Why do I do this to myself? I've gotten another idea for the dreaded picture book. For me, these are the hardest to write and definitely the most difficult to sell.

For ten years I've been writing editorials, politicians, and anyone who can help me "right a wrong" on the demise of recess for the young children in my area. I have all the research on my side ... both medical and educational. With each letter I write, I ask my "opponents" to show me their research.  I have never received any. You know why? THERE ISN'T ANY.

So I am struggling with a picture book about a town that has outlawed play. Of course, I can't come up with a beginning -- the hook. I've gotten the middle started and know how it will end, but Lordy -- why is there always one challenge that hinders my work?

I guess by struggling it will make me a better writer. No pain, no gain -- and all that stuff. Geez, you would think once...just once, my muse would give me a break.

The story begins with a boy moving to a new town and discovering that he is not allowed to play. How can I make that sound exciting.

Any ideas?

JESUS LOVES THE WRITER

I am fortunate to be associated with some talented writers in my SCBWI critique group. One of these scribes is a minister. We love his latest book about a young girl from Peru. Every now and again he will bring in something he discovered in his travels through the bible. Yesterday he brought in the following:

                                                      How Important is our Work?
                                                          by: Rich Doerbaum

Jesus had been telling parables to the crowds. When he had finished, he explain to his disciples the meaning of the parables. He said, "Therefore, every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old." (Matthew 13:52)

These words are tremendously encouraging to us who are writers. Here is my interpretation:

"Therefore" -- Telling stories has important consequences.

"every scribe" -- Everyone of us who writes down his or her words, who is an author, who tells stories to children is a scribe. We are the center of attention in these words of Jesus.

"who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven" -- We are in training as we practice our art of writing. Our tales have a far-reaching impact on children, perhaps even an eternal significance. If the kingdom of heaven is the reign of God, then maybe what we share with children will in some small way help to establish whatever is true and good, loving and kind in their hearts and minds.

"is like the master of a household" -- We are in control of our vocabulary, our household of thoughts, our castle of ideas. As the CEO of our corporation of communication we are free to take our readers in any direction we desire. We alone are responsible for what we write. It feels good to be in charge, but it is an awesome responsibility. To whom are we accountable -- to our publisher, to our constituents, to ...?

"who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old" -- Each of us has an overflowing treasure of memories, life experiences, learnings, travels, gleanings from books, reflections, academic teachings, philosophies, dreams and visions, personal and physical feelings, and so on ad infinitum. There is never a lack of material, from which storehouse we can draw. Most of our treasures are old; but maybe we can look at them in new ways. And to create something that is entirely new? Ah, that perhaps is to participate in our limited human manner in the Creation ex nihilo; that would be divine!

So take courage, dear writer-friends. Even the scriptures bless you in your endeavors.

How cool is that!

   

THE HOOK

The most difficult things for me to accomplish as a writer are: Finding the right title, writing the first sentence and the crafting the ending of a piece.

Well, well, well...I am trying to write a mystery story so I can enter a contest. I have one month...but...

Guess what -- I have a great title, a great opening line (the hook) -- but I can't figure out what happens in the story. How weird is that?

I don't like to push my muse, but she better start sending me messages -- 'cause I need them.

CASTING MY BREAD

Somewhere in the bible it talks about "casting your bread to the waters" and good will come back. Well, something like that.

I equate it to sending in manuscripts. I write and I send, write and send. Every now and again something comes back. Some good, some rejected, some I never hear what happened. Sharks must have eaten those.

This week I am entering two contests. I don't know how other people feel, but I enjoy the challenge.

The first one is with Writer's Digest. Their annual contest for just about any kind of writing. I entered the adult division of short story/mystery with  my manuscript entitled, Haunted Treasures.

The second contest is sponsored by Highlights, a magazine for children. They want a story that was inspired by an unusual headline. Three years ago I read about a lost parrot that eventually found its owner when it started spouting its name and address while being cared for by a vet. The piece entitled, Piper Parrot's Predicament, was rejected a couple of times so I put it away and forgot about until this contest. I pulled it out, revised it, and we will see what happens.

BTW: In my continual quest to get my school system to recognize the importance of recess for our young children ---- my words continue to fall on deaf ears. I managed to get a bit further this time -- a letter from the administration explaining their curriculum (totally academic). I countered with my research. There is none out there to back up their claims...ergo they stop writing. Cowards, I say!

Stay tuned. Stay well.

NEW YEAR, OLD EXPECTATIONS

It's a new year and I'm already published. Well, if you consider a letter to the editor a publishing credit. I was having fun over Christmas and decided to write one. I like to add my two cents every once and a while. Makes life interesting.

In addition, I have sent off another picture book (why do I keep doing this to myself) manuscript for consideration by one of the few publishing houses that take unsolicited manuscripts. I debated about this one for months because it is narrow in its appeal. It's a 100 days of school book. One of my friends said there are two many out there...that's what stopped me at first.

Then my critique group applauded it and said send it. Still didn't -- until my friend, the "school librarian," read it and loved it. She said she is always looking for new "100 days of school" books.

I combed the publisher's website to see if it would be a good fit...and it looks like it!!! So...since my theory is..."If you don't send it, it's already rejected - BY ME!" I sent it.

With a little bit of luck...maybe, just maybe...I have to wait three months. If I don't hear from them, it's a no go.  I like that.

Now I am working on an adult piece that I am going to enter into a contest. I've won three contests so far...we will see what happens to this one. It was so fun to write...blood and guts and mystery. How cool is that.

Here's to a new year...hope...promise...and perhaps a book contract.