The sky's the limit

One day when I was ten years old, our teacher, Mrs Allen, gathered us in to the carpeted corner of the room, and sat us down on plastic pint-sized chairs to listen carefully.








With several pots of colourful pens in the centre of the floor, Mrs Allen placed in each of our small hands a crisp, clean sheet of mathematical squares. 'Now. I want you to colour-in as many shapes as you can think of: Squares, rectangles, hexagons, triangles. Off you go.'

Off we went, losing ourselves in the concentrated scratch of felt-tips. After an industrious while, Mrs Allen wandered around to check our handy-work, and stopped abruptly by my side. 'Oh Nancy, that's not what I meant at all.'

I can still feel the sting of shame on my face. What had I been thinking? Mrs Allen tutted and moved on, leaving me to consider the stupid squared off letters I had created, now shouting out in full inglorious technicolour from the page: I love Barry.

To me, the carpeted story-corner was a place of make-believe, where anything could happen. Where I could colour-in my love for Barry, or anyone else for that matter. The reality was very different. Not only had I let myself down, I'd scribbled willy-nilly all over the sanctity of triangles and squares, of mathematical things done properly.

And yet, now that I'm a fully-fledged grown-up child, I can sit in the story-corner and create whatever I like. I don't have to do mathematical shapes. I can fold the paper into an aeroplane, or colour it orange and make confetti. Creating stories is all about allowing yourself the freedom to explore. There are no boundaries to the limits of your imagination. There is only the willingness to go forth and see what you might discover. Go on, go on. What have you got to lose?

Don't forget:

On Monday, Gemma Cooper from the Bent Agency opened up the first Slush Pile Challenge of the year. Writers are invited to submit the opening or scene of a novel where your main character experiences something new, something challenging – aimed at MG (8-12 year olds). Entries by 31st January.

On Tuesday, Nick highlighted the essential qualities required in this business: perseverance, the ability to set your own deadlines, courage to self-publish, creative whimsy, the fight to save what's good for us, and positivity.

On Wednesday, Nicky Schmidt invited another debut author to share the story of their creative journey. Krysten Lindsay Hager talks of learning an important lesson - how it's not what your book can do for you, it's what your book can do for others.

On Thursday, Gill James gave us the low-down on what went on during the NW creative get together in John Ryland's Library. If you need inspiration and ideas for your own group, look no further than here.

On Friday, we were introduced to the featured illustrator of the month, Sarah Palmer. A fabulous story of perseverance in searching for the right creative fit, and a wonderful array of beautifully illustrated and unusual characters. Sarah's tip: Don't be afraid of experimenting. Here here, Sarah.

On Saturday, debut author Katherine Bassford talked about perseverance, and how it pays off but not necessarily in the way you expect!

Look forward to:

Monday: Ask a Picture Book Editor - looking at picture-book illustration
Tuesday: Nick's splendid pick of the blogs
Wednesday: Proofreading tips: Anagrams
Thursday: Network news: South-East Scotland group share the delights of their last meeting of 2014

Nancy Saunders is the new Editor of W&P. You can find some of her short stories here, and on Twitter @nancyesaunders

Congratulations Katherine Bassford!

By Charlotte Comley

I am so pleased to announce the publication of Katherine Bassford's first book Oh Sugar.

This is the story of how Katherine's first published book turned out to be non-fiction rather than her long-dreamed-of children’s novel…

"I always wanted to write novels. As a kid I used to sit for hours and write and illustrate books about fire-breathing monsters. But then I grew up and realised I had better knuckle down and do something ‘sensible’, like be a Supermarket Store Manager. (Yes, this was my first job. It was AWFUL).

Ten years and several soul-destroying jobs later, I was a personal trainer and healthcare copywriter. But I still dreamed of writing a children’s book. I had sent three picture book manuscripts to agents (all rejected). And I realised that if I didn’t do something drastic soon, I would be looking back over my life with one humungous regret.

So I took a deep breath, and in 2013 I moved to the sea, started temping in a publishing company, and began writing a children’s novel in my spare time. Twenty thousand words into my novel, the publishers threw me a curveball: I had been writing sample content for their health title, they liked my writing and asked if I would be interested in being commissioned to write a small book about the dangers of sugar.

My initial reaction was Me? Are you sure? I had been writing health, fitness and nutrition articles for years. But a whole book? Hmm… After a few days’ deliberation, I decided it was too good an opportunity to miss. (Plus I was sneakily hoping it would boost my confidence when it came to finishing my novel.)

I signed the contract and spent the next few months manically researching and writing about sugar. It was hard work but great fun; for the first time I felt like I had a real purpose. I was a little sad that my first published book wouldn’t be my children’s novel, but when I held a copy of Oh Sugar! in my hands for the first time a few days ago, and saw my name on the front cover, it more than made up for any disappointment.

Looking back on the whole experience, I’m so glad I took the plunge and went for it. For starters, I can now say I am a writer/author without feeling like a complete fraud! But more importantly, something inside me has changed. I set out on a mission to write a book and I did it. This has given me a huge amount of confidence. I’m now (excitedly) turning my attention back to my children’s book and I have an idea brewing for another non-fiction title. (This time it’s a book about writing, rather than nutrition. Phew!)

Website: www.katherinebassford.com
Blog: www.youcanthidethespark.wordpress.com 
 

Featured Illustrator: Sarah Palmer

2015 promises to be an inspiring year, and Words and Pictures is proud to welcome a fresh new artist as our first Featured Illustrator of the year. Sarah Palmer is a graduate of the MA course in Children's Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art, and one of the illustration winners of last year's Undiscovered Voices. See more of her work on the Featured Illustrator Gallery.

Background

Growing up, I loved to draw.  My mum and dad always encouraged me, and I spent many happy hours drawing flowers in our garden. 

Drawing in the garden

My Grandad was a brilliant amateur wildlife artist.  One of my treasured possessions is a picture of ostriches that Grandad drew and I painted. 

Painting done with Grandad

I enjoyed lots of different subjects at school, but I knew that I wanted to do something creative.  However, I was surprised and disappointed to find myself struggling with my Art A-level course.  It really knocked my confidence and ruined any chance that I would look at a degree in illustration, so I chose to study for a Graphic Design degree at university.

Although I loved my time at university, and quite enjoyed the course, it just wasn't quite the right 'fit' for me. I most enjoyed designing for print, but multimedia was the 'big thing' when I left university in 2000, so I looked for a job outside the area of graphic design.

Towards Children's Illustration

After several years, I was aware of a desire to express myself creatively, but also a need for some structure, as I was a bit lost and directionless under my own steam. I looked around for some distance-learning opportunities, as I worked full-time, and found a Diploma in Children's Book Illustration.  It was just what I needed and taught me two big lessons.  Firstly, that I really enjoyed creating imaginary creatures, like this little fella who lives under the sink... 

Sebastian's Sink City

 Secondly, it taught me that I needed to connect emotionally with the topic in order to really engage with a project.  We were just given a title for our final piece of work: "Singer of Starlight".  It made me think of all the times that my nan used to sing me to sleep when I was little (and not very good at sleeping!).  

Singer of Starlight

 The diploma was the 'push' I needed and I looked for ways to develop my illustration further.  I stumbled upon information about the MA in Children's Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art and knew I needed to do the course!  It took a couple of years, but I managed to drop a day at work, and start the part-time course in 2011.  It was brilliant and I learnt so much over the two-and-a-half years.

It was during the MA that my friend encouraged me to enter the Undiscovered Voices competition and I was delighted that my illustration for Amy Warburton's Most Unusual Pet was chosen as one of the winning entries.  

Entry for Undiscovered Voices 2014

By the time I had completed the MA, I had written and illustrated two picturebook stories and had developed an idea for a boardbook, which I had never imagined would be possible for me! 

Spread from “The Problem Pet”, a story about a worry monster

Tips

I feel (and hope!) that I am at the beginning of the 'journey' and therefore don't feel in the best position to offer tips... 

But, for what it's worth, I would say that I think it's really important to experiment.  Don't dismiss anything until you've tried it. 

Character ideas for the worry monster

Also, don't ignore the dummy book stage - enjoy it!  I loved creating the dummy book for the Monster Meals board book.   

Dummy book for “Monster Meals”

 Finally, (and I'm shouting this at myself) believe people when they compliment your work and accept any help / advice / critiques that you're offered!  

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See more of Sarah's work on her Featured Illustrator Gallery!
Sarah's blog is here
To contact Sarah email sarahloupalmer@gmail.com

Network News: North West Reloading

A Sunday afternoon in December is always a good time for a SCBWI social so that’s what a group of us in the North West did.

We met in the café of the beautiful John Rylands library on Deansgate, more or less opposite the branch of Waterstone’s where many a crit group has gathered before.

This proved to be an ideal venue. Not too busy and a little way away from the bustle of the Christmas markets. Those who fancied a glass of wine could indulge whilst those of us who had to drive could keep safe with a luxurious hot chocolate or a fine coffee.  And then there was cake, of course.  Writers and cake. A common combination.  

A bit of a tea-party?

Creative Writing Exercise

First up, something to get the creative juices flowing. Marie Basting, the new SCBWI-BI Network Coordinator, led a short creative writing exercise:Write or sketch for a few minutes on one of the following Manchester themes:

• A child visiting the Christmas markets for the first time
• A visit to the Manchester United grounds
• An extra on Corrie
• A dog’s view of the greyhound stadium  

This brought a variety of responses, some of them hilarious and others heart-warming - like the picture of the child more interested in the stray dog than all the razzmatazz of the markets. This also broke the ice and allowed us to introduce ourselves as writers / illustrators.

Diverse group

It’s clear that there is a good mix of people in the north west: a balance of illustrators and writers, a balance too of published writers and those still working towards their first publication, as well as some new members and some who have been coming for years. There was an academic slant, too, with several members completing a masters at MMU, some already holding a masters in Creative Writing  and one member who teaches children’s lit and writing young adult novels at Salford University. So, although we were having a bit of tea party this time, it’s quite clear we’re all serious about our writing.          

Goal-setting

We broke out into smaller groups to set some goals. Today these were far-reaching and “bottom-line” goals and perhaps goals for the group rather than individual ones. These include helping each other to:

• write that definitive signature work
• recover from rejection, turning the rejection into a positive
• celebrate success

We also agreed that a more closely defined individual goal-setting routine could be useful. 

Ideas for meetings

We looked at holding regular meetings for ten months of the year – leaving out August and December but perhaps organising something social in December. We might meet from 11.00 – 3.00 and include:

• something new
• a creative writing exercise
• sharing business experiences
• a sociable lunch    
• critique

Critique groups

We’re considering holding regular age-group specific critique groups with limited membership. These would take place at the end of the sessions, so those not involved are free to leave.

Saturday was the favoured day and we’re looking at the John Rylands and the City Library as possible venues.

Scrawl crawls

After the very successful event at the Science Museum in March this year, we’d like to try out some of the other iconic Greater Manchester venues such as:

• the John Rylands
• Ordsall Hall
• the People’s Museum  

A reminder perhaps is needed here that it’s perfectly all right to write. You don’t have to draw.   

So, a few good plans then. It looks as if the North West is really going to buzz in 2015. 

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Gill James is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Salford where she specialises in Children's Literature and Writing Novels for Young People. Her latest novel, The House on Schellberg Street, a young adult novel with a new twist on the 1940s, was published in April 2014.       

The Debut Author Series: Krysten Lindsay Hager

The Learning Curve - Insights from Debut Authors 

Nicky Schmidt

For many the road to publication is long and fraught. For others, a publishing deal comes relatively easily. Those who are still trudging the path may find it hard to imagine what it’s like to be a debut author, and authors with a few books to their name may only dimly recall the original experience.


So what is it like? Does life change? Do dreams become reality and with a deal to your name does it all become plain sailing? And what is the process from slushpile to contract to published novel actually like? I asked debut US author, Krysten Lindsay Hager, about her journey to publication. 

From the time you first started writing, how long did it take to get a publishing deal?

I started writing TRUE COLORS in college. I had many false starts in writing before that and really wasn’t sure I had what it took to ever finish a book. I remember telling my cousin, Bob, when I was a freshman in high school that I was great at starting a book, but didn’t know if I could ever finish one. I remember he said, “Well, maybe one day it’ll all come together.” I took a lot of literature classes in college and then creative writing classes, and did semesters doing independent studies where I was writing and working one-on-one with English profs (and a history prof as well). I finished one novella (maybe it was a New adult novel, I honestly can’t remember how long it was anymore), but it never occurred to me to send it out for publication. It was after that independent study that I decided I wanted to write YA/middle grade next and shortly after that I started coming up with the beginning of TRUE COLORS. I honestly, changed and rewrote the story a few times, (plus I moved several times and focused on my journalism career at the time). So I can’t really say how long it took to get it published since there was quite a bit of time where I wasn’t sending it out at all. I focused on strictly on-fiction in the form of journalism and humorous essays for a very long time. 

It is said that writers have to be persevering and have a tough skin – did you find you grew in endurance and perseverance? Did you ever think about giving up? What made you keep going? 

That is true about perseverance and having a tough skin, but I think working in journalism helped me with that. When you’re trying to interview people who do not want to talk or have people get aggressive with you—you learn to handle yourself in tough situations and that helped a lot. My experiences in TV news and writing for newspapers were an excellent training ground in preparing me for how to deal with criticism and rejection. I was lucky to have that background. Did I ever think about giving up? Maybe the submitting part, but not writing. I’ll always be writing, that’s just part of me. I can’t turn it off. Now the publishing and submitting part can be brutal. I’m not going to sugar-coat that. But that’s up to each person to deem if it’s worth it or not. For some, writing is enough. Look at J.D. Salinger. I would have been okay either way. 

How did you feel when you first landed your deal? Did it feel like the world had changed? How long did the excitement last? 

I felt a calmness. Like a weight had been lifted. I always assumed I’d be dancing in the streets, but it was more like, oh this is the right path for me. I thought I would feel validated, but it was more like, okay, I’m supposed to share this with people. It ended up not being about me at all, but what I could share. The book I wrote is the one I would have wanted to read at that age. So maybe there’s a girl out there who needs to read it right now, too. I was happy, but I didn’t know what to expect next and I think that was at the forefront of my mind—what’s next? Although I did go back and re-read that acceptance email a few times! 

If you think about the amount of work you did on your story pre-deal, how much more work did you have to do once you’d landed your deal – did you realise the real work had only just begun and how surprised where you by that?

I was surprised about how much went into promoting and how soon you have to start. I remember shortly after I signed with the company I saw a post by an authors that said she, “loved being a writer, but hated being an author,” and that it was, “hard and scary.” I remember seeing that and thinking, “What am I in for?” There’s so much added work that no one prepares you for. I had gone to critique groups and writing groups where the published authors were going on and on and about deadlines and how overworked they were and I honestly thought they were just saying that. I had no clue. I tried to prepare a critique group buddy for it and naturally, she didn’t listen either. I call myself the, “test pancake,” for some of my writer friends who are watching me go through it and learning from my mistakes. When I talk to people about what I have had to do as a writer, you can see their faces change and they cringe and grit their teeth. I accept it all as part of the process myself—the critiques, reading out loud in public to strangers, and subjecting yourself to humiliation and rejection in so many ways. That’s why everyone says, “I have an idea for a book,” but not everyone writes a book. There’s a lot more to it than people realise. 

As the creator of your story, having always been in control of your characters and your plot, how did you find taking on board someone else’s comments and suggestions – was it like losing control and did you ever argue with your editor? 

I had a great editing experience. The editors I worked with were all amazing. There were no major changes to the story whatsoever and not one argument. I was really blessed through the whole process of not having to make any story or character changes. One of the editors posted parts she enjoyed as well and that really helped me a lot through the process. I did tell her that, but I don’t think she realizes how much that truly meant to me. 

Assuming you took the majority of suggestions on board, how do you feel it impacted on your story? 

Most of my changes had to do with changing the name of a brand, store, celebrity etc. due to the publishing company’s policy and there were no story changes. 

How have you found working with illustrators and cover designers? How much involvement have you had with the graphic content of your book (covers or illustrations)? 

I worked with Cora Graphics and I shared with her my Pinterest inspiration board for the story so she had an idea of what I was thinking. We emailed back and forth a few times and I think the girl she found for the main character really represented the Landry I imagined in my head. I actually have “parents” picked out for Landry and I really feel the cover model could be their child! She got that close with the Landry model. I also had the pic of a “grownup” version of Landry and I have to say, it’s pretty close, too. If you look at the book trailer, there’s a picture of a girl taking a selfie that represents Devon and wow, she looks like what I imagined as well. It’s crazy to see some of this. 

Do you think that having had your first book published, your writing life will be easier and your career will be on track? Do you think it will all be easier the second time round? 

I know it won’t be easier, you always have to prove yourself. Just because you got your foot in the door doesn’t mean anything. 

Aside from the editing, what other aspects of being an author have you had to come to terms with? 

I’ve taken it upon myself to learn as much as I can about marketing, social media, etc. But there are some things that just aren’t my strengths and I will ask people to go over documents for me. What’s nice is how many people are willing to help and when I can, I also offer anything I’ve learned along the way. The best advice I’ve gotten from several different people is to pick one thing you enjoy and are good at and go with that.

What have been your biggest lessons since landing a deal? 

To take my ego out of it. Whenever I make decision based on my ego, it always goes all wrong for me. It’s been that way my whole life. I had read, “The Creative Call,” not too long before I submitted TRUE COLORS and it talks a lot about how it’s not about what the work can do for you, but what it can do for others. I think that was key for me in the whole process. 

What one key piece of advice would you offer unpublished writers when working with an editor for the first time? 

Don’t be scared going into the editing process. I was so nervous when I got that initial email with the first round of edits and there was nothing to be worried about. And a lot of people go in wanting big numbers, fame, etc., and I think that takes away from the purpose of writing a book. It’s not what you can get out of it, it’s what you can give back. That’s just my little theory anyway. 

Now that your first book is out – what next? 

I’m working on a sequel to the book, TRUE COLORS, and some other YA/MG stuff and also on the pile is reworking an adult novel. Rewriting is harder than writing the first draft, but it makes such a huge difference. 

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You can find out more about Krysten Lindsay Hager on her website.    

You can watch the book trailer here. 

You can learn more about and buy a copy of True Colors from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Smashwords. 

You’ll also find Krysten on: Goodreads, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Google+ and Facebook.

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SCBWI-BI “member abroad”, Nicky Schmidt  is an ex scriptwriter, copywriter, and marketing, brand and communications director who "retired" early to follow a dream. Although she still occasionally consults on marketing, communications and brand strategies, mostly she writes YA fiction (some of which leans towards New Adult) in the magical realism and supernatural genres. When not off in some other world, Nicky also writes freelance articles - mostly lifestyle and travel - for which she does her own photography. Her work has been published in several South African magazines and newspapers. As well as being a regular feature writer for Words & Pictures, Nicky also runs the SCBWI-BI YA e-critique group. Nicky lives in Cape Town with her husband and two rescue Golden Retrievers.

Ten-Minute Blog Break - 6th January

Welcome to the future! According to Back to the Future II, people in 2015 should be riding on hoverboards or driving flying cars. Sadly, this doesn't yet seem to have come to pass, but at least someone invented the blog post!

Christmas came late for Chitra Soundar, who definitely wins this week's prize for perseverance. Seven years after first writing a picture book about Anasi (the West African spider-spirit) and a mere two years after she first submitted it to OUP Pakistan, they finally accepted it for publication! Such are The Perks of Patience.

Alistair Lane has set himself a target for the year - writing 12 stories in 12 months. But he doesn't want to do it alone, and he's set up a Facebook group to encourage other writers to join him. Read Alistair's blog post to find out all about his new collective.

Space on the Bookshelf are trying something a little different this week, with their first 3D review of a self-published book. SCBWI author Amanda Hatter is the lucky recipient, and her novel Callum Fox and the Mousehole Ghost is clearly one of those books that gives self-publishing a good name!

Is it a bird? Is it a horse? No, it's a Dartmoor Pegasus! Enjoy Sarah McIntyre and Philip Reeve's latest burst of adorable whimsy, as it unfolds post-by-post on Sarah's blog.

I'm sure we all managed to leave plenty of used wrapping paper and empty chocolate boxes behind in 2014, but sadly, library closures seem harder to shake off. Nicola Morgan has written an impassioned post about the fight to save Falkirk School Library Service, with a deadline to leave feedback for the council by the end of this week.

Whenever I've tried to write a review of my year, I generally can't remember more than the last couple of months. Dee Kirkby was smarter than me - she's been recording all the very nicest bits of 2014 as they happened, and gives us a quick rundown on her blog.

Nick.

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A SCBWI member since 2009, Nick Cross is an Undiscovered Voices winner who writes children's short fiction for Stew Magazine.

Nick has delved into his archives for the third year running, and found some wonderful lost lunacy for your reading pleasure. Check out The Museum of Me - The Lost Years.

SlushPile Challenge - January 2015

We are pleased to announce the 
first SlushPile Challenge for 2015

Gemma Cooper joined the Bent Agency in 2012 and represents authors who write for children of all ages – from picture books to young adult, fiction and non-fiction. Working with a global agency, Gemma represents authors from all over the world, although she does love to champion UK talent. For more information, see the Bent Agency website. 

THE CHALLENGE: 

As it's the new year I'd like entrants to submit the opening or scene of a novel where your main character is doing something new or tackling a new challenge.

I really look for voice in my submissions and putting your character in an unfamiliar situation gives you a great opportunity to show emotions (fear, trepidation, confidence etc.), allows you to introduce new characters, and has great potential for humour.

I'd like submissions to be aimed at the middle-grade (8-12) audience.

THE REWARD:

Gemma will pick a winner and arrange to have a meeting with them by phone or in person for 30 minutes.

Send in your entries by 31st January 2015.

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Who is eligible?

You need to be a current SCBWI un-agented member, resident in the UK. (From 29th July 2014 onwards, it is open to European residents as well).

If you win a challenge, you will not be able to enter for any other Slush Pile challenges.

To join SCBWI and take advantage of the many opportunities to: raise your profile, market your work, meet fellow writers, artists, the gatekeepers to publication, while being supported in the development and pursuit of your craft, visit scbwi.org.


What do you need to do?

Send in your entry as a Word Document to competitions@britishscbwi.org by 31st January 2015.


The document should contain the title and the opening scene. Please note the opening scene should be under 2000 words.

Do not include your name, address or email address in the Word document.


In the email please write your full name as it appears in SCBWI membership records and your email address. Also include the title of your work.

Only the first entry will be considered. Please do not send revisions, multiple entries or multiple attachments.

The Process

We will choose 15 entries randomly and send to the agent for review. This is to ensure that agents are able to judge a reasonable number of entries and to ensure the W&P team is not pre-judging the entries. In many cases, our judges review all submissions and sometimes we receive only around 15 entries or so.

The agent will pick a winner and also tell us why.

The winner will be put in touch with the agent for the 30-minute meeting.

Good Luck Everyone!

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Chitra has published over 20 books in Singapore, UK, USA and India. She loves writing picture books, folktales and is also working on fiction for 7+ with a lead character brightly named Aurora. Chitra is a member of the Words & Pictures' editorial team, managing The SlushPile Challenge for writers.