2nd Issue of My Newspaper for Kids

July's issue is out and I'm having fun distributing it throughout Fauquier County! It's definately more of a challenge with the kiddos home from school but it is so much easier now that I have my distribution list down. I "work in" paper drop-offs between swimming lessons and grocery runs. Today we hit the Fauquier libraries to take in our due books and pick up new ones. The kids "spun the wheel" for a prize since they had each read a book and I was able to deliver my papers at the same time! I'm working the Zen moments! Otherwise, it's constant arguments and debates about who was right when he/she decided to ignore/scream at the other.



The other issue I'm working on is determining what publishing software I should use. After two prints, I'm learning I probably need to purchase better software or atleast a higher end pdf maker. My ads are not as crisp as I'd like them. Having a real estate and writing background is not equivalent to a computer degree as you can imagine but that will not deter me! I'm researching online and making phone calls to all the publications I think have a great output to discover what they use.

It's funny when you find something you feel passionate about, the small obstacles are just that. You have to approach them with fearlessness, pick them up and analyze them, find a proper solution then toss 'em. Isn't it the same way with writing?



This isn't my immediate solution to a job but somehow I don't care. I'm loving in and I've met so many great folks because of it. Plus, when a kid says, "A paper just for me?!", I lose it!

We Writers Need a Stop Watch

This is the first page of June's issue, my first as a Newspaper Gal! I hope to be one for a long time. Each day I'm either distributing papers, calling or dropping in on prospective advertisers, reading a couple of chapters for the next book review or drafting an ad for a business in town.

The local community has been really great. Everyone is excited and supportive. I continue to talk to my printer to learn how to make the product even better and my idea notebook has become my newspaper book. The paper will continue to be 4 pages until the school year starts. At that time, I will assess the need to make it 8 and go from there.

I've learned the need to set immediate and long term goals. I have always struggled with my writing goals but having a deadline (a print date) really doesn't give one a choice! I like that and apparently need it. So, it got me thinking, if each of us writers had a henchman to answer to, would we keep our self inflicted timelines? I'd bet a large sum , we all would!

I'd ask Nev to be my goal keeper except I know he wouldn't touch that job with a 50 foot pole! For now, I'm glad to have my paper to keep me moving forward and I'm glad it makes me write atleast a chapter of my new story every 30 days!

The Fauquier Kid

Starting a business is really time consuming. It also consumes the mind. I literally had to cut some things out to make my new endeavor happen. Blogging was one of them. Writing was the second, unfortunately. Well, I'm back to writing and boy have I missed it! And, I'm back to blogging, too.

I've started a newspaper for kids, The Fauquier Kid. It has local news, stories, book reviews, puzzles, and more. My first issue came out this Saturday at our local spring festival in Warrenton. I believe I passed out about 1,500 copies. Boy was I pooped at the end of the day! It was really excited and the feedback from kids and parents was great.

A lot of kids were excited to know they could write for the paper, something I really hope becomes a reality. Not only am I asking the kids to submit news articles, but there will be story contests as well. Kids can learn how to write for an audience as well as the ins and outs of submission guidelines. And, see their name in print!

The local paper here does not subscribe to The Mini Page so unless you get The Washington Post, your kids wouldn't have their own paper. The Fauquier Kid will be very different from TMP as well as it will be focused more on the kids in the county.

The paper is free, paid for by advertisers. It's a great outlet for local businesses looking to reach kids and their folks. I am currently working on distribution. Already it has been placed in several locations including the pediatriians office, restaurants and the boys and girls club. I am meeting with the public libraries as well as other facilities to gain permission as well. It all takes so much time. But, if it works (and I'm working my butt off to see that it does) it will be a great community service as well as a lot of fun for me!

My New Business is Coming Soon!

Wanted you guys to know I am starting up a new project. Not necessarily a story project but an idea I have had for a long time and am now focusing on. May be an answer to my "job" need but probably not entirely. Even if this new project is a partial answer, it would be fantastic because it definately involves children's writing. I can NOT wait to tell all of you about it but need to get to a point where it's ready to roll out.

Until then, I am continuing to read your blogs as often as possible and will keep trying to blog myself if even more sporadic than before. There is sooo much work to a start-up especially when you are doing all the work yourself. But, can i tell you guys, there are so many supportive professionals out there who are willing to help that I have a renewed hope in my fellow neighbors. Sometimes the world feels like one big bucket of competitors until you start meeting the individuals who are willing to help even if you may be a competitor yourself. I am meeting all kinds of wonderful colleagues that I'm enjoying all this work even more.

I so can't wait to convey my new business to my blogger pals. It's part of what is pushing me to move fast. Stay tuned.

I Desperately Need an Outline!

So, with my first novel Homer and Rosie, I outlined it prior to putting pen to paper to write even a sentence. The main reason was it was required for one of the final lessons of my Institute of Children's Literature class. Once I began writing, it came easy.

When I began The Companion, I did a lot of preparation but I did not do an outline. I was desperate to begin writing it. So, I began without knowing the plot points, the climax and the ending! You may ask, "Why would you do that Jenn?" I know. Stupidity seems to hit after the fact, huh?! After struggling for months, I have finally realized I don't work this way!

I now have to put it aside for a bit. I'm too entrenched in it to see past it. So, The Companion folder is going to rest for a while on the shelf. I have begun to outline a new story and boy am I excited to be outlining! I forgot how much I enjoyed it!

Do you outline? How do you handle your pre-writing?

How Glad I am Mom Didn't Bite the Dust

My fantastic (and sometimes drive me crazy) Mom just celebrated her one year anniversary on her liver transplant! In the world of transplants, this is a really big deal because the majority of "issues" happens within the first 12 months. And, with the anniversary, a flood of memories hit me (and all of us).

The trips to UVA with my pregnant sister taking turns driving. That first trip down after the call came there was a liver available, knowing my folks were an hour ahead of us on the very same road. Stopping to get a Starbucks to get us through. The dinner my dad, sister and I had after the surgery. Mom sent us out to get Bang Bang shrimp which she hadn't been able and wouldn't be able to have for quite some time. Barely noticing how good they were. Leaving my kids for 3 nights for the first time ever and hardly noticing. That was weird but when you're kids are well taken care of and your mom, sister and dad need you there, you don't notice how much you miss them.

Let me recap what happened a little over a year ago and explain how common transplants are for people who one day seem perfectly healthy and the next day need to be cut in half and have some one else's organ.

New Years 2008 my mom got a cold. Yes, a virus and that was all. She and my dad kept my kids so Nev and I could celebrate with friends in Richmond. They were up late. She was tired especially because she had a head cold. But, I didn't even blink an eye. Why? Because I have one of the sturdiest, most onry, healthy parents around. Or atleast until this very point in time.

Weeks later, she and Dad traveled to Miami with some of my family for their yearly fun weekend. She barely made it through. I barely blinked an eye. Why? Because she has always pushed herself too much. She and my dad could work circles around anyone else I know (safe most members of my own family).

She saw her family doctor (a man who eventually been part of the team to save her life). He thought she needed counseling for being over nervous. I didn't blink an eye. Why? Mom is a type A, over anxious kind of gal. It's why she gets so much done, takes ultimate care of two daughters, a husband, two grandchildren (at the time there were just mine), four horses, a burrow, 23 barn cats, and 3 dogs(oh, and anyone else needing care plus her sister's cats when she travels which is all the freakin time).

A few weeks later I saw she was turning yellow when I went to Front Royal to have lunch. I was blown away. Why? Because when your Mom turns yellow, it's a big, scary deal.

A few weeks later, she was in the emergency room in Winchester, Va. and her specialist was telling us she needed a liver transplant. I did feel like I was in a dream. It may be a cliche but hell, that's why their cliches. We made jokes, how I was going to write a Lifetime Movie. Mom wanted to be played by Diane Lane, George Clooney for my dad (he does indeed look like him just a little older w/ Carhart overalls!).

One week and a day after she met with her liver specialist (the head of the liver transplant dept. at UVA) she got the call saying basically, "Get your otherwise very healthy bod down here so we can fix the damn liver the virus attacked." The quickness of this is a testimony to just how sick she was, and how well she had taken care of herself for the 58 years prior. She was a perfect transplant candidate.

It was hell. One minute, your mom is going to live forever, helloooo, aren't they supposed to always be there? Then the next, you worrying you will have to start shopping for your own clothes and for your kids and what about your Dad? And, what about your kids' Grandmom?? And, what about my sister, prego with her first little one? And, of course, what about my dear mom who hadn't done anything selfish for herself (save buy a lot of good looking clothes) since she was twenty and a mom!

And, well, how can I explain the memories of being in UVA the night they took my mom back to basicaly cut her in half. She left us having the team of doctors (and I mean there were like 7 of them) in stitches, threatening that if they messed up her hair with the ugly cap they put on her, they were in trouble. So many coffees at the cafeteria. Bad french fries that first night but so hungry b/c we hadn't eaten. The clorox smell mixed with overcooked pizza and meds. Young doctors everywhere. The smell of needles. I swear you can. A totally sleepless night (even thoug we all tried) in the "family room". My dad's worry. How do you rest when you're Mom may not be with you in the morning and you know your dad is as worried as you've ever known him to be. He's not even consoling you b/c he can't. He's not the parent right now, he's just this really cool Dadthing you've known your entire life.

As you can imagine, I could go on and on. But, since it's an anniversary, I suppose I should look at what I've learned. I should say "not to take my mom for granted". But, hell, that only lasted for a few months. I am a little better. Maybe you'd think I have learned to value every day. Yeah, sure. I try like we all do. But, really, it's more along the lines of knowing you have to take care of yourself. Onry and tough are good companions. Because when some random unknown terrorist decides to have one of your organs for lunch, you better be as healthy as you can be so you get the next organ coming in. And, you better be as tough, wiry and hardheaded so you can make it back because it was hell for my mom. There were days I am sure she didn't think she could do it.

But, she did. One year later, she is on the lowest dose of anti-rejection drugs. And, boy am I thankful. To her. You rock Mom!

Script Writing Helps with Show Not Tell

You may recall I mentioned Syd Field's Screenplay The Foundations of Screenwriting in a previous post recently. Well, ScriptFrenzy (a sister to NanoWrimo) is coming up April 1! Now you may be saying, Jenn, I'm a novelist not a scriptwriter but hear me out:

Last year at this very same time of year, I got an email from ScriptFrenzy's Jennifer Arzt. I thought the same as you guys and came very close to sending the email, unread, into my trash but then I decided to read it first. And, I am glad I did because in that email something near and dear to me was mentioned. Learning to show instead of tell. Something many of us struggle with even if we're seasoned writers. Well, in a script, you must show. There is very little telling. So, ScriptFrenzy is more of a writing exercise to improve your novel writing! It requires you to see the scene and write succintly. And, it's a lot of fun.

Now you may be wondering how on earth you write a script. You can actually find many examples online. A quick Google search and you may be reading the script for one of your favorite movies. I also hit my local bookstore and ended up with Mr. Field's book which lays out script writing like a puzzle. It's wonderful!

Nev and I have decided to give this a try. We may not go the ScriptFrenzy route but we are beginning to write a script. We figured it was something fun to do after the kids went to bed.

Last night we designed most of our cast, chose two settings and outlined three scenes while sitting on our couch (me w/ pencil and paper and those index cards Syd swears by) and Nev excitedly telling me about how he had been pondering all these things while driving in and from work. The cocktails lubricated our imaginations and we had a total blast! Then we watched a movie and discussed it's Act I, Plot Point I, and the Key Incident.

A Writing Contest and Some Thoughts on Work

Writer's Digest has a contest coming up. Entry submission deadline is May 14, 2010. The contest includes just about every genre so check it out!

As for me, I've been submerged in my decision about work. Should I give freelance writing a go? Can I be successful and make any money at it? Or should I go back into real estate? Residential this time. I worked in commercial management and leasing for over 8 years but there isn't much of that here in the Piedmont and I think I prefer the flexibility of residential anyway. I've been doing some research on freelancing to get a handle on it. It's all a little confusing.

I continue to write real estate articles for an agent in the mid-west. Funny how the internet can connect you with unlikely acquaintences! But, I got my first check and boy it is nice to be paid for your writing. Even if it will only pay for lunch. At a mediocre place!

Goodluck on the contest!

What a Difference a Nice Rejection Letter Can Make

I recently sent the first 3 chapters of Homer and Rosie to 3 editors who attended the SCBWI Mid-Atlantic conference in Arlington last November. The first 2 haven't responded but the editor who would have received hers last, sent a nice note back. Granted it included that she didn't have the space in her small imprint to include my MS but that was something I already knew. Even as the kids and I kissed each of the envelopes for goodluck before slipping them into the post office mailbox, I knew it would be rejection letters in my mailbox.

The main reason I know this is because I haven't sent it out nearly enough. Maybe to 5 agents and these were my first round of editors. But, also, because the tale is not going to be an easy sale. My middle grader includes talking animals. Something that is taboo these days but I didn't care because it was the story I wanted to tell. And, although I am sure it could still be edited a thousand times, I'm proud of it. It's my first novel and I actually finished it. That's a big deal to me.

As my kids kissed those envelopes I know what they were thinking. Macy: "Please let Mom get this book published so I can get a dog, finally!" (We have to buy a hypoallergenic dog due to my husband's allergies and those suckers are expensive) Julian: "When are we going home so I can play with my pirates!?". I was thinking: "Please let me actually receive the rejection letters". Yes, that is what I was thinking. Well, I did have one positive moment. But, the letters are really what I was hoping for because honestly, I didn't receive responses from most of the agents I sent to on round one.

But, here's the best part of the letter. It wasn't a form letter!! I know this because she referred to the conference, suggested it would be great to meet at another, said my work had merit and that she hoped I found a home for it. Now, I'm sure all these phrases are ones she has used thousands of times. But, it gave me hope. And, it also brought back the wonderfully inspiring memories of attending my first writer's conference.

And, that's a truly great thing. I have the silly letter stuck to my bedroom mirror next to my husbands gift tag that came on my netbook this Christmas which read, "Finish those books hon." Whatever it takes to keep you going, right?!! I remember reading Stephen King hung his rejection letters all over his bedroom as a kid. Works for me!

I'm looking forward to hanging those rejection letters everywhere. That way, I know I'm a little closer to actually being published!

Job Time is Here; Writing Persevere!

The realm of the working world has been at arms length for me for five years now. And, I have to say, I have enjoyed it tremendously! For the past four years, I have been happily writing children's stories. Now, the challenge is, how to find a part-time gig that pays fairly well (or I should say pays what I think my time is worth which is no doubt inflated because my time has become precious to me), allows a lot of flexibility so my kids don't miss out, and gives me enough time to continue writing.

The first two issues are not negotiable, of course, but the writing time can be. Or so I worry it is. How will I be able to keep it all going? Because I have to, I tell myself. And, yes, there have been lots of internal fights as well as out loud conversations with myself because come next September, when Julian climbs those school bus steps with an overlarge backpack hanging to the back of his knees, I will have a job. Some sort of employment anyways.

And, what is there really for a mom who insists on being at home when her kids get on and off the bus. Has to be the one to run them to ballet, tennis, riding and violin (and that's just Macy). Wants the flexibility to stay home when one is sick and summers fairly free so pool days are still a part of my kids' memories. NOt to mention still having some energy to take care of her husband. But, I also want, no NEED, to have time to write. I've had boughts of time where my writing has ceased due to many different reasons and I'm miserable. It's equivalent to a child who has lost her favorite stuffed toy for a bit. I feel lost.

I'm currently doing a little freelance real estate writing and it is enjoyable. Pays nothing but it does keep the fingers typing. It won't be the solution but I've decided I have to persevere. My current MC is depending on me. Her story is not finished and her story has to be told. She is one of those voices in my head I talk to. I suppose I will just have to start setting my alarm for 5:00 am again like I used to do when Julian was a baby and insisted on waking at 6:00. I can handle the lack of sleep. I will HAVE to! And, who knows, maybe I'll be more organized. That's a dream.

Okay, enough whining for me now. How do you guys do it all and keep up with your writing?

A Technique Can Turn Things Around

Is your writing suffering? Are you stuck? Is the winter bringing you down? Well, here in Virginia the Farmer's Almanac is more accurate that I would have wished this winter. We've already gotten more snow than any other winter in history! And, my kids have been home. A lot! Which means, you got it, my writing has suffered.

I'm all for any trick or gadget that can help. And, thanks Suzette at Shooting Stars for your recent post linking to the QTBlog. It includes a handy writing technique lets call The 9 Step Method, to get you motivated, organized or help you flesh out any problems with your story.

It is similar in a way to Syd Field's script writing technique. I purchased his book, Screenplay, The Foundations of Screenwriting, last year when I read on ScriptFrenzy that script writing was a great way to learn how to show instead of tell. This made sense to me. After all, movies can't tell (with the exception of the few that have a narrator).

Mr. Field's book is indeed a real help in that way but also in giving you another tool for plotting your story. He gives you a step by step method to ensure your story starts off with a bang, builds character and drama, has a timely climax and a good ending.

Sometimes we writers need a little help clearing out the cobwebs of the creativity block in our brains. Techniques like Mr. Field's and the 9 Step Method can really jump start our writing.

So, if you've been feeling underwhelmed, or your schedule has been rudely interrupted by weather or what have you, or perhaps you're just going through the inevitable down cycle of a writer, give a technique a try. You just never know what's going to give you that kick in the hiney you so need!

King of Characterization

I have finished Stephen King's Under the Dome! What a feat. At 1,100 words approximately, it took me quite a while. I'm a slow reader anyway, reading every word, which I know is the wrong way to read but wasn't told that before it became a habit. I savor every word like a piece of chocolate. A Hershey kiss can last me ten minutes!

Anyway, I have to say I'm not usually into paranormal enough to read that many words but Mr. King is my exception. Having only read Pet Cemetary in highschool, I took a break from his work until a couple of years ago. Nev convinced me that he wasn't the pop culture writing machine just because everyone loves a scary story but due to his ability to write well. With that in mind, I picked up Insomnia and became a Stephen King fan. Then after reading his book titled On Writing , I fell in love.

Under the Dome was a heck of a good read. Enough to have me sitting at our counter reading on Saturday mornings while Nev made breakfast. While the kids called, "Mom, Mom, moooommmm" and I would finally hear them after like the 10th time! I tune out all but the story while reading a good book.

Stephen King gets you in the begining because of his great characters. And, that's not to say they are unusual but rather realistic. Normal characters put in extraordinary circumstances. By the time I realize I'm reading paranormal, I'm hooked! I mean what do you think might happen in your town if an unseen barrier came down one day? Think everyone would handle it the same?

What is it about his characters? It's the small dosage he gives us each page, like a trail of food. We keep picking it up, not satisfied, wanting more.

Next, I'm tackling Barbara Kingsolver's The Lacuna . I've missed her fiction since Prodigal Summer. I'm turning a 160! Hope you're reading something consuming today.

A Lesson You Can Digest

The kids had a snow day on Friday. Well, actually it was a Sleet Day and while Nev was working from home, I needed to keep the kids occupied, preferably on the second level of our house. They endured the grocery store and a slew of other errands and then after lunch, we all hopped in the Big Bed (that's code for mom and dad's king) and watched Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Well, I was working on the PTO newsletter but I watched as well.

Now, I'm embarrased to say I've never read Judith Barrett's tale. I'm not sure how i've missed it but I have. So, I am unsure how it is similar or different from the movie. But, have you guys? Have you seen the movie?

While I love any story that is creative, original and fun, I also enjoy kids' stories that have a lesson. This one is not to subtle and yet it works without being preachy.

It reflects our glutinous society, particularly American society with our believe that we deserve everything exactly when we want it. Without reference to whether we can afford it or should have it. One of the biggest problems in America which has led us to all kinds of bad behavior and is now affecting our economy as well as the environment.

The main character accidently invents a way to create food from rain for his small island town who has always had only sardines to eat. The townspeople are at first thrilled, then demanding, then before you know it, the Mayor has become a rotund, corrupt eating machine. It seems he's walked into McDonalds and decided he is unable to eat anything that's not super sized.

While watching, I'm wondering how the writer keeps that balance between fun and theme. To an adult, the lesson is obvious but then I realize to a kid, it is subtle. The demands for specific foods starts off small, escalates until the townspeople are beating down the inventor's door. The mayor's girth continues to grow as does his thirst for power.

The reason it works, is because it makes sense. The story is not interrupted by these points. Instead it intensifies the conflict and pushes to the resolution. That's the key. It simply fits. As I've read in countless articles on children's lit, if a lesson comes from the story then it will work. If it is pushed, it will not.

I pointed out to my kids (afterwards of course) how the movie is similar to our own society and what that means. But, simply put, the movie was fun to watch with the kids. They enjoyed it as entertainment. I enjoyed it as research as well as entertainment. And, I felt like the school day was a waste.

Book and Movie Reviews

Contrasting pictures. And yet, this novel and movie have the same theme.

Since I signed up for the 2009 SCBWI conference I attended in November, I have been making my way through Patricia Reilly Giff's collection of novels. And, I have enjoyed each and every one.

I just finished Nory Ryan's Song, which is a tribute to Ms. Giff's ancestors who weathered the famine in Ireland. While a historical novel can always teach us something, it can also inspire us. But very few times have I gotten choked up while reading a novel, particularly a children's book. But Nory's sacrifices for her family led me to finishing the book late one night while my husband groaned because my light was keeping him awake. Usually something I try to avoid but totally incomprehensible to me that evening. The ending was somewhat happy but heartbreakingly real.

From the persecution of the Irish by the English, my husband and I moved onto the persecution of aliens by humans. Yep! You heard me right. Nev is on top of the movie scene. Most often, I retrieve a movie from my mailbox that I've never heard of. As parents of young kids, watching movies at home is one of our most popular activities. I appreciate my husband's efforts to choose interesting atypical movies.

District 9 was not your beat the aliens movie we've seen for decades. Knowing it was produced by Peter Jackson (who made the Lord of the Rings movies), I had hopes it wouldn't be just any alien movie. I'm not into alien movies. I would have chosen Julia and Julie last night over the aliens but opted to have a little faith in Nev(and Peter).

From the first scene, I was in. Not only was it a completely different take on aliens, it was good. All the way until the last scene. And, the theme was the age old idea of treat your neighbor how you would want to be treated. No matter their color, religion, political affiliation, or whether they have skin or scales.

Give one, or both, a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

No More Sagging for Me!

This is the gingerbread house the kids and I made before Christmas. We dubbed it the Sagging Shack. I added too much water to the icing and well, it made the doors and windows droop.

Instead of being upset, we thought it was funny. Apparently, an old lady lives in this little cottage and everything on her body sags including her skin.

For the past two months, I felt like I was the Droopy Dame. No, I’m not talking about needing Botox (ew). More like a writing intervention.

Beginning around Thanksgiving, I began to experience writer’s block. Actually, I wouldn’t call it the official Writer’s Block. It was more like the lack of writing eventually caused the block. Thanksgiving interrupted my schedule with its requirements for baking rolls, making side dishes, pies, cleaning the silver and ironing the good linens. All of this I enjoy but this year I felt it a burden so by the official day, I was over it. In a big way.

Then came the onset of Christmas. The first week of December required my daughter, and therefore me as one of the backstage moms, to be at ballet rehearsal to prepare for the Nutcracker performance every night for hours. This not only interrupted my schedule but my kids’ and my husband's. I thought perhaps Macy might be preparing for a production by The New York City Ballet so intense were the practices.

Then came the bustle of preparing for the holiday itself. These are not unusual occurances. All of you went through similar situations and managed to keep writing. I, however, had by this point let my writing slipped and my creativity was zapped.

It was as if a Christmas Wizard came down and took it away for almost two months. The worst part being that once you stop writing for even a small amount of time like a week, it is so much harder to get back into it. That is the point I wanted to discuss.

For Christmas, my terrific husband heard the pleas I have been making for a while, and gave me a netbook; a perfectly tiny laptop that I can literally slip into my oversized purse.

Finally, I can write some where other than the computer/playroom. How liberating. I love my yellow legal pad and a good pencil but I admit, there is something all together wonderful about typing it once instead of writing and inputting. Plus, the gift tag attached to this little gem said, “To my honey, get those books finished!”.

That’s what I needed. A push to get back into the swing of things. A literary facelift. Still a few droops in places but I'm pinning and tucking.

Happy New Year!

A Snow Storm We'll Remember!

What a weekend! Warrenton was only a couple inches shy of two feet of snow. My husband and I were originally heading to Richmond on Friday for a Christmas party we look forward to every year. The kids were going in the opposite direction to Winchester to stay with my mother-in-law. Once we realized we probably wouldn't get home much less be able to pick up the kids on Saturday, we decided to stay home. That's when I started cheering on the weather men and hoping for more of the white stuff!

Friday afternoon at our local Giant and Walmart were insane as you can imagine. On top of it, I had Julian with me. Nev was working from home so he could attend Julian's Christmas program so we needed to be out of the house anyway. Julian sang his heart out! He doesn't talk at all in school. Unless I am there. But, he sings. And, I cried! Not blubbery, but a few tears.

After a celebratory lunch with the MIL and my folks (and my little nephew Asher), Julian and I headed to the store. Determined to have a good shopping experience with my 4 year old, he and I embraced the caos. It was one of those grocery store trips from a dream. We talked and laughed (and I bought donuts, Batman gummies and Spiderman mac and cheese). I'm sure my purchases weren't why he was happy . But, everyone in the store seemed happy, if frazzled, and pleasant. A form of camaraderie.

Around 6:00 that night, the snow started and continued until just before Nev and I went to bed Saturday night around 11:00. We watched movies, played chess, ate snow cream, drank hot chocolate and sleighed to our hearts content! My kids and I got to walk down our street to the neighbors house for a visit. Julian kept wondering if he was going to get hit by a car. Macy was just excited to be in the street.

Macy's snow pants from last year didn't fit. She had on a pair of Julian's fleece lined pants until I realized my mom had bought her a pair of insulated Carharts for those cold riding lessons. She complained and whined, saying she looked like the abominable snowman.

Then yesterday, Nev and I shoveled. And, shoveled. My back aches so bad this morning that even my morning yoga didn't ease any of the pain. But afterwards, we sleighed some more. Then I ordered better snow boots for Nev and Macy. They are due to arrive before the next snow comes on Christmas!

What fun! I know we're supposed to be in for a winter full of more weather. Bring it on!

Photo Challenged

First, I apologize for dropping off the face of the blogging world. My only excuse is that I've been really busy with kid stuff and Christmas just like all of you. My main excuse is my inability to write these days.

But, in case you guys are out there, here is an article I wrote for my local paper some time ago. Hope you get a laugh:

Recently, while visiting my parents, I understood the depths of my inability to take a good picture. As I produced my drivers’ license photo for my mom and sisters’ review, I unleashed a bout of hysteria to rival all those had in my parents’ kitchen. That kitchen is over one hundred years old and has seen four generations of my family. This was a pretty good laugh fest.

In my lifetime, I have taken only a handful of decent photos. Many of these were snapped when I was a baby and oblivious of the need to pose while still looking naturally cute. A few days preceding the above-mentioned outburst, my younger, very attractive sister stormed into my parents’ house claiming her new license picture was horrendous. Let me put this into perspective.

My sister is the most photogenic person I know. She also loves to have her picture taken. If there is a camera in the room, she is ready with a pose. Hair tossed and straight teeth flashing her fabulous smile. Throughout our childhood, she has produced multitudes of fantastic pictures.

I recall one such photo session. My grandmom had taken my sister and I to a professional. The pictures of my sister were so terrific, my grandmom had one blown up to poster size, framed and prominently hung.

My photos were snarly and unattractive. Apparently, all pictures including my mug were ruined. I think I forgot to be happy while the photographer made us smile and pose for thirty minutes. My hand fell asleep while resting oh so naturally on the side of my cheek. No pictures survive today which include my rebellious face on that very important day.

So, when I heard my sisters’ recent photo was terrible, I had to see it. After viewing what I would have considered an excellent picture, I went for my wallet. Why did I do this? I now wonder. I remember wanting to cheer up my sister. Give her a quick laugh. Even if at my own expense. After all, I was photo challenged. I knew how to handle the teasing. But, as the three of us stood in my parents’ kitchen, I quickly realized the harassment would not end quickly. The margaritas we had consumed that night didn’t help my case.

I have to say, I was eight months pregnant when the license picture was taken. Round faced and ponytail included. Also, the DMV had decided to add a nice red tan line to my neck. What is that about anyway? Do they have that built into the camera? Just in case you aren’t as nice as the DMV personnel, they can turn on the Red Circle of Doom for payback? They stand back and laugh to themselves as you’re walking out the door looking at your new license, shaking your head.

That night in my parents’ kitchen, my mom and sister kept passing the picture back and forth. “Let me see it again”, my mom had tears running down her face. My sister laughed so hard, I thought she might fall down and hurt that perfect set of teeth. And, I admit, I was laughing pretty hard myself. Especially, when one of them suggested I looked like Charlize Theron. In the movie Monster. Their advice was to have my picture redone immediately. What if I got pulled over for speeding? The cop would look at my photo and immediately take me in thinking I was a serial killer. That picture would be my demise. All three of us were crying and holding our sides.

My most recent photo experience was only a few weeks ago when I entered the Times Democrat offices to take the picture that accompanies this article. I was close to calling the paper and telling them to forget running that first article, unless I could get out of having my picture taken. I called my husband at work. “Don’t worry, you’ll do fine,” were his encouraging words. I called my mom. “Just do your best. That is all you can do,” were her encouraging words. So, I held strong. I wore a turtleneck.

Anxiety ran high as I entered the front door and met the doomed photographer in charge of snapping my shot. I quickly explained my inability to put a decent smile on paper. Poor soul didn’t seem to believe me. However, after snapping only a couple of shots of my extremely tense face, he came around. I was convinced the picture to be printed would be my very worse. Fake grin, glassy eyes and double chin.

Somehow, it didn’t turn out as badly as my driver’s license. Perhaps the graininess of the newsprint helped disguise my mug. More than likely, the photographer is to be celebrated for managing a decent photo from the photo challenged. I’m unsure of the reason, but am glad that at least the picture doesn’t humiliate me as much as my drivers’ license.

Maybe I could take this picture to the DMV and have them superimpose it on my license. I wonder if DMV will give me another chance at that photo, free of charge. Maybe I should take them some home baked cookies or perhaps just bring my kids and threaten not to leave until I have a satisfactory drivers license photo. I bet my sister would be willing to take the picture for me.

As the holiday season approaches, I have begun to prepare myself for the onslaught of picture taking that will occur. I have turtlenecks in holiday colors. My hair has been recently trimmed and well, shall we say, my natural color has been brightened.

Instead of staring straight at the camera, I have discovered my photos look more realistic when I am smiling at my children. I shall use my little darlings as props. No more than one cocktail and one glass of wine to avoid the glassy eye syndrome. And, my best finding yet, hide from the family member who has the camera hanging from their neck! There is one in every family and they are to be thanked for their work as the family historian. However, for those of us who are photo challenged, they are the grim reaper in a sports coat and tie.

SCBWI Conference Part II

How often does an unpublished writer get to listen to agents and editors talk about how to improve your writing? Unpublished, maybe never. Unless you attend a conference. And, the advice is invaluable in my opinion. While much of it seems obvious, similar to Ms. Giff's advice I wrote about yesterday, as we all know, it isn't. So much of what I heard on Saturday I have read somewhere before but that doesn't mean I don't need to hear it again. And again to make my writing better.

Agent Linda Pratt of Sheldon Fogelman Agency was the first speaker Saturday morning. And, what was nice was I could tell she was a little nervous. I can't help it but at this stage in my writing career, it felt good to see an agent get nervous in front of a group of writers! Her advice was well delivered and I appreciated it heartily.

She spoke on tension; how to make sure you have it and how to know if you don't. The most important start to creating tension is to ensure your readers become emotionally invested in your MC quickly. Then she broke down tension into picture books and novels.

Picture Books: The pitfalls for lacking tension are:

-starting from a place where you want to teach a child a lesson
-writing in a straight line
-no plot
-not having something at stake for the MC

Linda admitted that not all picture books will have tension but most should. Her "Toolbox" for ensuring there is tension:

-Less is More. Allow the text to set up the picture. The text should not tell the entire story else there is no need for pictures. The setup between text and pictures provides the tension.
-Master the art of the Page Turn. Similar to knowing how to end a chapter in a novel, the words in a picture book should end at a tantalizing point at a page turn.

Novels: The pitfalls for lacking tension are:

-wanting to protect your characters. Instead you need to be willing to hurt them and not to be afraid to have the reader dislike them or their actions.
-Don't confuse action for tension. Her example was you could have a scene where some guy hangs from a helicopter over a tank of sharks, his hands slipping. Then you can have a boy who has taken his dad's prized baseball. This baseball was one that his grandfather gave to his father before he passed away. The boy takes it to the park where it was stolen by bullies, muddied and torn, then returned just as the boy's Dad pulls up to the baseball diamond. There is more tension in the 2nd story b/c you become more emotionally involved with the boy, not that there is more action.

Her "Toolbox" includes:
-Step outside your novel to chart the character arcs. Do primary character and secondary character arcs. Eventhough we need secondary characters to develop our primary characters, the secondary ones still need to have a full arc to fullfill the reader.
-If the character's arc is not complete, play the "what if" game. Ask what if you put that character into a different situation, how could that enhance the story.
-embrace your character's flaws (and make sure they have some). Sometimes their flaws help write the story for you.
-Make sure your characters have enough emotion. Think about a time when you might have went through a similar situation as your characters to help you connect to them.
-If you're still having problems, reread works that successfully accomplish what you are trying to.

More tomorrow.

SCBWI Conference Was Invigorating!

Saturday's SCBWI Mid-Atlantic conference in Arlington was a blast! As I posted on Friday, it was my first writer's conference and I can't wait for my 2nd. Last week, I felt stale and blocked. Partly because I was trying to get over the flu but mainly because I needed to be reinvigorated.

What a day! Volunteering was indeed a terrific way to meet people and have fun. I am so glad I did. I have to say children's writers have got to be the nicest, most supportive gang I have ever been around. I met so many great women and learned so much I can't wait to tell you guys all about it.

Unfortunately, I came home Saturday to a sick 7 year old and then the next morning, my son got it. Same thing I had last week and I suspect it's H1N1 but I haven't had them tested. So I'm just now getting to the computer.

I took lots of notes but want to tell you about the keynote speaker today. Patricia Reilly Giff came with her husband, Jim. The two of them sat next to each other the entire time and I couldn't help thinking how wonderfully together they seemed and how random it was to be inspired not only by a speaker's words but by their actions.

She opened with the story of how she began writing. One day she told her husband she wished she didn't have to go to work, to teach. And, when she came home, he had altered two adjacent closets into a writing area for her. From that point on, she began writing and after feeling hopeless most of the time and after throwing away the words she wrote each day, she began to research other writers.

She checked out 10 children's books from the library and read the first page of each. Ths is something that of course we all know to do. Every book on writing goes on and on about the power of reading the type of books you want to write. For Ms. Giff, this would not have been so apparent years ago.

Her words of advice were simple. To write a story, you must start with a person, place and problem. In her sweet yankee voice, she descibed choosing a character, dropping her/him in a place and finding that character a problem. You make that person move for action, talk for dialogue and you have his/her problem continue to get worse as the story goes on until it is solved at the end.

When Ms. Giff first started writing, she did as many of us do. She got out of bed 30 minutes before her kids got up and wrote. Her house was a mess and her cooking was terrible. But, she insisted that it's the work you put into it that provides you with success. Isn't it inspiring to hear a successful writer say we can all become authors as long as we work hard?!

To questions posed her by the audience she insisted that thinking about our own childhood is sufficient for drawing most characters. She lies on the living room floor and tries to remember events and feelings from when she was growing up. Her emotions become her character's emotion.

She pointed out several scenes in Pictures of Hollis Woods and explained how something very similar had happened in her own life, in her childhood. One last trick she does is to think about her two softies, her husband and her agent, reading her WIP and if she can picture them tearing up, then she knows she's done it.

Tomorrow I hope to blog about some of the other presenters. Today, I need to get back to the sickies!

SCBWI MId-Atlantic Fall Conference

Heading to the SCBWI Mid-Atlantic conference tomorrow in Arlington, Va.!! So very excited as it's my first writer's conference. I feel like a kid the night before a trip to Busch Gardens. A little nerdy, I know!

I'll be volunteering with the food committee partly because I almost always volunteer at whatever I do and partly because I figured it was an easy way to meet people since I only recently joined SCBWI.

I have to be in Arlington, which is about an hour drive from the country where I live, by 7:00 a.m. which means I'll be up at 5:00 a.m. On a Saturday. After a week of having the flu. Not looking forward to that but I figure it'll be a wash and go day! So, hopefully I'll fit through the door with my frizzy curls. And my cherry cough drops.

Thanks to my friend at The Virginia Scribe, I am prepared with business cards, which I frantically ordered from my local Staples having no idea they were something a writer needed. Last time I was in possession of those little goodies, I was a commercial real estate agent working in Dupont Circle and the conferences were boring updates on the exploding real estate market (too bad that's not still the case). Thanks to Jessyca at the Warrenton Staples for the 4 hour turnaround!

Can't wait to blog about the going's on and especially looking forward to hearing Patricia Reilly Giff speak. I've been reading her books lately and oh so love them.

Talk to ya soon!