| What
to Aim For When Writing | *
Do you know what a protagonist's voice is?
*Must rhyming picture books have
a good story line?
*Having trouble with your plot and dialog?
*A Hook?
Focus? What are they and why do you need them? 
FOCUS
-
Focus means knowing where your story
is going and keeping it on track. Focus is not allowing paragraphs or pages to
develop a life of their own and wander far from the main plot. NOTE: Keep
track of the small details. Make sure you take a character from point A to point
B before you have them pop up with dialogue. Always get to the point via the shortest
route and the least number of words. Choose your words for their power and evocative
content. When descriptions and scenes go on too long, readers lose the thread.
FOCUS on the details of your plot, and avoid being sidetracked.
STORY ELEMENTS - Plot
and Character Development
Story Development
goes hand-in-hand with Focus. Before you begin writing, have a rough idea of where
the plot will take your characters. Get your main POV (point of view) character
set up fast. Your POV needs a distinctive "voice." This means the way
he talks, the way he moves, and the way he interacts with others. Give him foibles,
or mannerisms that make him stand out as unique. Get to the meat of the story
ASAP. NOTE: Always think kid! Editors (and
kids) want actions, reactions, and great dialogue.
SENTENCE STRUCTURE -
Sentence structure
needs clarity above all else, plus appropriate grammar and punctuation. Great
writers use words to paint pictures. You never have to read their sentences twice
to grasp their meaning. Sentences need to be smooth and natural - like they came
from the mind of a real person - dialogue likewise. Active and powerful verbs
are a writer's best friend. Use a good thesaurus to find new, fresh, and evocative
adjectives. Be wary of adverbs - they mostly prop up weak verbs. NOTE:
Your sentences need to draw your reader in, and show what is happening with
absolute clarity.
TIGHT
WRITING -
Tight writing is partnered with
Sentence Structure. Never use ten words when 5 will do the job. One wonderful
adjective, plus a strong verb, will give you a powerful sentence. Weak verbs,
held up by an adverb or two, plus a wishy-washy adjective, give you nothing an
editor will bother to read. If the sentence, paragraph or page, does not move
the story forward, CUT IT! NOTE: Overwriting is common. This
happens when you use too many words. Paint a clear word picture and then move
on. Waffles are for breakfast, not for books.
CHARACTER
ENRICHMENT -
Character enrichment means letting
the reader into the heart and soul of the POV. Do this by his actions, his dialogue,
and his inner thoughts and angst. Let him have faults that he overcomes. Let him
grow as a person. Make sure he has a distinctive "voice," one that remains
constant throughout the story. Your reader wants to root for, and identify with,
your lead character. NOTE: Rich characters have layers of interest.
These layers are built up chapter by chapter - a dab of information here, a little
background there, some dialogue that lets out a few secrets, etc. Dialogue that
is overheard by your POV can inject interesting facts or back- story into the
plot. Adding actions and reactions works. Beware of the "information dump."
This is when a huge chunk of detail or information is dropped onto a page. Personal
thoughts are a wonderful way of getting into the head and heart of your POV.
THE ART OF THE "HOOK"
- Writing That "Hooks" Your Reader
Hooking your reader is simple. Plenty of action, dialogue, and pace. You lose
your reader when the story wanders away from the action for too long. Build tension
by seeding hints and clues. Offer portents. Keep your writing tight. Especially
in a mystery. NOTE: End chapters with a
hook - a cliffhanger thought or event that lures the reader into turning the page.
Make it so they can't resist.
PACE
& TENSION -
Overwriting (waffling) is the enemy
of Pace. A slow build up of tension gives good pace. Dropping hints and clues
build tension, which in turn moves your story along. Short, punchy sentences give
better pace than longwinded lines. NOTE: Shorter
chapters (5-7 pages) give a feeling of faster pace.
FINAL SUGGESTION -
Make the
local librarian your friend - they love to help writers. Your librarian can recommend
classic, as well as just published books, by authors who have the genre down cold.
Dissect the plots and the characters in the books you love, and you will discover
what makes them work so well.
Bonnie
M. Schram's "Verbs to Go," a Thesaurus of Verbs,
is now available on CD. This is a must have book for all writers who want active
and powerful verbs in their writing. Cost is $20.00 including postage & shipping.
Click Bonnie's name, and check out her website for information about the extra
goodies that are offered with this CD. 
Back to Top of Page OR 
Margot's
Critique Service
Picture
Books - Mid-grades - YA
Personal Guidance is My Specialty!
NOTE:
I
need to READ your manuscript
before I quote you a final fee.
|
OR E-Mail
Me -
We can chat about your
writing.
 |
|
|
Most
publishers require a 32 page picture book to be no more than 1,000 words - preferably
much less. Printing cost is the reason PBs need to be short and sweet.
Colored illustrations are expensive to print, and should be kept to approx. 12-14
per book. Stories with more than 1,000 words need extra pages, and added illustrations.
The extra printing cost makes them too expensive. | If
you are an advanced or published writer, with a good grasp of English and grammar,
I can read your story, and then give you suggestions about adding that final polish.
This is useful for those who can rework the story themselves, with only a little
direction. . . . . . My fee for this is $30.00 An
"In-depth" Overview offers more comments, suggestions, and a
few helpful examples. . . . My fee for this is $45.00 |
PICTURE BOOK
(
Non-rhyming )
An In-depth Critique
- E-Mail
Me
|
This
includes everything in the overview, plus page by page comments and suggestions,
advice about word use, sentence length, illustrations, and why PBs do need a great
story. Helpful examples given where necessary. . . . . . My basic fee for this
is $55.00
Note: I do charge extra
if I have to prune hundreds of words or rework
your story.
|
PICTURE
BOOK
( Rhyming )
An In-depth Critique - E-Mail
Me
| This
gives you page by page help, plus suggestions that guide you through the mystery
of meter, syllable count and rhyme. My useful examples will help you develop a
smooth meter. Word choice, beginnings and endings, and the importance of story
development is included. . . . . . . My basic fee for this is $65.00 Note:
Working on correcting rhyme and meter is very time consuming, so I do charge
extra if your rhyme and meter is way off, and I have to offer examples for almost
every verse, or the plot also needs strengthening.
|
 |
| *
Mid Grade OR YA
Fiction * |
| |
| | I
can read your first three chapters, and then give you helpful suggestions about
sentence length, word choice, beginnings and endings, POV, FOCUS, how to hook
your reader, plus story development, etc. This is useful if you are an advanced
writer with a good grasp of English and grammar, and feel you can rework the story
yourself, with only a little direction. . . . . . My fee for this is $55.00 |
| | Three
chapters - this would include everything in the overview, plus page-by-page comments,
with suggestions and examples where necessary. Help with the protagonist's voice,
FOCUS, POV, dialogue & more. . . . . My basic fee for this is $95.00.
NOTE:
Contact me if you
want an idividual quote on a Critique or Overview of a complete manuscript.
|
NOTE
For Writers of MG and YA Books
Critiquing
a many chaptered book takes concentration and dedication on both our parts. Extended
time between chapter critiques means I have to keep refreshing my memory about
past crits I sent, and the previous advice I offered. The time this takes was
not factored into my original quote. When
I acept your manuscript for critique, I plan a specific time for it, and work
in other clients to fit this plan. Months of delays between chapters plays havoc
with my time, other planned critiques, and my own writing schedule. SO,
BE WARNED!
Long
delays between chapters, unless this is agreed upon ahead of time, will force
me to withdraw my help - without refund! |
PAYMENT
DETAILS Click on PayPal
to pay via their service.
(You must be a PayPal member
to pay this way) *
For payment by personal check, please E-MAIL
ME for my address. Due
to several unfortunate experiences in the past, I require my fee before I return
your completed critique. NOTE: Payment in US dollars
only! <><><><><><><><><><><><> *
MANUSCRIPT DETAILS * #1
- Please send me your manuscript or chapters as a Word (.doc)
attachment.
#2 - The fees quoted
above are only guidelines. After I read your manuscript or chapters, I will get
back to you with an initial evaluation, and quote you my fee based on that evaluation,
and what I feel will make your story shine.
#3 - DO NOT send artwork
unless requested. #4
- I require a detailed Synopsis for in-depth critiques of Mid Grade and YA books.
#5
- E-Mail Me for
"Special Quotes"
on multiple chapters.
#6 - My fee entitles you to only one critique
of the chapters you send me. However, I am happy to answer any questions you might
have. Each page will have comments, suggestions, and if neeed, examples that explain
how to change something.
#7
- Requiring me to rewrite sections of your
manuscript means that I must charge a higher fee. Please
E- Mail Me for further information.
NOTE: If my detailed
critique is not enough to help you rework your pages into a tighter, more active
and powerful story, then perhaps taking a writing lesson or two, and reading lots
of books is what you need, rather than another critique.
Testimonials: Margot:
I just wanted to let you know that you gave me the BEST advice I EVER got from
any writer. I consider myself very very lucky to learn from you. As
a result, I did not rush to submit this story - instead I'm taking all your comments
and suggestions to heart and taking each scene - one step at a time until I finally
figure out what it is I am really trying to say. That's my journey. I
love how you presented and modeled the information suited for me, by showing exactly
what I need to do, to carefully craft this story from start to finish! Much
appreciated - Dorit
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
#1
- I have used Ms. Finke's critique
service for three very different pieces and can recommend her service without
reservation. She is professional, prompt, responsive and creative. Her line by
line edits accompanied by detailed technical and structural comments were just
what I needed to take my pieces to the next level. I look forward to sending her
more pieces for critique.
Best regards,
Jo Hackl <><><><><><><><><><><><> #2
- When writing for children, every word has to count. Margot's
critique of my manuscript helped to tighten it even more than I thought was possible.
After I re-wrote it with her suggestions in mind, I couldn't believe how much
better it sounded, without losing any of the story. She has a keen eye and a great
sense of humor, which I could tell right away just from her emails. I wish I could
meet her in person. I will definitely use her again. Thanks,
Margot! Laurie
McCuddy <><><><><><><><><><><><>
#3 - I had the pleasure of working with Margot
Finke on my manuscript for nine months. Her diligent professionalism and expertise
in the field was invaluable. I would recommend her to anyone who wants to work
with a tough, but caring critic who is willing to go above and beyond the call
of duty.
Sincerely,
Denice Lewis (E-mail addies to writers
of the testimonials are available upon request)
+
Another Critique Success Story Below
When Winchell was still
learning how to con an editor into reading him, I critiqued his fun
doings for Steve. What a hoot!
Steve (talent to burn)
Young's
"Winchell
Mink"
Harper-Collins Available
in all bookstores that encourage a good laugh.
I was lucky enough to giggle
and belly laugh my way through an early version of the wild, boy becomes turtle,
and much more, saga. The kid in me loved it. I made a few suggestions. Steve asked
for more. Before I knew it, I had critiqued Winchell's turtle tale, his python
persona, and his dinosaur drama. I went head-to-head with Bobby Plungerbutt and
his "personal" problems. I was still laughing when I finished. Right
off, I knew "Winchell Mink" was a winner. I'm betting both H.C. and
Steve will laugh all the way to the bank! CLICK
for information regarding a critique
| Recommended
Writing Classes | Either
In-person or Online Please
E-MAIL me information about great writing
classes you have attended, or classes that have been recommended by writing friends
who did attended. 
Recommended
MFA Programs An
online course through "Vermont College," home of the MFA in
Writing for Children Program. For more information, write to: Alice
Eichholz
Ph.D., C.G. Director of Lifelong Learning
Union Institute & University
36 College Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
802-828-8825
email: Alice
Eichholtz
Class information:
With a focus on individual writing, students learn the elements of a good story
-- from picturebook to young adult novel. Each session features readings that
provide a foundation in elements of writing. You will then explore and discuss
how these elements fit into their own writing. through the workshops. Learning
to read as a writer is fundamentally important to your success as a writer.
Each week we will examine one element as we read classic, award-winning children's
literature, exploring how these authors make it work. Students will then apply
these principles to their writing. NOTE: this information
comes from Bobbi Miller
<*>*<*>*<*>*<*> This
group comes with a recommendation that you research them all with care.
1 - Seton
Hill: University's unique Master of Arts in Writing
Popular Fiction teaches students to write marketable novels in popular genres
like mystery, romance, science fiction, horror, and fantasy. Additional specialties
include Literature for Children and Adolescents, and cross-genre blends
like romantic suspense or young adult mysteries.
2 - Hollins
University: (which I beleive to be children's specific) Faculty includes
Alexandria LaFaye; Han Nolan, and Ruth Sanderson.
Chatham
College has an MFA program in creative writing in
which you can specialize in writing for children and adolescents. They alsothey
have a certificate program in writing for children and adolescents. The head of
the program is Kathy Ayres, a gifted teacher and writer. For more information
by snail mail, the address is: Chatham College Creative Writing Program
Coolidge
Hall
Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
NOTE:: Chatham is a women's
college for undergrad, but men are welcome in the certificate and graduate programs.
Writing
Classes by Individual Teachers
Anastasia
Suen's Intensive Writing Workshop and her Creative Habit Workshop,
are among the best you can attend. Browse through her website and decide which
class fits your writing needs. You won't regret it!!
How about Susan
Letham: Susan is just wonderful! Go to her website for more information plus
class details.
ICL - Institute
of Children's Literature Not the cheapest classes you can take, but they are
online, they do provide financing, and many of their great instructors are CW
listmembers. Go to their website and read what they have to offer. Many who have
taken their classes say they are the BEST!
NOTE:Recommended by Margot
Finke. . . . Juliet is
also taking an ICL class and is very impressed with their "Writing For
Children" course. * ICL provides indifidual
instructors |
of Writing for Children
