by Mary Rand Hess, editor, Story Pie Press
Oh, hi there! You must be a children’s writer, too. I bet you feel like part of a rather special group of kids who pretend to be adults, right? You’re supposed to do adult-like things such as pay the bills, fold laundry, and scrub toilets. Instead, you find yourself imagining finches that perform operas at dawn, or a secret tunnel that leads to an underground zoo of zombies. If only your family and friends knew how important it was to write down these stories before adult-like memory sets in and foils your attempts.
As I was saying, you are special because you have been given the gift of story. And not just any type of story, you have been given the gift of writing stories for children. These stories inspire those future adults who will one day be responsible for our nation and other nations. Does that feel like a heavy burden? Well, it might, but it shouldn’t. We’re not writing about hedge fund fraud, tax cuts, Medicare, and unemployment. We’re writing about things that strike the heart cord, like bravery, happiness, love, fun, sadness, acceptance, and healing. We’re writing stories that every adult, who reads to a child at night, clings to in remembrance of his or her own childhood. Picture books are for everyone, but especially for children, even big children like you and me.
Now let me say, I completely understand you because I sit on both sides of the table, as a writer and editor. I understand the toiling away at words, the mania of wonderful ideas pouring into the mind like a chocolate river, tempting you to abandon all else. And here it is the month of Thanksgiving and you’re willing to risk failure on Turkey Day for a chance to write 30 picture book ideas in a month, one each day…even on Thanksgiving Day. So Cheers to all that we are thankful for this Thanksgiving, including an abundance of story ideas. Just remember to set the timer on the oven.
As you set out to conquer this challenge, keep in mind that as a writer you have one responsibility…tell a good story, a story only you can tell. Words are free. You don’t have to go to your neighborhood art-o-rama store and buy hundreds of dollars worth of word supply. You only have to pay in time, time spent in your story zone with words… thousands and thousands of words…beautiful, descriptive, hungry words. Perfect words that make your readers say, “Please pass the book.” Because at the end of a day, and whether it was a rotten one or an exceptional one, everyone could use a good read, especially one that comes from an excellent picture book. When one reads a picture book, all seems well with the world, right? Add a little chocolate, tea or coffee, and there is no question the world is right. You have survived another day. Children need this sense of comfort, too. They often have heavy burdens that we don’t know about. Being a kid is not always bubblegum and water balloons. A good book proves to a child that knowledge grows from words. And knowledge, as they say, is power. A child needs to feel that empowerment and to live in the shoes of a favorite character. Might a child run away to an island where the Wild Things are gnashing their teeth, and return to find his supper still hot? Unlikely, but a child can tell you what that experience was like in Max’s clawed feet. And that same child recognizes himself in Max, still loved even after getting in trouble. That’s what we strive for as writers, relatable characters…no matter the circumstances.
As an editor, I look for the same things I look for as a writer, characters and situations that inspire me, pulling me into a world I want and need to know about. When I sit down to write a story, I always pick the characters that reside in my heart. As an editor, I want an author to give me a story that’s truly special, one that an author couldn’t say no to when the story whispered, “I’m here. I know it’s not convenient right now, but you need to write me.”
I remember when Samson’s Tale and Good News Nelson came across my desk. Both stories had something undeniable about them, both were stories that only those authors could write. Both were my immediate favorites, made me cry, made me laugh, and when they went off to the focus group, they resonated the same way with those parents, librarians, teachers, and kids. Pure magic…the gift of story that roams in the soul, that doesn’t mimic the next great thing, but instead mimics the beat of the author’s heart and the dance of the author’s own authentic imagination.
Before I close, I want you to imagine, in this magical month of November, that a mysterious tree has appeared at the center of your favorite park (or garden), brimming with interesting colors. These colors aren’t just any old autumn colors, they are personal to you: cadmium red, Paris gray, burnt umber, diarylide yellow, turquoise, the color of love, the color of surprise. Only you know what that tree looks like, as each leaf represents an idea. There are hundreds of those leaves falling, falling into a pile begging for you to jump in. In that pile is the promise of a great story.
So please jump in already, and allow yourself to relish in the freedom of endless story ideas. And remember to write the stories only you can write.
Happy writing,
Mary Rand Hess
Mary Rand Hess is editor at the deliciously scrumptious Story Pie Press. She’s also a children’s author, creative writing and drama teacher, allergy awareness advocate, mixed media artist, and MOM (a title that rightfully deserves to be in all caps).
Story Pie Press is an independent publishing house that strives to produce children’s books that will entertain and empower readers from generation to generation.
Our Mission is to publish great books, printed in safe, eco-friendly venues within the United States. Each book that is published will be associated with a charitable cause. A portion of the proceeds from each book will go to various organizations in an effort to help raise awareness for causes related to education and health.
Our Motto is heart-filled and good for the soul…“baking” stories that will have a positive impact on the lives of our readers, the organizations and charities we support, and the world around us.
49 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 5, 2011 at 11:32 am
beckylevine
Wonderful post, Mary. Thanks for the inspiration!
November 5, 2011 at 11:34 am
Bethany Telles
Fantastically inspiring!! I’m out to look for MY tree right now! Thank you, this has really helped me today.
November 5, 2011 at 11:57 am
sabrina
Thank you Mary, for reminding me that my writing is a gift. When sometimes I feel strange for ‘seeing things that no one else seems to be seeing ‘ (and i’m not talking paranormal stuff, I mean the zombies and gnomes digging that tunnel into the ground right there….), it’s easy to forget a rich imagination is a gift and not a curse….
I will need to think though; I wonder if there’s indeed for everyone a story that only they can tell…..
November 30, 2011 at 1:17 pm
Jennifer DuBose
haha!
November 5, 2011 at 11:58 am
Jo Ann Kairys
I love your idea about imagining colors of trees and leaves to prompt story images. This perspective really helped inspire my children’s picture book, Sunbelievable (http://storyquestbooks.com), which, I learned yesterday, won the 2012 Mom’s Choice Award in the category, “Imagine-it!” Thanks for your post!
November 5, 2011 at 12:13 pm
Jodi Moore
Mary, thank you…not only for an inspiring post, not only for taking such great care of me – and “Nelson”, but for reinforcing the importance and honor of what we all do as children’s writers. Children’s books ARE hard-bound hugs!!! Sending a HUGE one to YOU!!! ❤
*jumps in leaf pile* 😉
November 5, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Jeanie Wogaman
That was motivating! Thanks!
November 5, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Dana Carey
Thank you, Mary for a very inspiring post that gets to the spirit of writing for children. And I really loved your colors– especially “Paris gray”. I live in France and that really is a color but I never thought of it that way before.
November 5, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Lynn
Wow! I feel as if I have just been hugged. Thank you for your intelligent insight, and for the encouragement.
November 5, 2011 at 12:39 pm
Robyn Campbell
Lovely thoughts, lovely words give lots of lovely ideas. Thanks! *smiling and waving*
November 5, 2011 at 12:43 pm
Loni Edwards
Thank you Mary, this was a great post. I love the idea tree full of colored leaves. Its an inspiring visual. I am excited to jump into my leaf pile!
November 5, 2011 at 12:59 pm
thiskidreviewsbooks
I wonder how hard it is for you writers to come up with the idea of something that “only you can tell.” I think it would be hard to decide. Is it?
November 5, 2011 at 1:06 pm
Julie Fulton
My very own tree – what a kaleidoscope! Great idea. Thanks.
November 5, 2011 at 1:33 pm
shirley
Thank you Mary for this very inspirational post..this really kicks me in the pants to work very, very hard. Really excellent information!
November 5, 2011 at 1:43 pm
elizabethannewrites
*runs and jumps into the pile of fantastically colored leaves, grabs up a huge armful and hugs them, then flings them free to float where they will*
Oh wow, this was a wonderful and inspiring post. THANK YOU! I will be coming back to this one again and again, I am sure. (bookmarking it right now!)
November 5, 2011 at 1:44 pm
elizabethannewrites
P.S. I am so very impressed with the Mission of Story Pie Press. Good for you!
November 5, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Aw-inspiring, Mary!
So impactful:
“Children need this sense of comfort, too. They often have heavy burdens that we don’t know about. Being a kid is not always bubblegum and water balloons.”
Thanks for planting the seed ;D
What a beautiful tree that sprouted in my world!!
November 5, 2011 at 3:11 pm
patientdreamer
What a lovely inspirational post Mary, thankyou. Gave me such a warm encouraging feeling.
November 5, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
Loved your post, Mary!
November 5, 2011 at 4:33 pm
diane kress hower
Touched by your post, Mary 🙂
November 5, 2011 at 4:43 pm
Catherine Johnson
Very inspiring, Mary. That tree is a story in itself. Thank you for a great insight.
November 5, 2011 at 4:44 pm
Marcy P.
I think I’ve almost enjoyed reading the other comments as much as your post itself! I love it. I especially love the reminder that we aren’t just writing for children- but also for the future adults who will run and shape this world. And yet, at this moment, they still carry within them the innocence and freshness that can live beneath the grand troubles of our time, enjoying childhood with its ups and downs, and curl up in the lap of love with the faith only children seem to carry so simply. Thank you for the grander vision reminder of why we do what we do 🙂
November 5, 2011 at 4:52 pm
Cathy C. Hall
Paris gray…oh, I know that color. And it makes me smile. Thank you. (I needed a color smile today!)
November 5, 2011 at 6:29 pm
tinamcho
Thank you for those words of wisdom…Write what only I can write. I hope to grab leaves from that colorful tree today!
November 5, 2011 at 6:35 pm
Janet
Good post. It is hard sometimes for our family and friends to understand why we write what we write. In our hearts they need to be written down.
November 5, 2011 at 6:38 pm
Tabatha
Enjoyed your post. Thanks 🙂
November 5, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Lynda Shoup
Thanks for your post today. I read it after I allowed myself to write an idea that, though it doesn’t seem to have a big market, is a story only I could write. It was freeing to write it without worrying about whether it was good, or practical or likely to sell. Regardless of what happens to that idea, it was a joy to write.
November 5, 2011 at 8:21 pm
barbarabockman
Thanks to you, Mary, and to Diane Kress Hower for pointing me in this direction. I remember jumping in huge piles of oak leaves when I was a child–a great remembrance and an inspiration.
If there is a Paris grey, is there a Florida yellow? Sometimes, the air here turns yellow–don’t know how it happens, but it’s magical.
November 5, 2011 at 8:23 pm
Mary Rand Hess
Thank you for your lovely comments. And thank you, Tara, for a cozy and encouraging place to gather. You all have inspired me! Children’s writers are the nicest and warmest of people. Cheers to all!
November 5, 2011 at 8:28 pm
smmorris
What a great analogy, especially the fallen leaves. Those leaves are the stories I think of while at the store or running an errand. I don’t have a chance to write them done and most end up lost forever. Fallen leaves.
This is the month to get out the rake and pick up all I can. Sincerely, I would have not taken the time to do this had I not found this website and the PiBoIdMo.
November 5, 2011 at 9:22 pm
Kate Higgins
Oh, I want to draw a picture of “…the toiling away at words, the mania of wonderful ideas pouring into the mind like a chocolate river, tempting you to abandon all else.”
It’s me. Thanks Mary!
November 6, 2011 at 3:38 am
Kayleen West Illustration
I couldn’t help but smile at your first paragraph Mary. I felt like coyly raising my hand in confession. It is a lot of work but with an occupation of illustration and writing for children I can’t help but feel like I am playing not working.
I question if it is a legitimate way of dealing with my hyperactive mind while slapping the label of creativity on it. It seems that the more you think on the creative the more ideas you get.
I think I already have a story in one particular idea. I couldn’t help but extend into 700 plus words today then rushed out to take photos for illustration reference while the subject was still available. I may have one book already!
November 6, 2011 at 6:20 am
Mona Pease
Thanks for the great post Mary.
I live in Maine so can related to colored leaves, fallen leaves, and jumping in-and I have. We as writers have such an abundance of colorful ideas, words and stories to share.
November 6, 2011 at 7:18 am
Megan K. Bickel
What a truly great image at the end! Very inspiring post. Thank you!
November 6, 2011 at 7:19 am
Susanna Leonard Hill
What a wonderful, inspiring post! Thank you 🙂
November 6, 2011 at 7:34 am
Stella M. Michel
Wonderful post, Mary!
November 6, 2011 at 9:14 am
Betty Houle
Everything you’ve written here has given me the courage to contact Story Pie Press with a query for The Story of Crabby Abby. Thanks.
Betty
November 6, 2011 at 9:24 am
Kathy May
I love your post, every part of it, but especially the sentence “A good book proves to a child that knowledge grows from words,” to which I would add a good book also proves that understanding and empathy and so much else also grow from words. Thank you, Mary Rand Hess.
November 6, 2011 at 12:11 pm
Brook Gideon
An inspiring post full of wonderful imagery and a little fuel for my creative fire! Thanks for sharing.
November 6, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Kathleen Cornell Berman
Thanks for your post Mary. Your line about telling a story “only you can tell” has inspired me to think a little more inside the box, and appreciate my own uniqueness and try convey that through my writing for children.
November 7, 2011 at 12:47 pm
Becca Henning
“Words are free. … You only have to pay in time, time spent in your story zone with words…” This really struck a chord with me! What a great reminder that writing is a unique craft that costs only time spent with the page! Thanks for the inspiring post!
November 7, 2011 at 3:43 pm
Tamara Ann
TERRIFIC, Mary! Now THAT’s how to write about writing! Wordsmithing at its best.
November 8, 2011 at 9:18 am
Betsy Devany
Thanks! I love that image of having the freedom to explore endless possibilities; connecting with stories that evolve from my experiences with life. Very inspiring! Betsy
November 8, 2011 at 11:12 am
Picture Book Idea Month 2011: When Inspiration Strikes! |
[…] Story Pie Press’s's’s'sssss (whew that’s a toughy!) Editor, Mary Rand Hess wrote a guest blog post for PiBoIdMo which hit Mom this morning like a game of dodgeball with an overly excited gorilla. Read it HERE. […]
November 8, 2011 at 11:17 am
Ty's Adventures
Hi! I’m Ty!
Nice to meetcha!
Mom & I want to THANK YOU for inspiring us…what an awesome article! “Tell only the story you can tell”. YES! We dedicated a blog post to ya, we’re so super charged 😉
http://wp.me/sR1J1-1018
November 9, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Mary Rand Hess
Thanks again, every single one of you! You all have unique stories to tell.
And thank you, Ty! I enjoyed your post and am so glad your mom is super charged!
All my best,
Mary Rand Hess
November 12, 2011 at 7:06 pm
Ty's Adventures
Thanks again, Mary! Love your book trailer, by the way! 😉
November 13, 2011 at 6:29 am
Helen Ross
An inspiring post Mary. And great to get both the writer and editor’s perspective. Helen
November 30, 2011 at 1:35 pm
Jennifer DuBose
Thank you for a lovely post, Mary. I love the reminder that what we’re writing will hopefully inspire children, for whom life may not always be about “bubblegum and water balloons.” Also, that words are free, and picture books are for everyone, no matter their age. I especially love the line “I’m here. I know it’s not convenient right now, but you need to write me,” because I’ve got one story idea that just won’t quit, in spite of the fact that I need to walk the dog and catch up on laundry — and go to the gym. Oh, and finish writing the column that my newspaper editor needs by tomorrow ;0
Many thanks!
Jennifer DuBose