Story Seed / Writing Tip # 6 - Have Fun with Language Itself

In celebration of the fun I've had writing for kids, every week my blog will be featuring 1) the tiny, real-life seed from which one of my stories unfolded and 2) a writing tip that helped the seed grow into a finished story. 

(c) 2013 Ruth Ohi  - Thanks Ruth!

The Story Seed: “Mom, what colour are my eye yolks?”

That question alerted me to the fact that my son was using words in an unusual manner. Over the next few weeks I heard him come up with the wonderfully descriptive (but hitherto uninvented) terms “loaves of hay”, “the beak of the car” and “I'll help you hatch the peas”. I was never quite able to fit those expressions into a story but when Norman first asked for “more” and Leanna explained the term he should use is “bigger”.... I knew the same playfulness of language was at work.

The Book: Norman's Snowball (Annick Press, 1989, illustrations Ruth Ohi, picture book, ages 4-7)

The Writing Tip:– If an idea doesn't work one way, turn it sideways and try a different twist. I made sure Norman embraced the joy of his new found mastery of that one word in the English language with all his energy.  It also allowed me to use another writing technique that is very effective when an author is working on a picture book manuscript - repetition.  The three together - energy, playfulness and repetition - make this book one of my favourite read-alouds when I do class visits.
                 This was also the first of my stories to be illustrated by the wonderful Ruth Ohi. I'll mention her more than once over the next postings.  For anyone who has met Ruth, enjoyed her presentations or read any of her titles (she writes her own stories as well as illustrating for other authors), you will know that the adjective "wonderful" is not an exaggeration.  I have been so lucky to have had her bring many of my characters to life!


  c All Rights Reserved. All blog text(except comments by others) copyright Hazel Hutchins.

Story Seed / Writing Tip #3 - Save Your Rough Drafts!

Every week my blog will be featuring 1) the tiny, real-life seed from which one of my stories unfolded and 2) a writing tip that helped the seed grow into a finished book.  

The Seed:  "Help! Help!" I heard the cry and raced into the living room.  My four-year-old's foot was stuck in the pocket at the back of the sofa.  Was the child about to be swallowed whole?

The Book:  Leanna Builds a Genie Trap ( Annick Press 1986)

The Writing Tip: Remember last week when I talked about jumping right into the action? This moment of panic definitely filled the bill in that regard. But this time I was trying to write a picture book for younger kids and if I started in such a dramatic way the story would be too frightening. I didn't want to give little kids nightmares!
       I began wandering around the house, gathering up all the small things that get lost in a home with busy children.  They were friendly, familiar objects...a good place to start.  I added my mysterious blue tin box (it just felt like it belonged). But it wasn't until I came across my kids' favorite rope (used for forts, climbing, and traps!) that I knew I really had a story.  
       Those familiar objects became the start. The trapped foot became the crises. It was another lesson learned --  a story seed needs to be looked at from all directions in order to figure out where it might best be used.
        I also learned a valuable lesson about rough drafts. An editor asked me to rework the ending of the story. I wrote six possible last pages, chose the one I liked best and tossed the others away. The next morning before I mailed the envelope, however, I happened to pass the waste basket.  Looking down into the crumpled pieces of paper, I spotted an ending that I rather liked after all....
        Yes - the "discarded" ending is the one the editor liked the best. Save those rough drafts!

      p.s. The illustrations for the book were done by Catharine O'Neill.  I love them but I haven't been able to find her contact information to ask permission to use them here.  Catharine, if you are out there, please e-mail me so I can replace this photo with your cover art! 
     My photograph above makes me shake my head.  I try so hard to come up with good visual images but they always end up "uninspired".  I am SO grateful for the wonderful, amazing visual artists who illustrate my books!
      

  c All Rights Reserved. All blog text(except comments by others) copyright Hazel Hutchins.