More From The WOW Retreat in Helen, GA!
I worked on two historical picture books at the WOW Retreat, and for me, that was the perfect amount of material. It gave me the opportunity to revise at night, and then to get feedback on my revisions at the next day’s roundtable.
I had taken a manuscript about a female artist. I’ve lugged around this idea longer than I care to admit. My first breakthrough came when Candace Fleming spoke about her book, PAPA’s MECHANICAL FISH.
Candace wanted to write a non-fiction book, but there wasn’t enough historical material to do so. I have exactly that same problem with my artist. Listening to Candace, gave me the courage to abandon telling my story as non-fiction.
At roundtables, the consensus was my manuscript lacked tension. I was at a loss as to how to fix it, and while the critiquers were unanimous this was the problem, they didn’t offer much insight as to how to fix it either. Still I left roundtable with a nugget to ponder.
The next day, author Linda Skeers lectured on adding conflict to our manuscripts. I jotted down the words: Tension, Suspense, Drama, Problems, Obstacles, Controversy, Debate, Argument. I needed more of these in my story, but I had gotten so close to it, that I couldn’t fathom exactly what needed to be done.
It was a happy twist of fate when I learned Linda had a few critique spots open. I grabbed one. That gave me a fresh set of eyes to read my manuscript, and even better, a writer who had just lectured on adding the very thing my manuscript needed.
Linda said my story had the right elements, but I should get to the problem sooner. We hacked a couple of spreads and rearranged others. I left with a page full of notes and feverishly revised that night. I asked Linda to read my revisions the next morning, and she thought I’d nailed it. BUT…
That afternoon’s roundtable was with agent, Jill Corcoran. Jill is not a huge historical fiction fan. She said, “I don’t know this person, and I’m not sure why I should care about her.” That was great feedback. I had won over Linda, who is an historical fiction fan, but I had work to do to make this manuscript appeal to readers who aren’t necessarily fans of the genre.
I settled on the idea, “There was no stopping Henrietta.” This is a story about perseverance in the face of sweltering heat, poverty, material shortages, even pirates. By focusing on, “There was no stopping Henrietta,” it gives the manuscript universal appeal since everyone has obstacles to overcome.
Due to lectures, roundtables, and critiques, both of the manuscripts I took to WOW are completely different than they were before the retreat. It doesn’t pay to revise in a vacuum. That’s the beauty of WOW!
If you’re a writer interested in taking your picture books to the next level, I definitely recommend WOW. Information for next year’s retreat is available here:
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Shannon, This post makes me miss that retreat all over again. Linda's session on tension really helped me, also, with NF pieces I am working on. Jill nailed it w/us all about "why should anyone care?" we have to make all readers care. All the best on this mss.
AdI love the refrain.
Thanks, Kathy. Literally the most helpful retreat I've ever attended.
Shannon, your comments ring true for me. I knew I was missing things and the folks at the retreat pointed me in new directions for my stories. I miss everyone, but I still hear their words and advice.
Wonderful post that reminds me how much I gained at WOW 2015!
Wonderful post that reminds me how much I gained at WOW 2015!
I feel like you can make six months worth of progress in a week of WOW.
Great post! So glad to hear how WOW helped you out. Best of luck.
Thanks for this post. Never get too much reminding of WOW. It was by far, the best, most rewarding, writing conference I've ever attended. Each one of us received personal feedback and mentoring on our own stories. I've been a writing, revising maniac since I've been home! (Yes Maniac…that's what they sometimes call us Maine-uhs!
Wonderful that we got to hear differing views at WOW from professionals who see stories through varied lenses. I think this will help us revise by considering many perspectives. Happy you found the spark to help your ms shine!
Shannon, you did a BRILLIANT job of revising and I have high hopes for that manuscript! Just need to find an historical fiction loving editor!
Thank you! Revision is my biggest strength as a writer, but boy do I struggle with first drafts!
Hi, Shannon!
I just found this post. Sounds as though you made excellent progress on your picture book manuscript. I have several that I've been working on — forever! I'm looking forward to reading your new novel. Love the cover!
Thank you! I love the cover too. Good luck with your picture books!
Loved reading this, Shannon. I'm writing pb bio at the moment so what you're saying is really helpful. thanks.