Splendiferously Superb Saturday

"A Virginia teacher presented each child in her class with the first half of a well-known proverb, a different adage to each child, asking that they complete the adage at home. The following were among the replies she received. No, Mel Brooks didn't help these kids with their homework."

This one was just too good to pass up! Thanks Saturday!

"The pen is mightier than the . . . pigs."

Very true Saturday. Very True.

Critique: In the Trenches

I received a detailed critique on Peek-A-Boom! I am so exquisitely thrilled that I got one from someone who took the time to really think about what the weak spots of my manuscript (MS) were, its strengths, etc, etc. It is hard to find someone who can do that. I only hope I satisfy the thirst of those I critique for. Naturally, I am horrible at explaining why I like something. Ask me why a MS is absolutely fantastic or horribly vague, and I am at loss for words. In terms of writing, my grammar skills, I feel, are often not where they should be. So you can imagine I feel inadequate to the task. Being a work-in-progress (WIC) I can be thankful for unlimited potential and get a move on with things to improve where I am lacking. Maybe someday I'll get a thimble (equivalent to a kiss in Neverland history) for my efforts and skill as a critic, but for now I am merely a critic-in-progress, in the trenches, walking waist deep in mud, and hoping my galoshes and pen come out clean. Bear with me!

I'm ready. All systems a go. Pen in Hand. Ready to revise. Positive outlook. Pixie dust aside-- I'm taking chances.

Lovingly so,

A Pen In Neverland

Woeful Workshop Wednesday

Happy Cinco de Mayo! 


To celebrate we are holding a Latina book fiesta at our home! I hope you are all having fun too! 


So for workshop today I am studying tips from the Latina pros of children's literature and picture books. Here are a few:


Pat Mora:
http://www.patmora.com/tips.htm




Monica Brown: 
"When I have a complete draft, I ask myself more questions: Have I captured the spirit of my subject in all its brilliance and joy? Will children and their parent's be moved and inspired by this story? Will they have fun reading it?"--Monica Brown 


Pam Munoz Ryan:
 “Sometimes children say to me ‘You’re so lucky’ because when they see me on the day of a school visit, it seems so easy to them. I want them to know that like anything else in life, the harder you work the luckier you get. The more you practice, the better you get. Writing is just the same."




Here is a link to others you can research yourself:


http://www.patmora.com/sampler.htm

Turn up the music while you take an adventure!