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March Mystery Author/Illustrator-        Salina Yoon

3/10/2015

190 Comments

 
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Author/Illustrator Salina Yoon found a special magic in creating picture books for children.  With 150+ titles in 14 years, she keeps herself very busy!  In 2014 alone, she released 4 new titles and has 2 more set to release in 2015.  One of those, STORMY NIGHT, just released on January 6.  Welcome, Salina!

Thank you, Carrie, and thanks so much for having me on your awesome blog! Is this where I get to ask you questions? Oh, good. How did you get to have such a COOL NAME?!? I love “Charley”! And “Charley Brown” at that!!! I loved Charlie Brown, but you being a girl named Charley is even cooler. Oh, what? You get to ask me questions now? Okay then! I will Carrie on…


Ha, ha!  You are funny, Salina!  Congratulations on your new release, STORMY NIGHT!  Did you know you wanted to continue the Bear/Bunny relationship right after you wrote FOUND?  Or was this a publisher request?


Yes, I wanted Bear’s story to be a series, starting with FOUND, from the very beginning. BUT… Stormy Night was not the second book that I wrote for him.  The second story I wrote was titled, “SMILE.” It was about Bear losing a very special gift he made for Floppy on his birthday. I loved this story so much that I nearly completed the artwork for this manuscript before ever showing it to my editor! (I’m sure you’ve heard to never do this. It’s true. One shouldn’t! But when I fall in love with a story, sometimes I can’t help myself). Sadly, it didn’t pass through acquisitions. My SMILE turned into a FROWN. I was heartbroken, but accepted it.  They asked for a different story, still interested in a second book, but I couldn’t just write another immediately. The loss of SMILE made me want to set the next book aside (yes, I wanted to give up a little).

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I worked on other things, and it took a few months for me to sit down and think of a new story for Bear. STORMY NIGHT was born many months later, and this one did bring a smile to my face.

With growing experience in creating sequels, can you share any inside tidbits with us about how to make the next book in the series dance?

OH, I wish I knew the secret to this! I find that each book in a sequel gets harder and harder to write! In fact, it usually takes a few re-writes to complete each one. While I already wanted to have Bear as a series, I had no intention of Penguin being one until the publisher offered a 2-book deal from the start. So, I never planned on Penguin having 5 books as it turned out to have. (Fifth book, Penguin’s Big Adventure, releases in September)

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I’ve learned that one must have a clear understanding of the character’s world, his environment, his surroundings, his personality, his friends, his motivations, his general age, his loves, his fears, his limitations, and most importantly, his voice. You are bound to these facts about your character for the life of his series. It helps to actually write a bio of your character, and describe his world. I think a story really sings when you hit on a universal truth experienced in a way that only your character can.

I’ve had one burning question on my mind ever since I read FOUND for the first time.  For those that are not aware, when you open FOUND, you are greeted with a giant “LOST” board.  The ideas included are so clever and hilarious.  Surely this included some research on your part, Salina!  How did you discover so many original ideas for the Lost Board endpapers?  And how long did this illustration take you in comparison to your other layouts?


I’m so glad you asked this because I cannot take credit for this alone! I remember when I had the idea of wanting to put up a community board in my book, and needed lots of ideas for the various “LOST” items. I wanted the items to be quirky and humorous, and not necessarily lost things that are obvious… like a lost cat, or lost bike. At the time, I was an active member of Verla Kay’s Blueboards, now the SCBWI Blueboards. This is an online board for a community of children’s (published or aspiring) authors and illustrators who share information, offer support, or just have fun together. I’ve made many writer friends from this site.

So one day, I posted in the RESEARCH section asking people to post a funny “LOST” items…. giving an example like losing one’s marbles. I got dozens of ideas from writing friends! Then I considered what would make the best LOST flyers, and how I could make them visually humorous. I was on the fence about including Amelia Earhart… because it’s not funny that she was never found. But I decided that I would rather include her to inspire curiosity from readers than have no mention at all, so it stayed.  Other ideas included the lost cone hat, with the headline, “I Want My Hat Back,” a tribute to Jon Klassen’s I Want My Hat Back, a couple of nods to my Penguin books (a lost pinecone and lost beach ball), and “LOST, Seasons 1-6.” Hee hee. I loved that series. But I’m so grateful to my Blueboarders! Writer friends are always eager to help each other out, and sometimes, we find that we’re more creative when helping a fellow author out than writing our own material!  Or… it’s procrastination.

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Aieeeee!  You caught me!  This procrastination creation was fun! 
As someone with many books published, what has been the most challenging part of the publication process?
 


Waiting. There’s lots of waiting. So in order to keep me distracted from this awful waiting, I would start a new project as soon as one went out. This was helpful.

For MOST of my publishing career, I published between 10-12 new (10-page novelty) titles a year. The challenging part was not just coming up with new ideas. I had plenty of ideas! But it was to keep my various publishers happy, so that each new series felt fresh and different from the others. I worked with Penguin, Scholastic, S&S, Random House, Little, Brown, Running Press, Macmillan, and many others with various overlaps. I often changed my art style to keep the look fresh and new, so my books would not compete against each other on a shelf. Trying to be fresh with my work was always a challenge. And it still is!

Now the challenge is writing three separate narrative series, in a whole different genre from my more familiar novelty books.


Do you enjoy working on certain types of projects more than others?


The FIRST book of a potential series is always the MOST fun! The boundaries aren’t set yet on a first book. There’s much more freedom. You’d think that means I only enjoy stand alone books, but there’s something very rewarding about continuing on with a world you’ve created, too. Writing it is another story, but having it continue on is an amazing feeling.

Looking back at all of the books you’ve released, I’ve noticed how you’ve expanded to stories featuring sweet relationships and a slightly older audience (older in the sense of board books vs. picture books).  What prompted the change and did you utilize any writing/illustrating craft resources to help you grow as author?  How do you find time to keep learning as a successful author?


I started creating novelty board books before I had children, and even before I was married. For me, creating a novelty book was like solving a puzzle, and puzzles are so challenging and satisfying! Each piece had to fit: the format, the concept, and the art style in perfect harmony.


Soon, I married and had babies. As they got older, I read them picture books. I fell in love with this format, the 32-40 page story picture book. I hadn’t written stories before, and never even considered myself a “writer.” I wrote concept text for my novelties, but never stories. I think this is when I started to wonder if I could do this too. My picture book writing career began with “Penguin and Pinecone,” published in 2012, and I haven’t been able to stop writing picture books since! I’ve completed eight picture books now and counting!

The secret? BE BRAVE! Allow yourself to feel uncomfortable, insecure, and afraid at first. Then think about giving up. 100% failure rate if you don’t try, right? So… I figure the odds are better if I actually TRY it! Fight through the negative thoughts and center on your passion. Do what you love. Do what you’re drawn to! It won’t feel like work (until revisions)! And this one is important: Allow yourself to fail. Shake it off when you do (because you will—many times), and get back on track. This has been the story of my 150+ book career. I can’t even count how many rejections I’ve had. It’s in the hundreds! Why count?! I don’t. But I know how many yeses I got!


And the best resource I had for writing picture books was simply to READ READ READ them! Love them. Breathe them in and breathe them out. I’ve never read a craft book on writing or illustrating children’s books, though I own a couple books and read a couple of chapters. (And I took a children’s illustration class once in college.) I can’t get myself to read craft books. I’m more visual, and I’m afraid that by reading a craft book, I will be too self-conscious about “doing it right,” and stop my more intuitive method of writing by storyboard.


This is the original very first draft of FOUND. I draw while I make little scribbly notes that only I can read. (Good luck in decoding yourself!). You'll see that some things actually stayed pretty similar to the final book, but pages have been added, and almost all text has been revised. Story remains the same however. It's been my practice to always draw the entire book on a single piece of paper, so I can see the beginning, middle and end all at once… visually. I want each spread to offer something new and move the story along. I try to vary my spreads from full spread images to vignettes, to half spreads, etc. Often times, I will actually cut out the pieces of these drawings to rearrange them, add extra spreads, replace ones I don't like, and reconstruct the order as necessary. It's a very cut and paste process!
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I hope this will be helpful in sharing my process, and I think one that even non-illustrators should try! I can't write without storyboarding.

Wow!  Thank you so much for sharing a piece of your heart with us today!  I'm inspired!  I'm ready to fail and get back up!  And when I tell myself I can't, I will read this interview again.  It has been a joy learning from you.


Thank you, Carrie! These were great and thoughtful questions.


Salina is generously giving away copies of STORMY NIGHT, FOUND, and a FLOPPY stuffed bunny!
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a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Salina Yoon is an award-winning author/illustrator of the Penguin and Bear picture book series, including over a hundred interactive novelty books for young children. Forthcoming is PENGUIN’S BIG ADVENTURE (in Sept), BOY MEETS GIRL (in Jan/2016), and a new beginning reader series, DUCK DUCK PORCUPINE (in May/2016).  www.salinayoon.com

190 Comments
Myrna Foster link
3/9/2015 07:01:08 pm

This was such a wonderful interview! Thank you for sharing so much of your experience. I'm sorry about SMILE, but I'm glad you moved forward. We love Penguin at our house.

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Salina
3/10/2015 06:01:05 am

Thank you, Myrna! If you love Penguin, you may love Bear, too. :-)
—Salina

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Maria Marshall
3/9/2015 07:19:33 pm

Salina, Thank you for sharing your story boarding process! What a great idea. Your bravery in describing your troubles with Smile and the need to take time are heartening and very helpful. Can't wait to see what you do next.

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Salina
3/10/2015 06:20:53 am

Hi Maria,
I hope you try the storyboard method! It's helped me a great deal in sorting out common picture book writing problems. You can't be too wordy when you're storyboarding with tiny rectangles, and once you solve the problem, I like to wrap it up within a spread or two. Good luck! And thank you! —Salina

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Sydney O'Neill
3/9/2015 08:46:42 pm

Seeing all the pages of a book on one sheet of paper sounds so helpful. Will try it. Thank you!

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Salina
3/10/2015 06:21:33 am

Hi Sydney,
Do try it! Thank you for reading the interview! Good luck!
—Salina

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Linda Schueler link
3/9/2015 09:59:21 pm

I recently discovered Penguin and Pinecone, and I loved it! I am so glad that there are other Penguin books that I can indulge in. Oh, and I also loved those "lost" endpapers.

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Salina
3/10/2015 06:23:01 am

Hi Linda,
Thank you for reading! Adding some humor to a book is not only fun for the readers, but for the author/illustrator herself! :-) —Salina

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Kirsti Call link
3/9/2015 10:47:39 pm

Carrie and Salina! What a wonderful interview. Salina, thanks for the inspiration to carry on!

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/10/2015 05:19:03 am

Thanks, Kirsti!

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Salina
3/10/2015 06:24:22 am

Hi Kirsti,
Thanks so much for reading! I'm so glad it was inspirational to you.
—Salina

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Beth Gallagher
3/9/2015 10:58:36 pm

Thank you so much for a wonderful post! I love your books, and you've given me loads of inspiration! :)

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Salina
3/10/2015 06:25:13 am

Oh Beth,... that makes me so excited for you! (about giving you loads of inspiration!) I appreciate you loving my books, too! GOOD LUCK!!!
—Salina

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Julie Burchstead
3/9/2015 11:42:13 pm

Thanks for all the insights into how your process works. So much delight. It must take a lot of discipline to stay so focused and keep all those ideas going forward in a fresh way.

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Salina
3/10/2015 06:36:22 am

Hi Julie,
Thanks for reading! I'm not sure I'm very disciplined actually. Once I have an idea I'm obsessed with, I can't do much else. I don't try to stay focused. I can't help but having a one track mind... which means other things suffer... like the state of my house, for example. :-) Fortunately, hubby is great about stepping up when he needs to. At least the kids are being fed! I completed the submission dummy for FOUND in about 2 weeks (with mostly finished color art--including the end papers... which took longer than any other spread!). I woke up at 4:00 a.m., took breaks to eat and sleep, probably worked until 11:00 p.m. (but in the afternoon, there's other misc work, errands, chores to do... but mornings and evenings are prime time for undistracted work!). I continued with this INSANE schedule until it was done. (I love to sleep, btw. Usually get up at 7:30 am daily) Just could not help myself with this project though. I felt in my heart it would sell. And it did. Editor wrote back within a week to say she loves it, and will be sharing with her group asap. (So it was worth the loss of some sleep!) A project you are passionate about will be easy to stay focused on as long as you cut out all of the background noise--the list of chores, errands, and other misc things. Clear them off your list, and enjoy the time with YOUR project! If you find it hard to focus, try the undistracted hours.... either early early morning, or late at night! Dig in and make it great! —Salina

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/10/2015 04:23:25 pm

Incredible feedback, Salina! I can so relate to those strenuous long days and can't seem to keep away from work. I wish mine would come in periods like that, but tends to be every day. I, too, am so passionate about my kidlit projects! <3 I just need to learn to take breaks. :)

Marla Lesage link
3/10/2015 12:31:54 am

yay for the sequel! I really enjoyed Found - especially the bulletin board.

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Salina
3/10/2015 06:36:43 am

Thank you, Marla!
—Salina

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Manju Howard link
3/10/2015 12:58:43 am

Salina, Your books are amazing mentor texts for me and sweet gifts for little ones. Thank you for sharing your process.

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Salina
3/10/2015 06:38:54 am

Really??? You use them for mentor texts? Thank you!! It's funny, but I always start my books feeling like I don't know what I'm doing. But once the storyboarding begins, it slowly takes shape. So glad my books help you! Good luck!
—Salina

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/10/2015 04:27:37 pm

FOUND was one of the first mentor texts recommended during ReFoReMo, Salina! :) See the post here: http://www.carriecharleybrown.com/reforemo/category/carrie-charley-brown We are in the middle of this amazing challenge called ReFoReMo right now, and mentor texts are on the menu! :)

Michael Wayne link
3/10/2015 12:59:42 am

This was a great interview.
"The loss of SMILE made me want to set the next book aside (yes, I wanted to give up a little)."
Thanks for sharing that. It is good to hear from some one already having success. Gives a little perspective and strength to those of us still working to break in. I look forward to reading Salina's work.

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Salina
3/10/2015 06:51:22 am

Hi Michael,
I assure you that that wasn't the only time I wanted to give up! I've faced a lot of rejection over the years, esp in my early years. I was pretty close to giving up to find a "real" job... one where we can count on a paycheck. But the idea of backing down on creating books made me too sad. Some rejections were harder to take than others, but boy, I was determined to earn a living with what I was passionate about even if it meant working doubly hard. What usually got me out of a rut was working on something new. Something fresh. The NEW gives you HOPE. I love that we writers have the power to create that hope within ourselves! A new idea would spark that hope each and every time, and I stuck with it. I can't imagine a more fulfilling career. Do NOT give up! —Salina

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Amanda Smith
3/10/2015 01:34:19 am

Congratulations on your many great successes. Thank you for sharing your process with us. I am inspired to try story boarding.

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:05:40 am

Hi Amanda,
Thank you for reading, and good luck! Do try the storyboard method! I didn't go into great detail... but I always think about the KEY scenes of my story (that I call my anchors). The ones that MOVE me. I think of those first, doodle/write them in, and connect these scenes with bridges--the rest of the story. I never write sequentially. Start with your most important scenes, and build the bridges after! —Salina

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Cathy Ballou Mealey link
3/10/2015 01:41:55 am

Salina - I love that your secret is BE BRAVE! I see that in the heart of each of your picture book characters as well. Despite the challenges they face, each digs deep within themselves to do the difficult thing. It's why we love them so much! TYVM

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:12:11 am

Hi Cathy,
Awwwww, thank you so much!!! I've had to do a lot of fighting with my fears over the years... (fear of public speaking, fear of public-ANYTHING, fear of rejection, fear of traveling, fear of having to get a real job, fear of public speaking (yes--that one deserves to be said twice!)... but this is what allows us to grow. And be stronger! Fight the good fight, I say, and that fight is to fulfill our dreams. Happy to say that I can speak publicly without wanting to vomit now... so... PROGRESS!!!! :-) —Salina

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Marianne Kuzujanakis
3/10/2015 01:50:52 am

Thank you, Salina! Great post. One comment that deeply resonates is "one must have a clear understanding of the character's world". To me this is what produces magic. I also love storyboarding. Thanks for the reminder.

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:14:40 am

Hi Marianne,
Thanks so much for reading. And I love that the comment resonated for you. I remember having that ah-ha moment when daunted by the task of writing a series. Good luck to you! —Salina

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Deborah Allmand
3/10/2015 01:53:16 am

Loved reading about your process. Also the truth about waiting and rejections. It is a big part of writing. But I always found it a motivator. It seems you did also. Thanks do much for the great post.

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:16:42 am

Thank you, Deborah! Waiting--it can be INVIGORATING to down right depressing! Ha! But... filling the waiting time with something else makes all the difference. Hope you have an inspired day! —Salina

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Joni Klein-Higger link
3/10/2015 01:58:02 am

Wow! Loved seeing your FOUND storyboard, Salina. You are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing with ReFoReMo.

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:18:16 am

Hi Joni,
Thank you for reading! I shared the FOUND storyboard to show that one doesn't really need to know how to draw to write that way! I'm not really a strong drawer... (I'm more of a designer, I think, than illustrator). But... storyboarding helps with the writing and storytelling! Good luck with it! —Salina

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Doreen Lepore link
3/10/2015 02:10:07 am

Thanks for sharing your process - great interview Salina and Carrie!

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/10/2015 05:20:49 am

You are welcome, Doreen!

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:18:43 am

I was happy to share, Doreen! Thank you for reading it, and good luck to you! —Salina

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Erin Nowak link
3/10/2015 02:27:25 am

"100% failure rate of you don't try." Love that! Thanks for sharing your process with us all. My 3 year old is currently in love with Penguin and Pinecone!

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:19:33 am

Thank you, Erin! And I love that your 3 yr old is enjoying Penguin and Pinecone! (It's my personal favorite book of mine.) —Salina

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Mary McClellan
3/10/2015 02:30:42 am

This post was a gift! First, I'm excited to hear there are books I haven't yet read. I LOVE the Penguin books and have recommended them as gifts. I'm always interested in hearing about a writer's/illustrator's process, too! Thanks so much for this post!

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:21:12 am

Hi Mary,
Oh my gosh... that you so much for your very kind comment! I'm always a little surprised when I hear that I'm helping... because often times, I'm not sure I know what I'm doing! Is there a right and wrong way to be creative? I don't think so. But I hope that what's worked for me will also work for others! Thank you!!! —Salina

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Pat Miller
3/10/2015 02:40:17 am

The sheer volume of your ideas, your rejections, and your actual books is inspiring. You must have an entire bookcase of your own titles at home. Congratulations, and thanks for the encouragement. PENGUIN AND PINECONE is my favorite--so far!

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:23:09 am

Hi Pat,
Thank you! And yes... I have two shelves just dedicated to my own published books.It's rewarding to see the collection grow, and change. Best of luck to you and thanks for reading! —Salina

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Deirdre Englehart
3/10/2015 02:40:39 am

I loved to hear about your process. I am considering starting with the storyboard too! Wonderful and inspiring! Thanks!

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:40:21 am

Thank you, Deirdre! Yes, do try the storyboard method! I never write sequentially. Start with key scenes first (that I call anchor scenes) and write forward and backward to build the bridges between them. Key scenes are the ones that move you most! Good luck! —Salina

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Lori Dubbin
3/10/2015 02:46:32 am

FOUND, in this insightful interview with Carrie and Salina, bravery and motivation to keep at it. Thanks for sharing so much of your process, Salina. :)

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:40:43 am

Thank you, Lori! —Salina

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Nancy Brown
3/10/2015 02:51:05 am

I loved Found and hte community board!

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:41:06 am

Thank you, Nancy! —Salina

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Kelly Carey link
3/10/2015 02:59:19 am

Salina - I appreciated your words of encouragement in the face of rejection. You've helped me keep going today! The manuscript that sits in a file on my computer will never be published -- time to keep putting it out there -

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:42:18 am

YAY, for keep going today, Kelly!!! And yes... you're right. The ms that only sits filed away will NEVER be published. 100% failure rate is not desirable. Pull it out and give it a chance! —Salina

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Lisa Connors link
3/10/2015 03:13:12 am

Salina, I am so impressed with your energy and productivity. I just love Penguin and I look forward to reading your other series.

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:45:37 am

Hi Lisa,
Some of that energy and productivity was due to DESPERATION, not always INSPIRATION! ;-) But you know, whatever is the motivating factor, it helped! I desperately did not want to get a real job... and wanted to keep creating books for a living! :-) Thanks for your comment! —Salina

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Denise Engle
3/10/2015 03:31:07 am

Salina, thanks for the mentor text. I look forward to reading your recommendations!!

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:46:04 am

Thanks for reading, Denise!
—Salina

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AJ Irving link
3/10/2015 03:32:20 am

Great interview! Thank you for sharing your process. My kiddos love your books!

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:46:31 am

Thank you, AJ! I appreciate you sharing my books with your kiddos!
—Salina

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Anita Banks
3/10/2015 03:46:04 am

What a wonderful post! Thank you.

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:46:44 am

Thanks, Anita!
—Salina

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Heather Pierce Stigall
3/10/2015 03:53:26 am

Wonderful post! When I mentioned in my critique group last month that I had an old novelty/concept ms in my files, someone brought up Salina Yoon as a possible mentor text resource. I'm so glad I could read this interview and get to know Salina's books a little better. Thanks for the inspiration!

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:50:03 am

So glad to inspire you, Heather! And OMG... I am the novelty concept book queen... with probably around 130 of them? Not sure. What's great about novelty concepts is that usually, I sold them as a series. So... ONE idea meant a sale of 2-4 book titles! Even if from a dozen ideas, I only sold one, that one could lead to even as many as 6 books sometimes. So while novelty books earn less than picture books, I made up for it in quantity of books. But novelties are tricker these days to sell because of the cost of producing them. Prices for paper, labor, oil, printing, is all up. So.. the idea must be absolutely brilliant and adorable! Keep at it, and make it un-turn-downable!!! —Salina

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Heather Pierce Stigall
3/11/2015 02:29:14 am

Yes, I was worried about the cost of producing a novelty book and figured it would be a tough sell for a pre-published author. I am trying to develop a body of work (PiBoIdMo, 12x12, and ReFoReMo challenges are helping me along!) and hoping someone will publish a traditional PB first. Maybe then someone will look at my novelty/concept idea. If only I was an illustrator too! The pictures are all in my head Thanks for replying to my post.

Nancy Brown
3/11/2015 03:21:05 pm

Salina, could you give an example of this? What are some of your novelty/concept series?

Salina
3/11/2015 03:27:10 pm

Hi Heather,
I didn't know how to reply to your response... so I hope you see this. But just want to add that I think you have a very good plan! Start with a PB! Much harder to sell a novelty or board book as author only. It's been done, for sure,... but much much more challenging than an author/illustrator... like Joyce Wan, Barney Saltzberg, or me. And the ones that you do see published, many are created by book packagers that hire freelance illustrators, but create the work in-house. Many large houses don't acquire novelty/board text... unless it's so unique that it's un-turn-downable! The picture book is an excellent format for you to pursue as an author... and remember, if it's for younger kids, it has the potential to work as a board book, too! All of my Penguin and Bear books have (and will) have board book editions. It doesn't always work that way, but when they do, it's wonderful. Also, PB's have the potential for licensing deals that aren't available to novelty/board... like audio, paperback, and digital book editions. I wish I had pursued PB's earlier in my career! I love this format. So much potential! —Salina

Salina
3/11/2015 03:30:31 pm

Nancy Brown:
Examples of my novelty/concept series? I don't think I've ever sold a stand alone novelty book! It's almost series---or nothing! If you do an author search with Salina Yoon, you will see many titles... but they won't necessarily be grouped. Hm... I wonder where I can post pics so I can simply show you... from my own shelf of published books. I'll post on the ReFo FB page, if that might help! Okay with you?

Alice Fulgione
3/10/2015 04:07:00 am

I'm looking forward to reading Salina's books.

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:50:16 am

Thanks, Alice!

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Elaine Hillson
3/10/2015 04:09:39 am

A wonderful interview. Thank you so much for sharing.

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Salina
3/10/2015 07:50:33 am

Happy to, Elaine! Thank you! —Salina

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Rene` Diane Aube
3/10/2015 04:10:43 am

Salina, thank you so much for giving us permission to be afraid, insecure, and uncomfortable. Fighting through those negative thoughts can certainly be a challenge, but your encouragement to shake it off and keep on going is very uplifting! I was just reveling in your illustrations on the endpapers of FOUND yesterday! LOVE it! Looking forward to diving into your Penguin series. :)

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Salina
3/10/2015 08:00:43 am

Hi René,
Yes, yes,... fighting off the negative thoughts and fighting through your own personal fears and insecurities is definitely the most challenging for all creative people! I used to be a lot tougher on myself---but now, I think that the downs are just a part of the process! I still have a lot of my rejected projects... and when I look at them, I have no feelings of regret or disappointment. I feel like it was one project of many to help me get to my better projects. Each rejection is a stepping stone to success. Some successes require more stepping stones than others, but still, each is important, I have no doubt! Best of luck to you. —Salina

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Kathy Mazurowski
3/10/2015 04:14:56 am

Thank you so much! This interview gave me so much information and wise words-BE BRAVE! I nneded that today.

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Salina
3/10/2015 08:01:07 am

YAY, Kathy! Go be brave today, and EVERYDAY! Fight on!
—Salina

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Mike Karg link
3/10/2015 04:15:39 am

Writing a biography of the character is a wonderful idea!

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Salina
3/10/2015 08:03:05 am

Yes, do give it a try! Think of it as interviewing your character. Learn as much about him/her as you can. Good luck! —Salina

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Darcee Freier
3/10/2015 04:16:32 am

This interview was very encouraging. I liked that Salina Yoon didn't know how many rejections she's received, but that she counts the yeses, and I appreciate that she shared successes and failure. Thank you.

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Salina
3/10/2015 08:06:23 am

Hi Darcee,
I might get depressed if I actually knew the number of rejections I've received! Ha! Or not! The more rejections I've received, the more experience I've gained. I learned a lot from those. Without them, I'd never have found the successes. Good luck to you! —Salina

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Annette Bay Pimentel link
3/10/2015 04:58:32 am

I love seeing Salina Yoon's storyboard! It's so helpful to see how working writers/artists actually put into practice the things we all know we should do.

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Salina
3/10/2015 08:09:45 am

Annette,
I'm glad the storyboard helped! It's very VERY rough... and I tighten as I go... but as you can see, even writers with NO drawing experience can storyboard to help with their writing! For one thing, by keeping it so small, I only write text that's integral to the story. Nothing more. You'll notice my books are NEVER wordy! With this technique, you'll never have an over-wordy ms! :-) (Mine are usually around 200 words in a 40-page PB format) Good luck to you! —Salina

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Wendy Greenley link
3/10/2015 05:00:02 am

I knew I loved Salina's books but had no idea she has over 150! I will have to talk to my library about this (LOL). I too am touched by her positive attitude in what can be a hard business. Thank you for this great interview.

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/10/2015 05:23:20 am

You are welcome, Wendy!

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Salina
3/10/2015 08:11:07 am

Ha ha... Wendy, most libraries just carry a few of my PB's, if that. As long as they carry Penguin and Pinecone, and Found, I'll be happy! Thank you for your comment! —Salina

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Cassie Bentley
3/10/2015 05:28:56 am

Thank you for sharing your process, struggles and triumphs. I cannot wait to try your storyboard idea and put it all on one page.

I found Penguin and Pinecone when killing time waiting for an appointment. I love it.

Thank you Carrie for supporting mentors and writing.

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Salina
3/10/2015 08:12:51 am

Thank you for reading, Cassie! And yes, do try the storyboarding method, whether you're an illustrator or not! I shared my very crude beginning storyboard to show how crude it can actually be... and STILL be helpful! Start with key anchors in your story---the scenes that are the most important in your mind. Then, work forwards and backwords to build the bridges between them. It's always worked for me. Best of luck! —Salina

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Cassie Bentley
3/10/2015 04:59:36 pm

Thank you Salina, the idea of starting with key anchors and working forwards and backwards didn't occur to me. I would have tried to start at the beginning and work to the ending--like it is read.

Damon Dean link
3/10/2015 05:37:52 am

Wow Salina. How a little brown blob with simple dots, circles, and arcs can express such emotion and character--it astounds me. You are an awesome creator. Thanks for this showcase of genius, Carrie.

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Salina
3/10/2015 08:15:12 am

Hi Damon,
The simple brown blob... do you mean Bear?? :-) I have so many simple characters. Have you seen TAP TO PLAY? That's as simple as it gets!!! Simple is all I do. I know my limitations. Thank you for calling it genius! My goodness. Not sure about that, but THANK YOU! :-) —Salina

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/10/2015 04:40:18 pm

You are welcome, Damon! It was such an honor and pleasure to collaborate with Salina! She is such a giving, inspiring author and person!

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Carol Nelson
3/10/2015 05:41:57 am

Thanks for this great interview. Lots of great advice for someone waiting for that first acceptance.

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Salina
3/10/2015 08:15:29 am

Thank you, Carol!
—Salina

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Kristi Veitenheimer link
3/10/2015 05:45:21 am

Thanks for sharing. I really need to storyboard the manuscript that I'm working on. Maybe it would help me find the kinks!

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Salina
3/10/2015 08:20:02 am

Hi Kristi,
Yes, do try to storyboard! That's how I find the kinks! First, read your ms and find the KEY scenes. (I call them my anchor scenes) Sketch loosely those scenes first. (important to include the beginning--how it all starts, the climax, and ending are some important scenes) Then, draw forward and backward to bridge these scenes together. Look at your transitional pages and see if they're working. I never write sequentially... and often jump around from parts of the story to the next. I didn't show it here, but I often cut up my tiny storyboards and re-shuffle them in the order that makes the most sense, and add or take away as I develop. Once they're all cut up, you can stack them in order, clip them together, and read sequentially. Then, spread out again, and see how you can improve. Rinse. Repeat. And you'll solve the puzzle! Every story is like solving a puzzle! Good luck! —Salina

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Kristi Veitenheimer
3/10/2015 05:29:37 pm

Thanks for the feedback, Salina!

Katrina Moore link
3/10/2015 06:52:18 am

I love your advice to follow your intuitive process and to be brave! Thank you for this inspirational post, Salina!

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Salina
3/10/2015 08:21:12 am

My pleasure, Katrina! Thank you!
—Salina

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Rita Lorraine Hubbard link
3/10/2015 06:58:20 am

Hi Salina, thanks for this post. It's so full of detail that I found gems of wisdom all over the place! Thanks also for including your first storyboard for FOUND. It gives a lot of insight to your creative process.

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Salina
3/10/2015 08:23:59 am

Hi Rita,
I'm so glad it was helpful, esp the rough storyboard... because gee, it's not my best work, lol! But the point is to show how you don't have to be a great illustrator to be able to storyboard! It's not about the details in the art as much as telling the story in an effective way! Good luck, and I hope this process works for you!

If you read some of my longer responses above, they explain the storyboarding process a bit more!

—Salina

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Darshana link
3/10/2015 08:04:26 am

Awesome interview Salina!

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Salina
3/10/2015 08:24:16 am

Thank you, Darshana!

—Salina

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Ellen Sirianni
3/10/2015 09:09:05 am

Wonderful and inspiring post! I love your books. Thank you for sharing.

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Salina
3/10/2015 09:48:05 am

Thank you so much, Ellen! —Salina

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Stacy S. Jensen link
3/10/2015 10:53:32 am

We just recently read Stormy Night and love it. Enzo did not appreciate the my singing. Thanks for the inspiration to get to work! Looking forward to the future Penguin books and the early reader series.

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Salina
3/10/2015 12:38:38 pm

Thank you, Stacy! -Salina

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Suzy Leopold
3/10/2015 11:00:21 am

Salina! You are so encouraging. I will remember your words to be brave and experience failure. Thank you for sharing your cut and paste process. Such an excellent activity for writers, whether one is an illustrator or not. Finally, I find it so curious that you have not read a craft book. You are amazing.

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Salina
3/10/2015 12:47:07 pm

Hi Suzy,
Thank you for commenting. Scroll above for my longer responses and I write more about the storyboard process. And when I say I'm more visual, it also means that I have trouble processing just words. I've never been a strong reader, not even now. I read slow, and my grammar is atrocious! I don't understand grammar. And often, my mind drifts off while reading and I have to re- read and refocus. This is why I can't read craft books. They often confuse me, and I stop. They make me more afraid to write! I fear I'm doing it all wrong. But why mess with what's worked for me.

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Salina
3/10/2015 12:54:27 pm

Continuing on My response to Suzy....
So, I really wish I could read craft books and understand them, but I process too slowly. This is a big reason why I didn't picture myself EVER to write books. I had some pretty big fears to overcome. If I can do it (with my poor reading and writing skills), I'm quite sure anyone can!
Salina

Doris Stone
3/10/2015 11:43:07 am

Fantastic interview! Thank you, Salina and Carrie for all your inspiration!

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Salina
3/10/2015 12:54:54 pm

Thank you, Doris!

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/10/2015 04:43:05 pm

You are welcome, Doris!

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Salina
3/10/2015 12:58:53 pm

And I've bought grammar books that I've never read, too. Does having it on your shelf count?

Salina

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sharon giltrow
3/10/2015 01:14:18 pm

thanks for showing us how you did your story board for Found

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Salina
3/10/2015 02:20:13 pm

Thanks for reading, Sharon! —Salina

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Jennifer Judd link
3/10/2015 01:57:48 pm

Salina, you are an inspiration in all ways. Loved this post, I ADORE your books, and you may not remember, but I met you at the Rocky Mt. Letters and Lines Conference and was so impressed by your kindness and positivity. Also, FOUND is one of my kiddos' favorite reads.:) Thanks for being an all-around wonderful writer and person!

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Salina
3/10/2015 02:16:02 pm

Jennifer!!! I don't remember you from the conference specifically, but I know you from AN EYEBALL IN MY GARDEN because I own a signed copy (signed by Laura Wyncoop, a writing friend of mine!) And wow... my Rocky Mt visit was incredible!!! I've made so many friends from that visit. Thank you for your super kind words!!! HUGS! —Salina

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Jennifer Judd
3/11/2015 07:29:03 am

Like I said, Salina, you are wonderful! :) (And I was there with Laura W. at the conference--it WAS amazing!)

Joyce TuckeR link
3/10/2015 03:10:34 pm

Wow! what a wonderful interview and great information. Thank you so much for sharing what you know!

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Salina
3/10/2015 05:39:40 pm

Thank you, Joyce! I am always happy to share what I know! It's almost a badge of honor for me-to actually be able to have something to help other writers! I felt so clueless for so long. :-) But I think I know a thing or two now! Best of luck to you! —Salina

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Tracey M. Cox link
3/10/2015 05:32:50 pm

Thanks for the great interview Carrie & Salina.

I love to storyboard too. I will doodle on in paper to make sure I have enough page spreads and to make sure the story is moving forward. I also have a tri-fold display board I use for storyboarding.

Thanks again.

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Salina
3/11/2015 03:07:49 am

Hi Tracey!
We know each other from the boards and FB! Good to see your name here. You have great ideas for writing interactively! Love it! —Salina

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Salina
3/10/2015 05:42:25 pm

Carrie, I just went back and read your responses to some of my responses. Thank you! And thanks for explaining about FOUND being a recommended mentor text! I actually just learned that term not too long ago! It must be in craft books, eh? See... I miss out on so much for not reading them! —Salina

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Wendy Engelmann
3/10/2015 06:11:06 pm

How wonderful to hear from a professional that you want to give up occasionally. Writing is sometimes hard. I too make dummies of my books and do lots of cutting and pasting! Until the story feels right.
Thank you for doing the interview, I learned a lot.

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Salina
3/11/2015 03:17:03 am

Hi Wendy,
That's interesting that you work similarly to me! And professional or not, we're all human. When stakes are high (and they are when you are truly passionate about something), losses can feel devastating. But when I make it a routine to explore a new project when I'm out on sub, I rarely have just one thing going... so it really eases up the "pain" of rejection. Working on multiple projects is important... even if they're not being developed all at once. I don't like to have all of my hopes in one single project. Best of luck to you, Wendy! —Salina

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Angela Turner
3/10/2015 06:30:52 pm

Salina, I loved "seeing" your process and your excitement for writing children's books. I also like to sketch out the whole story, usually many times. Your post is an inspiration. Thank you.

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Salina
3/11/2015 03:18:55 am

Thank you, Angela! I'm glad you're a sketcher, too! Whether you're an illustrator or a writer, it's so helpful to "see" the story in separate pages. Good luck! —Salina

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Wendy Engelmann
3/10/2015 06:43:31 pm

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Keila Dawson link
3/10/2015 07:29:53 pm

I'm going to try your idea of writing key ideas that move the story and develop it forward and backward. Sounds interesting. Not sure where I'll end up but intrigued with that process. Thanks!

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Salina
3/11/2015 03:23:40 am

Hi Keila,
I'm glad you found that bit of advice in my responses... because it's SO helpful to me! There's always a few scenes that really stand out... particularly the beginning (how will I introduce the character, and what is his problem?), any emotional/moving scenes that makes one pause, and the ENDING (key!!!). And be sure to cut the pieces out when you do this... so you don't feel tied down to your original sequence. Move them around! Once you nail the ending, you're home free! If you have a great ending, work backwards to support it. Best of luck!! —Salina

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Maria Laso
3/10/2015 08:43:25 pm

My hero!

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Salina
3/11/2015 03:24:41 am

Oh, Maria! :-) You're very kind! I'm so glad the post inspired you. Good luck! —Salina

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MaDonna Maurer link
3/10/2015 10:38:22 pm

Thanks so much for a great interview and for all the tips and encouragement I got from reading the comments.

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Salina
3/11/2015 03:25:27 am

Hi MaDonna,
Thank you for reading the post AND the comments! —Salina

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Kathy Phillips
3/10/2015 11:03:37 pm

Great post Salina,
I often feel like just giving up. Thank you for the encouraging thoughts.

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Salina
3/11/2015 03:27:37 am

Hi Kathy,

It's okay to feel like you want to give up sometimes. That's really very natural and I think actually a PART OF OUR PROCESS! The important thing is that you don't really. You're just taking a break. But somehow you come back to it because you can't help it!!! You CAN'T not write, am I right? You refuel when you take those breaks. People shouldn't be so hard on themselves when they want to quit. I think it's good to quit... for a little while... and come back refreshed! —Salina

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joanne link
3/11/2015 12:14:19 am

What a fabulous, fabulous interview - with so much advice and encouragement. Thank you, Salina and Carrie, for this

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Salina
3/11/2015 03:27:54 am

Thanks, Joanne! —Salina

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janet smart link
3/11/2015 12:29:04 am

Very helpful post. Thanks for all your great ideas you have shared with us. All those published books - great talent, patience and persistence - pays off. Something for all of us to strive for.

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Salina
3/11/2015 03:34:47 am

Hi Janet,
Yes... I was extremely persistent. I remember one year,.. I think it was 2002, and I had only one book coming out (with S&S). One book doesn't support you. :-( My choices were to find a job... or... dive into book creation like a maniac. Can you guess what I picked? :-) At the time, I was submitting one book at a time (I build hand-made dummies that took hours/days to produce). But that year, I was so determined that I started to build 3 dummies of each idea I had. I sent out 7-9 submissions A MONTH (which was like maybe 3 different ideas---but multiple copies of them)... to various houses. I did this for about a year... and boy, did it pay off. When you plant your seeds, eventually they will grow and you can harvest. I "harvested" maybe 8 book acquisitions the following year... and more then next, until I stayed at my max of about 10-12 books a year. Now, I don't nearly do anything close to that. But at the beginning, it was necessary. That's how I broke in. Sheer determination. And when I got rejected, I listened to why. I learned as I went. I studied all of the novelty books out in the market. Now I read mostly picture books. And I submit MUCH less books a year. Far less. But actually, I'm in a much better position now than when I was selling 10+ books a year! :-) Keep going!!! —Salina

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Tina Cho link
3/11/2015 12:48:07 am

Excellent interview, Carrie and Salina. Loved the illustrations, doodles... Congrats on this new book! That's interesting that you never read a craft book on writing, yet you're such a pro!

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Salina
3/11/2015 05:08:00 am

Hi Tina!
You know... everyone learns differently. I pick up on things from reading picture books... and others learn better from craft books. I have a hard time reading any manual of sorts! Unless there are pictures. :-) I like fiction/novels (without illustrations!), but manuals/craft books are hard for me to digest. :-) Thanks for the comment! —Salina

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Catherine Johnson link
3/12/2015 05:21:49 am

I feel the same about craft books though I have read a few. What a fabulous career and lovely interview. We have Penguins In Love and love it! Congratulations, Salina!

shirley Fadden link
3/11/2015 02:15:03 am

Thank you for an inspiring morning! I'm good to go and without coffee!

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Salina
3/11/2015 05:08:27 am

WOO HOO! Go write, Shirley! —Salina

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Dow Phumiruk link
3/11/2015 02:15:23 am

Hooray for Salina! We LOVE you!!!! Thank you for sharing so much with all of us. Hugs!

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Salina
3/11/2015 05:09:55 am

Hi Dow!
Fancy seeing you here! :-) And you know how much I love and respect YOU! Hugs back, and keep making gorgeous art, Dr. Dow! I still cannot get over that you're a doctor... AND write/illustrate children's books. Talk about over achievers! —Salina

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Teresa Robeson link
3/11/2015 03:28:25 am

"Allow yourself to feel uncomfortable, insecure, and afraid at first."...alas, I think I've been stuck on this part for a couple of decades! :} I love the idea of having the storyboard all on one page. I have some storyboard templates printed out but I don't remember to use them. I actually like your vertical format better than the horizontal templates. I'm making myself a note to get some legal sized notepads. :) Thanks, Salina and Carrie for the interview and giveaway!

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Salina
3/11/2015 05:12:04 am

Hi Teresa,
You don't need templates to make rectangles! Just draw them yourself... (so you never have the excuse of not having those templates)! I have templates that i use when I want to refine my sketches, but at the start, I don't. Best of luck to you! —Salina

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Juliann (Juli) Caveny link
3/11/2015 05:13:43 am

Fantastic post! Very helpful... Thanks for sharing insight into your process. I knew the Penguin books looked familiar! I picked up one yesterday in our school library and loved the straight-forward plot and simplicity!

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Salina
3/11/2015 05:44:33 am

Thank you, Juli! —Salina

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Akiko White link
3/11/2015 05:15:00 am

I am one of your biggest fans! Thank you for sharing your process Salina! <3

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Salina
3/11/2015 05:46:30 am

And I'm one of YOUR biggest fans, Akiko! I'm going to be the first to buy your groundbreaking cake-lustration children's book when it comes out! So go get busy in your baking studio! :-) —Salina

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Katie L. Carroll link
3/11/2015 07:06:18 am

Wow! What a great inside look at the author/illustrator process. My boys love your books, Salina!

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Salina
3/11/2015 07:09:43 am

Hi Katie!
Yay... more Blueboarders! (I've been away for a long time... but it's so nice to come across all these familiar names!) Thanks for sharing my books with your kids! I hope you've been well and busy writing! —Salina

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Jilanne Hoffmann
3/11/2015 08:10:06 am

Thanks for sharing your storyboard. It's fun and interesting to see the beginnings of a published book.

I've got Found at home right now. It's wonderful!

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Salina
3/11/2015 09:27:18 am

Thank you, Jilianne! :-) —Salina

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Noel Csermak
3/11/2015 08:26:49 am

Salina, you seem to have a natural affinity for storytelling. Thank you for sharing your storyboarding process. I tend to see my stories as mini-movies and often have trouble re-arranging the scenes. Maybe through single shot storyboarding I will be better able to re-arrange and achieve a satisfying outcome!

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Salina
3/11/2015 09:34:28 am

Hi Noel,
I'm not sure it feels so natural sometimes! Sometimes it feels like I'm pulling teeth! But thank you! I hope I make it look effortless so people will at least try it! Another reason why I need to show scenes as I write is because the art is half the PB! While I don't add details to my storyboards, it still helps to see how the scenes would play out. Many times, I'll let the scenes take the pivotal role in storytelling, and the text simply supports it. Best of luck! —Salina

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Robin Currie link
3/11/2015 09:47:35 am

Thanks for the Submission Glut example - just keep sending out multiples. I just switched to this strategy, but I am author only. I can't imagine how much work it was for you - delighted it paid off. Kid Words are happier with bear and penguin!

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Salina
3/11/2015 11:18:21 am

I hope most people are submitting simultaneously! It was a big mistake for me to submit one editor at a time. Once, I waited on an exclusive submission for one whole year (with S&S). Ultimately, it was passed... even though I was asked to hang on, and things were getting closer, etc. After that experience, I did very few exclusives. That very project sold to another big house (Penguin) as an 8 book deal. At Penguin, I believe I waited about 4 months for a response. (This was SLUSH, mind you. No contacts there. They accepted unsolicited subs at the time.) I advise all to sub to agents regularly, simultaneously, but also, very selectively. I don't believe in shot-gun subs. I only subbed to about 2-3 editors/houses because I was THAT selective. Now, it really depends. Good luck, Robin! Thanks for the comment. —Salina

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Helen Dening link
3/11/2015 12:40:23 pm

Salina, I love your encouraging words and your storyboard process, but I really love your helpful comments to others. Recently I read two of your penguin books and then Found for our library's story time. This week one child immediately asked me to read another penguin and bear book. Made me smile. With multiple projects going on at the same time, have you ever mixed characters between series?

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Salina
3/12/2015 04:30:04 am

Hi Helen,

Thank you for reading through the interview as well as the comments. :-) And while I do have multiple projects, I keep Bear and Penguin's world quite separate... though you might find some things in FOUND that are reminiscent of Penguin (pinecone, penguin stuffed animal in room, beach ball from Penguin on Vacation on a flier..) But I do not plan for Penguin and Bear to ever meet in real life. :-) My next new series that releases next year features two ducks and a porcupine. I'm looking forward to this one. My personality requires that I try something new---so early reader it was. This is a 60 page hardcover format that includes 3 short stories. Very different from my Penguin and Bear books, though similar art style. Dialogue only text! So fun to try new things. Good luck to you, Helen! —Salina

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Jeanette Bradley
3/11/2015 01:50:05 pm

I too loved the endpapers in Found. I love b

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Salina
3/12/2015 04:30:47 am

I love that my endpapers get so much attention! :-) Thank you!
—Salina

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Laurie J. Edwards link
3/11/2015 04:23:41 pm

Salina, You're amazing! Not just for all the books and cool art, but for your generous heart. <3

Loved your comment: "The NEW gives you HOPE. I love that we writers have the power to create that hope within ourselves!" I think that's what you've given everyone with all your wonderful responses. Thanks for that!

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Salina
3/12/2015 04:50:13 am

Hi Laurie,
Thank you for your kind words! I'm addicted to the NEW... that always bring on new hope and excitement for me. While I enjoy the success of Penguin and Bear's series, I'm always thinking..."What can I come up with next????" I had a very big "Let's do something totally different!" moment back in Sept after having just finished/delivered the art for Penguin's fifth book. This book features children... which I usually avoid like the plague. (I can't draw them.) But the story required it, darn it!! There was no avoiding it unless I wasn't the illustrator. So I moved forth--even with my fear of drawing kids. Auctioned sale in 2 wks. Lead picture book title for Bloomsbury. Releases Jan/2016. THIS is the kind of hope a NEW project can bring. What will YOU think up next??? Your next idea can be the big one... :-) It really can! —Salina

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karen nordseth roos
3/11/2015 05:04:24 pm

i haven't scrolled through all the comments and your replies, but i heard on re-fo-re-mo Facebook that you were giving awesome personal responses to everyone. so amazing!

thank you for your candor and for giving a glimpse of your process with regard to the storyboarding. i am a writer and artist, and am making my way to becoming an illustrator of my work. i'm not used to the way to make picture books, but i am learning! your sketches are a truly helpful example for me. thank you so much! <3

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Salina
3/12/2015 05:00:31 am

Hi Karen,
Thanks so much for reading. And good for you for challenging yourself to illustrate your own written work! I think it's very possible to stretch ourselves if we have the desire to. I was neither a writer OR an illustrator when I started out in publishing. I was a DESIGNER! I didn't think I was good enough to be an Illustrator. And that's good... because it made me try harder! Best of luck!! —Salina

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Vivian Kirkfield link
3/11/2015 05:28:35 pm

Congratulations, Salina...what a success you are! Thank you so much for sharing your incredible journey...and I LOVE the storyboard of your first book. That is a priceless gift to us!

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Salina
3/12/2015 05:03:17 am

Hi Vivian,
Thank you so much! I'm glad the storyboard was helpful to see... because it's like sharing with the world a picture of yourself when you roll out of bed. It's not pretty. But like people, it can be cleaned up! :-) Thank goodness. —Salina

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Erik - This Kid Reviews Books link
3/12/2015 12:17:47 am

I LOVE Penguin books! Especially Penguin on Vacation. I didn't know about the Bear books! Thanks for sharing this interview - it is always interesting to learn about the writing/illustration precess!

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Salina
3/12/2015 05:03:49 am

Thank you, Erik! —Salina

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Jarmila Del Boccio link
3/12/2015 03:39:47 am

Thanks for encouraging us to know our character fully before writing. So helpful, Salina!

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Salina
3/12/2015 05:04:23 am

So glad it was helpful, Jarmila! —Salina

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Mary Worley
3/12/2015 03:57:48 am

I enjoyed seeing the rough draft of Found! Even though I'm not an illustrator, I can picture each scene in my head (my storyboard has stick figures and labels so I can tell what it's supposed to be). You are so right about going with the obsession. I'm enjoying writing so much that it doesn't feel like work. Thanks for the inspiration!

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Salina
3/12/2015 05:13:07 am

Hi Mary,
I think it's very smart for you to storyboard (even with stick figures!). Visualizing the story in your mind is also very helpful. It forces you to write a story where something is happening, doesn't it? Otherwise, the characters would just be standing there talking to each other. Visualizing the story forces us to add some action, change in scenery, and other elements that make the story more dynamic. Keep going! And good luck! —Salina

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Juliana Lee link
3/12/2015 07:30:27 am

Hats off to you, Salina! Still trying to break into the market and admire your ability to keep it fresh every time!

Reply
Salina
3/12/2015 02:49:28 pm

Thanks, Juliana! And don't give up! I'll see you on the other side! —Salina

Reply
Stephanie Van Horn link
3/12/2015 02:23:55 pm

Thank you for the insight! I read many of your books to my daughter when she was a toddler. Great memories.

Reply
Salina
3/12/2015 02:50:50 pm

Thanks, Stephanie! I love toddler-aged books AND toddlers. Made most of my toddler-aged books when mine were tots themselves. :-) —Salina

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Laura Renauld
3/13/2015 12:53:17 pm

My boys and I LOVE Penguin and Pinecone (and the whole series!). Thanks for sharing your storyboard. I'm not an illustrator, but that looks like a fun way to plot an idea.

Reply
Salina
3/14/2015 06:13:11 pm

Thank you, Laura!!! So happy your boys love the series. I have boys, too. :-) —Salina

Reply
Teresa MI Schaefer link
3/14/2015 11:49:40 am

I was at my very first regional SCBWI conference when Mary Kate Castellani held up Penguin and Pinecone as a text to aspire to.

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Salina
3/14/2015 06:15:18 pm

Hi Teresa,
Oh... I wonder if that was the one in DC? Someone told me about Mary Kate doing that!!! I was so moved because she wasn't even my editor!!! At the time, it was Stacy Abrams, who's now at Entangled. I so desperately wanted to work with her after hearing this, and now, I get to! She acquired my DUCK DUCK PORCUPINE beginner reader series at Bloomsbury. I work with another editor for my Penguin and Bear series at the same house. It's not unusual for me to work with several editors at one house because of the various kinds of books I do! Plus... I might wear one out. :-) Thank you for your comment! —Salina

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Kelley Lewis
3/14/2015 02:48:00 pm

Love the sample storyboard - having it all on one page is an intuitive approach.

Reply
Salina
3/14/2015 06:16:51 pm

Thanks, Kelley! And if you try this, be sure to cut it all up, spread by spread. You don't want to lock yourself into a sequence that's not right. I find it much easier of letting go of scenes that don't work if they're loose. This came to me later, because I wanted to stop redrawing everything on the same page. So now, I always snip the spreads after an initial rough storyboard draft. —Salina

Reply
Alison Hertz link
3/16/2015 10:41:06 am

What a great post.

Reply
Salina
3/22/2015 04:51:43 pm

Thanks, Alison! —Salina

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JEN Garrett link
3/17/2015 04:32:52 am

Congrats to the winners and I love the interview!

Reply
Salina
3/22/2015 04:52:02 pm

Thanks, Jen! :-) —Salina

Reply
Denise Engle
3/18/2015 04:11:01 am

Thank you for all of the visual additions to your post!!

Reply
Salina
3/22/2015 04:52:33 pm

My pleasure, Denise! I was afraid it was too long! So glad it was helpful! —Salina

Reply
MD Knabb
3/24/2015 07:46:37 pm

I am impressed with your production. Ten - twelve books a year. WOW
This interview is fantastic.

Reply



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