Handling an Author's Appearance - Debbie Dadey

On Saturday, January 27^th, I went to an author appearance at the Doylestown Library. The library’s presentations often focus on authors of books for adults. I wanted to attend because Debbie Dadey is an amazing writer for children. She has authored 154 books, and counting!

I also wanted to attend to see how a seasoned children’s author handled a non-school audience. There were no sign-ups for the event, so there was no way to know who would show up. Here’s the low down—

When I got there the Pearl Buck Room was set up with about thirty chairs in a semi-circle. In the center of the circle was Debbie and her four-foot-long radio controlled inflated flying shark. As kids came in, Debbie offered each of them the chance to “drive” (fly? swim?) the shark. Talk about a kid pleaser!

Before long the organizers had to set up another row of chairs. Then another. By the time Debbie’s presentation began, there was a crowd of approximately seventy in attendance. It was about half adults and half children. I was surprised to see that of the children, about half were boys. 

I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. Although Debbie’s newest publication (released earlier this week) is part of her Mermaid Tales series for Simon & Schuster, she is perhaps best known as co-author of The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids series, a series with loads of boy appeal.

Debbie talked about her path to publication-including her “never give up” message for adults and children. Then she talked about her newest book, Danger in the Deep Blue Sea. 

Debbie asked the kids to guess what a mermaid’s worse enemy is. Apparently, sharks are the mermaids’ worst enemies. Humans are the mermaids’ second. She explained that this is why mermaids live at the very bottom of the deepest parts of the sea. Sharks swim nearer the surface and mermaids want to stay away from them. Who knew? 

The Friends of the Library made sea-themed cookies!

She was very convincing. 

Next, the kids were enthusiastic participants during Debbie’s shark trivia session. Then, as the noise level grew, Debbie turned to a short reading from her book. Finally, she turned them loose on the remaining refreshments and a cute craft (making an open shark’s mouth from a folded paper plate). She had talked for about twenty-five minutes.

Some of the kids made the craft, some left, and others got in line for the book signing. Along with a sampling of some of her older books, Debbie was fortunate to get her newest book from the publisher two days before its official release. I waited my turn and got my copy after the kids. :))

Last week, Cynthia Leitich Smith also posted about a book launch event with author appearances by one picture book and one YA author. Refreshments apparently are key!
If you have any tips for a great author appearance, please share them in the comments!

A Kernel of Writing Advice

While it is a wonderful to get caught up in the heat of writing, the words flowing from a pen (or onto a computer screen) unbidden—the fact is that the words ultimately need to make sense to an audience. 

One of the best pieces of writing advice I’ve received was that a scene I wrote didn’t have to be true—readers had to believe that it was true. This advice works on two levels. 

First, if you’re writing something that is based on events or emotions that really transpired, unless you are writing nonfiction and are in essence telling the reader “this happened,” it doesn’t matter that it’s true if it isn’t believable. Conversely, if something is believable, it doesn’t matter if it’s the biggest whopper or scientific impossibility on the planet.

Writing for kids is especially fun because kids embrace the absurd. But within the parameters of a story, the absurdity still has to make some sense. In recent Caldecott winner  Jon Klassen’s “I Want My Hat Back,” because the rest of the plot makes sense, no reader stops to ask—why was a bear wearing a hat in the first place? Mo Willems makes us believe that a pigeon really could drive a bus if we only gave it the chance. In the subtle interplay between the believable and the absurd we can see these authors’ craft.

Last month I was fortunate to attend an SCBWI picture book workshop with Christopher Cheng. Next month I’m heading to the MD/DE/WV SCBWI conference. I’ve found that attending workshops is an investment in craft that repays itself many times over.

What’s one piece of writing advice that has helped you?

Find a Conference and GO!

Last weekend I attended the MD/DE/WV SCBWI conference. That’s a mouthful. A tasty morsel of writing goodness.

Author/Agent Ammi-Joan Paquette on left

I had never been to one of their chapter events before, but it ran like clockwork. These folks are on the ball. By the time I checked back to their website on Monday, it was updated and the event was gone. Luckily, I took notes.

However, I don’t really need notes because the minutiae of what each speaker said isn’t the point of this post (although I will give those of you who weren’t fortunate to attend a brief run down!). The point is—it was wonderful to spend time meeting other writers and writing professionals. I even had a face-to-face with an online writing friend I’d never met in person. It was a tremendous mini-vacation. For twenty-four hours, I didn’t have to think about what anyone else needed. It was all about me and writing. The next time someone asks you what you want for your birthday or any other holiday involving gift-giving, instead of “stuff,” think of asking to go to a conference. 

T.A. Barron spoke first about the necessity for joy and heroism in stories, and how he weaves these elements into his own work. I guess other listeners were as impressed as I was because by the time I got to the “bookstore” they set up at the conference all of Mr. Barron’s books were gone.

Editor Jill Santopolo was the second speaker. For her, character is the hook that draws her into a story. She advised everyone to put an interesting, imperfect character in a challenging situation and have the character show an element of likeability in the first chapter—if not on the first page. I had to leave ten minutes before the end of her presentation for my critique while she was still using book examples to illustrate what she meant. I’m the kind of learner who needs to “see” something, so the examples were enormously helpful.

My critique with Mr. Stephen Mooser was stellar. Yes, the man who co-founded the SCBWI was there in person, giving encouragement and advice. He has a knack for not just pointing out problems, but also brainstorming solutions. He is a true critique rock star.

Ammi-Joan Paquette was speaking while I had my critique, so if someone who was able to hear her wants to chime in below in the comments, that would be great!

The last speaker before lunch was Mr. Mooser. Talking about the digital age and using quotes from Daniel Nayeri, Mr. Mooser noted the overwhelming number of books being published and advised authors to be sure their work was both as good as traditionally published books AND that they have a way to drive readers to find their work before they go a non-traditional publishing route. Classclownacademy.com is Mr. Mooser’s new interactive website for his self-published book of the same name. He advised writers to think in terms of this sort of additional content before going the self-publishing route with children’s books.

Mr. Zelinsky signing, and signing...

Picture book writer and illustrator Paul O. Zelinsky started us back after lunch. Using his own work, Mr. Zelinsky explained how he structured a picture book. Then he showed illustrators how he looked to museum paintings as inspiration. Finally, everyone got to see the “interior” of an interactive book featuring the work of a paper engineer. Making the images slide and glide isn’t as easy as it appears! Paper magician may be a more apt term for the engineer. We were treated to the hysterically funny Z is for Moose book trailer, with Mr. Zelinsky noting that he didn’t believe the trailer increased sales, but that teachers and librarians like to use them.

Editor Sylvie Frank explained why some picture books are too quiet and admitted that in today’s market she probably would have rejected the classic Goodnight Moon. She also advised writers to avoid formulaic manuscripts. Even though a particular story style worked before she wants to writers to push themselves to write something new and different. (Note: she has recently left Holiday House and joined the Paula Wiseman editorial team).

Agent Evelyn Fazio was the final speaker before the question and answer panel. Focusing on dialogue, peeves that she mentioned are unnecessary use of foreign speech patterns and interrupting dialogue with explanation. She advised writers to focus on setting up scenes before dialogue and make language relatable.

By the time the day finished, my notebook was full of notes for my own manuscripts and fresh ideas for new projects. Sure, the three to four hour drive each way was a drag but doable.

So what are you waiting for? Check your schedule then go find a conference in your area!

Writing Space - Part 2

As long as it’s quiet, I’m not too fussy about my actual physical writing space. But finding the quiet space, ah, there’s the rub.

If I’m at home and no one else is around, I prefer working on the kitchen table.. It meets three important criteria.

1.      It’s close to the range so I can make copious amounts of tea.

2.      It has good lighting.

3.      And I like to look out a window now and then.

But when I want to write and I’m not alone at home—I head to my “office.” That's what happens most of the time.

The space I call my office probably wasn’t intended to serve that purpose. You have to walk through the bedroom to get to it. I’m guessing that when the house was built, the space was meant for extra storage or a sitting area. But our family isn’t “sitting alone by ourselves” kind of people, so for the first year or so after we moved here the space was empty.

If you tried to walk around the perimeter of the room you would bonk your head because the walls angle in, following the roof line. But you don’t need all that much headroom if you’re seated!

My amazing husband took a sheet of plywood and laminated the top to make it smooth and pretty. Voila! A huge desk, perfect for the way I like to spread out and look at drafts while I revise (which I do a lot of). With the walls painted the both soothing and inspirational colors of the air/sea and jungle, I am happily settled in. Artwork make by my children is over my left shoulder.

The only problem with the space is that it’s over the unheated garage. Even though it has one heating vent, if any heat comes out of it, I have never felt it. A small space heater, parked directly behind my chair, solves this issue in the colder months.

I have to go downstairs to refill my mug, but that’s not altogether a bad thing. I don’t know if it’s the blood flow to my brain or the change of scenery but walking around often helps me find the right words when I’m stumped.

I’ve tried to write on a treadmill, but I’m not that coordinated. The treadmill I tried to work on wasn’t a fancy set-up intended for writing and I found I could either walk and hold the pad, or hold the pad and write, but every time I tried to hold the pad in place and write I ended up sliding precariously backwards. It’s okay. I can shoot a decent free throw. Writing while walking isn’t a necessary skill. 

I’ll bet a lot of people won’t agree with me here, but I believe that one extra bonus of the “office” is that our wireless network signal doesn’t reach there (yes, the router is ancient!). This means no cheating with peeks on the internet. When I need to do research, I have to come downstairs. And that’s a little inconvenient. But I’d rather have it this way. In my writing space there’s no email, no Facebook. Just me and my writing. 

And the best thing the office space has going for it compared to the kitchen is—I can leave it as messy as I want. If I’m mid-thought when I have to stop, it’s no problem. Paper can stay where I left it. I don’t have to constantly shuffle through the stack again, trying to find the places where I marked my notes. It’s a wonderful thing.

Do you have a special place where you get your best writing done?

Finally, the winner of the giveaway announced last week on my post about the 12x12 picture book group--drum roll, please--Everyone's a winner! When I pulled one name out of the hat, the other slips of paper looked so forlorn. And I know how excited I am when I get a new book to read. So, this time the only luck you needed was to have commented on that blog post during the one week period that ended today. I'll be contacting the winners later today to get mailing information.

Writing Space - Part 1

This should be obvious, but in order to be a writer you have to write.

Thinking about writing ideas is important, but it isn’t writing. Unless you’ve got a new-fangled   standing writing station, writing means putting yourself in a seat and putting the words down.

For me, the writing process involves two kinds of writing space.

1.      Mental space

2.      Literal, physical space

Sometimes, the mental space is the hardest part of the equation. Family time is a number one, code red, priority to me. I’ve realized, however, that I’m a lot better mom, wife, daughter, just a better person in general, when I’m happy. Putting my writing goals at the top (or at least near the top!) of the list is necessary to my happy balance.

The ten minute layovers—standing in line at the grocery store, waiting in the car line to pick up kids—are good times to noodle with ideas. If I forget my pocket notebook, I often come home with pockets full of scribbles on paper scraps. However, when I’ve finished noodling the ideas around and I finally want to put the words in order, my writing process works best if I can tune everyone and everything else out. Forgive me for sounding like Greta Garbo  but—I want to be alone!

I have always been fascinated by other writers’ routines. The Brain Pickings website has a great compilation. Personally, I find Ray Bradbury’s approach works the best. My writing should pull me to the desk. If it doesn’t, that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t write though. That just means something’s wrong with what I’m working on. Either I need to try a new angle or ax the project altogether and move on to something else. If I’m not feeling passionate about a story, how could I expect a reader to be?

The worst moments for me are when I literally have the time, but my head’s not in it. Sitting and staring at a blank page isn’t productive. But I don’t usually have that problem. My problem is writing along merrily and then looking back and realizing that what I just spent time on is the embodiment of the reason that there is a delete button. I wasn’t in a creative state of mind and my work showed it. Cut. No paste.

At times like these, I remind myself—writing isn’t necessarily a linear process. I’m reminded of something the pediatrician told me when I was worried that our kids weren’t eating balanced meals. “Look at a week,” he said. Applying this to my writing has freed me from the disappointment of individual bad writing days. As long as it’s occasionally two steps forward, the step back now and then is just part of the dance.

Now it’s off to dance with some of my favorite characters! We haven't reached the final frontier. (Something you should know about me, I love bad puns.)

And where do I write? That’s Part 2, this Friday.

BOOK DEBUT - THE PUNKYDOOS TAKE THE STAGE - AUTHOR INTERVIEW AND LINKS TO THE GIVEAWAY

     Do you know a kid who doesn't like music?
     Me neither.
     That's one reason I'm excited to be part of a blog hop tour for Jennifer Jackson's debut picture book blog tour for: THE PUNKYDOOS TAKE THE STAGE. The book comes with a CD of Punkydoo music!

     Although her debut picture book was just released on July 1, 2014, author Jennifer Jackson isn't a total newbie to the world of publishing. Jennifer Jackson's (www.jenniferjacksonbooks.com) love of writing started in theater, where she has written and directed original ensemble-based physical theater pieces.She also choreographed many projects including American Dreamz and The Beckoning of Lovely.

   Today, Jennifer is graciously answering a few questions about her new book and her writing process.

1. The title, THE PUNKYDOOS TAKE THE STAGE, is so much fun? Which came first, the story or the title?

     The name of the band, The Punkydoos, came before anything else! "Punkydoo" is a nickname my family has used for years. One day I thought The Punkydoos would be a great name for a band that played music for kids. Then I realized it would be even more fun if the musicians were kids themselves. I began to wonder what that would look like in a picture book. The title for the book came once I knew that the story would be about Lexi-Lou finding a place for her (very big!) voice by starting a rock band and putting on a concert.

2. Your author dedication refers to the "real" Punkydoos. Where did you get the inspiration for your story?

     

 I mentioned that "Punkydoo" is a nickname. First, we all used it for my younger sister. Now it's what we call her little girls. They were the inspiration for the book, particularly for Lexi-Lou's bold spirit and the band's fearless attitude. My nieces are forever optimistic and they never back away from a challenge

3. Who do you picture as the perfect reader for your book?

     Kids who like to dream big!

4. I can picture the Punkydoos as characters in preschool Scooby-Doo-type adventures. Are there more Punkydoo books in the works?

     Yes! The Punkydoos are always up for new adventures. Stay tuned . . . (And by the way, Monkey's favorite cartoon is Scooby-Doo!)

5. Do you dummy the words in your manuscript?

     Once I feel a story is complete, I mock up the entire book with the actual pagination. My stick figures are pitiful, but I find that getting a sense of how the book reads with page turns really helps the revision process.

6. What have you learned from your experience creating your first picture book that you will incorporate into your next manuscripts?

    Some things I know I'll keep working on--conflicts that make kids want to turn the page, upping the stakes, and adding moments of real discovery and connection for the characters.

7. Do you have a critique group or use other revision strategies to polish that first draft?

     I actually love revising. I'm not afraid to take a story apart and put it back together in new ways. Once I feel that I've done all I can to write the best possible story (and this usually takes several drafts!) I'll show it to a few readers I trust to give useful feedback. I don't just want people to tell me it's good! I want to know what needs work. I also like going to conferences and workshops where you can dig in with a critique group run by a strong facilitator.

8. Writing requires a lot of perseverance--and fuel. Do you have a favorite writing snack to maintain your focus and keep the creative juices flowing? (everything chocolate is good in my book!)

     Oh, I agree, chocolate all the way! Mocha lattes. Double chocolate muffins. And for some reason, I love to eat chocolate covered banana chips when I write. You could say they're my Scooby snack!

And now . . . ta-da! Here's the cover of THE PUNKYDOOS TAKE THE STAGE!

I know Jennifer would love to hear your comments and congratulations below! 

If you want to learn more about Jennifer and The Punkydoos, the schedule for the rest of her blog tour and book buying information is listed below. If you want a copy for yourself (and who wouldn't!) visit one of the blog links below. Good luck!

The Punkydoos Take the Stage Blog Tour Schedule:

Friday, July 11^th

·         Mundie Kids: Review and Giveaway

Saturday, July 12^th

·         Lille Punkin’ Reviews: Guest Post and Giveaway

Sunday, July 13^th

·         Book Rock Betty: Review and Giveaway

Monday, July 14^th

·         Noodling with Words: Interview

Tuesday, July 15^th

·         Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers: Review, Punkydoos Playlist, and Giveaway

Wednesday, July 16^th

·         As They Grow Up: Giveaway

THE PUNKYDOOS TAKE THE STAGE

By Jennifer Jackson, illustrated by Dan Andreasen

Disney Publishing Worldwide

ISBN: 978-1-4231-4339-0; ages 3-5 Yrs; $17.99

A Super Vacation - Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

     I don't usually blog about family or personal things. This is about "noodling with words," reading and writing.
     But part of having a fertile mind for writing is getting out into the world. Meeting new people and seeing new places brings new inspiration and points of view. And I went somewhere so terrific that I had to share!
     If you are a pet lover and you haven't been here yet, put the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary on your bucket list.
     Our family had been to Utah once before. After visiting Las Vegas and the south and north rims of the Grand Canyon we headed up to Bryce Canyon. But it was at the end of our trip, and with everyone getting tired of the lo-ong car rides between these places, we didn't stop when we saw the tiny roadside sign for Best Friends. Ten years later, the sign is BIG! And this time Kanab, Utah and Best Friends was our primary destination.

     We have supported Best Friends for years and enjoyed their magazine and the Dogtown show on the National Geographic channel on TV. But to see it in person was awe inspiring.
     First the beauty of the physical surroundings. Shades of red rock rising around the canyon. Jackrabbits darting across the road. Horses grazing. Hummingbirds swarming the feeders at the Visitors Welcome Center. The sanctuary occupies 3,700 acres and even though there are hundreds of people hard at work taking care of the hundreds of animals there, the feeling was one of peaceful purpose.
     If you aren't familiar with the sanctuary, in a nutshell their purpose is a world with no more homeless pets. While the ASPCA and Humane Society and many local shelters all work toward this same purpose, what I think makes Best Friends unique is its mission to help the most difficult cases. They take animals that local shelters don't have the time or resources to rehabilitate. A large number of the dogs from the Michael Vick dog-fighting case went here. And even though
these animals were deemed "unadoptable" at other locations, Best Friends works with them and adopts out approximately 80% of the animals every year.
     But back to OUR trip.
     First, we took the free tour of the sanctuary. We had pre-booked a 10am tour, so all we had to do was climb aboard the air-conditioned minibus, sit back and enjoy. The bus drove past all of the major areas: horses, pigs, birds, wild rehab center, rabbits, dogs and cats. The bus stopped and we went inside to meet some of the caregivers and animals at the spanking clean Cat House and Dogtown. If you're feeling the itch to go, alll you need to know about visiting is here.
     We took advantage of the $5 all-you-can-eat vegetarian buffet in the cafeteria at lunchtime, then headed over to the Bunny House which has a 2PM Open house where we learned how much more complex these creatures are than I had previously thought!
     Starting the next day, we volunteered in Dogtown. Over the next few days we volunteered with old dogs, young dogs, puppy training, and more "difficult" dogs with some socialization issues. The volunteer shifts are 8:30am to 11:30 and again 1-4:30pm. We walked dogs, cleaned outdoor runs, swept the octogon buildings, scrubbed doggie wading pools, cleaned and refilled water buckets and even took one dog for a car ride when the caregiver said that would help him acclimate to cars and hopefully find a home. Because isn't that what it's all about?

     For cat lovers, here's a one minute video about one of the cats from the Best Friends youtube channel.
     Helpful hints:
     Walking dogs is done only in the morning in the summer, and in June it was already hot by lunchtime. Don't be fooled by the cool desert evenings and waking up to 55 degrees. Dress in layers you can take off And the red sand that you walk in is quite a workout! By the tenth dog, I was panting along with the pooches.
     The Rocking V restaurant in town had some of the best meals I've had anywhere. It would make a great stop if you're driving from the Grand Canyon to Bryce or Zion and just need somewhere to stop and eat. It isn't inexpensive, but the entree price includes a choice of soup and we cleaned every morsel off our bowls and plates.

     So have you been to Best Friends or somewhere else that amazed and inspired you this summer?  I hope you find your special spot to re-energize.