May 1, 2023: Grateful thanks to all who participated in my annual NAPIBOWRIWEE event from 2009 – 2019. Although this event has permanently ended, I encourage everyone to explore our archives of children's book author Q&A interviews and picture book writing tips. Happy Writing!
WELCOME TO DAY THREE OF THE 2018 NATIONAL PICTURE BOOK WRITING WEEK EVENT!
We are just a few days into our Tenth Annual NAPIBOWRIWEE event and you are all ROCKING THIS WEEK! I am so proud of everyone’s comments here (plus social media posts) about their writing progress. Some of you are on a roll, having written TWO FULL DRAFTS so far! Congratulations! Some of you are still working on your first draft – but that’s also to be commended! You are NOT giving up! As a reminder – you do NOT have to finish 7 picture books in 7 days. That’s the dream goal… but for many of us, it’s not realistic because of our day jobs and family and other responsibilities. If you can get at least ONE FULL DRAFT DONE, then you’re a winner in my book! 🙂 I just want to encourage everyone to write EVERY SINGLE DAY. This event helps emphasize how important it is to write every single day because it’s like training for a marathon – being a writer means you are in it for the long haul. A writer’s career is not a sprint. It’s a marathon. Slow and steady wins the race. 🙂
Speaking of slow and steady, I had more time for my Day 2 to finish another draft. I had already written a picture book biography on this same topic last year, but it felt a bit too “Wikipedia” if that makes sense. 🙂 LOL! Then on Day 2, I remembered a small event that happened in this historical subject’s life that I realized could actually be THE WHOLE BOOK. And the rest of their life could be in the Author’s Note. So I cobbled together a SUPER ROUGHT FIRST DRAFT that no one will ever read (haha!)… but I now have the barebones plot for a future REVISION. I’m very excited to go back and revise it later! So it was a good Day 2 for me!
In the meantime, after reading everyone’s comments yesterday about trying not to get discouraged from the seemingly endless rejection letters, I wanted to talk today about FOCUSING ON YOURSELF. A lot of times, people get discouraged when they receive tons of rejections from agents and/or editors. And then they get even more frustrated when they see how other people are receiving acceptance letters/emails/phone calls for publication. They wonder – what are they doing “wrong”? How come everyone else seems to be getting a book deal when I’m not?
My advice? DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS. I know it’s hard because we’re human! But remember this… NO ONE in this entire world has YOUR unique voice, YOUR unique life story, and YOUR unique point of view and vision. You are not in a race with anyone else. Just yourself. For example, the reason why they put blinders on horses for races is because horses have peripheral vision. The blinders keep the horse focused on what is in FRONT of them so they don’t get distracted and run off-course.
So as writers, we should put on our own “blinders” to ignore everything else around us and just focus on what is ahead. And what’s ahead of us? Our own finish line. We are in a race for ourselves. Let’s not run off course and be blindsided by frustration, sadness and impatience when we hit “rejection bumps” on the road to hopeful publication. 🙂
To keep you focused on what’s right in front of you, below are more wonderful words of wisdom from our guest authors! Including a blast from the past to celebrate our TENTH ANNIVERSARY. Today’s flashback features the brilliant children’s book author and artist, ERIN EITTER KONO talking about the future for traditional picture printed books in our iAge of iTechnology!
— Given the changing book industry with the advent of e-books and the rollercoaster economy, do you still think picture books have a place for tomorrow’s children? Will people still be reading traditional printed picture books in the future?
ERIN EITTER KONO: I think so. For me books serve two main purposes, one is to convey information, the other is as an object. When I look at kids today the biggest change I see is how they think of information. Information isn’t something to own. It’s something to use. There’s less of a need to own a book, or own a cd or dvd, etc. You just use it and leave it in the cloud, or on the net, or wherever, until the next time you want access it. In that respect there will probably be less of a market for printed books. But books are more than just information, they’re objects. They’re tactile and beautiful and what you snuggle up to when you want to turn off the world. I can’t imagine curling up with a screen, even a really fantastic non-glaring one, to read my daughter a bedtime story. I don’t suppose too many parents do. Reading a picture book is more like exploring an object than simply gathering info. The physicality of the book provides timing to the narrative. The way ones eye scans a page is different than on a screen. Personally, I think it’s more important than ever when we, as creators, design books to keep that physicality in mind, in that way we’ll insure traditional books will stand apart and remain necessary and treasured objects.
And now, welcome back to 2018! Here’s our Day Two interview with this year’s featured guest author, RITA LORRAINE HUBBARD!
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DAY 3 – GUEST AUTHOR Q&A WITH RITA LORRAINE HUBBARD
HAMMERING FOR FREEDOM by Rita Lorraine Hubbard & illustrated by John Holyfield (Lee & Low Books 2018)
BIO: Rita Lorraine Hubbard is a retired special education teacher and now a full-time historical and contemporary children’s book writer. Her first book, AFRICAN AMERICANS OF CHATTANOOGA: A HISTORY OF UNSUNG HEROES (The History Press, 2008) earned East Tennessee’s 2014 Community History Award. During the same year, Rita was awarded the 2014 SCBWI Letter of Merit for an unpublished multicultural MG. She is Lee and Low Books’ 2012 New Voices Award Winner, and her picture book, HAMMERING FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF WILLIAM LEWIS, will debut in September, 2018. A second picture book, THE OLDEST STUDENT: HOW MARY WALKER LEARNED TO READ, will be published by Random House Books sometime in 2019. Rita is also a Reviewer for The New York Journal of Books, and manages: RitaHubbard.com, TheBlackHistoryChannel.com, and PictureBookDepot.com.
PUBLICATION INFO: HAMMERING FOR FREEDOM: The Story of William Lewis. Publication Date: September, 2018. Publisher: Lee and Low Publishers. Summary: William Lewis is a slave who “rents” himself from his owner in 1837 and settles in Chattanooga, Tennessee as the city’s first African American blacksmith. Over the 25 years, Williams works tirelessly, saves money, and eventually frees himself and his wife, his son, his three siblings, and his mother and aunt.
Q&A INTERVIEW WITH RITA LORRAINE HUBBARD
— What inspired you to write or illustrate picture books?
I’ve been writing picture books since at least the first grade. I remember that my first picture book was called “Little Lost Puppy,” and was the story of…you guessed it, a little lost puppy looking for a family to love. Back then (when I was six), there were lots of stray dogs in our neighborhood, and orphan puppies from their litters were scattered about like leaves in the wind. I loved writing and illustrating the adventures and last minute escapes these wriggly souls experienced during a typical day. Apparently I wrote more than one book because I ran into a neighborhood friend many years later who told me she still had one of the adventure books of the Little Lost Puppy. I don’t even remember giving it to her, but…there you are. Anyway, I have been writing picture books ever since.
— Do you write or illustrate in any other genres of writing or art forms (acrylic, oil, watercolor etc.)? If so, what and why? Any preferences?
I write both historical and contemporary mg’s (middle grades). One historical mg earned the 2014 SCBWI Letter of Merit. I have also written a historical romance that won 3rd place in a “best first chapter” competition. I don’t really have a preference for one genre over the other. I just write whatever story is clattering around in my head at the time.
— What do you like most about picture book writing/illustrating versus other genres?
I like writing from childhood memory. I like reliving thoughts, games, moments in time, etc., and remembering how I processed those events then as opposed to now, when I’m much older and (supposedly) so much wiser. I no longer do my own illustrations (although that may change!), but I do love to see professional illustrators bring a story to life. It’s one thing to write a story, but when an illustrator captures your thoughts and your energy and translates them into actual pictures, it’s the best feeling in the world.
— What is the most challenging part about writing/illustrating picture books?
As regards writing, figuring out just how much is enough without being too much is always a challenge. For me, telling a complete and well-rounded story while staying within the word count (or at least in the range) is a lot like an arm-wrestling competition. Just when you’re sure you’re about to win, the other side gets this weird surge of strength and slams your arm down onto the table, and you have to start all over again!
— Tell us about your first published book or first art assignment – what inspired the idea for the book or how did you figure out how to approach the art for the author’s text?
My first published book was not a picture book, it was an African American pictorial history called African Americans of Chattanooga: A History of Unsung Heroes (The History Press, 2008). It highlights the lives of both famous and ordinary African American citizens in Chattanooga. While I was researching, I stumbled across several amazing stories that I knew I wanted to bring to picture book form, and that’s how I came to write my debut picture book, HAMMERING FOR FREEDOM. I loved William Lewis’ story. He was enslaved, illiterate, and at the complete whim of an “owner.” Even so, he still overcame the odds, freed his family, earned a fortune, and ended up with two historical plaques in Chattanooga that commemorate his life.
— How long did it take to write (for artists – or illustrate & write)?
The fiction version only took a week or two to write (I explain more about this version in the next section). The research for the nonfiction version is another story. It took months to locate various newspaper articles and early entries about William Lewis’ life. It took ongoing conversations with local historians, and also mail correspondence with the local history museum where William once lived before the story began to come together. The nonfiction manuscript took more than a year.
— Any fun or interesting details about the road to your first book’s publication?
Yes, definitely! The story began as a work of fiction. Although there were many entries, articles and early history books that mentioned William Lewis’ life and accomplishments, many vital facts were missing and I felt it would be safer to write the story as a “fictionalized account of a true story.” I entered the story in Lee and Low’s annual New Voices Award competition and won first place in 2012! It didn’t take long for my editor to decide that the story would be stronger if I rewrote it as nonfiction. I agreed; however, this meant I had to strip away the assumptions and poetic license and focus only on what could be proven. It took six years of digging and rewriting (and sweating and praying!), before the story was ready. Now THAT’S a long journey!
— Do you have a favorite picture book or a picture book that most inspires you with its writing and/or art? If so, which one is it and why?
Even though my historical picture books present some pretty serious life stories, there’s a lighter side to me. I love humor, and am always thrilled when I stumble across a humorous picture book that conjures memories of childhood. Here are two:
1. The Sea of Bath, by Bob Logan. It is the story of the captain of the S.S. Rubb A. Dubb, who encounters curious squeaking ducks, odd deep-sea divers, and bars of soap that challenge him to a water race — and that leave the sea (aka., the bathtub) full of foamy bubbles. That’s right, this book is all about a little boy’s imagination as he takes his evening bath. I loved the art, but I loved the story line more. It took me back to my own early elementary bath times, when my barbie doll became a channel swimmer and my washcloth transformed into a dolphin that swirled in and out of the water and accompanied her on her swim.
2. Fuddles, A Very Fuddles Christmas, and Fuddles and Puddles, all written and illustrated by Frans Vischer. This hilarious series about a pudgy, self-centered, over-fed cat who DOES NOT like to share (or be told no) kept me in stitches and took me back to my “Little Lost Puppy” days. It has inspired me to return to my lov of writing about animals. In fact, I’m working on series right now!
— Where is the best place for you to write your books or to do your illustrations?
I usually pack up my pen and paper and mentor texts (thank you, ReFoReMo) and head for the duck pond that is not far from my home. This way, I won’t have to deal with phone calls, unexpected visitors, or being distracted by the internet.
— If you could give one piece of writing or illustrating advice for our NaPiBoWriWee participants, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to let others see your work. Join a critique group — quick, and be sure to give as much encouragement and advice as you get.
— There’s been a growing demand for more diversity in children’s book publishing for women and people of color either as book subjects/stories/characters or for diverse writers/illustrators. What are your thoughts on that, if any?
I am a woman of color and I absolutely agree that we need more diverse books. I taught grades K-8 for over 15 years, and during that time, I could count on one hand the number of diverse books available for children of color and/or children who were physically or cognitively challenged. I’ve been away from the school system over 20 years now, and there’s still a huge gap when it comes to diverse titles. I know because I review for The New York Journal of Books, and also manage my own review site, and the multicultural books are few and far between. I’m for any movement that encourages more people of color to write books about diverse experiences.
— There’s been increasing pressure for writers and artists to be active on social media. Are you on social media? If so, where can your readers reach you? Has social media helped your writing/art journey and career? Any advice for writers or artists who might feel overwhelmed by the social media “burden”?
Yes, I’m on social media. My readers can reach me at: Facebook – www.facebook.com/RitaLorraine; Twitter – @RitaLorraine
Yes, social media has helped my writing journey. Facebook has a treasure trove of writing rooms where I have been alerted to free webinars and upcoming writing competitions, and have met wonderful critique partners and colleagues who encourage me and other writers every step of the way.Twitter often hosts #pitchfests that offer unpublished writers access to agents that they wouldn’t otherwise have.
Benefits aside, social media can quickly lead to what I call TMRS — “Too Many Rooms Syndrome.” My advice is that no matter how exciting the rooms on Facebook may seem, restrict yourself to only the rooms you actually visit. If your throat goes dry every time you notice that you have 100 unread posts in one of your rooms, or your delete your alerts without ever reading them, you probably don’t need to be in that room.
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Let’s give a standing ovation and round of applause for the lovely and talented RITA LORRAINE HUBBARD! Congratulations Rita on your latest book success… and what a beautiful book cover We can’t wait to read it! 🙂 If you want to order her book, please go here or to your local bookstore! http://ritahubbard.com/2018/hammering-for-freedom/ Thank you Rita so much for your words of wisdom and advice for our NAPIBOWRIWEE participants! Again, for more info on Rita, please visit her website here: http://ritahubbard.comStay tuned for tomorrow’s Day 4 Blog featuring our Guest Author CARRIE L. CLICKARD! (Her website: http://www.clclickard.com) Until then, go forth and write! Get that Book No. 3 done! As always, please comment in today’s blog to be included in our contest drawing where one of you will win an autographed book from Rita and our other guest authors! And as always, HAPPY WRITING! WRITE LIKE YOU MEAN IT! 🙂
Paula: I love thinking about blinders — thanks for that image. They’re a good thing to remember to (metaphorically) put on. I wanted to add one other thing that helps me get past the weight of so many rejections: community. NOT necessarily the more anonymous social media community, but the community of friends who nurture and support me — and who I try to do the same for.
And Rita: thanks to for the arm-wrestling visual: with some of my writing projects I’m pretty sure I am arm wrestling with myself.
The idea of a slave renting himself from his owner is really intense — congrats on HAMMERING FOR FREEDOM. I can’t wait to read it.
This day is off to a great start — yesterday’s draft was pretty flat though there may be something there, but today’s I am REALLY excited about — and it just sprang from something I saw on my daughter’s shelf when I was tucking her in last night!!
Hi Anna, lol, arm-wrestling was all I could think of because that’s how it feels. Glad your day’s off to a great start! Go, girl!
Thanks Anne, yes, the blinders are mandatory for me, too, cuz I can get caught up in the distractions. Thanks for all your thoughtful comments, really appreciate it and glad you are having fun!
Great post today! And wonderful advice about focusing on ourselves instead of getting caught up in what other authors are doing, publishing, writing, promoting, signing, etc. Eyes on the prize!
And thank you to Rita Lorraine for sharing her time and wisdom with us! It’s such a pleasure to see writers giving back to the kidlit community. We are a bunch of lucky ducks! (Much like the ducks who get to watch Rita Lorraine write.)
Lol Katie, I love those ducks. They’re non-judgmental, and as long as I have enough diplomacy not to dare eat in front of them they let me get about the business of writing. 🙂
Thanks for a fantastic day 3 post, Paula and Rita!
Paula: I love your “blinders” analogy. I definitely need to put on my blinders to stay focused on my own writing path.
Rita: I’m inspired by the patience and perseverance of SIX years of digging and rewriting to get your nonfiction version of William Lewis’ story right. And I love that you write at a duck pond. That sounds lovely.
Hi Gabi, I wish I could say I persevered with angelic patience, but that’s just not true. As the years wore on it was a real battle. In this instance, my “blinders” included working on other stories and developing my websites. Hang in there, stay focused, and I look forward to reading your featured post one day. 🙂
Fantastic post! Thank you, Rita Lorraine, for sharing how your pictorial history book informed your first picture book. I am working on a fictionalized biography now and your “long journey” from a fiction to nonfiction manuscript was very timely!
Thank you, Angela! I love fictionalized biographies and read them every opportunity I get. But for some reason there seems to be a seismic shift toward nonfiction. If I had a tip for you, it would be to categorize/document/file away the places you get your info, pics, tidbits, etc. because you just may need it if you decide to shift to nonfiction. Oh, and if you happen to chat with a historian or author, be sure to note the year, date and mode of the conversation (email vs. telephone) because this may be needed for the bibliography also.
Thanks for another great post! And Rita, congrats on your perseverance and success. I write PB bios as well and love that you spent 6 years on research! Can’t wait to read the book!
Hi Debra, thank you! Just wondering, what’s the longest amount of research you’ve done on a pb bio?
Well, I’m not published yet, but I am on sub with two NF PBs right now. One I started four or five years ago, the other, maybe 4?
This post was filled with so many helpful thoughts and pieces of information. Yes! I love this: “A writer’s career is not a sprint. It’s a marathon. Slow and steady wins the race.”
I cannot wait to read Hammering for Freedom. It was so interesting to hear about your journey from nonfiction to fiction to nonfiction as you researched and worked tirelessly to uncover more information about the incredible life of William Lewis.
I completed a first draft yesterday on a NF PB Bio I’ve been wanting to write. It is rough, but it is there!
Onward– Day 3’s idea is ready to unfurl its wings!
Thanks Lauren! And you’re so right, “Slow and steady wins the race.” Congrats on your first draft!!
Thank you, Rita, for sharing with us about your journey and six years of research! It really inspires me to persevere.
You’re so welcome, Rebecca. Yes, whatever you do, hang in there! It’s going to happen! 😀
Hi Rita! I had never heard of a slave “renting” himself. I’m sure I will learn even more by reading Hammering for Freedom. What a great title!
I wasn’t happy with my first draft of book #2. But as if by magic, I came up with a way to resolve my story problem – in this morning’s shower. After I run errands, I’ll focus on book #3. It’s all fun and games until I run out of fruit in my house.
Hi Manju, thank you! Before I stumbled across William’s story I had never heard of this either. Congrats on the progress you’re making.
Manju love how you are constantly thinking about writing, even in the shower! LOL! Sometimes the best ideas happen at the oddest moments. Happy Writing! 🙂
Thank you for this amazing post! Rita – Hammering for Freedom sounds incredible and I can’t wait to read the story of William Lewis. His perseverance is truly inspiring! Paula – thanks for the reminder about putting on blinders. It’s so easy to get discouraged and distracted, but if you focus on your project, all that noise will fall away (at least for a while!).
Hi Helena, thank you! William’s perseverance humbled me. The number of years it took to free all the members of his family made my 6-year journey seem like such a small/brief matter.
Rita – I’m looking forward to reading Hammering to Freedom . Thanks for sharing how the manuscript changed and how long it took.
Paula – my blinders are on. Thanks for the encouragement.
Hi Claire, thanks! I hope you like it. Keep writing! 🙂
I love to research, but I cannot imagine having to do it for six years! Wow! I look forward to reading your book. And I put my blinders on today, after I realized that the ship idea I had would not work out. Instead I dug out a Storystorm idea from 2017 that still appeals to me, and I finally have my draft. Yay!
Hi Linda, waiting so long wasn’t easy but it was/is so worth it in the end. Congratulations on your draft! 🙂
I’m finding a theme here that resonates with lots of different fields where people succeed in a public light (athletes, actors, artists, etc.) – what sets the “greats” apart from the rest is an innate drive forward that waxes and wanes, but never gives in. Thanks for all the inspiration and motivation 🙂
Thanks for reading this post Michele!
Thanks Rita for sharing how your work of fiction became nonfiction. It is often difficult to envision another format, or take on a story. It was inspiring to read how your hard work paid off.
Hi Jane, I often experiment writing a story from other POV’s to see which one flows more naturally, but this is the first time I’ve taken on the herculean task of writing in a different genre. I’m glad you found the post inspiring. 🙂
I so love that Rita’s friend still has one one the books she wrote as a 6 year old! And the arm wrestling analogy cracked me up (it’s so true, too). As someone who also writes biographies, i really enjoyed reading about Rita’s process. Thank you for sharing, Rita!
I also found myself nodding in agreement with Erin’s statement about the physicality of books. 🙂
Lastly, I have to pat myself on the back for finishing my third draft early! LOL!
Hey Teresa, great to see you here! How amazing is that about my friend and the book? I don’t even have any surviving copies. So glad you enjoyed the post. Congratulations on your third draft!
What a wonderful post, Lorraine! Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
I wrote my third story this week. Amazing how we CAN do things when we set our minds on them!
Thank you Paula for leading the way!
Hi Joana,
My pleasure! Congratulations on writing your third story. 😀
Thanks, Rita! I just noticed that somehow I didn’t use you first name on my post. ? I’m so sorry!
Congratulations on your new book, Rita. And thanks for taking the time to post. I ended up with 2 drafts today. So I’m all caught up.
Hi Gregory,
I’m happy to be here! Congratulations on your 2 drafts. That’s big doings! 😀
So enjoyed this post and the interview with Rita. I wrote my third draft – although there is lots to be done on them all, it is a start. i am feeling energized this week. Thanks!
Hi Bev, glad you enjoyed the post. Congratulations on your third draft!
Working out doors is a wonderful idea! Thank you for that. The peace and quiet (beside the “Quack”s) and the clean fresh air sound just intoxicating! I will start incorporating “Write Outs” into my writing practice 😀
Hi Kay, so glad you enjoyed the post. “Write Outs”…I’ll have to use that one!
Paula: THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION about remembering that we are only in a race with ourselves. I TRULY needed to hear that today! The imagery of horses with blinders on will be staying with me forever!
Rita: I, too, struggle with over-writing. I often tell people that I know God has a sense of humor, because for someone who writes NOVEL-LONG EVERYTHING (including emails and blog comments (as I’m sure you’ve noticed!)), He was like: “HA! Guess what? You’re going to write picture books! HAVE FUN WITH THAT!” It truly does feel like you’re in an arm-wrestle! I know getting my degree in English helped me learn about word limit, as professors made it clear to stay within certain limits.
My Progress: So, I write in the wee, small hours of the morning, when it’s quiet and I seem to be more creative. But this morning I just couldn’t do it. The real challenge today is getting out of my normal zone and writing at a different time. FINGERS CROSSED . . . well, maybe toes crossed instead, so I can keep writing! 🙂
Hi Natalie, glad I could inspire you. FYI, reading about your progress brought back memories. I once waited until my husband and little ones fell asleep and then I wrote until the wee hours of the morning. Those were the good old days. Enjoy!
Paula, thanks again for the encouragement to keep moving forward. Having a critique group so I have accountability has been priceless.
Rita, I totally agree with limiting social media. I can easily get overwhelmed and then accomplish nothing. Looking forward to reading your favorite PBs. I’ve already logged in to my library and reserved them. . Technology at its best. ?
‘Morning Susan! So glad I said something that helped you. When you read The Sea of Bath, notice the sea captain’s googly eyes. Hilarious! Just goes to show that the prose and the text go together in magical ways. Have a great day!
*Make that “prose and illustrations” go together in magical ways.
Thanks so much for the stability and accountability of this challenge. So far, I’m keeping pace, with 3 completed manuscripts, and I’m REALLY delighted with the strength of 2 of them. I also enjoyed the encouragement of today’s blog offering, with the reminder to keep blinders on, and appreciate your own journey. I continue to be so inspired by the discussion and support of other authors!
‘Morning Jennifer, congratulations on your three completed manuscripts!
Oooh i like how you talk about stability and accountability, Jennifer! Yes! We do the Honor System here and it’s fun to see everyone’s progress as well. 🙂
Thanks, Paula and Rita, for the inspiration! Paula, I love the idea of blinders–it’s so easy to compare ourselves with others, but you’re right–we’re the only ones who can tell our own unique stories! Thanks for sharing your journey, Rita–I love how you’ve been writing picture books since you were a kid! I can’t wait to read your book. I also appreciate your advice about limiting social media–it’s so easy to become overwhelmed and have our time sapped away!
Today I finished the picture book I started yesterday–a very rough draft, of course, but I’ll submit it to my trusty critique group and start revising! Looking forward to Day 4!
‘Morning Diane, my pleasure! Wishing you much success.
Rita, I find your story quite inspirational. Than you for sharing. Six years shows amazing commitment. I’m committing now and am almost finished with story number four.
Hi David, I’m glad my story inspires you. Just hearing that you have nearly finished your fourth story inspires me…so we’re even, lol. Have a great day!
I agree with everyone else: the amount of research behind that book is impressive!
‘Morning Teresa, glad you liked the post. Have a good one!
Rita I loved your interview and learned that you also illustrate! That makes you double amazing in my book!!! ?
Hi Laura, yes, there was a time when I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to be — an artist or a writer. Somewhere along life’s long and busy road I stopped doodling, but in the last few years my passion for art has been reignited. Don’t know if I’ll ever be good enough to illustrate a book, though! Glad you liked the interview. 🙂
Thank you for your comments on “too many rooms.” More and more I’m finding that social media can be a huge barrier due to the time it takes away from actually creating. I also cannot keep up with all of the blog posts that really interest and inspire me, but I can’t read them all. I have a hard time with creating your platform while trying to actually write.
Hi Lu,
“TMRS” (too many rooms syndrome) is very real for me. I wasn’t getting a doggone thing done because I was always trying to keep the “unread posts” counts clear. I finally learn to unjoin the ones I rarely visited and never look back. Wishing you the very best as you build your platform!
I love your analogy of writing a picture book to an arm-wrestling match! (Though there are days which feel closer to wrestling an alligator.)
I love hearing the story behind the story. Thanks to your dedication, the determination of William Lewis will reach a whole new audience!
Hi Laura, thanks for those words of encouragement! Wishing you much success. 🙂
Your book’s 6+ year journey–after someone said they loved it!–is certainly inspiring. And I’m not a horse race fan (sorry KY Derby), but I connected to Paula’s image. I’m still not “done” with the Day 3 ms I started–it is a snarling bearcat, but I am glad I’m moving in that direction.
Hi Wendy, that six years was a roller coaster. I’m glad I could inspire you!
Thank you for sharing this perspective! I love the blinders analogy as I consider the long research process for your book and the even longer journey starting at age 6! It makes me appreciate that I may be rushing too quickly to my own finish lines. It’s a marathon!
Hi Lisa, my pleasure. And yes, hang in there. It will happen!
Thanks, for sharing your wisdom and experience, Rita. Your arm-wrestling analogy is one of my new favorites! I often have better success sorting through my creative struggles when I can visualize them in some way… this is definitely one I’ll keep coming back to.
Hi Jennifer, my pleasure! And by the way, I’m a visual person, too. 🙂
Hi so it’s May 5 and I’m catching up on comments. Thanks again everyone for your thoughtful and fun comments and kind words. Thank you Rita for taking time out of your busy schedule to respond to so many individual comments. I really appreciate that. Hugs and hope everyone is having fun so far! xo P.
Love the story of your journey to getting this book done. Lots of research! I have an idea for a NF picture book. It’s challenging to think of the research you did and how much I will need to do! Thanks for the inspiration and congratulations!
‘Morning Angie, I’m glad you liked the post. My tip (which you have probably already done, but here goes anyway!) is to save every bibliographic reference, every Internet link, every phone interview, etc. because you’re going to need to list them sooner or later. Wishing you the best on your NF picture book project!
So much to think about in this post. Thanks again Paula and Erin and thank you Rita 🙂
‘Morning Artelle, my pleasure!
Another wonderful post! Paula, I really wished your reference to slow & steady winning the race would’ve been on one of The Turtle Ship posts (hA)!
Per the archive post, I really think this notion of (putting on blinders &) running the race set before us could cover all areas of our life!
Oh my goodness–Rita’s imagery of the washcloth dolphin! 😀
I realized after posting on day two that I had made no mention of my personal progress in this 7-day journey. But my progress is the same for day 3 … standing at 0 completed manuscripts. There’s time! And hope!
Paula: I love thinking about blinders — thanks for that image. They’re a good thing to remember to (metaphorically) put on. I wanted to add one other thing that helps me get past the weight of so many rejections: community. NOT necessarily the more anonymous social media community, but the community of friends who nurture and support me — and who I try to do the same for.
And Rita: thanks to for the arm-wrestling visual: with some of my writing projects I’m pretty sure I am arm wrestling with myself.
The idea of a slave renting himself from his owner is really intense — congrats on HAMMERING FOR FREEDOM. I can’t wait to read it.
This day is off to a great start — yesterday’s draft was pretty flat though there may be something there, but today’s I am REALLY excited about — and it just sprang from something I saw on my daughter’s shelf when I was tucking her in last night!!
Hi Anna, lol, arm-wrestling was all I could think of because that’s how it feels. Glad your day’s off to a great start! Go, girl!
Thanks Anne, yes, the blinders are mandatory for me, too, cuz I can get caught up in the distractions. Thanks for all your thoughtful comments, really appreciate it and glad you are having fun!
Great post today! And wonderful advice about focusing on ourselves instead of getting caught up in what other authors are doing, publishing, writing, promoting, signing, etc. Eyes on the prize!
And thank you to Rita Lorraine for sharing her time and wisdom with us! It’s such a pleasure to see writers giving back to the kidlit community. We are a bunch of lucky ducks! (Much like the ducks who get to watch Rita Lorraine write.)
Lol Katie, I love those ducks. They’re non-judgmental, and as long as I have enough diplomacy not to dare eat in front of them they let me get about the business of writing. 🙂
Thanks for a fantastic day 3 post, Paula and Rita!
Paula: I love your “blinders” analogy. I definitely need to put on my blinders to stay focused on my own writing path.
Rita: I’m inspired by the patience and perseverance of SIX years of digging and rewriting to get your nonfiction version of William Lewis’ story right. And I love that you write at a duck pond. That sounds lovely.
Hi Gabi, I wish I could say I persevered with angelic patience, but that’s just not true. As the years wore on it was a real battle. In this instance, my “blinders” included working on other stories and developing my websites. Hang in there, stay focused, and I look forward to reading your featured post one day. 🙂
Fantastic post! Thank you, Rita Lorraine, for sharing how your pictorial history book informed your first picture book. I am working on a fictionalized biography now and your “long journey” from a fiction to nonfiction manuscript was very timely!
Thank you, Angela! I love fictionalized biographies and read them every opportunity I get. But for some reason there seems to be a seismic shift toward nonfiction. If I had a tip for you, it would be to categorize/document/file away the places you get your info, pics, tidbits, etc. because you just may need it if you decide to shift to nonfiction. Oh, and if you happen to chat with a historian or author, be sure to note the year, date and mode of the conversation (email vs. telephone) because this may be needed for the bibliography also.
Thanks for another great post! And Rita, congrats on your perseverance and success. I write PB bios as well and love that you spent 6 years on research! Can’t wait to read the book!
Hi Debra, thank you! Just wondering, what’s the longest amount of research you’ve done on a pb bio?
Well, I’m not published yet, but I am on sub with two NF PBs right now. One I started four or five years ago, the other, maybe 4?
This post was filled with so many helpful thoughts and pieces of information. Yes! I love this: “A writer’s career is not a sprint. It’s a marathon. Slow and steady wins the race.”
I cannot wait to read Hammering for Freedom. It was so interesting to hear about your journey from nonfiction to fiction to nonfiction as you researched and worked tirelessly to uncover more information about the incredible life of William Lewis.
I completed a first draft yesterday on a NF PB Bio I’ve been wanting to write. It is rough, but it is there!
Onward– Day 3’s idea is ready to unfurl its wings!
Thanks Lauren! And you’re so right, “Slow and steady wins the race.” Congrats on your first draft!!
Thank you, Rita, for sharing with us about your journey and six years of research! It really inspires me to persevere.
You’re so welcome, Rebecca. Yes, whatever you do, hang in there! It’s going to happen! 😀
Hi Rita! I had never heard of a slave “renting” himself. I’m sure I will learn even more by reading Hammering for Freedom. What a great title!
I wasn’t happy with my first draft of book #2. But as if by magic, I came up with a way to resolve my story problem – in this morning’s shower. After I run errands, I’ll focus on book #3. It’s all fun and games until I run out of fruit in my house.
Hi Manju, thank you! Before I stumbled across William’s story I had never heard of this either. Congrats on the progress you’re making.
Manju love how you are constantly thinking about writing, even in the shower! LOL! Sometimes the best ideas happen at the oddest moments. Happy Writing! 🙂
Thank you for this amazing post! Rita – Hammering for Freedom sounds incredible and I can’t wait to read the story of William Lewis. His perseverance is truly inspiring! Paula – thanks for the reminder about putting on blinders. It’s so easy to get discouraged and distracted, but if you focus on your project, all that noise will fall away (at least for a while!).
Hi Helena, thank you! William’s perseverance humbled me. The number of years it took to free all the members of his family made my 6-year journey seem like such a small/brief matter.
Rita – I’m looking forward to reading Hammering to Freedom . Thanks for sharing how the manuscript changed and how long it took.
Paula – my blinders are on. Thanks for the encouragement.
Hi Claire, thanks! I hope you like it. Keep writing! 🙂
I love to research, but I cannot imagine having to do it for six years! Wow! I look forward to reading your book. And I put my blinders on today, after I realized that the ship idea I had would not work out. Instead I dug out a Storystorm idea from 2017 that still appeals to me, and I finally have my draft. Yay!
Hi Linda, waiting so long wasn’t easy but it was/is so worth it in the end. Congratulations on your draft! 🙂
I’m finding a theme here that resonates with lots of different fields where people succeed in a public light (athletes, actors, artists, etc.) – what sets the “greats” apart from the rest is an innate drive forward that waxes and wanes, but never gives in. Thanks for all the inspiration and motivation 🙂
Thanks for reading this post Michele!
Thanks Rita for sharing how your work of fiction became nonfiction. It is often difficult to envision another format, or take on a story. It was inspiring to read how your hard work paid off.
Hi Jane, I often experiment writing a story from other POV’s to see which one flows more naturally, but this is the first time I’ve taken on the herculean task of writing in a different genre. I’m glad you found the post inspiring. 🙂
I so love that Rita’s friend still has one one the books she wrote as a 6 year old! And the arm wrestling analogy cracked me up (it’s so true, too). As someone who also writes biographies, i really enjoyed reading about Rita’s process. Thank you for sharing, Rita!
I also found myself nodding in agreement with Erin’s statement about the physicality of books. 🙂
Lastly, I have to pat myself on the back for finishing my third draft early! LOL!
Hey Teresa, great to see you here! How amazing is that about my friend and the book? I don’t even have any surviving copies. So glad you enjoyed the post. Congratulations on your third draft!
What a wonderful post, Lorraine! Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
I wrote my third story this week. Amazing how we CAN do things when we set our minds on them!
Thank you Paula for leading the way!
Hi Joana,
My pleasure! Congratulations on writing your third story. 😀
Thanks, Rita! I just noticed that somehow I didn’t use you first name on my post. ? I’m so sorry!
Congratulations on your new book, Rita. And thanks for taking the time to post. I ended up with 2 drafts today. So I’m all caught up.
Hi Gregory,
I’m happy to be here! Congratulations on your 2 drafts. That’s big doings! 😀
So enjoyed this post and the interview with Rita. I wrote my third draft – although there is lots to be done on them all, it is a start. i am feeling energized this week. Thanks!
Hi Bev, glad you enjoyed the post. Congratulations on your third draft!
Working out doors is a wonderful idea! Thank you for that. The peace and quiet (beside the “Quack”s) and the clean fresh air sound just intoxicating! I will start incorporating “Write Outs” into my writing practice 😀
Hi Kay, so glad you enjoyed the post. “Write Outs”…I’ll have to use that one!
Paula: THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION about remembering that we are only in a race with ourselves. I TRULY needed to hear that today! The imagery of horses with blinders on will be staying with me forever!
Rita: I, too, struggle with over-writing. I often tell people that I know God has a sense of humor, because for someone who writes NOVEL-LONG EVERYTHING (including emails and blog comments (as I’m sure you’ve noticed!)), He was like: “HA! Guess what? You’re going to write picture books! HAVE FUN WITH THAT!” It truly does feel like you’re in an arm-wrestle! I know getting my degree in English helped me learn about word limit, as professors made it clear to stay within certain limits.
My Progress: So, I write in the wee, small hours of the morning, when it’s quiet and I seem to be more creative. But this morning I just couldn’t do it. The real challenge today is getting out of my normal zone and writing at a different time. FINGERS CROSSED . . . well, maybe toes crossed instead, so I can keep writing! 🙂
Hi Natalie, glad I could inspire you. FYI, reading about your progress brought back memories. I once waited until my husband and little ones fell asleep and then I wrote until the wee hours of the morning. Those were the good old days. Enjoy!
Paula, thanks again for the encouragement to keep moving forward. Having a critique group so I have accountability has been priceless.
Rita, I totally agree with limiting social media. I can easily get overwhelmed and then accomplish nothing. Looking forward to reading your favorite PBs. I’ve already logged in to my library and reserved them. . Technology at its best. ?
‘Morning Susan! So glad I said something that helped you. When you read The Sea of Bath, notice the sea captain’s googly eyes. Hilarious! Just goes to show that the prose and the text go together in magical ways. Have a great day!
*Make that “prose and illustrations” go together in magical ways.
Thanks so much for the stability and accountability of this challenge. So far, I’m keeping pace, with 3 completed manuscripts, and I’m REALLY delighted with the strength of 2 of them. I also enjoyed the encouragement of today’s blog offering, with the reminder to keep blinders on, and appreciate your own journey. I continue to be so inspired by the discussion and support of other authors!
‘Morning Jennifer, congratulations on your three completed manuscripts!
Oooh i like how you talk about stability and accountability, Jennifer! Yes! We do the Honor System here and it’s fun to see everyone’s progress as well. 🙂
Thanks, Paula and Rita, for the inspiration! Paula, I love the idea of blinders–it’s so easy to compare ourselves with others, but you’re right–we’re the only ones who can tell our own unique stories! Thanks for sharing your journey, Rita–I love how you’ve been writing picture books since you were a kid! I can’t wait to read your book. I also appreciate your advice about limiting social media–it’s so easy to become overwhelmed and have our time sapped away!
Today I finished the picture book I started yesterday–a very rough draft, of course, but I’ll submit it to my trusty critique group and start revising! Looking forward to Day 4!
‘Morning Diane, my pleasure! Wishing you much success.
Rita, I find your story quite inspirational. Than you for sharing. Six years shows amazing commitment. I’m committing now and am almost finished with story number four.
Hi David, I’m glad my story inspires you. Just hearing that you have nearly finished your fourth story inspires me…so we’re even, lol. Have a great day!
I agree with everyone else: the amount of research behind that book is impressive!
‘Morning Teresa, glad you liked the post. Have a good one!
Rita I loved your interview and learned that you also illustrate! That makes you double amazing in my book!!! ?
Hi Laura, yes, there was a time when I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to be — an artist or a writer. Somewhere along life’s long and busy road I stopped doodling, but in the last few years my passion for art has been reignited. Don’t know if I’ll ever be good enough to illustrate a book, though! Glad you liked the interview. 🙂
Thank you for your comments on “too many rooms.” More and more I’m finding that social media can be a huge barrier due to the time it takes away from actually creating. I also cannot keep up with all of the blog posts that really interest and inspire me, but I can’t read them all. I have a hard time with creating your platform while trying to actually write.
Hi Lu,
“TMRS” (too many rooms syndrome) is very real for me. I wasn’t getting a doggone thing done because I was always trying to keep the “unread posts” counts clear. I finally learn to unjoin the ones I rarely visited and never look back. Wishing you the very best as you build your platform!
I love your analogy of writing a picture book to an arm-wrestling match! (Though there are days which feel closer to wrestling an alligator.)
I love hearing the story behind the story. Thanks to your dedication, the determination of William Lewis will reach a whole new audience!
Hi Laura, thanks for those words of encouragement! Wishing you much success. 🙂
Your book’s 6+ year journey–after someone said they loved it!–is certainly inspiring. And I’m not a horse race fan (sorry KY Derby), but I connected to Paula’s image. I’m still not “done” with the Day 3 ms I started–it is a snarling bearcat, but I am glad I’m moving in that direction.
Hi Wendy, that six years was a roller coaster. I’m glad I could inspire you!
Thank you for sharing this perspective! I love the blinders analogy as I consider the long research process for your book and the even longer journey starting at age 6! It makes me appreciate that I may be rushing too quickly to my own finish lines. It’s a marathon!
Hi Lisa, my pleasure. And yes, hang in there. It will happen!
Thanks, for sharing your wisdom and experience, Rita. Your arm-wrestling analogy is one of my new favorites! I often have better success sorting through my creative struggles when I can visualize them in some way… this is definitely one I’ll keep coming back to.
Hi Jennifer, my pleasure! And by the way, I’m a visual person, too. 🙂
Hi so it’s May 5 and I’m catching up on comments. Thanks again everyone for your thoughtful and fun comments and kind words. Thank you Rita for taking time out of your busy schedule to respond to so many individual comments. I really appreciate that. Hugs and hope everyone is having fun so far! xo P.
Love the story of your journey to getting this book done. Lots of research! I have an idea for a NF picture book. It’s challenging to think of the research you did and how much I will need to do! Thanks for the inspiration and congratulations!
‘Morning Angie, I’m glad you liked the post. My tip (which you have probably already done, but here goes anyway!) is to save every bibliographic reference, every Internet link, every phone interview, etc. because you’re going to need to list them sooner or later. Wishing you the best on your NF picture book project!
So much to think about in this post. Thanks again Paula and Erin and thank you Rita 🙂
‘Morning Artelle, my pleasure!
Another wonderful post! Paula, I really wished your reference to slow & steady winning the race would’ve been on one of The Turtle Ship posts (hA)!
Per the archive post, I really think this notion of (putting on blinders &) running the race set before us could cover all areas of our life!
Oh my goodness–Rita’s imagery of the washcloth dolphin! 😀
I realized after posting on day two that I had made no mention of my personal progress in this 7-day journey. But my progress is the same for day 3 … standing at 0 completed manuscripts. There’s time! And hope!