A Matter of Perspective

Being a strong visual learner, I love discovering a children's illustrator who possesses a bright spark of childhood. Sometimes like an writer changes a story's voice, I imagine a picture book recreated in a different style.

Think of Diary of a Wimpy Kid as illustrated by Maurice Sendak. 
       

Or how about: Click Clack Moo, Cows That Type as illustrated by Dr. Seuss?
      

Just like changing illustrators, when I'm at a creative impasse I imagine what the story would be like told from a different viewpoint. It often gets me moving again. Whatever works!
-Q

Random Acts of Publicity 2012

If you're like me, it's a lot easier to shout the praises of friends' books than talking about and marketing your own published works. Well, here is a fun and promotional event for everyone. The 4th Annual Random Acts of Publicity event held Sept. 4-7, 2012 and facilitated by friend and colleague, Darcy Pattison, is all about promoting another person's book. THAT I can do!  -Q

Modern Libraries - Not Just for Books Anymore

I just read about the Westport, Connecticut library remodeling to include a Maker Space where one of the first projects to be built by patrons are 2 fifteen foot wooden airplanes that will hang from the library's ceiling when completed. What a great idea! Who says libraries are only about books? 

The Fayetteville, NY library is also building a 3-D printing lab with a MakerBot, Thing-o-matic 3-D printer. Lots of fun planned. Creativity is breaking out all over! Image creating books/characters in 3-D for school visits. Let's get on board!
-Q

Shards or Puzzle Pieces?

The summer's heat is receding and waves of fresh-faced school children are rolling toward the start of school. If you're like me, you have been dutifully working on your latest writing project(s) all summer only to realize that your writing, family, and social workload will explode exponentially as the school schedule kicks in. 

The question is: Will the pieces of your writing life look like fractured shards of a dropped vase or scattered puzzle pieces coming together into a satisfying whole? Both begin in disarray, but one has a greater chance of forming the intended pattern.

Now you're probably thinking I've fallen into a zen ditch and can't get up, but here's a late summer tip that thousands have followed successfully. Keep Calm and Carry On. Attend the writer's conference, keep participating in your critique group, research that agency or editor's needs and submit. Even if you have to do your editing and researching in the after school pickup line, the bank line, or waiting for the casserole to cook. Keep Calm and Carry On. Let me know how you are doing and I'll do the same. 

-Q  

Summer Olympics for Writers

If you are like me and millions of other people, you have spent more time than usual watching TV, specifically the Olympics, this past week. 

Like most writers, I people watch and note accents, language, etc. The 2012 London Olympics offers a snapshot into the lives of super athletes. Check out the extreme effort and hopes that are either rewarded or dashed depending on an event's outcome. Some Olympians are at the pinnacle of their career and others may have to try another time. Their faces, expressions, and postures tell it all. All valuable info for a writer to stash away and use when describing winners and losers. Happy watching!
-Q