How to Fix a Picture Book

Last week I wrote a post Let the Pigeon Teach You a Thing or Two About Writing Picture Books, in which I "copied" Mo Willems' book. After this exercise I quickly realized what was wrong with my own picture book.

•      There was nothing at stake for the main character.
•      There wasn’t much tension.
•          There wasn’t much emotion.
•      The order of the scenes did not work together. 

Editing my story on the computer screen wasn't working so I attempted to create a dummy. What is a dummy? According to Sue Bradford Edwards “a dummy is a mock-up of the actual picture book.” (1) Creating a dummy allows you too see where text and illustrations will go.  It lets you see and feel what the story will look like in book format. What happens when the dummy isn’t working for you? I say cut the story up!

1. Enlarge the text and print it out.

2. Cut it up and lay it out (I used a bulletin board). 

3.  Rearrange the sentences so there is an order to them. 

4. Whip out some handy post-its and use them to insert text.

5. Read the story out loud.

6. Continue to add or take text away.

7. Read story out loud, again.

8. Continue to add or take text away until you are satisfied. 

9. Take picture a of your hard work and type out your new story. 

10. Print out your story and revise using a highlighter.  

11. Create a one sentence pitch.

12. Submit story to critique group. 

By the time I was finished half my original story was gone. My story went from 137 words to 241 words. I now have a beginning, middle, end. My protagonist has a reason for his actions. I even managed to introduce humour and tension into my story. Now all I need to do is submit it to my critique group!

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1. Edwards. Storyboarding.  2010 Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market.

Bad Kitty vs. the Chapter Book

As some of you know I’ve been participating in the 12x12 in 2012 challenge, in which I’m to write a new picture book every month. Last week I wrote about “copying” a picture book to help you in your own picture book writing. What happens when the idea floating around in your head doesn’t want to be a picture book? So this week I’m looking at Bad Kitty vs. Uncle Murray by Nick Bruel, in an attempt to learn more about chapter books.

What is a chapter book? According to AWAI “in children’s literature, it refers to a book somewhat beyond the easy reader but not as advanced as a full-fledged middle-grade novel.” Hmm…doesn’t help much, so I suppose I will give you a break down of Bad Kitty vs. Uncle Murray.

Chapter 1: Pussycat Paradise - 30 pgs

Kitty’s perfect world is shattered when Uncle Murray comes to stay.  – Inciting incident.

Kitty’s family promises a surprise when they return. – Clever foreshadowing.

The first fun fact is introduced: Why some cats are afraid of people.

Chapter 2: Hide!  - 14 pgs

A serious of hilarious happenings in which the Kitty hides from Uncle Murray, but is accidentally discovered each time. – Conflict and suspense is building.

Chapter 3: The Kitty Diaries - 12 pgs

The Kitty is in crisis and is slowly having an emotional breakdown.  – All is lost so it seems.

Chapter 4: Uncle Murray Strikes Back - 22 pgs

Uncle Murray attempts to make nice with Kitty and all seems well until Uncle Murray starts vacuuming.  
– Kitty breaks free from her emotional state, but is quickly thrown back into a state of unease. Conflict continues to build.

Second fun fact: Why cats are afraid of vacuums.

Chapter 5: Catch that Kitty - 12 pgs

Kitty runs away and the dog turns into a superhero. – Rising action moving towards the climax.

Chapter 6: Kitties to the Rescue – 32 pgs.

Uncle Murray catches Kitty, but is attacked by a hoard of cats and one superhero dog.  – Climax

Chapter 7: Kitty on her Own – 16 pgs.

Uncle Murray has had enough and he storms out leaving Kitty alone. But he returns as he has promised to take care of Kitty while its owners are away. Kitty is now somewhat willing to accept Uncle Murray. All seems good.  – The world is returned to normal so it seems…

The third and final fact: Why cats are afraid to be alone.

Epilogue – 9 pgs. 

The house is a wreck. The audience is left to imagine what happened during the week, but it’s doubtful that Uncle Murray will ever catsit again. 


We finally see what the surprise is that was mentioned at the beginning of the book - the new baby, which also leads into his next book Bad Kitty Meets the Baby and we now know that the Kitty’s world will never truly be the same.  

Appendix: A selection of phobias.

Note: You may have noticed that some of the chapters are quite long. Typically chapters in a chapter book are short, but Bruel uses a lot of pictures so the story moves along quite quickly.  Perhaps he could have made chapter 1, 4 and 6 shorter. Chapter books are usually around 8 to 10 chapters and under 10, 000 words according to the AWAI.

What did Nick Bruel do right in his book?

1. He used humour – At one point I was laughing so hard that I was crying.
2. There is an overarching theme of being scared. Children and adults can relate to being scared.
3. His story has a beginning, middle, and end. I know you probably hear this all the time, but its important that your story has a beginning, middle, and end!
4. The appendix in the back lets the child learn more about phobias. Bruel explains “…that the person who has the phobia really has nothing to fear,” but “…phobias are very common and nothing to be ashamed of.”  He does this without talking down or preaching to the child ( a big no-no in any kind of writing).
5. His illustrations are perfect -  All the illustrations are in black and white, but it works. There is a delicate a balance between the words and the pictures. He doesn’t over tell the story.
6. He uses popculture references – A child might not get the references, but an adult most certainty would.  A child can read this story by herself, but a parent would likely enjoy reading this book alongside her child.
7. His epilogue leads into his next story. – If you are planning on writing a series then including a lead into the next story is smart as it leaves the reader wanting more.
8. He includes fun facts – The facts in his story are interesting and are beautifully blended into the story.  Surprisingly the facts don’t interrupt the flow of the story. Again he doesn’t talk down or preach to the audience.

Suzanne, over at Writing on the Sidewalk gave me the idea to summarize each chapter in one sentence. To learn more about chapter books head over to her blog.

To further your learning also check out Alison Hertz blog post on Researching the Genre You Want to Write. She will be following that post on how to create a outline for a chapter book or MG novel and just in time to take the Chapter Book Challenge.

 If you are thinking of writing a chapter book why not join a challenge! Head over to Chapter Book Challenge by clicking here. This is a great way to stay motivate and get the inspiration that you need to write your book! 

 If you liked this post please let others know. Join me tomorrow I'll be talking about book dummies. 

Photo Story: Pug in the Teapot Rhyme

I'm a little puggly, short and stout

Here is my bum

Here is my snout

When I get all wound up, hear me pout

Just open the door and let me out!

Can you spot what the Pug is protecting in this photo? 

If you like this post please let others know.  To see/hear an original version of I’m a Little Teapot click here.

More Blog Love

Last week Bill Kirk awarded me with my second Liebster Blog award and Pam Courtney on Monday, awarded me with my third Liebster award. So thank you Bill and Pam! I stumbled upon Bill’s blog during a comment challenge and I decided to join because he writes poetry and tells jokes. Pam Courtney is a fellow 12x12er  who has just started blogging. Please welcome her to the blogging world!

The Liebster award (a German word meaning favourite) is for those bloggers, like me, who have less than 200 followers. The award is designed to help bring new followers to my blog. Plus I get so share 5 things about myself and pass the award onto 5 deserving blogs! 

Here are five things about me…

1. I love theater. Phantom of the Opera blew me away.
2. Dramatic scenes makes me laugh (I laughed during Phantom of the Opera).
3.  I hate surprise parties, but like throwing them for other people.
4. I was a vegetarian for seven years.
5.  I’m obsessed with fairy tales. I hope to travel the fairy tale road in Germany one day.

The award goes to...

1. 1_Lovelife - I love her small stones. 
2. A Kitty Dreaming About Wings - She writes posts that make me think. 
3.  Bibliophilic Blather  - I love Flash Fiction Fridays
4. Writing, Running, & Diabetes - Her posts are interesting. 
5. Melissa Mead in Progress  - Her drawings are cool. 

Please stop by tomorrow and enjoy my new photo story - Pug in the Teapot Rhyme

Let the Pigeon Teach You a Thing or Two About Writing Picture Books!

We immerse ourselves in good books. We study what works and what doesn’t work then we apply what we have learned to own work. One of the exercises I’ve been asked to do as part of a children’s workshop, that I’m currently enrolled in, is to find a book I love and copy it. The purpose of this exercise is to force myself to slow down and think about every word on the page. What drew me to this work? What am I struggling with in my own work? What can I learn from the author I just copied?

I’m new to picture book writing and I’m still learning the balance between pictures and words. I chose Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems. There are many things to learn from Mo’s book:

1. He draws the reader into his story right from the start by giving the reader a task that must be carried out to the final pages of the book. Mission - Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
2. The Pigeon tries his hardest to convince the reader to let him drive the bus, but the reader gets to say 'no' while laughing at the Pigeon’s excuses as to why he should be allowed to drive the bus.
3. The Pigeon goes through a range of emotions and so does the reader.
4. There is a beginning, middle, and end to his story.
5. There is conflict and tension in his book that will keep the reader reading to the end.
6. The pictures are beautifully simplistic done in what looks like crayon. His drawings imitate the feeling of a child’s drawing. Cressida Cowell does the same thing in her drawings that are scattered throughout her How To Train Your Dragon series.
7. Some pages have no text just a simple drawing that tells you more than a word could. I know that writers don’t get a say over illustrations, but Mo’s book is a perfect example of how words and pictures work together to create a story.

 What are you struggling with in your own work? Are there any authors that you look up to?

*Mo Willems worked as a writer and animator on Sesame Street, did some work on Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. He has also been known to do stand up comedy. He has won multiple awards. His pigeon series has seen huge success and has been translated into several different languages.

If you liked this post please let others know. 

Winner!

Thanks everyone who voted yesterday for their favourite headshot. It came down to two shots so my husband got to be the tiebreaker (lucky him). I was partial to the blue cow, but I love Alberta beef, and that picture just makes me laugh! But the people have spoken, so sadly no blue cow (although he will added to my facebook album).

In more exciting news! I WON the Mix-It Up Writing Contest over at Miranda Paul's blog! Thank you for voting for me!

If you liked this post please let other's know. Please join me on Monday, as I'll be discussing Mo Willems and his Pigeon.

The Pros and Cons of Blog/Writing Challenges

A couple of weeks ago I shared with you 10 Reasons Why You Should Join a Blog Challenge . Now I want to share with you the pros and cons of the challenges I took part in, in the month of January.

Click here to learn more

1. Ultimate Blog Challenge: Blog every single day for the month of January.

Pros

- I got into the habit of posting on a regular basis.

- I found some cool blogs in the process.

Cons

-  Blogging every day was time consuming.

Results

I withdrew from this challenge halfway through January because blogging every day wasn’t working for me. I did manage to post 54 times in the month of January and discover the fun of blogging. Next year I will not participate in this challenge. Unfortunately, I don't get to have a "I Completed the Ultimate Blog Challenge" badge, but my time is limited and withdrawing from this challenge was the right choice for me.

2. Comment Challenge: Comment on five blogs a day. (Click here to learn more).

Pros

- I got into the habit of commenting on posts, not just reading posts.

- I found some really cool blogs to join through the comment challenge network.

Cons

-I’m not sure if everyone who stopped by my blog, during this challenge, actually read my posts, but merely commented for the sake of commenting.

-Sometimes I liked post, but didn’t have anything to say.

Results

I joined several blogs and commented 210  times in the month of January (not all my comments were left on participants' blogs). Now I like to average at least five comments per day except on the weekends (Ultimate Blog Challenge taught me that I needed to take the weekends off from blogging). I'm not likely to do this challenge again, instead I will join a handful of blog hops from time-to-time in effort to discover new blogs!

Click here to learn more

3. Creative Everyday Challenge: Do something creative every day.

Pros

-This is a low stress challenge.

- Serves as a reminder to writer, snap a photo, or do something else creative.

Cons

-This challenge isn’t really challenging me as being creative is just who I am.

Results

I keep forgetting to check in. I’m going to try to make the time in the following months to check out the fellow participants. I still have a few months to decide whether or  not I should do this challenge again. To spice things up, I think this month I'm going to try to do something creative that relates to this months' theme of night.

Click here to learn more

4. A river of stones: Write one small stone every day.

Pros

- I was forced to slow down and notice something.

-I was forced to practice describing things.

-I got to practice shortening my prose to fit on twitter.

-Some of the stones I wrote have the potential of being published.

Cons

- Sometimes I didn’t want to write a small stone.

Results

I shared 22 small stones on my blog and a handful of stones I kept to myself.  I read a bunch of wonderful stones from other participants. I've decided to extend this challenge to all year long as it's good practice to take five minutes every day to reflect on something. So far in February, I have written one small stone, but plan on getting back to writing one every single day. I will most likely participate in this challenge again!

Click here to learn more

5. Off the Shelf: To read books already on my bookshelf. I committed to 30 books.

Pros

-Finally making the time to read the books already on my shelf.

-Finally figuring out which books to keep.

Cons

-So far I don’t have any.

Results

This is a year long challenge. I keep forgetting to check-in, but hopefully I will check-in on the next check-in point. So far I have read 2 out of 30 books already on my shelf. I plan on checking out fellow participants in the coming months.

Click here to learn more

6. Project 365: Snap a photo to represent each day.

My theme is - My Writing Life.

Pro

-A neat way to journal a year of my life.

-I get to practice taking photos.

-I get to share my photos and a piece of my life.

-Some of my photos have led to stories and poems.

-Some of the photos I use in my blog posts.

Con

-Remembering to snap a new photo each day.

Results

My photojournal currently has 32 photos. I have missed a couple photos along the way. I’ve opened a pininterest board so that I can share my photos (still in the process of setting up that board). So far this challenge has been pretty fun!

Click here to learn more

7. 12x12 in 2012: Write a new picture book manuscript every month.

Pros

 - I'm finally getting the ideas out of my hand and down on paper.

-The 12 x12 group is really supportive.

-I found a critique group through the 12x12 facebook page. 

-I have been directed to several helpful resources like Rate My Story.

-I have an upcoming interview and guest post as result of this challenge.

-I have stories to submit to publishers.

-I have the opportunity to connect with published and unpublished authors.

-I have the opportunity to meet (virtually) with agents.

-I've been directed to fun writing contests.

-I get to practice my craft!

Cons

-Even though I have a month to write one story, I still feel a bit pressured.

Results

I love this challenge! I've met a whole whack of people who are supportive and encouraging. I found a critique group through this challenge (getting feedback on my stories has been wonderful!)  On the facebook page, I'm constantly finding interesting and helpful posts. I could go on! Although I'm only a month in, I could see me doing this challenge again! Unforuntately, you can no longer sign up for this challenge this year, but the organizer Julie Hedlund, runs a wonderful blog that is full of useful information for writers!

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