It’s nearly the end of the month and I’m afraid that I still do not have my picture book manuscript completed for the 12 x 12 in ’12 competition.
But I’d marked Mem Fox’s delightful website and most particularly, her list of 20 Do’s and Don’ts of picture book writing. That list was like a condensed class in picture book writing, and very, very helpful.
But if I’m being really honest, it was stumbling upon Mem reading The Goblin and The Empty Chair that truly inspired me. First, because she so obviously loves reading, and the joy in her voice is absolutely contagious. Secondly, because it’s such a lovely story, and I’m such a sucker for fairy tale stories. And thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, I was suddenly transported.
Just like that, I was a much younger mom, trooping through the library, watching my kidders pick out books, and bringing me their treasures. And there was a Mem Fox book in the bunch, and oh, how we loved her books.
Mem Fox’s books first came out way back when the Junior Halls were very Junior Halls. And the The Goblin and the Empty Chair was published in 2009. So there’s hope for me yet.
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
Cathy–Some of my favorite picture books writers are Cynthia Rylant (NOT her Henry and Mudge series, which are early chapter books) but books like “The Woman Who Named Things” and “Scarecrow” and “When the Relatives Came” among others. Jane Yolen’s “Welcome to the Sea of Sand” and “Welcome to the Green House” are great as well.
Fox’s “Koala Love” and the “pirate one” are great books.
Get busy, woman. Or I’ll have Cathy-on-a-Stick hit you with a stick to get you writing…
Hahahahaa! You’ll have to catch Cathy-on-a-Stick first, Sioux!
(And oh, yes, Cynthia Rylant is quite the prolific writer!)
You can’t go wrong with Mem Fox! I’m sending you best wishes for that May draft too! 🙂
Just finished it, Julie! 😉
You can do it, Cathy! Be the little engine that could. Thanks for the link to the do’s and don’ts – I’m checking that out next.
It’s quick and spot on stuff, Deb!
And P.S. How about I be the medium engine that could? 😉