Who Needs a Running Buddy? You Do!

Need to clear your head after a long day of writing? The Rx for me is often a long run. The fresh air, exercise and change of scenery often inspire me and get the creative juices flowing. Most of my writer/runner friends are nervous about hitting the trails without a partner. For many, the buddy system makes us accountable and feels safer. If you have a big dog like mine (a former pound hound), a running buddy is ready to go at a moment's notice. But for those runners who long for a furry bodyguard, the answer is as close as your local animal shelter.

In the October issue of Runner's World magazine, a terrific piece titled "Pace A Pooch" highlights SPCA and human societies with running programs. Runners have a buddy, and the workouts help the dogs find a new home. Overweight dogs lose lbs. and increased exercise often means less behavioral problems. Runners can pick up a dog for each mile, or train one friend to go the distance. Sounds like a win-win to me!

Programs currently exist in Seattle http://www.getfitwithfido.org/, Washington D.C. http://www.washhumane.org/ and Tulsa http://www.tulsaspca.org/ or contact your local animal shelter (enter zip code at http://www.pets911.com/.

Not in love anymore?

Via Twitter, I recently came across a very funny article titled, "You Aren't The Book I Married Anymore" by Courtney Summers. The article makes the analogy that the relationship with your manuscript is like a marriage.

Oh, those glorious first weeks/months. The giddiness of new ideas, fresh pages, the "I can't get you out of my mind" feeling. The endless possibilities. Aren't we all thrilled with our new manuscripts? You can't wait to make the introductions. Everybody will love him...I mean "it", the book. You want to spend all your time together.

But, alas, like all relationships this one needs work to remain healthy. Very slowly, you begin to notice flaws. Things with the manuscript all not all good. Sure, you can deny it for a while, but what about those characters that need more development? The dialogue is not quite its best. Really, what makes this book different from the others? You beg the manuscript to cooperate. Change for the sake of your relationship. The honeymoon is over. This relationship needs work.

Now comes the hard part. Revising, commitment, editing. The willingness to admit that some parts aren't working, but you are open to change. For the sake of the relationship. You two can get through this together - and walk the I am published bookstore aisles in wedded bliss.

Back to School? Good idea(s) !

For many of us, "back to school" means more writing time. Summer nourishes our soul, and allows a break from demanding schedules. Everything is more relaxed - and our writing often languishes also. But back to school means fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils and new ideas. This time of year is full of ideas for a manuscript. Publishers are always on the lookout for new back- to -school books. Observe your kids, listen to their conversations. What concerns/fears/excitement can you hear? Chances are, your kids are not the only ones talking about these issues. New kid in the school? Scary teacher? Lunchroom food fight? Someone change over the summer? Funny bus driver? New principal? Electing class president? Don't have school age children yourself? Remember how you felt as a child. The butterflies in the stomach and the anticipation. If you need more ideas, borrow a friend who has young children. Treat her to a cup of coffee at the local coffeehouse. Now she has more time too!

If your critique group always tells you the manuscript is perfect - RUN!

I often write about the importance of critique groups, and the valuable effect on one's writing. A SCBWI New Jersey group put their writerly heads together and blogged their Top 10 Tips For A Great Critique Group. The list included tips such as

Go positive before going negative - choose several good aspects of the manuscripts before showcasing the negatives. For example, great concept, distinct voice, puts the reader in the scene. No one likes to first hear a laundry list of what is wrong with the manuscript.

Show respect for other's work - realize that the heart/soul of a writer goes into their manuscript. It can be intimidating to release one's work into the hands of others. As we are all writers in a crit group, each person can empathize.

If your crit group is always telling you the manuscript is perfect - RUN! - This is my favorite tip. Even if you are J.K. Rowlings, there is always room for improvement in a first draft. As the writer, we become so wrapped in our own work that we often fail to see the big picture. This is especially true for rhyming picture books. We make the meter work for us. It's only when we give it to others that we see it in a new light. Realize that this is your first draft and when you develop a thick skin, you will thank your group. As I always tell my group, "I would much rather hear it from you than an editor."

To the Top Ten List, I would like to add A Sense of Humor. We have a lot of laughs in our group, and it makes us all look forward to meeting. Writing is a solitary pursuit, and full of rejection, but that doesn't mean we have to lose our humor. Our group laughs about our first drafts, making meter rhyme and the absurdity of picture books. We laugh at our ourselves, and the difficult pursuit we have chosen. A good laugh cements the bond between you all and eases the sting of how much work lies ahead.

I'm frequently asked how one writes a publishable picture book. My answer, always, is join a critique group. If you belong already, hooray! Take the top 10 list to your next meeting. If you don't belong, join or start a group. And make this Top Ten List - first on your list.

Tonight You Are My Baby: Mary's Christmas Gift

SCBWI LA Conference: Yes, You Can Attend!

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators has two fabulous conferences each year. Winter finds SCBWI in NYC and summer finds SCBWI in LA. The meetings are chock-full of agents/editors/authors and INSPIRATION! Wish you were there? Well, so do I, but we can feel the excitement and gather valuable information through the SCBWI Team Blog. Don't miss the chance to visit the blog and the fantastic team that attended various sessions. You'll feel as if you are sitting right in the front row. Thanks to all!

Back from Vacation

Returning to blogging after two weeks of R & R, but mostly fun times with family. Stay tuned for a post about the SCBWI LA conference, with lots of valuable info.