I tell people at conferences the same exact things (are y’all listening out there from Dallas?!). If I ask to see something, or I am even remotely interested in what you’re doing, you will not lose my interest. They probably got some ideas at the conference. They will probably go home and do revisions. They should take their time and query me whenever, because I’d rather see something good than something unpolished that comes quickly. Let’s just say I prefer slow, gourmet food to fast food, because it takes a lot of time and care and craft to cook really delicious fare.
I don't know about you, but I'm busting out the slow cooker. :)
I know because my buddy Dan's mom always mailed him a gigantic box to summer camp. (The homemade kind.) Not that I held a grudge about it or anything. It was over twenty years ago. I hardly think about it. *cough*
I've personally mailed a few of these overseas (in plastic bottles). Who knew the doctor could be so hard to find?
I'm making my revision kit list and checking it twice. And this is just the food. Of course, highlighters and colorful pens count. They make me feel like a kid. Which is a good thing when that's your target audience. Now if I can just find my old sticker album.
What are your go-to items for revisions?
I'm listening. I need all the help, and luck, I can get.
It occurred to me today I should swear off milkshakes or ice cream until this rewrite is done. That would put a fire under me like no body's business. I. Love. Ice cream. Brain freeze and all.
Then my husband emailed me a link to this: The TV Hat. It is so ridiculous. It. Just. Might. Work. I'm sure somebody smarter than me could put a little computer screen in there. Nova Ren Suma drapes a scarf over her head while writing to block out all distractions. Maybe it's not so crazy an idea after all.
Really, who'd want a room like this with PICTURE BOOK ART on the walls?
Who needs an insanely colorful collection of recycled, found objections and spunky, one of a kind pillows? Me.
A painted red gate for a headboard? Me.
R. E. A. D. spelled on the wall? I raise my hand.
An old pull-down map on the back of the door? You get the idea.
Did you see the adorable metal basket full of favorite picture books right beside the bed? (I spy with my little eye: Miss Nelson is Missing!) It's totally ridiculous.
And overwhelmingly charming. I'd be right at home. So, Meg, if you ever need to recreate this room, say in another house, I have just the home for you. I've got the books, just not the vision.
"In my world, the books would be nothing but pictures." - Alice
Oh to be an in illustrator jumping up and down over this - to see sketches and renderings come to life. Living illustrations! Beautiful and clever.
Reading it is an utter joy. Truly. Even Cheshire disappears/ reappears on the page.
I'm thinking Frog & Toad would be adorable. Even chemistry textbooks could be fun. An interactive periodic chart. The possibilities are endless. (You can even read in the dark!)
When you look at this picture you see it's Albert Einstein.
Now stand 15 feet away. Whom do you see?
Distance yourself for a minute from your main character. What makes him/her quirky? Convincing? Real?
You might discover he or she is someone else entirely.
Character Questionnaire 1
This questionnaire is found in Gotham Writers’ Workshop’s Writing Fiction.
You might start with questions that address the basics about a character:
• What is your character’s name? Does the character have a nickname?
• What is your character’s hair color? Eye color?
• What kind of distinguishing facial features does your character have?
• Does your character have a birthmark? Where is it? What about scars? How did he get them?
• Who are your character’s friends and family? Who does she surround herself with? Who are the people your character is closest to? Who does he wish he were closest to?
• Where was your character born? Where has she lived since then? Where does she call home?
• Where does your character go when he’s angry?
• What is her biggest fear? Who has she told this to? Who would she never tell this to? Why?
• Does she have a secret?
• What makes your character laugh out loud?
• When has your character been in love? Had a broken heart?
Then dig deeper by asking more unconventional questions:
• What is in your character’s refrigerator right now? On her bedroom floor? On her nightstand? In her garbage can?
• Look at your character’s feet. Describe what you see there. Does he wear dress shoes, gym shoes, or none at all? Is he in socks that are ratty and full of holes? Or is he wearing a pair of blue and gold slippers knitted by his grandmother?
• When your character thinks of her childhood kitchen, what smell does she associate with it? Sauerkraut? Oatmeal cookies? Paint? Why is that smell so resonant for her?
• Your character is doing intense spring cleaning. What is easy for her to throw out? What is difficult for her to part with? Why?
• It’s Saturday at noon. What is your character doing? Give details. If he’s eating breakfast, what exactly does he eat? If she’s stretching out in her backyard to sun, what kind of blanket or towel does she lie on?
• What is one strong memory that has stuck with your character from childhood? Why is it so powerful and lasting?
• Your character is getting ready for a night out. Where is she going? What does she wear? Who will she be with?
This is heartening for me as my process is not too far off! However, I hope to continue my quest to become more efficient. (My husband is laughing hysterically somewhere.)
I found this video fascinating. Thankfully, I'd finished my lunch, or I would have choked on my Triscuit when I heard her number of drafts. Her work paid off though. I'll be adding Invisible Lines to my TBR pile.
Being the indecisive creature I am, I have eight, count them 8, varying versions of my first page. I have a first page problem. Some of it stems from a deep rooted perfectionism or competitiveness. I'm always trying to one-up my last attempt. But most of it is pure indecisiveness.
For instance, I am horrible shopper. I try on these adorable red shoes. Perfect for ballgames in the South. But oh, wait! Those bright kelly green ballet flats will be cute this spring with a flirty skirt. But what about these brown sandals? They're more practical. Because let's face it, I run carpool and go shopping for groceries more than shoes.
So, my CP's will be happy to hear I've decided to put my first page on hold until revision. But in my research, I've stumbled across some great pages on the first page. I thought I'd share. So you, too, can be as indecisive and first page challenged as moi. You're welcome.
My husband was going through some old videos the other night, and he discovered this one. I'd forgotten all about it. Excuse a bit of parental bragging.
This is my baby. My last. She's nearing three now. I admit I watched it with mostly laughter but a few tears brimming. My children are gifts on loan to me for a season, and they grow so fast.
But that's not what this post is about.
What totally took my breath away was my girl's stubborn determination. She falls more than she steps, but she KEEPS ON TRYING. Smiling the whole way. Sure, she has her own cheering section. A bit obnoxious we are, but whole-heartedly smitten.
What is it about babies learning to sit, stand, walk? Why do they so doggedly persevere? It's got to be hard on them. Tough as nails maybe. Their muscles are small, underdeveloped. They're uncoordinated. They take some serious bumps and hits. But they don't quit.
How many adults do you know that crawl?
What happens to us as we go through life and into adult hood? All the sudden, we want to quit when it, whatever IT is, gets too hard. We're ready to give up. Move on.
I don't have an answer. But I do know I want to recapture this childlike enthusiasm. This stubborn determination. I want to celebrate baby steps. Applaud small victories. Dust myself off. Pick myself up. Over and over again. Cheering section or not.
Because as long as there's breath in me, I have One for Whom I dance.
Enjoy. Now get moving.
Kristin
(Apologies in advance for the pantsless big brother.)
Christ-follower, wife, mother, reader, writer, and wannabe chocolate croissant maker. Known to hoard books and art supplies.
A former pediatric nurse, I now dispense Band-aids to my five children.
