To E or Not to E

by Scott Rhoades

I admit it. For a long time I was resistant to e-books. It's not that I'm a technological Luddite. I've made my living in the tech industry since 1988 and I think technology is really cool, and I like gadgets, and the idea of having a gadget with hundreds, or even thousands, of books with me wherever I go is appealing, especially considering how much it cost me to take books with me for my four-months of working in Germany in 2005, and how much more it cost to send them home again along with all the new books I got while I was there.

It's just that I like books. I love bookshelves loaded with books. Apparently, I love bookshelves loaded with books, along with boxes of them shoved into every closet with space. But the e-book thing for me is the same argument you get from everybody else who resists the new books. I love the feel of books, the way they look, how they smell. When I read I like to keep my bookmark where I started so I can see how much I read and how much progress I made toward the end.

But I've been converted this year. Thanks to both my Android phone and the loaner iPad from work, several of the books I've read this year have been electronic. And, well, there's a lot to like about e-books, like how little space they take up, how easy they are to read in the dark, or to take on trips or to have with me when I'm waiting for somebody at the airport.

I still prefer regular books for the reason I mentioned. I also lament that so much of our media is no longer real, in the sense that you can't touch it. Whether it's a book or music, there's something comforting about being able to pull it off the shelf, look at it, and then enjoy it. In fact, sometimes I just go to the shelf and pull off a book just to look at the book. When it's just a bunch of bits, it seems less real. Insubstantial. Disposable.

Another concern about e-books: I tend to remember things, at least for a short while, that I want to go back and look at again in a book. I can find it by it's approximate location in a book, how far in, and what part of the page it was on. I can't do that with an e-book. On the other hand, most readers I've seen make it really easy to keep notes or bookmark pages you might want to go back to.

And then there's the whole piracy issue. People who would never even consider walking into FYE and stealing a CD have little or no problem with downloading it for free. There's an upside to that, though. Sharing makes the arts more of a community affair. If there's a song you like and your friend hasn't heard it, you just give it to him. That's kind of cool. Sharing is easier with something that doesn't exist in a tangible form, but it's impossible to get around the ethical issue.

Be that as it may, I've been converted. And that's got me thinking about self-pubbing an e-book. If you've ever read author Joe Konrath's blog, it's hard not to admit the advantages writers can have by becoming their own publisher. He constantly writes about what a good thing this new format is for writer, and bluntly calls us dense if we don't see the advantages. His bluntness would turn me off it weren't argued so well.

It still feels second-best to me, as if I were giving up on ever publishing a "real" book. But maybe that's me being old and looking at publishing in an old-fashioned way. Maybe Konrath's right. What I like is that he goes into quality issues, that writing an excellent book, getting it edited, and designing a professional cover are still critical. Anybody can throw out poor-quality books and, as he says, they'll even get some sales which they would never get through traditional means. The good books rise to the top, though. One thing Konrath laments is that the NYT lists ignore bestselling self-pubbed books, including his own, which, he shows, is outselling the online NY Times and is getting better ratings.

I'll have to look into that more. I don't want to jump the gun. But Konrath sure makes a good point.

Whatever I do as a writer, I've now jumped with both feet (minus a few toes, I guess) into the e-book reading world, and have even started to look seriously a readers, which I have yet to buy because I can buy ten books for the same price, and buying ten books is a bigger temptation. But I have no doubt I'll make the jump. I'll keep buying books because I can't stand the thought of not buying them, but when there's something I just want to read and I don't really care about having the actual book, I might as well save some space.

What about you? Have you made the jump, as either a reader or writer or both? How do you like the new world?

Showing Involves Specificity

by Deren Hansen

From time to time, I see comments about pieces having or needing concrete detail. Several years ago I came across a discussion by Annette Lyon about specificity on the Writing on the Wall blog that helped clarify my understanding of concrete details:

"Showing has several elements, but specificity is one of my favorites. The gist is to take a general noun (such as a car) and tell us more. Make us see it.

"Is it a VW Bug? Is it a little red Toyota truck with rusted wheel wells? Is it a sleek, black Jaguar? A yellow Jeep with fuzzy, pink dice hanging from the mirror?

"The more specific you are, the more clearly readers will see the “movie” in your head—and be drawn into your imaginary world."

[You may read the entire post here.]

In your quest to be specific, however, remember that if some is good, more is not necessarily better. If you describe every detail in the scene or setting minute, concrete detail, your story will grind to a halt and you stand a good chance of losing readers with anything less than a Herculean attention span.

In general, a few specific, evocative details, leaving plenty of room for your reader to fill in the rest, work best.


Deren blogs daily at The Laws of Making.

Name Me

I gave a similar presentation during a League of Utah Writers mini-bootcamp back in February. I just really like this topic.

So, what’s the big deal about character names anyway? I mean, it’s just a name. In all honesty, a name is a key characteristic, especially to your main character.

Here’s an example scenario: What if it was called “Draco Malfoy and the Sorcerer’s Stone”? Draco learns that he’s a wizard and goes into the wizarding world where he meets Neville Longbottom, the sixth of seven children in a poor family. They team up with Parvati Patil. Draco creates an enemy in prideful Harry Potter, who’s father works for the Ministry of Magic as well as having been a member of the Order of Merlin, Lord Dumbledore’s evil group of people. Helping Draco is Professor Voldemort, who always seems to know more of what’s going on.

Okay, there are a few things wrong here. First, “Voldemort” can translate to “Stealing Death”. Draco is from “draconian”, which is a reference to dragons. Dumbledore is a kind term, not an evil one. It just doesn’t make sense to use the names this way.

It must’ve taken Rowling some time to research meanings in order to create her characters with names that give them life.

Here’s another thought. Let’s talk about Regency Romance. And let’s say this is your scene: guy and girl flirt with one another in London. Both are aristocrats. Ready go:

Jamal walked up to LaKesha. Her strawberry blonde hair and fair skin always caught his attention. He hoped LaKesha felt the same way about him.
“Jamal!” LaKesha put out her hand for him to kiss it. “Have you seen Mario, Duke of Chester? His family is throwing their annual ball and I must get an invite.”
“No, LaKesha. I would guess he’s with Keiko, he really has taken a fancy with her.”

Besides the obvious (T.J. writes poor regency) these names don’t belong in that era tied to those people. Jamal may be the closest possibility. Even then, it doesn’t feel right for Regency. LaKesha sounds like an African-American name. Mario belongs to Italy and/or Spain. While Keiko is Japanese. A lot of immigrants in Regency Era England? Maybe, but most certainly not ones in an aristocratic society.

If you want to write fantasy, you could claim “I can come up with any name I want to.” I’ll give you that. However, you may want consistency in name types, especially if you’re going with different races. Comparing Earthly races in individual, raw forms, you could go with many Asian cultures and realize, most of them have single syllable names, maybe two syllables. In my own writing, my Dwarfs have “hard” names where there’s a “k” sound or “r” sound in the name and less “ll”s and such.

Just some thoughts. What do you think? What are some comical misplaced names?

Blog Spotlights: T. Lynn Adams

Between finishing off a master's degree and being under contract to write a sequel to her first book, Terry shares with us her insights on writing. We'll take her when we can get her!

http://tlynnadams.blogspot.com/

Blog Spotlights: Tiffany Dominguez

Tiffany loves books! And Tiffany loves to write. And she does both very well-- in between promoting her first book and raising her family. Her blog below is dedicated to finding high-quality young adult books and reviewing them for you. Check out the side bar links to the other blogs she has.

http://scribblebymoonlight.blogspot.com/

Take a Little Time to Write Something Really Important

by Scott Rhoades

With my kids' encouragement, I've been taking some time from my writing schedule (what there is of one, anyway) to write down some memories of my growing up years. I've always resisted the idea of writing a personal history. I never thought I had anything really interesting to say. But now that I'm getting older and the area where I grew up has changed so much, my memories are suddenly kind of interesting, especially to my kids.

I think what it comes down to is, now that my parents are aging, I wish I knew them better and knew more about them. My dad doesn't really talk about that kind of stuff. My mom can be prodded to talk, but doesn't think a lot of what she has to say is interesting.

As writers, we have a talent for writing in an entertaining way, and, when appropriate, assigning meaning to events. I can't think of many better ways to use that talent than to give something to our children that will help them know us better.

It's hard, though, to take the time away from the other things we want to write. We don't have unlimited time to work on our stories. Taking time to write for my kids means it will take me longer to finish my works in progress.

I guess it comes down to priorities. Right now, doing this for my children is important to me. Maybe it's because I'm approaching a milestone birthday. Maybe it stems from my mother-in-law dying earlier in the year. Or maybe I'm just feeling nostalgic and enjoying going back and replaying memories. Whatever the cause, I'm not going to analyze it too much. I'm just going to write this for my kids. They're enjoying it so far, and so am I. And it feels like the right thing to do at this point in my life.

Message or Conversation?

by Deren Hansen

Many of the people who give advice about writing are quick to say that nothing kills a story faster than having a "message." A corollary is that if you have a message, you shouldn't write fiction.

On the other hand, I really dislike books that aren't about anything (e.g., standard swords and sorcery that seem to be a chronicle of the violence perpetrated by a muscle-bound barbarian who is, apart from a few more scars, no different at the end).

I understand the dangers of allowing something about which you feel strongly to subvert your story, but if you don't have anything to say your story is, at best, nothing more than a "me-too" exercise.

So what's the difference between a message (bad) and something to say (good)?

It's the difference between a conclusion you want to promote and an idea you want to explore. Put another way, it's the difference between a lecture and a conversation. Readers have no patience for the former but they're happy (sometimes eager) to engage in the latter.

The Great Books series from the University of Chicago was founded on the belief that the classics are part of a great conversation that has been going on for thousands of years. I like that idea because I believe the best new books contribute to that grand conversation.

How will you contribute to the grand conversation?


Deren blogs daily at The Laws of Making.

Blog Spotlights: Julie Daines

Julie is a fresh burst of sunshine on this blog. Her ideas are fun and practical, and I always end up feeling like "yeah, I can do that" when I read her suggestions. She'll keep you posted on contests, good books to be read, and advice on how to keep it real.

http://juliedaines.blogspot.com/

Hate. It's a four letter word.

By Julie Daines

Sorry I'm late getting my post up today. I've been at the Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers conference basking in the greatness of Martine Leavitt.

I watched a movie recently with a main character so self absorbed and self pitying I could barely make it through the film. She had a great husband and nice friends who loved her and wanted her to be happy, but she couldn't find "inner peace and balance." So, she breaks her husband's heart by divorcing him to go in search of herself.

After traveling the world on a trip of selfish indulgence, she finally learns the great lesson in life--sometimes you have to lose balance to find balance. Suddenly, she is now capable of love. Whaaaat?

I kept waiting for her to have a change of heart and really learn something about priorities and happiness, especially when she sees kids eating garbage out of the gutter in a third-world country. But no. She's too busy struggling to forgive herself for the huge mistake she made when she married this really awesome and devoted husband. Then she ... Well, I should probably stop there. All I'm saying is that I hated this character.

Anyway, it made me wonder about main characters, and how to give them flaws and shortcomings, but still make them likable.

I think Margaret Mitchell's Scarlett O'Hara is a masterful example. She's kind of a despicable, selfish person and easy to hate, but somehow, she gets under our skin. We love her anyway and want her to be happy, but at the same time, when she gets what she deserves, there is a sense of justice.

Another great example is Harry Potter. He's far from perfect--sometimes selfish, judgmental, not the brightest kid--but his kind heart, sense of humor, and desire to do good despite his mistakes make him lovable.

How do we find the balance? 

Blog Spotlights: VS Grenier

Kudos to our Writing Mama who shows us how to juggle work, family, life, and writing. Not only does she blog for us and run her own website, VS also does an internet blog talk show, a magazine for kids, and interviews with amazing writers. Check out her blog and the amazing tips she offers:

http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com/

(plus, she's a great one to friend on Facebook!)

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