Having taken a breather from editing my next children’s book, this week I feel I’m back on track. The break has enabled me to feel uncluttered, almost like the feeling you get when you clear out a room, or a cupboard.
I’ve had some new ideas, tightened up the writing in places and rethought aspects of the story. As well as seeking professional feedback, my partner and biggest champion, has read the whole book, giving me useful insights.
What are you pleased with this week?
This week’s Flaunt it Friday is about something I did last Friday. When my children’s book, The Clocker, My Books was first published, I decided I’d ask the primary school both my grandsons went to if they’d like me to do an author visit.
I have fond memories of meeting my grandsons at the school gates, the friendliness and kindness of the staff. When they enthusiastically accepted, asking me if I could do a session each with Years 5 and 6, I was delighted. It seemed such a fitting place to share my book.
The summer weather had other ideas. On the week we’d arranged, the school suggested we reschedule, saying it was unbearably hot. Though disappointed, I was also relieved as I was struggling in the extreme heat.
Finally, last Friday, the visit went ahead. It was such a thrill to receive an enthusiastic response from the children and staff. Having read many blogs and social media posts about children not reading, here were children who loved reading and writing. The teaching staff were so encouraging, offering books that appealed to wide tastes; from story books, to factual books about animals and football.
I had the most wonderful day and I’m still feeling motivated by the glorious curiosity and creativity of the children I met. One of the teachers commented that it was great for her to see the class writing freely, without limitations or focus on form, structure or grammar.
I urge any children’s authors to visit schools; it’s a truly enriching experience.
Many of my Flaunt it Fridays focus on writing or editing I’ve done. This week, I’m pleased to have given myself a break from the work on my second children’s book.
I realised I’d been so involved in the story and characters that I couldn’t see what was there / not there anymore. So I’ve taken a breather and, as the days passed, I’ve begun to have new ideas and different ways to approach some areas. That feels good 👍🏽
Has anyone else had a break from their main writing project and felt much better for it?
What are you pleased about this week? I was very touched by a review of my book, The Clocker, My Books from a 8 year old boy who is passionate about his own hens.
I’m really proud of myself because this is the biggest book I have ever read in my life, the review starts.
I feel really bad for Nev, you know? His mom left just like that and I don’t like that he gets bullied ‘cause I know how that feels. My young reviewer continues that he’s glad Nev has his hens, Samantha and his dad. He’s funny. I like how he talks obvs.
Finally, my wonderful reviewer says, this is a really good book for kids to read … you know how you say you don’t always know the full story … like how bullies can bully ‘cause they’re having a hard time too? That made me think a lot.
What an insightful boy. Comments like these make all the time spent writing worthwhile.
This week I have completed a second developmental edit of my next children’s book. I’ve made changes, added some bits and removed others. This book will focus on Samantha, who appeared in my first book, The Clocker. My Books
My next task is a line edit and to then send it off for feedback before getting it published. I’m getting closer and feeling pleased.
What are you pleased about this week? I’d like to hear from you.
This week I have focused on contacting the libraries in my region to ask them to consider stocking my book. Nottingham and Nottinghamshire libraries are already stocking it and I thought I’d spread the net a bit wider. I am delighted to have already had one positive response from Derbyshire Library Service. They’re going to order a few to see what the take up is like and then consider ordering more. It’s very exciting to imagine my book on the shelves in libraries waiting for children to pick it up and take it home.
Libraries are a great resource and a gateway to reading for many children
How’s your week been? I’ve had an industrious week writing-wise. As well as continuing with the editing of my second children’s book, I’ve started work on two other short pieces.
One is for TenX9 Nottingham, where nine true-life pieces of no more than ten minutes are read. The theme for the next one is waiting.
My second piece is for Let’s Write, an online writing group I attend. This month we had a choice of three prompts. I spent some time deciding which prompt to use and made a start on my piece.
I’m feeling satisfied.
What are you pleased or satisfied with this week?
What are you pleased with yourself about this week? Go ahead, flaunt it.
I’m feeling very satisfied to have continued to ask independent bookshops across the UK to stock The Clocker, my children’s book. My Books
I decided that I would physically post some of these, including the information from the publisher and one of my bookmarks. I’m gradually lengthening my list of bookshops to contact, including a number specialist children’s bookshops. I made an effort to include something I had noted from their websites, to make it more personal.
As I popped them into the postbox down the road, I felt a great sense of achievement.
It’s that time of the week to share what you’re pleased with.
A few months back, I contacted Young Page Turners UK to ask if they’d consider reviewing my children’s book, The Clocker My Books
I got a response quite quickly saying yes and asking me to post a copy to the reviewer, which I did. This week I had an email with an apology for the delay and a link to the review on their website. Young Page Turners are passionate about books and they provide independent reviews of children’s and YA books. They do not charge for this service.
Not only was the review 5* but gives a comprehensive insight into the book and its appeal. I loved this – “ The Clocker, in particular, becomes a symbol of courage and self-acceptance. Through his daily care he provides for his hens, Nev also learns to care for himself, discovering an inner strength he didn’t realise he had.”
See the full review here https://youngpageturners.co.uk/the-clocker-by-liz-mackenzie-review/
To use a Wordy Wednesday word, I’m chuffed.
Having completed the first draft of my next children’s book, I felt a bit daunted at the thought of starting the editing process. I remembered I still had access to some online talks on editing and decided to listen to the one on developmental editing.
It occurred to me as I listened that I knew how to do this. There was nothing in the tutorial that I couldn’t do, or hadn’t done before. It felt reassuring to have a way forward.
I’m pleased to say I’ve made a start. I’ve been through the whole manuscript noting areas I’d identified in square brackets that needed research or clarification. I’m now halfway through reading the manuscript to check for inconsistencies. That feels like quite an achievement.
What are you pleased about this week?
