Flirting with inspiration
November 14th, 2007 by Sara
The Westside Schmooze, part of the LA SCBWI, is going to be talking about genres today. What is the difference between board books and picture books? Middle grade and YA? Is it smart to switch between these age groups?
This topic is especially relevent to my life right now. After being completely devoted to my young adult novel for several years, I’ve started cheating. At first, it was just a picture book idea scribbled down here or there. Then, at the bookstore, I would slow down as I passed by the picture book section on my way to young adult. Now I’m shamelessly reading picture books as a passionate obsession. I’ll admit it, I’m a two-timer and I really like playing around.
The advantage of dating around the genres is that when you get stuck on one thing, you can move on for a while. I love the angsty complexity of my YA story, but I’m relieved to indulge in the colorful, poetic world of the picture book. I’ve got a crush on the simplicity, the humor, the interactive nature of repetition and reading out loud.
So am I a picture book writer now? No. I still want to finish revising my novel. I still want to create graphic novels with Tony and try my hand at chapter books. This may not be the easiest or most traditional way to work in children’s books. But what can I say? I’m a flirt!
Posted in Genres, Picture books, SCBWI, Books, Writing
November 15th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
I feel the same way. Sometimes, as much as you love the first genre you’ve chosen, your needs change. Sometimes it’s nice to say anything’s possible. What matters is that I’m still reading and writing. That’s my passion.
November 15th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
You’ll have to forgive me — I am new at commenting on blogs. What I really wanted to say was thanks for articulating what I feel about flirting with other genres. You do that so well; you almost always say what’s on my mind.
:D
November 15th, 2007 at 9:15 pm
Thanks. I know what you mean. It’s always great when someone expresses the same thoughts or feelings you have. That’s what I love about reading so much. It’s magical when a character’s emotions reflect my own. It always makes me feel less alone in the world.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:19 am
Hey Sara! You did a great job delineating the various kid genres at the Schmooze on Wed nite! Sparked some interesting questions. What’s on the agenda for the next one?
November 16th, 2007 at 11:19 am
Thanks! The next schmooze is about openings. Here’s the blurb: Are You Hooked Yet? First pages, opening hooks, and editor-grabbing synopses.
How can you use your first pages, first lines, and queries to hook readers and editors. Join us as we try to define the indefinable something that glues readers to the page. Learn from other schmoozer’s openings and share your own.
November 28th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Sara, I worked with Tony at GDC and PAX this last year. I’d be so stoked to see a graphic novel produced by the 2 of you!
