Critique Mystic: What I've Learned by Kathy Halsey

What are the elements of a good group? How do you find a great critique group? How do you keep a good group going?  In this "Kat Chat," I'll explain what I've learned in the last 2.5 years.

 The Not-So-Good

As a new writer, I joined an eclectic group at my local indie bookstore. I had to drive 45 minutes each way once a month to get advice like "fun," "good title," "main character needs work." This group included those who wrote YA, adult, erotic, flash fiction, short stories, and romance. When I heard that a WIP about my Corgi should be in the shape of a dog, I knew I was driving too far for too little. 

A picture book in the shape of Wiley Corgi? I think not.

What I Learned

1. It can be important to be with those who write in your own genre, especially in the beginner's stage.

2. Input and output should be somewhat equal or at least substantive. My feedback did not equal the drive time.

3. Trust your instinct when it's time to go. I parted amicably with this group as I lucked into an all picture book critique group with a published author.

A MUCH Better Fit

I landed in a group of four other picture book writers who found each other via our SCBWI chapter. Dianne White and I had met at SCBWI event and hit it off. We joined forces with an illustrator/writer, a middle grade/picture book writer, a writer going through a formal program, and one more seasoned writer. We met monthly at the same indie bookstore as my former group and were able to attend SCBWI LA in 2014 and celebrate Dianne's first book, BLUE ON BLUE. Sadly, I had to leave these fab writers behind due to a cross-country move.

Dianne White, Kathy, and Elizabeth Saba, SCBWI LA 2014

The Takeaways Here

1. If one can meet face-to-face with a potential critique partner before joining a group, it is easier to see if you "jive."

2. Join a group with writers with more experience than you. 
3. Join a group with writers who have different experiences, too. Tanja Bauerle, our illustrator/writer, shared so much. She helped us see the illustrator's POV in our discussions.

The In-between

I have usually been in more than one critique group at a time. Some of the online groups fizzled out for various reasons: moves, re-evaluation of writing goals, lack of commitment to a group, or life changes. These groups served their purposes at the time and were valuable to me.

More Knowledge

1. Know that groups may naturally fizzle out or even reconnect in time.

2. Make an effort to stay connected in some way to members whose work you admire or whose critiques improve your craft. Andrea J. Loney, Lee and Low New Voices Winner, Pam Vaughn, and Lindsay Bonilla are still writer friends I can go to with any work in progress. 

3. Don't assume that critique partners will necessarily be friends (It's a bonus if you become friends), or that you did something "wrong" if a group breaks up.

The Present- A Real Present

Through my connections with Kristen Fulton's WOW nonficpic FB group, I met most of my current critique partners. We added members over time, we critique in smaller groups or on a one-to-one basis, and we all came together this year at the WOW Retreat 2015 in Georgia. We have some sort of magic glue that keeps us bound. People were even wondering how they could join our group! (Pam Courtney, Jackie Wellington, Kathleen Birmingham, Stephanie Thompson Box, and now Mona Pease.) This group of "sistas" as I call them are friends and honest, talented partners who help me grow. 

Pam and Kathy, Wow Retreat 2014

Kathleen and Mona, Wow Retreat 2015

The Critique Mystic

1. We all hail from different parts of the country: Mississippi, Atlanta, Ohio, Phoenix, Maine, Florida. This added a very unique regional component.

2. We have established rules and a formula to critique thanks to a super session at WOW Retreat 2015 by Kendra Marcus and Minju Chang. (One nugget: You are a consumer. Get what you need from your critique group.) 

3. We are dedicated to the goal of finishing each other's manuscripts  so that they are submission-worthy.

4. We bring different skills to the table: plot whisper, fixer of overall problems, lens of a former librarian, and 2 teachers of little ones.

I hope this post helps you see the components good critique groups  and what you can learn from your former groups. I would love to hear your critique group stories or suggestions in the comments.   

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.

Reflections From WOW

WOW participants and faculty, at the end of a full week

There's nothing like a writer's conference to get those creative juices flowing. Nine of the GROGger gang were lucky enough to participate in the WOW [Week of Writing] conference for children's writers last week in the Georgia mountains. 

Wow! Sessions on the craft of writing, markets, and critiques, individual manuscript critiques, round tables, arts and crafts, games, costumes, and meeting other kid lit peeps. Here are some of the tidbits we picked up.

Kristen and The GROGgers 
WOW 2015

From the Desk of Suzy Leopold:

Are You a Good Critiquer? 
Presentation by 

Kendra Marcus & Minju Chang 
of BookStop Literary.

Think about the following points and thoughts about 
critique groups . . . 

Spectacular view of the
Southern Appalachian Mountains

• Are you good at giving AND receiving critiques? 
• As a writer you are the consumer. 
• Is your critique group a good match for you and your genre of writing? 
• Is your critique group digging out and helping you solve your writing challenges? 
• How often do you meet? 
• Do you want critiquers to support your writing with a *feel good feeling* or do you want honest, direct critiques with fresh eyes? 
• Does everyone in attendance receive an equal amount of time and attention for their manuscripts? 
• Ground rules must be established. 
• An agenda must be followed.

Denise Fleming

Candace Fleming

Dianna Huttts Aston

Christy Mihaly's Post-Wow Resolutions:

• Read more! Read everything!
• Write more poetry. Poetry, and playing with language, help you practice using language creatively. Use picturesque language.
• Revise, revise, revise my manuscripts, with a focus on three things: developing my voice, making my characters compelling, and cutting words where the pictures can carry the tale.

Kathy Halsey's Revelations of WOW's awesomeness:

• From Kendra Marcus, a quote that left me gobsmacked. "Our job is to stretch the ears of the audience." Kendra said this while speaking about word choice, but stretching children's minds and hearts is why we write. Thank you, Kendra!
• From one of my critique partners, Kathleen Birmingham, "Your strength is your voice." True d'at. We all need to find it and own it.
• Candy Fleming had the best kickoff EVER. Your story is scenes and summaries. Find them, mark them up. And, if you have a chance to see Denise, do it.
• Denise Fleming: 
• You have an artist within you. Find it. Create a spread with section of your text. Dummy it; create it w/tissue paper and glue. It is a guide to your true story.
• Come to WOW. Kristen Fulton has created an awesome cadre of talented writers/agents/editors who support each other.   

Editor/Agent table during Trivia Night

Leslie Colin Tribble WOW Words of Wisdom:

• Candace Fleming did the Monday intensive, which alone was worth the price of the conference. She talked a lot about scenes to move the story forward and finding your "vital idea" or heart of the story. 
• Laura Whitaker, editor, told us, "The most important thing is to stay true to your vision, so speak up."
• Jill Corcoran, agent, "Passion is people who change the world."
• Editor Emily Feinberg reminded us that we're storytellers first and foremost.

From the desk of: Sherri Jones Rivers

• Candace Fleming: used a baking analogy. "With fiction, you can bake a cake that's yummy and use any ingredient you want. With nonfiction, you have to bake with ingredients that are already at hand; you have to use what's there."
• "There are three voices--the author's, the manuscript's, and the character's."
• "Scenes are made up of 1. Specific time, 2. Specific place, and 3. One change."
• "In every single paragraph, put one of the five senses; and you can mix them--'the lion roared yellow.'"
• Ariel Richardson on novelty books - "Study what's out there. Ask yourself if it's possible to do it. Does it stand out?"
• Denise Fleming - "Any activity that enlarges a book helps sell it."
• Laura Whitaker:  I learned the term "breaking the fourth wall." That's when narrator speaks to reader.

From the desk (really, it's just a laptop in a lap) of Patricia Toht: 

Nuggets from the Fleming non-sisters: 

• "Every book is a learning curve, a discovery process." (Candace) 
• "Sometimes the material will tell you how to write the story." (Candace) 
• "Really great picture books have a heart to the story, a vital idea." (Candace) 
• "Let the illustrator illustrate the adjectives. As a writer, you should focus on the verbs, the emotional feel." 
• (Denise) "If your PB isn't hopping by page 10 (of your manuscript layout dummy), you're blabbing too much." (Candace) 
• "Let go of your ego. Your illustrator can think of things you've never thought of." (Denise)

Evening campfire at beautiful Unicoi Lodge

Let's Get Ready to Rhyme! ~ by Patricia Toht

Grab a notebook and a pen,

April’s time to rhyme again.

Learn about a challenge here –

RhyPiBoMo’s second year!

RhyPiBoMo stands for Rhyming Picture Book Month, and is pronounced "rye-pie-bow-mow". It is the brainchild of Angie Karcher.

Tell our readers a little about yourself, Angie.

I’m a Hoosier, married to my supportive husband Stan for nearly 24 years and mother of four teens and two doggy assistants. I’m a former kindergarten teacher and developmental therapist. I’ve been writing for over 20 years, and am represented by agent Kendra Marcus of BookStop Literary. I enjoy writing poetry, rhyming picture books, historical fiction and non-fiction.

Angie's first book, Where the River Grins, M.T. Publishing, 2012.
A regional history resource book used in local schools. Buy it here.

Angie's second book, The Legendary R.A. "Cowboy" Jones, M.T. Publishing, 2014.
A biography of a 71-year-old jockey who still races horses in Kentucky. Buy it here.

Angie's special message:

I want to thank everyone for kind words of encouragement after my accident at the L.A. SCBWI Conference last summer. For those who don’t know, I fell and had emergency surgery to repair a severed nerve in my right hand. I am doing great and appreciate all the loyal RhyPiBoMoers who stuck around while I recovered. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to host the event this year, but your kindness and encouragement was quite motivating!

Angie, how did you come up with the idea for RhyPiBoMo?

In 2013 I participated in Tara Lazar’s PiBoIdMo and loved the experience of community and focusing on a specific part of writing. There were no writing challenges in April (poetry month) that focused on poetry and rhyming picture books, so I began planning. Tara was so supportive and helped me get organized, and writer friends helped me find fabulous guest bloggers. Once Jane Yolen and Lee Bennett Hopkins joined, everyone else jumped aboard.

I’ve found there’s a stigma attached to being a writer of rhyme -- being a rhymer is alarmingly frowned upon. So, I started RhyPiBoMo to give rhymers a place for support and to encourage writers of rhyme to do it in a professional manner, following the rules of picture book writing and using rhyme as one piece of the puzzle, not as the focus of the story.

As authors, we’re told to polish our elevator pitch. Doors closing…GO!

RhyPiBoMo (Rhyming Picture Book Month) is an annual writing challenge in April for children’s writers who enjoy writing in rhyme. It features 25 fabulous writing professionals who share their knowledge about the Dos and Don’ts of using rhyme in picture books. There are daily prizes, rhyming parties, a poetry contest and more! Find it on my blog, Angiekarcher.wordpress.com.

Whew…how was that?

Well done! Any changes this year?

We do have a few changes this year. First of all the blog posts will be shared only on week days. This will allow us the weekends to spend with family and get caught up on other important things.

Last year, I taught daily lessons along with the guest blog posts. This year I asked the guest bloggers to choose a topic from a suggested list and to use their blog post as a lesson itself.

Each year, your banner honors a wonderful poet. Last year, it was William Shakespeare, designed by Gayle Wing O’Donnell. Who are this year’s honored poet and illustrator?

I’m thrilled that we are celebrating a personal favorite, Maya Angelou, on our banner. Her passing saddened me, and she was the clear choice for this year’s honored poet.

I love the banner and badges, designed by author/illustrator Tanja Bauerle! 

We met in an online writing class several years ago. Since then, we’ve hugged in person, ridden in an ambulance together, and shared laughs on this bumpy road in children’s literature land. Visit Tanja here to see her amazing work! 

When collaborating with Tanja, we decided to share one of Maya’s quotes on the banner. A few days of research later, we discovered that we both had selected the same quote --

This quote speaks to us as writers. We don’t write to put words on the page, we write to share the joy and our passion for the subjects with children. The poetic rhythm and song of rhyming picture books are magic and should be read aloud to children to experience the full gift.

Tell us about your guest bloggers. I heard you are hosting ALL NEW poets this year!

Yes, this year we have 25 all new guest bloggers! I’m very excited that Kwame Alexander will be in the house! He’s been floating around the country since receiving his esteemed Newbery Award and graciously accepted the final spot on my calendar in the midst of his confetti and fireworks. Buckets of gratitude to all of the busy, talented folks who will celebrate writing poetry and rhyming picture books with us!

You are such a fun-loving poet, Angie. What’s planned for the launch of RhyPiBoMo?

I suppose I have been known to have a good time at whatever I do! I like to laugh and share this passion I have of writing with others. That being said…there may be something coming up in April that will be BIG! It will be memorable and I believe it will remain in the hearts and minds of all…

Oh wait. I’m saying too much. I guess you will need to participate in RhyPiBoMo to find out more! Did I mention that I like to tease too?

Rest assured. We have something BIG up our sleeves for the kick-off. It’s a Rhyming Surprise!

So, mum’s the word? Well, a little blue bird did tell me that RhyPiBoMo will have a flurry of celebration on April 4^th…

April 4^th is Maya Angelou’s birthday, so we’ll celebrate with a webinar hosted by author Jackie Wellington and myself. We will read Maya’s work, discuss her impact on children’s books, and more.

In addition, I’ve been asked by my local Barnes and Noble to give a talk on April 11^th about Maya Angelou. I’m thrilled that we’re setting up a book fair to donate proceeds from purchases on the 11^th to WE NEED DIVERSE BOOKS, bringing diversity and poetry together to support an important effort. More details to come!

In 2014, members of RhyPiBoMo formed critique groups. Will this happen again in 2015?

Absolutely! Another dear friend, Dawn Young, is the Admin for RhyPiBoMo and Critique Coordinator who will set up rhyming critique groups through our Facebook page. Our Facebook group has grown to over 300 members! This is where we chat and have rhyming parties and lots of silly fun while learning from each other. Request to join the RhyPiBoMo Facebook group and I will admit you.

Dawn, an amazing writer and friend, is instrumental in helping to make RhyPiBoMo a success. She also rode in an ambulance with some very handsome actor/EMTs and me -- it’s amazing how you bond over things like that! You can find more about Dawn here.

What’s a Rhyming Party?

A Rhyming Party is an impromptu or planned party on our Facebook page. I pose questions pertaining to the previous week’s blog posts, and all who participate must answer in rhyming phrases.

For example:

Me: “Who is the lovely poet on our banner?”

Answer: “A lady named Maya who writes about the sky-a.”

It’s fast-paced silliness and a fun way for us to share our love of rhyme and get to know each other. Prizes vary and all who participate leave with a smile.

Will The Golden Quill Poetry Contest return this year?

Yes, we will again host the Golden Quill Poetry Contest. Poems will be judged on clever theme, rhyme scheme, poetic techniques, rhythm, and overall read-it-out-loud-ability. There are wonderful prizes, too! Last year, we had over 40 entries! More information will be on the blog soon. To participate, you must be a registered participant of RhyPiBoMo by April 8^th.

That little blue bird was chirping again, telling me about RhyPiBoMo Awards for 2015. Tell me more!

That little bird has been busy! Yes, we’ve formed a new committee of RhyPiBoMo folks who will be reading lots of rhyming picture books soon, and will name a favorite rhyming picture book of 2015 and several honor books this November.  I’m very excited to bring well-deserved attention to brilliantly written and illustrated rhyming picture books.

So, how do we register for RhyPiBoMo?

Registration opens on March 18th and runs through April 8th. Go to Angiekarcher.wordpress.com to register. You must be registered to win prizes and compete in the poetry contest.

Thanks, Angie!

Thank you so much, Patty, for helping me spread the word about RhyPiBoMo. I hope many more writers will join us in this celebration of poetry and rhyming picture books. This is a labor of love for me and many who write and illustrate picture books.

Angie also offers a class, Writing in Rhyme to WOW, as well as critique services. You can find more information here and here.

LET THE PICTURES DO THE TALKING: Celebrating Diversity and Black History Month ~ by Jackie Wellington and Kathy Halsey

There is a certain fascination with the month of February. Perhaps it's the "Leap Year" concept. Or the celebration of cupid, chocolate, and candy. And Jackie's favorite - BLACK HISTORY MONTH. As teachers and librarians, we're always on the prowl, searching for great books to share with our students. 

Unless you have been buried under snow since last summer, you probably know about the great grassroots movement, We Need Diverse Books. Today, we feature five picture books, showcasing diversity, that should be read this month.

Join us and support diversity.

I have on my book shelf one winner from this year's awards, FIREBIRD by Misty Copeland, illustrated by the amazing Christopher Myers. (Chris and his his father Walter Dean Myers, 1937-2014, wrote an op-ed in the the New York Times which jump-started the diversity conversation.) FIREBIRD won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award. The illustrations blaze and jump off the pages, echoing the theme of a firebird and the energy and determination needed by young people of color to make it in the world of dance, just as Misty Copleand did. This story resonates with the theme of seeing others like us so we can dream and achieve, too. 

The young dancer states, "The space between you and me is longer than forever." She talks to her heroine, the prima ballerina, and Misty Copeland, American Ballet Theatre principal, shares with the neophyte that the space between these two is "not so far away." The  authors's note, a letter to the reader says. "I saw an image of what a ballerina should be, and she wasn't me, brown with tendrils sweeping her face. I needed to find ME."

2. A DANCE LIKE STARLIGHT: ONE BALLERINA'S DREAM
Written by: Kristy Dempsey
Illustrated by: Floyd Cooper 
Summary: In 1950 Harlem, a young girl dreamed of becoming a prima ballerina.

If you have not read this book, you should. I have been an advocate for this book since I picked up an early edition last January. It is my favorite book of 2014. The lyrical prose and the amazing illustrations take my breath away. 


 3. BEAUTIFUL MOON
Written by: Tonya Bolden
Illustrated by: Eric Velasquez
Summary: A little boy forgot to say his prayers before laying down. So he got out of bed, knelt, and prayed while a BEAUTIFUL MOON shines through the window. He prayed for the homeless, the hungry, and the soldiers fighting in the war. 

 I love the simplicity of the prayer and the selflessness of the little boy. I love the text and the beautiful illustrations. And I love that faith is the underlying theme of this book.

4. ALL DIFFERENT NOW: JUNETEENTH, THE FIRST DAY OF FREEDOM
Written by: Angela Johnson
Illustrated by: E.B. Lewis
Summary: A little girl narrates the story of the last set of slaves who learned of their freedom in Texas. June 19, is celebrated as the African-American Emancipation Day. A poetic rhythm paired with amazing illustrations. This book should be read all year long. 

5. MALCOLM LITTLE:THE BOY WHO GREW UP TO BECOME MALCOLM X
Written by: Ilyasah Shabazz
Illustrated by: A.G. Ford
Summary: The biography of Malcolm X told by his daughter. I love Malcolm X. He is my idol. He is a fighter, an activist, and an advocate. Follow his life from a tiny boy to an adult. This book does not disappoint.

There are more books to read. These are only five of the many books published last year. Let us know your thoughts.

A WRITER’S RESOLUTION ~ Jackie Wellington

In less than 24 hours, it will be a new year. Time to render resolutions, set goals, and establish work habits. And writers are not exempt. So what are the writer’s resolution? Lose weight? Maybe! Get out of debt? Definitely! Write more? ABSOLUTELY!!! Here are three things EVERY writer should put on their resolution list for 2015.

1.    Schedule Writing Time.

A Writer Writes! Point! Blank! Period!!! So schedule time to write. We have busy lives, but we cannot consider ourselves writers if we do not write. If you need help, check out writing challenges such as 365K, Writer’s Digest 30-Minute Writing Challenge, and P&W Writer’s Challenge.

2. Find An Agent.

Research agents. Follow them on Twitter. Read their blogs. Find out who their clients are and read their books. Then query! Query! Query! Do not be afraid of rejections. Rejection is a good thing to writers. Think about it. Normally, you might end up with a rejection which is not a form letter. It might be the one which gives a list of ways to make the manuscript better. See, a critique you didn’t have to pay for. These agencies are looking for new clients - Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Erin Murphy Literary Agency, and Writer’s Digest Guide to Lit. Agencies.

3. Read books in the genre in which you write.

To be great writers, we have to be great readers. If you write picture books, read picture books. If you write Middle Grade, read Middle Grade. If you write Young Adult, read Young Adult. Read! Read! Read! 

Now, set up your write station. Gather your supplies. And prepare to write and make history in 2015. Also, here is a bonus poem. Something for you to ponder. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Happy New Year

Well, I woke up this morning

to a beautiful day

2014 is slipping away

2015 is here to stay

Time to make new wishes,

Cause that's what they are

The word "resolution"

is outdated by far

It's outdated to me

‘Cause we seldom follow through

Pledging to eat healthy,

lose weight,

just to name a few

But what makes "resolution"

the word not to use

“Cause it means "perseverance" and quitting is what we choose

January and February,

our resolution is kick in gear

March, April, May

quitting is getting near

June comes around,

no more gym to see

July, it's official,

resolution is decease

But what if we approach

the new year differently

Instead of "resolution",

"New Years Wish" is the key

We can wish to be thinner,

healthier, and mature

Wish to get out of debt,

and be financially secure

‘Cause if we make a wish

We hope it will come true

But in case it doesn't happen,

our self-esteem we wouldn't lose

And then we won't feel like a failure,

when our attempts didn't succeed

So death to you "resolution",

"New Years Wish" is what we need