A Fun Poem for Poetry Month

April is designated "Poetry Month" and before it gets away on me I wanted to post a fun poem. Hope you like it.

Happy rhyming!

Hugs,

Gayle

Colleen, the Color Queen 

By Gayle C. Krause

Colleen, the Color Queen

I come from a big family

with brothers wide and tall.

And I’m the youngest child.

I’m smaller than them all.

Each brother has a talent

in music, math, or sport.

But when it comes to clothes

they wear the ordinary sort.

I want to be different

so everyone can see

that I’m not like my brothers.

I’m the one and only me.

When I go to school each day

I look like a crayon box,

with lots of crazy colors

from my hat down to my socks.

Purple hair.

Orange shoes.

Any color dress I choose.

Teal blue socks.

Fuchsia bow.

Crazy colors head to toe.

Yellow boa.

Violet vest.

Red bead necklace

down my chest.

Bright blue purse.

Green striped tights.

Mixed up clothes

are my delights.

High top sneaks

with big black dots.

Shoelaces

with turquoise spots.

My brothers laugh

when I get dressed.

But I know that

my clothes are best.

A painter’s palette

when I’m seen.

I’m Colleen

the Color Queen.

What is a Paraquel?

I’ve learned something new this week and I’d like to share it with you.

Have you ever heard of a paraquel?

I hadn’t until I read The Bone Magician by F.E. Higgins. 

It seems it’s a story that takes place at the same time as another story with the same or similar characters. In this case, The Bone Magician and The Black Book of Secrets by the same author are considered paraquels. Both are middle grade novels dripping with scenery, quirky characters and mystery.

So let me put “paraquel” in its proper context among the “quels.”

We all know what a sequel is, a story that takes place later in the same imagined history of a story using many of the same characters and settings. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter comes to mind first, with his six sequels after The Sorcerer’s Stone.

A prequel is a story written or published after a certain other story, but whose events take place earlier in the same imagined history.

The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis, a story that takes place before The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe also has an inquel, that is a story that takes place during a gap in another story’s narrative.

This story is titled,  The Horse and His Boy, and it takes place in the last chapter of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

After discovering what a paraquel was I did some research and came up with two more “quels.”

A circumquel is a story that takes place partly before and partly after another story. An example of this can be found in the Star Wars series.

But, when a story is a prequel to one book, but at the same time a sequel to another, we are reading an interquel. Are you confused yet?

Here are examples of interquel -Sir J.M. Barrie, you know him, the author of Peter Pan, wrote a book called The Little White Bird, where the character of Peter Pan first appeared as a baby living on Bird Island in Kensington Gardens. Later the chapters concerning him got republished as Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens. It provided Peter’s original story, but then Barrie then wrote the play, Peter Pan or the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up and he then penned the novel version, Peter and Wendy, published in 1911.

There’s a huge gap between how Peter went from being an infant on Bird Island in Kensington Gardens to being a boy fighting pirates on the Neverland isle. Therefore, a story that bridges this gap would be an interquel.

So, now do we have our "quels" in order or are you thinking: What the quel is she talking about? :)

How to Write a Good Critique

Attending an SCBWI Conference is special. 

First, you find out which ones sound interesting and valuable to you. 

Then, must register months in advance.

Sometimes that involves sending five pages of a manuscript you want seen by an editor or agent. You must polish it to perfection before it goes out.

Then there is the peer critique group, fifteen pages of a WIP for your colleagues to evaluate, comment and make revision suggestions for your manuscript.

It is this last component I would like to discuss today. Being a good critiquer is sometimes harder than being a good writer.

You must put yourself in the author’s position and dole out your criticisms and comments with a dose of honey to sweeten the sting of critique. Some writers welcome other’s opinions. After all, that’s what agents and editors do when you submit to them. They make suggestions to improve the manuscript. We, as peer critiquers, serve the same purpose. We are only trying to make your work better.

Currently, I am caught up in critiquing six other YA novels for the upcoming Eastern Pennsylvania SCBWI Pocono Retreat (a wonderful conference which I will discuss on this blog at a later date).

Two are historical.

Two are contemporary.

Two are paranormal.

So, I thought I’d give a few tips for critiquing today, at least the way I do it.

1^st - I’d read the entire body of work.

2^nd - I go back and highlight areas I think need work.

3^rd - I comment on word choice or too many adverbs, etc… that changing could benefit the story.

4^th – I write a little note to the author highlighting what parts of the manuscript I think are exceptional, or at least good, in some cases. ***ALWAYS START WITH A POSITIVE COMMENT***

5^th – Then I list areas of possible concern, being careful not to say that it doesn’t work, but suggesting that it could be stronger.

6^th – My last section of the critique is of general comments, such as Your MC was very interesting and believable. I love the voice of your MC etc…

7^th – I choose a favorite scene and tell why it stuck with me. Sometimes it’s not the reason why the author intended it to be so memorable, but at least it gives them a different perspective.

8^th – My conclusion discusses what I learned from the work. Inevitably a reader will learn something they didn’t know before, whether it be a fact or a writing strategy.

9^th – And then I sign my name and include my email address. Sometimes the writers you are assigned to in a peer critique session become lifelong critiquer partners are at the very least beta readers for each other.

So, I hope I’ve helped you with writing critiques. Now I have to get back to a ballet dancer who would rather be step dancing, a girl who is hoping to be asked to the prom by the right guy, a young girl who was taken hostage by an Indian tribe, a siren who has one day to live, a ghost who won’t go away, and a social outcast who has fey blood.

I think I’ll be busy for a while! J

The Lovely Blog Award

I'd like to thank Allyn Stotz for the Lovely Blog Award.

or those of you I nominate, please accept the award, post iot to your blog and nominate 15 other blogs that you enjoy or have just found.

In paying it forward I have nominated the following blogs:

http://claragillowclark.blogspot.com
http://funnypoetrygirl.blogspot.com
http://mywordplayground.blogspot.com
http://kimberlysabatini.blogspot.com

I'll post the rest as I discover them.

Thanks again.

Happy blogging.

GAYLE

Announcing the winners of THE FRACTURED FAIRY TALE POETRY CONTEST

Announcing the winners of THE FRACTURED FAIRY TALE POETRY CONTEST, Part 2

“THE FRACTURED FAIRY TALE POETRY CONTEST, PART 2” was a wonderful success. We had ten excellent entries, each a winner in its own right. For those of you who did not win, if you care to email me I’d be happy to send you a critiqued copy of your poem. Perhaps you could submit it somewhere.

 

Just go to my website address at the top right corner of my blog and it will automatically take you to the first page of my website.

Scroll down through the pictures. On the right hand side of the last picture is an email icon. Click on it and send me a request for your critiqued poem. I’d be glad to send it back to you. J

And now to announce the winners:

The runner up is: Buffalocoburn with “Red Riding Hood’s Healthy Choice.” You will receive a full critique of a rhyming picture book manuscript of your choice.

And the Grand prizewinner is: buglady5 with “Stalker.” She will receive a full critique as stated above and an autographed copy of ROCK STAR SANTA.

Both winners, please follow email instructions above to send me your manuscripts. And buglady5, please send me the name/names of who you would like the book made out to and your physical address so I can send it to you.

This was so much fun we’ll have to do it again soon. Thank you all for participating. And for those of you who became followers…Thank You. I hope you’ll come back for the new author interviews and the writing tips.

POETRY CONTEST AT THE STORYTELLER'S SCROLL

Hello out there you rhymers. THE STORYTELLER'S SCROLL is sponsoring  "THE FRACTURED FAIRY TALE POETRY CONTEST, PART 2.

Eighteen months ago I held the first FRACTURED FAIRY TALE CONTEST. We had multiple entries and a lot of fun. SO... I'd like to repeat the contest this year.

Here are the simple rules:

Write a rhyming poem suitable for children to read of no more than 12 lines about two Fairy Tale characters that would never have met. See example below:

Bewildering Snows

by Gayle C. Krause





Everyone knows the Snow Queen was mean,


the evilest sorceress you've ever seen.



She’d fallen asleep in her cradle of ice


when the kiss of a prince woke her up in a trice.



Her eyes flashed open. She narrowed her sight.


She gave the prince a terrible fright.



"Excuse me, my Queen. It seems I now know


in my confusion I've found the wrong Snow.



Your lips are so cold. This couldn't be right.


Please forgive my mistake for you're not Snow White.

Enter as many times as you wish by posting your poem in the comment section.

The winner will be announced on March 1st.

First Prize – An autographed copy of Rock Star Santa, and a rhyming picture book critique by “First Peek Critique Services.”

Second Prize - a rhyming picture book critique by “First Peek Critique Services.

Good Luck!

Interview with Debut Picture Book Author, Jodi Moore

Today I have an extra special treat for you, the first interview of debut picture book author, Jodi Moore. J

I met Jodi two years ago at the SCBWI Eastern PA Pocono Retreat (coming up again April 8-10, 2011 at the Shawnee Golf Resort), a great conference to make new friendships and foster old ones. Scholastic had just published my first picture book, ROCK STAR SANTA and Jodi was such an enthusiastic fan. Now, I get to reciprocate the enthusiasm. I’ve pre-ordered her first book and I can’t wait for her to sign it.

Here is her interview.

1. Can you tell us your latest news?

My first picture book, WHEN A DRAGON MOVES IN (Flashlight Press) will be released May 1, 2011. It’s about a little boy who builds the “perfect” sandcastle and a dragon moves in. He’s delighted, of course, until his family doesn’t believe him and the dragon becomes a bit mischievous. It’s up to the readers to decide whether the dragon is real or is just a figment of the child’s imagination. I also have a second PB contracted with Story Pie Press called GOOD NEWS NELSON (publishing date to be determined).

2. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?


Wow. This is the question that has most likely held up this interview – LOL! How do I choose? While it may sound cliché, I really do feel that I have learned something from each and every writer I know – from those I personally have met, who have critiqued my work and shared their own – to those I have only had the great privilege of reading their stories. They’ve all been mentors in their own way. However, if I had to choose just one, I would have to say Jacqueline Woodson.  She writes with such passion, with such quiet strength, lending her unique voice to such believable characters. I had the great honor of hearing her speak – and read! – at the 2010 SCBWI winter conference in NYC. To hear her actual voice breathe life into her stories, to give volume and expression to her characters…there was a musicality nothing short of spiritual. Yeah. I’d love to be able to move people like that.

3. What is/was your first published title?

I’ve worked on various fiction and non-fiction magazine articles; however, my first picture book title is WHEN A DRAGON MOVES IN.

4. What inspired you to write your first book?


In a word? Family.

My parents, my siblings, my husband, our two sons. They are my inspirations, my support system. My mother worked outside the home when I was a baby and would surprise me each night with a new book. It didn’t take me long to associate reading with love. I began writing picture book manuscripts when my own boys were toddlers. What could be better than producing something that others could love – that could

foster love?

It would seem that I didn’t hit on the right manuscript until my boys left for college. (As you can see, I’m not exactly an overnight sensation – LOL – although in all fairness to me, I stopped working on my picture books stories to pursue some nonfiction opportunities for about 15 of those years!) Feeling the sting of empty nest, I was encouraged by my husband to return to my roots, my passion for writing fiction, specifically, children’s fiction.

“Do you know how hard it is to get published in this business?” I protested. “Yes,” he said (probably having no idea). “Give it the four years the boys are in college, then you can argue with me. I believe in you.”

Admittedly, we were both a bit depressed that first Labor Day as we made our way to a local beach. It’s not that we didn’t love being with each other. It’s just that this was the very first holiday we didn’t have the kids with us. We missed our boys.

My husband brought our satchel of sand toys anyway. Buckets, shovels, molds. He began to build a sandcastle. And, as happens when one builds a sandcastle, he began to also attract the little children on the beach. I flitted around to the ever-growing gaggle of anxious moms, explaining why a mature man would be building a sandcastle, seemingly alone, and resulting in luring their babies toward him. “Please excuse us,” I implored. “We’re going through empty nest. My husband just misses our boys. This is something they always did together.” Anxiety was replaced by understanding smiles as the army of toddlers grew, each one “helping” my husband in his/her own way. At one point, one of the children stuck a piece of seaweed in the opening. “Look,” my husband enthused, “it’s a dragon tail. A dragon moved in to our castle!”

And the heavens opened while the angels sang.  J

The idea germinated in my head for about a month and then I wrote it down. A book idea was conceived.

Of course that was in 2007. So we’re looking at about a four-year gestation period!

What a wonderful inspiration, truly a story born of love and family. J Some of the best ideas come from real events.

The hardest thing was finding an editor who could see what others could not – literally! I didn’t realize until after several publishers passed that it wasn’t necessarily the story that was the issue, but rather, the illustrations. How does one illustrate something that may – or may not – be there? What a challenge! Thankfully (and I am TREMENDOUSLY thankful!), my amazing editor, Shari Dash Greenspan of Flashlight Press, had such vision! And then she assigned my illustrator, the incredibly talented Howard McWilliam, who brought my dragon – and my story – to life. I am so blessed!

The best thing? There are lots of best things, but I’ll try to name just a few.

First? That my first picture book really WAS born out of love, not only as a solid reminder of how precious our boys are to us, but also as a tribute to my husband’s support of my writing, of my dream.

Which leads to my second best thing: showing our kids that you’re never too old to follow your heart.

Third, my family, both immediate and extended – my amazing support system – is proud of me.

BONUS. Finally, I have concrete evidence that I can do this, that I am meant to do this. And I’ve got lots more stories to share. * grin *

5. What is your most recently released book or upcoming book about?

(I explained the premise of Dragon in my opening…!) My upcoming picture book GOOD NEWS NELSON features a young paperboy who decides it’s not enough to just deliver the news, sometimes we have to get involved to change it. The story enforces the notion that little people can make a big difference.

6. What are your current projects?


In addition to several other PB manuscripts, I am also currently working on a contemporary YA novel called Damaged Goods, which I have sworn to complete sometime this century.

7. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Follow your dreams and nurture your imagination, but always be kind and encouraging to others along the way. Oh, and please buy my books so my editors know they made the right decision. * grin *

8. And for fun, something that not a lot of people know about you:

I love to dip my French fries in a chocolate milkshake before I eat them.

Hmm. I’ll have to try that.

Thank you for sharing your story with us Jodi. I’m sure you’ve inspired children’s writers everywhere. You’ll have to share your newest manuscript with me at this year’s Pocono Retreat.

Happy writing!