PASSION FOR PICTURE BOOKS, LEE WARDLAW, Author Interview

     Facebook is an amazing tool when you make so many connections with other writers and illustrators who share the same passion.  I can't remember who contacted the other first as Lee Wardlaw's newest book is appearing simultaneously on my "other" blog, Book Wisdom By Diane.   Years ago, I first learned about Lee as a one of the " Fairy God-Sisters" that help a newer writer who wants to attend the summer SCBWI conference.  This week, it is my honor to support and share award winning author, Lee Wardlaw on 
PASSION FOR PICTURE BOOKS.


Lee, welcome and please tell us what pulled you down the rabbit hole of writing picture books ?

     The short answer?  Naiveté!  I assumed that because picture books were short, they’d be easy to write. (Insert hysterical laughter here.)  Little did I know that good writing means making it look easy…

The long answer:  In the late 1970’s, when I’d first earned my B.A. in Education and my teaching credential, jobs at the elementary level were rare.  So I ended up working for two years as the director/head teacher of a pre-school .  The school didn’t have much money, so to supplement our meager library I wrote stories to share with the children. They were awful!  (The stories, not the children!) Everything you could possibly do wrong in creating a picture book, I unknowingly did with gusto.

One of the first picture book manuscripts I wrote was called The Smallest Square.  It told the tale of five squares that live one inside of the other.  The baby square yearns to be free of his claustrophobic existence, so he changes himself into different shapes in order to escape:  first a circle to roll himself out (which doesn’t work)…next a rectangle to muscle his way out (ditto)…and, finally, a triangle, breaking free at last with his new pointy head. Then he turns into a circle again and rolls off to see the world.

Riveting, right?  J  The story was derivative of Shel Silverstein’s The Missing Piece – but without his wisdom, wit, talent, voice and clever illustrations. I got so many form rejection letters on that manuscript (and many others like it), that I gave up on picture books and started writing stuff for older readers.  I published eight other books (YA novels, non-fiction and first chapter books) before I got up the nerve to try my hand again at picture books.

When you are writing a pb manuscript, what area of the story do you get the most satisfaction in developing and exploring? 

     Mem Fox, the award-winning, Australian children’s book author, http://www.memfox.net once said that writing a picture book is like writing War and Peace – in haiku.  

True!  A good picture book contains all the same elements as a novel for adults, such as:

     -an opening that grabs and pulls in the reader;

     -three-dimensional characters whom you care about and root for;

-a vital conflict that has serious consequences if not resolved by the main characters;  

-a logical plot line;

-suspenseful pace;

-a fresh, unique voice;

-sparkling dialogue;

-rhythmic, expressive, evocative  language;

-and a satisfying conclusion.  

Whew!

The main difference between these two forms of literature is that a picture book story must be told in a way that is appropriate for the physical, psychological and emotional development of the child. Tricky!

I enjoy that challenge. So although it’s always a treat to create characters I’d like to meet in real life, to express their authentic voices, to give them the opportunity to solve their own conflicts, etc., etc., what I find most satisfying about writing picture books is the distillation process:  taking a big story and honing it to its essence.

Lee is there any part of writing a picture book that you find frustrating or difficult to develop?

     Thinking visually.  A picture book needs to have a minimum of 13 different illustratable scenes.  I tend to be better at creating dialogue than action, and dialogue is difficult for an artist to illustrate.  So I spend a lot of time revising my manuscripts to create more action.

If you could choose one pb author, author/illustrator, or illustrator to spend a day with, who would that be and what would you want to receive from your time with them?  
     I love funny, quirky picture books with heart, such as Officer Buckle and Gloria, (Peggy Rathmann); Martha Speaks (Susan Meddaugh); Benjamin and Tulip (Rosemary Wells); Bootsie Barker Bites (Barbara Bottner); Zelda and Ivy (Laura McGee Kvasnosky).  The master of this genre was the author/illustrator James Marshall (who also wrote as Edward Marshall).  His simple line drawings – in books such as George and Martha, The Stupids, Fox Outfoxed, etc. – could bring me to my knees with spasms of silliness and giggles.  As for what I would want from him?  Just to sit quietly in a corner and watch him work…

Lee, I have one last question.  Do you have a favorite picture book you never tire of?


     OH, my. There are so many of them!  So I'll pick the one that springs to mind first:  Officer Buckle and Gloria written/illustrated by Peggy Rathmann.

The story is hilarious, the pictures (and the story THEY tell) are even more so.  Too, there are many tidbits in each picture, that you discover new things

each time you read it.  A picture book has to be able to stand up to a minimum of 500 readings aloud, and this is one I never, ever tire of!

     Lee, thank you for taking time to participate in two blogs timed near a book launch and a vacation.  I look forward to seeing your published list continue to grow & grow.

Won Ton by Lee Wardlaw

      Lee Wardlaw’s first spoken word was ‘kitty’. Since then, she’s shared her home with more than two-dozen cats (not all at the same time!) and written more than two-dozen, award-winning books for young readers, including Won Ton – A Cat Tale Told in Haiku (Holt; illustrated by Eugene Yelchin), winner of the 2012 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award and many other honors.

     Lee has a B.A. in education, and taught school for five years before deciding to write full-time. She recently received her AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego, and will earn her M.Ed. from Loyola University, Maryland, in 2013. She still enjoys teaching, and presents a variety of lively programs each year for students, educators, librarians, parents and writers at schools, workshops, and conferences.

Red, White, and Boom! by Lee Wardlaw

Lee’s books have been honored by the American Library Association, the International Reading Association, the National Council of Teachers of English, the International School Librarians Association, and more. She is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, the Authors Guild, the California Reading Association and, yes, even the Cat Writers’ Association!

     Lee lives in Santa Barbara, CA with her husband, teenaged son, and three former shelter cats. Her newest book Red, White and Boom! (Holt; illustrated by Huy Voun Lee), celebrates the many cultures and traditions that make America’s birthday BOOM!

For more info about Lee and her books, visit: www.leewardlaw.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/leewardlaw

PASSION FOR PICTURE BOOKS, Nancy I Sanders, Interview

     It is with deep gratitude that I am able to interview and share thoughts about writing picture books with Nancy I Sanders.  At the conception of Pens & Brushes Pens & Brushes, Nancy graciously offered to organize us, get us going, and to moderate.  She is an amazing writer and a champion facilitator so much so that when she left our group we choose to give  her Emeritus status.  Nancy is one of the most encouraging writers I have met. Her positive outlook is like a shaft of light that guides a novice writer down the path to publishing.  Nancy also excels in kindness and compassion.

     Nancy, you well know that picture books are a complicated art form.   What drew you into writing picture books?

I love the sweet innocence of childhood. Every day is a new day to explore. Every ordinary experience is a delight. Each “first” and each milestone is like a miracle to a child, filled with wonder and amazement. Simple days filled with sunshine and trees and playing tag and reading books are treasures a child can cherish forever. Picture books capture this innocence of childhood. Plus, they become vehicles in the hands of children to transport them into new adventures. As a child I loved picture books and when I had children of my own, my love was rekindled. That’s when my love was ignited into a passion to write picture books, too. Twenty-nine years ago!

When you are writing a pb manuscript, what area of the story do you get the most satisfaction in developing and exploring? 

I love the idea stage the best. I get zillions of ideas and I love to brainstorm these ideas and imagine the story and jot down all my ideas and let the characters start interacting and speaking to each other. The beginning of writing a picture book is my favorite part.

What area of the story do you find the most difficult to develop?

The ending of the story is tricky for me. Is the story arc strong enough? Did the main character change in a way that was significant enough? Was the use of language and word choice the best that could be to convey the concept and message I wanted to share? And in a nonfiction picture book such as D is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet, was each big topic I covered presented in a kid-friendly and inspirational way? These are questions I’m constantly searching to answer as I work and rework and rework the text to finalize a picture book.

Nancy, if you could choose one pb author to spend a day with, who would that be and what would you want to receive from your time with them?  

One, just one?! I just had the awesome experience of spending four months in a mentoring group with other picture book writers. There were five of us and each month our goal was to read 20 current picture books published in the last 2 years and also write one brand new original picture book from start to finish. During these last few months I fell in love with so many new picture books, I hardly know where to begin to make this choice! E.B. Lewis! Mo Willems! Nick Bruel! Rob Scotton! Jerry Pinkney, Brian Pinkney, and Andrea Davis Pinkney! Douglass Florian! My list could go on and on…

Okay, okay! If I’m gonna be pinned down and have to pick one—just one!—for this interview, it would have to be the book Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors. Author Joyce Sidman and Illustrator Pamela Zagarenski. (Is it cheating to pick one author/illustrator combo? 

The poetry in that book combined with the quirky and fantastic artwork made me want to spend time with this duo to learn how to see the world through their eyes…they took ordinary things like cherries and birds and springtime and fall, and turned them into a sense of wonder and joy. They showed our ordinary world through the eyes of a child and this amazing book was born.


Nancy, do you have an all time favorite pb to read over and over again?


Pat the Bunny was a favorite book I read over and over to our 2 sons when they were little. It's a novelty type of picture book for the very young. It was one of the reasons I wanted to write children's books because I loved it so much and the reaction our kids had when we read it. I was thrilled when I got to publish 2 similar books for the Christian market: Touch and Feel Moses, and Touch and Feel Jonah.  Without the inspiration of Pat the Bunny, I don't think those books would ever have come to life!

Thank you for taking time to do this interview,Nancy.  You have always been a great and generous mentor for those of us who know you.  When Nancy comes across your writing path you will never regret the time you spend with her, even online.  You can find out more about Nancy at her website: 

                        Nancy I Sanders

Bestselling and award-winning children’s author of over 80 books, Nancy I. Sanders wrote a children’s column for the Writer’s online magazine from 2008 to 2011 that you can still access today. Known as an inspirational and motivational mentor by friends and fellow writers, Nancy truly believes that everyone can follow their dreams to be a successful children’s writer. In her book, Yes! You Can Learn How to Write Children’s Books, Get Them Published, and Build a Successful Writing Career, Nancy teaches writers how to manage their time and focus their energies so that they are writing each day with purpose in order to get published, earn an income, and satisfy their personal fulfillment as a writer. Nancy is available to give Virtual Workshops to you and your writer’s group so you can jumpstart your writing career to the next level. For more information, visit her site at Nancy Sanders Virtual Visits or e-mail her at Nancy's Email.

PASSION FOR PICTURE BOOKS, INTERVIEW DIANE KRESS HOWER

SURPRISE!  Barbara Bockman interviewed me on her site  Diane's Interview.  Please feel free to leap on over, check it out and leave a comment.  Thanks!

Passion for Picture Books, Mark Ceilley, Interview

This week I am excited to introduce Mark Ceilley,  another long-term Pens and Brushes member.  Mark just completed a MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults.  Mark has always been a very strong critique group member and given excellent feedback.  I have watched him continue to grow with each of his critiques over the course of his education.  In addition, Mark has a long career in  elementary education.  His passion for children's literature comes through on many levels.  I am proud to have Mark on my blog this week.

Mark what is it that drew you into writing picture books?

I was drawn to picture books when I took a children’s literature class in college.  I had an enthusiastic professor who loved children’s books.  I was introduced to many wonderful books and authors.  Later when I taught elementary school, I grew to love picture books and appreciate the form with its rhyme, rhythm, language, humor and extraordinary illustrations.  Eventually I took writing classes and began writing my own picture books.

When you are writing a manuscript is there a particular area that you get satisfaction in developing and exploring?

I get satisfaction from writing a rough draft, from the very first idea, all the way to the last sentence of a story.  I also enjoy the revision process where I can change the story around, add, delete, etc. until I have a story that is written well enough to take to my writer’s group.  After my writer’s group gives me feedback, I like editing and revising again by incorporating their suggestions.

Mark is there any part that is frustrating or difficult to develop?

Sometimes writing the first draft is frustrating for me.  I’ve often had what I think is a great idea, but once I start writing; I can’t get much further than a few sentences.  The frustration escalates when I can’t figure out what to do next and I end up with an unfinished story.  When that happens, I let the story sit for a while, go on to another idea, and create a new story.

If you could choose one pb author to spend a day with, who would that be and what would you want to receive from your time with them?

I’d choose to spend a day with Mem Fox.  I admire her writing and the many books she’s written for children.  I think she is a master when it comes to picture books.  I would learn all I could from: rhyming, use of language, simplicity of words, revision and anything else she could teach me about how to write picture books.

I am curious Mark, what was your favorite picture book as a child?

I enjoyed reading The Pokey Little Puppy.  My grandmother had a copy at her house and when I’d visit I’d reread it over and over again.  I also loved Dr. Seuss.  (The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham.)


Mark, I really appreciate you being on my blog, Passion for Picture Books.  Your presence in our group is a tremendous asset with your writing skills, and your background.  Your willingness to share the knowledge that you have gained in your Masters program has been very generous.  Thank You!

Mark is a teacher and writer.  He has taught elementary school for 20+ years.  His story, Jackson, Jackson, Make Up Your Mind was published in Spider magazine in July/Aug. 2009.  Mark has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University.  In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, yoga, gardening, swimming, cooking, movies, and meeting friends for lunch.  To find more out about Mark, visit his website at Mark Ceilley . 

Passion for Picture Books, Priya Iyengar, Interview

I remember the day when emails passed in cyberspace and a relationship was born that would change my writing career forever.   It was the day that the Founder of Pens & Brushes, Priya Iyengar connected with me about forming an online critique group.  From that moment, Priya meaning beloved in Sanskrit, put out love to individuals who had no clue where  this diverse group was going.  Priya’s passion to bring forth this group was key.  Priya is our cheerleader and a storyteller from a land where the culture is steeped in story and celebration.  Those are a few of the nuggets of gold which she has given to this group.  It is with pleasure to have Priya on my blog this week.

Priya what brought you into the world of writing picture books?

As a reader and a writer, I have been always fascinated by Picture books and aimed to write at least one.  Picture books are the doors that open to a world of dream, fascination, emotions, reality, and knowledge.  The best part of writing a PB is sometimes less is more.  No doubt, it’s a difficult art to master.  But, all you need are  thoughts  and  to learn how to string those thoughts together.

Can you please share the area of the story making that you get the most satisfaction in developing and exploring?

I love colors and I’m a devotee of nature. My area of satisfaction is setting, theme, character, story, point of view in that order. Whenever I have a plot lingering in my mind, I first think of a suitable place for my idea to match, and then create a theme that will gel well with my setting. Later I mix and match the other factors to decide and finalize the point of view and tense.  Climax is another area that gives me more satisfaction.

For me, an ending that dovetails with all my above factors and culminates into an unimaginable or striking climax gives immense satisfaction.

Priya is there an area you find the most frustrating or difficult to develop?

There are three, dialogue, point of view, and tense. These are like step-siblings that  give me a hard time to come together. I save this part as a last task to battle with.  It’s like, in a test, attempting all the easy and known questions first and leaving the trying ones for the last to arm-wrestle. So far this pattern has worked well for me.

If you could choose one pb author to spend a day with, who would that be and what would you want to receive from your time with them? 

I would choose SCBWI Founder, Sue Alexander. I like her style of writing. Her story telling makes me laugh, cry, and amaze me.  I wish I would have had an opportunity to be her student and learn some of her skills.

Priya, what was your favorite picture book as a child or your favorite one to read aloud as an adult?

My all time favorite is Sue Alexander’s, One more time, Mama. But I don’t want to miss mentioning the literary master piece, Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.  I can read these books any number of times, at any age.

Priya, I am grateful for all you have given me and our writing family.  I am learning more and more about you and your writing even after being together for so long.  Thank you for sharing.  Namaskaar.

After practicing Corporate and Labor & Employment Law in India, Priya moved to the United States with her husband and daughter. Her daughter was two and the life in Indiana was a different universe for her.  She felt like a human on Neptune.  Priya could not go to work, lived in a new neighborhood, shivering in snow with no sidewalks.  She cooked, cleaned, ate, stared at the frozen pond, and read stories to her baby.   No matter how helpless, Priya felt, she had her inner writing buddy with her.

As a student in India, Priya wrote a lot but secretly. Any conversation that she couldn’t make with her elders and teachers, any song that she couldn’t sing, any anger that  couldn’t be vented , any toy that Priya couldn’t play with became a story that jumped onto her notebook. Her biggest regret is that she could not save the notebook of stories.

Priya’s new life opened an avenue for her to pursue her passion.  She started writing stories for her daughter. Priya took a writing course at the Institute of Children’s Literature and continued her journey as a writer with published articles in newspapers, cultural magazines,  and e-zines. Since moving to California, the world became wider for her. Priya has taught creative writing to children at summer camps and from her home. Priya has two picture books in pipeline and several articles on her desk going through revisions.

In addition, Priya is an ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) professional. She enjoy both her roles - a writer and a problem solver.  

You can read Priya’s blog at Priya's Blog

Passion for Picture Books, Tina M. Cho, Interview

This week I am excited to shine the spot light on Tina Cho.  Tina has been a long-time Pens and Brushes member and never misses a beat.  In 2010, she  moved from Southern California to South Korea.  During this time frame, she never missed a critique.  Her dedication to her family and her writing are nothing short of admirable.  Tina has taught kindergarten and has two beautiful children.  Those experiences have deeply enriched the feedback we get as members.


Tina, what drew you into writing picture books?

I fell in love with picture books during my years teaching elementary. I really like the books that leave me with an “ahh” Ymoment at the end. As a teacher, I couldn’t wait to get the Scholastic Book Orders so that I could order discounted or free picture books! I’ve always thought it would be neat to write one, but I never tried until 2008. That’s when I researched how to write for children, joined a critique group, and learned the craft of writing. So having a picture book with my name on it is my dream---to leave a legacy for my children.

 Tina is there an area of the story that you get satisfaction in developing and exploring?

After I get a great idea, I enjoy putting together the story arc using a template. I feel I write better if I’ve plotted the storyline first. I like to see how everything fits together.

Is there an area that is frustrating or difficult to develop? Endings are hard for me to create. An ending must bring satisfaction, a hint of surprise, perhaps a twist, and beg the reader for repeated readings. Therefore, it must be carefully planned.

Tina, if you could choose one pb author or  author/illustrator to spend a day with, who would that be and what would you want to receive from your time with them?

As a teacher I fell in love with Jan Brett’s books, illustrations, and how she always visited the country her book was about. I’d love to visit her studio and see how she puts together her books.

Finally, what was your favorite picture book as a child?

One of my favorite picture books that I still have is Little Rabbit’s Loose Tooth by Lucy Bates. I think I liked it because the rabbit was creative with her loose tooth, and all kids like reading books about their loose teeth. My favorite ones to read to my kids are Skippyjon Jones books, Fancy Nancy books, Gingerbread Man books, and a new author I discovered Oliver Jeffers and his books like Lost and Found. His earlier ones about the penguin and boy are so perfect for my son. Isaac sleeps with a stuffed animal penguin. The books I chose have great voice or heart.




Tina, Thank you for joining me on this blog, Passion for Picture Books.  It has been such a pleasure to have you in the group and watch your writing career take off.  You bring such a supportive positive attitude to our group and our lives.  I am very grateful for you in so many ways.

Tina M. Cho is an author of 20 beginning readers or guided reading books from Lakeshore Learning and Compass Media. Her latest published project, “5 Minute Filler Teaching Cards for Grades 3/4 and 1/2” came out February 2012, from Lakeshore Learning. Tina is currently writing two nonfiction books for girls for Legacy Press/Rainbow Publishers. She also rewrites and edits for Mirae Publishing, a publisher of English language textbooks in Korea. She has written other stories and articles for children and teachers which are listed on her blog. Tina is participating in the 12x12 in 2012 challenge, writing 12 picture book manuscripts in 12 months, headed by Julie Hedlund.

Tina is a former elementary teacher and currently homeschools her two children, Anna, a 4^th grader, and Isaac, a 1^st grader. She and husband Jackey live outside of Seoul, Korea. Tina grew up in Iowa and has lived in Virginia, Arizona, and California. When she’s not teaching or writing, she likes to scrapbook, play piano, read, shop, and attend Bible studies.

You can follow Tina on Facebook 


and read her blogs at: 


Tina's Tidbits: A Writer, Teacher, & Mother's Heart



Educational blog


Devotional blog

Passion for Picture Books, Barbara Bockman, Interview

This week, I am honored to introduce a newer member to Pens and Brushes, Barbara Bockman.  Barbara brought her Masters Degree in English with a great deal of modesty and her love of animals to our group.  With all of her experience in writing, she under plays her abilities and makes us feel like equals.  

Barbara, how did you decide that you would start to write picture books?

I am drawn to picture books because of the two elements that make them up: words and pictures. The story of a pb should be as meticulously written as a hundred thousand word novel and can be just as satisfying. I enjoy the challenge of attempting to say what I want to in as few words as possible. At this point, I’m a work in progress. The art -work of picture books is as varied as the number of artists. I hope I will always be happy with the illustrator my publishers choose for my stories. The hard part of writing picture books is in providing the illustrator with ideas so he can contribute his equal share in the collaboration.

Is there an area of the story that gives you the most satisfaction in developing and exploring?

I think conflict is the area of the story that I get the most satisfaction in developing. It wasn’t always like that. When I started writing for children, I wanted everything to be comfortable and sweet.  I think one of the best pieces of writing advice I got was, “a situation does not a story make.” Now when I think of a situation I want to develop into a story, I work on creating some conflict that will propel the plot to the “sweet” ending I want.

Is there any particular area that you find the frustrating or difficult to develop?

I’m never sure that I have fleshed out my characters enough and that is frustrating. It’s not that I don’t know them. It’s probably because I know them so well that I take a lot for granted and assume the reader can read-between the lines.

Barbara, if you could choose a pb author to spend a day with, who would that be and what would you want to receive from your time with them? 

I would love to spend the day with Maj Lindman, the author of the Snipp, Snapp, and Snurr books and the Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka books. I remember one story in particular when the boys fell into a vat of chocolate and were covered in chocolate batter (or maybe it was gingerbread).  The stories are funny and sweet and have heart. Of course, as I do not speak Swedish, I might have a hard time communicating with Ms. Lindman.

What was your favorite picture book as a child?

My favorite books when I was very young were the Raggedy Ann and Andy books. I think it might have been because I had the dolls and enjoyed playing with them.  The books were very colorful and the plots of the stories were not too complicated. And I loved the titles of the books: The Camel with the Wrinkled Knees, Betsy Bonnet String, Beloved Belinda. These books might have been the source of my appreciation for language and word play.


Barbara, thank you for joining me on my blog.  You quickly engaged with the group and despite your busy schedule with book releases and signings manage to be present for each member and all of our weekly exchanges.  You model great finesse as a busy author for all of us in Pens and Brushes. 

Here is a little more about Barbara:

Barbara was married for 38 years to the most wonderful man she ever knew. He was a Lt. Colonel in the Army. They lived in various places, such as Japan, Germany, Virginia, Kansas, and West Point. Besides their daughter and son, her husband had a daughter and son by a previous marriage. Altogether she has eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Barbara taught elementary school for several years and then completed a Masters Degree in English, She taught English at Pensacola Junior College in Florida.  Barbara enjoys crocheting and needlepoint as well as gardening for butterflies. Her house is over-run with books, especially books for children.

To learn more about Barbara you can go to her website at : Barbara Bockman

You can purchase her book wounds at: Muse It Up Publishing

Her book Fantastic Flight can be purchased at: Guardian Angel Publishing