ReFoReMo Day 19: Kirsti Calls the Doctor

3/19/2016

by Kirsti Call (and a special guest)

Reading stellar picture books and interacting with the ReFoReMo community has me inspired! I love figuring out what works and thinking deeply about why I like some picture books more than others. Fantastic illustrations are essential and as writers we have to acknowledge their importance. There’s a lot we can learn by studying the interplay between words and pictures. Here are some questions that I ask myself:

1. How does the text alone make me want to turn the page? How about the illustration?

2. How does the text leave things unsaid in a way that allows the pictures to help propel the action?

3. What words infuse emotion into the story and give the illustrator an opportunity for vivid interpretations?

4. How do the illustrations enhance the written word, and how can I apply these lessons to my writing?

As I reflect on illustrations, I wonder what an illustrator would think...so I make a call.

“Hello? Is this the doctor? I have an emergency! Is this Dr. Mira Reisberg?" Thankfully, it is!

Kirsti: What exactly should illustrators consider when transitioning from study to studio?

Dr. Mira Reisberg: The key is to have fun with it and pay attention to what you like or don't like so that you can learn from it. I hope the following reflection questions help:

1. How does the illustrator show emotion through body language, expression, and color?

2. Do they have a recognizable color palette throughout the book that helps convey the overall mood of the books?

3. What does the illustrator do to make her or his contributions fresh and original and do they complement or extend the text? If so how?

4. How does the illustrator mix it up to have different compositions on each spread that play with scale, point of view, balance, and perspective?

Thank you Dr. Mira! After reviewing Dr. Mira's questions, I realize that even those of us who aren't illustrators can benefit from thinking like one. Dr. Mira kind of saved the day, didn't she?

Mira is giving away her course, The Hero's Art Journey. This is an incredible course for anyone who is interested in exploring their artistic self! Thank you, Mira! To be eligible, you must be a fully registered participant, comment on this post, read daily, and keep records of your progress.

Kirsti Call reads, critiques and revises every day. She is a member of various critique groups, and blogs for Writer's Rumpus, Children's Book Academy, and the Institute of Children's Literature. As the published author of The Raindrop Who Couldn't Fall and a homeschool mom, Kirsti coaches revision for children ages 5-18. Her school visits involve interactive writing, singing, and of course, reading for research! Kirsti contributed as a 2015 CYBILS YA Fiction panelist and is proud to be the 2016 ReFoReMo co-coordinator. You can follow her journey at www.kirsticall.com.

Mira Reisberg has helped MANY authors and illustrators get published. She has worn just about every hat in the industry including art director, editor, award-winning illustrator and author, kid lit university professor, and literary agent. Mira holds a PhD in Education and Cultural Studies with a focus on children's literature. She is also the Director of the innovative online school Children’s Book Academy. Mira will be co-teaching the highly successful Craft and Business of Writing Children's Picture Books with Random House Editor Kelly Delaney in May. To find out more and receive early access click here:http://bit.ly/yourCBAtribe. Mira is also working on an on-demand and in-demand Writing and Illustrating Graphic Novels course that should also be lots of fun.

231 Comments

Sharon Giltrow

3/19/2016 04:12:51 am

I love being in Australia I get to read the posts first :-).
Thank you Kirsti and Mira for helping us think about illustrators which then helps us to revise our words. I will definitely be writing the questions down and referring to them when I revise my PB's.
I love the play on words "Kirsti calls the Doctor" very clever.

mona

3/19/2016 04:57:24 am

Great questions to ask (myself!) for every manuscript. Thanks, Kristi for calling Doc Mira!

Mike Karg link

3/19/2016 05:05:17 am

I'm regularly amazed by the emotional depth illustrators create. Jon Klassen makes simple beautiful magic with the sparse elegance of Lemony Snicket's text in The Dark. Writers don't need to tell about lots of crazy things to draw; they simply (easier said than done) need to show open doors to the possibilities.

Karla Valenti

3/19/2016 05:06:27 am

These are great questions that really help us understand how to merge art and text in an effective way. Thank you!

Lori Gravley link

3/19/2016 05:25:07 am

Great questions. I love PB Art, but tend to approach it intuitively, these questions help support that intuition with fact.

Dina Ticas

3/29/2016 01:49:48 am

Yes! You said it perfectly Lori. I'm planning on attending an illustrator's talk at the L.A. Festival of Books next week and I'm going to take meticulous notes on what they have to say about how they show emotion on the page.

Linda Schueler

3/19/2016 05:37:21 am

Great questions! Thank you both.

Virginia Law Manning link

3/19/2016 05:52:39 am

Thank you so much! These were all questions that I've thought about from time to time, but I never had a list! Now I'm going to add these to my checklist as I revise my own work and critique others' work. Thanks again!

Deborah Allmand

3/19/2016 06:02:48 am

Wonderful questions to ask ourselves while evaluating picture books. Thank you both for such thought provoking questions. Thank you for the post and fabulous prize!

Sara Gentry

3/19/2016 06:09:57 am

Thank you both for suggesting questions for writers and illustrators. It is helpful to think about what each might consider when approaching picture books.

Michele Manning

3/19/2016 06:16:08 am

As a writer, I've noticed throughout this challenge that I tend to focus more on the words of the story, even though the words and illustrations have a symbiotic relationship - you can't have one without the other. These questions will help me dive deeper into the illustrations. Thank you!

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 09:14:03 am

I'm the same way, Michele--unless I make a conscious effort to focus on illustration, it doesn't happen naturally.

Karen Brady link

3/19/2016 09:28:44 am

That's so interesting. I focus on the illustrations more than anything--but I'm an illustrator, so maybe that's just my natural inclination? For me personally, if a book doesn't have illustrations that appeal to me, the text can't save it.

Andrea Mack link

3/19/2016 06:22:39 am

Thank you both for a great list of questions - they gave me a different perspective on thinking about picture books.

Tanya Konerman link

3/19/2016 06:28:36 am

These are some great things for authors to consider when writing to make our manuscripts stronger. Thanks for the insights.

Patricia nozell

3/19/2016 06:31:54 am

Thank you both for sharing these awesome questions!

Nancy Rimar

3/19/2016 06:32:12 am

Thanks Kirsti and MIra - great questions.

Linda Chavez

3/19/2016 06:45:58 am

Fantastic information! Thanks so much, ladies! I will use these questions as I write and revise.

MD Knabb

3/19/2016 06:50:10 am

Wonderful, helpful questions to keep in mind. Thanks, Kirsti and Mira.

Katelyn Aronson

3/19/2016 06:54:10 am

A great reminder that both the author & the illustrator are looking to tap into emotion, and this is achieved by a delicate balance of text & art. I was also interested to read Mira's profile. Thanks Kirsti & Mira!

Terri DeGezelle link

3/19/2016 06:57:11 am

Spoken like a true artist.Thank you for these pearls of wisdom.

Tina Cho link

3/19/2016 07:01:07 am

I read pbs like a writer rather than an illustrator. These are great things for me to think about. Thank you!

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:02:39 pm

I do too, Tina! I need to remind myself to pay attention to the interplay of words and pictures.

Jodi McKay

3/19/2016 07:03:46 am

These questions are great, Kirsti and Mira. I never thought to ask those questions when studying a published book, but I see how doing so will help me work through those same issues in my own writing. Thanks!

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:03:01 pm

You're welcome, Jodi! Glad it's helpful!

Linda Thomas

3/19/2016 07:10:53 am

Wonderful questions for studying PBs from the perspective of both writer and illustrator! Thank you Kirsti and Mira!

Cathy Breisacher

3/19/2016 07:12:42 am

Dr. Mira and Kristi - thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful post. I always learn a lot from the two of you. I enjoy reflecting on the art in books and now I'll be able to study them with more depth.

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:05:05 pm

Yay! I'm glad you learned!

joanne sher link

3/19/2016 07:14:46 am

Super questions!! Mira and Kristi are BOTH wonderful. Thanks a ton!

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:05:52 pm

Thank you Joanne! I say the same about you!

Cathy Mealey

3/19/2016 07:16:06 am

Wonderful insights! Done well, these things are so seamless that we need to consciously look for them when we study mentor texts. Appreciate the tips!

Laura Renauld

3/19/2016 07:19:06 am

Terrific questions to consider. Thanks!

carole calladine

3/19/2016 07:23:27 am

Wonderful questions. Thanks for helping us understand more fully the interplay between pictures and words from two points of view--yours and Dr. Mira's.

Beverly Marsh

3/19/2016 07:24:37 am

Kristi and Dr. Mira, thanks for the awesome reminders when reading picture books. I will be printing these out for future reference.

Martin Segal

3/19/2016 07:25:03 am

Thank you for the great questions, Kirsti and Mira!

Lotus Ivak

3/19/2016 07:29:29 am

Fabulous post Kirsti! I would love to attend Mira's Hero's Art Journey course...if I get lucky.

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:06:32 pm

Here's to luck! The course is AMAZING!!!

Sharon Putnam

3/19/2016 07:38:26 am

Thank you Kristi, and Mira, for showing us how a writer can go about looking at picture books from the perspective of both the writer and the illustrator. These are great questions to ask while revising my own manuscripts

Heather Pierce Stigall link

3/19/2016 07:40:08 am

These are great questions to keep in mind as I read picture books. Thanks for the little check list.

Manju Howard

3/19/2016 07:44:47 am

Great post, Kirsti and Mira! I keep striving to "leave things unsaid" and find "what words infuse emotion."

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:07:26 pm

Yay! I'm sure the striving means it's happening!

Amy Murrell

3/19/2016 07:48:04 am

Thanks Kirsti and Dr. Mira for these great questions. I am thinking more and more about illustrations as I make esits to my current manuscript. I'm going to share this with my illustrator as well. - Amy

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:07:59 pm

I'm so glad you'll share with with your illustrator. Glad it's helpful!

PatHaap

3/19/2016 07:51:28 am

Wow! Great questions!

Joana Pedrosa-Pastro

3/19/2016 08:02:21 am

Great questions to always keep in mind.
Thanks!

Lisa Connors link

3/19/2016 08:13:16 am

Thank you! These questions are very helpful to me.

Kathy Halsey

3/19/2016 08:19:09 am

I am a true fan of the good Dr. Mira. She is very insightful and knows her stuff. I think my favorite is th done on color palette and theme/tone. We writers need to think of what tone/theme infuses our mss, too. Thanks for a Saturday boost.

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 09:11:27 am

I'm a fan of Mira's too! Glad we gave you a boost!

Mira Reisberg

3/19/2016 10:18:57 am

Ditto to being a fan of yours too. Love what you and Carrie are doing and can't wait to see your next book xox

Mira Reisberg

3/19/2016 10:18:00 am

I'm a big fan of you too Kathy. Thank you for the kind words xox

Jess Townes link

3/19/2016 08:27:14 am

Great questions to consider while reading this month. I'm amazed at how much emotion and storytelling can be conveyed by the talented illustrators in picture books. It's a huge part of why I love this genre so much.

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:08:30 pm

Me too, Jess.

Debbie McCue

3/19/2016 08:27:59 am

Great questions! You both have given me a lot to think about as I study the texts. Thank you!

Mary Warth

3/19/2016 08:28:34 am

Thanks Kirsti and Mira for the terrific questions.

Stephanie Gray

3/19/2016 08:31:47 am

Good questions to consider. I will never be an illustrator, but it is important to think about PBs from both perspectives.

Mira

3/19/2016 10:24:47 am

Stephanie, never say never! When I was a prof I taught kid lit courses and art education courses. My art ed students were often terrified of doing art because either they'd been told that they were no good at drawing as a child or because someone in the family was "the designated artists." All kids are born artists but for many, something kills it for them. I hope that you have the courage to reclaim that wonderful part of yourself one day. And in terms of illustration, it's no longer about drawing like Michaelangelo but about having fun and/or conveying emotion, even if it is literally stick figures (think of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books). I like to say that if you can drive, you can draw. It's the same hand and eye co-ordination, just different skills and techniques :)

Robin Currie link

3/19/2016 08:33:44 am

I just wrote a story in dialog for the first time - lots of room for the illustrator to go wild! Thanks for the encouragement.

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:10:00 pm

Yay! That's so cool. When I read the 10 books on dialogue I was inspired to write an all dialogue story too!

Noelle McBride

3/19/2016 08:52:16 am

Thank you for these reflection questions! I will share them with my illustrator husband so we can discuss, and grow!

Vicki Reinhardt

3/19/2016 08:53:34 am

Great questions! It always amazes me when I think about all the thought and work both writers and illustrators put into creating a picture book. And that's why we have so many of these wonderful books for children!

Lynn Davidson link

3/19/2016 08:54:56 am

WOW! I love those stacks of books!
This post is helpful, thank you, Kirsti. All those questions will be a help in studying the wonderful picture books I have for this challenge.

As for Mira's course, I followed her link and ... another WOW! I want so much to learn to create through drawing or colour, but - as was with my writing - it has to find a way out. That may be something I will have to unearth in my life to complete the artistic me.

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 09:09:58 am

Yay! I'm so glad! I know that Mira's course is something that every creative can benefit from!

Mira Reisberg

3/19/2016 10:16:13 am

Thank you Kirsti :) <3

Mira link

3/19/2016 10:15:29 am

Thank you Lynn. Yes our classes are unlike anything else out there especially the interactive ones. We'd love for you to join us for one :) Our current stats are 81 contracts for former students, which is pretty thrilling.

Monique Wakefield

3/19/2016 08:57:32 am

I'm always amazed how the illustrators can bring PBs to life. Thank you Kristi and Mira for the great advice:)

Sherry Howard link

3/19/2016 09:03:15 am

Great questions. The workshops look great!

Natalie Rompella link

3/19/2016 09:11:27 am

I love question #3.

Kirsti Call

3/19/2016 04:10:49 pm

Wooo hooo!

debra daugherty

3/19/2016 09:11:29 am

Great questions. Illustrations in a PB are as important as the words. It's wonderful how authors and illustrators partner together, sometimes without ever meeting, to create a book children love.

Rachel Hamby link

3/19/2016 09:12:03 am

I think there could be a lot of lessons taught on this subject. Thanks!

Sue Ganz-Schmitt link

3/19/2016 09:17:31 am

Thank you Kirsti and Mira! I once heard that the illustrations and the text tell two different stories that come together to create one. I used to think that the illustrations should mirror the text but the best book illustrations do so much more than that!

Sue Heavenrich

3/19/2016 09:19:10 am

Kirsti - great points for writers on the text... I agree with Natalie on #3 about giving the illustrator room for vivid interpretation - that's something I'm trying to learn how to do as a writer.

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:11:16 pm

I'm working on it also, Sue!

Alan Elliott link

3/19/2016 09:21:03 am

I can picture what you're saying. Thanks!

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:11:02 pm

Ha!

Joy Main

3/19/2016 09:26:44 am

A double dose of fantastic questions, thanks very much to both of you!

Ashley Bankhead

3/19/2016 09:33:36 am

Great questions! Thanks for sharing.

Karen Brady link

3/19/2016 09:34:53 am

Thank you Kirsti and Mira! All very good questions to keep in mind when analyzing picture books. I think one of the hardest things for a writer to do is leave room for the illustrator to bring his or her own vision to the work. It takes a lot of trust!

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 03:50:38 pm

It certainly does take trust! But it usually works in the writer's favor :)

AJ Irving link

3/19/2016 09:42:16 am

Fantastic post! Thank you!

Traci Bold link

3/19/2016 09:44:30 am

Kirsti and Mira, you brought up some questions I had not thought of while I read making it easier for me to revise my work when I am hung up. Thank you so much for bringing these to light.

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 03:50:53 pm

Yay! I'm so glad!

Lori Dubbin

3/19/2016 09:45:43 am

Thank you, Kirsti and Dr. Mira, for asking these important questions from the writer AND the illustrator's perspective. Creating a picture book is a magical dance (a tango?) between vivid words (sometimes left unsaid) and active, emoting pictures, most of the time with author and illustrator never meeting. Amazing!

Denise Engle

3/19/2016 09:51:53 am

I find the interplay between words and pictures to be fascinating!!! Great post! Thank you!

Julie Burchstead

3/19/2016 09:53:22 am

This is a great post. Your questions are really helpful Kirsti, thanks Mira, you do so much to support writers at all stages. I ma noticing illustration needs to be inspired by and given room by well written text. I am still learning how to do this. I believe illustrations have the potential to make or break a book as they have the power to elevate the text. Illustrations are what first draws me in.

Mira Reisberg

3/19/2016 10:31:57 am

Thank you for your kindness Julie. This is my life's work and I truly love helping. Kirsti did a fabulous job with this post. Thank you Kirsti <3 And I totally agree that the art can make or break a book. The same thing goes for the story but it's the art that draws us in.

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 03:52:13 pm

Thanks Mira! You are someone who truly loves kidlit creatives and it shows!

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 03:53:07 pm

Thanks Julie. I agree with you that Mira is a great supporter of kidlit writers and illustrators.

Kimberly Marcus link

3/19/2016 09:54:23 am

As a text only writer, it is invaluable to see the thought process of the illustrator and gives me the insight to work so closely on word choice to help and leave room for the illustrator at the same time.

Rita Lorraine Hubbard link

3/19/2016 09:58:46 am

Wonderful questions! Thanks for the list.

Christine Rodenbour

3/19/2016 10:09:42 am

Thanks for the great questions to ask myself as I study!

Therese Nagi

3/19/2016 10:11:32 am

I enjoyed Kirsti's and Mars's insights on the interplay between the text and pictures.

Marianne Kuzujanakis link

3/19/2016 10:14:35 am

Thanks Kirsti! Special thanks to the Picture Book Whisperer, Mira!
Points to ponder.

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:01:09 pm

You're welcome, Marianne! Love your alliterative comment!

janet smart link

3/19/2016 10:29:13 am

Great questions and a great stack of picture books.

Marlene Rohr link

3/19/2016 10:34:58 am

Thanks for the questions and insights regarding illustrations in PB's. I am becoming much more aware of the interaction between both aspects as I read these mentor texts.

Angie Quantrell

3/19/2016 10:42:08 am

I love reading picture books where the story is extended and expanded by the illustrations. I am continually amazed at the work done by clever illustrators to meld brilliant stories with pictures. Thanks for sharing questions to help us learn from picture books. Thank you!

Sandra Jenkins

3/19/2016 10:45:08 am

Such helpful questions! Thank you.

Bev Baird

3/19/2016 10:47:52 am

What a great list of questions to help further our study of mentor texts. Thank you both.

Mary Jo Wagner

3/19/2016 10:55:42 am

You should have been Day 1 Kirsti! These questions are so wonderfully probing. I'll have to go back to the beginning and start again with these in mind.. :)

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:00:30 pm

Awww. Thank you, Mary Jo! I'm glad the questions are helpful!

Tracey Brown

3/19/2016 10:57:18 am

How illustrations enhance the written word and apply them to writing - love it! It really is about trusting the process (illustrator) - letting go is a journey.

Angela Turner

3/19/2016 11:12:37 am

I love the interplay of text and illustrations in children's books. I pay a lot of attention to the art and have opinions about whether it works for the story. I haven't really analyzed WHY it works. Thank you for these questions to help my understanding of the how and why.

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:12:07 pm

You're welcome, Angela! Glad you can use the questions!

Jena Benton

3/19/2016 11:18:57 am

Thank you for the illustrator's reflective questions and perspective. This is something I'm just starting to explore myself. I'm glad it's discussed here!

Sydney O'Neill

3/19/2016 11:19:55 am

As I studied Mo Willems's That Is Not A Good Idea, I was fascinated by the subtle ways the illustrations increased the suspense. Looking at the book again, I see each of these questions was answered in an interesting and often fresh way. Thank you for this list. Writers can't know how an illustrator will interpret a story, but we do need to leave room for the illustrator's magic to happen.

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:12:30 pm

I agree Sydney!

Sheri Radovich

3/19/2016 11:24:37 am

I agree that color palettes can set the mood, yesterday's group of books all showed darker brown tones in color palettes and were more serious and not a light and airy as other texts that are fiction. Wow, I learned something.

Lynn Alpert link

3/19/2016 11:32:58 am

Thank you for calling the doctor! Her bedside manner is awesome!

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:13:03 pm

Yes! She's an amazing advocate for kidlit creatives!

Donna Cangelosi link

3/19/2016 11:33:48 am

These questions are so helpful. I wrote them on an index card so I can refer to them when writing :) Thank you for a fantastic post, Kirsti!

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:13:28 pm

Yipppeee! I glad it was helpful, Donna!

Trine

3/19/2016 11:36:34 am

Thank you Kirsti and Mira. As the writer, it is helpful for me to also examine the illustrator's perspectives. Thanks for contributing to ReFoReMo today, Mira!

Kristi Veitenheimer link

3/19/2016 11:43:44 am

There's so much to consider it can seem overwhelming. Thoughts on this "problem"?

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:13:55 pm

Ha! Clone yourself?

Pamela Courtney

3/19/2016 11:44:31 am

I always comment on the illustrations. I even make purchasing choices based on my regard for them. However, I have never purposefully considered the illustrations as I do text. I've known that they tell their story, but what makes it work, not work, the rising/falling action, it's arc too. I'll be re-evaluating how I interpret the structure of books from now on. It will include the illustrations.

Melissa Stoller link

3/19/2016 11:52:04 am

Thank you - it is so interesting when thinking about PB writing to always consider the perspective of illustrators. Great post!

Charlotte Dixon

3/19/2016 11:58:44 am

Thank you, Kirsti and Mira, for those fab questions. It's important to find that perfect balance between the words and illos :)

Lenne' Musarra

3/19/2016 12:05:05 pm

I have been a reader of picture books for many decades and the ReFoReMo books that we are reading are fresh, wonderful examples of the melding of great writing with great illustrations. It's humbling to realize that alone, words or illustrations, do not have to carry the story to it's final printing, that the sum of both is so much more! I particularly like Mira's question 4...how illustrators mix it up to have different compositions on each spread that play with scale, point of view, balance and perspective. Slowly I am learning how important and necessary it is to scale back on words. Thank you Kristi and Mira for posing questions that help us study and visualize the creative collaboration in the melding of words and art.

sue Twiggs

3/19/2016 12:06:44 pm

Kirsti,
I am saving Dr Mira's questions about the interplay of illustrations and text as I study my mentor texts. Thanks for providing more thought provoking study.
wow! that course could be fun. I did one with Emily Feinberg at CBA and really enjoyed it.Her critique was helpful too.

Megan Taraszkiewicz

3/19/2016 12:19:06 pm

Thanks Dr. Mira! Great things to consider!

Melissa Rutigliano

3/19/2016 12:30:48 pm

For my WIP, I've tried to really do a good job of allowing room for the illustrator and imagine where he/she will take my story and how. My current text is based on a character who's very visual, as the story itself is based on his physical appearance and adventures. Therefore, I'm really putting a lot on the future illustrator, so questions such as these are a great tool.

Rebecca Colby

3/19/2016 12:47:26 pm

Thanks for this great list of questions, ladies!

JEN link

3/19/2016 01:03:28 pm

More great questions to add to my notebook! It's so important to approach the mentor text with the understanding that the illustrations and text will be interacting... After all, it's Picture Book.

Kathy Mazurowski

3/19/2016 01:06:52 pm

Thank you, the questions are so helpful.

Charlene Steadman

3/19/2016 01:20:56 pm

These reflection questions will be helpful for me and my critique group!

Gabrielle Snyder link

3/19/2016 01:22:07 pm

Thanks, Kirsti and Dr. Mira, for the fantastic list of questions to consider. I am currently taking Mira's Middle Grade Mastery class and LOVING it! Highly recommend!

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 03:47:32 pm

I adore Mira's classes also!!!

Susan Deo

3/19/2016 01:52:03 pm

Thank you for the thought-provoking questions, Kirsti and Mira! I am looking at picture books and composing my text in a whole new way now. Very helpful.

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:17:09 pm

Yipppeeee! So glad the questions are helpful!

Ellen Leventhal

3/19/2016 02:01:14 pm

The more I read, the more I begin to think like an illustrator. But I can't draw a straight line, so I really admire good illustrators who have wonderful ideas and can put them on a page to enhance a story. Wish I had the vision and the ability! Great post!

Heidi Yates

3/19/2016 02:10:37 pm

Great questions Kirsti! Thank you for sharing such helpful advice. :)

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 04:17:38 pm

Glad it was helpful!

Shelley Kinder

3/19/2016 02:13:40 pm

These are great questions to ask. Oh, how I wish I could draw! Your post inspires me to pay more attention to the illustrations. Sometimes when I'm reading to my kids, they are getting more of the story than I am because I'm reading while they are studying the pictures. The more books I read, the more I realize just HOW talented illustrators are! So much thought goes behind each individual page. It's unreal.

Jilanne Hoffmann

3/19/2016 02:15:18 pm

I am so used to thinking like a writer, that I sometimes forget to think like an illustrator. Thanks for the reminder!

Elizabeth Duncan link

3/19/2016 02:21:36 pm

Thanks for the thought provoking questions that can guide our research as well as our own work. The picture book genre is so complex-- and the writing and illustrating must work together for success. I'm using today to catch up on my notes!

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 03:46:31 pm

Yay! I'm glad you're catching up!

Anita Jones link

3/19/2016 02:41:09 pm

I really took a lot of notes on this article...I wanted to reflect and answer the questions from both perspectives. As a writer/ illustrator, I usually can't wait once I have a manuscript to start my illustrations because the images have been in place as I write. I do need to consider all those elements that you have outlined. As a retired art teacher I was lucky enough to be also be a fellow in the National Writing Project so that helped immensely in helping me to find strength and purpose in both areas..and continues to help me as I take this new journey......Thanks Kirsti and Mira!! Much to learn!

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 03:24:06 pm

Yay Anita! I'm so glad you found our questions helpful!

Amanda Sincavage

3/19/2016 02:45:21 pm

The interplay of illustrations with text = MAGIC! Love these reflection questions. Thanks Kirsti and Mira!

Maria Marshall

3/19/2016 02:53:01 pm

Kristi, excellent questions. Ones that I ponder often as I write. Thank you so much for calling in the Doctor! She is so amazing. Have either of you seen the new PB - TOO MANY CARROTS by Katy Hudson. I do wonder at times, if it is easier to be an Author/Illustrator.

Kirstine Call

3/19/2016 03:20:49 pm

I've never read that one, but I'm going to check it out. I do think it must be easier in some ways to be an author/illustrator. As authors only we really need to make our words shine so editors believe and illustrator can do something amazing with them!

Dee Leone link

3/19/2016 03:07:18 pm

The items listed are great starting points for critiquing our own picture book manuscripts. Thanks for the thoughtful questions.

Mary Boehmer

3/19/2016 03:07:18 pm

Thank you Ladies for sharing with us! Wonderful questions to explore.

Shelley Marshall

3/19/2016 03:28:28 pm

An author ponders the illustrators work and visa versa. Only wonder-filled ideas and solutions with depth and meaning can come of these concepts. Thank you both.

Valarie Giogas

3/19/2016 03:29:18 pm

Great thinking questions. Thanks!

Shari Della Penna link

3/19/2016 04:01:07 pm

I love the way your questions guide me toward the illustrators point of view. Thank you.

Susan Zonca

3/19/2016 04:30:02 pm

Fabulous questions to guide us in our reading and writing...and illustrating!

Mary Jane Muir link

3/19/2016 05:04:00 pm

One can learn so much just by reading over those questions! I am in the midst of Mira and Hillary's wonderful course for writing Middle Grade novels. I recommend the course highly! If the Hero's Journey is anything like the MG course I'd say even if we don't win a free course, it would be a great investment especially if one is planning to develop an original Children's Book. PB or MG

Kirstine Call

3/20/2016 05:38:50 am

I agree, Mary Jane. I took Mira nad Hilary's chapter book course and it was phenomenal!!!

Lucky Jo Boscarino

3/19/2016 05:27:27 pm

As an illustrator, I really appreciate both sets of substantive questions from today's blog. So much to think about. Thanks, Kirsti and Dr. Mira!

Celeste Gerard

3/19/2016 05:41:16 pm

Good questions to remember! Thank you!

Donna L Martin link

3/19/2016 07:05:26 pm

Thank you, Mira, for this list. I'm going to print it off and keep it close to review whenever I'm revising a manuscript.

Great post!

Annette Bay Pimentel link

3/19/2016 07:09:47 pm

I hadn't considered the palette in each book. Something I'll start watching for!

Judy Cooper link

3/19/2016 07:25:43 pm

I printed this one out to use as a reference sheet. Thank you.

Kirstine Call

3/20/2016 05:39:16 am

Yay!

Chana Stiefel link

3/19/2016 07:54:18 pm

Great questions to consider! An illustrator recently created sketches for one of my PBs and added a main character! And I love it!

Suzy Leopold

3/19/2016 08:19:08 pm

Thank you, Kirsti, for consulting Dr. Mira. The four questions that ask how, do and what of the illustrations are outstanding wonderings.

Bethany Roberts link

3/19/2016 08:20:14 pm

Lots to think about here. Thanks!

Suzy Leopold

3/19/2016 08:21:08 pm

Thank you, Kirsti, for consulting Dr. Mira. The four questions of how, do and what an illustrator focuses on are oustanding wonderings.

Jarm Del Boccio link

3/19/2016 09:08:45 pm

Thanks for the tips, Mira. . .there's always more to learn. Good interview, Kristi!

Carol Cole link

3/19/2016 10:23:33 pm

What great questions to use while reading all of these mentor texts this month. I'll certainly be more aware of finding the words that will bring emotion to my stories so the illustrator will be able to bring these emotions to the page.

Brenda Huante

3/19/2016 10:25:23 pm

Thank you Kirsti and Mira. These are great questions!

Keila Dawson link

3/19/2016 11:16:21 pm

Learning to leave out what the illustrator can put in is so important. Easier said than done!

Natalie Lynn Tanner

3/19/2016 11:34:03 pm

Kristi and THE DOC: THANK YOU for your post. I appreciate the POV from both the writer and illustrator; it really helps me think of how to create a better balance between the two. SO IMPORTANT!!!!! THANK YOU!!!

Kirstine Call

3/20/2016 05:40:25 am

You're welcome, Natalie!

DeLeon

3/19/2016 11:40:18 pm

Great points to consider when illustrating a children's book. Mira's course on illustration was fantastic and it gave me a good starting point. I learned a lot and I will add these reflections to my ongoing list to improve my craft. Thank Kirsti for calling the Doctor ;-). Thank you Mira. You are a sweetheart

Emily J

3/19/2016 11:59:56 pm

Wow! These are very helpful questions to keep in mind. Thank you so much, Kirsti and Mira.

Maria Johnson

3/19/2016 11:59:57 pm

Great questions & great dialogue & great points made.

Linda Carpenter link

3/20/2016 06:22:15 am

So many points to consider...very insightful post!

Darlene Koppel link

3/20/2016 07:37:22 am

Very thoughtful questions to consider. Thank You So Much!

Gabrielle Schoeffield

3/20/2016 09:26:30 am

Great questions to consider for both the write and illustrator!
Thanks!
Gabrielle

Holly Samson Hall

3/20/2016 10:09:51 am

Thank you! As an author and illustrator, there's a constant swirl of words and images in my mind as I work, and it can sometimes be overwhelming. Your questions will help me find some clarity, I think.

Suzy Leopold

3/20/2016 10:13:38 am

Thank you, Kirsti, for calling on Dr. Mira. The *How, Do, What* questions are excellent to ask when considering the interplay of the words in pictures.

Meena

3/20/2016 10:14:29 am

Great questions to ponder over. Thanks for the interesting presentation.

Suzy Leopold

3/20/2016 10:26:41 am

Thank you, Kirsti, for calling on Dr. Mirant. The *How, Do, What questions are excellent points to ask when studying the interplay between words & pictures.

Denise Benavides

3/20/2016 10:59:14 am

I needed those questions to help me learn - thanks

Linda Hofke

3/20/2016 11:37:32 am

Great questions. That gives me some new things to think about.

Alice Fulgione

3/20/2016 12:53:50 pm

Thank you both for your great reflection questions!

Caroline Webster link

3/20/2016 01:55:52 pm

I'm grateful for Kristi's questions, and Dr. Mira's questions--I can really see them helping me dig deeper with my works in progress, and imagine new works. Thank you for sharing!

Karen Condit

3/20/2016 03:07:39 pm

This was a great post to keep the illustrator's role in mind when writing. This can be hard to do. Sometimes leaving room for the illustrator to do what they do best is at adds with the author's role to 'show' not tell. These questions are now posted on my dreaming wall. Thanks!

Alan Elliott link

3/20/2016 03:09:53 pm

These are all good points and questions. I am applying them to what I'm currently writing, and seeing how they improve the story. Thanks.

Anne Appert link

3/20/2016 03:13:38 pm

Thank you both for your lists of questions! As someone who would love to both write and illustrate, I find both lists extremely helpful. I think of myself as an illustrator first, and I often have to remind myself to look at the text more carefully too. You never know when you are going to learn something from either the author or the illustrator. Thank you for a great post!

Sherri Jones Rivers link

3/20/2016 03:33:06 pm

That gives us some good points to think about and mull over. So much to this picture book writing business.

jane Buttery link

3/20/2016 03:51:19 pm

I see so much in yet another great blog that i am saving this for further study. Words and pictures should complemenet each other and i also see how important the design of a book is.
Thanks for the whole blog, today.

Laurie Bouck

3/20/2016 05:33:32 pm

Great questions to consider! Thank you very much! :)

Lydia Lukidis link

3/20/2016 08:10:28 pm

Wow, I have to admit that I've never even considered some of these points!!

Juliana Lee link

3/20/2016 08:40:40 pm

I trust Dr. Mira accepts my insurance. I certainly can't afford such excellent care and advice on my own! <3 Thank you good doctor!

Anna Forrester link

3/20/2016 08:48:17 pm

I fall into conversations-with-myself as a way to solve problems when I'm writing; some structured Q&A (with self) during reading is a good idea too. Thanks for the questions.

Helen Dening link

3/20/2016 09:14:06 pm

Thank you, Kirsti and Mira for the terrific questions. So much to think about.

Juli Caveny link

3/21/2016 12:16:57 am

I love to analyze the pictures along with the text as I read for ReFoReMo (and most of the other times as well). Really good PBs have a combo of great story and great illustration that work hand in hand. Kudos to the agents/editors/publishers who make the perfect "match" (the illustrator/author partnerships) that result in the books we adore!

Leah Leonard

3/21/2016 01:41:16 am

Great post! Really good questions. I love Mira! I think she's brilliant and an excellent teacher.

Cheryl Kim

3/21/2016 02:49:27 am

Thank you for the helpful information and great questions, Kirsti and Mira!

Val McCammon

3/21/2016 06:18:06 am

Interesting questions to ask about the connection of text and art -- thanks Kirsti and Mira.

Laura Purdie Salas link

3/21/2016 06:20:18 am

Thanks, Kirsti and Mira. Kirsti, your #3 question is especially giving me food for thought!

Leah Heilman Schanke

3/21/2016 06:34:01 am

Thank you! This post is wonderfully helpful. I'm also a big fan of Mira. I attended her chapter book course last year, and it was amazing. I highly recommend looking into Children's Book Academy's courses.

Sue Poduska

3/21/2016 06:54:58 am

On info overload here. Thanks for asking the tough questions we all need to ask.

Hi, Mira!

Carrie Pearson link

3/21/2016 07:14:39 am

Here is my takeaway for today! "What words infuse emotion into the story and give the illustrator an opportunity for vivid interpretations?"
Thank you!

Robin Currie link

3/21/2016 07:38:56 am

Great questions - feeling a little overwhelmed by the whole month, but these were worth saving to look closely later. Thanks.

Kelly Rice Schmitt

3/21/2016 07:55:32 am

This is such a wonderful reflection weekend post! Thank you for sharing these questions we should all really think over as we create and edit our manuscripts. Evoke emotion with your text so that the illustrations can convey that in pictures and capture the reader's heart!

Cindy Cornwall

3/21/2016 09:36:33 am

As an illustrator first and a writer second, I definitely notice the art first. Even so, there's subtleties that bypass me on a regular basis. There's so many visual choices that it's hard to mentally catalog all of them: perspective, composition, pacing, palette, media type, emotional tone etc. It is a miracle that any book comes out as a cohesive whole. But they do, and that's worth striving for and celebrating!

Mary Worley

3/21/2016 10:00:00 am

Great questions! I especially like #2: how the text leaves things unsaid. Makes me want to go explore right now. Thanks!

Brook Gideon link

3/21/2016 10:00:39 am

Mira and Kirsti,
Thank you for the excellent illustrator thoughts and advice. The play between the text and the images is always so important to the story.

Cecilia

3/21/2016 10:55:55 am

Thank you for great questions to reflect on. Will be concentrating more on illustrations - had not considered color palette before.

Ali Bovis

3/21/2016 11:47:11 am

Thanks so much Kirsti and Mira! So many amazing points to consider!

Angela De Groot

3/21/2016 11:51:40 am

Thanks for the calling the doctor in, Kristi, and giving me lots to think about with your questions.

Carol Nelson

3/21/2016 12:13:44 pm

These are great questions! Thanks.

Lauren Kerstein link

3/21/2016 01:23:05 pm

This post is chock full of fantastic questions we must ask ourselves as we write. Thank you! Dr. Mira did indeed save the day. (and so did you!)

Melanie Ellsworth

3/21/2016 01:38:35 pm

Wonderful questions, Kirsti and Mira! My critique group can use these as we evaluate each others' portfolios.

maria gianferrari link

3/21/2016 01:49:43 pm

Thanks so much, Kirsti & Mira!! I'm building biceps in addition to brain power by toting so many PBs back & forth ;)

Rosie Pova

3/21/2016 02:38:48 pm

Writers who are not illustrators, like myself, might have a harder time figuring out how to accomplish this most effectively, but it is so important, that we need to learn to do it. Thank you!

L. Michelle Quraishi link

3/21/2016 03:28:53 pm

I think as authors we can also experiment with scale, point of view, balance, and perspective. How do we draw back from or zoom in on the action? Tell different sides of the story? Hold back and reveal?

Vivian Kirkfield link

3/21/2016 07:18:53 pm

Oh my gosh...you guys are so funny...Calling the doctor...Dr. Mira, I presume. ;) ;)
Great questions to ask ourselves, Mira...and it is so important to think about the illustrators part in the story puzzle, ESPECIALLY if we are not illustrators ourselves.

Christine Rodenbour

3/22/2016 07:47:55 am

Great questions to add to the list...thank you!!

Sadee Schilling link

3/22/2016 11:38:10 am

Great post! Thinking about illustrations is one of my favorite parts. I am an author-illustrator hopeful myself, and this is a great list of questions to print and refer to as I'm working on my dummies. And yay Dr. Mira! :) I've taken a couple of her courses and and look forward to taking more in the future.

Christie Allred link

3/22/2016 11:43:36 am

I enjoyed this post, ladies. Thanks :)

Lauri Meyers link

3/22/2016 01:57:39 pm

This is really helpful Kirsti! I always get caught up in the story, so these questions help me stop and analyze.

Linda Kujawski link

3/22/2016 02:18:43 pm

Great post! Kirsti and Mira, your questions are extremely helpful as I read my way through the list of mentor texts. I have copied them into my notebook! Thank you both! 😊

Wendy Greenley

3/22/2016 04:00:29 pm

Thanks for the double feature, Kirsti and Mira! I hope an illustrator sees magic in my words. :)

Ann Magee

3/22/2016 06:37:16 pm

Thanks Kirsti and Mira! I find I depend so much on the illustrator when I'm writing my manuscripts. They will definitely bring my words to life!

Suzanne Poulter Harris

3/23/2016 10:58:01 am

Thank you, Kirsti and Mira! I plan to use these thoughtful questions while reading and writing PBs from now on.

Jennifer Cole Judd link

3/23/2016 02:33:27 pm

Thanks for the fantastic questions, Mira and Kirsti! Adding these to my list for pondering!

Karen Bell

3/23/2016 05:57:38 pm

Thank you for providing questions that will help keep the illustrator in mind as I construct my stories.

Lisa Williams

3/23/2016 09:42:15 pm

Thank you for the thought-provoking list of questions. I'm definitely adding these to my checklist!

Susie Sawyer link

3/24/2016 12:16:12 pm

Yes, yes, yes! We authors need to think like illustrators. This post offers wonderful insight! Thank you Kirsti and Mira for these wonderful questions to help us do this!! Printing these off for sure!

Claire Noland link

3/24/2016 03:15:56 pm

Hi Kirsti- These are great questions to think about when reading mentor texts and while writing. You certainly called the right doctor. Mira is awesome!!!

Myrna Foster

3/27/2016 01:44:22 am

I just finished Mira's Chapter Book class this month, and I'd recommend her classes. It was just what I needed to turn a couple of picture books into chapter books. Thanks for this post!

Lisa Morgan

3/28/2016 08:23:48 am

Kristi!!!!! THANK YOU! I love your four points and I'm going back to reread as many books as I can with your thoughts in mind. Wahoo, girl! You just gave me the reader's rush! Thank you to Mira as well, I'm going to google her and learn as much as I can from her.

Lynne Marie link

3/28/2016 09:12:03 am

Thank you Mira and Kirsti for the questions to ponder. Very helpful!

Anita Banks

3/28/2016 02:07:52 pm

Thank you!

Kristen Browning

3/28/2016 10:42:16 pm

Thanks for your post and for the great questions to consider. I am especially intrigued by #3--choosing words to infuse emotion into the story and to allow for vivid illustrations.

ReFoReMo Day 19: Kirsti Calls the Doctor

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