Fly On the Wall

Highlights from the Richmond Children's Writers August Meeting

The first manuscript we critiqued this month was a resubmission after significant rewrites. We all noted how much stronger the story was now. This time around, the comments were much different. They had to do with very minor things like formatting issues, tightening a little here and a little there, and whether there might be a better choice for the main character's name. When a manuscript is close to being ready to submit, the type of feedback from readers will begin to change. The suggestions become very nit-picky, very micro. This can be frustrating, but it is a good sign. It means the big story elements are strong and there is nothing left to suggest but very minor changes.

The next manuscript is an excerpt from a young-adult novel that is set in a fantasy version of the Middle Ages. Many of us felt that the emotions and the tension in this section of the novel were well written and very compelling. One comment was that the story needed to be more grounded in the setting. That is, the vocabulary, the clothing, and the details should anchor the story soundly in its setting. This requires extra thought and research, but in a story like this one, it is absolutely necessary.

Next topic: Underwear. Some members of our group think this is a super fun topic for a picture book. Others are not so sure. It's a matter of personal taste. The world is made up of all kinds of people, including some who will enjoy a brief story about undies, and some who would rather read a story about frogs. 

The mixed reaction from the group can be a learning point in itself. It doesn't mean the manuscript is not marketable, but you might have to work a little harder to find the right editor or agent to send it to. Moral of the story: It's important to find just the right fit for underpants. 

The next submission is not really a critique, but a discussion. One of our members has a great idea for a nonfiction children's book, but she is looking for a way to present it in a kid-friendly way. She brought some examples of how this topic has been treated in other books for kids. She floated a few ideas and we discussed the possibilities. This is an area in which she is very knowledgeable and passionate. We all agreed that if she can find a way to capture that passion, young readers will respond to that.

Lastly, we discussed another excerpt from a novel. Parts of the scene were very visual, and we liked that. However, there was one thing in particular, a certain reaction by the protagonist, that seemed out of character. Given his background and his family situation, would he really react that way? These kinds of inconsistencies are hard for the writer to see, but once pointed out, they become glaringly obvious. That's why we need writing buddies!

For your writing pleasure, we offer a fun little writing prompt made up of elements taken from our manuscripts this month:

Write a scene in which a character in a historical setting makes a choice of underwear that is inconsistent with what he or she would normally choose. What motivates that choice?

Now, write away!

Thinking Like a Writer, Part 1

Where do you get your ideas?

This is by far the most common question that authors get. Kids ask me this question at school visits. Adults ask this question when I visit book groups. Writers ask this question to other writers at conferences. While the universal answer is something along the lines of “ideas come from everywhere,” I believe there is a lot to learn from thinking about how ideas come to us and what we do with them when they show up. Here’s my first tip for thinking like a writer:

Writers observe.

Observing means paying attention to what is going on around you. Engage with the world. Notice new things. What can you see today that is unexpected? What breaks a stereotype? What is unexplained? What draws your interest and why? Question. Think. Muse.

Pay attention to random thoughts that your subconscious mind interjects into your awareness. Why did your brain make that connection at that moment?

Be a people watcher. Why do people do the things they do? What is body language conveying? What do actions during a tense moment reveal about a person’s character?

Become an ardent eavesdropper. Conversation is happening all around you. Listen. What does each person want from the conversation? What is the context? What is the subtext? Fill in the gaps with your imagination.

Ways to practice observing:

-          Challenge yourself to notice one new thing with each of your five senses in a 24-hour period.

-          Practice observing as you read. Try to notice an interesting turn of phrase, a fresh word choice, pleasing word flow or a catchy cadence. Aspiring fiction writers can take notice what the writer is doing with plot and characters. What is it about the writing that holds your interest? How did the writer do that?

-          Be aware of when you are feeling creative. Is there a certain time of day where your brain is open to creativity? In the shower? Just before you fall asleep? Taking a walk outside? As a writer, that is something you’ll want to know about yourself.

Visit Lana's website for Thinking Like a Writer, Part 2.

Illuminations From The Illustrator

Recently I was tasked with writing a short piece on my ‘intention’ as an artist, as part of an application to exhibit in a gallery. It required a bit more contemplation than I had imagined it would. My first response was frustration – how do I explain myself as an artist? Why do I need to? This reaction was quickly followed by a groan of resignation (after all a statement of some kind was required). Then, lo and behold (and several cups of coffee later): enlightenment! I heard the echo of that ancient wisdom, ‘if I can explain to myself why I paint, then I can paint with more creativity and freedom.’ I realized that the same is true for my writing. If I can say, ‘this is my intent…’ clearly and lucidly, then my writing will be clearer, more focused and ultimately, more successful. Try writing a similar statement for your writing. Why do you write? What is your intent? Even if you think you already know, putting your intention into words can make a big difference in your writing life.

Light Bulb Lab: Mining your Memories

Meg Medina's new book, Tia Isa Wants a Car, sprang from the memory from her childhood. Your memories are a great source of ideas for your writing. Think about all the experiences, emotions, and thoughts that make up you. That's a lot of writing material! 

When you write stories with a child as the main character, you'll need to dig through the layers of adulthood and remember what it's like to be a kid. Here are some great writing prompts to help you:

     Write about the first family car that you can 

    remember.

     Did you ever live with a relative or have a relative live 

     with you? Was it fun or annoying or both?

     Who were your favorite cousins? What events stand 

     out about them?

     Write about the most unusual family vacation you can 

     remember.

     Write about a time you felt misunderstood as a child.

     Write about the most eccentric neighbor from your 

     childhood. What seemed strange to you about him or 

     her?

     What style of clothing did you wear when you 

     were a child or a teenager? Did your mother ever 

     make you wear something you hated? Did you ever 

     insist on wearing something that your mother hated?

     How was your hair cut or styled when you were a 

     child? Did you ever have a really bad haircut?

Have you ever used your memories as a spring board for your writing? Tell us about it!