Showing posts with label children's books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children's books. Show all posts
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Day #197: Getting an Awesome Illustrator
It looks like Charlesbridge may have selected an illustrator for my picture book, Around the World in a Bathtub. Nothing is definite, no contracts have been signed, but with a little luck my tale of bath time rituals around the globe will be illustrated by someone who creates beautiful art such as this...
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Day #126: Wrangling Rejection
I was tempted to title this article "Dealing with Rejection," but what does that verb "deal" even mean? To me, it has the connotation of card games. It makes me think of Hearts -- when you're dealt that deadly Queen of Spades and you have to decide if you want to keep it or pass it along to another sucker at the table.
"Dealing" also makes me think of "wheeling and dealing," as if I am working at a used car lot, and I'm trying to convince a customer to but a Ford Pinto that has been "well-loved" by its previous owner. That kind of "dealing" seems like a form of self-deception. Or it could be deflection -- you're passing this lemon onto somebody or something else. The same way we'd like to pass the blame onto someone else when we get a rejection from an agent or a publishing house. "They just don't know how brilliant I am! It's their loss!"
I used to "deal" with rejection letters by ignoring them. It was easy when I was young. Most of my rejections were soulless form letters, and since the editors/agents put little effort into giving me feedback, I put very little effort into feeling rejected.
But that changed when my writing improved and people began to send me "thoughtful" rejection letters. That's when you get some encouragement, some positive criticism, but it ultimately ends in a "no thank you." Those ones were painful. Sure, I was happy to receive the praise... but it was frustrating to get so close to publication, only to ultimately get handed a big fat NO.
When my first play was finally published (this was back in 1999) I had been a sniveling author for about 13 years of my life. (I say "sniveling" instead of "struggling" because my best friend and wife Cheri made my life the opposite of a struggle -- but I sure did whine a lot during those early writing years.) After that first small but meaningful success, it was easier to absorb the sting of rejections.
Today, I still snivel. But I sell a lot more plays, and I've got a few books sold as well. I don't whine nearly as much. Rejection still hurts. It still annoys me. It's still frustrating. But I don't try to "deal" with those feelings, that is to say I don't try to deflect them or argue against them. I don't curse the publishing industry whilst shaking my fist at the sky.
I listen. And I learn. And I allow myself to feel however the rejection makes me feel. I don't wallow in misery, but I don't automatically try to turn that frown upside down. Two days ago, I received some very insightful notes from an editor and, you can guess where this is going, she ultimately decided to pass on the project. I wasn't terribly surprised, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. So I let myself feel disappointment, going over the comments as many times as I like. I've been wrangling this rejection for the past 48 hours, and now I've got a ton of creative energy, and a better understanding of what that particular editor is looking for, as well as ideas on how to continue to improve my writing. Oh, and along the way my frown has turned upside down, all by itself.
Rejection used to hit me like a stampede. It would trample my ego for weeks on end. There's no way to "wheel and deal" a herd of cattle when it charges in your direction. But there is a way to wrangle those beasts and make them work for you!
"Dealing" also makes me think of "wheeling and dealing," as if I am working at a used car lot, and I'm trying to convince a customer to but a Ford Pinto that has been "well-loved" by its previous owner. That kind of "dealing" seems like a form of self-deception. Or it could be deflection -- you're passing this lemon onto somebody or something else. The same way we'd like to pass the blame onto someone else when we get a rejection from an agent or a publishing house. "They just don't know how brilliant I am! It's their loss!"
I used to "deal" with rejection letters by ignoring them. It was easy when I was young. Most of my rejections were soulless form letters, and since the editors/agents put little effort into giving me feedback, I put very little effort into feeling rejected.
But that changed when my writing improved and people began to send me "thoughtful" rejection letters. That's when you get some encouragement, some positive criticism, but it ultimately ends in a "no thank you." Those ones were painful. Sure, I was happy to receive the praise... but it was frustrating to get so close to publication, only to ultimately get handed a big fat NO.
When my first play was finally published (this was back in 1999) I had been a sniveling author for about 13 years of my life. (I say "sniveling" instead of "struggling" because my best friend and wife Cheri made my life the opposite of a struggle -- but I sure did whine a lot during those early writing years.) After that first small but meaningful success, it was easier to absorb the sting of rejections.
Today, I still snivel. But I sell a lot more plays, and I've got a few books sold as well. I don't whine nearly as much. Rejection still hurts. It still annoys me. It's still frustrating. But I don't try to "deal" with those feelings, that is to say I don't try to deflect them or argue against them. I don't curse the publishing industry whilst shaking my fist at the sky.
I listen. And I learn. And I allow myself to feel however the rejection makes me feel. I don't wallow in misery, but I don't automatically try to turn that frown upside down. Two days ago, I received some very insightful notes from an editor and, you can guess where this is going, she ultimately decided to pass on the project. I wasn't terribly surprised, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. So I let myself feel disappointment, going over the comments as many times as I like. I've been wrangling this rejection for the past 48 hours, and now I've got a ton of creative energy, and a better understanding of what that particular editor is looking for, as well as ideas on how to continue to improve my writing. Oh, and along the way my frown has turned upside down, all by itself.
Rejection used to hit me like a stampede. It would trample my ego for weeks on end. There's no way to "wheel and deal" a herd of cattle when it charges in your direction. But there is a way to wrangle those beasts and make them work for you!
Monday, January 26, 2015
Day #21: Hey, It Worked!
Turns out, that Priority List I made actually works. At least it helped me today. I copied and pasted yesterday's blog entry and taped it to my office door, right next to my Done-It List. The interesting thing about the priority list is that it's like an annotated To-Do list. I've got it in order of importance, but I also write about why it's important to me, what I've done so far, and what I need to do next.
Sometimes when I have a lot of projects cooking at once, I get flustered and don't know what to do next. (Then, the anti-productive part of my mind tells me to take a nap or eat ice cream.)
But that didn't happen today. Today was a very house-task oriented day. My wife is painting and re-organizing the kitchen/dining room area. I've been helping out as much as an incompetent husband can. The place looks great, by the way. My wife a whirlwind of organized multitasks -- it comes to her so naturally, unlike me! Anyway, after all of the housework was completed, my wife went to the martial arts studio with the girls, leaving me with about an hour to myself.
I looked at the Priority List on the Door, and knew right away the the Top Three Items were unworkable at this time. But Item #4 -- that was definitely doable. So, I revised the latest picture book. It didn't take too long since I had great notes from my agent, and I had been brainstorming all afternoon while I was doing housework. Whenever I do menial labor I go straight into head-in-the-clouds mode. I often get my best ideas while vacuuming.
It's evening now. I sent my agent the newly revised draft. Cross your fingers that she falls in love with it.
Challenge Total: $112.64
Sometimes when I have a lot of projects cooking at once, I get flustered and don't know what to do next. (Then, the anti-productive part of my mind tells me to take a nap or eat ice cream.)
But that didn't happen today. Today was a very house-task oriented day. My wife is painting and re-organizing the kitchen/dining room area. I've been helping out as much as an incompetent husband can. The place looks great, by the way. My wife a whirlwind of organized multitasks -- it comes to her so naturally, unlike me! Anyway, after all of the housework was completed, my wife went to the martial arts studio with the girls, leaving me with about an hour to myself.
I looked at the Priority List on the Door, and knew right away the the Top Three Items were unworkable at this time. But Item #4 -- that was definitely doable. So, I revised the latest picture book. It didn't take too long since I had great notes from my agent, and I had been brainstorming all afternoon while I was doing housework. Whenever I do menial labor I go straight into head-in-the-clouds mode. I often get my best ideas while vacuuming.
It's evening now. I sent my agent the newly revised draft. Cross your fingers that she falls in love with it.
Challenge Total: $112.64
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Day #20: Prioritizing
The following is a list of my latest creative projects. They are at various levels of completion, but most of them are fully drafted and need revision (or need an editor's thumbs up).
I've tried to list them in order of importance to help keep my priorities straight.
#1) There's a Dinosaur on the 14th Floor -- The contract is being drawn up this month and (to the best of my knowledge) should be delivered to my agent before February. Then, the editors at Candlewick will contact me regarding revisions. (I'm in waiting mode with this project, but I am definitely excited about this book! It's my first fiction title!)
ACTION: Wait for revision notes.
#2) Around the World in a Bathtub -- I'm awaiting editor notes on this one too. In the meantime, I'm researching, fact-checking, and fine-tuning what I already have. (And I can't wait to find out who they choose as the illustrator!)
ACTION: Finish fact checking. Wait for revision notes.
#3) The Three Musketeers -- The second draft is complete, and I've already submitted to one publishing company. Auditions on the last weekend of January, and then it's solid months of rehearsal. (Did I mention I'm directing? I'm gonna be a busy guy.)
ACTION: Prepare for audition. Figure out blocking.
#4) New Picture Book #1 -- Keeping the titles secret on newer projects. the first draft of this manuscript was all rhyming couplets. And although the poetry was funny and proficient at the beginning, it soon falls apart -- serving as a good illustration as to why so many modern editors cringe when they hear the phrase "rhyming picture book."
For the second draft, I sketched out the entire story. (No, I am not planning to be the book's illustrator.) That really help me understand the story's focus and helped solidified what I call a "playful structure."
My agent has read this. She likes it, but it can be improved. So, hopefully in a few days I'll be done with the third draft. (And my agent will go from "like" to "love." Basically, if she loves something it is as good as sold!
ACTION: Revise and Re-Submit
#5) New Picture Book #2 -- I've completed a couple drafts of this project. The first one happened about two years ago. It sat in the drawer for a long time because the story was lacking something. Then, about a month ago I had an epiphany about the main character. That led to a reinvention and ultimately a stronger story. I'll be sending it to my agent soon -- but I might wait until Picture Book #1 is settled.
ACTION: Polish current draft. Send when the time is right.
#6) Camp Omigosh -- I've been working on this for a long time. Not just the writing part, but also trying to figure out how to get this book out into the great wide world. Right now, it looks like a new small press publishing house is very interested in helping me bring the book to readers. I'll let you know more about this very soon. But first I'm waiting to hear back from the editor. (Who is a good writer friend of mine, so hopefully that's to my advantage.)
ACTION: Wait for editor feedback. Brainstorm marketing ideas.
#7) "Strangers" -- A One Act Play -- I love this thirty minute play. I think it's right up there with "Conflict," maybe even better. But I sent it to Playscripts back in June and haven't heard from them yet. I sent it to a couple other places too, and haven't heard back. So maybe they aren't interested.
ACTION: Touch base with editors and/or submit to more places.
#8) Pet Store Book -- This is something I wrote about five years ago. I'm still interested in bringing it to life, but not sure what to do with it. It needs to develop in a more specific direction. Right now it's a chapter book for younger readers, but it seems to have a middle school sense of humor.
ACTION: Brainstorm & Choose a Direction
I've tried to list them in order of importance to help keep my priorities straight.
#1) There's a Dinosaur on the 14th Floor -- The contract is being drawn up this month and (to the best of my knowledge) should be delivered to my agent before February. Then, the editors at Candlewick will contact me regarding revisions. (I'm in waiting mode with this project, but I am definitely excited about this book! It's my first fiction title!)
ACTION: Wait for revision notes.
#2) Around the World in a Bathtub -- I'm awaiting editor notes on this one too. In the meantime, I'm researching, fact-checking, and fine-tuning what I already have. (And I can't wait to find out who they choose as the illustrator!)
ACTION: Finish fact checking. Wait for revision notes.
#3) The Three Musketeers -- The second draft is complete, and I've already submitted to one publishing company. Auditions on the last weekend of January, and then it's solid months of rehearsal. (Did I mention I'm directing? I'm gonna be a busy guy.)
ACTION: Prepare for audition. Figure out blocking.
#4) New Picture Book #1 -- Keeping the titles secret on newer projects. the first draft of this manuscript was all rhyming couplets. And although the poetry was funny and proficient at the beginning, it soon falls apart -- serving as a good illustration as to why so many modern editors cringe when they hear the phrase "rhyming picture book."
For the second draft, I sketched out the entire story. (No, I am not planning to be the book's illustrator.) That really help me understand the story's focus and helped solidified what I call a "playful structure."
My agent has read this. She likes it, but it can be improved. So, hopefully in a few days I'll be done with the third draft. (And my agent will go from "like" to "love." Basically, if she loves something it is as good as sold!
ACTION: Revise and Re-Submit
#5) New Picture Book #2 -- I've completed a couple drafts of this project. The first one happened about two years ago. It sat in the drawer for a long time because the story was lacking something. Then, about a month ago I had an epiphany about the main character. That led to a reinvention and ultimately a stronger story. I'll be sending it to my agent soon -- but I might wait until Picture Book #1 is settled.
ACTION: Polish current draft. Send when the time is right.
#6) Camp Omigosh -- I've been working on this for a long time. Not just the writing part, but also trying to figure out how to get this book out into the great wide world. Right now, it looks like a new small press publishing house is very interested in helping me bring the book to readers. I'll let you know more about this very soon. But first I'm waiting to hear back from the editor. (Who is a good writer friend of mine, so hopefully that's to my advantage.)
ACTION: Wait for editor feedback. Brainstorm marketing ideas.
#7) "Strangers" -- A One Act Play -- I love this thirty minute play. I think it's right up there with "Conflict," maybe even better. But I sent it to Playscripts back in June and haven't heard from them yet. I sent it to a couple other places too, and haven't heard back. So maybe they aren't interested.
ACTION: Touch base with editors and/or submit to more places.
#8) Pet Store Book -- This is something I wrote about five years ago. I'm still interested in bringing it to life, but not sure what to do with it. It needs to develop in a more specific direction. Right now it's a chapter book for younger readers, but it seems to have a middle school sense of humor.
ACTION: Brainstorm & Choose a Direction
P.S. I realize that some of this listing and organizing might not be exciting for those of you who read this blog. I thank you for your patience. By writing these things -- and posting them so they are out in public -- it helps me become more focused, and it holds me more accountable for the goals I set.
Friday, January 23, 2015
Day #18: The Importance of Tinkering
I am simultaneously revising two projects right now. One is brand new, and I'm not giving away the title just yet. We'll call it the WILD RIDE PROJECT for now. This is the picture book I sent to my agent. She said she "really likes" it, which means it's close but not perfect yet. (Maybe nothing is ever perfect, but it's not close to perfection yet.)
The other book is AROUND THE WORLD IN A BATHTUB. This one was sold to Charlesbridge Books a couple months ago. I will be getting notes from my editor very soon, but in the meantime I have been revising the non-fiction elements of the book. I've been doing a lot of fact checking, and learning a lot about the context of each culture's language.
I found a Cultural Center based in Bethel, Alaska (located in the middle of the tundra) and I've created a list of questions to ask their librarian. I called today, but the office wasn't open. I'll try again tomorrow.
In addition to getting research details, I've been tinkering with each of the books. This is a bit different than simply revising the text. I've been sketching, creating an entire picture book dummy to determine the page-turnability of the manuscript. So far, the WILD RIDE book has some great parts, but there are a few things in middle that could be improved.
Tinkering with the Bathtub book is trickier, because I don't know what revision notes I'm going to get. But I do know that the Bathtub book is similar to "Why Do I Have to Make My Bed" in that every two pages is a different setting... I'm trying to figure out how to create more surprise and delight with each turn of the page. Wish me luck as I keep on tinkering.
Challenge Total: $112.64
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Day #10: Video Game Novels?
I was at Barnes and Noble the other day, and they had a big display table filled with Minecraft books. Some of them were official guidebooks, but a lot of them were these unauthorized books, all of which seem to have been self-published.
If you look at these books on Amazon, you'll see that they receive high rankings. And getting your self published book displayed at Barnes and Noble is no easy task. I'm jealous yet impressed as well as curious.
I've already missed the Minecraft train, but I'm going to investigate new and trendy video games that are on the rise. It might be amusing to try writing a chapter or two based on a video game world.
Challenge Total: $116.82
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Day #2: $20,000 Challenge - Brainstorm
So, in today's blog I want to brainstorm a bit about my goals and strategies for my $20,000 Challenge.
I'm attempting to earn "extra income" during the next 364 days, so that by the time January 5th, 2016 rolls around I'll have a whole lotta cash in a savings account, and be on the right track toward a debt-free lifestyle.
Currently, about 80% of my income is generated from my teaching career. 20% of my income is generated from my children's plays.
So, where do I plan to get the new income? I'm not sure yet, and that's part of the challenge (and part of the fun). But one definite source will hopefully be my books.
As you already know if you follow this blog, my first picture book "Why Do I Have to Make My Bed?" was published in 2011. Selling my second book was a long, hard, good fight... A fight that I finally won. In 2014, my agent sold "Around the World in a Bathtub." I am hoping to keep this literary success going and sign a third contract in early 2015. Keep your fingers crossed and I'll give you more details about it when I can.
In addition to my picture books, I have several other novel length projects sitting around the office, just waiting for the chance to go out into the world. And aside from selling creative stuff, I'll be looking for other ways to generate revenue. So far, my only non-writer idea is Ebay... Maybe I'll get more inventive as the year proceeds. Oh wait! I know! I'll check under the couch cushions for loose change!
Darn. Nothing there. My first set back.
Each time I do a blog post about the $20,000 challenge, I will end by letting the reader know how much I have earned so far. I'll do so now...
Score: Wade has earned $0.
I'm attempting to earn "extra income" during the next 364 days, so that by the time January 5th, 2016 rolls around I'll have a whole lotta cash in a savings account, and be on the right track toward a debt-free lifestyle.
Currently, about 80% of my income is generated from my teaching career. 20% of my income is generated from my children's plays.
So, where do I plan to get the new income? I'm not sure yet, and that's part of the challenge (and part of the fun). But one definite source will hopefully be my books.
As you already know if you follow this blog, my first picture book "Why Do I Have to Make My Bed?" was published in 2011. Selling my second book was a long, hard, good fight... A fight that I finally won. In 2014, my agent sold "Around the World in a Bathtub." I am hoping to keep this literary success going and sign a third contract in early 2015. Keep your fingers crossed and I'll give you more details about it when I can.
In addition to my picture books, I have several other novel length projects sitting around the office, just waiting for the chance to go out into the world. And aside from selling creative stuff, I'll be looking for other ways to generate revenue. So far, my only non-writer idea is Ebay... Maybe I'll get more inventive as the year proceeds. Oh wait! I know! I'll check under the couch cushions for loose change!
Darn. Nothing there. My first set back.
Each time I do a blog post about the $20,000 challenge, I will end by letting the reader know how much I have earned so far. I'll do so now...
Score: Wade has earned $0.
Monday, June 16, 2014
My Writing Activities: May 15th - June 15th
During the last two summers, I took a break from teaching and went up to Washington state. It was a blast! Lot's of adventures with the family, and lots of time to work on writing projects.
This summer -- in order to start saving for my daughters' college funds -- correction, in order to first pay off some credit card bill and THEN start saving for college -- I will be teaching two courses.
At first I was very sad about this. However, it turns out that because I knew I wouldn't have as much free time this summer, I have spent the last four weeks (my break between spring and summer classes) being ultra-creative and mega-productive. The last thirty days have been a wild ride that has produced a couple new picture books, two new plays, the final chapters of my middle grade novel, and a whole lot of revision.
Oh, and I am signed up for the upcoming SCBWI conference in Los Angeles this August.
Whew!
Oh, the other not-so-sad part. My classes take place only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, in the afternoon. So, when you think about it, I still get five days off a week. Ever since I've been hired full time at Moorpark College, I have been counting my blessings. I get paid to teach students about writing and literature, and I get a nice chunk of free-time. Can't get much better than that!
Friday, October 11, 2013
About Wade
Wade Bradford grew up in rainy Washington California
I have loved writing since I was a little kid. My specialties are: plays, young adult
novels, middle-grade fiction, and picture books.
In 2000, my first play was published by Eldridge Plays. Since that time, the following plays have
been published by Eldridge, Heuer, and Big Dog Plays. <a href="http://www.wadebradford.com/plays.html">You
can find a complete list of the plays here.</a>
Here's some of my ongoing internet projects:
Wade's Google+ Page -- Ugh, isn't that enough social media???
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