Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Writing, Revising and Revising Some More

In the midst of reading for ReFoReMo (Reading for Research Month) and participating in 12 x 12, I have been pretty pathetic at posting here on my blog.  I apologize and aim to be more consistent in the future!

As ReFoReMo winds down and my piles of mentor texts are ready to go back to the library, I am getting back to organizing my writing and WIP files needing major to minor edits.  I tend to be more productive at writing the initial draft and completing the minor edits than I am at tackling the major edits and re-writes.  How about you?  I seem to always think those more intense edits are going to require too big of a block of time than I have at that given moment and, consequently, it goes to the back burner...again...and again...and again... You get the idea!

Anyway, I started a new book today recommended by a writer friend, WRITING PICTURE BOOKS by Ann Whitford Paul.  I've read only the prologue thus far, but it got me excited about diving into my WIP edits regardless of the amount of re-working needed.



Ms. Paul says in her prologue, "Completing a draft of your story is not the end of the writing process. It is only the beginning. Then you must shape your draft into a publishable manuscript. This is the fun part of writing. This is the time-consuming part of writing. This is what separates the amateur from the professional."

And it is fun.  But it is also such work.  Hard work.  But such rewarding work as well.  I have several manuscripts that need more than the short blocks of time I've had (let me correct myself, that I've made) lately, and I am looking forward to jumping in with both feet.  Perhaps one of the most daunting reasons I continue to procrastinate is also found in Ms. Paul's words,

"Note that revision is not a one-time thing. Every change will call for others."

So. Very. True! But, that is also how a story is born, so press on and dive in, I will.

I would love to hear how you tackle your revision process if you are willing to share a comment.


Thursday, March 2, 2017

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!



Today marks the birthday of one of the world's most wonderful storytellers, Dr. Seuss. As such, a nationwide reading celebration takes place every year on this day. It is Read Across America Day, so get out your books (especially the Dr. Seuss books) and read.

Dr. Seuss was a masterful storyteller but also a subtle teacher for children as he showed kids the importance of having a kind heart, believing in oneself and in one's potential in life.  I can think of no other person having such a long and important impact on children's reading and learning...and with such fun stories!

As I started to think of some of my favorite Dr. Seuss quotes to share today, I realized they all came from the same book...Oh, The Places You'll Go! (1990)
Some of my most favorite include the following...

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose."

"You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so...get on your way!"

"And when things start to happen, don't worry. Don't stew. Just go right along. You'll start happening too."

I guess that means Oh, The Places You'll Go! is my favorite Dr. Seuss book given all my favorite quotes come from it, but there are so many wonderful books.

What are your favorite Dr. Seuss books and/or quotes?  I'd love to hear them!