

105. One day it may change someone’s life

My good list definitely out ways the bad!

Here are some handy persevering facts...

Thomas Edison conducted 18,000 experiments before he invented the electric light bulb.

Dr. Jonas Salk worked for 3 years before he succeeded in finding a medical weapon against polio.

Abraham Lincoln failed six times before he was elected as President of United States.

Albert Einstein said: "99 times out of 100 I am wrong, but that hundredth time, I'm right"

One thing all these amazing men had in common was how they never realized their potential without the character quality we call perseverance.

Per•se•ver•ance

Steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

So hence forth writing friends and don’t give up, even if you write one word a day because YOU CAN!

What would you add to the Good List?

Wednesdays Quote

2010-09-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.

C. S. Lewis

Interview with Editor Emma D. Dryden

2010-09-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

Emma D. Dryden has edited nearly five-hundred books for children and young readers. As a publisher, she oversaw a staff that ranged between six and eleven editors and the annual publication of over one-hundred hardcover and paperback titles. During her tenure with Atheneum and McElderry Books, the books she edited consistently garnered starred reviews, were named to year-end “best of” lists, received regional and national publicity and acclaim, and have hit the bestseller lists in USA Today, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, and other national publications. Emma is a native New Yorker and when she’s not editing, she’s also doing some writing of her own.

Since this blog is about offering inspiration to writers and artists, my first question for you is, do you have a favorite quote? If so, why is it your favorite?

One of my favorite quotations is the last three lines from the poem “Lilacs in September” by Katha Pollitt:

“What will unleash / itself in you / when your storm comes?”

As we go about our living our lives—forging and managing relationships, raising kids, holding down jobs, running errands, going on vacation, getting the car fixed, writing books, and everything else in between—we can so often become complacent and comfortable with all that we have or do. It’s all good. But then, suddenly, something unexpected happens that shakes us to our core—illness strikes, we move into a new home, we experience a death of a loved one, we fight with a friend, we get laid off from a job—and this sets off a storm inside of us, a storm for which we weren’t prepared. And it’s what gets unleashed during this storm that I find so compelling, because through the grief, fear, and rage can come some of the most potent and exciting creativity, artistic expression, and determination to move forward. Just as a ferocious forest fire results in extraordinary new growth of seedlings, so too can our own storms result in important new growth within ourselves, forcing us to try things we never thought we would.

You have edited so many books that have gone on to win prestigious awards and that constantly become New York Times Bestsellers, WOW! I applaud you for having such a phenomenal eye! If you could be one character out of all the books you’ve edited, who would it be and why?

That’s a great question and a hard one to answer. In pondering this question, I realize that I do put myself into the shoes of each of the characters in the books I edit in order to try to experience the world through their own senses. I think some of the characters in the teen novels I have edited have it too tough and I don’t know how much I’d like to really be them; I already lived through my own teenage years and am not up to living through those years ago! On the other hand, I think I’d love to be Hare in Karma Wilson’s BEAR SNORES ON picture books—Hare’s the sort of steadfast, true, sensible friend I’d like to be to people. Or Fred, the young girl in Kirkpatrick Hill’s YEAR OF MISS AGNES, whose eyes are opened to the world and to herself by a very special teacher—it would be marvelous to be so open again, to be so innocent to the world and be amazed and excited by everything someone teaches you that you never even knew existed in the world.

Recently, you started your own editorial business and it has already been getting a ton of great attention in the publishing world! What encouraged you to begin your own company and take that leap of faith?

Being laid off from Simon & Schuster after having been there for 19 years was an extraordinary experience. One thing it taught me is that there is no guarantee for anyone’s security in the current economic environment. There being few to no jobs available for someone with my skill sets, background, and salary requirements, I launched drydenbks not because I wanted to, but because I had to—to make a living doing what I do best, which is editing children’s books. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen when I started the company, but I counted on the fact that I have a remarkably strong support system within the children’s book industry and the fact that I have retained close professional and personal relationships forged during my many years at Simon & Schuster to provide whatever ballast I might need to keep drydenbks afloat—and it’s working so far. I am busier than I ever expected I’d be.

You have come across many writers and artists in your career. What piece of advice have you given most to writers and artists?

Honestly, probably the two pieces of advice I’ve shared more often than anything else with most of the authors with whom I’ve worked or with whom I’ve consulted are:

(1) Read, read, read! Reading all sorts of books that are being published for young readers is a way to hone a writer and illustrator’s own skills, it can help them determine what they like and don’t like about a book and think about how they might do something differently, and it will give them some understanding of the marketplace.

(2) Show, don’t tell! The challenge for most authors is to engage a reader by enabling them to feel what a character is feeling and sensing without actually telling us what the character is feeling and sensing. Through actions and dialogue, a character’s emotions and senses can be expressed in ways that will resonate with readers, but it’s often very hard to do and takes practice.

In light of the current marketplace and in light of all that’s going on in the digital space that’s having an effect on the publishing industry, I would advise authors and illustrators to listen, learn, stay engaged, and stay flexible.

You’re known for editing a lot of poetry over the course of your career. So many people are afraid to work with poetry; what about poetry appeals to you and why?

I have always loved listening to and reading poetry—the cadence and music of poetry when it’s read aloud can be soothing, entertaining, provocative and thoroughly engaging. The story of a poem is something I find remarkable—every poem (including certain picture book texts as well as poems that comprise novels in verse) is in itself a highly condensed, tightly crafted story that relies solely on showing, rather than telling. Next to nothing is told, but such vast amounts can be shown through image, word choice, rhythm, metaphor, and indeed through the white spaces—the pauses and space between words, lines, thoughts. I love writing poetry—for me, it’s the most challenging kind of writing to do because it’s about paying attention to form as much as expressing a lot with so little—and I love editing poetry for the same reason.

When you are having moments when nothing seems to fit, how do you find what you are looking for and make a story come to life?

I ask myself questions about the characters in the story—what would they say? What would they feel? What would they do? I look to the characters’ motivations and emotions to drive the story forward, to set up and resolve the drama. One author with whom I’m working conducts interviews with his characters and writes down the questions and answers—I think this is a terrific way to bring a story to life. Sometimes I turn narrative into dialogue, to give more of a personal voice and immediacy to a story. Sometimes I try a different perspective in which to tell the story—first person to third person or third to first.

If you could pick a word to describe yourself, what would it be?

Enthusiastic.

Thank you Emma for this interview! You're a beautiful writer and I love your philosophy on life and writing. Your knowledge is priceless for so many and I am so happy to have pulled more of it from you in this interview!

If you would like to find out more about Emma D. Dryden, you can visit her magnificent website, follow her on Twitter, or become a frequent visitor to her blog.

Wednesdays Quote

2010-08-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

Today's quote comes from Susan L. Lipson. She is a writer, mother, and teacher and has two very wonderful blogs, Writing Memorable Words and Writing for Students and Teachers: Inspiring Awe for Words and Awesome Writing.

"If you worried about today yesterday, and today has turned out okay, ask yourself why you ruined yesterday with unnecessary worrying. And if today turned out lousy, ask yourself why you had to ruin yesterday TOO? One bad day is enough. In short, worry is a waste of energy."