Process
I’ve been thinking…
…. A LOT about what I have learned about writing books.
The word that captures this experience is “PROCESS!” Writing a book is only the first step in a very long process towards seeing that book in print.
The other big realization is that every step of that process involves a person with a unique talent that brings the process to fruition.
I had no thought - ever – that I would write children’s books. But age and grandparenting certainly change perspectives. What a surprise to have ideas emerge and then demand attention. I complied, and “books” were written and saved in computer files.
But now what? I knew I needed an illustrator – that is certainly not my bailiwick. And how to find a publisher? Do I need an agent?
In June 2017, I attended the Rutgers Writers’ Conference for budding authors. It was so interesting. And confusing. Honestly —for me — it was overwhelming.
One session I did relate to was given by Alex Dawson, professor of creative writing at Rutgers, on writing for children. I was thinking more about young adult readers than little kids, but he offered some neat insights. He shared Patricia MacLachlan’s All the Places to Love, a beautiful book.[1] I was intrigued when he discussed that children love to know proper names for things.
That resonated with me, as I remembered how important it was for me as a little child to know what to call things -- like those tingles in my hand. I remember Mom calling them “pins and needles.”
Yes! It did feel like little pins and needles. THAT’S what you call this!!
The idea that children want to know what to call things (think of all the little ones who can identify dinosaurs by their proper names!) was the inspiration for Noanie’s Magic Garden. A grandchild and grandmother visit the garden in the early morning and greet the flowers and plants by name. Though my first endeavor, this children’s book is still in process! But it is coming….
Several other stories came to me and laid dormant in the computer files. A few years went by with attempts to attract talented friends into doing the illustrations. I learned that illustrating for books is a specific discipline.
And then I met Jo Ann. Initially, I contacted Jo Ann Kairys, Book Coach.[2] She told me that with her first book, she made every mistake possible. Then with her 2nd book, she worked with Judith Briles,[3] a noted – award winning! -- book coach, and then not only published successfully but found a new niche – fortunate for me. Jo Ann has guided the PROCESS toward publication with me for the past year.
But even better, Jo Ann is an award-winning children’s book illustrator! SHE brought my books to life! I had the idea for balloons to serve as the graphic metaphor for emotions. But Jo Ann made them materialize! It has been a pleasure to work collaboratively with such talent, to share my vision, to elaborate my intent, and to be amazed and delighted at her renderings of those thoughts.
Jo Ann the book coach knows Nick Zelinger [4]- the talented and award-winning graphic designer – who prepared the books for publication, and Veronica Yang,[5] award winning designer, who set up marketing opportunities. Jo Ann the book coach learned from and is friends with Joan Stewart,[6] a public relations pundit whose clients collect awards. Her insights guided my foray into the world of social media.
Wonderful Reilly Laux designed and now manages the website, which is a critical tool in finding YOU, dear reader. She also set up and manages the social media “stuff” for which I am most grateful.
My darling Jayne, who has teacher expertise deep in her DNA and several professional degrees to back it up, is the creative mind behind the activities for parents and teachers on the website. What a joy to collaborate with my daughter, teacher extraordinaire.
I am so grateful to family – my children and my grands – who read and offered wise suggestions. I am honored that my friends – many who are educators, and some who are parents -- enthusiastically shared in the process as “read behind” early editors. And to those who willingly wrote testimonials in support of the books. You all pushed the process along as you gave me confidence to pursue this new adventure.
For many years, I taught students the writing process as they worked through essay assignments and research projects. It was a pleasure to mentor budding writers who pursued their passion, some with writing that first novel. But only when I tackled the intricacies of getting a book into print have I come to appreciate the process and many talents it takes to get a book into print.
1 Published 1994. MacLachlan is a Newbery Medal winner for her 1986 Sarah, Plain and Tall. Can you even think about that book without tears?
2 Jo Ann Kairys, Story Quest Publishing (Award-winning author, illustrator and so much more! She has a fascinating bio!) www.storyquestbooks.com
3 Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd Book Publishing Expert Coach (Award-winning author, publisher, and so much more!) www.bookshepherd.com
4 Nick Zelinger, NZGraphics (Award winning design) www.NZGraphics.com
5 Veronica Yager, Yellow Studios (Award winning book design, e Book conversion, and much more) www.YellowStudiosOnline.com
6 Joan Stewart, The Publicity Hound. (Her website is a gold mine of free tips!) www.PublicityHound.com
