Plot and Scene Trackers from the Plot Master

So as I'm reworking and revising my new chapter book, I found two excellent templates,
One for Scenes and One for Plots.
Martha Alderson, you great Plot Whisperer!  - You are something else. Checking your story against these are tools are so important and useful.

VIDEO INTERVIEWS WITH SOME OF THE BEST CHILDREN'S AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS

Is this wonderful and worth finding yourself mesmerized and glued to the screen during these interviews? YES YES YES
VIDEO INTERVIEWS WITH SOME OF THE BEST CHILDREN'S AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS by Reading Rockets.
Such great information on this site.

Point of View Satori

Yes, finished my first book in my chapter book series. Strangely enough I did the second book first.   Now I have reworked book one with a minor (Did I really say minor) Point of View change.
But do I love how it turned out! It really improved the story so much.
Thanks Danielle Smith, my literary agent from Foreward Literary. You were right.  
Yes you were.

Now on to book one?

Questions To Ponder As You Write

I'm working on revising my chapter book. I need to cut, simplify and redo, and all the while strengthen. What an interesting but scarey task ahead.
I lucked up finding a blog by Carol Riggs, Tips for Writing.
What great questions she listed for me to think about.  Good things to ponder- from character, theme, setting, hooks, closing loose ends and pacing. Thank you Carol. I've bookmarked this page and maybe I'll print it to tape on my wall so I always have it near.

Mixing Creativity

Be well rounded, yes. That is the advice from so many illustrators and writers.

I'll take the advice.
Mix up your creativity box. Write some, draw some, take in the fresh air with a brisk walk letting those ideas simmer. Simmering time is good. Simmering time is a must.

What simmering thoughts do you have today?

Finally, New Website Up

My new website has finally been posted. Lots of new changes and updates. I wanted it clear and clean and I believe it is going to work for me.  I have also added a page for black and white sketch and spot drawings which is a direction I plan to pursue. I want to thank Britt Kaufmann for her excellent web design work. I'm pleased.
Stop by at Kit Grady.com and let me know any comments or thoughts.

Point of View of Who

As I plan a change in my story's POV or Point Of View, I came upon an excellent article on Through the Tollboth by Stephanie Greene. Even the comments were filled with interesting insights.

Which POV do you find most effective?

Relax, think it over...

So I have some decisions to make. Need to take some time and think it over. Find a good book and do a few sketches.....

Revision with Direction

Back to revisions...
So now to another revision project. This one, not for a picture book but for a chapter book or possibly a low middle grade novel. Wow, this is a different animal I have by the tail with such a contrast from a picture book revision.
For example, in a picture book, all details that an illustrator can show would be left out which slices it down to a minimal text.
BUT NOW!
There is this huge pile of papers sitting on my desk and in my pc with lots and lots of pages and thousands of words. And now the instructions are: show don't tell, check for plot holes, make sure the character stays in character, keep pace strong, make sure dialogue sounds like real dialogue and so much more.
So I have my manuscript draft, my colored highlighters, index cards, sticky notes and a large chart I can fill with characters, themes, plots and subplots, time frames and other things.
Am I ready to dive in? I hope so.
If you are diving in too, I found this amazing blog by Anne Lyle, Revising Your Novel in Ten Easy Steps. (Oh how I wish It  would be easy) Also Cheryl Klein has a wonderful book out, Second Sight, which is full of amazing revision instructions and tips.
Let me take a big breath, and large cup of coffee first...

Animal Sound Mix-up gets the 2013 KART KIDS BOOK LIST AWARD

Author Connie Arnold has just let me know that, ANIMAL SOUND MIX-UP has won the 2013 Kart Kids Book List. Her wonderful story about how each animal is so suited to their own unique sounds, was a joy to illustrate. She filled it full of wonderful creatures and so much fun and silliness too.
I'm very proud of her and our book.

Updating Website

Yes, way over due. My website at   www. kitgrady.com needs some fresh new work. So I'm almost ready. 
 I will add a new black and white illustration page. I found out just how much I love this black and white thing. I enjoy getting the feel and depth of color, yet sticking to a black and white canvas. 
So I'll add several new illustrations, update my bio, and mix in a few spot items. Should be up soon.

Revision Done, Now Submissions!

Yes, my picture book has been revised with the skillful guidance of Danielle Smith, my new wonderful agent with Foreward Literary. She will put the final touches together and start sending our baby out to the many children's Book Houses. Oh my goodness-