Welcome to PICTURE THIS! A DAILY GUIDE TO PICTURE BOOK WRITING. Since you’re here, I’m guessing that you are or want to be a picture book writer. Me, too! This blog is a place to work together to make our picture book hopes and dreams become realities. Like you, I’m learning how to be a better picture book writer. Frankly, even those writers who have been in the business for twenty years are saying they are relearning and figuring out today’s picture book market demands, discovering what works and what doesn’t, and finding new, inventive ways to present their stories.
During each week of 2011, PICTURE THIS! will focus on a writing craft, picture book principle, or writing habit/discipline. From time to time we’ll meet some wonderful authors and get their input and insights. And along the way, I’ll throw out creative challenges for us—things to stretch our creativity and innovation.
DISCLAIMER: I’m not an expert. I’m a learner. I’m a writer. I’m a soon-to-be-published picture book author. If you’re like me and you picture your books in print, on the shelves of books stores and libraries, and in the hands of readers, then I invite you to come along with me on this picture book journey!
Here’s where we’re going in January:
Week of January 2—DREAM IT! PLAN IT! LIVE IT! How to Dream, Plan, and then Work it!
Week of January 9—JUST THE FACTS PLEASE: The Basics of Picture Books
Week of January 16—BUILDING A STORY: PLOTS, SETTING, AND CHARACTERS, OH MY!
Week of January 23—NOW IT MAKES SENSE: Sensory Details
Week of January 30—CREATIVE CHALLENGE #1: Childhood-in-a-box
