Writing

Chapter 11 is done, but every word was a struggle. All this week I've been fighting fever and flu, all the while trying to sandwich in tons of work for various Girl Scout and PTA projects.
This afternoon I finally felt well enough and had enough time to write. But I almost quit because I questioned every word I put down. I'm usually such a fast writer that this was a new and painful experience for me.

I also discovered I have to write a one-page synopsis for a conference I'm attending in March. The deadline is tomorrow. I've never written a synopsis before because one was never required for picture books. I thought it would be hard to come up with enough material for a full page, but boy was I wrong! I'm a few lines over and wondering if it's cheating to make it single space.

Argh! Too much going on right now... and too few coherent, not flu-ish moments to deal with them. I'm looking forward to a quiet, feeling-better, and time-to-write weekend.

Wonderful chapter books

I've been reading a lot of different chapter books lately since I've started one of my own (or perhaps mine would be more accurately called a younger middle grade book). I was at the hairdresser on Friday and started to cry as I finished a lovely book called "Ark in the Park." My hairdresser is Iranian and didn't understand that it was the book, not the chemicals all over my head, causing it. I've also absolutely loved "Clementine," "The Legend of the Worst Boy in the World," "Ivy and Bean," and "Marvin Redpost, Super Fast." Each has a distinct voice that rings completely true.
I also just finished "13 Reasons Why," a YA book by Jay Asher. It's not a genre I normally read, though I was completely blown away by "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian" recently. It deserves every bit of recognition it's received. I felt much more mixed about "13 Reasons Why." Though I literally couldn't put it down until I finished and thought it was fascinating how the various characters connected, I felt as if I never fully knew the central Hannah character (despite her dictating the tapes). The blame aspect was bothersome too. But I did love the ending with its message of hope and second chances.
I've finished chapter nine of my book -- about 7,000 words -- but have reached the part that's going to be the most difficult to write. I haven't completely worked out in my own mind how to resolve a central problem. I've never been a good outline writer, whether it's for an academic paper, journalism, or children's writing. I tend to have a broad idea of where I'm going and work out (and change) details as I write. But I get nervous when I'm this fuzzy about some central issues!

Writing groups

I had a gloriously free morning to write, after an early run in this amazing January sunshine. It's in the 80's right now, with just a hint of an ocean breeze to cool things off. Having spent winters in New Hampshire, Connecticut, Iowa, Lake Tahoe, and Eastern Washington, I greatly appreciate days like these.

But I digress. I wanted to write today about critique groups because I'm so in love with both of mine. I spent time revising the first few chapters of my new book, following some very helpful and thoughtful comments from my small middle grade writers' group. I truly believe the philosophy behind my copyediting business -- that everyone needs a second set of eyes. And at times a third, fourth, or fifth set of eyes as well. I wonder about writers who are able to work completely on their own, without feedback from peers. Though it took me several months to have the courage to join a group after I started writing for children, I soon learned how invaluable it was. I tend to be someone who does everything very quickly, including writing, and early on rushed off manuscripts before they were ready. Critique groups help slow me down. That alone is tremendously helpful to me.

I don't know if I'm in the minority or not on this, but I love to revise. I love the process of making something instantly and tangibly better. It's one of the most satisfying parts of writing to me.

Writing and fun time waster

I'm up to about 4,000 words on my chapter book. I haven't had this much fun writing something in a long time. For a while yesterday, I started obsessing over word count, readability levels, length of sentences, vocabulary, and all sorts of issues that diverted from the actual writing. Today I stopped worrying so much and instead focused on writing the best story I can. Not surprisingly, it came much easier.

When I need a quick break from writing, I generally do one of two things. First, I check the "Blue Board" (www.verlakay.com), simply the best site for comprehensive information and support for children's writers. And I also may play a few games of Web Boggle. A new game begins every three minutes, and it's truly addicting. I try to limit myself to three games because I enjoy it so much I could play all day (and truly waste a lot of time).

OK, this time this was my break. Back to writing.

My 2008 resolution

In addition to resolving not to bake seven different types of Christmas cookies next year, I resolve to finish writing my chapter book. I'm only 1,000 words into it, so I have a long way to go. But I'm excited and motivated about taking on a new writing challenge. And I tend to take New Year's resolutions seriously. Time to get to work.

Also, now that it's January, I can send off my first Highlights' fiction contest entry. I'll wait a week or so before sending the second story off, so I don't deluge them right away.