from the teaching files
of children's author and educator
Barbara Jean Hicks
What American holiday is more celebratory than Independence Day, and what classic poem celebrates America and Americans more than Walt Whitman's "I Hear America Singing"? I love this poem from the 1867 edition of Leaves of Grass in part because it reflects my own beliefs about America--that we are a great country because we are home to a people who appreciate the opportunities afforded us in this land. Sing, America!
Book Promotion Tip # 13: Volunteer to read your book and talk about writing at your local library or writers' organization or a local non-profit that serves children and families. Your interest in writing, kids and families makes you more than a salesperson for your book—it makes you a salesperson for literacy, creativity and fun!
Picture: Sharing the platform at a local writers' organization with children's book authors Lois Harris, center, and Amber Keyser, right.
Going hand in hand with volunteering is my final promotional tip. Book Promotion Tip #15: Show genuine interest in people. Listen to their stories. Accept their invitations to lunch. Share your journey. Acknowledge theirs. Make new friends. Your friends will be your biggest promoters!
Continue reading "Book Promotion: Show Genuine Interest in People - Barbara Jean Hicks" »
Book Promotion Tips #12 and #14. Partner with local businesses that sell products or offer services related to your book. If you are allowed to promote but not sell your book on their premises, create and sign bookplates to personalize and hand out as an incentive for future purchase.
Two of my most successful book events in the last few months didn't happen at a bookstore, though I did partner with local booksellers to make them happen. One took place at a movie theater and the other at a cupcake store, and in one of those places no money even exchanged hands--yet I count it as wildly successful.
Continue reading "Book Promotion: Book a Partner - Barbara Jean Hicks" »
Book Promotion Tip #11: Multiply your Facebook exposure by encouraging book buyers to post pictures of and comments about you and your book.
I stumbled onto this creative employment of my Facebook account, which I use as both a personal and professional page, when someone at one of my early book signings for A SISTER MORE LIKE ME asked if they could take a picture with me (dressed in my Story Queen regalia and holding my book, of course!) and post it on their Facebook page.
That was an easy question to answer! Through one post on someone else's page, I would reach an entire network of people I otherwise had no access to. These people, who had most likely never heard of me, would see their friend posing with "a real author." They would also see my book, and me having fun promoting it.
Continue reading "Book Promotion: Facebook Is Your Friend - Barbara Jean Hicks" »
The story goes that Margaret Schwarzkopf, a young German Jewish woman, was staying with Mary Frye and her husband in Baltimore in 1932 when Margaret's mother died in Germany. Due to increasing political unrest at home, the young woman had been unable to see her mother during her illness and was distressed that she would not be able to “stand by [her] mother’s grave and shed a tear,” as she told her hostess. Frye, who had never written a poem, found herself composing verse on a brown paper shopping bag. Later Frye said that the words to the poem “just came to her” and expressed what she felt about life and death. She circulated the poem privately, never publishing or copyrighting it, and while she continued to write poetry it was this one, her first, that endured.*
To me, Memorial Day, which we celebrate on Monday, May 26 in 2014, is a day to honor not just the war dead, but all those we have loved and lost. Frye's poem, below, has comforted me and many others, and will continue to do so. The body dies, but the spirit lives on...
Continue reading "A Poem for Memorial Day - Barbara Jean Hicks" »
Provide take-aways at your book signings, including interesting marketing materials (Book Promotion Tip # 8) and inexpensive promotional items (Book Promotion Tip # 10).
Even if customers decide not to purchase your book, don't let them go away empty-handed. First, display your business cards and postcards at your book signings. Make sure these important items are graphic, colorful and informative. Include information about other books you've written and services you provide.
Continue reading "Book Promotion: Offer "Something More" - Barbara Jean Hicks" »
Today's promotion tip wasn't on my original list. I find that I'm learning a great deal as I move forward on this journey as a promoter as well as an author of children's books.
For some reason I've always been reluctant about contacting local media to promote my books or appearances. I've stopped being reluctant. It works!
When my local independent bookstore informed me that I was in charge of planning my own book signing/event--as well as promoting it--I was a little taken aback. I'd had those two great Princess Parties I wrote about a couple of weeks ago, both of them planned and advertised entirely by the booksellers, and I'd thought that's how it was done. I'm so glad now that I had to spend some time planning an event of my own--and especially glad for the ideas those two excellent booksellers gave me.
Continue reading "Book Promotion: Getting People to Your Event - Barbara Jean Hicks" »
It isn't Friday, when I normally post, but it is the last day of April, 2014--National Poetry Month. I don't want to miss out on one last chance to celebrate poetry before getting back on track with my series on book promotion in May.
Last Thursday marked National Poem In Your Pocket Day. I celebrated by hosting a poem sharing event at my local Barnes & Noble. It was a small gathering, a half dozen of us--fewer than I'd hoped for. But I realized as I left the store after the event that the few people who came were part of my "tribe."
Continue reading "The Poetry Goes On - Barbara Jean Hicks" »
Book spine poetry was the brainchild of Nina Katchadourian, an artist who works in a wide variety of media including photography, sculpture, video and sound. In 1993, Katchadourian began collecting interesting titles and arranging them in clusters so the spines could be read like a sentence. Maria Popova, who describes herself as "an interestingness hunter-gatherer and curious mind at large," later adapted the spine sentences into poetry. Here's my contribution for national Poetry Month 2014.
Book spine poetry is a great, extremely accessible poetry activity for kids--and grown-ups who don't think they have a poetic bone in their bodies. Try it--it's fun!
Barbara Jean Hicks is a regular guest contributor to Tales From the Rushmore Kid. She is a credentialed teacher in K-12 English/Language Arts and the award-winning author of seven picture books for children, including her most recent, AN AMAZING SNOWMAN, which along with A SISTER MORE LIKE ME is based on characters from the 2013 Oscar-winning animated feature film from Disney, FROZEN.
I've been getting the gift of poetry for over a year now, delivered to my inbox every morning. It's such a great way to start the day, and it's a free service from the Academy of American Poets. Interested? Here's a link to subscribe: Poem-A-Day.
The question of why poetry matters is one, I think, that only a poem can answer--and this poem by one of my favorite poets does the job superbly. And yes--it was in my inbox this morning!
It is difficult
to get the news from poems
yet men die miserably every day
for lack
of what is found there.
That's why poetry matters. We need what it holds in order to truly live.
Happy National Poetry Month!
Barbara Jean Hicks is a regular guest contributor to Tales From the Rushmore Kid. She is a credentialed teacher in K-12 English/Language Arts and the award-winning author of seven picture books for children, including her most recent, AN AMAZING SNOWMAN, which along with A SISTER MORE LIKE ME is based on characters from the 2013 Oscar-winning animated feature film from Disney, FROZEN.
Sir Philip Sidney, 16th century poet, courtier and soldier who was one of the most prominent figures of England's Elizabethan age, said that of all people, the poet was king--because "He cometh to you with words set in delightful proportion...and with a tale which holdeth children from play and old men from the chimney corner."
As a children's author, I love that quote. Writing picture books is similar in many ways to writing poetry, and I aspire in my own written work to Sidney's standard. I strive to arrange my words in a way that delights. My goal, like the poet's, is to write something so compelling it will entice children from their play and adults from their leisure.
For this first Friday of National Poetry Month 2014, I've gathered a number of quotes from a variety of poets about what poetry is and what it does. See if any of them resonate with you. How would you define "poetry"?
Book Promotion Tip #9: Make your book signing a capital-letter EVENT!
Last week we looked at the placement of your book signing table and the way you approach customers as important factors in taking center stage at your book signings.
But the real key to making sure your book signing is a success is to make it an EVENT, not just a signing.
Although I can't depend on booksellers to make an event happen for me, I've had some incredible mentors in a few great bookstores whose lessons I've been able to transfer to stores in which the booksellers didn't have the same kind of marketing savvy or simply didn't have the time to plan and execute an event for me.
Continue reading "Book Promotion: Taking Center Stage 2 - Barbara Jean Hicks" »
Another break from book promotion tips this week to usher in and celebrate the March Equinox. E.E. Cummings had a unique way with words that somehow, to me, are perfect for expressing the Spring season. Last year to celebrate Spring I posted his poem "[in-Just]," which includes two wonderful terms that absolutely evoke Spring in my mind: "mud-licious" and "puddle-wonderful.” Here’s another favorite Cummings poem—a call to stop our ceaseless thinking and simply enjoy. The earth's answer to every question, the poet says, is Spring. Enjoy his poem and enjoy the season!
O sweet spontaneous
O sweet spontaneous
earth how often have
the
doting
fingers of
prurient philosophers pinched
and
poked
thee
has the naughty thumb
of science prodded
thy
beauty. how
often have religions taken
thee upon their scraggy knees
squeezing and
buffeting thee that thou mightest conceive
gods
(but
true
to the incomparable
couch of death thy
rhythmic
lover
thou answerest
them only with
spring)
--e.e.cummings
Barbara Jean Hicks is a regular guest contributor to Tales From the Rushmore Kid. She is a credentialed teacher in K-12 English/Language Arts and the award-winning author of seven picture books for children, including her most recent, AN AMAZING SNOWMAN, which along with A SISTER MORE LIKE ME is based on characters from the 2013 Oscar-winning animated feature film from Disney, FROZEN. Check in next week for a continuation of her series on book promotion.
Book Promotion Tip #7: Make the most of your in-store book signings.
I had one book signing, early in my children's book career, at which not a single person showed up. Been there, done that? Nothing can burst the balloon of excitement after the release of your first (or second or third or fourth) book like throwing a party and having no one show up. Not fun!
I've learned since that ill-fated day that I can't depend on booksellers to make an event happen for me--I must take responsibility. Fortunately, I've had some amazing mentors in a few great bookstores, and I've been able to carry the lessons I learned to stores in which the booksellers didn't have the same kind of marketing savvy or simply didn't have the time to plan and execute an event for me.
Continue reading "Book Promotion: Taking Center Stage 1 - Barbara Jean Hicks" »
Book Promotion Tip #6: Make friends with your local bookseller(s).
I've made several out-of-state trips to promote my latest books, but I've also had a great time promoting them locally. A few tips based on my experiences:
Find out who owns your local independent bookstore, who handles book signings and events or who manages the department in which your book will sell. A website search should do the trick, or you can simply walk in and ask. Also find out who the manager and/or CRM (Community Relations Manager) is at your local Barnes & Noble bookstore. You might need to check with other authors you know who've had events in the store, or, again you can simply walk in and ask.
Continue reading "Book Promotion: Local Booksellers - Barbara Jean Hicks" »
I'm taking another break today from tips on book promotion--to promote my newest book! My second FROZEN related picture book, AN AMAZING SNOWMAN, was released last week while I was on a book and school visit tour to Southern California. Here's a video a friend filmed at a book signing/FROZEN party at the Redlands Barnes & Noble. And though I'm using this post as a new book announcement, there's a tip embedded here--not one on my original list: Have someone videotape you in action!
Continue reading "AN AMAZING SNOWMAN - Barbara Jean Hicks" »
Book Promotion Tip #4: Once you've announced your new book to the world via Facebook and email and start to receive congratulations, make sure to say thank you! Respond to Facebook posts; answer emails; make phone calls. Let everyone know how much you appreciate their support.
Of course you have friends you keep up with on a regular basis, but we all have lots of people with whom we don't stay in constant contact who nevertheless are people we like and enjoy. If those people like and enjoy you as well, they will respond to your book announcement. Take the opportuntity to check out their Facebook pages and make comments. Check in with old friends you hear from via email or phone. Find out what they are up to.
Because I've lived in many places over the last forty years and because geographic mobility is so common, I have friends all over the country I was happy to catch up with after I announced the release of my latest picture book, A SISTER MORE LIKE ME (Disney Press 2013).
Continue reading "Book Promotion: Say Thank You! - Barbara Jean Hicks" »
Today I'm taking a break from tips on book promotion to celebrate love affairs with the written word. Here's a sampling of poems by writers whose most passionate love affairs may very well have been with words. The second poem, Notes on the Art of Poetry by the great Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, is one of my favorites.
Do you have a favorite ode or soliloquy to books or reading? Join in the celebration and let us know.
And Happy Valentine's Day!
Continue reading "Valentines for Book Lovers - Barbara Jean Hicks" »
Book Promotion Tip #5: Seize the moment! Follow up immediately when booksellers and school/PTA contacts in your address book respond to your new book announcement. Are they interested in book signings or school visits? Better yet, when would they like you to come for book signings and school visits?
For my current book, A SISTER MORE LIKE ME (Disney Press 2013), I was able to coordinate enough school visits, library visits and bookstore signings for two trips to Southern California from my home in Washington State, and negotiated enough in speaker's fees to cover travel expenses plus some of the costs for promotional materials I'd already paid for.
Continue reading "Book Promotion: Seize the Moment - Barbara Jean Hicks" »
Last week I posted pictures and a description of the party I threw to celebrate the release of my latest picture book, A SISTER MORE LIKE ME (Disney Press, October 2013). Every author knows a book launch party isn't just for fun--although that would be good enough reason for throwing one! It's also a great way to promote a new book.
Having a book that you've worked long and hard to see in print is celebration-worthy--and exciting! Don't be shy about your "baby." As you talk about it, your excitement will be contagious, and you'll find that many people will want to celebrate with you. Have a party. Invite everyone you know--old friends, new friends, people you do business with. Even those who are far away and can't be with you physically will want to be with you in spirit. Tell far-flung friends and family what time you'll be raising your glass and ask them to lift their glasses with you wherever they are.
Throw yourself a fabulous party--but don't stop there! Here's a list of my top fifteen tips for promoting and celebrating a new book.
Continue reading "Book Promotion Tips - Barbara Jean Hicks" »
It’s been almost three months since the release of my sixth picture book, A SISTER MORE LIKE ME, from Disney Press. It was an exciting book for me, a project I was invited to do out of the blue by an editor from Disney who was a fan of another of my books, THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER KITTY. Disney’s animated feature FROZEN was in development, and they wanted a trade picture book featuring the characters in the movie. I was thrilled to be asked. (And yes, it’s a princess book. For a girl whose previous books featured monsters and a cat who dreams he’s King Kong, among other things, a princess book is truly a departure!)
The book’s release sort of sneaked up on me, perhaps because, due to the impending release of the movie, production time was half what it normally is for a picture book. The time from the invitation to write the story to the book’s release was less than twelve months—unheard of in my experience.
Continue reading "A SISTER MORE LIKE ME - Barbara Jean Hicks" »
from the teaching files
of children's author and educator
Barbara Jean Hicks
In case you missed it last year--
I love this poem about the aftermath of the holidays. Maybe we make resolutions at New Year’s in response to our Christmas regrets? (Oh, the breathless hope of new beginnings!)
WELL, SO THAT IS THAT
Well, so that is that.
Now we must dismantle the tree,
Putting the decorations back
into their cardboard boxes—
Some have got broken—
and carrying them up to the attic.
The holly and mistletoe must be taken down and burnt,
And the children got ready for school.
There are enough
Left-overs to do, warmed up, for the rest of the week—
Not that we have much appetite,
having drunk such a lot,
Stayed up so late, attempted—quite unsuccessfully—
To love all our relatives, and in general
Grossly overestimated our powers. Once again
As in previous years we have seen the actual Vision and failed
To do more than to entertain it as an agreeable
Possibility, once again we have sent Him away
Begging though to remain His disobedient servant,
The promising child who cannot keep His word for long.
W.H. Auden (1907-1973)
HAPPY NEW YEAR! May 2013 bring you more pleasures than regrets.
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Hunting on the Lagoon," Vittore Carpaccio, ca. 1490-95
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Exhibition of a Rhinoceros at Venice," Pietro Longhi, ca. 1751
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the image as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. On this Thanksgiving Day, with this particular image, think Potlatch! How would you title this mask? Have fun!
"Face Mask," unknown Kitimat artist, ca. 1900
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Caricature of Charles-Henri Plantade," Horace Vernet (1789-1863)
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Boys Inflating a Bladder," Francisco de Goya y Lucientes, 1778
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Bogatyr," Mikhail Vrubel, 1898-99
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Carnelian Country," Marsden Hartley, 1932
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"A Hare in the Forest," Hans Hoffmann, ca. 1585
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Le Petit Dejeuner," Paul Signac, 1886-87
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Sri Rama Vanquishing the Sea," Raja Ravi Varma, 1848-1906
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"The Siesta," Paul Gauguin, 1892-94
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"The Menagerie," Melchoir de Hondecoeter, ca. 1690
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"The Puppet (El Pelele)," Francisco de Goya, 1791-92
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Seascape Study with Raincloud," John Constable, 1827
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Rokoko," August Macke, 1912
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Samson's Fight with the Lion," Lucas Cranach the Elder, ca. 1520-25
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"The Ghost of Kohada Koheiji," Katsuhika Hokusai, ca. 1830
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Summer Day on Skagen's Southern Shore," P.S. Kroyer, 1884
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"The Boaters," Edouard Manet, 1874
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Red Squirrel," Hans Hoffman, 1578
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Maple Trees at Mama, Takona Shrine, and Tsugihashi Bridge," Hiroshige, 1857
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Landscape with Bridge," Henri Rosseau, 1877
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Child Posing with Cat," the Beardsley Limner, ca. 1790
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Florida River Scene: Early Evening, After Sunset," Martin Johnson Heade, ca. 1887-1900
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"M. Loulou," Paul Gauguin, 1890
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Medusa," Caravaggio, ca. 1598
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Home in the Woods," Thomas Cole, 1847
from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks
Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!
"Cows, Yellow-Red-Green," Franz Marc, 1912
Recent Comments