tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34739473215648399642024-03-18T21:33:27.154-07:00Romelle BroasRomelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-58456355390726296782016-05-23T12:39:00.000-07:002016-05-23T12:39:04.098-07:00The Nevada SCBWI Mentorship Experience- Part II<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So You Want to Become a Mentee</span></span></h2>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">for the Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">OR</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You Want a Mentor</span></span></h2>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>First, you need to know what you want in a mentor.</b></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Here are my personal top 3 qualities I look for in a
mentor:</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1) Tall<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2) Dark<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3) Handsome<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, looky-looky here. As luck would have it, my mentor
Jim happened to fit the bill! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPFZyEB4axFXeBCq4SucUXnRLvDstYgkWJsKT-zmAwcR_gkvIxN9JwgN6QYhrf5Dxdcm1LTeE6LFNsDFg8VSNgrvqFjLR4-IluIN0F8gllpm7dU_Zc2MwZjGDfMWfmOcp_R8KWyleVg1v/s1600/Jim+averbeck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.jimaverbeckbooks.com/" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPFZyEB4axFXeBCq4SucUXnRLvDstYgkWJsKT-zmAwcR_gkvIxN9JwgN6QYhrf5Dxdcm1LTeE6LFNsDFg8VSNgrvqFjLR4-IluIN0F8gllpm7dU_Zc2MwZjGDfMWfmOcp_R8KWyleVg1v/s320/Jim+averbeck.jpg" title="Jim Averbeck" width="221" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Okay, these qualities are more like bonuses. Below are
the qualities to really look for in a mentor. Really. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are my TOP 10.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A good writing mentor is someone who is: </span></span></h3>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; text-indent: -24px;">Experienced in your genre and willing to share their skills, knowledge, and expertise</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Interested in your development as a writer and your success</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Respected in the industry or has great references</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Easy to reach</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Devoted and willing to spend time and energy mentoring and guiding you</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Up-to-date with the market</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Interested in knowing your strengths and weaknesses and building from it</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Honest with their feedback and gives constructive criticism</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Organized</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Supportive</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program has some of the best mentors in the industry. Check the website for updates on mentor panels.</span><br />
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<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>From their <a href="http://nevada.scbwi.org/nevada-scbwi-mentor-program/" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #b02c1e; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">website</a> [<a href="http://www.liakeyes.com/nv-scbwi-mentor-program/">via Lia Keyes</a>]:</b></span></em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: oxygen; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Past mentors have included National Book Award Finalists, New York Times bestselling authors, Caldecott Medal–winning illustrators, Coretta Scott King Award winners, Charlotte Zolotow Award winners, million-selling series authors, art directors, editors, publishers, and agents. We hand-pick mentors who are gifted both at creating children’s books and at teaching. Many Nevada Mentor Program alumnae have gone on to win awards, land agents, and sign book deals.”</em></strong></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>How to Apply for the Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg095em_G-GJGaD3VxXacQR8LkR7Coi5s2coDsIJRgk5kWkWgtGI27isz-SnFqThcNvJPpcJDuExESEa4l3masia0sXYqlnfQRtI2WwLxKFbOE1beh9V5lsBjyjMrP_fSZvvzUa_UyfoWvy/s1600/logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg095em_G-GJGaD3VxXacQR8LkR7Coi5s2coDsIJRgk5kWkWgtGI27isz-SnFqThcNvJPpcJDuExESEa4l3masia0sXYqlnfQRtI2WwLxKFbOE1beh9V5lsBjyjMrP_fSZvvzUa_UyfoWvy/s320/logo.jpg" width="273" /></a></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Visit the SCBWI Nevada Chapter for <a href="http://nevada.scbwi.org/nevada-scbwi-mentor-program/">more information</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Here is the gist of it:</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Fill out the required application</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Send in three of your most promising manuscripts.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Choose two mentors you'd like to possibly work with in
order of preference.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Your manuscripts will be given to your choices.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The mentors then read the [blind] manuscripts given to them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mentors choose two (sometimes three) they feel have promise.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Hopefully, one of the two mentors you've selected has
chosen you to work with.</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJO34caYwm9SChpKkGqyLAAl_E0-0Kf2_XRds1QbTw5zsxRRj7lEeJMlBKeGxHhFXKL_4DHaYnxKhxhF12Dz2tJ7O4XI5v0EaoRawa_FW51UKv84Dyg82b-IG2APBkzl62Y71XojdEsiZ/s1600/tips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJO34caYwm9SChpKkGqyLAAl_E0-0Kf2_XRds1QbTw5zsxRRj7lEeJMlBKeGxHhFXKL_4DHaYnxKhxhF12Dz2tJ7O4XI5v0EaoRawa_FW51UKv84Dyg82b-IG2APBkzl62Y71XojdEsiZ/s200/tips.JPG" width="139" /></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program is a one-of-a-kind experience. Curious about what goes on? You can read my story <a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-nevada-scbwi-mentorship-experience.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>TIPS</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Choose your best work for submission. (You'd be amazed at how much more can be improved. If you are sending a picture book, many times the mentor will allow up to three to work on. If you are chosen as a mentee, you can ask if your mentor will be willing to look at a different manuscript you'd prefer to work on.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Choose a mentor experienced in your genre</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Avoid choosing a mentor in hopes of that editor/agent
representing you. Choose them for their mentorship!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Take advantage of their expertise. Don't be afraid to ask
questions during the six-month course. You may want to create a list of
questions ahead of time so you don't end the program with any regrets.</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nBz5iRX-vDWptR6_Ch5QAOcjgfbR5rBzvp25ZPM0ThxWWb_HlHhr_OplIWm1d5HsTa4ATa4ZH0ZKTN-9k2dxW8qheSQqN40zFl8orawSXe7mX2ZxOFqHYpfrUJFcwdilVuTNVDF6xOSA/s1600/caviar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nBz5iRX-vDWptR6_Ch5QAOcjgfbR5rBzvp25ZPM0ThxWWb_HlHhr_OplIWm1d5HsTa4ATa4ZH0ZKTN-9k2dxW8qheSQqN40zFl8orawSXe7mX2ZxOFqHYpfrUJFcwdilVuTNVDF6xOSA/s200/caviar.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>CAVEAT [not to be confused with Caviar]</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The price of the Nevada Mentorship Program is steep. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If
you have to travel far to get to Reno, you need to factor that into the price
of tuition since transportation is not included. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can probably find a mentor for fraction of the cost
of the Nevada Mentorship Program. But remember, tuition includes mentorship, craft intensive workshops, lodging, and most meals. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Please note that the six-month program doesn't mean you are away for six months. It means, you get to work with your mentor for six months. </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">There are two (separate) 3-day weekend retreats. One at the start of the program, the other at the end. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Nevada
Mentorship Experience, the support, friendships, the networking with
agents, editors, authors, and the relationships built are priceless. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the retreats you
sleep, eat, mingle with agents, editors, and authors. It's the "dorm
room" experience which gives the program a more intimate appeal. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Communication varies with each mentor, ranging from
emails, Skype, and phone calls. Usually your one-on-one is limited to an hour
at a time, three times during the six-month program. You will not know the
arrangement until your first meeting with your mentor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;">Everyone's mentorship experience is unique to their mentor-mentee relationship, which is why it is so important to choose your mentor wisely!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>~ Happy Writing!</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>For more on the experience visit:</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><a href="https://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2015/04/16/the-nevada-scbwi-mentor-program/">Kathytemean.wordpress.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><a href="http://www.liakeyes.com/nv-scbwi-mentor-program/">LiaKeyes.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><a href="http://www.sylvialiuland.com/2013/11/Nevada-SCBWI-Mentor-Retreat-Fallen-Leaf.html">SylviaLiuLand.com</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-nevada-scbwi-mentorship-experience.html" target="_blank">My story</a> </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%C2%A0http://nevada.scbwi.org/nevada-scbwi-mentor-program/">Nevada SCBWI</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-42696282285578928442016-05-02T10:00:00.000-07:002016-05-23T12:40:19.170-07:00The Nevada SCBWI Mentorship Experience- Part I<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>Motivating. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>Inspiring.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>Validating.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">That about sums up my Nevada SCBWI Mentorship Experience.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">The Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program runs from October through April. I was fortunate to have been selected for the six-month program. As a mentee, my mentor takes me under his wings and shares his expertise to help me become a better writer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I was over-the-moon when I found out Jim Averbeck would
be my mentor. </span><a href="http://www.jimaverbeckbooks.com/" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">Jim Averbeck</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> is the author of ONE WORD SOPHIA, IN
THE BLUE ROOM, and more.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMEP5Nn_LGSm3iZoNi8UwKSD17g4LGu0jeVVE9H9eQiBZ8dTaK242HqYwS7_I2WETfx9KclJlZGsgd198wWfY-NLoSk_MsNEzsPKqybSpnr2xp14Vvt15iFOOdU-Uh5O7jEO4qL1C_JRF/s1600/one+word+sophia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMEP5Nn_LGSm3iZoNi8UwKSD17g4LGu0jeVVE9H9eQiBZ8dTaK242HqYwS7_I2WETfx9KclJlZGsgd198wWfY-NLoSk_MsNEzsPKqybSpnr2xp14Vvt15iFOOdU-Uh5O7jEO4qL1C_JRF/s1600/one+word+sophia.jpg" title="http://www.amazon.com/One-Word-Sophia-Jim-Averbeck/dp/1481405144/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462058845&sr=8-1&keywords=one+word+by+sophia" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Picture Books by Jim Averbeck:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One Word from Sophia (2015)</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Market Bowl (2013)</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oh No, Little Dragon (2012)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;">Except If (2011)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">In a Blue Room (2008)</span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Oh-Little-Dragon-Jim-Averbeck/dp/1416995455/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349158337&sr=8-1&keywords=oh+no+little+dragon" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;"></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many of you have asked me about the details of my experience so I am sharing it with you today. Here is my story.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">THE NEVADA </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;">SCBWI</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">MENTORSHIP EXPERIENCE</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">MY STORY</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Beginning</span></span></h3>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The kick-off of our mentor program took place in Reno,
Nevada. I was nervous about my meeting with Jim. I've seen him on occasion at local and international SCBWI conferences, but that's about it. One time I actually grabbed him without even introducing myself
and asked someone to take a photo of us. I'm sure he doesn't remember this. <b>Bold</b>, but worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQ3Bdqsk1Dp1YKsw2PnRpazimYx3HuVtC-sHtDgynrJlohnyh9CL8harq8aCEFq9cFHuYC8CjuifBJxHZqjJFKSPU6sMebxxAoet-6VhT0-iWEoi4cw18fAw3qALV7-ajV5S-DO_h41nN/s1600/IMG_9967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQ3Bdqsk1Dp1YKsw2PnRpazimYx3HuVtC-sHtDgynrJlohnyh9CL8harq8aCEFq9cFHuYC8CjuifBJxHZqjJFKSPU6sMebxxAoet-6VhT0-iWEoi4cw18fAw3qALV7-ajV5S-DO_h41nN/s320/IMG_9967.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SCBWI LA, Black and White Ball 2013</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I digress…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My first introduction to Jim was a face-to-face critique of my manuscripts.
We got down to business quick. The set-up was exactly like the LA SCBWI
conference critique where you introduce yourself to your critiquer, shake
hands, and wait for them to offer you to take a seat in preparation for the </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">l</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;">eg-shaking,</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;">lip-biting </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">feedback.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Needless to say, it wasn't that bad. After my
meeting with Jim, I stood up and my heart rallied. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Let's do this!"</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Later, I met the other mentees who have been assigned to
Jim. We dubbed ourselves Team Averbeck. Though I secretly wanted to be called
the Robins since Jim was our Batman. He's cool like that. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarRoWJzOSuh1ypZRy3tfDRjmyoT1QJ44v1lNUKE3A8_Fkx2ekmhFsvxs9a7GxEWUSO_S56EjoFIvvtIV-LsQAsrGc5KpywuLJwHL1dACEuOwH03jQpsfZU7u2nBxefvP8iaFuChjxgVRh/s1600/team+jim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarRoWJzOSuh1ypZRy3tfDRjmyoT1QJ44v1lNUKE3A8_Fkx2ekmhFsvxs9a7GxEWUSO_S56EjoFIvvtIV-LsQAsrGc5KpywuLJwHL1dACEuOwH03jQpsfZU7u2nBxefvP8iaFuChjxgVRh/s320/team+jim.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With co-mentees Louise Henriksen and Lisa Crawford</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The rest of the kick-off weekend was spent listening to
speakers about the craft of writing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Being in a room with a select group of aspiring authors made me feel like part of a special forces unit in
which only the elite come to train. As a writer whose been through many ups and
downs, this experience was validating for me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Middle</span></span></h3>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I felt fortunate in that my mentor happens to live in
close proximity to me so we were able to meet in person. It was nice to be able
to bounce ideas off each other, clarify a comment, and get a reaction from my
mentor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Jim and I met at a local café overlooking the Pacific
Ocean. We sat on comfy sofa-chairs sipping hot lattes- Chai tea latte
for me, steamed milk for him. I was in writer's heaven. We engaged in a little small talk and dove right
into my manuscript for a productive one hour.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7iphCeTFY9hOpU6sqParLVyjPsBeIR4-XalWLGUnYpn0YdhuWXpX3xN42xDMUpdZgpv1qOcUNnuSec2383hNA33E4BQHzFK9VxtUNEbJxINjBTxRqMw0L3bY5YNAxAErRA1b8wFiQRtn/s1600/chit+chat+cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7iphCeTFY9hOpU6sqParLVyjPsBeIR4-XalWLGUnYpn0YdhuWXpX3xN42xDMUpdZgpv1qOcUNnuSec2383hNA33E4BQHzFK9VxtUNEbJxINjBTxRqMw0L3bY5YNAxAErRA1b8wFiQRtn/s320/chit+chat+cafe.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Throughout the course of the mentorship, Jim assigned me
a few writing exercises such as writing a letter from my protagonist to my
antagonist. The exercises he gave me were so valuable in the construction of my manuscript. I appreciated that Jim took his mentorship seriously to
help me become a better writer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We went on to meet at the same café once more. The 6
month period was spent on writing and revising in-between critique sessions. Our
last meeting was in Virginia City where he got to go over my manuscripts one
last time for a total of four meetings. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I came into this program with what I thought were three
polished pieces. It's amazing how much improvement can still be made on it. Jim
helped me tighten my story more than I thought possible. My stories now have a
clearer focus and streamlined story arc. My mentor Jim is intuitive, smart, and helpful. I couldn't have asked for a better mentor than him!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The End</span></span></h3>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The final retreat, held in Virginia City, was a nice
way to cap my six-month long mentorship program. The weekend was spent
listening to speakers (mentors), getting final critiques, socializing, and having fun. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of the fun things we did was tour historic downtown
Virginia City, drink wine, and eat chocolate! We also shared ghost stories. After
all, a weekend at the haunted St. Mary's Art and Retreat Center would not be
complete without a ghost story. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the final retreat, we all felt like one big happy family. The fact that our
retreat took place in a haunted house made it feel more intimate. When things
go bump in the night, you can't help but grow close very quickly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNJ4tniZSj1tOUvalS37U8F8uIhEPYFdjFAdB7-LI3adVKXjgEr7qah6vq7i9QdwQ3sJqH_uc2553iGFT6u6H8otcZB6bMcsMAfqJVptJB6W5qFuwVFj_WpNfDhwcm4hbVdu7VxPYnm0A/s1600/attic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNJ4tniZSj1tOUvalS37U8F8uIhEPYFdjFAdB7-LI3adVKXjgEr7qah6vq7i9QdwQ3sJqH_uc2553iGFT6u6H8otcZB6bMcsMAfqJVptJB6W5qFuwVFj_WpNfDhwcm4hbVdu7VxPYnm0A/s320/attic.jpg" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Attic of St. Mary's...BOO!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;">Because of the Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program, I've gained new insights to my writing, created memories, and made lasting friendships. It was an amazing experience!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyx5olJ6korgw1I6X37zP7ktbfvGFXh9NZHjPuVbNxY1FUlu3Z47eEmkj3cqC5-WmNQeWGTgRx_I4g3Ctc9IzjtpYnGp4BSnshAtI2hHTqe-HDpYjnpi-5dUp5r7sSI9hwx8qkr_n9ZWxs/s1600/2015-2016+nevada+mentees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyx5olJ6korgw1I6X37zP7ktbfvGFXh9NZHjPuVbNxY1FUlu3Z47eEmkj3cqC5-WmNQeWGTgRx_I4g3Ctc9IzjtpYnGp4BSnshAtI2hHTqe-HDpYjnpi-5dUp5r7sSI9hwx8qkr_n9ZWxs/s320/2015-2016+nevada+mentees.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2015-2016 SCBWI Nevada Mentees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Want to take part in the Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program?</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stay tuned for <a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-nevada-scbwi-mentorship-experience_23.html" target="_blank">part II</a> of my Nevada Mentorship Experience on how to apply, what to look for in a mentor, and general tips.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-10730956288033380942016-02-08T09:33:00.000-08:002016-02-09T22:21:34.389-08:00Mentor Texts: Breaking the Fourth Wall in Picture Books<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The idea of breaking the fourth wall is eliminating
the barrier between reader and story and allowing them in. This allows the
readers to immerse themselves into the wonderful world of imagination.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qJ0ePmpo_pj0nsO32Y4O29k_eNw6WmPHbzEKWIkV_pZBs2hYYuNgNcs1Z-z0JFxuj-oZnlVr7PuOaBHBYK5KWVAYDK6drXeIAk_ZztfjYi_zhxLVzGazB6Sj5OjIf_NWgd5i0C4Q0Zul/s1600/4th+wall.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qJ0ePmpo_pj0nsO32Y4O29k_eNw6WmPHbzEKWIkV_pZBs2hYYuNgNcs1Z-z0JFxuj-oZnlVr7PuOaBHBYK5KWVAYDK6drXeIAk_ZztfjYi_zhxLVzGazB6Sj5OjIf_NWgd5i0C4Q0Zul/s200/4th+wall.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many picture books use this technique to get readers
engaged through a unique interactive experience. Humor and intrigue is a big
part of it, which is what makes it so appealing to readers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My writing mentor Jim challenged me to write my
children's story eliminating the fourth wall. I stumbled on its approach so I
took the time to study picture books that successfully broke the fourth wall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Breaking the fourth wall is nothing new in picture books.
Author Crockett Johnson did a marvelous job with his book, <b>HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON. </b>It<b> </b>has
become a classic favorite. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YSTWOrdDL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YSTWOrdDL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="320" title="http://www.amazon.com/Harold-Purple-Crayon-Books-ebook/dp/B00X3NIVZ2/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1454825471&sr=1-1&keywords=harold+and+the+purple+crayon" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In his book, the story unfolds as the main character, Harold, draws in the book with his purple crayon. Harold doesn't
know exactly where the story will take him, but he is in for an adventure and
takes the readers along with him. This story is told in third person, but the
pictures draw (no pun intended) the readers in through imagination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Author Mo Willems is a pro at breaking the fourth
wall with his Elephant & Piggie and Pigeon book series. In <b>WE ARE IN A BOOK! </b>the characters talk
to each other then break out and refer to the reader. Later, they end up
talking to the reader using speech bubbles. There is an interaction between
characters, and between characters and the reader.</span></div>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41dKnT2-62L._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41dKnT2-62L._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="320" title="http://www.amazon.com/We-Are-Book-Elephant-Piggie/dp/1423133080" width="224" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Piggie!</span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes
Gerald?</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
think someone is looking at us.</span></i></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote>
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A
reader! A reader is reading us.</span></i></blockquote>
</blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;">End: </span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hello,
will you please read us again?</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxueFNGURvYucWRWQM5kkECIfhLFOwilrpZL6oyl3hD0_9zj-MOepr3nMilSlxw6vgJcq-Bjfl3YDRpKHU92wl0KfFqAvH2k8sS09pFT4DbZeEErAkmtzvC0aGgjAW63XH2JccqZ7lpz6a/s1600/Gerald+and+Piggie+diagram.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxueFNGURvYucWRWQM5kkECIfhLFOwilrpZL6oyl3hD0_9zj-MOepr3nMilSlxw6vgJcq-Bjfl3YDRpKHU92wl0KfFqAvH2k8sS09pFT4DbZeEErAkmtzvC0aGgjAW63XH2JccqZ7lpz6a/s640/Gerald+and+Piggie+diagram.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diagram for We Are in a Book!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes
breaking the fourth wall can get complex as in <b>BIG BAD BUBBLE </b>by Adam Rubin. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Ll5ilV5UL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Ll5ilV5UL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" title="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HK3EXHQ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The story is told in second person
and starts off like this:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You may not know this, but when a bubble
pops, it doesn't just disappear.</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then
a character butts in:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bubbles are sneaky. You never hear them
coming…</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And
now the character and the narrator, who is not revealed, are having a dialogue
with each other. But at the same time, because the narrator is outside, we feel
as if the character is talking to us, the reader.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Narrator: Don't listen to Mogo…he has no idea </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">what he's talking
about.</span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Character: Bubbles kill thousands of
monsters every year.</span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Narrator: No, they don't.</span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i> <i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Character: Oh, yeah? Prove it.</span></i><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></blockquote>
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<!--[endif]--></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">The
diagram for this story looks like this:</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJz9xuWHC0526FFy8TmWP2C_NTNERdkIsWS9ww2uqw71sxah82TJj5tgAw5-GBBT8A4wJEhf4YyoQ9jMBq1KLGTR_2zb73oBhGZGezxXIx7JIzLMiA2DWObffwRfY7Q3oE8XHvFNMMFteW/s1600/Big+bad+bubble+diagram.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJz9xuWHC0526FFy8TmWP2C_NTNERdkIsWS9ww2uqw71sxah82TJj5tgAw5-GBBT8A4wJEhf4YyoQ9jMBq1KLGTR_2zb73oBhGZGezxXIx7JIzLMiA2DWObffwRfY7Q3oE8XHvFNMMFteW/s640/Big+bad+bubble+diagram.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diagram for Big Bad Bubble<br />
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<h2 style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Activity/Instructions</span></u></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A
simple breaking the fourth wall device is to simply have the character(s) talk
to the reader. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;">This is very effective in creating an interaction between character and reader. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcp0N0bSl9lYHmtMJVsDl-7xegZvWoReVQaZvukFHwMwkJYgR_hHPtp80JfGxsPTHPDuGEgH_kn0VWCIde2xORTbIEUzDOOzxrQuX9IZ2B0cFpzXzi29wG4GxoTBUu_aMhU8u_wWiz46_/s1600/Is+there+a+dog+in+this+book+diagram.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcp0N0bSl9lYHmtMJVsDl-7xegZvWoReVQaZvukFHwMwkJYgR_hHPtp80JfGxsPTHPDuGEgH_kn0VWCIde2xORTbIEUzDOOzxrQuX9IZ2B0cFpzXzi29wG4GxoTBUu_aMhU8u_wWiz46_/s640/Is+there+a+dog+in+this+book+diagram.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basic diagram for breaking the fourth wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">IS THERE A DOG
IN THIS BOOK?</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> by Viviane Schwarz, several cats are talking directly to the
reader and they are referring to the book that they are a part of. They ask the
reader to do something. In this case, cats are inviting readers to lift tabs. This
makes them feel a part of the story.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ayoT-o0ML._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ayoT-o0ML._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" title="http://www.amazon.com/Is-There-Dog-This-Book/dp/0763669911" /></a></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Oh, hi!</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You opened our book!</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Come and look at all the pages!</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i><span style="height: 57px; left: 0px; margin-left: 243px; margin-top: 95px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: absolute; width: 91px; z-index: 251699200;"><br /></span><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Wait-
is there somebody else in this book?</span></i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br /></blockquote>
<br />
<b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b><br />
<b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b>
<b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">PRESS HERE </span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">by
Herve Tullet is a clever and fun interactive picture book that encourages
participation. The reader is instructed to do something like "press
here," turn the book upside down, and shake it.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41nadgNSV1L._AC_UL320_SR264,320_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41nadgNSV1L._AC_UL320_SR264,320_.jpg" title="http://www.amazon.com/Mix-It-Up-Herve-Tullet/dp/1452137358" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My
all time favorite classic picture book is <b>THERE IS A MONSTER AT THE END OF THIS BOOK</b>,
by Jon Stone. Readers are instructed to NOT to turn the page. Of course, that
builds curiosity and leaves readers eventually turning the page. Grover is so adorable in his plea to readers and his fear of what's at the end of the book.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/616AjlDryCL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/616AjlDryCL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" title="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0078X2LKY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Reader
as Narrator</span></u></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Deborah
Underwood, author of <b>HERE COMES THE
EASTER CAT </b>uses the simple technique of character and reader interaction.
The difference is that the reader becomes the narrator. As the reader reads the
book as narrator, the cat is looking outside of the book. There is a private interaction between the reader and the main character, the cat. This technique allows the reader
to become part of the story and makes for an exciting and personal experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What's
wrong, cat? You look grumpy.</span></i></blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfdcwi8y_nYx5d51zAnsEO5FMOyZhW7vsV-8VjSD3L1Xev2RRiiVn-2eW3ZCs1NSygevdxL0DqWc6yVcD7ssj9CNQpBi5M3g1Pz4D1bk8ofoyOotMZVaWUa9OsUVxgzhnZEsrKpBzC3CM/s1600/Here+comes+the+easter+cat+diagram-use+this.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfdcwi8y_nYx5d51zAnsEO5FMOyZhW7vsV-8VjSD3L1Xev2RRiiVn-2eW3ZCs1NSygevdxL0DqWc6yVcD7ssj9CNQpBi5M3g1Pz4D1bk8ofoyOotMZVaWUa9OsUVxgzhnZEsrKpBzC3CM/s640/Here+comes+the+easter+cat+diagram-use+this.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diagram for Here Comes the Easter Cat<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h2 style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Referring
to Book as Part of Story</span></u></h2>
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</div>
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</div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
interaction between characters, narrator, and reader are elements to breaking
the fourth wall. Referring to the book itself is another element as in <b>THE JACKET</b> by Kristen Hall. This story
is told in third person and is about a favorite book- the (nameless) main
character's book. Near the end, the readers are led to believe the book
referred to in the story is the very book they are holding because it has the
same cover as the book in the story. This is a great technique to get the
readers emotionally involved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E1r8wWmiL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E1r8wWmiL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" title="http://www.amazon.com/The-Jacket-Kirsten-Hall/dp/159270168X" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another
story that refers to the book in the story is <b>ERNEST THE MOOSE WHO DOESN'T FIT</b> by Catherine Rayner. This is also
written in third person. In this story the book comes to life as we see a transformation of the book
unfold before our eyes. We see only parts of a moose because he is too
large for the pages. Having the character step out of the book transports the reader into another dimension. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Xb%2BDpb66L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Xb%2BDpb66L.jpg" height="320" title="http://www.amazon.com/Ernest-Moose-Who-Doesnt-Fit/dp/0374322171" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<h2 style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Breaking Out of Character</span></u></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Characters
who go in and out of character as in <b>THIS
IS A MOOSE</b> by Richard T. Morris also breaks the fourth wall. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61H-e7Eq5vL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61H-e7Eq5vL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" title="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IWZJ3NK/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The story
begins like any other story:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is the Mighty Moose. His father is
a moose. His mother is a moose…</span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This moose wants to be an astronaut.</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px; text-align: justify;">Then all of a sudden, they break character with:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">CUT.</span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excuse me, but moose cannot be
astronauts…</span></i></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 150.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The characters
begin talking with each other and the story switches between the narrator telling
the story in third person and natural dialogue between characters.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii83dldupcj40504xymnjcuxwwnffbxHVgciSZjOqtPD6EA6umv4ThMv0N-WT7AFIudNNT_AvIz8kZuf3rNDSDW4NDF5hBVYnFQ87BnceVeN6njQGwBmwOOwhNWpQC7zcJMu3rVypwTlEp/s1600/This+is+a+moose+diagram+use+this.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii83dldupcj40504xymnjcuxwwnffbxHVgciSZjOqtPD6EA6umv4ThMv0N-WT7AFIudNNT_AvIz8kZuf3rNDSDW4NDF5hBVYnFQ87BnceVeN6njQGwBmwOOwhNWpQC7zcJMu3rVypwTlEp/s640/This+is+a+moose+diagram+use+this.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diagram for This is a Moose<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In<b> CHLOE AND THE
LION</b> by Mac Barnett, Barnett himself is talking directly to the reader. His
presence is known because we can see him in claymation form as a character in
the book. This technique really makes you feel like you are part of the
creation process.</span></div>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61JbygGnaXL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61JbygGnaXL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" title="http://www.amazon.com/Chloe-Lion-Mac-Barnett/dp/1423113349/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1454825497&sr=1-1&keywords=chloe+and+the+lion" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Here is how he starts the book:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This
is me, Mac. I'm the author of this book.</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is my friend, Adam. He's the
illustrator of this book.</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And this is Chloe. She's the main character of this
book. </span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here, readers get a backstage pass into the book process with a formal introduction. This is effective at getting readers invested in the story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After
the introduction, the story begins as third person narrative:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Wherever Chloe went, she looked for
loose change.</span></i></blockquote>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Not
so long after the story begins, we are interrupted by Barnett who takes us out
of the imaginary world:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I'm sorry. Hold on. Adam could you come
out here? </span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is what it looks like in diagram form:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjs_jokaK_DWaEvZb6ZrfUiFPZMPzTnqnGqICUIk_R2ALIsrh7GdBtUjqs6fqYifvXEvjJioFAUInO0xscKmjD5iIQ1CvWri9rAVJAQU0B4QPds2ZHT4k_F8TNEiISZSzLl-NVRCmtrkk1/s1600/chloe+and+the+lion+diagram.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjs_jokaK_DWaEvZb6ZrfUiFPZMPzTnqnGqICUIk_R2ALIsrh7GdBtUjqs6fqYifvXEvjJioFAUInO0xscKmjD5iIQ1CvWri9rAVJAQU0B4QPds2ZHT4k_F8TNEiISZSzLl-NVRCmtrkk1/s640/chloe+and+the+lion+diagram.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So
you see, there are several techniques you could use to break the fourth wall of
your story. Experiment with these and find which suits your story best. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After
studying these mentor text, I decided that I didn't want a narrator interacting
with my characters. Since I had more than one character, I used the character
interaction and one sided communication of characters talking to readers as in
the diagram of This is Not a Book by Mo Willems. This process of studying
mentor text helped me to see the different ways to approach breaking the fourth
wall. May it help you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> -------------------------------------------------</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mentor
text for breaking the fourth wall:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THIS
IS A MOOSE</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> by Richard T. Morris </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b>ERNEST THE MOOSE WHO DOESN'T FIT</b> by
Catherine Rayner</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE
JACKET</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> by Kristen Hall</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">HERE
COMES THE EASTER </span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">by<b> </b>Deborah
Underwood</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THERE
IS A MONSTER AT THE END OF THIS BOOK</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> by Jon Stone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">IS
THERE A DOG IN THIS BOOK?</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> by Viviane Schwarz<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">PRESS
HERE </span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">by Herve</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BIG
BAD BUBBLE </span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">by Adam Rubin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">GERALD
AND PIGGIE </span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">by Mo Willems</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">HAROLD
AND THE PURPLE CRAYON </span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">by Crockett Johnson</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">CHLOE
AND THE LION</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> by Mac Barnett</span></div>
</div>
Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-58165255794047225582015-10-14T15:53:00.002-07:002015-10-14T15:53:23.617-07:00Debut Author Interview with Catherine Bailey <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Catherine Bailey is a children's author from sunny Florida. She just celebrated the release of her debut picture book </span><a href="http://catherinebaileybooks.com/MIND_YOUR_MONSTERS.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;" target="_blank">MIND YOUR MONSTERS</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"> on August 8, 2015 in her hometown's </span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mind-your-monsters-catherine-bailey/1121130427?ean=9781454911036" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble,</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"> which proved to be a </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">MONSTER</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"> of a party!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Catherine started promoting her book way in advance. I
won my MYM swag during her cover-reveal giveaway on her blog back in March.
She's created a lot of buzz since so I wanted to get the inside scoops of her
marketing skills. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In this interview, you will learn every detail on what goes into planning a book launch party and more. Lots of monsterly love here so let's get started! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Monster Marketing </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">An interview with debut author </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;">Catherine Bailey</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2A7ywbFeUdjXwawyJQL4sdZIpmgDmHZXknjrcEPgMnvQPLqiDtbK6ymC1j9ubOghlOUqwr0O7uhYH6L82M6XqxvMM4J8Uw_rap1QbgZc7yeeCEuovwDB0iwv-2YTUgf8Qp071IBgfPS2/s1600/Catherine+Bailey+Head+Shot+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2A7ywbFeUdjXwawyJQL4sdZIpmgDmHZXknjrcEPgMnvQPLqiDtbK6ymC1j9ubOghlOUqwr0O7uhYH6L82M6XqxvMM4J8Uw_rap1QbgZc7yeeCEuovwDB0iwv-2YTUgf8Qp071IBgfPS2/s320/Catherine+Bailey+Head+Shot+%25282%2529.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Catherine, how did you come up with
the idea for Mind Your Monsters?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My then two year old
daughter asked me “Mommy, how do you move a monster?” The best answer I could
come up with was “Politely.” – LOL! Then I was intrigued by this idea that by
using manners – specifically please – small kids could have this great big power.
Plus I love Halloween and all things monster. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://catherinebaileybooks.com/MIND_YOUR_MONSTERS_files/9781454911036_ccvr.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="http://catherinebaileybooks.com/MIND_YOUR_MONSTERS.html" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sterling Publishing, 2015</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">PLEASE (notice my politeness?) tell us the path you
took that led you to your agent </b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Basically I queried
Kathleen, was very kindly and thoughtfully rejected, and then approached her again
a few months later when Mind Your Monsters was pulled from the slush pile by an
editor at Sterling Publishing. Kathleen had never seen Mind Your Monsters
before because I queried her with a different manuscript (You don’t query
agents with stories that you have out on sub to editors). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can read the long
version of this story on my author blog <a href="http://crookedbook.blogspot.com/search?q=how+to+get+an+agent" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Who initiated the set-up
of your book launch party? </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I initiated the launch
party – as well as every single library, school and store visit since. My
publisher provided me with a publicist who has been wonderful in terms of
submitting the book to print media. But as a debut author it really was on me
to get the word out – in person and on social media. I spent three days driving
to every place I could think of that might sell or carry my book, equipped with
a self-made “media packet.” I called newspapers and schools. I figured out
Twitter…. Eventually…. Sort of. I hired a web designer and paid for a website.
I made a Facebook page. I kept my blog updated. I bought promo items, made an
enormous plywood replica of my book cover for photo ops, and researched what to
do at events (crafts games, work sheets, etc.) Bottom line – I hustled, and I’m
still hustling! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgDx9DYAeejhppwRoNi1I2PVHdRD2YyQ0NqDZDxJNd9hU8yxVL16nUut63UUBb7uxtkQ93jCwk7ODANn0bKxYGaWeW4PZCdf0OHll8iKHgvR2KOt8AmA_m845BiO1LA3kA-doqwwwe0Da/s1600/CB+black_and_white_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgDx9DYAeejhppwRoNi1I2PVHdRD2YyQ0NqDZDxJNd9hU8yxVL16nUut63UUBb7uxtkQ93jCwk7ODANn0bKxYGaWeW4PZCdf0OHll8iKHgvR2KOt8AmA_m845BiO1LA3kA-doqwwwe0Da/s320/CB+black_and_white_.jpg" width="282" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">"As a debut author it really was on me to get the word out"</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I love the idea of the photo op with your giant book cover! So tell me, what goes on in the planning of a launch party at a bookstore?</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well first I had to pick
a place. The local Barnes and Noble was the obvious choice (though I had a back
up option just in case). I called and got the B&N event coordinator’s name
and email. I contacted her with a pitch for the party, my headshot, Press
Release, book cover graphic, black and white samples of the artwork, etc. Once
Barnes and Noble was on board with hosting the event I mapped out a rough
schedule – reading, crafts, signing – and got everything approved by B&N. I
didn't plan any food because it was prohibited and frankly that was fine with
me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I promoted the
event online and in person. I had flyers designed by my web designer and printed
them up at Staples. It was summer so I approached local camps and asked them to
send the flyers home with the kids. If school had been in session I would have
contacted them as well – at least schools where my daughters attend, and where
I have teacher and mom friends. I posted them at YMCAs, stores, gyms,
libraries, daycares – pretty much if it was in Stuart and didn’t move, I taped
my flyer to it. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postcards</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"I promoted the event online and in person"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How did I figure out
what to do? I researched launch parties on the Blueboards, I asked my critique
partners who are published, and I read author blogs. I also chatted with
librarians for ideas and my agent was SUPER helpful. I did all this BEFORE I
contacted B&N so I could approach them with a concrete, professional plan. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Did much of your
marketing expense come out-of-pocket?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yup, LOL! I have paid
for everything – from gas for road trips to launch party flyers to little
monster toys – except for a huge and beautiful poster that my publicist sent to
me. My husband is less than thrilled with this but I think it’s crucial to show
readers, educators and your publisher that you are “in it to win it” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How many months in
advance did you plan for the book launch?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two months. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Any other marketing strategies
that worked or didn't work for you? </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Facebook has been a wonderful resource, as has Twitter. And I don’t even
really understand Twitter. I do know that I can be at a reading or signing and
post a picture to these sites from my phone – which is easy, free, fun
promotion. They are also great places to get the word out about events, and
most importantly to show thanks. A lot of people will work hard to make you
successful and support you. Be grateful – and be grateful publicly!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorable plush monsters!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Also stick with what you
know and don’t spread yourself too thin. Do I use Pinterest and Instagram?
Nope. They are probably fabulous but I have enough with my FB page, Twitter
account, website, blog and in person work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">"A lot of people will work hard to make you successful and support you. Be grateful </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">–</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">and be grateful publicly!"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What resources did you
use to help you plan for the marketing of your book?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best resources were
my critique partners and the <a href="http://www.scbwi.org/boards/index.php" target="_blank">Blueboards</a>. Which is to say – you should learn from
authors who’ve already done this. And be sure to pay it forward. For example,
school visits were a mystery to me. But after weeks of online research and
talking to teachers, I drafted and polished my Author Visit Packet. Then another
writer asked to see it, copied it, tweaked it, and is using it now. I’m
thrilled I could help her like so many other writers helped me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh and does Diet Coke
and Nutella count as resources? Because I used those too :)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Oh, I LOVE Nutella! Yes, they count as resources. Nothing like nuts to keep you sane!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thank you so much, Catherine, for doing this interview with me. I've learned so much as to what goes on behind the scenes of an author! I'm finding that an author wears many hats. I wish you happiness and abundance! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>PLEASE</b> show Catherine your <i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>monsterly</b> <b>love</b></span></i> by picking up a copy of <a href="http://catherinebaileybooks.com/MIND_YOUR_MONSTERS.html" target="_blank">MIND YOUR MONSTERS</a>. Available in bookstores today!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Fun Facts:</u><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b># of rewrites/revisions
for Mind Your Monsters:</b> Dozens</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b># of months from first
draft to polished ms:</b> 14 months</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b># of months for Sterling
to publish Mind Your Monsters:</b> 32 months!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b># of months from agent contract to Sterling contract:</b> 7 months</span></span></li>
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<br />Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-39778988402987237832015-06-03T06:00:00.000-07:002015-06-03T06:00:01.106-07:00Children's Picture Books on Running<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today is
National Running Day!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4wEwri8GxyxFEz415qocfzSCdqZXDzw0usED7896T6pO1e3OLQUIznvr7f2PZgDEkvbwJ9PiNo7VmTdGSebQHfJywTzn7y7ih70svmx8rilfkcUpY1I23GpWvwJgUasrb9FVtzNdRm3l/s1600/running+boy+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4wEwri8GxyxFEz415qocfzSCdqZXDzw0usED7896T6pO1e3OLQUIznvr7f2PZgDEkvbwJ9PiNo7VmTdGSebQHfJywTzn7y7ih70svmx8rilfkcUpY1I23GpWvwJgUasrb9FVtzNdRm3l/s200/running+boy+%25282%2529.jpg" title="http://www.meegenius.com/store/book/80d9f60f14e32b8bbb5d80ee26376816" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"National
Running Day, held annually on the first Wednesday in June, is a day when
runners everywhere declare their passion for running." ~<a href="http://runningday.org/">RunningDay.org</a></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love to
run.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I love the
feeling of being outdoors in the fresh air, surrounded by wildlife and
spectacular views. Combine this with an invigorating run and I'm a happy
person. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I enjoy running so much that I wrote </span><a href="http://www.meegenius.com/store/book/80d9f60f14e32b8bbb5d80ee26376816" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;" target="_blank">Running Boy</a><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> In this story, the question that everyone is asking is, "Running Boy, why do you run?" </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">It is my hope to instill in the hearts of children the love for running…and reading!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Speaking of reading, <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.runningday.org/" target="_blank">NationalRunning Day</a> is a great opportunity for me to share with you a few more picture books
on running. My two favorites are </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Marathon-Mouse-Amy-Dixon/dp/1616089660/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1433130491&sr=8-5&keywords=marathon+mouse" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;" target="_blank">Marathon Mouse</a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">, by Amy Dixon and </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Runner-Marsha-Diane-Arnold/dp/0803721242" target="_blank">The Pumpkin Runner</a>, a </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Smithsonian Notable Book </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">by Marsha Diane Arnold</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">. These are wonderful reads that I hope you will share with your children in hopes to get them more active.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I am excited to have authors Marsha and Amy sharing their inspiration behind the books they wrote in celebration of </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">National Running Day!</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> May these selections motivate and inspire you to run!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPCsVOnx7VfZhbrNAaY5b46df7MxBQc3kZETly80Oww-utFzJuvR0JiDRCs36iGQ5aqj3fLppEH3aHqc3aStD5yY80P7t9S_Qs_zj37cKbwDMYpNcR0HGud1L_d5V_SM5H94vcvEu_5SK/s1600/hp_scanDS_641511543412+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPCsVOnx7VfZhbrNAaY5b46df7MxBQc3kZETly80Oww-utFzJuvR0JiDRCs36iGQ5aqj3fLppEH3aHqc3aStD5yY80P7t9S_Qs_zj37cKbwDMYpNcR0HGud1L_d5V_SM5H94vcvEu_5SK/s320/hp_scanDS_641511543412+%25282%2529.jpg" title=" http://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Runner-Marsha-Diane-Arnold/dp/0803721242" width="251" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nearly all the sheep ranchers in Blue Gum Valley rode horses or drove jeeps to check on their sheep. But Joshua Summerhayes liked to run...with Yellow Dog trailing behind him." So it's no surprise when Joshua decides to enter a race from Melbourne to Sydney. People laugh when old Joshua shows up in his overalls and gumboots, calmly nibbling a slice of pumpkin for energy. But then he pulls into the lead, and folks are forced to sit up and take notice.Inspired by a true event.</span></span></div>
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<u style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Marsha Diane Arnold</u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The Pumpkin Runner</i>
was inspired by Cliff Young, a 61-year-old Australian farmer who loved to
run. He enjoyed running around his farm
for years, then decided to enter an 875-kilometer race from Sydney to Melbourne
against professional runners. People laughed at the unlikely runner, but he
surprised everyone by winning! Then he
surprised them again by splitting the $10,000 prize among all the other
runners. Cliff didn’t run for the money. He ran for the love of it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I first heard about Cliff Young while attending a workshop
led by a friend. He told the story of Cliff to demonstrate perseverance. He’d
read about Cliff’s feat in <i>Sports
Illustrated</i>; there was just one short paragraph. When I heard the story of
this improbable “hero,” I knew I had to write a picture book about him. My book
is fiction, of course, but it was inspired by a real race and a real man. I
named my fictional hero Joshua Summerhayes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you, Romelle, for sharing <i>The Pumpkin Runner </i>on National Running Day! This Smithsonian
Notable book has been around since 1998, but I’m delighted to say it’s still
“running” strong. I know of at least two schools that celebrate <i>The Pumpkin Runner</i> with races and other
activities. For the past three years,
I’ve skyped with the wonderful community at Walter Jackson Elementary in
Alabama to help celebrate their annual Pumpkin Run day. I hope to run with them in person in the
future!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyS5JGToMTFb8RpqzMyUc2JzeV7tW-_3dUoz1r7gzegcHW_CMCuF8FtacA2_sDMLtQ3Wu-Anlu-v9O-0CzgBFceVIfm2zEOqcgKWTe9MD8KRbDth5dOjWMVDFnVOMN-v1sHHltRp-pnR0/s1600/marathon+mouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyS5JGToMTFb8RpqzMyUc2JzeV7tW-_3dUoz1r7gzegcHW_CMCuF8FtacA2_sDMLtQ3Wu-Anlu-v9O-0CzgBFceVIfm2zEOqcgKWTe9MD8KRbDth5dOjWMVDFnVOMN-v1sHHltRp-pnR0/s320/marathon+mouse.jpg" title="http://www.amazon.com/Marathon-Mouse-Amy-Dixon/dp/1616089660/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1433130491&sr=8-5&keywords=marathon+mouse" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The mice of New York City dread the day of the New York City Marathon more than any other—the crowds, the large shoes, the noise. All of them, that is, except for Preston. He and his family live underneath the starting line on the Verrazano Bridge and every year Preston has dreamed of joining all the other runners in the marathon. This year, Preston is determined to make his dream come true, even though his family tells him that mice are not fit to run marathons. He trains hard, showing his family that mice can do much more than just scurry.</span></span></div>
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<u style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Amy Dixon</u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was 2011, and in the 2 years since my husband, Rob, had
taken up distance running, I had been in search of a picture book about the
sport that I could share with my children. I was looking for something that
reflected the early mornings, the intense training, and the roadside cheering
that was now part of our family culture. But I couldn’t find one! The seed was
planted…I wanted to write a book about running a marathon.…but I had no idea what the story would be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cut to November. On the morning of the NYC Marathon, we
settled in to watch the international event on TV, and saw this picture:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAK1xdmVBWdpMzn1hgc0ZgSfGsML0qVgMgjZkeHeBucGdE9vfap4FpDrOaELk27LeZjJZRIkwpRijBmZ5Vu2qChX-N9_7ITRTOu06plceGhMpiYjMv4z8tYPE2uc63f6qKizO6oc4h9IS/s1600/verrazano+bridge+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAK1xdmVBWdpMzn1hgc0ZgSfGsML0qVgMgjZkeHeBucGdE9vfap4FpDrOaELk27LeZjJZRIkwpRijBmZ5Vu2qChX-N9_7ITRTOu06plceGhMpiYjMv4z8tYPE2uc63f6qKizO6oc4h9IS/s320/verrazano+bridge+%25283%2529.jpg" width="189" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is a picture of the start of the NYC Marathon. All of
those brightly colored blobs are PEOPLE. Over 40,000 people, all lined up on a
bridge together. What a scene! This picture launched a series of questions in
my head…what was it like to be there? What about the people that live there? Do
they love the marathon or do they hate it? From there, Marathon Mouse took off.
What would it be like for a mouse family, who lived underneath the start line?
If Marathon Day was the one day of the year they hated because they were afraid
for their lives, how would it feel if one of their kids wanted to be a runner?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Marathon Mouse accomplished a few different things for me. There
are so many kids out there like mine who spend their weekends cheering on their
mom or dad from the sidelines. I love that they get to see their experiences
reflected in this book. It also introduces running as a fun and rewarding
pastime to a younger generation. And lastly, it encourages kids to work hard to
achieve their dreams! <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you Marsha and Amy for sharing your story behind the story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Feeling inspired? Then grab your running shoes and run...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">to the nearest bookstore!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For fun, complete this sentence in the comments below: <span style="font-size: large;">I RUN...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'll start:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLkmN24aVsW4O8XkjF98FEU4nhqQCw0Q0vmnwOvvpjpDDodvM0n4-ETmUADdz6TJlltMyCOAdurTuLwT4DVw8zui5QDbZYpjLHY8qACfOEDBIvPLRsGR0SnfxwcEfmMkS74ux9DsxHynU/s1600/IRUN+to+write.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLkmN24aVsW4O8XkjF98FEU4nhqQCw0Q0vmnwOvvpjpDDodvM0n4-ETmUADdz6TJlltMyCOAdurTuLwT4DVw8zui5QDbZYpjLHY8qACfOEDBIvPLRsGR0SnfxwcEfmMkS74ux9DsxHynU/s320/IRUN+to+write.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For more children's books on running visit <a href="http://blog.outdoornation.org/7-childrens-books-about-running/" target="_blank">Outdoor Nation</a>. The books that are featured are:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Run-Dad-Dulcibella-Blackett/dp/189136944X" target="_blank">Run, Dad, Run!</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-First-Marathon-Legend-Pheidippides/dp/0807508675" target="_blank">The First Marathon</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/See-Mom-Kara-Douglass-Thom/dp/1891369407" target="_blank">See Mom Run</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pellie-Marathon-Michele-Bredice-Craemer/dp/0974013005" target="_blank">Pellie Runs a Marathon</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-Home-Green-Read-Book/dp/0060227168/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379360720&sr=8-1&keywords=Last+One+Home+Is+a+Green+Pig" target="_blank">Last one Home is a Green Pig</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nosotras-Encanta-English-Spanish-Edition/dp/0979851114" target="_blank">We are Girls Who Love to Run</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Favorite-Run-Katherine-Karagiannis-Richards/dp/0989509524/ref=pd_sim_14_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=1Y3YS77Q857PE51QV949" target="_blank">My Favorite Run</a></div>
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Nonfiction children's books:</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Running-Have-Faster-Farther/dp/1891369768/ref=pd_sim_14_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1Y3YS77Q857PE51QV949" target="_blank">Kids Running</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wilma-Unlimited-Rudolph-Became-Fastest/dp/0152020985/ref=pd_sim_14_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=1Y3YS77Q857PE51QV949" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank"><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.3 !important; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman</span> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">~Happy Running!</span></div>
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Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-31996887861900084162015-06-02T08:41:00.001-07:002015-06-02T08:41:54.921-07:00The HOW-TO of Mentor Text<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">There's been a surge for the use of <a href="http://www.stenhouse.com/assets/pdfs/mentortextsppt.pdf">mentor text</a> in classrooms by students and teachers, and by writers. A few months ago </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Carrie Charlie Brown hosted an event that she created- <a href="http://www.carriecharleybrown.com/what-is-reforemo.html">Reading For Research Month</a> (ReFoReMo) to help writers improve their craft.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">I have to admit I've never really understood HOW to use mentor texts until I participated in ReFoReMo. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">If you'd like to learn about my methods of research, you can read about it on </span><a href="http://www.carriecharleybrown.com/reforemo/revealing-reforemo-romelle-broas-researches-methodically" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Carrie's blog</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">I'm guest-posting today! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstHGoJ-5QpoXT9JZHyYOPeXno9QsnAX6x1sxYgHjNd7phpwdt4bYObnsR3knsdFmNYYvqmpTqNvaAYy_AAoKhHQOudNitkxza9CAXKpwI_PzqRxQh68KlgxyQE_lRGJLHIxtAF3brybEA/s1600/ReFoReMo+WINNER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstHGoJ-5QpoXT9JZHyYOPeXno9QsnAX6x1sxYgHjNd7phpwdt4bYObnsR3knsdFmNYYvqmpTqNvaAYy_AAoKhHQOudNitkxza9CAXKpwI_PzqRxQh68KlgxyQE_lRGJLHIxtAF3brybEA/s320/ReFoReMo+WINNER.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-78872484423850878992015-05-09T15:52:00.000-07:002015-05-09T16:03:45.335-07:00My Top Picks for Favorite Picture Books<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQilJgmGP7smzmIakVNf0oIC-nGrL8_CU608KvK1DsAP9cVHuiK3-rbWuoQEZzVh0Z1DbzWh_oMXZVTBnJxzJmkLwNc6bacZSItjFx4I1ncwPQ-b4j5UllQmGKriJ08wVTeq4edveiMjck/s1600/Badge3rdAnniversary1-150x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQilJgmGP7smzmIakVNf0oIC-nGrL8_CU608KvK1DsAP9cVHuiK3-rbWuoQEZzVh0Z1DbzWh_oMXZVTBnJxzJmkLwNc6bacZSItjFx4I1ncwPQ-b4j5UllQmGKriJ08wVTeq4edveiMjck/s1600/Badge3rdAnniversary1-150x150.jpg" /></a>It's the last week of celebrations over at <a href="http://www.wordsmithstudio.org/home/" target="_blank">Wordsmith Studios</a> and today we discuss what we are reading.
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I read picture books.<br />
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There. I said it. I am a grown woman, a health professional, a triathlete, a married mother of two tween boys, and my favorite books are picture books.<br />
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After a full day of discussing the cause and effect of bacterial plaque and the prevention of periodontal disease to my patients, running/biking/swimming for an hour or more, chauffeuring my kids here and there, re-learning trigonometry to help with my freshman son's homework...all I want to do at the end of the day is relax with a short, funny book that I can finish in the night without having to fall asleep midway through the first chapter. Picture books.<br />
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I love picture books. I write picture books. I read picture books. <br />
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It's May and I've already read 113 books this year!<br />
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Since I go through picture books like it's candy, I'm going to share with you my favorite[s]. Yes, plural. I have so many favorite picture books that I can't pick just one. So I'm going to share with you my top 10!<br />
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Looking at my list, I can tell you that I gravitate towards humorous books that are on the quirky/goofy side, but with heart.<br />
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In no particular order:<br />
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Planet Kindergarten
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18228483-planet-kindergarten" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Planet Kindergarten" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1395611066m/18228483.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18228483-planet-kindergarten">Planet Kindergarten</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/775565.Sue_Ganz_Schmitt">Sue Ganz-Schmitt</a><br />
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PLANET KINDERGARTEN is a fun, engaging story that is told from the unique perspective of a child. The MC imagines his school is in outer space and experiences an exploration of his lifetime. Author Sue Ganz-Schmitt manages to capture the authentic emotions that children experience on their first day of school.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15945853-the-monstore" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Monstore" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1353320725m/15945853.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15945853-the-monstore">The Monstore</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6509353.Tara_Lazar">Tara Lazar</a><br />
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What's not to love about a Monstore- a store that sells monsters! Tara Lazar's language and word choice are superb. It makes a fun read aloud. Illustrator, James Burks, did an outstanding job of bringing the characters to life. Kids will have a field day thinking of the monsters they'd like to have.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10326007-prudence-wants-a-pet" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Prudence Wants a Pet" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1317793469m/10326007.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10326007-prudence-wants-a-pet">Prudence Wants a Pet</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4172233.Cathleen_Daly">Cathleen Daly</a><br />
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Prudence wants a pet so badly that she even goes so far as to get one on her own- a branch, a twig, an old shoe, etc. This book is so funny you can't help but laugh out loud. Cathleen Daly did a wonderful of characterizing Prudence as a sweet and clever child that you can't help but empathize and fall in love with her.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6672874-carnivores" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Carnivores" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1365396318m/6672874.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6672874-carnivores">Carnivores</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/248589.Aaron_Reynolds">Aaron Reynolds</a><br />
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I adore this book! Aaron Reynolds did a fantastic job of instilling in our hearts the importance of self appreciation. I love the message that sometimes others can be misunderstood in a hilarious way.<br />
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A small note of warning: Not ideal for the sensitive reader. A few characters do get hurt in the story-telling of this book. On a side note, it makes for good discussion and lesson about ecology and the nature of things.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15926775-sophie-s-squash" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Sophie's Squash" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1404959958m/15926775.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15926775-sophie-s-squash">Sophie's Squash</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6506402.Pat_Zietlow_Miller">Pat Zietlow Miller</a><br />
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A delightful story about a little girl named Sophie who takes a friend, Bernice, wherever she goes. But Bernice happens to be a squash, which makes this story hilarious, yet endearing. Sophie's positiveness is infectious. I also love the subtle lesson on the cycle of life that is intertwined with the story.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13259987-creepy-carrots" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Creepy Carrots!" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1424982083m/13259987.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13259987-creepy-carrots">Creepy Carrots!</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/248589.Aaron_Reynolds">Aaron Reynolds</a><br />
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Twilight Zone meets The Shining in this hilarious picture book by Aaron Reynolds. I've always been a fan of the Twilight Zone series so this one grabbed and sustained my attention throughout the reading. In Creepy Carrots, a rabbit fears that his favorite food is after him. You will never look at a carrot the same way again.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17333265-mr-tiger-goes-wild" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Mr. Tiger Goes Wild" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361746283m/17333265.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17333265-mr-tiger-goes-wild">Mr. Tiger Goes Wild</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3092248.Peter_Brown">Peter Brown</a><br />
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Mr. Tiger, sporting a top hat, coat and tie, is a proper tiger. Unhappy with his mundane life, he decides to let loose and follow his animal instincts. With sparse text and lovely illustrations, this story conveys the universal message, be yourselves, in a brilliant and humorous way.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16101018-the-day-the-crayons-quit" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Day the Crayons Quit" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1397425766m/16101018.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16101018-the-day-the-crayons-quit">The Day the Crayons Quit</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6561846.Drew_Daywalt">Drew Daywalt</a><br />
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This is one of those books I wished I could have written. Duncan wants to color, but when he opens his crayon box, he finds letter after letter from each colored crayon protesting about the unfairness that goes on in the coloring box. It is original, clever, fresh, and oh, so FUNNY!<br />
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The last two books are not humorous picture books, but they stood out to me as beautifully written picture books that pulled my heart-strings.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7224717-city-dog-country-frog" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="City Dog, Country Frog" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1360569950m/7224717.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7224717-city-dog-country-frog">City Dog, Country Frog</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/33274.Mo_Willems">Mo Willems</a><br />
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A poignant story of friendship between a dog and a frog written with beautiful language and eloquent style. It is also about loss that is told in a sensitive manner that children can comprehend. The four seasons depicted in the story brilliantly brings us to another emotional level.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7030777-sit-in" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1317733782m/7030777.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7030777-sit-in">Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12981.Andrea_Davis_Pinkney">Andrea Davis Pinkney</a><br />
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Wow! Picture books are difficult to write, let alone a historical nonfiction story. In a few word, author Andrea Pinkney, writes a powerful poetic story of four college students staging a peaceful protest by sitting at an all-white diner counter. A civil-rights story of courage and equality.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/7287681-romelle">View all my reviews</a>
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Again, it was difficult for me to narrow my list to top 10 so I'm going to share with you five more as Honorable Mentions:<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18349886-this-is-a-moose" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="This Is a Moose" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1379898888m/18349886.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18349886-this-is-a-moose">This Is a Moose</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3032364.Richard_T_Morris">Richard T. Morris</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18012466-maple" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Maple" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1372044076m/18012466.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18012466-maple">Maple</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3890373.Lori_Nichols">Lori Nichols</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22318389-i-don-t-want-to-be-a-frog" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="I Don't Want to Be a Frog" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1403184827m/22318389.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22318389-i-don-t-want-to-be-a-frog">I Don't Want to Be a Frog</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8203635.Dev_Petty">Dev Petty</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21870136-this-orq" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="This Orq. (He Cave Boy.)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1398035745m/21870136.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21870136-this-orq">This Orq.</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/41984.David_Elliott">David Elliott</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13586798-the-three-ninja-pigs" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Three Ninja Pigs" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348303251m/13586798.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13586798-the-three-ninja-pigs">The Three Ninja Pigs</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/689272.Corey_Rosen_Schwartz">Corey Rosen Schwartz</a><br />
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Hope you get a chance to check out these books. There's nothing like a picture book to melt your stress away.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">"Writing is like a vacation. I get to travel anywhere my imagination takes me" ~Romelle Broas</span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/7287681-romelle">View all my reviews</a> on Goodreads.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My name is Romelle and I read picture books! </span><br />
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To see what other Wordsmith Studio Members are reading, join the blog hop below:</div>
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<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=255918" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-29431164183616206612015-04-13T19:02:00.000-07:002015-04-13T19:07:01.605-07:00Wordsmith Anniversary!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy 3rd Anniversary, Wordsmith Studio!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you who don't know, <a href="http://www.wordsmithstudio.org/home/" target="_blank">Wordsmith Studio</a> is a place where creative minds go to get inspired and keep their creative muse entertained and challenged. There is a veranda for fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and multi-media where you can hang out as you please. You can read more about their <a href="http://www.wordsmithstudio.org/about/" target="_blank">mission</a> on their website at <a href="http://www.wordsmithstudio.org/">www.wordsmithstudio.org</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been a member of Wordsmith Studio since its inception in 2012. It all started on April 1, 2012 when I discovered Robert Brewer's 30-day Platform Challenge on Twitter. Many of the participants decided to keep the momentum going with the friendships that were formed. This led to the creation of Wordsmith Studio.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9_pFQrcy5fnKuLd1PeJjWOL4H6qCR5bL6tcwFYsQ_iI7weWxKJpH-dmKpAwIJfmdOJAFfwOL1SdfEzFqIuLhGYtqYWgKSxWoyGBUlpeoEc2vjE5zhH4d72tufK175GHcLoI6qeaG2qQS/s1600/Wordsmith+3+year+anniversary.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9_pFQrcy5fnKuLd1PeJjWOL4H6qCR5bL6tcwFYsQ_iI7weWxKJpH-dmKpAwIJfmdOJAFfwOL1SdfEzFqIuLhGYtqYWgKSxWoyGBUlpeoEc2vjE5zhH4d72tufK175GHcLoI6qeaG2qQS/s1600/Wordsmith+3+year+anniversary.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artwork created by Khara House</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For <a href="http://www.wordsmithstudio.org/2015/04/writers-homecoming-wordsmith-studios-3rd-anniversary-blog-hop/" target="_blank">Wordsmith's 3rd Anniversary</a>, Wordsmith is holding a reunion via a blog hop. Some of us have moved on to do other things, while others remained; some active, others (like me) pop in and out. The reunion is a wonderful idea because we get to see what others have been up to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the 411 on me with Q and A provided by Wordsmith:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What are you writing?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I write nonfiction for children and picture books. Robert Brewer's Platform challenge and the support of Wordsmith helped me get out of my comfort zone to explore the kidlit community through Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter (to name a few). I've met some wonderful people in the kidlit community. If you are a picture book writer or are considering it, here are the groups I belong to that </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">provide valuable resources for picture book writers.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kidlit411.com/" target="_blank">Kidlit 411</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://subitclub.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sub It Club</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://groggorg.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">GROG</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What are you currently working on?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've got at least 10 work-in-progress picture books in various stages. Some are simmering (waiting to be looked at with fresh eyes), some are cooking (currently in editing/revising mode), and some are being plated (in preparation for submission). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also critique fellow picture book writer's works on a regular basis. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I belong to three critique groups and</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> critique a minimum of 6 picture book manuscripts a month. Joining a critique group is one of the most important things I've done as a writer. In my blog, I write about the </span><a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-value-of-critiques.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">value of critique groups</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aside from writing and critiquing, I am constantly reading! I read picture books, both nonfiction and fiction. You can find me on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7466005.Romelle_Broas" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>. Feel free to stop by and see what I'm reading.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What's the biggest thing you've learned from your writing?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) The more you write, the greater your chances of finding that gem that will lead you to a contract. It's a subjective business so the more stories you have, the better your odds at finding the love connection between agent/editor and your manuscript.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) It's all about numbers. I learned that my latest story is almost always better than the last one I've written. How many times have you written a story only to re-read it after a few years (or even months) have passed only to say, "Oh, this isn't as good as I thought it was." So keep writing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Have you made any lasting connections through Wordsmith?</b> (I added this question)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to give a shout-out to the friends I've made through Wordsmith. They are all kind and generous people. The friends I've formed a special bond with are:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.laurimeyers.com/" target="_blank">Lauri Meyers</a>-</u> my fellow picture book writer and Wonder Twin. We hang out in the same kidlit community, shop at the same kidlit stores, and have similar taste in books. She knows my inner most darkest secrets. Okay, not really. I don't have any secrets, but she knows how I think and how I write. She critiques me...in a good way.</span><br />
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<a href="http://jenniferjchow.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Jennifer Chow-</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> my Asian inspiration. I had the opportunity to meet up with Jennifer when she visited San Francisco. Jennifer, Amy, and I got together for lunch to get to know one another. Her award-winning novel, 228 LEGACY, inspired me to write a cultural nonfiction picture book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><a href="https://about.me/AmyRayPabalan" target="_blank">Amy Pabalan</a></u>- my close friend (yes, real close that we live only a few miles from each other) and adviser. We try to meet every so often to talk shop, talk about life in general, and get inspired. I feel so blessed to have met Amy through Wordsmith. She's my buddy, my home-away-from-home kinda gal. When I need a break from writing, we get together for tea (coffee for her).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://about.me/lorisailiata" target="_blank">Lori Sailiata- </a>my Hawaiian sistah from anothah mistah! She lives on Oahu, where I'm from. I had the opportunity to meet Lori in person too when I went back home to Hawaii. She is the co-owner, content creator, and new media strategist at Hawaii Content Marketing. She and Amy have been so helpful and supportive when my e-Book came out. They introduced me to <a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2013/12/twitterview-is-new-interview.html" target="_blank">Twitterview</a>. Lori is my go-to person for my author platform questions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wordsmith Studios- where connections are made. Thanks for stopping by!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Curious about what Wordsmith Studio has to offer? Want to see what other Wordsmith Studio members are up to? Then check out the link below.</span><br />
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Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-60317530022606140892015-03-02T11:17:00.000-08:002015-03-02T11:17:15.216-08:00Debut Author Interview with Donna L. Martin<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">A </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 26pt; line-height: 115%;">Big</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Break with a </span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Small</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Publisher</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do you have a story idea that is for the niche market?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do you want personal attention and have some say in the publication of
your book?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Are you an unpublished writer waiting to be discovered?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then small publishers may be for you. </span></h3>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Debut Author, <a href="http://donasdays.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Donna L. Martin</a> made
a big break with <a href="http://www.anaiahpress.com/" target="_blank">Anaiah Press</a> with her book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-Catcher-Donna-L-Martin/dp/0990908542/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1424893044&sr=8-2&keywords=the+story+catcher" target="_blank">THE STORY CATCHER. </a></span></div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-Catcher-Donna-L-Martin/dp/0990908542/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1424893044&sr=8-2&keywords=the+story+catcher" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZ-z6BZi7V6bLUKA_i8xhqax765c7Z8VL1807Z9h3oWRrO_-tmGksS9lDngx254aoKeMzWzXre6GozD7dhLA-mvsE_N_Bzp6CgGgHi-_htm0QdWFjwg62xv3L710bpe0XwNoX7b3ss_zC/s1600/STORY+CATCHER+BOOK+COVER+(2).jpg" height="320" title="http://donasdays.blogspot.com/p/story-catcher-fan-club.html" width="310" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">In this interview, Donna will share her publishing journey with us, which started with a Pitch Party on Twitter that resulted in an unexpected
surprise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">After the interview, I've included a resource of <a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/p/small-publishers.html" target="_blank">small presses</a> you may be interested in, along with some helpful information to help you decide whether small presses are for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">You don't want to miss this! So sit back, relax, and get inspired
with Donna!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tell
me about your book and the inspiration for your story idea.</b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">My debut picture book, THE STORY CATCHER, is about a
little girl's struggle to make the wiggly words of her favorite book sit still
long enough for her to be able to catch them and read a story. I tutored
a young girl a few years ago who had a learning disability and was unable to
read on her grade level. After working with her for the entire school year, she
was finally able to read on her own. That experience of a child struggling with
a learning disability was the basis of this story.</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">Do
you have an agent? If not, what made you decide to submit on your own?</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">No, I don't have an agent at this time but I am
looking for one. After two years of searching for one, I found out about a
Twitter Pitch Party where picture book manuscripts were allowed and just took a
chance. It was supposed to be mainly agents so I really didn't think about an
editor requesting my book.</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">How
did you learn of Anaiah Press and what drew you to them?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">I had never heard of Anaiah Press before the pitch
party. I decided to go with them because I was so impressed with my editor,
Jessica Schmeidler. She had an open communication style that matched mine and I
could tell she was really passionate about her author's works. I knew I could
trust her with the future of my story.</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">What
benefits do you see publishing with a small press?</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Small presses with small catalog lines might have
easier submission guidelines and be more willing to take on an untried writer.
Small presses have smaller staff numbers so authors have a better chance of
connecting with high level individuals who are responsible for the decision
making. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">Does
Anaiah help with the marketing of your book?</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Anaiah offers a number of marketing support to their
authors including blog posts, book cover reveals, book trailers, and blog
tours.</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">What
have you done to promote your book?</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Book marks, business cards, car magnets, school
visits, author visits to Barnes & Noble, contests and giveaways, blog
tours, book reviews, book submissions to book awards, book submissions to my
local library acquisitions committee, future participation in my city's annual
Children's Festival of Reading where up to 15,000 people will be able to sign
up for my STORY CATCHER FAN CLUB.</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">What
are you working on now? Any new stories in the works?</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Currently I have 11 completed picture books, 2
completed early reader chapter books (one martial arts based fiction and one
creative nonfiction), and two young adult works in progress (one mystery and
one fantasy), along with research on my next creative nonfiction story.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fun Facts <o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When did you
write the first draft of STORY CATCHER: 2013<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Number of
months before you felt STORY CATCHER was submission-ready: 6 months<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How many
months was it from the time of submission to acceptance with Anaiah Press: 1
day<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Number of
months from the time of contract to publication with Anaiah Press: 11
months<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The number
of publishing houses you submitted to prior to your contract with Anaiah Press:
ZERO<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us Donna! For more on THE STORY CATCHER, check out this fabulous video:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Donna would love to hear from you! Check out
her Facebook fan page, drop her an email, join her STORY CATCHER fan club or
find out what interests Donna on Twitter or Pinterest:</span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://facebook.com/Donasdays?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/donasdays" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Twitter</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/martidl" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pinterest</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7122982-donna-martin" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Goodreads</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Linkedin</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Author Email: </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="mailto:www.donasdays@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">donasdays@gmail.com</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Story Catcher Fan Club Email: </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="mailto:www.storycatcherfanclub@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">storycatcherfanclub@gmail.com</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>For more on the pros and cons of small press publishing,
check out the links below:</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/the-pros-and-cons-of-publishing-with-a-small-publisher"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
Pros and Cons of Publishing with a Small Publisher with Robert Brewer</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Robert
Brewer of Writer's Digest goes into detail with a three-part assessment:
Submissions Process, Publishing Process, and Career Building. He interviews
authors about their experiences working with small presses and with publishers
about what they expect from authors and what they offer.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rachellegardner.com/pros-and-cons-of-small-presses/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pros and
Cons of Small Presses</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Agent Rachelle
Gardner of <a href="http://www.booksandsuch.com/">Books and Such Literary
Agency</a> invites guest blogger and author, Jessica Knauss, to discuss the
pros and cons of small presses. Jessica's post is based on her personal
experiences and gets to the meat of the topic with bullet points, which makes
it a quick and easy read.</span></div>
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<a href="http://carlywatters.com/2013/04/22/smallpressesandagents/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why
Simultaneously Submitting to Very Small Presses and Literary Agents is Not
Working</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Literary Agent,
Carly Watters gives us her personal opinion on the disadvantages of seeking an
agent and a publisher simultaneously with a focus on small presses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">For a list of small publishers, check out my personal link </span><a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/p/small-publishers.html" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">here</a><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If there are any small publishers you've had experiences with, have submitted to, or know of that I've missed on my list, please share them with me in the comments below. Thank you!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span>Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-74680103180973717452015-02-21T09:56:00.000-08:002015-02-21T09:56:32.714-08:00Reading for Research<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you want to write a picture book, the common advice is to immerse yourself in picture books and read, read, read!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I use Goodreads to keep track of the books I read. I average 180 books a year, but only a few stand out to me. Here are my favorites for 2014-2015:</span><br />
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These are the books that I connected with. I want to write a story that will become a favorite for readers. </div>
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I want to write a story with characters that readers will think about long after they put down the book. </div>
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I want to write a story that touches the heart of readers whether it tickles their funny bone or pull at their heartstrings, like what these books did for me!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Studying picture books such as these will make you write a better story. How? </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Reading for Research Month or </span><a href="http://www.carriecharleybrown.com/what-is-reforemo.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;" target="_blank">ReFoReM</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">o</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">, the brainchild of </span><a href="http://www.carriecharleybrown.com/meet-carrie.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;" target="_blank">Carrie Charley Brown</a>!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"> </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The ReFoReMo challenge was founded to help picture book writers reform writing by reading and researching mentor texts. The challenge is supported by </span><a href="http://www.carriecharleybrown.com/schedule.html" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" title="">author-educators</a>...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is necessary to read a wide variety of picture books to truly understand the form, the market, and the craft of writing them. The goal of ReFoReMo is to build reading background while learning how to use mentor texts." ~Carrie Charley Brown</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a FREE online study group designed to help writers understand the structure of picture books and what makes a story stand out. They have a spectacular line-up of guest bloggers to assist writers in their research. I'm definitely going to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge offered by ReFoReMo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Join me and together let's unlock the secrets to writing a great book! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can sign up for the Reading for Research Month Challenge <a href="http://www.carriecharleybrown.com/reforemo/its-reforemo-registration-time" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjij4h-a-WgZqV-7p0VDFOptj6-rhpuxm5gyuEWAQhmwngniL3Xazs1MuvHXIlTEji0Qh3cpwoWvabLPDIQTEcfbg7Q6Lh5dnEqjx5keaW-DdihK7Cy7aBr_aijNPBNZnYrXIs-I_CHKwNp/s1600/reforemo+twibbon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjij4h-a-WgZqV-7p0VDFOptj6-rhpuxm5gyuEWAQhmwngniL3Xazs1MuvHXIlTEji0Qh3cpwoWvabLPDIQTEcfbg7Q6Lh5dnEqjx5keaW-DdihK7Cy7aBr_aijNPBNZnYrXIs-I_CHKwNp/s1600/reforemo+twibbon.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designed by <strong style="background-color: white; color: #663366; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://lifedancestudios.blogspot.com/" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204) !important; text-decoration: none;" title="">Lori Nawyn</a></strong></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm a proud participant of ReFoReMo</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Research!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-18758521942981196072015-01-29T12:27:00.002-08:002015-01-29T12:48:31.980-08:00Confessions of a Writer #2: So Close Yet So Far<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have a confession to make.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lately, I've been plagued by doubt, fear, and nonsense talk.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You've heard of the saying, "So close yet so
far."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well I'm all too familiar with the phrase.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: 'Noto Sans', sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image courtesy of <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2280" target="_blank">Digital Arts</a> at FreeDigitalPhotos.net</span></strong></td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So many times I've fallen short of something grand. Here
are a few examples:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">1. SCBWI </span><a href="http://www.scbwi.org/awards/grants/for-authors/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Barbara Karlin Grant</a></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 2011 I applied for the Barbara Karlin Grant. I was young
in my career. You know the writer's high of a newbie where for every contest,
every submission you are already dreaming of celebrating before you get the notice.
Well, imagine my excitement when I received the letter in the mail. As I read
the first line of the letter, my emotions skyrocketed with the words, "I
am writing to present you with…(wait…for…it…)… this LETTER OF MERIT for your
submission, I'M A MONSTER TOO!" My emotional high descended. I read on, "…you
did not win the grant…" My heart plummeted. "…but the judges felt
your proposal deserved extra recognition." And there it was. My emotion, suspended in air for a brief moment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So close yet so far…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2. SCBWI Conference Critique by V.P. of Scholastics</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 2013 I attended the International SCBWI conference in LA
and had the opportunity to sit down with the V.P. of Scholastics for a critique. In her words,
"…this [my ms] is what we're looking for. I want you to revise your
manuscript per my comments… I want you to send this to me…do you have an agent?
You need an agent…I will recommend you to some who are here today…" STOP
right there! Not so easy. I've been trying to get an agent since. Imagine the thought of having an editor waiting for you, but you can't get through the door. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So close yet so far…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>3. New Voice Contest by Lee & Low</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the latest contest I entered. I didn't win.
Surprise. Surprise. BUT I was sent a nice letter with nice comments from the
editor stating that I was among the finalist. This news didn't disappoint me
too much because by now I've developed a tough skin. But it's the thought of
being…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So close yet so far…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then there's this: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">From </span><a href="http://rateyourstory.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Rate Your Story</a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A visual reminder of where I stand. Great. Story of my life. I received a few of the #2 ratings and I can't help but feel that life has a wicked sense of humor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So close yet so far…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Can you imagine the torture</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">? I don't mean to sound ungrateful, because I'm not. I'm very pleased at how far I've come. I'm just saying that the feeling of closeness is a big teaser for me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll be honest, I have a full time job with two active kids
with busy schedules of their own. As a mom, their schedule is added to my already
busy schedule. But I <a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2012/04/my-desk.html">make time</a>
between sporting events, during lunch breaks, in the wee hours of the night,
and hours in between. I continue honing my craft. I take classes, read, write,
get involved with writing groups on social media to stay informed. </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">With all the hard work and effort put into my writing, I find
myself questioning my writing career.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do I want to pursue this?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(doubt)</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How much longer can I subject myself to rejection?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(fear)</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is this all for naught?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(nonsense talk)</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I ask myself <a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2014/02/writing-is.html">WHY</a> do I write? </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The answer is simple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I enjoy writing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Then I remind myself:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I enjoy writing because my inner spirit is
released. There is still that kid in me wanting to explore and share a world of
wonder. Writing is also like a vacation for me. I get to travel anywhere my
imagination takes me. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I may question
my writing future, but quit? I can't. Quitting is not in my vocabulary. As far as I think I am, there was always a word of encouragement and validation that I am a good writer. This gives me more determination to pursue what I love and that is to write.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whenever I find myself questioning myself I look at this
picture: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #141823; line-height: 115%;">"Success is not
final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."
-- Winston Churchill</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-43008022543886693312015-01-02T17:35:00.001-08:002015-01-02T17:35:13.344-08:002014 A Year in Review<div class="MsoNormal">
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" 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" 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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My intentions for 2014 was to streamline my life so I could
concentrate on my writing. That involved putting a hold on some of my social
media groups and athletic training. The first half of the year was spent
editing/revising my WIP picture books and the latter half was spent taking writing classes. Below is a recap of the events that kept me busy during <span style="font-size: large;">2014</span>:</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><u>Personal Life Events</u></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitaNWikBT3uUsCq4siSy8_t-N6QXu07Kf7MheBI8BibQPMSBfQCvvQTkSlIJ0se8kHOknflkSvNEdEEl2MDTekDalkdnYm1ZNmjUUiLfaxRhF7f31J1YY0qqfaK7vV_jFSRwzkzyS_M9zP/s1600/collage-+life+events+2014+(for%2Bblog).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitaNWikBT3uUsCq4siSy8_t-N6QXu07Kf7MheBI8BibQPMSBfQCvvQTkSlIJ0se8kHOknflkSvNEdEEl2MDTekDalkdnYm1ZNmjUUiLfaxRhF7f31J1YY0qqfaK7vV_jFSRwzkzyS_M9zP/s1600/collage-+life+events+2014+(for%2Bblog).jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="background: white;"><b><u>May</u></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
<span style="background: white;">May
19- June 23</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">I
enrolled in Mira Reisberg and Sudipta Bard-Quallen's online course, The
Pleasures and Craft of Poetic Techniques, offered by the <a href="http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/">Picture Book Academy</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
<span style="background: white;">It is
an interactive e-course complete with a weekly webinar to make your writing
sing. Now when I write, I am more aware of my word choices that will
make my prose read aloud like verse.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsueyJ0V3tgyXj69KBUagZl-bWhLvvzTFi-r7TMxEDDi68srSlVnllt8PhzVf7WVmFmFd64aQMWCaslIDTnKz_Umu0U3Uz8SoA957Ck4JFK9WyhuoZjAdnJ2UgNiD7QK3U-cS0M4gqPT7E/s1600/The+pleasures+and+craft+of+poetic+techniques+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsueyJ0V3tgyXj69KBUagZl-bWhLvvzTFi-r7TMxEDDi68srSlVnllt8PhzVf7WVmFmFd64aQMWCaslIDTnKz_Umu0U3Uz8SoA957Ck4JFK9WyhuoZjAdnJ2UgNiD7QK3U-cS0M4gqPT7E/s1600/The+pleasures+and+craft+of+poetic+techniques+2014.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="background: white;"><b><u>June</u></b></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">June 9</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">I was
invited to a <a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2014/06/meet-my-character.html">Meet my
Character Blog Hop</a> by </span></span><a href="http://jenniferjchow.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #448ddd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Jennifer Chow</span></a>,
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">author of </span><a href="http://jenniferjchow.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #33aaff; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The 228 Legacy</span></a>.<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
questions Jennifer provided was a great opportunity to delve into the main character of my story. It was also my chance to introduce
my new eBook, <a href="http://www.meegenius.com/store/book/80d9f60f14e32b8bbb5d80ee26376816">Running
Boy</a>, published by MeeGenius on June 9.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">June 21</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">I
signed up for my local SF/South SCBWI agent's Day. It is an all-day affair about
the author-agent relationship, tips on creating a memorable pitch, marketing,
and picture book pacing. The best part of the event was the agent round table
discussions where we got to do a Q & A up close and personal with the
participating agents. They are all very lovely people; many that represented picture books.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Agents
that were present:</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Deborah
Warren, East/west Literary Agency</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Caryn
Wiseman, Andrea Brown Literary Agency</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Abigail
Samoun, Red Fox Literary Agency</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Sean
McCarthy, Sean McCarthy Literary Agency</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Mira
Reisberg, Hummingbird Literary Agency</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Laurie
McLean, Foreward Literary</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="background: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVXZE-zZ1VvgNtRAEPZBd-yvkVVIdoOuC-wVlluo0GAxTy-k6oaGQb2pDyOiWcY8ThbtL-KBQf2ayuaTIdpIwTRW5UL-M5OSxEGD7a23eP56yWbBzlfRD5PwDEWnEAOK1NR_HqJZhNmpb/s1600/2014+kidlit+summer+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVXZE-zZ1VvgNtRAEPZBd-yvkVVIdoOuC-wVlluo0GAxTy-k6oaGQb2pDyOiWcY8ThbtL-KBQf2ayuaTIdpIwTRW5UL-M5OSxEGD7a23eP56yWbBzlfRD5PwDEWnEAOK1NR_HqJZhNmpb/s1600/2014+kidlit+summer+school.jpg" height="183" title="http://nerdychickswrite.wordpress" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="background: white;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><u>July</u></b></span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">July
21 to August 15</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Sudipta
Bard-Quallen and Kami Kinard offered a free online course called <a href="http://nerdychickswrite.com/2014/07/07/register-for-summer-school-get-it-write-this-summer/">kidlit
Summer School.</a> It is a month long course on writing strong and irresistible
characters that ran 6 days a week. Faculty members consisted of kidlit authors.
It was loads of fun and encouragement that kept me writing all summer long!
Needless to say, it helped me with my character development.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><u>August-September</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">August 4- September 22</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
<span style="background: white;">I
completed Kristen Fulton's fabulous 8-weeks <a href="http://www.kristenfulton.org/nonfiction-archaeology.html">Nonfiction
Archaeology course</a>. It was packed with information, videos, and webinars
that kept me informed and inspired. If you are interested in writing
nonfiction picture books, this course is a must. See my <a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2014/08/squeezing-writing-into-summer.html">review
of Kristen's course here</a>. Thanks to Kristen, I got to complete my
first nonfiction picture book this year!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;"><b><u>November</u></b></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">During
the month of November, I joined the <a href="http://taralazar.com/piboidmo/">Picture
Book Idea Month</a> (PiBoIdMo) challenge with Tara Lazar. The challenge
was to create 30 picture book ideas in a month. Tara had a terrific line up of
guest bloggers and prizes galore! Sadly, I didn't win any of the prizes, but I still came out a winner with a
notebook, of not 30, but 31 ideas!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="background: white;"></span></span>
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<br />
<span style="background: white;">Between writing, revising, and taking classes, I read loads of picture books. The best way to learn to write picture books is to read them. I've kept a
tally on Goodreads. Below is a collage of the books I've read in 2014.</span><br /></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="background: white;">The end of the year is also a time to reflect on all those who continue to
inspire me as a writer. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the following for their support, encouragement, and camaraderie:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Kidlit
411</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Picture
Book Academy</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Agent/Editor
Discussion Group</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Kristen
Fulton</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Mira
Reisberg</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Sudipta
Bard-Quallen</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Kami
Kinard</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Susanna
Hill Leonard</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Tara
Lazar</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Julie Hedlund</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">My
critique group:</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
Prose Shop</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Picture
Book Critique Group</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">And my
new friends at kidlit manuscript swap</span><br /></span>Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-37373375446702001142014-12-01T10:03:00.000-08:002014-12-01T10:03:52.125-08:00Crossing the PiBoIdMo Finish Line!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I did it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I crossed the finish line!</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXXrG9BLsqajmkScn78Acv1dW703NxKxPxR0Y3Hg9gkCTaY6W2b3GQSMkm4LuCtooiOo5EJhyphenhyphenrFcsjAekxFGUhSH2e0PPyWbYmf4P8MxB-WWgMgQSxTtjS168s0g4kTk0XtB9IfyccEs4/s1600/marathon+finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXXrG9BLsqajmkScn78Acv1dW703NxKxPxR0Y3Hg9gkCTaY6W2b3GQSMkm4LuCtooiOo5EJhyphenhyphenrFcsjAekxFGUhSH2e0PPyWbYmf4P8MxB-WWgMgQSxTtjS168s0g4kTk0XtB9IfyccEs4/s1600/marathon+finish.jpg" height="307" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My First Marathon- The 2006 Honolulu Marathon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">No, not another marathon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Better.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I completed Tara Lazar's annual <a href="http://taralazar.com/2014/12/01/got-30-ideas-take-the-2014-piboidmo-winners-pledge/" target="_blank">PiBoIdMo</a> (Picture Book Idea Month) with not 30, but 32 ideas!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pyvKr1ZSdVZaQ3iHeLl3mQgTBXSTABneFwDH7SZrxALKQgbGaQ_Ka_ms5uPaClumCB9Z4S_FYzGZuSNUYLlFB0mMfcei8P21BXuRnUkJvUHM3j4MDzggxX8A5izqFYJu09b2ec2VC9LL/s1600/vinvogel_piboldmo_winner_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pyvKr1ZSdVZaQ3iHeLl3mQgTBXSTABneFwDH7SZrxALKQgbGaQ_Ka_ms5uPaClumCB9Z4S_FYzGZuSNUYLlFB0mMfcei8P21BXuRnUkJvUHM3j4MDzggxX8A5izqFYJu09b2ec2VC9LL/s1600/vinvogel_piboldmo_winner_2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Woot!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Winnah, winnah, SUSHI dinnah!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love sushi. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coming up with ideas wasn't easy. I splashed in puddles, tumbled through a pile of leaves, and slid down slides, narrower than my hips to find my ideas. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does it mean to cross the finish line? You can read about <a href="http://runninggirlsblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/crossing-finish-line.html" target="_blank">my first marathon</a> and find out how that transformed me. But that's a different story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Completing the PiBoIdMo challange means I belong to a select group of writers, armed with 30 ideas. But c</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">rossing the finish line doesn't end there. The real challenge is to transform the ideas into completed stories. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Who is ready for the next challenge?</span></div>
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<br />Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-20048681474236831722014-10-01T13:05:00.000-07:002014-10-03T16:02:50.637-07:00Mentor Text and Readability Scores<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a while since I've posted on my blog. It's because I've been burying myself in nonfiction picture books! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I blame Kristen Fulton's wonderful nonfiction picture book writing class, <a href="http://www.kristenfulton.org/classes.html" target="_blank">Nonfiction Archaeology</a>, for my fixation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am familiar with writing nonfiction for magazines, but writing nonfiction picture books is a different animal for me. To help me get into the zone, I've immersed myself in nonfiction picture books. Below are few of my favorite (recent) reads that I am using as mentor text. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #382110; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.1;">What I find challenging is writing for my target population. It's so easy to want to present all the facts that sometimes I get carried away with words. To make sure I stay on track, I found a wonderful site that helps me assess my work-in-progress: </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.readability-score.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.readability-score.com</span></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.8666667938232px;">What you do is copy and paste your completed text in the box and hit enter on your keyboard. The site will analyze your story and give you the following information:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRMAHZjSSLqaWjRGkuzDyoa07_O18gZqk3ObF0l0Wv0x5iLh45R5O162twQdSy8RsYYkvUYi0bjgV7Wrkxukyo1Y4sfHjAliAfcOKtLRdo1Bdwdw-OMqHIzlHGQMecWB9tWPp3yY-MFt6/s1600/Readibility+score.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRMAHZjSSLqaWjRGkuzDyoa07_O18gZqk3ObF0l0Wv0x5iLh45R5O162twQdSy8RsYYkvUYi0bjgV7Wrkxukyo1Y4sfHjAliAfcOKtLRdo1Bdwdw-OMqHIzlHGQMecWB9tWPp3yY-MFt6/s1600/Readibility+score.JPG" height="640" width="267" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's useful about this information is that you will know if your writing is targeted to the population you intended to write for. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease</b> tells you the difficulty of your text:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">90.0-100.0 Easily understood by an average 11-year-old student</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">60.0 - 70.0 </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Easily understood by an average 13-15-year-old student</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0.0 - 30.0 </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Easily understood by a university student</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Grade Level or Readability Formula Score</b>: There is a mathematical way to determine these scores. You don't have to get caught up with each of these. All you need to know is the <b>average grade level</b> of the student your text is appropriate for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Text Statistics </b>is always fun, but the most useful is word count and words per sentence. As a writer, you want to make sure you vary your sentence length and keep within the word count that is suggested on submission guidelines. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are a few more sites I found helpful for studying mentor text:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.arbookfind.com/UserType.aspx" target="_blank">AR Book Finder</a></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Identify whether you are a student, parent, teacher, or librarian (it doesn't matter)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the "Quick Search" tab, enter the title of the book you are studying</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your result will look like this: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHC7Q1VDsAPiP7bX32ZTtlcWHc-J_8TIFyHoPsIKVplTYd99xZ41xoDgrPDjVMbZXQorA2JxhIGr7Iqlh1FAWNWab-JL5qBRPGp-BzdHSsVbHHyYFxdRwPbfNLurMfDzwKlgd4BVh1YdQK/s1600/AR+Book+Find+screen+shot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHC7Q1VDsAPiP7bX32ZTtlcWHc-J_8TIFyHoPsIKVplTYd99xZ41xoDgrPDjVMbZXQorA2JxhIGr7Iqlh1FAWNWab-JL5qBRPGp-BzdHSsVbHHyYFxdRwPbfNLurMfDzwKlgd4BVh1YdQK/s1600/AR+Book+Find+screen+shot.JPG" height="156" width="640" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Click on the title and you get an expanded form of the results:</span> </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMayZ6VVvJMcsfgamljAb17oDxKFGdVOL5Wcqt6ABxgsq_zRFju0-3F5hkIPVbeOxFS-9uk4vHdy5bBVaKHGmoBsgwmLMc1w58vCwHmAvABotddevhFKeija4NNzp8n8X7to27-Cv_4DPR/s1600/AR+Book+Find+screen+shot+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMayZ6VVvJMcsfgamljAb17oDxKFGdVOL5Wcqt6ABxgsq_zRFju0-3F5hkIPVbeOxFS-9uk4vHdy5bBVaKHGmoBsgwmLMc1w58vCwHmAvABotddevhFKeija4NNzp8n8X7to27-Cv_4DPR/s1600/AR+Book+Find+screen+shot+2.JPG" height="625" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.renlearn.com/store/quiz_home.asp" target="_blank">Renaissance Learning</a></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Go to the "Quiz Store"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enter title of the book you want to study and hit "Go!"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Select the correct title displayed</span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xT6KgWpNC03NqMkI8oHsKYYTDJIeA9YgWFeIvrnXeyEdfenl2rw0OCF5KJk0RHIunrUD8KZSGEZaZdcGzELr74AnNZpyNL0a6bOfkuAQ5Jo4eFmYoIfHM28bCUq-UYp31HhftYdppyS7/s1600/Rennaissance+Learning+screen+shot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xT6KgWpNC03NqMkI8oHsKYYTDJIeA9YgWFeIvrnXeyEdfenl2rw0OCF5KJk0RHIunrUD8KZSGEZaZdcGzELr74AnNZpyNL0a6bOfkuAQ5Jo4eFmYoIfHM28bCUq-UYp31HhftYdppyS7/s1600/Rennaissance+Learning+screen+shot.JPG" height="256" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I apologize for the small and blurry screen shot</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.8666667938232px;">To help you decipher the codes, here is a cheat sheet:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.8666667938232px;"><b>Interest Level (IL)</b>: This indicates the grade level the book is appropriate for, based on book content (theme, character, plot). Lower Grade indicates grade level K-3, Middle grade: 4-8, and upper grade: 9-12.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.8666667938232px;"><b>Book Level (BL)</b>: This represents the difficulty of the text. It means the text could be read independently by a student whose reading skills are at the grade level indicated.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.8666667938232px;"><b>AR Points (Accelerated Reader Points)</b>: This is based on the difficulty and length of the book. A point value system measures how much reading practice your child is getting. Not important, but thought you'd want to know.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.8666667938232px;"><b>The difference</b> between the <b>Renaissance Learning site</b> and the <b>AR Book Finder</b> is that the AR Book Finder includes a rating of the book, judged by students based on enjoyment. It also includes a topic-subtopic, which is useful to know if you want to know how the book is sorted or categorized.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My top three Readability Score sites:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><a href="http://www.readability-score.com/" target="_blank">R<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">eadability-score</span></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.arbookfind.com/UserType.aspx" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">AR BOOK FINDER</a><br />
<a href="http://www.renlearn.com/store/quiz_home.asp" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Renaissance Learning</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Give the links a test ride and tell me what you think!</span></div>
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Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-31404545173339699912014-08-24T16:50:00.000-07:002014-08-25T22:20:19.856-07:00Squeezing Writing Into Summer<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Squeezing writing into summer is like squeezing into a bathing suit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was that kind of summer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There wasn't enough hours in a day...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ....days in a week...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ....weeks in a month...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> .....and months in a summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Maiandra GD', sans-serif;">Work</span>
• <span style="font-family: 'Cooper Black', serif;">baseball games</span> • <span style="font-family: 'Curlz MT';">chauffeuring
kids to various activities</span> • <span style="font-family: Chiller;">family reunions</span> • <span style="font-family: Elephant, serif;">travels</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But wait. There's more!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I managed to squeeze in some writing time too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I enrolled in Mira Reisberg and Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen's <a href="http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/" target="_blank">The Craft and Pleasures of Writing Poetry for kids</a>, participated in Sudipta and Kami Kinard's <a href="http://nerdychickswrite.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Kidlit Summer School</a>, and signed up for Kristen Fulton's <a href="http://www.kristenfulton.org/classes.html" target="_blank">Nonfiction Archaeology</a> class.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enrolling in these classes kept me writing by helping me get into a routine. I <strike>was forced</strike> learned to manage my time. I didn't need to diet to squeeze my writing into my summer. All I had to do was loosen up the strings. I made <a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2010/08/find-time-to-write.html" target="_blank">time to write</a>. I wrote whenever and <a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2012/04/my-desk.html" target="_blank">wherever I could.</a> It was the prescription I needed to keep my writing active and healthy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is my review of each of the classes I've taken this summer:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>From Storyteller to Exquisite Writer: The Pleasures and Craft of Poetic Techniques</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This 5-week course is packed with information. It is perfect for beginner and seasoned writers. The course covered the basics of writing picture books and focused on rhyming and poetic techniques to make your story sing. The weekly webinars are perfect for questions and answers about writing in general. Mira also has a wonderful segment called Mondays with Mira in which she shares with you her favorite picture books and explains what makes it a great book. Included in the course are generous bonus materials which was a course in itself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The most valuable is the one-hour critique session you get from Mira and Sudipta. The critique groups formed within the class is optional, but I highly recommend it.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zrb7z3phxVgPSlSzTzkPeHbVhGzDcXfJeHLYPvLay8MYIyHH0xwTjvVu-pSprZZIZ6PlpsZtap3g94FdG6ie2ywob49CmMmPVnhJ9q0NtZK8BxcmXLqZO6pxtw5ZI1J1hN5zxy3fGlMA/s1600/picture+book+academy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zrb7z3phxVgPSlSzTzkPeHbVhGzDcXfJeHLYPvLay8MYIyHH0xwTjvVu-pSprZZIZ6PlpsZtap3g94FdG6ie2ywob49CmMmPVnhJ9q0NtZK8BxcmXLqZO6pxtw5ZI1J1hN5zxy3fGlMA/s1600/picture+book+academy.jpg" height="155" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The online class costs a bit. If you don't have the funds, Mira has been generous in offering <a href="http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/yuyi-morales-scholarship.html" target="_blank">scholarships</a> for her classes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you aren't able to enroll in the class, here are a few resources I <b>highly</b> recommend:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.writingrhymeandmeter.com/" target="_blank">Rhyme Weaver</a> by Lane Fredrickson</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Picture-Books-Hands--Publication/dp/1582975566/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1408920617&sr=1-1&keywords=writing+picture+books+by+ann+whitford+paul" target="_blank">Writing Picture Books</a> by Ann Whitford Paul</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Word-Magic-Writers-Cindy-Rogers/dp/1889715247" target="_blank">Word Magic for Writers</a> by Cindy Rogers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Nerdy Chicks Kidlit Summer School
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Kami Kinard are a dynamic duo! They put together a blog-based, four week writer's workshop that runs during the months of July and August. The daily blog posts are filled with writing advice and information on improving your craft that is written by various authors and writing professionals. Their faculty includes award-winning PB, MG, and YA authors.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5mBmKs1S1EjNwWhUbLUPTCt1CcPqIiaCQj0vgLH4DVnAt-kpaDu1VLBqa9tMoGkwpAC3J2RDRWbrJIQbCKGOOfx5jmQ4nqYQqlq47A1NrxCxzS3cEs1_yRX92Y0bQBEy-0Ai4JQJ5mdK/s1600/2014+kidlit+summer+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5mBmKs1S1EjNwWhUbLUPTCt1CcPqIiaCQj0vgLH4DVnAt-kpaDu1VLBqa9tMoGkwpAC3J2RDRWbrJIQbCKGOOfx5jmQ4nqYQqlq47A1NrxCxzS3cEs1_yRX92Y0bQBEy-0Ai4JQJ5mdK/s1600/2014+kidlit+summer+school.jpg" height="183" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://nerdychickswrite.wordpress.com/</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their summer session will motivate you. Each day you are given homework that will inspire your own writing. This summer's focus was on character development, which I found to be extremely helpful. They also offer weekly webinars where Sudipta, Kami, and other guests answer your burning questions about the craft of writing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to confess that I could not keep up with the homework and ended up dropping out mid-way. Okay, I admit it. I am a summer school drop out. Shhhh....don't tell. Nevertheless, it is a worthwhile session and I enjoyed the camaraderie of the summer school group. It's just that half-way through, I was inspired to take a nonfiction class which I will review below. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best part of Kidlit Summer School? It's FREE! It can't get any better than that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Nonfiction Archaeology</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a four week class that is offered monthly by author, Kristen Fulton. She hosts a weekly webiner and daily blog post. This class is still going on. I am three weeks into the class and have gained a wealth of information. I have to say that I am loving this class so much! I am in awe of Kristen's intelligence, writing, passion, and organization skills. I want to be her! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkapRiUgzGlVF93RJXlaGKZepI29xffig7_CiBMamtpBQ3KQKuRPgR1HfZI75vs4a1Pup2rSxRYk1N-tGngRXu0WPQE3LsXDHSf07wCnrxQAzT4aq97P2O68WIvye_fSRG3N_gunS06D_f/s1600/nonfiction+achaeology+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkapRiUgzGlVF93RJXlaGKZepI29xffig7_CiBMamtpBQ3KQKuRPgR1HfZI75vs4a1Pup2rSxRYk1N-tGngRXu0WPQE3LsXDHSf07wCnrxQAzT4aq97P2O68WIvye_fSRG3N_gunS06D_f/s1600/nonfiction+achaeology+2014.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.kristenfulton.org/classes.html</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The class is so organized in that the lessons are introduced in a sequential manner in which you would write a nonfiction picture book from beginning to end. So as you are taking the class, your are already on your way to writing and completing a nonfiction story. In the webinar, Kristen discusses the lessons for the week and the blog posts that follows reinforces everything that she's covered. I can't say enough about this course.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are thinking of writing a nonfiction picture book, I highly recommend Kristen's class. It is worth more than the price you pay for her class. Kristen is so generous in sharing her wealth of information and has gone over and beyond what I expected. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So there you have it. If you need to ignite your writing, consider taking a class or participating in a challenge offered by generous writers. Don't worry about squeezing writing into your summer. Make the summer fit into your writing! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Writing is like a vacation. I get to travel anywhere my imagination takes me" ~Romelle</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-50918794453088190762014-06-23T07:00:00.000-07:002014-06-23T14:27:51.177-07:00Meet My Character<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;">I've been tagged by my good friend <a href="http://jenniferjchow.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Chow</a> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">for the </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Meet My Character Blog Hop</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">I love blog hops, but sometimes life gets too busy so I have to pick my battles. With my busy schedule and limited time, I try to focus more on my writing. Well, this blog hop was particularly interesting because the questions asked is great for character development of future works-in-progress. I thought I'd take advantage of the opportunity and practice answering these questions. It is also an opportunity for me to introduce you to the character of my new eBook, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://www.meegenius.com/store/book/80d9f60f14e32b8bbb5d80ee26376816" target="_blank">RUNNING BOY.</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Jennifer is the author of <a href="http://jenniferjchow.com/" target="_blank">The 228 Legacy</a>, a 2013 Foreword Reviews' Book of the Year Finalist in the multicultural category. You can meet the character of Jennifer's upcoming book, Seniors' Sleuth on her blog at </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://jenniferjchow.com/2014/06/16/meet-my-characters/">Jennifer J. Chow.</a></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCbAgSv1cnN8CSEauM_54u-eH_t-UV4_2LtaceM8ieRJ9acp5uybLUhglNB1qglC7eZaMUVQYpdfFdLCCQrjdeqghXuCoZDz3SRJyHuY_jJaq4FRKtK6mtzjuwSeRhj0Tg-Rbi2g38n0y/s1600/The-228-Legacy-front-cover-193x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCbAgSv1cnN8CSEauM_54u-eH_t-UV4_2LtaceM8ieRJ9acp5uybLUhglNB1qglC7eZaMUVQYpdfFdLCCQrjdeqghXuCoZDz3SRJyHuY_jJaq4FRKtK6mtzjuwSeRhj0Tg-Rbi2g38n0y/s1600/The-228-Legacy-front-cover-193x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">On to my character questions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b>1. What is the name of your character? Is he/she
fictional or a historic person?</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;">RUNNING BOY is about a fictional
character named Markus who is 8-years-old and is loosely based on a true story of my son. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b>2. When and where is the story set?</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;">The story takes place in Markus' neighborhood where we find him running to the playground, the park, the beach, and the redwoods. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b>3. What should we know about him/her?</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;">Markus loves to run! He runs so much that the neighborhood kids call him Running Boy. He is a free-spirited boy who enjoys being outdoors and is full of energy and life. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b>4. What is the main conflict? </b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;">RUNNING BOY is a concept story that builds on the curiosity of the neighborhood kids. Markus, who is Running Boy, keeps on running and each time he passes a friend, they can't help but ask, "Running Boy, why are you running?" Markus is not about to stop so the kids end up following him on his run.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b>5. What is the personal goal of the character?</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;">Markus keeps on running. What he wants is for the neighborhood kids to join him and find out for themselves why he runs.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b>6. Is there a working title for this book, and
can we read more about it?</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">RUNNING BOY was written in 2005. Yes, you read right. That was 9 years ago! I the story idea came to me during my training for the Honolulu Marathon. It was also a time when my eldest son started running and I was looking for a picture book on running for kids and could not find any so I wrote one! </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b>7. When can we expect the book to be published?</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;">I'm glad you asked! <a href="http://www.meegenius.com/store/book/80d9f60f14e32b8bbb5d80ee26376816" target="_blank">RUNNING BOY</a> has just been released on June 9, 2014 by <a href="http://www.meegenius.com/store/book/80d9f60f14e32b8bbb5d80ee26376816" target="_blank">MeeGenius</a>. The eBook can be viewed on iPad</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><a href="http://bit.ly/11J5lOU" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #2aaae1; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">iOS</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">, </span><a href="http://bit.ly/UwpOnW" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #2aaae1; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">Android</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">, </span><a href="http://bit.ly/1at5J8W" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #2aaae1; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">Windows 8</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">, </span><a href="http://amzn.to/1b0i3bE" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #2aaae1; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">Amazon</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> , </span><a href="http://bit.ly/1cyJTBf" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #2aaae1; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">Nook</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">, and the <a href="http://www.meegenius.com/store/book/80d9f60f14e32b8bbb5d80ee26376816" style="color: #cc6611; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">web</a>.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">It's so great to finally see my story in pictures! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrOMk2WO0PMYBb153W7hi-RxAeEwsjPWbcxmWHEfupH7L7bwziA4W6xXCF6j70c5X4iW9-aefsX3sYM-lmnuFgrHN_OF5lmeW6n5uLXnML0wUBLFtuQFpDL9noyb80EAdksX91PtCfDKZ/s1600/running+boy+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="www.romellebroas.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrOMk2WO0PMYBb153W7hi-RxAeEwsjPWbcxmWHEfupH7L7bwziA4W6xXCF6j70c5X4iW9-aefsX3sYM-lmnuFgrHN_OF5lmeW6n5uLXnML0wUBLFtuQFpDL9noyb80EAdksX91PtCfDKZ/s1600/running+boy+(2).jpg" height="320" title="http://www.meegenius.com/store/book/80d9f60f14e32b8bbb5d80ee26376816" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">I hope <a href="http://www.meegenius.com/store/book/80d9f60f14e32b8bbb5d80ee26376816" target="_blank">RUNNING BOY</a> will instill the love for running in the hearts of children. For you runners with young kids, I hope you join me in sharing the wonders of running with our children.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">It's summer time so what better time to get excited about <b>running</b> & <b>reading!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #2f1208; line-height: 115%;">I’m tagging </span><span style="background: white; color: #b80804; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.rebeccacolbybooks.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca Colby,</a> </span><span style="background: white; color: #2f1208; line-height: 115%;">to continue
this Meet My Characters Blog Tour. Rebecca is the </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">author of </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lassie-Swallowed-Midgie-Picture-Kelpies/dp/1782500480" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">There was a Wee Lassie who swallowed a Midgie</a>.<span style="background: white; color: #2f1208; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2f1208; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Stop by her website on </span><strong style="color: #2f1208; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">June 30th</strong><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #2f1208; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2f1208; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">to see what she’s working on!</span></span></div>
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Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-28176132343063355542014-06-09T11:41:00.001-07:002014-06-09T11:41:04.998-07:00Look What I Won!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Guess what I won.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">No, not a writing contest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Not a free critique.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Not a blog award.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I won <a href="http://www.loridegman.com/loridegman.com/Home.html">Lori Degman's</a>
newest picture book</span>,<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.loridegman.com/loridegman.com/Cock-a-Doodle_Oops%21.html">COCK-A-DOODLE
OOPS!</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to my friends at <a href="http://www.kidlit411.com/">Kidlit 411</a>-</span></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> a one-stop resource for children's
book writers!</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">(I had Lori sign it to me instead of my sons, don't judge)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">I was so excited to win this book because I've been wanting to get a hold of it since I heard of Lori Degman's new release. How can you not pick up a book with a title like Cock-a-Doodle Oops!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Winning this book revealed three things about me that I am embarrassed to share with you, but here goes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Confessions of a writer:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">1) I love entering contest! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">2) I have books signed to me instead of my sons (because I'm selfish that way)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">3) I can't help but read the book before my kids despite them telling me to wait for them (because I am impatient)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Let's just say I'm a kid at heart. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">I just received this book a few days ago and already I've read it 5 times.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I give this fun and entertaining book 5 roosters!</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Cock-a-Doodle-Woot!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is my review from Goodreads:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18406841-cock-a-doodle-oops" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Cock-a-Doodle-Oops!" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1381963653m/18406841.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18406841-cock-a-doodle-oops">Cock-a-Doodle-Oops!</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3180072.Lori_Degman">Lori Degman</a></div>
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My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/962466714">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Cock-a-Doodle Oops! is a rhyming picture book about a rooster who takes a week-long vacation leaving his cock-a-doodle duty up to the rest of the farm animals. One-by-one they attempt to wake up Farmer Peeper (who is a deep sleeper). <br />
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Author Lori Degman's brilliant rhyme and lively plot, paired with Deborah Zemke's fun illustration style, makes this one of my favorite picture books. <br />
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The story encourages interactivity, which makes it a great read-aloud. Children can't help but crow along with the farm animals, finishing the rhyme and guessing the sound the farm animal makes: cock-a-doodle ________!<br />
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Cock-a-Doodle Oops! is an enjoyable and entertaining book for the whole family. Full of humor and surprises, children will be asking to read this over and over again.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/7287681-romelle">View all my reviews</a></div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-wp56DxIcpQA%2FU5X0w7gy1PI%2FAAAAAAAABJ8%2FX-lueHv45Vs%2Fs1600%2Frooster%2Bcapture.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-ilAgbu0KA7QRf9XxebVTXlsMvLrvy5Qv1HwaCEnCAi7NxFiwpcWlUBfqbPitwdtrwOQCiB0Sdsia5c6gaB-hPLRhZU-H_ycl5tnVnVYfqlsAR4x6kyoZpEOsX8sOhysGG6TMkZGVheN/s1600/rooster+capture.JPG" -->Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-55715967878198141122014-05-19T21:24:00.000-07:002014-05-19T21:24:17.492-07:00What to Do When The Agent Calls You<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">So far I shared some helpful links on <a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2014/02/so-you-want-to-get-agent.html" target="_blank">how to find an agent</a>, <a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2014/03/should-i-seek-agent-or-publisher.html" target="_blank">whether or not you should submit to an agent or publisher</a>, <a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2014/01/query-quandary-resource-guide.html" target="_blank">how to write a query</a>, and <a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-perfect-pitch.html" target="_blank">how to write a pitch</a>. You've submitted your queries and so now the wait begins. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><b>What happens when you finally get <i>the call</i>? </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><b>Do you know what to expect?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><b>How will you react?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><b>Do you know what questions to ask?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">Here's a scenario:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><b>Agent</b>: Hi wonderful writer, this is so-n-so from Blank Agency.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><b>Wonderful writer:</b> Who?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><b>Agent:</b> So-n-so from Blank Agency. You sent me a couple of your manuscripts in hopes of seeking representation.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><b>Wonderful writer</b>: OH! Yes, now I remember. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><b>Agent:</b> I'm calling to let you know that I see a lot of promise from you and I'd like to represent you. Are you interested?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><b>Wonderful writer</b>: Ahhhhhhh!!!! EEEEeeeee!!! Woooooootttttt!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><b>Agent:</b> I take that as a yes? Now do you have any questions for me?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><b>Wonderful writer</b>: Uhhhhh.....Ummmm...Thinking. Thinking. Thinking. Can I get back to you?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><b>Don't let this be you!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">I haven't had the opportunity to be in a situation like this, but I thought it would be important to prepare myself to avoid the awkwardness. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">By being prepared with what to expect and asking smart questions, it'll make your conversation with your agent a smooth one.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">I've collected some helpful links for your convenience. I've summarized the posts and organized them in order of use for easy reference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><b>What to do when the agent calls you- before the call, during the call, after the call</b></span></span></h3>
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<span class="TitleChar"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Before the Call</span></span><br />
<span class="TitleChar"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/2010/02/call-or-what-to-ask-literary-agent-when.html" target="_blank">What to Ask Literary Agent When You Get the Call</a> by Casey McCormick</span></span></span><br />
<span class="TitleChar"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Casey of Literary Rambles gives some sound advice on being prepared. She shares a list of questions found on other sites that she's created for herself. This is an exhaustive list from which you can pick and choose the ones that work for you. Of course, it's best to study your agents before hand. You should have some knowledge as to how your agents works. This will help you reduce your questions to the most important ones.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="TitleChar"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="TitleChar"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2013/08/21/10-questions-to-ask-an-agent/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WritingAndIllustrating+%28Writing+and+Illustrating%29" target="_blank">Questions to Ask an Agent</a> by Kathy Temean</span></span></span><br />
<span class="TitleChar"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Kathy shares the top 10 questions that agent Linda P. Epstein of Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency deems as the most thoughtful questions she's been asked by her client Lesley Cheah and others. If you don't want to go through an exhaustive list, then this list is for you.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">During the Call</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://subitclub.wordpress.com/2013/11/19/taking-a-call-the-call/" target="_blank">Taking a Call...The Call </a>by Heather Ayris Burnell </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Heather, Creator of the Sub-It-Club, gives advice on how to respond to an offer for representation. In other words, how to tactfully tell an agent that you need time to think about it or to notify other agents who have your manuscripts.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">After the Call</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://subitclub.wordpress.com/2013/07/22/handling-outstanding-queries-when-an-agent-offers-representation/" target="_blank">Handling Outstanding Queries When an Agent Offers Representation </a>by Lisha Cauthen</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">What about the other agents whom you've never heard back from? Lisha of Sub-It-Club has a checklist made out to help us handle a situation like this. She also includes a sample letter that you can send to the agents who are still holding on to your manuscripts. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">You Have an Agent Now What</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/4/post/2014/03/what-an-agent-actually-does-the-agentclient-contract.html" target="_blank">The Agent/Client Contract </a>by Mira Reisberg</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Agent Mira Reisberg of Hummingbird Literary Agency addresses some of the important aspects that are listed in an agent/client contract. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">Now That The Dust Has Settled</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://jennybent.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/how-to-fire-your-agent-post-by-jenny.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BentOnBooks+%28Bent+on+Books%29" target="_blank">How to Fire Your Agent</a> by Jenny Bent</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">This is something we hope we don't have to do, but it can happen. Jenny goes over some points to consider before we make the decision to fire an agent. She also shares some tips on how to go about firing an agent with dos and don'ts and includes other helpful links</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">So there you have it. I suggest going through the links in this order. Prepare your questions for the agent who calls, have a letter to other agents ready to go, and practice your happy dance!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMmFl23nhuDYFy8AUng3Ha0z6Zf9sHpx_FjZEVxiDhP8VF0oFkJLGKLpN3Rtv22XX-6Rd2JYd3Kc43aoPdimG4DU05S8S95NTtg4bzhSMfYjbe9wsutHcsXwSQCW1EeaLPeCGIDF8Q2Nc/s1600/Dancing+dog+by+Grant+Cochrane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMmFl23nhuDYFy8AUng3Ha0z6Zf9sHpx_FjZEVxiDhP8VF0oFkJLGKLpN3Rtv22XX-6Rd2JYd3Kc43aoPdimG4DU05S8S95NTtg4bzhSMfYjbe9wsutHcsXwSQCW1EeaLPeCGIDF8Q2Nc/s1600/Dancing+dog+by+Grant+Cochrane.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; text-align: start;">Image courtesy of <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2365" target="_blank">Grant Cochrane</a> / FreeDigitalPhotos.net</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-77570443156635885572014-04-30T11:28:00.001-07:002014-04-30T11:28:43.063-07:00ERGONOMICS AND THE WRITER<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had the opportunity to attend a class by registered nurse,
Deidre Rogers of <a href="http://ergovera.com/">Ergovera.com</a> in ergonomics last week. The lessons I learned
helped me be more aware of my posture.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As writers, we spend a lot of time in front of the computer
so I thought the ergonomics of the writer would be a valuable topic to share
with all of you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a summary of what I learned:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DESK</span></div>
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<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most desks are made to fit men. This means the average
height of a desk is 27 inches from floor to elbow. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's advisable to use an adjustable desk that you can
elevate or lower according to your position/size.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A keyboard tray is most useful since it will likely place your keyboard at the level of your neutral elbow/wrist positions. Your elbow must rest comfortably at your side with wrist 1-2 inches below your elbows when typing.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is helpful to purchase an adjustable desk which can be raised or lowered to fit your needs, especially if multiple people are using one desk.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CHAIR</span></div>
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<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A chair with a convex back supports the back better. <a href="http://somaergo.com/">SomaErgo.com</a> and <a href="http://www.askergoworks.com/" target="_blank">Ask Ergo Works</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">offers a wide range of modular chair systems which you can adjust to fit your body. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The arm rest of a chair must be in a neutral position. Again, find a chair that is not too wide. Your arms should fall naturally on the arm rest without you having to spread your arms wider than your shoulder width.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.somaergo.com/images/chairs/SS.MB-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.somaergo.com/images/chairs/SS.MB-1.jpg" height="320" width="175" /></a></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When sitting, your </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">back, head, and neck should be in a neutral position. To help you with this, visualize your head as a bowling ball balancing on your neck/spine. Your head too forward or back can cause strain on your neck and shoulders.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your hips should be 1-2 inches above the knee. Your back should be supported. Women tend to sit straight, perched on their seats. Make use of your backrest. That's what it's for.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you use a gym ball, again make sure your hip bone is 1-2
inches above your knee height. Deidre Rogers, RN advises using gym balls to no
more than 20 minutes at a time and 3 times a day at maximum.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Note: While the gym ball helps engage core abdominal muscles, improves stability, and strengthens lower back, the absence of an arm and back rest can cause neck and shoulder strain. The gym ball also may not be tall enough for your desk putting your wrist and elbow in a compromised position.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">COMPUTER SCREEN </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your eyes lead your posture. The top line of your text on
the screen should be 2 inches lower than your line of sight. In other words,
your eye sight should be looking at a 15 degree angle downward towards the top
line of your text.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When sitting at the screen for long periods of time, the computer glare can be straining on the eye. Give your eyes a rest and follow </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THE RULE OF 20.</b></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">After 20 minutes of viewing, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.</span></b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">The body also needs to refresh itself. </span></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After 20 minutes sitting in front of the computer, loosen your limbs, stretch, or take a walk.</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">KEYBOARD AND MOUSE</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are small-boned like me, the smaller your carpal tunnel bone is. This can lead to poor circulation and cold hands. So in small-boned people, it is important to be mindful of your posture to prevent future problems that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ol style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 14.181818008422852px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="mod" style="border: 0px; clear: none; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 20px 20px 0px;"><div class="_k _iO _YW _gL" data-hveid="45" style="font-size: 20px;">
<h4 style="overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 20px;">
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome- "A disorder that causes numbness in the hand and pain in the wrist due to the compression of the median nerve, which runs down the arm to the fingers."</h4>
</div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
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<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your wrist should be straight and in line with the rest of your arm.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With your fingers on the keyboard, your elbow should be slightly above your wrist at an almost 120-degree angle.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a photo of an ergonomic keyboard that positions your wrist and arms in a neutral position. Notice the angle of the keyboard.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.askergoworks.com/Images/CategoryImages/402b3d09-9089-42da-97d1-9f753a9cdb3d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.askergoworks.com/Images/CategoryImages/402b3d09-9089-42da-97d1-9f753a9cdb3d.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Available at <a href="http://www.askergoworks.com/category/33/Keyboards.aspx" target="_blank">Ask Ergo Works</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your keyboard length shouldn't be wider than your shoulders. Otherwise, the reach of your mouse will be unnatural.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People with broad chests will benefit with the split keyboard design.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The use of your mouse can develop a thumb disorder called</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">De Quervain disorder.</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h4>
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">De Quervain's tenosynovitis (dih-kwer-VAINS ten-oh-sine-oh-VIE-tis)- "is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. If you have de Quervain's tenosynovitis, it will probably hurt every time you turn your wrist, grasp anything or make a fist." (Mayo Clinic)</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Note: A mouse that will position your hand and wrist in a neutral position to reduce your wrist of developing De Quervain disorder will look like this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.evoluent.com/VM4R-med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.evoluent.com/VM4R-med.jpg" height="257" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evloluent mouse available at <a href="http://www.evoluent.com/vm4r.htm" target="_blank">Evoluent.com </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your mouse should be placed at the level of your keyboard and close to it so you don't have to reach for it. Reaching can cause problems to your rotator cuff.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shortcut keys eliminate mouse use. Deidre advises you use shortcut keys as much as possible. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It's best to use </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">two</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> hands when using a shortcut key combination to avoid straining either hand with awkward finger and wrist positioning. Here is a list of <a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/p/list-of-80-shortcut-keysfor-pc-ctrl.html" target="_blank">Shortcut keys.</a></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TYPING</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do not rest your wrist on the keyboard unless you have a wrist cushion for your keyboard. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Practice wrist-floating-style of typing and keep your arms in a neutral position- elbow bent comfortably by your side with wrist 1-2 inches below your elbows.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51+HF-ZzNlL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51+HF-ZzNlL._SL1500_.jpg" height="106" title="http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Gel-Filled-Cushion-Wrist-Black/dp/B00004Z5RA" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrist Cushion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When typing, use a light touch on the keys.</span></li>
</ul>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The tendons from your fingers connect near your elbow so striking the keys too hard can lead to problems you might not associate with your keyboard like pain and inflammation in your elbows (Epicondylitis)." (<a href="http://www.healthycomputing.com/office/setup/keyboard/" target="_blank">Healthy Computing</a>)</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that you are comfortable in your chair, type away my friends!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Note: If you are more of a pen and pencil kind of writer, be sure to use a light grip. Let your ink flow as do your thoughts.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope this topic was helpful to you as it was for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wishing you all a healthy body and a creative mind!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">****************</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a summary of the resources I've used:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ergonomic Consultation:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://ergovera.com/</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Products:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://somaergo.com/</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.askergoworks.com/</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.evoluent.com/vm4r.htm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ergonomic Information:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.healthycomputing.com/office/setup/keyboard/</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.livestrong.com/article/287638-pros-cons-of-sitting-on-a-stability-ball/</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.lni.wa.gov/IPUB/417-133-000.pdf</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-77264949313596621802014-04-21T11:06:00.000-07:002014-04-23T09:27:19.862-07:00NONFICTION PICTURE BOOKS: Creative Nonfiction. Informational Fiction. Faction. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?<div class="MsoNormal">
I wrote a couple of <a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/p/publications.html" target="_blank">nonfiction articles</a> for magazines, but now I am interested in writing nonfiction for picture books. <a href="http://www.readingrockets.org/article/40062" target="_blank">Nonfiction picture books</a> must have three components:<br />
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<li>Visually appealing with attractive design and layout in a 32-page book</li>
<li>Accurate information</li>
<li>Engaging writing</li>
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Nonfiction picture books are written to attract the interest of young readers and get them excited about nonfiction. Sharon Ruth Gill of Reading Rockets explores this genre that is making waves in the publishing industry in her article, <a href="http://www.readingrockets.org/article/40062" target="_blank">What Teachers Need to Know About the "New" Nonfiction</a>.<br />
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Like picture books, nonfiction books for the younger reader must stand out in today's market. How do you do that?</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">GET CREATIVE!</span></div>
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But how much creativeness can you add to a nonfiction? This is where it gets sticky.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Myth:</b> For my nonfiction to stand out, I should embellish it
with interesting and fun details by weaving in a creative, made-up story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>*Truth:</b> Once you add fiction, your story is fiction. Lee
Gutkind of creativenonfiction.org says it best. <span style="font-size: large;">Creative nonfiction is
“accurate prose about real people and events written in a compelling, vivid,
dramatic manner- true stories well told.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Myth:</b> If I write a story with a good plot, realistic
characters and interesting facts, then I would have a great creative
nonfiction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>*Truth:</b> This all depends on what your realistic characters are saying and doing. Jan Fields of the Institute of Children’s literature
writes, <span style="font-size: large;">“Creative nonfiction happens when an author uses totally well
researched facts to create a story-like narrative with no made up parts.” </span>What you may have written is <span style="font-size: large;">faction- blending of fact and fiction.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Myth:</b> If I write a story about a father on an adventure
through the woods with his daughter and informing her of facts about redwood
trees along the way, that would make a great Creative nonfiction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>*Truth:</b> When you have a made-up story with characters spewing
out facts, or a blending of fiction with facts, then you have <span style="font-size: large;">informational
fiction- Facts in a fictional framework.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">What about historical fiction?</span> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Many historical fiction are
realistic. Characters may be fictitious, but the events and scenes are based on
facts. Historical fiction is also described as a fictional account of real
events or real people. Sherry Garland, children's author, talks about this and
was surprised when some of her historical picture books won nonfiction awards. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiun-jEHuT0Ifl4aPdtd5QvngmWzSotZSh5zNqPm0oKfTHv82H76AcUbU976yw35WxIOhS0MJgFcY7axR5pNkHF624GA4Fyx4pkcwmVUMCMWMKbtyLWEICrr94YKPdxOyX_Nf-fKujk04o7/s1600/gettysburgcover-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiun-jEHuT0Ifl4aPdtd5QvngmWzSotZSh5zNqPm0oKfTHv82H76AcUbU976yw35WxIOhS0MJgFcY7axR5pNkHF624GA4Fyx4pkcwmVUMCMWMKbtyLWEICrr94YKPdxOyX_Nf-fKujk04o7/s1600/gettysburgcover-2.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Historical
fiction: Informational fiction, creative nonfiction, or faction? </b>You will find
the answer to this question on Sherry's blog, <a href="http://sherrygarlandblog.wordpress.com/tag/faction/">Into the Woods We Go</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">What is faction?</span> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">According to Gotham teacher, Brandi
Reissenweber, faction is a blending of fact and fiction. Author Sandra Markle defines it as "a
fictional story in which all of the characters and the details are based on
real facts."</span><br />
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<b>Is faction creative nonfiction or informational fiction? </b>Based on the definition above, faction sounds like information fiction to me. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sandra Markle, author of What if I Had Animal Teeth, classifies her books as faction. When I looked them up (What If I Had Animal Teeth, Animal Scavengers: Wolverines, and Hip-Pocket Papa) at my library, they were shelved in the nonfiction section. So faction, in this example, is creative nonfiction.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ7niykw2SmQHj9dnXqj0OsBk2I8LK-zcW3eluzWHUH4Vbdw04zDNpKxeC8t33ZbZROnUHLCyXkJfYGZPb5TfBn4605LUNSIcF4ym7_UH0lOLF3eIHvW4pk4RmyeEYnHGLLyRhV-NxoP3/s1600/animal+teeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ7niykw2SmQHj9dnXqj0OsBk2I8LK-zcW3eluzWHUH4Vbdw04zDNpKxeC8t33ZbZROnUHLCyXkJfYGZPb5TfBn4605LUNSIcF4ym7_UH0lOLF3eIHvW4pk4RmyeEYnHGLLyRhV-NxoP3/s1600/animal+teeth.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a></div>
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There were a few books on the 2012 Cybills nominee list for NONFICTION picture books that were categorized as FICTION at libraries: A Leaf Can Be by Laura Purdie Salas and Just Ducks by Nicola Davies, just to name a few.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjSvFbbEXeq2pL3HrFGMLxSCN0bFLomIgjaOmftxiAJUnso_bW_hA5usBnOqLyeYli1UeD3FBM87tZ_N7LYhEM0mvV4yIPV8PLe_Rj8ovmaZaI_yaZxspgRywBjUHherwS39shZEK2_AS/s1600/just+ducks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjSvFbbEXeq2pL3HrFGMLxSCN0bFLomIgjaOmftxiAJUnso_bW_hA5usBnOqLyeYli1UeD3FBM87tZ_N7LYhEM0mvV4yIPV8PLe_Rj8ovmaZaI_yaZxspgRywBjUHherwS39shZEK2_AS/s1600/just+ducks.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64uPVXWoirsYnMegeBvYRGpyEXuBdN_AYI5ZMKtvcFgaSViy5jjJ00kwd_v81Xd1Avoynfc5dVI2mYeixxrO5ac-TqWFDfFYWCPGWI9sUDnDNsNHlcKU_wOi-JsbWHP3aky80ByjItFIJ/s1600/a+leaf+can+be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64uPVXWoirsYnMegeBvYRGpyEXuBdN_AYI5ZMKtvcFgaSViy5jjJ00kwd_v81Xd1Avoynfc5dVI2mYeixxrO5ac-TqWFDfFYWCPGWI9sUDnDNsNHlcKU_wOi-JsbWHP3aky80ByjItFIJ/s1600/a+leaf+can+be.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">This just proves how difficult it can be to distinguish creative nonfiction from informational fiction or faction. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you as confused as I am? This topic is enough to make my head spin!</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Here are some examples of creative nonfiction books given by:</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://inkrethink.blogspot.com/2012/03/creative-nonfiction-doesnt-always-tell.html" target="_blank">I.N.K. Creative Nonfiction for Kids</a></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://sandra-markle.blogspot.com/2011/02/write-faction-its-non-fiction-powered.html" target="_blank">Sandra Markle's Nonfiction Books</a></span><br />
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<b style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">NOTE:</b><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Some of the picture books listed on the blog, I.N.K. are listed as creative nonfiction, but when I looked them up at my library, there were a few that were categorized as fiction such as Move! By Steve Jenkins, Swirl by Swirl by Joyce Sidman, and Over and Under the Snow by Melissa Stewart.</span><br />
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<b>TIP:</b> If you can't decide whether a picture book is creative nonfiction or fiction, check out the library and search for the title. If it is listed as a PB** then it is fiction. If it is listed as J###### then it is nonfiction. Study them and see if you can figure out for yourself why it is classified the way it is.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">CREATIVE NONFICTION</span>- accurate prose about real people and events written in a compelling, vivid, dramatic </span>manner</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">INFORMATIONAL FICTION-</span> facts in a fictional framework<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">FACTION-</span> blending of fact and fiction</div>
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Below are some great resources that go into detail:</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.creativenonfiction.org/what-is-creative-nonfiction" target="_blank">From the Creative Nonfiction Foundation: What is CreativeNonfiction? </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/wt06/creativenonfiction.shtml" target="_blank">Creative Nonfiction versus Informational Fiction, by JanFields of the Institute of Children's Literature</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.writingclasses.com/WritersResources/AskTheWriterDetail.php?ID=78" target="_blank">Why is a faction- blending fact with fiction- unacceptableas a genre in literary works?</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://sherrygarlandblog.wordpress.com/tag/faction/" target="_blank">Historical Fiction- Author Sherry Garland shares her experience with her own Historical Fiction</a></div>
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Do you have a great resource to share that will demystify what <b>faction</b> is, please share!</div>
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Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-75082093407241490342014-03-30T19:32:00.002-07:002016-04-13T15:53:33.464-07:00The Smallest Library and the Story Behind it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">In memory of my dear friend Barbara Madrid...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You've heard the saying,</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Books are the passport to the world!</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Allow me to introduce to you a </span>miniature<span style="font-size: large;"> world! </span></div>
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My friend, Barbara Madrid, is a miniature enthusiasts and is a member of NAME, the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts. When she learned that I was interested in children's books, she gave me one of hers!<br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1.0-9/1920310_10152098740569542_939454628_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="www.romellebroas.blogspot.com" border="0" height="210" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1.0-9/1920310_10152098740569542_939454628_n.jpg" title="tiniest book" width="320" /></a></div>
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See how tiny that is? I couldn't believe there were pages with words on it. I haven't read the story yet because that will require a microscope of some sort. As a children's book lover, I thought it was the most unique and best gift I've ever received. I took a picture of the book with a quarter to give you an idea of its size.</div>
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The question that begs to be asked?</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Where do you keep a book this small?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On a miniature bookshelf at a miniature library, of course!</span></div>
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Barbara is in the process of completing her miniature library. This miniature book is one of 50 books that she assembled herself. </div>
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I thought it would be interesting to share with you Barbara's library, which is displayed in her home in San Francisco along with her other doll houses. </div>
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Below Barbara gives you a tour of her library and shares her story behind her craft. Enjoy the tour!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Introducing, THE LINCOLN LIBRARY, by Barbara Madrid</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UmZ9JtmwpHQOMIdRsSOtj4clE9jeJAUZY9OqlbHFOwpyXON2Mzqx8oN0dUs47m_6MuWNQbC5-J5-6JeF9Kq9PTJRPMxL7kkYfpB4_pSt2kPE4SYr6Dh1JDD0RaR7Rj6ARpD9nH5IELEN/s1600/Barbara+Madrid+library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.romellebroas.blogspot.com" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UmZ9JtmwpHQOMIdRsSOtj4clE9jeJAUZY9OqlbHFOwpyXON2Mzqx8oN0dUs47m_6MuWNQbC5-J5-6JeF9Kq9PTJRPMxL7kkYfpB4_pSt2kPE4SYr6Dh1JDD0RaR7Rj6ARpD9nH5IELEN/s1600/Barbara+Madrid+library.jpg" title="miniature library" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from outside the library.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-7oJLswH4JpBEpBRXDMrSngBS6SOYju7xx0_NAmCzCTt3LbQFaMy0WEVhoSpqx3N_c6JZ5uHDDqBiWKF0BJ6tqi0-GnEU_iEw2V9r0fjmanfn4Ovr_6eC0qkctPD_0hcjEXkQGGiqbYd/s1600/Barbara+Madrid+inside+library+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-7oJLswH4JpBEpBRXDMrSngBS6SOYju7xx0_NAmCzCTt3LbQFaMy0WEVhoSpqx3N_c6JZ5uHDDqBiWKF0BJ6tqi0-GnEU_iEw2V9r0fjmanfn4Ovr_6eC0qkctPD_0hcjEXkQGGiqbYd/s1600/Barbara+Madrid+inside+library+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The namesake displayed prominently on the wall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPG7n8kCCiwXCfJjbiZiBOCZukbTLWLk4aecVeEmQtzm5n29SVKjsYkRLPn8Kmajq0gbVL1P8JFrzZ-4E_tLph9B6zSddcDIYdbydF5C8tUdFGmvCxLmkLr-j6ED0rUzsGR8MKPeN33_S/s1600/Barbara+Madrid+inside+library+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPG7n8kCCiwXCfJjbiZiBOCZukbTLWLk4aecVeEmQtzm5n29SVKjsYkRLPn8Kmajq0gbVL1P8JFrzZ-4E_tLph9B6zSddcDIYdbydF5C8tUdFGmvCxLmkLr-j6ED0rUzsGR8MKPeN33_S/s1600/Barbara+Madrid+inside+library+2.jpg" title="miniature library" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rear bookshelf are stocked with handmade books. In the bookshelves to the right are hand-painted blocks of books.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Vj7BXcSzqho3dCeD2NmzO3m_zRXrT-37zfcwwQkKONhBoSxiS2CTonH2sLlg2y3Qnw3tXN5IRzQz1cZC1GvSarjHwy4TQ4GgY2eLcZ8OXF-DZZzVvZvze2jPZ_buB7oaBfec0WmCFTP6/s1600/Barbara+Madrid+inside+library+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Vj7BXcSzqho3dCeD2NmzO3m_zRXrT-37zfcwwQkKONhBoSxiS2CTonH2sLlg2y3Qnw3tXN5IRzQz1cZC1GvSarjHwy4TQ4GgY2eLcZ8OXF-DZZzVvZvze2jPZ_buB7oaBfec0WmCFTP6/s1600/Barbara+Madrid+inside+library+4.jpg" title="miniature library" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the decorative wallpaper and an actual wood floor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx10SE_HxRb_tPVhWhUPJYg6CoPkLYf8fO3heosVLOTkH6G9-Ky8ztE508LsYEley-rgkpSfoLT3KaedhNTwfJRKo_jWQVFc0GMobeAXrnxAvUgPoBAsXtZbU0zzUAv4u7Zb3NoolqQW-W/s1600/Barbara+Madrid+inside+library+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx10SE_HxRb_tPVhWhUPJYg6CoPkLYf8fO3heosVLOTkH6G9-Ky8ztE508LsYEley-rgkpSfoLT3KaedhNTwfJRKo_jWQVFc0GMobeAXrnxAvUgPoBAsXtZbU0zzUAv4u7Zb3NoolqQW-W/s1600/Barbara+Madrid+inside+library+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A librarian assisting a young boy. On the wall are reduced copies of 1910 photographs of the Grand Central Station, City Hall, and the American Museum of Natural History, which are noted New York buildings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_VXpEcEyXWen778zQBSG6NIiGn3Rcufn_N8fK2_EMnM4Oo4o-NMhyphenhyphen_59jUpAUocQnzd48RHGz-yB3ZAjWWauyjuLgYwT36hK6kMi9ZHhQ1oOP8LS9ZHdfPlsUxNHQvq0ExNqXWZNydXH/s1600/Barbara+Madrid++university.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_VXpEcEyXWen778zQBSG6NIiGn3Rcufn_N8fK2_EMnM4Oo4o-NMhyphenhyphen_59jUpAUocQnzd48RHGz-yB3ZAjWWauyjuLgYwT36hK6kMi9ZHhQ1oOP8LS9ZHdfPlsUxNHQvq0ExNqXWZNydXH/s1600/Barbara+Madrid++university.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lincoln Library is located next to The Allegiance Academy where all of their students have library cards!</td></tr>
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Thank you so much for the tour! Now let's meet the talented woman behind the extraordinary hobby...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Barbara Madrid!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBqTez0vuGB6rkUoZ5HjXz70bFc4IZ-RGXGXx48vkhBS2oadPBQpIvmv3JFcYc5fwzddbm_6MRCOK_uV2lldKNCJAJ7R_KbHXnSL8szVrvKs16oIUA_b7Vow4qxgEc8_ij7R8VNWT5fF8/s1600/Barbara+Madrid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBqTez0vuGB6rkUoZ5HjXz70bFc4IZ-RGXGXx48vkhBS2oadPBQpIvmv3JFcYc5fwzddbm_6MRCOK_uV2lldKNCJAJ7R_KbHXnSL8szVrvKs16oIUA_b7Vow4qxgEc8_ij7R8VNWT5fF8/s1600/Barbara+Madrid.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbara Madrid is a member of NAME, National Association of Miniature Enthusiast</td></tr>
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<b>What got you interested in this hobby?</b></div>
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My interest in miniatures began when I was a small child and my grandfather handcrafted some miniature furnitures for me. I didn't have a dollhouse then but in 1997, my husband decided I should have a hobby and bought my first dollhouse as a Christmas gift. When I saw all of the pieces needed to make the 9-room house, I thought the build would be an impossible task.</div>
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Over the next 12-years, we worked on the house together and in 2009, we had added electrical lights and the house was ready for its occupants (see photo below).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYioXAnNwsj9BFZpM6GWpvdWVvIkav9lg1Et0JpVw_dyQS1ABGhJRtXx4zLKPzWw36XpADk7Jp8XY78Yy1OwNiLebHrTcJNVH9IqKgcIgd0_AvzTveQ8OfQNtd_jyF76OlKscfuHdO269B/s1600/Barbara+Madrid++doll+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="miniatures" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYioXAnNwsj9BFZpM6GWpvdWVvIkav9lg1Et0JpVw_dyQS1ABGhJRtXx4zLKPzWw36XpADk7Jp8XY78Yy1OwNiLebHrTcJNVH9IqKgcIgd0_AvzTveQ8OfQNtd_jyF76OlKscfuHdO269B/s1600/Barbara+Madrid++doll+house.jpg" title="doll house" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>When did you start crafting doll houses and what have you completed so far?</b></div>
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I have been doing miniatures since about 1997. I've completed 2 houses- one a residence and the other, a 3-story multi-shop building with a floral shop, dress shop, and an accountant's office. I've also completed 7 display boxes, which include a music conservatory, a bakery, and antique store, a sewing shop, a grocery store, a middle school, and the library. </div>
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<b>How do you decide what to build next?</b></div>
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I usually find a single piece of furniture I like and then build the room around it. When I found the corner bookshelf for the library, I knew I wanted more than the usual block books to fill it. A web search brought me to Paperminis.com where I purchased paper book kits with wonderfully detailed covers.</div>
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<b>What is the most difficult part of your hobby?</b></div>
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I have found the most difficult part of building a dollhouse is understanding the blueprints. That is when my husband, a skilled machinist, comes in handy. He's great at the construction and electrical parts. I do the fun part, which is the interior decorating. Installing the wallpaper can be tricky, but careful measurements makes the job a lot easier. I usually do a combination of wallpaper and paint to add a variety of textures.</div>
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<b>What do you enjoy most about your hobby?</b></div>
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Selecting the furnishings is the most fun of dollhouse miniatures and I shop the internet, local dollhouse stores, and attend miniature shows for items I need. I also add homemade touches by including crochet or knitted blankets, and clay plants.</div>
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Dollhouse miniatures is a wonderful activity for any age and I'm forever thankful my husband reintroduced me to this wonderful hobby.</div>
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It is truly fascinating to learn this enchanting world of miniatures. I've been to quite a few libraries, but never have I seen a library like this. Thank you so much, Barbara, for sharing your story!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Books bring people together!</span></div>
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Interesting facts:</div>
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<li>In miniatures the scale is 1/12 inch = 1 foot. For example, a 6-inch miniature doll is equivalent to a person who is 6-feet tall.</li>
<li>The difference between a doll house and a display box is the size- dollhouses are generally 34" H x 12-1/2" D x 33-3/4" W; a display box is about 11-1/4" H x 10-1/4" D x 12-3/4" W. A dollhouse has multiple rooms and a display box depicts a single room.</li>
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What is the most interesting library you've ever visited? Please share.</div>
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~HAVE A HAPPY LIBRARY VISIT!</div>
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Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-1913966200212349472014-03-19T03:00:00.000-07:002014-03-30T21:02:39.674-07:00The Perfect Pitch & Other Great Resources<h2>
What is the perfect pitch?</h2>
<br />
That's the question both my son and I ask ourselves. His perfect pitch would probably be one that strikes out the batter. My perfect pitch would strike up a deal with an agent or publisher. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Wjf0bq8Yt3mIuukxQ9N26pWImiOrYjbYwtcyEI9aTXaFPYciilv2zXhiZtg9Dme5QpPWGStFmFJLmyGQoSXJoqn66VVgI1tE2RRAyELjxrbyaTxQd0HlQy_QLCPKYhsBFwjJ1NsNF1j8/s1600/Jr.+Cardinals+pitcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.romellebroas.blogspot.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Wjf0bq8Yt3mIuukxQ9N26pWImiOrYjbYwtcyEI9aTXaFPYciilv2zXhiZtg9Dme5QpPWGStFmFJLmyGQoSXJoqn66VVgI1tE2RRAyELjxrbyaTxQd0HlQy_QLCPKYhsBFwjJ1NsNF1j8/s1600/Jr.+Cardinals+pitcher.jpg" height="224" title="Mateo Guittap Pitching" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son pitching for the Stanford Junior Cardinals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Writing the perfect pitch is much like baseball. Good pitching takes practice. The perfect pitch, whether it be baseball or writing, can be broken down to five component skills:<br />
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<u>Grip</u><br />
A pitcher must grip the ball properly before throwing to get good velocity and control. As a writer, our pitch must be gripping! You want to lead with a compelling first line to entice the agent or editor to want to read more.<br />
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<u>Windup</u><br />
The pitching motion begins with the windup. It's the preparation for a good pitch. Writing a pitch requires you to know your main character, his/her wants, the enticing incident, its hook, and the stakes. Kathleen Temean goes into detail on <a href="http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/when-a-pitch-for-your-book/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WritingAndIllustrating+%28Writing+and+Illustrating%29" target="_blank">how to write a pitch for your book</a>.<br />
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<u>Stride</u><br />
A baseball pitcher knows that a long stride makes the ball go high; too short a stride makes the ball go low. When writing a pitch you don't want to tell the whole story, just enough to peak the interest. Too long of a pitch and you lose the reader or listener; too short and you can just forget it. A pitch should be about 50 words or a about a 30-second read. If you are participating in a Twitter pitch, you are limited to 140 characters. Know your stride.<br />
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<u>Delivery</u><br />
Whether its baseball or writing, a perfect pitch is in the delivery. You want to deliver an efficient and effective pitch that will hold the attention of the agent or editor. Show your enthusiasm and confidence without being boastful. Be yourself and let your voice shine verbally and on paper.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>Following Through</u><br />
It is important to keep the momentum. When an agent responds with "tell me more," you owe it to yourself to be competent in your own story. You should be able to identify comparable books and explain why yours is different. Show the agent or editor that you are qualified to write your story.<br />
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<h3>
Below is a list of my favorite resources to help you write the perfect pitch:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YRnv1VH3CyaTyqdMZQLYmoZz_shpRd4ulvHb-SoS-Q8E7DgIbqaA7AdzfzSErG5R7b6W1i7aXncpwr6StGz18AfVFKpCc8yFoA15mmTDYaLyEm425SbXq0ou0Kp1YnwDTnQID570Cwjr/s1600/pitching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.romellebroas.blogspot.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YRnv1VH3CyaTyqdMZQLYmoZz_shpRd4ulvHb-SoS-Q8E7DgIbqaA7AdzfzSErG5R7b6W1i7aXncpwr6StGz18AfVFKpCc8yFoA15mmTDYaLyEm425SbXq0ou0Kp1YnwDTnQID570Cwjr/s1600/pitching.jpg" height="212" title="pitching by Mateo" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son pitching for the Little League, Yankees</td></tr>
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</h3>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/when-a-pitch-for-your-book/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WritingAndIllustrating+%28Writing+and+Illustrating%29" target="_blank">How to Write a Pitch by Kathleen Temean</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Kathleen shows you how to write a pitch for you book and shares a few types of techniques you could use to spice up your pitch. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/05/03/the-secret-recipe-for-writing-a-perfect-pitch/" style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;" target="_blank">Writing the Perfect Pitch </a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Author Kristen Lamb invited Marcy Kennedy, writer and WANA instructor, to guest post on her blog on writing the perfect pitch. Here she breaks it down into four meaty parts and gives explanations and examples.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2010/05/how-to-write-one-sentence-pitch.html" style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;" target="_blank">How to Write a One Sentence Pitch</a><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Author Nathan Bransford shows you how to share the heart of your book in just one sentence using three basic elements. This is great practice and comes in handy for giving verbal pitches. </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://susannahill.blogspot.com/2013/01/oh-susanna-what-is-difference-between.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+SusannaLeonardHill+(Susanna+Leonard+Hill)&m=1" target="_blank">Difference Between a Pitch and a Hook by Susanna Leonard Hill</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Susanna Leonard Hill, </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">childrens</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> author, explains the difference between a pitch and a hook and gives examples. Her blog is worth exploring. Susanna has a weekly feature, </span></span><a href="http://susannahill.blogspot.com/p/would-you-read-it.html" style="line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">Would You Read It</a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">, posted on Wednesdays. It is a chance for writers to try out pitches for their books. </span></span></span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">IF YOU ARE GEARING UP FOR March 25 <a href="http://www.brenda-drake.com/pitmad/" target="_blank">#PITMAD</a>, CHECK OUT THESE SITES NOW! </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">[Thank you to </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.600000381469727px; text-indent: 2px; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/traxelr" target="_blank">Rena Traxel Boudreau</a> for sharing the wonderful world of Carissa Taylor on FB <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SubItClub" target="_blank">Sub-It-Club</a>]</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.600000381469727px; text-indent: 2px; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2013/03/twitter-pitch-loglines-part-2-recipe.html" target="_blank">Twitter Pitch Loglines: Recipe Ideas</a> by Carissa Taylor</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Carissa gives us the recipe for a good logline. Here she lays out some samples or logline formats that you could customize to your story by filling in the blanks. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.ca/2013/03/march-pitmad-requested-pitches.html" target="_blank">March #PitMad Requested Pitches </a></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1Vd1bHCdMwW-P00iPKWTOtUR-sApvWxe-PYnvlp23TcPnWm7O80HPSR3vzmzaED6lOSbJ4g8E-MpH6QcJIMTQ1p6cLD_yRF7osZj4FveN4mzZxkH7qNVgItANV1LOzqdzsoti24QJgOI/s1600/pitmad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1Vd1bHCdMwW-P00iPKWTOtUR-sApvWxe-PYnvlp23TcPnWm7O80HPSR3vzmzaED6lOSbJ4g8E-MpH6QcJIMTQ1p6cLD_yRF7osZj4FveN4mzZxkH7qNVgItANV1LOzqdzsoti24QJgOI/s1600/pitmad.jpg" title="http://www.brenda-drake.com/pitmad/" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#PitMad on Twitter</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Carissa Taylor gives us a list of Twitter pitches from the #PitMad held earlier this month that received requests from agents. These are successful pitches, categorized by genre, that you can study as you prepare for you own pitch. Because I write things related to picture books, I thought you'd like to know that of the 236 manuscripts that got requests, 5 of them were picture books.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://yawriterstoolbox.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">Pitch Generator by Carissa Taylor</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">For fun, you can try this pitch generator. It asks basic information about your story and characters and with a click of the mouse, it will generate several pitches for you. I tried it out and I wasn't able to find one that was worthy to use. Nevertheless, it was interesting and fun. I could still tweak the pitches a bit to make it work for me. Try it out. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">And in case you are in a position to pitch your book verbally, read this:</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://jeanvnaggarliteraryagency.blogspot.com/2013/05/regels-dos-and-donts-for-attending.html" target="_blank">Pitching at Conferences Dos and Don'ts</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Literary agent, Jean V. Naggar, attended many writers conferences. In doing so, she had compiled a list of dos and don'ts for conference attendees looking to pitch their book. It is a guideline for writers so they don't mess up on an opportunity.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Hope this helps. If you have other resources regarding writing a pitch that you find fabulous, please share in the comment section.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoq7IV46kboDs27yvYbcKP6dv-31esqyBv3dLNTEulHHRXXBiXzpgK9n4AD8dD4a6r0zGyJBOhgQKhh6OPSagK-8qPuDxAUTmPHjigNTTYJzLgGQ4ItZqcvDNzbnLLGbASRnrg6ko3o4C/s1600/PLAY+BALL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.romellebroas.blogspot.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoq7IV46kboDs27yvYbcKP6dv-31esqyBv3dLNTEulHHRXXBiXzpgK9n4AD8dD4a6r0zGyJBOhgQKhh6OPSagK-8qPuDxAUTmPHjigNTTYJzLgGQ4ItZqcvDNzbnLLGbASRnrg6ko3o4C/s1600/PLAY+BALL.jpg" height="237" title="play ball" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son's hang-out</td></tr>
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Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-91109588945207948682014-03-11T20:46:00.000-07:002014-03-11T21:02:50.980-07:00Should I Seek an Agent or Publisher?<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span class="TitleChar"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The question that runs through every writer's mind: </span></span><br />
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<span class="TitleChar"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Should I submit to an agent or publisher?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">I've listed a few sites at the bottom of this post that will help you decide. To make it easier on you, I've summed up the main points below:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">The advantages of submitting to an agent:</span></span></h3>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Many publishers are closed to unagented submissions. Agents can be your key to opening those doors.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Agents know what publishers are looking for so they streamline the search for you.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Agents have a relationship with editors so they have better access and knowledge to the industry.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Your manuscript gets priority over the slush pile. Publishers trust agents to help them find good writing and weed out those writers who haven't studies the business or craft of writing. It saves publishers time from weeding through he slush pile. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">You get more negotiation leverage with an agent. The agent also can help you understand the contract and the publishing process.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Agents help build your career as an author.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Agents manage your submissions for you so you don't have to.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Agents can help you make your project more saleable before submitting to publishers.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">The advantages of submitting to a publisher:</span></span></h3>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Having an agent doesn't guarantee a book sale. It is a subjective business but you may be able to increase your chances of publication by looking into smaller publishing houses that agents may not consider.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">If you have a niche book, you may fare better by looking at smaller publishers on your own. Be familiar with the publishers and know what they are looking for.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">You keep your royalties. You don't have to give a percentage to an agent.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">You have control as to who you want to submit to.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-size: large;">What happens if I can't get an agent?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">If you have exhausted your agent search (although I don't recommend this- see <a href="http://writerunboxed.com/2011/09/26/why-you-should-only-query-6-8-agents-at-a-time/" target="_blank">why you shouldn't submit to no more than 6-8 agents at a time</a>), take a moment to re-evaluate your writing. Get several more critiques. I suggest getting a professional critique by someone who is an expertise in your genre. Revise. Revise. Revise. Resubmit. If that fails, you can try your chances with submitting to publishers.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">So you don't get discouraged, here are a few first-time authors who have submitted directly to a publisher and have been successful. Read about their stories to getting published:</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfFw7yp1z2iNe3U1P8ij_WoObS0rubnXZEgra1CxD2RpjBu87_9LK4038o2ELb07TehUculj26rC6ptFe2mh8cEPBvhT1FYS-ak3sli_VM4hTChOnCxLevtNcHTgP1iAdTelddLaHdKhw/s1600/wishing+for+agent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.inkygirl.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfFw7yp1z2iNe3U1P8ij_WoObS0rubnXZEgra1CxD2RpjBu87_9LK4038o2ELb07TehUculj26rC6ptFe2mh8cEPBvhT1FYS-ak3sli_VM4hTChOnCxLevtNcHTgP1iAdTelddLaHdKhw/s1600/wishing+for+agent.jpg" height="320" title="http://inkygirl.com/comic-use-policy/" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #323229; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.020000457763672px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Used with permission from Debbie Ridpath Ohi at Inkygirl.com</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://www.romellebroas.blogspot.com/2012/08/interview-with-ny-times-bestselling.html" target="_blank">Sherry Duskey Rinker</a>, author of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://www.romellebroas.blogspot.com/2012/10/debut-author-interview-donna-earnhardt.html" target="_blank">Donna Earnhardt</a>, author of Being Frank</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://www.romellebroas.blogspot.com/2012/09/author-interview-laura-murray-author-of.html" target="_blank">Laura Murray</a>, author of Gingerbread Man Loose in the School</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://www.romellebroas.blogspot.com/2012/11/debut-author-interview-with-rob-sanders.html" target="_blank">Rob Sanders</a>, author of Cowboy Christmas</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">*****</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Below are some wonderful sites to help you decide whether or not to submit to an agent or publisher:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://subitclub.wordpress.com/2013/02/11/show-your-manuscripts-some-love-create-a-submission-strategy/" target="_blank">Creating a Submission Strategy</a> (Pros/Cons)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">When should you seek and agent and when is it best to submit straight to the publisher?Heather Aryis Burnell, founder of Sub It Club, sums it up for you and shares the advantages of each.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.rachellegardner.com/2008/09/ask-the-agent-query-publisher-or-agent/" target="_blank">Query Publisher or Agent?</a> (Pros/Cons)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Agent Rachelle Gardner goes into detail about the pros and cons of having an agent.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://editorialass.blogspot.com/2008/09/why-you-should-never-submit-unagented.html" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">Why You Should Never Submit Unagented</a>- <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Why You Should Have an Agent)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0e00; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">This is a great post on the advantages of having an agent from an editor's point of view. There is also a FAQ section that covers different scenarios such as conference deals, earnings, agent search and what approach to take.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2009/09/submitting-to-editors-without-agent.html" target="_blank">Submitting to Publishers Without an Agent</a>- (When It's Okay to Submit Unagented)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Author Nathan Bransford gives instances when submitting directly to publishers makes sense.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://subitclub.wordpress.com/2014/03/03/publishing-a-childrens-book-with-and-without-an-agent-by-michelle-houts/" target="_blank">Publishing With and Without an Agent</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a great post about first-time author Michelle Houts' experience with publishing directly with a publisher then with an agent. Here she shares her publishing journey and gives us insights about the process. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>It's important to know that you should avoid submitting simultaneously to agents and publishers.</b> If you are hoping to find an agent, this could kill your chances. If your manuscript has already been "shopped" around, that gives agents little to work with and if they find out that several publishers have seen your work and passed, they may not want to represent you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If there are other sites you've found helpful in the decision of whether to submit to an agent or publisher, please share them with me in the comments. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you find this post helpful! If you like what you've read, please share. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>HAPPY HUNTING!</b></span><br />
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Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-62455965492940125852014-02-26T09:55:00.000-08:002014-03-10T11:12:52.862-07:00So You Want to Get an Agent<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A growing number of publishers are not accepting unsolicited manuscripts and are seeking agent submissions only. To dip into the larger pool of publishing houses, I decided to seek an agent who will represent me. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image courtesy of Renjith Krishnan/FreeDigitalPhotos.net</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are the steps I've used in my agent search:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have at least 3 polished manuscripts ready for submission before querying an agent.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make a list of agents who are accepting clients and represent the genre I am writing. In my case, picture books.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Research these agents and take note on what they are specifically looking for in a picture book.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make a short list of agents who are a good match for the type of picture books I write.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do more research on the agents on the short list and take more notes. Take note on why I want the agent to represent me and why I think we are a good match. Also study the authors that they represent. I like to Google [agent name] interviews. You can gather a lot of good information from the Q & A.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take notes on the agent's submission guidelines and make a checklist.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Write your query or cover letter, making sure you personalize your letter to the agent. I wrote a post that lists helpful links that will help you <a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2014/01/query-quandary-resource-guide.html" target="_blank">write the perfect query letter</a>. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Submit to no more than 6-8 agents at a time. Read the article by <a href="http://writerunboxed.com/2011/09/26/why-you-should-only-query-6-8-agents-at-a-time/" target="_blank">Chuck Sambuchino</a> to find out why.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-wait.html" target="_blank">Practice patience.</a></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Want to know more about the process of searching for an agent/editor? Read Alayne Kay Christian's <b>All About Submissions Q & A- Researching agents and editors: How Do You Determine Who To Submit To?</b> <a href="http://alaynekaychristian.wordpress.com/2014/03/01/all-about-submissions-q-a-researching-agents-and-editors-how-do-you-determine-who-to-submit-to-part-one/" target="_blank">Part I</a> and <a href="http://alaynekaychristian.wordpress.com/2014/03/02/all-about-submissions-q-a-researching-agents-and-editors-how-do-you-determine-who-to-submit-to-part-two/" target="_blank">Part II</a>. In this post writers share their personal experience so you get to learn about each ones process and select which is best for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Below is a list of a few websites I've compiled that will help you with your agent search:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://joylovelyjoy.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/what-exactly-does-a-literary-agent-do-2/" target="_blank">What an Agent will Do for You</a>- In this post, Lara Dotlich Anderson, former Senior Assistant to the V.P. of Curtis Brown, Ltd. answers the familiar question to help you decide if querying an agent is the next step for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2013/08/28/homework-list-when-researching-an-agent/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WritingAndIllustrating+%28Writing+and+Illustrating%29" target="_blank">Homework List When Researching an Agent</a>- Kathy Temean goes into detail about how to search for the right agent. I listed my steps above, but Kathy explains why it is important.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following is an <span style="font-size: large;">awesome list of agents</span> generated by Casey McCormick/Natalie Aguirre, Heather Ayris Burnell, and Krista Van Dolzer. They've taken the time to gather valuable information, links and interviews of agents all on their site! </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/p/interviews-and-like.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Literary Rambles by Casey McCormick & Natalie Aguirre</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- On the left of the page you can do an agent search by genre or agent name. On the right sidebar you will find a list of agent blogs. This is an excellent source for initiating your agent search. Here you will find agents' web presence, what they are looking for, their philosophy, their client list, submission information, interviews and guest posts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://frolickingthroughcyberspace.blogspot.com/p/monster-list-of-picture-book-agents.html?m=1" target="_blank">Monster List of Picture Book Agents by Heather Ayris Burnell</a>- Agents are listed alphabetically by agency.</span></div>
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<a href="http://motherwrite.blogspot.com/p/interview-with-agent.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Mother. Write. (Repeat.) by Krista Van Dolzer</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Here you will find a list of agents that Krista had interviewed over the years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, check out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/2014-Childrens-Writers-Illustrators-Market/dp/159963726X" target="_blank">Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market</a> and the agency website for current information.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Here is my favorite post on why you shouldn't be afraid to query new agents:<br />
<a href="http://katebrauning.com/2013/06/20/new-agents-dont-have-cooties/" target="_blank">New Agents Don't Have Cooties</a>- by Maria Vicente, literary agent intern.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">I hope you find these links helpful to you in your agent search. If you have a link that you feel I should include in this post, please share with me in the comment below.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">~Happy Agent Search!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Romelle Broashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11860032539164234533noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3473947321564839964.post-36281252134895988012014-02-14T21:34:00.000-08:002014-02-14T21:56:28.908-08:00Writing is...<i style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"> Happiness </i><br />
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Valentine's Day is a time when I reflect on the things that make me happy and give me comfort:</div>
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<a href="https://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTDG3b4wov0VrwJKyNoERivE_ajKu6DzKS9qkHPy1Z21Re9jJtKXA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTDG3b4wov0VrwJKyNoERivE_ajKu6DzKS9qkHPy1Z21Re9jJtKXA" height="200" width="182" /></a>Chocolate covered strawberries </div>
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Hot Chai tea latte</div>
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Gourmet macaroni and cheese<br />
Running<br />
My family & friends<br />
Being outdoors in the sunshine</div>
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Fluffy slippers</div>
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A warm hug from my boys<br />
A playful puppy</div>
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Fresh flowers and<br />
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WRITING!</div>
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<i>Writing delves deep into my right brain, releasing the ideas that is waiting to pour out onto paper.</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Writing is like exhaling</span>. It releases clutter in my mind and quiets my inside world.</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Writing is an escape</span> that transports me to a place of wonder and delight.</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Writing is meditation</span>. It brings me to my happy place, childlike in nature.</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Writing is creative energy that is connected to my soul</span>. So as the ideas flow, my heart dances. Like dance, my <span style="font-size: large;">writing is an expression of my self.</span></i><br />
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<i>My inner most thoughts are waiting to be exposed and only through writing can it be expressed. </i> <br />
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<i style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"> Writing is my life. </i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>What does writing mean to you?</b></i></span>
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