by Sue FliessJuly 4, 2017 8:00 am
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!
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: Picture Books
Tags: Edwardian Taylor, RACE, Sue Fliess
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How inspiring to know that hard work pays off eventually! Thanks for sharing your story. This sounds like a book young kids will love!
By Andrea Mack on July 4, 2017 at 8:19 am
I love hearing stories about the evolution of a book from inception to publication. Thanks for sharing yours!
By Juliana Lee on July 4, 2017 at 8:20 am
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!
By Linda Hofke on July 4, 2017 at 8:31 am
Sue, Congratulations! on “Race”. Crashin’/chillin’ provided you with a winner. Thank you for sharing. My grandkids will love reading your book.
By Maria Barbella on July 4, 2017 at 8:37 am
Great post! Congratulations! This gives me hope for a few I just pulled and dusted off yesterday! Can’t wait to read RACE!
By mariaordish on July 4, 2017 at 8:43 am
Sue, loved hearing your story behind the story! I have a feeling “Race” will go far … congrats and best wishes.
By Patricia Koelmel on July 4, 2017 at 8:49 am
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.
By Susan gruidel on July 4, 2017 at 9:00 am
Loved hearing the backstory of RACE! Thanks for sharing!
By Jennifer Rumberger on July 4, 2017 at 9:04 am
What great advice! Congratulations on RACE!
By julielacombeauthor on July 4, 2017 at 9:10 am
Thanks for sharing the evolution of this story!
By Michelle O'Hara Levin on July 4, 2017 at 9:17 am
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!
By Becky Scharnhorst on July 4, 2017 at 9:39 am
Thanks for sharing your publication journey. Fascinating to get your behind the scenes look of how your story developed.
By sarita f on July 4, 2017 at 9:41 am
I like how your book story came full circle and how your story-story has many layers. Thanks for the insight.
By Joanne Roberts on July 4, 2017 at 9:48 am
Nice to hear how friends, advice and constructive criticism meld together to lead the way to success! Congratulations on a job well done! xo
By Amy Benoit on July 4, 2017 at 10:02 am
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.
By Lori Mortensen on July 4, 2017 at 10:05 am
Wow, LOVED reading about this book’s journey! And what terrific art!
By Corey Schwartz on July 4, 2017 at 10:10 am
I love hearing the behind the scenes stories about stories! Congrats to you, Sue!
By mariagianferrari on July 4, 2017 at 10:15 am
Thanks for the reminder on how a book evolves. It’s a long journey with many unexpected twists in the road. Congrats!
By danielledufayet on July 4, 2017 at 10:16 am
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!
By darshanakhiani on July 4, 2017 at 10:17 am
Congratulations on re-envisioning a winner! Thanks for sharing the story, Sue & Tara.
By Wendy Greenley on July 4, 2017 at 10:20 am
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!
By Lynn on July 4, 2017 at 10:32 am
Loved hearing the evolution of this story! Can’t wait to read it. Congrats!!!
By Debra Shumaker on July 4, 2017 at 10:33 am
Congratulations, Sue! It is amazing how a story finds its true self when we give it time.
By Lisa Riddiough on July 4, 2017 at 10:39 am
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.
By Gail Hedrick on July 4, 2017 at 10:42 am
Thanks for giving us a peek into your process and writing this encouraging post! I’m looking forward to reading your end result!
By Jana Eschner (@JanaTheTeacher) on July 4, 2017 at 10:48 am
Love the story behind the title, Sue. Congratulations!
By Jody Jensen Shaffer on July 4, 2017 at 10:57 am
We don’t stop believing in ourselves and you did. Another inspiring story. I am happy for you. Congratulations!
By aliciaminor on July 4, 2017 at 11:00 am
How cute is that! Congratulations on your own publishing race.
By Anita Banks on July 4, 2017 at 11:02 am
Thanks for sharing your process and journey. I can’t wait to read this story.
By rosecappelli on July 4, 2017 at 11:06 am
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 🙂
By Diane Landy on July 4, 2017 at 11:15 am
This seems like a race for sure because you made it to the finish line.
By kiwijenny on July 4, 2017 at 11:27 am
I love the crashing, bashing language going on here. I bet little boys will love it!
By Kari on July 4, 2017 at 12:06 pm
What a long and winding road. AND what a happy ending! Yay! Congratulations and good luck.
By Genevieve Petrillo on July 4, 2017 at 12:12 pm
Congrats on your new book, Sue! Thank you for sharing the journey behind this story. I can’t wait to read it 🙂
By chardixon47 on July 4, 2017 at 12:27 pm
What a great story!
By storyfairy on July 4, 2017 at 12:38 pm
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.
By Acey Frelinger on July 4, 2017 at 12:40 pm
Thanks for sharing your journey. Gives me hope!!!!!
By Emmie R Werner on July 4, 2017 at 1:02 pm
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!!
By Mary McClellan on July 4, 2017 at 1:03 pm
Congratulations Sue! Very inspirational story.
By darlene koppel on July 4, 2017 at 1:05 pm
What a fun story behind the story! Thank you for inspiring us not to give up on our projects. Congratulations to you!!
By evelynchristensen on July 4, 2017 at 1:06 pm
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.
By Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth) on July 4, 2017 at 1:07 pm
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!
By kdveiten on July 4, 2017 at 1:11 pm
Thank you for sharing your writing journey, Sue. I look forward to reading your book, RACE!
~Suzy Leopold
By Prairie Garden Girl on July 4, 2017 at 1:17 pm
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.
By Sherri Jones Rivers on July 4, 2017 at 1:22 pm
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!
By Mary Kiang on July 4, 2017 at 1:25 pm
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!
By Cindyb on July 4, 2017 at 1:38 pm
Wonderfully inspiring post. Thanks for this. The book sound adorable.
By Rosi Hollinbeck on July 4, 2017 at 1:42 pm
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 🙂
By Rene` Diane Aube on July 4, 2017 at 1:48 pm
can’t wait to read Race!
By Emily Wayne (@emilywayneart) on July 4, 2017 at 2:07 pm
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.
By Jilanne Hoffmann on July 4, 2017 at 2:07 pm
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.
By Janet Sheets on July 4, 2017 at 2:25 pm
Thanks for sharing part of your process. Extremely interesting!
By Michael Maslowski on July 4, 2017 at 3:29 pm
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!
By deborahholtwilliams on July 4, 2017 at 3:34 pm
Great story of your story! Can’t wait to read it
By Cinzia on July 4, 2017 at 4:12 pm
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!
By setwiggs on July 4, 2017 at 4:13 pm
Sounds like the perfect story for my nearly-four-year-old!
By Stephan Stuecklin on July 4, 2017 at 4:51 pm
What a journey! Thanks for sharing.
By Teresa Daffern on July 4, 2017 at 5:51 pm
Congratulations and thumbs up for your persistence! Those cars are adorable–they kind of look like Lego cars.
By Lyn Miller-Lachmann on July 4, 2017 at 5:56 pm
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!
By Linda Chavez on July 4, 2017 at 6:05 pm
Loved reading this. Thanks for sharing!
By Susan Halko on July 4, 2017 at 6:08 pm
Oh my goodness! I so appreciate hearing how all of those twists and turns lead you to success! Congrats!
By Ali Pfautz on July 4, 2017 at 6:12 pm
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.
By Amanda Sincavage on July 4, 2017 at 6:28 pm
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!
By Bev on July 4, 2017 at 6:53 pm
A wonderful idea. Children who love cars will love this story. I’m already rooting for Small Car.
By Barbara S Senenman on July 4, 2017 at 7:20 pm
Thank you for sharing this, Sue. RACE sounds like a winner!
By Brenda Huante on July 4, 2017 at 7:35 pm
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” >
By Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator on July 4, 2017 at 7:47 pm
Your story inspires me! Letting go, swerving back around, and lots of shaking went into your editing process. Thanks for sharing.
By Deslie English on July 4, 2017 at 7:48 pm
thanks for being so honest about the process and about the encouragement along the way.. a winner!
By Dana Wu on July 4, 2017 at 8:50 pm
Wow great post! By the way, “slow and steady” just might make a great sequel to the story!!! 🙂
By seschipper on July 4, 2017 at 8:57 pm
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!
By Melanie Yost on July 4, 2017 at 9:49 pm
Congratulations! My grandson would love this. Thanks for the giveaway!
By Jeanna Massman on July 5, 2017 at 12:17 am
Congratulations! Inspiring story to get our stories off the shelf also.
By Denita Johnson on July 5, 2017 at 12:50 am
Fascinating story ABOUT the story!
By Sandy on July 5, 2017 at 3:46 am
The explanation of the evolution of Race from Crash was very helpful. Thanks. Patty Bennett
By pepb16416 on July 5, 2017 at 6:24 am
Great reminder to be open to revisions! Thanks for sharing!
By kcareywrites on July 5, 2017 at 8:40 am
I’m sure you are happy with the finished product, but do you miss your original story just a little bit?
By Lucky Jo Boscarino on July 5, 2017 at 8:48 am
Fun! Love the story of the story, and RACE! looks and sounds like a winner for sure!
By Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky on July 5, 2017 at 9:18 am
Sounds super fun! Looking forward to reviewing RACE!
By Nadine Gamble on July 5, 2017 at 9:33 am
This is a great post about the changes and maturation of a picture book before it goes to print. Love it! Great story – congratulations!!!
By Angie on July 5, 2017 at 10:00 am
I am so impressed you stuck with it, and so glad you did. What a cute book, Sue.
By gingermeurer on July 5, 2017 at 10:03 am
Great post! It was great to see the evolution of the story. Congrats, Sue!
By Lisa Gerin on July 5, 2017 at 10:06 am
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.
By Nalini Raghunandan on July 5, 2017 at 10:44 am
Love to see that a manuscript that was set aside was able to be shopped again successfully!
By colleen kosinski on July 5, 2017 at 10:58 am
these are the kinds of writing stories i need to hear-thanks for the inspiration!
By rbkrackeler on July 5, 2017 at 11:24 am
Thanks, Sue for sharing your story. I will look for it. Your persistence is awesome! So is your revisioning. Carole
By carole calladine on July 5, 2017 at 12:59 pm
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!
By Wendy F Doxey on July 5, 2017 at 1:23 pm
From the writing perspective, I love hearing about the journey of a manuscript. It’s a race all its own.
By karenhenryclark on July 5, 2017 at 1:29 pm
This was so interesting to read. Thank you for sharing. I really want to read this book.
By Ashley Bankhead on July 5, 2017 at 2:48 pm
Very interesting to see how it changed as you went along the path to published! Thank you for sharing its journey.
By Laurie L. Warchol on July 5, 2017 at 5:07 pm
Thank you for sharing your journey. It is always interesting how the pieces come together and make a strong story. Congratulations!
By Susan Schade on July 5, 2017 at 7:22 pm
Congratulations and thanks for sharing your process and obstacles.
By lmconnors on July 5, 2017 at 9:55 pm
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.
By ptnozell on July 5, 2017 at 11:00 pm
Your sticktoittiveness paid off. Congratulations on RACE. Can’t wait to read it.
By Pam Miller on July 6, 2017 at 12:00 am
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.
By LeeAnn Rizzuti on July 6, 2017 at 1:00 am
Love to hear about the process! Thanks for sharing!
By Michele Helsel on July 6, 2017 at 8:49 am
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!!
By polly renner on July 6, 2017 at 10:32 am
This story is very inspirational. I have several stories that I know can be improved with a little change of direction. Thanks.
By David McMullin on July 6, 2017 at 11:19 am
Yay for the underdog car! Like you, I keep persevering. Thanks for sharing your journey.
By Kathy Doherty on July 6, 2017 at 11:30 am
Congratulations for making it to the finish line! What a wonderful story about writing. Thanks for sharing it.
By Sue Heavenrich on July 6, 2017 at 1:17 pm
Congratulations! Sometimes it’s a long road but you got there!
By Sylvia Mary Grech on July 6, 2017 at 1:34 pm
Thank you for this terrific post about the value and importance of distance, time and editing!
By LaurenKerstein on July 6, 2017 at 1:36 pm
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.
By C. C. Gevry on July 6, 2017 at 6:40 pm
Congratulations! So interesting and encouraging to hear the process and evolution of the story over the years. Looking forward to reading it!
By Elizabeth A Curry on July 6, 2017 at 9:07 pm
How fun…thanks for sharing!
By katiemillsgiorgio on July 7, 2017 at 10:33 am
I love the road to publication for RACE! It’s inspiring. Thank you, Sue! And thanks, Tara, for always sharing such great content 🙂
By katrinamoorebooks on July 7, 2017 at 3:47 pm
Wow, I love that ending!
By aida on July 7, 2017 at 4:14 pm
Thanks, Sue. I love hearing that you persevered and CRASH or RACE got published!
By Dorothy Wiese on July 7, 2017 at 4:39 pm
I enjoyed hearing your backstory! Congratulations on Race!
By Doreen Grace Kester on July 7, 2017 at 6:58 pm
Slow and steady wins the prize.
By Stephen S. Martin on July 8, 2017 at 3:50 am
Love this interview and the story behind Race! Congrats!
By tinamcho on July 8, 2017 at 10:25 pm
Great blog post! I loved hearing about the evolution of this story. Congratulations, Sue!
By Sandy Perlic on July 8, 2017 at 11:09 pm
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.
By Kendra on July 10, 2017 at 8:46 pm
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.
By Sheri Radovich on July 11, 2017 at 4:51 pm
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.
By paint2create on July 18, 2017 at 8:58 pm
Congratulations! I enjoyed hearing how your story evolved. Thanks for the reminder to try re-thinking as well as revising.
By Lisa Billa on January 12, 2018 at 5:33 pm