Oohs and Aahs for 3.22.24

Making outlines, the best playgrounds, a speaking opportunity and more...

It seems like we should be able to hold a whole book in our minds, moving pieces around, balancing the theme and plot, figuring out the best way to tell the story.

Does your brain work that way?

Mine does not.

Even when I’m working on a picture book, I often make an outline or a bulleted list of moments in the book. It helps me zoom out, ignore all the connective tissue, tune out any questions I might have about language, and just think about “What Is Happening and Should It Happen in This Order???”

I’ve been working with a coaching client, and in three months, she went from “I think this is an idea” to a full draft that’s ready for sketches and final line edits.

YOWZA!

If you’ve never tried to write a picture book, I promise you that is fast. My client came to me ready to make progress, but she didn’t know where to start or what ideas were worth pursuing. I asked questions. She buzzed with creative ideas and fresh energy, so I offered focus and gentle accountability. I also became the official outline maker, listing what happened in the story and figuring out if it made sense in that order. Taking that step took us from a muddled draft to a tight, thoughtful version that reflects the story she set out to tell. Boring but also kind of magical.

Want to book your own coaching session? I would love to be your official outline maker!

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This Week I’m…

• Giving away a week of FREE coaching to one of the submissions for the IFFLY contest (It’s not too late to enter!)

• Signing up for Julie Vick’s guide to pitching parenting publications

• Nodding at

  Kathleen Schmidt
  ’s smart take on why this new publishing model could work 📚

• Loving this ode to the invisible work women do

• Reading the National Study of Playgrounds after Ingrid Fetell Lee shared it in her stories 🎠

• Thinking SO many of you would be amazing speakers for this event on maternal mental health—apply here!💃

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If you enjoyed this post, please 💛 it so others can find it or share it with your favorite creative mothers.

PS—The fastest way to grow as a writer is to book a manuscript critique or a creative coaching session with an expert.

My clients get agents, sell books, and win awards. They also learn how to find ease and joy in the creative process, so they can keep going when life gets hard.