12x12 Update

As many of you know, I am participating in Julie Hedlund's 12x12 challenge for the second time around. Last year I completed my goal of writing 12 new picture book manuscripts in 2012. One of them -- my June MS is currently being polished and is almost ready to be sent on submissions. Since it has been a topic on my mind this week, my Wordless Wednesday post is dedicated to that project.






So how am I doing with the challenge this year, so far?

Jan: Completed!

Feb: Nothing yet.

March: Nothing yet.

As you can see, I'm a little behind on the pb writing this year, but exciting things are happening for me on the writing front. After a nearly two month new idea drought, two finally came to me this week. One involves trains, the other involves aliens -- which makes make smile immensely. I think being a picture book writer is one of the most delightful things on earth. I'm so happy to be following my passion and to have found a group of like-minded individuals who are doing the same.

Quiet Thoughts in the Night ... A Touch of Sea Glass

There were many presentations from the SCBWI Summer Conference this year that resonated with me, but last night when I couldn't sleep, the one that stood out in my mind was Deborah Underwood's keynote on the "Power of Quiet." After I set aside all the thoughts rummaging around keeping me awake in the first place, I settled into the quiet. (Ok, it's true, I also chanted, 'please let me sleep' several times.) 


My reflection time led me to an idea for a new pb that I am hoping will be my October 12x12 manuscript, in addition to the following thoughts...

Imagine you're on a beach searching for that perfect piece of sea glass. You pick up a jagged piece. It pricks your hand making you bleed, but you try to polish it anyway. After a long, long time, you give up and throw it back in the sand and try again. Maybe one day that piece will be sea glass. You brush your palm against the sand trying to avoid the plentiful spiked pieces sticking out all over, but you can't avoid them; you can only go through them. You dig deeper and only then do you stumble across a smooth stone that feels right in your palm. Sure, it needs some refining, yet it it feels right somehow.

Sometimes, this is what my writing process feels like. Can anyone relate?  

11 Tips for Maintaining a Daily Writing Habit

This summer I've made a deal with myself -- write something new every morning, Monday-Friday. I can't move on (with submissions, revisions, etc.) until I've written something new. At first it was like scratching nails over a chalkboard. I'd talk myself out of it for at least a dozen different reasons. It's been a few weeks now, and I'm on the daily writing train showing no signs of derailing. I decided to share 11 tips that have helped me so far.






1. Set a schedule and stick to it!

2. Make new writing the first thing you do in your writing time.

3. Avoid Social media and the Internet at all costs.

4. Ignore the little voice in your mind that says "Aw...can't I do this later? Or tomorrow even?

5. Even if you don't feel ready, go to your writing space and open your work in progress.

6. Having more than one work in progress or an idea file comes in handy, just in case you're truly stuck on your main project.

7. If all else fails, write a journal entry.

8. Don't stop until you've reached your allotted time or word count.

9. Reward yourself for a job well done! Some writers allow themselves one jellybean or skittle after every hundred words. Others enjoy a special cup of tea or coffee or a trip to Starbucks. Find out what works for you.

10. Keep a daily writing log to track your progress. Being able to see what you've completed in a week visually is a huge motivator. (A sneaky side note for highly visual folks: You can replace your daily writing desktop icon to one similar to the photo above. That way you know it's a special writing only file.)

11. Sign up for a writing forum to discuss your progress with other writers. It helps knowing others out there have similar goals. Sometimes it's the highlight of my day knowing I can share that I've made my daily writing goal with others.

I hope some of these tips help you maintain a daily writing habit. Happy Writing!

Take Three...

The opening lines of a blog entry a little over a year ago....

Out of the ashes rose a phoenix...wait scratch that, a raven. When I was thirteen years old I began my love affair with dark, paranormal fiction (back then I think the whole section of the bookstore I was drawn to was simply called "Horror." One of my favorites was Of Saints and Shadows by Christopher Golden. Some vampires in the story could transform into animals. This inspired me to write a novel about a young shape-shifter on a quest. I called it Ravyn's Quest. I began typing the story on my tiny Mac Classic. I actually made 3/4 of the way through the manuscript before I realized I didn't know how the story would end. I sent my character on this treacherous journey only to realize I didn't know what she was going to do when she got to where she was going. I always thought in the back of my mind, some day I'll finish it.

And I did take it back out last year. I started over, from the very beginning. This time I'd make sure there were actually characters in the book and that her quest actually had a purpose to it. I thought I liked what I had, but then about 8000 words in, I got stuck. Bogged down by the research of it all. And what did I do? I put it away again. For another year!

In the mean time, I took some much needed time to educate myself at writer's conferences and read, read, read. One very helpful book has been Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself into Print by Rennie Browne, recommended to me by Stefanie von Borstel at Full Circle Literary.

I finally had the urge to take out my manuscript again last week. I blew off the dust and read through it. I deleted the entire preface and half of the word count, so essentially I started over -- AGAIN!


I'm loving it now. It'll take plenty of encouragement, nourishment, love, and dark chocolate, but this time, I think I'll make it to the end. I've found what's most important -- Ravyn's voice. (And it sure helps that she has a supporting cast now)

What are your current works in progress? Do you have that one project or idea in a back cabinet somewhere just screaming to be written?

My word count so far: 

12200 / 50000

(24.4%)

(First time I've made it over 10,000 words with this project. Yay!)

Update on the journey

Here is a blurb from my first ever Sunflower Scribe Blog Post:

In June 2010, inspiration struck. My first children’s book main character, Iris the Colorful Spider was born. The manuscript is written and now I am learning more about the editing and publishing process. The journey has just begun and I have finally found my focus. I want to be a Writer. I have come to terms with the fact that this may be a process that is years in the making but, I am up for it! Carpe Diem! I hope you enjoy the ride! I know I will.

So how am I doing in my journey now you ask?

Well, let's see...

I've written 12 new picture book manuscripts, several short stories, and 1 1/2 chapter book manuscripts.  

I've submitted and received many rejections (heartbreaking!) as well as a handful of acceptances!  My acceptance rate right now is 9.5% (I've always liked thinking in percentages!)

But really that's not the point....  

Do I still love writing? Yes! 

Have I improved at it? Yes! 

Do I still have a whole lot to learn? Yes, and I always will.

Have I met wonderfully awesome fellow writers who share the same dreams of publishing their stories?  Yes!

Each year my life experiences help to shape who I become as a Writer and where I turn to for inspiration.  It's as much a part of me now as drinking water daily.  That is what the journey is all about.  Where are you in your writing journey? Or perhaps another type of journey altogether?

12 x 12 in 12

It's official! I've signed up to for the 12 x 12 in 2012 Challenge hosted by Julie Hedlund!

What is this challenge all about?
The premise is simple. Write 12 full picture books (with a beginning, middle, and end) in 2012. It's ok if they're not submission ready. The idea is just to put pen to page, while motivating yourself and other writers in the process.  You can even earn prizes!! How about that?

I know, I know -- writing 12 full length picture books sounds like a daunting task, but as long as you have the intention of completing them, it's worthwhile to sign up!  I have heard of so many writers' success stories from their PiBoIdMo ideas, including its founder, Tara Lazar.

So far I have have completed one story in 2012 for the 12x12in12 Challenge, and two from the PiBoIdMo 2011 Challenge.  Who knows? Maybe one of them may be my next published story...

Good luck to everyone, whatever your 2012 endeavors might be.  Enjoy the process!

Progress Report 3/12/12 -- 3 down 9 to go!

Susanna Hill's Holiday Writing Contest

Author Susanna Leonard Hill is having a Holiday writing contest where you could win prizes!
     
Be creative and write a post with your own version (350 words or less) of The Night Before Christmas (it can be about any winter holiday).  Please visit Ms. Hill’s website for all the details HERE.

     
My entry is posted below.  I have been interested in writing a picture book about the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal for quite some time, but have not done it yet.  So, for my entry today the monk seal takes center stage, as I play around with the idea of what a monk seal might want for Christmas. Enjoy!!

A Monk Seal’s Christmas Wish

by 
Christine Marie Alemshah

Twas the day before Christmas, when on the small isle,

A monk seal landed ashore, on a sand pile.

The hotel staff prepared yellow tape, 

As onlookers all stared, gasped, and gaped.

The monk seal stayed all day and all night.

He was even there at the first Christmas light.

“What could a monk seal want for Christmas?” asked a small girl.

“Some fish, or shave ice, or maybe a pearl?”

She pondered and pondered, but then soon forgot, 

As she went to her room to see want Santa brought.

A stocking full of treats and trimmings,

A teddy bear, and new fins for swimming.

She busied her day with family and good cheer.

And sang her very best, “Rudolph the Reindeer.”

At dinner, she ate til her tummy might burst,

And then was filled with a very great thirst.

She walked on the beach sipping hot cider,

When she noticed the monk seal right there beside her.

The little girl still had no clue.

“Mr. Monk Seal, what can I do for you?”

Finally, at day’s end, something came from the sea.

A big wiggly shape plopped near a palm tree.

Can it be -- another monk seal?

The little girl thought she might squeal.

She was happy to see the seal got his wish,

And hoped that the two could share yummy fish.

She snuck away quietly, til she was out of sight,

and whispered, “Merry Christmas Monk Seals! Have a Good-night!”

My First contract

I'm over the moon! I received my first contract this week.  It is for for a short story entitled, Max and Digby's Big Day.  It is about a young man, Max, who trained his miniature bull terrier, Digby, in agility and is taking him to his first match.  What happens when Digby seemingly forgets his training? The story will appear in the November 2011 issue of Stories for Children Magazine. (Updated: The November issue is now available for purchase HERE.)

I have more good news to announce soon.  I hope my mailbox continues to buzz with exciting news this month...

Happy September everyone! I hope you are having as bountiful a month as I am thankful to be having!

-Christine

So Long Summer...Hello September!

So long Summer! This will go down in my books as the first summer I spent seriously devoted to writing! If I were an apple farmer I would say I had an abundant harvest this summer.  Here is just a partial list of things I accomplished.

❦ I attended my first SCBWI Summer Conference.

❦ I joined a Peer Critique Group!

❦ I connected with another Children's Writer in my neighborhood!

❦ I read 30+ picture books.

❦ I took 2 online writing courses.

❦ I wrote 4 new short stories and made progress on my Middle Grade WIP.

❦ I learned how to use a "twitter hashtag."

❦ I received my first acceptance...more news to come soon on that front!

It was a beautiful summer.  It felt so right to surround myself with writing, reading, and learning about children's literature.

Hello September! I'm back to work. I'm ready!  Just like a great harvest leads to delicious apple pie, I'm hoping my summer will lead to a fruitful fall!

Library Days: The charming Katie Wheeler Library

As I mentioned in my previous post, Library Picture Book Round Up: Week One, I've been visiting libraries at least once a week this summer.   This week I decided to visit the Katie Wheeler library in Irvine. Isn't the building charming and quaint? As I strolled up the rose lined walk leading up to the front doors, I found myself thinking of a few literary classics of my youth.  I could picture myself being transported to Prince Edward Island and seeing Anne of Green Gables, with her fiery red standing on the balcony above. It was refreshing.  It was delightful place to spend an afternoon filled with nostalgia and researching picture books!


❖Visit Katie Wheeler Irvine Library blog to learn more about the rich history of Katie Wheeler, the Irvine Company, and the Original Irvine Ranch House.

My 5 Year Old Reading Self

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to attend a Free Writing Workshop, The Seven Deadly Sins of Writing led by Author Amy Goldman Koss and hosted by SCBWI (have I mentioned how much I love them?)

Ms. Koss was very candid, funny, and realistic in her discussion with us. I will be adding her list of seven deadly writing sins to my "post-its" from now on whenever I write. (I have been guilty of at least three!)

Ms. Koss also led us in several writing exercises, one of which was to think about the age group you are writing for, write to yourself when you were that age and tell yourself where you read when you were that age.  I wanted to share a bit of what I wrote below:

When I was five my family my moved all the time.  I had very little books of my own.  Most of my reading I did at school or daycare.  I remember reading and memorizing my first poem, "The Swing" at my preschool in Hawaii just before moving to San Francisco. I would recite that poem over and over in the car -- from the airport, to the car, to our new naval housing tract.  I loved that poem and I loved reading.  It was still be a few more years before I read consistently at home with my own books... that happened when I was seven.

Isn't it amazing the things we recall about ourselves during free-writing?

Summer Writing Workshops

Hello everyone!
So I have every intention to keep blogging throughout the summer, but at the moment I can't make any promises.

And why is that you ask? Well, I have signed up to take two online writing workshops simultaneously. I have my summer off from work so it should be no biggie right? Seeing as how the last class I took was two years ago when I took a Wilton Cake Decorating class, I'm actually a bit anxious about it. I know it will be a fun, exhilirating experience. But I can't help but feel like an incoming college student all over again. Wish me luck and if all goes well, which I'm hoping it will, I will be back to blogging in no time!

RemembeRed: A Real Meal, Finally!

I gazed up at the menu with excitement. This was it, the first real food I would have in two weeks. This was the third restaurant in the food court I’d been to already, staring up at the menu deciding whether or not I could eat here. My husband didn’t say so but I could tell he just wanted me to pick something already.  

Would any of this food be ok and not get caught in the four gaping holes I had in the back of my mouth? I’d waited until I was almost thirty to get my wisdom teeth pulled out. Now I realized why this would have been much easier to do four years ago...

“Ok honey, this place is fine. I’ll have some hummus, pita and a bowl of soup.”

I found a place to sit and waited for my first real meal. Ok, it was really more mush, but atleast I was eating at a real restaurant -- and I loved Daphne’s pita bread! It’s so soft and pillowy.

I tested the bread for softness. Good good, I can chew this. I’m enjoying this. I’m enjoying food.

I relaxed and let myself enjoy lunch.

“Wanna try a green bean? it’s pretty soft?” my husband asked.

“Sure,” I replied.

He fed the green bean to me. When I bit down my jaw ached and I knew right away it was too hard. To add insult to injury the back of the green bean poked the raw gaping hole in the back of my mouth causing it to throb.

“Ouch,” I said, spitting the green bean back into my husband’s hand. He giggled.

“What? Why did you do that?” he asked puzzled.

“It was too hard!” 

Well that ended all the pleasantness of my first dining out experience since having my wisdom teeth out.  Maybe a few more days?

RemembeRed is a Memoir Meme.  
This week's prompt: Fill in the blanks, first time I ____ after ____.

Writer's Day in L.A.

Yesterday I attended the SCBWI-LA's 30th Annual Writer's Day. It was my second official writing conference since taking up writing seriously again.

I was a little anxious about attending at first. I kinda felt like that little five year old girl I once was. I was always nervous about having to move for the 3rd time in two years and then go to a new school and make new friends all over again.  Well I've come a long way since then and I am happy to report - I loved every minute of it!
The camaraderie with fellow writers was excellent. I also felt very inspired by the speakers of the day which included: Susan Patron- Author, Margaret Miller-Editor at Bloomsbury, Toni Johnston-Author, Bruce Coville- Author, and Rachel Cohn- Author.

The conference took place at Clairbourn School in San Gabriel ~ a truly beautiful campus with white picket fences, pristine playhouses and equipment, quaint buildings and bright green lawns.  I kept trying to envision children on this campus ~ and inadvertently may have created a character for a new story.

The day was jam-packed full of precious, eye-opening information for any aspiring children's writer. I walked away with a bag full of freebies, a page full of notes, and a head full of ideas. If you have a chance to attend this event next year- you are in for a treat!

I've joined SCBWI!

At the recommendation of several fellow writing friends and Children's book author Merrily Kutner I joined the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators in October 2010. As I am not yet a Published Author I am currently an Associate Member.

Here is a link to my profile page if you'd like to take a peek!

I cannot express to you how invaluable this organization has been for me thus far.  The bulletins are jam-packed with information ~ inspirational stories, online resources, contests, workshops, and much more.  When I read the March/April 2011 issue I was more inspired to write that I had been in some time. Ideas that had been stagnant seemed to come alive. SCWBI is a nationwide organization, but also has local chapters with local events. In my area I've signed up for several events coming up soon such as Writers Day in L.A. and Agents Day at Newport Seabase.

I know I have not yet tapped into all the potential benefits of SCBWI (for instance I'm still working up the courage to join a critique group.) To all aspiring children's writers, if you haven't looked into SCBWI I highly recommend it!

My Personal Journey

I think it is quite apropos that my new music obsession (actually an old music obsession that has been rekindled) is with the rock band "Journey," because I have been on quite an interesting personal journey of my own. You might notice my lack of blogging the past few months.

Well, in a nutshell...here is what happened. I was blessed enough to enjoy a family trip to one of the most beautiful places on earth ~ Tahiti, in early Nov. 2010. When I returned to a gloomy, rainy California I had a bit of a case of the post-vacation blues. Okay, more the a bit, more like a lot! Just as I was trying to recuperate and get over it I received my first rejection note from my manuscript submissions. I was expecting this of course but nonetheless I was already feeling down and this just tipped me over the edge. After that I didn't get the urge to write at all for quite some time. Once my writing bug finally returned it took a turn for the personal ~ so for the most part I have been writing in a journal, which contains such inward thoughts, its hard to share them on a blog in such a raw state. Perhaps one day I will be able to or even turn it into a story.

By the way, upon further research, I revisited that rejection note I received and found that particular publisher does not typically respond if they are not interested in your work. Just knowing that, gave me a little glimmer of hope to send manuscripts to them in the future. I am able to think of it as less of the more final "no" to merely a "not now, not this project."