Even as I type this post, I am not thinking about NaPiBoWriWee. I am thinking about bed. I am so insanely tired. Didn't get the little man to sleep until very late. Fortunately I scribbled something about food in the scrapbook just before lunch today, so I've used that in a pretty silly story (if you can even call it that).
That's...okay...I'll live to tell...another...
story...
....
.........tomorrow......
*thud*
(head on keyboard)
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
NaPiBoWriWee 2011 - day 4: RECORD SMASHED!
This is so funny. Twenty-five minutes ago I was grizzling because it was 9pm and I hadn't done my story. Now I've produced a story draft ... and I don't even hate it! I might even have time to go and watch something mindless on TV. WOW :)
I must admit - my inspiration came earlier today when I was fooling around with a Sharpie, sticky notes and a new scrap book (we went on a stationery spree yesterday!) This was a new thing for me ... I am in the habit of buying nice stationery once in a blue moon, only to lock it away in a drawer because the nice paper is TOO PRECIOUS. Ha ha :) I think because it was a $1 scrapbook I allowed myself to go for it.
Looks like we're over the half-way mark! This is great news. Are you still plugging away at NaPiBoWriWee 2011? Aren't you so glad you started?
I must admit - my inspiration came earlier today when I was fooling around with a Sharpie, sticky notes and a new scrap book (we went on a stationery spree yesterday!) This was a new thing for me ... I am in the habit of buying nice stationery once in a blue moon, only to lock it away in a drawer because the nice paper is TOO PRECIOUS. Ha ha :) I think because it was a $1 scrapbook I allowed myself to go for it.
Looks like we're over the half-way mark! This is great news. Are you still plugging away at NaPiBoWriWee 2011? Aren't you so glad you started?
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
XMediaLab Perth and more...
Gosh, it was a heck of a conference this 'ex-media-lab' (shock, horror I was calling it the wrong name in my head - thank goodness I heard someone say 'cross-media-lab' before I made a fool of myself!) The theme of the conference was 'Storytelling in a Digital Age'. The State Theatre of WA is a great venue, and it was a really well catered event. Quite the 'day off' - I really felt like a grown-up! Check out the XML website here.
I was all ablaze with new ideas after listening to some really interesting speakers and some creative conference-goers. Loved hearing about what is possible with today's technology. I was particularly inspired by the raw media being produced by 'average' people and, in particular, marginalised groups. Apparently you don't need a lot of money or resources to share a message with the world these days. It was so refreshing to hear people talk about projects for the 'greater good' and I met quite a few community-focused people with interesting projects to talk about.
There are some crazy youtube videos I need to check out - I was really blown away by what was presented. I had not considered that creativity could be expressed in so many ways. I feel kind of overwhelmed! Now it seems there's no end to the possibilities. It's really great.
I was really pleased to meet Perth illustrator, Chris Nixon after the event. I recognised him after seeing him at The Children's Book Council of Australia WA Branch's A Night With Our Stars last month. He illustrates the 'Jake' series by Ken Spillman and has a real knack with a pencil and paper (okay I don't know if that's his preferred medium, but that's as far as my art training goes!) Check out his website here.
In super-exciting news, I am booked for the 40th SCBWI LA Summer Conference. Hooray! I am very much looking forward to being there again. It is such a brilliant event. I have a round-table critique booked as well as a picture book intensive. After hearing about some very technological ways of interacting with others, I feel comforted in the knowledge that I am simply a writer of picture books! Just dealing with pieces of paper bound together that you can read and enjoy - even when the power is out or the Internet is down :)
Oh, and did I mention that I'm also visiting Rottnest Island in June for the annual SCBWI WA writing retreat? I'm booked for a critique and cannot wait for some Rocky Horror Picture Show and karaoke action. Yes, life is like that when you're a 'pre-published' author.
Caz
 |
| Photo courtesy of XMediaLab |
There are some crazy youtube videos I need to check out - I was really blown away by what was presented. I had not considered that creativity could be expressed in so many ways. I feel kind of overwhelmed! Now it seems there's no end to the possibilities. It's really great.
I was really pleased to meet Perth illustrator, Chris Nixon after the event. I recognised him after seeing him at The Children's Book Council of Australia WA Branch's A Night With Our Stars last month. He illustrates the 'Jake' series by Ken Spillman and has a real knack with a pencil and paper (okay I don't know if that's his preferred medium, but that's as far as my art training goes!) Check out his website here.
In super-exciting news, I am booked for the 40th SCBWI LA Summer Conference. Hooray! I am very much looking forward to being there again. It is such a brilliant event. I have a round-table critique booked as well as a picture book intensive. After hearing about some very technological ways of interacting with others, I feel comforted in the knowledge that I am simply a writer of picture books! Just dealing with pieces of paper bound together that you can read and enjoy - even when the power is out or the Internet is down :)
Oh, and did I mention that I'm also visiting Rottnest Island in June for the annual SCBWI WA writing retreat? I'm booked for a critique and cannot wait for some Rocky Horror Picture Show and karaoke action. Yes, life is like that when you're a 'pre-published' author.
Caz
Sunday, July 11, 2010
All That I Need
I have all that I need. I am very healthy, happy and loved.
All children deserve health, happiness and love. When I wrote a little picture book called All That You Need, I was writing for all children. But in particular, I was writing for a little 5 month old baby boy who had been separated from his parents. I have a special wish for this story. Today I edited it and took the first step in trying to make this wish come true.
I feel so glad that this story has now taken it's first step into the big wide world. Whether or not fate brings this story to children out there, I feel great that now it has at least a small chance - a much bigger chance than if it were not written at all!
Caz
All children deserve health, happiness and love. When I wrote a little picture book called All That You Need, I was writing for all children. But in particular, I was writing for a little 5 month old baby boy who had been separated from his parents. I have a special wish for this story. Today I edited it and took the first step in trying to make this wish come true.
I feel so glad that this story has now taken it's first step into the big wide world. Whether or not fate brings this story to children out there, I feel great that now it has at least a small chance - a much bigger chance than if it were not written at all!
Caz
Friday, July 9, 2010
Nose Picking just got better
It's been a little over two months since NaPiBoWriWee 2010 when I wrote my first batch of picture book drafts. I was fairly pleased with a couple of them, especially seeing as they were my first attempts. However, the thought of editing them was scaring me. Why? I believe there were several possible reasons for my dread and panic:
1. I feared I would break them
2. I feared that my writing ability had expired - ie: the stories were a fluke.
3. They might get better - which meant that they weren't perfect in the first place - tut, tut! Imperfection? Mois?
Well, I have my project manager(!), Glenn to thank for flagging my picture book edits as very important - even more important than washing socks! This afternoon I grabbed a quiet moment while Cy was asleep to look through others' critiques of "I Didn't Pick My Nose". First I made one small change, then another ... and another...and I felt very satisfied after each successful alteration. It wasn't at all scary. In fact, I felt very proud. I am still glad that I let it simmer for a couple of months, though. The weaker parts just got weaker with time, and the stronger parts stayed strong.
'Edit Number One', I like you. You are a good read. However, you wouldn't be what you are today if it weren't for the pioneer, the bold and inaugural 'First Draft' who went before you. Thank you, First Draft. You will not be forgotten.
Caz
1. I feared I would break them
2. I feared that my writing ability had expired - ie: the stories were a fluke.
3. They might get better - which meant that they weren't perfect in the first place - tut, tut! Imperfection? Mois?
Well, I have my project manager(!), Glenn to thank for flagging my picture book edits as very important - even more important than washing socks! This afternoon I grabbed a quiet moment while Cy was asleep to look through others' critiques of "I Didn't Pick My Nose". First I made one small change, then another ... and another...and I felt very satisfied after each successful alteration. It wasn't at all scary. In fact, I felt very proud. I am still glad that I let it simmer for a couple of months, though. The weaker parts just got weaker with time, and the stronger parts stayed strong.
'Edit Number One', I like you. You are a good read. However, you wouldn't be what you are today if it weren't for the pioneer, the bold and inaugural 'First Draft' who went before you. Thank you, First Draft. You will not be forgotten.
Caz
Monday, July 5, 2010
A thorough day's work
How can it be that a thorough day's work as a writer can look like so very little on the surface? I spent the day reading, clicking, reading, clicking, clicking, clicking, reading, tapping, tappity-tapping, deleting, adding, reading... but somehow I don't feel like I achieved very much!
The good news is that I completed assignment number two for my Professional Children's Writing Course. I hope I did what was expected - once again it wasn't too difficult. I guess it was because the idea was already firmly in my brain. It's sort of taking some time to get my head around the fact that I am totally enjoying what I am working on. I mean... is that allowed?? Do I deserve to be sitting here enjoying what I'm doing? I guess I am more accustomed to the idea of work being a bit of a drag - like a lot of other people, I'm sure.
I am really in awe of the people I've met through SCBWI, and others, who have followed their dreams and utilised their skills in the arts. They must have had some great support to get to where they are today (one would hope!) There are definitely some negative people out there who will try to stop creativity in its tracks. I guess they might be well-meaning, but they sure can confuse a person and throw them off-course.
Anyway, I am not dealing with people like that in my happy, little bubble. I hope you're not either.
:)
Caz
The good news is that I completed assignment number two for my Professional Children's Writing Course. I hope I did what was expected - once again it wasn't too difficult. I guess it was because the idea was already firmly in my brain. It's sort of taking some time to get my head around the fact that I am totally enjoying what I am working on. I mean... is that allowed?? Do I deserve to be sitting here enjoying what I'm doing? I guess I am more accustomed to the idea of work being a bit of a drag - like a lot of other people, I'm sure.
I am really in awe of the people I've met through SCBWI, and others, who have followed their dreams and utilised their skills in the arts. They must have had some great support to get to where they are today (one would hope!) There are definitely some negative people out there who will try to stop creativity in its tracks. I guess they might be well-meaning, but they sure can confuse a person and throw them off-course.
Anyway, I am not dealing with people like that in my happy, little bubble. I hope you're not either.
:)
Caz
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Getting set to go...
It won't be long now until I'm sitting studiously at the SCBWI Summer Conference, pen and paper poised! I have been looking at the schedule, trying to figure out which talks I cannot miss. It is really difficult - especially as a beginner. There is so much to learn! It's especially hard because I don't know what kind of writer I am. I have drafted several picture books, but now a little idea for a chapter book is whispering in my ear! Pssst...
I submitted assignment number one of my writing course this evening. I do feel very clever. It has been more than three and a half years since I last did an assignment! It was a nice little introductory piece. I had to introduce myself, talk about my motivation for writing for children and set a few goals for the next year and beyond. I thought it was strangely simple, but I realised after a while that although I had set out to write in an informal tone ('...as if chatting to a friend,'), I had gotten all academic in the midst of it. So I went back and did a bit of editing and made it sound more like me. I am guessing that is a lesson in 'voice'? Anyway, it was quite therapeutic. It made me think about why I want to write, and I decided that I have some pretty good reasons.
Well, it's time to knock off! Another day of reading and writing to look forward to tomorrow...
Take care,
Caz
I submitted assignment number one of my writing course this evening. I do feel very clever. It has been more than three and a half years since I last did an assignment! It was a nice little introductory piece. I had to introduce myself, talk about my motivation for writing for children and set a few goals for the next year and beyond. I thought it was strangely simple, but I realised after a while that although I had set out to write in an informal tone ('...as if chatting to a friend,'), I had gotten all academic in the midst of it. So I went back and did a bit of editing and made it sound more like me. I am guessing that is a lesson in 'voice'? Anyway, it was quite therapeutic. It made me think about why I want to write, and I decided that I have some pretty good reasons.
Well, it's time to knock off! Another day of reading and writing to look forward to tomorrow...
Take care,
Caz
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Full steam ahead!
Full throttle! Top gear! Overdrive! Wooo hooo - here I go. It's my explosive start to writing for children. I am reading, studying, daydreaming, writing (well...just a little bit for now) and jumping feet-first into the world of children's literature. I had no idea it would be this thrilling! Oh, the possibilities. I am in a total head-spin thinking about it all.
I have a confession to make. I did not read fiction as a child. I remember my mandatory weekly visits to the school library. I used to look, bewildered, at a row of spines. What the heck was inside these books? I actually didn't really care. The fact was that these books were THICK, the words were SMALL and I could not possibly make any sense of them. I was not able to attend to the task of decoding all of these words while making meaning of the phrases, sentences and paragraphs. It was an absolute chore to me. I would pick one random book, stuff it inside my library bag and leave it there until the next visit.
I now realise what a shame this is. I never really overcame my fiction-reading deficiency. I can probably count on two hands (maybe even one hand) the number of adult fiction books I have read from start to finish.
Thanks to four years at university, my reading comprehension skills are much more advanced than they used to be. I love to read non-fiction articles about topics that interest me. However, I still have no idea about the kinds of fiction book I like to read. Well, apart from the fact that I actually did read Cloud Street by Tim Winton and absolutely loved it. I think I read another of his books but didn't finish it. That is typically me - not renowned for following through with a task! So why did I love Cloud Street so much? Which other books might I also love?
I am having a great time reading what is out there for kids at the moment. I am reliving my childhood, only this time I don't have the same obstacles in my path. I can READ fluently and I can skim a book to see whether I'll like it first. As a writer, it would be great to think that I could somehow reach some of those children who currently feel the same way I used to about books. I'd like to make stories that are highly accessible and relevant to children.
Until next time....
Caz :@)
I have a confession to make. I did not read fiction as a child. I remember my mandatory weekly visits to the school library. I used to look, bewildered, at a row of spines. What the heck was inside these books? I actually didn't really care. The fact was that these books were THICK, the words were SMALL and I could not possibly make any sense of them. I was not able to attend to the task of decoding all of these words while making meaning of the phrases, sentences and paragraphs. It was an absolute chore to me. I would pick one random book, stuff it inside my library bag and leave it there until the next visit.
I now realise what a shame this is. I never really overcame my fiction-reading deficiency. I can probably count on two hands (maybe even one hand) the number of adult fiction books I have read from start to finish.
Thanks to four years at university, my reading comprehension skills are much more advanced than they used to be. I love to read non-fiction articles about topics that interest me. However, I still have no idea about the kinds of fiction book I like to read. Well, apart from the fact that I actually did read Cloud Street by Tim Winton and absolutely loved it. I think I read another of his books but didn't finish it. That is typically me - not renowned for following through with a task! So why did I love Cloud Street so much? Which other books might I also love?
I am having a great time reading what is out there for kids at the moment. I am reliving my childhood, only this time I don't have the same obstacles in my path. I can READ fluently and I can skim a book to see whether I'll like it first. As a writer, it would be great to think that I could somehow reach some of those children who currently feel the same way I used to about books. I'd like to make stories that are highly accessible and relevant to children.
Until next time....
Caz :@)
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
NaPiBoWriWee Day 5!
Ah, draft number 5. Barely alive. So very sketchy. So very weak. Barely recognisable as a story at all. Plot ... there is not. Rhyme ... not this time. Meaning ... I could care less.
Good night everyone. I hope to generate some more creativity while I sleep!
Best of luck to all of you.
Carolyn
Good night everyone. I hope to generate some more creativity while I sleep!
Best of luck to all of you.
Carolyn
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
NaPiBoWriWee Day 4!
I am surprised and excited to announce the birth of NaPiBoWriWee story number four at 8.05pm this evening. I have named her "I Didn't Pick My Nose". I am a proud parent and she brings a big smile to my face. She was written over four separate writing breaks today. A very pleasant way to bring a story into the world, indeed.
Another gorgeous little thing is sleeping soundly in the adjacent room. He tossed and turned himself to sleep again tonight as I stood by, amazed :) I hope I have as much luck getting to sleep tonight as he's had! Last night was shocking for me, even though my little button-nosed boy slept almost right through the night. Hooray!
I can't believe I only have three more stories to write until I accomplish my goal! Wow, what will I do to celebrate?? Anyone got any ideas? I don't expect many NaPiBoWriWee'ers to be reading this because they are so BUSY right now ... but if there's anyone reading this - what will you do to commemorate the 7th story (or 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc... whatever you get up to!)?
I hope Paula Yoo rewards herself with a nice long massage or something equally relaxing. She's been so hard at work this past month mentoring we PiBo's! How do you do it, Paula? You are a legend!
Carolyn
Another gorgeous little thing is sleeping soundly in the adjacent room. He tossed and turned himself to sleep again tonight as I stood by, amazed :) I hope I have as much luck getting to sleep tonight as he's had! Last night was shocking for me, even though my little button-nosed boy slept almost right through the night. Hooray!
I can't believe I only have three more stories to write until I accomplish my goal! Wow, what will I do to celebrate?? Anyone got any ideas? I don't expect many NaPiBoWriWee'ers to be reading this because they are so BUSY right now ... but if there's anyone reading this - what will you do to commemorate the 7th story (or 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc... whatever you get up to!)?
I hope Paula Yoo rewards herself with a nice long massage or something equally relaxing. She's been so hard at work this past month mentoring we PiBo's! How do you do it, Paula? You are a legend!
Carolyn
Friday, April 30, 2010
NaPiBoWriWee - Day 1!
Success!!!!
Thanks to Paula Yoo's challenge NaPiBoWriWee 2010, I have just written my first children's picture book. What's more, I did it in 40 minutes! Is this a good sign or a bad sign?? I take it as a sign that someone was smiling down on me, because 40 minutes is about all I have to spare today. Trying to catch up on sleep, caring for kiddy winks, going to a birthday party and going out tonight - I was seriously worried that I would not meet my challenge on the first day. As it turns out, I have nailed it - before lunch time!! What a great feeling.
A couple of nights ago, I thought I would try my hand at oral story telling with my 3 year old son, Heath. I had never really done it before. I was surprised at how easily the first story unfolded, and he was enthralled. In fact, our fictional friend Fishy McGoo (hey, the name just sprang from my lips, ok?!) has been spoken about frequently ever since!
So after seeing how easily and how quickly a story can happen when you're put on the spot, I decided to use this strategy during NaPiBoWriWee! I'm going to craft all of my first drafts this way and then transcribe them. That's precisely what I just did for my first book, currently entitled "A Puppy That I Love".
The idea for this book came to me as I was drifting off to sleep the other night. As is the case with NaPiBoWriWee, the month of April is to be spent brain-storming, researching, outlining etc. I can tell you now, there was very little time to spare with a 7 month old who thinks sleep is for the weak and a 3 year old who feels exactly the same! Sigh...
Nevertheless, I have one success story! It went really well and I can't wait to write my next one tomorrow. I hope I'm lucky again.
* I just realized that my post says 30th April but honestly, I haven't cheated! It's after lunch time on the 1st May here in Perth, Australia!
Thanks to Paula Yoo's challenge NaPiBoWriWee 2010, I have just written my first children's picture book. What's more, I did it in 40 minutes! Is this a good sign or a bad sign?? I take it as a sign that someone was smiling down on me, because 40 minutes is about all I have to spare today. Trying to catch up on sleep, caring for kiddy winks, going to a birthday party and going out tonight - I was seriously worried that I would not meet my challenge on the first day. As it turns out, I have nailed it - before lunch time!! What a great feeling.
A couple of nights ago, I thought I would try my hand at oral story telling with my 3 year old son, Heath. I had never really done it before. I was surprised at how easily the first story unfolded, and he was enthralled. In fact, our fictional friend Fishy McGoo (hey, the name just sprang from my lips, ok?!) has been spoken about frequently ever since!
So after seeing how easily and how quickly a story can happen when you're put on the spot, I decided to use this strategy during NaPiBoWriWee! I'm going to craft all of my first drafts this way and then transcribe them. That's precisely what I just did for my first book, currently entitled "A Puppy That I Love".
The idea for this book came to me as I was drifting off to sleep the other night. As is the case with NaPiBoWriWee, the month of April is to be spent brain-storming, researching, outlining etc. I can tell you now, there was very little time to spare with a 7 month old who thinks sleep is for the weak and a 3 year old who feels exactly the same! Sigh...
Nevertheless, I have one success story! It went really well and I can't wait to write my next one tomorrow. I hope I'm lucky again.
* I just realized that my post says 30th April but honestly, I haven't cheated! It's after lunch time on the 1st May here in Perth, Australia!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)