by Jed Henry
Before we get too serious, I want to show everybody the fully animated book trailer I just finished. It’s super cute! (Note from Tara: Adorable—and one of the best picture book trailers I’ve ever seen.)
Back to business!
It’s a great honor to be a guest on the PiBoIdMo blog. I hope my comments prove helpful for all you dedicated writers out there. For the sake of clarity, I’ll keep it short and sweet with a list of things I learned from last year’s PiBoIdMo.
1) It’s a numbers game.
The genius behind PiBoIdMo is that it requires you to think up THIRTY different ideas. One big difference between amateurs and pros is the number of works they’re juggling at once. Amateurs jealously guard their one precious book idea for decades, certain that it’ll be the next big hit when they finally submit. It rarely (NEVER) is. Pros know that writing is guerrilla warfare – they have to keep moving or they’ll die. They get a good idea, dump their whole soul into it, submit it for publication, and move onto their next big idea. Here’s the key: you never know what an editor will like, so it pays to have a whole arsenal of books to show off. So far, I’ve completely written and sketched out TWENTY complete picture books, and only two have been published.
2) Quality is just as important as quantity.
Don’t get discouraged by my previous point. Writing is a ton of work. The good news is that by producing a great volume of work, you’ll gradually improve your craft. It’s just like any other talent – the only way to become proficient is to do it on a daily basis.
3) We need a healthy balance of input and output.
All writers write because first and foremost, they love to read. In order to produce, they need to consume inspiring works. My advice is to visit the library regularly, and see what’s popular. Read book reviews by Kirkus, School Library Journal, Hornbook, etc. Find authors who appeal to you. By knowing what’s out there, your work will remain relevant in a fast-paced industry.
WHEW—now that I said all of that, let’s have a GIVEAWAY!
I’m giving away one set of limited edition coasters, commemorating the fall 2012 release of my book, “Cheer Up, Mouse!” Coasters are lame, you say? Well, these are super-deluxe. They’re custom letter pressed on high quality archival lithography paper. They’re the perfect thing to frame for a nursery. Have a look!
All you have to do is comment on this post, and we’ll randomly choose a winner with a little help from Random.org.
Jed Henry is a fairly new name in the world of children’s book illustration. Already, he has worked with Penguin Putnam, Simon and Schuster, Harper Collins, and many others.
150 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 3, 2011 at 8:23 am
tanyakonerman
Thanks for the insights!
November 3, 2011 at 8:26 am
Joanna
It’s always a strange feeling for a while after one has submitted a manuscript, and can longer work on it. I feel bereft for a bit and just have to plunge into the next project asap.
November 3, 2011 at 8:27 am
Megan K. Bickel
Good advice and awesome book trailer! I read somewhere (Corey Schwartz?) that only about one out of every ten picture books you write will be marketable and good enough for publishing. Write, write, write!
November 3, 2011 at 8:27 am
Marcie Colleen
Thank you for the encouragement today! Guerilla warfare…so true! Gotta keep moving! 🙂
November 3, 2011 at 8:28 am
jan
I agree wholeheartedly and I’m happy to say my volume of work is increasing, and my writing improving, but I wouldn’t mind finding the magic key that unlocks the floodgates to the publishing world.
November 3, 2011 at 8:28 am
tinamcho
I love your illustrations in this book trailer, Jed. I agree with Tara, adorable! Thanks for your tips about writing.
~Tina Cho
November 3, 2011 at 8:28 am
Jennifer Kirkeby
Thanks for this blog, Tara! It helps to be reminded that writing IS just like any other art. As a dancer, you wouldn’t expect to go onstage after a few classes. It takes years. So of course, the more we write, the better we become!
Happy Writing!
Jennifer Kirkeby
November 3, 2011 at 8:30 am
elizabethannewrites
Fantastic trailer! Now I NEED to get this book, to find out how (and if) mouse eventually gets cheered up.
Excellent advice as well. I sometimes wonder if I have too many irons in the fire, but there are so many interesting ideas spilling out of my head, and I have to get them on paper. Thanks for the encouragement to keep up the quantity, but ensure that it’s quality at the same time.
Thank you!
November 3, 2011 at 8:30 am
Jo Ann Kairys
I absolutely love your book trailer! Can I ask what program you used to create it? It’s really beautiful and engaging. Great, straightforward ideas on your guest post. Thanks!
November 3, 2011 at 8:32 am
Valarie Giogas
Always great to remember these tips. Thanks! I love coasters. They are not lame.
November 3, 2011 at 8:33 am
Cathy C. Hall
Yes, I liked how that was an ACTIVE book trailer! So much in the book business is a numbers game, isn’t it? Writing, subbing to agents, subbing to publishers…Funny. I thought being a writer would get me AWAY from numbers! 🙂
November 3, 2011 at 8:33 am
Janet
Thanks for the encouragement. I have around 13 PBs I have written (none published). And, this month I am getting lots of new ideas for future PBs. I do find that the more I write, the better I get.
November 3, 2011 at 8:34 am
Jennifer DuBose
Whoa, it’s like you wrote this for me: “Amateurs jealously guard their one precious book idea for decades…” Um, guilty as charged! So maybe it’s only been six years since I drafted my first PB, but it’s time to move on to another idea already!!! My first PB is vastly improved from that first incarnation, so I’ll submit it like crazy and then finally pour myself into a new idea. Geesh, I’m already crazy about one I came up with yesterday. Having a whole pile of new ideas will surely keep me from getting stuck in that amateur rut again! Thanks for your perspective!
November 3, 2011 at 8:36 am
Tammi Truax
Your coasters look cute.
November 3, 2011 at 8:40 am
Mona Pease
Thanks for the post…and a chance to win coasters! Nice!!!
November 3, 2011 at 8:40 am
Vicky Jean-Louis
Amazing!! I like your illustrations! Nice coasters too!
November 3, 2011 at 8:41 am
Linda Grigg
Hmmm…now when people ask what I’m doing I can tell them I’m in the numbers racket. ,)
November 3, 2011 at 8:41 am
Terry Golson
I need coasters. What I didn’t realize is that I need coasters with a mouse and chipmunk on them.
November 3, 2011 at 8:43 am
Kate Pankhurst
Love the trailer – I also love your coasters, what a cool idea. are they for a bit of self promotion or did your publisher print them up?
So true about ‘the one’ idea, I love the feeling of being on the lookout for ideas, something I tune out of quite a lot of the time so this is a great opportunity to get in to good habits again!
November 3, 2011 at 8:44 am
karen
really great advice–thanks! and the coasters are sweet, too!
November 3, 2011 at 8:44 am
Hope Marston
Hey Jed!
The good news is that by producing a great volume of work, you’ll gradually improve your craft. It’s just like any other talent – the only way to become proficient is to do it on a daily basis.
I am glad you said that. Recently I had to trash a chapter I had “perfected” after six weeks of labor because i could see it just didn’t work with the rest of the story. Deep down I know it wasn’t wasted time, but I still smarted over the loss. You’ve reminded me that it wasn’t a waste. Thank you.
November 3, 2011 at 8:46 am
Meagan Healy
Good point! There is a joke about the Hopeful pitching his ONE superb story to a Hollywood producer. The producer says, “We’re already working on something like that” or I’ve already heard 10 different variations of that” – What else do you have?” If you have multiple concepts, you will be better prepared to succeed, in general (pitch session or not).
Thought the book trailer was nicely done, too! It left you wondering how they got Mouse to cheer up in the end… And my favorite character was the squirrel playing the nut-banjo!
Thanks for writing the post!
November 3, 2011 at 8:47 am
Dana Carey
Tara was right–that trailer was adorable! Good luck with the release of your book, Jed and thanks for the insights.
November 3, 2011 at 8:49 am
Kelly Light
So great- so true – so useful! (and some dang good art too!)
November 3, 2011 at 8:52 am
Brook Gideon
Wonderful trailer and an inspiring post! Thank you for sharing!
November 3, 2011 at 8:55 am
Linda Lodding
Well, your book trailer cheered ME up! And it’s great to be reminded that we all need an arsenal of polished picture books ready to show off. Thanks for the posting.
November 3, 2011 at 8:55 am
diane kress hower
Jed – Thanks for sharing. Love the PB trailer and am excited to see the book!
November 3, 2011 at 8:56 am
Sarah Dillard
First, That is just about the cutest trailer ever! And great point as well. I recently went to a talk by David MacCauley and he showed tons of slides from books that never quite happened or evolved into another book. Again I was reminded just to keep putting stuff on paper and keep moving forward.
November 3, 2011 at 8:59 am
Nadia Roldan
I’m new to writing and illustrating for children’s books and I found it intimidating to get started on either. But I’ve noticed as I keep going, it becomes easier or it feels more natural.
November 3, 2011 at 8:59 am
Jarm Del Boccio
Thanks, Jed, for those insightful comments…a good balance between quality and quantity. Your trailer IS adorable, and your illustrations, delightful!
November 3, 2011 at 9:00 am
jennifergrayolson
Thanks for the tips and encouragement!!
November 3, 2011 at 9:04 am
Tim Brandhorst
“One big difference between amateurs and pros is the number of works they’re juggling at once….it pays to have a whole arsenal of books to show off.”
It also makes you a better editor of your own work. To spot problems (and find solutions) it’s helpful to circle back to a piece six months or a year after you’ve first written it, with completely fresh eyes, and read it anew. And you are better able to do that if you can simply put that newly-written story in a drawer and start to work on the next one.
November 3, 2011 at 9:04 am
Marcela Staudenmaier
Your book trailer is endearing! I especially like the fact that within a very realistic style, all your animal characters are sweet and incredibly expressive. I wish you the best for your new book!
November 3, 2011 at 9:07 am
Susan Harrison
Wonderful advice! And love the coasters!
November 3, 2011 at 9:18 am
Marcy P.
Holy Cow! It’s 7am my time… and I’m still WAY down on the list of comments! These people are AMBITIOUS! Or live in Australia 🙂 FUN!
Anyway, I loved your book trailer. I especially loved the little kid voices AND that it made me want to read your book to find out more about poor mouse! I also found myself wondering part way through if I were mouse, would I end up more depressed? lol 🙂
Thanks for your words. I think I’m somewhere in between amateur and veteran… I have a handful of completed PBs and send them out regularly but have hesitated in finishing others (I’ve got about 24 more from LAST years PiBoIdMo). Your post confirmed an itch I’ve been feeling lately to work on some new stuff too. Alright! I’m on it! Thanks for your words!
November 3, 2011 at 9:22 am
cynthia iannaccone
Thanks for all the encouragement!! I cant wait to read your new book!
November 3, 2011 at 9:24 am
Jennifer Rumberger
Loved the tips and the book trailer! Can’t wait for the book to come out. Thanks for the giveaway, too!
November 3, 2011 at 9:25 am
katfrog
Thank you for your encouragement. I agree – the more you write, the better you write. Or as I read somewhere, first, a person needs to write a million words.
November 3, 2011 at 9:27 am
Kristen Henmueller
Great article. It reinforced the notion of perpetual creativity! Thanks
November 3, 2011 at 9:30 am
Deb Marshall
Sigh. This was SUCH a good post. Thank you thank you…I am finally getting that it’s okay to just write book after book and keep moving along and subbing and writing new books and subbing. Love Kristen’s comment of “perpetual creativity”!!
Thanks for the giveaway. Loved the trailer and in love with mouse. Yeesh, I am loving stuff all over the place…need a thesaurus, lol! Cheers.
November 3, 2011 at 9:32 am
Lori Alexander
Great post and super cute PB trailer! Thanks for the 2 in 20 stat.
November 3, 2011 at 9:35 am
cravevsworld
Mr. Henry,
I truly appreciate your original words of wisdom. You have motivated me to send a slew of my 60 plus manuscripts into the editors’ slushy dungeon!
All the best to you and more,
Crave
http://www.cravewriting.com
November 3, 2011 at 9:37 am
Robyn Campbell
I need more coasters. I do! And the excellent advice. Free and fantastic. Giving back is wonderful. Thank you. Much appreciated! *waving*
November 3, 2011 at 9:38 am
Gina
Beautiful work, and important advice for all of us on this journey. And of course, the coasters are lovely!
November 3, 2011 at 9:40 am
saint brigid.
super lame? I don’t think so! beautiful illustrations. I hope mouse gets some happy on. ha ha
November 3, 2011 at 9:48 am
Lynn Anne Carol
Yes, Yes. I will comment. I watched this trailer without sound. I can’t wait to see the actual book. Poor little mouse, his friends are trying so hard, almost too hard it seems.
Great illustrations. It would be an honor to win your coasters.
Lynn
November 3, 2011 at 9:51 am
Julie
Quantity is a key to success, but I love the point that quantity begets quality. We can’t help but get better because we keep WRITING!
November 3, 2011 at 9:53 am
Jodi SOusek
Thank you for the inspiration, you are right, you just have to keep writing every day!
November 3, 2011 at 9:57 am
Jean Reidy
“One big difference between amateurs and pros is the number of works they’re juggling at once. Amateurs jealously guard their one precious book idea for decades, certain that it’ll be the next big hit when they finally submit … Here’s the key: you never know what an editor will like, so it pays to have a whole arsenal of books to show off.” So true. So true.
November 3, 2011 at 10:02 am
Meghan
Thanks for the advice! I needed it.
I showed the book trailer to my two-year-old niece and she loved it. She thinks the mouse just needs its Mommy.
November 3, 2011 at 10:06 am
Robyn
Coasters! Not lame! Good advice, too, about being super productive. The way you get better is by working.
November 3, 2011 at 10:07 am
Catherine Johnson
I feel better about all the picture books I have lying around now. Great post!
November 3, 2011 at 10:08 am
OLY
Thanks for the opportunity … those are great little coasters … perfect for framing. I just read the book Art and Fear and it talks all about producing, producing, producing, and somewhere in the midst of creating all of this work you will find a gem. Kind of a Quantity Leads to Quality kind of idea.
November 3, 2011 at 10:10 am
Phyllis Harris
Oh my gosh!! That trailer of “Cheer Up Mouse” is SO precious!! The sweet kid’s voices and the adorable characters…I’m gonna have to go see it in person!!!
November 3, 2011 at 10:11 am
Phyllis Harris
I forgot to say…GREAT tips, too! Thanks!
November 3, 2011 at 10:14 am
Stephanie Shaw
Aw! I want (need) those coasters! Just before reading today’s PiBoIdMo post I had a rejection on a ms that has been held for TWO YEARS.
Great post! Thanks so much!
November 3, 2011 at 10:33 am
Sandie Sing
Thank you for helping and reminding us with your tips. I love the digital animation by Jed Henry.
November 3, 2011 at 10:35 am
angelapenadahle
What a cute book trailer! Can’t wait to read the book. I would have never thought of coasters or framing them. Brilliant idea!
November 3, 2011 at 10:36 am
Katy Duffield
Thanks for your thoughts and encouragement!
November 3, 2011 at 10:42 am
Bonnie Adamson
Thanks, Jed, for reminding us that this business is a marathon, not a sprint, in a much more original way. 🙂
I am in love with Mouse, and wish him cheer and a long shelf life.
November 3, 2011 at 10:45 am
Kristi Valiant
Great points, Jed. I especially agree about needing a whole arsenal of picture books manuscripts, not just one idea that you guard jealously.
November 3, 2011 at 11:03 am
Ruth McNally Barshaw
Really great trailer — love it. Thanks for the chance to win the adorable coasters. (They’d look so cute in my newborn twin niece and nephew’s room!) I admit I hadn’t seen your name in the kid lit community before (not your fault — I don’t immerse myself as much as is possible), but I love your work here and am now a fan.
November 3, 2011 at 11:23 am
Elizabeth McBride
Thanks Jed! I agree wholeheartedly! They might say ‘butt in chair,’ but it doesn’t mean we’re to be lounging while we are sitting there! Staying abreast of current trends, coming up with a new twist, meshing curricular needs from schools, and balancing the writing with the submissions and the re-fueling is the name of the game! Good luck to everyone!
November 3, 2011 at 11:27 am
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
I am sure the book will be a success. The pictures are so cute
November 3, 2011 at 11:28 am
Terri DeGezelle
Truly this is one of the cutest trailer i have seen and left me wondering how are they going to cheer up mouse and eager to read the book.
November 3, 2011 at 11:28 am
Elizabeth McBride
Wonderful, inventive trailer! I love how it gives such a good flavor of the book in the music and interactions between the characters. Great job!
November 3, 2011 at 11:33 am
Melanie Linden Chan
That trailer is SO cute! And wonderful tips- thanks for the encouragement! 😀
November 3, 2011 at 11:37 am
Angela De Groot
Ooh! I love coasters – always need a spot to rest my teacup. Except yours are way too cute for catching tea dribbles – maybe if I laminated them first?
Thanks for the tips – love the guerilla warfare concept.
November 3, 2011 at 11:42 am
Michelle Teacress
I normally don’t enjoy book trailers, but I have to admit that I watched it all the way through and it even made me smile. Very cute. I’ll add it to my list of upcoming PB’s of the month for my blog. Have a great evening.
November 3, 2011 at 11:42 am
Quinn
Thank you for cheering me up and along with my writing process!
November 3, 2011 at 11:46 am
Brenda Huante
Thank you for your post. It is inspiring and motivating.
I love the trailer of Cheer Up, Mouse and can’t wait to read it!
November 3, 2011 at 11:52 am
Rebecca C
A couple of published PB writers I’ve heard speak have said that only one out of every six manuscripts they’ve written have gone on to be published. And that’s from the more experienced writers!
You’ve created a beautiful trailer that makes me eager to buy the book. Thanks for a great posting and for the giveaway!
November 3, 2011 at 12:00 pm
M. G. King
Great reminder that quantity leads to quality. It’s an idea that helps us let go of paralyzing perfectionism! Thanks for the insight, and your trailer is adorable.
November 3, 2011 at 12:00 pm
carterhiggins
Fun coasters! And great trailer…I’m overly judgmental of trailers because creating them is my job…not for books though, that would be A DREAM. I loved that one!
November 3, 2011 at 12:03 pm
Jeannie Brett
pure joy! what a book trailer!
November 3, 2011 at 12:11 pm
Jennifer Young
Thanks for the reminders. I love the book trailer, so cute!
November 3, 2011 at 12:16 pm
Lynn
Jed, this post so spoke to me! Thank you, thank you!
I was taken aback when I read about the jealousy that writers feel about their work, because you described me rather well. In fact, I really have not permitted myself to even get stories developed well on paper because of that same thing. And probably fear of not good enough in light of all the amazing work out there. But as has been said, one must keep at it to improve. Thank you for teaching some important things in this post.
Tara, I certainly appreciate this 30 day challenge, and the generosity of the guest bloggers. Bless you for doing such a good thing.
November 3, 2011 at 12:21 pm
Lisa Nagel
Three great suggestions for day three, perfect! And love the coasters.
November 3, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Bethany Telles
I just want you to realize that you mended my broken heart this morning, AND lit a fire up under me all at the same time! I will be copying your quote-
“Pros know that writing is guerrilla warfare – they have to keep moving or they’ll die.”
And putting it on the wall in front of my desk… Thank you for your inspiration!! I learned a lot about myself that I was clearly in denial over!
November 3, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Angela Padron
Great insights and advice – love your illustrations and book – congrats and thanks!
November 3, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Sharon Putnam
I totally agree with your comments. I am just now getting ready to submit my work after 8 years of writing. I have been a writing maniac for the past 7 years and have been following the advice of Jane Yolen, who said that as an unpublished author trying to break into this crazy and maddening world of children’s literature, one should have enough polished manuscripts to keep 12 of them in circulation at all times. I think I’ve more than met Jane’s goal, for I now have a total of 68 manuscripts (both prose and poetry) in various stages of completion. Over half of them have been revised, sent out to be critiqued, and revised once again… and again… and again. Humm… I wonder… do you suppose I should get a life? It’s true that they are not all spit-polished to a shine, but 12 of them are as ready as they ever will be and will hopefully be sent into the wild blue yonder before the end of the year, with 6 more currently under revision.
I really enjoyed your trailer and think your coasters are adorable.
November 3, 2011 at 12:41 pm
Penny Klostermann
Thanks for the post and for the giveaway. Your list of three was just what I needed to hear.
November 3, 2011 at 12:49 pm
katerinazisiadou
Thank you for the tips! and also for the insights about quantity and quality. I loved your book trailer, so endearing, expressive and sensitive.
I’m so curious if (and how) Mouse got happy again. My daughter thinks he misses his family…
Tara, thank you for making all this possible!
November 3, 2011 at 12:49 pm
Nancy Furstinger (@AnimalAuthor)
Fantastic trailer–loved the action and animals and voices!
I’m thinking of turning one of my books (mostly about animals–my passion) into a trailer and was wondering if you could tell us more about its creation.
November 3, 2011 at 12:50 pm
Sandy Palmer
Great advice, and great book trailer! Thank you! Hopefully, one of my picture book ideas will help me go from “amateur” to published author.
The coaster isn’t lame. I would love to frame this artwork and put it in my writing/sun room.
November 3, 2011 at 1:02 pm
Natalia Ortega-Brown (@NataliaOrtega)
Love the idea of seeing this whole thing as guerrilla warfare. Keep moving forward! Thanks for a great post.
November 3, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Becca Henning
Thanks for the post. I love the trailer! It’s exciting all the new ways we have to reach people. The illustrations are beatiful as well. #1 is timely advice because I have supporters doubting the wisdom of coming up wiht 30 ideas rather than spending the time on the really good one I had the first day… So thanks for validating my position! 🙂
November 3, 2011 at 1:20 pm
claudine
That was adorable! I hope the little mouse gets cheered up in the end.
Great advice too. Thanks!
claudine
November 3, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Rachel Hamby
A great trailer, I can’t wait to read the whole book!
November 3, 2011 at 1:26 pm
Lynne Marie
Fantastic book trailer ❤ Thanks for the informative post!
November 3, 2011 at 1:32 pm
Aaron Zenz
I’ve loved Jed Henry’s artwork from the first time I saw his portfolio years ago. SO happy to see his books finally rolling out! The beginnings of a HUGE career for sure.
Great advice in this post, Jed!
November 3, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Loni Edwards
I agree with Tara, that is one of the best book trailers I have seen! Thank you Jed for the great post. I like the idea of having “a full arsenal” to show the editor. And a giveaway! Yippee! 😀
November 3, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Wendy Greenley
“Cheer, up Mouse” cheered me up! I am on idea #10 already. One question-if you review these and have the time- did you know which 2 of the 20 books you completed were going to be the winners? Did it feel different working on them? As I work on something and sometimes feel that extra surge of enthusiasm, I wonder…
Thanks for sharing with us.
November 3, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Eliza Nevin
So many comments! And I agree with them all. I can’t get over how much I love the book trailer! Every time I watch it my heart lifts. And I just keep rewatching it.
November 3, 2011 at 2:07 pm
Maria Gianferrari
The trailer was so sweet and moving, it made me cry! I love your illustrations, and I’m sad that I have to wait an entire year for its release! The trailer is simple, yet elegant–and those voices–well done!
Can’t wait to read it!
November 3, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Kerri Kokias
Impressive trailer, looks like a cute book. Also, love the use of letterpress on your coasters!
November 3, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Outstanding book trailer! Enjoyed the post 😀
November 3, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Todge Watherly
I appreciate the advice; combined with PiBoIdMo’s whole concept of 30 in 30, I think it’s great for people who have no idea how to get into picture books to get some sense of what to do.
November 3, 2011 at 3:24 pm
Laura
Your post cheers me up! I like the idea of perpetually building one’s portfolio. I can certainly see how I’ve grown as a writer from manuscript to manuscript.
Thanks for sharing!
Laura
November 3, 2011 at 3:32 pm
Jedda Bradley
Hi Jed, i loved your illustrations/animation. comments from my two daughters. 6 year old – 1st view – He doesn’t cheer up in the end. 2nd view – she turned it into a question. Does he cheer up? which i guess is the question you want.
3 year old – does the mouse squeak?
🙂
November 3, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Christie Wild
Love the giveaway. Also LOVE your little book. Can’t wait to read it! Thanks!
November 3, 2011 at 3:53 pm
Ramona Davey
The best advice – thank you! Another great piece of advice I was given, was by an author who said everytime she gets a rejection in the post, she immediately sends out another manuscript so that the excitement and nerves of that action out ways the feeling of sorrow.
Thanks again, and goodluck
November 3, 2011 at 3:59 pm
Sabrina
Thanks. It reminded me again that it’s okay to look at a story or 2 ago which you wrote and wonder why for goodness sake you ever thought that was a great story 🙂 we write and write and write, hopefully learning on ou way….
November 3, 2011 at 4:03 pm
Lorraine
Yes, yes all those points are so valid and so encouraging- I desire most desperately to have a picture book- when I looked over work done- that is older stories in my picture book folder I discovered I had an early chapter book in one so getting ready to submit that- so there’s a by product of PIBOLDMO for me already!
November 3, 2011 at 4:23 pm
Howey McAuley
Thanks for taking the time to give us some inspiration.
November 3, 2011 at 4:41 pm
janelle mikulas
Thanks!!
November 3, 2011 at 4:50 pm
Rachel Anderson
Too cute…too cute…too cute. Okay, nothing can be too cute! Thanks for the post and for the book giveaway. So exciting to be a part of the pb world.
November 3, 2011 at 4:58 pm
Christie Dcartoonbugg
Wonderful advice! Thank you! cute trailer!!!!
November 3, 2011 at 5:09 pm
Priscilla Mizell
This article really spoke to me–thanks for the encouragement. (Also, the coasters are super cute.)
November 3, 2011 at 5:39 pm
sandy bixby
Great post! But how do you avoid letting all that reading get into your head so the ideas are your own? I love the coasters! Beautiful!
November 3, 2011 at 5:48 pm
Patricia J. Murphy
Did someone say coasters with cute mice–and done by Jed Henry? Oh, count me in…Thanks, Jed for your generous advice and adorable coaster giveaway:)
November 3, 2011 at 6:11 pm
Tracy Warren (@socialTracyW)
Your trailer is great. Thanks for the words about the difference between professional and amateur. I am just starting out and I completed three manuscripts this past year and illustrated two. I am balancing publishing and marketing the first, finding interest in the next two, and finding inspiration for the next one.
November 3, 2011 at 6:24 pm
Lori Grusin Degman
Great post – thanks Jed!!
November 3, 2011 at 6:53 pm
Margaret Kreischer
I love it! So well done…wonderful trailer. Makes me want to read the book. Great work!
November 3, 2011 at 6:59 pm
Erika Barriga
great post and fantastic trailer! thanks Jed!
November 3, 2011 at 7:10 pm
Lisa Birenbaum
I love this line: “All writers write because first and foremost, they love to read.” I don’t think anyone could say it better!
November 3, 2011 at 7:21 pm
Corinne
Thanks for the encouraging advice.
I love the book trailer, and the illustrations. I look forward to reading the book!
November 3, 2011 at 7:37 pm
Vanessa
Love the trailer & illustrations. Coasters are totally not lame! And these are just gorgeous!!! Beautiful!
November 3, 2011 at 7:41 pm
Alicia Klepeis
Great message — keep working at the writing because it satisfies the soul. Plus, the more ideas you have, the more likely an editor will like some of them…
November 3, 2011 at 7:52 pm
Diandra Mae
Oh my Gawd, Jed. I adore that trailer! The little voices remind me of the old Peanuts Gang…Mouse is Charlie Brown. LOOOVE! And now I know I will be buying that book for sure!
(And your numbers game tip is so spot on. I’m juggling project ideas like a madwoman)I have so enjoyed reading your blog this past year. Congrats again on your book!
November 3, 2011 at 8:04 pm
Jim Hill
Volume, volume, volume. Right. Thanks!
Great trailer. Did you write the song too?
November 3, 2011 at 8:08 pm
Betsy Devany
Cheer up Mouse is adorable! Made me smile, as well as inspire me to come up with two picture books for day three.
Betsy Devany
November 3, 2011 at 8:10 pm
Alyssa Wei
After watching your trailer, I watched a bunch more and completely agree with Tara – it’s the best! Using voices rather than text means that pre-reading kids could watch it too and get excited to learn mouse’s fate. The voices are so endearing. I want to know what made mouse so sad in the first place, and who it is that cheers him up. Great work and great advice. Thanks!
November 3, 2011 at 8:26 pm
thiskidreviewsbooks
The Cheer Up Mouse book trailer is cool! I never knew authors would have so many books that never get published and only a couple of their ideas actually are published as books. I’ve learned a lot from your post!
November 3, 2011 at 8:34 pm
sketched out
Thanks Jed!
Discovered your blog at the beginning of the year via Will Terry’s blog and I’ve been a fan ever since. Wonderful, charming, expressive characters and such original, fun ideas!
So I was excited to get advice from you… and good advice it is! The top of my head is ready to blow off with all of the great inspiration we’ve been getting the past few days. Need to pace, pant pant.
November 3, 2011 at 9:28 pm
Becca
Wow, these illustration are super lovely!
November 3, 2011 at 10:14 pm
edna cabcabin moran
Great trailer, Jed! Thanks for sharing it here along with the tips,Tara! :-)!
November 3, 2011 at 10:17 pm
Sharon K Mayhew
Great post, Jed! I was really excited when I read number one…I tend to write a lot and submit a little because I’m on to the next idea. I thought too many ideas at once was a negative. I’m so pleased to read your comment. Now if I could just get focused enough to do the business part of writing. 🙂
November 3, 2011 at 10:55 pm
Janet O'Neil
Love this post (and the trailer)! I did jealously guard my one idea for over a decade. Thank goodness I found SCBWI and started attending conferences and taking classes. Now I have a number of manuscripts ready and need to get into the mode of actually sending them out! 🙂
November 3, 2011 at 11:37 pm
Mary Meinking Chambers
Cute trailer for your book. Can’t wait to read it!
And thanks for the helpful hints. You distilled it all down to the simplest form. Thank you!
November 3, 2011 at 11:49 pm
Romelle
“It’s a numbers game” really resonated with me. Great post and very cute trailer! The coasters are pretty cool too. It would make a great gift…for me. :o)
November 3, 2011 at 11:53 pm
Dorina Lazo Gilmore
I wholeheartedly agree! We always need an arsenal of good stories. This was always my strategy when I worked in the journalism world as well. Thanks for sharing your helpful hints!
November 3, 2011 at 11:54 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
Thanks for the inspiration…and the new book looks adorable!
November 4, 2011 at 1:09 am
Kayleen West
Great post. I started out wanting to illustrate but found writing just as addictive. I just keep jotting down or illustrating every inspirational thought I have. It is good to see not finishing everything is OK. Now I can go NUTS!
November 4, 2011 at 1:58 am
Tracey M. Cox
Thank you for your post. I believe you are spot on!
I have been writing professionally for over 11 years now and have over 70 ms in various stages. I am constantly revising old ms and writing new ideas down.
❤ the book trailer.
Good luck with you writing.
November 4, 2011 at 5:52 am
Julie Falatko
You know, when I started PiBoIdMo, I was just thinking of the challenge of coming up with 30 ideas, but I am loving how inspirational these posts have been. Yes! Yes! I want to come up with a whole bunch of manuscripts that I like. It definitely seems like there would have to be more good stuff in there than just having two fleshed-out ideas.
November 4, 2011 at 7:15 am
DianaM
Thanks for the insights! LOVE your trailer.
November 4, 2011 at 8:50 am
Pam Zollman
Love the book trailer!!! It does make me want to purchase the book to see if mouse ever gets cheered up…but now I have to wait until next year??? As my 2-year-old granddaughter said about her Halloween candy, “Mimi, I *need* it now!”
Writing is definitely a numbers game. I often compare it to baseball. A really strong batter has an average of .300 or so, right? Well, that means he only hits 3 out of every 10 balls. Babe Ruth was the Homerun King the same year he was the Strikeout King. So, I always tell unpublished writers what a picture book author told me. She said to write the best story you can, then find ten places to send it…but don’t send it to all ten places at once. Send it out one at a time. As soon as you put it in the mail to the first place, get cracking on your next story, make it even better than the first one, find ten places to send it, and then start it on its journey (one publisher at a time)…but don’t sent it to the same publisher as the first manuscript. Keep doing this until you have ten or more stories in the mail at the same time. If or when one comes back, check it over to see if the editor made some good suggestions and then make them (or not — it’s your story) and then send it out to the second publisher on your list. Like juggling, you have to keep at least 10 manuscripts in the mail on editors’ desks. My friend told me that if I did this, I would definitely sell at least one. And she was right!
The coasters aren’t lame — they’re awesome!
Pam Zollman
http://www.pamzollman.com
http://www.anauthorworld.com
November 4, 2011 at 1:44 pm
Christine Poreba
Beautiful looking book. And the coasters would be perfect for my baby-to-be’s room!;)
November 4, 2011 at 3:25 pm
Shelley Jackson
Great tips! and super cute coasters!
November 4, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Corey Schwartz
I am catching up after six days without power! Great post. LOVE the book trailer!
November 4, 2011 at 9:04 pm
patientdreamer
Yeah, now how did Mouse get cheered up, that’s what I want to know…lol. Love the trailer. And yes you are so right, I had held on to one story for quiet awhile before I started going onto others. Great tip!
Oh Joanna…up there,…. whats that about submitting a manuscript…. (need to have a chat with her….mmm)
November 5, 2011 at 12:00 am
Julie Dillemuth
I sometimes feel overwhelmed by having multiple picture book projects going, but your post reminds me that it’s the way to go. Plus, it gives me a chance to set aside a project that’s not quite working and come back to it later. Thanks for doing a giveaway! What lovely illustrations!
November 5, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Lynda Shoup
Beautiful trailer! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of that book! The coasters are absolutely lovely. I’d frame them rather than put messy drinks on them.
Your words were really encouraging to me. Just the message to inspire me to keep the motor running.
November 5, 2011 at 8:51 pm
laurasalas
Great post! I have heard this often before, but am only this past year or so really embracing the fact that I have to write tons of pbs, my agent will submit only the ones she’s crazy about, and even those will be abandoned after 5 or 6 rejections. So I’m really thinking quantity lately, and I like how you point out that that will inevitably improve quality!
November 7, 2011 at 2:25 am
Juliet Clare Bell
Thanks, Jed. Your hit rate sounds about the same as mine! But it’s still well worth it (and you hope that over time it’ll creep up). Clare.
November 10, 2011 at 12:41 pm
eecoburn
Thank you for your post, and coasters are totally awesome!
November 12, 2011 at 8:34 pm
Jessica Young
Fantastic trailer and tips! Makes me feel good about having so many projects on the go at once. The more arrows, the better. Exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you, and can’t wait to check out CHEER UP, MOUSE!
November 16, 2011 at 11:23 am
shirley
OH my goodness, what an amazing post – such fantastic content…thank you thank you thank you!
January 17, 2012 at 12:25 am
Diana
I’m sure this is long over, but Jed’s artwork is great! Coasters! What an awesome idea!