by Carter Higgins
Looks like we’ve all made it to the hump day of PiBoIdMo! Congratulations! Turn to your neighbor and give out some high-fives. Your notebook might be empty or busting at the seams, and it really doesn’t matter, because you are doing it. So here’s to the back half of this month being as successful as the front, and here’s to more furious scribbling in those notebooks.
But with all of that forward motion, let’s rewind a little. Have you ever reverse engineered your process to chase an idea? This is a big experiment for me, because it’s a new trick in my trusty old bag, but it’s one that makes a lot of deep, true, heart-of-the-thing sense.
Just this month I’ve been talking with my agent about a new manuscript, one that makes us both a little goosebumpy and hopeful. But, true to what I’m learning is my signature maneuver, it’s a teensy bit abstract. Sure, the plot makes sense if you dig around in the dirt a little. And yeah, the characters have a heck of a journey when you squint and look real hard. But what’s there, the obvious thing that makes those goosebumps and hope, is the feeling of it. And I’m okay with that.
So as we wrap our brains around this text and sprinkle it with wishes as it blows out into the world, here’s what’s stuck with me—it’s a question my agent asks me nearly every single time we’re close to sending something out on submission, and it’s only now, years later, that I see its beginning-of-the-process, idea-making potential.
It’s this:
“I’d like to hear from you what YOU feel this story is about. You know, not a synopsis, but an about about.”
An about about.
In theory, that’s a simple question, right? But picture books are big, rich beasts, bigger than plot and arc and character development and the rules.
Here’s what I wrote back, about what it’s about about:
“This is a look at the risky business of breaking a routine, and what might happen when missed connections get bumped out of whack by just a hair. These two just do what they do, day after day, and are unaware of the friendship that is just a few blocks out of their routine. It’s about the magic of everyday things shaken out differently enough to make something wonderful, only if you look.”
That’s what it’s about about.
This book is about routine. It’s about friendship. It’s about everyday magic and the unexpected.
But that doesn’t tell YOU, PiBoIdMo-er, what it’s about, only what it’s about about. And that’s because what picture books are really, truly about about are big, huge things. The other things? Your brilliant characters and arcs and the nitty gritty? I might even say they aren’t as essential or important or heart-making as the about about.
Can you make some room in your notebook for this kind of reverse engineering? What’s the about about of your idea? Maybe it’s about about the loneliness of waiting. Your details of plot and character could be endlessly different from a fellow PiBoIdMoer’s—maybe there’s a kid who’s always picked last for the kickball team, or the excruciating watch of a favorite stuffed animal swirling around in the wash. Maybe it’s Santa himself on December 26th, beginning the countdown of days one more time. Those three stories would have entirely unique feelings and execution, but their about about is mostly the same.
And the about is certainly one beautiful, well-crafted thing, but the about about is what matters the most. What’s yours?
Carter is a librarian at an independent school in Los Angeles. She is the author of A Rambler Steals Home (HMH, 2016) and two forthcoming picture books from Chronicle Books. Everything You Need for a Treehouse is about about creating a place that becomes a home. And This Is Not a Valentine is about about the ickiness and confusion of first love. She is an Emmy-winning visual effects and motion graphics artist whose career has covered all the nooks and crannies of visual storytelling. She writes about picture books and graphic design at her blog, Design of the Picture Book and is a contributor of bookish love at All the Wonders. You can also find her on Twitter @carterhiggins.
Carter is giving away a picture book critique (for a fiction manuscript 1000 words or less).
Leave a comment below to enter. One comment per person, please.
This prize will be given away at the conclusion of PiBoIdMo. You are eligible for this prize if:
- You have registered for PiBoIdMo.
- You have commented ONCE ONLY on today’s post.
- You have completed the PiBoIdMo challenge. (You will have to sign the PiBoIdMo Pledge at the end of the event.)
Good luck, everyone!
593 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 15, 2015 at 8:36 am
The World Is My Cuttlefish
I love the about about. It’s what makes my heart sing as I write and makes me carry on when plot and structure and grit and character seem determined to remain hidden from me.
November 15, 2015 at 8:39 am
tanyakonerman
The about about concept is a great way to cull through my ideas and assess their strength, as well as help me to focus my ideas. Well said!
November 15, 2015 at 8:48 am
Beth Gallagher
What a great post! I’ll be going through my ideas so far for the about-about. Thank you for the wonderful inspiration to do it!
November 15, 2015 at 8:49 am
kathalsey
Carter, library maven. writer – you have nailed it again. The about about is what I call the “big idea,” or the theme. Folks may quibble w/the definition, but the heart of the book is what gives it appeal! I will be sharing this w/ my 5th grade writing class.
November 15, 2015 at 8:50 am
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thank you Carter. You just made me realize that the picture book I just sent out, has much deeper meaning than I thought. I love your about about concept. I wish I could get back my query and start over.
November 15, 2015 at 8:51 am
Anne Iverson
Such an interesting way to approach our writing process! The about about concept can certainly help those cloudy ideas to take shape into complete and definitive stories. Thanks for sharing!
November 15, 2015 at 8:54 am
Christa von Zychlin
Yes, I want to do this. Write a book that’s about something bigger and more wonderful than what it’s about. Thanks, Carter.
November 15, 2015 at 8:56 am
Andrea Mack
Yes! So important to think past the building and go inside to find the warmth and heart.
November 15, 2015 at 8:58 am
Cathy Breisacher
Great picture books are full of heart. I love this idea about getting at the core, essential theme of the book. This post will stick with me as I work on my stories. Many thanks, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 8:59 am
Heidi Yates
Thank you for the nudge to think deeper into the “about about” a story. 🙂
November 15, 2015 at 9:03 am
jennfowler
So important to determine big idea and theme. It really helps to boil down the big “so what” and get to the essence of the story and why it needs to be told.
November 15, 2015 at 9:03 am
debfeb27
Wonderful post. Makes me think of Vivian Gornick’s differentiation between the “situation” and the “story” in creative nonfiction. Digging deeper, owning our story, what is this “really” about? Thanks!
November 15, 2015 at 9:05 am
Patricia Alcaro
About about makes sense. Thank you.
November 15, 2015 at 9:05 am
melissamiles1
I love the encouragement to dig deeper to get to the heart of the story. Best of luck with your new project! 🙂
November 15, 2015 at 9:06 am
Ashley Bohmer
This is a cool way of looking at ideas! I can’t wait to try it! 😄
November 15, 2015 at 9:07 am
Midge Smith
Lots to ponder here! Thank you for your fresh perspective–
November 15, 2015 at 9:07 am
Carol Gordon Ekster
I agree. It’s definitely the about about that can touch hearts and lives. Thanks for your post, Carter. Keep spreading your literary love in the library and your books.
November 15, 2015 at 9:08 am
Rebecca Colby
The about about is the heart of the book. Great take away here! Thanks, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 9:08 am
Kimberly Marcus
Thank you for making me look deeper into my ideas.
November 15, 2015 at 9:09 am
Robyn Campbell
I absolutely love love the about about. Love love is different from just love. You have my wheels churning about my about about of the picture books I have written and the ones on my PiboIdMo list. Thanks for the visit.
November 15, 2015 at 9:10 am
Deirdre Englehart
What’s it all about? Great question to consider. Thanks!
November 15, 2015 at 9:10 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Thanks, Carter. I have only realized the about about after my books were done and published. But when I start with the about about beforehand, I tend to get didactic. Going to try identifying the about about after I have an idea but before I write the dang thing:>)
November 15, 2015 at 9:10 am
Kristi Romo
This is helpful for revision. To identify what the story is about about helps eliminate anything that doesn’t support that message. Thank you for sharing today!
November 15, 2015 at 9:10 am
Alayne Kay Christian
What a great tip for strengthening a PB idea or story. Thanks, Carter.
November 15, 2015 at 9:10 am
Jennifer Furioli
As writers I think we often work ourselves into knots trying to think about our perfect synopsis, form, and it can become debilitating. Asking ourselves to connect to the ‘about about’ of our story is a gentle way of getting back on track to why we’re writing this in the first place– and will likely help with the synopsis and flow. Thank you for this.
November 15, 2015 at 9:10 am
gweddle
Ah! The about about may be the difference between a good book and a great book. Thank you, Carter.
November 15, 2015 at 9:11 am
Katie Engen
For me, picture book writing is all about the about. Great job explaining it so well!
November 15, 2015 at 9:13 am
cat jones
“about about”
hmm, definitely something to ponder on…
November 15, 2015 at 9:16 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
The “about about” is what gives us “all the feels” when we recall a favorite book, and to spontaneously hug our favorites when we see them on the shelf. Thanks for the essential ingredient Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 9:16 am
Sheri Dillard
This comment is about about how much I loved your post! 🙂 I’ve already jotted down a couple new ideas, and I’m also taking a look though my current mss for the about about. Thanks, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 9:17 am
Tara O'Dowd
The “about about” may be why I love PBs so much. Thanks!
November 15, 2015 at 9:18 am
Dorothy Massey
Fabulous concept. Your article really inspired me. Thanks.
November 15, 2015 at 9:18 am
reluctantspy
For me, the about about is a sense of fun which can appear in many guises.
November 15, 2015 at 9:18 am
Alice Fulgione
Thank you for the wonderful inspiration!
November 15, 2015 at 9:19 am
twirlnextdoor
About about — excellent!
November 15, 2015 at 9:20 am
Julie Grasso
Love this. Every manuscript from here on in will have an about about
November 15, 2015 at 9:21 am
ellenramsey
I love the idea of a book about “the magic of everyday things shaken out differently enough to make something wonderful, only if you look”!
November 15, 2015 at 9:24 am
Jane Heitman Healy
Thanks, Carter. The about about is what gives the book its universality and its layers. It’s something to strive for wherever it comes in the process. And thanks for giving me a line that is my first pb idea today!
November 15, 2015 at 9:25 am
Brittany Orrico
Carter, I love this! I have a PB idea that is both incredibly exciting and fairly vague, and this about about post has helped me pull some additional details out of the mist. Thanks!
November 15, 2015 at 9:25 am
Chana
Love this post! Reminds us that PBs have layers & deeper ideas to connect with kids. Thanks!
November 15, 2015 at 9:27 am
Carole Calladine
The about about. I’ll remember that. Wonderful post. Thank you, Carter.
November 15, 2015 at 9:27 am
Michelle Fandrich
Love this post!
November 15, 2015 at 9:28 am
ManjuBeth
Carter, Thanks for showing how you get to the core of your stories.
November 15, 2015 at 9:30 am
Genevieve Petrillo
Knowing the about-about before knowing the who-what-when sounds like a truly inspiring way to start. Hmmmm. What’s my next story’s about-about??? As soon as it pops I to my head, I’ll add it to my list…
November 15, 2015 at 9:34 am
Bruna De Luca
I hope I remember to keep the about about at the forefront of my ideas. Very inspiring!
November 15, 2015 at 9:35 am
Rebecca E. Guzinski
I feel the about about is another positive step forward in this wonderful making of picture books. 🙂
November 15, 2015 at 9:37 am
Shelly Hawley-Yan
What a great way to look at things-
Thanks!
November 15, 2015 at 9:41 am
Jim Chaize
I know this one will stick with me. Thanks.
November 15, 2015 at 9:41 am
Nadine Gamble
Fresh way of looking at MS. Thanks for revving up my brain this Sunday morning & hooray for PiBoIdMo!
November 15, 2015 at 9:44 am
Lotus Ivak
Inspiring post, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 9:48 am
Kara
We as writers need to sit and think what our books are about. Good advice!
November 15, 2015 at 9:51 am
Susan Schade
Thank you for the post. Something to think about (about).
November 15, 2015 at 9:51 am
Penny Parker Klostermann
I love this, Carter. Because if we can express that then we’re onto something. Your “about about” about your book reminded me of Herman and Rosie. I love that book!
Thanks for inspiring!
November 15, 2015 at 9:54 am
teresa m.i. schaefer (@TMISchaefer)
I can’t say I ever thought so much about about, but here’s to it!
November 15, 2015 at 9:54 am
Sheila Dinn
Terrific task you have set for us, to go backward into the heart of a story idea. Your “about about” for your new story reminded me of a favorite, “Sophie and Lou,” by Petra Mathers (1991). If you haven’t read it, it’s a treat. Thank you
November 15, 2015 at 9:56 am
vickireinhardt2014
I love the about about! Thank you for reminding us what’s important.
November 15, 2015 at 9:59 am
Anna Levin
Thank you Carter! The essence of a story can be wrapped in different ways creating endless possibilities, something to think about about:)
November 15, 2015 at 10:08 am
pathaap
Fantastic post, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 10:09 am
Amy Hansen Harding
I love the term “about, about,” because that is how most of my writing begins! Thanks for explaining meaning so well.
November 15, 2015 at 10:11 am
Dana Carey
I’m shifting into reverse now. Thanks, Carter.
November 15, 2015 at 10:11 am
loriannlevyholm
Interesting take and I’m glad your agent knew you well enough to plant the seed!
November 15, 2015 at 10:11 am
Susie Hou
I love the about about. it’s the invisible. it’s the heart. it’s the life giving most important thing of all. ( right?) love your blog too – design of the picture book. I happened across it when I was googling a PB by a Japanese author. the pictures and the layout….visual yumminess! Thanks for sharing your process! 😋
November 15, 2015 at 10:12 am
Giavanna
Thank you for the new trick, Carter! The about about is a great way to help transition from those big, broad ideas to real concepts I can dive into. I will be trying this with today’s entry!
November 15, 2015 at 10:14 am
angeladegroot8
The about about – that’s brilliant! The about about is in our subconscious already because that’s where the story started, but it’s definitely helpful to stop and consciously think about the about about. Thank you for the reminder. This is a useful revision tool for those manuscripts that aren’t quite working or are getting positive feedback yet aren’t selling. Considering the about about can help you take your story deeper.
November 15, 2015 at 10:14 am
Laura Lowman Murray
Love your post Carter! Sometimes the emotional core of a story gets passed over at first because of the concentration on plot and character – yet, I too, feel it’s the most important part!
November 15, 2015 at 10:16 am
ritaborg
The about about is why you write the book, I guess
November 15, 2015 at 10:16 am
Susan Cabael
Off to ponder the about abouts of my ideas. Looking forward to your books from Chronicle!
November 15, 2015 at 10:17 am
chrisynthia
As always another great post! I learn so much about this process every day. Thanks.
November 15, 2015 at 10:20 am
Annie Cronin Romano
Thanks for providing a different perspective on how to approach a story! Very helpful, insightful post, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 10:20 am
Lisa Black
Thanks!
November 15, 2015 at 10:21 am
Lisa Black
Thanks great info.
November 15, 2015 at 10:34 am
danzillustrator
I’ve never thought to look at a story that way – thank you so much for the tip!
November 15, 2015 at 10:35 am
Fran Price
It’s easy to forget about the about about! With all the hooks and arcs, conflict, escalation and resolution that we are supposed to be working on its easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. So thanks, Carter, for reminding us what is truly important and that a really great story will always have a strong about about.
November 15, 2015 at 10:35 am
taracreel
I love this! What a fabulous way to look at your story and fine tune it. Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 10:36 am
Kathryn Kass
This is a good reminder to think more deeply about PB writing. Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 10:37 am
Heather Erquiaga
Yes! The heart story. Thanks, Carter.
November 15, 2015 at 10:44 am
Doreen E. Lepore
Thanks for the great post!
November 15, 2015 at 10:49 am
Amy Houts
Interesting way of looking at a picture book. I will keep “about about” in mind when I review the picture books that I am currently submitting (and my future creations). Thanks!
November 15, 2015 at 10:51 am
Brianna Zamborsky
Thank you for this “about about.” I’m going to remember this.
November 15, 2015 at 10:51 am
marcimcadam
You’re right, Carter–when I realized what the about about of my current story was, it made me fall even more in love with my characters (and the main character’s foil too). Thanks for your insight 🙂
November 15, 2015 at 10:54 am
Mark A. Bentz
Thank you Carter for your great post. Very helpful.
November 15, 2015 at 10:54 am
Laura Mannering
Interesting about, abouts.
November 15, 2015 at 10:55 am
Sarah Skolfield
I woke up this morning with a PB idea swirling around in my head. Then I read this post. Now I am going back to my idea to think about what it’s really about…..which I think is a great way to help me develop the initial idea. Thanks!
November 15, 2015 at 10:56 am
Hayley Barrett
Always trust the goosebumps. Thanks, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 10:57 am
mariagianferrari
So true! It’s about how they move us, and make us feel, not just what’s happening plot-wise. Thanks, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 10:57 am
nightowlearlybird
Yes! I need to think about the about, about of my ideas. 🙂
November 15, 2015 at 10:57 am
Natasha Wing
Great way to rethink things.
November 15, 2015 at 10:58 am
Juliana Lee
An excellent idea! I’d like to try that reverse engineering with some of the character ideas I have. If I can figure out their ‘about’ it will be easier to move the story forward.
November 15, 2015 at 11:01 am
Shennen Bersani
Thank you Carter, you have me thinking…. About thinking…. About! 🙂
November 15, 2015 at 11:03 am
Deborah Bernard
This post is hugely helpful. Actually has me “goose bumpy and hopeful!”
November 15, 2015 at 11:03 am
sarahlynnereul
Thank you so much for this, what a lovely post. I think sometimes I am too nervous, tiptoeing around the edge, to really dive in and admit that I’m going for the about about. But it makes so much sense, and can give all the other details a structure. Thank you again, loved this post!
November 15, 2015 at 11:08 am
Rajani LaRocca
I love this post! It reminds me that being aware of the heart of my story can help me when I’m fussing with the details.
November 15, 2015 at 11:11 am
Pascale M.
Thank you, Carter. Great tip on rethinking things.
November 15, 2015 at 11:11 am
LovableLobo
I’ve got my shovel out to dig deep. All the way to China if need be. Thanks for the insightful post, Carter.
November 15, 2015 at 11:14 am
Laura K. Zimmermann
Thanks for a great post!
November 15, 2015 at 11:15 am
cantsing1
Fabulous! Yes, about, about. Wish I’d bumped into this for the h.s. writing groups I ran. And when I think I’m close to about about, my mind collapses . . hmmm and so I go again again. Many thanks. I will read Day 15 many times.
November 15, 2015 at 11:16 am
theresenagi
Thanks for the helpful post and I will be doing more thinking on my about about:).
November 15, 2015 at 11:16 am
Lee Walker-Brockman
Amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your incredible idea. It makes complete sense. Great giveaway! Thanks for giving back to the writing community. 😃
November 15, 2015 at 11:17 am
Laurie Daley
For me, this ties into my attempts at query letters. Trying to convey the about, which is not the same as plot or character or arc.
November 15, 2015 at 11:17 am
Vicky Wirkkala
Thank you thank for sharing this. I love this question of the about about!
November 15, 2015 at 11:20 am
Kelly Rice Schmitt
Thank you for this fantastic post. As children’s writers we often nail the outer story and the plot, but the core that we really connect to when we read picture books is the inner story and the big idea development of the characters. What a great reminder of this!
November 15, 2015 at 11:20 am
Daryl Gottier
Thanks for some great insight into the great “abouts”!
November 15, 2015 at 11:21 am
Lori Dubbin
Rewinding and doing an about face into the story helps find its essence. It’s all about about the goosebumps.
November 15, 2015 at 11:24 am
Cindy C.
Drilling down to the about about or the essence….not easy to do. But as the Hokey-Pokey song says, “That’s what it’s all about!”
November 15, 2015 at 11:26 am
Teresa Robeson
For whatever reason, some stories, I do think about the about-about whereas I don’t with others. But I will try and keep that more to front of my idea creation process from now on!
November 15, 2015 at 11:34 am
danielledufayet
Love this concept! The about about is the heart heart of the story. 🙂
November 15, 2015 at 11:36 am
Thornton Blease
Great post about the about.
November 15, 2015 at 11:37 am
leprechaun5770
Great post. Thanks, Carter.
November 15, 2015 at 11:37 am
Tracy Molitors
Thanks, Carter– A brilliant way to phrase a really good concept!
November 15, 2015 at 11:42 am
ducks33
Thank you for describing a thought I couldn’t quite put my finger on, that there is something the book is ABOUT, and that it also has a plot and characters. Thanks for a great post!
November 15, 2015 at 11:45 am
David McMullin
Thank you Carter, This is what truly makes a book.
November 15, 2015 at 11:48 am
dbyatt
Thanks for the great post! I love this idea of the about about.
November 15, 2015 at 11:52 am
Lisa Kahn Schnell
Wonderful! Thank you for steering the pb conversation to new and interesting waters!
November 15, 2015 at 11:58 am
Kerry Ariail
What a great idea and a great exercise for looking back at old ideas! Thank you, looking forward to checking out your books!
November 15, 2015 at 11:59 am
Rosalind Malin
About about is about the heart of the story. Love it.
November 15, 2015 at 12:00 pm
Debbie Austin
I love this idea of getting to the about about. Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 12:00 pm
Elizabeth Metz
THIS so resonated for me, thank you Carter! It’s what’s different about my PiBoIdMo experience this year compared to the first year I participated in 2013. Back then I had no idea if I could come up with a story for a picture book, so my inspiration seeking concentrated on plot and characters and twist endings and the like. Now that I’ve written a handful of manuscript drafts, I know it’s something I can do. So this year I’m not getting so many plot ideas. I’m getting ABOUT about flashes of insight… and I guess trusting that I have the skills to engineer a story around them, if it’s meant to be.
On a completely separate and temptating-fate note, goodness I would love to win this prize. I have a baseball-y draft that I’d love to put in front of the eyes of another baseball-y writer.
🙂
November 15, 2015 at 12:02 pm
lindaschueler
Cool! I’m going to reverse engineer some of my manuscripts.
November 15, 2015 at 12:02 pm
Donna
Thanks for your great advice Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 12:06 pm
Sallye
I will adopt the question for myself and discover a story’s about about sooner rather than later
November 15, 2015 at 12:14 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Thanks so much for this insight. Just reading it gave me a wonderful idea for a story, now I just need to create a character worthy of the journey.
November 15, 2015 at 12:16 pm
KatyD
The best picture books always seem to have that universality “about,” don’t they? Thanks for a great post, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 12:18 pm
bevbaird
What a great way to look at your work. Love the about abouts!
November 15, 2015 at 12:19 pm
imartypoet
What a rewind, Carter. Thank you for sharing a golden nugget from your agent. So many of us will be about-abouting now in our critique groups. The big huge about is why I am so enthralled with picture books. Best of success to you!
November 15, 2015 at 12:24 pm
Noelle McBride
Thank you! As a primary teacher, we need many more books with a “message”!
November 15, 2015 at 12:26 pm
Sophia Mallonée (@SophiaMallonee)
The “about about”–love it! This post struck home on so many levels for me. Thanks for sharing, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 12:28 pm
Monique
I loved the about about concept. Now to go look through my ideas.
November 15, 2015 at 12:28 pm
jshaklan
Sounds like you have a very helpful agent! Thanks for the great suggestion.
November 15, 2015 at 12:32 pm
Lynne Marie
What a timely post — thank you, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 12:33 pm
Constance Norris Van Hoven
Great post!
November 15, 2015 at 12:35 pm
Jacqueline Adams
Thanks, Carter! I think this is going to be a great help with a manuscript I’m working on right now.
November 15, 2015 at 12:36 pm
awflitter
A great way to shake up my thinking. Thanks, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 12:37 pm
bwernert
This post has given me new inspiration for revising a picture book I wrote a decade ago and could never get quite right.
November 15, 2015 at 12:39 pm
Marti Johns
This is really a neat idea – the about about. No one ever asks that question. I feel like this could work really well in the query letter. You know, trying to get an editor or agent to truly get the feel of your ms. Thanks!
November 15, 2015 at 12:40 pm
Gracie Idzal
I love the concept of the about about. Thank you for sharing and for giving me something to think about as I review my ideas.
November 15, 2015 at 12:44 pm
Claire Lordon (@ClaireLordon)
Thanks for your post! I think the “about about” process is a good way to approach some of my ideas. Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 12:45 pm
Lynn A. Davidson
Thank you so much, Carter, for sharing this insight. Now I know why certain picture books from my childhood still give me that warm cozy feeling even now when I think about them. This could make all the difference in the stories I’m writing that don’t quite feel right, or that seem to have ‘something’ missing. About about … yes, that’s the heart of it. Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 12:45 pm
Katelyn Aronson
You are right, Carter. The ‘about about’ is the humanity at the very center of each piece. Thank you for being here with us on Day 15!
November 15, 2015 at 12:49 pm
Jennifer Bower
Thank you Carter. Your post was most instructive. In thinking about the picture book I am currently working on, I really couldn’t come up with an answer for the about, about. Seems I need to do a bit more thinking and a bit more writing. Thanks again.
November 15, 2015 at 12:50 pm
artfulu
That’s a great way of putting it! I have just uncovered my “about about” Thank you for the post!
November 15, 2015 at 12:51 pm
Rhymerheimer
You’ve got me thinking of my ‘about’ about. It will come in especially handy when I rewrite my query. 🙂 Thank you! And I’d love to get a critique from such a thoughtful and experienced author!
November 15, 2015 at 12:51 pm
Linda Carpenter
Many thanks Carter for the about about
It just wants to make me sit up and shout
For long I have been searching for hidden meaning
Whilst reading and writing and oh so much dreaming!
November 15, 2015 at 12:52 pm
Kim Piddington
I love this idea- and I’m going to apply the “about about” to my MG WIP, too.
November 15, 2015 at 12:59 pm
Lori Alexander
Well said, Carter! Every PB needs that universal truth. Thanks for giving us another way to think about our manuscripts.
November 15, 2015 at 1:00 pm
Marileta Robinson
Thank you for a beautiful post.
November 15, 2015 at 1:01 pm
Heather Kelso
Thank you so much for this eye opening advise. I will be thinking what is my story “about about” from now on. I am glad you are a part of my PiBoIdMo journey.
November 15, 2015 at 1:05 pm
Karen Lawler
I really need to start to think about the “about” a whole lot more. Thanks for the post and hints into your thinking. 🙂
November 15, 2015 at 1:07 pm
Ali Pfautz
Such a wonderful way to dig deeper into a story!
November 15, 2015 at 1:09 pm
Judy Cox
Thoughtful post! I usually don’t know what my story is *really* about until I finish the first draft.
November 15, 2015 at 1:12 pm
purimenaya
Very interesting, Carter, thanks, really the most important is teh about about.
November 15, 2015 at 1:13 pm
Sharon Nix Jones
Thank you for the deeper thinking into the story-making process.
November 15, 2015 at 1:15 pm
Sandy Powell
Another tool to use to become a better picture book writer. Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 1:18 pm
claireannette1
What a great question – what about about? I think this is actually the heart of the story. Thanks for this thoughtful post.
November 15, 2015 at 1:18 pm
Pat Miller
Sounds like you are talking about the soul of the story. Hmmm…I need to look at mine again with this helpful info. Thanks, Carter.
November 15, 2015 at 1:19 pm
ajschildrensbooks
Very helpful post! Thank you, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 1:20 pm
Debra Shumaker
A very thought-provoking post. About-about. I’ll have to think about that. Thanks!
November 15, 2015 at 1:21 pm
K
This is my favorite post so far! Thank you so much, it’s brilliant. 🙂
November 15, 2015 at 1:27 pm
Rosi Hollinbeck
This is an interesting perspective and gives a lot of food for thought. Thanks for the post.
November 15, 2015 at 1:29 pm
Colleen Post
This takes some digesting, which is a good thing. Thanks!
November 15, 2015 at 1:32 pm
Carinn Michele
A great way to get at the heart of the story. Thanks Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 1:33 pm
Stephanie Dreyer
This is one of the most helpful posts yet in PiBoIdMo! The about about is brilliant and really hit home for me. I loved your example at the end of your post and how it sprouted 3 different ideas. So helpful – thank you for the inspiration!
November 15, 2015 at 1:36 pm
hmmmmm
Lovely post — and a great, gentle reminder to mind the souls of our stories even as we labor through the craft.
Thank you.
November 15, 2015 at 1:40 pm
Meghan Daniels
Great post! I’m thinking of the about about of my latest manuscript. It definitely has one, but how to put it into words…
November 15, 2015 at 1:45 pm
Stephanie Gray
Thanks for sharing.
November 15, 2015 at 1:50 pm
Carrie Moore Chan
This will be fun to do a reverse engineer and see what they are about about. Thanks.
November 15, 2015 at 1:54 pm
Rebecca Wise Eklund
The about about reminds me of asking my friends, “Do you like him or like like him?” It’s always what really matters!
November 15, 2015 at 2:00 pm
Joannie Duris
Stories with heart all have an underlying, universal theme. Great post, Carter, to translate theme into the about about of any story. That core truth is what draws readers/listeners in, and lets them identify with the main character.
November 15, 2015 at 2:09 pm
Helen Kampion
What a great way to look at stories. Really puts things into perspective. Thank you for sharing!
November 15, 2015 at 2:14 pm
ilovebeansandbooks
This is a great suggestion! Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 2:15 pm
Charlotte Dixon
Thank you, Carter, for sharing the about about process you use to determine the heart of a story. I’m going to put my reverse engineering hat on and go back through my ideas.
November 15, 2015 at 2:19 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Carter – Thinking about the “about, about” also seems really helpful for the query letter. If I can’t find the “about, about” in a manuscript, it might not be ready to be “about” in the world.
November 15, 2015 at 2:19 pm
Susie Sawyer
Thank you Carter! I’ll be taking a new look at my manuscripts now, focusing on what they’re about about. 🙂
November 15, 2015 at 2:20 pm
Gabi Snyder
Great post! I think you’ve nailed what makes us persist with certain stories — we’re in love with the about about. Thanks, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 2:22 pm
Virginia Law Manning
I definitely get your blog! I often have a specific idea with a strong about about, but it takes many, many rewrites where the particulars complete change but the about about is the same, before the story works! Thank you for making sense of my process!
November 15, 2015 at 2:22 pm
Jill Tuckman
Great post! The about about is going to be so helpful in pinpointing – and hopefully enhancing – the heart of my new stories. Thank you so much for sharing.
November 15, 2015 at 2:22 pm
Kristin Baird Rattini
My journalism training focused on the five Ws and one H. Thanks for adding an A to my checklist!
November 15, 2015 at 2:26 pm
sunroksus
Thank you Carter. I discovered that if I couldn’t SAY what my book was about about quickly, people’s eyes glazed over.
November 15, 2015 at 2:29 pm
Tabitha Sims
The about about…a beautiful approach to writing. Hoping for some deep and meaningful about abouts in my PiBoIdMo notebook by the end of the month. Thank you for sharing, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 2:37 pm
Joanne Fritz
What an eye-opening idea! Thank you so much for this.
November 15, 2015 at 2:38 pm
Janice
“The about” matters. Thanks for your post.
November 15, 2015 at 2:38 pm
katmaz2012
About about, thank you.
November 15, 2015 at 2:42 pm
lindamartinandersen
Let’s change the Hokey Pokey to say, “That’s what it’s all about, about.” I’ll do my best to remember this if you will. Thanks so much, Carter.
November 15, 2015 at 2:44 pm
shiela fuller
The “about” might be the most important point we’ve never thought about! Thank you for reminding us.
November 15, 2015 at 2:45 pm
tinawissner
Thanks for great post. A lot of food for thought.
November 15, 2015 at 2:47 pm
Darlene Ivy
The about about is the quiet heart of the story. We can’t lose track of it. Thanks for a great post.
November 15, 2015 at 2:51 pm
Maria Marshall
Carter, thank you so much. I was starting to stymie on ideas and your post not only rejuvenated my flow of ideas, but solved a problem with a MS. What a great way to phrase the heart of the story.
November 15, 2015 at 2:53 pm
Christine M. Irvin
Thanks for the new technical term, “about about!” 🙂
November 15, 2015 at 2:54 pm
Elaine Le Sueur
Interesting perspective and it made me really think. Thanks.
November 15, 2015 at 2:55 pm
Steph Beth Nickel's Blog
I will be looking at my ideas again to discover the about about of my favourites. Thank you for sharing this insight.
November 15, 2015 at 2:57 pm
anniebailey7
Love this post!
November 15, 2015 at 2:58 pm
Carolyn
Love the idea of an about about! Such an important think to think through. Thanks for the inspiration!
November 15, 2015 at 3:01 pm
kirsticall
Thanks for making me think, Carter. It’s important to remember and figure out what our stories are really about.
November 15, 2015 at 3:01 pm
Debra Katz
Interesting and thought provoking….
November 15, 2015 at 3:07 pm
childrensbooksonadime
I think the ABOUT about is the part that kids understand in their hearts but can’t really express in words. It’s what makes them love a book with that deep down, unreasonable, read it every night kind of love.
November 15, 2015 at 3:14 pm
kdveiten
Looking at the about about makes total sense. Thanks for this eye opening post!
November 15, 2015 at 3:15 pm
Hannah Mahoney
The about about. Love it! A lovely way to look at our work in a deeper way. Thank you, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 3:15 pm
Jennette Mutolo
ABOUT ABOUT! Love it! As always, I’m inspired and better get to work!
November 15, 2015 at 3:16 pm
Corinna Luyken (@CorinnaLuyken)
This is such a great post. Thanks for the invitation to dive deeper into story, into the human heart, into what makes us all come alive. You’re the best, Carter. 🙂
November 15, 2015 at 3:18 pm
Liz steffenson
Santa’s countdown to Christmas sounds like a winner to me! Wish I would have thought of it!
November 15, 2015 at 3:23 pm
Lisa Billa
Thank you for expressing some of what makes us love picture books. I’m going to go work backwards on a few ideas for a while!
November 15, 2015 at 3:28 pm
Joanne Sher
LOVE this perspective – something I as a rule completely and totally miss when I am putting ideas/manuscripts/etc together. I miss the forest for the trees almost every time. Thank you for helping me, and encouraging me, to step back and see what my ideas are about about.
November 15, 2015 at 3:28 pm
Candace
makes me think of the song, “”What’s it All About, Alphie?”
November 15, 2015 at 3:29 pm
erikammon
Knowing what your story is about is soooo important! We also should think about this with our writing- what is our ‘why’ for our reason for writing!
November 15, 2015 at 3:35 pm
David Huyck
Yes yes yes! I have a book I’ve been tinkering with these past few months, and the *about* about is what is making it all click for me. The dummy is underway, and as I draw the emotions on the faces I check back in with my overarching idea to make sure it’s in there – in every worry line and grin. It’s great to have that touchstone to refer to as I move ahead.
November 15, 2015 at 3:42 pm
Amber Alvarez
This about about stuff, that’s the cream.
November 15, 2015 at 3:47 pm
Jill Jeffries
The many layered, yet eloquently simple but meaningful story…ah, I have a lot of work to do! Thank you so much for your post!
November 15, 2015 at 3:53 pm
Peter Dargatz
I’m hearing double. 🙂 Thanks for the great insight.
November 15, 2015 at 3:53 pm
artsyandi
What a great way to think about a story. I believe it is really going to help with a ms I’ve been wanting to dig back out of my drawer. Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 3:55 pm
Amanda Smith
I like this idea of digging deeper. Often a story idea is born from a feeling. It might be good to jot that feeling down somewhere in the margins or on a little sticky note, so I can remember to check if my about-about is still in my story when I am done.
November 15, 2015 at 4:02 pm
thduggie
Thanks for this post about about abouts. I tend to just write stories with abouts – I’ll have to do some digging for about abouts now.
November 15, 2015 at 4:10 pm
Alexandra Me Feuvre
I loved this post. The about about makes so much sense. I think I know what my favourite picture book idea that I have come up with this month is about about. That makes me super excited 🙂
November 15, 2015 at 4:12 pm
sarabayles
I am so excited about, “All the Wonders.” AND the about about is a great tool. Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 4:20 pm
Leslie Santamaria (@LSSantamaria)
Mid-month is a great time for this. Thanks, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 4:22 pm
Cathy Stefanec Ogren
Great post, Carter! Lots to think about about …
November 15, 2015 at 4:25 pm
Jill Richards Proctor
It’s about getting to the heart, not the what, of the story. Thank you, Carter.
November 15, 2015 at 4:26 pm
MaryLee Flannigan
Great advice – thank you for sharing!
November 15, 2015 at 4:28 pm
cherylsec
This is so helpful. Great advice! Thanks so much for sharing, Carter.
November 15, 2015 at 4:30 pm
8catpaws
Should we always know the about-about first, or is it OK to figure it out later?
November 15, 2015 at 4:41 pm
Jessica Burnam
Hi Carter, I am so committed to participating in this 30 day challenge, I am currently dictating from my phone on an airplane. Started from LA this morning, landed in Atlanta, and now heading towards Florida. En route, I get to check your posting, and it is thought-provoking. “About” implies so much to me … What a story is about to a child will be different than what the story is about to the agent, editor, illustrator, and particularly to the author. What I want my abouts to be are multilayered…and for any of the about aspects to be germane to who’s reading the script. And on this lengthy comment, we’re getting ready to take off again, and I need to turn off my cell phone. Thanks for your inspiring post, and I will read it again and think more about reverse engineering once I land. And away I go for the third time today. ✈️ Woo-Hoo!
November 15, 2015 at 4:43 pm
Elena
What great advice. Thank you, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 4:43 pm
Carrie Charley Brown
Ahh, deeper meaning. The ability to look beyond. To dig deeper. It’s amazing what can come about from an about when we take time to reflect. It’s easy to get caught up in everything else. Thanks for slowing me down again and making me think, Carter.
November 15, 2015 at 4:43 pm
Pat Scruggs
Thanks Carter. Thought provoking.
November 15, 2015 at 4:47 pm
Deb Dunn
This is the coolest and most straightforward way I’ve heard someone talk about the heart of a story. Love it! Thanks, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 4:48 pm
Santiago Casares
“About about” it’s a deep concept… and I love it!
November 15, 2015 at 4:48 pm
Kathleen Wilcox
Inspiring. Thank you for reminding us to consider what our stories are really about as we write for such an important audience.
November 15, 2015 at 4:54 pm
Kristen Schroeder (@KLSchroed)
I really enjoyed your post! “What’s your story about about?” will stick with me for a long time!
November 15, 2015 at 4:56 pm
Shirley Menendez
Thanks for your inspiring post. Thinking what the story is truly about is a great way to approach a picture book.
November 15, 2015 at 5:05 pm
Li'vee Rehfield
I agree with Carter…Congratulations Everyone!!!…we have all been here together…encouraging…thank you all for being with me…Time to rewind and clean things up…we can DO it!!!
November 15, 2015 at 5:05 pm
fishpatti
Thanks for this great post! Really made me think about the “about about” of my current story! Thanks again for the thought-provoking post.
November 15, 2015 at 5:14 pm
brandimpayne
The “about about” is great! Thank you so much for sharing!
November 15, 2015 at 5:14 pm
aliciaminor
Another great idea to use as a guideline in writing for every story should have an about about. Thanks for sharing.
November 15, 2015 at 5:16 pm
Ann Kelley
I like that the “about” about. Definitely makes me start thinking about improving some of my ideas. Thanks!
November 15, 2015 at 5:17 pm
Cinzia
I love this! Articulating the “about about” is a wonderful – and essential – goal.
November 15, 2015 at 5:18 pm
Elizabeth Brown
Great post! Thank you, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 5:25 pm
Red said what?
Wonderful post. In my mind the “about” about = heart = the re-readability factor. Difficult to achieve but well worth it in the end. Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 5:29 pm
Julie Murphy
A truly wonderful picture book works on many levels, and you have just shown us one of those levels. Thanks, Carter.
November 15, 2015 at 5:31 pm
Christine
Wow. Just exactly what I needed today! Thank you so much!
November 15, 2015 at 5:38 pm
Miranda Ireland
Oh my goodness. This is just what I needed to read! It’s hard to explain that feeling you get when you find the perfect way to tell a story, but this is pretty darn close! 😊👍🏻 thanks for sharing!
November 15, 2015 at 5:38 pm
Susan Nicholas
Thank you! I look forward to trying the “about” about (test) on some of my new ideas.
November 15, 2015 at 5:38 pm
Mrs. TwoCents
Great element of craft to think about about. ; )
November 15, 2015 at 5:41 pm
Nila Jean Spencer
Thanks for sharing such a great idea. Thanks also for your commitment to the writing community. I hope to check out your blog to get more wonderful ideas.
November 15, 2015 at 5:43 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks, Carter for this about face post! I’m looking forward to my writing session tonight.
November 15, 2015 at 5:44 pm
andreesantini
Love the question for our pic book focusing. Now does the bigger philosophical question for us all become, “What’s it all about about?”
November 15, 2015 at 5:44 pm
Nori Underhill
Thanks! This prompt really worked wonderfully for me. The first draft I wrote today is my favorite one so far! “There was a door in the backyard. It wasn’t there the day before. No one else seemed to see it…” Will you open it?
November 15, 2015 at 5:46 pm
Carleen Shreeve
Thanks for the great post, Carter.
November 15, 2015 at 5:47 pm
Jennifer Phillips
I love reading about reverse engineering in relation to crafting a story. Very important advice!
November 15, 2015 at 5:50 pm
Zainab Khan
Thanks for your words of wisdom. I’m thinking what my stories are about about.
November 15, 2015 at 6:01 pm
Sylvia Liu
I love this post,Carter. Because it speaks to the true reason we are compelled to write and share our stories. Brava!
November 15, 2015 at 6:07 pm
Judy Sobanski
Thanks, Carter. Interesting way to look deeper into our stories.
November 15, 2015 at 6:13 pm
June Smalls
What a great way to look at things! I think this is also an example of things writers get that non writers won’t. 🙂
November 15, 2015 at 6:15 pm
Lyn Miller-Lachmann
The about is what captures the universal in the particular story. Great post, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 6:16 pm
Sherry Alexander
Thank you for a great idea!
November 15, 2015 at 6:18 pm
kelly h.
Thanks for the post!
November 15, 2015 at 6:19 pm
Sue Morris @ KidLitReviews
“About-about” is interesting. And it makes sense to know this first. An about-about puts a whole new light on picture books (and reviewing them).
November 15, 2015 at 6:23 pm
mona861
mmm..I’ve been asked to tell “me” what your story is about, but never what the about’s about! Now that I have step one, the about, implanted in my mind, I’ll work on the about about!!! Really a great idea. Thanks!
November 15, 2015 at 6:24 pm
Donna L Martin
Interesting post…hadn’t thought about PB ideas in that way before. Thanks for giving me something new to think about!
November 15, 2015 at 6:29 pm
Sharon Lillie
nice post
November 15, 2015 at 6:36 pm
Barbara Carney
This is something I can really chew on for a while. Thank you for a great approach and a different way to look at ideas.
November 15, 2015 at 6:39 pm
Carol Jones
I LOVED your comment that what picture books are really, truly about about are big, huge things. I’ve always believed that, in a kind of fuzzy, unarticulated way, but now you’ve helped me really grab onto that idea, and yes, THIS is why I want to write picture books.
November 15, 2015 at 6:39 pm
viviankirkfield
This comment is about about thankfulness.
I’ve heard many pros talk about the heart of the story…yes…I think you’ve nailed it with your about about, Carter! And with your examples, you’ve helped me see that all important element of the manuscript in a clearer way…now I really have no excuse …my stories had darn well better have an about about from now on. 😉 😉
November 15, 2015 at 6:43 pm
Artelle Lenthall
As a teacher I’ve always known this as that is often how we search for books related to our topics. As a writer it’s a battle, but a worthwhile one. Thanks for the reminder Carter.
November 15, 2015 at 6:45 pm
lgalaske
Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 6:46 pm
Jane hawkins
Thank you . The about about is what gets a book read over and over, isn’t it?
November 15, 2015 at 6:46 pm
Emily Wayne (@emilywayneart)
Love the perspective!
November 15, 2015 at 6:52 pm
Jeanine Potter Lovell
Thank you for showing a new lense to look through!
November 15, 2015 at 6:55 pm
Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer
My feeling is that if a writer can’t put into words the about about of their story, they don’t have a story. Thanks for a great post.
November 15, 2015 at 6:57 pm
Pamela Haskin
Thanks, Carter, for a great post! Love your agents question. I’ll ask that myself for every book I write from now on.
November 15, 2015 at 6:57 pm
Brenda Huante
Thank you, Carter. I have to dig even deeper to discover the about about.
Brenda Huante
November 15, 2015 at 6:58 pm
Stephanie Shaw
It’s about time someone wrote about the about about. Thanks!
November 15, 2015 at 6:59 pm
Amelia Gossman
Great advice! Sometimes it’s so easy to get caught up in the structure that the “about about” can get lost. Looking forward to trying this out!
November 15, 2015 at 7:11 pm
Ana
I love the abouts too.
November 15, 2015 at 7:12 pm
rgstones
What is it ABOUT about? I love that. 🙂
November 15, 2015 at 7:14 pm
Brook Gideon (@brookgideon)
Beautiful point! Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 7:18 pm
Jessixa Bagley
Great advice on getting to the root of the story!
November 15, 2015 at 7:22 pm
Laurie L Young
Abstract stories are my favorites.
November 15, 2015 at 7:35 pm
Derick
Thanks for the wonderful post. Love love the about about!
November 15, 2015 at 7:36 pm
Priya Ann Mathew
An about about! This was an aha moment for me. Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 7:37 pm
Widjati Hartiningtyas
A big question for a big rich beast. Will do that, Carter. Thanks!
November 15, 2015 at 7:39 pm
Melanie Kyer
Great post! This month I’ve been writing down any ideas I can manage– some of them have been the “about about” and some have been just characters/scenarios. Next step is to see which ones fit together!
November 15, 2015 at 7:44 pm
Janet Halfmann
I’ll definitely need to ponder the “about about.” Thanks for sharing.
November 15, 2015 at 7:49 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
Carter: I am CRAZY ABOUT your about about concept! Thank you for reminding us that the heart of the story is what it’s all about ABOUT!!!!
November 15, 2015 at 7:50 pm
Joan Waites
Hmmm…lots to think about-great post!
November 15, 2015 at 7:57 pm
Kristi Bernard
Thanks for the insight. Happy hump day!
November 15, 2015 at 8:00 pm
Karen Kane
Wonderful! I will use this for sure when I am writing.
November 15, 2015 at 8:06 pm
Nancy Ramsey
Thank you for this post! So helpful to focus on the about about!
November 15, 2015 at 8:12 pm
LaurenKerstein
You’ve definitely sparked the wheels in my head to turn at high speed as I ponder the about about in my manuscripts. Thank you for sharing that insightful and thought-provoking concept!
November 15, 2015 at 8:13 pm
catpledger
The about about has been helpful is realizing what is really going on in a manuscript I am struggling with. The true “about” was getting lost in the words and I have found it again. Thank you
November 15, 2015 at 8:16 pm
authordeb
This is definitely a new angle for me to consider. Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 8:22 pm
Linda Baie
And what you wrote makes all the difference, doesn’t it? Thanks for sharing the examples too.
November 15, 2015 at 8:36 pm
Laura Mulvey
The “about about” is definitely something worth thinking about.
November 15, 2015 at 8:44 pm
julie rowan zoch
Yowza! A critique from Carter! I’m tossing my name in too!
November 15, 2015 at 8:51 pm
Heather Pierce Stigall
Thank you for the post. Sometimes after edits after edits I start to forget what the “about about” my story. This will remind me to step back and look at them again to make sure the meaning behind my stories is not lost.
November 15, 2015 at 8:51 pm
Ashley Pierson
Carter, I love it when someone comes along and explains something in such a way that your mind is blown. That is exactly what you did, wow! Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 8:54 pm
Kathy Doherty
Such a delicious post. I read it over and over to make sure the “about about” sank in. Thank you. And what a delicious prize! Count me in!
November 15, 2015 at 8:58 pm
Michelle Heidenrich Barnes
I needed this post, since for me, too, the “about about” can sometimes get lost in the abstract realm. Thank you.
November 15, 2015 at 9:02 pm
nicole greci
Loved this post! Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 9:02 pm
Kathy Cornell Berman
Asking ourselves this crucial question will steer us into the heart of the story. Thanks Carter.
November 15, 2015 at 9:04 pm
Jenifer
Nice post! And good question to answer to write the right ending to your PB
November 15, 2015 at 9:04 pm
Marty McCormick
Interesting new perspective; one I need to ponder a bit.
November 15, 2015 at 9:10 pm
cerulean trees studio
Thank you Carter for challenging us with this question. It took me awhile to understand what you were asking. “About about” is a bit of a jig to contemplate at first. Have you read any books by Lynne Rae Perkins ( http://lynnerae.com )? The more I considered “About About”, her picture books like The Cardboard Piano came to mind. She’ll write on an idea that seems very quiet and tell a story almost in a whisper. But when I finish reading her stories I am more aware of some deep truth or memory that had fallen asleep in my heart. Anyways, I would imagine her asking the same question when she looks over her manuscripts. It’s a great question and would make for a more profound and cohesive picture book. All the best, Lindsay
November 15, 2015 at 9:13 pm
Colleen Paeff
What a wonderful question. Thanks for sharing it. 🙂
November 15, 2015 at 9:15 pm
Teresa Daffern
Thank you! I think I needed to hear that it is okay to start with this big idea. I’d almost forgotten how important it truly is.
November 15, 2015 at 9:19 pm
Keila Dawson
The BIG picture is always the most important. Thanks for sharing about your about about. Can’t wait to read your books. Congratulations Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 9:21 pm
Lyn Oxley
Thanks Carter, I’ll add your tips to my bag of tricks.
November 15, 2015 at 9:25 pm
jdewdropsofink
Thank you! This is great.
November 15, 2015 at 9:31 pm
alexiamandoni
Thanks for the inspiration.
November 15, 2015 at 9:32 pm
Angie Cherney
Hmmm…perusing ideas for picture books that one doesn’t always see. This is a definite “makes you think” post. Wonderful!
November 15, 2015 at 9:33 pm
mollywog2015
I love your post. And I agree– I think a crafting a story with a compelling execution of an about about is what it’s really all about!
November 15, 2015 at 9:35 pm
kpbock
Excellent advice. Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 9:36 pm
Dawn
The about about approach. Thanks for sharing.
November 15, 2015 at 9:38 pm
Garnett Natasha
About about- definitely something to think about.
November 15, 2015 at 9:38 pm
Stefanie Hohl
Great ideas! Thanks for the advice.
November 15, 2015 at 9:39 pm
Nancy Colle
Reverse engineering! Never thought of it. better plunge back into my stories and see what they’re “about about” – thanks.
November 15, 2015 at 9:47 pm
Louann Brown
Your post reminds me of a songwriter, who attempts to convey the deep emotion behind the scarf of lyrics, melody and rhythm. It’s what makes us fall in love with a song and a picture book as well.
November 15, 2015 at 9:47 pm
Toni Guy
Thank you. Great advice and reminders
November 15, 2015 at 9:54 pm
Mary Jo Tannehill
Thank you for your advice and your valuable time. I enjoyed it.
November 15, 2015 at 10:00 pm
LJ Laniewski
?About about? made my head twirl a little bit…but I totally get it and love the concept. Thanks for the post!
November 15, 2015 at 10:02 pm
deborahholtwilliams
Thanks, Carter! You are so fortunate to have an agent who asks you the “about about” question. Thanks for sharing it with us.
November 15, 2015 at 10:05 pm
writeknit
Now you have me thinking – just needing to boil an idea down to the about. Plain, simple about. Thanks for helping me think backwards – hopefully I’ll back into a great story!
November 15, 2015 at 10:09 pm
marlainagray
This is so nicely put, thank you, Carter!
November 15, 2015 at 10:11 pm
Melissa McDaniel
Thanks for the great post, Carter! I can’t wait to read your book!
November 15, 2015 at 10:13 pm
ptnozell
That something that stays with you, long after you have finished the book – the about about! Thank you for sharing what really matters as we dig for ideas that hopefully include that certain something, the about about.
November 15, 2015 at 10:17 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Thanks, Carter. Adding “about about” to my writer’s lexicon. And if I understood you correctly, the definition/formula I’ll attach is: about+about=heart.
November 15, 2015 at 10:23 pm
writerjodimoore
The “about” about: the heart of the story, the heart of the writer. ❤ Thanks for sharing! Hugs!
November 15, 2015 at 10:26 pm
Kristen Browning
Thanks for the great advice! It is especially helpful for one of my stubborn works in progress.
November 15, 2015 at 10:26 pm
sschwartz28
Thanks for a great post!
November 15, 2015 at 10:29 pm
mermaidrain
Excellent advice. I’ve heard that you need a one-sentence-elevator-pitch of what your book is about. If you can do that, you know the heart of the story you’re working on.
November 15, 2015 at 10:44 pm
Kaye Baillie
Thank you, Carter for sharing your agent’s question. I will ask myself what my about is truly about from now on. Lots of the time my ‘about’ is not very deep or resonating, so I’m going to put myself to the test and then I can move forward.
November 15, 2015 at 10:49 pm
L. M. Quraishi
I’ve added identifying the about about to my story development process. Thank you! This is one of the PiBoIdMo gems that I will come back to year after year.
November 15, 2015 at 10:56 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
Woohoo! Halfway there…thanks for sharing!
November 15, 2015 at 10:58 pm
Darlene Gaston
I will now always take into consideration the about-about in my story development. Thanks for sharing that gem.
November 15, 2015 at 11:04 pm
Maria Bostian
I can’t wait to try this out. Gonna take my 2014 PiBoIdMo list and see if I can find one idea to work on. Gonna figure out its about about!
Carter, thanks for this different way of looking at ideas and manuscripts.
November 15, 2015 at 11:06 pm
Annelouise
Thank you for sharing inspiration with us Carter. I love your way of finding the heart of the story. Thank you for sharing the “about” about with us.
November 15, 2015 at 11:06 pm
Sara Kvols
Wow
November 15, 2015 at 11:13 pm
Pam Miller
Thank YOU Carter Higgins. “nearly every single time we’re close to sending something out on submission . . .” Yes, then it’s about something else, or a little more about something. Taking a look now. Happy half-way everyone!
November 15, 2015 at 11:14 pm
cbcole
Thanks for a new way of finding the inner message of my stories.
November 15, 2015 at 11:14 pm
Dana Atnip
Looking deeper to find the “about about”; sound advice, thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 11:15 pm
Jennifer May
Great concept! I’ll give it a try.
November 15, 2015 at 11:17 pm
Anna Smith
Thanks for a fresh perspective on looking at a picture book idea. I’ll be sure to try it out.
November 15, 2015 at 11:18 pm
liz bedia
The about about! What a wonderful way to analyze and so important to the big picture of picture books. Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 11:18 pm
Tina Holt
Thanks!
November 15, 2015 at 11:19 pm
aallen6
The about about is a huge reason why I still love and reread my favorite children’s books! Wonderful post and makes so much sense!
November 15, 2015 at 11:20 pm
Jillian Michel
This is great advice on how to get to the heart of a story. Thank you!
November 15, 2015 at 11:37 pm
Diane Tulloch
Good point Carter. Another way to look at revising my stories. Thanks.
November 15, 2015 at 11:39 pm
Naana Kyereboah
Thank you, Carter for the inspiration for getting to the about of a story.
November 15, 2015 at 11:40 pm
@laundrylight
Now I have another tool to use when I go back through all my PiBoIdMo ideas. Thanks!
November 15, 2015 at 11:42 pm
Jenna Woloshyn
I write a statement like this for almost all of my books, and refer to it when I think the story isn’t working so I can get it back on track and keep it true to what you call the “about about.”
November 15, 2015 at 11:42 pm
kylie burns
Great post. It’s “about about” the essence of what we do as writers…it’s the message that counts! Thanks for that reminder. Would love a critique!
-Kylie
November 15, 2015 at 11:54 pm
Mary Zychowicz
“About the about “…..Something to think about. Good advice for getting to the heart of the story. Thank you.
November 15, 2015 at 11:56 pm
Janet Smart
Interesting post. Thanks for the advice.
November 16, 2015 at 12:09 am
mrsbulls2ndgrade
This is just about brilliant. I’m anxious to look at some of my manuscripts through this lens!
November 16, 2015 at 12:14 am
Susan L. Roberts
Parallel universes. I’ve done a story like that, but maybe if I named the characters, the story could soar. And I imagined two people wanting friends that run in parallel universes and when I gave them names, the story popped out! Two stories! Thanks.
November 16, 2015 at 12:15 am
shoba dewey
Love this post. going to work on the about about for my story right away. Many thanks.
November 16, 2015 at 12:22 am
Ken Major
Thanks for the great suggestion! Have you ever noticed that the letters in “about” switched around yields ” u bat o”? It’s a baseball reference for never getting a “hit” …story.
November 16, 2015 at 12:26 am
Rachel H
I love discovering the about about in PBs, especially when it’s deep and meaningful. Thx, Carter!
November 16, 2015 at 12:37 am
KASteed
This was extremely helpful to drill down what our ideas are about about. Thank you
November 16, 2015 at 12:39 am
Kevin Klein
Thanks for reminding us to search our stories for what matters, Carter. Reminded me of one of my favorite quotes about writing, from Faulkner’s Nobel acceptance speech:
“He must learn them again. He must teach himself that the basest of all things is to be afraid; and, teaching himself that, forget it forever, leaving no room in his workshop for anything but the old verities and truths of the heart, the old universal truths lacking which any story is ephemeral and doomed – love and honor and pity and pride and compassion and sacrifice. Until he does so, he labors under a curse. He writes not of love but of lust, of defeats in which nobody loses anything of value, of victories without hope and, worst of all, without pity or compassion. His griefs grieve on no universal bones, leaving no scars. He writes not of the heart but of the glands.”
November 16, 2015 at 12:39 am
Sandra Jenkins
Wow–what a helpful creation tool.
November 16, 2015 at 12:51 am
writeremmcbride
Elizabeth McBride – Carter, in our elementary school we talk about this as the ‘theme’ of the book – and usually associate it with the author’s reason/purpose for telling the story. I get the best response from our students when I ask, “What do you think the author and illustrator want us to know when we are done reading this story? Why do you think they thought it was an important story to tell?” 90% of the time the kids are right on the money. Their sense of right and wrong and justice, and the good that *should be* showing up in this world is inspiring and heartwarming. Fundamental beliefs about how the world works (and should work) are formed during these early years. Affirming the goodness in the hearts of children goes a long way toward their future, and ours!
November 16, 2015 at 12:57 am
saputnam
Great post, Carter!! I love your about about concept! Thank you for showing us how to get to the core of our stories
November 16, 2015 at 1:03 am
Cindy E. Owens
Thank you for this article. I never thought about reverse engineering my ideas before. Thanks for offering a new perspective for us!
November 16, 2015 at 1:03 am
Jamie LB Deenihan
Thanks for the great post Carter! You brought up some really inspiring ways to think about our stories. Excited to try it out during the rest of PiBoIdMo.
November 16, 2015 at 1:09 am
writersideup
How can you NOT love a term like about about? 😀 Thanks for that—and thank your agent! It’s a great way to think about your theme, whether PBs, ERs, CBs, GNs, MGs or YAs! 😀
November 16, 2015 at 1:22 am
Ali Earle Pichardo
Thanks for the post. I will be looking for about about in my stories.
November 16, 2015 at 1:32 am
Lily LaMotte
Thanks for your blog post. Sometimes all I have is the about about when I start writing. It’s a relief to know that it’s a legitimate technique.
November 16, 2015 at 1:42 am
jtmaxwell
Thank you so much!
November 16, 2015 at 1:43 am
Deborah Allmand
Lovely thought about the about of your ideas. Reverse engineering as you put it will certainly keep us focused on the throughline for your story. Than you for the post.
November 16, 2015 at 1:52 am
Ingrid Boydston
And now, another sleepless night spent pondering, this time, the about the abouts of my books. I can’t wait, thank you. I’m not being snarky, I’m so excited. Thank you,
November 16, 2015 at 1:57 am
WalkingStick
This is wonderful- thank you for your insight. I have not viewed my writing with this lens and look forward to it.
November 16, 2015 at 1:58 am
wendymyersart
Great way to get to the core of the story, and to keep writing about the core of the story! Often when I paint I write out a feeling or idea I want to maintain throughout the illustration and tape it to my drawing table. I’m going to write out the about about at the top of my manuscripts now. Thank you.
November 16, 2015 at 2:14 am
emilygmoorewriter
Love this! I thought I was the only one that thought abstract first and then worked a plot around it. Nice to know I’m not a really weird exception. Thank you for this opportunity for a critique. If I win, I’ll have to take one of my ideas from this month and write it and let you have a look. Thanks again! emilygmoorewriter@ yahoo
November 16, 2015 at 2:25 am
olsenkristen38
Yes. Thanks for your post! Would love to have your eyes on my manuscript and se if my “about” resonates!
Best, Kristen olsen
November 16, 2015 at 3:04 am
pearlz
hmm about, about the dance of life ! A thoughtful post.
November 16, 2015 at 3:12 am
Trine
This I will be meditating on over the weekend.
November 16, 2015 at 3:19 am
aimee haburjak
I love the goosebumps in the about, about. Great post.
November 16, 2015 at 4:00 am
Catherine Friess
Answering an ‘about about’ question has made me see what is missing in one of my picture book texts. Thank you Carter!
November 16, 2015 at 4:14 am
zeena pliska
I live your process!
November 16, 2015 at 4:15 am
zeena pliska
I love your process!
November 16, 2015 at 4:32 am
Shelley Marshall
Your post takes me back to the school play yard, going home on the school bus, and acting like I don’t care that I wasn’t invited somewhere.
It takes me back to the raw, pure feelings we often want to tuck away. Great effort to get our brains engineering Carter! Thank you.
November 16, 2015 at 4:32 am
Jill
Life is finding the about abouts in everything, eh? I appreciate your thought process. Thanks.
November 16, 2015 at 5:25 am
Rachelle Sadler
Thanks for your words of advice! I found this really helpful 🙂
November 16, 2015 at 5:41 am
Freda lewkowicz
Thanks for the wonderful,new insights about answering the about about question.
November 16, 2015 at 7:24 am
elainekielykearns
Thank for such great advice, Carter. LOVE. THIS.POST. Hugs!
November 16, 2015 at 7:36 am
Sharon Giltrow
Thanks Carter what a great reminder for us all to get at the essence of what our story is about about love it!!
November 16, 2015 at 7:55 am
cindyjohnson2013
I love the idea of reverse-engineering a story. This is so helpful! Thank you, Carter!
November 16, 2015 at 8:18 am
lmconnors
Thanks for this advice.
November 16, 2015 at 9:02 am
Rebecca Sheraton
Interesting to think of the about about.
November 16, 2015 at 9:09 am
angelapenadahle
Great reminder. It is sometimes easy to forget the feeling of something when we are focused on the plot, the details, the setting, etc. Thanks for your thoughts, Carter.
November 16, 2015 at 9:18 am
Barbara Cairns
A neat way of looking at my new picture book or even my chapter book ideas. Thanks for sharing this helpful post.
November 16, 2015 at 9:26 am
Laura Bellina
Thank you for reminding us to look at the big picture.
November 16, 2015 at 9:36 am
Nicole Strangman
Can really identify with what your comments! Thanks for putting these thoughts into words.
November 16, 2015 at 9:38 am
Michelle O'Hara Levin
This is a deep challenging and useful post. THANK YOU!!
November 16, 2015 at 9:47 am
Anna L. Russell
Your expressing of “about about” intrigues me AND reworks my PB.
November 16, 2015 at 9:48 am
Darlene
This is such a really great idea! Thanks so much for sharing.
November 16, 2015 at 9:54 am
Val McCammon
While sounds easy-peasy, turns out to be hard-hard to write about-about. I want to keep trying-trying it! Thanks, Carter.
November 16, 2015 at 9:59 am
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
Your post made me think, “What are my stories about and are they routine.” Thanks
November 16, 2015 at 10:06 am
jodiegaudet
What a great post, Carter. Thanks for helping my look at my books from a different perspective.
November 16, 2015 at 10:26 am
marylouisealucurto
Thank You for this very inspiring and informative post! Searching for the heart and soul of a story.
November 16, 2015 at 10:28 am
Jane Sutton
Thank you for this thought-provoking post.
November 16, 2015 at 10:29 am
Sue Poduska
Truthfully, this is the story of my life. I think kinda sideways, so figuring out where I’m coming from is a way of life. But I do need the reminder to execute the rewind. Thank you so much for this reminder.
November 16, 2015 at 10:41 am
Mary Worley
Love calling it the about about. I needed the words for it. You give me hope with every mention of abstract manuscripts and non-traditional plots. Can’t wait to read your books.
November 16, 2015 at 10:42 am
Erin O'Brien
You just have a way, Carter! Thank you so very much for the inspiration!
November 16, 2015 at 10:54 am
K. Callard
Great post, and your about about (sorry no Italics) gave me tingles. Can’t wait to see the final product. Thanks for the inspiration!
November 16, 2015 at 10:57 am
Kyle McBride
Thanks for the inspiration
November 16, 2015 at 11:08 am
yangmommy
I really like the “about about” idea, not only for honing in on my stories, but also to put into practice with queries. Thanks to both you & your agent’s simple yet inspirational terminology!
November 16, 2015 at 11:08 am
tanjabauerle
Ooohh…about about. Splendid thought! Thank you for your great post. I love the goosebumpy stories. 🙂 T
November 16, 2015 at 11:11 am
Joan Swanson
Thank you! In reading this, it actually gave me an idea for a PB!
November 16, 2015 at 11:11 am
Lesley Higgins
Reminds me of Natalie Goldberg’s timeless imagery of peeling away the layers of an onion to get at what you are really trying to say. Thank you for the reminder!
November 16, 2015 at 11:11 am
Margaret Greanias
Awesome post, Carter! This was a great reminder for going back and checking that the heart of my story was clear. Thanks!
November 16, 2015 at 11:18 am
beckylevine
I just did this with an idea, and I think it’s on the way to better. Thanks–great post!
November 16, 2015 at 11:21 am
mkresk
This really resonates with me. Thank you so much for the “about about” idea.
November 16, 2015 at 11:25 am
Jill
Thank you for this inspiration! Sometimes the “about about” gets lost in the plot work. Great post!
November 16, 2015 at 11:52 am
Sandy Perlic
The heart of the story is definitely what makes it MORE than just the words on the page. Thank you!
November 16, 2015 at 11:53 am
Corey Finkle
Great post. Halfway there!!
November 16, 2015 at 12:09 pm
Kirsten Carlson (@kirstencarlson)
I keep saying “about about” in a Minnesotan accent : ) great share!
November 16, 2015 at 12:37 pm
JEN Garrett
One of mine is about about trying new foods and not judging them by their looks. It’s about multi-cultural families, and getting to know the culture of the side you don’t see often.
November 16, 2015 at 12:43 pm
Pam
I’m anxious to consider this today. Thank you for sharing. ❤
November 16, 2015 at 12:54 pm
Beth Blee
Carter, thanks for your insights and inspiration!
November 16, 2015 at 1:00 pm
ammwrite3
The “about about” is what Candy Fleming calls the Vital Idea. It exists in Nonfiction too. I call it the Heart of the story or the Throughline that holds the story together. This is so helpful when I’m crafting the scenes of my PB manuscripts–every scene must be relevant to the About About. Thanks so much, Carter, for this explanation. So helpful!
November 16, 2015 at 1:09 pm
colleenrkosinski
Pondering my about about.
November 16, 2015 at 1:16 pm
Carrie Finison
Thanks, Carter! This is such a good reminder – while we’re focused on plot arcs and word choice and character traits – the about about should be getting just as much, if not more, attention. After all, that’s what every other choice should stem from.
November 16, 2015 at 1:19 pm
amievc
Thanks for the reminder to connect with the heart of our stories. Your examples were really helpful.
November 16, 2015 at 1:24 pm
Sheri Radovich
Thank you for opening a new area of confusion for me. Ammwrite3 helped clear it up for me, what I am trying to say or convey with the story. Now I have one more thing to think about and more reason to not send things in yet.
November 16, 2015 at 1:26 pm
Jennifer Bagan
Great advice … will be thinking about my about abouts!
November 16, 2015 at 1:36 pm
Darcee Freier
About about. Hmm. I will have to work on that as I’m the literal sort. Digging for deeper meanings is a bit foreign, but I can see the use. Thank you.
November 16, 2015 at 1:40 pm
City Sights for Kids
Your post really hit home…struggling with a manuscript and getting diverse feedback. Time to get back to the heart of the story and move forward from there. And I love your beautiful blogs! -Amanda Sincavage
November 16, 2015 at 1:49 pm
Shirley Fadden
Super question! Thanks!
November 16, 2015 at 1:54 pm
Erin Nowak
The first idea I’ve ever really been able to take to full on story (revising now!) came from an “about about.” I need to go there more. Thank you!
November 16, 2015 at 1:58 pm
karadhya
What a great idea, Carter. I am going to pay much more attention to the “about about” when writing and revising my future manuscripts. I’m all about feeling and making sure the feelings part of the manuscript shine through. Thank you!
November 16, 2015 at 2:12 pm
Wendy
Carter, your words are so powerful–you should be a writer! Oh, wait, never mind. I would like to have you on pep talk speed-dial. 🙂
November 16, 2015 at 2:31 pm
Gregory E Bray
I’m about to about to attempt the about about. I think? =) Great idea. Thanks!
November 16, 2015 at 2:34 pm
Kaitlin Hedberg
A wonderful, motivating look at what makes for a meaningful idea. Thank you for sharing!
November 16, 2015 at 2:53 pm
Summer Pharr
I like this exercise because it makes you look from a different angle. It also makes you consider parts of your character that you have not seen before.
Thanks for your advice.
November 16, 2015 at 3:25 pm
Hope Lim
Love “everyday magic and the unexpected.” Thank you for the great post!
November 16, 2015 at 3:30 pm
tinawissner
Thanks for the fantastic advice. Makes me want to back to each of my completed manuscripts and answer the question.
November 16, 2015 at 3:48 pm
Anita Banks
Something to think “ABOUT”
November 16, 2015 at 3:53 pm
Kathy Manchip
Yes! The about about is so important, being able to zoom out or look behind the scenes. Thinking of different ways to handle an about about definitely triggers ideas for me. Thanks Carter!
November 16, 2015 at 3:53 pm
Rebecca
This post wins the award for Best PiBoIdMo Post EVER, as far as I’m concerned!
November 16, 2015 at 4:00 pm
Dawn Young
Great post! Thanks Carter.
November 16, 2015 at 4:36 pm
Tina Cho
I like your about about. A new way to think about our stories. Thanks, Carter!
November 16, 2015 at 4:36 pm
Jessica Loupos
Such worthy advice! Getting to that heart of the story is important work! Thank you!
November 16, 2015 at 4:48 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
Thank you. I can see that the manuscripts I like best have an “about about.” Those that don’t can still be fun, but usually lack the deeper meaning that makes them special.
November 16, 2015 at 5:05 pm
Christine Connolly
About about. I like it. We often lose it when focusing on the details. Thinking about the about about will most certainly help us when we get stuck and inspire us!
November 16, 2015 at 5:12 pm
Rene Aube
Oh no….I mean…oh yes…but my brain is still on vacation’s cloud nine and I need to bring it back to earth and read this a gazillion more times. The about about…here brain…come here…come work this concept over…Thanks, Carter 🙂 Gotta find that deeper meaning…
November 16, 2015 at 5:16 pm
Susan Niemann
Thank you for the advice!
November 16, 2015 at 5:24 pm
shirley johnson
Nice post! Thanks for sharing.
November 16, 2015 at 5:41 pm
Helen Cooper
Wow, this post gave me goosebumps! I love the idea of the ‘about about’ – lots of my are ‘about abouts’, so I feel wonderfully validated 😉
November 16, 2015 at 5:49 pm
Helen Matthews
Will revisit my manuscripts to see if I can articulate that about about. Thanks, Carter
November 16, 2015 at 6:27 pm
laura516
Wow. This post really spoke to a question that’s been nagging me about how to get to the heart of a story. Thank you so much for reminding me that picture books are about huge topics and that plot and execution are the vehicles to share a truth.
November 16, 2015 at 7:00 pm
Cathy Sledz
Love the idea of an about about. Love it’s evocative name, too. Many thanks for sharing this suggestion and for making it so accessible.
November 16, 2015 at 8:10 pm
Andrea Allen
This post really pulled at my heart strings and got me thinking about … about!
Thank you!
November 16, 2015 at 8:37 pm
Suzanne Alexander
I’m going to look at all my PiBoIdMo ideas and think about what each one is all about!
November 16, 2015 at 9:41 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
My wheels are turning turning on the about about.
November 16, 2015 at 9:49 pm
jessicaevans915
Awesome! My story is about about a kid learning that grandma… but I don’t want to give it away. 😉
Great post!
November 16, 2015 at 10:00 pm
Karen Anghelescu
I love this! So useful for queries too (and am I the only one who sometimes finds thinking about a query early on in the process helps to refine the story you’re trying to tell?).
November 16, 2015 at 10:01 pm
tallison7
This is great advice and the “about about” is a key ingredient to those pieces of literature that become timeless. BTW- I heard your interview with Nick Patton on his podcast Picturebooking.com earlier this year. I also LOVE your blog! Thank you for your contribution to the world of kid lit!!
November 16, 2015 at 10:05 pm
seekerjules
Thank you! The concept of “About about?” is powerful and focusing. Thank you.
November 16, 2015 at 10:39 pm
baublekat
Such a great thing to be thinking about:)
November 16, 2015 at 10:42 pm
Pia Garneau
I love this post. Time to examine what the story is about about in my mss. Thanks!
November 16, 2015 at 10:52 pm
Kate Harold
Love the image of Santa on 12/26…I think of him often on that day. Resting, kicking back, napping, wiping his brow, happy with a job well done for one more year. Thanks for the post!
November 16, 2015 at 11:41 pm
Janie Reinart
Great tip to ponder the story theme. Thank you.
November 17, 2015 at 12:08 am
Joanna Szeto
Gives me lots to think about.Sometimes my stories run away and get a life of their own.
November 17, 2015 at 12:24 am
Shari Schwarz
I love this! The about about is why I write a story in the first place. If I don’t have an about about, it won’t get written. Thank you for your inspiration!!
November 17, 2015 at 12:28 am
shaelynberg
Wonderful post, Carter! I can’t wait to boil my ideas down to the about about!
November 17, 2015 at 12:41 am
Deb Beauchamp
Thank you for that post Carter. Just what I needed to get over the middle of the month!
November 17, 2015 at 1:26 am
kimlynnp
Great post, Carter! With picture books told in so few words, it’s important to get to the heart of the story. Thanks for your wisdom and inspiration!! 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 2:06 am
Ashley Bankhead
What a great post! Thank you for sharing. I love the idea of looking to see the about about-the deeper side of what your story is really about. Such a good think to think about.
November 17, 2015 at 2:14 am
Chris Regier (@cmregier)
Thank you! I love how picture books seem so simple, but often are about subjects that are very complex. It sometimes takes me awhile to realize what I am really writing about and when I do it is often something much bigger than I first though.
November 17, 2015 at 2:18 am
Jeanine Potter Lovell
I am definitely pondering this one. Thank you for the challenge.
November 17, 2015 at 2:37 am
Sarah Harroff
I’m enamored with this about about concept.
November 17, 2015 at 3:01 am
Tim McCanna
I’m way into this post, Carter. Great thoughts. Thanks
November 17, 2015 at 5:12 am
martylgraham
Love your advice Carter! Coming into story from a different angle that brings my characters to life for me! : )
November 17, 2015 at 5:14 am
Sandie Sing
I’m trying to test myself what each of my story is about, about. Thank you for educating us. This one is a real challenge.
November 17, 2015 at 9:03 am
Diane Kress Hower
Best post yet, Carter. It’s truly what writing pbs is for me! Thanks for your inspiration!
November 17, 2015 at 10:08 am
leandrajwallace
I love your examples, I’d love to read a pb about a kid and their fav stuffed animal in the wash! =)
November 17, 2015 at 10:20 am
donnacangelosi
I love your post, Carter! I recently wrote a story but did not realize what it was about about until it was done. Then I realized why I had wanted to write it!
November 17, 2015 at 10:41 am
Tracey M. Cox
Love how you explore the heart of a story, it’s about about. After all, they are more than a pitch or a synopsis. They really are a big, huge thing.
November 17, 2015 at 10:45 am
Jessica Nims
Hmmm. Interesting.
November 17, 2015 at 11:12 am
Amy Smith
Carter, I will never forget this post. I don’t even need to send it to myself to remember, though I will. I loved this. Thank you.
November 17, 2015 at 11:45 am
topangamaria
ABOUT about = BRILLIANT !!!
Thank you for explaining.
November 17, 2015 at 12:54 pm
Kelly Vavala
Really enjoyed your post….look for the “about, about” is a great way to view not only your own work but others works as well. Thank you for this wonderful post and for sharing your time!
November 17, 2015 at 12:58 pm
michaelwaynebooks
This is so well said.
A question I’ve been pondering is can I start from scratch with the “about about” in mind, or will it always take a draft before it can be discovered? So far for me, it takes at least a draft…
November 17, 2015 at 1:24 pm
Mirra Kayne
The heart of a picture book is so important. Terming it the “about, about” is something I will definitely remember. Thanks so much!
November 17, 2015 at 1:26 pm
Christie Allred (@ChristieAllred)
Seems like making room in our PiBoIdMo books for the ‘about about’ is a wise move. Thanks for the encouragement and the chance to win this prize! 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 1:50 pm
Karen Brueggeman
Thanks so much for all your great ideas. 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 2:05 pm
winemama
thanks for the post!
November 17, 2015 at 2:37 pm
Ronna Mandel (@RonnaWriter)
Wonderful words.
November 17, 2015 at 2:42 pm
Kate Knaus
Great advice! Thank you.
November 17, 2015 at 2:56 pm
Allison
Great post, thanks!
November 17, 2015 at 3:11 pm
Jennifer DuBose
Your book sounds wonderful. And this question, inspiring! Thank you for sharing it with us!
November 17, 2015 at 3:47 pm
Ginger Johnson
I LOVE this. I’m taking this idea and running with it! Thanks!
November 17, 2015 at 4:26 pm
Doris Stone
Thank you! Now, I’m all about thinking about-about. .
November 17, 2015 at 4:53 pm
Rebecca Van Slyke
The “about about.” I like that.
*heads back to look at current manuscripts…
November 17, 2015 at 5:07 pm
Kelly Bennett
What’s Not Norman About about?
A boy learning to appreciate a gift/friend/family member he didn’t want.
What’s it about about?
November 17, 2015 at 5:47 pm
Shari Della Penna
About about *is* about the big stuff. The devil’s in the details and that’s where it gets fun!! Thanks for giving me another way to think about my mss.
November 17, 2015 at 7:14 pm
Matt Tesoriero
I’m about to about about my MS’s!! This is the true essence and heart and soul of each PB!
November 17, 2015 at 7:21 pm
Shannon Bartoshewski
Thanks for posting about – about! I took a quick look at your blog – think I’ll have to visit often!
November 17, 2015 at 10:23 pm
Vicky Armstrong
A great picture book is always about more than just the outward actions of the characters. Thank you for dignifying picture books in this way, reminding us that at the core they really deal with important themes in life. Picture books matter!
November 17, 2015 at 11:42 pm
Eric Adler
Thanks Carter.
November 18, 2015 at 9:01 am
Joan Marie Arbogast
It seems when we get to the heart of the about about, then we have our “pitch” ready for editors and agents!
November 18, 2015 at 10:40 am
Judy Bryan
Thank you for a great post!
November 18, 2015 at 12:36 pm
Rachel Anderson
Thanks, Carter. Deep thinking to bring out the best in our characters and stories.
November 18, 2015 at 1:09 pm
Christy Peterson
I love the idea of ABOUT about. Really lovely. Thank you.
November 18, 2015 at 1:39 pm
Joanne Roberts
Thanks, Carter. You seem to have a knack for seeing the essence of the story in this way. I think I’ll practice with some library books to get myself in the swing of the about about. Then I can apply it to my idea-making.
November 18, 2015 at 1:41 pm
Jennifer
An about about… Love it! I’m a few days behind on commenting, but now it’s November 18, apparently “High Five a Librarian Day.” So, HIGH FIVE from a fellow librarian 😉 Thanks for a thought-provoking post.
November 18, 2015 at 2:05 pm
Noel Csermak
So happy to be introduced to you and your work. I find the about about can often get muddled in drafts and I look forward to revisiting some work to clearly define my about about.
November 18, 2015 at 2:12 pm
amyrosas
Great advice! Thanks so much!
November 18, 2015 at 2:31 pm
Judy Bryan
About about…brilliant! Thank you!
November 18, 2015 at 2:47 pm
Shena Ashcraft
How beautiful, Carter! We all know there’s an about about in our stories. Way to call it to the forefront! Thank you!
November 18, 2015 at 4:06 pm
billiesgirl
About about…something new to think about…thanks!
November 18, 2015 at 4:22 pm
nicolepopel
About, about is the beginning of the inspiration!
November 18, 2015 at 5:18 pm
Priya
Let’s start thinking about the about of the story. Hmm….
November 18, 2015 at 6:21 pm
gayla erickson
Thanks for a new approach to thinking about my stories and evaluating them.
November 18, 2015 at 7:21 pm
goodfish78
Good stuff to think about (about). HA! Thank you.
November 18, 2015 at 8:30 pm
carolmunrojww
That’s a fabulous question, Carter, and I can see how it can help to ask that early in the creation of the story. I also think it’s helpful to write the pitch early on. Doing so also helps get to the heart of the story, and helps show where the story needs work to help the heart beat stronger.
November 18, 2015 at 9:15 pm
ann kronwald
Your “about about” motivates me. Thanks Carter
November 18, 2015 at 11:39 pm
Abi Cushman
This is a great post. It really helped me to improve my query by thinking about what my story was about about, which was resilience and friendship. Once that was nailed down, it was easier to speak about the plot.
November 19, 2015 at 12:46 am
Amy Bradshaw
About About! Thank you for the great idea!
November 19, 2015 at 12:30 pm
Dorothy Wiese
Thanks for your ideas. I agree–about about–is a great idea!
November 19, 2015 at 3:36 pm
Elizabeth
Certainly because my own writing style is often open-ended, I REALLY love your activity of writing out what a story is ‘about about’ and even using this as a way to start a story! I came up with two ideas quickly after your read and I am generating more. Thank you:)
November 19, 2015 at 5:54 pm
Caroline
*swoon* I find myself swooning over your words quite regularly, Carter. Which makes me pretty darn excited to read your upcoming books! Love, love, love this: “And that’s because what picture books are really, truly about about are big, huge things.” Yes. The feelings are probably what come first for me for most of my manuscripts. I really love this idea of writing the “about about.” I need to implement this. Thank you!
November 19, 2015 at 10:38 pm
Amy M. Miller
Definitely going to ponder the “about-abouts” and reverse engineering!
November 19, 2015 at 10:38 pm
Amy M. Miller
Love the “about about” and reverse engineering idea. Definitely going to try that!
November 19, 2015 at 11:19 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Oh my! You really have me thinking about the about about, Carter. Thank you for a thought provoking post.
~Suzy Leopold
November 20, 2015 at 1:47 am
Stacey Han
Such an inspiring post! It is actually very helpful for a story idea that’s already brewing, but I just don’t know where it’s going. It’s about about time!
November 20, 2015 at 7:44 am
Dee Knabb
Definitely thinking “about” your story can help you dig deep to find its big idea. Thanks for a great post.
November 20, 2015 at 12:19 pm
Jill Tadros
Great idea to look at my work in a new way. Thanks!
November 20, 2015 at 12:53 pm
vijikc
I am just now getting the idea of about about. thank you.
November 20, 2015 at 3:59 pm
Danielle Heitmuller
Oh man, this has been SO helpful this week! I have read this post like 10 times and it is right on the money. I can’t wait to hear about more of your writing adventures!
November 20, 2015 at 8:32 pm
Gail Hedrick
I can’t improve on any of these wonderful comments, other than to say, wow! And, thank yo so very much!
November 20, 2015 at 10:03 pm
orthodoxmom3
Interesting concept! Thank you.
November 21, 2015 at 4:25 am
Tony Williams
Such an interesting way to approach our writing process! The about about concept can certainly help those cloudy ideas to take shape into complete and definitive stories. Thanks for sharing!
November 21, 2015 at 8:59 am
Mariama Ross
I love this! Thanks so much.
November 21, 2015 at 9:29 am
Sheila Lynch-Afryl
Thanks for the great advice!
November 21, 2015 at 1:46 pm
Cassie Bentley
Thanks for the about about, about writing.
November 21, 2015 at 2:55 pm
bonzerb
I like the concept, and need to try it! Thanks…
November 21, 2015 at 4:39 pm
Donna Carey
What is the book really about? The nitty gritty of it.
November 21, 2015 at 7:24 pm
Cindy Jolley
The about about is that connecting point with my reader, and that is what writing for children is really all about.
November 21, 2015 at 8:02 pm
Holly Ruppel
I hadn’t thought about the heart of the story in quite this way before. Thanks for your interesting approach and inspiring post, Carter!
November 21, 2015 at 8:19 pm
Ellen Sirianni
A new way to look at my stories. Great advice. Thanks, Carter.
November 21, 2015 at 9:14 pm
laurensoloy
I found this to be a lovely and encouraging post – thank you!
November 21, 2015 at 10:32 pm
Anna Totten
I love the about about of stories. I feel like I reverse engineer from there. It’s the thing that keeps me coming back.
November 22, 2015 at 3:02 am
renajtraxel
What a unique way to look at things!
November 22, 2015 at 10:22 am
Mary Greer
I guess, looking at my stor, the about about is family dynamics. Thanks for the insight.
November 22, 2015 at 1:11 pm
Pamela Berkman
We talked about this a little at the SF Bay Area Oktoberfest. The “about about” is the part you have today deeper into yourself to get — I think you can think of it as the soul of your story! Thanks for a lovely post.
November 22, 2015 at 5:54 pm
Lane Arnold (@lanearnold)
“An about about.” That’s worth thinking about!
November 22, 2015 at 6:23 pm
Linda Hofke
I enjoyed this post because it is something I’ve noticed before. Every book has a storyline but also an “about about” (as you call it).
Good luck with your new idea.
November 22, 2015 at 7:20 pm
rupalimulge
hmm … metadata. Real good big picture idea what I need to keep in my mind now . Thanks for explaining so nicely.
November 22, 2015 at 11:01 pm
bleakx
I’d like to leave a comment, but I don’t qualify. There’d have to be some dandy words, heaped up and ready to fly. Brilliant as I think I am (And brilliant I might be), if I don’t write a single word, critiqueless I will be.
November 23, 2015 at 8:09 am
Jabeen Chawdhry
Great post, thank you!
November 23, 2015 at 1:56 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
Great post, Carter! Thanks for giving me an entirely different outlook for my ideas.
November 23, 2015 at 2:41 pm
Aimee Isaac
My favorite picture books are those with heartfelt themes. When I was teaching, I loved discussing what the book was about about with my students!
November 23, 2015 at 2:45 pm
sallymatheny
Wow, I’ll have to ponder this over the next few days. Thanks for sharing!
November 23, 2015 at 3:50 pm
Michelle Cusolito
This is interesting. In some ways, the “about about” should be part of the elevator pitch because, as I understand what you’re describing, it’s the heart of the story. The part that drove you, the writer, to write it? Yes? The part that makes your eyes light up or tear up when you tell it.
November 23, 2015 at 6:07 pm
rythmicrhyme
Thank you so much for addressing the about about. We know it is there but it’s useful to have a name for it and to realize just how important it is!
November 24, 2015 at 3:26 pm
lisa patten
Thanks for sharing this idea. Really important and what makes a great story. It’s what reminds in your heart after you’ve finished reading a great story.
November 24, 2015 at 6:07 pm
Jenn Ali
What the story is about about brings to mind the image of an umbrella…
November 24, 2015 at 8:08 pm
heidimrogers
I actually start in this place quite a bit, but have a hard time coming up with the meat, so to speak. Thanks for this!
November 24, 2015 at 8:13 pm
Janice Brown
Wow, this exercise helped my current manuscript in a huge way. The “about” about really is why I wrote the story. I will use this technique again and again.
November 25, 2015 at 7:43 am
naturewalkwithgod
Thank you for making me think about the “about” about. As Hiccup says, “This changes everything!”
November 25, 2015 at 10:48 am
Kelly Parker
I think this could really help to reign in your idea and make sure it’s meaning is cohesive with the actual story. Do you get what you really wanted it to be ABOUT, across. Thank you for sharing!
November 25, 2015 at 11:18 am
Donna Rossman
Love the concept of the “about” about. It will help me come up with the universality, how the book relates to most children. Many thanks! 🙂
November 25, 2015 at 12:25 pm
kcareywrites
I heard Allyn Johnston of Beach Lane Books speak at an SCBWI conference and she said PB can be a religious experience. It was the first time I realized it was okay to have a deep moment w/ my manuscript. Thank you for reaffirming that moment and naming it! The “about,about” is perfect!
November 25, 2015 at 7:20 pm
Marie Monteagudo
In one of my stories-in-waiting, the about is about making a decision & not changing your mind, otherwise you’ll never get anywhere!
November 25, 2015 at 7:56 pm
A. P. Alessandri
I love knowing the themes, what the stories are about about, before I dive into them. It’s a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing!
November 26, 2015 at 6:59 pm
Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky
Carter, your “about about ” reminds me to ask the critical “so what’ question that every idea needs and deserves. Thanks.
November 27, 2015 at 4:55 am
Frannyb
Hi Carter. Great post. I hear over and over again that if you can’t describe what your book is about in one sentence then you have to go back and rewrite/edit it until you do. That’s so hard. The idea of the “about about” seems kinder, a real way of getting to the heart and not losing heart! I will give that a try. Thanks. 🙂
November 28, 2015 at 10:24 am
Betsy Devany
Knowing what your story is about is so important. Thanks, Carter!
November 28, 2015 at 10:48 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
Love librarians! I like the idea of figuring out what your story or idea is about about. Great advice!
November 29, 2015 at 1:01 am
Caroline Lee Webster (@uncoverthepearl)
This “about about” is such a lovely way to get to the heart of a story–thank you for sharing this question and encouraging us to find the heart of every story.
November 29, 2015 at 10:46 am
Phillip Hilliker
Thanks for the great advice!
November 29, 2015 at 11:30 am
kmshelley
Carter, thanks for that inspirational post. Going to review some of my about abouts.
November 29, 2015 at 3:04 pm
shirleyngbenitez
Wonderful post..thank you Carter!
November 29, 2015 at 8:25 pm
Rona Shirdan
Hmmmm….to check on my about-about idea….
November 29, 2015 at 8:41 pm
Heather Greene
Thanks,Carter, pondering my about abouts.
November 30, 2015 at 12:21 pm
sallie wolf
Carter, this is a fantastic post. Your idea of what a story is “about about” is right on. And by giving us some really concrete examples of what you mean, you make the concept accessible. I think my stories often get developed without my having nailed down the about about, and yet I know there is a strong feeling that makes me want to write that story. Thanks for a great concept.
Sallie Wolf
November 30, 2015 at 12:50 pm
Kim Chaffee
The about about! Brilliant! Thank you for this lightbulb moment!
November 30, 2015 at 1:49 pm
barbara kupetz
What a great way of pulling yourself away from the regular way of thinking about a story…any story. I think I’d like thinking and writing with focus on the about about.
November 30, 2015 at 2:11 pm
Dee Engle
Wow. The about about of my ideas. I’ve never thought about that, but I’m on it. I’m so glad I read your post! Thanks again!
November 30, 2015 at 6:46 pm
gretchengeser
Reverse engineering = a great idea. Thanks!
November 30, 2015 at 7:45 pm
Juliann (Juli) Caveny
Love, love this idea! Will be looking at all my ideas a little deeper now!
November 30, 2015 at 8:00 pm
Myrna Foster
I love the idea of pinpointing what a story is about about. Thanks!
November 30, 2015 at 8:01 pm
Jean Isani
I never really thought about it that way. I mean we categorize our stories…friendship, mystery, adventure…but now my about about will be top of mind – a noted, celebrated part of the process. Thanks Carter!
December 1, 2015 at 12:36 am
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
Thank you for sharing the about about concept!
December 1, 2015 at 1:52 am
Darshana
Thanks for giving me something new to think about Carter!
December 1, 2015 at 8:43 am
rdvanhorn
Carter, I loved the suggestion to ask the key questions about my picture book story ideas. What is the about-about in this story?
December 1, 2015 at 3:34 pm
Sandy Lowe
What a great turn of thought. Thanks!
December 1, 2015 at 4:16 pm
AlenaT
Thanks for the great ideas!
December 1, 2015 at 10:36 pm
Kelly Russell Jaques
What a great perspective, thanks for the insight!
December 2, 2015 at 11:34 am
Lauri Meyers
Hmm, an about about. Helpful!
December 3, 2015 at 1:33 pm
M. Lauritano
Totally with you on this. Your ‘about about’ is what I have always called ‘the heart of the story’. It might not be something that other readers will necessarily understand or verbalize in the same way, but it’s the reason that the whole endeavor feels worthwhile as well as a great way to focus and organize your story.
December 5, 2015 at 5:00 pm
Maria J Cuesta
Thanks for this all thing of about about… Different perspective. Thank you!
December 5, 2015 at 7:01 pm
Nancy Kotkin
Will noodle on my about abouts. Thanks!