Writing a successful picture book can be a mystifying proposition. After pouring ourselves onto the page, authors wonder why editors snap up certain stories while other stories never rise from the murky depths of the slush pile. That’s the question, isn’t it? As picture book authors, the ultimate goal of every manuscript we write is to achieve the dream of publication and see our words blossom into the vision we imagine. So when I thought about what has made a difference with my writing success, three ideas came to mind that have helped loft my manuscripts over that all-important dividing line between reaching my goal and falling short. Plunge into Editor and Agent Research - At first, I was skeptical that this extra effort would pay off. Weren't all editors and agents just looking for the next great manuscript? I felt l'd done plenty just by finding the appropriate editor's name at a publishing house. Over time, however, I realized that editors and agents have personal tastes just like everyone else. In the realm of published picture books, I absolutely love some picture books, like others, and can’t see why in the world some were published at all. It all comes down to taste. Somebody loved all of those books on the shelf enough to publish them at some point. When I was searching for a new agent several years ago, I researched the different agencies and found out who represented children’s literature. Once I had their names, I looked for articles and interviews about them online. The more I learned about their individual tastes, the more I was apt to submit something they would like--and maybe even love. Mandy Yates recently shared a great list of agencies at the Picture Book Academy here. http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/mondays-with-mandy-or-mira/100-picture-book-agents. I also shared my “Agency Quest” at my blog at http://lorimortensen.blogspot.com/2013/03/agency-quest.html. A good example of the importance of taste occurred when I began submitting a zombie-related picture book manuscript. I was surprised when an agent quickly got back to me about it because she loved zombies. Although I hadn’t discovered this characteristic about her online (and I ultimately declined her offer of representation), it was a good reminder of how personal taste can drive opportunities. Follow Your Passion - When I look back on my successful picture book manuscripts, I see that each involved tuning into what I felt passionate about. Whether it was a determined cow inspired by a nursery rhyme, or a frustrated cowpoke bent on catching his Dirty Dawg, my excitement about the story propelled the story forward. As I barreled ahead, it was exciting to see where the story would take me. Some authors like to know where they’re going, but that’s usually not the case with me. I get an idea, then I see what twists and turns develop. I’m tickled when I come up with new ideas along the way that makes the story even better and opens up new possibilities. This was true when I wrote Cowpoke Clyde & Dirty Dawg. I started off knowing that Clyde was going to try and catch his dog. It was fun to figure out what sort of tactics he’d try and how each attempt would fail. It was fun to figure out what the climactic moment of the story would be and how low Clyde would sink in his pursuit before he succeeded. I remember the moment when I thought--Heck! He’s going to forget the whole thing! Clyde cursed the mule, tucked in his shirt, Wiped off feathers, fur and dirt. “Fine!” he yelled. “I don’t care none!” He kicked a pail. Ol’ Dawg had won. Would Clyde catch his ol’ Dirty Dawg? I had to keep writing to find out. When it was published, readers had to keep reading to find out too. On the flip side, sometimes as I’ve plugged along on something, I’ve thought, Well, I don’t really like this, but the kids will. Needless to say, that’s the death knell for any story that I feel that way about. Bad is bad, no matter how old you are, and when something sings, readers of all ages will connect with it. When I’m having fun writing it, the story blossoms before my eyes and it shows on the page. Satisfaction (I Can't Get No?)- The more I write, the more I realize how important satisfaction is at the end of the story. This is where the story wraps up and leaves the reader with an “Ahhh” feeling along with an underlying message. Readers don’t just want to go through a series of events. They want to feel something. They want to be rewarded for their journey. In Cindy Moo, Cindy Moo comes up with a clever idea and shares her success with her cow friends. Her story was not only about solving her moon-jumping problem--she could have figured it out alone in a field--but it was also a friendship story. In the beginning, her friends doubted her. In the end, they marveled at her success and she shared her new-found fun with them, making their friendship stronger. In Cowpoke Clyde, Clyde chased his dog, got mad and gave up. But in the end, Clyde and Dawg are reconciled beneath the moon because there were two that liked to howl and croon. So that's it! I hope my tips will be the difference between coming close to the line and jumping over it--just like Cindy Moo! Lori Mortensen is an award-winning children’s book author of more than 70 books and over 350 stories and articles. A member of SCBWI, Lori is a frequent speaker at schools, SCBWI conferences, and has worked as a writing instructor for the past eight years at the Institute of Children’s Literature. Recent picture book titles include Cowpoke Clyde & Dirty Dawg, (Clarion, 2013), Cindy Moo (HarperCollins, 2012), Come See the Earth Turn – The Story of Léon Foucault (Random House, 2010), and In the Trees, Honey Bees! (Dawn, 2009). To learn more about Lori and her upcoming books, visit her website at www.lorimortensen.com, or read her blog at http://lorimortensen.blogspot.com
13 Comments
9/10/2014 10:42:00 am
Thanks Lori for pointing out the need for our passion to be in that writing, or it doesn't 'fly'. I totally agree. Right now, I'm struggling with getting to 'the real' story I'm trying to bring forth. Sometimes, I just make lots of word lists, write phrases, sleep on it, go do something else, and 'pop' some new twist or turn brings on a little extra wattage to my lightbulb. Thanks for your comments. Love your cow!
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9/10/2014 11:11:01 am
You're welcome, Virginia. I'm all for extra wattage! Thanks for your comment. (That cow's real name is Butterfly Tully although she's the spittin' image of Cindy Moo.
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9/10/2014 11:13:08 am
) Oops! Forgot the last parenthesis. (I hate when that happens.)
Debra Bergerson
9/10/2014 01:05:52 pm
Hi Lori,
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9/10/2014 02:18:17 pm
Thanks for your comment, Debra, and the great mention of my honey bee book.It's nice to know it was front and center. :-)
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Carol Higgins-Lawrence
9/11/2014 01:08:53 am
Hi Lori, Thanks for this great advice and the examples from your own life and work. It's so valuable to learn about the important steps that can make success a reality!
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9/11/2014 01:34:08 am
Thanks for your comment, Carol. I love personal examples most of all.
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9/11/2014 09:57:57 am
I loved your post, Lori. It's always helpful to learn about other writer's experiences and successes. I've really enjoyed reading your books with my kiddos!
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9/11/2014 10:53:45 am
Thanks, Kirstine. I'm glad your children are enjoying my books. :-)
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Mira Reisberg
9/12/2014 10:52:54 pm
What a great and helpful post. Thank you Lori. I also really liked your blog "writer's voice." I felt like you were speaking to me personally with cool insider info. Thanks again.
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Maria Oka
9/29/2014 02:01:02 am
Thank you for these fabulous tips! I especially loved you talking about how YOU have to love your story for it to go anywhere.
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9/29/2014 05:28:43 am
You're welcome, Maria. Glad you liked my tips. Here's to loving all of our stories.
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