PLEASE USE THE D WORD ~ by: Jackie Wellington

Growing up I wasn’t allowed to use the D word. Not that one. The other one. Yes, dummy. It always had such a negative connotation. I can still hear Momma's words echoing in my ear. “You say that again and I’m going to wash your mouth out with soap.” Well, that was years ago.

Today, saying the D word is encouraged, especially if you’re a picture book writer. For instance, less than a month ago, I was at the WOW Retreat in Helen, Georgia. In our round table group session, one of the writers looked at me and said, “You can read rhyme, right?” I said yes and she handed me her picture book manuscript.

Normally, I would have time to read the manuscript, establish a rhythm in my head, and recite the story like I was a rapper at a freestyle battle. But that was not an option; no dropping the mic and walking off the stage. I was to read it aloud, in front of an agent and three other writers, right then and there. At that moment,  I took a deep breath and read, only fumbling a few times. I did my best. Honestly!

When it was time to discuss the manuscript, the agent who was facilitating the round table referenced a section and said, “I didn’t get it.” At that time, the writer went in her bag, pulled out a dummy, and handed it to the agent. The agent inspected the dummy, flipping through the pages. Then the agent looked at the author and said, “Aah. I didn’t get that when it was read.” It was that moment I realized the importance of a dummy. It helps others to visualize your words, your sentences, your story.

The standard picture book dummy have thirty two pages.  A few pages left for the publisher to do their housecleaning. Try making a dummy. Start your story on page four or five. Cut your manuscript up and fit it on the pages. It sounds easy, but trust me, it isn't.

I have heard about writers making dummies as they write. I have met some who swore to a dummy’s effectiveness. Me, I have never made a dummy, and there are reasons for that. One, I cannot draw. Two, I cannot draw. Three, I cannot draw. 

For me, I could not conceptualize any other way to make a dummy without drawing. So I never attempted to make one. But I am always learning from other writers. This writer taught me you do not have to be an artist to make a dummy. She uses clip art or cut pictures from books, magazines, and the computer. Now I am fascinated.

One of the sessions, the lovely Denise Fleming taught the attendees how to make a dummy. I was so ecstatic to do so. When I got home, I took a twelve hundred word historical fiction manuscript and created a dummy. This process allowed me to cut three hundred and thirteen words from that manuscript. I know right? Unbelievable. WOW...That was all I could say.

So thanks to all those writers who inspire and encourage me to make dummies. Thanks for helping me visualize my words, my sentences, my story. 
To all of you, I am grateful! I am honored to join a group of writers who believe in dummies. And I am happy to join a group of writers who knows it is okay to use the D word. 

If you would like to learn how to make a picture book dummy, check out Shawna J.C. Tenney below or click here.  Google images of picture book dummies. I do not have permission to share them here; but there are plenty on the internet for you to browse.

Bibliography

Shaskan, Stephen. "32 Page Picture Book Dummy Template." Stephen Shaskan. N.p., 15 Nov. 2013. Web. 28 July 2015.