Confessions seem to be the way I start my blog posts lately. So I have to admit something that might shock you... I HATED reading nonfiction as a kid. There I said it. Truth is, I steered clear of that section like a jelly fish avoids sea turtles. As an adult, I do cast my reading nets a little wider. Perhaps if I had found a lovely, lyrical nonfiction like Michelle Cusolito's Flying Deep, my imagination and interest would have been captured. Nowadays, nonfiction for the kid community has become highly engaging. With a greater emphasis on story telling and voice, books like Michelle's have young readers jumping into nonfiction with both feet! As soon as Michelle told me about her book, I was hooked. Her favorite line is, "the very opening line. 'Imagine you’re the pilot of ALVIN, a deep-sea submersible barely big enough for three.' It came to me in a flash while I was out for a walk and I knew I had found the way into my book." Even Michelle's favorite books are visually and linguistically beautiful. When I asked her to share some with us, she had a hard time choosing. This is such a hard question because there are SO MANY! To narrow down my list, here are some of my favorite books to pair with Flying Deep. Giant Squid by Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann Otis and Will Discover the Deep by Barb Rosenstock and Katherine Roy Glow: Animals with Their Own Night Lights by W. H. Beck And for older readers: Astronaut-Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact by Jennifer Swanson Michelle's passion for nonfiction took my own interests in this genre to a deeper level. She said, "I enjoy writing all kinds of things (fiction and non-fiction), but I really love writing non-fiction. I’ve learned I’m a bit of a research junkie. I LOVE sitting down with a new resource to start reading and learning more about a new subject. I just finished an adult non-fiction book related to a current project. I devoured it. I always have a stack of books from my library, plus a bunch of tabs open on my computer, plus a bunch of websites pinned to my private boards on Pinterest, etc. Also… I write in books that are particularly useful, so if I find a book that is super helpful, I have to buy a copy." Confession # 2- I write in all my favorite books, too! Since research is the name of the game, I asked Ms. Michelle, what tools she found best for writing her books. I loved her response! "Experts. I do as much research as I can on my own: books, films, reputable websites, journal articles, archives, etc. Once I’ve gone as far as I can, then I reach out to an expert in the field. I could not have written Flying Deep or any of my other non-fiction manuscripts without experts." Sometimes, writing can be a solitary occupation.That little nibble of wisdom was fin-tastic. So, I asked Michelle what was her number one revision tip for writers. She offered up two! I have two key suggestions here (but remember that everyone works differently. Take what works for you and leave the rest).
(For those interested, Michelle wrote a blog post that describes her process in more detail. It’s a combination of these revision suggestions. Visit her website by clicking here.)
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I admit it. I geek out over picture books, kidlit, and my writing heroes. And this week's guest made me fan girl to an embarrassing degree! (She put up with my gushing remarkably well.) If you ask the kidlit community, who is one the kindest, most inspiring authors around, Vivian Kirkfield would be one of the first names to pop up. Always one to offer incredible advice, she is also a prolific author and host to the writing contest 50 Precious Words! And lucky me! This wonderful weaver of words agreed to let me pick her brain. :) So without further ado, the lovely Vivian! My favorite question first! If you could be any donut, what would you be and why? I was going to say double chocolate dipped because I am a total fan of anything chocolate. But as I thought about donuts, I remembered the old-fashioned crullers I used to make with my grandmother when I was a little girl…fried to a golden brown, sprinkled with a bit of nutmeg, and eaten when still warm. I’ll go with the cruller because even thinking about it brings her memory closer to me. Oh the feels! I love it! You, my friend, are a very prolific writer! Can you share a little about your writing journey? I started writing picture book stories seriously at the end of 2011 and when Julie Hedlund announced she was creating the 12x12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, I couldn’t hop on board fast enough.
So far, I have three picture books that have launched and two in the pipeline for next year. Pippa’s Passover Plate (Holiday House, Feb 2019) illustrated by Jill Weber. Four Otters Toboggan: An Animal Counting Book (Pomegranate, April 2019) illustrated by Mirka Hokannen. Sweet Dreams, Sarah: From Slavery to Inventor (Creston Books, April 2019) illustrated by Chris Ewald. Making Their Voices Heard: The Inspiring Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe (Little Bee Books, January 14, 2020) illustrated by Alleanna Harris. From Here to There: Inventions That Changed the Way the World Moves (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Fall 2020) illustrated by Gilbert Ford.
This happened when I started researching the Ella Fitzgerald/Marilyn Monroe story. Both of these women were celebrities, icons of the movie and music industry. But most of us only know the small slice of their lives that the media tell us. In digging deep, I discovered that Marilyn was an astute businesswoman and was one of the first female movie stars to own her own production company. She was also an early Civil Rights advocate, a very unusual stance to take for a young starlet under contract with a major studio in the 1950’s. And Ella, although painfully shy, spoke up against racial discrimination in 1970 and sued the PanAm airline when she was bumped from a scheduled connecting flight in Hawaii while on her way to a concert in Australia. And she won! I want kids to know about what these women did…and how they helped each other in their careers – women standing up for women! Wow, Vivian! How interesting and inspiring! What is your favorite thing about the kidlit community? THE PEOPLE!!! The fact that everyone is so GENEROUS, sharing what they know, eager to help others achieve success! Agreed!!!!! What inspired you to write Sweet Dreams, Sarah? I discovered that Sarah E. Goode had gone from slave to inventor, but there were no books about her…in fact, there were only a very few lines on a couple of websites, yet she was one of the first African American women to own a patent from the U.S. government. It didn’t seem fair to me that someone who had blazed this important trail had been forgotten by the history books. I knew it was a story that would inspire young kids, especially young girls, to build their dreams into reality. If you had to choose a favorite line or part from one of your books, what would it be? Hmmm…that’s difficult…because I have quite a few of them. But the last lines are definitely my favorite: Staring at her name in print, Sarah proudly traced each letter. Her idea, her invention, her name in history. She had built more than a piece of furniture. She had built a life far away from slavery, a life where her sweet dreams could come true. I'm not crying, people. You're crying.
What is your number one revision tip for writers? My number one revision tip is to record yourself reading the manuscript aloud…I use my computer. When I play it back, I’m able to hear when the words trip me up. I’m able to see when my mind stops paying attention. And I’m able to feel that wonderful chill that comes when I hear the last word…if I don’t, I know the story is missing something. But I have to add three more things writers can do to help the revision process: 1. READ, READ, READ as many current picture books as they can, 2. WRITE, WRITE, WRITE lots of stories,. 3. Surround yourself with a good bunch of critique buddies. I can’t thank mine enough…they have encouraged me, supported, me, and helped me trim and polish my manuscripts – and I love each and every one of them, whether we exchange manuscripts online or meet in person! Inquiring minds want to know, what are some of your favorite books?
I met this incredibly talented author in one of the most awkward places: the bathroom...at a writing conference. As you may have guessed, I completely geeked out amidst the sound of flushing toilets and hand dryers. Aram could have backed away slowly or not made any sudden moves. Instead, she grinned, accepted me for the crazy lady that I am, and eventually agreed to let me interview her! She's also agreed to send one lucky reader a signed copy of one her books! Winner's Choice! The winner will be announced this Friday 7/26 along with Aram's cover reveal for her brand new book, Let's Go to Tae Kwondo! So who is Aram?
Alright Aram, if you could be any kind of donut, what would you be and why? Boston Cream Donut, for sure! It was my older sister’s favorite when we were kids, and therefore, my favorite. I followed my sister around like a tail. I always wanted to copy everything she did. Moreover, a Boston cream donut is so sweet and delicious inside out!! If I could bring joy to others like it does, I will be pretty happy. Tell us a little about your writing journey. My writing journey goes side by side with my illustrating journey because I draw and write simultaneously most of the time. In the summer of 2009, I went to many different publishing houses in NY. I dropped off my portfolios for review. They still reviewed portfolios the old-fashioned way then (even though it was definitely not as common then as I heard it was a long time ago.) Though I received some valuable feedback, it didn’t really lead anywhere, and I was discouraged. In 2012, I started an MFA program at the School of Visual Arts. There I hoped to find an artists community, support and guidance. During that time, I really got to experiment, draw and write what I wanted. The next year, Pat Cummings became my mentor. It was life-changing. Without her support, guidance and expertise, I would not have been published. My debut picture book, Cat on the Bus, was one of several projects I worked with her. It came out in 2016, two years after I graduated. My next book, No Kimchi for Me! came out in 2017. Its sequel, Let’s Go to Taekwondo! will be out in April 2020. I met my agent, Erica Rand Silverman, at my very first book event in the summer of 2016. It was almost by chance (or destiny?) at a book festival she organized. I was very lucky to have met her. She's been the great support ever since! My editor, Grace Maccarone from Holiday House, has also been in this journey with me all along the way.
What inspired you to write your book? My first book Cat on the Bus was inspired by a random photo I saw online that was taken in South Korea on a very cold winter day. Someone took a photo of a street cat who got on a bus and took a seat. It made me imagine that the kind bus driver must have let the cat on the bus because he knew how cold it was outside. The kindness of the driver and the passengers of the bus who did not mind sharing the seat with the cat inspired me to write a story about how small act of kindness can change someone’s life. I had a cat I adopted from the shelter and I used to imagine what life she might have led on the street. So with all these, my debut picture book was born. My second book No Kimchi for Me! was a natural path for me because I wanted to make a book about Korean food and culture. It was something I always missed. And also something I knew very well. I really wanted it to be a story that any child could relate to regardless of their heritage or background. My editor Grace Maccarone helped me add a sibling quarrel element, which enriched the story significantly and made it more universal. I felt very at home working on this book; drawing a lot of kimchi, Korean food, and children (though they are cats) with a lot of emotions! I’m happy to add that a sequel is coming out next spring with the title Let’s Go to Taekwondo! (In fact, I was told the cover would go LIVE this Friday.) Can you share with us a favorite line from one of your books? They chop…pour…break…add…stir…and cook.
What is your number one revision tip for writers? Learn to detach yourself from your work. If you’re too attached, which is very natural, it is hard to keep an open mind and accept the critiques, even the good ones. Trust your critique partners, editors, and your author friends. Keep an open mind to their critiques. Do you think it is harder or easier for author/illustrators to break into the publishing industry? It is definitely not “easy,” but I think it is somewhat “easier” for author/illustrators to break into the publishing industry when the work is right because they can show their work visually therefore capture someone’s eyes instantly. Also illustration pieces are easier to share on social media where publishing industry people definitely pay attention. But of course, work has to be good first. There you have it, ladies and gents! Aram's desire to impact her readers has me inspired as well! Be sure to follow her on social media.
AramKim.com Twitter: @StudioAram Instagram: @aramkimart Tell us what you think of Aram's apparent lack of arachnophobia. Are you the same way? Or, do spiders have you sprinting away?
A little hand clasps my leg smearing an unidentifiable substance across my questionably clean jeans.
The dog scuttles across the living room, doll clutched in its mouth. Chasing after the orange blur, a ten year old mermaid and her little brother. Clack. Clack. Thud. My boy trips over a race car. His wails perfectly mimic the screech of hysterical howler monkeys. A voice from the other room complains, “Mom, I don’t get this math problem either.” Dinner bubbles or perhaps smokes. It’s in the eye of the beholder at this point. And over this din, my phone dings. It’s my oldest. She wants to know if she can come over to do laundry, like now. The thought, I did this to myself, is followed closely by my musings over jet planes and sandy beaches. But I know the hooligans would get me before I ever made the door. Then little hands tug on my pant leg once again with a demanding “Up”. The dog abandons the doll for the much tastier treat of salty tears. The wet slurp as the dog licks my son’s face is hardly audible over his giggles. I shake my head but find my own lips sliding upward. Oh the beautiful… exhausting... madness. I hear my other son mutter, “if my teacher likes answers so much, why doesn’t she solve her own problems?” Another text lights up my screen with a kissy face and a “Seriously, I am out of clothes." I think back to a time of empty doors and halls. Of empty arms, crushed dreams, and heartbreak. I remember a time with clean floors, adoption applications, and quiet dinners for two. There was a season for those and one day there will be again. But for now, I will be grateful for little hands... and tears... for working smoke detectors... dirty clothes... and four legged thieves. There are a million reasons to love being a mommy. But bed time snuggles might just be one of the best. This little gal inspires me, challenges me, and fills my life with love and lighter.
Lil Bean Little hands tangle in my hair Little lips peck my cheek A little voice whispers, “Night night, mommy. Love you.” And I wonder how someone so little can fill my heart till I think it might burst A stuffed flamingo brushes my other cheek A pig tail tickles my arm A fuzzy blanket warms us in the cool room And yet the only thing I feel is her hand suddenly squeezing mine Crickets chirp a cheery song outside The wind swishes against her window Our rocker creaks in the sleepy gloom And yet the sound that most comforts me is her soft sigh as she slips into slumber And I wonder again, how blessed am I to be her mother? If you, writer friends, are anything like me, you have literary domination aspirations.
I bet your dream sounds something like this: Step 1: Get the call from an agent. Step 2: Scream loudly and fall out of chair. Step 3: Pick self up off the floor. Pretend nothing happened. Step 4: Refill coffee with quiet dignity. Step 5: You and said agent take the publishing world by storm. So how do you go about conquering this dream? You spend hours crafting the perfect query letter and baking up some schemes. As time passes, your journey becomes sprinkled with Twitter Pitch Parties, trolling Manuscript Wishlist, and evenings of drowning disappointment with donuts. (Come on, I can’t be the only one with a donut addiction!) I won’t glaze over the facts. Querying sounds so simple. It isn’t. It’s filled with countless rejections, near misses, and waiting. But do not give up. You’ll find an agent out there who will fall in love with your stories, your voice, and your plans for donut domination. Some day soon, you’ll have some sweet news to share. Like me… I am happier than a kid in a donut shop to announce that I am now repped by Terrie Wolf at AKA Literary Management. (Ignore the loud thump. It was the cat…really.) I’d love to hear about your journey. Which step are you on? Comment below or follow Terrie’s adventures on Twitter by clicking here. Another post that isn't exactly kidlit, but it was therapeutic after a very long day! Stay strong mommy friends, we got this! Mama’s Many Hats: A Day in the Life Mama wakes with a migraine. Must have coffee, water, and medecine. Hmmm... and baked goods. Muffins make everything better... Baker Mama will create a delectable blueberry gooey goodness. With this sweet treat, she will zap this day into greatness. But alas, the great egg shortage of May 8th, 2019 has rocked the planet of O’Nealandia. No baked goods for the people. The planet mourns. But life must go on. Minutes later, Mama dutifully cleanses the planet of dirty dishes when suddenly... Attack of Spiderzilla. Panic ensues. A child screams louder than Ms. Muffet ever dared. For superhero Mama’s hair is caught in Spiderzilla’s evil clutches. First, Mama tries her banshee bellows. But the powerful shrieks do nothing to phase her foe. The end is nigh, Mama could sense it. As a last resort, she arms herself with the closest weapon. She flings Spiderzilla away with one massive heave... and SPLAT! Mama takes stock. Casualty Count: 2. One dead arachnid and a dish scrubber. One hour later, Mama has almost conquered Mt. Laundry. When a civil war erupts in the valley below. An avalanche spills as two formerly peaceful sides turn on each other. Growls erupt, a squeaky toy squeals. The giantess corgi attacks the much smaller warrior pup. Blood and tears gush. Mama knows what she must do! NASCAR has nothing on her. She flies to her rocket ship straps everyone in and blast off for planet Vet. At planet Vet, Mama seeks out the witch doctor veterinarian. His services take all of Mama’s galactic gold. But the witch doctor agrees to treat the pitiful puppy warrior. Before they depart the witch doctor assures Mama that the puppy is on the mend. Mama and her faithful sidekicks return home. Upon arrival to home planet, preparations for the afternoon siesta lead to the discovery of another shortage...diapers! Captain Mamabeard knows just where some of this hidden treasure is buried. On the sunken ship just off the island of garage... in the middle of the monsoon. But for this booty, mama will bravely face the storm. Waves crash and thunder booms as Mama becomes drenched. But inside the ship she encounters the treasure. Ah, the wet victory. Dressing the native for nap, Mama puts the little one in her hammock. She hums sweet jungle tunes. Once the wild is tamed, Mama is ready for some rest of her own. She looks for her faithful but injured puppy, Pawtson. But the hound is nowhere to be found. Whipping up her magnifying glass, Shermama Holmes hunts for clues as to the canine’s whereabouts. Is it the bedroom chewing on her shoes? No. On the couch from which it cannot jump down? No. Tipping over the trash can? No. Where was the furry fiasco err... friend. With nowhere else to look Mama ventures into the rainy gloom of the great backyard forest. There coming towards, what was that? Mud come to life? A mini muck monster? No wait. It was Pawtson! Mama, groomer extraordinaire, returns to the salon and plops the pooch into the bath. The puppy yips and shakes. With no shield Mama is drenched yet again in slime and water. After multiple scrubs, Pawtson is still dyed black. But most of the mud swirls down the nearly clogged drain. Tuckered out from its adventures (After all, it transformed from dog to muck monster and back again.) Pawtson falls asleep on the royal throne. Mama lumbers into the kitchen and dons her apron. As the resident fast food cook, she finally whips up a sandwich. Her stomach complains that it is well past the lunch hour. Mama sits. She picks up the sandwich. Opens her mouth... Wait what was that? A yellow vehicle deposits escaped monkeys into her yard... Game On. A mother’s job is never done. Hello friends! Our Spring Fling contest is just around the corner! Kaitlyn and I can't wait to start reading your entries. Below, you will find my cheesy sample. I hope it encourages you, makes you laugh, and gives you a little insight into what winning entries look like. (Please note my entry is meant to be the "encouraging" part. Your entries will be far superior to my ornery little varmint below. I purposely broke grammar rules and more to give you some ideas.) Slim Pickings: Dear Diet Diary I is too big to squeeze in my hole. Must diet now. Day 1: Started exercise: ran around the trashcan three times. Only stopped twice to munch on slimy Cheetos. Left one behind. Diet win! Day 2: Completed entire push up. Was SO hungry after. Had to resist squishy pasta. Went to do another pusssssshhhhhupppppp, hey breadstick! Nom nom. Definitely can't squeeze in hole now. Day 3: Rode Barbie bike. Good. Down driveway. Not so good. Hit curb. Bad. Ate face full of grass. Blech! HATE salad. Day 4: Must put down cheese. No! But I needs it. Reeeeeaccch. Is too fffaaa… Day 5: Cat coming! I make run for hole, jump in! FLOOP ! I stuck. Wiggle, wiggle. Still stuck! Pussshhhhh! Eeekkkk! Where’s the ca-, owwwwww-weee! I being attacked! Squirm! Pop! Awwww, safe at last! Day 17: Eating fruits and veggies: check Fit in burrow: check Still HATE salad: big check Some Tips Before You Submit... 1. Check your word count. You don't have to post it, but be sure you know what it is. If you are anything like me, you might be right at the 150 word limit. 2. Have a critique partner look over your entry to check for grammar and ideas! (Don't have a critique partner? You need some. They are one of the best ways to improve your writing. No man is an island, right? Post below if you need one and let's see if we can connect you!) 3. Be sure your entry tells a story from beginning to end. We want to see characters that have a conflict and solve it! 4. Think outside the box. Be innovative. 5. If you are struggling to post your gif, Kaitlyn made a wonderful tutorial on our webpage. Just click on the link button below. Be sure to ask any questions you might have or just introduce yourself below. The purpose of this whole shindig is to connect the writing community! We want to get to know you. Have a great day and happy writing!!!! Also, visit Kaitlyn's and Cindy's blogs to see more samples! This isn't necessarily my normal kidlit, but still a topic near and dear to my heart.
This is for all my mama friends who wonder if what they do for their children is enough. As our rocking chair creaks in the quiet gloom, my toddler sprawls across me in a sleepy heap. Her heart beating beside mine. I’m fairly certain it’s the first time she’s been still since the sun woke her oh so early this morning. Her day was filled with colors, shapes, singing, and laughter. Mine with dishes, diapers, and errands that never seem to end. Now as we glide back-and-forth in our chair, I look at her sleeping face and wonder where the day went. And why didn’t we blow more bubbles? But then I think of all the small moments we captured. How our race cars zoomed down the hall. Or the sound of her giggles as our laundry basket rowboat and wooden spatula carried us to safety. How she sloshed water everywhere as we dove for treasure in our bath tub sea. Then how we jammed in our jammies to Jesus Loves Me. Tomorrow they’ll be more bubbles...and sparkles...and glitter. But for now, I’ll praise the Lord for the small moments I captured today. Capture the small moments friends. You are enough. A writing contest, you say? From Vivian Kirkfield? Perfect! Count me in! Wait! I can only use 50 Words? 50? Not 51 or 52? Alright, alright. 50 words it is. (Insert figurative flexing of muscles and cracking of knuckles.) Here goes nothing! Never Trust A Magical Teleportation Device Mischa’s magic medallion misfired again. Zap. China. Zoing. Statue of Liberty. Zing. Was that a lion? POUNCING?! Mischa screeched. Zink. “Phew! Close One! B-b-brrrr! Dang thing landed m-m-me in Snowmaggedon! What’s that magic word?” Zazoom! “Znuffleflumster!” Mischa dropped the medallion. In the sand… on the sunny beach. “Now we’re talking!!” If you like my story, please tell me about it in the comments below. Also, visit Vivian's page and check out other incredible stories by clicking here! Have a great day far away from pouncing lions and filled with warm sand. Unless you are allergic to sand, in which case, scratch the whole thing. Just have a great day! |