Do you ever get ideas but have no idea how to make them a reality?
I am full of ideas… but when it comes to execution I lack many skills 🙂 Drawing, for example. Doing anything at all with photoshop, for another. Also, there are those who would say that dancing is not my forte (although I do it with a great deal of enthusiasm :))
So imagine my delight at having children who are just SO much more competent than I am!
As a result, I am finally going to have something I’ve been desperate for for about 7 years.
Bookplates!
My own beautiful bookplates! (They are so pretty! Wait until you see!)
They are designed, and I ordered one sheet so I can see how they look. (Just in case there are any problems with the printing, I don’t want ten million not-quite-right ones :))
Due to the fact that the one sheet cost $3.99 and the cheapest possible shipping I could get was $5.04, I chose the cheapest possible shipping and now have to wait 14 days.
But what’s 14 days after the approximately 7 years I’ve already waited?
As soon as I have them, I’ll show you!
And then the really fun thing is that if you want a signed copy of one of my books but you live in Kamchatka or somewhere that is not right around the corner from me, you can simply purchase the book from your favorite bookseller, email me with who/how you want the book signed, and I can mail you a book plate just how you want it and you can stick it right in!
Voila! An idea has become reality!
That is just so exciting that I think we need a snack! I have a total craving for apple cider donuts, so
… help yourselves! (I realize these are not technically Something Chocolate, but it’s only cider donut time for a short portion of each year and they really are best fresh :))
Now then. Are you ready for today’s pitch?
It comes to us from Julie who has visited us twice before (WYRI #68 Eddie Brick Visits The Aunts and WYRI #75 Just Call Me The Kid.) A scribbler of children’s stories in between chores, Julie Rowan-Zoch has visited three continents, attempted to learn 4 languages, and has a 2-3-3-3-3 phalangeal formula in both of her hands and feet. (Though not yet able to get a good grip with her toes, she has been drawing with her hands since she exchanged a banana for a crayon.) Please come visit her on her blog and view her beautiful artwork! (Really, it’s amazing! You’re in for a treat so go see it!)
Here is her pitch:
Working Title: Broccolilocks
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 3-6)
The Pitch: CRUNCH! Broccolilocks has a GIANT appetite for her prized vegetable. MUNCH! But a mysterious stink leads her nose down the garden rows to find that something has been munching on her broccoli!
So what do you think? Would You Read It? YES, MAYBE or NO?
Julie is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch! I am looking forward to when my bookplates arrive! Did I mention that I have 5 different ones? So awesome! 🙂 I can’t wait to show them to you!
Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!
Susanna Leonard Hill 
I am about to get a chance to read this story and can't wait! Thanks for your comments for Julie, Renee, and yes! Yay for book plates! 🙂
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments for Julie, Andrea!
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Thanks for your helpful thoughts for Julie, Wendi! And by all means, help yourself to as many donuts as you like – we're among friends – no judgment 🙂
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I am wondering that too, Rosi! Thanks for chiming in for Julie 🙂
Thanks for sharing your insight, Wendy, I'm sure Julie will find it helpful!
🙂
Yes I would read it! Julie, I'd love a little more drama and tension in this pitch. Is the skunk eating ALL of it? Is it a matter of survival for Broccolilocks? Is she entered in the big broccoli contest and now is not the time for a pest?
Bookplates! Congrats! Still dragging my feet on new business cards. (No author photo. NO AUTHOR PHOTO!)
Your pitch definitely has me curious, Julie. It's very funny and catchy, like a logline should be. But I too would like some clarity, esp. now you've told us veggie hair plays a role.
Veggie hair. Yes!
I actually love this pitch and might take the book home without looking through it first. It sounds like it's going to be hilarious and cute!
I have never had a cider doughnut… 😦
Is Broccolilocks a bunny? It sounds like she's eating right out of the garden, like a bunny. This seems like a cute, age appropriate mystery, so yes, I would read it. I would love to know more, though, so I think the pitch needs to be fleshed out some.
Hardly needed to read the pitch. I would buy the book just on the title! Brilliant mental picture.
Yay! Glad you're book plates are on the way to becoming a reality.
And, yes, please . . . I'll have an Apple Cider Donut. My fave!
Yes I would read it. Sounds like great fun!
Looking forward to seeing your book plates, Susanna. I've never had an apple cider donut but you have me curious now!
Glad to help Julie. I love your illustrations and look forward to reading your stories too!
But neither you or Julie answered my phalanges question. I am intrigued!
Sounds good to me! I think this is great! I like the CRUNCH! and the MUNCH! sounds! 🙂 And, YAY on the bookplates!
I don't know the answer, Iza! I just write what people tell me in their bios. I was waiting for Julie to answer 🙂
Thanks so much for your comments for Ms. Ro-Zo, Erik! And I hope you'll like the book plates when I get them 🙂
Thanks for chiming in for Julie, Cally! And what??? Never had a cider donut? Oh, my. You poor underprivileged dear! They are only the best donuts ever made! Hope you and your little munchkin are doing well 🙂
I know it! Aren't they the best? If you can think of a way to describe them, please do so for Cally above. I was at a loss for words 🙂
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I'm sure you've made Julie's day! 🙂 Thanks for chiming in, Steve!
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Thanks for your helpful thoughts for Julie, Genevieve! I thought Broccolilocks was a girl… but Julie will know for sure 🙂 I'm sure she'll answer when she's back from her hike!
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Thanks so much for your enthusiasm for Julie, Beverly! And what??? You've never had a cider donut either? You're like the third person! So sad 😦 You must not live in the northeast – you can't go two feet without hitting a cider donut this time of year 🙂
Thanks so much for your comments for Julie, Stacy. And OMG business cards!!! You just reminded me that I've about run out! How could I let my daughter return to college without addressing that issue? Guess what we're doing at Thanksgiving… 🙂
Thanks for your thought-provoking questions for Julie, Lauri! I'm sure she'll find them helpful!
Oh my gosh…just LOVE the title…and the story concept…and the pitch…and the sound words…and…everything! Julie, I would definitely read this story…NOW! 🙂
Susanna, I appreciate the cider doughnuts…one of my favorite times of year…love apples and anything made with them.:) The bookplates sound terrific…can't wait to see them. And I have to get busy writing…there is a contest looming in the not too distant future, right? 🙂
I'm a yes by the title alone. I wasn't able to read through all your comments and clues you sprinkled in the comments about the story. I think it may need another line or phrase to make it clear. I was confused about the main character – giant, animal? Good luck. Susanna, congrats on the book plates. … you get them just when you go digital! 🙂
Thanks, Wendi. Great questions for me!
More great questions, Lauri. These make me understand what I need to reveal a lot better. Thank you.
Thanks, Stacy!
Thanks for your kind words, Beverly! Glad to see fans of funny here too!
Some of the questions here are making me laugh, but showing me what I need to show! Thanks, Genevieve.
Thanks for the encouragement, I'll be sending your email to my husband so he can sell you a car, Steve. Porsche, Audi or VW?
Thanks, Cally. Great name, by the way!
Thanks, Erik! Are you a fan of crudités too? (just go look it up!)
Love your enthusiasm, as always! Good luck with your contest piece, Vivian!
Thanks, Stacy. Love that there is an overall concensus about that extra sentence, but everyone's confusion makes it clear to me what I need to add.
I would read it Julie–who wouldn't be curious about the mysterious stink?!
I would read it based on the title too. If do think that the pitch is ambiguous and would really like some clarity or some more of a plot clue. Is the broccoli muncher she finds a friend or an enemy? It's unclear is Broccolilocks is human or not, I agree that it sounds like she has broccoli hair! I really love anything that promotes healthy eating habits with children, and this really makes broccoli so much fun! Can't wait to read it, great work!
Well, I had to look it up. They look tasty. I want some. I like veggies. 😀
Hurray on your bookplates!
Thanks, Lyla (another pretty name!), these comments are really helpful. And yes she has broccoli-styled hair!
I don't know who might come back to look in the comments – but I REALLY appreciate all the help with the missing elements in the pitch! So grateful for the opportunity, Susanna, and the amazing participation from your readers!
Thanks, Deborah!
Sorry, Iza! It's the pattern of bones in your hands or feet – we all have them, well, at least most of us!
Thanks, Heather! 🙂
Thanks for your thoughtful comments for Julie, Lyla! 🙂
So true, Deborah… and yet, I've had quite enough stink in my house of late due to similar cause… 🙂
You're entirely welcome, Julie! Thank you for submitting your delightful pitch! And thanks to all our readers for providing such thoughtful feedback – we couldn't do it without you! 🙂
Thanks for your comments for Julie, Stacy! And yes, good point about the digital – I hadn't even thought of that 🙂 – but hopefully I'll still have a few actual books around for a while that I can use the plates on 🙂