I was tagged by Penny Klostermann for the Writing Process Blog Tour.
Despite all of Penny’s updates and reminders, I forgot to handle a huge detail of the blog hop. I forgot to line people up before I posted to the blog tour. Hmm. I always feel like I’m breaking a chain letter, when I do this. Anyone want to help me out and consider yourself tagged? Let me know in the comments.
Participating in the Writing Process Blog Tour involves answering four questions and then tagging fellow writers who will join the tour.
Here are the four questions and my answers:
1. What am I working on? I just completed the National Picture Book Writing Week or NaPiBoWriWee.
I drafted seven new picture book manuscripts. I wrote one story two different ways, so I have eight really. Of those, maybe four are worth revising. I’ll give myself a few weeks before revisiting these drafts. I have an eighth idea that I want to begin today. Then, I’ll revise several other stories before I submit them to editors and agents, who are offering critiques at the upcoming WOW Retreat.
I also write {revise really} memoir. While at the Pikes Peak Writers Conference, I spoke with agents and attended workshops on the non-fiction craft. Oh … it can be depressing, but there is work to do, so I should focus on moving forward.
2. How does my work differ from others of its genre? My latest drafts tend to fall in the category of the snarky, picture book characters. Someone used the word “subversive” about one of my characters recently, who is not a traditional bear. While there are plenty of stories with bears, I’m trying to make my Henry stand out.
For memoir, well, it’s my story and no one else can write it.
3. Why do I write what I do? I love picture books for their entertainment value. If they can educate children or parents — BONUS! I love picture books for the pure joy of a funny line or a beautiful illustration. They just make me happy.
I love memoir, because I have always loved learning from other people.
4. How does your writing process work? I’ve written about my efforts to Just Write a couple of times. I try not to be overwhelmed by similar books on the market. If I did, then I would likely NEVER write a story. I mean every story HAS BEEN TOLD, right?
I participate in challenges to keep me motivated throughout the year. As a recovering journalist, I like the deadlines challenges provide.
http://youtu.be/3cXe4B9OYD0
Wow, 8 picture book manuscripts and a memoir! That’s great, Stacy. I look forward to reading your snarky picture books 🙂 and memoir. I like what you said about learning from memoirs. I have written one as well and am also revising, revising…It’s a learning process writing memoir too! Good luck!
It is definitely a learning process Iza. I’ve read several recently written more like novels and others that are more first-person thoughts. Good luck with your writing.
Great post, Stacy. Thanks for joining me for the blog tour. I am totally impressed that you wrote seven drafts! That’s just awesome. Your video is great and makes all kinds of sense to me. Challenges have inspired many a story for me!
Thanks for the invite Penny. NaPiBoWriWee is a great motivator to get some writing done. My draft today didn’t work out as I expected. I need to do more brainstorming/outlining on this one.
It’s such a different genre writing memoir and pbs, kudos to you. You have lots of opportunities.
The genres are a little crazy, but I have the manuscript about my late husband. Believe in it and will continue to work on that. At writer’s conferences, people often look at me with pity when I mention the two genres like “poor thing … two really hard genres.”
Henry the Bear -you go, Stacy! I love how you work to bring fun for kids and adults, participating in challenges, and blogging about your adventure. Deadlines are exciting and unnerving to me. I am always amazed at how much you get done ♥. A role model.
Oh Sue. I was thinking it was a year ago we met in person! I don’t always blog about my to do list (and the unchecked items … it’s too scary).
I guess writing about it could be harder than living it, but it seems odd that it would at least to this non-writer.
Sometimes living through something … you are so busy getting through it you don’t process a lot of things. When you write, you may have more time to think about it, process it, let emotions bubble out that you didn’t allow yourself as you were just trying to get through it. For me, it’s more about taking the time to write it AND find the proper way. I’ve written it one way and then rewritten everything.
Ooh, the snarky category! Some of my fave picture books are either quirky or feature snarky characters. 🙂
Great answers and great video! 😀
Thanks Erik!