Reflection on PiBoldMo Month

Posted on 05/12/2011 by Diane Tulloch

Often when I am driving to work, or dozing off to sleep at night, an idea, a really amazing idea for a story will hit me like an electric shock. But either, when I get to work and the immediate contact with staff and customers all acquiring my attention, or maybe it’s the lazyness or my sudden knack of falling to sleep at the drop of a pin after an exhausting day, these ideas never see the light of day. Very rarely I may pick up on an idea from before and manage to rescue it to the bits of paper I have on hand, or my computer file, if it happens to be on at the time.

For the past month of November 2011 I have been involved with a wonderful group of people through the PiBoldMo Challenge. What‘s that you ask? Well, it’s to list down 30 picture book story ideas, that’s right, 1 for each day of the month. To be honest, I really didn’t think I would get anywhere near 30 ideas at the end of November. The first 2 weeks really surprised me, I was doing so well. Then the week before last I panicked I was slipping behind, hadn’t thought of an idea for 3 days…Help! So I asked my lovely new staff at my office. Boy! Did that cause a laugh for the rest of the afternoon as they all took turns coming up with ideas and then some. Anyway come the weekend, and a visit to a wine and food festival and a country fair, soon had me on track again along with some unexpected ideas from unexpected places. So Yay! I have finally made it…. Whew! And just in the nick of time I might add.

But it’s not just the ideas that I have accumulated, it’s the new friends, the amazing blogs I have come across, the talent, wisdom and wealth of information that I have gained thanks to Tara’s blog posts, where regular quest interviews appear. A more visual person I would often spend hours into the night reading these posts, and print them out for my folder, which is very healthy, thankyou. I loved that I would sometimes wander off to someone else’s blog and learn so much, the varying aspects of the world of writing, the journeys, the how tos, the whys, the dos and don’ts, and everything in between. The encouragement, the incentives and knowing that no question is too small nor is it ignored. I have found I am not alone, in my thoughts, in my progress and where I am at, I am hugely grateful to Tara and the PiBoldMo month of November. It was the best, and I look forward to doing it again, next year. For now, I can proudly say …. I am a WINNER!

Thankyou Tara,  Thankyou PiBoldMo.

Posted in Blogs, Literature, Writers Campaign | 18 Comments

“Picture Perfect Book – Friday”

Posted on 03/12/2011 by Diane Tulloch

“Can You See What I See?      Night before Christmas”

Picture Puzzles to search and solve

Written and Illustrated by Walter Wick.

Published by Scholastic Inc.

Age: All ages..…..It’s True!

Theme/Topic: Christmas Time, the best time of the year.

Synopsis: The world of children’s literature presents unique challenges to the photographic illustrator. Wondrous events like those depicted in Clement Clarke Moore’s 1823 poem originally titled ‘A Visit from Saint Nicholas” are not readily available to even the most resourceful photographer, and re-enacting such events is not without its difficulties, since reindeer are generally unaccustomed to taking direction from anyone, with the exception, perhaps, of Saint Nicholas himself. And as to the availability of the “jolly old elf,” well, let’s just say he’s a very busy man.

Given the inherent limitations of this reality-based medium, the author decided to adapt the time-honoured classic, now known as “The Night Before Christmas,” as a search-and-find game using photographs of Christmas decorations both old and new; Christmas cookies, candies, and other treats; handmade props and sets; and of course, a mountain of toys. All real objects, but alas, no real reindeer…..

Activities: The beautifully pictured book is itself a delightful activity, when one is left trying to find all the images hidden in these luxurious photos. For each page there is a list (with reference line to the poem), of what there is to find in that particular picture. Combine with the fun of finding such delightful treasures is the learning to count. A wonderful way to help children learn, at such a festive time. In both the front and back of the book is the quaint poem.

Walter Wicks website is also an adventurous place for both young and old alike, to find answers and questions to how he constructed the scenes for many of his photos as well as helping you find the hidden gems you could not find yourself. On his website are links to resources and teacher aids, puzzles, games, videos and more information, through Scholastic Inc, Writer’s Digest, Public Libraries and the SCBWI. He is even having an exhibition of his art and models used from January 28th 2012 – April 22nd 2012 at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich CT06830.

Why I liked this book: The beautiful rich colours of the photos are amazing, almost pop out at you, no wonder I have not given it to anyone.

Walter Wick is also the creator of the “I Spy” books and as I wandered through his website I found it full of amazing information, even a series for the very young called “Seymour series” and how creative one can be to make these pictures look so real, it would have any kid hooked for hours. Yes and I mean, even the BIG kids. How I would love to dabble in his workshop. Actually he’s kind of a “Saint Nick” himself.

For more books with resources please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Picture Perfect Book

　

Posted in Children's literature, Picture book, Picture Book Review | Tagged | 12 Comments

Final NZ SCBWI meeting for 2011

Posted on 27/11/2011 by Diane Tulloch

I managed to catch the last NZ SCBWI conference of the year, last weekend, despite my having to work a few hours that day. So glad I did as Lorrain Day former Publishing Manager/Editor of Harper Collins NZ for 10 years, was the amazing guest speak

Once again I was reminded of what I had already learned, about what makes a great writer, (through Emma Walton Hamilton’s teleseminars she holds exclusively for her Children’s Book Hub members), and also the surprising differences between New Zealand and overseas publishers.

When Lorrain started at Harper Collins she had to fight to bring Children’s Book Publishing into the fore as there was little in the way of Children’s Books being published here. Due to her personal commitment there are many children’s book writers and new ones coming on. Having said this, Lorrain did mention that local publishing are going through difficult times at present, and children’s books are one’s that suffer first, being not investment heavy and classed as expensive to publish, due to illustrations, binding etc. that goes into them. It is also noted that good manuscripts are being turned down that otherwise would have been accepted 5 – 10 years ago.

In her thoughts on e-books, Lorrain felt, it will certainly expand readership and they are crying out for product and need good stories. Remembering that a very good story will always sell whether in hard back or e-book, for children still have to read.

In answering questions and what the writer needs to be aware I jotted down some quick notes…

-these days publishers here in New Zealand are competitive.

-product needs to be in the best possible shape as editors cannot afford the time to work on stories with an author. So, very little adjustment will appeal.

– Everyday issues are most popular

-New Zealand children it was noted are handling issues two or three years older than overseas children, such as UK and USA.

-12 -16 year olds are noted to be merging with YA and handling issues way more advanced. …examples are – Riddle of the Frozen Phantom, The Change Over, Kaitangata Twitch all by New Zealand author Margaret Mahy, among others mentioned.

– It was also noted 9 – 12year or chapter books were the easiest to publish.

– Picture books, while Lorrain loved them, are difficult to produce because of binding costs. Librarians insisting on non staples. Shelf space is also an issue.

– New Zealand publishing only something like 140 a year of children and YA books.

– publishers will at times put a well known illustrator with the unknown writer and this can help sell the book.

Some wonderful advice from Lorrain for the writer/illustrator…

– Make sure you have fun, enjoy it, otherwise stop writing, as it will show in your work.

– Make your story fun, exciting.

– Children enjoy the naughty, the extreme, mystery, laughter..etc.

– Make them want to turn the page, hook them with every page.

– don’t rhyme unless you can do it naturally.

– It is noted that grandparents are getting glasses so they can read to their grandchildren, so appeal has to be large.

– “Learning Media website” a great tool for free editing advice, and learning ones craft.

– Authors these days have to be performers when promoting their books; you are no longer just a writer.

Names of some great New Zealand writers who have a knack of being able to hold a class of children spellbound with their creative story telling and knowing how to interact with them. Their YA Books show great depth and factual substance along with trailers that draw the reader in, coupled with interesting resources are …. Brian Faulkner at http://www.brianfalkner.com/index.asp (interesting button, bottom left of his website) and Des Hunt at http://www.deshunt.com/#! To name a couple.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Lorrain‘s interesting overview on publishing in New Zealand (nursing a sore leg), she happily answered many questions, and very proudly showed off her husbands first Picture book “Bigger Digger” printed by 5Mile Press in Australia.

By Brett Avison Illustrated by Craig Smith

Delightful Rhyme text.

Posted in Children's literature, SCBWI, YA Literature | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book Friday”

Posted on 26/11/2011 by Diane Tulloch

For “Perfect Picture Book Friday” this week, a lovely new feature on Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog, I am reviewing a book with a difference.

Saturday Mountain  through the Art Style of Paul Dore

Retold by Julie Somark Original Text: by Jinrak Kim

Ilustrator: Jonggyun Jang

Theme and topic: Originally a Polish Folk tale of a heroic adventure of a brave young boy to save his mother, and a Moral Lesson…. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Synopsis:  A multicultural story of three sons who take turns to reach the top of a mountain that has special water at the base of a fountain known to bring the dead back to life. In a bid to bring their Mother back to life, it is the third and youngest son, after the older two have failed, that manages to reach the fountain. His extraordinary adventures are told in rhyming text and dramatic illustrations.

Why I like it:  I love anything multicultural, and although the pictures are expressively dramatic, dark and mysterious, it has a very special message, of believing in ourselves, that with confidence and determination anything is possible. The first couple of pages gives brief details of the French illustrator Gustave Dore of the mid 19th century. In the back they set out pages specifically asking the reader to talk about the story and the Art work, questions set out asking about the Moral Lesson and a dictionary of Words used in the Story. An ideal book to use in the classroom to promote discussion not only about the book and story but the history of Poland, and could be used in Art courses and drama classes.

Resources:  There is a CD in the back of this book telling the story in both Drama Version as well as Bedtime Version as well as a track of Questions and Answers.

– Gustave Dore -Wikipedia

-September21.com -PDF file

 

 

Posted in ideas for writing, Literature, Picture book, Picture Book Review, Reading Aloud | Tagged , , , | 16 Comments

“Thanksgiving Contest! “

Posted on 25/11/2011 by Diane Tulloch

Over on Susanna’s Blog everyone is invited to ………

Write a children’s Thanksgiving story beginning with the sentence:

“They were supposed to go to Grandma’s for Thanksgiving, but the blizzard came in fast….”

Maximum word length: 250 (but anything less is fine) Prose or poetry is fine (and if you choose rhyming poetry you have permission to twist that first sentence a bit so it fits your rhyme scheme, or use the first sentence outside the rhyme and then continue in rhyme.) Has to be in before end of Thanks Giving Day.

Here is my entry:

Jack Frost.

They were supposed to go to Grandma’s for Thanksgiving, but the blizzard came in fast. The car had not gone 5 miles, when it spun out of control, toppled on its side. Mama and Papa helped the girls, Jenny and Sandy out, luckily no one was hurt.

“What will we do now?” asked Mama brushing snow from off Papa’s shoulders.

“Let’s find a cabin nearby to warm up” said Papa.

“Look at the deer kicking up their heels in the fresh fallen snow” cried Sandy.

“I saw rabbits hiding behind the huge pine trees over there” pointed Mama.

“Let’s keep walking girls,” said Papa, concerned we would catch our cold. Little knowing someone was watching, lurking in shadows of the pine trees.

“I so wish Grandma was with us.” lamented Jenny.

“I know dear, lets not think about it now” said Mama

“But we will miss her wonderful pumpkin pie…”

“With lots of ice cream.” cut in Sandy.

Coming across a cabin, a delightful couple invited the family to stay, on hearing of their plight.

Later, sitting down for thanksgiving dinner, there was a knock at the door.

“Grandma, Grandpa!” cried Jenny and Sandy in unison, running to give them a hug.

“How did you know where we were” asked Papa.

“A fellow called Jack Frost, told us where you were” said Grandpa. “Since the blizzard is dying off, we decided to come to you for thanksgiving” he winked.

Thankful, they all enjoyed a feast of Grandma’s pumpkin pie.

　

　

Posted in Blogs, Children's literature, ideas for writing, Tara Lazer | 18 Comments

I Have Been Memed!

Posted on 24/11/2011 by Diane Tulloch

When I first saw I had been Memed, and the questions being asked, I have to admit I became a little nervous about doing it, as it does conjure up some very deep memories and some that are best left unmentioned so the thought of running away and hiding seemed like a very good option for me. But if the owner of a very lovely blog called “Is Anyone There” going by the name Cassam is brave enough to do one then I guess I should to. Cassam memed me awhile back and it is only now I have finally gotten around to posting my answers.

So here they are:…

1. If you could go back in time and relive one moment, what would it be?

Oh this is easy; there are two particular moments, both with regard to a very special person and both not that many years ago. Meeting the lovely, enchanting Dame herself, Julie Andrews. A lovely elegant woman who is so gracious and took the time to have a few words with me. The first time was unexpectedly in the hotel in Sag Harbour with Emma, the second a couple of years later at the Media Centre in New York. Both times were so very brief, but memorable. Now, THAT is someone who I would love to have an interview with, about her writing.

 2. If you could go back in time and change one thing what would it be?

Oh my! This is when it gets very personal and emotional for me. Again there are two situations that I would give anything, to change. The most painful would be as a 12yr old when my parents fought so violently and eventually divorced, I would give anything if that could be reversed. I would now have contact with my Dad again if things were different. One never forgets such memories. The other was more recent, a friend, and more a misunderstanding.

3. What movie/TV character do you most resemble in personality?

Mmm… This was very hard to think of…. I came up with a number of people and couldn’t really put my finger on any one person… so I ended up asking a dear online friend who immediately thought of Deborah Kerr’s character from “The King and I”. She was thinking of the children around me, my calming influence, and my going to different countries, but the one thing we did both agree on, was the doubtfulness that the character and I have in common, whether it be in matters of the heart, making a decision, being sure of our selves. Leaving making the right decision late, as was her character, in the King and I. Also a bit of Maria in the sound of Music…. An organiser behind the scenes, quiet and calm.　

4. If you could push someone off a cliff and get away with it who would you choose?

That thought would never enter my head. I guess I always try to believe no matter what, there is good in everybody. I tend to look for that special something, no matter how cruel or hurtful, we are all human, we make mistakes. That’s why forgiveness and compassion was invented.

5. Name one habit you could change about yourself.

Mmm …Procrastinating is a biggie for me wondering whether I should or I shouldn’t, Being a Libran I have a terrible habit of weighing things up, often hesitant and therefore missing out. The doubtful bunny who is never quite sure about herself as others are of her, and can worry or feel guilty of things said or done in the spur of the moment. Likes to take time…. A lot of time..

6. Why do you blog (answer in one sentence)

Wow! I don’t think I really knew why or how it would be used when I first started nearly a year ago, but it has been an extraordinary adventure of discovery, being “out there” for all to see, meeting new wonderful people from extraordinary places, learning and sharing my own thoughts, ideas and adventures and building a foundation for my writing and hopefully for the years ahead.

Edited:  I forgot to add the last part of my post here….

I have to pass the meme on to three other blogs and here they..

Pat at  http://childrensbooksheal.com/  a lovely sensitive, warm blog touching on children with special needs.

Catherine at http://catherinemjohnson.wordpress.com/page/2/  enjoy the fresh look as you take in some poetry and delightfully interesting posts.

KT at http://www.kthanna.com/   a modern, exciting blog with eye catching affects and interesting posts.

 

Posted in Blogs, ideas for writing | Tagged | 8 Comments

“What, I can’t believe it!”

Posted on 04/11/2011 by Diane Tulloch

That was my first reaction when I came online this morning and a dear friend, a Children’s Book Hub member, informed me, I had won a random prize for my entry in the third and final, Writers’ Platform Campaign.  Here is the entry I submitted…..https://thepatientdreamer.com/2011/10/23/third-platform-builder-campaign-challenge/   A show and tell, which I can honestly say is one of my weakest areas.  So it was made extra sweet to hear I had won in the Random Prize Awards.  The prize is a  Hardcover book: “Tales from China: World Favorite Fables” (first edition printing) edited by Steve Jackson and Mirando Sibo Paul and autographed by Miranda Paul, donated by Miranda Paul.  A Big thankyou to Miranda Paul.

I want to say that anyone who is seriously contemplating becoming a published writer should give Rachel ‘s campaign a go (see my blog roll on the side).  The amazing contacts, lovely friends, wonderful information, awesome interviews, and the knowledge you are not alone in any stage  of your writing, illustrating,  that you may be in, in your quest, and the inconquerable Rach herself, the judges, organizers who put so much time and effort in providing this mind blowing campaign is truely a credit to them and one that you should visit, to enjoy the fun we had.  Thankyou, a big thankyou.  To be allowed a chance to stretch and grow, discover what I could do, to receive such wonderful, kind, encouraging feedback is something I will remember for a very long, long time. 

Thanks again to all concerned and to all those who often visit my blog. You are awesome.

Posted in Blogs, Children's literature, Platform-Building Campaign | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

“November, a Month of Ideas”

Posted on 31/10/2011 by Diane Tulloch

During my time with the Writer’s Platform Campaign on Rach Writes Blog I came across another month long writers campaign called PiBoldMo, created and run by Tara Laser. A mother of two young girls, a member of SCBWI she has her first two picture books due out in the next couple of years. With all she has going on I am amazed she has time to create such a huge writers haven. I was first a bit nervous about joining but after reading other writers encouraging comments as well as from my online friends, I decided to take the plunge, so here I am. It’s not as scary as I first thought, one simply sets up a file, either hard copy or online and whenever an idea (hopefully one for each day of November) comes to mind, add it to the file. The idea can be anything from a title to a few sentences, whatever you come up with, but it is hoped that by the end of November you will have discovered some of those ideas could and would, flourish into beautifully polished manuscripts in the months that follow. The ideas are yours to keep it’s the keeping of tally and popping back to Tara’s blog to read special blog interviews throughout the month and joining the facebook conversations, that draws writers together, to discuss, flesh out, compare, trade tips/secrets, etc that make this haven a fun filled place to help get those creative juices flowing. Speaking of which, I already have 3 ideas in my folder and I know two of them are definite picture book manuscripts in the making…. “How do I know you ask?” Because I keep going back to them and adding a sentence here and there…hehe. Yep it already got me thinking. I know during the month there will be times and probably more than I like to think, that I will find it very hard to come up with anything at all, life and work does get in the way at times, but if there is one thing that I have learned since starting a blog, it is the inspiration, friendship, and encouragement, one gains by reading, commenting, picking up tips and valuable information that guides me in my quest to become a children’s book author. This is definitely another of those wonderful sandboxes we writers are privileged to write in. One of Tara’s first blog guests, Mindy Aylse Weiss, is already up on her blog with 10 great reasons why you should try it

(Note: the little guy up on the top left was created to light the way for PiBoldMo, by talented illustrator Bonnie Adamson)

Come join us there are only a couple of days left.

Posted in Blogs, Children's literature, ideas for writing, Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Book Reading Challenge: 32 and 33

Posted on 29/10/2011 by Diane Tulloch

As I typed the heading I suddenly realised I had reached my goal of 32 books within the year…..Yay!  I remember thinking when I first started, I didn’t think I would accomplish it, for one thing the blogging world seemed so intimidating…. but it’s amazing what you can do!  And I have been grateful for the encouragement the comments provide… thankyou.

I want to apologise for not posting quite so frequently of late as I have had an up and down period with being renched from my comfortable work place I have had for the past 39 years and this past two weeks settling into a new office with new staff as Manager, though daunting, with more travel time, the promotion, new friendships, and the respect and joy from the new staff and customers has helped me overcome my fears, that change often brings.  Also I had a nasty fall yesterday that didn’t help, but as the saying goes, “pick youself up and get back on….”   So with bandaged hand lets continue, shall we…

“Dreams”

Part of my posting name is dreamer, and am I a dreamer, oh boy yes. Day, night, in the car (while driving, *bows head in shame*) , watching television, sitting at the computer, reading, even at a friends house many years ago, when invited for dinner and watching a movie, (they are lovely and the conversation and movie was interesting,.. honest). I just tend to drift off sometimes without even realising I am doing it. Just wish my brain would signal my fingers to pick up a pen and make some notes about them. Lord I would have a thousand books published by now if it did. Some hilarious, most factual, of friends and people I know, places I have been to, bright vivid colours, transported back in time usually from anywhere between 1 hour to about 50years ago. Some don’t make sense but most do, many are heartbreaking, a realisation, a wish to fix or mend, always a better understanding and then there are some that are even erotic….who said that?*looks around* Then there are those that are ….. Well, like these…..

The Silliest Dream

By Mark Sommerset and Ingrid Berzins

I have reviewed another of Mark’s books earlier… see here..https://thepatientdreamer.com/2011/04/09/book-reading-challenge-book-12/

And had always hoped to eventually get around to reviewing this one. Again it is typically rhythmic and rhymes, told in first person of a silly dream as a child is drifting off to sleep. Feeling themselves drifting up high above, through all seasons, day and night, it touches softly on loss. Silly it maybe, but it has that warm snuggle up feeling to it, thanks to Ingrid’s beautiful whispy painted illustrations and Marks clever text.

Map of Dreams

By Uri Shulevitz

Some of Uri ‘s stories are based on his childhood memories of World War II and pre war times in Poland. In this story as a young child hungry, his father disappears one day only to return with , instead of food, a map. He was furious knowing he would have to go to bed again hungry. When his father put the huge map of the world up the child became fascinated by the different countries. Sitting in front of it he would dream of being carried off to these far away places of beauty, far away places from the hunger, war and misery, he knew. He realised eventually, his father had been wise, even if it meant they still had to go hungry.

I discovered upon reading this book that Uri was born in Warsaw, Poland, a country I had only briefly visited many years ago. Even then I realised the tough times these people must have endured and still were. A Caldecott Medal winner, he is known as one of the most distinguished picture book creators in the US.

Reading Book Challenge

Posted in Blogs, Children's literature, Literature, Picture book, Platform-Building Campaign | 6 Comments

Third Platform Builder Campaign Challenge

Posted on 23/10/2011 by Diane Tulloch

In the final of Rachel Harrie’s Platform Builder Campaign, she has set us an even greater challenge.  One that I often wrestle with…….

“Show not Tell”

It is… Write a blog post in 300 words or less, excluding the title. The post can be in any format, whether flash fiction, non-fiction, humorous blog musings, poem, etc. The blog post should show:

  • that it’s morning,
  • that a man or a woman (or both) is at the beach
  • that the MC (main character) is bored
  • that something stinks behind where he/she is sitting
  • that something surprising happens.

Just for fun, see if you can involve all five senses AND include these random words: “synbatec,”  “wastopaneer,” and “tacise.”   (NB. these words are completely made up and are not intended to have any meaning other than the one you give them).

This was hard for me, I hope  you like it and it has 300 words exactly..Yay!…..

                                   ‘BRUNCH TIME”

Yawning and shifting slightly on my smooth rock, blinking at the early sun, stretching, rubbing my head as if by some miracle an idea of what to write for Rachel’s third campaign challenge would ignite, no, not totally on my mind. Actually nothing is on my mind right now. Hunger pains crawl from my stomach to my chest, and I am wishing David would hurry up with our brunch. I notice Synbate followed by Wastopaneer and Tacise wade out of the sparkling water towards me. They will be getting hungry to, especially Wastopaneer, he is always thinking of his stomach, even at this hour. As I roll over, grunts and spray of water heralds their arrival beside me.

“I’m hungry” wailed Wastopaneer, so predictable.

“We all are, just be patient” I sighed, regretting immediately my curt remark.

Although Synbate and Tacise said nothing, I could tell they to were bored and hungry.

“Try and think of something for me to write” I pleaded with the younger ones. Hoping inspirational thoughts will steer them from thinking of their stomachs.

Footsteps familiar to our ears approached, we sprung to our feet all thought of Rachel’s challenge gone, only the familiar fishy smell from behind us, weaving its way over the rocks.

“Arr… there you are..” David cooed softly, tossing our meal down.

He smiled, crouching, watching in silence as we ate. Soon distant noises announced arrival of more humans. As the young ones were always nervous when ever the beach became crowded I nodded to them and together we slid off our rock, into the silver, cool sea smashing the rocks around us.

“Thanks” I barked back to David. He waved knowingly, as I waved, rolled a couple of times and dived deep beneath the waves to join the others and safety.

********************

Thankyou Rachel for this wonderful opportunity to mix and mingle with so many lovely like minded people, learning and appreciating the craft we all find much joy in sharing.

If you like my entry I am #101, click like if you do, and thankyou.

Posted in Blogs, ideas for writing, Platform-Building Campaign | Tagged , , | 39 Comments