Rx for Writers

Transcripts

February 17, 2000

MODERATOR is Kristi Holl, your Web Editor for this site. Kristi has 22 middle grade novels to her credit, as well as 100+ articles for children and adults.

Victoria is Victoria Sherrow, author of more than 60 books, including l0 picture books. (Two of the series Victoria has written for were named in the "Ten Best Series of 1998" by Booklist.) She knows how to spot good ideas!

Names color coded in blue are audience members.

MODERATOR: Hello, everyone! Tonight you're in for a mind-expanding time with Victoria Sherrow as she discusses how "Ideas Are Everywhere!" Award winning writer Victoria Sherrow is the author of more than 60 books, including l0 picture books. She knows how to spot good ideas! Tonight Victoria shares how to follow up when something catches your interest and turn this interest into books and articles. Welcome, Victoria!

Victoria: Hello, everyone. I'm pleased to be here and hope I can share some good tips and ideas.

MODERATOR: Victoria, as I mentioned, you're the author of over 60 books at this time. Can you take our viewers back to the beginning and tell us how you got started in this business?

Victoria: I began writing as a career in 1979 although my interest dates back to childhood when I loved to read and write both in school and at home. In 1978 I moved to Los Angeles and was between jobs. I had read Lee Wyndham's book on writing for children with the thought of doing just that someday and this seemed like a good time, especially since I found out there was a conference on writing for children held in L.A. each year. I attended one, where I learned some basics of how to market and submit work. Then I just started writing. My first stories were rejected, but I kept at it and sold a story to Highlights about a year after I began, and I kept practicing and working on it until I sold a few more stories, then a picture book in 1981, but there were lots of rejections along the way!

MODERATOR: You've been a very versatile writer. Can you give us an idea of the age range and fiction/nonfiction you've published?

Victoria: I've published short stories and nonfiction articles for ages 3 through young adult, fiction for preschool and elementary age, and nonfiction for preschool through adult.

MODERATOR: What are you currently working on now, if you can say?

Victoria: Well, I just finished a book about Cuba for ages 11-15 and a book for reluctant middle school readers on the environmental disaster at Love Canal, New York. My most recent publication is a picture book biography about the Olympic athlete, Wilma Rudolph, and a nonfiction book about the atomic bomb for young adults is due out soon.

christine collier: If we are told that nonfiction sells 10 to 1 over fiction, but we very much prefer fiction, should we stick with what we enjoy or try to expand?

Victoria: I think you should write what has the most meaning and excites you the most, yet be open to the idea of writing both, because a nonfiction idea might also appeal to you at some point. Being published is a great feeling when you are starting out, plus you can polish your craft writing either one.

DebO: You obviously enjoy writing non-fiction. What is it about it that keeps your interest and makes you want to keep writing it?

Victoria: I have a lot of curiosity about many things and a broad education that included history, science, and social sciences. I have always read a lot of nonfiction, including biographies, so I enjoy exploring these topics myself. At times, it is like being paid to learn, although there is obviously a lot of work involved in thoroughly researching and writing on these topics.

MODERATOR: Let's move to the topic of the evening: finding ideas for your writing. One of the first questions writers are asked is, "Where do you get your ideas?" So let's start there. Where do YOU get your ideas?

Victoria: They really do come from so many places, and as I have been working with different editors, the ideas may come from them as well when they are developing titles or series which they assign to writers. The ideas that I have proposed have come from real-life experiences, things I have read, places I have seen. Writing tends to spring from what you know, what you think, what you imagine, and you can build on those by reading and being actively involved in life and remaining curious about things you see, hear, read, etc.

BlueBeetleNamedDaisy: Do you find that you get ideas from your own children?

Victoria: Ah, yes! For nonfiction, I've paid attention to the school curriculum as they have gone through different grades. But, curiously enough, one of my picture book ideas (Wilbur Waits) deals with the impatience of young children and the way time passes slowly when they are eager to do something, and I wrote that when my two youngest were still toddlers.

DebO: How do you decide if a topic is worth pursuing in book form? Do you test your ideas before you start writing?

Victoria: That's a really important question. Yes, some ideas will hold up while others may not. I begin by checking to see what else has been written on the topic I'm considering, and I check Books in Print and Children's Books in Print, for example, and I also look critically at the idea as I begin an outline and consider themes for the different chapters or sections of the book. I also consider whether I can "tell a story" well with the topic, because good nonfiction does tell a story in its own way.

MODERATOR: Why is having a "great idea" so important? What if you have really strong writing skills? Is the idea itself so critical?

Victoria: The idea really must be strong in itself, whether fiction or nonfiction. Editors have to reject many VERY well-written manuscripts if the material itself does not have something meaningful to say or if the topic is too familiar or has been done too many times before. Their job is to produce something of value, something people will find useful and worth reading, possibly many times in the case of picture books, for instance.

MODERATOR: You're said in an article on this subject that "successful writers spot ideas that others may pass by." Can you elaborate on that? Maybe give some examples from your own writing?

Victoria: Yes, I've found this to be true for me and many other writers, that they are "tuned in" to things and alert to possible writing material in everyday life, or when they pick up a magazine or newspaper or watch TV. You can find characters on a playground or at a sports event, plot ideas in a fast-food restaurant, a nonfiction topic in the vet's office. These are the kinds of things I am thinking of, and I've heard other authors describe similar experiences. Eve Bunting, for example, has written more than 100 books and once said she gets great ideas from clipping newspaper articles, including a book about skateboarding when this was just gaining popularity and a fiction book she wrote about illegal aliens trying to cross the California border. There are so many examples of this. People can find ideas in their hobbies, sports, travel experiences, down the street at an historic site in their hometown.

MODERATOR: Do you keep an idea file? And from a viewer . . .

buffie: How do you keep track of ideas for future use?

Victoria: Oh, yes, actually several of them, both in the computer and in cabinets and drawers. I have files for both nonfiction and fiction ideas, including things like "biography," "characters," "plot," and clippings from magazines, newspapers, interesting photos, brochures. Some have turned into stories, articles, and books, while others are waiting. One example of a file that piled up and did make it into a book is one I wrote a few years ago on the Great Depression. This topic had interested me since childhood when I heard my parents' and their friends' childhood experiences, and I read about it off and on for years. Then an editor offered me a chance to write about an historic period in the 20th century, and I asked about this one. I had even kept some letters in which my aunts described life during the Depression and was able to use these in the book, which meant a lot to them, too.

BlueBeetleNamedDaisy: When you pick up an idea from these types of media [like newspapers], do you usually come up with the theme and then proceed to work out a storyline? Or do you attempt to come up with the plot first, and the theme later?

Victoria: Most of the ideas I have used from the news were nonfiction topics, and some of them were about events or people, so these were combined with other materials on the same subject for nonfiction books. However, I have heard other authors describe just clipping something that intrigued them, then developing a plot later and, as they worked on that plot, the theme emerged, too.

MODERATOR: Do you ever combine several ideas together to produce a piece of writing?

Victoria: Yes, I do. One example is a book I wrote about work-play parties in early America. The initial "spark" for that book came during childhood in Ohio when I saw Amish farms and a barn-raising. Through the years, I occasionally read about other similar ways in which early Americans helped each other and made certain chores into celebrations, for instance corn-huskings, apple-parings, and quiltings. I had kept a bundle of related articles in a folder, and, while looking through it, decided to propose a book that would include these things, organized in chapters with similar activities. The book became Huskings, Quiltings, and Barn-Raisings. The idea of describing that sense of community and helpfulness toward one's neighbors also gave the book an overall theme.

Ducky: Do you have to sort these clippings out often to keep from getting overrun with paper?

Victoria: I do occasionally weed out things if I don't think I'm going to use them, and I have put my "idea files" in the computer instead of on paper. But I do have quite a collection of clippings and have tried to organize them as efficiently as possible.

bernie: Do you know when clipping something, whether you will use it for a nonfiction project, or a fiction one? If so do you file them differently?

Victoria: That's a good point, because often you can use these materials for both fiction and nonfiction. For instance, an interesting place that you might write about in an article can become a story setting as well. As far as filing things, I file by topics, e.g. Civil War, Famous People, History of Food (for nonfiction stuff) and files like Characters for fiction. But I might end up using things from nonfiction files to develop a plot, setting, or historical fiction idea.

buffie: How do you put your "idea files" into the computer? Do you scan articles/photos?

Victoria: These are just written ideas. At one time, I kept lists of possible titles, people to write about, interesting animals, etc. on paper and I now type them into computer files.

buffie: Do you use a data base or Word file for your ideas when you put them on the computer?

Victoria: My idea file is short enough that I can find things pretty well just by using word find to locate things like "biography" or another key topic.

MODERATOR: Why is it important to write about something that interests you?

Victoria: For one thing, you will be spending a great deal of time on the material, so you would want to choose a subject that will sustain your interest. I also believe one's enthusiasm (or lack) can come through in the writing, so that if you are not moved, stimulated, excited by what you are writing, you may well lose your reader's interest.

MODERATOR: Does being active and involved with life yield story and book ideas?

Victoria: It's important not just for getting ideas for writing projects but also because it helps with the process of writing dialogue, developing realistic characters, and having something to say about life and human experiences.

MODERATOR: That's so true! Most of us don't lead very exotic lives. Where can "regular" people find ideas that work?

Victoria: As we were discussing earlier, writing comes from what we know, what we think, what we imagine, and we can increase our stores of information and experience without leaving our hometowns. Reading is certainly one way to get ideas flowing, whether it's a newspaper or a copy of National Geographic or a crafts magazine. We can visit local museums, nature centers, historic houses, businesses. Think about what children might be curious to know. Does your town have a toymaking factory? A child who has done something special? Is there a local fair where people bring their largest pumpkins (or whatever) to compete? Can you interview a veterinarian about a topic kids would find interesting? Do you wonder where something came from--popcorn, chewing gum, balloons? And we all have memories of childhood, too, that we can draw on for ideas. Some writers come up with ideas by brainstorming for titles. They come up with several titles, just whatever comes to mind without thinking too hard, then pick one and start to write and they see what happens. Sometimes, something wonderful happens. If not, if the idea doesn't work, you try another. Practicing helps us improve, even if the particular piece is not what we were hoping for.

MODERATOR: Magazines always want seasonal material, but so much has been done to death. Where can we find unusual seasonal ideas?

Victoria: My writing students often ask this question, too. There are some other seasonal topics and holidays, like Arbor Day or Grandparents Day, that are not written about as often.

MODERATOR: In your article on this subject, you said, "Be alert and ask questions--about people, events, and processes." What kinds of questions should we ask to get to the heart of a story?

Victoria: Of course, one of the first questions we learn to ask as writers is "what if?" This is often an effective way to get an idea flowing and work on a plot. But when working on fiction, it's vital to delve into the character's motivation and to show what makes that character unique as well as universal. This is something that is sometimes difficult to put into words, but we all know when we read something that inspires or moves us that the author has done that extra work of finding a meaningful theme and making those connections. Some of the questions I ask as I work on a manuscript include: What will the reader take away after reading this? What values are inherent in either the plot (or if nonfiction) the events?

DebO: How do you make something universal as well as unique?

Victoria: In fiction, much of the uniqueness comes from telling a person's story, and you are working to develop realistic, "rounded" characters who are not stereotypical so that while you are telling a person's story, the plot that unfolds and that person's experiences also have certain universal themes and messages. This sounds so abstract, I'll try to think of an example. Think of the Wizard of Oz, a real classic, and how through Dorothy's unique experiences, the author connects with universal feelings about home and family.

Maudy: Do you have any particular reference books for ideas that you might use as an idea resource?

MODERATOR: In the Children's Writer Guide to 2000 there is a big section on "Idea Generation" that includes four chapters. That book can be ordered through the Institute. What others would you recommend, Victoria?

Victoria: Regarding reference books, I have collected a few for home use, but you can also find many in the library reference section. For example, there are books about holidays around the world, famous people in various careers, almanacs and atlases, even an atlas of historical events. I also have found calendars that note special days throughout the year. You might also consider upcoming anniversaries of special events, such as the 100th anniversary of ----. Authors often find things they want to write about tie in with these anniversaries. I'm thinking of the Statue of Liberty, the Constitution, things like that.

MODERATOR: Also, in the Writing Tips section of the "Rx for Writers" on this site, there is a category of articles called "Getting Ideas." You might try there, Maudy.

bitsy: I'm a new writer. Normally in what person do you write nonfiction?

Victoria: All of my nonfiction has been in a third-person narrative, but if you were writing an autobiography or experience that happened to you, you could use first-person. There are some wonderful first-person nonfiction accounts by the people who lived them, and these also make good resources if you are writing on that topic.

MODERATOR: What if the editor already has the ideas, such as with a series? How can writers get assignments for existing series ideas?

Victoria: My first nonfiction book was a series book and I got the assignment by contacting the editor. The company had posted a description of its series in a Society of Children's Book Writer's newsletter and asked interested authors to contact them, so I wrote, offering to write one. The series was called Remarkable Animals and the books were fairly short. I took a look at the books in the library and thought I could write one. I sent a cover letter and some samples of my nonfiction writing and expressed a real interest. Many editors are willing to consider new authors if their writing seems suitable for their type of series. Writers who would like to write for a series can find out about them in several ways, depending on whether the series is new or has some existing titles. Visiting the library is important, because you can see the books firsthand. You can read about new series the way I did, by reading bulletins and newsletters, including the Institute Newsline, where editors send their "wants and needs." Then if you are interested in a particular series, write a letter to the editor of that company, briefly describe your credentials, and enclose samples of your work. Some series editors are willing to work with new authors, too, if they can develop an outline and sample chapter that looks promising.

Carole k: How would you get The Institute Newsline?

Victoria: That's a publication of The Institute of Children's Literature that contains articles about writing and marketing information.

MODERATOR: What kinds of nonfiction series are there? Often our ideas here are very limited.

Victoria: There are ongoing series and series with a specific, limited number of titles, for instance, a series on the fifty states. Lucent books publishes several ongoing nonfiction series, including their World History books and "The Way People Live" series. Authors also come up with their own series ideas and contract to write them all, or an editor may ask an author he or she has worked with to do a certain title. Among the other publishers who do nonfiction series are Blackbirch, Facts On File, Millbrook Press, Twenty First Century Books, and Enslow Publishers. And of course, there are fiction series, including favorites like the Magic School Bus, Babysitters Club, and many others.

DebO: Can you describe the process you go through when you sit down to write?

Victoria: The process for writing a nonfiction book involves developing an outline and themes for each chapter or section of the book. I work on the different sections as well as aiming to develop an overall "storyline" that helps the book to flow from one chapter to the next, as you would want with fiction, too. I tend to do a lot of research before I start the actual writing, and as I read and think about the topic, the outline becomes more detailed and more clear. I also tend to write the first chapter last if it is an introduction-type chapter, because it will reflect what is to come.

Maudy: What criteria do you use to determine if an idea is a GOOD one?

Victoria: Often, I ask people I trust, such as editors, children's librarians, or teachers, depending on the type of idea. Again, this might vary for nonfiction versus fiction. With short fiction, I will usually just write and see how it develops and read it as critically as possible when I'm done. But with nonfiction that involves a lot of research, it's a big investment of time and energy, so I want to know before I get deeply involved if the idea will work out.

buffie: Where do you do your research? Library, Internet?

Victoria: Yes to both. I use books, magazines, newspapers and I search the Internet, which has provided some wonderful material for some of my books. I also try to interview people and see places I'm writing about when that is possible.

DebO: How long will you spend in researching as opposed to the actually writing of the book?

Victoria: For me, the research takes much longer than writing. Once I have the information I need, I feel like the hardest part is done, although I may continue to find out more as I write, when I need more information. Organizing the material and figuring out what to include and what to leave out is also a challenge. I write and I rewrite, sometimes several times.

SaraJ: What's an average working/writing day like for you?

Victoria: I work around my children's schedules. My youngest goes to school at 8:30 so I am usually able to get to my desk by 9 and I try to write 5-6 hours before school ends. Of course, some days, that's not possible. I may also work in the evening for a while when a deadline is fast approaching. Sitting down to write is really important, though. Practice and discipline are what help you become a better writer and finish things.

GreyWolf: What type of idea do you use to find the title for the story?

Victoria: Like many people, I often write the title after the story or article is done. I will reread it and try to find words that give an idea what the story is about without giving the plot away, if it's fiction. For nonfiction, publishers often want you to use a simple title that clearly identifies the topic. Sometimes you can add to that. When I did my book on the Depression, we came up with the subtitle, Hardship and Hope, which were two major themes in the book.

Maudy: In a bibliography do you include every source you used, or just those you used the most?

Victoria: I include them all if I did use them. Most of my books have source notes that show where quotes and statistics came from.

MODERATOR: I'm sorry, as always, to have to bring this to a close, but we're out of time! Thank you so much, Victoria, for sharing your ideas about finding good ideas! We appreciate you being here.

Victoria: It was really a pleasure, Kristi. I hope I'll have a chance to come back and chat again.

MODERATOR: Do come back next week, February 24, 2000 for another "Open Forum" with me, Kristi Holl. At this point, I've published over 100 magazine articles and stories, as well as 22 books for the juvenile market. I've combined teaching for fifteen years and raising six children with writing, and welcome your questions on time management, getting started, writer's block, marketing, or anything else you'd like to discuss. Bring your QUESTIONS and OPINIONS to this moderated open forum next week. In the meantime, have a great week! And good night, all.

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