Childrens Writers chat

Guests: Michele Coppola, formerly at S&S and now at Clarion, and Julie Strauss-Gabel, also of Clarion.

Tuesdays

9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT), Writers Workshop

Children's Writers chat - writers and illustrators of children's books meet for specific topics and special guest speakers, moderated by HOST WRTR WBABE & HOST WRTR CGaley, with HOST WRTR sUe & HOST WRTR Neely (Greeters).

<HTML>CWC log 10-26-99

Date: 10/26/99

Guest speakers: Michele Coppola, formerly at S&S and now at Clarion, and Julie

Strauss-Gabel, also of Clarion.

CWC Log 10-26-99

WriterBabe: Tonight I'm delighted to welcome a returning guest and a new

one:

WriterBabe: Michele Coppola, formerly at S&S and now at Clarion, and Julie

Strauss-Gabel, also of

WriterBabe: Clarion.

WriterBabe: Hiya, gals!

North110: Hi there!

WriterBabe: Before I hit you with questions, would you like to make any

opening remarks? GA

North110: We're ready for questions

WriterBabe: LOL. Okay.

WriterBabe: I'll start with Michele.

WriterBabe: What, if any, difference is there between the books you're

acquiring for Clarion as opposed

WriterBabe: to the ones you acquired at S&S?

WriterBabe: I think we'd like to know a bit about small houses vs. big ones.

GA

North110: In terms of my interests, they haven't changed--I'm still looking

for good books for toddler

North110: as well as fresh, funny middle grade fiction. The advantage

North110: of a smaller house is that I can--hopefully--sign up more new

writers.GA

WriterBabe: As you said, one of your specialities is the young picture book.

WriterBabe: What makes a good p.b.? Please talk about PLOT! GA

North110: In terms of young picture books, I think the story has to relate

to a toddler's real life

North110: experience. I'm looking for stories that deal with different

North110: aspects of their emotional development ie independence vs.

security,

North110: learning through play, etc. GA

Neely f: (If your IMs are not turned on, I can not send you a greeting.)

WriterBabe: Could you talk a bit about plot, Michele? Then I have some

questions for Julie. GA

North110: I like stories with strong beginnings, middles and endings. I like

it when the problem is

North110: specified right away--you dont' want to waste words in a picture

book!GA

WriterBabe: You feel that there are some pretty thin or limp p.b.s out

there? GA

North110: I think that many people feel they have to sacrifice story for

simplicity in young picture

North110: books. I think you can have both! GA

WriterBabe: Thanks, Michele.

WriterBabe: Julie, among other things, you're interested in s.f. and

fantasy.

WriterBabe: With the huge success of Harry Potter for Scholastic, what can

seriously compete in the

WriterBabe: marketplace with that?

WriterBabe: What advice can you offer to fantasy and s.f. writers? GA

North110: Well, before Harry Potter there were many successful books and

series in the fantasy genre

North110: books that I would certainly consider enduring classics and

personal childhood favorites

North110: there is something special about (really exceptionally written)

fantasy that speaks to young

North110: readers that endures - there may not be room for HP wannabes in

the market

North110: but I think there will always be a place for great stories that

speak to children

North110: I think that sometimes fantasy can achieve that in ways more

conventional pieces cannot

North110: GA

WriterBabe: Wow, that was marvelously articulate, Julie!

North110: thanks :)

WriterBabe: Do you have any caveats or tips to give writers of these genres?

GA

North110: Well, similar to Michele's admonition about picture books - I

think that the conventions of

North110: fantasy writing can be so familiar (almost cliche) that you have

to

North110: be extra careful to develop plot and character without falling

back

North110: on familiar territory - unoriginal territory - that's why I think

it's so hard to write

North110: it well GA

WriterBabe: Good advice.

WriterBabe: Julie, you're also interested in unique non-fiction. Please

elaborate on that.

WriterBabe: What subjects are fertile ground for exploration? What hasn't

been done before? GA

North110: Well, Clarion has always been known for our strong nonfiction list

North110: and I have been lucky enough to work on a lot of these books

North110: But really fascinating nonfiction, in my opinion, takes on topics

that are not only

North110: unique - people, events, etc. that haen't been explored - but also

subjects

North110: that really speak to the emotional needs of kids as much as

fiction does

North110: subjects that inspire and answer life questions

North110: Michele adds that there is also a need for science for toddlers

North110: that is more play-oriented

North110: And, one more thing, I think that as school curriculums are

changing and the arts are being

North110: sacrified - people should not be afraid to look at people and

events in these areas as well

North110: as more history-oriented projects (which, I think, tend to

dominate the field)

North110: GA

WriterBabe: You two are terrific! You've given us much to think about.

WriterBabe: I want to ask one more head-'em-off-at-the-pass question, then

open this to the audience.

WriterBabe: Lots of folks here worry about cover letters (not queries--cover

letters accompanying a

WriterBabe: manuscript). What do you want to see in a cover letter? GA

North110: Let me just say that we had a suspicion that this might come up :)

WriterBabe: LOL. I wonder why? :->

North110: We agree that what really needs to speak for your work is your

work - the manuscript itself

North110: We often return to the cover letter, looking for more personal

info.

North110: But I don't think that either one of us really feels the need, or

is lured, by a pitch

North110: Personally (Julie) I'd prefer a clean, very professional cover

letter than anything else

North110: But do include any writing credentials and if you're writing

nonfiction tell us about your

North110: research - esp. if your book is the only one of its kind

North110: If it's a nonfiction proposal, it is important to tell us where

you're going with the

North110: project if it's not complete

North110: We also agree about a few things we don't want to see:

North110: Pages and pages of marketing suggestions (and toy tie-in ideas)

North110: and scheduling demands - like, publish this by Christmas '99

Boro1burs: has anyone ever read Sleepy, it's a short story by Anton Checof

North110: Also, while we enjoy them, personal photos aren't necessary

North110: And be sure to call ahead and confirm that the editor is still at

the house, his/her title,

North110: and name spelling

North110: GA

CGaley: (Borolburs, we're in protocol. Please wait to be called on! :-))

Boro1burs: sorry

WriterBabe: Don't you want to know the writer's astrological sign? ;-)

WriterBabe: Thanks for your terrific answers.

WriterBabe: And now, gang, it's your turn.

CarolynB34: ?

WriterBabe: Type ? or !

North110: Only if you're a taurus or a libra - otherwise, no

North110: GA

WriterBabe: Ooh, I feel privileged, being a Libra myself.

Jgregers: ?

WriterBabe: Carolyn, you're up first.

CarolynB34: Regarding manuscripts that you are strongly considering for

publication but you

CarolynB34: ultimately reject, can you identify one or more major flaws

CarolynB34: you find that prevents you from publishing them? GA

North110: In general? Or is the question if we strive to send this

information to the author?

North110: GA

CarolynB34: In general

CarolynB34: not what the author is told -- just your thought process

North110: sometimes characters aren't well developed, the story/plot has

flaws

CarolynB34: !

North110: sometimes it;s a matter of timing, or the market, if there are

similar projects, or we just

North110: did something very similar and the project might not stand out in

that sea

North110: GA

CarolynB34: can marketability alone sink an otherwise great story?

WriterBabe: Good question, Carolyn.

North110: Not a great story, no - but sometimes even good, solid, stories

lack a spark that would

North110: really make it worth fighting for

North110: BUT at Clarion we really are editorially driven - but AS EDITORS,

we still have to consider

RoxyanneY: ?

RosaPearI: ?

MaryCronk: ?

North110: the market - not just for the house, but for the success of your

project

North110: GA

WriterBabe: Jg, you're next.

Jgregers: How do you describe voice? Or a compelling voice? One compelling

enough to publish?

CarolynB34: thanks!

North110: A good voice is part of having a good character - it's knowing who

that person is, it's that

North110: voice that is the reader's lifeline to the rest of the book

North110: Voice is the way writer's distinguish who they are - their

distinct mark on the story

North110: GA

WriterBabe: Your answers are terrific.

Inkdot100: ?

WriterBabe: Roxy, go ahead.

RoxyanneY: Could you expand on your comment about science for toddlers?

Maybe an example? My daughter

RoxyanneY: and I made ice cubes yesterday in dolphin-shaped trays. Is that

what you mean by play-like?

RoxyanneY: GA

Writes4kdz: ?

North110: Yes! There are a lot of good science books out there but most of

them are too complicated/

North110: advanced for this age group. And toddlers learn so much through

play. GA

WriterBabe: Rosa, you're up next.

RosaPearI: Is it difficult for a new author to get published in this genre?

RosaPearI: /ga

North110: Do you mean young picture books?GA

RoxyanneY: Thank you [and I won't pitch that with the obvious toy icetray

tie-in. :) ]

WriterBabe: LOL

RosaPearI: actually both, I entertain my grandson (1) and my own (7-8-14)

RosaPearI: /ga

North110: Which genre? GA (Sorry to be confused)

RosaPearI: P.B and fiction for elementary

North110: If you have a good story to tell, it will get noticed!GA

RosaPearI: thank you /ga

WriterBabe: Mary, your turn.

MaryCronk: Is there much room or call for middle-grade realistic fiction

right now?(that's not humor)GA

WriterRoss: ?

North110: Yes, again if it's a strong story, it will stand out. I (Michele)

happen to be particularly

North110: interested in humor for this age group.GA

MaryCronk: what about non-humorous?

MaryCronk: GA

North110: Sure, if it's well written and unusual.GA

WriterBabe: Ink, fire away.

Inkdot100: How do you decide which books in your list you 'get behind' in

terms of promotion? In what

Inkdot100: way do reviews matter?

Inkdot100: GA

North110: Clarion prides itself on supporting its backlist and supporting

authors

North110: We try to make sure that our frontlist goes out to every key

reviewer/journal/etc - and get

North110: behind our projects.

North110: We don't let books get ignored or die - but there's never the

decision to really push some

North110: books at the expense of others - we try to get them all out there

North110: GA

Inkdot100: OK, thanks.

WriterBabe: Writes4, go ahead.

Writes4kdz: Since Clarion is editorial driven, how much of finished product

do you have to see in a ms?

Writes4kdz: 90% there?

Writes4kdz: GA

North110: Do you mean if we want to see a complete ms submitted? Or do you

mean does it need to be

North110: near perfect at the time of submission? GA

Writes4kdz: How near perfect?

North110: Near perfect enough that we get a sense of your skill as a writer

and a storyteller

North110: we all pride ourselves on working with authors and editing

manuscripts - and things always

North110: change, evolve, get edited over time after they're accepted

North110: but we still want to see your best work - we need to see how well

you write

North110: GA

Writes4kdz: Thank you!

WriterBabe: WRoss, you're next.

WriterRoss: When you take on a manuscript, where do you begin your work as

its editor? What do you love

WriterRoss: about your roles as editors? Thanks.

North110: My work begins the moment I see your manuscript. The fun begins

once I can see something--

North110: and then it's a matter of talking to the author to see if their

vision matches mine. I don't

Neely f: %^%^%^%^ 5 MINUTE WARNING %%^%%^

North110: like reading manuscripts nearly as much as I like talking about

them with my writers and

North110: working out solutions.GA

WriterBabe: (Who's speaking--Michele or Julie, or both?)

WriterRoss: Visions and voices. Thanks, Michelle and Julie.

North110: that happened to be Michele - but we've been sharing - sorry

WriterRoss: Sharing a common voice and vision. :>

WriterBabe: Thanks.

WriterRoss: Thanks-- all done.

WriterBabe: The queue's empty. Any other questions, folks?

MaryCronk: ?

Writes4kdz: ?

WriterBabe: Mary, go ahead.

RoxyanneY: ?

MaryCronk: thoughts on simultaneous subs??

North110: I think we both feel that simultaneous is okay to the slush pile

North110: but if you're targeting an editor, better to send out one at a

time, with a deadline if you

North110: like . . . If you're sending something to us that you're telling

us is perfect

North110: for our tastes and our needs - but note that it also went to 5

other people

North110: for whom it would always be "perfect" it doesn't make sense

North110: GA

WriterBabe: Well, it could be perfect for everyone? LOL

WriterBabe: Writes4, go ahead.

Writes4kdz: How full are your lists now? Also, what's the response time for

Clarion right now?

Writes4kdz: GA

North110: We're probably acquiring for 2001 and beyond right now

North110: and we're always looking at things, of course . . .

North110: As for response time, it varies by editor and depends on lots of

things

North110: Time of year, etc. For example, we're in a short season now, and

less able to read

North110: as much/as quickly as we might be able to at a slower time of the

year

North110: GA

Writes4kdz: Is there a better time of year to submit than others?

Writes4kdz: GA

North110: It depends on the house, but I think that fall/winter tends to be

busier in most places

North110: it's like back to school - summer can be slower (but not too

slow!)

North110: But don't send us stuff next summer - we're both getting married

in August

North110: GA

WriterBabe: Every season is busy as far as I can see. ;-)

WriterBabe: LOL, Michele and Julie--and mazel tov, as my mom would say.

WriterBabe: Roxy, last question.

RoxyanneY: What's your dream submission? What would you love to see on your

desk tomorrow? ga

Writes4kdz: Aug. 15th bride here. (12 years ago ; )

Writes4kdz: thanks!

WriterRoss: (You know, I've noticed a lot of people in publishing marry in

August.) []

North110: Summer Fridays Marilyn

North110: whoops - wrong person! Sorry!

WriterBabe: LOL

North110: Julie: The next Winnie the Pooh

WriterBabe: Talking animals, Julie?

North110: But, seriously, something that really gets under my skin, touches

me and

North110: makes me feel as excited about reading that mansucript as I

North110: did when reading my fav books as a kid

North110: Something that takes me back and forget who and where I am -

North110: I felt that way when I read HOLES, btw.

North110: Marilyn, you know I want to reach those 11-13 year old girls, so

give me the next ARE YOU

Neely f: ^*^*^**^*^** -5 MINUTE WARNING *^**^*^* LOL

North110: THERE GOD, IT'S ME MARGARET! (Michele)GA

RoxyanneY: Excellent, thank you both, and best wishes on your weddings.

North110: thanks

WriterBabe: That does it for time, folks. Julie and Michele, any final

remarks? GA

North110: Give us those dream submissions!GA

Writes4kdz: I have it Michele!

Writes4kdz: : )

WriterBabe: Thank you both for being such truly wonderful guests!

MaryCronk: Thanks so much, Michele & Julie! Really appreciate you being

here

North110: Anytime

BOEDEN: Excellent workshop! Marilyn, terrific questions. You have the knack.

WriterBabe: A huge round of applause, folks!

TEs angel: Thank you, Michele and Julie! Good luck with your wedding

plans... Thanks, Marilyn!

Pete n Gun: Thanks Michele and Julie. Thanks Marilyn, Chuck, Donna, Sue,

and others. Great guests.

BOEDEN: Wonderful direct answers Guests. THANK YOU!

CarolynB34: thanks so much -- great chat!

WriterBabe: ;-) Sue

LindaRyter: Thanks!

BOEDEN: Thanks Workshop crew, Donna Chuck. Happy writing all. Nighty night.

Lizbooks: Thanks! You were both super!

MJAlso: Thanks, Michelle and Julie. Great chat!

RPYaman: Thanks Julie and Michele. Great workshop!

BOEDEN: Ü

Julisari: Thank you Julie and Michele!!!!!!!!!

Writes4kdz: Whoop Whoop! Thank you.

Neely f: ()()()()()()( Clapping )()()()()()

Jgregers: Hi Sue!

>>

</HTML>

Search This Blog

Strange Texts

Childrens Writers chat - Clarion

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

WHAT THE WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA HAD TO SAY ABOUT WHAT WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE HAPPENED in 1874

Uninterruptable Power Source (UPS) FAQ

Blade Runner FAQ