2016 Highlights Foundation Workshop: Picture Books & All That Jazz (PB&J)

Leslie Helakoski, Darcy Pattison, Kelly Bennett

INSTRUCTORS & AUTHORS:

DarcyPattison & Leslie Helakoski

SPECIAL GUESTS:

• Author Kelly Bennett
• Balzer& Bray Editorial Assistant Kelsey Murphy
• Highlights Art Director Tim Gillner

JAZZED. That would be me after attending the PB&J Workshop.

Our group of about twenty writers toured Highlights Magazine which is celebrating its 70^th year! We learned how to make submissions, and were encouraged to do so. Then we walked across the parking lot to Boyds Mills Press. There, Cherie Matthews, Assistant Editor, gave us priceless information about their inner workings.

I became teary-eyed grateful for this opportunity as we weaved through the Pennsylvania countryside towards the Highlights Foundation’s campus. When we pulled into the driveway, I felt as though this was where I was meant to be.


The Barn.

Darcy and Leslie made us feel welcomed. We ate dinner. And then we dove right into writing lessons. A mere two hours later, I sat down in my comfy, cozy room, took out my manuscripts and eww, eww, ewwed all the way through. Which did not feel so comfy and cozy, but made me realize that this was exactly where I needed to be.

Over the next few days we learned how to generate valid story ideas. We learned how to harvest words and place them properly into stories. To create pitches for agents or editors, and keep our focus while writing. We learned about structure, voice, rhythm, and editing. And so much more.

My brain operated at full speed. Learning and writing was all I wanted to do. I hardly slept. And I LOVE my sleep. One morning I awoke with a jolt at 4:17 with an idea bred from a newly learned technique. I grabbed paper and pen, and feverishly wrote.

I treasured being immersed in writing, elbow to elbow with peers sharing the same passion. We celebrated accomplishments. We supported each other through the joys and pains of becoming better writers.

Back at home, I missed that camaraderie. But not for long. Lindsey, one of the other attendees, started a private Facebook group where we continue to share in one another’s journey.

Jazzed Jeanne

 

Thanks to PB&J, I am equipped with valuable knowledge, an even stronger desire to write, and have a support group. JAZZED. My only regret is not taking this workshop sooner!

OTHER WORKSHOP BONUSES:

·         FOUR priceless critiques!

·        Getting to know our intelligent, patient, and kind instructors.

·        Meeting and listening to Kelly Bennett, Kelsey Murphy, and Tim Gillner.

·         Distractions were at a minimum.

·         The gracious and generous staff.

·        And oh, the food! I’m still savoring the apple chutney pork chops and that wild rice dish, and the specially made gluten-free peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies! Mmmm . . .

 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Everyone interested in writing picture books. All levels.

HOW TO PREPARE? Read, read, read classics and newly published picture books.
WHAT TO BRING? A laptop, one or two of your favorite picture books, imagination, and your passion for writing. Of course clothing and toiletries are helpful, too.

 

#Workshop #Highlights #PictureBooks #WritersLife #Author #GetBrave #LiveLife

The Story Behind the Cover




Click the pic to adventure to BRAVE on Amazon.com.

I wanted a cover that would stand out. That would grab attention, draw people in, and make them curious about the adventure inside.

 

But I wondered where to start. I decided the beginning would be a good place: The spray can.

 

It starts the story and acts as a catalyst to get the events rolling, but it’s symbolic as well. As the story builds, the pressure rises, and Corey, the main character, gets shaken up. He must find his brave from within.

But the cover’s design was a mere scribble on paper. I needed help to make the cover happen. I am fortunate to have met two talented individuals. Artist Crystal Owens created the funky-cool spray can. And graphic designer Lilli Shacklett deftly positioned the title, summary, and my name. She also suggested that I create a tagline.

That’s when Allen Moscowitz, Teri Ridlon, and myself put on our thinking caps. And quickly came up with: It started with a dare and ended with a legend.

So now I double-dog dare you to open the cover, and brave the legend.  

Brave-ly Done

Brave: It started with a DARE and ended with a LEGEND

As I held the print of my finished book cover, I realized I was feeling a lot like the paint can I was viewing: a bit shook up and ready to spray tears, overcome with emotion. A week later, holding a copy of the proof, I felt as though I had reached the pinnacle of a mountain after a long upward hike.

Though the climb to The End was a bit arduous at times, it was also filled with triumphs, and laughter, and was anything but lonely. My heart is filled with love for all those who journeyed with me. Such as the McWriters, my critique group, who guided and supported me. My friends and family who encouraged me. And the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators which enables a community of artists to gather, and fueled the passion of writing within me.

And then this last stretch included the collaborative efforts of my artist friend, Crystal Owens, and graphic designer, Lilli Shacklett, who transformed my concept into the completed cover above.

Brave was created by a village. Truly. 

Brave will be available on July 7^th for $7.95 in paperback in honor of the most special character I’ve created: my son, Austin, who was born July 7^th in ’95. Brave will also be available for Kindle. 

Brave Summary:

Teen Corey Johnson learns he is a Native American the same day he is told that he may be the one. The one to save his town from a centuries old curse. A curse born from a Native American legend that involves a man-eating mountain. But Corey doubts his abilities and wonders if it is really the legend, or a grumpy, old man nicknamed Ogreson, who is making the more recent teens disappear.