The Great Critique

Giving and receiving critiques on your writing is one of the most helpful and necessary parts of the process. I value my critique group beyond any other writing tools I have. They let me know what works and what doesn't, when something I thought was crystal clear is not, and when my characters are acting out of character. They offer encouragement and cheerleading.

Not only has constant critique made me a better writer, it has made me a more professional writer. When I receive notes from agents, editors, and other professionals, I am able to receive the notes with a professional calmness. I don't get defensive. I get revising.

I hope everyone who writes is able to find a group or a few trusted beta readers who can offer valuable critique, but I know that there are quite a few writers in our SCBWI region (Utah and southern Idaho) who may not even know any other writers in their community. Or perhaps they don't know how to get a group started. Or have never critiqued anyone else's work and feel inadequate.

That is why we started a region-wide event called The Great Critique. We give you the opportunity to meet with other children's writers in your area and critique away. On one day, August 9, we all meet throughout the region, helping each other become better writers (and illustrators--they get to participate as well!). During the summer, you'll receive excerpts from manuscripts by the others registered in your area. You'll read them, prepare comments, and then meet in August for live critiquing. And if you don't have a meeting close by, we offer an online location as well. This event is FREE, and we hope you take advantage of it.

In addition, if you wish to have a critique from a publishing house editor or an agent, you can register for that through our web site. And for an extra bonus, you can get a professional query critique.

You'll find all the details on our registration page. So there are no excuses. Sign up NOW. Registration is open until June 15.


by Neysa CM Jensen
your regional advisor for SCBWI
(I live in Boise, Idaho, but don't hold that against me.)

Exploring Worlds within the Pages of a Book

We are excited today to have another wonderful guest blogger, Fiona Ingram. She has been a journalist for the last fifteen years and has writing a children’s book, The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, an unexpected step, inspired by a recent trip to Egypt. Ingram has finished the second book in the Chronicles of the Stone series, The Search for the Stone of Excalibur—a huge treat for young King Arthur fans—which is due to release soon.

Ingram has been kind enough to share some tips on exploring worlds and how parents, teachers and children can go beyond the pages of their favorite book.

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A recent blog survey by Susan Orleans (in the New Yorker) on books that have changed children’s worlds reveals that many times the books are possibly the parents’ choices. This could be because until the child can go out and choose and pay for their own books, the parent is usually the book buyer, and therefore, is by default the book chooser. Parents may purchase enchanting classics because they want their children to enjoy the books they grew up with. It could also be that parents consider some books to be inappropriate. Perhaps the subject matter is too shocking in some cases. For example, when I first read Lord of the Flies (now a classic) at a very tender age, I was shattered. Violence and death seemed impossible. Nowadays, the number of instances of child on child violence is rising. Or is it? Possibly, with wider media coverage and the age of the Internet, more cases are being reported because the dissemination of information has become so much easier.

When I taught my adopted daughter, Mabel to read I naturally turned to my old favorites, children’s classics, because many of those books changed my world. Mabel loved lots of them but began to spread her literary wings as she grew up. Your child may not enjoy the beloved books of yesteryear that were your friends and companions. Times change, technology marches ever onward, and children’s tastes develop. Any parent wishing to foster and develop a love of reading in their child should be aware of the new and often difficult pressures on children today. Issues that did not exist thirty years ago may be of compelling importance now. Subjects that were never spoken of such as child abuse, incest, violence, drug use, death, a dystopian world, global warming, war, racism, nuclear threats, etc. unfortunately rear their ugly heads in today’s society. Children are also bombarded from an early age with media messages that create confusion. Are kids growing up too soon, parents wonder? Should they be reading this or that?

Some practical tips for parents wishing to enhance their child’s reading pleasure:

• Subscribe to children’s book review sites or publisher newsletters to keep abreast of kids’ books. Often reviews are helpful in deciding whether to purchase a book or not.
• Look at what your child is reading at school and discuss whether they are enjoying it, and if not, why not.
• Visit a good bookstore with your child and look at the books most prominently displayed. Get the store assistant’s opinion on what is popular, and what they would recommend. Find out if, any authors will be doing book readings or if there are any book launches coming up.
• Local librarians are a fount of often-unappreciated knowledge. Ask about book readings or library sessions where there is a fun activity planned.
• Buy books that target your child’s interests and hobbies.
• Encourage your child to make their own choices.
• Depending on the age of your child, help your child expand their experience by getting the movie about the book, or purchasing a ‘companion guide’ (usually illustrated) to a compelling book series. If the book is set in a particular historical period or geographical location, go online and look for images or extra information to enhance your child’s understanding.

Don’t be afraid that any one book will change your child’s viewpoint in a negative way. Life is full of all sorts of experiences that they must eventually confront. Books are a way for kids to dip into another world or explore topics safely. 

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/susanorlean/2010/07/books-that-change-kids-worlds.html#comments

Fiona Ingram’s earliest story-telling talents came to the fore when, from the age of ten, she entertained her three younger brothers and their friends with serialized tales of children undertaking dangerous and exciting exploits, which they survived through courage and ingenuity. Haunted houses, vampires and skeletons leaping out of coffins were hot favorites in the cast of characters. 

Naturally, Ingram is a voracious reader and has been from early childhood. Her interests include literature, art, theatre, collecting antiques, animals, music and films. She loves travel and has been fortunate to have lived in Europe (while studying) and America (for work). She has travelled widely and fulfilled many of her travel goals.

Remembering kids today are computer savvy, ALL of Fiona Ingram’s books are available both in hard copy and eBook.

 

You can find out more about Fiona Ingram’s World of Ink Author/Book Tour schedule at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/FionaIngram.aspx. There will be giveaways, reviews, interviews, guest posts and more. Make sure to stop by and interact with Ingram and the hosts at the different stops by leaving comments and/or questions. Ingram 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 to Blog Talk Radio’s World of Ink Network show: Stories for Children. The hosts VS Grenier, Kris Quinn Chirstopherson and Irene Roth will be chatting with Fiona Ingram about her children’s book series, writing, the publishing industry, and the trials and tribulations of the writer’s life.

The show will be live September 26, 2011 at 2pm EST. You can tune in at the World of Ink Network site at http://www.blogtalkradion.com/worldofinknetwork.

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.

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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 4^th

The Maggie Project – Guest Post: The Story Behind – Brush Barry Brush www.themaggieproject.blogspot.com

 July 5^th

The Writing Mama – Book Spotlight

http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com

 July 6^th

Writing to the Hearts of Children- Book Review

http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com

 July 7^th

Families Matter Blog – Interview

http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com

July 8^th

Stories for Children Magazine FG Interview

http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org/pastfeaturedguests.aspx

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 )

To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit Stories for Children Publishing at: http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com