by Sue Fliess
One of the most popular questions I get from people is, “What inspired you to write this book?” I always hesitate a little because I wish I could say that everything I’ve produced has been a product of sublime inspiration. The truth is, many times, the end product has strayed quite a bit from the original inspired idea. That’s not a bad thing. It’s called editing. And often those edits lead you down unexplored, unexpected, paths to the story that will actually appeal to readers. What I’m saying is, it’s all good. It’s just not always what your original intention was.
Tara has invited me to elaborate here on one such project, RACE!, which COMES OUT TODAY! and of which I’m very excited—and also very proud. Thanks, Tara! As short as this story is, it has a looong history.
Back in 2007 or 2008, I wrote a character-based story about cars, in which a boy was obsessed with toy cars. I had it critiqued by Elizabeth Law, and while she liked it, she had very good pointers on making it stronger. But she called out one scene in particular, where the boy was crashing his cars. She said, “You should think about also writing a story about crashing cars. But you’ll need to find just the right house.”
So, in 2009, I started a new project called CRASH!, which was exactly that: a smashing, crashing, shaking, braking story, set at a demolition derby. My agent, Jennifer Unter, started submitting it (in 2010) and we got a lot of interest! But it was getting rejected because there was ‘too much crashing’ or it was ‘a little too violent’. Well, yes, I wanted to say, have you ever been to a demolition derby? Alas, one editor asked for a revision to inject a main character car. And ‘small car’ was born. He won the whole derby, against all the odds. It was perfect! It was just what she wanted! And then they turned it down.
Jennifer and I agreed to put it aside for a while, which was fine with me.
Fast forward to 2015. As is my style, I pull this manuscript out again and try to rethink it. Maybe I just needed to take out some of the ‘more violent’ crashing language? I softened it up a little, (still called CRASH!) but I stayed true to the story arc of a small car ending victorious, just fewer bumps and bruises along the way. Jennifer started submitting it again and one editor (Sonali Fry at little bee THANK YOU SONALI) asked if I wouldn’t mind changing the theme from a demolition derby to something else.
As I always say, I’ll try! We talked about it, and both agreed that making it about a race instead, had great appeal. It didn’t change the story theme, just the setting, and I was able to keep so much of the text as-is because there’s still a lot of squealing and screeching, vrooming and swerving, and even conking and bonking that goes on in a race. And during this revision, I added a layer. In the end, (spoiler alert!) it’s revealed that a young boy is actually playing with his toy cars in his homemade backyard racecourse. So RACE! is now a real book—woot! My critique group still refers to this story as CRASH!, as do I sometimes, but RACE! is proof that in publishing, you can’t always rush to the finish line.
Maybe the sequel should be Slow and Steady?
Wow, what a long and winding road for RACE! Thanks for sharing the story behind the story, Sue. Also thanks for providing a copy for a giveaway!
To enter the giveaway, please leave one comment below. A winner will be randomly selected in a few weeks!
Good luck, RACING FANS!
And Happy 4th of July!
115 comments
Comments feed for this article
July 4, 2017 at 8:19 am
Andrea Mack
How inspiring to know that hard work pays off eventually! Thanks for sharing your story. This sounds like a book young kids will love!
July 4, 2017 at 8:20 am
Juliana Lee
I love hearing stories about the evolution of a book from inception to publication. Thanks for sharing yours!
July 4, 2017 at 8:31 am
Linda Hofke
I love hearing about how stories come about. Your post proves that when it comes to writing children’s books you can’t race ahead. Instead, you need to let the story evolve until you get to the finish line.
Congrats on your new book!
July 4, 2017 at 8:37 am
Maria Barbella
Sue, Congratulations! on “Race”. Crashin’/chillin’ provided you with a winner. Thank you for sharing. My grandkids will love reading your book.
July 4, 2017 at 8:43 am
mariaordish
Great post! Congratulations! This gives me hope for a few I just pulled and dusted off yesterday! Can’t wait to read RACE!
July 4, 2017 at 8:49 am
Patricia Koelmel
Sue, loved hearing your story behind the story! I have a feeling “Race” will go far … congrats and best wishes.
July 4, 2017 at 9:00 am
Susan gruidel
Thanks for sharing. It’s not really a race, is it? Slow and steady is definitely more like it. Congrats on the book. Can’t wait to see it.
July 4, 2017 at 9:04 am
Jennifer Rumberger
Loved hearing the backstory of RACE! Thanks for sharing!
July 4, 2017 at 9:10 am
julielacombeauthor
What great advice! Congratulations on RACE!
July 4, 2017 at 9:17 am
Michelle O'Hara Levin
Thanks for sharing the evolution of this story!
July 4, 2017 at 9:39 am
Becky Scharnhorst
Thank you so much for sharing the journey of how RACE came to be! It’s always encouraging to hear the story behind the book. Lots of revisions, some waiting, and of course, unexpected twists. It looks like such a fun book! I can’t wait to read it!
July 4, 2017 at 9:41 am
sarita f
Thanks for sharing your publication journey. Fascinating to get your behind the scenes look of how your story developed.
July 4, 2017 at 9:48 am
Joanne Roberts
I like how your book story came full circle and how your story-story has many layers. Thanks for the insight.
July 4, 2017 at 10:02 am
Amy Benoit
Nice to hear how friends, advice and constructive criticism meld together to lead the way to success! Congratulations on a job well done! xo
July 4, 2017 at 10:05 am
Lori Mortensen
Thanks for sharing the story behind the story, Sue. Always a treat to learn the journey of story and how it changes and transforms along the way.
July 4, 2017 at 10:10 am
Corey Schwartz
Wow, LOVED reading about this book’s journey! And what terrific art!
July 4, 2017 at 10:15 am
mariagianferrari
I love hearing the behind the scenes stories about stories! Congrats to you, Sue!
July 4, 2017 at 10:16 am
danielledufayet
Thanks for the reminder on how a book evolves. It’s a long journey with many unexpected twists in the road. Congrats!
July 4, 2017 at 10:17 am
darshanakhiani
Great post! Thanks for sharing your journey. Great reminder to hear about considering editorial feedback and also that it may not pan out in the end even if you do make the changes. So glad this story was able to make it to the finish line. Look forward to reading it!
July 4, 2017 at 10:20 am
Wendy Greenley
Congratulations on re-envisioning a winner! Thanks for sharing the story, Sue & Tara.
July 4, 2017 at 10:32 am
Lynn
Sue, congratulations on finally getting to the finish line with this one. I think it would be difficult letting go of, and changing, the main idea of your story – especially knowing it might end up being rejected anyway. I look forward to reading Race!
July 4, 2017 at 10:33 am
Debra Shumaker
Loved hearing the evolution of this story! Can’t wait to read it. Congrats!!!
July 4, 2017 at 10:39 am
Lisa Riddiough
Congratulations, Sue! It is amazing how a story finds its true self when we give it time.
July 4, 2017 at 10:42 am
Gail Hedrick
I so appreciate you sharing the journey of this adorable-looking/sounding book! It gives me hope, and something tangible to focus on. Congrats to you.
July 4, 2017 at 10:48 am
Jana Eschner (@JanaTheTeacher)
Thanks for giving us a peek into your process and writing this encouraging post! I’m looking forward to reading your end result!
July 4, 2017 at 10:57 am
Jody Jensen Shaffer
Love the story behind the title, Sue. Congratulations!
July 4, 2017 at 11:00 am
aliciaminor
We don’t stop believing in ourselves and you did. Another inspiring story. I am happy for you. Congratulations!
July 4, 2017 at 11:02 am
Anita Banks
How cute is that! Congratulations on your own publishing race.
July 4, 2017 at 11:06 am
rosecappelli
Thanks for sharing your process and journey. I can’t wait to read this story.
July 4, 2017 at 11:15 am
Diane Landy
Loved hearing how your seed of an idea has blossomed on the bookshelf. Thanks for sharing and CONGRATS! I look forward to reading it. (My first book will come out in the Spring 🙂
July 4, 2017 at 11:27 am
kiwijenny
This seems like a race for sure because you made it to the finish line.
July 4, 2017 at 12:06 pm
Kari
I love the crashing, bashing language going on here. I bet little boys will love it!
July 4, 2017 at 12:12 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
What a long and winding road. AND what a happy ending! Yay! Congratulations and good luck.
July 4, 2017 at 12:27 pm
chardixon47
Congrats on your new book, Sue! Thank you for sharing the journey behind this story. I can’t wait to read it 🙂
July 4, 2017 at 12:38 pm
storyfairy
What a great story!
July 4, 2017 at 12:40 pm
Acey Frelinger
Loved the illustration hat depicts the personality of each car. Is this a rhyming picturebook? Congratulations on your book birthday. I’d enjoy hearing from your illustrator.
July 4, 2017 at 1:02 pm
Emmie R Werner
Thanks for sharing your journey. Gives me hope!!!!!
July 4, 2017 at 1:03 pm
Mary McClellan
Congratulations, Sue! Your journey to write this book/get it published is truly an inspiration. Don’t give up. Edit, revise, let it rest, rework. Love the surprise ending. I’m anxious to read your book. Continued success!!
July 4, 2017 at 1:05 pm
darlene koppel
Congratulations Sue! Very inspirational story.
July 4, 2017 at 1:06 pm
evelynchristensen
What a fun story behind the story! Thank you for inspiring us not to give up on our projects. Congratulations to you!!
July 4, 2017 at 1:07 pm
Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Happy 4th! Thanks for sharing the long road to pub. It sounds like you returned to your original concept with a boy racing toy cars.
July 4, 2017 at 1:11 pm
kdveiten
Congratulations, and thanks for giving us a reminder that there’s always hope for a manuscript if you’re willing to keep editing and revising!
July 4, 2017 at 1:17 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Thank you for sharing your writing journey, Sue. I look forward to reading your book, RACE!
~Suzy Leopold
July 4, 2017 at 1:22 pm
Sherri Jones Rivers
That looks like such fun. The trailer grabs you. It’s good to remember that patience is the key to getting published. I like the journey you shared that helped it evolve to be the best book it could be. There is hope for all of us, if we will work hard and persevere.
July 4, 2017 at 1:25 pm
Mary Kiang
Thanks for sharing the story of your story. It’s interesting the twists and turns, starts and stops of this ms on the way to becoming a published book. It was slow and steady wins the race for you with this ms! Congratulations!
July 4, 2017 at 1:38 pm
Cindyb
Boys (and girls, too) love playing with little cars. My grandson plays for hours, making up situations. I will look for your story, for sure!
July 4, 2017 at 1:42 pm
Rosi Hollinbeck
Wonderfully inspiring post. Thanks for this. The book sound adorable.
July 4, 2017 at 1:48 pm
Rene` Diane Aube
Happy book birthday, Sue! So very happy for your victory lap with RACE. What a way to “Crashed” into celebrating the 4th of July this year! Thanks for sharing your story’s journey…very encouraging 🙂
July 4, 2017 at 2:07 pm
Emily Wayne (@emilywayneart)
can’t wait to read Race!
July 4, 2017 at 2:07 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
What a twisty, turny journey! Shows you that remaining flexible wins the race! Thanks for the insight. Plus, I know a few car enthusiasts who will enjoy this book.
July 4, 2017 at 2:25 pm
Janet Sheets
I love the surprise ending you came up with! I also admire your ability to make significant changes to your story — that’s a hard thing to do.
July 4, 2017 at 3:29 pm
Michael Maslowski
Thanks for sharing part of your process. Extremely interesting!
July 4, 2017 at 3:34 pm
deborahholtwilliams
Oh, my. I can so relate to your making the requested changes, and still being turned down! I’m glad you persisted. I will, too! Congrats on your success!
July 4, 2017 at 4:12 pm
Cinzia
Great story of your story! Can’t wait to read it
July 4, 2017 at 4:13 pm
setwiggs
Your journey is so inspirational. I”m working on a race story too. I’ll be patient with changes. I would love to win a copy of your book!
July 4, 2017 at 4:51 pm
Stephan Stuecklin
Sounds like the perfect story for my nearly-four-year-old!
July 4, 2017 at 5:51 pm
Teresa Daffern
What a journey! Thanks for sharing.
July 4, 2017 at 5:56 pm
Lyn Miller-Lachmann
Congratulations and thumbs up for your persistence! Those cars are adorable–they kind of look like Lego cars.
July 4, 2017 at 6:05 pm
Linda Chavez
Thanks! This is a great reminder to be open to growth and change of manuscripts. It’s easy to get stuck in “old” thinking, and miss the boat!
July 4, 2017 at 6:08 pm
Susan Halko
Loved reading this. Thanks for sharing!
July 4, 2017 at 6:12 pm
Ali Pfautz
Oh my goodness! I so appreciate hearing how all of those twists and turns lead you to success! Congrats!
July 4, 2017 at 6:28 pm
Amanda Sincavage
It is so great to read about your process…and perserverence (8 years – wow)! It gives me hope that some manuscripts I’ve put aside may have life in them yet! Thanks.
July 4, 2017 at 6:53 pm
Bev
As a novel writer, I still go back to a few of my favorite efforts at pb’s and try to rework them, wondering as I do, if I’m making them worse or better or just different. This post encourages me to keep at it and to try new twists with the same basic material! Thank you!
July 4, 2017 at 7:20 pm
Barbara S Senenman
A wonderful idea. Children who love cars will love this story. I’m already rooting for Small Car.
July 4, 2017 at 7:35 pm
Brenda Huante
Thank you for sharing this, Sue. RACE sounds like a winner!
July 4, 2017 at 7:47 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
I love to hear the birthing story of books. If one of my stories is finally picked by a publisher It will too have a lot of changes and U-turns along the way. ᐧ
On Tue, Jul 4, 2017 at 7:02 AM, Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) wrote:
> Tara Lazar posted: “by Sue Fliess One of the most popular questions I get > from people is, “What inspired you to write this book?” I always hesitate a > little because I wish I could say that everything I’ve produced has been a > product of sublime inspiration. The truth is, m” >
July 4, 2017 at 7:48 pm
Deslie English
Your story inspires me! Letting go, swerving back around, and lots of shaking went into your editing process. Thanks for sharing.
July 4, 2017 at 8:50 pm
Dana Wu
thanks for being so honest about the process and about the encouragement along the way.. a winner!
July 4, 2017 at 8:57 pm
seschipper
Wow great post! By the way, “slow and steady” just might make a great sequel to the story!!! 🙂
July 4, 2017 at 9:49 pm
Melanie Yost
Great background story, Sue! It shows the benefits of allowing a story to marinate a bit, and in being willing to listen to comments that might take your story in a new direction. Thanks for sharing!
July 5, 2017 at 12:17 am
Jeanna Massman
Congratulations! My grandson would love this. Thanks for the giveaway!
July 5, 2017 at 12:50 am
Denita Johnson
Congratulations! Inspiring story to get our stories off the shelf also.
July 5, 2017 at 3:46 am
Sandy
Fascinating story ABOUT the story!
July 5, 2017 at 6:24 am
pepb16416
The explanation of the evolution of Race from Crash was very helpful. Thanks. Patty Bennett
July 5, 2017 at 8:40 am
kcareywrites
Great reminder to be open to revisions! Thanks for sharing!
July 5, 2017 at 8:48 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
I’m sure you are happy with the finished product, but do you miss your original story just a little bit?
July 5, 2017 at 9:18 am
Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky
Fun! Love the story of the story, and RACE! looks and sounds like a winner for sure!
July 5, 2017 at 9:33 am
Nadine Gamble
Sounds super fun! Looking forward to reviewing RACE!
July 5, 2017 at 10:00 am
Angie
This is a great post about the changes and maturation of a picture book before it goes to print. Love it! Great story – congratulations!!!
July 5, 2017 at 10:03 am
gingermeurer
I am so impressed you stuck with it, and so glad you did. What a cute book, Sue.
July 5, 2017 at 10:06 am
Lisa Gerin
Great post! It was great to see the evolution of the story. Congrats, Sue!
July 5, 2017 at 10:44 am
Nalini Raghunandan
Reading your journey to the finished product, tells us all, not to give up on our dreams. I love how you take the constructive criticism to finally publish your story. I can’t wait to read it.
July 5, 2017 at 10:58 am
colleen kosinski
Love to see that a manuscript that was set aside was able to be shopped again successfully!
July 5, 2017 at 11:24 am
rbkrackeler
these are the kinds of writing stories i need to hear-thanks for the inspiration!
July 5, 2017 at 12:59 pm
carole calladine
Thanks, Sue for sharing your story. I will look for it. Your persistence is awesome! So is your revisioning. Carole
July 5, 2017 at 1:23 pm
Wendy F Doxey
Sue, thanks for sharing your story. I found it so informative and encouraging in helping me understand the publishing industry better. Plus I really enjoyed your writing style! Congrats on the publication of RACE!
July 5, 2017 at 1:29 pm
karenhenryclark
From the writing perspective, I love hearing about the journey of a manuscript. It’s a race all its own.
July 5, 2017 at 2:48 pm
Ashley Bankhead
This was so interesting to read. Thank you for sharing. I really want to read this book.
July 5, 2017 at 5:07 pm
Laurie L. Warchol
Very interesting to see how it changed as you went along the path to published! Thank you for sharing its journey.
July 5, 2017 at 7:22 pm
Susan Schade
Thank you for sharing your journey. It is always interesting how the pieces come together and make a strong story. Congratulations!
July 5, 2017 at 9:55 pm
lmconnors
Congratulations and thanks for sharing your process and obstacles.
July 5, 2017 at 11:00 pm
ptnozell
Congratulations on the at-long-last book birthday of Race! Fascinating history – thanks so much for sharing. I’m inspired now to look at some old manuscripts & rethink them.
July 6, 2017 at 12:00 am
Pam Miller
Your sticktoittiveness paid off. Congratulations on RACE. Can’t wait to read it.
July 6, 2017 at 1:00 am
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Glad to know those set aside mss haunting my files might still spark new and improved stories. Thanks for sharing Race’s stops and stops to publication, Sue.
July 6, 2017 at 8:49 am
Michele Helsel
Love to hear about the process! Thanks for sharing!
July 6, 2017 at 10:32 am
polly renner
Thank you, Sue, for sharing your story. You’ve given me hope that maybe some of my older stories that I love might still work one day…if I keep working them:> Can’t wait to read RACE!!
July 6, 2017 at 11:19 am
David McMullin
This story is very inspirational. I have several stories that I know can be improved with a little change of direction. Thanks.
July 6, 2017 at 11:30 am
Kathy Doherty
Yay for the underdog car! Like you, I keep persevering. Thanks for sharing your journey.
July 6, 2017 at 1:17 pm
Sue Heavenrich
Congratulations for making it to the finish line! What a wonderful story about writing. Thanks for sharing it.
July 6, 2017 at 1:34 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Congratulations! Sometimes it’s a long road but you got there!
July 6, 2017 at 1:36 pm
LaurenKerstein
Thank you for this terrific post about the value and importance of distance, time and editing!
July 6, 2017 at 6:40 pm
C. C. Gevry
Excellent story. So often we have to be flexible, creative, and patient with our stories. Not a single one of mine ended the way I thought it would. wishing you the best of luck.
July 6, 2017 at 9:07 pm
Elizabeth A Curry
Congratulations! So interesting and encouraging to hear the process and evolution of the story over the years. Looking forward to reading it!
July 7, 2017 at 10:33 am
katiemillsgiorgio
How fun…thanks for sharing!
July 7, 2017 at 3:47 pm
katrinamoorebooks
I love the road to publication for RACE! It’s inspiring. Thank you, Sue! And thanks, Tara, for always sharing such great content 🙂
July 7, 2017 at 4:14 pm
aida
Wow, I love that ending!
July 7, 2017 at 4:39 pm
Dorothy Wiese
Thanks, Sue. I love hearing that you persevered and CRASH or RACE got published!
July 7, 2017 at 6:58 pm
Doreen Grace Kester
I enjoyed hearing your backstory! Congratulations on Race!
July 8, 2017 at 3:50 am
Stephen S. Martin
Slow and steady wins the prize.
July 8, 2017 at 10:25 pm
tinamcho
Love this interview and the story behind Race! Congrats!
July 8, 2017 at 11:09 pm
Sandy Perlic
Great blog post! I loved hearing about the evolution of this story. Congratulations, Sue!
July 10, 2017 at 8:46 pm
Kendra
Thanks for sharing your story. I’m a new writer and I haven’t gone through the publishing process but now I know to stay positive about their comments as they can help deliver a masterpiece like yours.
July 11, 2017 at 4:51 pm
Sheri Radovich
Wow, I have a car story I wrote 10 years ago that was lack luster and then I rewrote it this year and have been playing around with the components. Your story is inspiring and you have an agent to help lead you. Thanks for your story.
July 18, 2017 at 8:58 pm
paint2create
Ah! I love the twist at the end! Thank you for showing that we must be willing to write, re-write, re-think, and re-create our stories.
January 12, 2018 at 5:33 pm
Lisa Billa
Congratulations! I enjoyed hearing how your story evolved. Thanks for the reminder to try re-thinking as well as revising.