The Building Blocks of Audrey Ades
This month, we'll be highlighting the Donors from Our Rate Your Story *Build-A-Story* Contest (August 1 - 31st). Each will share a little bit about themselves and the building blocks of their career, tell you about their latest project and leave YOU a building block to help build your stories! Be sure to check them out! AND don't forget to enter our contest (more info here) to be eligible for prizes!
INTRODUCING AUDREY ADES:
I moved to Florida about 15 years ago from the Boston area, where I had a practice in clinical psychology for many years. I wrote my first 10,000 word picture book a few years after moving. That summer, I attended my first SCBWI conference, excited to find an agent and get a contract for my book. Ha! Obviously, I had a LOT to learn.
Since then, I have been studying the art and craft of writing for kids, participating in critique groups and, until COVID, attending conferences whenever I could. I’m also involved in social action and community service, which is very grounding and fulfilling.
My published books include: I Am Mozart, too! (art by Adelina Lirius); The Rabbi and the Reverend (art by Chiara Fedele); and Judah Touro Didn't Want to Be Famous (art by Vivian Mildenberger).
AUDREY'S BUILDING BLOCKS:
ON WHEN TO SEND: One of the most helpful pieces of craft advice I’ve learned is to step on the brakes before sending out a finished manuscript. Easier said than done, right? What I try to do is put a finished ms aside for a month, revise, and then put it away again for a month. If I still think it’s ready after that, I’ll send it out. By the way, a “finished ms” means it’s been through critique groups, maybe a paid critique, and many revisions.
ON OPENING PARAGRAPHS:
This is such an interesting question! My first reaction is to say, “It depends.” I know that’s not very helpful, but it’s largely true. The first paragraph sets the tone for the rest of the story. Sometimes you’ll want to specifically identify the time, place, character and conflict. Other times, you may leave out some or most of those elements and simply drop a hook to keep the reader engaged. The first paragraph might be long and detailed, just a few words, or a sigh. Or a scream.
ON CURRENT TRENDS:
I’ve never paid much attention to trends— not in my clothing, my appearance, my opinions, or my writing. I have no idea what’s right for other writers with different skills and ambitions. I just keep my head down and focus on what I want to write. I’ve been writing for 15 years. I haven’t intentionally hit a trend yet.
Also, it takes so darn long to plan, write, revise, sell and release a book! Especially a picture book or a graphic novel. By the time the book comes out, the trend will probably have passed.
ON WRITER DX & RX:
When we first started writing for kids, how many of us really understood how challenging it would be? Not me! Many of us don’t take the time to really learn the craft and then open ourselves up, repeatedly, for honest critique. There’s a lot of pressure to publish! publish! publish!, and we submit before our work is ready. I think the “cure” lies in preparation, humility, and patience.
AUDREY'S CONTEST PRIZE: One lucky winner is in for a treat -- one of Audrey's fabulous books!
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