I’m in the first group this week because I’m still somewhere back around last Friday! đ
But I know just the cure for that.
I bet you can guess. . . đ
Something Chocolate!
Since Halloween is practically here, let’s indulge in some Hocus Pocus Cookies – so bright and cheery and, most importantly, so CHOCOLATE! (They also have “slime” in them – meant to be delightfully gross for the youngsters in your life đ)
DELECTABLE! don’t you think? Let’s have seconds! đ
Now then, onto today’spitch which comes to us from Jan who says, “Iâve been writing picture books for two years and meeting regularly with three critique groups. Iâve attended Susannaâs class, âMaking Picture Book Magicâ, as well as several conferences and many webinars. Iâm in my second year with Julie Hedlundâs 12×12 Challenge, and I read about 10-20 picture books every week and many with my grandsons. They are my motivation for seeking an agent and getting published. Iâm on twitter as @jansuhr.”
Here is her pitch:
Working Title: Do Your Thing, Peking
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)
The Pitch: As the zooâs only peachick, Peking struggles to discover what makes him unique. He canât swing like Monkey or waddle like Penguin or trumpet like Elephant. He looks at his reflection in the lily pond and doesnât see anything spectacular. Peking visits the zooâs animals, tries to copy their talent and asks their advice. Pekingâs specialty does surface with time and patience and he becomes brighter and bolder than anyone could have ever imagined.
So what do you think? Would You Read It? YES, MAYBE or NO?
If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest. If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Jan improve her pitch. Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome. (However I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful. I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks! Â For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on Would You Read it in the dropdown under For Writers in the bar above. Â There are openings in January, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!
Jan is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch! Â I am looking forward to more Hocus Pocus cookies! I need a little magic this week.
Pithy Polly penned a pack of perfect pitches, A pack of perfect pitches Pithy Polly penned; If Pithy Polly penned a pack of perfect pitches, Whereâs the pack of perfect pitches Pithy Polly penned?
Now say that 5 times fast đ
Now say it 5 times fast with your mouth full of Something Chocolate (and try not to spit crumbs all over your keyboard đ)
All I have to say to that chocolate cake is YUM! Come to Mama! đ
And the answer to where Pithy Polly’s pack of perfect pitches got to is, of course, right here, where a peck of practiced pitchers can always be found!
Let’s have a look at today’s pitch which comes to us from Melisa who says, “By day, I work in the corporate world, but at night and on weekends I wrangle words into stories. Writing has always been an interest of mine, and over the past couple years Iâve decided to give it the time it deserves. This story started as a seedling during Storystorm 2021 and Iâm glad that it actually blossomed into something rather than dying on the vine. Iâm definitely a better writer than a gardener. Thank you for your help with my pitch.”
Find her on the web at Melisa Wrex (Twitter @mowrex)
Here is her pitch:
Working Title: Hibernation Exasperation
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-7)
The Pitch: We all have that one neighborâŚGroundhog just wants to hibernate, but tiny miscommunications keep Beaver SMACK WHACK WHACKing at the doorâoffering ingredients forâŚsoup?! Groundhog has to figure out a way to get the message across before Beaver whittles hibernation season down to a mere nap. Back matter, colorfully narrated by Beaver, includes fun facts about groundhogs and the uniquely U.S. holidayâGroundhog Day.Â
So what do you think? Would You Read It? YES, MAYBE or NO?
If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest. Â If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Melisa improve her pitch. Â Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome. Â (However I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful. Â I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks! Â For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on Would You Read it in the dropdown under For Writers in the bar above. Â There are openings in January, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!
Melisa is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch! Â I am looking forward to the upcoming Halloweensie Contest, only 16 days away! In case you missed this year’s contest guideline, they are posted HERE. I hope you’ll all come join the fun!
Guess what? It’s the first Would You Read It Wednesday of October!
So I wrote you a song to celebrate.
Yup, I did.
Just for you. (And the rest of the whole entire world that will soon be singing it because it is SO SO good.)
(And I’m not just saying that because I made it up and I’m so incredibly talented at songwriting. I mean, remember my theme song for Tuesday Debut? Woohoo! Woohoo! Time for something new! Woohoo! Woohoo! Tuesday Debut! I know you’re all still singing THAT one! Admit it. It was your shower song this morning.)
This one is going to be all the rage. Everyone is going to be singing it.
You all know London Bridge, right? That will be the tune đ
So are you ready?
Aaaand…EVERYBODY!
Autumn leaves are turning gold, Orange, red, bright and bold. Autumn leaves are turning gold, It’s October!
Apple picking, what a treat! Smooth and round, crisp and sweet, Gather all that you can eat, It’s October!
Pumpkin’s insides have to go, Carve out eyes, mouth and nose, Light it with a candle’s glow, It’s October!
Wowee! That is some kind of song isn’t it?
If that doesn’t require Something Chocolate, I don’t know what does! Let’s stick with our autumnal theme and have some Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread – you know, you can use those pumpkin insides that have to go, just like the song says!
A few slices of that delicious and nutritious Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread and a few rousing choruses of my new song and I bet you’re ready to get down to pitching! Am I right or am I right or am I right?
Today’s pitch comes to us from Robin who says, “As a librarian and ordained clergy, I love to connect children with the right book for the right moment. I live in the Chicago suburbs where I write stories to read and read again. http://www.robincurrie.net/index2.html “
Here is her pitch:
Working Title: The Worry Zoo
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 3-7)
The Pitch: “I have a Worry Zoo inside me.” A child imagines the unsettling feelings and resulting actions as various zoo animals. “it is crowded and noisy when they all come at once.” With help, the child discovers simple self-soothing techniques to tame the animals and become the Zookeeper.
So what do you think? Would You Read It? YES, MAYBE or NO?
If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest. If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Robin improve her pitch. Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome. (However I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful. I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks! For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on Would You Read it in the dropdown under For Writers in the bar above. There are openings in January, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!
Robin is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch! Â I am looking forward to when my new song hits #1 on every kind of chart that measures music popularity which I think is going to be by the end of the week! đđđ
I don’t know about you guys, but ever since the whole pandemic thing started (and by the way, whose idea was that because we totally shouldn’t listen to them any more!) it feels like everything has ground to a halt. I used to actually do stuff, but these days going to the mailbox is what passes for excitement around here.
Imagine, therefore, the absolute thrill I got today when I was out walking the dogs and. . . wait for it!. . . I saw a cray fish crossing the road! I kid you not! I mean, come on! That’s big news! I’ve lived here for just shy of 29 years and never seen a cray fish before, on or off the road. I’m not sure what business a cray fish had wandering around in the road far, far away (in cray fish miles) from anything that could be classified as water. So I think the only question to be asked here is. . . (I know it, you know it, let’s ask it together!) . . .
Why did the cray fish cross the road? đ¤Ł
Surely there’s a picture book in that!
Anyway, cray fish aside, I do believe it’s time for Something Chocolate! Now that autumn is in the air, I know that even though it’s too early o’clock, you are all sitting around your own personal campfires faint with hunger, so what could be better for our Something Chocolate snack than S’mores Cupcakes?
a. nothing b. what time exactly is too early o’clock? c. Colonel Mustard in the conservatory with the candlestick d. who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?
I’m sorry. Did I forget to say there was a pop quiz? Well there is, and you were all wrong (unless you said (a)). The correct answer is: e. Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore! Have a S’mores Cupcake!
Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Jennifer who says, “ÂĄHola! Iâm Jennifer the mother of The Readerosaurus (@Readerosaurus for IG and Twitter). I have been itching to do a story about a kiddo or dino or kiddo wearing dino costume and using his voice to be heard!
My son last year heard about a local center closing in our state and he decided to offer his drawings to donate to people who make a donation to the center.
In doing so he was about to get over $5,000 of donations to go to the center. This helped make sure they didnât close during 2020 when Covid was affecting many places. He read all 7 continents and all 50 states his joy and excitement for helping a place was just unbelievable. He wanted to help so much. Any money he was given he put towards the center.
I thought wow a child who is 6 has such a big heart and wants to reach so many people has to be heard. His joy and kindness spread like wild fire. Who would have thought this 6 year oldâs voice would matter.
So the story idea came to life. In a perfect world I want to have this book so that I can get proceeds from the book to donate to places all over the world that need help with their animals. Maybe itâs a zoo, an aquarium or maybe a marine center. Anyway we can help we want to!”
Here is her pitch:
Working Title: Readerosaurus
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)
The Pitch: A kid who loves dinosaurs all because he devours books finds out that his favorite place in the whole world is closing and there isnât anything he can do about it. Or is there? Will his roar be heard among giants?
So what do you think? Would You Read It? YES, MAYBE or NO?
If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest. If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Jennifer improve her pitch. Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome. (However I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful. I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks! For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on Would You Read it in the dropdown under For Writers in the bar above. There are openings in January, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!
Jennifer is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch! I am looking forward to a little sleuthing. Someone’s got to! That crafty cray fish was clearly up to something. . .and I’m going to find out what!
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE Autumn! The pleasant days and cool nights, the colorful trees and crunchy leaves, the tang of woodsmoke in the air, and the season for miniature candy bars đ What’s not to love? Although I have to say, I have NO idea how we got to September 22 so fast! Wasn’t it August like, yesterday?!
Whether or not yesterday was August, today is Would You Read It Wednesday and I’m so glad you’re here!
Let’s start of the fun by announcing the winner of Rebecca Mullin’s darling board book, ONE TOMATO! (You all remember Rebecca – she was on Tuesday Debut last week. That link will take you there if you want another look at her book đ)
And… the lucky winner of ONE TOMATO is… Bru Benson!!!
Bru, please email me or use the contact page above to email me so I can get your snail mail address and send you your book! I know you’ll love it! đ
Nothing like talking about garden vegetables and thinking about how Autumn brings miniature candy bars to make you want Something Chocolate, so how about a little indulgence? Today I’m thinking Tiger Butter, which is a creamy fudge-type candy/bark made from chocolate, white chocolate, and peanut butter. Yum! Sounds like breakfast to me! đ
The recipe website says it makes a great holiday candy, but it looks to me like it would be delicious ANY day! đ
Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Kelly who says, “I live in eastern Washington on the mighty Columbia River. I homeschooled my son and daughter, then finished my degree in Early Childhood Education. I worked with the Early Childhood Education Assistance Program before retiring and pursuing a career in childrenâs literature. I am a determined literacy activist who tutored ESL students in college. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2000 and am a passionate mental health and neurodivergent advocate.”
Here is her pitch:
Working Title: Which Newbie You Be?
Age/Genre: MG
The Pitch: The author uses weather metaphors to tell the story of resilient teen with a âcan-doâ spirit juggling the secret of her bipolar disorder as a newbie, negotiating the stigma of mental illness, middle school friendships, another newbie and parental conflict, to show hope through a life-altering move to a small town. Someone with a broken leg or diabetes does not have a stigma attached to their illness, why should a person with a brain disorder?
So what do you think? Would You Read It? YES, MAYBE or NO?
If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest. Â If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Kelly improve her pitch. Â Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome. Â (However I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful. Â I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks! Â For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on Would You Read it in the dropdown under For Writers in the bar above. Â There are openings in November, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!
Kelly is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch! Â I am looking forward to trying out that Tiger Butter recipe which looks simple enough that even I might be able to pull it off. If I fail at the recipe, Tiger Butter sounds like a good title for a picture book, so it’s all good đ
How’s the first week of school going for everyone? Hopefully your school buses are showing up!
Things are busy in my neck of the woods, but I got a surprise visit from my sister, so that was amazing! (Too short, but I guess every visit is. We should live closer!)
Also, in my quest to discover that which is nonessential but endlessly entertaining, I found out that Violet’s DNA test claims she is a mix of 24 breeds including 9% Chihuahua, which is why even though she looks like this:
she still clearly thinks she’s a lap dog đ
It’s all in how you see yourself, right? đ I’m pretty sure there are a whole lot of good picture book ideas in that!
I don’t know about you, but I see myself having a little Something Chocolate right about now. Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake Chocolate Cake anyone? Why yes, thank you, don’t mind if I do! đ
Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Hannah who says, “Hello, there! Iâm Hannah, an army wife, mother to three boys, and children’s writer. I love writing for kids because it brings out the kid in me đ”
The Pitch: All Wolfington wants is to be included, but when he goes into town, grandmothers hide, pigs squeal, and sheep faint. Fed up with the big bad wolf stereotype, Wolfington sets out to prove that his heart is bigger than his stomach.
So what do you think? Would You Read It? YES, MAYBE or NO?
If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest. If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Hannah improve her pitch. Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome. (However I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful. I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks! Â For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on Would You Read it in the dropdown under For Writers in the bar above. Â There are openings in October, so you could get your pitch up pretty soon for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!
Hannah is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch! Â I am looking forward to reading the pile of picture books on my desk – some new, some just new to me – but all of them look good!
Happy First Day of School! (for those of us who didn’t start in August đ)
And in the spirit of getting back to things we love, welcome back to the one and only Would You Read It Wednesday!
I know that now that you’ve gotten your little munchkins up and out of bed, dressed in most if not all of their clothing (who really needs socks AND shoes?), fortified with at least a few mouthfuls of healthy breakfast (poptart anyone?), and onto the school bus with a solid percentage of the stuff they’re supposed to have with them – let’s face it, you are the epitome of parenting excellence! – there is nothing you want more than to join in the Would You Read It fun! (And not only because of the Something Chocolate you’ve been craving all summer!)
Before we jump into today’s pitch, I want to let you all know that I have open dates for both Would You Read It and Tuesday Debut. If you’d like to share a pitch and get helpful feedback from our wonderful readers, or if you’re an author or author/illustrator with your very first ever picture book debuting, please use the contact page to give me a holler and let me know!
Available Would You Read It dates are: September 29 October 6, 13, 20, and 27 November (10?), 17, and 24 December 1
Available Tuesday Debut Dates are: September 21 and 28 October 26 November (9?), 16, 23, and 30
November 9th and 10th are question marks because of the Halloweensie Contest. . . which is another question. Do you guys want to have it again this year? Let me know in the comments if you’re for or against! đ
All that planning has put me in the mood for Something Chocolate! How about you? I think Cookies ‘n’ Cream Sandwich Cookies sound just right for back to school đ
I mean, is there any way to go wrong with Chocolate Chip Cookies baked into Oreos? I don’t think so! Grab a glass of milk (almond, cashew, soy, oat, or cow – whatever floats your boat… or your cookie sandwich) and enjoy!
Now that we’re properly fortified, let’s have a look at today’s pitch which comes to us from Elizabeth who says, “I am a retired teacher and was writing for the magazine market before trying my hand at picture books. I have two adult children, one being a published writer. Was she inspired by hearing the typewriter click, click, clicking as a child? đ I wrote this story with tongue in cheek when I imagined how such a creature might look. I’m a midwesterner who grew up loving fairy tales, horse stories and mysteries. As a child I always had my nose in a book. That’s a habit I can somewhat indulge in my retirement.”
I bet youâve never met a chick-a-gator. Neither had the hens in the chicken coop. When one hatches from an egg, pandemonium breaks out. None of the hens accept him; they make him sleep outside the fence;They run whenever he comes near; his rooster father disowns him. But thereâs more to Chick-a-gator than they know. One night he performs an heroic act that changes their opinion of him. He is hailed as a hero. Heâs half chicken and half gator with a mighty roar. Heâs the Chick-a-gator!
So what do you think? Would You Read It? YES, MAYBE or NO?
If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest. If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Elizabeth improve her pitch. Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome. (However I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful. I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks! Â For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on Would You Read it in the dropdown under For Writers in the bar above. Â There are openings (as listed above!), so you could get your pitch up pretty soon for helpful feedback from our readers and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!
Elizabeth is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch! Â I am looking forward to everything back-to-school! It feels like New Year’s, doesn’t it? Which I guess, if you celebrated Rosh Hashanah yesterday, it IS! đ
Don’t forget to give me a shout if you want a WYRI or Tuesday Debut date, and let me know if you want to have Halloweensie this year!
The last week of the 2021 Mix ‘n’ Match Mini Writing Challenge!
Mix ‘n’ Match Mini is a 7 week writing challenge for anyone who needs a little boost, a little inspiration, or a little encouragement to get writing. . . or maybe just a little fun!
You get to write your own story, enjoy and be entertained by everyone else’s stories, and get yourself in the running for some awesome prizes (please see the end of the blog post for a list of all the prize goodies which continues to grow!)
To be eligible for the prize drawing you must enter all 7 weeks.
For a full description of the challenge, to read the Week #1 entries, or to add your Week #1 entry, please go HERE (Week #1)
To read the Week #2 entries or add your Week #2 entry, please go HERE (Week #2)
To read the Week #3 entries or add your Week #3 entry, please go HERE (Week #3)
To read the Week #4 entries or add your Week #4 entry, please go HERE (Week #4)
To read the Week #5 entries or add your Week #5 entry, please go HERE (Week #5)
To read the Week #6 entries of add your Week #6 entry, please go HERE (Week #6)
Before we get to today’s challenge, one little housekeeping detail:
If you want to qualify for the prize drawing, you must have completed an entry for each of the 7 weeks and posted them on the appropriate week’s post by Saturday June 26th at midnight Eastern time in order to qualify, so that I can post the winners on Monday June 28th! So take note of that deadline – all 7 completed and posted by Saturday June 26th at midnight!
Mix ‘n’ Match Mini Writing Prompt #7 for Week of June 21:
So far we’ve played with character needs/goals, writing a cumulative story, a picture prompt with random words and a secret, turning songs into stories with themes, concept stories in particular settings, and relationships and emotions between characters! đ This week, since it’s the last week, it seems fitting that we do something with endings.
But not just anything. . . đ
Endings do not exist in a vacuum. In order for endings to feel satisfying – make readers, laugh, cry, gasp with amazed delight, or sigh with satisfaction – the ending must feel connected to the beginning.
So. This week, choose a beginning from Column A and an ending from Column B and write a 100 word story for kids that fits between them using a tidbit of onomatopoeia from Column C if you want to (just for fun đ).
Column A – Beginnings
Column B – Endings
Column C â Onomatopoeia (optional)
Once upon a timeâŚ
And that is why she/he tucked it very carefully into her/his pocket.
splish, splash, sploosh
When [Character Name] woke up, a thunderstorm was brewing. âOH, NO!â (or, âHURRAY!â)
Then he/she snuggled close and whispered with a smile, âI love you more than marshmallows.â
kackata-kack-krack-POP!
It all began when the mermaidâs tail got caught on the handle of [Character Name]âs umbrella.
Never let an alligator get in the way of your plans!
plink-plank-plunk
She/he wasnât always a bad piggy.
So he/she/they rushed back out of the woods shout-singing Ainât No Bugs On Us until he/she/they was/were really, truly, sure it was true!
slurrrp
There was a sloth who lived all alone.
[Character Name] knew summer was here at last!
buzzz bzzz-bzzz
[Character Name] was all ready for the beach!
Aunt Ruby was right. It had been a better day!
splop
Weâre finally on our way! Weâre having the best time ever! UntilâŚ
Inch by inch, step by step, they made it all the way to the tippy top.
chirp
Holly, Molly, Ollie, Wally, and Little Boo packed a picnic and set out in search of adventure.
And so he/she/they did.
bee-beep
On the Fourth of July, Max went into hiding.
And they lived happily ever after.
murmur
[Character Name] had a problem with watermelon.
Shushshush, the waves whispered. Shushshush.
hissss
Stories can rhyme or not – totally up to you.
You can go under or over 100 words if you want to – also totally up to you! – 100 is just a guideline.
If you’re deeply inspired by a beginning or ending or some onomatopoeia that isn’t here, go for it! – the purpose here is inspiration and to get you writing! Please just tell us what you’re using at the top of your entry.
For simplicity’s sake (and to aid skimming readers who might be interested in a particular thing) please say which column items you’re using at the top of your entry along with your name, title, and word count.
I have been so enjoying reading all your amazing stories every week – so many different, creative, delightful, entertaining stories! – that I’m sad this is the last hurrah for this year!
So come join the fun! Get some writing done! Encourage your kids (or students) to give it a try! Or just have a good time together reading what other folks have written!
Ready, set, WRITE! đ
(And remember, for full details on the 7 week challenge you can check HERE)
When it comes time for prizes, names of all those who complete the challenge will be drawn randomly and matched with prizes drawn randomly until we run out! đ
Please join me in thanking these very generous authors and other writing professionals for contributing their books and writing expertise as prizes by visiting their websites and blogs, considering their books and services for gift purchases, rating and/or reviewing their books on GoodReads, Amazone, B&N, or anywhere else if you like them, suggesting them for school visits, and supporting them in any other way you can dream up! đ
âď¸ Picture Book MS Critique from Jen Raudenbush, agented writer of picture books, middle grade, and poetry. (Represented by Natascha Morris of The Tobias Literary Agency)
Jen Raudenbush
âď¸ Picture Book MS Critique OR Query Letter Critique (Winner’s Choice) from the lovely and talented Sara Kruger!
Sara Kruger
âď¸ 30 minute Zoom chat about anything industry related (manuscript, query letter, best practices for querying) with Becky Scharnhorst, amazing author of MY SCHOOL STINKS (Philomel Books, July 6, 2021)
âď¸Picture Book Manuscript Critique with Audio Recording by author and poet Sarah Meade Sarah will do a written critique of your manuscript and include an audio recording of her first read-through of the manuscript. The audio recording is to help the author hear how the story flows and/or where a new reader may stumble when reading aloud.
Look at us! Half way through June and up to Week #6 in our Mix ‘n’ Match Mini Writing Challenge! Can you believe you’ve written at least 5 brand new stories so far (I know some of you are writing more than one per week!) with two weeks of inspiration still to go? Who knows how many new picture books might be getting their start during this challenge!
So let’s fire up the old brain cells and show Week #6 who’s boss!
Mix ‘n’ Match Mini is a 7 week writing challenge for anyone who needs a little boost, a little inspiration, or a little encouragement to get writing. . . or maybe just a little fun!
You get to write your own story, enjoy and be entertained by everyone else’s stories, and get yourself in the running for some awesome prizes (please see the end of the blog post for a list of all the prize goodies which continues to grow!)
To be eligible for the prize drawing you must enter all 7 weeks.
For a full description of the challenge, to read the Week #1 entries, or to add your Week #1 entry, please go HERE (Week #1)
To read the Week #2 entries or add your Week #2 entry, please go HERE (Week #2)
To read the Week #3 entries or add your Week #3 entry, please go HERE (Week #3)
To read the Week #4 entries or add your Week #4 entry, please go HERE (Week #4)
To read the Week #5 entries or add your Week #5 entry, please go HERE (Week #5)
Mix ‘n’ Match Mini Writing Prompt #6 for Week of June 14:
So far we’ve played with character needs/goals, writing a cumulative story, a picture prompt with random words and a secret, turning songs into stories with themes, and concept stories in particular settings! đ This week, we’re going to explore the importance of relationships and emotion!
Picture books are often about relationships â parent/child, sibling, friends/enemies, child/pet, grandparent/child, babysitter/child etc. and those relationships can cause emotions or be affected by emotions.
Choose a main character from Column A, a second character from Column B, and an emotion from Column C and write a 100-word story for kids where the story centers around the emotion between them. (For example, 2 friends where one is jealous of the other, or a child who feels angry toward his beloved dog for chewing up his prized baseball glove, or a child who feels nervous about visiting her elderly grandmother who is wrinkly and smells like mothballs but whom she is supposed to love.) Feel free to make âsiblingsâ a dog and a cat, or âfriendsâ a dinosaur and a goat, etc â you donât have to stick with all human characters â write monsters, fairies, and aliens if you like đ
Column A â Character 1 (MC)
Column B â Character 2
Column C – Emotion
Rosie
Grandma or Grandpa (Gran, Grand Dad, Oma, Poppa, etc)
awe (looks up to/hero worship)
Tuck
Pet (any kind â your choice)
jealousy
Maisie
Friend
anger
Chip
Sibling (older, younger, twin, step)
sadness
Bentley
Mom or Dad or Step
betrayal
Esme
Babysitter (any age or gender)
boredom
Enzo
Dragon
worry, anxiety, nervousness
Xander
Dinosaur
joy
Dylan
Fairy Godmother
love
April
Enemy
pride
August/Auggie/Gus
resentment
Stories can rhyme or not – totally up to you!
You can go under or over 100 words if you want to – also totally up to you! – 100 is a guideline
If you’re deeply inspired by a name, relationship or emotion that isn’t included you’re welcome to use it, just please say what it is at the top of your entry – the purpose here is inspiration and to get you writing!
For simplicity’s sake (and to aid skimming readers who might be interested in a particular thing) please say which relationship and emotion you’re using at the top of your entry along with your name, word count, and title if you have one.
I am ready to be bowled over by your creativity and talent!
So come join the fun! Get some writing done! Encourage your kids (or students) to give it a try! Or just have a good time together reading what other folks have written!
Ready, set, WRITE! đ
(And remember, for full details on the 7 week challenge you can check HERE)
When it comes time for prizes, names of all those who complete the challenge will be drawn randomly and matched with prizes drawn randomly until we run out! đ
Please join me in thanking these very generous authors and other writing professionals for contributing their books and writing expertise as prizes by visiting their websites and blogs, considering their books and services for gift purchases, rating and/or reviewing their books on GoodReads, Amazone, B&N, or anywhere else if you like them, suggesting them for school visits, and supporting them in any other way you can dream up! đ
âď¸ Picture Book MS Critique from Jen Raudenbush, agented writer of picture books, middle grade, and poetry. (Represented by Natascha Morris of The Tobias Literary Agency)
Jen Raudenbush
âď¸ Picture Book MS Critique OR Query Letter Critique (Winner’s Choice) from the lovely and talented Sara Kruger!
Sara Kruger
âď¸ 30 minute Zoom chat about anything industry related (manuscript, query letter, best practices for querying) with Becky Scharnhorst, amazing author of MY SCHOOL STINKS (Philomel Books, July 6, 2021)
âď¸Picture Book Manuscript Critique with Audio Recording by author and poet Sarah Meade Sarah will do a written critique of your manuscript and include an audio recording of her first read-through of the manuscript. The audio recording is to help the author hear how the story flows and/or where a new reader may stumble when reading aloud.
There’s no new pitch today, so we’re going to devote ourselves entirely to chocolate and pitch picks galore!
Let’s jump right in, shall we?
There are 4 Pitch Picks with a poll for each. Please read through each group of pitches (3 for Late Feb/Early March, 3 for Late March, 4 for April, and 4 for May), decide which one in each group that you think is best and most deserving of a read and comments from editor Erin Molta, and vote for it in the poll that follows that pitch group! And let’s try to get the voting done by Sunday June 13 at 9PM Eastern so it’s out of the way before next week’s new Mix ‘n’ Match challenge prompt! đ
Late February/Early March
#1 – Deborah – The Bitter Tastebud (PB 4-8)
Amargo is a bitter tastebud who can’t stand to take another sweet, salty, or lip-puckering bite. But he is outnumbered and so is his vote on the CRAV-O-METER. Amargo must figure out how to change the vote or continue eating the food he detests.
#2 – Bru – THE STORY OF CITRONELLA (PLEASE HOLD YOUR NOSE) (PB 4-8)
In the Stinkbug Kingdom, Bee-utiful Citronella, an orphan worker bee, doesnât smell which starts the stinky stepsister feud. She has choices; unveil who she is (Hard), go incognito lacking an invitation to meet the prince (Harder), or stay with the smelly stepsisters, Burnbetta & Rottina forever (Really?) With the stench of a wise-cracking fairy godfather, Citronella herself overcomes her fear of smelling different and learns certain odors (or lack of) do have their advantages.
#3 – Robin – But When She Opens the Door… (PB 4-8)
On an Irish March day, Katie OâShea and her feline assistant, Shamrock, are surprised by the fickle weather shifting dramatically each time she opens the door. In rollicking read aloud rhyme, Katie keeps changing clothes until a look at the calendar reveals the perfect outfit!
Vote for the pitch you like best!
Late March
#1 – Sally – Broccol-trees And Mac & Cheese (PB/Toddler Board Book 3-6)
Broccol-trees and Mac & Cheese is a rhythmic romp of playful poetry for manic and messy mealtimes! With sixteen silly scenes, it is a complete menu of mushy appetizers, flying entrees, dancing vegetables and dessert designs on tables and trays. This book serves as a reminder for parents to giggle, not grimace, when their little one gives them a chocolate pudding grin and promptly puts the bowl on his or her head.
Full of love, laughter and foodie fun, this can be read as a smorgasbord of silliness or served up a la carte to read the same delicious poem over and over again. Itâs sure to please parentsâ palates and tickle toddlersâ funny bones and bellies!
#2 – Diana – Wait For Cate (PB 5-8)
Cate promised her team she’d finally be on time for the championship kickball game. But when she encounters the new girl in her class, stuck in the sand on the playground in her wheelchair, she has to make a BIG decision. Should she help or hurry on by? The clock’s ticking.
#3 – Jamie – Goldilocks: A Very Tired Tale (PB 4-8)
Goldilocks is exhausted and knows deep down there is a solution, but she canât quite put her finger on it. Mares? Pears? Stairs? Hijinks ensue as Goldilocks puts her quest for rest to the test in this fractured fairy tale.
Vote for the pitch you like best!
Let’s take a break for a little Something Chocolate! Twix Cookies look like a good choice, don’t they? I mean, what could be better than a combination Twix bar and cookie?
Mmmmm-mmmmmm! Scrumptious! Perfect for dunking in coffee (hot or iced!) or a tall cold glass of milk! Please! Help yourself to as many as you like and let’s keep reading and voting!
April
#1 – Carol – Princess Lucille’s Castle (PB 3-5)
Princess Lucille gives you a tour of her castle beginning at the moat and drawbridge and takes you through each room to the exit where you can buy princesses souvenirs.
#2 – Marta – OH NO SCORPIONS!! (PB 5 â 8)
Roz and her Mom have planned the Best Most Special Mom-Daughter Holiday Ever in Mexicoâuntil the hotel manager announces they have scorpions! Petrified, Roz is so convinced the tiny terrors could be hiding anywhere she âseesâ them everywhere, from the beach to her shoes! Her shrieks of alarm leave hotel staff and guests in an uproar and the holiday close to ruin. To save it, Roz must conquer her fears, not just for herself but ultimately for her Mom.
#3 – Angela – Buddy And The Blue Crew (PB 3-8)
On Buddy’s first day at school, all he really wants to do is to just blend in. But the problem is, he seems to be the only Blue-Footed-Booby in town! And it doesnât take long before the other kids start to notice.  When Buddy meets Bill – a kid with an even crazier feature â will Buddy be able to convince the other children, and ultimately himself, that there’s so much more to him than his bright, blue feet?Â
#4 – Diane – Stop! Stop! (PB 4-7)
Friend’s, Sumaya Seahorse, Polly Puffer Fish and Delphin Dolphin each find themselves tangled, caught or trapped in a ghost net, a plastic ring and a sunken bottle. To escape they rely on each other and the handy help of Charlie Crab, Sally Swordfish, her seven sisters and Harriet Hag Fish. Together they must come up with a creative recycling solution to tidy their ocean home from the unwanted waste.Â
Vote for the pitch you like best!
May
#1 – Patricia – TYâS TREASURES (PB 4-7)
A crystal.  A marble.  A feather.  Ty growing collection of treasures is causing problems for his family.  But  where can he stash them?  Not in the toybox. Not in the closet. Not in the bed.  Mom wants them outside. In his search for a worthy spot, Ty observes birds, squirrels, even his dog hanging on to their treasures. But a visit with his grandma helps Ty discover the difference between a treasure and a memor,y and that there is a place for both.
#2 – Katie – FRIENDS âROUND THE BEND (PB 4-8)
After friends laugh at his stinky bouquet, Prairie Pup Pip faces the fact that he has a no-good nose. His journey for a cure takes him from the prairie to the forest, encountering other misfit critters. His spunky spirit inspires his new friends, but his trailblazing days may be finished when he is unable to smell his way home.
#3 – Sandy – Simon Soars (PB 7-11)
Simon, a timid turkey vulture at Aviary Academy, eats formerly living earth creatures (F.L.E.C.) to the dismay of his classmates. When the jawing jays begin to tease and taunt, even Simonâs impeccable sense of smell and much hooted-over accomplishments wonât help. Simon hatches a plan to teach his classmates that rank fetid funkiness isnât something to cry foul over. Suddenly FLEC is no longer BLECH!Â
#4 – Caitlin – Lucy And The Fearful Monsters (PB 4-7)
Lucy longs to participate in the fun happening around her, but her fears keep getting in the way. She clings to the edge of the pool, holds tight to the first monkey bar, and hangs back at the petting zoo. Lucy takes to art and draws her fears as monsters. When her monsters start showing up in real life trembling with fright and begging for her help, Lucy must help them cope with the very same anxieties she faces herself.
Vote for the pitch you like best!
Thank you all for reading and voting – I know that was a lot all at once! You are all wonderful and the pitchers and I appreciate you so! â¤ď¸
All the pitch participants are looking forward to seeing how the votes come out! Â I am looking forward to that too!!!
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