I love asparagus! Growing up in Nevada, I roamed our property and nearby riverbanks hunting asparagus all during March and April. At the height of the growing season, I could fill a paper grocery sack in about 20 minutes. Cutting an inch above ground level, I always left a few stalks to go to seed for the next year.
Recently, when editing a picture book manuscript, I realized my asparagus hunting had trained me from an early age to accept change. I've learned to cut excess without overdoing and return to cull more when a story gets overgrown.
As with asparagus, a story and all its edited parts stay with you long past the pruning, but those are the things that make it stronger for years to come.
-Q
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Mind Time
I read something a while back that mentioned the writer's life and how hard it is to get motivated. With so many fun, family, and work parts of the pie that is a writer's life pulling us away from writing, slow forward motion can be a downer.
I don't have the answer, but I have tried a variety of methods to keep my writing moving. They usually depend on how close a deadline looms. But I've started giving myself credit for the writing I do in my head (some non-writers call this daydreaming).
I've found that if I don't allow a story enough time to percolate a bit and be mulled over, my time at the computer is not particularly productive. So give yourself a star! Count the standing in line at the bank, waiting for your engine oil to be changed, or being stuck in traffic as part of your writing process. You'll feel much more productive. It works for me!
-Q
I don't have the answer, but I have tried a variety of methods to keep my writing moving. They usually depend on how close a deadline looms. But I've started giving myself credit for the writing I do in my head (some non-writers call this daydreaming).
I've found that if I don't allow a story enough time to percolate a bit and be mulled over, my time at the computer is not particularly productive. So give yourself a star! Count the standing in line at the bank, waiting for your engine oil to be changed, or being stuck in traffic as part of your writing process. You'll feel much more productive. It works for me!
-Q
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Quinn on Facebook
I have been diligently updating my Facebook page. I realized how many friends and colleagues I was missing! Here is a link. http://www.facebook.com/quinncolechldrensauthor
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Children's Book Insider
Just in case you are not familiar with the Children's Book Insider, I wanted to pass on this fantastic resource for children's writers. I have been a member for several years and gleaned a ton writing info, tips, publishing news, etc. Jon and Laura know the business and strive to offer timely content. Check it out. http://cbiclubhouse.com/
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