“My friends are my estate.”
—EMILY DICKENSON
Although I wrote this book alone in my office, in the library, and in different coffee shops, people in spirit hovered over my shoulder, prodding me on, reminding me of lessons learned, and sharing their expertise.
Linda Zuckerman, my dear friend and former editor, invited me to Portland for ten straight years to speak each July at her Pacific Northwest Children’s Book Conference. Many of those talks have been adapted into this book.
More than forty years ago, I discovered UCLA Extension Writers’ Program and it was a timid, doubtful young mother who first walked into Sonia Levitin’s class. Without her encouragement, I wouldn’t have signed up for future classes with her and other fine teachers like Sue Alexander and Myra Cohn Livingston. Sue and Myra, both from the school of tough love, never held back in their criticisms. While their comments were often painful, I appreciated how they prodded me to do my best. Although they have both died, I still hear their admonitions in my head. I can’t thank them enough.
UCLA Extension Writers’ Program also gave me the opportunity to teach about my passion. I thank Linda Venis for trusting a novice. In addition, I’m grateful to my students. Their questions and works-in-progress inspired some of this book’s exercises and forced me to articulate my writing process. More gratitude than she will ever know goes to former student Molli Nickell, who suggested I write this book and kept after me when I dragged my feet.
When I started writing, I was introduced to the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Their publications, conferences, and advice have helped make me the published writer I am today. Many speakers at their meetings and workshops have shared wisdom that has crept into this book. Some of their exercises were refined and adapted for picture-book writing.
Over the years I’ve learned much from my editors. It’s always surprising how a story I’d thought ready for publication still needed work. I thank Janine O’Malley, Mary Cash, Nora Cohen, Dianne Hess, Ruth Katcher, Melanie Kroupa, Kevin Lewis, and Linda Zuckerman for making each of my books better than I could have imagined.
Thanks to Alice Pope, who first edited this book. For someone who was used to writing 350-word manuscripts, the jump to 250 pages was terrifying, but Alice couldn’t have been more calm and helpful. Special appreciation goes to Cris Freese. What a pleasant surprise to get his e-mail suggesting an update to this book! Although it’s been more work than I envisioned, I learned much more in the process and became acquainted with many wonderful new books. Cris is also an incredible editor. His suggestions were helpful and clarifying, and I’m especially grateful for his crash course in the use of commas, which I somehow missed back in high-school English classes. After Cris changed jobs, Amy Jones has stepped in beautifully to make the transition smooth. I also owe a big thanks to my copyeditor Michael Hanna whose close, careful reading of this manuscript saved me from many embarrassing mistakes and awkward sentences.
Writing would be a lonely task without the fabulously talented writers in my critique groups. In Los Angeles, I work with Erica Silverman, Karen Winnick, and Michelle Markel. Evolving from a ten-day workshop, Centrum Port Townsend Writers’ Conference (www.centrum.org) with Jane Yolen, my other group’s members live scattered across the United States. We call ourselves “The Write Sisters.” Although thirty years have passed and several members have gone off in new directions, Mary Nethery, Kirby Larson, and I still try to meet and share manuscripts.
PJ Lutz, Brian Rocklin, Rebecca Delfino, Armineh Manookian, Cindy Moussas-Holmes, and Sheri Linden are writing friends who worked with me on the beginning chapters and proposal for this book’s first edition. Thanks to all my other writing buddies who have shared their talents and wisdom with me over the years. I’ve learned so much from you.
I could not begin to list all of the librarians and bookstore owners who have supported my career, tracked down hard-to-find references, and introduced me to new and exciting books. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Children’s Book World in Los Angeles (www.childrensbookworld.com), who, no matter what question I brought regarding examples for this book, have the answer at their fingertips. Thanks to Ronna Mandel and Erica Silverman for helping me find new book examples, to Janine O’Malley for taking time out of her busy day to talk about an editor’s work, and to Rebecca Colby for sharing her agent query letter. Also, much appreciation goes to my agent, Jill Corcoran, for reading my agent chapter, Nancy Hayashi for helping with my self-publishing chapter, Rubin Pfeffer for his comments on my publishing-business chapter, and Joe Taylor and Karol Silverstein for sharing their critique process.
My interest in picture books would never have been born without my four children, Henya, Jon, Alan, and Finn. Our bedtime readings inspired me to write.
Now my grandchildren, Hazel, Lena, Tade, Ellie, Owen, and Thea, listen to my stories and spark new story ideas.
My biggest thanks go to my beloved husband, Ron, who insists on washing the dinner dishes because “You have important work to do.” I would still be unpublished were it not for his understanding, support, and encouragement.