Drawing Ovals

When my son was in pre-k he came home from school excited to show me what they had been working on that day in class. He grabbed a pencil and a sheet of copy paper, “I can draw a circle mommy!” “You can?” I asked excitedly. “Let me see!” He held the pencil his tiny right hand and made the first attempt. He was clearly disappointed in the outcome. “Let me try again” he said. Swoosh went the marker. He was less than impressed. He started to panic and quickly banged out three gray oblong marks in a row. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. He studied the paper and then announced, “This pencil only draws ovals!”

I felt the exact same way when I started writing children’s books. I had great taste in children’s literature. (But I would soon discover that just because you can recognize a good book, doesn’t mean you can write one.) My kids and I would get canvas bags full of books every week and devour them. Good picture books seem effortless and easy to read. How hard could it be to write one? So I tried. But my attempts at creating a well-rounded circle of a picture book fell flat. My pencil would only draw ovals. But because I don’t give up on hard things (but I only have at most, two measly attempts in me when it comes to opening a pickle jar), I kept at it. I kept writing and reading and I even joined a kidlit writing critique group. I studied and learned and before long my ovals started expanding their egg shape. Somewhere along the line, and after many edits, I must have gotten pretty close to a circle because my story was noticed and in 2020 I will have two picture books published.

Anything worth doing takes time and effort. Lines may be imperfect and squiggly, but eventually with work and advice from those in the place you aspire to be, they will smooth out and come full circle. But first draw a bunch of ovals!

https://rhyskeller.com/picture-books-shine-editors-sign-teams-tell-all-part-2/

“Life is pain, highness. Anyone who tells you differently is selling something.”
–Wesley (The Princess Bride)

Modifying this quote to fit her writing experience, author-illustrator Shanda McCloskey says,

“Writing is pain. Anyone who tells you differently is self-published.”

“I kid! I kid!” Shanda says, “The point is, for me, writing is long-suffering, worthy work that you hope ends in satisfaction and joy … eventually.”

Me: Shanda, What is the writing life like for you?

“Writing to be published (traditionally) is grueling. Honestly, I’m not very good at it, but trying satisfies me within. So I do it. To live. To feel challenged. To be me. But it’s too much to bear alone. You’d go nuts from all the ups and downs and starting overs. I almost have!”

Me: I feel so lucky to be in the same critique group with you! What does our Trail Mix group mean to you?

“I have a writing family- a sisterhood actually. Nine women, including myself, that meet once a month in a safe place to lay the work of our hearts on the table, to speak up, to speak truth, to guide and be guided. It’s one of the most beautiful friendships I’ve ever experienced in my 30 something years. We have a bond weaved of joys, tragedies, triumphs, failures, hopes, fears, dreams, laughter, changes, tears, waiting, strengths, weaknesses, and the acceptance of hard truths. We’ve done life and stories together for almost 10 years!”

Me: What would you say to an aspiring writer who feels alone on the journey?

I’m sure there are plenty of writers out there who can navigate their minds and lives alone with ease. But I cant. (Not very well anyway.) But I’m gonna be okay. I’ve got my “Trail Mix” critique group sisters. I’m so lucky!

I’m so proud of you Shanda! Of all that you have accomplished of course, but mostly that I get to call you friend and be on this amazing kid lit journey with you! Click here to purchase Shanda’s incredible debut picture book Doll-E 1.0 and be on the lookout for another title by Shanda next year!

Our next stop on the bookstore blog tour brought us to Athens, Georgia, the home of The University of Georgia. If you’ve never been to Athens- it is a quaint little town that bleeds red and black, and Bulldogs comprise the bulk of the décor. I was a little nervous that they would sniff me out being that I graduated from their rival school- Georgia Tech, but this Yellow Jacket stayed undercover.

We were there to visit Avid Bookshop, a neighborhood store open since 2011. Since their inception they have made quite an impact in the bookish world, even named one of the top 5 bookshops in the U.S. by Publisher’s Weekly in 2017. Recently they opened a sister store by the same name in the Five Points in the community. So of course we had to visit both!!

The original store is located in a historic building between two streets with entrances at both ends of the store. The beautiful doors and large windows gave you plenty of book browsing natural light. I loved how inviting the space was just inside the “front” doors. Little gift ideas and seasonal displays to welcome you.

I also noticed (and personally love) how well organized every section of the store was, by genre and interest. Each chalkboard sign made it easy to find exactly what you were looking for. If you look closely you will notice the book lights hanging from the ceiling. These and the calming blue sky and cloud walls added a fantastical touch to the overall personality of the store.

We were greeted by a friendly and knowledgable staff person, Elizabeth, who told us about the store, informed us of their sister store not far away and gave us an excellent lunch spot suggestion. (GRIT) We learned of their book club program where they will actually send you a book every month. Very cool. Near the register I noticed something that looked a bit out of place. A bathroom door covered with sharpie graffiti.

Apparently this is where authors can leave their mark, signing the door inside and out whenever they visit. I thought this was an awesome idea and even spotted this drawing by Loren Long illustrator of the new LOVE book by Matt de la Pena. To be honest, I didn’t actually sign the door since my book isn’t actually out yet, BUT you can be sure I will be back later in the year! My book buddy Steen has two books in her trilogy available now and she DID sign the door. You can buy her awesome books here: The Door Keeper 

Of course you know that what I really interested in seeing when I visit a bookstore is the clever children’s book section. And Avid bookshop did not disappoint with this adorable hot air balloon reading nook! I just had to hop and take a ride! The collage pictures on the inside of the woven basket and the oversized pillows made this the perfect spot for a kid (or me) to curl up with a good picture book. The children’s books were also neatly and colorfully organized. This made me even more excited to see their sister shop.

Look how beautiful this store is! This location definitely had a different vibe from the other one- a bit newer and shinier if you will. Another great location in the Five Points community with plenty of foot traffic. I loved the welcoming chalkboard tent sign with a list of “Books that Have Changed the World” The store was beautifully laid out and the staff was once again very friendly as they made a point to say hello and ask us if we needed help. We needed help for sure because we wanted EVERYTHING in the store!

This time I went straight back to the children’s section and found another fun mode of book transportation…a boat! There were waves painted on the wall, blue lighted stars and moons inside the boat and red velvet pillows to sit on. A kid’s dream! Way to knock it out of the park AGAIN Avid for little readers. Very imaginative! Funny though-being a college town I never actually saw a child during our visit. 😉

Once again, I adored all of the gift ideas including their “I am an Avid Reader” t-shirts and bags. I would say our visit to Avid Bookshops in Athens, Georgia was a huge success! If you are ever in Athens don’t miss the opportunity to stop in BOTH stores and book browse to your hearts content.

Until our next bookish adventure!

-Bonnie

Hi Krissy!

Welcome to Bonnie Clark Books! I am so excited for your debut chapter book Teeny Sweeney and the Moustache Cash. I’ve already pre-ordered my copy and I can’t wait to read it with my kids! So…

Tell us a little about yourself!

“I live in Texas with my husband and two children. My husband and I work in the AWANA program at our church, and we also enjoy teaching a Sunday school class. I taught elementary school before staying home and then homeschooling my children. I have worked in the publishing industry for about ten years. I love, love, love writing the Teeny Sweeney series. My day is totally made when I can inspire a kid to laugh and also grow in his or her relationship with Christ.”

What does your writing process look like?

“With Teeny Sweeney, I brainstorm different story plots that have been floating around in my head for a while. For me, the zanier, the better. I then think about which plot would make sense for the next in the series. I know every author is different, but I’m a total outline-girl, so that comes next. After outlining, I’ll begin the manuscript. I like to write a chapter, re-read to make sure it works, and then continue until completed. Once done, I make a checklist of things that I felt could be stronger and to also ensure I have the needed elements, like enough scripture, interesting characters, and humor. Picture books are similar, but without the outline. The process for middle grade and young adult fiction is a bit longer. I will often even have a document for loose ends that need wrapping up. With all of the above, I like to also make a list of the characters and his or her attributes. I want to make sure that everyone is fleshed out and doing things that make sense for their characters. My writing process may be lengthy, but a polished product is totally worth it.”

Tell us more about your new children’s chapter book Teeny Sweeney and the Mustache Cash.

“I’m so excited to share this story with the world, you guys! It’s all about third-grader Teeny Sweeney. She’s spunky. She’s fun. And she’s figuring out life with God’s Word as her guide. Teeny is tasked by her teacher with creating a business idea, but in true Teeny fashion, she does so much more. Teeny has a tight-knit family, a special best friend, and of course, an arch-nemesis. Growing up, some of my favorite people were characters in stories. I really think Teeny Sweeney can be a favorite of your children or students or family members. And it completely thrills my heart to be part of a series that can help kids see the importance of scripture. God’s Word is the ultimate tool that can guide us all in this crazy life, and I’m beyond grateful for that.”

And lastly, Have you always wanted to be a writer?

“Hmmm. That’s an awesome question. As a kid, the thought never occurred to me. I just loved to read and write. This passion was pre-research papers and essays to prepare for the future. And it wasn’t until college and being exposed to children’ literature again, that I remembered my joy for the art. Now, ten years later, what would I do without my quiet time with the keyboard?”

Thank you so much for chatting with me today on World Book Day!! I can’t wait to read your books and get to know Teeny Sweeney myself.

-Bonnie