I’m trying to find my way into a story, likely a picture book. I’ve written 600 words and I’m not even really into the meat of the story yet. For those of you familiar with picture book texts, you’ll recognize I’m already in trouble length-wise. For those of you unfamiliar with picture book texts, well, I’m already in trouble length-wise. It’s going to be too long. And I’m not even really sure I’ve found the right voice for the story OR the right voice for the main character.
I’m writing the story because one of my editors sent me a note about a book they’d like to do and asked me if I’d like to try. I began researching. I got excited about the idea of doing a story on this subject and found a really cool, interesting anecdote that would be perfect to build a story around. So, of course, I really want to grab this opportunity. But I haven’t found my way into the story yet. Has this ever happened to you?
My plan is just to keep trying. I’m going to finish the story I’ve started and get it all on paper, likely topping out at about 1200 words. Too long. Then, I’m going to try a completely different approach and write it in a different style. And then I’ll keep trying if I have to. If it’s a story worth telling, I’ll eventually be able to burn off the dross, right?
Kristy Dempsey 
I’m so excited to see what you’ve come up with. Shoot it my way any time you need/want to.
don’t be excited yet. It’s crap at this point. But you’ll see it soon enough.
Yes. Finish. Write it all. Then let it sit. And then, after a week or so, write it all again from scratch. At least, that’s what I’d recommend.
I shall listen to you, for you are wise.
Oh, you know, just keep on going and snippy snip later. And in this case, snip snip snippy snip snippy snip snip. 🙂
Sounds like a neat opportunity!
I’ve never tried writing a pb. They seem really hard.
Good luck!
Oh I know the pain of which you speak!
I have the anecdote. I have the idea. I have way too many words. Good luck!
That sounds like the perfect approach! I can’t wait to see what comes of it!
Hi Kristy–My editor suggested a topic–actually, an enormous topic!–and wanted to know if I might be interested in doing “something on it.” I’ve always been jealous of writers whose editors suggested topics, but I’ve found I need either MORE (much more) direction or I guess none at all.
I do work for hire projects all the time, following very specific guidelines. But a big topic with only the guidelines “I wouldn’t want it to be an ‘issue’ book” (although the topic is an issue) has left me pretty stymied.
Good luck! I hope you find the fit, the voice, the character!
Good luck to you too! I’m still struggling.