Nancy Kelly Allen's Blog, page 36
May 6, 2012
Picture Books: Historical Fiction/Call for Submissions
Writing historical fiction requires research plus storytelling. I always research far more information than I will actually use in the story because I want to select the tidbits that will peak the interests of the readers. Storytelling involves writing intriguing plots with interesting characters in a captivating voice. Even though the story is fiction, the historical facts must be accurate. When I wrote Trouble in Troublesome Creek, I researched how Confederate soldiers hid in caves and used the underground areas to stow their goods and to make ammunition. The research was critical to the plotline because similar events had to have happened or the story would have lost its authenticity and all credibility with the audience.
The book is about a group of kids who are having a fun day of play along Troublesome Creek. I used just enough history to make the story interesting without detracting from the narrative. Allow the historical facts to enrich the story while the personalities and actions of the characters take the lead.
From May through August I will suspend the posting of contests and calls for submissions for young writers.
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Word Hotel , the literary magazine, published by the BFA in Creative Writing at Spalding University, is accepting literature, illustrations, photographs and photographs of artwork for the summer/fall issue to be published in August. They welcome submissions in all genres and a multitude of styles, including experimental, and are looking particularly for writers who have not yet published a first book. Writers may submit up to three poems (any length), short fiction or creative nonfiction up to 2,500 words, and hybrid texts.
Deadline: May 31
Details at wordhotel@spalding.edu
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
The book is about a group of kids who are having a fun day of play along Troublesome Creek. I used just enough history to make the story interesting without detracting from the narrative. Allow the historical facts to enrich the story while the personalities and actions of the characters take the lead.
From May through August I will suspend the posting of contests and calls for submissions for young writers.
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Word Hotel , the literary magazine, published by the BFA in Creative Writing at Spalding University, is accepting literature, illustrations, photographs and photographs of artwork for the summer/fall issue to be published in August. They welcome submissions in all genres and a multitude of styles, including experimental, and are looking particularly for writers who have not yet published a first book. Writers may submit up to three poems (any length), short fiction or creative nonfiction up to 2,500 words, and hybrid texts.
Deadline: May 31
Details at wordhotel@spalding.edu
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
April 29, 2012
Writing Picture Books: Term: “Slight”
Like many writers, I’ve had picture book manuscripts rejected because they are “slight.” The rejection letter may state: We’ve reviewed your story and find the character charming and delightfully; however the story is too slight. What!?! If the character was charming and delightful, what’s the problem? Picture books need a strong idea. Something must happen. A day in the life of a girl named Susie won’t work in today’s market even though the story is told well, unless Susie does something that ignites excitement. The story must have an emotional appeal that makes it stand out. Significant messages or universal themes that give a story lasting importance make and editor take notice. However, this gets tricky. Significant messages and universal themes should NOT be didactic, meaning preachy.
Stories are considered “slight” because the story doesn’t have depth or the plot doesn’t have action. A story in which a child strolls through the forest and sees the trees doesn’t have enough action or a significant message. A child walking through the woods counting trees has much more impact because the story has a strong focus: counting. Learning to count gives the reader something that will linger long after the book is closed.
The stories we write should resonate with young readers and embody thoughts, feelings, and desires that depict their world. Capture the childhood experiences of friendship and kindness and human emotions, such as anger and hope, in a magical way through writing.
Next week, I’ll explore further into the world of picture books.
Call for submissions for young writers:
Dragonfly . Send us your investigations, poems, short essays, and stories on upcoming themes, and you may be the next Dragonfly. For All Submissions, we Seek:
Writing from your own point of view. Material from third-grade through lower middle school students. Material on upcoming Dragonfly themes. Submit only your very best work. Use language that is sensitive to both boys and girls as well as to people from various cultural, economic, racial, and geographic backgrounds. Focus on a respect for nature, imagination, love of learning, and fun. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope, if you want material returned. 400-800 words.
No Deadline.
Details at http://www.units.muohio.edu/dragonfly...
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Boulevard . Pay: $25 to $500. Boulevard strives to publish only the finest in fiction, poetry, and non-fiction (essays, interviews, etc.).
Deadline: Accepts submissions after October 1 and up to May 1.
Details at http://www.boulevardmagazine.org/proj...
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
Stories are considered “slight” because the story doesn’t have depth or the plot doesn’t have action. A story in which a child strolls through the forest and sees the trees doesn’t have enough action or a significant message. A child walking through the woods counting trees has much more impact because the story has a strong focus: counting. Learning to count gives the reader something that will linger long after the book is closed.
The stories we write should resonate with young readers and embody thoughts, feelings, and desires that depict their world. Capture the childhood experiences of friendship and kindness and human emotions, such as anger and hope, in a magical way through writing.
Next week, I’ll explore further into the world of picture books.
Call for submissions for young writers:
Dragonfly . Send us your investigations, poems, short essays, and stories on upcoming themes, and you may be the next Dragonfly. For All Submissions, we Seek:
Writing from your own point of view. Material from third-grade through lower middle school students. Material on upcoming Dragonfly themes. Submit only your very best work. Use language that is sensitive to both boys and girls as well as to people from various cultural, economic, racial, and geographic backgrounds. Focus on a respect for nature, imagination, love of learning, and fun. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope, if you want material returned. 400-800 words.
No Deadline.
Details at http://www.units.muohio.edu/dragonfly...
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Boulevard . Pay: $25 to $500. Boulevard strives to publish only the finest in fiction, poetry, and non-fiction (essays, interviews, etc.).
Deadline: Accepts submissions after October 1 and up to May 1.
Details at http://www.boulevardmagazine.org/proj...
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
April 22, 2012
Picture Books: Problem Resolution Tales
The plot structure for Problem Resolution stories has a beginning, middle, and end. The beginning introduces the characters, setting and conflict. Most picture books have a third person point of view [he/she said] but first person [I said] also works. Sometimes dialog is used and sometimes authors choose an all narrative telling. Both work. In my book, Trouble in Troublesome Creek, I used dialog to help develop the individual personalities of the characters and to move the plot forward.
Rising action occurs when the character faces conflict. The Troublesome Creek kids found dead fish floating in their swimming hole. Yuck! That was no place for swimming. To make matters worse, no one knew what was killing the fish. By accident, they opened up a cave and decided to explore. Deep inside the cave, they dropped their flashlight and were swallowed by black. When the light worked again, they kids couldn’t remember the route out of the cave. Bats swarmed them. The way to build conflict is to create problems for the character. To keep the conflict high, create more problems. The conflict continues until the story reaches a climax, where the character confronts the problem.
The resolution comes quickly and suggests that the character has changed or solved the problem. The kids found strange rocks in the cave and later identified them as Minnie balls, Civil War lead bullets over 150 years old. The bullets were removed and the water in their swimming hole was safe for fish and swimmers. Problem solved.
This structure is the most popular in picture books.
Contest for young writers:
Gumbo Teen Magazine , a bimonthly print publication with a multicultural focus, accepts inquiries for submission by 13- to 19-year-olds on contemporary social, political and global issues of interest to teens, as well as news highlighting fashion, sports and entertainment.
Details at http://www.mygumbo.com/gumboteenmagaz...
Call for submissions for adult writers
Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine
CURRENT NEEDS: "Three general criteria are employed in
evaluating submissions: We look for strong writing, an
original and exciting plot, and professional craftsmanship.
We need hard-boiled stories as well as "cozies.
Details at http://www.themysteryplace.com/eqmm/g...
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
Rising action occurs when the character faces conflict. The Troublesome Creek kids found dead fish floating in their swimming hole. Yuck! That was no place for swimming. To make matters worse, no one knew what was killing the fish. By accident, they opened up a cave and decided to explore. Deep inside the cave, they dropped their flashlight and were swallowed by black. When the light worked again, they kids couldn’t remember the route out of the cave. Bats swarmed them. The way to build conflict is to create problems for the character. To keep the conflict high, create more problems. The conflict continues until the story reaches a climax, where the character confronts the problem.
The resolution comes quickly and suggests that the character has changed or solved the problem. The kids found strange rocks in the cave and later identified them as Minnie balls, Civil War lead bullets over 150 years old. The bullets were removed and the water in their swimming hole was safe for fish and swimmers. Problem solved.
This structure is the most popular in picture books.
Contest for young writers:
Gumbo Teen Magazine , a bimonthly print publication with a multicultural focus, accepts inquiries for submission by 13- to 19-year-olds on contemporary social, political and global issues of interest to teens, as well as news highlighting fashion, sports and entertainment.
Details at http://www.mygumbo.com/gumboteenmagaz...
Call for submissions for adult writers
Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine
CURRENT NEEDS: "Three general criteria are employed in
evaluating submissions: We look for strong writing, an
original and exciting plot, and professional craftsmanship.
We need hard-boiled stories as well as "cozies.
Details at http://www.themysteryplace.com/eqmm/g...
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
April 15, 2012
Picture Books: Journey Stories/Contest
The journey story is viable plot structure for picture books. The main character journeys into the world on a quest or with a specific goal in mind. While on the journey the character faces strong opposition and obstacles that s/he must overcome. By the end of the journey, the character experiences growth. This type of story has a definite sense of beginning, middle, and end. Many fairy tales, folktales, and myths are journey stories. Examples: The Three Little Pigs and Jack and the Beanstalk.
The beginning introduces the character and setting as well as the catalyst for the journey. Early in the story, establish the reason why the character is taking the journey. What is the character’s motivation to continue when presented with challenges? The pigs are seeking their fortunes. Introduce the villain, such as the Bad Wolf.
Challenges arise in the middle part of the story. The character is tested. The Big Bad Wolf huffs and puffs and blows down their houses. The character must learn to deal with the opposition so s/he can overcome the final obstacle that leads to the climax.
The ending is short and sweet. The Big Bad Wolf won’t bother the pigs ever again. A satisfying ending is a must for young readers. The pigs are victorious.
Consider how your journey story fits this plot structure. Add your own creative ideas, distinctive characters, and compelling plot to make the story fresh and engaging. As in building a house, the structure of a story provides the foundation, but the details offer the uniqueness.
Contest for young and adult writers:
Tapestry of Bronze "Odes to the Olympians" Spring 2012 Contest
"The Tapestry of Bronze is sponsoring a series of poetry contests to celebrate Greek and Roman mythology and the Olympian gods. The subject of the eighth contest is Ares (also known as Mars), the God of War." Prizes of $50 will be awarded for the winning poem in each age group (over 18/under 18). NB: "All poems remain the property of the authors. However, the Tapestry of Bronze reserves the right to post winning poems and those receiving Honorable Mention on the Tapestry of Bronze website."
Deadline: April 30, 2012
Details at http://www.tapestryofbronze.com/OdeFo...
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
The beginning introduces the character and setting as well as the catalyst for the journey. Early in the story, establish the reason why the character is taking the journey. What is the character’s motivation to continue when presented with challenges? The pigs are seeking their fortunes. Introduce the villain, such as the Bad Wolf.
Challenges arise in the middle part of the story. The character is tested. The Big Bad Wolf huffs and puffs and blows down their houses. The character must learn to deal with the opposition so s/he can overcome the final obstacle that leads to the climax.
The ending is short and sweet. The Big Bad Wolf won’t bother the pigs ever again. A satisfying ending is a must for young readers. The pigs are victorious.
Consider how your journey story fits this plot structure. Add your own creative ideas, distinctive characters, and compelling plot to make the story fresh and engaging. As in building a house, the structure of a story provides the foundation, but the details offer the uniqueness.
Contest for young and adult writers:
Tapestry of Bronze "Odes to the Olympians" Spring 2012 Contest
"The Tapestry of Bronze is sponsoring a series of poetry contests to celebrate Greek and Roman mythology and the Olympian gods. The subject of the eighth contest is Ares (also known as Mars), the God of War." Prizes of $50 will be awarded for the winning poem in each age group (over 18/under 18). NB: "All poems remain the property of the authors. However, the Tapestry of Bronze reserves the right to post winning poems and those receiving Honorable Mention on the Tapestry of Bronze website."
Deadline: April 30, 2012
Details at http://www.tapestryofbronze.com/OdeFo...
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
April 8, 2012
Picture Books: Circular Stories/Calls for Submissions
Circular stories are a fun way to learn to structure a picture book plot logically. The plot is devised so the ending leads back to the beginning, therefore, circular. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is an example. A character's journey takes him/her through dramatic action and ends up right back where they started. The main plot follows a predictable series of events. The character sets out on a journey to find, learn, or do something and must deal with obstacles as in other types of picture book plots. This format works well with stories about time travel, adventures, dreams, entering other worlds, and self-acceptance. Circular stories often utilize the writing techniques of showing, onomatopoeia, and sensory imagery.
This format is fun for young children because the storyline is rewarding. By returning to the beginning, the reader feels a sense of completion, with no loose ends or questions left unanswered. The familiarity is comforting.
Call for submissions for young writers:
KIKI
Do you have the writer's bug? Or are you a shutterbug with some great photos to share with other Kiki readers? Or an artist or designer waiting to be published and discovered? At Kiki, we love to see what our readers are doing, and we're sure that Kiki readers want to see what you've been working on,
too. Whatever your creative talent, submit your work to Kiki. Send us your illustrations, artwork, photos, or articles, and one of your creative masterpieces might end up being featured in the magazine!
If you're over 14 years old, go ahead and upload your submission. If you're under 14, you can send us whatever you have to Kiki Reader Submissions at 118 W Pike St, Covington, KY 41011. It all goes to the same place! But remember, if you're under 14, an adult can always upload your information for you. We can't wait to see what you come up with!
Email your submission to submissions@kikimag.com
Details at http://www.kikimag.com/submit/submit....
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Children's Writer
Cash prizes, winners' certificates, and valuable training in disciplined writing.
Write a 900 word mystery could win $500.
Deadline: April 30th.
Details at http://www.thechildrenswriter.com/af627/
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
This format is fun for young children because the storyline is rewarding. By returning to the beginning, the reader feels a sense of completion, with no loose ends or questions left unanswered. The familiarity is comforting.
Call for submissions for young writers:
KIKI
Do you have the writer's bug? Or are you a shutterbug with some great photos to share with other Kiki readers? Or an artist or designer waiting to be published and discovered? At Kiki, we love to see what our readers are doing, and we're sure that Kiki readers want to see what you've been working on,
too. Whatever your creative talent, submit your work to Kiki. Send us your illustrations, artwork, photos, or articles, and one of your creative masterpieces might end up being featured in the magazine!
If you're over 14 years old, go ahead and upload your submission. If you're under 14, you can send us whatever you have to Kiki Reader Submissions at 118 W Pike St, Covington, KY 41011. It all goes to the same place! But remember, if you're under 14, an adult can always upload your information for you. We can't wait to see what you come up with!
Email your submission to submissions@kikimag.com
Details at http://www.kikimag.com/submit/submit....
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Children's Writer
Cash prizes, winners' certificates, and valuable training in disciplined writing.
Write a 900 word mystery could win $500.
Deadline: April 30th.
Details at http://www.thechildrenswriter.com/af627/
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
April 1, 2012
Picture Books: Days of the Week Tales/Calls for Submissions
When I begin thinking about my next picture book and stamping out an idea, it seems easy as eating a chocolate ice cream cone on an August afternoon. As I begin the actual writing process, the task takes on a hard-as-nails life of its own as I attempt to figure out how to tell the story. In writing both fiction and nonfiction, the days-of-the-week format is an excellent structure because the built-in beginning and ending can be developed around the first and last days, with a Saturday resolution. Parents and teachers like this type of theme. Not only are you telling a story but the text reinforces the learning of the weekdays. Children love predictable stories in which they can identify the following day before turning the page.
This structure also allows for action. Many events and roadblocks can take place over the period of a week, giving the character time to rethink many of his/her choices. New discoveries can be made as the character works toward solving the problem. The basic structure will be predictable, but the writer has flexibility in creating an imaginative and unique story.
Call for submissions for young writers:
OMG! My Reality! This new anthology will be a collection of personal real-life stories written by and about kids, preteen and teens. We are
looking for humorous, heart-warming, wistful, and inspiring stories written by individuals 25 years old and younger. Your story must be between 500 and 1,200 words, neither more nor less. We will accept stories that have been previously
published if you now have the rights that will allow us to reprint it. As a contributor to books in the OMG! My Reality! series, you will receive:
1. One (1) copy of the book.
2. A T-shirt featuring the OMG! My Reality! logo and the
wording "I'm a published author!"
3. A share of the book royalties. For one year following
publication, you will collect a small percent of the royalties
paid to the co-creaters. Split among 60-plus contributors, the
amount will likely not total more than $50-$100 per contributor.
It could be more; it could be less.
Details at http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/pu...
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Blaze magazine is full of fun facts, cool games and crafts, and fascinating articles on horses, horse kids and the natural world they share. Promoting literacy of course, it's great for learning about not only horses, but also about nature, history, creative arts, character traits and much more. Geared for kids aged 8 to 14, the magazine is published quarterly. And what's more, Blaze is also a real-life horse. She's a flash Rocky Mountain and the official mascot of the magazine. Subscribers call her their own!
Details at http://blazekids.com/about-2/
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
This structure also allows for action. Many events and roadblocks can take place over the period of a week, giving the character time to rethink many of his/her choices. New discoveries can be made as the character works toward solving the problem. The basic structure will be predictable, but the writer has flexibility in creating an imaginative and unique story.
Call for submissions for young writers:
OMG! My Reality! This new anthology will be a collection of personal real-life stories written by and about kids, preteen and teens. We are
looking for humorous, heart-warming, wistful, and inspiring stories written by individuals 25 years old and younger. Your story must be between 500 and 1,200 words, neither more nor less. We will accept stories that have been previously
published if you now have the rights that will allow us to reprint it. As a contributor to books in the OMG! My Reality! series, you will receive:
1. One (1) copy of the book.
2. A T-shirt featuring the OMG! My Reality! logo and the
wording "I'm a published author!"
3. A share of the book royalties. For one year following
publication, you will collect a small percent of the royalties
paid to the co-creaters. Split among 60-plus contributors, the
amount will likely not total more than $50-$100 per contributor.
It could be more; it could be less.
Details at http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/pu...
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Blaze magazine is full of fun facts, cool games and crafts, and fascinating articles on horses, horse kids and the natural world they share. Promoting literacy of course, it's great for learning about not only horses, but also about nature, history, creative arts, character traits and much more. Geared for kids aged 8 to 14, the magazine is published quarterly. And what's more, Blaze is also a real-life horse. She's a flash Rocky Mountain and the official mascot of the magazine. Subscribers call her their own!
Details at http://blazekids.com/about-2/
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
March 25, 2012
Picture Books: Cumulative Stories/Contest/Call for Submissions
The cumulative story is a popular picture book format. The rhythm and beat of the text fall easy on the ears. These stories follow a repetitive pattern or text structure. Each page repeats the text of the preceding page and adds a new line or plot. The details continue page after page until the story builds to a climax. Stories such as There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly and This Is the House That Jack Built are examples.
The text in a cumulative story can begin as one word, a phrase, or a sentence. As new events happen, the previous events are repeated with additional words added. The story builds and so does the anticipation. This type of story works well for young children, ages 3-5, because the predictability of the story allows them to become active participants.
Word count is important in this type of writing. Keep the phrases or sentences short. Use strong nouns and action verbs to keep word count low and the action high. A specific character and his/her actions is a typical subject and plot for cumulative stories.
Contest for young writers:
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO'S NEW COSMIC FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE ESSAY COMPETITION
The New Cosmic Frontiers International Science Essay Competition On the Nature of our Universe and its Habitats is open to high school and college students. Its purpose is to inspire students to consider careers in science and to nurture their enthusiasm for the subject, and to engage young minds in creative, intellectual activities essential in scientific endeavors.
Winners will be awarded significant monetary prizes to support their education and given an extraordinary opportunity to meet today's world-renowned scientists and scholars at a conference and award ceremony, held in Philadelphia, on October 12-13, 2012.
CATEGORY 1: ESSAY THEME FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Are we alone in the Universe? Or, are there other life and intelligence beyond the solar system?
First Prize – $25,000 cash prize. Second Prizes – Two essays will be chosen for $10,000. Third Prizes – Five essays will be chosen for $5,000.
CATEGORY 2: ESSAY THEME FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
What is the origin of complexity in the universe?
First Prize – $50,000 cash prize. Second Prizes – Two essays will be chosen for $25,000. Third Prizes – Five essays will be chosen for $10,000.
In addition, up to 10 honorable mentions of $3,000 each will be awarded in either category.
Deadline June 15, 2012.
Details at http://www.newfrontiersinastronomy.org/
Call for submissions for adult writers:
ASK Magazine is a nonfiction magazine for children 6-9 years old who are curious about science and the world they live in. Each edition of ASK is built around a central theme on some question or concept in the natural, physical, or social sciences, technology, mathematics, history, or the arts. Feature articles are usually 1200-1600 words, with sidebars. ASK also occasionally commissions photo essays (400-600 words), humor pieces (200-400 words), short profiles of people, inventions, events, or the arts (200-400 words), and theme-appropriate experiments.
Details at http://www.cricketmag.com/19-Submissi...
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
The text in a cumulative story can begin as one word, a phrase, or a sentence. As new events happen, the previous events are repeated with additional words added. The story builds and so does the anticipation. This type of story works well for young children, ages 3-5, because the predictability of the story allows them to become active participants.
Word count is important in this type of writing. Keep the phrases or sentences short. Use strong nouns and action verbs to keep word count low and the action high. A specific character and his/her actions is a typical subject and plot for cumulative stories.
Contest for young writers:
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO'S NEW COSMIC FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE ESSAY COMPETITION
The New Cosmic Frontiers International Science Essay Competition On the Nature of our Universe and its Habitats is open to high school and college students. Its purpose is to inspire students to consider careers in science and to nurture their enthusiasm for the subject, and to engage young minds in creative, intellectual activities essential in scientific endeavors.
Winners will be awarded significant monetary prizes to support their education and given an extraordinary opportunity to meet today's world-renowned scientists and scholars at a conference and award ceremony, held in Philadelphia, on October 12-13, 2012.
CATEGORY 1: ESSAY THEME FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Are we alone in the Universe? Or, are there other life and intelligence beyond the solar system?
First Prize – $25,000 cash prize. Second Prizes – Two essays will be chosen for $10,000. Third Prizes – Five essays will be chosen for $5,000.
CATEGORY 2: ESSAY THEME FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
What is the origin of complexity in the universe?
First Prize – $50,000 cash prize. Second Prizes – Two essays will be chosen for $25,000. Third Prizes – Five essays will be chosen for $10,000.
In addition, up to 10 honorable mentions of $3,000 each will be awarded in either category.
Deadline June 15, 2012.
Details at http://www.newfrontiersinastronomy.org/
Call for submissions for adult writers:
ASK Magazine is a nonfiction magazine for children 6-9 years old who are curious about science and the world they live in. Each edition of ASK is built around a central theme on some question or concept in the natural, physical, or social sciences, technology, mathematics, history, or the arts. Feature articles are usually 1200-1600 words, with sidebars. ASK also occasionally commissions photo essays (400-600 words), humor pieces (200-400 words), short profiles of people, inventions, events, or the arts (200-400 words), and theme-appropriate experiments.
Details at http://www.cricketmag.com/19-Submissi...
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
March 18, 2012
Writing Picture Books: The Format/Contests
Today, let's take a close look at the format of a picture books. Most are 32 pages and are designed for ages three to eight. Lots of picture books break this rule. Some are 40+ pages; others are geared for children who are eight and older. However, if you're an aspiring writer with no books published, your best bet for getting a manuscript accepted is to write for the format that is most popular. Of the 32 pages, 3-4 pages are delegated for front matter, such as the title page, copyright, and dedication. That leaves about 28-29 pages for text and illustrations. Some books have illustrations on all 28 pages; others have illustrations on every other page. Both of these formats work well in picture books.
The text of picture books is getting shorter. When I first began writing professionally 22 years ago, 1000 words were common for picture books. Today, the maximum word count for most is 650. The sweet spot is 350-500 words. The text must have a balance of words and action from page to page so the illustrations can tell part of the story.
Within the short text a story with a beginning, middle, and end should be revealed. Usually, this is done in about 15 scenes or pieces of action.
Next week, I'll discuss the picture book cumulative story.
Contest for young writers:
Hummingbird Poetry Contest. Hey Kids!....We are excited to host our second kids hummingbird poetry contest to give you a chance to write a poem and maybe you'll win a prize! When you submit a poem you will have your own web page!
Tip: You can visit some other pages on our site and learn more about hummingbirds to help write your poem.
Each of the Top 3 Favorites will win everything you need (except your recycled bottle) to make your own "Recycler" Hummingbird Feeder".
Submit original work written by you.
Contest open to ages 6 to 12.
Fill out the "Your Name" box and be sure to include your age.
Winners will be selected based on visitor comments and our judge.
Deadline: September 30, 2012. Winners announced October 31, 2012.
Details at http://www.hummingbird-guide.com/kids ... gbird-poetry-contest.html
Contest for adult writers:
FAMILY CIRCLE FICTION CONTEST
Limit 2,500 words of short fiction.
Must be unpublished and never have won a prize. Limit two entries per person.
Must be 21 or older and a legal resident of the US. Grand prize may be published in Family Circle.
One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive a prize package including $750, a gift certificate to one (1) mediabistro.com course of his or her choice, one (1) year mediabistro.com AvantGuild membership valued at $55, and a one (1) year mediabistro.com How-to Video membership valued at $99.
One (1) Second Place winner will receive $250, a one (1) year mediabistro.com AvantGuild membership, and a one (1) year mediabistro.com How-to Video membership.
One (1) Third Place winner will receive $250 and a one (1) year mediabistro.com AvantGuild membership.
Deadline September 7, 2012
Details at http://www.familycircle.com/family-fu...
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
The text of picture books is getting shorter. When I first began writing professionally 22 years ago, 1000 words were common for picture books. Today, the maximum word count for most is 650. The sweet spot is 350-500 words. The text must have a balance of words and action from page to page so the illustrations can tell part of the story.
Within the short text a story with a beginning, middle, and end should be revealed. Usually, this is done in about 15 scenes or pieces of action.
Next week, I'll discuss the picture book cumulative story.
Contest for young writers:
Hummingbird Poetry Contest. Hey Kids!....We are excited to host our second kids hummingbird poetry contest to give you a chance to write a poem and maybe you'll win a prize! When you submit a poem you will have your own web page!
Tip: You can visit some other pages on our site and learn more about hummingbirds to help write your poem.
Each of the Top 3 Favorites will win everything you need (except your recycled bottle) to make your own "Recycler" Hummingbird Feeder".
Submit original work written by you.
Contest open to ages 6 to 12.
Fill out the "Your Name" box and be sure to include your age.
Winners will be selected based on visitor comments and our judge.
Deadline: September 30, 2012. Winners announced October 31, 2012.
Details at http://www.hummingbird-guide.com/kids ... gbird-poetry-contest.html
Contest for adult writers:
FAMILY CIRCLE FICTION CONTEST
Limit 2,500 words of short fiction.
Must be unpublished and never have won a prize. Limit two entries per person.
Must be 21 or older and a legal resident of the US. Grand prize may be published in Family Circle.
One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive a prize package including $750, a gift certificate to one (1) mediabistro.com course of his or her choice, one (1) year mediabistro.com AvantGuild membership valued at $55, and a one (1) year mediabistro.com How-to Video membership valued at $99.
One (1) Second Place winner will receive $250, a one (1) year mediabistro.com AvantGuild membership, and a one (1) year mediabistro.com How-to Video membership.
One (1) Third Place winner will receive $250 and a one (1) year mediabistro.com AvantGuild membership.
Deadline September 7, 2012
Details at http://www.familycircle.com/family-fu...
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
March 11, 2012
Writing Picture Books, Part I/Calls for Submissions
Last week, an aspiring writer asked me for tips on writing picture books. Picture books can be deceiving. They look simple to write but can be difficult since every word must push the story forward. In a short span of less than 1,000 words, preferably less than 650, a beginning, middle, and end must be created with an endearing character in a particular time and place. The task is difficult but not impossible. Here are some tips that might make the job a little easier.
1. The plot should be simple and take place in a brief period of time. The structure of picture books take many forms, including cumulative stories; problem resolution tales; days of the week tales; circular stories; and journey stories.
2. The character's feelings and perspective should represent the age of the audience.
3. Create a theme, a universal truth that resonates with the audience.
4. The ending should have a satisfying conclusion.
5. Allow the illustrator to draw much of the setting and description.
6. Write a text that allows action to be illustrated.
7. Plan for 14-15 scenes for about 28 pages of text and illustrations.
Over the next few weeks, I'll take a more in-depth look at the different structures of picture books.
Call for submissions for young writers:
Creative Kids Magazine accepts cartoons, songs, stories between 500 and 1200 words, puzzles, photographs, artwork, games, editorials, poetry, and plays, as well as any other creative work by kids aged 8-16. The print magazine is produced by Prufrock Press, a publisher of materials for gifted and advanced learners. Submit via snail mail according to guidelines.
Details for submission and writing examples at http://www.ckmagazine.org/
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Boom Writer This site is designed to inspire kids to write (and read). They are looking for "guest authors" to write opening chapters to be used to inspire stories and books from the kids. Kids then write their story using your story start, the stories go online, and when their purchased by family and friends of the child, the "guest author" receives a royalty.
Details at http://www.boomwriter.com/home/GuestA...
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
1. The plot should be simple and take place in a brief period of time. The structure of picture books take many forms, including cumulative stories; problem resolution tales; days of the week tales; circular stories; and journey stories.
2. The character's feelings and perspective should represent the age of the audience.
3. Create a theme, a universal truth that resonates with the audience.
4. The ending should have a satisfying conclusion.
5. Allow the illustrator to draw much of the setting and description.
6. Write a text that allows action to be illustrated.
7. Plan for 14-15 scenes for about 28 pages of text and illustrations.
Over the next few weeks, I'll take a more in-depth look at the different structures of picture books.
Call for submissions for young writers:
Creative Kids Magazine accepts cartoons, songs, stories between 500 and 1200 words, puzzles, photographs, artwork, games, editorials, poetry, and plays, as well as any other creative work by kids aged 8-16. The print magazine is produced by Prufrock Press, a publisher of materials for gifted and advanced learners. Submit via snail mail according to guidelines.
Details for submission and writing examples at http://www.ckmagazine.org/
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Boom Writer This site is designed to inspire kids to write (and read). They are looking for "guest authors" to write opening chapters to be used to inspire stories and books from the kids. Kids then write their story using your story start, the stories go online, and when their purchased by family and friends of the child, the "guest author" receives a royalty.
Details at http://www.boomwriter.com/home/GuestA...
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
March 4, 2012
First Draft/Calls for Submissions
Staring at a blank page or bare computer screen can be a scary endeavor for any writer. But it can also be exciting. After all, you're starting a new adventure called a first draft. The mind set plays a crucial role. Sometimes, we're afraid we can't get the story to unfold in a logical, engaging manner. At this point, don't worried since you can't get it wrong. The first draft is SUPPOSED to be chocked full of mistakes. This won't be your best writing but it will be a start in developing the idea.
The first draft is the place to let creative juices flow. "Get it down; then get it good" is an expression some authors use. Experiment with the plot and dialog. Mistakes, and lots of them, will pile up. Our words are not chisled in stone. If they were, corrections would be difficult if not impossible. But since we can erase or delete mistakes, no risks are involved. The most important aspect of a first draft is to simply get the story told. Turn off your internal editor. Metaphors? Descriptive language? Sensory images? If you don't write any, that's okay too. Those can come later with revisions that add sparkle to the story.
A writing associate gave me this sage advice: The first draft is the starting point, not the finish line.
Call for submissions for young writers:
Stone Soup , the magazine by young writers and artists
CURRENT NEEDS: "Send us stories and poems about the things
you feel most strongly about! Whether your work is about
imaginary situations or real ones, use your own experiences
and observations to give your work depth and a sense of
reality." Pays $40.
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Birds and Blooms
Do you have a funny birding or gardening story to share from your backyard? We want to hear it! Send us your best "backyard blunder," and the winning story will receive $500.
To enter, email your true story to contests@birdsandblooms.com. Please put "backyard blunder contest" in the subject line. All Entries must include your full name, address, city, state, zip, telephone number and email address (if you have one), in addition to your essay which may not exceed 400 words.
The winner of the Contest will be determined by judging all the entrants' submissions based on the follow criteria: originality 20%, quality 60% and personality 20%.
DEADLINE: March 15, 2012.
Details at http://www.birdsandblooms.com/Contest...
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
The first draft is the place to let creative juices flow. "Get it down; then get it good" is an expression some authors use. Experiment with the plot and dialog. Mistakes, and lots of them, will pile up. Our words are not chisled in stone. If they were, corrections would be difficult if not impossible. But since we can erase or delete mistakes, no risks are involved. The most important aspect of a first draft is to simply get the story told. Turn off your internal editor. Metaphors? Descriptive language? Sensory images? If you don't write any, that's okay too. Those can come later with revisions that add sparkle to the story.
A writing associate gave me this sage advice: The first draft is the starting point, not the finish line.
Call for submissions for young writers:
Stone Soup , the magazine by young writers and artists
CURRENT NEEDS: "Send us stories and poems about the things
you feel most strongly about! Whether your work is about
imaginary situations or real ones, use your own experiences
and observations to give your work depth and a sense of
reality." Pays $40.
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Birds and Blooms
Do you have a funny birding or gardening story to share from your backyard? We want to hear it! Send us your best "backyard blunder," and the winning story will receive $500.
To enter, email your true story to contests@birdsandblooms.com. Please put "backyard blunder contest" in the subject line. All Entries must include your full name, address, city, state, zip, telephone number and email address (if you have one), in addition to your essay which may not exceed 400 words.
The winner of the Contest will be determined by judging all the entrants' submissions based on the follow criteria: originality 20%, quality 60% and personality 20%.
DEADLINE: March 15, 2012.
Details at http://www.birdsandblooms.com/Contest...
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
