Overdue

I think I am doomed to always have an overdue library book. Not because I can’t remember when the book is due. Not because I don’t get to the library often enough. And not because I can’t find the book. The reason I seem to always have a library book overdue is: I have a hard time parting with a really good book.

I check out the book for as long as the library will let me, but it never seems long enough. I buy as many of my favorite books as I can, but I can’t buy them all. It is hard to say goodbye to a really good book. Even my children have a hard time saying goodbye. Just the other day, my son was helping me put our library books in the book slot, and he said, “What? We have to give these back?” I knew exactly how he felt.

And so, I think I will just come to terms with the fact that I will always have an overdue library book. There are worse things. Right?

The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing

Do sit and write

Don’t procrastinate

Do study your craft

Don’t assume you know everything

Do join an unbiased critique group

Don’t think your mom, dad, sister, brother, spouse, grandparents, or children will give you honest and helpful feedback

Do read books in the genre you wish to write

Don’t stop reading

Do write for yourself

Don’t write for trends

The Dos & Don’ts of a Query Letter

Do research each agent you send a manuscript to.

Don’t send out a mass email to as many agents as you can.

Do spell the agent's name correctly.

Don’t address your query with the heading, To Whom It May Concern or Dear Agent.

Do check your query for grammar mistakes.

Don’t send out an unedited letter.

Do follow submission guidelines.

Don’t use any crazy gimmicks.

Do tell the agent why you are sending your manuscript to them.

Don’t tell them that it is the next best seller.

Do study other successful query letters.

Don’t be arrogant.

Do put some personality into your letter.

Don’t be unprofessional.

Not Every Idea is a Good Idea—Unfortunately

When it comes to picture books, there are lots of story ideas. But as picture book writers, it is important to learn to discern between a good idea and a not so good idea. But how does one do this? Here are 5 authors and their tips on how to do just that.

1)Kate Messner says to write more. “Write something else. Something new. Write more. Because if you’re anything like me, you may have to skip a lot of stones before you get it just right.” Read more of her blog post here. I highly recommend it.

2)Josh Funk says that some ideas don’t work, and that’s ok. “Just grab your notebook and find another one.” Read his blog post here.

3)Tammi Sauer says to start with the title. “For me, the absolute hardest part about the picture book creating process is coming up with a good idea. A wow idea. An irresistible-to-editors idea. One approach that has worked for me is to brainstorm a list of potential titles before I even know a single word of a manuscript.” Read the entire article here.

4)Kelly DiPucchio says to relax. “One thing I have learned is that you can’t force inspiration. You need to relax, go about life, and trust that new ideas will emerge when the time is right.” Read her entire answer here.

5)Tom Litchenheld uses photographs of kids. “For inspiration, I have a bunch of photos of kids on my wall. Whenever I'm stuck for an idea, I look at one of those photographs and think to myself, ‘What would make THAT kid laugh?’” Read more here.

Looks like there are many different ways to find that good idea.

Imagination and Words

These are two things every writer needs … in abundance

Treasure Trove of Words

The library is a treasure trove of words. My kids and I frequent this place as we try to find as many treasures as we can. Sometimes we get lucky and find so many treasures that we can hardly carry them in our arms (that is when we use the baby’s car seat). And on those occasions, we come home and enjoy our loot. We sit on the couch and neglect everything else. Toys are not played with, bikes are not ridden, TV is not watched, and dinner is not made. But we don’t care. We have found amazing, wonderful, beautiful books, and that truly is something to treasure.

Ideas

Ideas for picture books really do come from all different places.  I just got an idea from the design on my daughter's blanket.  Who knew?