Pitching, Writing and Waiting

What is writing all about?

Among other things, it is about pitching, writing and waiting.

I came back from our writer's conference pumped up. A few days ago, I sent out my MG, Duck and Cover, to an agent. We were introduced to each other via email by Christine Witthohn (another great agent that I pitched to at the conference). Now I am on pins and needles (and crossing my fingers and toes) waiting to hear back from this great agent she introduced me too.

In the meantime, I have been working on a new PB!

So far I have three versions of it that I am writing.

My first attempt was in first person and I really loved it and it was titled My Monster. Then I got to thinking and thought it may be confusing to the young reader in first person. So I changed it to Margie's Monster! I now have two versions of it under the title of Margie's Monster.

I am having a great time fleshing it out - changing words and phrases here and there - inserting new ideas as they come to me. I love writing picture books. It is amazing how different my final version can be from the version I started out with.

Picture books, though short, are just like any other manuscript you write. It takes time and patience and just the right words, but more so with picture books. Every word has to be special. When writing picture books, grab onto your imagination and leave those weak words at the back door and don't bring them into the house.

By the way, there is a great post over at Bookshelf Muse about critiquing. I am going to copy her info and put it to good use. Check it out if you get the chance.

Happy Writing!

Posted by Janet Smart  on Creative Writing in the Blackberry Patch.