Books for kids, teens, & those who are young at heart

Tag: picture books (Page 2 of 3)

How Long Did It Take to Write the First Lines of the Picture Book DADDY’S 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS?

My latest picture book DADDY’S 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, illustrated by Phoebe Cho, releases today! Seeing it out in the world has reminded me how long it took me to write the first lines.

I’ve had people express the sentiment that writing picture books must be “easier” than writing novels because picture books are short. I wonder if these same people think that poetry is easy to write. Have they ever tried writing a poem or a picture book? Do they know what makes a poem or a picture book an effective piece of literature?

The months I spent writing and rewriting the first lines of this book would indicate it’s not easier. The months my critique partners spent hashing over different versions of these lines would also indicate that writing picture books is not easier than writing novels.

One of the things that made the first lines so tricky was that DADDY’S 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS is a play on the classic carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” So that meant I had an existing meter and rhythm to adhere to for the book. While it can be helpful to have a framework, there’s also the pressure to match it correctly.

As I’m sure most of you know, the first part of the song is:
On the first day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree

The first part was simple enough to modify to fit my story:
On the first day of Christmas,
My children gave to me

It was the that last part that gave me such a hard time. I knew what I wanted to say, something about a gift under the tree, but how to say it proved more difficult than I imagined. One thing that tripped me up was singing the line and speaking the line are slightly different experiences. Picture books are usually spoken aloud, not sung, and I wanted the line to work both ways.

The other thing that tripped me up is that I’m not very good at hearing poetic meter (which syllables are stressed and unstressed). Sometimes I just can’t tell which syllables in a word or a line are read with emphasis and which are the “quiet” ones.

Just like in the song, these first lines are repeated throughout the book, so I knew I had to get them right. I knew my first attempt didn’t quite work, but I couldn’t pinpoint a solution. That’s where my critique partners came in. First of all, they let me know the line wasn’t working, but, more importantly, they let me know why the line wasn’t working. The meter was off.

I tried saying the line out loud. I tried singing the line. I counted the number of syllables over and over again to make sure I had the correct number. I sent them several more attempts at the line. None of them were right.

Then they so very graciously started tweaking my lines and offering up other suggestions. Writing it was truly a group effort. The result is deceptively simple sounding, but it works in the way I wanted to (I think!?).

Even now, I’m singing it in my head and judging it. Usually this is the part of the post where I ask what you think. But in this case, I’d rather not know. The line is out there, so I prefer to stay in my bubble of believing it works. As for what that gift is, you’ll have to read the book to find out.

The lesson here is shorter ≠ easier, and perhaps ignorance is bliss. And also, find yourself good critique partners!

DADDY’S 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS is the second book in the Family Holiday Tales. Daddy receives a special gift from his children, but that’s not all he gets. From sweet Christmas cookies to frozen fingers while sledding, the kids “gift” Daddy twelve days of Christmas he will never forget. Sing along with this family of two dads and five kids as they create special Christmas memories in a celebration of love and families of all kinds.

Purchase signed copies on my Purchase Books page, or find it on AmazonBarnes & NobleBookshop.org, or Kobo.

Buy Signed Book Directly from Author Katie L. Carroll

The big news this week is that I’ve set up a bookstore right here on my website! Now you can order signed copies of any of my four books directly from me, simply visit the Purchase Books page. If you’d like them personalized, follow the instructions on the page.

For those of you who may not be familiar with my books, here’s a little bit about each one. I think you’ll be able to find something for every young reader!

The Bedtime Knight – picture book

When the lights turn off at bedtime, a young mouse’s imagination runs wild. Daddy Knight charges in to the rescue and sheds light on what the shadows really are. Then he empowers his daughter to turn the scary shadows into fun imaginings. Written by Katie L. Carroll with illustrations by Erika Baird.

Pirate Island – middle grade fiction

A thrice cursed island, a legendary pirate treasure, and one not-so-brave boy. What could possibly go wrong?

For centuries, the whereabouts of Captain William Kidd’s lost pirate treasure has remained a mystery. When Billy’s best friend, Andy, proposes they look for it on nearby Pirate Island, Billy thinks it’s just another one of their crazy adventures. It’s usually Billy who ends up in trouble as a result, but he goes along for the ride…like always. The more he delves into the life and death of Kidd, the more he thinks the treasure is real and that it might be buried on the small island in Long Island Sound. Billy—nope, call him William—becomes obsessed with the captain of the same first name. He even believes he’s possessed by Kidd’s restless soul. Now he and the spirit of a long-dead pirate are leading the crazy adventure on Pirate Island. And what they find is far bigger than the treasure they imagined.

Elixir Bound – young adult fantasy

Take an epic journey in this award-winning young adult fantasy, winner of Best YA Book for the 2019 Connecticut Author Project! A young woman’s quest to become the next guardian of a secret healing Elixir is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J. Maas

Katora Kase isn’t the firstborn son nor does she possess the type of magic that can conjure spells or bewitch others. In the land of the Great Peninsula—an epic fantasy world ruled by the Great Mother Nature and her offspring—those things aren’t a measure of one’s worth. And what Katora does possess is the subtle magic running through her blood that marks her as the next guardian of a secret healing Elixir that is her family’s legacy. It is such a highly guarded secret that Katora doesn’t know of its existence until a rare snowstorm blows through with a message for her father, the current guardian.

Katora sets off on a quest into the wilds of Faway Forest to find the flowers that give the Elixir its potency. Even though she is accompanied by her sister, her brother, an old family friend, and the handsome son of a mapmaker, she feels alone. For it is her decision alone whether or not to bind herself to the Elixir’s magic to serve and protect it until a new guardian is chosen. The forest hosts many dangers, including wicked beings that will stop at nothing to gain power, but the biggest danger Katora may face is whether or not to open up her heart to love.

ELIXIR SAVED – young adult fantasy

Three lives saved by the Elixir; three lives bound by it.

The Elixir entwines the lives of those it touches. Once upon a time, Kylene, Zelenka, and Devon tasted it and escaped death. None were left without scars. Now, a shocking message from the Ice Queen—one of Mother Nature’s higher beings—sends each survivor on a quest. Kylene travels to the frozen depths of Blanchardwood, Zelenka heads back to the wilds of Faway Forest, and Devon journeys to a reclusive mountain temple. The three paths converge in a war against an ancient and tricky foe. And even the Elixir cannot save everyone. The fate of the world balances on the edge of a sword, and the outcome depends on whether the survivors will sacrifice their second chances.

Escape back into the world of the Great Peninsula in this much-anticipated sequel to the award-winning ELIXIR BOUND. 

New School Year & New Book Teaser

First off, I know a lot schools started back this week (in one form or another), so I wanted to send good wishes out to all the teachers, parents, and students embarking on this new school year. My kids don’t start until next week, and I’m having a lot of feelings about it, many of which I’m keeping close to the chest because I want to stay as positive as possible for the kiddos. I wrote a post about change back in 2015 and find much of it is relevant to the year 2020.

This was the school year where all three kiddos were supposed to have some form of formal schooling. The year where I would have a little more time to write. The fact that this isn’t happening is a small thing in comparison to a lot of other problems, but I’m still trying to allow myself to feel some resentment about it without wallowing. I’ve had a ton of writing ideas lately, so at least my creativity is flowing again.

In bookish news, I have a secret project I’ve been working on. Some of you may already know this one, and it’s getting a second life! It’s a project I’ve been working on in the in-between spaces. I was stuck on it for a little bit, but now that I’ve solved a particular problem, it’s well on its way. I don’t have the timeline pinned down yet for a release. Maybe I’ll just do a surprise release with it whenever it’s done.

Here’s an adorable teaser image for it that I cannot take credit for as it was done by an illustrator. I’ll let you know all the details soon!

What have you all been up to lately?

Critique Contest for Picture Book Authors & Author/Illustrators #PBCritiqueFest

So I’m still working on getting a post put together about my writing retreat at the Highlights Foundation. In the meantime, any picture book authors or author/illustrators should check out the #PBCritiqueFest contest, hosted by Picture Book Spotlight. There’s an amazing line up of authors, author/illustrators, and agents offering up critiques for the lucky winners!

This is an area of writing where I still consider myself a newbie, so I’m certainly throwing my hat in the ring. September and October (so far) have been super busy months both in my personal and writing life, so I’m hoping to catch up with all you lovely blog readers soon!

FIRE TRUCK DREAMS by Sharon Chriscoe Pre-order Campaign

I’m super excited to welcome Sharon Chriscoe to the Observation Desk to help spread the word about the pre-order campaign for her picture book FIRE TRUCK DREAMS. My boys love the other books in the series, RACE CAR DREAMS and BULLDOZER DREAMS, and this new one will probably end up their favorite because they love fire trucks. Sharon is offering some really great goodies for the pre-order giveaway. Welcome, Sharon!

DING! DING! DING!

FIRE TRUCK DREAMS is officially available for pre-order and to celebrate him being the third book in the ‘Vehicle Dreams Series’, Fire Truck and I are doing a three alarm giveaway!  (A three book alarm giveaway, that is!)

Fire Truck cover

Isn’t he adorable!

First, I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who has purchased and supported the other books in the ‘Vehicle Dreams Series’. Race Car, Bulldozer, and I are forever grateful and hope your little ones are enjoying them as much as I enjoyed writing them.

Now, onto those fiery hot giveaway details:

If you pre-order FIRE TRUCK DREAMS before his release date of October 9, 2018, I will mail you a swag pack this October that includes:

One (per order) signed bookplate.

One (per order) Fire Truck Dreams bookmark. (Photo to come this fall)

And possibly some sweet surprises. (Everyone loves a good surprise, right!)

*** IF YOU’RE A TEACHER OR CHILD CARE TAKER please let me know in your email so I can send a bookmark for every child. A simple quick note that you are a teacher or care giver and how many bookmarks you’ll need and they will be on their way this fall.

GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY!

In addition to the swag pack listed above, every pre-order placed by 11:59 PM October 8, 2018 will be eligible to win a grand prize (one grand prize giveaway per every five hundred preorders) basket filled with:

One swag pack mentioned above with FIRE TRUCK DREAMS bookmark and a signed bookplate.

One each of RACE CAR DREAMS and BULLDOZER DREAMS bookmarks.

Race Car Dreams bookmarks       Bulldozer bookmarks

An autographed copy of ALL THREE of the vehicle dreams books! Aren’t they cute! 

Additional swag gear (a mini race car trophy, a squishy cone stress toy, and a fun fire truck squishy stress toy!) (Squishy fire truck photo to come!)

trophies          Cone

One $25 Barnes and Noble gift card

One $25 Starbucks gift card

(And! Additional items to be announced throughout the duration of the preorder campaign.)

To Enter: 

Pre-order FIRE TRUCK DREAMS by 11:59 October 8, 2018.

Send a quick email to vehicledreamsbooks@gmail.com with the number of copies you pre-ordered in your the subject line. Please only send one email per person. The number of copies ordered listed in the subject line will suffice for multiple entries. Also, within the email include your mailing address for your swag to be sent to and if you’d like the bookplate inscribed, please include the name. Or if you prefer, you can fill out this simple, short google doc form and I’ll do the rest for you! Google Doc Pre-order Form

BONUS ENTRIES ALERT!

Everyone loves bonus entries, right! If you order both RACE CAR DREAMS and BULLDOZER DREAMS with your pre-order of FIRE TRUCK DREAMS, you will receive TEN entries for the grand prize giveaway!

IF you already own one or both of the vehicle dreams books, attach a photo of your book or books and you will get FIVE bonus entries per book (FIVE for RACE CAR DREAMS and FIVE for BULLDOZER DREAMS!). Bonus entries for books you already own are only eligible IF you preorder FIRE TRUCK DREAMS. Total entries will be TEN for the grand prize giveaway!

International entries are welcome.

Auto receipt for your entries will be sent.

Winners (chosen by random computer draw) will be announced by October 31, 2018. Proof of pre-order will be required for grand prizes.

To make preordering easy for you, here’s some links:

And lastly, once again a sincere and heartfelt thank you to every single person who has purchased one of my books. It’s your support that brings the love of books into children’s lives. And with your continued support, authors just like me will be able to keep writing those words for your children to enjoy.

FIRE TRUCK DREAMS blurb:

For fans of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site comes an exciting new bedtime story about a brave little fire truck.

A fire truck has had a big day of putting out fires and saving kittens, and now it’s time to sleep. After making sure all is quiet and safe, he rolls back into the station for a shower, swishes and swigs a bedtime refreshment, and settles in with a bedtime story. But a hero’s job is never done, and the fire truck dreams of taming a ferocious campfire and celebrating the end of his exciting day with s’mores!

This delightful book about a heroic fire truck preparing for bed will be a favorite for any fan of fire trucks and everyday heroes. As always, Sharon Chriscoe lulls the reader with her witty and gentle rhyming verse, accompanied by Dave Mottram’s charming illustrations. Fire Truck Dreams is certain to bring joy to any bedtime routine.

 

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