Moving Forward

This week I am in PA visiting family and meeting the illustrator of two of my books. I have done some more research on self publishing and am excited about making some contacts in the near future. Too soon to really feel comfortable, but there is always hope in possibilities!

Confusion

After receiving a personal rejection letter from a publisher this past week, I experienced the normal reaction of "What exactly do they want?" This has been the million dollar question, of course, for writers throughout time wishing to be published. People sometimes mistakenly think that once you are published, it gets easier. For me, nothing could be further from the truth! Although teachers and kids love my books and ideas, publishers come to the edge, but don't jump in. So I am beginning to serioulsy consider the self publishing route, but with a little twist. At the same time, however, today I received an invitation to the New England Reading Association 'Evening with Authors' event in September. So somebody out there knows about me! Perhaps, it will be a combination of methods which keeps me writing and sharing with kids. But however it happens, I'm not ready to give up just yet!

That Won't Work!

I often think about solutions to my writing problems while I am walking, cleaning, hauling firewood, sewing, etc. I have been stalled for a while about how to proceed in a middle grade fantasy I have been working on. Long story short - two wizard brothers will be in big trouble if anyone finds out what they have done. How to resolve this issue and lay the groundwork for continuing the story had me baffled. Finally, while vacuuming at the shop the other day, I thought I had it figured out. At lunch time, I read back over the previous chapters and realized the one element that had to be in there for my solution to work - was missing:(  Forget that solution? No way - going back to rewrite the other chapter as I now know how to work in the missing piece that is needed. Sometimes it just isn't easy, but it's always worth the effort.

Nora's Stars

As I continue to prepare for my "star" visit to Lura Libby school, I have read many books about the stars. Some of the books are factual and others are fiction. Nora's Stars is a sweet story of a little girl who, through the help of her toys, brings all the stars in the night sky into her bedroom. Can you imagine never seeing the stars again in the sky? How long would it take you to notice that they weren't there?

No need to worry - Nora gathers up all the stars into her bed spread and flings them back into the sky. It does make one stop and wonder - how much of our beautiful earth do we take for granted?

Excited!

A month from today, I will be meeting Laura Knorr, the illustrator for A Isn't for Fox and Zero, Zilch, Nada. We have spoken on the phone, but have never met. Because there are restrictions on having contact during the actual book process, questions for each other go through editors and art directors. I am eager to talk with her about what it is like to receive someone else's words and then come up with illustrations to hopefully match the intent of the author. We will both be visiting family in PA and can finally have some time together without any middlemen! Maybe a book signing or school visit together, too:)

Combining Loves

As most of you know, in addition to writing, I also quilt. However, my studio became a total disaster over the holidays and now I am taking time to clean up and throw out. I can't write on a cluttered desk and I can't quilt in a cluttered studio!  But as I was choosing what fabric to throw, I had an idea for a writing activity - Fabricated Poems. I will suggest it to the teacher of the second grade where I volunteer, and maybe they will try it out for me. Fingers crossed, My Twelve Maine Christmas Days goes out today!

Still going....

Next week  My Twelve Maine Christmas Days will be on its way to at least one publisher for consideration. I continue to search for other regional publishers that may be open to new submissions. The funny thing is - the school visits are all ready to go, but there is no book, yet! Cross fingers and toes, please:)

New Directions

Although my attempts to get another manuscript under contract have failed lately, I find new opportunities arising. Last winter as I sat at LL Beans during a holiday book signing event, I began playing with the idea of writing a Maine version of the 12 Days of Christmas. The result, My Twelve Maine Christmas Days,celebrationg many of the gifts of Maine. As luck would have it, I mentioned it to a music teacher colleague who happened to be looking for another song for her 4th graders to sing in their December concert! I am very excited to hear my piece performed and hope it will help move it toward book form.

I am currently spending several hours a week in two libraries researching for a three day workshop I will be presenting at the Lura Libby School in Thomaston next spring. I am over the moon excited about this project, but can't give away any of the fun just yet :) But rest assure, its success is written in the stars.

Today I met with a teacher from the Bowdoin Central School. They are currently applying for a grant to build a permanent story walk on the school grounds. Students move to different kiosks in various ways - skipping, hopping, etc.- and read the next page of the book at each station. Literacy and health combined!
Fingers crossed that the grant is approved and A Isn't for Fox becomes the initial book on the walk.

I have been contacted about being part of the Young Authors Day at a school in Auburn. This, too, sounds very interesting and I hope I will be asked to be a part of that celebration. So, although the publishing door seems to be closed right now, there is a definite draft from the open windows!

Being creative

I am excited to be offered the chance to be involved in two creative and new school experiences. I am beginning research today for a project with the Lura Libby School in Thomaston. I had a great visit there last winter and have been invited back for a multi day workshop. This year's visit will involve all the grades, with a unifying theme. My head is spinning with ideas, so the brainstorming will come first and then some organization and then the details.

The second exciting opportunity is with the Bowdoin school. They are working on a grant for a Story Walk and have asked for my input and ideas. I love this project and can't wait to see where it leads - on a story walk, I hope!

Big thanks to the Dike Newell School and the Patten Free Library for their generous offers of time and resources.

Living in two worlds

This summer I found myself writing more - not stories, but quilt patterns! Little did I know how much I would enjoy designing new quilts or that quilters would actually buy the patterns. So as I have busily designed on graph paper, learned a computer program and did photography for pattern covers, I  neglected my story side for a while. But with an invitation to "perform" at the first assembly in a local school, the writing gene kicked back in:)  I successfully wrote, memorized and performed a new piece to 200 students and staff and it felt good.

So I have now submitted a piece for consideration and am waiting to hear from an agent about representing me and my unpublished math books. As the fall progresses, and I have already been contacted about school events, I will have to learn how to survive living in both worlds - I can't imagine giving up either one.

Thanks to Winslow

No, I am not giving credit to Winslow Homer for inspiration, although I do want to visit the current exhibit in Portland. I am thanking Winslow Elementary School for hosting my fourth visit to their school - three in this school year! 

I did a birthday visit last year in one of the first grade classrooms. We had a great time and the teacher was very happy with the visit. This past December I was contacted to return to Winslow to present to 100 students and their parents. An interactive presentation was requested! In January I arrived with 100 "faux" balloons and in a breathless half hour had the kids and parents making body percussion music, counting with their balloons and adding movements to The Number Dance. I was pleased with the day and surprised at how well it went. I guess I wasn't the only one pleased, as I received a call from the principal asking me to return and once again lead a reading and counting session - with the entire school of 500 students! My first thought - do I have to make 500 balloons? I didn't, the parent group did - bless their souls:)

I arrived for the big event, which was the kickoff for their March Madness Math-a thon to raise money for their playground. An inflatable screen was set up and the principal, who had scanned Zero, ran a powerpoint as I read the book. What fun to see all those balloons going up and coming down. I am happy to report that the kids raised $5000 in two weeks gathering pledges to support a 30 minute all school math session. After the assembly, the  first grade teacher from the year before asked me to her room. Would I come back in April and spend a day with PreK, K and Grade 1?

Yesterday was packed full of double and triple class sessions with the youngest students. We focused on A Isn't for Fox, writing a group poem together based on rhythm and learning about Cowboy Billy. We had a wonderful day together - again.

We all know how nice it feels to be wanted, but Winslow has opened its arms to me in a way I never expected. Thank you, Winslow Elementary - but those words don't come close to expressing my appreciation for your interest and support of me and my writing.

No one way

Today I attended the first of two sessions with an award winning journalist. I look forward to the next eight weeks of working on a manuscript, having access to the journalist's ear and in June sitting down with fellow participants for constructive criticism and input. Beyond her work as a journalist, our mentor has published an adult memoir and a children's book.

I was surprised how parts of her children's book were similar to Cowboy Billy, especially the ending. But even more interesting was the incredibly different path we took in getting that first book published. Both books were based on a true family story. Cowboy Billy was picked off the slush pile - the pile of unsolicited manuscripts that arrive at every publishing house and linger there for months waiting for an intern to read them and maybe send it upstairs to an editor for further review. She wrote her book (we both had various people critique and offer suggestions), and then approached a famous artisit to do the art work. We both were rejected several times in our first attempts to find a publisher. When she had her agent shop it around, she landed a contract, despite breaking the cardinal rule of not acquiring your own illustrator. But who is going to turn down a famous artist who has already agreed to do the book? I don't have an agent - an ongoing question in my mind! I saw one or two sketches from Cowboy Billy, but never saw the real artwork until the finished book arrived. No input allowed. She worked hand in hand with both the illustrator and the editor in developing the book.

I don't begrudge her any of the success she has found. Her life as a journalist has allowed her to meet many people and she has developed the self confidence to make the most of her talent and abilities and to put herself out there when it counts. I just hope I can develop some of that over the next eight weeks as I work with her on my writing. I don't want to be her when I grow up, but I do need to be me.

Leaving My Comfort Zone

Let it be known that I am a shy introvert, TIME magazine recently affirmed that I am not alone and that it is not a bad thing. That being said, shy introverts still need to function in a rather extroverted world. I have spent the better part of my life trying to do just that - fit in. Now, when I finally realize I can just be who I am and not worry about fitting in, along comes an opportunity to leave the comfort of my 'one class at a time' school visits and go big. Well, bigger than I was going.

One at a time classroom visits are an easy step from regular teaching. The one exception is that every 30 minutes I have a brand new class with the bright eager ones, the bored ones, the you can't teach me anything ones and the sweet one who just wants a hug. You just don't know who is who. By the end of the thirty minutes you do know, but then they are gone and the next mystery class appears. The challenge, however, is invigorating and for every less than successful class presentation there are a dozen great experiences.

So I was not prepared for the phone call from the Title 1 director from Winslow Elementary School asking if I would do a presentation for 100 Title 1 students and their parents. I admit, I stumbled through an initial response as that voice in my head was screaming Don't Do It! I tried to explain that I had never done presentations on that scale and then I heard myself asking, "What did you have in mind?" The answer : A 30 minute presentation that is interactive.

Gulp. I thought back to directing 120 high school students in various successful concerts, forgetting momentarily the sheer fright I endured , and agreed to do it.

Long story short - it was a fabulous experience. The principal, staff and students were amazing and we had a great time together. So great, in fact, that this past week I read Zero, Zilch, Nada to over 500 students and staff at Winslow to help kick off their first March Maddness Mathathon. It too, was a fun time, with PTO made paper balloons, a power point of the book shown on an inflatable screen by the principal, and a gym full 0f kids chanting Harry's balloon song together. So this shy introvert expanded her comfort zone a bit, but only temporarily. I am returning to Winslow to spend a day with K-1 classes doing those single classroom visits.
Thanks, WES!

I'm Baaack!

So in my last post in July, I said I hadn't fallen off the face of the earth or broken my arm, etc. What I did do was have surgery on my right shoulder in September and it totally knocked the wheels off my wagon, so to speak. I thought my brother-in-law was being funny when he said it took a year to return to a sense of normalcy - he wasn't. But I am now able to work at the computer for a longer period of time, as well as try to catch up on everything that I let slide...... Of course, when your wagon doesn't have all its wheels working right, you have the most deliveries to make - check out my calendar of upcoming events and you will know what I mean. Most certainly not complaining, just a bit overwhelmed:)

I had a wonderful signing at LL Bean's on December 10th with a photo appearing in the Maine Sunday Telegram. Thanks to the photographer and I hope his little one is enjoying A Isn't for Fox. I continue to volunteer in the second grade and have written several math related pieces that I am hoping to begin submitting to publishers soon. I am still trying to figure out the everchanging market place and what publishers are wanting. The E revolution continues to muddy the waters.

My other creative endeavor in the past year has been designing quilt patterns. Two of my designs were picked up by Timeless Treasures Fabrics in New York City. These patterns - Askew and A Wee Bit Askew - are available for download at www.ttfabrics.com. Look under projects on the menu bar. My goal in the next few weeks is to change one page on my web site to showcase my quilt patterns and provide information on where they can be purchased.

It's a beautiful day - enjoy it!

Busy, busy, busy...

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth. I didn't break my arm or have a major computer crash, either. In all honesty, I have been so busy with non-writing related activity that I just haven't even had time to think about the blog. I have been writing, but not children's literature. But I have continued my research for the middle grade novel - which will by virtue of my research now have a new title - TBD!

I have also experienced a discouragement slump as the new landscape of the publishing world leaves this writer wondering where to turn next. Do I keep on, keeping on? I have received wonderful feedback from teachers about several of my new math pieces - unfortunately, they don't work for the publishers, who could care less at this point. Wow, that sounded like sour grapes....

Do I try my hand at writing for the new market - apps and all ? Do I really want to scroll over Cowboy Billy's head and see HAT appear? Do I? I don't know the answer to this one. And where is the new mom or grandparent going to go to browse and happen to pick up A Isn't for Fox, see the beautiful illustrations and laugh at the silly verse and say, this is perfect. Not at Borders, not online. Please support your local independent book store - if you have one...

The ideas haven't dried up, the love of writing hasn't died; but right now I need a new compass because I can't find my true north.

Where to go from here?

Thought I would give you a quick list update of some highlights from this past weekend at the NESCBWI conference. If you write for children, you may find some of the web addresses useful. If you read children's books you might find something new to read! As for me - my mind is spinning, trying to separate gems from clutter and figuring out which manuscript do I concentrate on now!!!!

Marketing - Susan Raab Associates, THE name in children's book marketing, www.raabassociates.com

Research techniques - Loree Griffin Burns - great ideas and organizing tips, her book - Hive Detectives

Middle Grade Plotting - Whoa, slow down, can't write that fast - Whew! - Janet Fox - a goldmine of information, albeit at light speed. www.janetsfox.com Her book - Faithful

Picture Book or Magazine? - Harold Underdown - good comparison list of characteristics - Did you know Cowboy Billy is really an illustrated storybook, not a picture book? www.kidmagwriters.com

World Building -Stacy Whitman - two hour intensive with wonderful discussion and specifics for building a believable world in fantasy or science fiction. Much to do in this area!

Books to consider : for little ones - Do You Know Which Ones Will Grow? by Susan A. Shea
fantasy - Matched by Allie Condie
TankBorn by Karen Dandler
adult - The Memory Palace by Mira Bartok

New England Writer's Conference

This weekend I will be attending the annual conference of the New England chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI.) This is the most well known and respected professional organization for children's writers. I became a professional member with the publication of A Campfire for Cowboy Billy. If you write for children, you really should belong to this organization - it provides huge support to writers and illustrators and some publishers will only accept submissions from members of this group.

This is the 25th anniversary of the New England chapter and I am very excited to attend, both for the workshops and the keynote speakers. The first keynote speaker is award winning Jane Yolen who has written over 300 books, Owl Moon being my favorite. The second keynote speaker is Tomie dePaola, award winning author of over 250 books - check out The Art Lesson. The third keynoter is Lin Oliver, co-founder of SCBWI, a former VP of Universal Studios and now co-author of 15 books with Henry Winkler (aka The Fonz.) Their series about Hank Zipzer is hailed as a break through for students with different learning styles. Very exciting!

Although I am published in the picture book genre, I am focusing my workshops on marketing and writing for middle grade, including research techniques, world building for fantasy writing and how to develop minor characters. I hope to come home re-energized and with enough information to create a plan of action to move forward in this crazy occupation of writing. A de-briefing to follow in the next blog. Enjoy Spring!!

Art Linkletter was right!

When I was a kid, Art Linkletter had a show on TV about the sayings of kids. I guess I thought it was funny then, but it means so much more now as I listen to my grandsons explain situations to me. Their utter delight in saying something funny is totally refreshing. From talking to an imaginary friend in a pocket who, by the way, has a ladder that will reach to heaven so they really could visit Great Grandma, to deciding to have the name Tiger and declare to be 100 years old, their fun with words never stops. Even more rewarding, is the fact that most of the time they are purposefully using language to have fun! What a great lesson to learn from ones so small - using language to entertain, not bully; using language to be creative, not destructive; using language to share feelings, not hurt them. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not blinded by my love for these little ones - they use language in other ways, too. Poopy-head being a favorite. And they are quick to correct us grownups when we say something inappropriate, also. What I am trying to figure out is how to keep them having fun with words and how I can use what they teach me to write better books for them. Meanwhile, I will continue to enjoy our witty and insightful conversations. So I will leave you with a recent exchange: Me: "I love you to the moon. " Grandson: "I love you to the back of the moon. " It doesn't get any better!

Thunder Thoughts...

I thoroughly enjoyed the thunderstorm this morning. When we first moved to Maine from Pennsylvania in the mid-80s, there never seemed to be any thunderstorms. Coming from south central PA, we were used to some pretty hefty thunderstorms during the summer months. I missed them . The last several years, however, there seem to be more thunderstorms occurring. Perhaps global warming, or cyclical pattern changes or I am just more aware? I was born during a thunderstorm which may explain my affection for this particular meteorological event. (I actually spell checked that weather word because it didn't look right!) Spelling aside, thunder boomers rate high on my warm weather rain events. Of course, there is nothing better than the surprise of thunder snow in the middle of winter! Being a lover of books, I still like to think that they are bowling away in the Hudson River Valley as Rip Van Winkle snores on. What or where is your favorite thunder? Thunder Hole? Thunder Bay? Catching thunder?

Test Groups

I am finding that I am asking adults less often to give me feedback on my work and, taking a deep breath, having students be my critique group. My first adventure in this method was having 5th, 7th and 9th grade students edit my middle grade novel. I must admit I was more than a bit nervous when I returned to gather their feedback. But after pushing down that defensive dragon in me, I listened ,fascinated, as they told me what they thought would make the book better and what they liked. But even more gratifying to me, was the way they told me their thoughts. There was no sarcasm or derision in their voices - and, yes, these were typical tweens and teens. They wanted to be part of the process and appreciated the opportunity to have an author listen to their ideas and actually take notes on what they said. And they want to know when I will have copies for them published! That was the hard part - telling them I didn't know if it would ever be published. So now I am bravely trying out a new counting manuscript with second graders. This piece can be read as a book or done as a type of square dance. After five classes of second graders worked with me last week, I received a thumbs up from students and teachers to keep working on it. So off I go to Winslow this week to try it with some more second graders. Their feedback comes in giggles, sparkling eyes and hugs! Book signing for Cowboy Billy on Saturday, April 30th, at 11am at Mariner's Compass Quilt Shop in Bath. New research notes for the middle grade novel at www.wendyulmer.com.