From the Great Beyond

Do you ever run up against day job deadlines, procrastinated a bit too long, or had family demands that made it impossible to get a story finished in time for your critique group? Me too. 

The past few months have been beyond busy. (I've even gotten super behind on this blog.)

So this month, I pulled a story from my files that I wrote several years ago to see why it had been relegated to the great beyond (beyond me caring about it anymore). 

Hmm...the structure was okay. The premise was simple. It wasn't too long, but still had lots of illustration opportunities. I even had a record of the publishers I had sent it to and been rejected by (some with personal replies!) 

The answer is simple. I lost confidence in the story and gave up too soon. Now in hind sight (and with more experience), I believe it deserves a second chance. 

So, I'll submit it to my critique group to make sure I'm not kidding myself, then if it gets a thumbs up, I'll send it out again.

Maybe this time...

Quinn

A is for Agents

The past year or so, I've thought a lot about the relationship between writers and their agents. Never working with an agent for my non-fiction books, I've reconsidered for children's fiction. 

The publishing world is changing daily and I've  recognized the need for a professional in my corner. This person/agency is different from family, friends, and other writers who often refrain from tough comments on your work.

As they say in the South, they don't have a horse in that race (i.e. your publishing success). Your agent does. Your success is key to their success. 

So, it's time for me to kick start my efforts to find the right agent who will nag, help me grow, praise, edit, cut, advise, redirect, nag some more and commit for the long haul. For my part, I will work on my craft, read, get better at marketing, and follow his/her advice. Wish me luck!
-Q

Fathers' Day Children's Books

Fathers' Day is a big card giving holiday, but also a great day for giving books. What are Dad's favorite hobbies (hiking), historical people/events (Lewis and Clark), teams (Beavers), vehicles (motorcycles), sports (tennis), or cuisine (Italian)? 

All great ideas, but there are also children's books that either feature a Dad or hook Dad with one of his favorite things. Some of these include: Take Me to Your BBQ by Kathy Duvall, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton, Even Monsters Need Haircuts by Matt McElligott, Bad Boys by Margie Palatini, and My Father Knows the Names of Things by Jane Yolen.

Dad and kids can celebrate the day by reading about Dad-like things -- complete with sound effects. Happy Father's Day!
-Q

Busy has become my middle name! Work, travel, work, writing, events, and more work have made the past two months a blur. No time to worry about it though, I'm looking forward to attending the Oregon Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators (SCBWI) conference this month. With lots of talented folks attending and presenting, it should be a blast. I can hardly wait. I love the critique input, camaraderie and shared commiseration. SCBWI conferences always leave me charged and ready to write and/or tackle yet another revision.

Have you been to a writing conference this year? It might be just the thing to put the spring back in your writing step! There are plenty still to come. Go for it!
-Q