I just realized yesterday that I’ve been actively pursuing this KidLit writer’s life since the end of July, and have completed two manuscripts and am well into a third… and, just this week, have started a fourth! (As I wrote here the other day, I want to have three that are completely done– three that I’m happy with, anyway– before I start submitting to agents.) And I have a feeling the fourth will be the best. It seems that whenever I can’t finish one, I have to start another… then that somehow gets me back to the previous unfinished one and I’m able to complete it. It’s what I did with numbers 1, 2… and now 3. Go figure. That’s my process, I guess!
My only hope is that I don’t turn into a serial writer who never ends up submitting anything.
Back to agents for a sec– I know that I’m probably just a few weeks away from submitting, so I ordered a copy of the 2013 Guide to Literary Agents the other day and it arrived yesterday. SOOO excited to see that my literary agency (that sold my e-mail marketing book that I wrote umpteen years ago) is in there and NOW has an agent specializing in KidLit who is actively seeking picture books! She will obviously be my first contact– as soon as I have my “magic three,” I’ll email her a query. Unfortunately, I learned that my original agent there — one of the founders/partners– passed away just a few months ago. Very sad.
And speaking of sad, I find that I’m drawn to more melancholy picture books… melancholy with a message, that is. I’m not sure if that means that’s what I need to be writing or not. I remember in the old days of taking novel writing classes, I used to always hear, “Write what you know. Write what you’re drawn to in your own reading.” So we’ll see. On the other hand, I do really enjoy goofy picture books, too. Yes– with rhyme (and without)! What the heck is wrong with rhyming picture books, anyway? Everyone says that they are verboten with some editors… yet I constantly see new rhyming picture books getting released. I can’t help it– rhyme just comes naturally to me… though I do want to transition to writing more prose.
This is supposed to be my Tuesday post… it’s late because it’s been a crazy week. Tomorrow is Perfect Picture Book Friday already! I can’t wait– I already have my book in mind (yes, it’s rather melancholy).
Oh… and the sketch today? Not related to anything. Just felt like drawing an egg and a chick. 🙂
Kid Lit Dish 