Henry Winkler book signing - MyNorthwest.com - Seattle Calendar of Events

Henry Winkler book signing - MyNorthwest.com - Seattle Calendar of Events

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Book Progress Update

After more than a year of toiling away, "Macaroni and the Binky" and my query letter are finished! I sent both out to the first choice agent on my list, and now am awaiting a response. I will update this blog as news arrives.

Before I hear back, I wanted to share the beginning paragraph of my query letter for all to see. If you have any feedback for me, please write. I'd love to hear what you think! Here it is:

Dear … ,

Macaroni and cheese, beloved around the world by children of all ages, never looked so tasty. But what happens when that creamy treat becomes a dog that romps all over the house causing destruction and mayhem? Will seven year old Bud, along with assistance from his enthusiastic and gravity challenged sidekick in a diaper, be able to stop the pandemonium before Mom finds out? “Macaroni and the Binky,” an action-packed picture book manuscript of 982 words, provides answers to these questions and more.

Does this pique your interest?

That's right ... Fonzie is in the House!

If you are in the neighborhood next weekend, why don't you stop on by and meet the FONZ?  

Henry Winkler is scheduled to be in Bainbridge Island, Washington on Sunday, May 2nd at Eagle Harbor Book Company. He is stopping by to promote the latest book in his Hank Zipzer series, which he wrote in collaboration with Lin Oliver. 

Click on the link below for full details about this event ...

MEET THE FONZ

Editing and Revising

Raise your hand if you love to edit and revise your stories over and over again? Okay then ... That wasn't the overwhelming response I was expecting.

Really? There's not a single person out there who absolutely adores polishing their work over and over again until every single word shines like the North Star?

Ah, come on! I can't be the only one who loves to push, pull, and twist the things they've written ad nauseam as if shaping a lump of clay into the perfect shape. Can I? Apparently, since I don't see any hands raised in the room, I am.

Editing and revising are a pertinent part of the writing process that cannot be ignored. In order to present your manuscripts in the best light possible to potential agents and publishers, you must take as much time as is necessary to get it right. You only get once chance to make a first impression so it might as well be a good one.

Here are some the the steps that may help you:

1) Read your story aloud to yourself. Make notes of any possible changes.
2) Put your story away for two weeks.
3) Read your story aloud to yourself again. Edit/revise.
4) Put your story away for two weeks.
5) Read your story aloud to yourself one more time. Edit/revise.
6) Seek professional help. At this point, join a critique group or have a editor or other qualified individual read your work.  I recommend that you don't use a friend. They have trouble being as honest with you as is needed.
7) Evaluate based on feedback received from the professional(s). Does your story show promise? If so, proceed.
8) Edit/revise some more.
9) Find some students in the targeted age group for your story. Read your story aloud to them and get feedback.
10) Edit/revise, if necessary.
11) Seek professional help again. At this point, ask your critique group, editor, or other qualified individual read your work once again.
12) Repeat steps 1 - 11, as many times as necessary. 

Sounds painless, right? Not really? That's good. It shouldn't be.

The reality is that writing is hard work. I personally find it to be quite rewarding, and don't know what I would do if I couldn't express myself creatively. I sincerely hope that you enjoy it too. 

Happy writing!

Life

An example of how competent non fiction writing and impressive narration can merge with compelling, time-lapsed pictures to create brilliant art. Either that, or I felt this clip was simply too amazing not to post:

End of Books?

With the release of Apple's new iPad electronic tablet style device, some pundits are speculating that the time-honored tradition of printing books on paper will end. Yep. Just like dinosaurs, the betamax, those white parachute pants with a tie in the front that I loved so much, and my svelte 32 inch waistline. Books are going to disappear forever.

Well, hold on there for a moment, naysayers. Don't throw shovels full of dirt over my beloved books just yet!

The print medium is definitely in a state of flux, and writers, agents, publishers, bookstores, and the like must change. But with some creative marketing and innovation, paper bound materials can survive, and even thrive in the future. Always look on the bright side, right?

As much as I love curling up with a good book to keep me company at night, I have to admit that the updated "Alice in Wonderland" ebook for the iPad looks pretty incredible. What do you think? Will the printed version of this medium survive the challenge?

Unpublished Author Contest Details

Cheerios is holding a Spoonful of Stories® contest for unpublished authors. If interested, details are available by clicking the link highlighted above. I've also included a related clip from notable author (and former elementary school teacher) John Scieszka. Good luck!

Bruce Coville writes stories that I love. He is also the proud parent of a company called Full Cast Audio that produces fabulous recordings of quality literature from multiple genres. If you're a student, teacher, or person interested in reading or listening to quality children's literature, I wholeheartedly recommend that you check out the clip of Bruce Coville and Daniel Bostick as they work on scenes from "Space Station Rat" by Michael J. Daley.

Holiday Cheer

From my family to yours ...

Happy Easter!

May you have a glorious day filled with joy, happiness, and a bunch of little kids running around frantically searching for chocolate eggs.