LMNOP is for...Lazy
Manuscripts
Need
Outrageous
Problems
because...
Lustrous
Manuscripts
Never
Overlook
Problems
Life is full of problems. And so is good writing. If your manuscript has no problem for the main character to solve, then it might be a lazy manuscript. The next time you revise a ms, make sure there is a central problem for the story. Try beginning by writing a quick summary: The chickens want to see the farmhouse, but they keep running into obstacles. That's my version for Leslie Helakoski's Big Chickens Fly the Coop. Her wonderful book is way better than my simple summary. It's a lot harder to do for your own ideas and books, so feel free to practice on books you have already read.
What is one of your favorite picture books with a good problem?
Keep on keepin' on...
Remember to tweet about the contest for a chance to win The Giblin Guide to Writing Children's Books:
Each RT entered in #contest to win Guide to Writing Children's Books (PB, MG, & YA) http://tinyurl.com/6bovgfy @ChristieWild PB contest too!And to enter the PB contest! Remember all entries gain an entry to win Kim Norman's Crocodaddy.
Great post! I haven't read many picture books lately, though it seems that the early reader books my daughter reads in grade one fits this issue. No wonder they're so boring. ;)
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice! I hope you're doing well, Christie!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that's either the same book I absolutely adore or avery similar one in a series. I thought it was called Big Chickens. I won't bother reviewing it on my blog then. Love it, love it, love it!
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite PB problems is in The Big Hungry Bear by Audrey and Don Wood. Just how do you keep that strawberry from the big hungry bear??? :-)