The other day I was reading a PDF of a book an agent asked me to review. While I enjoyed the storyline and intriguing characters, I constantly and, might I add, consistently was taken out of the story by one simple problem: character names.
No, the names themselves weren't unusual or hard to pronounce. No, the names didn't remind me of someone I knew/hated/loved.
The names were ALWAYS in the dialogue!
Trying reading the example below out loud (my own made up dialogue):
"Hey Mary. Did you hear the news?" Henry asked.
"What news, Henry?" Mary asked back.
"About school. We get three days off! Isn't that great, Mary?" Henry said as he did a little jig.
"Henry! You just made my day." Mary threw her arms around him in a happy hug.
This example was seriously how the dialogue went throughout most of the book. Annoying!
Do you talk like that? I don't. Having a one-on-one conversation with someone I sure hope they know their own name and I don't need to remind them every time I talk to them.
Let's redo the dialogue:
"Did you hear the news, Mary?" Henry said.
"What news?" she asked.
"About school. We get three days off!"
"You just made my day!" Mary said as she threw her arms around him.
Notice the difference? Other than my brilliant (said in Grinch voice) writing, did the dialogue read better?
What takes you out of a story?
Showing posts with label beginning writer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beginning writer. Show all posts
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Guest Post: Creating Stories for Young Readers
This is not an easy subject, because I have to look at my process of creating a story in retrospect. I just have a story and I write it. I’m just a big old kid at heart, so writing kids’ stories simply delights me, and I think that this trait really helps in creating characters kids will want to identify with. I also remember the wonder on kids’ faces when you tell them a story, the more fantastic the story, the more wondrous their expressions. I love the world of fantasy, and so do kids.
I’m afraid the only outline I make is to just write my storyline as soon as it comes to me… otherwise I’ll forget it. The whole story is there with all its characters. Then, I start with my what-ifs. I may write two or three versions, usually not very different. Characters may get deleted or added. The characters take shape according to the version I choose. My protagonist starts out with a defining characteristic, but it’s the events that shape her. So really, the characters grow with the events I choose to make them go through.
Illustrations are a very important of children’s stories, and if you’re not an illustrator you must look for someone who can convey your characters the way you’ve conceived them. My illustrator and I discussed how I wanted the characters to look and she presented me with a storyboard. The important thing was that she was open to deviate from it if I didn’t like something, or changed my mind later on. I like to give the artist a free hand, as much as I possibly can.
Up till now, I’ve never brain stormed to get the ideas for the three stories I wrote (two of them still in revision stage). For me, the brainstorming comes later on, when I start playing with the what-ifs.
I try to write the story in the simplest language possible, but I usually go back and simplify words more. Sometimes there are words that can’t be further simplified, but I don’t shy away from those. In my story about crabs, I have a few big words that I intend to put in bold so parents can explain them to their children. Of course the pictures will also depict them. I think it’s a great idea to introduce kids to new words. Their brains are like sponges and they learn quickly.
Maha Huneidi is a wife, mother and now grandmother, who finally found out what she wants to be when she grows up…a writer of children’s book. When Monsters Get Lonely is the first step of her journey.
Huneidi began writing this book and later found out her granddaughter was afraid of monsters. “It was not about my granddaughter at all, but when I heard that she was afraid of monsters, it quickly became all about her. I wanted to empower her to take charge of her fear,” states Huneidi. “I sent my son a copy of "When Monsters Get Lonely" in a word file, with illustrations, just before I submitted it for publishing in April. Hanaa’s parents immediately began reading it to her...Now, she sometimes tells her mother, ‘the monster touched my neck, but I made friends with him.”
You can find out more about Maha Huneidi’s World of Ink Author/Book Tour schedule at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/MahaHuneidi.aspx. There will be giveaways, reviews, interviews, guest posts and more. Make sure to stop by and interact with Huneidi and the hosts at the different stops by leaving comments and/or questions.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Interview and Guest Post with Clayton Paul Thomas
Today’s post is a bit different from my normal posts. I have been working with a wonderful author who has written a parenting book. So today, you get a mini interview and then a guest post based on the subject matter of his book. I truly hope you enjoy and get some valuable parenting information as well.
Clayton Paul Thomas has worked with kids for about 16 years from three different settings. The first was at St. Joseph Children’s Home. This was a place abused kids went after being permanently separated from their parents. Most of his parenting skills were developed here. The kids Clayton worked with ranged from ages 3 to 15.Afterwards, Clayton became an elementary public school teacher. He taught for 7 1/2 years from 1st through 4th grade. Finally, Clayton has two boys (Cameron age 7 and Luke age 3). He has been married for 9 years to his beautiful wife Lauren. Though his parenting skills were learned at St. Joseph, his wife’s has been the inspiration to writing the book and sharing insights with all of you. To her, Clayton is eternally thankful.
We want to thank you for being my guest here on the Utah Children’s Writer blog Clayton. Can you share with us a little about your current book?
***Sure! Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures is a book designed to help good parents maximize the potential in their children. This could mean academically, athletically, or emotionally. There are 25 chapters full of hot button topics such as bullying, discipline, modeling, and setting goals. The goal of the book is to give parents more practical solutions they can use and place in their “parenting tool belt.” My book is also meant for parents to look at themselves and give an honest critique on what they are doing well and what could be improved.
What type of book promotion works for you? Any special strategies you’d like to share?
***Because I am a self-published author, my first few months have been spent learning the ropes myself. I am my own marketing department. In saying that, social media has been the key for me. Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin are three of my favorite forums. I also write a blog twice a week (Tuesday’s and Friday’s) at http://www.claytonpaulthomas.com. This really helps to keep my name out there.
***Because I am a self-published author, my first few months have been spent learning the ropes myself. I am my own marketing department. In saying that, social media has been the key for me. Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin are three of my favorite forums. I also write a blog twice a week (Tuesday’s and Friday’s) at http://www.claytonpaulthomas.com. This really helps to keep my name out there.
What is the most difficult part of writing?
***The most difficult part of writing for me are the self-corrections. By the time my book was published, I couldn’t tell you how many times I had read it. In the event, a reader finds a writing mistake, my apologies!
Do you find it hard to balance your personal writing time with your other job(s)?
***My first job is as a stay at home father to my sons. If I didn’t have them, I could have finished the book in half the time! Then again, if I didn’t have them, there would be a lot of great stories missing from the book. Yes, it is hard to balance my time. Like many other parents, I do my best in the time I have.
Do you have any other works in progress? Can you share a little about them?
***I have brainstormed and have a working outline for another parenting book. My main focus though (professionally speaking) is to attend to my blog, market Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures to the best of my abilities, and conduct a speaking tour this fall.
***The most difficult part of writing for me are the self-corrections. By the time my book was published, I couldn’t tell you how many times I had read it. In the event, a reader finds a writing mistake, my apologies!
Do you find it hard to balance your personal writing time with your other job(s)?
***My first job is as a stay at home father to my sons. If I didn’t have them, I could have finished the book in half the time! Then again, if I didn’t have them, there would be a lot of great stories missing from the book. Yes, it is hard to balance my time. Like many other parents, I do my best in the time I have.
Do you have any other works in progress? Can you share a little about them?
***I have brainstormed and have a working outline for another parenting book. My main focus though (professionally speaking) is to attend to my blog, market Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures to the best of my abilities, and conduct a speaking tour this fall.
The world of publishing is extremely competitive, with many authors hesitating between trying their luck with a traditional publisher or self publishing. What advice would you offer writers who are oscillating between these two publishing venues?
***There are a lot of advantages and tradeoffs to both styles of publishing. I chose self-publishing because I wanted my book on the market as quickly as possible. Also, I get a significantly larger share of the profit per book sold than a typical author at a publishing house. The flip side is I have to write my own press releases, market my book to the masses, and I didn’t get a signing bonus.
How do you see the future of book publishing, both traditional, electronic, and print on demand?
***I think the numbers are bearing out that the traditional means of publishing are slipping. I’d like to make it clear though that I am not an expert on this subject. It seems to me though that a lot of authors are trying their luck with services such as http://www.lulu.com. This is where Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures was published.
There are a lot of talented writers who aren’t being published. Thankfully, though, there is an avenue for everyone and a person always has a right to change their mind if one style of publishing does not work for them.
***There are a lot of advantages and tradeoffs to both styles of publishing. I chose self-publishing because I wanted my book on the market as quickly as possible. Also, I get a significantly larger share of the profit per book sold than a typical author at a publishing house. The flip side is I have to write my own press releases, market my book to the masses, and I didn’t get a signing bonus.
How do you see the future of book publishing, both traditional, electronic, and print on demand?
***I think the numbers are bearing out that the traditional means of publishing are slipping. I’d like to make it clear though that I am not an expert on this subject. It seems to me though that a lot of authors are trying their luck with services such as http://www.lulu.com. This is where Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures was published.
There are a lot of talented writers who aren’t being published. Thankfully, though, there is an avenue for everyone and a person always has a right to change their mind if one style of publishing does not work for them.
What discipline do you impose on yourself regarding schedules, goals, etc.?
*** I enjoy writing so it’s not very hard for me to be disciplined. I am usually writing in the morning and at night after the children are asleep.
My goal is to get the book in the hands of the people who want to read it. Every time the book is sold, I have accomplished my goal. I am really trying to help parents so whether they are reading my blog or my book- that’s all I need.
My next goal is to get a small speaking tour lined up. It’s something I am really looking forward to so it’s not difficult. Working towards this goal isn’t difficult because it is based solely on my passion to help others.
*** I enjoy writing so it’s not very hard for me to be disciplined. I am usually writing in the morning and at night after the children are asleep.
My goal is to get the book in the hands of the people who want to read it. Every time the book is sold, I have accomplished my goal. I am really trying to help parents so whether they are reading my blog or my book- that’s all I need.
My next goal is to get a small speaking tour lined up. It’s something I am really looking forward to so it’s not difficult. Working towards this goal isn’t difficult because it is based solely on my passion to help others.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How to Get Kids with Poor Grades to Improve
by: Clayton Paul Thomas
Being a former teacher, I have been asked this question many times. The truth is most kids could do better in school but here’s something to think about first. Why is the child not doing well in school? This question is of extreme importance. This conversation really can’t go further until the answer is locked down. Is it because the child is lazy? Are the classes asked to be completed too difficult? Are there outside influences, which are taking the time academics should occupy such as a sport, video game, or boy/girlfriends? Has there been the loss of a loved one, which is occupying the child’s mind? Once the problem is focused on, it should be dealt with either by the parents or a counselor?
The second thing a parent should remember is if a child isn’t doing well in school, the problem won’t always be worked out quickly. Patience is very important. When I was a teacher, I made a conscience effort to identify where children were academically regardless of the grade and build from that point. Over time, I found this to be the most effective strategy.
Please keep in mind academics should be viewed as a marathon versus a sprint. Once you know what your child can do academically, build from there and set realistic goals. If a child’s grades are extremely poor, take advantage of time other children do not study such as an occasional Saturday or even the summer.
Finally, utilize your child’s school as a resource if any of the suggestions seem confusing. Teachers, counselors, and tutors can really help with providing a step-by-step game plan. Remember that the squeaky wheel gets the oil so the more questions you ask to competent professionals, the more doors will open. I hope this helps. Best of luck to your child on their academics!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book Giveaway Rules:
One entry for each comment left per author virtual blog tour stop. (Must leave a real comment about the author, tour or book. Saying “this is cool” or “I love your book” will not count.)
Make sure to include your safe email so we can contact you if you are the winner.
Example: vsgrenier AT storiesforchildrenpublishing DOT com.
Ask a question – get a bonus entry per author virtual blog tour stop.
Book Giveaway ends July 31, 2011
You can find out more about Clayton Paul Thomas’ World of Ink Author/Book Tour schedule at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/ClaytonPThomas.aspx. There will be giveaways, reviews, interviews, guest posts and more. Make sure to stop by and interact with Clayton Paul Thomas and the hosts at the different stops by leaving comments and/or questions. Clayton Paul Thomas will be checking in throughout the tour and is offering an additional giveaway for those who leave comments throughout the tour.
In addition, come listen on demand to Blog Talk Radio’s World of Ink Network show: Stories for Children at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork. The hosts VS Grenier, Kris Quinn Chirstopherson and Irene Roth chatted with Clayton about his book, parenting tips, writing, the publishing industry and experiences with virtual tours. Clayton will also be sharing writing tips and trials, and tribulations of the writer’s life.
To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit Stories for Children Publishing at: http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Becoming a Children’s Author…What You Learned with Linda Valderrama
One of the fun things about being a writer is meeting others who have the same passion as you. But we all don’t start writing for the same reason and the lessons we learn are all different depending on situations and where we are at in the writing process.
Today, debut author Linda Valderrama shares what she has learned and enjoys about becoming a children’s author.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
As an author, I am still in the process of learning. The whole idea of reaching the developing mind of a child and possibly making a difference really excites me.
To publish my book, “Brush Barry Brush” I formed my own publishing company Shirley’s Girl Publications. (My mother’s name is Shirley.)
Right now, our book is unknown to most of the world. I am trying to change that through
1. Word of mouth
2. Book reviews
3. Contests
4. Creating a presence on the internet
5. Visiting bookstores and schools
6. Writing articles relating to children and dentistry
7. Developing an instructional aid to go along with the book and planning to expand and add to my website, to make it more fun and educational for the kids.
I want as many children as possible to have access to my book.
I do know when my children were growing up, their love of reading led them to be the success in school and the successful adults they are today. Reading is so important. I still have a collection of their early books that they loved. I plan on passing them on to my grandchildren someday!
When I read “Brush Barry Brush” to a group of children, I love the fact they laugh and have their own funny comments about the characters. They are really smart and it gives me great pleasure to answer their questions and see them respond to the colorful paintings of my talented illustrator.
You begin to realize what an impact books can have on a young mind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Linda Valderrama R.D.H. has over 25 years experience as a dental hygienist. She has treated patients from ages two to one hundred years old and has successfully developed preventative oral hygiene programs tailored to individual needs. Linda is a strong believer that good oral hygiene leads to overall health and well-being and that good daily habits must be acquired early in life. Her book helps parents to work with their children to achieve this goal. She is working towards developing programs for schools, assisted living facilities and healthcare institutions to enable them to offer more effective oral hygiene programs.
Her book “Brush Barry Brush” is to help parents and young children work together to achieve the simple but very important goal that every time you eat, you should brush your teeth. It is also a 2011 International Award Finalist.
Author Website: http://www.shirleysgirlpublications.com
Facebook Event/Fan Page URL: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=130513867030510
Publisher Website: http://shirleysgirlpublications.comirlpublications.com
Book Giveaway Rules:
One entry for each comment left per author virtual blog tour stop. (Must leave a real comment about the author, tour or book. Saying “this is cool” or “I love your book” will not count.) Make sure to include your safe email so we can contact you if you are the winner.
Example: vsgrenier AT storiesforchildrenpublishing DOT com.
Ask a question – get a bonus entry per author virtual blog tour stop.
Book Giveaway ends July 31, 2011
Next stops on Linda Valderrama’s World of Ink Virtual Tour
July 4th
The Maggie Project – Guest Post: The Story Behind – Brush Barry Brush www.themaggieproject.blogspot.com
July 5th
The Writing Mama – Book Spotlight
July 6th
Writing to the Hearts of Children- Book Review
July 7th
Families Matter Blog – Interview
July 8th
Stories for Children Magazine FG Interview
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Tips on Writing Picture Books
I’ve had a lot of new writers ask me for tips on writing for children. Yes, I’ve published a picture book and even work as an editor with children's authors, but honestly I feel the best tips come for those who have published multiple picture books. This is why I asked author Margot Finke to share some of her experience with us when it comes to writing picture books.
World of Ink Guest Author Margot Finke: Tips on Writing Picture Books
My mother was a great cook. She taught me to use the correct tools when baking, but that occasionally, a well-chosen substitute worked just as well. She advised me to choose fresh ingredients, measure with care, and add each ingredient at the right time. Mix carefully. She said that spices were important little surprises that could make all the difference. Remember to heat the oven so your cake bakes perfectly. Knowing the right moment to take your cake out of the oven is a trick that experience teaches. I have followed her baking advice for many years.
Why am I telling you about cooking? Because my mother's baking rules apply to children's picture books as well as cakes.
Recipe for a Great Picture Book:
The Right Tools:
Gather together good punctuation and grammar: you have to know the rules before you dare break them. Keep your recipe for the plot and characters handy. If you are not sure which words to use, or when you should add them, check out a good word dictionary or thesaurus.
Ingredients:
Use fresh plot ideas, crisp characters, and juicy words. When any of these ingredients are tired or overused, your picture book is bound to sink. Add words sparingly.
Measuring and Adding:
Carefully measure the ingredients you put into your picture book. Begin with a cup of simple plot, a measure of cool characters, and a dash of good voice. Your beginning will need a sprinkle of spice. Whip the middle of your story into a firm shape. Then, dust the ending with a teaspoon of accomplishment & self-respect.
How to Mix:
Mix the ingredients together with great care. When adding snippets of information, blend them thoroughly. Their flavor must be there without being obvious. The texture of your finished book should be smooth and even.
The Spices:
A dash of the right spice can make all the difference. Don't over do it. A pinch here and there will liven up your story. Too much spice can overshadow the other ingredients. Blend well after every addition.
Baking Your Book-Batter:
It is a good idea to let your book-batter sit for a while. Later, when you look at it, you may want to add more ingredients, or pour it in a different pan. A second opinion is helpful. Ask other book-cooks you trust to take a peek. Evaluate their advice, and then do what you feel will make your book-batter a winner.
Taking Your Baked Book from the Oven - "To Remove or Not to Remove - That is the Question!"
Experienced book-cooks develop an instinct about such things. Beginners at book cooking often feel great angst. They tear their hair. Some cook their book until it is dry and unpalatable. Others take it out too soon, and it sags in the middle. Keep at it until you gain the needed experience. And don't fret about a few baking disasters. Even the best book-cooks have disaster stories to tell: often more than one.
Decorating Your Finished Book for the Judge:
Divide your book into approx.15 pieces. Frost one side of each piece with a multicolored illustration. Press together. This makes the book whole again. Frost the top with a special illustration. If the judge declares you a winner, and frosting is not your forté, she will find someone to do this part for you.
Once it is expertly decorated, your book is truly finished, and ready to be admired.
Book Nutrition Facts:
- Calories from the total word count: 1,000 or less
- Total Fat: 0
- Weak Voice Cholesterol: 0
- Total calories from adverbs and clichés: 0
- Carbohydrates from sugary sentences: 0
- Proteins from plot and character: 100%
- Vitamins from active & powerful verbs 100%
- Calcium from fun elements: 100%
- Total Reading Fiber: 100%
Happy Book-Cooking Mates!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Margot Finke is an Aussie transplant who writes midgrade adventure fiction and rhyming picture books. Margot didn't begin serious writing until the day their youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot said, "I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between kid fights, diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs. You are my heroes!"
Her first books, a 7x book rhyming series, "Wild and Wonderful," offers fun facts about animals from the US and Australia. Educational and fun, eBooks can be read on a computer, laptop, or various color e-Readers. They are great for classroom or home schooling moms.
Remember, kids today are computer savvy, and ALL 11 of Margot’s books (both hard copy and eBooks) can be viewed on Margot’ Magic Carpet. The latest three are: Taconi and Claude – Double Trouble (midgrade), Horatio Humble Beats the Big D + Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind.
Visit her DOWN-UNDER FUN or WILD US CRITTERS: to discover extra fun facts about the animals in her books.
Blog Talk Radio’s World of Ink Network Show: Stories for Children with hosts VS Grenier, Kris Quinn Christopherson and Irene Roth will be chatting with author Margot Finke about her recent children’s books: “Taconi and Claude – Double Trouble” a historical middle-grade adventure, “Horatio Humble Beats the Big D” a rhyming picture book about dyslexia, and “Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind” a rhyming picture book about change.
The show will air live, June 13, 2011 at 1pm EST (12pm Central, 11am MST, and 10am PST). Tune in at the BTR World of Ink Network site at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork. You can listen/call in at (714) 242-5259. (Note: if you can’t make the show, you can listen on demand at the same link.)
You can find out more about Margot Finke’s World of Ink Author/Book Tour schedule at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/MargotFinke.aspx . There will be giveaways, reviews, interviews, guest posts and more. Make sure to stop by and interact with Margot Finke and the hosts at the different stops by leaving comments and/or questions. Margot Finke will be checking in throughout the tour and is offering an additional giveaway for those who leave comments throughout the tour.
STOP PRESS!
Write a comment on any participating blog during my June Book Tour,
and win a FREE COPY of this fun time-travel story.
I wrote it specially for kids.
NOTE:
One copy per person. Please leave your e-mail.
( Safe sample: mfinke<@>frontier.com )
and win a FREE COPY of this fun time-travel story.
I wrote it specially for kids.
NOTE:
One copy per person. Please leave your e-mail.
( Safe sample: mfinke<@>frontier.com )
To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit Stories for Children Publishing at: http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com
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