My Side of the Rainbow

Keeping It Real in Fiction

2011-12-30T20:12:00.000-08:00

I love words. Printed words. Cursive ones. Spoken words. Whispered ones. The different heights and shapes of their letters. The things words get your mouth and tongue to do. The way words can make someone feel powerful, or peaceful, or loved.

One of my favorite words I learned in college was verisimilitude. We were talking about ROBINSON CRUSOE at the time. Verisimilitude is when a character or event in a story seems real because of the details given. These can be obvious details, like when you open the refrigerator door you feel a cool burst of air as the light turns on.

But with characters, I think they sometimes become more real when the details are unexpected. Like when the southern mom makes lousy sweet tea or the boxer is terrified of butterflies and views them as flying worms.

This doesn't mean writers should be inconsistant with their characters' characteristics. If your main character is a vegetarian, they shouldn't eat steak. But throwing in a few quirky details breathes life into characters and keeps them from seeming too flat or cliché.

Even if I didn't love the meaning of verisimilitude (which I do), I like the way it feels to say it. It makes your mouth do that thing it does when you silently mock someone who is lecturing you. You do that too, right?

So what words do you love? It doesn't have to be a literary word-- just any old word that makes your heart happy. Please share a favorite in the comment section.

Guest Book Review and Giveaway for THE BOY PROJECT: NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS OF KARA MCALLISTER

2011-12-10T11:30:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the upcoming release of Kami Kinard's debut book, my 9-year-old daughter reviewed THE BOY PROJECT: NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS OF KARA MCALLISTER. Comment by 12/16/11 for a chance to win book bling: a BOY PROJECT bracelet! Here's what M.L. had to say:

This book ROCKED! When I first picked it up, I thought it would be another mushy gushy book about a girl that likes a boy who doesn’t like her back, but by chapter two, I was hooked. I laughed when she decided to make a project about how to get a boyfriend and loved how she became a trend setter using duct tape. Kara is a creative, artistic girl, searching for her soul mate. The ending was absolutely wonderful. I recommend this book to girls with a good sense of humor. It would make a great movie too.

Be sure to preorder THE BOY PROJECT (available January 1, 2012) and visit http://www.kamikinard.com for more information.

Contest: Dodging Writing Questions

2011-12-01T11:07:00.000-08:00

Holidays aren’t easy for writers. With the kids out of school, quiet time happens only during the wee hours when everyone else is ordering gift cards online or wrapping presents. And then there’s that awkward moment when we’re questioned by our REAR (Regularly Employed Anonymous Relatives). See if this sounds familiar:

REAR: How’s your writing coming?

Me: Fine. *looks for a deviled egg and a good hiding place*

REAR: Have you finished that book you were working on?

Me: Well, the first two drafts. My critique group has it now.

REAR: You could have just sent it to me. I read Twilight last year.

Me: Uh, thanks?

REAR: So as soon as they’ve read it you’ll send it off to all the major publishing houses, right?

Me: I’m sure I’ll have more revisions to do. Then I’ll send it to some Beta readers. Then I’ll revise some more.

REAR: Huh. My neighbor has a friend whose aunt wrote her dog’s memoir. She sold copies at our class reunion. I bet I could get her to give you some pointers. She finished her book in three weeks and published it all by herself a month later.

Me: The tea is sweet, right? *hurries off & volunteers to sit at the kids’ table*

If it felt familiar, just know you are not alone. Preparing your book for publication is a long process. I’m still not sure why we’re called writers instead of revisers. So for a little fun, tell us your best topic-dodging line when you’ve given up on getting your REAR to understand and just want to change the subject. On Monday, December 5th, I’ll let my littlest pick a commenter out of a hat to win a package of Eraselets (cute little bracelets that you can also use as erasers). http://www.eraselet.com/ U.S. entries only please. J

First Drafts & Character Control

2011-07-31T20:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've neglected my blog this summer. I had rotator cuff surgery, and it's tougher to type when you're rocking a sling. The sling's still on, but I couldn't wait to discuss this with you.

Tonight, I explained to my church small group one of the reasons I wouldn't let my girls read my current work-in-progress: Language. It's a young adult book, mind you, and as those go, it's not too scandalous. But it's a first draft, and although I'm hoping to replace the bad language during the revision process, I refuse to censor it now. Here's why:

In the first draft, I'm not really in control.

I have ideas, mind you. Sometimes I jot them down ahead of time-- a new concept for a former pantster like myself. But my characters lead me... and sometimes it's a wild ride.

Mazie, my current main character, is fresh out of juvie and now hanging out in a tattoo shop (Most fun field research ever). Needless to say, we've met some interesting characters. Not all of them speak in language my grandmother would approve of, but I'm typing fast and trying not to interrupt.

First drafts should be real and raw, in my opinion. I'm happy to let my internal editor help with revisions, but find if I listen to her at this stage, my characters clam up and my story stalls.

How about you? Do your characters lead you during a first draft? Or are you the puppet master, feeding them their lines and controlling their every move. Leave a comment to share your thoughts.

Crush Confessions of Writers & Illustrators

2011-05-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

Truth or Dare?
What if I dare you to tell us the truth?
What if I quadruple dog dare you?

Writers: I dare you to share the name of an artist you would love to have illustrate one of your books.

Illustrators: I dare you to share the name of a writer whose words you would love to illustrate.

Don't be shy. You never know. Someone out there might see your crush and hook you up. What have we got to lose?

What If

2011-05-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

Me: Guess what I bought with the Mother’s Day money you sent me.
Mom: What?
Me: Roller skates!
Mom: Are you sure that’s a good idea?
Me: I’ve been wanting some for a long time. I get bored walking, but I love to skate.
*awkward silence*
Mom: But what if you fall?

What if. Those two words keep us away from too many adventures.

What if the editor hates my story? What if the agent reads my query to her cool agent friends and they cackle loudly over wine and cupcakes? What if my husband’s grandmother is so offended by my YA that my descendants and I are permanently banished from all family events? What if I agree to do a school visit and the kids hate me?

Sound familiar? The scary thing about the “what ifs” is that the awful scenarios we come up with can happen. So what do we do to keep them from handicapping us? I have two ideas about this. The first is to focus on the better possibilities.

What if I am the disco queen on my new roller skates? What if the editor loves my story? What if the agent posts my query on her blog as a how to guide for other writers? What if my husband’s grandmother chooses not to read my book—but is proud of me for writing it? Let’s face it, most grandmothers would be offended by most YA. What if the kids at the school visit love me and commit to buying every book I ever write?

Those things could happen too, you know.

But if the happy thoughts get overwhelmed by the terrified ones, remember this: Courage is not being without fear. Courage is acting in spite of fear. Picture Peter, from THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. His sister Susan is trapped in a tree with a leg dangling down in front of a snarling, snapping wolf:

“Peter did not feel very brave; indeed, he felt he was going to be sick. But that made no difference to what he had to do. He rushed straight up to the monster and aimed a slash of his sword at its side. (Lewis 127)”

So be brave, friends. Focus on the great things that can happen if you’re willing to risk the falls. And if you do fall? Pick yourself up. Dust yourself off and try again. I’m rooting for you.

Lewis, C.S. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., 1970.

Social Networker or Writer?

2011-03-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, I unplugged for the work week. No television. No Twitter. No Facebook for five days. Why? I found I was becoming more of a networker than a writer. Social networking is helpful, but not at the expense of my writing time. And television wasn’t helping either. I decided to see what would happen if I unplugged for the work week.

What happened? I found HOURS, friends, I discovered time I never knew was available. Blocks of time at my disposal! It was a glorious week of productivity. I wrote. I revised. I even scrubbed the kitchen floor. When the week ended, I promised myself I would monitor my online time better.

Did I? Nope. Seems it’s all or nothing once I log on. Last week I spent one day writing. One. *sigh*

So here’s my new idea. I’m limiting which days I network. Days with big blocks of time without kids are off limits. Those days are for writing and revising. Days with little slips of time here and there to check in? Those will be my social networking days. I’m excited to give my new schedule a try.

What do you do to balance your writing time with your social networking time? Leave a comment and share your ideas.

Fun Friday

2011-02-18T17:48:00.000-08:00

My littlest is a grump in the morning... unless it's Friday. Has all the coloring and counting of kindergarten stressed her out to the point she longs for the weekend? Nope. But her kindergarten teacher calls that day Fun Friday, because they get a little treat if they've behaved all week. Don't we all deserve Fun Fridays?

I knew you'd agree. So I've decided from now on we should celebrate Fun Friday too.

The Today Show had a host of the show Unpoppables on this morning. He brought beautiful balloon art including balloon chairs you can really sit on without popping. How cool is that?

So today, the girls and I made balloon hats. There were squeals of glee and lots of giggles. I think the girls had fun too.

How about you? Did you do anything fun today? Is there something you wish you had done? Comment and let us know.

Falling In Love with Books

2011-02-14T05:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Celebrate this day of love with me by hopping into the Wayback Machine and remembering a book that made you fall in love with reading. Some people find book love at an early age. Others go half their lives without finding one to adore. So when did it happen for you? Was there a picture book you couldn't live without? Did your palms get sweaty when the Scholastic book order form showed a new James Howe book? Can you remember sitting with your chair scooted back in math class because there was a character in a novel you just couldn't keep your eyes off? Do tell!

A Fresh Look At Writers' Resolutions

2010-12-31T10:27:00.000-08:00

Keeping a New Year's Resolution is tough, unless you're one of those people who resolves to eat more chocolate or watch more tv. But what if, instead of picking something that is a daily struggle, we could do a one time act that would be good for us? We could do that. Right? We could even handle more than one.

The first thing I've done to help myself as a writer in 2011 is to set up a file box. I've labled folders for my manuscripts and filled them with drafts and critiques. This way, when I'm ready to work on a story, everything is together and organized. The file box also contains the envelopes that I record submissions on and place the responses inside.

What's a one time deed you could do to help your writing in 2011? Leave a comment and let us know.

Coming Up For Air

2010-12-08T19:44:00.000-08:00

With the holiday hurry underway, November zipped by without a new blog post from me. Sorry about that. But I promise I didn't spend those silent days popping bonbons in my mouth (They were dark chocolate M&Ms) and neglecting manuscripts. Nope. I've been working.

There's a new manuscript in my life, and we've been spending lots of time together. It's a middle grade and darker than my usual voice. I'd pitch it to you, but I'm afraid to jinx a first draft.

Along with writing, I've been researching agents and hoping to find one that loves PRINCESS OR PIRATE and wants to help me find it a good home. I'll be crossing my fingers, toes, and eyes as I check my inbox and wait for the mail lady in the coming months.

Thanksgiving found me thankful for family, friends, and the ability to do what I love. Now my tree is up, the first snow has fallen, and my heart is happy as I wait for Christmas.

What are you waiting for? An email? A baby? Twooo Love? Gotta love The Princess Bride. Leave a comment to let us know.

Book Giveaway

2010-10-19T06:11:00.000-07:00

I love bookstores, but I love libraries even more. Everyone, regardless of their income, should be able to read great books. In this economy, budgets have been cut and libraries have felt the wrath of it.

From The Mixed Up Files..., a blog for fans of middle grade books, is having a fabulous contest where they will donate STACKS of books to one lucky library. Know a library that could use more children's books? Swing by and leave a comment to nominate them for a chance to win.

http://www.fromthemixedupfiles.com/2010/10/the-great-library-giveaway/comment-page-1/#comment-7499

Keeping to the Code: Do You Follow Submissions Guidelines?

2010-10-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

There are nine aisles at the grocery store. One is open. It's the ten items or less aisle. My cart is overflowing.

The lady at the register says, "Come on, Honey. I'll take you on this one."

I unload my cart in record time, help bag my groceries, and apologize in a babbling manner to anyone with less than ten items who ends up behind me.

If there are rules or guidelines, I like to follow them.

In these days where most major publishing houses are closed to unagented submissions, I wonder how many writers play by the rules. Do you send unagented submissions or queries to editors that are closed to them? Or do you consider those publishing houses off limits until you find someone to represent you? Weigh in in the comment section.

Elementary Books by SCBWI Carolinas Writers

2010-09-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

Writers attending the SCBWI Carolinas fall conference are asked to bring a book for the book basket. Each year, our chapter showers an elementary school with books. In case you haven't picked one yet, here are some written or illustrated by our fellow members.

TEACHING THE STORY: FICTION WRITING IN GRADES 4-8 written by Carol Baldwin. Published by Maupin House, 2007. (1 copy will be in the basket)

AROUND OUR WAY ON NEIGHBORS' DAY written by Tameka Fryer Brown. Illustrated by Charlotte Riley-Webb. Published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2010. (1 copy will be in the basket)

ISLAND STING written by Bonnie J. Doerr. Illustrated by Joanna Britt & Laurie Edwards. Published by Leap Books, 2009.

STATE OF WILDERNESS, STATE OF QUARRIES, and STATE OF RESERVATIONS written by Elysabeth Eldering. Published by 4RV Publishing, 2008, 2009, & 2010. Can be ordered from http://jgdsseries.weebly.com/.

BRAVE DONATELLA AND THE JASMINE THIEF written by Caroline McAlister. Illustrated by Donald Hendricks. Published by Charlesbridge, 2010.

THE PROMISE written by Maureen Crane Wartski. Published by Perfection Learning, 2003.

Pop Rocks Prize Pack Winner

2010-09-22T14:22:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Pop Rocks prize pack was Elaine DeFoe! Congratulations, and thanks for sharing a favorite songwriter with us.

A big thank you to everyone who shared their favorites. You built a fun list for us to check out.

Songwriters and Other Magical Storytellers

2010-09-16T08:20:00.000-07:00

I love good storytellers. They suck you out of your own world and into another. They're magical, and when we pay attention, we can learn some of their tricks.

Some of my favorite storytellers are songwriters. I use them to set the stage for my writing process. Christine Kane's Wide Awake cd (especially tracks 1, 3, and 5) pumps me up to dream big and make it happen. Tom Petty's "Runnin' Down a Dream" inspires me to send out submissions, and his song "The Waiting" relaxes me as I check and recheck my inbox and mailbox hoping to hear good news. Other favorite songwriters of mine are Don Henley, Steve Seskin, and Jimmy Buffet.

What songwriters do you love? Leave a comment about them and on Wednesday, September 22 one name will be drawn to win a Margaritaville guitar pick, a Post-it Flag Highlighter, and some Pop Rocks. Not a ten page critique, mind you, but I bet it will make you smile!

Remember, leave your Twitter name or email address if I can't find it through your blog account. I will only mail the prize to a U.S. address. Good luck, and thanks for sharing.

What Kind of Writer Mama Are You?

2010-08-13T14:09:00.000-07:00

This morning I watched a mom being interviewed about her daughter's incarceration and trip to rehab. Every time she was asked a question about her daughter's behavior and whether or not it would change, the mom skirted the question by pointing out something someone else did wrong.

How are kids supposed to learn and improve, if the parent refuses to look at what needs work?

This applies to writers too. We birth our manuscripts after long labors. Our stories are our babies. It's hard to hear negative things about them, but we must. If we don't listen, we'll keep making the same mistakes. We need an outsider's opinion on our beloved creations.

I love my critique group. There are seven of us, and everyone brings something different to the table. When it's my turn to submit, I squirm, because if my story is trite, they will tell me. The feedback is not to be mean. We encourage and celebrate with each other too. But each member wants the others to grow, improve, and send out their best work. If I am submitting a manuscript to an agent or editor, you can be sure my critique group has seen it first.

So, manuscript mamas, who do you trust to lovingly tell you what needs work? A critique group? Beta readers? Your mother-in-law? How has your writing improved because of the criticism of others?

Many Hats and a Great Resource for Writers & Illustrators

2010-07-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

I wear lots of hats. I’m a mom, a wife, a children’s book writer, a freelancer, a Sunday School teacher, the list goes on. One hat I wear is related to the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators. SCBWI is a fabulous national organization that helps newbies and gurus learn and network. I am the Online Networking Coordinator (ONC) for the Carolinas chapter. One my responsibilities is writing a column for the Pen and Palette, their quarterly publication.

The Pen and Palette is a great resource, and you can download it free. The artwork is beautiful, thanks to talented contributors from our chapter and art director Bonnie Adamson. Our editor, Rebecca Petruck, puts together informative and entertaining issues full of advice and opportunities. If it sounds like I’m bragging, it’s because I am. It’s a great publication, and I’m proud to be a part of it. I’ve added a link to the Pen and Palette at the bottom of this post and on the side of my blog. Check it out and let me know what you think.

My column, Caught in the Web, focuses on online networking. Make sure you come back for the Fall 2010 issue to read my interview with agent Natalie Fischer. She shared great information about what she hopes to find and not find when she looks up potential clients.

http://www.scbwicarolinas.org/scbwi-carolinas/pen-palette.html

Paying Agents?

2010-06-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

As I write this, there is a passionate discussion taking place on twitter under the hashtag of #agentpay. Colleen Lindsay brought up the topic of what would it be like if, instead of working off of commission, agents billed writers by the hour.

I won't lie. This hypothetical proposal scares me, not because I don't think agents would be worth what they would pull in, but because many of us would not be able to pay them for all those hours.

How many writers would have to venture out into the world of slush without agents because they couldn't afford the billable rates?

Those of you with agents and those of you without, comment and share how the "what if" would play into your decision to seek representation.

Top 10 Things Writers Should Try Instead of a Pity Party

2010-06-03T21:45:00.000-07:00

10. Read Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s blog posts on famous authors’ experiences with rejections. http://www.inkygirl.com/category/debbie/rejections/

9. Celebrate others’ success stories. This is not a beauty pageant. More than one person can win. Cheer on others, and daydream you are next.

8. Step away from the computer. Try a Zumba class. Go on a walk. Get some fresh air instead of overloading on everyone’s virtual updates.

7. Be thankful. Sometimes even grown ups get a case of the gimmies. Make a list of goals you’ve accomplished. Be proud of yourself.

6. Help someone else. Volunteer at a school, a soup kitchen, or animal shelter. It’s easy to lose perspective on needs versus wants.

5. In the words of Dory from Finding Nemo, “Just keep swimming…” Keep writing. Keep revising. Keep submitting.

4. Find some fun. Paint your toenails a funky color. Meet a friend for a night of bad karaoke.

3. Set goals. Big goals. Little goals. Give yourself deadlines and find people to hold you accountable.

2. Think of setbacks as part of your story. Every main character has to overcome obstacles. Turn the page. Keep going. It’s the only way to get to your happy ending.

What do you think the #1 thing to do instead of having a pity party is? Tell us in the comment section. And if you can’t inspire us, at least make us giggle!

First Drafts And Dandelions

2010-04-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

I love dandelions. They dot the grass like yellow smiley faces stamped by a five-year-old. My girls pick the puffs and blow wishes and seeds across the backyard. I know the dandelions will have to be tamed, but to me, they are lovely.

I also love rough drafts. They spring up, wild and free. I try to fence out my inner editor until they have bloomed. Adverbs, passive verbs, and exclamation points can be weeded out later. The important thing for me, is to let the ideas land and grow.

May 1-7 is National Picture Book Writing Week. Paula Yoo challenges anyone who wants to participate to write seven picture books in seven days. Let your inner editor have a week off. Blow your wishes and ideas into the universe. Don't worry about what the neighbors will think. There's a big privacy fence surrounding your work and plenty of time to revise and edit before the submission party.

Who will be joining me for a walk on the wild side? Leave a comment and let me know. For more information on National Picture Book Writer's Week, check out http://www.paulayoo.com/ and follow #NaPiBoWriWee on twitter.

The Books We Hide

2010-03-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

Confession time: I've been known to hide certain books from my kids when it's time for bedtime stories.

I know. It's awful. I should be delighted to have girls that love all sorts of books. But there are books a mama can only take reading aloud so many times. What children's books do you hide when it's read aloud time?

As a writer, I want my book to be read, loved, and reread. It's important to look at why some books are sweet repeats while others are not agains. So let's share. Comment and tell me what makes you not want to reread a book to your kid. I'm all about keeping things positive and being kind to other writers, so DO NOT TELL THE TITLE OR AUTHOR of the books you discuss. Let's keep things general so we can all learn from them.

Book hiders of the world, come clean. Tell us what to avoid when writing for children.

When Plot Bunnies Play: Writing for Different Audiences

2010-03-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

Overheard on twitter this morning from fantasy and paranormal romance writer Ruth F. Long (@RFLong):

“Wait, I don’t write picture books. So why do I now have an idea for one? Out, d*#* plot bunnies, out I say!”

Has this happened to you?

Last summer, I was driving home from the library when an awesome idea for a thriller seeped into my head. With many experts advising writers to stick to one target audience, I decided someone else’s muse must have gotten confused and whispered in my ear. So I ignored her. Sort of. But the story is still there, spinning around and occasionally bumping my brain when I should be focusing on a draft of a picture book.

What do you do when you get a fabulous idea for a book that is not in your marketing category? Do you write the story, share it, or walk away quickly and quietly? Please leave a comment to let us know what you do when the plot bunnies play.

No Phone Zone Winner

2010-01-25T14:39:00.000-08:00

The winner of the No Phone Zone McDonalds Gift Card Giveaway is Stephanie Jenkins! Congratulations, Stephanie. I am proud of everyone who promised to make their drivers' seats no phone zones. The roads will be a little safer because of you.

Blog Contest: Take Oprah's No Phone Zone Pledge

2010-01-19T08:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Oprah’s show was on driving while distracted. According to University of Utah researcher David Strayer, our brains can’t multitask the way we would like to believe they can. Drivers who are on their cell phones talking or texting experience a sort of tunnel vision that is equal to or worse than driving while intoxicated. One of the points raised was, even if you are able to stay between the lines while distracted, you are not as alert to the people around you who are weaving, and your reaction time is worse. I don’t text, but admit to checking in with my husband while driving. The idea that my flippant phone call could cause anyone’s (especially a child’s) death is horrible.

This morning I signed Oprah’s No Phone Zone Pledge, and I want to challenge all of you to do the same. I’m providing the link to Oprah’s challenge. Sign it, commit to it, and leave me a comment on my blog telling me you took the pledge. On Monday, January 25, one commenter who took the challenge will win a $10 McDonalds gift card. After all, you deserve a Happy Meal for committing to something that will make the world a safer place for kids.

Remember, I must be able to contact you to send you a prize, so make sure you leave me your twitter name or email address if I can’t find it through your blog account. I will only mail the prize to a U.S. address. Good luck, and thanks for taking the challenge.

http://www.oprah.com/questionaire/ipledge.html?id=4

Less Whine. More Win. (A Writer's Pep Talk)

2010-01-05T10:38:00.000-08:00

It’s easy to whine about how tough it is to break into the publishing industry. It’s easy to whine about form rejection letters and “if you haven’t heard from us in 6 months, we are not interested” policies. It’s easy to whine about how hard it is to get any writing done with “Mom, Mom, Mom,” in the background.

You know what’s not easy?

Writing. Perseverance. Taking negative feedback on your work and transforming it into positive changes. Finding the courage to send the manuscript you’ve nurtured to someone who may or may not even acknowledge it arrived. Having faith that the right publisher is out there and will love your work as much as you do.

So why do it? Do it because this is your story. Because the writing, the revising, the rejection, and the perseverance are all part of your grand adventure. If you want a shot at a happy ending, you’ve got to keep turning the page. Don’t let yourself get stuck on the negatives. Keep going. Work harder. Less whine. More win. Happy New Year.

Advice for Writers from Carrie Ryan

2009-11-30T13:24:00.000-08:00

Carrie Ryan’s THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH grabbed me from the first line and didn’t let go until the end. Her workshop at the SCBWI-Carolinas Fall Conference was equally engaging.

Don’t let her bubbly personality fool you. Ms. Ryan does bad things to her characters and challenges others to do the same. Her advice? Take readers to the point where they believe the situation can’t possibly get worse, then, make it worse. Keep raising the stakes. Pull away your main character’s support system. Don’t shy away from situations where reaching the external goal would mean not reaching the internal goal. And by the way, there doesn’t have to be a happy ending.

Carrie Ryan also discussed her theory of credibility points. She believes readers give writers about 100 credibility points. If a writer asks the reader to believe something big (like in the existence of zombies), that will take lots of points. This means the writer should add details to make the smaller leaps of faith more believable.

So, how about you? Do you let your main character struggle or are you too quick to race to the rescue? Please leave a comment and share.

And The Winner Is...

2009-10-19T14:18:00.000-07:00

Robin Constantine is the winner of my First Pages Blog Contest. She will be receiving the Mad Libs American Idol edition, where she may use adverbs as freely as she pleases.

I appreciate those of you who shared what you've learned. You rock!

First Pages: An American Idol for Writers

2009-10-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

First Pages create lots of buzz at SCBWI conferences. Writers can choose to turn in a first page of a manuscript. If the page is picked, it will be read in front of a panel of experts (usually editors and agents) and an audience of conference participants. These sessions are a bit like an American Idol for writers. You hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. Everyone wants to watch, but only the brave participate. Sometimes the feedback is brutal. At least names are left off the manuscripts, so a bad “audition” won’t cost you your dignity. Every now and then, a piece will shine.

I’ve watched American Idol since the first season. I pride myself in my ability to predict what the different judges will say after a performance. This is the beauty of attending a First Pages session. As the panel responds to the pages, those listening get a better understanding of what editors and agents want to see and what turns them off. Although I’ve never had a piece read during one, I can still apply the feedback.

For example, during the last SCBWI Carolinas Fall Conference, an editor pointed out that it was not a good idea to use brand names in a manuscript, because it can make your work seem dated in later years. This was new to me, and I was able to change the brand names in my work in progress to generic ones before sending it out again.

So what have you learned from a First Pages session? Leave a comment and follow my blog. On Monday, one sharer will be randomly picked to receive the AMERICAN IDOL MAD LIBS edition. Remember, I must be able to contact you to send you a prize, so make sure you leave me your twitter name or email address if I can’t find it through your blog account. I will only mail the prize to a U.S. address. Good luck, and thanks for sharing.

David Macinnis Gill's YA Workshop

2009-10-02T14:36:00.000-07:00

YA stands for young adult, and according to SOUL ENCHILADA author David Macinnis Gill, YA is a marketing category, not a genre. At the SCBWI Carolinas Fall Conference, he explained what YA is and how it distinguishes itself from middle grade and adult books.

Generally, YA books span ages 12 to 18+. But not all YA is appropriate for 12-year-olds. As YA reaches out for college students, the themes become darker and more complex. The language and content of YA books often keep them off the shelves of libraries.

So how do you know if a book is a YA? Gill listed four characteristics:
*a teen main character
*an inherently teenage story problem
*written for a teen audience
*told in the here-and-now, rather than from adult retrospection.

Middle grade and young adult books can share similar characteristics and have an overlapping audience. The main difference between the two is intensity. In a middle grade book, romance might involve hand holding or some kissing. Young adult takes it further. In middle grade books, a bully might hit or push. In a young adult story, a bully might kill or cause serious injuries. In a middle grade book, a teacher might be mean. In a young adult book, the teacher might be a predator.

Writers should have a good idea who their audience is when pitching manuscripts, but the final decision is often out of their hands. Editors, sales and marketing, and agents help decide a book’s category.

Packing for a SCBWI Conference

2009-09-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

Are you packed yet? With at least two SCBWI Fall Conferences this weekend, I’m betting many of us are wondering what to stuff in our suitcases. Below is a list to get us started. Please add any suggestions to it in the comment section. After all, I’m packing too and would hate to forget something.

Notebook and pens (to write down important info, ideas, and doodles)
Business Casual Outfit for Critique (Looking professional never hurts)
Breakfast bar or crackers (In case you oversleep)
Business Cards for networking (Staples can usually make these same day)
A Copy or two of some manuscripts/illustrations (to share as needed)
Chocolate (You’ll want an energy boost during afternoon sessions)
Laptop (For researching leads)
First Page entry (We won’t try to spot the embarrassed soul who wrote it)
Something to share at Open Mic (We promise to clap)
A willingness to learn (If you listen instead of just focusing on being heard, you will get much more out of conferences)

I’m looking forward to the SCBWI Carolinas Conference this weekend. For those of you on Twitter, we’ll be tweeting what we learn at #cfc09. I’ll also share nuggets of wisdom on my blog next week.

September 11, 2001

2009-09-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

Why would someone with a blog about writing write a 9/11 post? Because that day interrupted everything.

On September 11, 2001 I was a fourth grade teacher at Walkertown Elementary. Before my students arrived, I stopped to talk to my friend Lisa about the previous night’s Bible study. We had discussed Revelations, and how, because we lived in a country that wasn’t under attack, we had trouble seeing it as others might.

Later that morning, with my students in the room, Lisa stuck her head in the door. “Remember what we talked about this morning?” she asked. “Get ready.”

I didn’t get to ask her what was going on, but I felt a heaviness.

A little while later, a parent volunteer came by with a brief note from the office. It was a newsflash, followed by orders not to watch or discuss it with our children.

There was noise. I taught from my lesson plans, got a few students to the office when worried parents checked them out early, and made sure we made it to the cafeteria on time for lunch.

When our students were in specials, we gathered in rooms. We stared up at the horror, and we worried, and we wondered. Then we picked up our class and went back to teaching.

It was right not to tell the kids what was going on, but I know they felt the silence. Children know when something is being kept from them. But for a few more hours, we guarded their innocence and gave them some stability. I will not forget that day or the pressing silence.

Carolina Tweeps Who Write And/Or Illustrate

2009-09-05T07:54:00.000-07:00

Last week on Twitter, Bonnie Adamson decided to recommend writers and illustrators from North and South Carolina as people to follow. Some of us were having a tough time keeping up, so she graciously shared her list. I've added to it, and it's a whopper. There are kidlit writers, freelancers, romance tweeps, science fiction creators, bloggers, etc. If you know of any other North or South Carolina writers that would like to be added, please leave their Twitter name and actual name in the comment section.

@Koppelmom (Donna Koppelman)
@johnclaudebemis (John Claude Bemis)
@GrannyGretchen (Gretchen Griffith)
@nikiofware (Niki Schoenfeldt)
@mdiffee (Marie Wright)
@quirkywriter (Laura Renegar)
@stephenmesser (Stephen Messer)
@bethrevis (Beth Revis)
@katiehines (Katie Hines)
@moyergirl (Joyce Hostetter)
@carrieryan (Carrie Ryan)
@Constaur (Constance Lombardo)
@NCWriterMom (Maggie Moe)
@catesfolly (Florence Gardner)
@Alan_Gratz (Alan Gratz)
@claycarmichael (Clay Carmichael)
@Georgia_McBride (Georgia McBride)
@CREvers (Christy Evers)
@marybrebner (Mary Brebner)
@kate_reilly (Kate Reilly)
@ncwriterchick (Bernie Hearne)--protects her tweets
@LaurieJEdwards (Laurie Edwards)
@bonniedoerr (Bonnie Doerr)
@ashleymc1477 (Ashley McCollum)
@BonnieAdamson (Bonnie Adamson)
@alijwalker (Alicia Walker)
@katmagendie (Kathryn Magendie)
@AmyClipston (Amy Clipston)
@MollyFyde (Hugh Howey)
@joliehale (Jolie Hale)
@annieteich (Annie Teich)
@shellyyarbrough (Shelly Yarbrough)--protects her tweets
@ElizabethSCraig (Elizabeth S. Craig)
@BergersBookRev (Alice Berger)
@LydiaBreakfast (Lydia Dishman)
@ncyankee719 (Robin Constantine)
@louisehawes (Louise Hawes)
@thunderchikin (David Macinnis Gill)
@ItsDorothy (Dorothy Ray)
@LadyLoriSC (Lori Norman)
@authorann (Ann Eisenstein)
@acfeagan (Alice Feagan)--raised & educated in NC, though currently elsewhere
@authorswrite (Robyn Campbell)
@tadhgceitinn (Tim Keeton)
@chewchewpoopee (Susan LaBarre)

And the winner is...

2009-09-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

Janet was picked from the hat and is the winner of the Sweet Repeats Contest. Congratulations!

A big thanks goes out to everyone who participated. I was blown away by the awesome response. Some fabulous books were mentioned. Happy reading!

Sweet Repeats Contest

2009-08-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

A good book is a good book, no matter how many times you read it. It isn’t just words. It’s an experience. During my teaching years, ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHIN always brought me to tears. SPOILER ALERT (If you haven’t read the book, skip to the next paragraph). Scott O’Dell’s story made me feel like I was the girl left on the island. When I read “oh Rontu!” after feeling the last heartbeats of my dog, my heart broke too.

So here’s where this post takes a turn for the happy. I want to know one kids' book you love and have read many times. Tell about it in the comment section. On Friday, September 4, we will put the names in the hat and pick one winner. The winner will receive a $5 gift card to Barnes & Noble to help purchase another book to be read and reread.

Please make sure I have a way to contact you (email address, twitter name, Bat Signal). If I can’t get up with you, I’ll have to pick another winner. Good luck and thanks for sharing.

Responding to Rejections

2009-08-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

The other day, a friend of a friend tweeted in response to receiving a submission rejection letter. A few of his followers copied his message, added encouraging words, and sent it back into the twitter universe. Now people who have never met this writer know two things about him.

1. Somebody just rejected his writing.
2. He is sulking about it.

Neither of these occurrences is uncommon for writers. Almost everyone actively pursuing publication collects form rejections. And they sting. You send your “babies” out with high hopes and big dreams. Let yourself mourn, for a minute or two, and then get back to work. But be careful who you invite to your pity party. Do you really want an agent or editor who might be checking out your work with hesitation to see your announcement that others are quickly dismissing it? You can whine, but do it offline and to someone who loves you more than your virtual friends.

Posting your writer rejections on the internet is like drunk dialing after a breakup. It might seem harmless at the time, but when you look at the after effects, it ain’t pretty.

And followers: send your kind thoughts, but don’t spread the word about someone else’s rejection. Respond without repeating it. Otherwise, you are the buddy who watches your friend in his moment of weakness and takes his picture.

Back to School and Submission Stress

2009-07-27T14:12:00.000-07:00

It’s that time again. Before August even arrives, back to school ads fill the newspapers. We wonder why we haven’t received a supply list from our kids’ new teachers (who probably haven’t even received their rosters). Unable to risk missing out on six glue sticks for a dollar, we go to the school website and print off the generic grade level list. The one that says you need a 64 pack of Crayolas with a sharpener, when the real teacher will insist on 16 Twistables. The list frenzy walks hand in hand with the jitters. The same sort of jitters I get when submitting a manuscript to an agent or publisher.

The more I think about it, the more I realize the two have a lot in common. So here they are (in no particular order): The parallel stressful questions we face when sending a kid or submission out into the unknown.

1. What if she’s not ready?
What if it needs more revisions, but I blow my one chance by sending it now?

2. What if she doesn’t have the right materials?
What if I leave out some detail of the guidelines inspiring an evil “Bwa
Ha Ha!” followed by a quick delete from the agent or editor?

3. What if she doesn’t make friends?
What if the agent or editor I love doesn’t love my writing?

4. What if people pick on her?
What if hints of my submission show up on twitter’s #queryfail,slush
realizations or as a #pubtip turn-off?

5. What if she gets a mean teacher?
What if I end up signing a contract to work with someone and we don’t get along?

6. What if she buddies up with a trouble maker?
What if I end up signing with someone who isn’t legit or respected?

7. What if she comes home and decides she never wants to go back?
What if a form rejection snuffs out my dream, and I never get up the nerve to
send out another submission?

The questions swirl through our minds as we pack backpacks and SASEs. Still, we let go. We must, because we’ve done our best, and it’s time. Good luck everybody. Here’s to taking chances. Who wants to go first?

How to Interact with Agents at Conferences or How Not to Get on Writers Gone Wild

2009-07-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

Ginger Clark is a literary agent from Curtis Brown LTD. Today she shared on Twitter many tips on how to interact with agents at writers’ conferences. She graciously gave me permission to use her tips on my blog, so in case you missed her tweets today, here they are (sparsely edited).

View your pitch session as a business meeting. You want to get into business with an agent. Behave accordingly.

That means: dress neatly. Make eye contact. Have a firm handshake. Don’t shake with anxiety. Know all major facts about MS. No crying.

There’s no crying in baseball, and there’s no crying in business.

Know the word count and page count of book; what other books is it similar to, and different from; what’s the market; if it’s a kids’ book…

Is it YA? MG? Know the differences. If you don’t know an answer to a question, say “I don’t know.”

Do not pitch a book that has not yet been written and revised thoroughly to an agent. (There are non-fiction exceptions to this).

Pay attention to body language when you consider pitching agents in non-pitch session settings. Are they at the bar and seem approachable?

Or are they sitting with an editor, deep in conversation? Are they at a party, standing alone? Or are they mid conversation with someone?

Here are times not to pitch an agent: Swimming or working out; wheeling their suitcase or luggage somewhere; while they are in the bathroom.

I know that last one is obvious to all of you, but it still happens.

Dress appropriately. Guys, I do not need to see that much chest hair.

Oh, I’m not anti-chest hair! I just don’t want to see that much in a meeting with someone I don’t know.

To reiterate: Don’t be so nervous you are shaking. Because it makes me get nervous, too, and then our meeting becomes all tense and stuff.

Please don’t ask me if I remember getting your query—I’m afraid I probably don’t.

Wait until the “Q&A” time to ask a question. Don’t interrupt people when they are on panels, or giving a talk.

Don’t begin a question by doing the following, “I think you’re really young, so maybe you don’t get what older people want.”

Because, I admit, this is something I find frustrating. I know what the market wants, and I don’t have to be your age to know it.

Authors, if I am wearing sweatpants, DO NOT APPROACH.

Authors, don’t stalk me. I will notice you doing so, eventually. Also, don’t call my room or leave anything on my pillow.

Yes. Everything I have listed as a “Don’t” has happened to me, or someone I know. These are all true examples.

Authors: Don’t broadcast arrogance. Don’t declare you intend to make a lot of money publishing, or that you will be a bestseller in a year.

Publicly take the attitude of “I’m here to learn.” I am there to learn, too. I learn things from other agents and editors often.

I go to conferences to meet potential new clients—and meet editors and agents I normally would not. I’m learning too!

So if you hear things you find frustrating, or you are angry—don’t take it out on the messengers.

Get together with your friends and vent privately. It’s really awkward when an author gets mad during a panel, or pitch session.

Authors, if you don’t know exactly what genre/age group your book falls in, start off by saying that and asking for agent’s advice.

Authors: don’t badmouth other writers to an agent. They might represent those authors.

But if you have read a book by one of my clients, and you liked it, feel free to tell me. Don’t pretend if you have not.

*For more of Ginger Clark's tweets, follow her on twitter (@Ginger_Clark).

Confessions of an Exclamation Mark Abuser

2009-06-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

Hi. I’m Laura. I have a punctuation problem. A month ago, I didn’t even know the danger in its overuse. Now, I’m taking steps to work through my addiction.

I’m not sure when my love of the exclamation mark began. School House Rock might have lit the spark. Who could resist the catchy interjections video? I am a proud owner of the Grammar Rock video. The warning on the back says nothing about the overuse of exclamation points.

If Grammar Rock was where it began, I’m sure middle school fueled it. Heaven help me if my 7th grade boyfriend should ever decide to go public with the book of love notes and poems I gave him. I can only imagine the number of exclamation marks included in that collection.

Last month on Twitter, someone I follow and respect started tweeting about their hate for the exclamation point. I gasped. Then I saw it retweeted over and over again by agents and editors. It began to sink in. Exclamation marks don’t make writing exciting. Vivid verbs and powerful word choice do.

How bad of an offender was I? My search found 116 exclamation marks in the first draft of the chapter book I’d written. Yikes. Almost all of them are gone now. There are a few times when no other mark will do.

I believe, and I think Oprah would back me on this one, that we can use the ugliness from our past to help others. So check your writing, folks. Don’t let an addiction to the exclamation mark get in the way of a beautiful writing career.

Scholastic Memories Contest Winner

2009-06-05T05:48:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Corey Schwartz! She just won $10 to spend at the Scholastic Store by entering the Scholastic Memories contest on My Side of the Rainbow. Keep watching my blog for more contests, and thanks for all the great comments!

How To Feel Like A Kid Again

2009-06-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

Have you spent any time unleashing your inner-child? Those who write for children almost always write from a child’s perspective, but how often do we let ourselves practice feeling young? Below are 25 activities to bring out the kid in you this summer. Try them out. Set a goal. I’m going for at least one a week. Please add additional ideas in the comment section. And remember, have fun!

catch lightening bugs
blow bubbles
hula hoop
play tag (You could play book tag instead of tv tag)
throw water balloons
invite friends over for a slumber party
decorate the pavement with chalk art
play Charlie’s Angels with water guns
run in a sprinkler
play hide and seek or sardines
jump rope
camp out
make s’mores
sing hairbrush karaoke
play monkey in the middle
go roller skating
go parking (for the YA crowd)
play in the ocean
build a sandcastle
climb a tree
wear a temporary tattoo
chase the ice cream truck
build a pillow fort
go fishing
fingerpaint

Scholastic Memories Contest

2009-05-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

On May 13, 2009 Scholastic Book Clubs announced they had sold more than 6 billion books. I’m not surprised. It may have been my daughter’s order that pushed them over the mark. Who can resist Scholastic book orders?

My Scholastic addiction goes back to my own elementary days. The excitement of tucking a new slick-covered book into my backpack was awesome. I remember the book fairs too. How I loved those cute little animal posters!

So what do you remember about your book order days? Leave me a memory in this comment section and follow my blog. On June 5th, one name will be randomly picked to win a $10 Scholastic gift certificate. Good luck, and thanks for sharing!

*For fun facts about 6 billion books, check out http://bit.ly/BG4En .

Why Writers Should Join Twitter

2009-05-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

The stage is black. One spotlight glows on me. No longer a frazzled mom hungering for time to write, I dazzle you with my aqua eyes and sequined dress. My voice is not scratchy from yelling. No. Instead, in Barbara Streisand’s pitch perfect tone you hear…

People,
People who tweet tweople,
Are the luckiest people in the world.

Have you been resisting the urge to sign up for Twitter? Here is my top ten list of reasons writers should give tweeting a try.

10. It will help you build your internet presence.

9. Sometimes you can win free things (I just won copy of Ian Rankin’s book EXIT MUSIC from Little, Brown).

8. You can watch and participate in events like Query Day where novices and experts ask and answer questions about the writing process and industry.

7. You can search for other groupies of shows you love and discuss the episode that left you breathless or made you sniffle.

6. Networking can be fun!

5. It is a nice ego boost when publishers and other gurus follow you back.

4. Twitter is a quick way to promote your blog, website, or books.

3. Writing can be lonely. It’s nice to connect with other people who share your passion.

2. Twitter can lead you to great articles and blogs you might otherwise miss (Make sure you follow Bookgal).

And last but not least…

1. It is the best way to follow editors, agents, and publishers without fear of a restraining order. :^)

So if you haven’t given twitter a try, go for it. My twitter name is quirkywriter. I love to have tweople follow me and almost always follow back. Check out the folks I follow, and it will help you get started.

Now, back to that spotlight…

Editors' Thoughts on Rhyme

2009-05-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering if your rhymes are good enough to be published? According to the editors at the SCBWI Carolinas Polishing Your Picture Book Conference it may not be worth the risk. Editor Maggie Lehrman told attendees that because poetry is tough is today's market, Abrams usually sticks to already established poets.

If you do decide to give it a try, make sure the language is natural. Many novice writers try to manipulate sentence structure to make rhymes work. For example:

I want my poem to be seen in print
so to an editor this verse I have sent.

Obviously, "to an editor this verse I have sent" does not sound natural. If a kid wouldn't say it the way it is written, it's not working.

When it comes to picture books, writers are urged to make every word count. Try not to repeat words, and remember that near rhyme is not close enough. Be sure to check your meter, and unless your poetry is perfect, you might want to avoid it altogether.

No No's and Uh Oh's

2009-05-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

The following is a list of dislikes and warnings I noted from panel discussions with Maggie Lehrman, Noa Wheeler, and Jill Dembowski at the SCBWI Carolinas Polishing Your Picture Book Conference this weekend.

1. No scatological humor
2. No mentioning rave reviews from kids who have heard your story
3. Do not handwrite your story or send it from one of your characters.
4. No didactic stories
5. No queries (instead, a brief cover letter and your picture book)
6. No comparing your book to Harry Potter
7. The parents who buy your picture book will hate you if it has 2,000 words (keep it closer to 500).
8. Don't discuss marketing in your letter.
9. Don't introduce too many characters at once.
10. Don't use the word child (It's an angry adult word).
11. Unless you're an illustrator, try not to include illustrator notes.
12. They are tired of grandparent stories written for grandparents.
13. If you dare to send a barnyard story, a story about a princess who wants to do something else, or a when I grow up I want to be... book it had better be fresh and great to stand out. These topics are overused.
14. No funky fonts (Times New Roman is preferred)
15. No cold calls

SCBWI Carolinas Polishing Your Picture Book Conference

2009-05-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

This weekend I attended the SCBWI Carolinas Polishing Your Picture Book Conference in Beaufort, SC. One of the many highlights was hearing a panel of editors tell what they are looking for and what they would rather not see. The editors attending were Maggie Lehrman (an Editor at Abrams Books for Young Readers and Amulet Books), Noa Wheeler (an Associate Editor at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers), and Jill Dembowski (an Assistant Editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers). I will be blogging this week to share some of the tips and warnings given by these three.

Anita Silvey's 100 BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

2009-04-23T06:37:00.000-07:00

If I was stranded on a deserted island with only ten books, I would want one of those to be Anita Silvey’s 100 BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN. I bought this treasure after hearing her speak at the SCBWI Carolina’s 2008 Fall Conference and have yet to put it away.

100 BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN is a delight. Silvey organizes her picks by age categories, making it especially parent-friendly. Each of the great reads is summarized. The awesomeness, however, comes as this children's literature insider shares stories about the authors and how their works came to life.

For example, did you know that Curious George was originally named Fifi and was modeled after H.A. Rey’s wife Margaret?

Did you know that Maurice Sendak’s WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE would have been “Where the Wild Horses Are” except he couldn’t draw horses very well. Instead, he took memories of his relatives and combined them with images of King Kong, and the rest is history!

From stories for toddlers to books for twelve year olds, Silvey shines the spotlight on both classics and newer finds. I recommend 100 BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN for parents, teachers, and anyone who loves children’s books.

Krispy Kreme Dream Comes True

2009-04-13T08:12:00.000-07:00

I love Krispy Kreme doughnuts. When the Hot and Now neon sign is on, I know the pale doughy life preservers are bobbling along the river of hot oil, ready to travel under the falls of sugary glaze. MMMMMM! Close your eyes with me and sniff; the sweetness is so thick that the air almost has texture. Of all the writing topics I’ve had to research, this one never gets old.

A couple weeks ago, I received an emailed invitation to a “Friends and Family” event to celebrate the future opening of an additional Krispy Kreme in Winston-Salem. I have been working on a children’s nonfiction book about doughnuts, so I grabbed my business cards and camera, hoping to come back home with a few connections and an assorted dozen. Little did I know, I was about to join the dream team.

The Saturday event was not an official opening, but more like a sneak peak, reserved for friends and families of employees and internet glazed groupies, like me. Just the same, the event was big enough to warrant the police directing traffic. I’m betting they didn’t have to do too much arm twisting to get them there.

The inside of this Krispy Kreme held a few surprises. One of the biggies was the Kool Kreme counter. Instead of just visiting for “hot doughnuts now,” customers can now choose from soft serve ice cream treats, icy fruity drinks, or even doughnut sundaes. Did I mention there were toppings? Indeed!

I did not sample the ice cream. Instead, I headed for the great glass window to watch the doughnuts. Within minutes, an employee asked if I would like to dip my own doughnut. Surely that was a rhetorical question. If there had been room, I would have skipped to the dunking station. Instead, I wiggled my way through the crowds to the booth. A friendly employee gave me the go ahead and, with my fingers gripping the sticky edges, I dipped my glazed doughnut into a bowl of swirling, melted chocolate. MMMMM! Then, I plunged my doughnut into the pastel sprinkles. It was a work of art. I was a natural.

After photographing my doughnut, picking out my assorted dozen, and putting them in the car, I reentered the shop. I wanted to soak up every bit of the Krispy Kreme experience. So I found a spot just inside the store to sniff and watch and wonder. That’s when it happened.

A nice man asked me to help him hand out paper hats! I suppose the doughnut diva within was giving off such a strong vibe that I appeared to be a Krispy Kreme employee. I smiled, took a stack of them, and joined the Krispy Kreme team. The lady on my left offered hats to children. I decided to offer mine to the adults. Many took and wore them proudly as I explained that they too could dip a doughnut. I greeted customers and corporate folks, answering questions and enjoying my secret identity.

I did eventually confess that I was a children’s book writer and not a “real” Krispy Kreme employee. Thankfully, they did not banish me, but allowed to continue to help and even introduced me to Jim Morgan, the President and CEO of Krispy Kreme. All in all it was a sweet experience.