It's Almost Christmas!

I don't know why, but this year I've really been into all things Christmas, and early on to bat. I started getting excited for the decorating in September! What's up with that? I'm not even having company or going anywhere. The only people to see my hard work are myself, my hubby who could care less, and my dogs and cat who just love it. How do I know this? Because I tell them they do, of course!

So needless to say, I started my decorating earlier than normal and had all of that done, all my shopping, wrapping, and shipping done last week! And am so glad I did. I left one package to mail this week and the lines were doubled at the post office from last week. Good thinking, Allyn! I'm patting myself on the back right now.

I have always been an early "get the shopping done and out the door" kinda gal though. I just can't stand all the crowds of people pushing, shoving, and cutting in line at the stores. I'll never understand how others have the patience for that!

But with all my excitement and hussle and bussle of getting everything done, my writing is suffering. I haven't written a thing all month. I've edited, and done some other writing things but not really worked on a particular story. So in a way, I can't wait for the holidays to be over because my new years resolution for 2014 is to concentrate more on my writing. I haven't been a very disciplined writer since I was laid off from my job in 2012 but next year I plan to change that. Pray for me!

However, I have some good news. I got another acceptance for a picture book story I've been working on for quite a while now. This publisher has been holding on to it for awhile but finally gave me the Christmas present I most wanted! Another book!

Since no one but maybe a friend or two will see my Christmas hard work, I'll show you!



 

Squeeeee! These are all for me!

Funny how trees never take good photo's. My tree looks small and lonely
here, but it's really not. It's big and gorgeous! Poor thing.

 

If anyone is in the area this weekend, stop on by the Imagine Christmas Bazaar & Craft Show, Hosanna Church, in Marrero, LA this Friday, Dec. 13 from 5:00 - 10:00 pm and Saturday, Dec. 14 from 4:00 - 10:00pm. I'll be there signing my book. Should be lots of fun for the whole family! Hope to see some of you there.

The Six W's

I hope all of you have recovered from your holiday and had a great one at that. Myself, I've recovered from a "let down" of a turkey day. My husband wanted a fried turkey this year so since I was ordering that, I also ordered the fixin's to go along with it. Never again! It was nice not having to cook much, but the food was a total let down. So next year, I'll be sweating in the kitchen again!

I came across a great article the other day and wondered how many of you children's picture book authors use or know about the rule of a strong opening in your story by applying the six W's.

What are the six W's to a strong opening?

1. Who is your main character? In picture books, introducing your main character first is vital. If you introduce a secondary character first, you'll confuse the reader. They won't know with whom to identify. We must start out with a scene that introduces the main character through dialogue, action, or another's reaction to him.

2. What does your character want? In order to grab a young person's attention right away, it's important to lay down the main characters problem, goal, or conflict within the first few sentences.  Young children need to know what the story is going to be about right away or they'll lose focus. That stuffed animal in the corner is going to take over their interest before you turn the first page if they become bored right away.

3. When is your story taking place? If you're writing a contemporary story, this isn't always necessary. But if your writing a story that takes place in another era, it's important to introduce that early on. For instance if your story is about something that took place back in George Washington's day it's important to give hints early on. An example would be something like this:
"Mama, how was the fair today?" Ann asked. "Did you get to meet President George Washington?"

That one sentence would give the first clue that your story is taking place a long time ago.

4. Where is your story taking place? Just like the reader needs to know when the story is taking place, they also need to know where. In picture books, you don't need to tell an elaborate scene description but they should know where it's taking place.

5. What is the tone of your story? Is your story going to be serious? Sad? Funny? Your careful selection of words and rhythms lets the reader know. Give clues early on for a funny story by using playful, humorous, upbeat, or even made-up words.

6. Wow! This is where you hook the reader. And it should happen early on, preferably the first paragraph. The Wow factor is probably one of the most important parts of the 6 W's. If you can't get the reader's interest snatched early on, then they may not even be interested in the rest of the story.

How many of you make sure to include the 6 W's in your story?