By Kate Carroll
Fellow picture book writers, do you struggle with SHOW DON’T
TELL? It’s a demanding task when writing
in this genre. One experience I had gave me an interesting perspective on how
to tackle it.
The moment of truth arrived when the facilitators directed us to a mentor. My heart pounded like a hammer. Eric opened the booklet and doodled on the first page. What a gift! What followed was a gift too, although I didn’t exactly think that at the time.
As we chatted about
my project, he created another illustration to compliment my words. But after the first two pages, Eric grew quiet. He turned a page. And the next page, and the
page after that. He stopped
illustrating. I stopped breathing. I
couldn’t tell if he was deep in thought, confused or bored.
The lightbulb moment: Save half the story for the
illustrator! Yes, I had heard that advice
over and over, but until an illustrator, and an amazing one at that, critiqued
my work, I don’t think I fully understood it.
My meeting with Eric Rohmann was one of the most useful experiences
I’ve had in growing as a picture book writer.
Even if you write gorgeous description, remember
that the word budget of picture books is tight. Leave it to the illustrators.
Look for a chance to have your project critiqued
by an illustrator. A revelation and
revolution for your future projects!
Build dummies and draw, sketch or doodle the
art. Then decide if every word you wrote is necessary.
Make a list of telling statements. Example: He
is scared. Next prove that he is scared. What is he doing, saying, thinking to
show his fear? How is he moving, speaking? What would I hear or see him doing?
Repeat that with your list.
Use sensory images, metaphors and similes.
When you get to the place where your manuscript
is done, pick it apart one more time and exercise some of these tools to give
it the best chance of acquisition.
