Tag: Picture Book

Posted in mentor texts, Picture Books, Uncategorized

Word Choice in POE WON’T GO

Posted on by beckylevine

I braindumped a new picture book idea a couple of weeks ago, and I need to start thinking about how to turn it into an actual story that kids will fall in love with. So I pulled a few mentor texts off my shelves.

The story elements I wanted to look at today were:

  • Two characters interacting
  • An unexpected event or person with a problem

I found those elements. And, as often happens when I really dig into a story I’ve read before, I found other elements and qualities I want to keep in mind.

I have read POE WON’T GO (written by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Zachariah Ohora) many times. I always think of it as a simple story (in a really good way).  And, in terms of the plot and characterization, it is. But today I realized where the power in that simplicity comes from.

Specificity. I can’t even guess how many times Kelly DiPucchio looked at each word in her text and considered and reconsidered and changed and put back and changed again. And used the BEST active verbs.

Look at those word choices. Hatched. Paper cups. Fluent. Hedgehog! The paper cups make the scene. And “hedgehog” could so easily have been “puppy.” Nope. Not in this story.

I knew there was a reason I’ve kept POE WON’T GO on my shelves. (And Zachariah Ohora’s art is perfect!)

Posted in Uncategorized

Friday Five: Things I Learned During Today’s Revision Session

Posted on by beckylevine

I’ve been BIC since about 10:00 this morning, working on the latest PB revision. I had thought I was on the last “section” of revision, but then I realized that my MC’s actions were still pretty weak. Also, in places, nonexistent. In my own defense, I will note that I didn’t even know this character was the protagonist until a couple of weeks ago. Anyway, I’ve spent the last few hours trying to think of three actions that would demonstrate his character, highlight the theme, add tension, and move the story forward.

I’m not there yet.

It’s been an interesting process, though. I’ve discovered a few things.

  1. I like verbs. Sure, objectively, I knew this. Still, it was interesting to watch my mood actually rise, and rise quickly, as I started dropping random verbs (actions my MC might possibly take) into a list.
  2. There’s a little metaphorical “Ding” in your brain when you hit on a possibly “right” word. Something chimes or, at the very least, goes clunk. It’s a good feeling.
  3. If I decided that my  goal was to set a bad example for children in my picture books, I could totally reach that goal. Sentences I said to myself today:  “No, you can’t make him scratch a mosquito bite.” “He is certainly not allowed to roll a cigarette.””Stop even thinkingabout letting him pick at a scab.”
  4. There are days when I don’t accept the pejorative “wasting time on Facebook.”
  5. It is impossible to type, write, or think when Pandora plays Katrina and the Waves’ cover of Wipe Out.

All in all, a good day. I think I’ll keep it.

Posted in Picture Books, SCBWI

Picture Book Revision: Note to Myself (and Anyone Else Who Wants to Listen)

Posted on by beckylevine

Today’s Friday Five is a set of reminders to myself about revising this #$@($*@ a picture book.

1. Don’t push too far into the story until you’ve gotten deep into character. Okay, go ahead, push into that story, but you’re still going to have to go back & figure out those people.

2. Your hero has to be active. As active as a five-year-old (or maybe a baby panda) can be.

3. Your hero has to fail. Somehow, even as he repeats his attempts to succeed, he has to fail. You know, probably without a lot of blood or pain.

4. Words come last. I know, you have to put something on the page, or–yeah–you’re not writing a picture book. But do not become too attached to those words. Be prepared to bring out the sharpest, most super-charged chainsaw you’ve got and to use it tearing them up.

5. It’ll be worth it.