What I’ve Learned About My Writing

What did I learn from writing 52 picture books in a year?

I don’t believe I was a crummy writer before this year started. I’m not the type to do things unless I have confidence in my abilities. I had written several stories that I was proud of. I knew I was good at creating characters, coming up with ideas, and finding unique ideas. But I also recognized that my writing could be stronger.

There are skills required in picture book writing that are unique. Things you wouldn’t think about unless a teacher or another picture book writer helped you learn about them. It’s not as simple as just writing a good story. Then these skills need to be practiced over and over.

Here are some areas that were strengthened in my own writing:

Keeping it spare. The first of my 52 stories was 1600 words; at least double what publishers will start to look at. The more I wrote the shorter my stories got. I discovered what didn’t need to be written.

Opening lines. There is a whole lot riding on that first line.

Turnability. Readers have to want to turn each and every page.

Rhythm. Everything has a rhythm: Each word, combos of words, no words, page turns.

Pacing. When to rush and when to slow it down.

Word use. With so few words, every word needs to be judged on it’s length, sounds, meaning, descriptiveness and necessity.

Building tention. There needs to be some compelling conflict that the protagonist overcomes.

Humor. I came up with many wonderful ideas for serious picture books. People always prefer my funnier ones.

Transitions. This is something I always struggled with: getting from scene to scene. I learned to let the page turns help me.

Natural dialogue. Find the character’s voice. Let it be unique. Use the dialogue to further plot.

Crutch words. I have many. Now I recognize them, and get rid of them.

Let it flow. I was writing first drafts. They didn’t need to be perfect, they just needed to be on the paper.

The illustrations. This was huge for me. I always felt like if I didn’t write everything down, people would have trouble seeing my vision. Illustrations are half the book. Now I write thinking, “I hope the illustrator has fun with this.” Leave room for the illustrator to shine.

Rhyme. I was writing all of my stories in rhyme before this project. Now I write very little in rhyme. I still love rhyme, but I’ve learned to know when it is nessesary and when it is not. In the last 12 months I’ve read everything I could find about writing better rhyme. Now I feel confident when I do.

And voice. The ever elusive voice. This is one of the main things publishers are looking for. I feel like I am discovering mine. I love when I write a story now, and I think, “This is so me!”

There is more. I keep learning. I will be a student of good picture book writing for as long as I write. I look forward to each new breakthrough.

These are the thing I learned specific to my writing, but I also learned a ton about myself. I’ll be putting my thoughts together on that for next week.

 

 

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