CAN YOU WRITE A RHYMING PICTURE BOOK? 

My client Patty thinks writing a rhyming picture book is a piece of cake.  She's not alone—many people feel the same way.  But it's much harder than it looks.  The rhymes and meter should flow like a gentle river.  On top of that, a rhyming book, like all children's books should have some tension and a steady pace so the story moves along effortlessly.  

Patty had composed 30 couplets to tell the story.  When I read her work, I found a few places where the story dragged.  Some stanzas needed to be removed to improve the pace or flow of the story.  It was important to cut unnecessary lines that didn't advance the plot.  

Next, I began to concentrate on the meter (or beats).  Throughout the piece the meter was uneven.  This is kind of like clapping out of time to a song.   

For example, one line may have had ten beats (or stressed syllables) and the following line may have had eight.  That's a problem.  The rhythm was off.  The couplets needed to have the same number of syllables or the story would not sound smooth when read out loud.  

Once the meter was adjusted, I focused on the rhyme at the end of each couplet.  Rhyme has to be spot on, no cheating.  For instance, day and stage is not a true rhyme, but day and say would work.  Using a website like Rhymezone can help writers find better rhyming choices.

Then after improving the meter and the rhyming, I read the piece again to see if there was enough tension.  In Patty's story, the main character had a problem, but she solved the problem too easily.  Patty needed to make it more difficult for the character to reach her goal.  So, with this story a stanza or two had to be created to bring about more tension.   

As you can see with this example, meter, rhyme, tension, and flow are important factors to consider when writing a rhyming picture book.  

If you are interested in writing a rhyming story, here are some more things to keep in mind: 

• Know that when you query a rhyming picture books, agents may be less likely to accept it.  Agents are leery of rhyming books and they are on the lookout for forced rhyme that does not advance the plot.   

• Read other rhyming picture books to see how to achieve perfect rhyme.  Learn from other writers how they managed to pull off rhyme.

• Find another trusted to person to read your work.  Get their thoughts and revise accordingly.

• Read your work aloud.  If you find places where you stumble on a word or the rhythm is choppy, it's time to rethink those phrases.  When you read the story out loud, it should flow effortlessly, as smoothly as a gentle river.

A lot of people think it's easy to get a picture book published.  But the truth is, writing for kids is tough.  Writing a rhyming picture book is even tougher.  But if you can perfect the meter and rhyme and create enough tension and flow, you will have the essentials for writing a rhyming children's book. 

✌ and ♥

Here is an excellent article on writing rhyming books for kids:

https://brookevitale.com/blog/anapestic-and-iambic-tetrameter-in-rhyming-childrens-books

                                                                                                                                                                  Photo: Md Mahdi

AM I A GOOD WRITER? 

The title of this blog is personal.  Though I've been published in national magazines, won literary awards, and had a picture book published, I still question my talent.  Crazy, huh? 

Receiving rejections gives me doubts.

Failing to place in a writing contest gives me doubts. 

Reading about writers signing agents on Twitter give me doubts.

These doubts add up and take a toll on me.  Doubts kill my confidence in finding an agent.  

I'm smart enough to realize being negative will get me nowhere.  I have to move on and look at the positive aspects of writing.  

My critique partner (a published writer) tells me she loves and believes in my manuscripts. 

An agent sent me a lengthy email gushing about my strength as a writer.   

Another agent ask to see more of my manuscripts.   

Surely, all of these positive things are signs that I'm on the right path to finding an agent who'll believe in my work.  The hardest thing for me is to believe.  There are several things that help:

I give it my all every day.

I stay true to my voice while keeping my young audience in mind.  

I seek critiques and then revise.

I do my homework to submit to agents who would be open to my style.  

I surround myself with encouraging people and writers.

While my husband Jim and I were taking a walk, we talked my frustrations and all of the obstacles that make finding representation difficult.  Agents close their submission windows frequently or they want author/illustrators or they only want referrals.  And these days, chances of getting an agent are greater for LGBTQ+ authors and writers of color.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not jealous.  Their voices need to be heard.  

Jim encourages me to have fun writing new pieces and enjoy the journey.  I try to keep that in mind, but deep down inside I have a burning desire to be represented by an agent.  

The road to publication will always have challenges.  There will be highs and lows.  The trick is to not dwell too long on the lows, but to celebrate the highs.  To cherish them.  To savor them.  When I think of my achievements and how much I've grown as a writer, my confidence grows.  If I can focus on accomplishments and stay steady on my path, I will be able to leave the doubts behind.  

✌ and ♥