It’s here! Over the weekend, I got the first copy of my next bilingual picture story book, The Battle of the Snow Cones, illustrated by Alisha Gambino. We write the stories but it’s the illustrators who bring them to life. Ms. Gambino did an awesome job with her vision of the book and the colors and textures she brought to each page. It is now “our book,” a collaboration between writer and illustrator. Thanks, Alisha.

It’s always a thrill when you actually hold the hard copy in your hands. I know I’m going to have a great time doing school visits with this book because it’s a fun book, funny and whimsical. I had such fun writing this. As writers, we are told to think “outside the box.” Well, I really let my imagination go with this book.

1. Use dynamic action words to reveal your character’s mood/personality.
2. Twist & drop test. Take your character from the final chapter of the book and drop him in the first scene of the book. He should behave differently (if he’s grown).
3. CIP test (catalogue, identification, publication). Test for one-line hook. Look at Library of Congress hooks in books.
4. Look for escalation/movement of the plot.
5. Dialogue test. Use highlighter. Plot flats that are in your dialogue.
6. Check the As’s. These are too passive. FIX: Make it more active.
7. Setting – sense of place. Use setting to act upon your character or have character act upon the setting. It reveals emotions.
8. The word “so” is too melodramatic. No real reason for it.
9. Show not tell. Scan for direct feelings.
10. Eagle eyes. Proofread. Print and read your manuscript like a book.

By the way, to read the book description of The Battle of the Snow Cones and to preorder, click on amazon. The book will be in bookstores by November.

Back to the SCBWI-LA conference and some pet peeves and comments that editors on a panel spoke about.

Submissions and guidelines – Some writers do not follow follow publishers’ guidelines.
Packages sent in by some writers are not professional (especially the synopsis).
Some writers do not do their market research and have no idea what is out there. Is what the writer sending in tie in with something else already out there? Is it unique? Tell how.
Some query letters that come in have no personality. Editors want to see who the author is on that page. Put some of yourself into the letter.
Slush pile – Nowadays, most editors only respond if interested.
The relationship between the editor and the author is a big part of the process.
Voice is what a lot of editors look for. A good hook and a great plot as well.
Before sending in submissions, research, research, research the market.

One of the attendees, Illustrator Carolyn Dee Flores, posted on the SCBWI blog about the conference.
Carolyn Dee Flores said…

“I heard it through the grapevine that Diane Muldrow’s ‘Creating the Picture Book: Master Class’ filled up within 15 minutes after registration opened and I know why. It was the best, most relevant workshop I have ever attended.

We learned:

– Write the whole picture book, and not just text to be handed over to the illustrator.
– Clarity of vision and meticulous attention to every aspect of the picture book art form is essential.
– NEVER hand in a manuscript unless it is completely professional.
– Map out your manuscript visually. Include details like correct placement of text for maximum impact and whether or not to have a spread or single page illustration. And this is EVEN IF YOU ARE THE WRITER.
– The picture book format is specific. Know it.

I feel very lucky to have been in this class. It was an experience I will never forget. Only complaint – not enough time. Maybe next time the workshop could be extended to an hour and a half a day. Thank you to Diane Muldrow, as well as to all of my talented classmates.”