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Research Resurgence

| Shannon Harrison

I’m learning more and more about the importance of research for writers. Since my main project right now is historical non-fiction for children, it’s essential to get the facts straight. Since my brain leans to the “artsy” side (and I’m 48, and apparently that’s when you can’t remember hardly any damned thing…), I find I MUST write down things I want to remember. This results in lists, notecards, notebooks, computer notes, post-its, etc. We do what we must.

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When I did my original research using family papers and other texts, I used old-school note cards, just like I did in high school and college. Thank goodness I bothered, because I got a question this week regarding one of the facts in my manuscript. It was about a reference to the main character’s interactions with her grandmother and how her grandmother made delicious doughnuts. I nearly applauded (to no-one) when I was able to go right to my handy mini file box and pull out just the reference I needed.

The main type of research that is a must for writers is reading. It sounds simple, but my writing improves when I spend time in book stores and libraries finding materials that are comparable to the genre in which I’m working. I spent some time last night in a bookstore reading children’s books–a good stack of them.

I read about early air travel, women’s rights, famous politicians, a kind bean (yes, a bean), and finally, Helen Keller.

This beautiful book by Doreen Rappaport and Matt Tavares (published by Disney-Hyperion) represented so much of what I’d like my writing to be. The illustrations were captivating and descriptive and truly conveyed emotions. The manuscript gave a detailed account of Helen’s amazing life, including her relationships with her parents, her teacher, Annie Sullivan, and others throughout her life. It was inspiring–a real gift to children and adults alike. Thank you, Doreen and Matt!

Reading Helen’s Big World encouraged me to really consider the importance of research. It is not only important to get the facts straight for legal and historical reasons, but also for the purpose of getting the incredible truth out there. Accurately portraying Helen Keller’s (and so many other historical people’s) life opens minds and hearts to possibility. In the case of Helen, it’s possible to overcome challenges. It’s possible to learn. It’s possible to impact others. It’s possible to know beauty, regardless of your circumstances.

Children (and adults!) need these messages, and I want to be that kind of messenger–that’s why I write children’s books.

Next week, I’m working research into my routine. We’re fortunate to have a fantastic local library, and I plan to camp out there to read another stack of excellent works. Here’s to research!

One Fiftieth

| Shannon Harrison

I am as shocked as these two squash that it is already almost the middle of January.

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The holidays zipped by and 2019 came crashing through–ready or not.

January is a favorite month of mine. I love new starts, new calendars, and fresh planners. As soon as the Christmas decorations are tucked away for their rest, I’m eagerly planning the days and weeks to come, setting goals, and clearing out the old to make way for the new.

I’ve got some personal goals, but I’ve also got writing goals. One of those goals is listed as:

50 rejections, an agent, or a book deal.

It might seem strange to have the goal of being rejected, but here’s what I mean: if I don’t get a literary agent or a book deal this year, it won’t be because I didn’t try my darndest. I’m pleased to say I have already completed ONE FIFTIETH of this goal. Last week I sent my book Justin’s Cupcakes to a new agent at a new agency. Each time I send my work, it means I must complete the following:

–Research agents and agencies using the internet and industry lists (these come in a book that is updated each year and also from an organization of which I’m a member–the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators).

–Select an agent and be sure that the agent is accepting submissions and would be interested in a book like mine.

–Carefully craft a query letter that introduces me and my book in the most positive way possible. This letter is crucial–not too many words, not too few. It has to convince someone to read my manuscript AND want to sell it to a publisher.

–Proofread the letter many, many, many times, because careless errors are an easy way for agents to narrow down their slush piles.

–Include or attach my manuscript according to the agency’s requirements (and they are each very different).

–Hold my breath.

–Press send.

–Track my submission on a detailed spreadsheet I’ve created to monitor what I’m sending, when, and to whom.

I’ve promised myself I’ll do this at least 50 times this year, and collecting rejections (though it’s not fun to read “no thanks,” means that I’m not giving up, that I believe in my work–that I believe in myself.

All of this is to encourage you–and me–to have goals and to be persistent and steadfast in your efforts to meet them. ONE out of fifty doesn’t seem like much, and it would be easy to focus on how far there is to go. But even if it’s only one mile, one pound, one book, one garbage bag full, one less cigarette, one class, one smile or hug: it’s one step toward your goal, and it’s the most important one, so give it the credit it deserves.

Today, we are all only about three and a half percent through 2019. The number is small, but these days have mattered, and we are on our way.

We have begun.

 

Seasons Readings

| Shannon Harrison

joyIt’s the holiday season, and people (including me and my family) are making all kinds of preparations for December celebrations. This year, some of my holiday cards will be hand painted–if you didn’t get one, don’t get your feelings hurt. I WAY underestimated the time it takes to paint them, so I won’t have enough. But hey, some is better than none.

There’s another season coming up that I didn’t know about until I was involved in the publishing industry (and by involved, I mean desperately hoping to be published someday). READING SEASON. When working on query goals (GOAL: Submit one more manuscript to an agent before the end of November), I learned that many agents close their email boxes to submissions in December and January. This allows them a some time to work through the gazillion submissions they receive.

There are many ideas about the “slush pile,” and how agents and editors peruse their mailboxes:

Some people believe in the subject line: READ THIS! YOUR LIFE WILL CHANGE!

Others feel that the greeting matters most: Dear most gracious and powerful literary agent who needs one more client.

Still others count on listing the qualifications of the author: I am a member of a reputable writer’s club, I won the school spelling bee in 5th grade, and also I live near Mark Twain’s house, so of course my stuff is good.

I believe a little bit in all of those things, but I mostly believe in my manuscript. It’s a story about believing in yourself and your own ideas, and I think kids everywhere (and adults!) need to hear more about that.

Truth is, no matter how good my book is, the agent (or editor or publisher) must READ it to decide if it’s good, so the query letter matters a lot. So on that note, I give you this holiday tune about getting published. Sing it to the tune of “White Christmas.” Ready? All together now:

I’m dreaming of a new agent,

who loves my book more than I’ll know–

Who each word will cherish–

All doubts will perish.

The love for characters will grow.

I’m dreaming of a fast book deal

With big book store signings galore

May my query show off

my skills–don’t blow off

’cause this is revision ninety-four.

May my agent find me–and soon!

And I hope you liked this Reading Season tune.

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Happy Holidays!

Other Duties as Assigned…

| Shannon Harrison

What does a writer do when she’s not writing? Turns out, there are about a million things to do as I’m pursuing a writing career. Here’s a quick list off the top of my head:

  • Query agents. This means that I send a (very) carefully crafted letter describing a finished manuscript of one of my books. Most recently, I sent a query for Justin’s Cupcakes, which was requested by an agent at a writer’s conference. Average waiting time? 4-1,000,000 weeks. Tick. Tick.
  • Pitch books on Twitter. Many agents who represent picture book and other authors will open up a pitch session on Twitter from time to time. Today, for example, a number of agents are considering book pitches under #KidPit. There are rules about what to pitch, and how to respond if an industry professional “likes” your tweet/pitch. Today, I pitched my manuscript Lani’s Wings. Average wait time? 1-4 days. Tick. Tick. Tick.
  • Make contacts about writing. This week, I contacted Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, Connecticut, because I’m very interested in researching Theodate Pope Riddle, a fascinating female architect from Connecticut. I think her life would make a fantastic children’s historical fiction book, and so far, there isn’t one. Average wait time? Who knows? But I’ll keep checking my email until I’ve got a face-to-face meeting scheduled. Can’t wait to learn even more about Theo!
  • Figure out social media “presence” as a non-techy mom type. I mean, I’m not an old lady, but I’ve got a lot to learn about algorithms on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr and whatever other platform the young folks have already started without me. (insert sigh and eye roll here)
  • Take classes, attend workshops and conferences, jot down ideas before my 47-year-old brain forgets them, which, I must confess, is pretty quickly.
  • Keep a spreadsheet of inquiries, queries, contacts, submissions, and follow-ups. My goal for the next year is either a book deal or 50 rejections. Gotta make it happen.
  • Set goals. I’m the sort of person that really thrives when I’m using a list. I break my goals down into action steps and complete the steps one by one until the task is accomplished. Sure, I’m good at slacking, too, but this method gets more done than any other one I’ve tried thus far. Check. That. List.
  • On a side note, I’m a mom and a wife, and I have a part-time job that helps pay the bills. Those people and responsibilities matter–A LOT.
  • Hope. I spend time thinking, hoping, meditating about the impact I can make in the world–through my writing and otherwise. I’m determined to make a difference!bee

 

And I write! New story ideas are popping into my head all the time. Little snippets of prose and poetry are lurking in my mind and in my hard drive. I’m grateful for a way to get my words out into the world.

My job description in one word: BUSY.