Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday is hosted today by Live Your Poem with Irene Latham.

My selection is "Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry: how to write a poem" by Jack Prelutsky.

Poetry writing tips from Jack Prelutsky, Children's Poet Laureate -- I could probably stop right there. 

But let me add that Prelutsky offers readers some insider advice on how to write in a variety of poetry forms along with some thoughtful suggestions about where to find ideas. He's not at all shy about demonstrating how some of his personal memories found their way into verse.  He also provides an analysis of some of his poetry that is a delightful peek at how this very successful mind works.  Aspiring young writers will find some exercises to get the poetical ball rolling.  Even if you never intend to craft a verse, this book is fun for anyone who appreciates word play.

Writers Wednesday

ON GETTING PUBLISHED


Over the last couple of weeks, I've had several people ask how to go about publishing stories they were writing.

Your first priority, of course, is to finish writing the book. 

You should understand right from the beginning that there are a number of qualities you will need to succeed.  In addition to the ability to skillfully craft a story worthy of publication, writers must have patience and perseverance.  Writing "the end" on the last page is only the beginning. The story must be rewritten until it is polished like a jewel.  I spent a year fine-tuning THE GINGERBREAD COWBOY and I can explain the conscious decisions behind every word choice, plot point, and character in the story and it's less than a thousand words.

Once your manuscript is as perfect as you can make it, you will need to find a way to workshop it with other writers to get it critiqued and  provide you with feed back for revisions.  It's fine to have your family and friends read it over if you want, but unless they are published professionals in children's literature you'll need outside suggestions. Family and friends love us and want to be kind and they don't know what an editor or agent requires. 

If you write for children, SCBWI is an excellent source for finding local critique groups, workshops and writers conferences where you have an opportunity to have your work critiqued.  Writer's for adult audiences can benefit from membership is organizations devoted to their particular genre such as mystery or romance.  Local colleges, and community sponsored adult education programs offer writing classes that can be beneficial and introduce you to other writers in your area.

Nonfiction Monday

Nonfiction Monday is hosted today by The Swimmer Writer.

My selection is "A black hole is not a hole" written by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano and illustrated by Michael Carroll.

DeCristofano takes young readers grades 4-6 on a cosmic voyage of discovery as she delves into the physics of black holes in simple, understandable language.  Her conversational voice is engaging and her approach in explaining the formation and structure of black holes is logical, easy to follow and vibrant.   

Carroll's vibrant illustrations, and well constructed diagrams are enhanced by spectacular photographs courtesy of NASA.

A timeline, glossary, author's note, and suggested resources complete the book.

A fascinating read for astronomy fans and the general public.

Writer's Wednesday

AN INTERVIEW WITH TANYA MAUDE

For self-published author, Tanya Maude , writing her debut book "Monty Banana and the Roller Skates" (Silverwood Books, UK, 2011) was only the beginning of her challenging path to a market-ready book.

"The story is the easy part, but then you have the full process of illustration, presentation, editing etc, it all takes a long long time. (a year minimum)" Tanya explains.  The time element is also what led Tanya to make the decision to self-publish.  " The Young Children’s book market is very saturated. I did thorough research and it seemed extremely hard to find an agent or publisher for new writers. I made the decision to self publish as for me it was just about getting my book out there. I didn’t have the patience to wait to see if some day I would manage to find an agent."

Tanya found inspiration in the picture books she read to her twins.  The stories and illustrations appealed to her creative mind set.  "One of the 1^st books I read over and over to my children was “Room on the Broom”, by Julia Donaldson. It is such a great story and so readable. As a parent you want to find a book that you enjoy as well as the children, as you will be the one having to read it over and over again! Axel Scheffler has a great way of illustrating and the fact that it is written in rhyme, gives the story a constant flow.  I also love Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake, Enid Blyton, Roger Hargreaves, Lydia Monks the list is endless. They all have such fantastic imagination."

Imagination is certainly evident in the story of Monty Banana who acquires a pair of roller skates that go spinning out of control and teach him the importance of good manners.  Tanya wants readers to know that, "The general message is to enjoy the story, whilst underlining the importance of manners."

Writing her book taught Tanya some important lessons and she offers these words of advice for aspiring writers:

• "... you really need to research your audience. Something that you think will appeal is not necessarily the case!
• Keep to the point, no need to explain every detail, when illustrations are involved. 
• Check the story length. A child’s attention span is only so long.
• I think everyone probably has moments when no idea comes to mind, I think you need to try and not worry about it and know that it will not last forever and eventually an idea will come.
• It is always important to take time out from your book. Like a fresh pair of eyes, leave it for a day and you will probably notice something which you may have missed before.
• RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!!!"

Tanya's first book has inspired her to work toward future publishing success. " I would like to create a memorable and loveable character with Monty Banana, so I will continue to write books based around him for the foreseeable future. I would also like to continue writing the books with the focus remaining on an educational subject/theme."

When asked about her current plans, Tanya announced, "I am currently working on some ideas for a TV series, and will shortly start writing the 2^nd book in the Monty Banana series."

For more information on Monty Banana and the Roller Skates click HERE.

 

Nonfiction Monday

Nonfiction Monday is hosted today by Gathering Books.

My selection is "Basketball belles : how two teams and one scrappy player put women's hoops on the map" written by Sue Macy with illustrations by Matt Collins.

The first women basketball players faced two opponents: their competition on the court and the code of conduct expected of a lady.  Macy does an admirable job of immersing his audience in the first women's intercollegiate basketball game played in 1896 between Stanford and the University of  California at Berkeley.  He uses Stanford guard, Agnes Morley, to tell his story through invented dialogue which creates an immediate connection with the reader.  Agnes, the daughter of a New Mexico rancher, introduces readers to a game very different than the one played by the WNBA.  There was no dribbling, players didn't travel up and down the court and because it was considered improper for a lady to perspire in the presence of gentlemen -- the game was played before an all-female audience.  Nevertheless, these ladies had plenty of hustle.

Collins' illustrations offer a dynamic play-by-play look at this historic game from often unexpected angles and carries the reader through every exciting moment right down to the cheering exuberance of Stanford's team in celebrating their win.

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday Roundup is hosted today by Tabatha Yeatts: The Opposite of Indifference.

My selection is "Absolutely Wild: Poems" written by Dennis Webster and illustrated by Kim Webster Cunningham.

This father/daughter team is, unsurprisingly, an ideal pairing.  Webster's couplets and quatrains are reminiscent of Ogden Nash or Edward Lear.  The humorous verses celebrate a variety of unusual animals from Gnus to Yaks.  The verses are energetic, sometimes silly, and always entertaining.

Here are the first four lines from the "Yak"

                                                A shaggy species is the yak
                                                With hairy front and hairy back
                                                It isn't very hard to spot him

                                                With hairy top and hairy bottom.

Cunningham's hand-colored linoleum prints are lively and detailed renderings that highlight each creature.

This is a charming, fun to read-aloud book to be enjoyed by children and adults.

Writers Wednesday

Ready to Edit

Over the past week, I spoke with several writers who had recently completed manuscripts and were preparing to edit. 

There is a great article posted today at Edittorrent entitled "R.U.E." (Resist the Urge to Explain) detailing important points that writers should consider as they read their manuscripts.

Check it out.