I read through my book another time. Did we catch them all? Time will tell.
Sometimes I just get the feeling there will be a glaring error that we don’t find until after it’s out. We’ve all put a lot of time and effort into it, but nobody’s perfect. It’s so much better than the first draft I put to paper, though sometimes it’s hard to remember back that far.
One day I’ll put together all the things I’ve learned writing novels and tell everyone what not to do.
I just hope people dig the story. I have the acknowledgment, dedication, discussion guide, copyright, and a story that wants to grab attention. The final cover is now available on the Art of Science page. I’m so excited! My proofread copy also has the ISBN numbers, so looks like I’m ready to finish up everything.
Wow. Where does the time go? It’s like it was just yesterday that I was amazed I finished a novel. Not really, but it does feel like this last little bit has just flown by.
So far, the book is winning. Received the author’s proof PDF today. So, I sat down to read a book I’ve read many times before, that I wrote.
I made it over halfway through so far. Marking up random things that haven’t translated. You’d think we’d have caught everything with as many eyes have gone over this manuscript by now. Most of it is simply formatting for the printer. Okay, all but one definitely are, but reading through another time to make certain that’s all there is.
I think I can get through this by Monday.
Perhaps the book will be done first? All I know is I’m in for a very interesting month.
With only a couple days until I get my copy to review before publication, I’m sitting on pins and needles. I received the final copy of the cover. It’ll be up on the other page by the end of the weekend.
It seems to be moving so fast now. It’ll be done before I know it!
In other news, I’ll be finishing up my media kit so we’re ready to run with it when we make sure there are no flaws (read: as few as humanly possible).
I also want to have a book launching party. While it’d be easiest to do in Des Moines near where I live, I wonder about the best location. I think I might be able to do a reading at the library, but other than that I’m still thinking of ways to reach the people. The next question, of course, is when.
Then there could be an online aspect to a book launch. Could be a fun way to go. Again there is a timing issue.
While I do not have an exact date for the book just yet, I did hear from my publisher today. Sounds like it is coming out this month!
It’s going to be exciting. There are still so many things to be done and planned. It’s hard to believe.
Beginning to work on a list for more research. I think my life has so many lists now.
Everyone is amazed when I say I’m having twins because I’m so small, I bet. Then I clarify one is a book and one is a baby… and they might both debut this month. It really does feel like twins.
I bet only authors and parents understand that, and I bet they could say it better. However, I’m pretty sure one takes more time and determination before the debut, and the other one will require much more later.
Bio: Karen Cioffi and Robyn Feltman are advocates of education, reading and the environment. Two of their favorite sayings are:
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained”
“You must be the change you want to see in the world”
Karen Cioffi is a former accountant turned author and freelance writer. She has a number of articles in ezinearticles.com. Karen spends part of her day managing Virtual Book Tours and her blog, following up on emails, and writing. She also watches her toddler grandson and baby grandson two days a week. She is co-moderator of another yahoo group, Intense Writing which covers children’s stories from picture books to young adult. She is currently revising a chapter book, Walking Through Walls and working on a articles for children’s magazines. In addition to this she and Robyn are working on another picture book and a science fiction middle grade short story. Karen plays a little piano and guitar and does art work for friends and family. She lives with her husband, Donald Ventrice, in New York City.
Do you have a personal philosophy about life?
My personal philosophy is based on words from the Bible: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” These are two simple sentences that if the world adhered to would eliminate all wars, murders, violence and theft.
There are a couple of other adages that I believe in such as: nothing ventured nothing gained, try, try and try again, and you must be the change you want to see in the world.
And finally, life to a large degree is what we make of it. Don’t want too much out of life – just the basics: health, peace and happiness. Then when pleasant surprises or perks come along you truly appreciate them. I think a lot of today’s younger generation don’t understand that one.
What’s in the future pertaining to your writing?
I am venturing into writing magazine articles. I have several published on Ezine Articles and will continue to use that venue. But, very soon, I will submit a non-fiction article to a children’s magazine. I’m not sure which magazine yet; I have a list of possibilities though. This is actually an assignment in the Children’s Writers Coaching Club. I will also write articles geared toward magazines other than children’s.
What is the most difficult part of writing for children?
I have a couple of problems that I’m working on. One is I need to use age appropriate words. I tend to use words that are too difficult for the age group I’m writing for. I also need to work on my “show, don’t tell,” although that one goes for all writing.
What are a couple of your best tips for aspiring children’s authors?
The first tip I would give is to learn about writing for children. You can do this by taking courses or by researching online, reading books geared toward that topic, and reading many, many, many children’s books.
Also, you can join a writing coach’s class/club.
Next, I would advise the aspiring author to join a good children’s critique group. There is so much that is caught by those extra eyes.
Also, it is important to join groups such as The Society for Children’s Book Writing and Illustrating. I personally also joined the Chidren’s Writers Coaching Club with Suzanne Lieurance. This is when I began to learn about the business of writing.
Finally, I would say if possible attend a conference. My first conference was this October, the Muse Online Conference. It was amazing.
Bedtime is the most precious time between a loved one and a child. Day’s End Lullaby will soothe any precious little one to sleep after a long day of play. I look forward to sharing this book with my daughter every night and waiting for Mr. Sandman to kiss her thoughts to dreams.
Veronica DePaolo
Assistant Principal, The Abigail Adams School
Jamaica, New York
Do you wonder how many people notice small errors? It’s one thing to misspell a word here or there, but what about a consistent misspelling? Or when you use the wrong word entirely?
I know authors and editors all comb through books several times to make sure things are error-free, but I also know sometimes things sneak in at the last moment.
Readers, I hear, mark out the wrong words and spell them correctly if it bothers them. I’m actually not one to do that. I don’t usually mark up books at all. If I read them often they begin to get soft on the bindings. (I’m a paperback sort of girl – I only get hardcovers on sale.) Still, I enjoy the story even if a typo sneaks in. When something becomes riddled with errors it becomes painful to sort out the story, which is why we proofread at all.
The weirdest thing I ran into with books I’ve purchased – I have one book that repeats about 50 pages. I don’t have 50 pages, and I have yet to call the publisher and ask after them. (Shame on me.) I don’t read it often enough to wonder what happened in the missing section, but it intrigued me that the book made it to the shelves that way.
This book is historical fiction, set in 1899. Ranching has changed over the years, and how it affects the life of the kids who work them with their families changes, too. Vivian pieced together a typical day for Buddy Roberts. Be sure to comment on this blog and the others on the tour – there will be a drawing for canvas bags. You’ll want to leave a way to contact you if you win, as well. Good luck!
What is a typical day like?
Before Buddy started to school, and before fences had been strung around the pastures, he would be up before daylight to help milk the cows. After breakfast, he and his dog, Patch, would herd the few cows and their calves (if there were any) to the pasture. In winter, Buddy would construct an “igloo” of tumble weeds which were held together by snow and ice when available. The boy would huddle inside with his dog, who would be able to tell if one of the cows wandered away. Then boy and dog would run after the cow and bring her back.
Sometimes he might have lunch of whatever was left from breakfast, food that he brought with him. Other times, a neighboring rancher would bring something hot for him to eat.
Late in the afternoon, Buddy and Patch would herd the cows home and put them in the corral. If the water in the trough had frozen, the boy would break the ice so the cattle could drink. Then he would help with the night milking, feed and water the chickens before finally having supper. After supper he headed for bed.
By the time Buddy started to school, the rancher to the south of the farm and some of Buddy’s uncles fenced the pastures. Buddy would feed and water chickens and herd the cows to the pasture after helping with the morning milking. Then he ate breakfast and rode to school with his friends. After he got home, he did chores including herding the cows home on foot with Patches help.
Once Buddy worked on the ranch, he usually stayed there except on weekends, when he returned to the farm to do the heavy farming.
How old is he?
At the beginning of the book, Buddy isn’t quite five years old. By the end of the book, he’s eighteen.
Does he enjoy ranching?
All Buddy ever wanted to do was be a cowboy, and to farm part of the homestead that he thought he would share with his older brother some day.
When did he start working out there?
Buddy never knew anything but work. The life in frontier days was hard, and children started working from an early age. However, he never complained — except when he finally was able to work on the ranch for Caleb Hyman and Caleb asked him to move large rocks out of the roadway so that the wagon wheels wouldn’t break. Buddy didn’t think that was work for a cowboy.
Buddy started “cowboying” with his best friends Craig and Cody Hyman when he was about ten.
When did he stop schooling?
Due to Caleb’s influence, Buddy attended school through the twelfth grade. He refused, though, to allow Caleb send him to college with the twins.
Most children didn’t attend school past the eighth grade, if they attended that long. Often, too, children attended sporadically. Buddy was fortunate because the Hyman’s took him into their family with their children and expected him to attend school.
All this fascinates me, especially because I grew up on a farm. Many kids still start work at a young age, but mostly just by helping their parents with chores. My brother-in-law raises sheep – my niece started around age four accompanying him during the afternoon or on weekends. However, today’s children finish school through college, even if their intention is to go back to the farm or ranch they came from to work. Many can learn more about the animals or crops they tend during those high school and college years.
This book is available at Amazon and directly through 4RV Publishing, LLC. Be sure to check it out and see the beauty of old time ranching, along with the toughness of the people who helped tame the land.
rating: 5 of 5 stars This book has a conversational style that keeps you turning pages. I also found it to be thought-provoking about current projects I’m writing. It’s helpful to think about the beginning, but the author also makes a good point that most books about writing don’t include how to look at a project as a whole. I’d recommend this to any would-be writer.
Lea Schizas joined me for an interview on her blog tour for Bubba and Giganto. I’ve run into Lea a few times as another author with 4RV and also through the Muse Online Conference.
What inspired you to write Bubba and Giganto?
I find kids nowadays have no understanding of the hurt they cause to other children by their bullying. Bullying can be anything from name calling, shunning because of how one looks or dresses, to the actual physical pushing and shoving. There are consequences for their actions. All of these areas I use to get the message to children that bullying is a no win situation.
Past events in my children’s lives was the inspiration to write about. Although my children were brought up knowing making fun of others, or pushing others is not acceptable, they were in situations where they were bullied because they stood up to help other children who were being terrorized. I’m talking about elementary age here. Very frightening that they start so early, and because of this I believe the more books that show consequences, various ways to combat anger and frustrations, can only be a plus in a child’s life.
What themes are woven through the book? How do you insert them, or do your characters decide for you?
My characters show me the way in most of my books. I create, flesh them out, but when the story begins they take a life of their own. The themes I use are:
Friendships and its importance
bullying, its outcomes, and the danger associated with it
the victim’s need to retaliate but in a way that is dangerous to them
and soccer, a sport that can help to learn sportsmanship
You said you like to end chapters like episodes in comic books.
I love to use cliffhanging chapter endings only to entice the child to continue reading. As writers we need to instill a love for reading and writing in our younger generation. Since kids love to read comic books I figured the closest connection – seeing how my books for that age level don’t have pictures – is to use these cliffhanging endings, use humor that kids can relate to, come as close to their ‘lingo’ as possible, and use social themes they can associate with.
What do you hope to give kids or inspire in them with your writing?
The most important thing for me is to instill a love for reading. That’s why I believe with all my heart that writers need to try and touch kids with their words using areas kids can relate to: using humor, their ‘now’ speech, and characters they can step into their shoes and say, “Wow, sounds like me.”
What do your characters teach you, if anything?
They teach me patience. I try to move them at my pace but that never goes as planned. They have their own speed I need to work with.
The reviewer said ‘another surprise ending.” Do you ever get surprised by your endings?
Oh heck, yes, all the time. I write when I get a title. From the title I know who my characters are and what the obstacle will be. As for the ending, that pace I mentioned above, comes from my characters and they lead me to their conclusions.
How do you spend your downtime? (Do you get downtime as a full-time mom and writer?)
Downtime? Shoot, I knew there was something I was missing. I read, watch TV, go to the movies, play board games with my kids, and if there’s time…I sleep.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’ve begun another adventure with Bubba and Giganto. This time the boys will combat students’ indifferences when it comes to children who have disabilities.
I hope you check out Lea and her book as well as continuing with the tour.
The Art of Science may not quite have a release date yet, but with the finishing touches, it’s getting very close.
Check out the new page to see the cover and the back blurb. Comments are welcome and I hope you’re almost as excited as I am. (I’d love it if you were more excited, but I’ve had time to build it up!)
Now I get to do all the things that come next: Promotion, promotion, promotion!
Ransom Noble 