Smell a flower
Smell a flower
Writing advice from Margaret Wise Brown
Why hello there!
I hope those of you who celebrated had a lovely Halloween. Last week my husband and I braved a few haunted houses. Afterwards, we were chatting about why I often laugh through the whole thing even though I’m terrified, and he wisely said, “You often deal with fear by laughing.” LIGHTBULB MOMENT!
I spent a lot time time feeling scared as a kid (and honestly as an adult too). But when I look back, I realized it shaped my sense of humor. Creativity gave me a way to turn my fear into a good experience so I could move forward in difficult circumstances. I use the same strategy as an adult by making funny picture books based on my biggest fears and anxieties.
Anyway, my point is…the next time you see a brunette laughing her way through a haunted house, now you’ll think, “Wow, she really has it together” rather than “Who’s that weirdo?” ;)
Onto the…
Creative nugget!
Creative inspiration
Watch: Shawn Harris read his book called Have You Ever Seen a Flower (gorgeous Caldecott honor in the spirit of today’s creative nugget)
Listen: Friday I’m in Love by The Cure (because it’s Tuesday and I think it’s funny)
Read: This article about Margaret Wise Brown (she is so fascinating!)
What’s cooking?
This month I’m working on a new picture book dummy and a few manuscripts. I also recently got an idea for an early reader, so I’m going to read lots of early readers to learn more about the format. What are you working on? Let’s cheer each other on!
I’ve got some exciting things coming up including a way that we as a nugget community can change the world together. More soon!
Thanks for sitting with me AT THE KID TABLE! I’ll save you a seat next week.
All the best from your hoping-she-can-laugh-through-scary-movies-too-after-getting-recommendations-from-you-all friend,
Rachel