ReviMo Day 3 Interview with Rebecca Janni

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

My 5 year old daughter REALLY wants a horse, so we can relate to (and love) all the Nellie Sue books! Welcome Rebecca!

 

Can you give us a little background about yourself?

Revision landed me my first book contract.

I know, I know. Every author could say that, right? No editor pulls a rough draft out of the slush pile. (At least I hope not!)

I'm talking about revision mojo here. When I brought that early manuscript to an SCBWI conference, it had been revised several times already. But when Jane Yolen spoke about revision, about the benefits of seeing again, I knew there was more work to do. In a critique session, she encouraged me to keep revising and saw enough potential in the story to suggest a home for it.

I kept revising and submitted the story as she suggested. When a call came from Steve Meltzer at Dutton Children's Books, I almost fainted. (That wouldn't have turned out well, since I was potty training my toddler at the time.)


































He called to say that Dutton's editorial team liked the story a lot, BUT . . . would I mind revising it once more for their consideration?

Of course, I said yes, and just like Nellie Sue, I kept getting back in the saddle, and that revision of my revision of my revision became my first book, Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse.

And there was much rejoicing!





How do you determine if a story idea is worth pursuing/revising?

For me the question is rarely whether an idea is worth pursuing or revising, but rather how to find the space and time to do it. With five incredible kids in the house (my four children, plus an exchange student from China), sometimes I just have to hide.




















What is your revision process?

I make a book dummy. (Note that there is no comma after book in the preceding sentence. I'm not calling anyone a dummy!) But I do make a book dummy, which is to say I lay out my story page by page, even though I'm not an illustrator – especially because I'm not an illustrator. The editors never see this stage of my writing, but it helps me to work through pacing and plot and story arc. I use book dummies at every stage of the revision process.

To revise well, to really see a manuscript again, I also have to put it aside for awhile. That's one reason it helps me to have multiple projects going. When I've been working on the same project for a period of time, I become too close to it and can't see the cuts and changes that will make the story stronger. So I trade it for another. When I've walked away for a while – a week, a month, or more – time creates a healthy distance, and I can read my own work more objectively.




If that doesn't work, thank God for my Writers' Bloc – Sharelle Byars Moranville, Jan Blazanin, and Eileen Boggess – three talented writers who help keep me honest and mostly sane.

Sometimes when I'm revising, I look at past editorial letters to help take a story to the next level. Usually, those notes tell me to


add conflict,
add humor,
add character,
and cut words.

It may feel impossible to add, add, add at the same time as trimming words, but this is a great exercise to make sure

Every. Word. Matters.

Because every word really does matter. In stories, and in life. It could be my mantra.

Every word matters.

Every word I say to my children matters. Every word I say to my husband matters. Every word I say to my friends matters. Every word I say to myself matters. 



Any other thoughts for fellow writers?

Sometimes, you just need to listen to the voices in your head. One morning, I was in revision muck. I knew my story needed revising, but I couldn't figure out how to make it better. I might have pitched a fit if a school visit hadn't come to my rescue. While presenting Every Cowgirl Goes to School to a smart and receptive group of second graders, I had an AHA moment. One of the students pointed out that Nellie Sue's day doesn't change at all, but that her attitude changes. I couldn't believe it. In a round about way, my fictional character was reminding me to have an attitude adjustment! And really, that was all I needed.

That, and a little chocolate. Always chocolate.






























Rebecca Janni learned early on that biking was the best way to get around the neighborhood and reading was the best way to get around the world. Rebecca Janni is the author of Jammy Dance, and the Every Cowgirl series. She has an MAT in English and enjoys teaching composition and creative writing. Today, she divides her time between volunteering, adjunct teaching, and writing -- all of which take a back seat to motherhood! She lives in Iowa with her husband, four children, and a dog. She loves to read and bike with her family, but not at the same time. Visit her website at rebeccajanni.com

92 comments :

Rebecca Sheraton said...

Another great reminder of using common critiques you get from others and to check your draft from that. Most important to let a project rest and come back with fresh ideas. Best of all - having several projects on the go

flintsuter said...

Resting and coming back, that sounds like my plan...I need to find a critique group as well! I do have a chocolate truffle supplier who counts that as her "support of starving writers" plan. Thank goodness! Thanks Rebecca for coming out to share ReviMo with us!

Kimberly Cowger said...

Thanks for this reminder Becky (I KNOW her!). I've been told a number of times that making a book dummy could really help my story. I haven't done it yet but that's my goal this week with ReviMo!

Renee LaTulippe said...

HAHA on the "book dummy" thing. Thank goodness you're not a comma abuser, or Meg would have taken umbrage. Great advice on the dummy, though. I do this on a chart on my computer, but not usually in hard copy, and I can see where that would be more useful. Thank you for sharing your strategies!

Carrie Charley Brown said...

Very inspirational! Great ideas, Rebecca. Thanks for sharing. I need to make more dummies. In fact maybe I will do that today. (There's no time like the present, right?)

Cecilia Clark said...

amazing what a fresh look will do. Thank you so much for sharing your process with us Rebecca.

Janet Smart said...

I love this post. It is so true. I am still revising my first picture book that I ever wrote. It has been rejected many times - so something must be wrong - right? I am very attached to this manuscript, but yesterday I finally realized its big problem and set out to fix it. Now, I think I will make a dummy of it.

Doris Stone said...

Thank you,Rebecca for sharing your common sense tips and photos. Today, my revision plan includes building a fort out of cardboard and blankets and I will make a sign that says, "plese nock." (Love, love, love the fort idea) I'll also make your list my screen saver -add conflict, add humor, add character and cut words. That way, I can reread it every time I work on revision. Thanks again!

pathaap said...

Love your sense of humor, Rebecca. Some many good tips, too, on revising. These posts are all so helpful to me. Thanks!

Debra Shumaker said...

Love this post! For whatever reason, I don't enjoy the process of a book dummy, but they do make a difference. So I guess I need a change in attitude! :-)

Sydney O'Neill said...

What a fun post and great advice! Thank you!

Carrie Finison said...

Making a book dummy is one of my favorite things to do! I love getting down and dirty with the scissors and tape, and at the end I have my own little book. It's always eye-opening. I'm so glad to see that Nellie Sue is now in early readers! I will have to look for them for my daughter.

Sue Poduska said...

Fantastic! Thanks for all your insights!

Sue Heavenrich said...

Thanks for the insight, Rebecca. A perfect post for today, because I was thinking "gee, I should make a book dummy" - or at least a storyboard of book pages. And, as you point out, so many times it's the attitude that needs adjusting (and chocolate works wonders!)

Jen Swanson said...

Fantastic post! Thanks for sharing your process.

Kathy Halsey said...

Yes, Rebecca, i just found the joy of making a dummy and how it changes the work. Amazing! I have read several of the EVERY COWGIRL series an dove Nellie Sue and her attitude. Also, the illustrator for those, Lynne Avril lives out here in AZ. Love her work and know her a bit personally.

Heather Pierce Stigall said...

Great post! I also need to work on a few stories at once b/c I get to the point where I can't "see" where to make revisions anymore. I really like to make book dummies too -- I am not an illustrator (only in my dreams), but making the dummies help me to visualize my stories as books even more clearly. And any excuse for chocolate!

Debra Daugherty said...

I agree. Making a dummie helps to visualize the story and see what fits or what needs cut. Your post was filled with good advice.

Kelly Vavala said...

There are several things I love about this post! First one being the chocolate of course!! Lol seriously though, there are a lot of great ideas here: Book Dummy (no comma!), putting it aside and every word matters! Also, I love the part where early on you learned that books were the best way to get around the world! Great post and thank you so much for sharing your time and wisdom!

Dawn Young said...

Great post and I agree, what a difference a doing a dummy makes! Thanks for sharing.

Janie Reinart said...

Rebecca thank you for the post. Checking out your books from the library. I am going to make a dummy right now!!

MegMillerWrites said...

What a great post! Thanks for reminding me to dummy Rebecca! Here are some links for peeps wanting to try it today!
Tara Lazar, "Picture Book Dummy, Picture Book Construction: Know Your Layout," http://taralazar.com/2009/02/22/picture-book-construction-know-your-layout/

Debbie Ridpath Ohi, "Writing and Illustrating a Book for Simon & Schuster," http://inkygirl.com/inkygirl-main/2012/5/15/writing-illustrating-a-picture-book-for-simon-schuster-books.html


Linda Ashman, "The Wisdom of Making Dummies," http://www.howtowritepicturebooks.com/1/post/2013/10/the-wisdom-of-making-dummies.html

Cheryl Secomb said...

What an inspiring post! I love your mantra, Every word matters. I need to remember that. Your comments about making a dummy during revision is really helpful advice. Do you do that by hand or on the computer? Thank you, Rebecca! We so appreciate you sharing with us today.

Jennifer Larson said...

Gotta love those "Aha" moments. :) And a creating a dummy might help me today. Thanks for posting.

Renata Wurster said...

What a beautiful tie in between writing and life in general. Love it: "every word matters". Great reminder on all levels.

Tanya Konerman said...

Wow! What a great post! Create a Dummy, Put it Aside, Every Word Matters, and The Importance of Chocolate! Thanks!

Kirsti Call said...

I love this post, Rebecca! What a great reminder to put things away and revise with fresh eyes. I've just started making dummies for my stories and it's amazing what I'm learning!

Julie Rowan-Zoch said...

Walking while reading is pretty dangerous too (experience!). Fun post that will hopefully knock the revision crystals into place for me today! Thanks, Rebecca and Meg!

Rebecca Janni said...

LOVE all your comments, everyone! I feel like we're all in it together -- hiding out in cardboard forts with chocolate on our faces. Here's a blessing for the day: May all our book dummies make our manuscripts brilliant!

Rebecca Janni said...

These are fantastic resources, Meg. Thank you for sharing them, and thanks again for the warm welcome!

Rebecca Janni said...

I love that Lynne Avril, too! She's amazing, and it's a dream to have her illustrating my stories! It was 11 below this morning, so I could use some AZ sun right now ; ).

Rebecca Janni said...

Good luck with your book dummy!

Kirsten Peavy Bock said...

Great advice! Chocolate has never let me down!

Sue Frye said...

Every enlightening post, Rebecca! Thanks for sharing your revision secrets:)

Maria Oka said...

Oh wow, I needed every word of that today. So much wisdom here. This will inspire the revision I've scheduled for myself tonight (after the kids have been loved, and fed, and kissed and put to bed). Thank you!!

mona said...

I'm confessing...guilty, guilty, guilty!!! I know about dummying, I've seen authors' ways of dummying, I've reminded friend to dummy their picture books, but I'm slack on doing it myself! Dummy! Dummy! Dummy! A great reminder for all of us. Thank you Rebecca!

Romelle Broas said...

Great post! I'm always asking myself if an idea or ms is worth pursuing. You're right, Rebecca. The question is to do it and as you said, how to find the time. Thanks for the motivational talk!

Gabi Snyder said...

Thanks for the reminder that it's vital to put a manuscript aside for awhile to be able to create a little distance and see it fresh again. It's amazing what a difference that makes. And I'm going to create a book dummy for one of my drafts right now!

Juliana Lee said...

Yes, every word matters, thus making revision harder not easier. :)

saputnam said...

Great post! I also work on 3 to 4 stories at once and when I get
bogged down on one I can easily switch over to one of the others. I also color
code all the suggestions from members of my critique groups and insert them
directly into the manuscript so that the next time I revise I have the
information at my fingertips… and every revision is put into in a new Word Doc
that is dated so I can see the progression, or lack of it, as there have been
times when I have revised a story so many times that I felt the original magic
was lost and having dated Word Docs lets me easily go back to the earlier versions
and see where I went wrong.

Anita Banks said...

Thank you, great post!

Sylvia Liu said...

Thanks for sharing your story. Great advice, especially the part about chocolate.

Sharalyn A. Edgeberg said...

Thanks for the great post including the great tips. I love your mantra: Every word matters. I also liked that you make a book dummy early on. Also add conflict, add humor, add character, and cut words. I'm copying all of the above into a document to post in my office. Thanks again.

Sandy P said...

It's true: the world needs more dummies! Especially my world. Thanks for the wonderful reminders in your post.

Linda Schueler said...

"Every word matters." I had heard that, but your examples gave it more meaning. Thanks for your post.

teresa m.i. schaefer said...

I LOVE THIS: Every. Word. Matters.

Because every word really does matter. In stories, and in life. It could be my mantra.

Every word matters.

Every word I say to my children matters. Every word I say to my husband matters. Every word I say to my friends matters. Every word I say to myself matters.

Stacy S. Jensen said...

Thank you for sharing this and well, I just love the first line of your bio. It's perfect.

Linda Andersen said...

Every word matters and it's especially good when your sense of humor shows through.

Katie Gast said...

Thanks for the post. I love the 3 adds and the cut: add conflict, add humor, add character, and cut words.

Laura Zimmermann said...

A great post! Thank you!

Rena Traxel Boudreau said...

Every word matters, I really should put that by my computer.

Charlotte Dixon said...

I'm glad to hear you found yourself in revision muck. I'm feeling that today. You have given me inspiration to get an ms out and do a dummy and see if I have enough conflict, humor and character-a balancing act for me! Thank you, Rebecca :)

Tina Cho said...

How great to see you here, Becky! These are great tips and cute pics of your kids! Thanks for the reminder on how important it is to make a dummy. And that's cool you had a critique w/Jane Y that set it all off! Maybe the next time I'm visiting my family in IA, I can meet you!

Kathy Halsey said...

Ha- it rained here today, Rebecca. Lynne is such a great person and very kind to me, a newbie.

Rachel Stones said...

Great post! Time and space from a manuscript is my best friend (and my worst enemy). It's so hard to be patient, but when I do put something away for a while, I always come back with fresh perspective and find problems I had overlooked before.

Nat Keller said...

Thanks for the great post and the tips Rebecca!!! I like how you said- "Every word matters". So true. Just thinking of that, I can think of some adjustments to be made with my manuscript. I think that's going to become my mantra for the day..

Teresa Robeson said...

I was so mesmerized by the dancing dog, I completely forgot to comment! Great advice to try to make every word count. I'm guilty of throwing in extraneous words...just because. Okay, gotta stop yakking and get back to revising. :) Thank you!

Christine Irvin said...

Words to live by: Every word matters. Yep!

Bethany Roberts said...

I LOVE your jumping dog photo! Really helps me remember the feelings of getting a new book contract. After all the blood, sweat and tears of revision and submission, there IS rejoicing!

Carol Munro said...

Getting away from the ms. YES! After some time away from a few mss I was sure I polished as much as possible, I came back to them and found ways to make them even shinier! -- And isn't Jane great! Anyone who has the chance to learn from her is so, so blessed.

Nicole Popel said...

I can't remember if I posted yet so I read it again and WOW, such good stuff!

Shirley Johnson said...

Great post! Great ideas! Enjoyed reading your post.

Michelle Heidenrich Barnes said...

For me, this...

"Every word matters.

Every
word I say to my children matters. Every word I say to my husband
matters. Every word I say to my friends matters. Every word I say to
myself matters."



...will be what I take away and keep close to my heart.

Leslie Colin Tribble said...

I love the thought of having many books in the works so you can let one "rest" for a bit. Good to get away from something for awhile but it also feeds creativity to have new works to play with. Thanks or the great post.

Lori Mozdzierz said...

Thanks, Becky for the great tips!
Meg, appreciate the links.

Vivian Kirkfield said...

Every word counts! Yes it does...in writing and in life. ;) Thank you, Rebecca...great insights and advice on what matters when it come to stories for kids.

Tracy said...

I loved this bit:

"Every word matters.

Every word I say to my children matters. Every word I say to my husband matters. Every word I say to my friends matters. Every word I say to myself matters."



It also struck me that this is what we're trying to leave with our readers as well - that the words will get in there and light something in them and then they will do the same to someone else, and isn't this what we need most? (everyone on fire with possibility and a sense of who they are/that they matter)


Thanks so much, Rebecca. :) And great tip about using a book dummy even if you aren't an illustrator. (Thanks Meg for the links.)


Sidenote: I read while I walk unless I'm hiking because I enjoy just being in nature. One of my favourite things about it is the reaction I get from people walking by - most stop and comment about how much they love to see someone read or do something other than text/stare at their phone.

Lynn Anne Carol said...

I love your hiding spot. As a mom of six I learned to set up a table behind the scary furnace. I sure appreciate your remarks about adding conflict and that it was top on the list. I continually seek to add conflict. I'm such a wuss.

jan annino said...

Thanks for sharing your wonderful family & creativity. It is neat to see you give your Writer's Bloc - clever name - credit. And these images are to embrace, so top drawer. And, where were you (or who?) walking to? It's a perfect analogy image.
Can't wait to dig into your titles.

Virginia Rinkel said...

Such a great post. Thanks for sharing and Every word does count!

Rebecca Janni said...

I'd love to meet you, Tina!

Rebecca Janni said...

Thanks, Jan! My daughter Anna is exploring the Badlands in that picture, but I thought I'd pretend I was walking away from a manuscript. : )

Rebecca Janni said...

Meg, thanks again for reaching out! It's a pleasure to meet this great community of writers. Happy revising, everyone!

Nina said...

Rebecca, thanks so much. This really is spot on. I started to revise today with a story from a year ago. It was so clear exactly what needed to be revised. Time is our friend.

Pamela Courtney said...

Every word matters. I'm a teacher and this Must stay at the forefront of my engagement with my students. This must stay at the forefront of my engagement with my characters. I'm one of those who write the way that I talk...too much. Edit, revise. Edit, revise. Lot of great advice. I appreciate this post.

Rebecca Colby said...

I agree! Every word counts! Great post and thanks for sharing.

Joanne Sher said...

EVERY word counts. SO need this reminder!! WOW. Great, encouraging piece. Thanks so much!!

Cathy Ballou Mealey said...

Yes - every word matters, as does every page. That's why your tip about making a PB dummy is so important. If there isn't a compelling word or image for each page, it's a great clue that something needs to change! Thanks Rebecca.

AJ Irving said...

Yesterday was my roughest revision day so far. I had to come back and say thank you for this post. I made a dummy and worked on conflict and pacing. It feels great to make progress after being really stuck! Thank you, Rebecca!

Rene` Diane Aube said...

What a great story! Thanks for sharing and encouraging all of us :)

Angie Karcher said...

Thanks Rebecca for a great post! Every Word Counts is such a crucial tool!

Tracy Molitors said...

Thanks, Rebecca - a great perspective to share!

Tracey Cox said...

Thanks, Rebecca. I work on several different projects at the same time too. Having fresh eyes always helps.

Marcy Pusey said...

Love it! Thanks for sharing. Every word does matter. I'm feeling stuck in revision right now too... and you're right, I need to pull out the dummies :)

Laurie J. Edwards said...

A good reminder that even a good manuscript can always be revised.

Suzy said...

Thank you, Rebecca for the reminder that every word counts and the importance of creating a book dummy. ~Suzy Leopold

Lauren Kerstein said...

Yes! Every word matters in every situation! I love this mantra! Thank you for the reminder to keep our attitudes in check, and have chocolate just in case...

Lauri Meyers said...

I love reading Nellie Sue's books. Oh, her voice how you nailed it. I appreciate the comment about looking at old editorial letters. I've found that even though I think I've addressed an opportunity from a critique, sometimes a hint of that same concern still exists. Now, I'm just more ready to fully embrace it than perhaps I was at first.

Yvonne Mes said...

Thanks for this heartening post! If all else fails, chocolate! :-)
Thanks for also giving an insight into your busy life, it is great to
know that you can be a writer, revise and get published, even when
having a busy family!

Annie Bailey said...

Great post! I love the potty training picture! I also like to have multiple projects going at once.

Donna Rossman said...

Great ideas and love your pictures as well!!!! Thanks so much for sharing :)

MegMillerWrites said...

So nice meeting you! Thank you for the wonderful post! :D