Showing posts with label improve. Show all posts
Showing posts with label improve. Show all posts
So Sad...Or Not
I heard back from the greeting card publisher, and sadly they did not accept my card ideas. It's too bad. Hmmm. Maybe it's a good thing. I'm refocusing to the Toilet Monster and New King stories. I have limited amounts of time to dedicate to writing, so it's probably a good thing not to split it too many ways. When I need a break from stories, or when I feel inspired I'll still write my card ideas and submit them occasionally, but I've decided I don't want it to be a main focus. I'm excited to move forward with my stories, I'm excited with where they were going. I thought I was done with the Toilet Monster, but it told me otherwise. It's in a complete rewrite, and I'm loving where it's going. That's all for now friends. I'll let you know how it goes. ;)
Watch out children's literary world, here I come! I blog about lessons I learn while I write children's picture books and young adult novels. I've been doing a bit here and there for years when priorities allowed. I've recently been able to make larger time commitments, and I have a finished picture book that I'm preparing to attempt the publishing relm. My brain and journal hold so many more stories that are waiting to be hatched. I'll document tips, lessons and processes from conception through publishing (let's think positively, here), all on my blog for all to enjoy. What a beautiful adventure it is!
And the Winner is?!
My last post was about the greeting card ideas I sent out to a publisher. I was told a final decision would be made by mid-June. Maybe their running late? Maybe my ideas were so hot that they called in their international greeting card gurus to clammer over them. Unlikely, but just maybe.
I e-mailed the editor today to find out the final decision. I have questions running in my mind like, have they not told me because my card ideas weren't accepted? Should I have e-mailed sooner? Would that have put me on their radar more? Maybe this whole thing is a scam and all greeting card companies take all the submissions and print them as their own idea. I mean, who would know? I'm not going to be scanning their shelves for my ideas just incase they stole them. Unlikely, but just maybe.
On another note, I've really got to start writing again. I've acheived much on the home front, and some things, like my piano playing has gotten so much better. The dedicated time for writing though is still a challenge. They say if you want something enough, it's not so hard, you just get it done. I don't think that's quite true. There's some truth there, but not the whole truth, is it?
I e-mailed the editor today to find out the final decision. I have questions running in my mind like, have they not told me because my card ideas weren't accepted? Should I have e-mailed sooner? Would that have put me on their radar more? Maybe this whole thing is a scam and all greeting card companies take all the submissions and print them as their own idea. I mean, who would know? I'm not going to be scanning their shelves for my ideas just incase they stole them. Unlikely, but just maybe.
On another note, I've really got to start writing again. I've acheived much on the home front, and some things, like my piano playing has gotten so much better. The dedicated time for writing though is still a challenge. They say if you want something enough, it's not so hard, you just get it done. I don't think that's quite true. There's some truth there, but not the whole truth, is it?
Watch out children's literary world, here I come! I blog about lessons I learn while I write children's picture books and young adult novels. I've been doing a bit here and there for years when priorities allowed. I've recently been able to make larger time commitments, and I have a finished picture book that I'm preparing to attempt the publishing relm. My brain and journal hold so many more stories that are waiting to be hatched. I'll document tips, lessons and processes from conception through publishing (let's think positively, here), all on my blog for all to enjoy. What a beautiful adventure it is!
Giants!
Announcing my new illustrated children story's key element: giants! It's going to be a story inspired by and written for my youngest child. I don't know the characters or premise yet, just that at least one character will be a giant. I'm also going to attempt illustrating. I'm terrified of the outcome, but I won't improve unless I practice. Here's my first practice piece. I sat down with the intention to create something with a giant's something-ness. IPad doodling I suppose. It was actually a lot of fun! I realize I lack training, knowledge, know-how and experience, but I've got to start somewhere!
I think certain giant stories and ideas have been overdone, so I'm doing some research. I want to discover what's been done, what works, what doesn't and why. In my community's many libraries, there was an abundance of Jack and the Beanstalk re-tellings, and even a spin on it from his sister's perspective. Boy oh boy has that one been done. There's also a tale from Ireland that I found many versions of, but I'm not familiar with it, so I want to read a few and find out why it's been copied so many times. Those two seemed to dominate the giant themed books.
I chose one that I was hopeful to be unique to read before I left the library.
It's a book called Mangaboom, by Charlotte Pomerantz and pictures are by Anita Lobel. At first glance I thought the illustrations were playful and inviting, but I was hesitant at the length of the text. I was also concerned when Mangaboom said, among other things, that she spoke Spanish and English, and the little boy said he knew a few words in Spanish. I was afraid this promising story was going to turn out to be a language lesson.
When I began reading, the story was intriguing and the characters were charming. The languages did not detract from the story, but added to it in a welcoming manner. Mangaboom, the lady-giant, lives in the top of a mango tree. A boy happens upon her. They become fast friends. He is an honored guest as she receives love letters and is set up with eligible giants by her aunt. He is a witness to a true lady finding love. A beloved, who loves her for all she is. The story is charming, witty, and I was gently taught by Mangaboom what a lady is. This story is a gem among giants.
What Works:
The lady-giant seems normal and mostly because she believes she's great the way she is, and it's not preachy or overbearing
Each character has a distinct voice; the lady, the boy, the over-bearing aunt, the unworthy eligibles, and the Romeo
Colorful, inviting, fitting illustration without the perfect angles, perspectives, planes...per my sister who I asked what the proper vocabulary is. Apparently I need to learn more about this! I loved the playful imperfection!
There wasn't any danger! It seems giants are usually deemed dangerous, and why wouldn't they be? If a giants were angered, they could certainly squash us poor tiny folks. This was just a story whose characters happened to be giants. Very neat.
What Doesn't Work:
Mangaboom likes to "skinny-dip and turn cartwheels on the beach". While it gives insight to her character, and it's hilarious to think about, I'm undecided as to whether it's appropriate for a children's book to refer to skinny-dipping. Hehe! I'm still giggling.
I think certain giant stories and ideas have been overdone, so I'm doing some research. I want to discover what's been done, what works, what doesn't and why. In my community's many libraries, there was an abundance of Jack and the Beanstalk re-tellings, and even a spin on it from his sister's perspective. Boy oh boy has that one been done. There's also a tale from Ireland that I found many versions of, but I'm not familiar with it, so I want to read a few and find out why it's been copied so many times. Those two seemed to dominate the giant themed books.
I chose one that I was hopeful to be unique to read before I left the library.
It's a book called Mangaboom, by Charlotte Pomerantz and pictures are by Anita Lobel. At first glance I thought the illustrations were playful and inviting, but I was hesitant at the length of the text. I was also concerned when Mangaboom said, among other things, that she spoke Spanish and English, and the little boy said he knew a few words in Spanish. I was afraid this promising story was going to turn out to be a language lesson.
When I began reading, the story was intriguing and the characters were charming. The languages did not detract from the story, but added to it in a welcoming manner. Mangaboom, the lady-giant, lives in the top of a mango tree. A boy happens upon her. They become fast friends. He is an honored guest as she receives love letters and is set up with eligible giants by her aunt. He is a witness to a true lady finding love. A beloved, who loves her for all she is. The story is charming, witty, and I was gently taught by Mangaboom what a lady is. This story is a gem among giants.
What Works:
The lady-giant seems normal and mostly because she believes she's great the way she is, and it's not preachy or overbearing
Each character has a distinct voice; the lady, the boy, the over-bearing aunt, the unworthy eligibles, and the Romeo
Colorful, inviting, fitting illustration without the perfect angles, perspectives, planes...per my sister who I asked what the proper vocabulary is. Apparently I need to learn more about this! I loved the playful imperfection!
There wasn't any danger! It seems giants are usually deemed dangerous, and why wouldn't they be? If a giants were angered, they could certainly squash us poor tiny folks. This was just a story whose characters happened to be giants. Very neat.
What Doesn't Work:
Mangaboom likes to "skinny-dip and turn cartwheels on the beach". While it gives insight to her character, and it's hilarious to think about, I'm undecided as to whether it's appropriate for a children's book to refer to skinny-dipping. Hehe! I'm still giggling.
Watch out children's literary world, here I come! I blog about lessons I learn while I write children's picture books and young adult novels. I've been doing a bit here and there for years when priorities allowed. I've recently been able to make larger time commitments, and I have a finished picture book that I'm preparing to attempt the publishing relm. My brain and journal hold so many more stories that are waiting to be hatched. I'll document tips, lessons and processes from conception through publishing (let's think positively, here), all on my blog for all to enjoy. What a beautiful adventure it is!
Jump on the Freight Train!
I've been wanting to work toward my NaNoWriMo goal, but I freeze up when I feel overwhelmed, and dear oh dear I feel overwhelmed! I need to melt my nerves!
I thought I had my plot lined out and my characters sorted, but it seems to be a freight train riding off without me. I'm not sure if I should take back control (which my natural tendencies dictate), or if I should just hop on and see where it goes. The latter is likely to take me to a messy, but a more interesting story, so I feel more inclined to hop on the train. It sure is hard to let go of control though! Ah!
Ok, so the plan: Refocus. Turn off the editor voice. Let go and just write, write, write. Dedicate time to it each day. I really do have so much to do during the day as a mother and homemaker. I suppose I'll be getting lots of great practice at time-management and prioritizing. As much as I would love to super scrub my floor right now, I need to realize that some things can wait until my daily or weekly quota is met. After my story is completed with over 50,000 words by the end of November, I'll have lots of material to work with to make a fantastic novel that I will be proud to show to you all!
Any other suggestions?
I thought I had my plot lined out and my characters sorted, but it seems to be a freight train riding off without me. I'm not sure if I should take back control (which my natural tendencies dictate), or if I should just hop on and see where it goes. The latter is likely to take me to a messy, but a more interesting story, so I feel more inclined to hop on the train. It sure is hard to let go of control though! Ah!
Ok, so the plan: Refocus. Turn off the editor voice. Let go and just write, write, write. Dedicate time to it each day. I really do have so much to do during the day as a mother and homemaker. I suppose I'll be getting lots of great practice at time-management and prioritizing. As much as I would love to super scrub my floor right now, I need to realize that some things can wait until my daily or weekly quota is met. After my story is completed with over 50,000 words by the end of November, I'll have lots of material to work with to make a fantastic novel that I will be proud to show to you all!
Any other suggestions?
Watch out children's literary world, here I come! I blog about lessons I learn while I write children's picture books and young adult novels. I've been doing a bit here and there for years when priorities allowed. I've recently been able to make larger time commitments, and I have a finished picture book that I'm preparing to attempt the publishing relm. My brain and journal hold so many more stories that are waiting to be hatched. I'll document tips, lessons and processes from conception through publishing (let's think positively, here), all on my blog for all to enjoy. What a beautiful adventure it is!
Ready, Aim, Ugh!
The plan tonight was to put my kiddos in bed then write, write, write my plot and character worksheets for NaNoWriMo. Afterward, I would lie down in my bed for a restful nights sleep. It was a lovely plan! My kiddos thought differently.
Oh well, that's the beauty of working at home. I get to be with my angels at bedtime. I have a little time left tonight to figure out what worksheets are needed in order to be prepared to begin my NaNoWriMo novel on November 1. I'll begin/continue the actual worksheets tomorrow.
Lesson learned: Work during the day because the night runs out of room.
Oh well, that's the beauty of working at home. I get to be with my angels at bedtime. I have a little time left tonight to figure out what worksheets are needed in order to be prepared to begin my NaNoWriMo novel on November 1. I'll begin/continue the actual worksheets tomorrow.
Lesson learned: Work during the day because the night runs out of room.
Watch out children's literary world, here I come! I blog about lessons I learn while I write children's picture books and young adult novels. I've been doing a bit here and there for years when priorities allowed. I've recently been able to make larger time commitments, and I have a finished picture book that I'm preparing to attempt the publishing relm. My brain and journal hold so many more stories that are waiting to be hatched. I'll document tips, lessons and processes from conception through publishing (let's think positively, here), all on my blog for all to enjoy. What a beautiful adventure it is!
NaNoWriMo
Did you just say, "Eh?"
Yes, NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month! Hooray! At my last trip to my local library I read a poster about NaNoWriMo, suggesting to write a novel! Participants begin writing November 1 and finish a 175-page, (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30!
NaNoWriMo is "a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time and effort involved." Hmmm. Sound familiar?
So if any of you fit that criteria, maybe you should check your local library to see if they're playing along. Mine is having a plot party on October 13th. Apparently there will be fun and games to help me prepare and plan my novel. That way when November 1st comes around I'll be ready to start!! How about you?
Yes, NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month! Hooray! At my last trip to my local library I read a poster about NaNoWriMo, suggesting to write a novel! Participants begin writing November 1 and finish a 175-page, (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30!
NaNoWriMo is "a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time and effort involved." Hmmm. Sound familiar?
So if any of you fit that criteria, maybe you should check your local library to see if they're playing along. Mine is having a plot party on October 13th. Apparently there will be fun and games to help me prepare and plan my novel. That way when November 1st comes around I'll be ready to start!! How about you?
Watch out children's literary world, here I come! I blog about lessons I learn while I write children's picture books and young adult novels. I've been doing a bit here and there for years when priorities allowed. I've recently been able to make larger time commitments, and I have a finished picture book that I'm preparing to attempt the publishing relm. My brain and journal hold so many more stories that are waiting to be hatched. I'll document tips, lessons and processes from conception through publishing (let's think positively, here), all on my blog for all to enjoy. What a beautiful adventure it is!
We Regret to Inform You
I received a reply for my manuscript I sent to Babybug Magazine. If you remember, this was from my first submission ever (besides a poetry contest as a child). The reply didn't start with "We regret to inform you, but that phrase was what my eyes skimmed to first. It was a very polite letter; thanking my for my interest, and they hope that I will be "successful in placing it elsewhere." Me too.
It's a bitter-sweet moment. Of course, I'm dissapointed I won't be published in a magazine yet. However, I'm proud that I had the ambition to send my manuscript in, and a publisher (or someone who possibly works in the same building) held my paper! My feeling legitimacy just skyrocketed!
Wow, ambition. That's a word I previously wouldn't have connected to my name. I like it! Orendia is ambitious!
Watch out children's literary world, here I come! I blog about lessons I learn while I write children's picture books and young adult novels. I've been doing a bit here and there for years when priorities allowed. I've recently been able to make larger time commitments, and I have a finished picture book that I'm preparing to attempt the publishing relm. My brain and journal hold so many more stories that are waiting to be hatched. I'll document tips, lessons and processes from conception through publishing (let's think positively, here), all on my blog for all to enjoy. What a beautiful adventure it is!
VERY Slow and Not So Steady
I've been masticating (verb, to reduce to a pulp by crushing or kneading) my writing ideas and hopes, yet my actions have not measured up to the efforts of my thoughts. Translation: family life has rightfully taken over for the past while, and I have not been dedicating my time to writing at all! I need to go back to the at least 10 minutes a day routine.
I have 2 stories now developing. The Toilet Monster is nearing a publisher ready stage. I need to change some things around a bit. The middle is all dialogue and the end is lacking dialoge almost completely. Wierd. Anyway, I'll fix that. One thought, possibly inconsequential, should it be called The Toilet Monster? The Monster in the Toilet? The Toilet Monster Mystery? No. Sam's Run in With the Throne Monster...Sam's Monster in the John. Heh. Hmmm. No, what do you think?
I'm excited about the next story I'm going to work on. I'll be doing a bit of research on animals of varying regions. Little boys and girls need to have more adventure than what farm and jungle animals can provide!
Exciting news for you, my fabulous sister has offered to do some illustrations for my blog!! Hooray for something awesome to look at in addition to all these beautiful words. :) Oh yes, that was a smiley face.
Here's to amelioration. (See previous vocabulary submission)
I have 2 stories now developing. The Toilet Monster is nearing a publisher ready stage. I need to change some things around a bit. The middle is all dialogue and the end is lacking dialoge almost completely. Wierd. Anyway, I'll fix that. One thought, possibly inconsequential, should it be called The Toilet Monster? The Monster in the Toilet? The Toilet Monster Mystery? No. Sam's Run in With the Throne Monster...Sam's Monster in the John. Heh. Hmmm. No, what do you think?
I'm excited about the next story I'm going to work on. I'll be doing a bit of research on animals of varying regions. Little boys and girls need to have more adventure than what farm and jungle animals can provide!
Exciting news for you, my fabulous sister has offered to do some illustrations for my blog!! Hooray for something awesome to look at in addition to all these beautiful words. :) Oh yes, that was a smiley face.
Here's to amelioration. (See previous vocabulary submission)
Watch out children's literary world, here I come! I blog about lessons I learn while I write children's picture books and young adult novels. I've been doing a bit here and there for years when priorities allowed. I've recently been able to make larger time commitments, and I have a finished picture book that I'm preparing to attempt the publishing relm. My brain and journal hold so many more stories that are waiting to be hatched. I'll document tips, lessons and processes from conception through publishing (let's think positively, here), all on my blog for all to enjoy. What a beautiful adventure it is!
Vocabulary
I feel that my vocabulary has shrunk significantly. The words in my brain felt neglected, so the poor things slipped out my ears as I was sleeping these past years, and I haven't put any back in to replace them!
I'm excited to be reading more books lately, and that seems to be helping, but it's only as I happen upon them and look up their definition. I thought I might boost the progress a bit. I found my old Vocabulary for the College-Bound Student from my high school English class the other day. I'm going to start from the beginning of the workbook, and slowly but surely learn a heap of words. Good 'ol Mister Stott. ;)
I believe the vocabulary workbook to be a better approach than darting at a dictionary. The words are grouped for the purpose of learning them. I'm hesitant though. I've had nightmares of not finishing the workbook pages and having to repeat high school because I failed English. I suppose I'll be able to see what I really accomplished. Maybe the nightmares will subside. With a smile on my face I begin!
Use in a sentence: I expect my vocabulary will ameliorate by leaps and bounds with consistent study in this three hundred page workbook!
Watch out children's literary world, here I come! I blog about lessons I learn while I write children's picture books and young adult novels. I've been doing a bit here and there for years when priorities allowed. I've recently been able to make larger time commitments, and I have a finished picture book that I'm preparing to attempt the publishing relm. My brain and journal hold so many more stories that are waiting to be hatched. I'll document tips, lessons and processes from conception through publishing (let's think positively, here), all on my blog for all to enjoy. What a beautiful adventure it is!
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