Blog Tour #8 Everyone Loves Giveaways! Hosted by Rebecca Angus, literary agent

Blog Tour Week 8! Literary agent Rebecca Angus is hosting me this week on her blog and offering three fantastic give-aways!  Click the link to check out all the details!

Rebecca's Blog Post

Mentor Text-- Unique Structure--EL CHUPACABRAS by Adam Rubin

Analyzing Picture Books for Layers

I go to the library regularly and check out mentor texts.  A mentor text is a recently published picture book that I analyze.  I try to learn from the techniques that the author used, and apply my knowledge to my own writing.

My latest treasure is a book called EL CHUPACABRAS by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Crash McCreery.  The book grabbed my attention because of the Spanish--I am a Spanish teacher, so of course I had to take a look at this book!  The Chupacabra is a terrifying creature of Puerto Rico legends, and the word Chupacabra literally means "goat sucker."

One strength of the story is in the CHARACTER.  Instead of a terrifying monster, Rubin describes the Chupacabras a tiny gentleman who wore a bow tie and drank chocolate and ate churros. In the end of the story, he is the one to save the day.  This is a huge flip to the usual terrifying chupacabras.  I feel that this teaches children that they should get to know someone for who he is, not judge him based on a "rumor."

The standout strength of the book in my opinion is the unique STRUCTURE.
Rubin first writes a sentence half in English and half in Spanish, then flips and writes half in Spanish and half in English. I adore the flow and the blending of the two languages!

Sample:
"Hector liked goats, pero Carla prefería las bicicletas.
A Héctor le gustaban las cabras, but Carla preferred bicicletas."

I can definitely see myself using this in the classroom, especially as an example for preterite vs. imperfect, and of course introducing one of the famous legendary creatures of the Spanish speaking world.

Fun book!

Buy CHUPACABRAS on Amazon

More on layers:

Julie Hedlund Facebook

Here is the list of layers that Julie Hedlund described in a tutorial video that I watched back in the fall. It has been very helpful to me as I think about the elements that I want each of my manuscripts to contain:

1.  Plot
2. Character
3. Heart
4. Rule of Three
5. Pacing
6. Illustrations
7. Voice
8. Structure
9. Language
10. Theme

Author interview with Katy Farber about new book release SALAMANDER SKY

I recently became acquainted with a fabulous group of writers.  We all have one thing in common.  We are 2018 debut picture book authors.  We have a new website that promotes our books.  You can find all of us at:  Fireworks and Foliage Debut Picture Book Authors and Illustrators

One if the authors is Katy Farber. Her book, SALAMANDER SKY released this week. I'm thrilled for her accomplishment, and wanted to take a moment to interview her and get the inside scoop.  Her book looks fascinating!

Here is the link where you can order SALAMANDER SKY online:

Order SALAMANDER SKY on Amazon

Katy, thanks for stopping by!  I'm so glad you could join me today to talk about your new book, SALAMANDER SKY.  If you don't mind, let's get right to the questions!

It seems like you have a true passion for nature.  Have you always had this passion, or was there a life experience that caused it to exist and/or grow? 

I remember visiting my grandmother and wading up the stream behind her house. I loved the way the mud felt between my toes, and discovering growing tadpoles among the mossy rocks. But I also remember my parents calling me in from the creek, saying, that water is polluted! The pipe above stream is pumping in waste! I was outraged in my 8 year old body. I wrote a series if tiny books about that creek, a local river, and a giant teddy bear that was missing an eye. Turns out, the bear saves the creek and river from pollution. 

The tree behind my house was my world away from everything. I would take my pillow up into the giant tree and read, draw and daydream for hours. These memories fueled the kind of writing I do today. 

I can see how the wading experience would leave quite an impression on you as a young child. I love that you were a writer even from a young age. I'm also fascinated by the giant tree--that seems like something out of a book. Every child should have a tree like that! I know I would've loved one.

My next question is... what inspired the story Salamander Sky?

Salamander Sky was a poem I wrote when considering the brief, magical, and fleeting migration events on the dirt road in front  of my house. I had always loved searching for salamanders and frogs in the spring, and had been helping them cross safely for years. Then I had my daughters, and I knew I wanted to share this with them. We have gone out and helped the salamanders and frogs cross since they could stay up late enough to join me.  I thought about how I could inspire kids and families to head out into the rainy nights and experience the magic themselves, and I wrote this story. 

But really, the inspiration started long before that, when I found my first newt in a Pennsylvania creek and found it fascinating and beautiful.

That sounds like a really fun parent-child adventure! For those of us who have not ever experienced a salamander crossing, can you describe the experience more in-depth? What is the highlight of experiencing it? If you go out to try this, what should you bring? What should you wear?  

The highlight for me is when the light from your flashlight falls on a tiny, vulnerable creature, and you go to it, carefully pick up, visit for a moment, and release it safely. You see the tiny toes, the round eyes, the long tail. There is a deep connection, a feeling of purpose and warmth in knowing that you helped this creature survive. 

You should wear all your rain gear, rain books, a reflective vest, and a headlamp. If your children are very young, a bucket helps for placing the animals in gently for the crossing. You should wear a ball cap so water doesn't drip into your eyes, and prepare to get wet! It is all part of the experience. You are also teaching your children to not be afraid of the night and dark. Of course, be on the constant lookout for cars and have a plan for moving to the side of the road immediately if one is coming, no matter what.

I think I found the next thing to put on my bucket list. Absolutely fantastic!  Thanks for sharing! My next question is in regards to those who read SALAMANDER SKY. What take-away do you hope your readers gain from your book? 

I hope that readers take away an awareness of the importance of salamanders to forest ecology and the biodiversity of our world, and how they can participate in citizen science to help vulnerable populations of different species. I hope readers fall in love with the salamanders like I have, and vow to protect nature in all the ways they can. I also hope we inspire more girls to become scientists and activists. 

I love your answer!  I hope they they gain those take-aways, too!  I am also curious, who is your illustrator?

I feel so lucky to have Meg Sodano's incredibly beautiful and moving illustrations in this book. They extend and deepen the story, they inspire, they transport, and they so clearly teach about the spotted salamander species, and April and her mom's experience and joy in helping them. 

Let's get practical. I'm sure you have a few writing tips and techniques up your sleeve that could really help beginning writers. Would you mind sharing some advice?

Write with reckless abandon. Explore your world through words, write about what bothers you, how you think the world should be, whatever is in your mind. Silence your inner critic and anyone else who limits your ideas. Bring a journal with you everywhere-- capture ideas and your thoughts before they move on. 

Those are some excellent words of wisdom. And, I just have to ask...do you have any other future works to promote? 

I have two other works in various phases right now, but I would love to share about my middle grade eco-adventure novel published in 2015 called The Order of the Trees (Green Writers Press).  Cedar was found as a baby under an old growth tree in the northern Vermont woods.  She’s as different from the other kids as she could be. Cedar finds her first friend, Phillip, and shares her forest home with him. When Cedar suddenly falls ill Phillip has to figure out why and fast-- before he loses her forever.

I learned something new about you today. I didn't know that you are also a middle grade author. That is so wonderful. A big congratulations on your 2015 eco-adventure novel, and now, with this debut picture book. SALAMANDER SKY looks very fascinating!  I wish you all the best.  Thank you so much for stopping by to chat with me today!

Katy Farber website

Katy Farber is a writer, researcher and educator from Vermont. She has loved and defended salamanders since standing in a Pennsylvania creek at the age of ten. Salamander Sky is her first picture book. Her other book for children is a middle grade novel called The Order of the Trees, which won Green Earth Honor book award in 2015. She also writes about education, the environment, parenting and sustainability for various websites and publications.

I joined a critique group

I joined a writing critique group that meets twice a month. I have attended twice so far. I really enjoyed getting to know other authors, hearing about their writing journeys, and listening to what they are working on.

Last night I even shared something I have been working on since my trip to Prague.  The seed of the idea started then, but I have been tweaking and revising it off and on. I think it is almost ready.

It was such an encouragement to hear the feedback and ideas from the authors in the group. And helpful!

I can't wait to attend again. I highly recommend critique groups!

Story Storm -- How did I do?

I loved participating in Story Storm.

It was very motivating to receive tips in my inbox each day from published authors and illustrators. They had some unique suggestions on where to get ideas for stories!

Here's what happened to me this month:

I brainstormed 40 ideas.  (I was hoping for more, but it was great to have a push to get some new ideas cooking.)

I began developing two of the ideas because I am so excited about them.

I also joined a critique group through SCBWI and went to my first meeting.  It was fun! I look forward to receiving feedback about some of my writing pieces.

Finally, I even edited and worked on a few proposals for manuscripts that have been on the back burner for awhile.

Thanks STORY STORM, for helping me be productive and push forward with my writing!

Author interview with Rebecca J. Gomez

I'm thrilled to welcome children's book author Rebecca J. Gomez to my blog today.  Rebecca is the author of WHAT ABOUT MOOSE (Atheneum 2015) and HANSEL AND GRETAL: NINJA CHICKS (Putnam  2016). 

Rebecca, thank you so much for being willing to join us and answer a few questions.  I can't wait to hear the inside scoop on your writing.

Let's get to the questions! 

First, I see that you have a writing partner, Corey Rosen Schwartz.  How did you get started working together? How do you collaborate together to create a manuscript? Do you still write together?

Corey and I met in 2005 when we were members of the same online critique group. Corey liked working with a partner, and she asked me if I would consider collaborating. I said yes, and we have been writing together ever since!

We do a lot of brainstorming together. Once we hit on an idea that appeals to both of us, we open a document on Google drive and just start writing! For the most part, we write together from beginning to end, but we occasionally separate if we get stuck or if our visions aren't completely meshing. 

Technology makes that possible--so fascinating. That must involve a lot of mutual trust and respect. Your collaborations have definitely produced some wonderful books!

I wanted to ask you about rhyme and rhythm. Your book WHAT ABOUT MOOSE demonstrates that you have a wonderful flair for rhyme and rhythm.  Do you have any "tips" for authors who are trying to hone their skills at rhyming?

Thank you! I think one thing that makes my and Corey's rhyme really work is that we live in different parts of the country, so what rhymes for me doesn't always rhyme for her. We have to work extra hard to make sure the rhymes "work." This is true for the rhythm too. I think authors who write on their own can learn from that. So one piece of advice is to find a variety of readers, especially readers who talk a little differently than you, to see how well your work flows for them. 

I also suggest reading a lot of rhyming books and taking note of what works and what doesn't. Rhyming well is hard work, so don't do it if you're not willing to commit. In truth, no rhyming book will be perfect for every reader, but it's worth the effort to make it as smooth as it can be.

I never considered the different ways of pronouncing English, and I'm even a language teacher. Great advice!  

Next, I noticed that you are working on a middle grade fantasy novel.  How is the technique for picture book writing different for you than when you are writing a longer manuscript? Which you do you prefer and why?

In some ways it's very similar. When I write, whether it is a short picture book or a novel, I tend to focus on getting the story down and not worrying about good writing. Then I let the draft sit before reading through it to tackle revisions. For a picture book, I leave it for a few days or a week. For a novel, I leave it for a few weeks at least.

But writing a picture book, especially a rhyming picture book, is generally harder than writing a novel. I think that's because there is so much story to fit into so few words. When I'm writing a novel, I feel like I have so much room to work with, so much of the story and characters that I can explore. There's a sense of freedom that I don't have when writing a picture book. But I love the unique challenge that writing a picture book presents. A well-written picture book is one of life's best things.

That said, my favorite thing to write is the verse novel. It combines the conciseness of a picture book with the freedom of a novel. It's the best of both worlds!

Now I really respect you!  (I have to admit I googled verse novel) A verse novel sounds very complicated. I admire the skill it would take to do that! 

The next question comes from your social media presence. You seem to have a heart for parent-child connection through reading.  I notice you offer a free ebook, "How to SUPERCHARGE your story time," and I see that you tweet regularly highlighting activities that parents can do with their children after reading a story.  What advice do you have for parents in today's world of technology when it comes to reading with their children?  Why do you feel it is so important? 

Books and reading played a significant roll in my childhood. Though I don't have a lot of specific memories of reading with my parents, poetry, stories, and books are woven in to my childhood memories. I remember books being around, especially Dr. Seuss and Shell Silverstein, and I can still hear my mother's voice reading The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert Service. And I remember my mother telling me about her favorites and recommending some of them to me as I got older.

There are lots of reasons to read with your children, not the least of which is that it helps establish a foundation for learning. But to me, the best reason to read with your kids is because of the way it helps you connect with them. Sharing a story is like sharing an experience that opens doors to discussions and even more experiences! That's the thought behind my Read, Discuss, Do! social media campaign. When you read with your child, discuss the story with them, and do a fun activity together, you are creating fond memories, building a foundation for learning, and creating connections that will last a lifetime. 

My advice to parents is to read with their children every day, even before their children are born. I also think it's important to make "story time" as pleasant as possible. Some kids are always willing to curl up with their mom or dad for a story. Other kids want to go, go, go! So, work with your kid. Read to them while they're busy playing with blocks or splashing in the tub. Read to them at bed time or on the road. Don't stop just because they get old enough to read on their own. Talk about the books you read together, and the books your kids read on their own. Draw pictures, act out stories, make the recipes at the ends of books! You can check out #ReadDiscussDo on Facebook and Twitter for more simple ideas. 

I also think it's important to delay your children's access to electronic devices as long as possible in order to encourage them to seek more healthy options of entertainment. This may seem obvious, but look around at how many parents are letting their toddlers play games on a tablet or phone when they are in public. It's disheartening. Give your children books instead! (Or let them get bored. It's good for them.) 

I couldn't agree more! Keep up the great work producing resources for parents! I love the #ReadDiscussDo activities that you suggest!

Finally, I have to ask, what's next? Do you have any upcoming publications that you can share with us?

Corey and I have a picture book forthcoming with Scholastic titled TWO TOUGH TRUCKS, which will be published some time in 2019, with a sequel to follow. I also have more news that I hope to be able to announce soon. Stay tuned!

WOW! Congratulations!  Two truck books on the way AND the promise of an announcement!  We will definitely be watching for your good news and celebrate with you!


Click here for Rebecca's website

Author bio:

Rebecca J. Gomez doesn't know much about building a tree house, but she is an expert at setting up blanket forts! When she isn't building forts or writing books, she enjoys reading, making recycled art, and hanging out with her family. She lives in Nebraska with her husband, three kids, two poodles and one parrotlet. Visit her online at RebccaJGomez.com

Once again, Rebecca, thank you very much for taking the time to stop by and chat with me. I learned a lot from your answers and I wish you all the best!

Writing tips with Jackie Yeager, Author of SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHTBULB

    

 Thanks for joining me again today, Jackie. Congrats on the release of SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHTBULB! I appreciate you being willing to share some writing tips with us.  I would love to glean some wonderful words of advice from you!   

First of all, I would like to talk about character development.  As an author, how do you go about creating your characters to be unique and realistic?

That’s a great question and something that’s so important because a story may have the most fabulous plot, but if the reader doesn’t care about the characters or relate to them on some level, they’ll never read to the end. When I create my characters, I usually have some hard to define ambiguous quality that gets me wanting to write about them in the first place. It could be their way of speaking, their mannerisms, or their determination—something that pops into my head and makes me want to write about them. Once I have an idea like that in my mind, I can add on to it. The most important thing for me when creating characters is to make them memorable. So hair color or height is not so important but a unique characteristic is. 

When I created Kia Krumpet, the main character in Spin the Golden Light Bulb, I knew that she was going to be a very determined and focused eleven year-old, with tunnel vision—a sort of one track mind when it came to the competition in the story, the Piedmont Challenge. From there it was easy to add characteristics like biting her nails—a lot and talking about the Piedmont Challenge—a lot in almost an obsessive way. I had to be careful not to make her stereotypical though, and instead unique. I guess that’s the challenge we all have when creating characters!

Secondly, I am curious about how to develop sequels.  When you began this novel, did you plan it to have a sequel, or did that just come about naturally through the writing process?

I guess I would say it came about naturally through the writing process. When I originally began thinking about the plot for Spin the Golden Light Bulb, the first of THE CRIMSON FIVE books, I had no idea that it could turn into more than one book. At first, the story was simply about an over-the-top creative problem solving competition based loosely on my experience as an Odyssey of the Mind coach. But as the ideas began to solidify in my mind, I realized that the world I was trying to create was pretty big and it was going to be very difficult to fit all of my ideas into one book!

At what point then did you know you had sequel material?

As I molded the plot, I soon realized with certainty that it would take more than one book for me to tell the entire story of these five kids. Breaking the story into two books was actually quite easy because it revolves around a competition and the different levels involved. So I decided to write a stand-alone book only, leaving the door open for a sequel, and developed a loose outline for the second book right away. 

Do you think there is potential for a third book? 

Yes, I do think there’s potential for a third book! With these five kids and the world they live in, it’s very possible. With that said, the sequel, is also written as a stand-alone book. But, never say never. I do have a loose outline written for a third, so you never know!

I hope that happens!  I think the whole process is fascinating.  As a writer of picture books, I admire the skill of creating a "world" as you have done!  

Once again, thank you so much for your willingness to talk with us and share your writing tips!  I wish you all the best with SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHTBULB and its sequel.  

About the author: 
Jackie has a Masters degree in Education, lives in Rochester, NY with her real life prince charming and two royally amazing teenagers, and would live in a castle if she could.  When she is not living in her own fairytale world, she spends time reading, practicing yoga, and cheering for the crew at marathons, triathlons, cross country meets, track meets, and hockey and baseball games.  She does a lot of cheering!  She is also a former coach of a middle school Odyssey of the Mind team who once upon a time competed at the World Finals.  They may or may not have been the inspiration behind the book, and even its sequel.

You can find Jackie at her website:
http://www.swirlandspark.com

Also on Facebook and Pinterest

I'm a STORY STORM participant!

Each day of January I am pledging to brainstorm ideas for new stories.  All participants of STORY STORM are on the honor system (meaning we don't actually share our ideas publically), but each day on Tara Lazar's blog, she hosts an "expert" who gives exercises and techniques for authors to use.  The first few days of January were a little rough for me, but I have now officially started and am ready to CREATE!  Maybe one day I'll be able to say..."that book you hold in your hand was an idea that came from STORY STORM 2018!"


Tara's blog/website

Thanks, @Tara Lazar for this inspirational experience.
You can also follow the Twitter hashtag #STORYSTORM to see what we are up to.

Author Interview with Denette Fretz about upcoming title I WANT YOUR SMILE CROCODILE

I am thrilled to have Zonderkidz author Denette Fretz with me here today on my blog.  She is the author of the Next Door Series, PIRATES ON THE FARM and CONRAD AND THE COWGIRL NEXT DOOR.  Today we are going to discuss her newest book I WANT YOUR SMILE, CROCODILE.  Here is a picture of the cover!  So adorable...I love it!

This book will be released in April, 2018.  You can preorder it now at this link:

Preorder on Amazon

And now to start the interview...Here we go!  
Hi Denette!, Thanks for joining me.  First of all, I notice that you include a lot of humor in your writing.  What inspires your humor?

Hi Mindy, glad to be here.  As a picture book collector, most of my best-loved stories are humorous.  If I had to name a favorite book, it would be Judith Viorst's Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day--but at the top of my list would also be Mercer Mayer's Little Critter series, Helen Lester's A Porcupine Named Fluffy, and Jon Klassen's This is Not My Hat.  I love humor, but kids do too--which make it an excellent vehicle for teaching biblical principles without sounding preachy or hackneyed.

I love humor, too.  Do you have a favorite page in the story of I Want Your Smile, Crocodile that makes you chuckle each time you see it?

I brought a sneak peek into the book.  Here it is!

Oooh! Thank you so much for bringing that!  

The main character of I Want Your Smile, Crocodile is a spunky meerkat named Jack.  Illustrator Jackie Urbanovic did a fantastic job of introducing the reader to Jack.  With one illustration, she captured Jack's attitude, while making him cute and loveable.  Her portrayal always make me smile.

Truly adorable.  I can see why that is a favorite!  My next question is in regards to writing technique.  Do you have any writing techniques that you use that help you to add bits of humor into the story?

If you were to read any of my manuscripts as straight text, the humor would be intermittent.  It is the complement or contrast between text and illustrations that generate humor on almost every page of my three books.  My favorite humor is when the text contradicts the illustration.  For instance, in I Want Your Smile, Crocodile, Jack believes if he has a crocodile smile, kids will "stand in line and wait" for him to grin; however, the corresponding illustration portrays chaos as zoo visitors flee his new look.

To create humor, I start by knowing my main characters, setting, and problem very well.  I then imagine detailed pictures of unusual or unexpected circumstances for the character in his setting.  Because much of my humor is reliant on these visualizations, I juxtapose text and illustration suggestions when submitting manuscripts.  I don't think I would have sold any of my three now published manuscripts had I not relayed the pictures in my head.  Of course, none of the humor would work without excellent illustrations.  I have been blessed by two fabulous illustrators.  Jackie Urbanovic and Gene Barretta, who brought to life characters and humorous situations through their wonderful, unique interpretations.

Thank you for sharing that helpful information.  And I agree, you have had two fabulous illustrators!  Another question I have is in regards to theme.  In your previous books, your theme was "Loving Your Neighbor." What do you hope that your readers will take away from your newest book?

In I Want Your Smile Crocodile, Jack covets features of other zoo animals, but discovers that "God's great heart designed each part" of him.  Every child is gifted by God for a purpose.  My hope is that Crocodile helps readers understand that they do not need to imitate others, but are fearfully, wonderfully, and uniquely designed by their creator.

That is beautiful and such an important take away.  I see that you are an elementary teacher.  Do you use your books in the classroom? 

I do! When I taught first grade, I used my Next Door Series books as read-alouds, at the listening station, and to help teach the concept of loving your neighbor. Now that I teach art, I use my books to talk about the career of illustrator.  Also, at the beginning of each school year, I use the characters, setting, and plot from Pirates on the Farm to speak to third grade students about story elements and arc in fictional writing.

I bet your students love to see and hear about your books.  I know I would if I were them.  I can't believe its time for the last question already.  I was wondering, do you have any other projects "in the works" that you are able to share about?

Although I don't currently have any other titles being published, I am working on new adventures for Jack...in hopes that readers love him as much as I do.

Well, best wishes in all that you do.  I want your smile, Crocodile looks like a beautiful book full of heart and a great underlying message of truth for kids.  I really appreciate you being willing to take the time to join me today on my blog.

If you would like to stop by Denette's website, here is a link.

Denette's website

About the author:
Denette Fretz's passion is creating imaginative, engaging stories that help children understand and apply biblical principles.  A veteran elementary educator, Fretz resides in Medford, Oregon with her husband, a sassy cat, and a spastic Jack-A-Bee.

Other titles by Denette Fretz:

Mentor Text for Rhyme--MAMA MAMA MISSES LLAMA by Anna Dewdney

Just finished reading this book.
Wow is all I can say. I am in awe.
If you want to know how to do rhyme...LOOK AT THIS MENTOR TEXT!

Three things that stood out to me

1. Perfect rhyme scheme.--No near rhymes at all.  Every line 7 syllables except for 4 lines (that were together) of 8 syllables.  Now that is magic!

2. Low word count--just under 350 words  Parents do not want long, drawn out stories, and pre-schoolers would not listen to it anyway.  (Reminding myself of this, too!)

3. She writes perfectly for the target audience.  Any pre-schooler or kindergartner will relate to EVERY PAGE of this book. She writes what they experience. Down to the last detail.

Here is a brief outline of the story arc.

1.  Waking up and going to school for the first time

2.  Getting dressed, brushing teeth, breakfast, running late

3.  Driving, meeting teacher and new faces

4.  Hanging up coat and saying goodbye

5.  Feeling shy, being asked by teacher what he wants to do

6.  Different activities at pre-school or kindergarten--blocks, train

7.  Story time

8.  Lunch time

9.  Missing mama

10.  Going outside for recess and play--tag, slide, hide and seek

11.  Drawing time

12.  Mama comes back--

13.  Showing mama the slide, saying good-bye

14.  He loves being with mom and school

So in summary, there is a reason that this book is so popular.  Nice work, Anna Dewdney!

Analyzing for layers--PICK A PINE TREE by Patricia Toht

Even though its the middle of November, I'm in a Christmasy mood!  So I chose a sparkly, new Christmas book fresh off of the library shelf and decided to analyze it for the layers that Julie Hedlund talked about in her FB video.

Here is a picture of the cover--isn't it cute?

Interestingly enough, this book has a unique STRUCTURE in that it is a rhyming poem about the setting up of a Christmas tree, so it does not have much on the layers of PLOT and CHARACTER, but instead it is very strong in HEART, LANGUAGE, AND PACING.

In fact, I'm pretty sure HEART is the reason I chose it!  I'm drawn to those little Hallmark-y places where you can cut down your own Christmas tree as a family, sip some cocoa or cider, and then go home and have a special family night of decorating.  I identified with the description of each step in the process, and my heart does a big "Awww, so sweet!" because of the warm feelings doing this activity evokes each year.  It is a fun, family time!

I call the layer of LANGUAGE "word choice".  Patricia Toht has this layer down pat! Even the title "Pick a Pine Tree" is poetic.  I love the phrase in the book "hang them all in little nooks" because that perfectly describes how we look for the perfect little spot to nestle in our special ornaments.

Other vivid/specific word choices that paint pictures:  

spiky needle clumps, 

snug and sturdy

bundle it upon your sled, 

piney scent, 

thirsty tree, 

bulging boxes, 

rusty tins, 

pointy tips, 

candle clips, 

trinkets, 

lacy snowflakes, 

silver drips

She does a nice job with PACING.  There is just the right amount of text on a page.  And many times the page ends with "but wait," "next," "it's a...," Which leads you to the next page.

As I mentioned, this was a book that paints the picture of decorating the tree--not an action driven or conflict driven PLOT.

As for CHARACTER, there is one main family, but there are many other people depicted.  There is not one main character in this book.

The RULE OF THREE is in there, but more subtle.  I found these three's:

one with spiky needle clumps, scaly bark, or sappy bumps.

Lift, bundle, and bring it home

Golden star, velvet bow, angel dressed in flowing robes

I loved the details in the ILLUSTRATIONS, and I notice something new with each reading.  

For example: 

-the red thermos by the tree salesman in the chair at the tree lot,
-the texturizing of the trees,
-the netting on the tree that dad holds while mom trims the trunk,
-the white kitty hiding in the tree,
-the welcoming light from the house as they invite their friends in for a decorating day,
-(and on last page) Santa's sleigh on the roof and Santa in the living room

As you read, you can hear the VOICE in the story that builds and builds to the crescendo:

"It's a CHRISTMAS TREE" 

"Merry Christmas , one and all"

Finally, the THEME is not stated (of course) but I would say it is the joy that comes from family and togetherness at the holidays.

If you read this picture book, look for these layers!  I would love to hear other examples that you find! And great job Patricia Toht and her illustrator Jarvis on a beautiful Christmas book!

Layers--Julie Hedlund's list of layers in picture books and link to FB live seminar

Social media--gotta love it.

I was able to tune into a Facebook Live chat with Julie Hedlund about layers in picture books.  She had some fantastic information.  I shared it to my Facebook page if you are interested, or you can find it at the PB Summit Facebook page.  I also have a link to Julie's FB Page because her page offers some more fabulous tricks of the trade that I think are helpful to any picture book writer.

Julie Hedlund Facebook

PB Summit Facebook

My Facebook Page


The layers she talked about were:
1.  Plot
2. Character
3. Heart
4. Rule of Three
5. Pacing
6. Illustrations
7. Voice
8. Structure
9. Language
10. Theme

What a great list!

I loved how she gave example texts and talked about how they exemplified each layer.  

So, for my next challenge, I am going to:

1. Check out some picture books and analyze for layering.

2. Revise my own manuscripts with these layers in mind.

I'll let you know my progress! (Stay tuned!)

Thanks, Julie at PB Summit for a great FB Live post!

Interview with Laura Sassi about GOODNIGHT, MANGER and other AUTHOR INSIGHTS

Book Trailer Link

So excited to have Laura Sassi here today to tell us about her holiday-themed title, GOODNIGHT, MANGER.   

 Laura, thank you so much for joining us!  I would love to hear how you came up with the idea for GOODNIGHT, MANGER! 

First of all, thanks so much for having me on your blog, Mindy. It’s wonderful to chat with a fellow Zonderkidz author. Christmastime is a favorite season at our house and I love to decorate in anticipation and that what’s led to my moment of inspiration.  One the centerpieces of our Christmas decor is a little plastic nativity set. It’s plastic because, when my children were little, I wanted them to be able to interact with the figures and really get a hands-on sense of the story of the birth of Christ. Well, one day, I overheard my daughter playing with the little Baby Jesus.  She was gently carrying him around the house saying things like, “Baby Jesus crying. It’s okay, Baby.”  As I watched, she gently fed him with an imaginary bottle. Then, she sang him a lullaby until he stopped crying. Finally, she placed him ever so softly back in the manger.  Before listening to this tender play, I’d never thought of Baby Jesus as ever crying. After all, we rarely see him crying in the Christmas cards we send and he doesn’t even sniffle in the carols we sing, but he was human (and God) and so he must have cried. And that’s how I got the idea for the story.

What a beautiful image of your sweet daughter.  My kids loved to play with our nativity sets, too.  I can easily picture them doing things like that even though it has been a few (just a few ha ha) years since they were that little. 

2.  You seem to have a special way with word choice and rhyme.  Are there any techniques you use that help you to choose "just the right word?"

Well, I’ve used this analogy before, but it’s a good one, so I’ll share it again. Writing in verse is a lot like knitting. To flow smoothly and be pleasing to the ear, the piece must have a consistent form both for the rhythm and for the rhyme.  My poems and stories in verse tend to follow an AABB or ABAB rhyme scheme and I’ve used a variety of meters. The important thing is not so much which pattern I choose for the rhythm and rhyme, but sticking with it. As with knitting, the fun comes in finding creative ways to express myself within that structure.  This is where “choosing just the right word” comes into play.  Sometimes, I’ll spend pages and pages, or even a whole notebook, playing with words for a story in progess. And I as think about word choice, I’m thinking about so much more than just the rhyme.  Each word I choose must, in its own way, push the story forward - either via plot or character development. I make it a rule never  to use a word just because it rhymes.  That’s not good enough. It also has to be the best word possible that makes sense for the story.  Done right, writing in verse enhances a story – making it extra pleasing to young ears.  My technique for this:  many, many rounds of revision.  =)

Revision is definitely key for any author!  I like the idea of selecting the word that not only rhymes but pushes the story forward.  Very insightful.

3. I also noticed that you have developed some arts and crafts and extension activities to go along with GOODNIGHT, MANGER.  Can you tell us about them? 

Oh yes!  Reading GOODNIGHT, MANGER is just the beginning - the conversation starter, so to speak, to what the Christmas story is all about - that God sent his son in precious human form, to be the Savior of the world.  And that, just like each of us, Jesus, too, was once a baby who felt all the things we feel and who even cried - and what joy this brings to know that He can relate to each and every one of us on this very human level.  I have several extension activities perfect for little ones on my blog. 

  Extension activities  (From Laura's blog)

You can find more ideas at my guest appearance on Noelle Kirchner, The Ministering Mom’s website.

The Ministering Mom's Website

8 activities to teach little ones about the Nativity

 Sounds very helpful for new moms. I loved nurturing my own children along in their faith through activities like this.  What wonderful resources.  Thanks for sharing them!  

4. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

In addition to writing daily and being involved in critique group (which I highly recommend), my biggest recommendation for serious writers hoping to publish a book traditionally would be to seek agent representation. I’m convinced that it was that, coupled with many, many hours of writing and improving my craft, that landed me my first book contract. And even with an agent, landing that first contract took well over a year. Especially nowadays, when the competition is so intense and so many of the large publishing houses are closed to un-agented submissions, I think seeking representation of a good agent is crucial. Other than that, my biggest word of advice for aspiring picture book authors is to be patient. Keep honing your craft and don’t be in a rush to send your manuscripts off. Let them settle and then revisit them at regular intervals, allowing them to improve with age.

That's great advice.  It is hard to be patient, but being a writer takes lots of patience!

5. What has been the most rewarding part of publishing children’s books? 

This is a hard question, Mindy!  It’s rewarding on so many levels.  First, it’s just such a joy for me to write. And that in and of itself is a wonderful reward. I’m very easy to please - just give me a pen and a scrap of paper and I’m happy as can be!   It’s also a rewarding, yet humbling, feeling to know that the story you wrote so carefully and poured all your heart and soul into, is now out there for children to read and enjoy with their families. I would also add that I am LOVING this post-publication stage where I get to go to schools and libraries and bookstores and share my stories and interact with my readers. I’ve always loved writing and I’ve always loved interacting with kids and now I’m getting to do both.  

The photos that I have seen of these events seem wonderful.  I hope I can attend one sometime! 

6. Finally, what’s next? Are there more picture books in the pipeline? 

2018 is an exciting year for me because I have two new books coming out. The first, which releases in March with Sterling Children’s Books, is called DIVA DELORES AND THE OPERA HOUSE MOUSE, about an opera-loving mouse who wants to help and the diva who thinks she deserves bigger help than a mouse. The second, which releases next December with Zonderkidz, is called LOVE IS KIND, about a little owl who searches for the perfect gift for his beloved grandmother and learns about love along the way. I can’t wait for these to release so I can share them with my readers.  

What fantastic news! You must be absolutely thrilled.  Congratulations.

Thanks for having me, Mindy!  It’s been so lovely. And I do hope that NEXT Christmas - when your book comes out - that you will join me at my blog so we can chat in celebration of your holiday release!

Yes, I would love to join you to share about my book when it comes out NEXT Christmas!!!

It has been wonderful having you visit my blog.  I admire and respect your work, and I wish you all the best!

P.S.  Laura will be running a Goodreads Giveaway of copy of the hardcover edition of GOODNIGHT, MANGER, signed by both author and illustrator which makes it extra special!

Check back to my blog for the link in the upcoming days...

Bio: Laura Sassi has a passion for telling stories in prose and rhyme.  Her picture books include  GOODNIGHT, MANGER (Zonderkidz, 2015), GOODNIGHT, ARK (Zonderkidz, 2014), DIVA DELORES AND THE OPERA HOUSE MOUSE (Sterling, 2018) and LOVE IS KIND (Zonderkidz, 2018). She lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children, and a black Cockapoo named Sophie. She is represented by Lara Perkins of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

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