Miranda Paul, Children's Author

Focus Friday: Diction (and Perfect Picture Books)

2012-01-27T05:33:00.000-08:00

TGIF!

First, business.

Then pleasure.

Oh wait...I'm a writer.

Same thing.

#1 - The deadline is approaching for my writing contest. Remember to post your entry to be considered for the great prizes!

#2 - Be sure to stop back on Monday, Jan. 30th for a very special interview with folk tales author Kate Coombs! Kate's new book, Hans My Hedgehog, was just released this week by Antheneum Books for Young Readers. You won't want to miss it!

Now, to the "focus" - and today's Perfect Picture Book.

I chose to write today's focus post about diction. Last week, we had a flood of submissions at Rate Your Story. There were more great stories (rated with a 1, 2, and 3) than any other week since the free critique site began in October. Now, I don't always read every submission, but with 20 coming in in the space of 5 days, I did my fair share. What impressed me about several manuscripts was how many authors paid attention to word choice:

Removing unnecessary dialogue tags

I think diction can also apply to words you don't say.

Using "skinny words," not "fat words"

These phrases are straight from seven-time PB author Nancy Sweetland, who explains: dog is a fat word. Scottish Terrier is skinnier. "Went" is a fat word. "Ran" is skinnier, but still a little chunky. Raced is a skinny word. Or darted. Or dashed. Get the point?

Words sound great when read aloud together

Last week, I posted about rhyme and the importance of reading it aloud. But prose writers have to consider the same thing! If something is a tongue-twister, is it supposed to be? Is that a funny scene? Is it OK if the reader pauses and re-reads?

Words are fresh, sparse, and not redundant

Once you've written a draft, print it out and circle the verbs. Can you freshen them? Then, be sparse to help avoid redundancy–"Then he lay down in bed and closed his eyes and went to sleep" could easily be "He lay in bed...Goodnight!" Lastly, do a find/replace to see if you've got repeated words!

The word choice matches the tone of the scene

This week, I got a critique back from my wonderful SCBWI mentor Lisa Moser, and in it she pointed out a word/phrase that didn't quite fit in a lovely scene I'd written between a boy and his Grandpa . It was too contemporary, too casual, and didn't have enough depth. Now, it's perfect.

Do you have diction tips? Be sure to share!

Now, on to this week's PERFECT PICTURE BOOK. It's one that...you've guessed it...has perfect diction. The author is actually a former critique buddy of mine, and I saw it go through several overhauls as she very diligently made sure every word was the right word.

And I'm proud to say...it's perfect!

Title: Hedgehog Goes to Kindergarten

Author: Lynne Marie

Illustrator: Anne Kennedy

Publisher: Scholastic, May 2011

Age: 4-6

Category: Kindergarten/First Day of School, Making Friends, Self-Esteem and Confidence

First Line: "Spike stared out the window toward the bus stop and quivered." (LOVE the pun!)

Why I Like This Book: Well, first of all it's a great story for kids about being yourself, making friends, and finding confidence. Sentences like "Spike spiked," and the repetition of the bus going "Clink, Clank, Clunk! Bing, Bang, THUMP!" keep kids actively listening.

But this book is more than a great story. Hedgehog Goes to Kindergarten is a SHINING MODEL for all pre-pubbed picture book writers who want to break into the market. Study it - every word is perfect. The pacing is perfect. The dialogue is good, and there aren't unnecessary tags.

Furthermore, it's a breakout PB for Lynne Marie. Hedgehog Goes to Kindergarten is a great example where aspiring writers can see what kind of discipline it takes for a new writer to land a contract - and have hope that it's not impossible! Lynne Marie wasn't relying on celeb. status, a portfolio of credits, or a serious "in" to get this considered and eventually published. Her fantastic, disciplined writing and REVISING SKILLS did that...and she worked very hard for years to get the manuscript right!

Additional Resources: Lynne Marie has a Facebook page dedicated to this book! Check it out here.

Did you love this book? Want to read it now? Got ideas for making every word count? Comments are open below.

Worldly Wednesday: Witness Poetry

2012-01-25T14:07:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late in posting today's Worldly Wednesday article. We had a milestone in our house last night (I will post more on Friday), and I've been called in as a substitute teacher at my FAVORITE high school all week :)

Oh - and I landed a new freelance contract today, which will keep me very busy writing new stories for little ones both before and after my trip to Gambia. Yipeeee!!

So, anyway...my apologies and let's hope I make up for my tardiness with solid content.

Last Wednesday, I announced my first ever writing contest - Miranda's Mix-It-Up Contest. But I didn't provide a sample, as the kind and thoughtful Susanna Leonard Hill does when she hosts a writing contest on her blog.

So, that in mind, here's mine. Since the contest was to mix styles and genres, I've mixed poetry with reporting, and crafted nonfiction and memoir into a short, literary snapshot. (I have an actual picture of the place somewhere...but didn't get to scan it in for today's post).

Guilt
Soufriere, May 14, 2002

If only I’d paid attention
to the directions I’d been given.

A thief on his knees, handcuffed, pleading.
A cop, broomstick raised, grip tightened.
Me, only looking for the station’s bathroom.

The image will not melt.

It is frozen,
Just before the stick breaks over the man’s back,
Silent as the moment after,
When no one said anything.

By Miranda Paul

What did you think? Now, I can't tell you that writing poetry will or won't improve your chances with my contest. My example is just that - an example. The possibilities with my contest of mixed genres and styles allows so much room for creativity that I can't say with any certainty that anything is better than another. But make it have a beginning, middle, and end. And unlike this one, you'll get a bonus as I judge if it seems appropriate or engaging for kids (we're mostly kidlit writers, after all, right?)

Now, I hope you all consider entering the Mix-it-Up Contest. Feel free to comment below or visit the original post page to begin reading entries as they are posted. Voting is only a week away!

Happy New Year! (Again)

2012-01-23T06:27:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, this Mommy had a lot of fun celebrating Chinese New Year! Our host son / exchange student (from China) led the festivities to reign in the Year of the Dragon. What a blast!

Our host son is cooking his special Chinese Pork

"Happy Spring Festival" - the technical translation

No one went home hungry

We played about eight rounds of Mah Jong - but not for money!!

Paper Lanterns, of course (and everyone wore red to match)

Nothing better than a snowy firework show

It was surely a great time...but now it's going to be all work this week! And, as I get writing (with plenty to write about) - so should you! Need an idea? Don't forget that I'm hosting a writing contest with real prizes! Check out the original post to the contest details here.

Happy New Year! Again!

Focus Friday: RHYME (and perfect picture books)

2012-01-20T07:28:00.000-08:00

It scares some writers.

Others can't write without it.

If it's good, it's brilliant.

Anything less than perfect, the whole story's shot.

What is it?

Rhyme.

I edit and critique a lot of rhyming stories and picture books as a freelancer and a judge at Rate Your Story (which aren't always the greatest). BUT...as a mom and rhyme-lover I read a lot of excellent rhyming books, too.

I've worked on the craft of rhyming for years, and thus wanted to share with you a Perfect Picture Book written in rhyme and some of the most common weaknesses I see when freelance editing rhyme.

1) The rhyming words are too simple and/or uncreative, or too predictable.

Stop rhyming me and bee. Rhyme trout and stout, or pickle and fickle.

2) The second line (or fourth line) of a stanza is just a means to get a rhyme and doesn't add to the story.

Stop forcing your rhyme. If you can't find a good rhyme, "kill your darling" and write a new first line that ends with a different word. Put the tough-to-rhyme words in the middle if you have to.

3) The syntax is inverted to force a rhyme.

See above. What writers could publish 50 years ago probably won't land you a contract today. Which brings me to number #4.

4) The author doesn't read many recently-published rhyming picture books.

Pick up a book by Karma Wilson, Jill Esbaum, Marsha Wilson Chall, Lisa Wheeler, Lori Degman, or ask your librarian to recommend some great books in rhyme published in the last 5-10 years.

5) The author doesn't know how to scan their own poetry.

Do you know what meter is? A foot? An iamb? (I could go on). A stanza where the first line is 21 syllables and the second is 8, the third is 17 and the last is 11 won't work (this is an actual example of something I once edited).

6) In their head, the rhythm is perfect. But no one else has read it ALOUD.

Have others read it aloud to you. Don't interrupt. Don't read it to them first. Don't let them read it on paper before the read-aloud. Repeat process many times with many readers.

7) The author doesn't listen to the reason of their critique group/editor/etc. regarding rhyme.

Critique group members may seem too nit-picky sometimes. So can editors (trust me, I'm my own pickiest editor). But remember - they're all trying to help you! They're on your side. Whether free or hired, they're trying to hold you back from submitting or self-publishing rhymes that are not brilliant. You want brilliant.

More tips here and here and here.

Now, on to Perfect Picture Book Friday.

You've guessed it...a rhyming picture book!

Title: Animal Strike at the Zoo (It's True!)

Author: Karma Wilson

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2006

Illustrator: Margaret Spengler

Genre: Fiction, Rhyme

Ages: 2-8

Themes: Labor, Strike, Animals, Humor, Zoo, Duty

First Page (though every page gets better): There’s an animal strike at the zoo, it’s true! / The headlines are telling it all. / The animals quit, “That’s it! We’re through.” / Say all critters from biggest to small.

Why I chose it: The rhyme is perfect, the story is funny and thoughtful and it actually introduces a topic that a teacher or mother can use as a segue to nonfiction (labor strikes have been a big issue in my home state of Wisconsin for the past year).

Resources: Karma Wilson's Webpage about this book, Karma's "Write Your Own Silly Poem" activity, free zoo coloring pages for kids, Labor Union resources for teachers

What is Perfect Picture Book Friday? Read more at Susanna Hill's Blog.

Comments Welcome: Are you a rhyme-writer? A rhyme-reader? Did you love this book? Got rhyming tips to share? Comments are open below.

Worldly Wednesday: Miranda's Mix-it-Up Writing Contest

2012-01-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

Worldly Wednesday is here! And that means no more waiting for my secret writing contest!

Here's my inspiration:

In our family's household, we're a mixed bunch. Between my husband and I we represent at least 9 ethnicities on four continents (from what we know). Add in our exchange student and there's at least 10.

Therefore, we celebrate a lot of holidays 'round these parts. Now, sometimes that causes us to stir up our "melting pot" giggles or bark out a "mutt" joke. But sometimes, like in February, we look down from the branches of our sturdy family tree and take pride in the powerful roots our ancestors secured for us–a beautiful view.

So as we're geared to celebrate Chinese New Year -- and Black History month -- and Leap Day -- and Saint Lucia's Independence Day -- and President's Day (to name a few upcoming February holidays)...

I got to thinking...

...about mixing-it-up...

...in writing.

What would an Epic Limerick sound like?
Have you ever tried to write an Acrostic Sonnet?
How about a story in prose...with characters who speak only in haiku?
A Textspeak Tale?
A Picture Book Play?
A News Article Fable?

The Mix-it-Up possibilities are endless.

And that, my friends, is your impetus.

Here are the rules to enter Miranda's Mix-it-Up Writing Contest:

1) You must be a follower of my blog to enter the writing contest. You can subscribe via email or click follow on the sidebar where you see everyone's teeny faces.

2) Your entry must be 500 words or less. Not counting the title.

3) You must write an original story, poem, article...whatever...that mixes up at least two genres of storywriting, types of poetry, styles of writing, etc.. Please label which genres/styles/etc. you've "mixed" within your introduction or above your entry.

4) You must post your entry on your blog page or website with a link back to this original contest page before February 1. (So, that means 11:59 p.m. on January 31st Central Time).

5) Enter the link to your contest entry using the form below (scroll to end).

6) You may not enter more than three different storypoembookhybridwhatevers.

Those are the rules. Now on to the judging and prizes.

1. I will choose and announce finalists at my blog on Monday, Feb. 6th. The number of finalists will be decided based upon the number of total entries (i.e. 10 entries, about 2 finalists...100 entries, about 20 finalists).

2. Voting will then take place online (here on my blog) for the finalist entries. You'll have until Friday morning (Feb. 10) to vote. I will announce the winner later on Friday, Feb. 10th.

First prize = $20 in Barnes and Noble Gift Cards + a hardcover copy of Tales From China: World Favorite Fables + Bragging Rights

Second Prize = A hardcover copy of Tales From China: World Favorite Fables + Bragging Rights

How will I choose finalists? Hard to say! But...
Follow the rules.
Tell a story with a beginning middle and end, or wow us with your poetry.
Be original.
Bonus points if your contest entry seems appealing to kids or is "friendly" for all ages.
Negative points for explicit language. I reserve the right to remove a link if I feel it's not in good taste or is offensive.
I love humor and heart - make me laugh or make me cry. Or both, if you can.

Now, write, write, write and post your link below in the form! Comments are also open, so contact me if you have questions. GOOD LUCK!!!

Mommy Monday: Bringing Dr. King's Words Home

2012-01-16T08:16:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday when I picked up my five-year-old from school, she had a lot on her mind.

"Did you know that one time people who had skin like daddy's couldn't drink from the bubbler? But people with skin like yours could?"

I considered asking her which group she might have been placed into - but decided to leave that question for the future. Thus, I let her continue.

"Well, a man named Doctor Martin Luther King Junior told everybody that wasn't fair. And somebody shot him, Mom! With a gun!"

She continued telling me what she had learned in school until we got home. I wanted to teach her more – and while her interest was piqued. Especially since the topic of race has come up several times since our last family visit abroad when my daughter experienced being the only mixed child in an entire school.

Our daughter already knows that treating every single person with respect and honor is right. But she's just beginning to learn that the outside world hasn't always (and still doesn't) worked the way things do in our household. Scary territory for a mother...

Luckily, I've always got books on hand and a steadfast desire to shape my children into beautiful and strong human beings. So I pulled out Kadir Nelson's books We are the Ship and Heart And Soul. I also took out Our Children Can Soar - figuring that now, these and other books would have more meaning to my daughter since she had a context to fit them into.

Today, my daughter is off celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday at school. While I know she'll have many more questions to ask for years to come, it is days like these – and books like these – which allow the most important lessons to be learned: love, peace, justice, freedom and humanity.

And those lessons are always welcome in my household.

Happy Birthday, Dr. King!

Focus Friday: Endings and Perfect Picture Book Fridays

2012-01-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

This morning I got an email from myself.

It was "Sent from my iPad" with a time stamp of 1:02 a.m., and contained much-needed notes on how to fix an ending to a picture book manuscript I've been working on. And after I opened the email (from myself to myself), I fixed my manuscript.

Thank you, me.

(Now think up a better ending for that other story and get back to me soon.)

Endings have been on my mind since some local writers and I came together for critiquing earlier this week. We had a good discussion about how the reader's expectations, and every wonderful part of a story can be completely lost if the ending doesn't satisfy all of the loose threads. That doesn't mean that everything has to be happy and everyone gets what they wanted.

Like...Perfect Soup by Lisa Moser, a picture book with a perfect ending. It's not the most expected ending, but it is the best one. Everything in the story is resolved–even though the original conflict isn't "solved" in the way the main character hopes. The ending of Perfect Soup satisfies kids and adults, and teaches a lesson without "teaching."

Which brings me to an announcement:

MIRANDA PAUL IS FINALLY JOINING PERFECT PICTURE BOOK FRIDAYS!

If you haven't already guessed, my first perfect picture book review is Lisa Moser's Perfect Soup!

Miranda Paul's first "Perfect Picture Book Friday" recommendation is Perfect Soup.

Title: Perfect Soup

Author: Lisa Moser (who happens to be my fantastic SCBWI Mentor)

Illustrator: Ben Mantle

Publisher: Random House, 2010

Themes/Topics: Friendship, Patience, Generosity, Winter, Animals

Opening Page: Murray shined the teapot. "Perfect." Murray set the table. "Perfect." Murray looked out the window. "Soup is perfect on a snowy day."

Synopsis: Murray likes things perfect. But he hasn't got a carrot for perfect soup! With no time to chat (Murray is in a hurry), he races past Snowman and through the town doing favors in the hopes of earning a carrot. But when all seems for naught, can a friend show him there's more than one recipe for perfect soup?

Resources:

Lisa Moser's Website (author)

Ben Mantle's Website (illustrator)

Goldfish Soup Recipe (doesn't need a carrot!)

Article on the rural heritage of Jingle Bells for Horses

Activities:

Make a snowman!

Shovel the driveway!

Learn to knit!

Have a winter picnic with a friend!

Make hot cocoa - and don't forget to put (clean) snow in it!

Now, I've got to end this post in a BIG way (and reward those of you who actually read the entire thing):

I'M HOSTING MY FIRST-EVER WRITING CONTEST AND GIVEAWAY! The contest and giveaway prizes and rules will be announced on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18th. So be sure to follow my blog to get the scoop on Wednesday.

To be continued...

(how's that for an ending?)

Worldly Wednesday: ONE HUNDRED AND ONE NIGHTS by Benjamin Buchholz

2012-01-11T04:37:00.000-08:00

Last year, I read more than 100 books and plan to read as many again this year (yes, reading is a writing goal - see this post).

While the majority of books I read are clearly for children and teens - PBs, MG, and YA novels - I occasionally take time out to be an adult and read books targeted for a different age group. The one I'm reading now has me entirely captivated, and though I'm not finished, wanted to share.

The book is called One Hundred and One Nights by Benjamin Buchholz. I actually won the book via a Twitter Giveaway, but it feels as though I was meant to receive this book. (Follow the author @Mialaylawalayla).

Publisher: Back Bay Books
Click the cover to read a sample!

The basic premise (summarizing from back-of-book copy) is that Abu Saheeh has returned to Iraq after spending more than a decade in America. Shortly after his return he meets Layla, a whimsical fourteen-year-old girl with something to say - or sing - or ask - about everything. As he fights to rebuild a life in his home country, he endures the awakening of painful memories and the struggles associated with searching for salvation - proving Layla's unlikely companionship may not be enough to pull him through.

In my own words: It's the only book I've ever read that mentions Umm Kulthum and Britney Spears within a page of each other, and Aliens and falafel in the same chapter. How fun and culturally significant (my kind of book).

Some of my favorite quotes from the book so far:

"Despite several glances I cast at the in-facing courtyard windows, I still do not see their mother. This is traditional society now. This is her role–cloistered, separated. She won't break the pattern...even for the sake of an old friend like me."

"I cross the road and walk to my house...and I think about how tribes have been split as men draw lines across the desert."

"But with too much safety comes ignorance."

Anyway, I'm recommending it. Thumbs up. A thought-provoking read thus far and a trip into another culture and place. I'm also tickled to learn that Buchholz has lived in Wisconsin!

If you're interested in buying a copy on Amazon, click below. One Hundred and One Nights is also available on the publisher's website and don't forget to check out your local indie bookstore, too!

Mommy Monday: Lessons on Writing (from my kids)

2012-01-09T21:39:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's nearly midnight as I write this post. It would be so easy to give up, and skip my self-imposed deadline or just blog tomorrow.

"No," said my two-year-old when I told him I didn't do my "Mommy Work" today. "Go now," he said, and pushed me off the bed.

He's right. I've got work to do.

And for the past week, I've realized that kids are right a lot of the time. At least my kids, anyway.

Let me explain.

Lesson 1: Routine

For Christmas, my daughter got a "Responsibility Chart." If I miss a day of positive rewards (at least now, while it's new) I'm more likely to miss two. She goes beserk when I'm inconsistent. She's taught me the importance of routine. Get in the habit of writing every day, just like she's in the habit of being rewarded. Make a chart if you have to. And reward yourself if you have to, too.

Lesson 2: It's all about KIDS

For Christmas, my son got many picture books. One of them (which I will not name for fear the author will see) I read to him on Christmas morning. And hated it. But my reluctant reader sat through the entire thing...and then asked to read it again. And again. About two weeks and thirty reads later, I still hate the text of the story. But my son loves it...and I've come to respect the fact that this author blew off what parents were going to say and grabbed my two-year-old's attention. My boy loves reading (and sits through more than one book now)! And he's taught me that writing for children is about children. It's not about us. We must consider our manuscripts from the viewpoint of our audience.

Lesson 3: Whining gets you nowhere

In some circles, the "squeaky wheel gets the grease." But not in my household. My kids have learned to learned to "turn it off like a faucet." And if you're a writer, you should, too. After reading a lot of blogs over the past week (I'm doing the Comment Challenge) - the ones that are the best are the ones without whining. In the writing industry, the squeaky wheels aren't getting published. It's the ones who can self-oil, and keep on trucking through hard times. Complain to your husband or your local writer's group when you're away at the cabin. As for your blog, bashing "them" or "the industry" just sounds like whining. And if I think that, what's an editor going to think?

Lesson 4: Patience

We, as parents, are quick to judge children as impatient. But is this really the case? We're often the ones rushing them out the door, or to pick something at the market, or to hurry here or there. The other night, I was having a "heart to heart" with my five-year-old about a rejection letter I got recently. "Don't worry, Mom," she said. "Just send it to somebody else. And if no one likes your stories, just wait until I grow up and then I'll turn them into books for you." She's willing to wait twenty plus years, no big deal. It's simple. Just send it to somebody else. Or wait. And that's exactly what I intend to do.

What lessons on writing have you learned from your kids?

Grandkids?

Other people's kids?

I'm curious to know.

Comments are open!

Focus Friday: 5 Steps to a Killer Query

2012-01-06T08:46:00.000-08:00

Unlike many of you, submitting work (unsolicited) is relatively new to me. I've spent the last few years mostly reading, writing and revising, and taking on freelance / work-for-hire assignments. But now with an arsenal of great, polished manuscripts, I step into the brave new world of queries and slush:

2012 is the Year of the Submission for me.

Yes, I made my own badge.

That said, I started the year on a great note: I wrote a smashing cover letter / agent query. I'm not just saying so myself - I had another published writer let me know it was "on the money" and one even say "I'm going to have you write mine for me."

Anyway, I was poised to send it, only to re-review the agent's submission policies and discover (drum roll, please)

"WE DO NOT WANT A COVER/QUERY LETTER."

After several "doinks" on the head, I realized that my letter-writing exercise was not in vain. I've got a smashing query letter that describes one of my best manuscripts, showcases my impressive credentials, and is laced with personality and style. Though the opening was very personalized (this was an agent I've met), parts of the rest I can, and will, use again.

So, I thought I'd share with you 5 things that render a query letter "killer." Hopefully, you'll find a nugget of advice that helps you in your own query writing.

1) Make sure the agent/editor/publisher wants a query letter in the first place.

If they do, read what they want in it (and what they don't). Do everything exactly as they ask. I've actually bid on freelance jobs where the client said "In your cover letter, type the word CHILDREN at the bottom...just to make sure you actually read all of the assignment requirements." And I've landed jobs where they told me half of the other editors who bid didn't follow directions and weren't even considered. So read everything they write. And read it again - submission guidelines change often! You'd hate to write a smashing cover letter and then never be able to send it. :)

2) Choose your absolute best/favorite/most polished manuscript, not just the one you presume is the "right fit" for editors or agents you "think" you know.

Now by this I don't mean sending a children's agent your saucy romance novel is OK.

To clarify, perusing their published titles and choosing something with similar elements isn't a bad approach, but if you've picked which manuscript to send mostly based on what you "perceive" they "might like" based on some five-page website or a twitter post about ice cream - you're dumb like me. Let me explain.

A few weeks back, I sent a good-but-not-my-absolute-favorite manuscript to an agent (my first agent query ever). When it came back a rejection, I "doinked" myself (again). Why didn't I just send the manuscript I love the most? That I know is the best? I ASSUMED they'd like a whimsical and quirky one better than an emotional one with a deep story - based on other titles they'd sold and their 3-sentence bio on the website. Stupid.

You know what came back in the rejection letter? "It didn't have enough of a storyline to keep us glued to the page." I knew I should have sent the other one.

And I'm extremely lucky they threw me a bone - by some stroke of extreme fortune the rejection also invited me to send more work (in fact "we'd be happy to see more of your work"). And that brings me to my next query tip.

3) Don't query unless you've got more work to show - and mention in your cover letter that you do.

Especially if you're querying an agent, there's a significant chance that they're going to ask to see "something else." I'm quite new to submitting unsolicited work, and this has happened THREE TIMES already to me.

These frequent requests are probably because the last line of my cover letter is usually an indicaton that I've got more manuscripts ready if requested (and I DO). Can you imagine how good it feels to get a request for more work and actually have plenty of things ready and polished to send off?

Don't set yourself up for failure like a woman I met last year who lost her chance with a big publisher because she had nothing else (good) to send when it was requested. Write first, revise first, query last. And let them know you did it in that order!

4) Yes, do your homework. No, don't be boring.

Be professional, yes. Be polite, yes. Brief, yes. But show some personality and make each letter personal to the recipient.

I can't imagine what it's like to have to sift through 6,000 queries a year like some agents. And I've done a lot of research reading query letters that landed contracts (like this one and this one). In every instance, the writer showed STYLE and personality. But cut yourself off when you get a little Urkel-esque or risk straddling the line between touting your book/self and coming off as a complete narcissist.

Every good query letter I've ever read also mentions other titles - not in the way that says "My book is the next Harry Potter" but in a way that demonstrates how your character or plot overlap in some areas and showing you're well read in the genre you're submitting and that you understand what the publisher publishes. You can't do this if you don't read. So read. Do your homework first. Then have fun!

5) Don't go it alone.

Never let your eyes be the only ones to see a query letter before you hit the send button or seal the envelope. Let a critique buddy take a peek. If you don't have a critique group, join one (Critique Cafe or join your local SCBWI to get hooked up with other writers or a mentor). Or ask your local librarian to proof it. Or hire a freelancer like me if you have to. Better yet, do all of the above.

The "no" response is pretty permanent these days. Don't be that guy on Millionaire who flunks out without even using his lifelines. Phone a friend. Please.

Read more tips for writing a killer query letter online at:

Margot Finke's Guide to Query Letters for Children's Books

Query Shark

Worldly Wednesday: World Read Aloud Day is March 7

2012-01-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

So I just learned that LitWorld's World Read Aloud Day happens to be March 7, 2012. The SAME day I'll be on a plane from Casablanca, Morrocco back to JFK in New York. Since I land at 3:45 p.m., I'm not sure if there are options for me to participate. Or even that I qualify (they're not just letting any author participate).

For those of you who know me, I'll still try despite my travels and the fact that my books have mostly been published by small presses and digital, educational app markets. But how about you - will you consider participating?

Visit Kate Messner's blog for more information on how to participate and what World Read Aloud Day entails (i.e. you have to have Skype). Or, learn about it at LitWorld's site here. Fun!

Mommy Monday: Year in Review

2012-01-02T10:42:00.000-08:00

Instead of telling, I'm showing. This AuthorMom had a great year!

We climbed high...

...and conquered jungles.

Including...

...the urban jungle.

We read stories...

...and acted them out...

...and wrote our own!

Grandma welcomed us in...

...and we welcomed in other friends...

Like this one...

...and this one...

And especially this one!

We roasted and enjoyed foods from all over the world...

...like domodaa (peanut butter stew)...

...and tiyo kere churro (peanut porridge)...

...and also ate things that were All-American!

We let Amani's hair grow...

...and grow...

...and grow!

We studied animals...

...from behind fences...

...and inside fences.

We fell in love with animals on the plains...

...in our own yard...

...and inside our own home!

(but we had to let some of them go!)

We planted seeds...

...watched them grow...


...and ripen...

...and picked them when they were ready!

(Whatever we couldn't grow we bought at the market.)

We played some sports for the first time...

...and did other activities for the zillionth time!

We read more stories...

Which led to more wishes...

And dreams (like another Packers win!)...

And crazy ideas - LIKE CUTTING OUR HAIR OFF!

We took a few last-minute trips...

before Kindergarten began...

And the Packers started another season...

...and we got back to dreaming (like sending a million books to Gambia)...

And ended the year thinking crazy thoughts...like growing our hair back!

Focus Friday: New Year, New Goals

2011-12-30T08:19:00.000-08:00

One Life Dream: To bring 1 Million Books to Gambia (I'm lucky to have such a supportive husband!)

I was all set to *finally* post my goals for 2012, when Kristi Holl posted her latest thoughts.

Dream bigger, she pushed.

And I realized, looking at my totally "do-able" list of words to write or submissions per month, etc., that these weren't really my dreams for my writing career. They were things I planned to do to get closer to achieving them. Things entirely in my control (which I'll still do, but they're not all that I want).

So, today on my blog you get to see me spill all, even though I risk ridicule (or you thinking I'm full of myself in dreaming so big). But if I only told you the practical things I planned to do for 2012, I wouldn't be telling the whole truth. There's a lot more to me than word count or blog followers. And there's a lot in publishing that isn't solely dependent on me - that's why goals are great and dreams are necessary.

So, here's to you, Kristi. Happy New Year!

Dreams
(things I can't always control, but will passionately work towards!)

1) To be able to say I ~~like~~ LOVE my current WIP, a YA novel. And that it's DONE.

2) To snag the elusive picture book agent. There are three of you I'm stalking.

3) To land my first traditional picture book contract. Then many more. (Don't get me wrong, I love educational publishers and the work-for-hire projects I do. But there's a big difference).

4) To hold my very first hardcover, traditionally-published picture book in my hand. To smell it. To run my fingers over the amazing illustrations crafted by the perfect artist. Like Kadir Nelson.

5) To win an SCBWI or ALA award. A Newbery would be nice someday.

6) To see 1 Million Books for Gambia complete its mission in my lifetime.

7) To finally consider myself fluent in Mandinka, Wolof, and Creole. At least one of the three anyway.

8) To win THE AMAZING RACE. (Ok, so that's not a writing dream but it's always on my mind!)

Goals
(things I can do - in the hopes of achieving my dreams!)

1) To finish my WIP (YA novel) - at least the first complete draft - by March 30, 2012.

2) To continue my agent research and attend my first national convention in 2012 as well as attend state and local SCBWI ones. Since I already have a (small) list of agents I'd love to be repped by, I will simply stalk them until I know how they take their coffee and which toothpaste they prefer. I will make notes on every agent on my list by August 2012 to see if we're compatible. And submit to the ones I like before the end of 2012. And I will not cry when someone tells me that the Agent Fairy isn't real again.

3) Since I write, write, write, and revise, revise, revise - I guess it's finally time to submit. The feedback at conferences and current contest winnings, etc. have given my the confidence in my work. I will submit at least two picture books each month to the 'right' publishers (assuming there's an open house accepting unsolicited mss).

3a) I've also decided to join 12 x 12 in 2012. Those of you who know me are probably rolling your eyes (how many MORE picture book manuscripts could she possibly write...doesn't she have, like, a hundred already?). The point is, participating will get me to move on to new picture books and actively seek homes for the ones that are complete and have gotten great feedback from authors, editors, critique groups - and most importantly - MYSELF.

4) I'm going to read every book by Kadir Nelson. In the hopes that one day he'll illustrate something I've written. No, I don't know him. Not yet, anyway :) Just a huge fan. And all books by my mentor, Lisa Moser. Once I finish reading their books, however, I'm going to try and read the same number of books I did this year (at least 100). Reading = better writing. No ifs about that.

5) I will take the first two weeks of February to review the list of all awards for children's books in my 2012 Children's Market and online at the ALA and SCBWI sites. If there are any that my WIPs are eligible for, I will apply.

6) To hold at least 2 book collection events in 2012. And to recruit at least one other person to travel with me to Gambia (not for this year's trip, but in 2013 or 2014).

7) To speak as much Wolof as I can during Feb-Mar while back in Africa. To print out and keep with me, my language guides. To stop reverting to English because I hate sounding like a child.

8) To convince my husband to finally make that video application for THE AMAZING RACE before I leave for Africa in February.

Longwinded, yes. Sorry. What are your goals and dreams for 2012? Comments are open below!

Worldly Wednesday: Is 2012 Really the End?

2011-12-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already heard that the world *might* end on December 21, 2012 - you're too far inside your writer's cave. But this post isn't about whether or not the Mayan legend is myth or fact.

It's about the crossroads between global trends and writing. Editors and agents often call for submissions that blend "commercial and literary." And for some authors, that means capitalizing on a hot topic by planning YEARS in ADVANCE, of course (so don't go subbing your vampire novel right now) and crafting an original spin on something that will be buzzworthy.

Have you seen the number of authors who have taken advantage of the 2012 predicition buzz, writing everything from non-fiction picture books to YA novels and even publishing kids' blogs centered around the theme of the end-of-the-world prediction? They, like the authors who had the foresight to write stories years before an anticipated trend, such as the 10th anniversary of September 11th, or the 2012 prediction, for example, seem to be attempting to take what we're interested in globally and merge it with the literary.

Here are a few I found regarding the 2012 topic:

NOTE: I haven't read these, nor am I offering recommendations (although Carolyn Marsden is a favorite author of mine). Just pointing out that these books exist.

Now, you tell me:

What upcoming global or worldly events can you write about in an effort to merge the literary with the commercial?

I think it's a bit too late to write and submit about 2012 events now (such as the Olympics), but how about this year's formation of a new country? Is anyone following that story and trying to be one of the first to set a story set in South Sudan? Or what about the 2014 World Cup in Brazil? That in 2015 many places and organizations will celebrate a 100th birthday or anniversary, like the international Kiwanis Club or Balboa Park in San Diego?

I guess this post is just as much about thinking globally as it is about thinking AHEAD. Forget all that end-of-the-world nonsense. Jump ahead into the future. That's a trend that will never "get old."

Terrific tuesday: Vote for My Story!!

2011-12-27T10:01:00.002-08:00

Wow! After exciting news yesterday (being chosen for the 2012 SCBWI mentorship program), I've got GREAT news again today!My Christmas poem/story, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas: Rudolph Goes Green, was chosen as a finalist in Susanna Hill's Holiday Writing Contest! Voting is OPEN! Please take one minute to vote for me at her blog! My poem is listed as the #4 poem in the top 5.THANK YOU FOR VOTING!! Please vote by midnight tonight!http://susannahill.blogspot.com/2011/12/twas-day-after-christmas-holiday.html

Mommy Monday: SCBWI Mentorship Program

2011-12-26T08:26:00.000-08:00

If the title of my blog post didn't give away my big Christmas news–here goes!

Last week I received an AWESOME email from Julie Schaull which read "Miranda, I hope you're ready to do the happy dance, because you have been chosen to be a 2012 mentee in the SCBWI-WI Mentor Program!"

After doing the happy dance for a day, I got an email from my wonderful new picture book mentor, award-winning author Lisa Moser. Lisa has published five picture books and has three forthcoming. You can read all about her amazing books here at her website.

Lisa Moser is an awesome children's author - and my mentor for 2012!

So, this AuthorMom is getting a "mommy" of her own (in the form of a mentor, of course). I still can't believe my two picture book manuscripts were chosen for this program - as far as I know, only one aspiring picture book author among all the applicants in the state is chosen!

So this mommy (I mean mentor) has promised to guide me in any way that she can, except maybe tucking me in at night...I'll have to ask about that.

Wow, I love moms. I mean mentors.

Merry Christmas to me!! (Happy dance continues).

Do you have an SCBWI mentor? A support group? Or, did you receive an extra special Christmas gift this year? Please share the awesome news! Comments are open below.

Worldly Wednesday: Twas the Night Before Christmas - Rudolph Goes Green

2011-12-21T11:23:00.000-08:00

I AM A FINALIST! PLEASE GO AND VOTE FOR RUDOLPH GOES GREEN AT SUSANNA LEONARD HILL'S BLOG! http://susannahill.blogspot.com/2011/12/twas-day-after-christmas-holiday.html

Photo: http://fashionablygeek.com/t-shirts/rudolph-has-had-a-green-update/

This Worldly Wednesday happens to be the last one before Christmas. So, in honor of celebrating Christmas around the world I've written a new version of C. Clement Moore's famous poem, A Visit from Saint Nicholas (better known as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas).

Now, to be honest, I wrote this on-the-fly in less than two hours. Forgive the imperfect meter and rhyme, but I had to get the poem up on the blog ASAP for it to be entered in Children's Author Susana Leonard Hill's holiday poem contest. Wish me luck!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas: Rudolph Goes Green

by Miranda Paul

‘Twas the night before Christmas when there on the screen
Played an eco-documentary with ways to be green.
On the sofa sat Rudolph who suddenly froze
And pulled his front hooves right in front of his nose.

“I’ve got to replace this old iridescent
With an LED light–or at least a fluorescent!”
At once Rudolph dashed to the D.I.Y. store,
And the reindeer pack gasped as he clopped out the door.

“Don’t leave us,” yelled Comet. “You’ll make us all late!
It’s a good thing you’re doing but...Christmas WON’T WAIT!”
“C’mon” scoffed ol’ Blitzen, “Let’s get up and soar,
We can fly without Greenie–we’ve done it before!”

Then up flew eight reindeer with no glowing light,
Leading Santa’s big sleigh on a cold, wintry night.
But the wind and the storms blew a blinding, wet mess
So Donder unwrapped Yumi’s new G-P-S!

Their troubles were past them until Tokyo,
When Santa reminded, “That gift’s gotta go!”
Then Dasher discovered an oversized candle
In shimmery paper with a tag that read: Randall.

In a flash went their stress ‘til they flew o’er Khartoum,
When that “oversized candle” exploded...KA-BOOM!
It kicked up a sandstorm so Prancer thought quick,
Unwrapping a flashlight for young Dominic–

But the batteries died just past the Sahara,
So Vixen dug up Amy’s light-up tiara!
“You hold it,” he bickered, “Too girly for me!”
And they pawed it and clawed ‘til it fell in the sea!

“Now stop it, you guys!” bellowed Santa in back.
“We’ve got presents to give, so no talking smack!”
They straightened right up and squinting their best
Took strange routes from Cape Town to old Budapest.

Eventually they made it, but sore and pooped out,
And when they got home they gave Rudolph a shout:
“You lazy, green-washing...WAIT...that’s the SAME nose!”
Rudolph casually shrugged, “Yeah...the merchant was closed.”

“Well I guess we don’t need you!” the reindeer yelled, peeved.
And to their surprise, Rudolph felt...quite RELIEVED!
“That’s perfect!” he sang, then rushed out the door.
“See you guys in two years, I've joined the Peace Corps!”

(Now...Should I happen to be chosen as one of the 3 finalists, voting will occur online on Monday, December 26th. Stay tuned here for updates and feel free to comment below. Happy Holidays to all!)

Mommy Monday: Princesses Learn Spanish

2011-12-19T09:23:00.000-08:00

My "princess" learns Spanish weekly at school - and I'm thrilled to have her enrolled in a school that values language education during the preschool and elementary years. But in between her weekly lessons, it's nice to practice. This app, Princesses Learn Spanish, is an interactive way for her to keep up the enthusiasm and performance in Spanish.

It's especially fun to have it now in my household as I was a contributor to the fairy tale adaptations, and my daughter LOVES the fact that her mommy is writing princess stories (I don't do it too often!). It's a lot like their other releases, Princesses Learn Chinese and Princesses Learn French which were big hits with my daughter.

I suppose I'd better go practice or she's going to be more fluent than I am!

Do you write for app companies? Do your kids play app games or read books that are Android or iPad apps? How about their schools - do your elementary-aged children have the opportunity to learn a second language? Comments are open below!

Focus Friday: Going With Your Gut

2011-12-16T08:02:00.000-08:00

This week I've been obsessed with polishing a finally-finished manuscript that has been in the works for eight years.

Before Monday, no one but me had seen any draft of this story... ever (which is unusual because I belong to two critique groups and run a fantastic free critique site called Rate Your Story).

But with this story, to be honest, I didn't care that no one had seen it while it remained a WIP. This book is one rooted so deeply inside me and my experience. I am the only person I trusted to guide me as I wrote and polished the first drafts. I didn't ask for input, advice, or what I should write next from anyone but myself. And my muse came through.

I finished it over the weekend and was ecstatic with what I'd written. It was nearly perfect. I'd gone with my gut and written the narration and voice exactly the way I'D wanted it.

So then came the test...would my "gut feelings" hold up when others saw it? I sent it to the three harshest critics I know–two editor-friends and my husband. Great reviews. (My gut was relieved).

Today I'm still polishing a word here, a phrase there, and tightening it up overall, but I'm really glad I went with my gut. The book breaks a few standard picture book "rules" but the manuscript is better for it. I will be proud when this book gets published--it has become my favorite story.

With confidence, I go forth preparing my submission. And I've got a gut feeling, it will bring back an acceptance. Even if I have to wait another eight years.

Have you ever gone with your gut? Trusted yourself as your own best critic? And it paid off? Comment below!

Mommy Monday: Meet My Hubby

2011-12-12T12:28:00.000-08:00

Isn't that one cute family on the cover
of Children & Libraries' current issue?

Behind (or next to) every good AuthorMom there's usually a supportive spouse, right? Well, in my case it's very true.

Today, I invite you to meet my husband, Baptiste Paul. He has just put up his very own one-page website at baptistepaul.com.

I'm sure you'll love him as much as I do!

Now, do you have great family support? If so, give your spouse, kids, or whomever a shout-out for helping you accomplish your writing goals and dreams! Comments are open below.

Focus Friday: Cutting the Fat

2011-12-09T12:07:00.001-08:00

It's only the ninth day of December and already I feel weighed down by celebratory feasting. I'm still dragging after a great Thanksgiving meal and my birthday, when I gorged myself on cake and cocktails.

Also, since December 1st we've been opening advent calendars at home, so every morning I pop a chocolate into my mouth. Add in the leftover St. Nick candy from the family stockings and a 12-0 Packers season with more tailgating to come and it's clear...

It's time to cut the fat.

Today, as I vow to eat lean and mean through the weekend, I'm also going through a few manuscripts and cutting the fat. This morning, I turned a 1,400-word story (one of my longest - I'm really into the 500 word PBs as of late) into an under 1,000 word picture book manuscript. Then, I combined two chapters in my work-in-progress novel into one, realizing the redundancies.

My number one strategy? Edit line by line. If I can cut one word out of every sentence, or rephrase wordy clauses, I can generally cut 10%-20% of a picture book manuscript that's still in draft mode.

Why am I doing it?

Yesterday I took a stroll into my local, independent bookstore, and picked up a few hardcover titles. It was obvious to me right away which ones lacked editorial "cutting" - because the huge blocks of text and the images that suffered because of the words were totally off-putting. I did happen to notice that several of the "wordy" titles were self-published and one, though traditionally published, was a celebrity-suddenly-turned-author. Regardless, they were books that 1) I wouldn't be buying for my children, and 2) the author probably had regrets about because they could have been better.

Anyway, it reminded me that as children's writers we have to be on top of our game. If we choose to traditionally publish, we have to cut out what can be inferred or represented in the images. We have to consider every phrase and every word. We have to polish.

If you write picture books, open one up and look at the word count. Challenge yourself to cut 10% in one edit of the story. You'll be surprised how easy it is if you do it! And, the more you do it, the easier it gets to write more concisely in first drafts.

What's your strategy for cutting the fat? Are you ready to trim down this holiday season in preparation for the New Year? Comment below!

Worldly Wednesday: My Clearest Me by Claudine Gueh

2011-12-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

My Clearest Me by Gueh Yanting (Claudine) was just released by Carry Us Off Books (Singapore) as an e-Picture Book.

Now hush...

...and let me tell you about it:

Quiet Wynn overhears his teacher saying he's too shy, and might not make friends, or worse–might let his Dreams pass. Ought he be a different boy? he wonders.

In search of self, Wynn ventures out into a dream world searching for his clearest voice. But can a quiet boy play in a loud dream?

My thoughts?

Gueh's story, crafted like a silk blanket of poetry, sends young listeners and readers drifting along with Wynn through beautifully-illustrated pages of self-discovery. I'm not giving it five stars–I'm giving it an entire sky of stars. It stands apart from so many other picture books of its kind. And the price shines, too (.99 cents for the iBook).

My Clearest Me by Gueh Yanting (Claudine) is available on iTunes, Kindle, and Nook and through the publisher's website at Carry Us Off Books.

Mommy Monday: Hip Mama

2011-12-05T11:21:00.001-08:00

Today, I learned that a colleague of mine–Caroline Wood–was published in Hip Mama: The Parenting Zine. Her article, "Love and Life in the Himalayas," chronicles the relocation of her family–including her 16-month-old daughter, Poppy–to the rice-paddies of Nepal.

A story of itself, Caroline's experience is made all the more diverse and unique in that her family also includes her wife–Poppy's other mother.

The story begins...

Download the Article / Current Issue
You can download (or request a print copy) with Caroline's article in "Issue #50: The Home Issue" at the Hip Mama website.

About Hip Mama

Hip Mama has been in print since 1993 and is a worker-owned collective publishing a thematic quarterly of the personal stories of radically diverse experiences of parenting to promote solidarity and compassion across all boundaries, resisting the powers of silence.The mission of Hip Mama is to give a voice and platform for mothers to express their parenting choices styles that are otherwise not covered by mothering magazines.

Submit to Hip Mama
Are you a "hip mama" that would like to submit to the magazine? Upcoming themes include space and time, support for pregnant women/mothers, and race and gender issues. The submissions information for Hip Mama can be found online at: http://www.hipmamazine.com/hip_mama_zine/Submissions.html

Comment Below
Have you ever had a "hip mama" moment? Done something radically outside the norm of parenting? In the name of raising your child(ren) to be honest, free-thinking individuals? Comments welcome!

Focus Friday: Presenting and Speaking to Kids

2011-12-02T00:30:00.000-08:00

This Focus Friday, I'm Presenting!

As part of the gig being a children's author, we get the joy of playing around with kids sometimes. Today is one of those days for me. If you live in the area, come check out the program!

December 2, 2011 - "Apps Around the World"- 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Join children's author Miranda Paul for a kid-friendly eTrip around the world!

As Part of the Cormier School Toddler Diversity Playgroup, Mrs. Paul will be showcasing top storybook, game, and language apps that are fun with an international focus. Snacks will be provided, and a couple of digital iPads and/or devices will be on hand - but please feel free to bring your smartphones, tablets, and more so our toddlers can explore the world in a digital way!

The group meets in the APPL room of Cormier School (lower level) in Ashwaubenon, WI from 9:30-11:00 a.m. For more information, visit the TDG - Toddler for Diversity Playgroup page on Facebook.

Worldly Wednesday: Gambian Folk Tale Kumba Am and Kumba Amul

2011-11-30T09:52:00.000-08:00

Recently, iStorybooks released the second of three West African / Gambian Folk Tales in a short series authored by Cornelius Gomez and myself.

This folk tale from The Gambia, called Kumba Am and Kumba Amul, is one of the country's most popular tales. The story is about two stepsisters who each take a magical journey to wash a calabash bowl in a faraway sea. As each girl takes her turn to travel, their kindness (or their selfishness) determines the outcome of their trek.

The project was a bit challenging, as the original folk tale of Kumba Am is quite long and also contains Grimm-esque violence that has made it much more suitable for an adult audiences in the past. But Cornelius and I made a few adaptations that really transformed the tale into a fun and appropriate story for kids ages 4-8. It's our hope that one of the most popular West African folk tales will now reach more young audiences and American children will know a bit more about Gambian oral history and culture.

If you haven't already downloaded the iStorybooks App for your iPhone, you can download it in iTunes (now with bug fixes)! If you don't have an iPhone, you can see the online version of the story Kumba Am and Kumba Amul here. You can also view our first Wolof folk tale, The Fish Snatcher, through iStorybooks - as well as nearly a dozen other stories adapted and/or originally authored by Miranda Paul.

Mommy Monday: 37 FREE Books!

2011-11-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Apparently, parent demand for all of my 'I Like Books' series to be packaged as a set has prompted my publisher to release a new, combined app of them! GrasshopperApps recently packaged every title - PLUS a few NEW ones that were previously unreleased - into one App of 37 stories! And, the compilation of digital stories is currently being offered for free!

I don't know how long GrasshopperApps will make my books available for free and packaged together as 37 books-in-one, but if you've got early readers at home and want to download some awesome interactive books, check out the latest I Like Books app on iTunes.

The new, previously unreleased titles that are ONLY available by downloading this app include:
I Like Dad
I Like Winter
I Like Letters
I Like Montessori
I Like Shapes
and I Like My Body.

It's always fun to see new 'versions' released of something you've written, but I'm incredibly excited at the warm reviews of my toddler books and how so many parents and educators have really found them useful at home and in the classroom!

(I would suggest buying the I Like Books App for someone for a holiday present - but right now you don't have to buy it since it's free.)

Happy Holidays! And, if you 'like' these books, don't forget to 'Like' GrasshopperApps on Facebook or tell them you love the new App!

Worldly Wednesday: 1 Million Books for Gambia

2011-11-23T03:30:00.000-08:00

Kayira Be and Nanga Def?
(Peace be with you and How are you?)

Those who know me well know that I don’t like asking for help, so I’ll keep this letter brief.

Since 2003 I’ve been very involved in charity work in The Gambia, Africa’s smallest mainland country. This year, I’ve had the great fortune to connect with Hand in Health and Books for Africa, two organizations running a campaign called 1 Million Books for Africa. Together, they set up the country’s first 7,500-book medical library in 2010.

In February/March of 2012, I have been invited to travel with Hand in Health to The Gambia to help set up the next round of libraries with books generously donated by American individuals, schools, and companies. My volunteer tasks will include transporting, shelving, and organizing a shipment of 22,000 books to placed in rural villages near Njau, Gambia.

The six libraries I will help establish will be the first ever in the region. As a former teacher in The Gambia, I can’t stress to you enough how books are a very real solution to battling low literacy rates. In short, I really believe in this project.

For those of you who’ve traveled to such remote places, you know that the cost of travel is high. My volunteer trip will once again be self-funded and will cost nearly $3000. Although I have raised a small portion of the funds already, I’m still hoping that through your generosity I’ll be able to raise the remaining amount and fulfill my promise to volunteer with this project.

If you’d like to contribute to my personal travel expenses, you can send a check made out to me (email me for address), as Books for Africa and Hand in Health do not yet take donations earmarked for certain travelers/volunteers. You can also donate to my volunteer fund through PayPal online by clicking the donate button here:

If you’d like to contribute to the shipping and expenses for the library supplies, please visit: https://www.booksforafrica.org/donate/to-project.html and make sure to click on The Gambia (1 Million Books for Gambia) so that the money will benefit the project I am volunteering for. Funds donated directly to Books for Africa will not help cover my personal travel expenses, but your gift is tax-deductible and will go toward the overall library project in The Gambia.

Jerejef and Abaraka baake
(Thank you and thank you very much),

Miranda Paul

Mommy Monday: Like Mother, Like Daughter

2011-11-21T07:29:00.001-08:00

When I had my daughter, I hoped she'd be a reader. So, I read to her every night and filled her room with books. We attended storytimes at the library and painted scenes from books with watercolors.

She began reading simple sentences at age three, and finished her first chapter book (with a little help) a few months ago at the age of five.

This morning, I went to wake her up (her LEAST favorite thing to do - wake up in the morning), and found her light on. I opened the door, only to see my daughter with two stacks of books. "This pile I read already this morning," she said, "and these I want to read before school today."

I grinned from ear to ear. Of course, I told her I didn't think we had time to read fourteen more books before school, but that I'd leave them waiting there for when she came home from school.

My daughter loves to read. Now, it's my hope that she'll stay a reader for life.

And, that I can repeat this with my son. While I have the same dream for him, I'm not sure I'll take the same approach with the boy.

Do you have kids? Boys or girls? Are they readers? Strategies?

Comment and help me raise TWO lovers of books!

Focus Friday: Making a List, Checking it Twice

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever made a list of everything you've ever written?

Well, I haven't.

At least not yet - but I'm in the process of making that list, and checking it twice right now. Ho, ho, ho, my deadline is Dec. 25th. Merry Christmas to Me.

Spending a few minutes each day, I'm cataloging each polished manuscript, computer file, and/or work-in-progress. The excel file currently is about 3 pages long, and I'm only on the letter M in terms of titles. Eesh. I write a lot. I've been doing this for about a week now during my self-allowed "break" time.

Am I a masochist? No.

I knew this needed to be done when I began assembling packets for agents, and writing query letters. Those of you who are picture book authors know how difficult it can be to land an agent. To make sure I stand out (because we all also know you only get one shot per agent, and don't want to muck it up), I realized I needed to know EXACTLY what was (and wasn't) in my body of work.

How many stories have I really published? Written? How many are actually in shape and, if an agent requested, I'd hit the send button on TODAY? How many are picture books? Board books? Short stories? Rhyming? Middle grade? Young Adult? I can guess, but that doesn't sound professional.

I need these answers if I want to understand who I am as a writer, and pitch that to an agent. Though this process is really tedious, it's absolutely essential for a writer like me who writes across genres and age groups. My excel file has everything from keywords to target age to whether or not the piece has ever been submitted and in what year I began writing it (and the year it was finished). There is also a column for "Status," which is my subjective indication on whether or not the piece is ready to be seen by an agent or editor, if it's a draft, or simply unfinished.

For the record, I am not including "story ideas" or character sketches that haven't been turned into actual stories yet. Ideas remain scrabbled in a notebook on my bookshelf and for the time being, will stay there. They don't count yet :) (Thank goodness, or I'd have at least 70 more catalog items). I'm also not counting anything that is very, very unfinished (I found one story where I had written about three sentences) - those are being labeled as "ideas" also for now.

So, I ask again - have you ever made a list of everything you've ever written? Let me know! Then, let me know if you're "checking it twice," like my next step - I'm prioritizing a revision schedule. Unless I know what I've got, how do I know what I want to make with it?

All in all, this process is the way in which I can be clear about my body of work with an agent. Saying I have 7 polished picture books, for example, is more concrete than "I have written dozens of picture books, and several are final drafts" doesn't cut it. I want to have titles, keywords, and word counts right there. I'm even considering sending a "body of work" spreadsheet file with an agent submission. Anyone ever done that?

Thoughtful Thursday: Special Post Celebrating RSS

2011-11-17T11:56:00.001-08:00

Thanks to a good writer-friend, Melissa Gorzelanczyk, I've finally gotten around to figuring out how to add an RSS feed subscription button to my blog! If you want to get the updates from my blog as they happen, just click the Subscribe to RSS options on the sidebar at the top.

Focus Friday: Intensity

2011-11-11T07:46:00.000-08:00

Now that my official stint as a long-term substitute high school teacher is over (an intense experience of its own), my focus today is simple: intensity.

I've often called myself a binge reader and a binge writer. It's sort of my personality, and as long as I'm not applying it to controlled substances or gambling, I consider it an asset to be 'intense.'

Why? This week, I finished the third book of The Hunger Games series, Mockingjay. The best word I can use to describe the series is intense. I imagine Suzanne Collins must have been thrown herself into a state of intensity while writing it.

And with a novel to finish, I've decided that the next three months will be nothing short of intense for me. Fiery. Passionate. Intense.

Today, I'm burrowing back into the hole of the author and getting deep into my work. Surely, I'll come up for air once in awhile, to report (and hopefully inspire), but I've decided that without intensity (and a little bit of madness?) good novels aren't written.

So, picture book manuscripts will be sent out today and the weekend promises full focus on the deep, intense project of novel writing.

May the odds be ever in my favor.

Worldly Wednesday: The Fish Snatcher and Other Wolof Folk Tales

2011-11-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

Very recently I got to see the first finished product of a long-term project of Cornelius Gomez's and mine - adapting Gambian oral folk tales into accessible picture books for American and English-speaking children around the world.

Cornelius Gomez is a Gambian educator and one of the few who have published Wolof folk tales from his native country of The Gambia in West Africa. Working with Cornelius, who currently lives and works in The Gambia, has been instrumental because I feel as though our collaboration has helped us acheive the goal of remaining both culturally authentic while still adapting the stories for new audiences (and target age groups) abroad.

Of the first three Wolof folk tale adaptations contracted by iStorybooks, The Fish Snatcher was the earliest release from the publisher. Originally dubbed with the English title "The Old Woman and the Thief," this Gambian folk tale combines fear, humor, and common-sense morality into a short tale that interlaces cultural (Wolof) words and images.

Two more Wolof folk tales will be released in coming months from iStorybooks. Cornelius and I are also seeking a publisher for the bilingual version (Wolof and English) of a compilation of adapted folk tales so that our stories can be used in both Gambian and American classrooms. It's not an easy task, but as they say in Wolof:

Naka ligey be?
("How is the work coming along?")

Ndanka, Ndanka.
("Slowly, slowly." And don't forget to laugh while you respond).

I hope you enjoy The Fish Snatcher! And, I'll keep you posted on the publication of other Gambian folk tales.

Mommy Monday: Interview on Thoughtful Reflections Blog

2011-10-31T18:33:00.000-07:00

Although I typically feature other moms on Mommy Monday interviews, today I'm writing to tell you that Sylvia Ramsey's recent interview of me is now posted on her Thoughtful Reflections Blog!

Please stop by and learn more about me, some of my 2011 releases, and current projects. Thanks for taking a moment to read and comment on the interview, Happy Monday and safe Trick-or-Treating!

http://wwwthouhtfulreflections.blogspot.com/2011/10/visiting-with-folk-tales-author-miranda.html

Worldly Wednesday: Princesses Learn Chinese

2011-10-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

Recently, another App company for whom I write (Early Languages, LLC - a member of Moms with Apps) has released a new interactive book for kids (well, girls, mostly) - called Princesses Learn Chinese.

I'm excited about the Princesses Learn Chinese App for a number of reasons (other than the fact that I helped adapt the fairy tale stories in them). First, the company's founders have a genuine love of languages and an inspiring background rooted in education. Secondly, the App comes with so much more than just stories - there are games (like Bingo), songs, and even fun drawing pages (that teach the colors in an ingenious way!). Thirdly, considering the fact that within three decades or less, the majority of Chinese youth will be speaking English, the App isn't just a great tool for those learning Mandarin - but it can easily serve both Chinese and English-speaking populations.

Enough analysis, though - what did my kids think?

It was a huge hit with my 5-year-old, plus there are several activities suited for my 2-year-old as well! My daughter hasn't stopped singing the "Ni hao ma" song (How are you, Snow White?) since we downloaded the App. And, she memorized it in a single sitting.

The illustrations are bright (and girly) and my daughter is once again excited about learning Mandarin (she took nearly a year off where she 'wasn't interested' in practicing).

If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod, download Princesses Learn Chinese in the Apple iTunes Store (FREE) and let me know what you (or your kids) think!

Mommy Monday: I'm Pooped

2011-10-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

Don't let my kids know I used the word "poop." Although right now, I'd welcome a "time out." At least I'd get to sit down!

These days are a bit hectic - as many of you know, I'm back in the classroom full-time for awhile. So, on some nights, that translates to 150 essays to grade. On other nights, lesson plans or fidgeting with Skype to make sure tomorrow's distance guest-speaker presentation goes on without a hitch.

Top it with the usual writing assignments, serving on two committees, and trying to be a good mommy and wife and voila!

I'm pooped.

There's no lesson today. Just the raunchy smell of being too busy. (I hope to clear the air soon).

Sorry for the rant. Three weeks until I can take a fresh breath again :)

Thanks for listening (or reading...whatever blog fans do). I appreciate it.

Focus Friday: So Many Books, So Little Time

2011-09-30T06:51:00.000-07:00

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Good writers READ.

This week, I'm focused on reminding myself to find time to read -- something difficult for me right now since I'm back in the classroom full time. No, wait.

If my freshman and sophomores can read material from 8 daily classes, and be in sports, find time for friends, etc., why can't I find the time to read one book at a time (in between only 5 classes and a study hall)?

I don't allow excuses from students. So I won't make any for myself. I'll get my homework done.

Now, how?

1. Set aside specific time for reading - I have a long lunch break that will suffice.

2. Have a "to read" book list ready and waiting. At Bat: Hunger Games. On Deck: Diary of a Wimpy Kid (yes, I've yet to read it!)

3. Set a due date for each book. I'm giving myself two weeks per book.

4. Have a reward/penalty system. If I complete the task, I get to buy a new book at my local independent bookstore, The Reader's Loft. If I don't, I have to admit it to all of you on my blog. I'll check back in about 6 weeks (three books) to let you know how I did.

Wanna know my top 3 "to read" list right now?

1. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (reading it this week in honor of Banned Books Week)
2. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
3. Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Cheer me on! Post your comments below.

Worldly Wednesday: A Taste of the Moon

2011-09-28T04:02:00.000-07:00

Recently, our family got our first "taste of the moon." That is to say we had our own mini Moon Festival celebration.

The Moon Festival (also called Mooncake Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival) is a Chinese tradition - and since my daughter's best friend recently returned from China, and our family's newest member (exchange student) is from China, I made it an after school activity for the kids about two weeks ago.

What did we do?

Well, we tasted mooncakes. (Luckily, said friend brought back more than a dozen from China).

Luckily our host son can read all of the ingredients: so we knew which ones were which. :)

Although I was impressed with the diversity of flavors, the kids really didn't care for the exotic choices of mooncakes (pepper and peanuts?). The fig mooncake was rated "acceptable," but unfortunately they weren't a huge hit overall. I'm proud my children tried something new, anyway.

After mooncakes, we read the story Round is a Mooncake by Grace Lin. Fortunately, the book was a big hit!

Lastly, we looked at the full moon through the clouds. Another hit!

So, did you celebrate the Moon Festival? Have you ever heard of it? Post your comments below!

Want to know the story behind the Moon Festival?

You can read more at publisher and author Claudine Gueh's website, Carry Us Off Books.

Focus Friday: Remembering Why I Write

2011-09-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I spent three days in writing utopia. Although I'm not about to reveal the secret location, I will tell you another secret.

The reason I write is that I have to.

When I write, my world seems in order. I'm a better wife, mother, and human being when I write. Why? When I'm writing, I'm also reading. When I'm writing, I'm listening. I'm researching, learning, considering details.

I like myself better when I am writing.

I write because it's a way of life I don't want to give up. When I wake up and write, I'm making sense of the world and the characters within it. I'm connecting across borders and through time with others. I'm living.

Remembering this allows me to slow down; getting books published isn't my first goal. Living a good life is. In writing, telling a story the right way is my first goal. If I tell a good story, I believe it will get published.

Do you have the same faith in your works in progress?

If not, consider why you're writing them. Everything else seems easier when you do. And there's a lot less pressure.

Mommy Monday: 10 Reasons Why Writing for Children is Easier for Moms

2011-09-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

Today is a "glass half full" day.

While there are plenty of reasons why a career in writing is harder for Moms, that's not my focus today.

So, if you're a mom and children's writer, I'm sure you'll find a bit of inspiration in this list of my experiences.

Miranda Paul's List
10 Reasons Why Writing for Children is Easier for Moms

10. Your house is already "cloudy with a chance of meatballs," etc. - take advantage of being surrounded by great setting ideas and interesting characters. You don't need an imagination, really, just eyes and ears.

9. You've got built-in cheerleaders who don't roll their eyes when you jump up and down if there's a bear card from Highlights in the mailbox...they jump for joy with you! (I'm told these bear cards are a good sign...dunno...first one came Saturday!)

8. When your kids try to tell you to get out of their rooms, you can simply say you're "doing research."

7. Hmmm...Isn't that a work expense?

6. You don't have to make special trips to a bookstore, library, park, etc. to observe how "kids today behave."

5. When you get a rejection, you've got built in support more than willing to dish you up a bowl of ice cream...as long as they get one too.

4. Bedtime story + quick notes = two birds with one stone.

3. When you win stickers and book prizes on author blogs and Twitter, your kids are happy (and they'll defend you when hubby says the Internet is a waste of time...).

2. Motherhood is a time of real "roll up your sleeves" humility; would you really have done so much work on a 300-word story in college? Take advantage of your work ethic - it's what makes you stand out above other writers.

1. If you ever feel like giving up, just picture the dedication line of your next book. Works every time.

Now, your turn:

Why do you love being a mom and writer? Or grandmom? Daddy?

Or, if you don't have kids, what aspects of your lifestyle make children's writing easier for you?

Focus Friday: Opening the Door

2011-09-16T05:57:00.000-07:00

Stephen King advises to write your first draft with the "door closed."

Then, open the door.

How do you know when you're ready to open the door? Well, if you've got a beginning, middle, end, and feel as though it's a complete story, you're probably ready.

Now, to whom do you show it?

For me, the writers in my critique groups are the ones to see it first. In fact, as this post is going live I'm away in the Northwoods with my writer's group critiquing and getting my work critiqued at a private, in-person retreat.

For you, it may be a spouse or family member. But what if you don't have anyone standing outside that door when you open it? Or a group as lovely as mine secretly meeting in the woods like Dead Poets Society?

I've been working with a lot of new writers lately, and I find that many of them don't have a go-to person or group of professional writers to get feedback from. That's why I started Rate Your Story, a new website in which you can get a first opinion when you decided to "open the door" and let someone else read your story.

The site, which offers a free rating service by a published author, will be opening for submissions very soon. Beginning October 1, 2011, you can submit your story to Rate Your Story and get feedback from a professional. It's confidential, free, and designed to be a first-step in your path to revision (and eventually, publication).

If you've got stories written and you're ready to open the door, consider submitting one or more at Rate Your Story. There, you'll also find information on how to join a critique group, get a professional critique (with in-depth line editing and so forth), and helpful tips and info on writing, revision, and publishing.

Opening the door to experienced, friendly professional writers will help steer you on the path to publication. You'll get honesty, and find it easier to "kill your darlings."

If you have no idea what "kill your darlings" means, I suggest Stephen King's On Writing.

Peace out, I've got woods to explore and manuscripts to revise on the beautiful cabin porch.

Worldly Wednesday: Tag...I'm It!

2011-09-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

Have you ever played a GLOBAL game of tag?

Well, I'm It.

I've been tagged by children's author Kelly Hashway.

Rules (if you're tagged): You must be tagged by someone; list 10 random facts about yourself; tag four more people.

Ready or not, here I go!

1. I once ate 13 helpings of mashed potatoes in a single sit-down on Easter Sunday (I think I still hold the record at Whipp's Dining Hall).

2. My full "Gambian" name is really: Mariama Sibo Janke Sillah. Say that ten times fast.

3. Although I have many stories (40+) published online and/or as apps...I've yet to snag a contract for my own single-author traditionally printed picture book. I have edited three, though.

4. Last night I celebrated my son/exchange student's 18th birthday. It was his first birthday in America. We ate hot dogs, pizza, and french fries.

5. Sometimes, I dream in Spanish.

6. The most hilarious Gambian folk tale I know is one called The Three Men of Tangana. The heroic trait is foul air seeping from one's bottom.

7. I have traveled to 11 countries.

8. I don't have a traditional landline/house phone.

9. I started Tweeting this year.

10. My favorite book of all time is The Giver by Lois Lowry.

OK! Passing it on...

1. Anne E. Johnson
2. Susan Manzke
3. Melissa Gorzelanczyk
4. Terrie Hope

OK - You four are it!

But I'm copying Kelly -- so the rest of you aren't off the hook. In the spirit of getting to know each other better, I want to know one random fact about you. What's something most people don't know about you?

Focus Friday: Keeping in Good Company

2011-09-09T07:40:00.000-07:00

A Night Like Last Night

It's a little hard to focus after a night like last night (and a week like this week), but I'll try.

After all, that's what Focus Friday is for.

(Hint: Espresso helps.)

Although I was up far too late and have little speaking voice - I sure do have a lot to talk about. For starters, I was in the good company of 70,555 people last night. Together, we cheered for a common goal. We were focused. We succeeded (Packers 42; Saints 34).

And this morning, as the espresso kicked in, I had a realization. I'm quite often in good company.

I'm referring to my writer's groups–local and online. Though the number of my writer pals isn't as staggering as Lambeau Field at full capacity, the quality of my writing 'company' is amazing (and they've never spilled beer on me).

Upon pondering a few recent milestones and successes in my writing, I'd like to pass on my revelation: to stay focused as a writer, keep yourself in good company -- the company of other focused writers. The ones who are passionate and share your interests.

I'm glad to say that I've made it a point to be in good company.

Amidst all the chaos and celebration this week, two of my local writer-pals received some excellent news: Melissa Gorzelanczyk and Susan Manzke were awarded Grand Prize and Runner-Up of this year's Marsha Dunlap Memorial Scholarship from the SCBWI-WI. I'm proud of and motivated by their passion and diligence. My 'good company' inspires me.

I also received my first official rejection this week. No tears. Only the words of Pat Schmatz, an author whose revision workshop I attended earlier this year: "Thank you, Highlights, for rejecting my unfinished manuscript." And on I write. I appreciate the good company, Pat.

I'm also headed out in six days to a writer's retreat, and between now and then have two opportunities to meet with a close-knit group of local writers. Three days of good, focused company. And group help in researching markets and getting pieces submission-ready.

You're starting to get the picture. Good company = way to keep yourself on track.

Now -- if you're reading this post and feeling a bit glum about not having the same 'company' I have, remember that I began alone, just like most writers.

At first, I joined several critique groups. Two of them never worked out. The writers weren't focused, or weren't focused on the same types of writing. Although I wouldn't say those groups were 'bad' company, the groups didn't offer 'good' company. I moved on and am glad I did.

People who call themselves writers are a dime a dozen. Find yourself the ones who LOVE writing, study the craft, and actually write.

Also consider that not all writer company is local. I belong to an online critique group and have several 'virtual' writer friends. The ones I stay in contact with most are ones who post regularly. The writers who are not just chatting about being a writer or the books they've published -- but the writers who actually write in their spare time.

So, find some good company.

Critique Cafe is a great place to start (online).

Locally, sign up for your area's SCBWI chapter or Writer's Union.

There are writers in your city, I guarantee. If you don't have a group that meets in person, start one. Scan the bylines of your local magazines and send Facebook invites to a meet-up. Offer your help to new writers, and accept help from experienced writers.

You'll not only find a path to publication, you'll find fellowship and friendship. It's an amazing thing.

And so is witnessing a Packers win at Lambeau Field.

Worldly Wednesday: Which Comes First, Writing or Research?

2011-09-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

First of all, forgive me -- I am blogging from a smart device today...

In a recent online chat, many fellow children's writers were in a "chicken and egg" type of debate. The question -- which comes first, the writing or the research?

The original post suggested to write the story first, then do research. And I just finished reading Stephen King's memoir of the craft, On Writing, in which King suggests a similar approach (write with the door closed).

However, I'm not convinced that there is a right answer to this question (much like the actual chicken and egg debate). And, I even speculate that King would agree -- if you are writing about a subject largely unfamiliar to you, basic research must come first.

Of course, King's experience and advice is rooted in fiction writing. As someone who writes both fiction and nonfiction, I'm inclined to say that research almost always comes first when writing non fiction. The reason? The details you find out often change the entire course of an article or even present the "angle" you'll want to take.

The reason this question resonates with me? I'm working on a few multicultural tales from cultures I'm not as familiar with. Usually, I like to write 'what I know' -- but sometimes, assignments come along that offer the opportunity to explore a setting, culture, or character that's new to me. So, research (at least a little) often comes first.

How about you? Which comes first? Does the process change if you're writing fiction set in New York vs. a short story set in Nairobi?

Let's debate. And pardon me if it takes a moment to respond -- remember, I'm using a tiny keyboard and completely preoccupied with my new son's first day of school in America.

Wonderful world, indeed!

Mommy Monday: New Adventures

2011-09-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

First of all – sorry I missed a post on Friday. We had a nasty storm which blew down trees in our neighbor's yard and the fire department was warning of power surges and cutoffs. So I stayed far away from the computer.

Instead - I had two new adventures.

First, I helped my husband put up a door. Yes, finally, a door on the room in which I write. Hello productivity, goodbye distractions. Writing adventures await.

Second, I got a new kid. No, I didn't have a baby – we welcomed a high school exchange student into our home. Real life adventures await.

If there's one thing about my life I love, it's that there's always an adventure going on. Be it a storm, a door, a person living with us from halfway around the world (believe it or not, this is a commonality), you'll not find dull moments in the Paul family household.

Now, back to writing...while the door is shut. See you on Wednesday.

Worldly Wednesday: Joining Authors Worldwide

2011-08-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

So I've decided to join a campaign of writers from around the globe in a platform building venture.

I'm not entirely sure I understand what I'm getting into -- but I do know that meeting other writers and professionals in the industry has been a tremendous help to me as a writer and in figuring out the entire business aspect of writing.

So why not meet a couple hundred more?

Through the process of learning about this online campaign of writer networking, I've come to realize that writers truly are special people. In other industries, individuals within the same trade view and treat each other as rivals. But even though other writers are technically my "competition," we don't treat each other that way (at least the ones genuinely interested in producing great literature). We work together, keeping slush off the store shelves. We share writing tips, critique each others' manuscripts, and even share inside information on publishing houses

I guess, in that respect, it takes a village to write a book. So I'm becoming a more active part in the global village of writers.

Interested in learning more about Rachael Harrie, the Australian Writer behind the massive worldwide campaign to connect writers? She's got more than 1,000 followers on her blog and tons of useful information for writers. Visit her website and learn more about blog hopping around the world. Then join us, if you can -- August 31 happens to be the official deadline.

Mommy Monday: Meet Artist/Illustrator Terry Howell Stanley

2011-08-29T09:02:00.000-07:00

With a slight change in Wisconsin weather this Monday to cool, fall-like breezes - my Mommy Monday guests also offers a slight change from the ordinary AuthorMom interview. Terry Howell Stanley is not only a mom and grandma, but she's an illustrator!

Terry Howell Stanley: A Self-Portrait

Terry Howell Stanley has been a full-time artist for 15 years. She's had the opportunity to study with some of today's best artists and specializes in portraiture -- although she enjoys painting still life and landscape as well.

Now, let's see if I can ask her some questions that will 'paint the picture' of who she is. (Ok, puns are done.)

Miranda: So -- give everyone the scoop. Whose that adorable little one in your life right now?

Terry: I have 3 kids and one adorable, genius grandson. *smile*

Miranda: I know you've painted hundreds - maybe thousands? of portraits and landscapes. But tell us more about the children's books you've illustrated.

Terry: I've illustrated 4 "readers" (schoolbooks), two childrens books (one in progress) and technical illustrations (like step-by-step guides).

Miranda: You mentioned that one book is in progress. What can you tell us about that project and other things you're working on at the moment?

Terry: Working on a book about pups and pirates right now and taking orders for portraits of people and pets for holiday gift-giving.

Miranda: Oooh - gift giving and pets. Do you incorporate real people (and real pets) into your artwork? What about your children and grandchildren? Do real people and animals inspire you, then?

Terry: My 32 year-old daughter has MS: She inspires me by her perseverance and determination to live a "normal" life. I have been known to sneak people and pets I know in as characters/"supporting casts" in some of my projects - the one I'm working on now will have quite a few of them.

Miranda: What advice do you have for moms with young children or who are just starting out on the path toward a career in children's writing or illustrating?

Terry: Keep it light but have an underlying message. Remember your audience may turn out to be large and sensitivity to social issues can be important in getting your book published and/or distributed.

Miranda: Great advice. That seems to come from years of wisdom and experience. Speaking of which, I know art came a little later in life for you. What were you up to before being an artist?

Terry: My first career was in law enforcement and I received advanced training as a police artist/forensic reconstructionist at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. How many people get TWO careers they love in one lifetime? My work is much more pleasant now!

Miranda: Thanks for stopping by my blog. It was great to have you!

You can view more of Terry Howell Stanley's amazing illustrations, oil paintings, portraits and landscapes at her website, http://www.terrystanley.com.

Thanks for reading - and feel free to leave Terry a comment or question!

Focus Friday: Distracted Driving

2011-08-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

Every night this week, I've been haunted by vivid (mostly terrifying) dreams. My days have been filled with endless inspiration...new ideas for picture books, chapter books, novels, etc. have been pouring into my head as though a Muse is swimming inside my cerebral cortex.

That's the best way I can put it–what a wacky week of inspiration.

The majority of daytime thoughts haven't hit me while sitting at my computer, though (the Muse needs to work on her timing, I guess). Mostly–they've been while driving. Try and write on a sticky note when you're making a left (all while directing a two-year-old how to reach for the sippy cup he's thrown on the floor)...not so good.

I haven't been very good at rushing to write them all down. And, to be clear, it's not just ideas pouring in. The words...phrases...sentences...entire scenes of dialogue between characters seem to seep from the humid air of the car into my mind. (Good thing there's no law against "Inspired Driving.")

By the time I'm back at my desk, the idea is still there...but the words are gone. The rush is gone a bit, too. Frustration sets in.

What do you do? How do you regain those amazing moments of clarity...those beautiful passages that unfold in your head and seem to float right out the car window?

Rather than offering advice this Friday on how I've focused, I'm seeking it. How do you take those divine moments of inspiration and strap them in a seat belt to keep them safe from flying through the windshield?

Or, am I the only one that gets those moments of inspiration at the strangest times, drunk on imagination while behind the wheel (in the bathroom, at the grocery store checkout, etc.)?

Worldly Wednesday: The Seed by Isabel Pin

2011-08-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, I came across The Seed, a picture book by French author/illustrator Isabel Pin (North-South Books). Loved it, bought a copy, and refer to it again and again when teaching writing to kids.

What do I love about it?

It has a folk tale style (by now you all know I love cultural tales...).

The illustrations are unique and amazing (albeit maybe a little edgy/scary for small children...but mine really loved the scarabs).

The language isn't kiddish. Part of this can be chalked up to Rosemary Lanning's translation, of course. But the big words and terms used in the book (inventiveness, summoned, etc.) are appealing to me as a mother and teacher–I like a challenge for my kids.

The downsides to the book were, perhaps, an oversimplified ending (although this is a kid's tale, and I love seeing war avoided) and the fact that a few darkly illustrated pages make text a bit hard to read.

Now, in recommending this book - here's the tricky part: it's very hard to come across copies of it! You'll have to scour eBay and Amazon used listings, etc., to find it. But if you're looking for something a little twisted and different, and with BOY appeal (yes, a book boys will like!) - it's worth searching out a copy.

What out-of-print, worldly book do you just love?

Mommy Monday: Meet Kelly Hashway

2011-08-22T05:15:00.000-07:00

It's Mommy Monday!

In honor of this week's National Dog Day (Thursday), I'm welcoming the Author-Mom of May the Best Dog Win to my blog. Kelly Hashway taught language arts for seven years before resigning to raise her daughter and become a full-time writer. In addition to her debut picture book, May the Best Dog Win, she has another picture book under contract and has published over seventy-five short stories.

Miranda: Did you always want to be a children's author, or did becoming a Mom inspire that goal in some way?

Kelly: I've always wanted to be a children's author, but before my daughter was born, I was focusing on middle grade and young adult. Ayla loves books, so we spend a good portion of every day reading picture books. And that started to make me wonder if I could write picture books. Ayla put me to the test for this age group one day when she asked me to read her a story about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. I didn't know of any, so I wrote one and sold it to a magazine. After that, I wrote more short stories and eventually picture books. I thank her by dedicating all my books to her, since she's my inspiration.

Miranda: Being a Mom and a writer can be an interesting combination. What's the funniest Author-Mom story you've got?

Kelly: Ooh, this is a toss up. At my first signing, my daughter was helping me by handing out flyers to get people into the store. She was outside with my mother who was watching her for me. A group of people came into the store carrying a flyer and my daughter came running in after them, shouting, "Mom, I got them to come in for you!" It was precious... and a little embarrassing.

My other funny story was more of an embarrassment averted. I was doing my first radio interview from home. I had my mother come watch Ayla because the interviewer said we needed complete quiet or the recording would be ruined. So my mom and Ayla went in the playroom and shut the door. The interview went well, but afterwards my mom and I had a good laugh imagining all the funny and embarrassing things Ayla might have yelled had my mom not been there. The best--or maybe worst--was, "Mom, I pooped!" which she feels the need to announce to me every time. Thank goodness my mom was there to save me from that!

Miranda: Your first published picture book, May the Best Dog Win, isn't just about a 'dog' problem. What themes and ideas are especially familiar to parents and children?

Kelly: The main character in the story is a dog named Dash. He loves spending time with Mom, but when the Sweeper arrives, Dash worries that he's losing his place in Mom's heart. The story is really about wanting to be loved. I think children and parents can easily relate to Dash and how he worries about not having a place in Mom's heart. It would be a great story for children who are welcoming younger brothers or sisters into the family. It reassures children that Mom (and Dad) will still love them just the same even though there's an addition to the family.

Miranda: When writing a story, it's easy to get into "mommy mode" and want to teach a moral or lesson. But kids these days seem to be able to detect preachy books, and prefer books that just have good stories. It's pretty clear in reading your published stories for kids that you're pretty successful at escaping "mommy mode" when you write, in order to tell a great story. How do you do it?

Kelly: Well, thank you! I think my background in teaching helps me here. From working with kids everyday, I know how smart they are. You can't talk down to them or you will lose them. I think people, kids included, will respond to you in the same manner in which you talk to them. I've also learned that a little humor can go a long way. I try to include humor in all my stories because it's something that appeals to everyone and it can really help a lesson come through without having to be preachy.

Miranda: What does your daughter think about your stories?

Kelly: She's my biggest fan, and I love that. I keep a scrap book of all my published stories, and I have a bookshelf for my books and anthology publications. She "reads" them all the time. She has the characters and stories almost memorized. And every time I get a new acceptance she throws her arms around me and congratulates me. Of course she then tells me that she's had more stories published than me. She even had an imaginary agent before I found my agent! (Hmm, I may have ruined her.)

Miranda: If there's one thing I know from being an Author-Mom myself, it's that we like to keep busy. So, what's up next for you, fellow Author-Mom?

Kelly: *Deep breath* I'm working on a young adult manuscript, a middle grade manuscript, five picture books, a story for a horror anthology, and I write a short story a week for an educational publisher. On top of that, I'm busy promoting May the Best Dog Win. Oh and did I mention I have another young adult manuscript idea floating around in my head?

Miranda: Okay, now it's time to really get to know you–besides loving your work as a mother and author, what are three things about you that people would be surprised to know?

Kelly:

1. I can recite the alphabet backwards--faster than I can recite it forwards!

2. I'm obsessed with vacuuming. I have to do it everyday.

3. Before I had my daughter, I could run a 5K race (3.1 miles) in 18 minutes. Now I run on the treadmill while reading a book. :)

Thanks, Kelly! What an awesome Author Mom story! To learn more about Kelly Hashway, visit www.kellyhashway.com. For a preview of her latest picture book, May the Best Dog win, visit this fReado site. Kelly is also a frequent Tweeter, so you can link up with her on Twitter using @kellyhashway.

Coming up Next Monday: Illustrator-Mom Terry Howell Stanley!

Worldly Wednesday: Animal Characters from Different Countries

2011-08-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

In English folklore, there are many well-known animal characters–the tortoise, hare or rabbit, fox, and wolf. But what about other places in the world?

Travel with me on an animal adventure around the world–and please add to my cast of characters! IF you know of an animal character used commonly in a particular country or culture's folklore, list it in the comments section below.

Then, if you rewrite a worldly folk tale or legend, or adaptation of a fable, send a note and tell me about it, I'd love to feature it here.

GHANA, LIBERIA, SIERRA LEONE (also part of CARIBBEAN folklore)
Anansi - a tricky spider

GAMBIA and SENEGAL
Charley - 100+ year old Crocodile (good luck)
Bouki - Hyena

CHINA
Zhu Badjie (a.k.a. "Pigsy") - half human, half pig

BRAZIL
Mapinguari - a Yeti/sloth-like furry animal (now extinct()
Boi Bumba - an ox

IRELAND / SCOTLAND
Silche/Silkie - a seal-like animal with the ability to transform itself into a human

JAPAN
Kitsune - fox-like spirits that turn into witches

Now - share your favorite animal characters from around the world!

Mommy Monday: Meet Susan Manzke

2011-08-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

The next AuthorMom in our series is someone that introduces herself and her life well–in her writing. I don't have to interview her–you'll get to know her if you subscribe to her weekly column.

Susan Manzke is an inspiration. She's been penning her column for 30 years, and I recently was invited to help her put together a collection of those columns into a newly published book, Words in My Pocket. What a joy!

In her book, you'll really experience what it's like to be an author and a mother simultaneously, since Susan's journal-style essays are humorous and heartfelt excerpts from her life while raising a family on Sunnybook Farm in Seymour, Wisconsin.

Susan Manzke also visits classrooms–and dresses the part! She's into historical fiction and life on the prairie, so her presentations are always interesting (see video link below!)

As for me, I subscribe to her weekly column via email (and I'm catching up on all of her writing that she did when I was too young to read!). I love reading the words of someone who is humble, thoughtful, honest and simple–four qualities I love about my own mother!

So, head on over to Susan's website if you want to meet this AuthorMom (and GrandMom!) or begin receiving her down-to-earth weekly column!

Focus Friday: Preventative Maintenance

2011-08-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

My Friday morning began with a trip to the dentist. As the hygienist scraped and polished, and then as I was reminded to floss every day (*blush*), I was reminded about how important it is to do preventative maintenance.

As a Catholic, I often joke that it's better to "beg forgiveness rather than ask permission." But in writing...especially in SUBMITTING, preventative maintenance can go a long way–in preventing rejections.

After finishing Assignment 8 of the ICL course, in which you research markets FIRST, then craft your idea and write your piece according to a publisher's guidelines, I realized the assignment is all about doing a bit of preventative maintenance. Sending a query vs. the entire manuscript (where permitted) is also a bit of preventative maintenance. In writing, I like being proactive, not reactive.

By brushing or flossing everyday, I prevent cavities and gum disease. By taking 20 minutes every day to research a new market, or review the submission guidelines of a current market, I feel as though I'm preventing disaster–(note: I'm still waiting for my first rejection letter...will it ever come?)

There are also other preventative maintenance measures every writer can take:
1) Read books on writing
2) Attend revision workshops or retreats
3) Join a critique group
4) Google the working title of your book or idea before you submit it
5) Review publisher catalogs and read selections
6) Update your blog, website, Facebook page, resume, etc. often

What do you do even before you submit a manuscript to curb the odds of rejection?

Focus Friday: I Need a Retreat!

2011-08-05T05:46:00.000-07:00

My 2-year-old son is a much welcomed distraction!

Does anyone else feel the distraction of summer? Or am I alone in my whirlwind of "Where does the time go?"

As fall approaches next month (Yes, where I live signs of fall begin to show themselves by the end of September), it's time to plan a writing retreat–or two.

Luckily, I've got a WONDERFUL local critique group of children's writers and one of us has a cabin. (Side note: If you're not a member of the SCBWI nor have a critique group, I highly recommend joining).

While our group won't be roughing it this September (actually planning to bring several computers, an iPad, and laser printer), we will be bringing our focus, attention, and passion for writing. And, there will be plenty of outdoor inspiration should I want to begin a new story!

I find that a date on the calendar helps me focus–as well as being away from distractions of home at least once or twice a year. Planning a retreat gives me an 'official date' for which to polish up manuscripts, comb through lists of potential markets, and draft up rough pitches for query and cover letters. The more prepared I am for the retreat, the more meaningful critique and feedback I can get from other writers and the more productive weekend I will have.

But...that's not all, folks!

Only four weeks after I return, I'll also attend the SCBWI-Wisconsin Fall Retreat. That's right, a two-fer! Two retreats back-to-back! (OK, sales pitch over). For me, I like to write, revise, and critique in "binges" and two retreat weekends within a month of each other is perfect for focusing and keeping my spirits high through the revision and submission process.

How about you? Do you plan writing retreats? Attend conferences or SCBWI chapter events? Do they help you focus and regain passion? Thoughts welcomed!

Worldly Wednesday: Does My Head Look Big in This? Aussie Book Review

2011-08-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

Recently, I picked up a book written by an Australian author called Does My Head Look Big in This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah. Since I've helped UK-authors and even one Australian author edit their work in the past, I was prepared to read a novel with a slightly different perspective on culture, infused with many Aussie words, etc.

However, as I read the novel, I was struck by how 'American' the novel really seemed. Before I go on, let me say that I don't see this as a bad thing; it was just a surprise. (Note: The version I read was the version released by Orchard Books in New York, not the first publication by Pan Macmillian Australia in 2005. Don't know if the two are vastly different, but something worth mentioning I suppose).

Aside from about four words that reminded me I was reading an Aussie-authored novel, I mostly felt that I was reading an American novel. But, I couldn't put the book down. In the first few chapters, the main Character, Amal, seems a bit snobby and over-teenage-esque (does that sound American?). But quickly, she transforms into a realistic, wholesome character and I must commend Abdel-Fattah on her consistency of voice throughout the novel–which matches the title perfectly.

As a former English teacher (who may reenter the classroom again when the time is right), I'm always scouting for both American and world novels that not only introduce different cultures, but demonstrate for my students how alike human beings across the globe really are. We are both self-conscious and proud, we long for affection and attention, and just when we think we've got things figured out–our world changes. This novel is exactly that type of novel, addressing these issues.

Does My Head Look Big in This? is a novel I think that teenagers would really get into. Sure, there are a few racy slang words in the book, but by far nothing compared to the canon of great literature (or reality TV) that our kids are exposed to. Overall, it's an engaging story and I read it in two days.

I'm glad I read the book and it actually has inspired me to look for more great titles from Aussie writers. Typically, I scan the shelves for new African or Central Asian authors, but on this Worldly Wednesday I'm making a note to be even more global and less focused on the areas of the world I've studied most.

Have you read a good Aussie novel lately? Have a favorite Australian Children's or YA Author? Like Vegemite? Share all things Aussie today!

Mommy Monday: Interview with Children's Writer Kara Froberg

2011-08-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Mommy Monday, Children's Writer Kara Froberg!

Miranda: I'm so excited that you've taken time out of your busy schedule as mother and writer to share your experiences with readers. Kara is an aspiring children's author on the path to publication - a track that many of our readers share!

Miranda: Kara, let's start at the beginning. How did you decide you wanted to write for children?

Kara: I’ve always enjoyed writing for all ages, but when I had my first child I became interested in writing for him, featuring him as the main character. He enjoyed reading about himself and it sparked his creative side.

Miranda: Neat! Since then, have you published any of those stories featuring your son (or other characters)?

Kara: I have not been published – yet. I’m currently compiling a list of markets I’d like to submit to and am working on several projects.  

Miranda: Getting writing ready for publication isn't easy, and I know you're finishing up a course from the Institute of Children's Literature to help you become a better writer. Would you recommend that course to other Moms who want to write for children?

Kara: I would definitely recommend ICL to other moms. They are extremely flexible which is what every mom needs. I email my lessons to my instructor so it’s that much easier for me, I don’t have to go to the post office, or have the added expense of envelopes and postage, or paper and ink. If a problem arises, like one of my kids gets sick and I’m unable to get my lesson done on time, I can call or email student services and request an extension for my assignment.

Miranda: Now - let's talk about those assignments, or stories! Being the mother of three boys, do you find yourself writing stories geared more for boys?

Kara: I usually do write more for boys. I don’t know if it’s because I have three boys or because I’m somewhat a tom-boy myself. My boys are the inspiration for several of my short stories. I’ve written two stories based on true events from my boys’ lives. One is for earliest readers and the other is for middle grades.

Miranda: I have two children–a boy and a girl– so I can't imagine how three boys allow you time to write. When do you fit that in?

Kara: It’s not easy finding time to write with a teenager who is active in band, athletics, and works part-time plus a five year old and a two year old who crave their mommy’s attention. I try to write during nap time, when the little ones are outside playing, and, my personal favorite, after the rest of the family has gone to bed. I have always been a night owl so staying up until two or three doesn’t bother me. My husband and my oldest son are very good about keeping the younger two occupied if I have a deadline to meet or want to get some research done.  

Miranda: What are some stories you're working on currently?

Kara: I’m currently working on my final assignment for ICL which is the first three chapters of a novel. The working title of it is Following the Path. It’s a young adult novel about an obese teen being bullied her senior year in high school. I intend to finish the novel by spring 2012. I am also working on several short stories for Christian middle grade markets and mainstream middle grade markets. I’d also like to try my hand at writing for adults. I have the seed of an idea for a horror story and I’ve been researching in preparation for a paranormal romance that has nothing what-so-ever to do with vampires or werewolves.

Miranda: Sounds like a lot of ideas! Which do you like better - the process of creating a new story, or revising one already written?

Kara: I get excited when I have the seed of an idea. I like to nurture it and make it grow. The actual writing of a new story is difficult for me. I have all these ideas and I know where I want my story to go, but then I get a new idea and want to add it to the plot right away, it makes writing frustrating at time. However, once the story is done, I can sit down and really play with things. I can re-arrange scenes, add to them, or delete them altogether. I would much rather revise work that is already done than have to decide what should happen first and if a character fits this story or belongs somewhere else.

Miranda: You've mentioned to me before this interview that one of your breakout strategies is to enter contests. Can you tell us more about that?

Kara: I think the reason I’m doing contests is because if I don’t win, it doesn’t feel like a rejection. Plus, with a contest, you have strict word counts and deadlines to meet as opposed to writing a story and then looking for a market that fits that story. I also would like to be able to add to my resume that I’ve won this contest or was runner-up in that contest. Most contests publish the winning entries and give contributor copies and sometime prize money, so that’s an added benefit.

Miranda: Besides giving yourself the occupational titles of writer and mother, what are three titles you might use to describe the 'full Kara Froberg' to readers?

Kara: Christian is the title that I enjoy most. I love God and am not afraid or ashamed to admit it, but I also don’t feel the need to push in other people’s faces.

Film and book critic also apply. I used to work for a video store and enjoyed recommending or warning the customers about the movies. I would also suggest the book that the movie was based on. After awhile, customers would stop in the store to ask me what a book title was that I had recommended or if I knew if I movie had been made about a certain book.

Lastly, I’d have to say the title of Supreme Procrastinator fits me perfectly. If I can think of something else to do, instead of the thing I’m supposed to be doing, you better believe I’ll do it. My goal is to become a Procrastinator instead of a Supreme Procrastinator by the end of the year. I have plenty of time before the end of the year, so, I’ll work on that goal later.

Miranda: Too funny! Well I won't procrastinate in saying thank you for stopping over to be interviewed on my blog! ¡Muchas Gracias!

Want to learn more about children's writer Kara Froberg? Kara’s Blog can be found at http://Kara-writeaway.blogspot.com.

Focus Friday: Teaching is Learning

2011-07-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my students and I parted ways after a four-day journey up "Story Mountain." It was the final day of a Storywriting camp for middle-grade students.

Being back in the classroom, I was reminded of how much I still love to teach! And, I was also reminded that when we teach, it's a learning opportunity.

During the week, for example, I learned a great deal about how kids talk, what motivates them, and their likes and dislikes. I witnessed what they were capable of (in a very short amount of time) and became inspired to make middle grade characters in my stories a little more like them.

The entire experience was fantastic (or as they put it - da bomb, and delicious 'like roasted chicken'), and I'm glad to walk away from it knowing that we all learned from the camp.

It reminded me that teaching can help us learn to be better writers–through the research it takes to craft a lesson or activity, the actual teaching of the material, and in the responses from our students.

Do you teach?

Perhaps your blog offers advice, or you offer services as a guest speaker - making you a teacher. When you teach, do you also find that you learn how to be a better writer through the experience?

Mommy Monday: Upcoming Guest Interviews!

2011-07-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

Beginning next week on my blog, we'll have a series of interviews with Author-Moms! Make sure to stop by my blog during the months of August, September, and October for interviews with mommy-writers such as Kara Froberg, Kelly Hashway, Lynne Marie, and more!

Each Monday, I'll post a new interview with or profile about another "Mommy-by-Day / Author-by-Night/Weekend/Ounce of Free Time!"

See you next week!

Focus Friday: Writing Book Reports

2011-07-22T13:48:00.000-07:00


Above: The books I checked out just this week!

Browsing through library checkout slips, it surprised me when I realized that I've checked out more than 100 books already this year. The majority have been picture books, but some have been chapter books, YA or adult novels, and a few titles were research/reference books.

Even more surprising - I read most of them. But, if you would ask me to ramble off titles, authors, and the basic premise of each one from memory–I probably couldn't do it. That's opportunity lost, in my opinion.

I'm disappointed in myself, and I'm sure my seventh grade teacher would be disappointed, too.

I didn't write book reports. I'm disappointed in myself, and I'm sure my seventh grade teacher would be disappointed, too.

Today, I thought to myself, wouldn't it be nice if I had made even a small book report on each title? Then I could look up the title when I think,"Oh, that phrase reminds me of that book I read...or what was that nifty device that author used? Which publishing house released a title on pangolins already?" Etc. Etc.

Yes. A million times yes. It would be very nice.

Now, before I commit myself to a goal of writing hundreds of book reports, reality is already settling in. I've come to the conclusion that there are twelve pieces of information most relevant to keeping track of what I've read:

Title
Author
One-Sentence Description
Genre/Age
Approx. Word Count
Publisher
Year
Opening Line
Point of View
Author/Illustrator (Y/N)
Did I like it
Most Interesting Aspect / Notes

Sounds like a spreadsheet to me. Easier than a fleshed-out book report, but enough to refer back to when I've got a manuscript of my own to compare against if I'm considering a similar publishing house, genre, or subject.

What do you think? Do you keep track of all the books you've read? How do you organize your thoughts, notes, and studies of other stories?

Worldly Wednesday: Eden Folk Tale Series

2011-07-20T09:28:00.000-07:00

Recently, I completed a fun (and challenging) task of editing two African folk tales written by Tokunbo Ifaturoti, also known as Auntie Toks. She's one of the creators of the hit TV programme “Time Out with Auntie Toks," which airs on weekend mornings in London. 'Auntie Toks' also is the founder of the Lighthouse Children's Workshop Production, an organization dedicated to fostering appreciation of cultural diversity.

About the Books

The Monkey and the Peanuts is a Nigerian folk tale in which King Musa loves everything in his kingdom except for foolish monkeys! In the story, children will find out what happens when King Musa's path crosses a sneaky monkey out to steal his prized peanuts.

The Elephants Who Always Forgot tells the tale of the Akelo elephants of Kenya. They are the strongest animals in their village, but they’re also the most forgetful. So in exchange for their hard work, the Kenyan people constantly remind the elephants of their strength. That relationship comes in very handy when hunters spy their long tusks and attempt to poach them. And their forgetfulness also comes in handy with a surprise twist at the end!

What's especially neat about these books is that they come with authentic cultural recipes, and there are additional workbooks that can be purchased to go along with each book (note: workbooks and colouring books are in UK English - but still fun and appropriate for American kids).

Both books have very vibrant illustrations, completed by Illustrator Theo Ighodaro.

If you want to learn more or order these African folk tales from Tokunbo Ifaturoti's website, here's the link!

Mommy Monday: Children's Books for Mommies

2011-07-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

Who says all children's books are really written for children?

Even before I gave birth to my eldest daughter, I was buying children's books. Albeit, those titles were mostly about babies and motherhood, but I found them to be entertaining, inspiring, and a great way to start or end a day.

Now with two children in the real world, I buy and read even more children's books. And I've really come to appreciate children's books that have adult appeal.

Kids' ratings aside, here are some picture books that I enjoyed reading, and hopefully other mothers will too!

Angel in the Waters

by Regina Doman

I received this book as a gift when I was expecting my first child. Waterworks, yes! But it really became sort of a first bonding experience with the life growing inside of me.

The Magic Brush

by Kat Yeh

This is one grandparents will love, too. Cryers beware - you might get a little choked up at how beautiful this book really is!

All the World

By Liz Garton Scanlan

My kids really enjoyed the photos - and I wondered if they were even listening. But I really appreciated the poetic text immensely!

Little Miss Liberty

By Chris Robertson

I don't think my kids even understood how humorous this book was as they've never seen the real Statue of Liberty, but parents will surely get a chuckle! Plus, if you order books from Chris directly he might send free coloring book pages. My kids enjoyed that!

I'm Not

By Pam Smallcomb

Even with more than 100 children's books on my kids' bookshelves, you'd be surprised how similar many of them are. This one is fun for moms to read because the structure of the story is fresh and different - it's written in first person, is injected with humor, and isn't overly wordy.

Bonus: my kids LOVED it.

Readers are encouraged to comment below: Regardless of what your kids think, what are your favorite picture books to read now, as an adult?

Focus Friday: The Wonders and Woes of Working From Home

2011-07-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

Fridays are usually my best working day of the week (hence: Focus Fridays). It's usually a day where I enjoy the wonders of working from home: getting to take my lunch break whenever (or having my husband cook something and deliver it within inches of my keyboard), writing barefoot and in sweatpants if I so choose, and choosing which projects to work on (although deadlines occasionally dictate that).

Today, however, was quite short of wonderful. The 'woes' of working from home found their way into my work day. An early AM call, for example, in which a family member needed a babysitting favor--because everyone else in the family was 'working.' A weekly switch in hubby's workschedule, which is less 'flexible' than mine. "I'm going out, can you please finish cooking that rice right now?" You get the drift.

What's most ironic about the whole situation is that on Wednesday and Thursday of this week I participated in an online Q&A session with children's author Susan Ulhig, and specifically discussed work schedules, etc. Writers like Susan, apparently, take measures such as not answering the phone, assigning specific work hours, or even going to a coffee shop all day to avoid the distractions of home and family.

On a day like today, I admire their set schedules, especially because I'm a little flustered. But as I'm writing this post, I'm reminded of why I chose to work from home in the first place. I like my home.

While I wouldn't say I like being interrupted, I would say that I like knowing what's going on in my household, with my children, and having every resource at my fingertips.

If I assigned very specific work hours, I might be writing when I don't want to be writing––or worse, I might miss the chance write at a time I really feel productive. If I went to a coffee shop to write, I'd have to type all of my stories on my iPad - which I'm sure would be more frustrating. And, I live in a small place, so the chances that someone who knew me would start a conversation are really high.

I realize that I actually really enjoy breaks for laundry, dishes, or snacks. And, I really enjoy getting to be there when the caterpillars emerge from their chrysalises, or my son says a new word. Plus, I'm a pretty motivated writer and a strict professional, so I know the work will get done. It just might mean waking up earlier or going to bed later.

So, I guess this week, like most, I'm enjoying flexibility but taking the frustration with it. Frustration: I'll have to work on Saturday this week. Flexibility: I know I did something really important to help out my Grandfather today.

As for the 'Focus' element - I've decided to be more vocal about my work to my family. How can I expect them to realize I work too if I don't share it with them?

Here are three concrete steps I'm going to take in showing my family my professional obligations, so that they may realize that writers like me who work from home have real jobs, too!

1) Calendar: While I have an iCal laced with deadlines and project milestones, it's only on my personal computer. So I'm printing my project deadline schedule every week and posting it next to the actual family calendar so everyone can see it.

2) Conversations: I realize that other writer friends of mine and online followers or book fans know more about my current writing projects than my family. I'm making it a point to discuss one story, article, or book I'm working on every day at breakfast (the meal when all of us are guaranteed to be home), and send out a monthly email to extended family regarding my exciting projects, struggles, and successes!

3) Income Statements: Every three or four weeks, I assess and update my income from writing in a spreadsheet -- but I don't really update my husband on my earnings which go into a separate bank account. While I consider myself a part-time writer and author, my income is an important contribution to our household. I plan to share a printed, monthly account of my revenue and expenditures, so that he might be reminded of and appreciate the 'fruits of my labor' year-round not just once a year at tax time.

How do you help your family focus on your work as a writer from home?

Worldly Wednesday: The Birth of a New Country

2011-07-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

As a children's author, I often write stories about new birth. Stories about younger siblings joining in the family, or about the baby chicks in spring. I've written action rhymes about the metamorphosis that takes place when a caterpillar is reborn as a butterfly.

But today, I'm writing a story about a different kind of birth. The birth of a brand-new country.

Last week, just after America celebrated it's birthday, the continent of Africa officially added another name to its list of countries: South Sudan. I've taken some time to follow the story, considering the implications it has on student learning. My daughter's one-week old atlas has already become outdated, for example. But writing for children about the birth of a brand-new country also has opportunity–it's laced with relevancy, and provides an engaging platform to discuss our own history, or even the human condition.

Although I'm not planning a trip to South Sudan anytime soon, the story I'm crafting right now loosely parallels the birth of our country and South Sudan.

Whether or not I'll ever submit it anywhere is another story. For now, I'm content as a witness from afar penning a tale for my own children about life in another place.

My goal? That through the story, my children will figure out that despite thousands of miles and across the language barrier that human beings around the world have dreams and hopes in common.

Happy birthday, South Sudan. Wishing you all the best.

Mommy Monday: Hardcover, Paperback, or Digital?

2011-07-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, I attended a baptism ceremony and, no surprise, gave books as gifts. As a mother who much prefers hardcover books for children under the age of 8, I gave all hardcover books––two of which were the "sturdy" hardcover books with extra thick board pages.

I have to say, above all other forms of books, my favorite is hardcover. Considering the fact that the majority of books that survived my childhood and now sit on my children's bookshelves are hardcover ones, I know they last longer. But I also realize they are much more expensive.

So, for practical reasons, not every book in our household is hardcover. There's a variety of hardcover, paperback, and digital books. And we use all of them. But the hardcover ones sit nicer on the shelf, and wear better when being read.

Even my children seem to prize them more–choosing the hardcover ones more often at bedtime or storytime. If I could, I'd buy only hardcover. But like any family on a budget, I choose hardcover for the ones that they're likely to read again and again.

But lately, I've been editing more and more children's books that are being released strictly as paperback or digital storybooks...without a hardcover edition available on the market. What do you think about the future of the hardcover picture book? Do you like hardcover children's books as much as our family does? Do you buy exclusively hardcover, or are you practical, like our family?

Thoughts welcomed. And happy Monday!

Worldly Wednesday: Hungry, Happy Ramadan

2011-07-06T03:52:00.000-07:00

This month's online Highlights newsletter includes two Muslim pieces. One is a Ramadan Mosaic craft, the other a narrative about the daily Ramadan routine of one Muslim family in Oman.

Since I've edited a few children's books for Muslim authors who say that there are few markets who will publish works about or containing Islam, I thought I would share a link to "Hungry, Happy Ramadan."

http://www.highlightskids.com/Stories/NonFiction/NF1102_happyRamadan.asp?ccid=EMC-1000-1001304

Ramadan begins at the beginning of next month and will last approx. until the 29th of August.

Focus Friday: Kill Fees and Writing on Spec

2011-07-01T06:10:00.000-07:00

Cover of Laura Van Womer's mystery novel, The Kill Fee

Recently, I wrote a thoroughly-researched article for my local newspaper. I interviewed four direct sources, and referenced numerous online sources as well. In all, it probably took more than five hours, (spread out over two weeks) to complete.

The day it was supposed to run in the paper I got an email from one of my sources (who was SO excited about the article) telling me she couldn't find it. Neither could I. I was scratching my head.

I emailed her back, commenting that the editors might have shuffled things around or printed it in a different section (I've worked as an editor before, so I know how jumbled things can get at 2 a.m.). But I also told her I wasn't sure, so I would check with my editor to find out exactly what happened.

And that's when my editor told me: my article had been "killed." Not that it deserved it, of course, but apparently not enough advertising came in to run the spread where my article was supposed to appear.

I felt stupid, but had to ask my editor – was I still going to be paid?

You can imagine my relief when she said YES. Whew. The hard work paid off, even if I never see the article in print.

Since the vast majority of my work is work-for-hire, I've realized I'm "lucky" when it comes to being guaranteed payment for my writing.

In the children's market, however, I'm told that things don't really work that way. There's something called "on speculation." After hearing the words several times I went back to my Idiot's guide and other books, and Googled the terms "writing on spec," etc. From what I can gather, it means no guarantee your work will actually be printed and no guarantee you'll get paid for your work...in some cases, even though you've completed it for a specific market or even gotten some form of acceptance.

This morning, I saw another post for "on spec" work on LinkedIn (someone actually wanted illustrators to work on spec). More and more, I'm realizing that many of the reputable, bigger magazines–in the children's markets and adult markets–are taking articles "on speculation only."

The only silver lining? Kill fees. I'm told the standard is 25-50%, which would cover some of the sweat - especially if it's a higher paying market.

But doesn't it all sound so dirty? On spec? Kill fees? Are we writers...or mob members?

Just a joke, people.

But seriously, I hope to break into the children's magazine market soon. So, it's more than likely I'll have to enter the Realm of Speculation and Killing. Nearly all of the magazines I plan to submit to want completed articles, not queries. So that means coming up with an idea, interviewing sources, doing research, and writing the article for a specific market without being guaranteed of any payment.

*Sigh.*

My biggest question for those of you who write on speculation or for children's magazines is: how do you approach/contact sources for an interview when you're not even sure the article will be printed? I just feel silly saying "Hi, I want to interview your son for an article I'm writing....I don't know if it will ever appear in a magazine, but I'm hoping [insert mag. name here] will pick it up."

Am I silly for feeling silly?

Tell me your story about submitting on speculation, or having your piece "killed." Did you get a kill fee? Nothing at all? Do you only write the first one or two articles "on spec," then take assignments only?

Thoughts, comments, and opinions welcomed. I've got a lot to learn and a long way to go when it comes to knowing the children's magazine markets, and your help is appreciated!

Worldly Wednesday: The Fate of the Folk Tale

2011-06-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me probably knows about my passion for folk tales, fables, fairy tales, and oral history. And, I love new twists, adaptations, versions, and 'the other side' perspectives on age-old tales.

But lately, I've run across numerous publishing houses that specifically forewarn: we do not publish folk tales or fables of any kind.

So, I headed into the library awhile back to browse the folk tales and fables section of the children's area, to see what I came up with. So yes, there are about a hundred Cinderellas. But when it came to African folk tales, and multicultural ones, I didn't find as many–especially recent ones.

What I did notice was that a lot of them were published more than 10 years ago...or self-published/published non-traditionally. I found an Italian folk tale of the Goat-Faced Girl (self-published) as well as several volumes of international folk tales from around the world, but not published by any traditional children's press (mostly regional or small educational publishers).

Right now, I'm working on a few Gambian folk tale adaptations–mostly Wolof, Fula, and Mandinka stories. It's challenging, especially considering that there are only about 5 or 6 published works ever to document the many, many oral stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. A lot of my material is sourced directly from Gambians–retelling stories their grandparents told them.

So...as I work on this collection of folk tales and fables, I wonder: is the market for African folk tales dead? If so, who is interested in preserving these stories? Are there publishing houses still open to multicultural folk tales, or twisted and adapted well-known ones?

Do you love to read folk tales? To write them? To twist them around and adapt them into something new? Your thoughts are welcomed on the Fate of the Folk Tale!

Mommy Monday: Tapping the Fountain of Youth

2011-06-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

There's never a dull moment with these kids around!

If you've got children, you've got stories. And not just real-life ones, either.

When I've needed a fresh, new idea for a picture book or short story, I have turned to my household fountain of youth: my children. They always come up with something I never would have thought of.

For example, I once asked my daughter what I should write about next, and she said, "Two Elizabeths."

The possibilities started dancing in my head. Twin princesses? A princess and a pauper with the same name? A historical fiction of Queen Elizabeth with multiple personality disorder?

That idea eventually transformed into a whimsical, rhyming poem/picture book manuscript called "The Dirtiest Princesses," in which Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II (twin princesses who acted nothing like real princesses) prefer madness and mayhem over their royal bath. I've not sent it out, but my daughter requests it again and again!

And her latest requests? Anything with sharks, or mixing strange foods together. Humor is definitely on her list.

In addition to tapping the fountain of youth for ideas, they're also tapped for support and encouragement. Recently, when I carried my first-ever submissions to the mailbox, I asked them what they thought - would the publishing houses turn mommy's stories into real, color picture books? My two-year-old always says "yeah!" and I get a big hug. My five-year-old also said yes. But, then after she thought it over, said "But if they don't you still can read us the stories, right?"

Right.

Being a mommy and a writer is really nice sometimes. Are you a mommy writer? Do you read your stories to your children? Ask them for ideas? Challenges and celebrations, I welcome stories from mommy writers.

Focus Friday: Keeping Track of Submissions

2011-06-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I sent out my first two picture book submissions. Yay!

As someone who typically works on a for-hire or flat-fee basis, it's quite interesting to me to write something that I'm not sure will ever be published...and another ball game to send it out to the 'slush!' How do I keep track of those outgoing manuscripts (and incoming rejections? LOL...hopefully not, we'll see...it's true, I've not gotten a rejection letter yet).

Anyway, I keep track of my submissions with a Numbers (Excel) spreadsheet. I created it on my own, and it contains the date mailed, title, editor and publishing house, and also has columns for the expected response date, actual response and date, and even the file names for the manuscript and the cover letter. I really think that as I submit more work, it will be very useful in helping me stay organized.

Recently, however, I learned that many of my writer friends use an online tool called Duotrope. It not only keeps track of submissions, but you can report actual response times of specific publishing houses. I've checked it out briefly, and may use it in addition to my own spreadsheet.

What do you use to keep track of your submissions?

Have you ever lost track of a manuscript, only to get a surprise rejection or acceptance in the mail?

I'm curious to hear others' stories, as I've decided that on occasion, I'm stepping out of the write-for-hire and educational publishing world to submit my slush.

Post your comments below!

Worldly Wednesday: Building Libraries in The Gambia

2011-06-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

Imagine growing up with very few books. Maybe going through your teenage years never reading a novel. Not because you didn't want to, but because there was no library or bookstore near you.

For years, that's been a reality for women and students living around Njau, Gambia.

(If you're not familiar with Njau, Gambia - and my extra special connection to many villages in Africa's smallest country - click here.)

Building a library there has been a dream of many Gambian women I work with, and it's also been dream of mine for years. And in February of 2012, it's likely to become a reality. You can't imagine how I feel.

I'm partnering with A Hand in Health, a Minneapolis-based organization, to assist them in the building of not just one, but seven, libraries in and around Njau. Three libraries will be in elementary schools, and two in middle/high schools. The final library will be at a women's resource center.

This post is both a celebration and a call for book donations. Currently, A Hand in Health along with Books for Africa has secured more than 20,000 children's books and several health and women's empowerment titles to send to the villages around Njau, Gambia. Megan Meyer, from Hand in Health, and Isatou Ceesay, Gambian project manager, hope we can more than double that before the container ships later this year. If all goes well, I'll be in The Gambia when the container arrives, ready to assist, inventory, shelf and tag these books! (If you're interested in traveling to Gambia with me in February to build libraries - email me).

Got a great children's book to donate to kids or women in Gambia, Africa?

Here's some info:

BOOK DONATIONS TO HAND IN HEALTH / NJAU GAMBIA LIBRARY PROJECT
You can also view this information at A Hand in Health's "Donate" tab - click here.

Drop Off or Mail-to Location:
Books For Africa Warehouse-St. Paul  
715 Minnehaha Avenue East  
St. Paul, MN 55106

The warehouse is located in the old Stroh’s Brewery complex that is just north of I-94, just east of downtown St. Paul. MAKE SURE ALL BOOKS ARE LABELED "HAND IN HEALTH" so they get on the right container.

Warehouse Hours:
•Wednesdays 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at the St. Paul warehouse
•Mondays-Thursdays 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Atlanta warehouse
•The first and third Saturdays of every month from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. 

Book Donation Requirements:
If you mail books, please do not send boxes that weigh more than 50 pounds and do not include any packing materials such as newspaper, plastic wrap and peanuts.

*** Please print out a sign saying “Hand in Health” and tape to all boxes of books dropped off at or mailed to the warehouse.

***Please e-mail the project director at handinhealth@gmail.com with the number of books donated so we can keep a running tally!

***Acceptable books are new or gently used and relevant to an African reader. Including:

Quality children’s picture books and easy-readers (in good condition)
15 years old or newer popular fiction and nonfiction reading books (soft/hard cover).
1995 or newer publish date elementary, secondary, and college textbooks (soft/hard cover).
1995 or newer reference books such as encyclopedias and dictionaries.
School/office supplies—paper, pencils, pens, wall charts, maps, etc.

Please do NOT send:
•Magazines or journals of any kind.
•Home decorating, wedding, or cookbooks.
•Ethnocentric books, such as the biography of Abraham Lincoln or the history of Ohio.
•Foreign language books except for French books. French novels/dictionaries are welcome.
•American history or civics.
•Music books for K–12.

ALL AUTHORS, SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES, ETC. WHO LET ME KNOW YOU'VE DONATED BOOKS WILL GET A PUBLIC "SHOUT-OUT" ON MY BLOG!! (so don't forget to contact me if you donate books - especially signed copies!)

New Blog Structure

2011-06-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

Last week in my post called "Dreaming Bigger..." I had announced that I would create a new structure for my blog posts and tags. Well, check off the list!

Beginning in two weeks, you'll see:

Mommy Mondays - posts about the greatness and the goobers of motherhood, including book recommendations for mommies and their children, and interviews with other "Author Moms."

Worldly Wednesdays - A celebration of books, folk tales, and stories from around the globe.

Focus Fridays - updates on what I'm writing/revising, publishing tips and tricks I've picked up, and writing resources I've found helpful (or completely useless).

And, of course, special posts in between for all that miscellaneous mishmash. I'm getting (somewhat) organized, people! Enjoy!

Dreaming Bigger...

2011-06-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

Today, I logged into my Twitter account for the first (and only) time since I created the account many months ago.

I fumbled my way through finding a few fellow authors on the site, and came across a tweet by author Stephenie Hovland: "Goal setting today. Dreaming bigger and making lists."

Good tweet, Stephenie.

I've been wanting, for some time, to make mid-year goals (which of course, means making lists). Well, the year is mid-way. And who doesn't want to dream bigger?

So, although I haven't tweeted or retweeted anything, and I have a lot to learn about hash tags and @ signs, I did come away with a tidbit of inspiration.

Now, here is my first goal and list!

Goal: To offer my readers, fans, friends, and those who stumble upon my blog, something worth reading.
List: I will come up with a three-day structure for posts (e.g. Monday is for Mommy Writers; Tough Revision Thursdays, Funny Story Fridays...).
Deadline: 3 weeks. By next week, I want to have the first checkbox on my list checked. The following week, I will begin planning specific topics. By the end of June, you'll see the first posts in my new structure!

I'm off to dream bigger. Thanks, Stephenie. Thanks, Twitter.

Eventually, I'll find something worth "Tweeting" about! But meanwhile, you can follow my silence until I eventually open my mouth...

Should Picture Book Authors have Agents?

2011-06-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

I'm preparing my first-ever manuscripts to send off to traditional picture book publishers today. (Actually, I began this process in January). I plan to send them within a week. The work has been exhausting - trying to find the appropriate market, only to realize they are closed to submissions unless you have a fairy godmother/agent.

A lot of writers I know say they love their agent, and are so glad to have one. The majority, however, are YA authors. While I hope to finish my YA novel some day, I'm primarily a picture book author for now. I've been told it's harder to get an agent when you write mostly or exclusively picture books. I combed the entire agent list provided by the SCBWI and came up with 22 "possible" agent matches. Upon visiting their websites, I've narrowed that selection to 14. Since some of them prefer to read material that has not been submitted to publishers, to whom should I first send off my work - an editor or an agent? Or both at the same time (although I'm a stickler for rules...)?

What do you think? Is this true? Are agents only for novel writers? Do you have an agent? What's your story?

Is the Story of the Three Little Pigs Racist?

2011-06-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

This morning, an "anonymous" reader on my blog posted a comment that The Three Little Pigs is "overtly racist." Wanted to cry. I could have just deleted the post, of course, but anyone who knows me understands that I am a person of integrity and would never want to squash a legitimate debate over something as close to my heart as discrimination against anyone.

A few months ago, I was hired by iStorybooks to rewrite the old, public domain version of The Three Little Pigs. I modified Andrew Lang's story of The Three Pigs from The Green Fairy Book. As usual with retellings, my assignment was to make it suitable for children (2 sentences or so per page, appropriate vocabulary) without changing too much from the original tale.

In Lang's version, the pigs are Browny, Whitey, and Blackey. The pigs were distinctly different colors (although pigs/sows/hogs naturally are), and all boys. I didn't think that was very appealing. So I changed the story so that the pigs all became pink (you can see the illustrations) - one color. But I did keep the name Brownie for one pig, because he liked to play in mud (the one who built his house of mud and straw). Hence, he is always the color of mud in my text. I wanted at least one character to be a girl, so I made the middle one (who, in the original tale, is very greedy and actually built her house of cabbage) a girl and named her Pinky (perhaps that's a gender stereotype?). I didn't take out the fact that she was very greedy. I named the wisest pig Max. He has no color reference whatsoever (I kept the names Blackey and Whitey out of the story).

Obviously, I considered my retelling to be much cleaner and sillier than the original. And, I had nothing to do with the illustrations, but you'll see that all pigs are the same color (pink). Brownie is just usually covered in mud.

Is my retelling racist as the anonymous comment accuses? Obviously, I didn't write it that way (hello...we are a brown, black, and pink family...)? Or, is the original story racist (even though Blackey is the wise pig)? What do you think? Is the original story or my retelling sending bad messages to children? Or does the overall message of hard work, planning, and sharing prevail?

So far, I've gotten nothing but good reviews and comments on the book. But I am curious to know what others think about the reader's post that the book is "overtly" racist!

The Best Answer is Always the Simplest...

2011-05-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

I almost enjoyed Memorial Day weekend.

I say "almost," because the entire weekend I practically bit my fingernails off, convinced that my blog had been "deleted" or "suspended" or "marked as spam" because I couldn't log in. I panicked, sent Blogger and Google nearly a dozen emails, wondering why I got an error message every time I tried to access it (and fix a few glaring typos...).

Turns out, I just needed to clear my web browser's cache. Everything was fine. Sorry, Google techs. I'm dumb. Everything was fine, as it should be. My computer just wanted to play tricks on me, and I believed what I wanted to believe: that I was DOOMED. Funny how we always assume the worst. The most complicated. We invite drama.

But my blog lived happily ever after. The End.

New Additions to Our Home

2011-05-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

Recently we welcomed two new ones into the family! No, I didn't have more kids...we adopted two kittens in need of a good home.

Welcome to our home, Rosella (Zella) and Doggy!

Obviously, we let our children pick out the names. Our two-year-old insisted, laughing, that his kitty would be named "doggy." So we let it be. Who knows, maybe a future picture book?

We're having a great time with our new furry friends, and I enjoy the late-night companionship when I'm writing or curled up with a book. We'll see how I am in a few weeks when it's time to remove hair from the couches...

Do you have pets? Are they named for other animals? Or did your children come up with other creative names for them? I want to hear! Post your comment by clicking below!

A Few More Books!

2011-05-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

This week I went to the doctor, and she asked me how I was doing. Great! I replied. I told her about my books (all 23 of them), and she was amazed. "Wow, you've been busy!" she said.

Yes, that's true. I have been busy. But it's funny (and a bit overwhelming to me) that the publishers of my books all chose the same time to release them. I think I need an agent, or at least I assume than an agent would help control the gradual release of books to avoid author (and fan) overload!

Well, I can't say that I plan to slow down writing for awhile, but I'm a bit more motivated on picking up where I left off in my research on getting a publishing agent. It's really hard to send 23 Facebook announcements without getting marked as Spam by someone!

Anyway, the newest "I Like" titles released by GrasshopperApps.com (and written by yours truly!) this week are:

(Ironic how I Like Summer came out the same day I posted "Waiting for Summer" earlier in the week. Guess books really can take you to faraway places...like where it is actually warm in summer!)

Writing About What You Know...And Love!

2011-05-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

One of my high school English teachers always stressed "write what you know." But sometimes, when a trendy idea (like Princesses) pops into the realm of popular children's book I forget...I don't know many name brands, I hate pink, and I'd trade a tiara for sweatpants any day.

So last week, I threw out all my ideas (note: ideas, not manuscripts) that had to do with Princesses who were "Princesses." Instead, I decided to spend my time writing about something I loved (and knew about), even if it was probably the topic farthest from any trend in America or children's books in general.

I have authored my first Squidoo lens. What's it about?

The village of Njau, Gambia.

Probably as un-trendy as it gets. In fact, I'm guessing most of you have never heard about it. But I know it. And I love it. And though I'm not paid to write about it, I can't stop! Now, if I can only find a way to turn my knowledge of and love for remote Gambian villages into stories that the public will buy, we're all set.

Until then, take a minute to enter a place I know and love. Where is Njau, Gambia, anyway?

Waiting for Summer...

2011-05-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

I should be prepared. Or at least feel forewarned. After all, I was born in (and consciously chose to move back to) Wisconsin.

My city's nickname, The Frozen Tundra, sounds much better it echoes among the roar of a 70,000+ crowd at Lambeau Field. But when it's almost June and I'm sporting thick tube socks, sending my daughter to school with a winter coat and debating about tucking mittens in her bag...it's a little depressing.

I've always found it difficult to write on really nice, sunny days when I want to play outside with my kids. But cold weather when it's supposed to be nice is even worse. The sun is out, but it's windy and freezing for late May. The weather is snickering at me inside my head, making it impossible to think. I'll make a deal with you, Wisconsin. Warm up and I'll only spend half the day outside, and the other half writing. Or maybe I'll just write outside.

For now, I'll go read Holler Loudly by Cynthia Leitich Smith again for inspiration (my son's latest pick from the library and one of the longest books he can sit through without fidgeting). It's about a boy who tames the weather with his hootin-hollerin-cowboy yell. Although, in his case, he wrestles a tornado. I need a character who can teach an old sun new tricks. Sit. Stay. All Day - in Green Bay.

Sounds like a writing challenge. Here I go...YEEEEE-HAW!

Quote from Stephen Leather

2011-05-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

Today I read the article "After the Book Deal" by Dianne Moritz in my SCBWI May/June Bulletin. In it, she describes how being an author can be dangerous: it's only a matter of time before everyone floods you. But not for your autograph–for your "advice" on how to get some story they wrote published.

So far, seven. That's the number of friends, colleagues, or family members (sometimes on behalf of their children, too) that have asked me so far. My answer? Become a good writer rather than focusing how to get the one-book-they've-ever-written published (or the three books they've never shown anyone except their cousin). I don't want to sound demeaning. If your dream is to be a writer, go for it! Dream big...but work hard.

Here's what Stephen Leather had to say about the new trend of everyone self-publishing their own work, from a Guest Post at Joe Konrath's Blog, A Newbie's Guide to Publishing:

"If you have written a book then you deserve a pat on the back. Well done you. But just because you’ve written a book doesn’t mean it’s good enough to be published. And just because you’ve been published doesn’t mean that people will buy it. It seems to me that the rush to embrace self-publishing means that the quality of the work has become secondary to the marketing of it."

Read the entire post. Then, read a lot more about writing. Then write. Then write more. Then revise it. Then revise it more. Then, start the process of getting your work published. You might regret what you've released to the public otherwise, and the people who bought your first, terrible book, might never forgive you enough to buy the second.

Success Breeds Success

2011-05-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

When I first began writing books for children, I remember being so excited when any of the other writers I knew shared their good news. Their success was encouraging!

Now, I have a little news of my own. I just learned today that iStorybooks not only made Amazon.com's Top 100 Android Free App lists, but ranks #52. Since my first children's book for iStorybooks came out yesterday, I'm excited. Hope you'll all share in the success and find encouragement to keep on writing!

If you haven't yet seen my latest book, a retelling of The Three Little Pigs, check it out for FREE at iStorybooks!

(Oh, and I should add...I still get tickled pink whenever I see another author post good news! So share yours with me...and keep all of us motivated to keep on writing. Comment button is below!)

Where is Miranda? With Her iPad 2...

2011-05-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

If you've been wondering where I've been for the last few weeks, this post will answer your question.

Yes, I was one of the lucky ones who got an iPad 2 about a month ago. That's where I've been hiding - and downloading Apps and iBooks. Book lover + iPad = dangerous combination.

(By the way, my picture books were released for the iPad very recently).

Anyway, here's a quick rundown of likes/dislikes:

Likes:
Wi-Fi connects easily and fast even when you go somewhere else (i.e. coffee shop or bookstore)
Strong enough that my 2-year-old hasn't broken it yet
Keyboard is large enough (horizontal/landscape display) to actually type with correct fingers
Camera on front and back!
The Apps "Stack the States" and "Stack the Countries" are hands down the best for kids
The million free apps that aren't too bad - like flash cards and drawing for kids

Dislikes:
What the heck is FaceTime?
Where's my NORMAL-looking Skype? (Free, ahem).
Pages App - No "Track Changes" feature - as an editor, I'm extremely disappointed that you can't make margin comments, notes, or automatic edits with tracking in the Pages App. APPLE CHANGE THIS PLEASE!
Annoying pop-up to get me to subscribe to Apple's cellular Data service (hello, I will when I want to!)

So, that's all for now - back to iPad Land, which is almost entirely a happy place.

Seeing Your Books For the First Time: Thoughts from an Author

2011-04-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

Before I became a writer and book author, I always imagined the process of creating a picture book as the following: coming up with an idea, sending it in, getting a call from a publishing company (who would subsequently fly me out to New York, e.g. where I would meet my editor and of, course, the illustrator), maybe make a few minor revisions, then be involved in the process of laying out the book.

I laugh today, knowing what I know from other authors' experiences and now, for myself. That's because several of my books for toddlers and early readers were released on Friday, and the first time I got the opportunity to see them was today–along with everyone else! And I've never met (in person) my editor/client, the illustrators, or design team. I also didn't score a complimentary flight to anywhere...and I made many more revisions than you'd think a set of 100-word books would need (when writing for young children, every word matters!)

While I could complain about the process of traditional or write-for-hire publishing, the process is actually more mysterious and adventurous this way. I'm invigorated as I write this. This morning I woke up excited with the e-mail letting me know the books are "live." Since these were downloadable books, I accessed them instantaneously. Opening each one was like unwrapping a birthday present! And, because these were electronic books, they come with amazing features such as auto-play, record your own voice, and words that highlight as you read. Fun! I'm also waiting for each additional book to come out (there are several forthcoming), so it's like a stack of presents are still waiting...

I can liken my actual processes of getting my books published to being pregnant and not knowing which gender you're expecting. The wait continues (sometimes longer than nine months, although in my case it was slightly less)...and whatever gets handed to you at the delivery date you must take in and love–there's no returns here. You're exhausted, but completely overwhelmed with excitement at the same time. Your books are like your babies!

Although I would love to someday meet the photographers for my "I Like..." series, and the illustrator and translators of my forthcoming "Tales from China" book, I do admit it is a bit of a thrill to hold your breath and then finally scream, "My books have been published!" and check them out for the first time along with friends, fellow writers, and family. And, being published this way, you get the luxury of being "just the author," so if the product isn't what you hoped for, you've got others to blame :)

Luckily, I'm very happy with the way the publisher developed the first of my manuscripts in the "I Like" series. Would I have edited, laid out, and developed them the exact same way? Maybe not. But that's part of the profession, and I respect and admire the creative team whose vision came together and they chose me to write these books for them. In fact, this particular publisher has since asked for my feedback in developing new titles and ideas–so the process, I'm learning, changes as relationships develop. Maybe I will one day meet (in person) the creative team that has turned my Word-Document manuscripts into vibrant books for toddlers!

Though they all haven't been released yet, my instant favorite is "I Like My Brother." You can check out the entire I Like Series, published by GrasshopperApps at http://www.grasshopperapps.com/apps/i-like/

Tell me what you think!

A Video Every Storyteller Should Watch

2011-04-12T05:44:00.000-07:00

If you're a writer, this is the best use of a 20-minute break today. It is Chimamanda Adichie's 2009 speech on The Danger of a Single Story. If you haven't seen it, it's a must–especially if you're a storyteller, travel writer, children's book author or novelist.

Sneak Peek: Cover art of 'Tales from China'

2011-04-08T05:27:00.000-07:00

Tales from China: World Favorite Fables
Author & Adaptations By: Hui Cui, Steve Jackson, Miranda Sibo Paul
Illustrated By: William Guo
Contributions By: Elaine Tang
Anticipated Release Date: June 17, 2011
List Price: $24.95 (Barnes & Noble)

Publisher: Mankind Mind, LLC
Format: Library Binding , 315pp
Languages: Bilingual; Mandarin Chinese and English
Sales Rank: 176,887
Age Range: 3 to 12

ISBN-13: 9780615447537
ISBN: 0615447538

Pre-Order or Buy Now!

Authors Supporting Authors

2011-03-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

As I wind down to head off to bed, I can't help but think how amazing the last two years of my life have been. My son just turned two, and my my first print book of children's folk tales becomes available in just a few weeks.

Reflecting on why things have been so great, I keep coming back to the other writers and authors who have supported my on my journey toward become a children's author. While I have a long way to go, I feel blessed to have made so many wonderful contacts, acquaintances, and yes–friends.

Just as many have supported me an my works, I'd like to give a 'shout out' to them. Here's to the great authors I've come in contact with along the way. I hope you find them and their writing as inspirational as I have, and choose to support them as I have. It's a tough business we're in, and these are some of the strongest men and women I know.

The writers in my local critique group–Linda VanderHeyden, Angie Flanagan, Elizabeth Jaeger, Stephenie Hovland, and Jennifer Daniels. Without you, my work would be frogs instead of toads!

Kristin Simons–one of the most inspiring people I've met, her picture book "I CANcer" is forthcoming in late April / Early May 2011.

Susan Manzke–Writing her column for longer than I have been alive, Susan has taught me much about life, writing, and how to never give up on the things you love.

Kelly Bradley (Kelly Hashaway)–Although I wish I knew her better, she's taught me a lot through her blog and on focusing toward a desired goal. Plus, she rocks at "What Am I?" games :)

Lynne Marie Pisano–Here's a woman who is going places–big places. How many picture book authors can say their first book was picked up by, um, Scholastic? I know my daughter will be reading "Hedgehog Goes to Kindergarten" the night before her first day of Kindergarten this fall!

Daniel Errico–If there's a heart that's bigger than his, I don't know whose. He publishes his stories for children, for free. And, he illustrates them. The most talented and unselfish picture book writer/illustrator I've come across to-date.

Claudia Mills–I owe Claudia a good bit of thanks for her insights and comments into one of my manuscripts. It's going out to publishers and agents this year...thanks for the encouragement. Also, thanks for signing books for my son and nephew–I know they are going to change the world!

Jill Esbaum–If it weren't for Jill, I'd have never made it to Iowa and my daughter would have no idea what Stink Soup is. I realize that sounds strange to everyone reading... But her books (e.g. "Stink Soup") are fantastic and she's an honest, friendly writer who is sincere about helping other writers through her critiquing service.

Nancy Sweetland–A lifetime of writing, and still going! You inspire me to remember the reason we write, and why children read. The children at my daughter's school can't wait to meet you.

Crave Cravak–One of the most imaginative writers who has ever shared his rough manuscripts with me, I have learned a lot about keeping enthusiasm and passion alive when writing for children.

Lucille Clifton–My first instruction on how to write children's books came from one of the best poets and children's authors ever. I feel blessed that I got to study amongst the best during my undergrad years. I hope you've thrown away every assignment I turned in eight years ago...

Michael Glaser–The writers' retreat at St. Mary's, the Lannan Fellowship for Poetry, all those experiences–I can't believe I never took your class! Anyway, a little belated, but congrats on the poet laureate of Maryland thingy...well-deserved. (It's fun to say "I know him!")

Kaia Sand–Taught me the importance of substance. Write stuff, not fluff–and shove it in the Man's face! Thanks for giving me my first audience at the Women in Poetry 2003 summit.

Melissa Gorzelanczyk–Last, but certainly not least. Perhaps one of the most influential people in my writing career. She quit her corporate day job (she was my editor!) and wrote a novel in 30 days. Driven, passionate, inspirational woman.

Oh Where, Oh Where Have the Editors Gone?

2011-03-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in previous posts, I got an eReader for Christmas (thanks, hubby). Now that I've gotten a chance to use it quite frequently, I've found myself...confused.

Where have all the editors gone?

From what I understand, digital publishing is cheaper for writers and publishers–at least in terms of up front costs. So, why is it that more than half (maybe even two-thirds) of the downloads on my eReader have serious typos, grammatical errors and even misspellings?

To be clear, I'm not downloading personal blogs or internet marketing eBooks. Some of the classics, including Tales From Shakespeare, left me scratching my head, wondering if an editor was hired at all to proofread the electronic version of each book! Granted, some of them are free downloads (like Jane Eyre, for example) but I think that the original authors would be rolling in their graves if they saw their novels published with such glaring mistakes.

The world of self-publishing is both exciting and scary to me. Will I soon go to the library only to see "print on demand" versions of books that never went through a formal editing process? Will my kids be reading...junk?

I support authors who want to skip the tedious path to publication, but I do want to urge everyone who does: hire an editor! Don't skip that crucial step. Recently, I took on the job of editing two folk tales for a British author and she was so delighted that she didn't skip that step. After some serious consideration and changes to the text, the books are in much better shape.

As both author and editor, I would NEVER edit my own work (well except a blog with, like, a dozen followers). Remember: An author is NOT their own best editor. This includes you, me, and every other person in...the universe.

What My Clients Say About My Writing

2011-03-01T12:12:00.000-08:00

This post isn't meant to brag...wait, yes it is. I am very proud of my accomplishments in 2010 and early 2011 as a writer, ghostwriter, editor, and author. I love writing, addictively (hence the name of my blog). I am excited that I get to share that love with others and that they are satisfied. Oh, and that they pay me for it, too!

Here are what my clients had to say about my recent writing work:

Job Description: Short Toddler Stories for iPad/iPhone App
Client Feedback: “Great work, great communication, and delivered ahead of schedule... I am delighted all around and will definitely use her again for future projects.”

Job Description: Chinese Children's Folk Tales
"The perfect combination of self-motivated, professional team member, pride in work, and creative soul. 300+ pages later, I have exercised all three talent areas and have a great product as a result. Looking forward to working with Miranda on our upcoming projects."

Job Description: Website Copy Rewriting
"[Miranda] did an excellent job on my project. The quality of her work and the professionalism she possesses makes it easy for me to recommend her to anyone in need of her expertise."

Job Description: Ghostwriting A Book of Short Stories for Girls 8-12
"This provider is simply AWESOME and cannot be replaced. Five star rating does not do her justice. In my book she is a 10."

Job Description: Young Adult Novel Manuscript Edit/Rewrite
"It has been great working with you. I have learned so much from working with you. I highly recommend Miranda Paul. I can hardly wait to work on another project with you. Thanks for everything."

Job Description: Novel Manuscript Line-by-Line Edit with Revision Suggestions
"Miranda did an excellent job editing my manuscript and offering good solid advice. I appreciate her professionalism and dedication to my project."

Job Description: 1000-word Article on Sustainable Tourism
"Delivered article on time, well written and researched."

Job Description: Copywriting for a Non-Profit Organization
“I highly recommend this provider. Her work, insights, and expertise surpassed my expectations. I look forward to working with this provider again.”

Job Description: 10,000-word eBook
“Great job!! The end product was better than expected and with very little guidance needed. Will be coming back!”

Job Description: Online eBook

“Everything went smoothly and professionally with this provider. The writing is good, and exactly to my specifications. This provider comes highly recommended.”

Job Description: Creative Product Descriptions for Online Boutique
“This provider outdid everything I asked her to do. She is immensely talented, the ultimate professional who was always there, ready to offer her assistance. She is clever, intelligent, and always takes a proactive approach. I have contracted her to prepare my web blogs on a monthly basis, which means that I can stay in touch with her....I am going to recommend she give herself a raise right after my project is finished...”

Job Description: Edit/Revise Children's Picture Book Manuscript
“Thank you very much. I love working with you. Your work is very professional at all levels."

Job Description: Opening Chapter to Academic Book on Entrepreneurship in Africa
“Miranda Paul worked consistently on my project, giving timely reports and seeking feedback. I am very satisfied with the product.”

Job Description: Caribbean Travel and History Articles
"[Miranda] met all the requirements of the job, and was very prompt and professional with high quality writing. She is thorough in her research and has a solid writing style."

Job Description: Researched Online Articles, Multicultural Topics
“Miranda exceeded my expectations on all levels. She was professional, knowledgeable, efficient and more. I would recommend her services to anyone and I do plan on hiring her again for future projects of my own. Thank you Miranda!”

Job Description: Travel Articles (Africa)
“Thank you so much for your excellent articles! I required a writer with knowledge of Africa and passion for the subject matter and you more than delivered in quality, timeliness and professionalism. This provider comes highly recommended!”

Job Description: Creative Auction Descriptions for School Fundraiser Event
“Miranda provided work of the highest quality and completed the project before its deadline - all at affordable rates. She is a 'must hire.'”

The list goes on...

But for now, suffice it to check out my Elance profile, where you can hire me to edit your novel, revise your latest picture book manuscript, write a blog post, or ghostwrite your website copy.