Summary and a few takeaways from SCBWI Canada East "The Art Of Story" Fall Conference in Montreal - by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

With Laurent Linn, my art director from Simon & Schuster Books For
Young Readers, at Montreal children's bookstore, Babar-En-Villes.

Just came back from SCBWI Canada East's "The Art Of Story" convention in Montreal, where I was on the faculty (my first SCBWI faculty position!).

Giving my keynote! Photo: Urve Tamberg.

For my full convention report with lots of photos, read my 3-part blog post series: Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3.

The lightning rod analogy I used in my keynote seems to be popular (yay), so I want to make sure that it gets properly attributed. As I mentioned in my keynote, my Torkidlit friend and YA author Maureen McGowan came up with it, not me (in an interview for my Inkygirl blog). And it's so true!

For those who weren't at my keynote, Maureen compares success in the publishing industry to being hit by lightning. While you can't control WHEN lightning will strike, you CAN make bigger and better lightning rods.

Penguin Random House editors Jill Santopolo & Bonnie Bader with
Caldecott-winning illustrator David Diaz.

As I mentioned in my reports, SCBWI regional conferences are a great opportunity for aspiring children's/YA book writers and illustrators who find the national conferences too intimidating. So often at the bigger conferences, faculty tend to get mobbed at the end of their sessions. :-)

At SCBWI Canada East's event, you were much more likely to find yourself in situations where you could chat with faculty.

Casual socializing Saturday night for attendees included Linda Pratt (of
Wernick & Pratt Agency), editors Jill Santolopolo and Bonnie Bader
(Penguin Random House) and art director Laurent Linn (Simon & Schuster BFYR).

Here are just a few takeaways from the convention:

- Both Jill Santopolo and Bonnie Bader mentioned the importance of a having a unique cast of supporting characters in novels for young people.

- Illustrators: Before approaching a possible agent, Linda Pratt advises that you check the portfolios of the agency's current clients to see if any of the art is similar to yours. If it is, then they're less likely to take you on as a client. (From Debbie: Writers can also benefit from this advice as well.)

- Know the rules before deciding to break them. - Laurent Linn.

- Embrace your process. - David Diaz.

Jill Santopolo, Linda Pratt, Bonnie Bader and Laurent Linn during Sunday's Q&A.

For those out there wondering why publishers usually keep picture book authors from interacting with the illustrators during the process, Laurent had some great insights.

He points out that authors often feel ownership over their stories, and some don't realize that creating a picture is a 50:50 collaboration with the illustrator. If authors had input during the illustration process, they'd be more likely to pressure the illustrator over details. And as a writer, how would YOU feel if the illustrator standing over your shoulder as you wrote your story? 

Anyway, it was a wonderful event and I strongly encourage you to check out the SCBWI Canada East website for more info about their members and upcoming events, as well as your own regional conference.

And if you're not already a member of SCBWI, why not? :-)

For my full SCBWI-Montreal conference report: Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi writes and illustrates for young people. Her illustrations appear in I'M BORED, a picture book written by Michael Ian Black and published by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers. For more info about her upcoming books with Simon & Schuster BFYR, HarperCollins Children's and Random House Children's, see her Books page.

On Twitter: @inkyelbows.

If I could give my younger writer self some advice - by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

It's been a pretty amazing couple of months for me. I'M BORED, a picture book that Michael Ian Black wrote and I illustrated, has been getting some wonderful press.

I really wish I could take part of the mega-good-karma that is happening now and sprinkle it into my writing career a few years ago, when I was getting rejection after rejection after rejection.

Way back, I used to think that once I had my first book published, I'd have it made.

The reality? There's a whole other level of angstiness. And of course the truth is that no matter what stage a writer (or illustrator) may have reached in their career, there will ALWAYS be something else to stress about. Those who haven't yet reached a particular level will envy those who have, no matter high up.

I'm sure even J.K. Rowling has her angsty list.

If I could give my younger self some advice, it would be this:

Enjoy every success, no matter how small. Try to put some of the emotional energy you're putting into... 

1. Wanting something you don't have

and

2. Insecurity about where you are vs where you think you should be 

....and save it for your creative process.

Meanwhile, of course, I'm trying to take my own advice in terms of my writing career. I've been published as an illustrator and am working with S&S on writing my first picture book.

The next step? Getting my middle grade and YA novels published! Grateful to the MiG Writers for helping me improve my novel-writing craft.

Meanwhile, I'm enjoying the journey. :-D

---------------
Debbie Ridpath Ohi writes and illustrates books for young people. Her illustrations appear in I'M BORED, written by Michael Ian Black & published by Simon & Schuster Books For Young People. I'm Bored was selected by The New York Times for its Notable Children's Books Of 2012 list.

NaNoWriMo: Insane Or Motivating? Depends on your expectations and situation

Today's the first day of NaNoWriMo, also known as National Novel Writing Month! The goal: to write 50,000 words in one month.

I'm a NaNoRebel this year, but my friend Errol Elumir and I are doing daily NaNoWriMo comics over on the NaNoToons site.

There are many experienced writers out there who hate the idea of NaNoWriMo, or think it a waste of time.

As I mention in a blog post today, my take is as follows: it depends on your motivation, situation and expectations. If I had to offer one piece of advice for NaNoWriMo newbies, it would be this:

Whatever you do, do NOT send out your NaNoWriMo novel right after you've finished at the end of November, no matter how excited you are about it. 

If you wrote it in hopes of getting it published, then put it away for at least a few weeks and then start working to polish it. If you can wait until March, then participate in NaNoEdMo (National Novel Editing Month).

My other piece of advice: Have fun with it. If it's not fun, then why participate? If you find yourself falling further and further behind in wordcount, building up stress and guilt and self-loathing, then maybe NaNoWriMo is not for you.

Although I've done NaNoWriMo in the past AND had fun with it, I've found the timing just hasn't worked out for me in recent years because I'm always away for a big chunk of November. So I make my own motivation as well as finding other ways to vicariously enjoy NaNofun....like doing NaNoToons. And being an extra in the 6-part web series about NaNoWrimo, NaNoMusical! First episode just launched, and I appear in a few scenes :-).

So is anyone else participating in NaNoWrimo, PiBoIdmo (Picture Book Idea Month) or one of the other November writing challenges?

Comic: The Scarlet Letter

Comic: What Not To Say To A Children's Book Writer On A First Date

I'm posting some of my older comics here as I catalog and tag them in prep for a print book compilation. You can find my comics for writers on Inkygirl (http://inkygirl.com), Tumblr (http://inkygirl.tumblr.com) and Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/inkyelbows/comics-for-writers-inkygirl-com)

Comic: Critiquing Rule #1 (& Tips On Finding The Right Critique Group)

One of the reasons I felt so lucky when the MiG Writers' group let me join: I never had to go through the above scenario. :-)

To those still looking for a critique group: make sure you find a group in which members are at the same or (preferably) higher level of writing experience. If you find yourself feeling as if you're not getting as much from the group as you're giving, then it's time to move on.

For those who are wondering, I found out about the MiG Writers when they posted on the SCBWI message boards saying they were looking for one more member. Here's the link to the Critique Groups forum, but you need to be an SCWI member to access it.

Before you join a critique group, try to find out as much as you can about the group and its members. The more experienced groups usually will do the same, asking questions to make sure you're the right fit within the group.

Some questions to ask about the group:

How old is the group? More experienced groups have had time to settle into a rhythm and system that works for everyone.

How experienced are its members? How much writing experience? How much publication experience, if any?

What types of writing are acceptable for critique? If at all possible, join a group that focuses on your writing interest. If it's a group that critiques multiple age groups and genres, then be prepared to do a wide range of critiquing in genres you may not be familiar with.

What are the rules for critiquing? How often are members expected to submit material for critiques (and how many words/pages)? How often are you required to critique? What if you need to take some time off (e.g. vacation or other personal commitments)?

After trying out several critique groups, I finally found the PERFECT GROUP, at least for me: the MiG Writers. I learn as much or more from critiquing as I do being critiqued.

Thank you, MiG Writers! :-)

Comic: The Wish

Debbie and Andrea finally meet in person!

I've been with the MiG Writers for a while now but so far, have only met one of my MiG pals in person: Carmella Van Vleet.

Yesterday, Andrea Mack and I finally met! E-mail and social media is great, but there's something about meeting people face-to-face that is so much more satisfying. Andrea just wrote about our get-together in her blog as well.

 

Lots of talk about kid lit and writing and our amazing writing group. Andrea browsed my I'M BORED proofs. We had lots of dessert. :-)

Someday, it would wonderful if ALL the MiG writers could get together in person. Some of us are already planning to attend the SCBWI conference in NYC next January, which will be fun.

Anyway, do check out Andrea's blog for writers and readers, That's Another Story. You can see some of her published books to the left; click the image to be taken to her website.

Comics for writers and thoughts on self-publishing

Over the years, I've created quite a few comics for writers for Inkygirl, Will Write For Chocolate, Writer Unboxed and other venues. After prodding from writer friends (especially Christina Katz), I've decided it's about time to compile the best of them into a print book compilation. If I can't find a traditional publisher, then I've decided I'm going to self-publish.

Why? Because I KNOW there is a market for this book (which I've tentatively titled "Will Write For Chocolate"). I keep getting emails from people I don't know, asking where they can buy my comics in book form as a gift. I have over 16,000 followers on my @inkyelbows Twitter feed for writers, and a growing number of followers on my various blogs. Yes, the book has a niche market and will never hit a New York Times bestseller list. But it does have a market.

I originally had pitched this book as a collection of my writer comics AND tips for writers, but one publisher I approached said they preferred fewer comics and more writer tips. Instead, I've decided I'm going the opposite route: get rid of the writer tips (there are already so many good writing advice books out there) and focus on ONLY my comics.

While I admire those who successfully self-publish, I would still personally opt for a traditional publisher if given a choice for several reasons.

I don't like adminstuff, for example. And frankly, am not good at it. I love coming up with ideas and creating, but would far rather take a smaller cut of the profits and have someone else take care of at least part of the business end.

Yes, yes, I know that freelance writers and illustrators need to also be businesspeople and be on top of payments and invoices and royalties and record-keeping and so on. I do it when necessary and am getting better.

Plus, depending on the publisher, having a book traditionally published can get your book into wider distribution channels. Yes, I can promote the book myself and will promote the book regardless of whether the book ends up traditionally published or self-published. The more promotion I have to do, however, the less time I have left for creative work...and self-published books need more author-powered promotion to succeed.

Traditional publishers also have a lot more resources to help you make the book stronger and more marketable. My experience working with Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers on I'M BORED has helped me better appreciate the huge value (and joy) in collaborating with a publisher's in-house team.

I've seen so many self-published books whose content may have merit but have turned me off because of the abysmal layout, amateur-looking covers, typos and grammar gaffes. While there are excellent and high-quality self-published books out there, there are also many ugly and unedited self-published books.

Content is king, it's true. But it's also a fact that when it comes to selling books to people who aren't your friends or family or supportive colleagues, then packaging also matters.

Apologies for the rambling nature of this post. I originally was going to just post one comic and a brief paragraph about why I may end up self-publishing Will Write For Chocolate...and look what happened.

Anyway, I'll be gradually posting more comics for writers on Inkygirl and MiGwriters as I continue to compile, tag and catalog my comics in prep for my book. Through my agent, I'm also going to continue to look for a traditional publisher. If I can't find one, then I'm going to self-publish. 

I'll let you all know what happens.  :-)

- Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Back from the SCBWI Winter Conference. Now what?

(click on image above for bigger version)

I just got back from the SCBWI Winter Conference in NYC. Whoa -- what an amazing, inspiring event. Just before the conference, I also visited my publisher at Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers about I'm Bored and other projects. I'll be posting about both events in my Inkygirl blog, with (likely way too many) photos.

But the main message prevalent throughout: no matter what the format, what promoting I do, what process or techniques I use, it's the CONTENT that matters most in the end. In the end, a good story and strong characters trump all.

So while my head feels so full of all the wonderful information and advice I learned during the event, I know that most of all, I need to get my butt in my chair and do more WRITING. 

Comic: Disappointment For Billy

While going through my comic archives to tag and catalog in prep for my Inkygirl/Will Write For Chocolate comic compilation, I came across this very old comic. I still feel sorry for Billy...

The Literary Ladies' Guide to the Writing Life - by Nava Atlas

 

 

The Literary Ladies' Guide to the Writing Life

Author: Nava Atlas

Hardcover, 192 pages

Published April 12th 2011 by Sellers Publishing Inc

 

I recently finished reading (& thoroughly enjoying) The Literary Ladies' Guide to the Writing Life by Nava Atlas.  Beautifully designed, with glossy pages are packed with illustrations, vintage photos, quotes, insights and advice from twelve celebrated women writers like Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Madeleine L'Engle, Anais Nin, George Sand, Edith Wharton, and Virginia Woolf.

It's not a book you need to read from cover to cover. It's the type of book you can dip into anywhere and read a few pages at a time.

This would a fantastic gift for a writer friend.

I'm donating my review copy (which I kept in pristine condition!) to Carmella's book prize draw. To enter, just post a comment at the end of Carmella's "Growth Spurt" post. Not only will you be entered in the draw, but Carmella will donate $1 to the MAGIC Foundation. But hurry! This offer & draw ends tomorrow (Oct 7th).

-- Debbie

Comic: "The Scream" for writers

Writers and Voice: Part 1 in a Series

I've been told that I have a "middle grade voice" in my novels and I used to be okay with that. Now, however, I want to find out more.

As I start to explore writing different types of books and pushing my personal creative envelope,  I've become a lot more interested in the whole concept of voice. It's a common term in the publishing industry. Editors and agents are always looking for new voices, a strong voice, a unique voice. "WONDERFUL voice in her book!" a review will declare...but what do they actually mean?

I've come across many different definitions of voice. Some editors say it's hard to define a great voice, but they recognize one when they see it. Others say it includes word choice, sentence and story structure, and even the way you use punctuation.

Anyway, I'm going to be doing some in-depth research about voice as it applies to one's writing, and sharing what I learn. In this series of weekly blog posts, I'm going to be answering the following questions:

What IS voice, exactly?

How important is voice, compared to other factors in your writing?

How can you figure out what voice YOU have? How can you develop your voice?

Can a writer have more than one type of voice? Can a middle grade writer develop a YA voice and vice versa? How?

Stay tuned for more. Plus check out the comic I recently posted about voice on Writer Unboxed.

--- Debbie

INKYGIRL: An Illustrated Guide For Writers