by Jodi Moore
It’s okay to write a 2,000+ word picture book.
*braces self for screams of disbelief, coffee cups dropped, any chance of securing another book deal/agent/critique opening vanish, my own editors paling in shock, possible angry mobs at my doorstep and Tara questioning why-oh-why did she ever ask me to guest blog for PiBoIdMo?*
Now, hold up. I didn’t say it would be publishable. I just said it’s OKAY to write one. In fact, sometimes it may be necessary.
As picture book writers, we are challenged to deliver big ideas in as few words as possible. We are expected to fully develop our story, our characters, our plotline; captivate our audience; fashion a fabulous first sentence and create a satisfying end.
All while leaving room—and extending faith—for the illustrations.
It’s no easy task. So I ask…why would you limit yourself in the beginning with a word count?
Perhaps it may help to look at this in a different way. Let’s say I want to build a perfect sandcastle. If I only look at a finished product, say, one of my husband’s illustrious creations, and size up the amount of sand comprising the castle itself, I may decide I only need a few large buckets of sand to complete the task.
But that’s not what he starts with. Larry begins with an entire sandy beach. Using a large shovel, he piles on tons of sand. He sifts through bucket after bucket of the grainy particles. He packs it high as a mountain, scraping up more sand than he could possibly need.
That proud hill is his main idea. It’s the structure. The mass from which he will carve out his masterpiece. It’s his 2000+ words.
And then, he sculpts. He edits. He revises until he can see the more subtle nuances of the castle. Sometimes, a wall will cave or a doorway will be in the wrong place. But that’s okay, because he still has plenty of sand left. He can add. He can rebuild. My husband hasn’t limited himself to a few buckets of sand.
Why should you?
From your comments and posts on both this forum and Facebook, I know that you’re all busy creating your own pile of ideas. Embrace them…and write what’s in your heart. Use every word that’s necessary and a few that – you may find out later – are not. Restricting your words too early on may constrict your idea, choking the very life out of it. Let it breathe; let it swell. Let those words FLOW.
There will be plenty of time to revise—and reshape!—later.
Writing picture books can be a DAY at the beach. Shed those limitations and dig in!
Jodi Moore is the author of WHEN A DRAGON MOVES IN (May 2011, Flashlight Press) and the soon-to-be-published GOOD NEWS NELSON (Story Pie Press). She writes both picture books and young adult novels, hoping to challenge, nourish and inspire her readers by opening up brand new worlds and encouraging unique ways of thinking. You can visit her at www.writerjodimoore.com.
129 comments
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November 18, 2011 at 9:14 am
Tabatha
Fun post! And I love the cover of “When A Dragon Moves In”! Looks like a great book.
November 18, 2011 at 9:30 am
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Tabatha! I was blessed with an amazing editor and illustrator! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 9:20 am
Cathy Mealey
Ditto Tabatha’s comment – and look at the joy on the faces of the dragon and the boy!
November 18, 2011 at 9:33 am
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Cathy! Expanding on my comment from Tabatha…Howard McWilliam (brilliant illustrator) and Shari Dash Greenspan (awesome editor) were somehow able to crawl into my brain and put to paper what was in my heart. <3!!!
November 18, 2011 at 9:21 am
Robyn Campbell
Loved this post. I have to read When a Dragon Moves In. It looks great. And I did write a 2000 word picture book. I changed it to a chapter book. Ha!
November 18, 2011 at 9:33 am
Jodi Moore
Robyn – HA! Love it! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 9:23 am
M. G. King
Love the perfect analogy of the sand castle! My first working draft of LIBRARIAN ON THE ROOF, (Albert Whitman & Company, 2010) had 1800 words. I trimmed it down considerably before submission, but through various rounds of edits with the editor we decided we needed a scene that would add visual variety to the story. One of my cut scenes ended up being the perfect addition.
November 18, 2011 at 9:35 am
Jodi Moore
M.G., that’s awesome – and a great tip! NEVER completely delete anything…keep those little gems organized in folders so that they can be easily retrieved…! Thanks so much for your comment! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 9:32 am
Kim Pfennigwerth (@kpfenni)
Thank you Jodi! Love the analogy and When a Dragon moves in. Looking forward to Good News Nelson!
November 18, 2011 at 9:35 am
Jodi Moore
Awww, thanks Kim!!!
November 18, 2011 at 9:36 am
strugglingwriter
You all need to buy her book immediately. Beautiful art and beautifully written.
I also agree wholeheartedly with this post. The advice applies to novel writing too. Or at least it does for those of us that are allergic to outlines.
– Paul L.
November 18, 2011 at 11:33 pm
Jodi Moore
*heart squish* Aww, thanks, Paul!!! (I, too, get congested whenever near an outliine…lol!)
November 18, 2011 at 9:38 am
julesmae
That was well illustrated. It’s all about removing barriers and self imposed structures and obstacles, isn’t it? Once those are gone, the sky is the limit.\
Thanks for this.
November 18, 2011 at 11:35 pm
Jodi Moore
Absolutely, Julesmae…or, as Cirque du Soleil likes to say (or at least put on their T-shirts): “The sky is NOT the limit!” …we can even aim HIGHER! 😉
November 18, 2011 at 9:41 am
Pat Haapaniemi
Great post! Loved the analogy!
November 18, 2011 at 11:35 pm
Jodi Moore
Thanks for reading and sharing, Pat! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 9:45 am
Kimberly Lynn
This is so true, Jodi!
It’s amazing how much a manuscript changes through revision. Wish I had saved all of my originals. Hah!
November 18, 2011 at 11:36 pm
Jodi Moore
Isn’t it the truth? I’ve started “re-saving” as a new file whenever I revise…that way, I can re-evaluate…and “re-wind” if necessary! 😉
November 18, 2011 at 9:45 am
Kathleen Cornell Berman
Thanks for your post and advice–“let it breathe; let it swell. Let those words
flow”. That is one of the reasons I love to write. You are so right in not getting so hung up on the word count early on.
November 18, 2011 at 11:37 pm
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Kathleen…it feels good to break free of those pesky limits! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 9:52 am
Julie
Yes! We need to liberate the ideas before they can be honed. Thanks for giving us the much-needed permission.
LOVE When A Dragon Moved In by the way. Now I know where the sandcastle inspiration comes from! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 11:38 pm
Jodi Moore
Thank YOU, Julie! And yes, my inspiration – and my support system – is my wonderful family. I am truly blessed! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 10:01 am
Lynn
Jodi, I believe you just creaked open the door to my imagination a little wider. As I was reading your post I was thinking … just write it ALL down, prune out what is not needed but keep it for later editing in case it fits better than what I kept in. Once I’ve captured them I hate throwing any ideas away. 🙂
Thanks for this. And I love dragons, yours looks like a fun story. (I submitted my dragon story to a contest, still waiting and hopeful for when winners are chosen.)
November 18, 2011 at 11:40 pm
Jodi Moore
Dragon lovers unite! 🙂 I wish you all the best on your submission (keep me posted!!!)…and thanks for your sweet response. I love the image of creaking open the door of imagination…hey! What a great prompt for PiBoIdMo! 😉
November 18, 2011 at 10:11 am
Betsy Devany
I discovered your delightful dragon book at Barnes and Noble last month! What a perfect post. I will keep the sand castle image in my mind as I expand on my PiBoIdMo ideas. Thanks so much. You made me smile
November 18, 2011 at 11:40 pm
Jodi Moore
Awww, thanks, Betsy! Your response made ME smile! 😀
November 18, 2011 at 10:12 am
Janet O'Neil
My first story was 2,300 words. (I know, right?) I’ve had revisions that got it down to about 600, but am thinking it may end up as a chapter book. Can’t wait to read When a Dragon Moves In!
November 18, 2011 at 11:41 pm
Jodi Moore
WOW! I’m impressed…from 2300 to 600??? We need YOU to write a post on editing!!! 🙂 Thanks for reading – and sharing!
November 18, 2011 at 10:35 am
Louise
What an awesome metaphor! I’ll have to remember that for my next picture book – start with the idea, and prune the words after. 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 11:42 pm
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Louise! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 11:12 am
Dana Carey
Such great advice, Jodi. And now that summer is just a memory, it was nice to see some sunny sandy photos. (That sandcastle looks beautiful!)
Funny coincidence: while googling for research on an idea from 2 days ago, your book WHEN A DRAGON MOVES IN popped up. Looks like it’s a must read for me.
November 18, 2011 at 11:49 pm
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Dana! You’re so sweet! My husband has become obsessed with the “art” of sandcastles…:) So…I’m curious…what were you researching? Are you working on a dragon book too? Ya never know when one of those lovable creatures will move in… 😉
November 18, 2011 at 11:16 am
Sue Heavenrich
Great metaphor. I always start with way too many words – but even Michelangelo started with a large block of granite and carved away until he found the heart of his idea.
I’ll keep the sandcastle image in mind because, after all, I would like to lobby for a “must-have” day-at-the-beach next summer. Since it’s a long drive maybe I can make it a week-at-the-beach. All in the name of picture book inspiration, of course. I might even try my hand at carving out a sand castle.
November 18, 2011 at 11:51 pm
Jodi Moore
Love YOUR metaphor about the granite too! SOOO true! And yes, a day (preferably a week!) at the beach should be mandatory! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 11:18 am
Corey Schwartz
Love this post. Off to check out Jodi’s web site.
November 18, 2011 at 11:52 pm
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Corey! C’mon over! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 11:24 am
Stacy Jensen
Love this. Thanks you for sharing. Lovely castles.
November 18, 2011 at 11:52 pm
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Stacy! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 11:31 am
Becky Lees
Fantastic post, Jodi! I always think about writing the first draft as erecting this giant slab of marble, then I start to chip away at it carving my masterpiece, but I think I like your sandcastle better!
November 18, 2011 at 11:54 pm
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Becky! I LOVE the marble analogy…! One nice thing about marble, it won’t wash away… 😉 Hmmm…I wonder what might move in then… 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 11:41 am
Katy Duffield
I couldn’t agree more, Jodi! I have to write a whole bunch of junk before I can get down to the good stuff. 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 11:55 pm
Jodi Moore
Ha, Katy! I hear ya! One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was to give myself permission to write “junk”. Some of it really DOES turn into gems… 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 11:49 am
Jarm Del Boccio
Thank you SO much for the encouragement to write what your heart is telling you. As you have said, there is plenty of time later to refine it. That spurs me on to write with abandon, and worry about the finished product at a later time…this makes so much sense!
November 18, 2011 at 11:57 pm
Jodi Moore
Awww, Jarm! Heart-squishy (((hugs))) to you…!!! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 11:56 am
LadyInRead
great post and love the analogy.. The sandcastle and the book look awesome..
Now i am off to find the diamond(s) hiding in the chunk(S) of coal I have..
November 18, 2011 at 11:58 pm
Jodi Moore
Love it! May it shine EVER so bright!!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!!!
November 18, 2011 at 12:19 pm
Penny Volin
Thanks for the great visual and the words of encouragement.
November 18, 2011 at 11:58 pm
Jodi Moore
My pleasure, Penny! Thank YOU! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 12:26 pm
Lori Alexander
Jodi – great advice! I always get a little nervous when my current WIP closes in on 1000 words. Next time, I’ll let it flow. P.S. – my kids love When a Dragon Moves In.
November 19, 2011 at 12:00 am
Jodi Moore
Awww, thanks, Lori! Hearing from Dragon lovers makes me all happy and heart-squishy. 🙂 So hope my post helps to alleviate those nerves! 😉
November 18, 2011 at 12:31 pm
Sabrina
Hi Jodi, I have to say i recently discovered your book “when a dragon moves in” and i absolutely adore it! It’s become one of those books i have in mind as an example when i’m working on my own manuscripts because i simply think the tone is so perfect ! I saw your book and thought: “that’s what i need to achieve” the fabulous imagination of the kid for the different things a dragon is perfect for ( i loved the floater bit) and then all the misschief…. Sooooo recognizable.
Thank you tara for setting up these great blogs!
November 19, 2011 at 12:01 am
Jodi Moore
Aww, thanks, Sabrina! Major hugs and thanks to YOU…and also to Tara, for hosting!!!
November 18, 2011 at 12:45 pm
Chrissa
Great Ideas Jodi!!! I’d like some beach time right about now …
November 19, 2011 at 12:02 am
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Chrissa…I’m ready for some beach too…when do we leave? 😉
November 18, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Linda Lodding
I’m off to play in the sand, Jodi — and to play around with more words! Great post!
November 19, 2011 at 12:02 am
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Linda! Can’t wait to read YOURS!!! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 1:03 pm
Sharyn
Thanks so much for this post — great advice to keep in mind as I write.
November 19, 2011 at 12:06 am
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Sharyn! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 1:17 pm
Amy Dixon
Thanks, Jodi, for a great post. The sandcastle is a helpful image, and while it applies perfectly to writing picture books, I also feel like I learned a bit about building a great sandcastle. Your husband is a talented guy!
November 19, 2011 at 12:07 am
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Amy, that he is! I think I’ll keep him. 😉 Glad you found the image helpful!
November 18, 2011 at 1:25 pm
carol
Thanks Jodi- I guess I’m not the only one who begins with a huge first draft and then works to get rid of all of the extra words.
November 19, 2011 at 12:08 am
Jodi Moore
I often start with SEVERAL huge drafts – lol! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 1:32 pm
Tim McCanna
Great post, Jodi. I’m in the process of boiling down a “wordy” manuscript right now and your sand castles hit the spot. Thanks.
November 19, 2011 at 12:10 am
Jodi Moore
Oh, I love the “boiling down” image! Sounds like a yummy recipe…*runs off to rummage through fridge…* Thank YOU, Tim! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 1:52 pm
Lori Grusin Degman
What a great analogy, Jodi – thanks so much!
November 19, 2011 at 12:10 am
Jodi Moore
My pleasure, Lori…thank YOU!!!
November 18, 2011 at 2:10 pm
Lynn Anne Carol
Jodi,
Thanks for your words. I appreciate that you have lifted the burden of editing our words before we even get them on paper. Just let it spill out, yes?
Congratulations on getting published.
Lynn
November 19, 2011 at 12:12 am
Jodi Moore
I’ve found that we are our own toughest critics. Sometimes, we just have to ease up on ourselves. 😉 Thanks so much for your sweet words!
November 18, 2011 at 2:19 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Super analogy, Jodi!
Thanks ;~>
November 19, 2011 at 12:13 am
Jodi Moore
Glad it works for you, Lori! Thank YOU! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Sarah C. Pilon
Simply put and beautifully put. : ) Great advice! Thanks a bunch
November 19, 2011 at 12:13 am
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Sarah! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 3:10 pm
Wendy Greenley
Thanks for the pep talk, Jodi. I will be on the lookout for your books!
November 19, 2011 at 12:14 am
Jodi Moore
Anytime, Wendy, anytime! Thank YOU! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 3:18 pm
Catherine Johnson
Great advice and what a gorgeous picture book. I so want that 🙂
November 19, 2011 at 12:14 am
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Catherine. I have a total fan-girlie crush on my illustrator. 😉
November 18, 2011 at 3:26 pm
angelapenadahle
🙂 Encouraging. No limits. No barriers. Take ALL you need and more, then use what you have to use. A que sera sera attitude. Love it!
November 19, 2011 at 12:15 am
Jodi Moore
Yup…and save what you DON’T use for later. It’s like an awesome word recycling program. 😉 Thanks so much for commenting!
November 18, 2011 at 3:36 pm
Ramona Davey
I love the idea of just getting the words out first, just to get the story down. And then I really enjoy the cutting down process afterwards. It feels cleansing getting rid of the excess. I also walk away from the manuscript for a while and then go back to it and see more I can cut out. Great post!
November 19, 2011 at 12:17 am
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Ramona. I, too, set the manuscript aside once I feel it’s “finished”. It’s amazing what fresh eyes can do! Thanks for commenting! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 5:18 pm
Bethany Telles
Very, very, VERY wise advice. Thank you!!
November 19, 2011 at 12:20 am
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Bethany. I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by some very wise people who have influenced ME. 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 5:22 pm
Beth MacKinney
Great post, Jodi. So true that we need to let ourselves go in the beginning. : )
November 19, 2011 at 12:22 am
Jodi Moore
Couldn’t agree more, Beth. If you never let yourself “go”…how will you get anywhere? 😉
November 18, 2011 at 5:34 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
Great post. I need to remember that, let the words flow and you can always cut back later.
November 19, 2011 at 12:23 am
Jodi Moore
It takes practice, Jennifer, but it’s so important! Thanks so much for your comment! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 6:49 pm
Mindy Alyse Weiss
Thanks for the inspiring post, Jodi. You’re so right–it helps to let the ideas flow, and worry about shaping it once you have a draft to work with.
I love WHEN A DRAGON MOVES IN and can’t wait to read GOOD NEWS NELSON!
November 19, 2011 at 12:25 am
Jodi Moore
Awww, thanks, Mindy! It also helps to have talented & supportive friends and critique partners – like YOU!!! ❤
November 18, 2011 at 8:55 pm
Romelle Guittap
Love your sand castle analogy! And congratulations on your upcoming books! I can’t wait to read about your dragon and Nelson.
November 19, 2011 at 12:26 am
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Romelle! So happy this resonated with you! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 9:27 pm
Loni Edwards
Hi Jodi! Thanks for the great post!
November 19, 2011 at 12:26 am
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Loni! 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 10:10 pm
Marcy P.
Ah, so much I love about this post. First of all, that I love your book. Second of all, that I love Flashlight Press- and particularly, your illustrator. Okay, now to what you’ve actually SAID 🙂 it is very much in line with what I’ve been realizing lately as it relates to art. I was painting recently and realized that it doesn’t bother me at all when my art isn’t beautiful before it’s done. That’s part of the process. But when my writing isn’t amazing immediately- I can feel discouraged. I’m learning to give my writing the same grace and understanding that I (or any fine artist) gives to their painted creation! I love your sand castle analogy- right in line!
November 19, 2011 at 12:33 am
Jodi Moore
Marcy – so beautifully said! (((hugs))) We are often way too hard on ourselves. I love the idea of bestowing “grace and understanding” on our works…thanks so much for sharing! I’d love to see some of your creations sometime!
November 18, 2011 at 10:33 pm
elizabethannewrites
This is such a helpful post — and what a great analogy! I so appreciate the image of starting with the huge pile of sand, and carefully editing it to make the finished product. This image will stay with me, I’m sure.
Thank you!
November 19, 2011 at 12:36 am
Jodi Moore
Aww, thanks SO much! I’ve learned almost everything I know from the kindness (and blogs!) of other writers. I’m so happy I can share a little something…and pay it forward!
November 18, 2011 at 10:52 pm
Cathy C. Hall
Yes, I needed to hear this, today. I think I’ve been cramping my style. Or should I say sand? 😉
November 19, 2011 at 12:37 am
Jodi Moore
LOL! Love it, Cathy! Happy to help. Thanks so much for the comment, and the smile! 🙂
November 19, 2011 at 7:11 am
Linda Andersen
Thanks for the reminder to just write the story. Wordcount comes later. It frees the writer to tell the story and then work on the requirements of the genre.
Linda A.
November 19, 2011 at 12:25 pm
Jodi Moore
That it does, Linda! I need to be reminded of this myself too often! 😉 Thanks for your comments! 🙂
November 19, 2011 at 7:32 am
Ellen L. Ramsey
Love the sand castle analogy–and thanks for including the photos. The beach is my favorite place, and I love making sand dragons as well as sand castles! Now I’m off to erect some word castles this morning.
November 19, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Jodi Moore
I have to say the beach is one of my favorite places too! Would love to see some pics of your sand creations sometime…I think we should organize our next conference at a beach somewhere!!! 🙂 Hope your “word castles” turned out as awesome as you are…miss you and hope to see you soon!!! ❤
November 19, 2011 at 9:11 am
Amy Dawn DeLuna
Love you, Jodi!!! XOXO.
And, I see how Larry’s sandcastle ended up in your Dragon book. 😉
Nice guest blog. No need to lock the doors … or stare out that peep hole looking for the angry mobs. LOL!!! No angry mobs here. Just lots of love from people who love your book … and appreciate your wise words. 😉
November 19, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Jodi Moore
Awww…! *heart squish* Love you TOOOOO, Amy!!! xoxoxoxo !!!
November 19, 2011 at 9:17 am
Courtney Pippin-Mathur
Hilarious and true post, Jody! Thanks for the reminder to not limit yourself in the beginning.
November 19, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Courtney! 🙂
November 19, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Joyce Ray
Jodi has truly offered words of wisdom in her post. Love the sand castle metaphor. It’s all in the sculpting!
November 19, 2011 at 12:28 pm
Jodi Moore
Awww, thanks, Joyce, for your sweet comments! Sending out heart-squishy hugs! 🙂
November 19, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Elizabeth McBride
Jodi,
the moment I read that first line, I knew I liked you!!!! Yes, I am probably risking my career to say this, but the limitation of word counts for picture books seems like a subtle (or NOT so subtle) shift toward the assumption that picture books are utilized by only the very young or the teachers and parents of the very young.
BUT – we are using them more and more to teach writing craftsmanship in the schools, to demonstrate ideas, and to teach concepts at upper- elementary and even middle-school levels! They are short, many-layered avenues into comprehension and deep levels of understanding for our students. I recently used M.T. Anderson’s “Me, All Alone at the End of the World,” with my fifth graders and it was wonderful. The concepts and metaphors, and the alliteration and musicality of the language had us listening carefully for both sound and meaning. We looked for representational meaning in the words and pictures. Fewer words would have robbed us of a great deal of the wonder in this book. Fewer pictures would have done the same.
There is a place in the picture book world for the complex representation of thought and questioning and, like a poem, each combination of manuscript and illustrations needs to be judged by its effectiveness in delivering its content in the form that best suits its purpose. I am not saying that the 500 – 1000 word picture book is not sufficient, but that sufficiency should not always be a financial decision either. Not that I had an opinion on this or anything….but thanks for mentioning this hot topic, even in the context of putting the inner editor on temporary vacation in order to spill that first draft out onto the page. Yours was good and beneficial advice for all.
November 30, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Elizabeth! I can feel your passion for words – and I love it! And I agree, there are some stories that need to be told the way they need to be told…for a whole host of reasons. Hugs, Jodi 🙂
November 19, 2011 at 5:55 pm
Mary Rand Hess
Jodi,
I agree, why limit ourselves when writing our first draft…or two…or three? A great post, full of inspiration! I want to build a sandcastle right now to see who will move in.
Hugs,
Mary
November 30, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Jodi Moore
Aww, thanks, Mary! I think we need to plan a day at the beach together! 😉
November 19, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Tammi Sauer
Fab analogy. 🙂
November 30, 2011 at 1:17 pm
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Tammi!!!
November 19, 2011 at 8:43 pm
thiskidreviewsbooks
I learned to start with a huge idea like “world peace” and then make it smaller and smaller to make a good story idea. Thanks for the post!
November 30, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Jodi Moore
Wow! That IS a challenge…and an incredible achievement! 🙂
November 19, 2011 at 9:24 pm
Susie Sawyer
ohmigosh, Jodi – what a brilliant analogy!!! 😀 Thank you for giving me permission to play with all that extra sand!!! I’m off to the beach!
November 30, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Jodi Moore
My pleasure, Susie! Have fun! 🙂
November 19, 2011 at 10:14 pm
Lynda Shoup
I really enjoyed the comparison you made. Thinking about raking all that sand before molding it really made the writing process more clear to me. Thanks for the great post.
November 30, 2011 at 1:19 pm
Jodi Moore
Thank YOU, Lynda, for sharing your comments with me! 🙂
November 20, 2011 at 2:29 am
Shari Green
I LOVE this analogy! Thank you! 🙂
November 30, 2011 at 1:19 pm
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Shari – it was my pleasure! I always learn so much from all of my writer buddies…just trying to pay it forward! 🙂
November 20, 2011 at 9:55 am
Cathy Cronin
Love the beach analogy. Perfect.
November 30, 2011 at 1:20 pm
Jodi Moore
Thanks, Cathy! 🙂
November 20, 2011 at 10:34 am
Deb Marshall
Man-this was so, so good. I will write a wordy novel first draft and cut after. How come it never entered my head to do the same with my picture books. Thanks for the post!
November 30, 2011 at 1:21 pm
Jodi Moore
Awww, I feel all heart-squishy now! Thanks so much, Deb! 🙂
November 21, 2011 at 10:34 am
Brook Gideon
Jodi, thanks for the advice. A number wor writing teacher/mentors have always said, get it all down on paper, whatever is floating in your head, you can always edit later. You may miss an important, wonderful line, a word or character if you edit/limit yourself at the start.
November 21, 2011 at 10:35 am
Brook Gideon
umm that was “number of” not “number wor” lol
November 30, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Jodi Moore
It’s so true. As Nora Roberts said (and if I’m misquoting, I apologize…this quote has been attributed to more than one person): “You can’t revise a blank page.” Thanks so much for commenting! 🙂