DVD extras, artist interviews, author’s notes…I love going behind the scenes to learn how my favorite things were created. Here are some tidbits from the making of my latest picture book, FAMOUSLY PHOEBE, by the numbers:
24th idea:
In November 2014, deep into Picture Book Idea Month (now Storystorm), I jotted down my 24th idea: “A girl’s family takes so many pictures of her, she thinks she might be famous.” My daughter had been pestering me to take a picture of her new haircut and post it to Facebook. She was only seven! Kids these days. (Lesson learned: inspiration is everywhere.)
5 pitches:
After completing the month-long challenge, I had 30+ snippets of story ideas (some better than others). I selected my favorite five and crafted them into two-sentence pitches, like jacket flap copy. I emailed the five ideas to my agent, Kathleen Rushall, to see if she fancied any of them. FAMOUSLY PHOEBE stood out the most to her, so I expanded that idea into a complete story. (Lesson learned: a second opinion can be helpful, be it from an agent or a trusted critique partner)
9 critiques:
Once I finished my first draft, I sent it to various critique buddies, a few at a time. After receiving feedback and letting suggestions resonate for a couple days, I made revisions. Then the new draft went out to more fresh eyes. PHOEBE had at least nine critiques before I shared the completed story with my agent. (Lesson learned: take the time to get it right)
12 art notes:
Too many? Not sure, but there were lots of spots with little jokes and no way to understand them from the text alone. My critique partners didn’t seem bothered by them and neither did my agent. She loved the story and we were ready to submit. Hot dog! (Lesson learned: I’ll never know if I’m adding too many art notes)
13 rejections:
Ugh. Was it the art notes? We received no concrete feedback from editors on changes to be made. Some already had new-sibling stories in their pipeline. Others just weren’t feeling it. My agent continued to submit to editors, reminding me of her ever-encouraging mantra, “It only takes one.” (Lesson learned: don’t give up)
1 sale:
Sterling Children’s Books made an offer, about three months into the submission process. Hooray! (Lesson learned: rejection stinks but persistence pays.)
2 editors:
The acquiring editor for FAMOUSLY PHOEBE, Zaneta Jung, left Sterling about a year after the sale. Zaneta really “got” Phoebe and helped me revise the story into something funnier and sweeter than the original. I was crushed to see her go. But my new editor, Christina Pulles, has been amazing. She included me every step of the way, sharing sketches, color art, covers ideas. She listened to my suggestions and has been incredibly helpful on the marketing end of things. (Lesson learned: roll with the punches)
1 big thanks:
To Tara, for coordinating Storystorm and for sharing so much valuable information on her blog year-round, and for letting me celebrate the release of FAMOUSLY PHOEBE here, too. And get ready for your own success stories, picture book writers. Because…
89 days:
Storystorm 2018 is right around the corner!
1 giveaway:
Lori is giving away a signed copy of FAMOUSLY PHOEBE and a bunch of other Phoebe freebies. Leave a comment below to enter. A random winner will be selected in about two weeks. (Lesson learned: it’s fun to win free stuff!)
Lori Alexander is the author of BACKHOE JOE (Harper Children’s), FAMOUSLY PHOEBE (Sterling Children’s) and the upcoming ALL IN A DROP, a chapter book biography of scientist Antony van Leeuwenhoek (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt). She happily shares the spotlight with her husband and two children under the star-filled skies of Tucson, AZ. You can find out more about Lori on her website at lorialexanderbooks.com or on Twitter @LoriJAlexander.
217 comments
Comments feed for this article
October 3, 2017 at 10:31 am
mark bentz
great post Lori. rejection stinks, persistence does pay…Congrats!
looking forward to Storystorm 2018
October 3, 2017 at 12:49 pm
Lori Alexander
Rejection does stink but makes the sale oh so sweet! Good luck with Storystorm 18!
October 3, 2017 at 10:34 am
danielledufayet
Thank you for sharing your process and reminding us to never give up. Famously Phoebe looks adorable! Congrats! I, too, love Tara and can’t wait for Storystorm 2018. There’s something so magical about it. I have a notebook of ideas to last me a life time.
October 3, 2017 at 12:52 pm
Lori Alexander
I lost my idea list one year due to massive hard drive failure and was a wreck without it. Have fun coming up with lots of great ideas in 2018! Good idea to have a hardcopy 🙂
October 3, 2017 at 10:36 am
sarita f
This is such a lovely way to breakdown the birth of a book. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into the process. Really looking forward to Storystorm 2018.
October 3, 2017 at 12:53 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Sarita! Good luck with your writing.
October 3, 2017 at 10:39 am
Lisa Robinson
Love how you gave us the behind-the-scenes story, here! Thanks!
October 3, 2017 at 12:53 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Lisa!
October 3, 2017 at 10:39 am
Joanne Roberts
Thanks so much. This is just what I needed to hear today. And congratulations!
October 3, 2017 at 12:53 pm
Lori Alexander
Glad this was helpful. Good luck with your writing!
October 3, 2017 at 10:42 am
losilver
Thanks for sharing the process. It’s much appreciated. Sometimes I’ve allowed the rejections to discourage me but realize that as you say, persistence can pay off! Please enter me in the contest. Thanks.
October 3, 2017 at 12:55 pm
Lori Alexander
I let the rejections eat me up for a day or two and then it’s time to move on. Good luck with your writing!
October 3, 2017 at 10:45 am
laurencolantoni
Tara, I absolutely love this post — it’s exactly what I needed to read right now.
Thank you!
Lauren
Sent from my iPhone
>
October 3, 2017 at 12:54 pm
Lori Alexander
Great to hear, Lauren!
October 3, 2017 at 10:49 am
Barbara Cairns
Loved hearing the steps you were involved in to get this story out there. How true it is … the importance of perseverance! Congrats, Lori!
October 3, 2017 at 12:55 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Barbara!
October 3, 2017 at 11:01 am
julielacombeauthor
I love a good “by the numbers!” Thank you for sharing the process it took for Fabulous Phoebe to born into the world. I can’t wait to add her to my shelves!
October 3, 2017 at 12:56 pm
Lori Alexander
You are too kind, Julie! Email me if you want stickers, bookmarks, etc. to go along with the story.
October 3, 2017 at 11:12 am
CindyC
Lori – your story is charming. Thanks for sharing.
Cindy
October 3, 2017 at 12:56 pm
Lori Alexander
Aw, thanks, Cindy!
October 3, 2017 at 11:13 am
KatyD
Great story! Persistence pays! Congrats!
October 3, 2017 at 12:57 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Katy!
October 3, 2017 at 11:20 am
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
I love hearing your story. Sounds like a great book.
October 3, 2017 at 12:57 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Dayne. Good luck with your writing/illustrating.
October 3, 2017 at 11:22 am
Lindsay Hanson Metcalf
How fun! All the stats really put things in perspective. Thanks for sharing!
October 3, 2017 at 12:58 pm
Lori Alexander
Hope this was helpful, Lindsay!
October 3, 2017 at 11:23 am
Brenda Huante
Thank you for sharing Phoebe ‘s journey. Sounds fun!
October 3, 2017 at 12:59 pm
Lori Alexander
It was fun to write. Hopefully fun to read, too 🙂
October 3, 2017 at 11:38 am
curryelizabeth
What a great post–thanks for sharing your story and the lessons learned too! A good reminder about the importance of perseverance! Congratulations. Looking forward to reading this one!
October 3, 2017 at 12:59 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks so much, Elizabeth!
October 3, 2017 at 11:42 am
mariagianferrari
Congratulations, Lori! I so agree–perseverance and patience are key. Looking forward to reading this 🙂
October 3, 2017 at 1:00 pm
Lori Alexander
Right? I’d have zero sales if I gave up after the first few rejections. Keep on keeping on!
October 3, 2017 at 11:44 am
ingridboydston
Now I can’t wait to get home so I can pull out my PiBoIdMo/Storystorm notebooks to see what else is floating around in there! Thanks for sharing!
October 3, 2017 at 1:01 pm
Lori Alexander
Yes! I love have a master list of ideas. Thanks for checking out my post, Ingrid!
October 3, 2017 at 11:46 am
Darshana
Sounds wonderful. Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing the timeline.
October 3, 2017 at 1:01 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Darshana!
October 3, 2017 at 12:03 pm
rimna
Thanks for putting things into numbers – another perspective is always helpful.
October 3, 2017 at 1:02 pm
Lori Alexander
Glad this was helpful, Rimna!
October 3, 2017 at 12:09 pm
David McMullin
I love hearing publishing stories. I find them encouraging. Thank you Lori and Tara for sharing.
October 3, 2017 at 1:03 pm
Lori Alexander
I love road-to-publication stories, too. They’re all so different. Good luck with yours!
October 3, 2017 at 12:14 pm
Tracey Brown
Congratulations, Lori and thanks for sharing the journey. Love the lessons learned 🙂
October 3, 2017 at 1:03 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Tracey!
October 3, 2017 at 12:16 pm
supermario6
Wonderful to hear about your book’s journey!
October 3, 2017 at 1:04 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks so much, Supermario6!
October 3, 2017 at 12:17 pm
debmeyercreative
Congratulations, Lori. In the age of everyone having a smartphone and picture posting everywhere, I can see where this story will resonate with loads of families. 🙂 Good work!
October 3, 2017 at 1:07 pm
Lori Alexander
Exactly! I think it’s so funny you can order your kids’ sports pictures to look like the cover of a magazine. My five year old could barely run the bases without tripping. Not quite a Sports Illustrated all-star 🙂
October 3, 2017 at 12:28 pm
Lynn Rogalsky
Thank you for this inspiring and informative blog post, Lori! it was fun to learn what goes on behind the scenes. More than one can imagine! Looking forward to reading “Famously Phoebe.”
October 3, 2017 at 1:07 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks for being a constant support, Lynn. You’re a star!
October 3, 2017 at 1:20 pm
Lynn Rogalsky
Thanks for all your help, Lori. I look up to you!
October 3, 2017 at 12:36 pm
Maria Marshall
Fun post. Thanks for the numerical break down it was humorous and enlightening. I like the idea of running pitches for a story idea before running with an idea. Looking forward to reading this one.
October 3, 2017 at 1:10 pm
Lori Alexander
I find running a few pitches by someone else super helpful, especially right after Storystorm, when you have a list of 30+ ideas and you’re not sure what to do next. Good luck with your writing, Maria!
October 3, 2017 at 12:36 pm
Katelyn Thomas
How fun to hear about the book’s background! I look forward to reading it and sharing it with my young patrons!
October 3, 2017 at 1:10 pm
Lori Alexander
Yay! Thanks so much, Katelyn.
October 3, 2017 at 12:43 pm
Louann Brown
Famously Phoebe sounds adorable. Thanks for sharing your journey.
October 3, 2017 at 1:10 pm
Lori Alexander
Aw, thanks, Louann!
October 3, 2017 at 12:45 pm
Emmie R Werner
CONGRATULATIONS!! AND thank you so much for your encouraging words!
October 3, 2017 at 1:11 pm
Lori Alexander
My pleasure! Good luck with your writing!
October 3, 2017 at 12:49 pm
Lyn Miller-Lachmann
Thank you for this inspiring post! Persistence is something I need to learn; I feel I’ve given up on my picture books far too quickly at all levels.
October 3, 2017 at 1:13 pm
Lori Alexander
It’s tough, Lyn. I think a good critique group can help you know when to keep going and when you need to take a step back and revise or start something new. But don’t give up!!
October 3, 2017 at 12:50 pm
Meghan Daniels
Oh this sounds like a really fun idea! I have a manuscript that sounds similar currently in the drawer right now, but it’s a little different. I’ll be looking forward to this as a possible mentor text.
October 3, 2017 at 1:14 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Meghan. Hope your draft gets out of the drawer soon! 🙂
October 3, 2017 at 12:55 pm
Catherine Urdahl
Thank you for sharing your journey! FAMOUSLY PHOEBE sounds fabulous! Congratulations!
October 3, 2017 at 1:15 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Catherine!
October 3, 2017 at 12:58 pm
Ali Earle Pichardo
Lori, I look forward to reading FAMOUSLY PHOEBE! I love that your idea came from PIBoIdMo!
October 3, 2017 at 1:16 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Ali! I love my PiBoIdMo/Storystorm lists. I revisit them all the time. Good luck with your writing!
October 3, 2017 at 1:17 pm
Shannon Stocker
Loved reading this post! Christina Pulles was at SCBWI Midsouth this past weekend – what a sweetheart! I loved meeting her. Congrats on all your success. 🙂
October 3, 2017 at 1:29 pm
Lori Alexander
She’s the best! Glad you got some face-to-face time.
October 3, 2017 at 1:23 pm
Angie
Excellent! I loved reading how each part took place. Congratulations! Now I need to get digging back into my StoryStorm ideas…
October 3, 2017 at 1:29 pm
Lori Alexander
Yes, looking forward to generating some fresh ideas soon. Good luck with your writing, Angie!
October 3, 2017 at 1:24 pm
Matt Forrest Esenwine
Congratulations, Lori! I saw this post on Tara’s FB wall and had to read about it, as my 4-year-old daughter, Phoebe, LOVES books – but has yet to come across one with her name!
October 3, 2017 at 1:30 pm
Lori Alexander
That’s so sweet, Matt. Email me if you want bookmarks, stickers, etc. I have a bunch of Phoebe swag!
October 3, 2017 at 1:41 pm
Matt Forrest Esenwine
That’s so nice of you, Lori – thank you! I’m sure she’d love that. I’ll email you as soon as I can.
October 3, 2017 at 1:25 pm
Cathy Biggerstaff
Loved your format for this blog – the numbers and the lessons learned. Hope to be reading the book soon. Praying for your continued writing success.
October 3, 2017 at 1:31 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Cathy! Right back atcha!
October 3, 2017 at 1:31 pm
rgstones
Phoebe rocks! I can’t wait for the world to see this book. 🙂
October 3, 2017 at 1:42 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Rachel. It was great catching up with you at the conference last month!
October 3, 2017 at 1:33 pm
chardixon47
Congrats, Lori! STORYSTORM is the reason I have ideas to keep me going with persistence. Thank you for sharing tips to live by as we travel our journey. I can’t wait to read FAMOUSLY PHOEBE.
October 3, 2017 at 1:43 pm
Lori Alexander
Agreed! Good luck with your writing journey!
October 3, 2017 at 1:35 pm
Kathryn Hagen
Great endorsement of Storystorm and persistence! Thank you Lori and Tara!!
October 3, 2017 at 1:44 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Kathryn! Hope you come up with lots of great ideas during Storystorm 2018!
October 3, 2017 at 2:02 pm
Bob Effey
I learned a lot from your post. Very inspiring! Thank you!
You mentioned your critique partners. Such a helpful part of the process. Where is the best place to find critique buddies (partners) for children’s books? I would love to join a group.Thanks.
October 3, 2017 at 2:29 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Congrats Lori! Thanks for the helpful information.
October 3, 2017 at 3:13 pm
Lori Alexander
Sure thing, Sylvia!
October 3, 2017 at 3:28 pm
kirsticall
Lori, I loved learning about your making of Famously Phoebe which is a SUPER fun. You should make sure someone nominates it for the cybils award! I’m a panelist, so I love having good books to consider!
http://www.cybils.com/2017/10/2017-nominations-fiction-picture-booksboard-books.html
October 3, 2017 at 3:32 pm
Lori Alexander
That would be amazing, Kirsti. I love following the road to the Cybils!
October 3, 2017 at 3:49 pm
Kathy Doherty
Phoebe is adorable on the cover . . . and I bet throughout. I can’t wait to read about her!
October 3, 2017 at 4:31 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Kathy! French artist Aurélie Blard-Quintard did a fantastic job with the illustrations.
October 3, 2017 at 3:55 pm
Cindy Jolley
Loved how you shared what you learned along the way. Thanks for your encouragement to keep going. (Lesson learned: Always keep learning and be inspired by the journey of other authors.)
October 3, 2017 at 4:32 pm
Lori Alexander
Yes, I love to learn hear about others’ journeys. The paths are all so different!
October 3, 2017 at 3:57 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks so much for this terrific post. I enjoyed the format and all the great lessons “by the numbers”!
October 3, 2017 at 4:32 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks for checking out the post, Mary!
October 3, 2017 at 4:05 pm
shereen s
Thank you for sharing all your tidbits by the number! Congratulations on your StoryStorm baby! I keep an ongoing 2017 list on my phone (since it’s the one thing I seem to always have with me).
October 3, 2017 at 4:14 pm
Anita
What a journey, congrats!
October 3, 2017 at 4:32 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Anita!
October 3, 2017 at 4:14 pm
evelynchristensen
What a fun post and what great inspiration! And I totally agree that Christina Pulles is awesome!
October 3, 2017 at 4:33 pm
Lori Alexander
Isn’t she, though? Sterling makes beautiful picture books! Thanks, Evelyn!
October 3, 2017 at 4:16 pm
karenhenryclark
When I began writing and wailed about rejections, my mentor said I could always give up, and then I wouldn’t have to face another rejection. Point taken. I love that you kept going, too
October 3, 2017 at 4:34 pm
Lori Alexander
That sums it up perfectly! Thanks for sharing, Karen.
October 3, 2017 at 4:26 pm
Monica A. Harris
I’m sure hearing that your original editor was leaving must have been heart-wrenching. Glad you stuck with it and took the new editor’s suggestions with an open mind.
October 3, 2017 at 4:35 pm
Lori Alexander
I bet it’s fairly common (but no less painful). You have to go with the flow in this business!
October 3, 2017 at 4:32 pm
awritersdream41
This sounds like a fun story, can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing your process.
October 3, 2017 at 4:36 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks a bundle, Writersdream!
October 3, 2017 at 4:38 pm
jhkmomx4
No doubt about it, Pheobe is famous now! Great work!
October 3, 2017 at 4:40 pm
jhkmomx4
Phoebe!! Autocorrect is absolutely maddening.
October 3, 2017 at 4:40 pm
oceanandhope
Thanks for sharing your story behind this charming book! Very inspiring!
October 3, 2017 at 5:45 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Oceanandhope!
October 3, 2017 at 4:59 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
Loved the story behind the story! Real and inspiring at the same time! FAMOUSLY PHOEBE sounds adorable!
October 3, 2017 at 5:46 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Penny. Your COOKED-UP FAIRY TALE post was fab, too!
October 3, 2017 at 5:04 pm
Ashley Bankhead
This was so fun to read! Thank you for sharing all of those fun behind the scene facts. I loved learning about how this book came to be. It looks so cute. I would love to win a copy and share it with my children. They love great picture books, and so do I.
October 3, 2017 at 5:47 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks for checking out my post, Ashley!
October 3, 2017 at 5:33 pm
Rita Kenefic
I loved hearing your journey and especially the lessons that are so important for all writers to learn. Congratulations on your success!
October 3, 2017 at 5:48 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Rita! Hope the post wasn’t too message-y…that’s a no-no in PB writing 🙂
October 3, 2017 at 5:42 pm
Sharon
Lori, so much can be learned by finding out about how the process became a published book. Thanks for sharing. Perserverance wins out.
October 3, 2017 at 5:49 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Sharon. Hope this was helpful!
October 3, 2017 at 6:04 pm
Marty Bellis
Thanks, Lori. This was so instructive. Gives us Storystormers hope and inspiration! Congrats and best wishes!!
October 3, 2017 at 6:34 pm
Lori Alexander
Awesome, Marty! Good luck with Storystorm 2018.
October 3, 2017 at 6:05 pm
Michelle O'Hara Levin
So many good lessons here. Thanks for sharing! Congratulations!!
October 3, 2017 at 6:34 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks for checking out the post, Michelle!
October 3, 2017 at 6:39 pm
Jennifer Bower
Congratulations Lori on your new book and for allowing us to go “Behind the Scenes” in your thought to creation process. Your post was most inspiring – and encouraging too!
October 3, 2017 at 7:53 pm
Lori Alexander
That’s great to hear, Jennifer. Thank you!
October 3, 2017 at 7:08 pm
Jen Bagan
Wow – I love your timeline Lori! It’s such a great reminder to all of us that this business is SLOW GOING! But if you stick with it, you can have success! Congratulations to you! 🙂
October 3, 2017 at 7:56 pm
Lori Alexander
I hear the word “glacial” tossed around. Patience is a must. Thanks for reading!
October 3, 2017 at 7:25 pm
telltalestome
Congratulations – the story line reminds me of someone I know – lol !
October 3, 2017 at 7:57 pm
Lori Alexander
Ha! Thanks for posting, Telltalestome (cool screen name!).
October 3, 2017 at 7:38 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Thanks for sharing Phoebe’s journey to publication, Lori. And congratulations. Will be watching for this one.
October 3, 2017 at 7:57 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, LeeAnn!
October 3, 2017 at 8:12 pm
Lynne Marie
Congratulations, Lori! Much deserved success!
October 4, 2017 at 12:10 am
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Lynne Marie!
October 3, 2017 at 10:00 pm
Katie Giorgio
Loved the format of this write up…thanks for sharing! Yay for your hard work paying off!
October 4, 2017 at 12:10 am
Lori Alexander
Thanks so much, Katie!
October 3, 2017 at 10:02 pm
Heather Pierce Stigall
Congratulations on your new book! It looks really cute. And thank you for sharing your story to its publication — very inspiring.
October 4, 2017 at 12:11 am
Lori Alexander
Thanks for the kind words, Heather!
October 3, 2017 at 10:08 pm
Sandy Perlic
What a fun blog post! I loved seeing things “by the numbers” and thinking about your lessons learned. Best of luck with “Famously Phoebe”!
October 4, 2017 at 12:11 am
Lori Alexander
Thanks for the good wishes, Sandy!
October 3, 2017 at 10:18 pm
Cynthia
Yay Lori! Loved reading all the process. Can’t wait to get the book. Congrats!
October 3, 2017 at 11:25 pm
Sandy
Thank you for your inspiring story!
October 4, 2017 at 12:12 am
Lori Alexander
My pleasure, Sandy!
October 3, 2017 at 11:40 pm
karinlarson
Congratulations and thank you so much for the very inspiring post!
October 4, 2017 at 12:12 am
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Karin. Good luck with your writing!
October 4, 2017 at 1:11 am
desertattitude
What a wonderful gift to share! I’m sure you’ve inspired tons of others, as well as inspiring me, to keep on the path. To keep working at it. To have faith. Thank you so much, Lori.
October 4, 2017 at 10:48 am
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Desertattitude! Best of luck with your own stories!
October 4, 2017 at 3:16 am
tinamcho
Fun post and back story! Congratulations!
October 4, 2017 at 10:48 am
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Tina!
October 4, 2017 at 4:21 am
April Scott
Thanks for this inspirational post and congrats on your books!
October 4, 2017 at 10:49 am
Lori Alexander
Thanks for posting, April!
October 4, 2017 at 4:58 am
michelle gajda
Great advice! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Phoebe!
October 4, 2017 at 10:49 am
Lori Alexander
Yay! I love the chance to win books 🙂
October 4, 2017 at 5:09 am
darla
What a good story idea!
October 4, 2017 at 10:50 am
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Darla. This was a fun one to write!
October 4, 2017 at 6:23 am
Ali Pfautz
Thank you for reminding us to keep on going, even when the process gets tough! Loved hearing how it all unfolded for you.
October 4, 2017 at 10:50 am
Lori Alexander
Glad this was helpful, Ali.
October 4, 2017 at 7:19 am
Deborah Allmand
Lori,
So interesting seeing your journey. Thank you for letting us see into the publishing world. Great advice!
October 4, 2017 at 10:50 am
Lori Alexander
My pleasure, Deborah!
October 4, 2017 at 9:11 am
Mary Worley
Thanks for sharing the details. It’s helpful and encouraging to hear how things unfolded. Congratulations!
October 4, 2017 at 10:51 am
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Mary!
October 4, 2017 at 9:58 am
Christie Wild
Congratulations, Lori! I loved reading your journey of Famously Phoebe!
October 4, 2017 at 10:51 am
Lori Alexander
Thanks so much. Christie!
October 4, 2017 at 12:12 pm
Rene` Diane Aube
Congratulations and thanks for a super encouraging post, Lori. Love how you shared lessons learned, definitely principles to apply as one journeys along writers’ lane. I’ll keep pushing my pen across the page and maybe someday, I’ll get to share a Storystorm (PiBoIdMo) success story, too. 🙂 Thank you, Tara, for all you do for all of us. 🙂
October 4, 2017 at 2:01 pm
Lori Alexander
You will, Rene! I felt the exact same way a few years back. Keep writing!
October 27, 2017 at 9:15 pm
Rene` Diane Aube
Thanks for the encouragement, Lori!
October 4, 2017 at 1:25 pm
Cathy Ogren
Great post, Lori. I love your lessons learned!
October 4, 2017 at 2:02 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Cathy!
October 4, 2017 at 1:38 pm
Krista Maxwell
Thank you for sharing your lessons. I can’t wait to read the book!
October 4, 2017 at 2:02 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks so much, Krista!
October 4, 2017 at 2:08 pm
Lynn Alpert
Love hearing success stories! Thanks for sharing yours Lori.
October 4, 2017 at 2:28 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Lynn!
October 4, 2017 at 2:24 pm
Lauri Meyers
Love a good success story, especially one by the numbers like this. Congrats!
October 4, 2017 at 2:28 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks for checking out my post, Lauri!
October 4, 2017 at 3:38 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for the encouragement
October 8, 2017 at 9:21 pm
Lori Alexander
My pleasure, Kassy!
October 4, 2017 at 3:56 pm
Kyle McBride
Thank you for a glimpse at your timeline.
October 8, 2017 at 9:21 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks for checking out the post, Kyle.
October 4, 2017 at 5:06 pm
Sandy Lowe
You never know which idea will turn out to be the RIGHT idea. Thanks for sharing, Lori1
October 8, 2017 at 9:22 pm
Lori Alexander
Isn’t that the truth? Write, write, write!
October 4, 2017 at 7:19 pm
Connie Colon
Love the title and premise! I’m looking forward to my first Storystorm as I try my hand at picture books!
October 8, 2017 at 9:10 pm
Lori Alexander
You will love it–good luck!
October 4, 2017 at 7:56 pm
viviankirkfield
I LOVE Famously Phoebe…and I LOVE Lori’s advice…PERSISTENCE does pay off…and so does participating in StoryStorm!!!! Thanks for sharing your Journey, Lori. And I’m excited for you to stop and chat on my blog this weekend!!!
October 8, 2017 at 9:11 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks for having me, Vivian!
October 4, 2017 at 8:32 pm
Rosie Pova
Wow, congrats! I love Sterling. Can’t wait to read your book, Lori.
October 8, 2017 at 9:11 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Rosie. Sterling makes beautiful books!
October 5, 2017 at 12:49 am
Kathleen Wilcox
Congratulations on your new picture book! Thanks for sharing the process.
October 8, 2017 at 9:12 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Kathleen!
October 5, 2017 at 5:36 am
tanyakonerman
Thank you for breaking it down like this…really helps us all to see the process and time involved!
October 8, 2017 at 9:12 pm
Lori Alexander
Glad this was helpful, Tanya!
October 5, 2017 at 7:38 am
swimwarrior60
Lori, Thanks for the inspiration. I just returned from a long trip, where writing fell to the wayside. Your post has inspired me to gather some of the notes I took, and evaluate my potential story starters. And Congratulations!
October 8, 2017 at 9:12 pm
Lori Alexander
Thank you! Good luck with your writing.
October 5, 2017 at 11:19 am
Cinzia V.
Great post! Love hearing about the process. Congrats and can’t wait to check out the book.
October 8, 2017 at 9:13 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Cinzia!
October 5, 2017 at 11:55 am
Jennifer Raudenbush
This break down of how your idea became a book is so helpful to me. Congrats! What a lesson in persistence.
October 8, 2017 at 9:14 pm
Lori Alexander
Glad this was helpful, Jennifer. Wish I could tell everyone PHOEBE sold to first editor, but from what I’ve gathered, that doesn’t happen very often.
October 5, 2017 at 12:05 pm
Alexia Andoni
That’s awesome! Congratulations, Lori! I love participating in StoryStorm!
October 8, 2017 at 9:15 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Alexia. Storystorm is the best!
October 5, 2017 at 2:34 pm
LaurenKerstein
I love how you broke down all of these helpful tidbits! Thank you! Congratulations on Phoebe!
October 8, 2017 at 9:15 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Lauren!
October 5, 2017 at 3:17 pm
Charlotte Offsay
This was really helpful, thank you! I look forward to participating in storystorm for the first time!
October 8, 2017 at 9:16 pm
Lori Alexander
Yay! You will get so much out of Storystorm. Good luck with it!
October 5, 2017 at 4:01 pm
Laurie L. Warchol
I am also challenged and conflicted by art notes but I’m feeling more confident than I used to. I would hate for anyone to think I’m to bossy! Lol! Thanks for sharing your journey and the go-between with your agent. Very helpful.
October 8, 2017 at 9:17 pm
Lori Alexander
Art notes are tricky! Glad this was helpful.
October 5, 2017 at 7:54 pm
Carleen M. Tjader
So uplifting to hear the story of your journey! Your book looks awesome!
October 8, 2017 at 9:17 pm
Lori Alexander
Aw, thanks, Carleen!
October 5, 2017 at 8:42 pm
Sherri Jones Rivers
I love the timeline and the lessons you learned along the way. I would say you’re Laudable Lori!
October 8, 2017 at 9:18 pm
Lori Alexander
Ha! Thanks for the kind words, Sherri.
October 6, 2017 at 10:11 am
Amanda
This sounds like a great concept. Thank you for your tips! My niece would love this book.
October 8, 2017 at 9:18 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Amanda!
October 6, 2017 at 4:22 pm
Sheri Radovich
I loved your steps and the ideas you learned. Do you only make drafts of those someone else tells you they think it has a chance? I make drafts of most of my ideas and toss the ones I can’t come up with some part of. I haven’t been published so you ideas are very helpful.
October 8, 2017 at 9:20 pm
Lori Alexander
Sometimes I draft a new idea I’m excited about and check-in with crit partners later down the line. It was after Storystorm, when I had so many ideas at once, that I found a second opinion helpful in prioritizing. Whatever works for you!
October 9, 2017 at 9:36 am
Krissy
Great story! Thumbs up for your persistence!
October 9, 2017 at 3:49 pm
claireannette1
Thanks for sharing your inspiration and your book’s journey by the numbers. Can’t wait to read Famously Phoebe!
October 9, 2017 at 5:27 pm
Amanda Sincavage
What a great article! Love the lessons learned! FAMOUSLY PHOEBE sounds wonderful!
October 9, 2017 at 8:07 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Lesson learned – always read Tara’s blog! Wishing you continued success, Lori.
October 9, 2017 at 10:25 pm
seschipper
What a journey! I love the “lessons learned”!!! Thank you so much for sharing. Looking forward to Storystorm 2018!!! 🙂
October 10, 2017 at 4:57 am
Linda
This is a beautiful looking book. I would love to share this with my son.
October 10, 2017 at 7:30 pm
bluelily17
Love reading about storystorm success! Cute cover art too.
October 12, 2017 at 6:55 pm
Susan Schade
Congratulations Lori! I love your book and was interested to hear how the story was born. Thank you for sharing!
October 16, 2017 at 8:50 am
laura516
Love your creative post. Famously Phoebe is waiting for me at the library!
November 11, 2017 at 9:43 am
jeanjames926
Congratulations on your PiBoIdMo/Storystorm success. I enjoyed reading your by the numbers evolution of your book.
January 24, 2018 at 11:56 pm
julia dworschack
Thanks, it is encouraging to see the process!! Keep on, keeping on…