2018 NAPIBOWRIWEE DAY 6 – Meet Guest Author Melissa Stewart!
WELCOME TO DAY SIX OF THE 2018 NATIONAL PICTURE BOOK WRITING WEEK EVENT!
OMG YOU GUYS! WE ARE AT DAY SIX!!!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? How time flies! It feels like May 1st was six YEARS ago, not six days ago! How is everyone holding up? Thankfully it’s still the weekend so I hope you are all well-rested and ready to roll up your sleeves and keep writing!
My Day 5 was fun. I had a free Saturday with no work deadlines so I had plenty of time to work on Book 5. Because it was Caturday, I had cats again on the brain and wrote a little book about one of my three cats, playful Beethoven, who is always getting into trouble. He wakes us up every night at 3 AM by yowling loudly, victorious over his hunting prowess, as he carries his favorite Santa toy prey in his mouth.
Basically, I am a historical non-fiction picture book biography author who is trying desperately to be re-branded as a CAT AUTHOR. LOL! I just love cat picture books and maybe one day I can sell a picture book that has no humans in it! 🙂
So that was a fun writing day. Basically, I know my “brand” is as a more serious/literary non-fiction picture book author, so another reason why I love NAPIBOWRIWEE is that it offers me the chance to stretch my wings and try to write something outside my comfort zone.
For Day 6, if some of you are burned out or hurting for new ideas, maybe try what I did? Write something outside your usual comfort zone/brand, like a wordless picture book or a poem (if you only write prose) or non-fiction (if you are a fiction writer). Go for it! 🙂
And now, for more inspiration as we gather our strength to pen Book No. 6, here’s a Greatest Hits flashback post from wonderful picture book author and artist DON TATE! This interview is from May 4, 2014 as we celebrate TEN YEARS of this event! In this interview, Don and I had a very honest conversation about the importance of diversity in children’s literature. This interview was from four years ago, but it still is very timely and relevant today.
NAPIBOWRIWEE FLASHBACK POST FROM MAY 2, 2014:
DON TATE’S THOUGHTS ON DIVERSITY IN KID LIT:
“We live in a diverse world. Whether we like it or not, whether right or wrong, race does seem to matter in this world. For whatever reason, even the most “color-blind” human being seems to be consumed, fascinated, enamored, captivated, or in total disdain by the color of his or her neighbor. I guess that’s just human nature.
“But it’s also human nature, I believe, to better ourselves, to fix what is wrong. Too often, the media devalues people of color. Is this an accident, or is it intentional? I don’t know, but the message is clear: white people are more important, particularly to people who produce television shows, movies, books, magazines, newspapers, advertising, games. My son, if I let him (I wouldn’t), would spend the majority of his day watching teen entertainment television channels. These shows feature mostly white kids doing all sorts of really cool things. They are popular rock stars. They live exotic and exciting lives. They have magical powers and do battle with space aliens. They do just about everything imaginable . . . well, except for having many friends of color. The same can be said of children’s books.
“I can see where it would become easy for a child of color to buy into the thinking that they are not as smart as white kids, or that their futures are not as bright, or that their dreams are not as important. Must not be, because the adults who run the world around them do not value people who look like them— unless, of course, they’re playing football. But that’s a whole ‘nother story.
“Visit just about any book store and study the images in the children’s section. One will see many books featuring white children, teddy bears, alligators, ladybugs, trucks, pigs, cats, frogs, rabbits, turtles, and even more white kids. But very few images will feature children of color. It’s no wonder why my 12-year-old son questions why there are no Black superheroes.”
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Thanks Don, for your honesty and thoughtful insights! I think we have come a long way in terms of improving diversity in children’s literature. But we still have much work to do. Don has been a guest many times over the years and we are so grateful for his participation! For more info on Don Tate, please visit his website here: https://dontate.com
And now, time to return to the present and visit today’s Guest Author, MELISSA STEWART! She discusses the importance of non-fiction (especially science) in the picture book genre. This is a growing area in children’s literature, so I hope her advice inspires you!
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DAY 6 – GUEST AUTHOR Q&A WITH MELISSA STEWART
BIO: Melissa Stewart is the award-winning author of more than 180 nonfiction books for children, including Can an Aardvark Bark?, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Steve Jenkins; No Monkeys, No Chocolate, illustrated by Nicole Wong; and Feathers: Not Just for Flying, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen. She maintains the blog Celebrate Science (http://celebratescience.blogspot.com) and serves on the board of advisors for the Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators. www.melissa-stewart.com
PUBLICATION INFO: Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers: Celebrating Animal Underdogs, illustrated by Stephanie Laberis, will be published by Peachtree Publishers on September 1, 2018. Description: Puny? Poky? Clumsy? Shy? Take a lighthearted look at the surprising traits that help some animals survive. Written with a lively, playful voice, Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers introduces young readers to a variety of “animal underdogs” and explains how characteristics we see as weaknesses help these creatures find food and avoid enemies. Award-winning author Melissa Stewart offers readers a humorous and informative nonfiction picture book with a gentle message of understanding and celebrating differences. Stephanie Laberis’s bright, bold, scientifically accurate illustrations add to the fun.
Q&A INTERVIEW WITH MELISSA STEWART
— What inspired you to write your first picture book. A Place for Butterflies?
After publishing about fifty traditional survey nonfiction books with school and library publishers, I was looking for a new challenge. While writing an article for the Massachusetts Audubon Society, I learned that the Harris checkerspot butterfly was nearly extinct in Massachusetts because its habitat was being altered.
The only remaining Harris checkerspot population lived in a field beneath some high tension powerlines. Each spring, the electric company mowed the field, so workers could access the powerlines if repairs were needed. Unfortunately, Harris checkerspot eggs and caterpillars were destroyed in the process. Luckily, Mass Audubon convinced the electric company to mow in the fall, when winged adults could fly out of harm’s way. Thanks to this change, the Harris checkerspot population is now growing.
I wanted to bring this story of caring and cooperation to kids, but I knew it wasn’t meaty enough for an entire book. So I started looking for other examples of people protecting butterflies and their habitats. Eventually, I collected thirty, which was more than enough for a book. But how should I present the information?
During a school visit, I overheard teachers lamenting how difficult it is to teach young children cause and effect. I decided to create a concept picture book with a cause and effect text structure and an expository writing style. The format would include two layers of text, and I’d use a third-person point of view.
— Can you describe the book’s path to publication?
I didn’t have any connections with trade publishers, so I used the SCBWI’s The Book: The Essential Guide to Publishing for Children to research publishing houses. I looked for publishers with books that were similar, but not too similar, and decided to try Peachtree Publishers. Their list included quite a few science/nature/conservation books. That was in 2001.
Nine months later, an editor contacted me and said she was interested, but she wouldn’t be able to get me revision notes for at least 6 months. I said I’d wait. When the notes arrived, I revised and resubmitted the manuscript. Luckily, it was accepted. The book was published in 2006 and then updated in 2014.
— What do you like most about picture book writing versus other genres?
Being forced to choose every word with tremendous care, and the ability to play with voice and language devices, such as alliteration, onomatopoeia, opposition, similes, and internal rhyme.
— What is the most challenging part about writing nonfiction picture books?
Choosing just the right text structure. Most traditional survey nonfiction has a description, text structure, and nearly all narrative nonfiction has a chronological sequence structure, but expository concept picture books can have a wide variety of text structures, ranging from the standard structures espoused by the Common Core State Standards (description, sequence, compare and contrast, cause and effect, problem and solution) to clever, one-of-a-kind structures.
The spiraling structure of Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature by Joyce Sidman and Beth Krommes is a perfect example. Sidman begins with examples that are small and snug. As the text progresses, the examples slowly grow and stretch and unfurl. Then, as the end of the book approaches, the examples gradually shrink in scale and curl up tight again. Brilliant!
— Tell us about your upcoming picture book, Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers: Celebrating Animal Underdogs. What inspired the idea?
I’ve been fascinated by animal superlatives for as long as I can remember. After all, who doesn’t admire the world’s biggest, fastest, strongest creatures? But in early 2013, I began thinking about anti-superlatives—the smallest, slowest, weakest animals. Maybe I could write a book about them.
One morning, I woke up with the beginning of the book in my head and ran to my notebook. Later, as I typed the text into a computer file, I realized that this wasn’t going to be just an anti-superlative book. It was going to be an anti-bullying book too. And to write it, I’d have to revisit some painful parts of my childhood. This was going to be a book only I could write, but it would come at a price, and that scared me. So I shut the file.
Six months later, I convinced myself to just add some research notes to the file. I wasn’t writing. I was just assembling information. Eventually, I could see that all the pieces were falling into place, and I finally felt brave enough to write the ending. I was committed.
After finishing the middle of the book, I shared SMALLEST, SLOWEST, WEAKEST with my writing group. They pointed out many problems, but author-illustrator Steve Anderson saw my vision clearly and gave me an incredible gift—the title Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers.
In December 2014, I did a week of school visits in Summit, NJ. Each day after school, I dug into the manuscript. All that time with no distractions really paid off. By the time I went home, the book’s pacing was working, and I’d settled on just the right set of animal examples. I was ready to submit it.
The manuscript was rejected twice, but after making some revisions, it was finally accepted in the summer of 2015. Following another round of revisions with my editor, the manuscript was sent to the talented and hilarious illustrator Stephanie Laberis. I just love her art, and I’m looking forward to seeing the final book in September.
— If you could give one piece of writing advice for our NaPiBoWriWee participants, what would it be?
Writing really doesn’t get easier over time. Every book brings its own challenges—and its own rewards. So enjoy the journey.
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WOW! Thank you so much Melissa for taking time to offer such detailed answers to our questions and providing even more links that our participants can check out!
Again, if you are struggling for ideas or need new inspiration for Day 6, maybe try writing a science-oriented book or something involving non-fiction! Melissa has already provided you with many tidbits of wisdom on how to approach this genre! For more information on her books, please visit her website here: https://www.melissa-stewart.com
And please remember to comment on today’s blog so you can be included in our contest which will feature autographed books from Melissa and all our guest authors (and me!) plus souvenirs from our store!
Okay I’m off to try and write Book No. 6. I have a busy Sunday Funday so hopefully I’ll have time tonight to write. HAPPY WRITING, everyone, and as always, remember: WRITE LIKE YOU MEAN IT!
I’m done with stinky draft #6. It’s bad, it’s terrible, but it’s done!
Thanks, Melissa for sharing your story. I love how Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes and Stinkers came to be, and that title was really a gift! I can’t wait to read it.
I love your advice, to enjoy the journey is truly essential to survive this business. Thanks!
Thanks for reading the post, Joana. Congrats on finishing draft #6. Have a piece of chocolate to reward yourself!
Cat’s stories are the best stories, Paula! Two paws up from me! ?
Don is right, of course. While hubby has a stash of old Luke Cage comics, we do need more PoC in the entertainment industry. It’s nice to see Black Panther and Black Lightning in theaters and on TV doing well!
I look forward to reading Melissa’s upcoming book. I just finished Aardvark and enjoyed it a lot.
For the second time this challenge, I finished a decent draft before noon…but I’m glad there’s only one day left because I need to get back to my novel. 😉
Thanks for your kind words about Can an Aardvark Bark?, Teresa. Hooray for finishing a draft so quickly.
So excited for Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers – another title to add to my Melissa Stewart shelf!
Appreciate learning about your patience and persistence on A Place for Butterflies – waiting for that editor’s notes was a smart decision.
My goal for today is to get 2 done. It’s dreary and gray so I think my odds of success are good!
Wow, two manuscripts in one day? You go, Girl!
Melissa, what a brilliant and unique book you have in Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers! And it sounds so warm and personal, too. I can’t wait to see it in September.
Thanks, Colleen. I think kids are going to love it.
Melissa, you are a wonder! As buy as you are, here you sat for hours on a spring day, answering comments. You are so kind!
Thanks, Kay. I’m happy to pay it forward.
Thanks, Melissa, for a great post. I have been studying a number of your books as mentor texts and have watched the videos on your website. I am especially in love with Feathers… but am an all around big fan! With my two nonfiction drafts, I can see how finding the right structure is so important. I look forward to this new book and love the title. It will certainly grab children’s attention, too.
Thanks, Jane. Good luck with your manuscripts.
Thanks, Melissa! I’m interested in studying Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers because several of my PBs focus on endangered species.
Paula, I’m still behind by one first draft. Since I love writing poetry, I’ll try to catch up by writing book worthy poems.
Hi Manju,
You might find my A Place for books interesting. They focus on a variety of threatened and endangered species.
Hooray for poetry!
http://celebratescience.blogspot.com/2018/04/in-classroom-spotlight-on-science-poetry.html
It’s inspiring to see your continuing productivity, Melissa, and the growing pile of beautiful books.
Nonfiction is often overlooked by people wanting to break into the field, yet there’s a constant demand for it.
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Managed to type *four* drafts today, but I seem to be developing cold symptoms (Let it go! Don’t need it!) and I have a school visit tomorrow. So, unless I have a burst of energy tomorrow evening, four drafts and notes on three manuscripts will be all I get to do for this week.
Four are ideas I’ve had snippets of or intentions about for years, now in drafts or developed in notes. Three are brand new ideas that emerged in the last two weeks, ONLY BECAUSE I’D SIGNED UP FOR THIS.
I’m thrilled! Thanks, Paula!
Wow, it sounds like you’ve had tremendous success this week, Anne. That’s terrific.
Good luck with your school visit. I have one too.
Oh Wow Anne I’m so excited to hear your progress!!!!!!
Ohhh, thanks to Melissa and Paula, I want to try my hand at a non-fiction picture book! What an inspiring post, and such a great title — Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes and Stinkers. Can’t wait to read it! And your cat books, too, Paula!
Yes, do take a stab at nonfiction. It’s so much fun!
Helena yes join us! Join the Cool Non Fiction Club! 🙂
Well, so far, so good! I was coloring with my daughters this afternoon, and my oldest said something completely random. Voila! Draft number six was born.
Thanks for the nonfiction perspective in today’s post; I’m trying to wrap my head around some nonfiction writing, so this will help me dip my toes in the water!
For me, the structure is the key to nailing a nonfiction picture book. For expository nonfiction in particular, the “hook” is critical. If there’s no hook, there’s no book.
http://celebratescience.blogspot.com/2018/04/behind-books-if-theres-no-hook-theres.html
Yay Jennifer! Join the cool Non Fiction club! 🙂
Melissa, I’m always glad to grab your books as mentor texts. Congrats on your latest!
Day 6- Draft 6 complete!
Wow, 6 drafts! That’s fantastic.
I love lyrical non-fiction, but have never given it a go. So…here I go…before lights out tonight. Topic in mind. Pen in hand.
Good luck, Susan. This post might help:
http://celebratescience.blogspot.com/2018/03/behind-books-writing-stem-picture-books_7.html
Thank you for this post, Melissa. I’m printing it out and highlighting LOTS of relevant information. One thing that has been surprising to me as I’m working at becoming more an author of books (my background is illustration) is how many ideas I have for non-fiction books. I appreciated the practical nuggets of information in this post.
Yes, yes, yes! Ideas are everywhere. The trick is figuring which ones are viable . . . and marketable.
Finished number six, so moved on to number seven. It turned into a NF that requires too much research to finish. Looks like seven will wait til tomorrow.
Thank you for the terrific interview, Melissa.
Congratulations, David, it sounds like you’re making good progress. Good luck as you dig into the research.
MELISSA: This blog post was SO TIMELY for me! I had a book idea about a week ago, but it was in a genre I haven’t written in: science! BOY, DO I FEEL LIKE YOU WERE TALKING DIRECTLY TO ME TODAY! THANK YOU!!!! And THANK YOU, PAULA, for the idea to write outside our safety zone/regular genre. I FEEL TRULY INSPIRED TODAY!
MY PROGRESS: So, yesterday I was able to write outside my usual time to write–AGAIN!!!–and with ONLY TWO HOURS left in the day! I finished my manuscript at 1 MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT!!! YIPPPPEEEE!!!! Today has been a “UCK” day, and I am DEFINITELY NOT feeling like writing. But I am going to push myself. I am SO HAPPY to have this INSPIRATIONAL week to push me on! THANK YOU AGAIN AND AGAIN, Paula, for creating this supportive community! HAPPY WRITING!!!!
Wow, Natalie, that’s terrific. I’m happy my post was helpful to you.
Hugs NATALIE and LOVE your enthusiasm! Sooooo glad you are pushing yourself even on the “UCK” days LOL I have had those too! Rock on! You can do it!
Paula, I smiled when I saw the picture of Beethoven and the Santa toy, and when I read how you wanted to write about cats. I’d just emailed a friend yesterday, worrying that maybe I’m writing too much about cats, grin! (I write serious stuff and just had some of my political writing published–but cats are pretty inspirational!) Anyway, thanks–I worry no longer! And I really like your advice to write outside your comfort zone. I started writing poetry three years ago, and it’s been wonderful! Melissa, I can’t want to read Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers, and I love that it’s about bullying, too. Thank you! Thanks too for your advice that it doesn’t get easier, and to enjoy the journey. Thanks, Paula, for helping make the journey more fun!
Good luck with your writing, Diane.
Awww Diane thanks! Yes isn’t Beethoven adorable with his Santa toy? I love that you worried you too were writing too much about cats. Congrats on your political writing getting published – that’s impressive! Maybe a picture book about an election but with cat politicians? 🙂 The Mayor of Purrtown 🙂
Thanks, Paula! Hm, the Mayor of Purrtown–I like it 🙂
Thanks Melissa for sharing our your advice to enjoy the journey. You are so right about choosing the right text structure. A story can be written so many different ways but not all work. I’m looking forward to reading your newest book.
Thank you Paula for sharing the interview with Don Tate on diversity in kid lit.
Yes, you need to find your own unique way of presenting the information you’re passionate about with young readers. Nonfiction authors dig deep, just like fiction authors.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us Melissa. I haven’t written any non-fiction PB’s as yet, although have had a few ideas … maybe it’s time to dive in! I managed to complete a Day 6 story and now just about to start on my Day 7 one – but I’m not sure I’ve got enough time before my next appointment today … let’s see what happens!
Yes, dive in! Good luck with your Day 7 manuscript.
Thank you for this insight and inspiration! I don’t quite have a comfort zone yet, so I guess I’m always outside it. 🙂
After a rough day 4-5 I started over on an old manuscript for Day 6 and may do the same for Day 7.
Just keep working, Lisa. You can power through.
Between Don Tate’s insightful and real thoughts about diversity, and Melissa’s wisdom about approaching nonfiction books, my brain is humming and clicking and perhaps smoking a bit (in a good way)! Thank you, Melissa for providing so much information and highlighting important language devices as well effective ways to approach NF PBs. I can’t wait to read: Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers and just ordered A Place for Butterflies from the library (which I cannot believe I haven’t read yet).
Just when I thought all hope was lost and I wouldn’t write a Day 6 manuscript on Day 6, I crawled into bed to sleep, but instead wrote a draft of an idea that had been percolating in my head all afternoon. This character was shouting to tell her story! As with all first drafts, it is need of a lot of massaging and love, but it is on paper and ready for revision.
Congratulations, Lauren. It takes perseverance.
That’s fantastic Lauren! Great work today! 🙂 So glad you are getting a ton of writing done this week!
Melissa, I LOVE the concept behind your animal underdogs PB. I can’t wait to read it!
Thanks, Gabi. Good luck with your writing.
Posting late, but 7 drafts done. I need to check out Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers: Celebrating Animal Underdogs. I think my son will love it.
Congrats on finishing Draft 7. What an inspirational week it’s been!
Hey kids, it’s Paula. 5/7/18 as I catch up on the comments. Really impressed by everyone’s thoughtful and insightful and kind comments. This is really such a great group of people. Hugs to all of you! xo P.
I love how you bring nonfiction to life, and I appreciate the insight that writing doesn’t get any easier.
Thanks, Laurie. I hope your drafting is going well.
Today, I finished my draft from yesterday and I wrote an entire new one. Yay!
Congratulations!
Ohhh I love when science and stories combine! It’s such a magical combination… sorry I’m late to comment! That seems to be my theme this year… all the goodness in this interview makes it a win though! Thanks, Melissa!
I feel so blessed to be able to share science ideas and information with young readers.
http://blogs.plos.org/scicomm/2018/03/27/keeping-curious-kids-engaged-in-stem/
Melissa- thanks, belatedly, for your post. After following your blog (and always appreciating your thoughts and ideas) I really like hearing some of your backstory. Thanks so much for all you do for the kidlit community!!
Aww, thanks, Anna. Good luck with your drafts. I’m looking forward to more great books with your name on them in the future.
Great post! Your description of the different types of nonfiction books has my brain whirring. Now I see I need some more research to nail down those styles. Love your new book coming out! Congratulations!
Thanks, Angie. Understanding all the possibilities for nonfiction manuscripts can really help writers innovate. It’s such an exciting time for nonfiction.