Picture Books are short and sweet and quick to end so I've always felt I needed to know that ending before my brain can know what to write about.
I've recently had my fifth picture book published and have four more waiting in the wings. My Halloween story, Pumpkin Squash is due to be published sometime this year before Halloween.
Picture Books are my passion, however I feel like I'm ready to branch out. When I first began my writing journey, I started with the idea that I'd write a MG Chapter Book. Beginning that story is when I discovered writing is really a blast! And that I may have a talent for it. I always was a good story teller when I was growing up so why not begin putting my stories on paper.
However, I stalled out in the middle of the story. That's when I began researching Picture Books and signed up for a class. I immediately fell in love with writing those types of stories.
But it's time to get back to my chapter book. I want to have more to offer readers other than just books for small children.
My dilemna is, I don't know how to end the story! And after writing so many picture books, it is really throwing me for a loop.
Therefore, I have a question for all you novel writers out there. Do you always know how you want the story to end? Or do you just let the words flow and discover the end as you go along?
I tend to be a winger. Meaning, I have a general idea of the story I want to write, but I don't have it all fleshed out and I don't really know where it will end until I write it. Sometimes that's a bit stressful, but all in all, that's just my way. You will figure it out.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Courtney. Wish me luck!
DeleteWith my MG novel, I wrote the final chapter first because I needed a clear ending point for the story. After that, the story was easy to write.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that's going to be my way too. I just feel like I need to have an idea of the ending before I can really get to the reason I'm even writing the story to begin with!
DeleteCongratulations on your picture book successes! I'm a pantster. Sometimes I THINK I know how I want the story to end, but my characters have something else in mind. Keep writing. The ending will reveal itself.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Denise. I'll try to take your advise.
DeleteHello Allyn,
ReplyDeleteI’m not a writer so don’t feel I can’t offer any advice. The only 'writing' I do is for my blog and that really started by accident. I was selling vintage children’s books at the time so sharing some of the stories felt like a good idea, but I’ve never really known how the posts would start never mind end!
I’m no longer selling books, but I do have a nice collection, so I’ve carried on with the blog and somehow got hooked.
Maybe it’s time I took a writing course or two I certainly envy you the ability to create such wonderful things.
I don’t know how you feel about guest blogging but you would be very welcome to share something about your childhood and how you began writing (or anything else that takes your fancy!) on my blog if you would like to. It is quite widely read so it may be of use to you. Barbara
These links will give you an idea of the kind of things I share -
http://marchhousebookscom.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/guest-post-memories-of-dudley-d-watkins.html
http://marchhousebookscom.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/guest-post-by-marcia-strykowski.html
http://marchhousebookscom.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/what-sparks-childs-dreams.html
Barbara, I would be honored to do a post on your blog. I could do something about how I began my writing adventure. Thanks so much for the offer and I look forward to hearing back from you!
Deleteabsolutely not. You know I've written more non fiction than stories, but the conclusion or end is the last thing you worry about. It's a journey. Worry about the end when you get there!!
ReplyDeleteBut I'm scared to not know a general idea of how I want it to end. However, I'm going to try to just let my fingers and imagination take me to the ending
DeleteI'm with Denise. When I write I know how I plan on ending my book, but trust me it doesn't always go my way. Characters can and will change an ending if you let your story roll out of your creative juices.
ReplyDeleteThis is exciting! I think a chapter book added to your collection (not one but one and more to come) will be a great addition to your books. You entertain the small children now. The elementary grades 4-8 would love your chapter books.
And I hope you've taken Barbara Fisher up on her offer. You'd be a great interviewee. :)
Keep on writing!! You have the gift!
Thanks, Deb. It's time for us both to branch out! And yes, just before I read your post, I answered Barbara but thanks for the "push" to do it!
Deletethanks gan artikelnya..
ReplyDeletethanks gan artikelnya..
ReplyDelete