Getting Back to Writing—Again
August 2024: Revision Reflections
I don’t know about you, but my summers are filled with disruptions to my normal writing schedule. There are vacations and visitors, and far more opportunities to get outdoors and hike, and bike, and swim, and kayak . . .or simply sit on a bench and admire the blooms. And don’t get me started on farmer’s markets and live music and porch swings and books! (Remember the summer reading club at your local library? Don’t you wish your only goal this summer was to beat that kid who always won the summer reading prize?)
Because I live in Maine and summers are extremely short and often stunningly beautiful, my writing time tends to stop and start, stop and start—like a bus traveling on a heavily congested local route. After each pause, I have to coax (bribe, berate) myself back to the work. And if the disruption has been long, if I’ve allowed weeks to go by (gulp), then I have to find a way to reconcile with the work, to fall in love again. It’s not easy. But here are some ways that I have found my way back to my work in progress after a break.
Just write nine lines. If you’ve known me for more than a minute, then you know this is one of my most successful methods for getting myself to the desk. I promise myself that if I sit down, I need not write more than nine lines—not nine sentences—literally nine lines. If after my nine lines, I want to move on to something else, I can. Sometimes this promise to myself is all it takes.
Instead of getting down on yourself for neglecting the work, congratulate yourself for allowing some distance from it. Now you can see the project with clear eyes. Reread the work to prepare yourself for going forward. Or better yet, have your computer read it to you. Take notes.
Journal. Ask yourself, What is this story about? Keep asking yourself, and keep answering the question until you feel the power of the idea again. Run with that spark.
If you’re writing a novel, choose one character to examine more closely. Search for scenes where they make an appearance. Are you getting a clear sense of this character? Are they coming alive on the page? (I did this recently and realized I had given this character very little dialogue.)
Make a list of questions you still have about the work. Perhaps you designate two categories: small questions and big-picture questions. Take a walk with these questions in mind.
Use the strategy known as “sentence threading.” Record the first two sentences of every chapter and examine them in the manner that seems most useful to you at the stage of your current draft. Perhaps recall what has happened so far. Or simply notice. What do these first sentences tell you about the work?
Find swimming buddies. Read books similar in style to the one you are writing or that provide valuable information. Watch adjacent movies. (Early on in my career, I had an editor ask me which actor would play the part of the love interest in my YA novel. Then he told me to watch every movie that the actor made. Heaven!) Revisit the inspiration behind your project.
Make a dedicated date with a writing friend to discuss your projects and help each other jumpstart the work.
Those are my strategies, what are yours? Let us know what works for you in the comments. Perhaps we can compile a resource list to keep on the R(ev)ise and Shine! website.
Meanwhile, Happy Summer!
Yours in community,
Jen
Announcements:
Demystifying the Children's Book Industry with Stephanie Seales
We’re delighted to announce our first industry-focused Zoomie, featuring special guest Stephanie Seales! Learn the ins and outs of children's publishing from an industry veteran over two, two-hour Sunday afternoon sessions in September. Although this course is ideal for new and debuting authors, anyone with an interest in children’s publishing will obtain a great deal of useful information. You don’t want to miss it!
Workshop description:
The children's book industry is shrouded in mystique, with limited opportunities for learning about how the industry operates. How can book creators be successful in an industry they don't understand? This two-part course is designed to pull back the curtain and help you understand the inner workings of the industry and how to be more successful within it. Course leader Stephanie Seales is an author and children's book expert with over 15 years experience in many parts of the children's publishing industry. Drawing on her extensive experience, the course will cover everything from agents to indie bookstores to libraries to publishing houses and more. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the industry that will better equip them to be more successful within it. Join this course to get answers to your burning questions and inspiration for moving forward on your author journey. Those from marginalized communities are especially encouraged to attend, but the course is open to all. This course will operate from an equity & justice-based framework.
When:
Session 1: Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm ET
Session 2: Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm ET
Where: Online
Cost: $75 for both sessions*
*For those who can’t attend live, a recording of each session will be made available for 30 days after the event for all ticket holders.
Click the image below to find out more and sign up:
Stephanie Seales is the California-born daughter of Panamanian immigrants. She has over 15 years experience working in nearly every aspect of the children's book industry. Her debut MY DADDY IS A COWBOY has received four starred reviews. She understands the power of story and follows Toni Morrison’s advice, writing the books she wants to read. She dreams and creates with her magical canine companion, Pan, near the water in the Hudson Valley, NY. Find out more at: www.stephanieseales.com
Creating Characters with Debbi Michiko Florence!
Here’s a reminder that we have a very special guest hosting a Zoomie workshop next week on August 21! Please welcome Debbi Michiko Florence! Debbi is a R(ev)ise and Shine! favorite and we are THRILLED to have her visiting us. You don’t want to miss this!
Workshop description:
How do you create characters that will leap off the page and linger on in the memories of readers? Join author Debbi Michiko Florence to learn how she creates her characters. During this 75-minute workshop, she'll share her process, give examples, and lead writing exercises with time for Q&A.
When: August 21, 2024 from 7:00 to 8:15 pm ET
Where: Online
Cost: $30*
*For those who can’t attend live, a recording of this workshop will be made available for 30 days after the event for all ticket holders.
Click the image below to find out more and sign up:
A third-generation Japanese American, Debbi Michiko Florence is the author of more than 25 books for children and tweens. Her books have received starred reviews, JLG Selections, and inclusion on lists such as Amazon Best Books and the Chicago Public Library Best of the Best. Her middle grade novels include Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai and her upcoming series Last Chance Academy. She is also the author of the award-winning Jasmine Toguchi chapter book series. A native Californian, Debbi now lives in Connecticut. Find out more at: www.debbimichikoflorence.com
Join Jennifer and Lesa for a Working Retreat!
Have you been working in the children’s book industry for a long time? Join us at this Working Retreat where experienced authors and illustrators will gather to create and share concerns, goals, and celebrations with their peers. Faculty includes Lesa Cline-Ransome, Jane Kurtz, Juana Medina, Jennifer Richard Jacobson, and guest editor Trisha de Guzman.
When: September 11 - September 15, 2024
Where: The Highlights Foundation Retreat Center
Cost: $1399
Click the image below to find out more and sign up:
