Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers

Monday, June 11, 2012

Stuck on that First Line...again!

I can think of many worse kinds of hell than having to rewrite a first sentence through eternity. However, after seeming endless versions, I am getting frustrated. I've never had so much trouble with a first page. In earlier posts, I've talked about how haiku can help phrase thoughts in a different, more concise way. For my too-wordy self, this sometimes helps clarify what I really want to say. I tried it again. Here's my first result: I seize color bright slip it through unlit door jams to light future rooms This one won't get me there, honestly, but I like it. Here's another go: seize one bright color Plucked from day’s blind blurring haste spark to light up day It's not perfect either, but this a writing exercise, not a haiku competition. One that helped me clarify what I really wanted to say, cutting some of the excess words. Now I'm going to go back and try that first line again.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Embarrassed! I'm so ashamed! Has it seriously been this long since I've posted? I admit, I've been swamped with everything I need to do to get ready for the conference, and that isn't going to get any better until June 22nd. I even had an idea for a post I drafted, but I wrote it all in the middle of the night and thought I'd better edit before posting, and I never did. However, I do have a couple of quick tidbits: The conference isn't full quite yet. So there's still time. If you're a bit strapped for cash, the afternoons-only option is really a bargain. And if even that's too much, maybe writing isn't that important to you. Kidding. If you can't make it for afternoons, at least come to Trent Reedy's keynote speech Thursday afternoon. It's free! We have one attendee coming all the way from Oman. Interesting, since Trent Reedy's book is about a little Afghan girl with a cleft palate.