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ReFoReMo Day 3: Marcie Colleen Stacks Up Success

3/3/2015

330 Comments

 
by Marcie Colleen

Call them what you will: mentor texts, inspiration, or research.  But whatever you call them, they grow in a big stack on my desk when I am working on a story.

I largely use these texts as a way of inspiring the mood or style, as well as mentors for theme or plot.

To best explain, I’m going to give you a super-secret, insider’s peek at “the stack” I used for my forthcoming book, Love, Triangle (Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins).

Shhhhhh…ready?  This is some top-secret stuff here.  I’ll have to erase your memory afterward.

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Research on Mood or Style:

1)     The Little Men and Little Miss books by Roger Hargreaves

This was simply visual inspiration. 

The characters in Love, Triangle are shapes: Circle, Square, and Triangle.  Because this is an abstract concept, I needed to figure out how these characters would move about and interact.  I needed to world-build. Immediately the Little Men and Little Miss books came to mind. 

Once I had these images of simple—yet full of personality characters—my story took shape. (Pun intended!) I highly recommend, especially when dealing in the inanimate, to find some visual inspiration.

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2)     The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers (Philomel, 2013)

I knew that I wanted Love, Triangle to pack edgy, smart humor.  I also wanted my story to have as much parent-appeal as kid-appeal (a la the Pixar effect).  Crayons does both.  It also skillfully deals with inanimate objects.  I studied this book to better understand how Daywalt achieved what I wanted to achieve.

My agent later noted in her Love, Triangle submission letter, “Love, Triangle does for geometry what The Day the Crayons Quit did for…crayons!” 

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3)     Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Scott Magoon (Disney-Hyperion, 2009)

I have always been a fan of Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s work.  I love the heart with which she approaches inanimate objects.  I love her word play.  I wanted Love, Triangle to have heart and lots of punny, geometry humor. Imagine my delight when many editors started comparing Love, Triangle to Spoon.  Swoon!

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4)     7 Ate 9: The Untold Story by Tara Lazar (Disney-Hyperion, 2017)

OK. Now this is a funny story.  This book isn’t even out yet, and although Tara is a good friend, I have not read this manuscript.  But, I read this in Publisher’s Marketplace:

THE MONSTORE author and PiBoIdMo creator Tara Lazar’s 7 ATE 9, a pun-packed, preschool noir mystery, starring a hard-boiled Private “I” and a mysteriously missing number, to Kevin Lewis at Disney-Hyperion, by Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency (World).

Just this announcement inspired me.  A title and a one sentence synopsis.  I thought, “YES! That’s what I want Love, Triangle to be!” 

Hilariously, when Love, Triangle was out on submission it received a rejection from Disney-Hyperion because “it seems a little too similar to an upcoming title on our list, 7 Ate 9.”  Too funny! I still haven’t read the book, but was certainly inspired by the concept.

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Research on Theme or Plot Arc:

5)     Two by Kathryn Otoshi (KO Kids Books, 2014)

I love so much about this book.  I love the high concept.  I love the simple text that is truly layered deeply.  I love the sparse presentation.  And this book is about One and Two who are best friends until Three shows up.  Sound familiar? Love, Triangle is about Circle and Square who are best friends until Triangle shows up.

Although it has a sweeter, quieter approach than what I was going for in Love, Triangle, I wanted to see how the plot was dealt with within this style.

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6)      Ollie And Claire by Tiffany Strelitz Haber, illustrated by Matthew Cordell (Philomel, 2014)

This fun book tells the story of a duo who hit a sticky patch in their friendship.  I studied this book as a way of seeing how to tell the story of two.  Can I really only have one protagonist?

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7)     Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great by Bob Shea (Disney-Hyperion, 2013)

Don’t tell Goat, but I think Unicorn is pretty great, too!  I adore this book.  It’s a wonderful tale of jealousy told in a fun way. 

My characters of Circle and Square deal with jealousy, but I didn’t want either one of them to become too negative.  They need to still be loveable.  I want my readers to feel for both of them.  There are no bad guys here.  So, I turned to Unicorn to look at how Bob Shea humorously dealt with jealousy. 

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8)     Chopsticks by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Scott Magoon (Disney-Hyperion, 2012)

Another fun, punny tale of inanimate objects from Amy Krouse Rosenthal, but this time dealing with a duo.  It is a friendship story.  A buddy story. 

In my agent’s Love, Triangle submission letter, she called my story “a kissing cousin to Chopsticks.”  She didn’t even know I had used it as a mentor text.  Heart sing!

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Research on “Accidental” Mentor Texts:

Lastly I want to address those books that you might come in contact with that seem a tad too similar in concept or plot to your own story.  Take a deep breath.  Knowing of these stories can be helpful in determining whether or not your story is fresh.  They can inspire your story, while also pointing you towards your own unique way of delivering a similar tale. Therefore, do not freak out.  While I was writing Love, Triangle two titles were brought to my attention.  They became “accidental” mentor texts.

9)      The Dot and The Line: A Romance in Lower Mathematics by Noah Juster (Chronicle 2000)

While I was writing Love, Triangle, I shared the concept with a few close friends.  Right away some of them exclaimed, “Oh!  Like The Dot and The Line!”  I had no idea what they were talking about.  Then I had my critique group read an early version and someone said, “This reminds me of The Dot and The Line.” By then I realized that I needed to check this title out.  Although it wasn’t incredibly similar, it did have some of the same fun word play which inspired me further.

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10)     The Missing Piece by Shel Silverstein (Harper & Row, 2006)

Similarly to the experience with The Dot and The Line, people started referring to my story as similar to The Missing Piece.  I think the similarity ends with the high concept, layered story of inanimate objects, but I needed to read it to make sure and to see if it held any further inspiration. 

Again, don’t be upset when these types of situations occur, simply use them as inspiration to making YOUR story fresh and uniquely you.

And there you have it!  Hopefully this look into “the stack” provides a little insight to inform your own research.  And it’s worth pointing out that research doesn’t only come in the form of other picture books.  I’ve used comic strips and animated cartoons.  I am even currently watching The Sopranos for research—for a picture book!  Yup!  Boy, does this life rock!

Now go forth.  Explore the mood or themes of your own stories.  Oh, before you go, look into this light so I can erase your memory, k?


Prize Alert
Marcie is donating a picture book critique to be given away at the conclusion of ReFoReMo! 
To be eligible, leave a comment for Marcie here, read daily, and keep a record of your progress.
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Marcie Colleen had a busy 2014 with the sale of her debut picture book, The Adventure of the Penguinaut to Scholastic to tentatively be published in 2016.  Additionally, her next book Love, Triangle sold in a five house auction to Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins as part of a two book deal.  Marcie is proud to be represented by Susan Hawk/The Bent Agency.  She lives in Brooklyn, NYC with her husband—LEGO artist Jonathan Lopes—and their mischievous sock monkey. 

Along with agent Susan Hawk and author Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, Marice is teaching a new picture book revision class for KidLit Writing School. To learn more about Marcie, visit her at www.thisismarciecolleen.com or follow her at @MarcieColleen1. 


330 Comments
MaDonna Maurer link
3/2/2015 07:41:57 pm

Marcie - Thank you so much for sharing your approach on using mentor texts. I'm sort of new to this approach and thanks to your suggestions I feel like I have a direction to test out. Thanks again!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:11:16 am

You are very welcome, MaDonna. Its all about testing and trying and finding out what works for you. Best of luck!

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/3/2015 02:59:56 pm

Great job testing the waters, MaDonna! Sometimes you need to wade in slowly and other times dive head first. :) Enjoy the plunge!

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Kaye Baillie link
3/2/2015 09:03:36 pm

Marcie these books and your use of them is genius! Thank you for sharing and I am probably not going to let you erase my memory. hee hee

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:12:18 am

There's always one stubborn one, Kaye! Thanks for reading.

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Rebecca Colby
3/2/2015 09:13:29 pm

A fascinating read! In the past, I've always used mentor texts for writing my NF books but not fiction. I'm going to have a new think about my approach to writing fiction. :)

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:13:39 am

Definitely! I ALWAYS use other books to help me with mood, style, plot arc, etc. Everyone needs mentors, whether working in reality or not.

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/3/2015 03:02:26 pm

Yaaaaay, Rebecca! This was a big part of what propelled me to found ReFoReMo! Inspiring others to realize how much researching fiction can help them, too! And then, helping to establish a habit. Thanks for sharing that with us!

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Clark Haaland link
3/2/2015 10:13:10 pm

Hey Marcie,
Thank you for the detailed peek inside at not only what you use for mentor texts but the why. Fantastic insight and I can't wait to read Love, Triangle!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:14:55 am

Thanks, Clark! :)

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Yvonne Mes link
3/2/2015 10:25:07 pm

Blink, blink, what books? What mentor texts? I wish you hadn't erased my memory Marcie, otherwise I would have been able to tell you that I am really looking forward to the day Love, Triangle comes out, and I would be able to thank for you adding to the pile of mentor texts I put on hold at my library.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:15:58 am

LOL! Very silly, Yvonne. Don't worry, I'll remind you when LOVE, TRIANGLE comes out. I can't wait!

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Gail Doggett link
3/2/2015 10:27:09 pm

Some great suggestions here, thank you!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:16:37 am

You are very welcome, Gail.

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Angela Hawkins link
3/2/2015 10:39:20 pm

Such wonderful tips here Marcie! I especially love "Therefore, do not freak out!"....this will go on the inspiration wall! :)

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:17:40 am

"Therefore, do not freak out!" is a great bit of inspiration for many situations. I should listen to myself more often. :)

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Lynne Marie Pisano link
3/2/2015 10:47:03 pm

Marcie -- love your use of Mentor texts for research and to inspire you while writing your story and that you use diverse texts, for different reasons. Thanks for sharing!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:19:21 am

You are welcome. Read to be inspired. Always.

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Julie Jost Burchstead
3/2/2015 10:59:08 pm

Marcie, you have really helped make clear exactly how to go about researching. Especially illuminating how to courageously proceed when finding/looking at books that are similar to your idea...to find your way out of that tangle to something new. Thanks for this post!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:21:02 am

Glad you found the post helpful, Julie. Its sometimes easiest to learn by observing. So that's what I set out to do in this post. Show others how I do it.

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/3/2015 03:05:10 pm

I love this, Julie...."to find your way out of the tangle into something new." May I quote you?

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Kelley Lewis
3/2/2015 11:03:24 pm

Great post- so encouraging!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:21:50 am

Thanks, Kelley!

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Shereentv
3/2/2015 11:11:45 pm

Thanks for the list of mentor texts. I can't wait to place holds on these books at my local library.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:23:02 am

Enjoy! They are all quite superb in their own right.

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Kim Chaffee
3/2/2015 11:15:23 pm

Thanks for the great post, Marcie! I love all of the mentor texts you mentioned but am especially partial to the Little Men and Little Miss books - takes me back to my elementary school days!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:25:49 am

I never really got into reading those books, but boy are those characters cute! :)

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Joyce Tucker link
3/2/2015 11:20:56 pm

Thank you so much Marcie for all the wonderful information. It certainly will help guide me in both my research and my writing!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:28:11 am

You are welcome, Joyce. :)

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Sue Poduska
3/2/2015 11:32:06 pm

Wonderful to hear your thoughts, Marcie! Thanks.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:29:45 am

You are welcome, Sue. Thanks for reading.

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Lisa Connors link
3/2/2015 11:36:30 pm

Great inspiration Marcie! There are several books I'm not familiar with but look good because I know other works of the authors. Good think I'm going to the library today. Thanks!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:30:48 am

Have a wonderful time at the library! Enjoy!

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Kim Erickson
3/2/2015 11:37:55 pm

Thanks for the advice about what to do when you come across a book that is very similar. I'm looking forward to reading your book!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:34:27 am

If you don't look at the books that are similar to your's, you will not know how to make your's stand out.

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Jodi Mckay link
3/2/2015 11:42:12 pm

Love this post! I write books that are a little on the abstract/quirky side so it will be so helpful to take a look at similar books. Thanks Marcie!!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:35:58 am

Yes! Find your contemporaries, those who write what you write and learn from them. :)

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Robin Currie link
3/2/2015 11:48:13 pm

What a good idea to look at similar books - it's a bummer to find one too close to your great idea! Collecting the competition keeps them unique! Thanks.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:37:37 am

Allow those books that are too similar to your book drive you to make your's different, better.

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Alice Fulgione
3/2/2015 11:52:20 pm

Looking through books that are similar you mine is such good advice. Thanks for the post!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:40:36 am

Thanks for reading, Alice. :)

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sharon giltrow
3/2/2015 11:56:44 pm

Thanks Marcie your post shows me the importance of researching similar PB's to the one I am writing.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:46:33 am

You are welcome, Sharon. Thanks for reading!

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Kathy Phillips
3/2/2015 11:58:05 pm

Congrats on your success Marcie!
Great post. Tons of info to digest!
Now off to go find some books!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:47:44 am

Go, Kathy, go! :)

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Shirley Fadden link
3/3/2015 12:21:10 am

I forget what I'm thanking you for, but thanks.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:48:56 am

hee hee. You are welcome, Shirley.

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Laura K Zimmermann link
3/3/2015 12:37:20 am

Thank you for the great mentor text ideas!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:49:58 am

You are welcome, Laura!

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Anita Banks
3/3/2015 12:42:41 am

Thank you for the mentor text study. By the way, LOVE the t-shirt.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:51:13 am

Thanks, Anita! You are welcome.

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Manju Howard link
3/3/2015 12:43:23 am

Marcie, Thank you for sharing! Several of your mentor texts are new to me - Chopsticks and The Dot and The Line. *Adding to reading list.*

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:52:21 am

Enjoy, Manju!

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Cathy Ballou Mealey link
3/3/2015 12:51:27 am

I love, love, LOVE your choice of inspiring mentor texts and I too worship at the altar of Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Your first point on the value of world-building is a great one. For anyone attending the May 2015 NE-SCBWI conference, Carter Hasegawa of Candlewick will be giving a workshop on this topic. Although not specifically geared toward picture books, I learned a great deal from a preview I attended last summer.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:54:38 am

Yes! World building is so important, even in picture books. I would love to hear Carter's workshop on it. I'm a fan of his, too. :)

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Kelly Carey link
3/3/2015 12:52:11 am

Thanks for the sneak peek at your "stack" -- I read before I write to make sure my idea is original and then I don't read again until I'm looking for comp titles - wrong! I need to read through the whole process.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 03:58:01 am

Read, read, read. Never stop reading!

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Doreen Lepore link
3/3/2015 12:53:16 am

Thanks for the great post, Marcie!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:00:21 am

You are welcome!

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Penny Parker Klostermann link
3/3/2015 12:56:52 am

Marcie,
You are a jewel! You post is jam-packed with applicable information!!! I use mentor texts for my manuscripts, also...I have a similar process. I cannot wait to read your books. They sound amazing and adorable.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:04:50 am

Well, from this jewel to another...thanks, Penny!

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Erin Ball
3/3/2015 12:59:09 am

Thanks for explaining (very simply and wonderfully) how to use mentor texts to develop the theme or plot arc by gathering a few select titles for a comparison list. I knew about comp titles in Queries, but silly me, didn't think about using them to write the darn manuscript. It's the little connections that open eyes (and minds).
Thanks for the tip!
Congratulations on Love, Triangle. I am excited to read it (for myself AND with my kiddos).

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:06:12 am

So happy to have been helpful, Erin. :)

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Kirsten Larson
3/3/2015 01:05:19 am

Now, I've read this draft, and I had no idea which books inspired you. Very cool. Kirsten Larson

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:07:14 am

A little look into my mind, eh, Kirsten? :)

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Maria Laso
3/3/2015 01:06:38 am

Great post and, perhaps not coincidentally, also a list of some of my favorite titles. Guess I have a type!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:08:21 am

Write what you love! :)

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Sue Heavenrich link
3/3/2015 01:07:10 am

Thanks for sharing your top-secret Mentor texts! I've read some of these and they've all got something in common: they're quirky. I'm exploring an idea and at the stage you were at when you started collecting mentor texts for Love, Triangle... which means my desk will be piled high with books soon.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:09:38 am

I definitely love quirk! Have fun gathering your own stack, Sue.

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Corey Schwartz
3/3/2015 01:09:33 am

Wow! Amazing post, and makes me feel like I am definitely not doing enough research!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:10:54 am

What works for me, doesn't work for everyone, Corey. But this is what I need to do to get a book written. Read, read, and read some more to get to the heart of my own story.

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Nicole Popel link
3/3/2015 01:26:04 am

It's amazing how something can unexpectedly give you an idea...Aha!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:12:18 am

Always have your inspiration feelers up. :)

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Leslie Goodman link
3/3/2015 01:29:06 am

Well, I'm off to the library again with a fresh list! Thank you for offering us so may inspiring titles in addition to your insights into these books.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:13:04 am

Enjoy, Leslie!

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Annette Bay Pimentel link
3/3/2015 01:35:50 am

I love how selecting the appropriate mentor texts requires digging in and figuring out what the bones of my own manuscript are. I have a manuscript that needs a new stack of mentor texts...Thanks for the great example!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:14:22 am

Yes! Know what you want of your story, know what you story is about and then you can find mentor texts.

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Kristi Veitenheimer link
3/3/2015 01:36:08 am

Great post on using mentor texts for your own writing projects. I do have a question, though. How do you go about finding the right mentor texts if you don't already know the titles that you want to look at? Is there a particular method you use to search for mentor texts? Thanks!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:16:54 am

Kristi, that is a great question. I do think this speaks to the importance of being a constant reader. Constantly know what is on the bookshelves so that you know what to draw from. However, I often do ask my writing community questions like, "does anyone know of a story about jealousy?" Use your community. And use your library card. Does that help?

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Darshana link
3/4/2015 08:02:42 am

I second Marcie's comments. Another resource is Susanna Hill's Perfect Picture Book Friday page as it lists books reviewed by topic. http://susannahill.blogspot.com/p/perfect-picture-books.html

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Alison Goldberg
3/3/2015 01:38:45 am

Great post!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:17:32 am

Thank you!

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Linda Schueler link
3/3/2015 01:42:42 am

Great! I am going to revisit my inanimate object manuscript with some of these suggestions.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:18:29 am

Good luck, Linda!

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Jennette Mutolo
3/3/2015 01:52:37 am

Marcie! Yes, I'm yelling :) These are my favorite types of PBs! I just read ONE by Otoshi to a large group of 6th graders and you could hear a pin drop. Can't wait to add LOVE, TRIANGLE to my stash of goodies when it comes out. Thanks for the inspiration! and Congratulations on all of your success :-)

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:20:02 am

Jennette! I am yelling now, too! Thank you so much! I hope you love this list of books...and mine when it hits the shelves. :)

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Angela Turner
3/3/2015 01:52:54 am

I love this post! I am just now finding out how valuable mentor texts are. I love seeing the thought process of different authors. Thank you for the inspiration.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:21:11 am

You are welcome, Angela. Learn about other's processes and then create your own. :)

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Lori Dubbin
3/3/2015 01:53:21 am

Marcie, thank you for sharing your amazing creative process. I use mentor texts when I'm writing nonfiction, but from your post I see how helpful fiction, The Sopranos, and even a one sentence synopsis can be to getting mood, style, and plot arc just right. Now to attack my stack!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:22:17 am

Inspiration is everywhere! Go get that stack, Lori!

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Donna Cangelosi link
3/3/2015 01:59:36 am

Thank you for this great inside-look at your creative process, Marcie! I can't wait to read your book! In the meantime, thanks for a great list to add to my pile!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:23:23 am

Thank you, Donna! Enjoy!

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Lindsay Bonilla link
3/3/2015 02:00:47 am

Thanks so much Marcie! This was so helpful. It gives me a lot of ideas of how I can use mentor texts in my own writing!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:24:32 am

Glad to hear it, Lindsay! Best of luck to you!

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Valerie Larson-Howard
3/3/2015 02:17:43 am

I love hearing how you used mentor texts in developing your book
How cool is it that your book has actually been compared to your mentor books? Great post.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:26:15 am

Thanks, Valerie. Its a fun process. You have to love it or you will never survive. And yes, sometimes you get a pay off like having your book compared to your own mentor texts. :)

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Renee Kirchner
3/3/2015 02:18:02 am

Marcie,

I love how you describe putting personality into your characters in Love, Triangle! I can't wait to check out all of these mentor texts!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:27:32 am

Thank you! Enjoy!

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Kathy Mazurowski
3/3/2015 02:19:40 am

Congratulations on your upcoming publications! Thanks you for "your secrets" today. At least one of your mentor texts will help with me also!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:29:01 am

So glad to hear it, Kathy. :)

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Pat Miller link
3/3/2015 02:19:43 am

Thanks, Marcie, for your inspiring step-by-step. When I get to read LOVE, TRIANGLE, I'll know the behind-the-scenes story of how much work and thought went into what I'm sure will seem like an effortless story. Congratulations on your success!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:30:46 am

Ha! Isn't that so true, Pat? It takes so much work, yet in the end looks effortless. Thanks for reading. :)

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Mary Worley
3/3/2015 02:23:54 am

Very helpful to see how you use several different types of stories as mentor texts. I love Amy Krouse Rosenthal, too. Book of Eleven is great. I think the advice not to freak out when people mention a similar story is true. As a librarian, I was always ecstatic to find similar stories to recommend to my students.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:32:58 am

Yes, Mary. I use varying types of texts as mentors. A little of this and a dash of that to create my own unique recipe. :)

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debra daugherty link
3/3/2015 02:26:37 am

Marcie, thanks for sharing your writing process. Your description of how mentor texts moved your writing forward was eye-opening. Am looking forward to reading Love, Triangle.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:33:57 am

Thanks, Debra! :)

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Marlaina Gray Cockcroft link
3/3/2015 02:29:34 am

Marcie, this is great -- I know and love several of these books already (especially "The Day the Crayons Quit" and "The Missing Piece"). You're right -- just about anything can serve as research.

Also, my son would think your husband's job is pretty cool. :)

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:35:55 am

Thanks for reading, Marlaina. And yes, my husband's work is amazing! :)

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Elaine Hillson
3/3/2015 02:33:27 am

Thank you so much for the great post Marcie. I'm certain that your guidance will help me in both my research and my first forays into picture book writing.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:37:37 am

Thank you, Elaine. That means a lot to me. Its all about "giving back" and helping out. :)

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Rachel Hamby link
3/3/2015 02:43:55 am

Great post, Marcie. I learned a lot from your secret I hope I remember what I've learned when I leave the ReFoReMo blog!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:39:04 am

Thanks for reading! :)

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Erin Nowak link
3/3/2015 02:48:26 am

Thanks for the encouraging, inspiring, and knowledge-packed post Marcie. I can't wait to read Love, triangle and I'm pretty much in love with that shirt you're wearing!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:40:11 am

LOL! Well, books totally rule, right? Thanks for reading, Erin. :)

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Vivian Kirkfield link
3/3/2015 03:00:22 am

Play - with heart! Got it, Marcie...I'm off to check out from the library all of the mentor texts you mentioned here - it's definitely going to be a fun day.:)
Thank you so much for a great ReFoReMo post! We are all anxious to read Love, Triangle...congratulations!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:41:08 am

Thanks, Vivian! Have a great day! :)

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AJ Irving link
3/3/2015 03:09:51 am

Marcie, thank you for sharing your approach on using mentor texts. I've read most of these books, but I'm adding the other titles to my library list. Off to the library! Thanks again!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:41:58 am

Enjoy, AJ! Thanks for reading.

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Bridget Magee link
3/3/2015 03:22:03 am

So much goodness in this post! I love all of your mentor texts and was happy to learn of two titles new to me: Ollie and Claire and The Dot and the Line. Thank you for this inspirational post. =)

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:42:56 am

Thanks, Bridget! Enjoy researching!

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Joanne Roberts link
3/3/2015 03:25:22 am

Thanks for the pointers on how to deal with naggingly similar texts. It's been such a discouragement to me in the past instead of an opportunity for inspiration.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:43:57 am

It can be discouraging, Joanne. But then use them as inspiration to be better, be stronger, be more. You can do it!

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Susanna Leonard Hill link
3/3/2015 03:28:26 am

What fun to hear how your story came to life, Marcie, and see all the mentor texts you used specifically. Great role modeling! And congrats again on your forthcoming books :)

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:45:19 am

Thanks, Susanna! Sometimes to best way is to just let others have a look into what you do. Hopefully many will learn from my own personal process and begin to create what works best for them. :)

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Hope Lim
3/3/2015 03:31:10 am

Thanks, Marcie, for the inspiring and helpful post! Looking forward to reading your upcoming books!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:46:32 am

Thank you, Hope!

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Beth Anderson
3/3/2015 03:33:33 am

What a great post! With a stack of mentor texts your ms will surely be uniquely your own. And such a valuable example of digging deep into your own ideas and seeking out the successful elements used by other authors. Thanks for sharing how time and effort pays off!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:47:30 am

You are welcome, Beth. I am glad you found the post helpful.

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Val McCammon
3/3/2015 03:35:12 am

I appreciate how your list isn't simply "random" PBs but those that tie specifically to what/how you want to write your own fresh story. You remind us to stay focused on our specific effort, not read for reading/mentoring sake (which is good too, of course). Thank you Marcie!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:48:52 am

Thanks, Val. I do a lot of reading for reading sake, too. I think its important to always read widely in the genre you want to write. But when I am "working" I read with a purpose. :)

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Kirsti Call link
3/3/2015 03:40:52 am

I loved the post, Marcie! You do a wonderful job of showing how we can use other books to inspire our stories and yet take a fresh approach ourselves.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:49:40 am

Thanks for reading, Kirsti!

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Stephanie Geckle link
3/3/2015 03:56:35 am

This post is jam-packed with inspiration. Thank you, Marcie!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:50:34 am

Thank you for reading, Stephanie. :)

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Amanda Smith
3/3/2015 04:03:33 am

Thank you for sharing your pile with us. It is interesting and helpful to see how you use mentor texts.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:51:22 am

I am so glad you found it helpful, Amanda. Good luck in your own research. :)

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Sandy Powell
3/3/2015 04:08:54 am

Thanks for sharing "the stack" method. It's a great way to write a picture book. Now I will forget everything you said except the books you used because Crayons and Unicorn are two of my favorite books, and I don't want to forget about them. Plus, I want to read some of the other books you used like Chopsticks.
Again, thanks for the insight in how you write picture books.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:53:12 am

Sandy, thanks for reading. I give you special permission to remember the post. :) Good luck in your own writing!

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Janet Disotell
3/3/2015 04:18:36 am

Marcie, thank you very much for insight into what books helped mentor and inspire you on your journey. Love the books you listed; cannot wait to read some of the others AND yours. Congrats & I appreciate your share!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:53:58 am

Thank you, Janet. :)

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Gabrielle Snyder
3/3/2015 04:42:54 am

Marcie, thanks for the insight into your process of using mentor texts. AND thank you for the valuable reminder not to freak out! And I'm looking forward to finding Love, Triangle in my local bookstore.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:55:49 am

Thanks, Gabrielle. Definitely "don't freak out!" Just research and write the best you can. Only you can write your stories. Good luck!

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Angela Padron link
3/3/2015 04:46:26 am

Great post and great examples of inspiring texts. thanks!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:56:30 am

Thanks for reading, Angela!

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Sydney O'Neill
3/3/2015 04:48:36 am

Marcie, you've given me new hope for a manuscript I wrote that has a too-close comp. Thank you!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 04:57:38 am

Wow! That just made my day! I am so glad you have new hope! That's so important. Best of luck to you. :)

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Jilanne Hoffmann
3/3/2015 04:58:02 am

I love your process. It's logical and well thought out. Nice. It will be interesting to see if I can be as disciplined with my process. I tend to start out on the picture book hike hand in hand with discipline and then as the path narrows, push it off the cliff.

Congrats on your success!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 08:37:36 am

Your process is what works for you. Embrace it, Jilanne. :)

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Maria Gianferrari link
3/3/2015 04:58:19 am

Great post, Marcie! When I'm working on a manuscript and I discover one on the same topic, my initial reaction is to stay far away, and not read it (at least in the early stages of a draft). Thanks for all of the excellent titles. I love the idea of an accidental mentor text :) Looking forward to reading your books!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 08:40:01 am

Maria, as I mentioned, I did not look to these "accidental" mentor texts until I had a draft I was getting critique on. I do think its best to stay away from these "too similar" texts in the beginning so that you get YOUR story out. But once you are on your way, definitely don't be scared.

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Heidi Yates
3/3/2015 05:05:27 am

Thank you for sharing the great info on mentor texts Marcie! :)

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 08:41:01 am

Thanks, Heidi! :)

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Debra Shumaker
3/3/2015 05:07:44 am

What great insight, Marcie! Thanks so much!!!!!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 08:41:57 am

Thank you, Debra! :)

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Juliana Lee link
3/3/2015 05:09:26 am

Marcie, I've always used picture books as mentor/touchstone books while teaching 2nd graders. And I have a pretty awesome stash of pb knowledge from the 80's and 90's. Now that I'm writing, I've got a good excuse to make new pb friends. My librarians know to have my shelf well stocked!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 08:43:25 am

Yes, Juliana. It is so important to be knowledgeable about picture books written in the past 5 years, as much as changed in regards to the genre. Have fun exploring! ReFoReMo is a great place to start!

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Juliana Lee link
3/10/2015 03:47:15 pm

True. Today's market is so different than what it was when I first started, not better, not worse, just different. Belonging to many groups has helped me see some of the options. And belonging to my library keeps me up to date without spending a fortune! :)

Lily LaMotte
3/3/2015 05:21:53 am

Thank you for sharing your stack and how you used each one to help or inspire you. It was so helpful to see that kind of detail.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 08:44:40 am

I'm glad you found it helpful, Lily. Thank you!

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Laura Renauld
3/3/2015 05:28:45 am

Your post has given me a great "A-HA!" I've used the study of mentor texts in isolation, but choosing texts specifically because they offer insight into my own developing story is genius! Thanks for turning this light bulb on :)

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 08:45:40 am

Yay for "A HA" moments! Congrats! Glad I could help.

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Linda Carpenter link
3/3/2015 05:36:27 am

Great resource! Many thanks Marcie - more books to study and analyze and off to the library this evening!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 08:46:21 am

Have a wonderful evening at the library, Linda.

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Linda Kujawski
3/3/2015 05:37:00 am

Marcie, this was helpful. I am so thankful for the way you were able to share the details of your journey with mentor texts. I appreciate your thoughts on "accidental" mentor texts. That spoke to my heart as I work on my latest revision of a fiction PB. Thank you.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 08:47:14 am

And I appreciate you for reading it. Thank you, Linda! :)

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Chana Stiefel link
3/3/2015 05:37:01 am

Can't remember what I was going to say! Good thing I bookmarked this fabulous post. Can I just add how wonderful you are to respond to every single comment? Wow!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 08:48:36 am

Chana, I am stuck on my couch for the third day with the flu. Therefore, in between boughts of fever and napping I am able to respond. :) Plus, I think its important to respond in any circumstance.

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Karen Brueggeman link
3/3/2015 05:42:38 am

What a wonderful post and I love how you used the different mentor text. I also appreciated hearing how the books that were similar to your didn't scare you off and how they are just another perspective. Well said and thank you.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 08:49:51 am

Thank you, Karen. First, write the story you want to write. That's the bottomline. Revise as necessary.

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Ariel Bernstein
3/3/2015 05:51:57 am

I had no idea what mentor texts were before ReFoReMo! Thank you for sharing how you are inspired by them and use them to shape a new & original story!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 08:50:50 am

Glad you joined ReFoReMo, Ariel. Lots of good stuff to learn about mentor texts. Enjoy the month.

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Mike Karg link
3/3/2015 05:56:38 am

Thanks for all the great connections and suggestions!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 08:52:07 am

You are very welcome, Mike.

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Laura Lee Malesh
3/3/2015 06:00:49 am

Wow, thank you so much for sharing! This really helps Me to figure a few things out. You are such an inspiration!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 08:52:57 am

Glad you found it helpful, Laura! :)

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Marianne Kuzujanakis
3/3/2015 06:02:39 am

Thank you, Marcie!

You remind us that the importance is not in the subject matter, but rather in the individual author and his/her unique imagination.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 08:55:00 am

Marianne, only you can write your story. That's for sure. And please realize that none of the stories I used as mentor texts were EXACTLY like mine. If they were, I would have had to rewrite.

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Leanne Shirtliffe link
3/3/2015 06:03:04 am

I love using mentor texts, primarily for inspiration or to figure out my latest structure/challenge (most recently metafiction).

Also, your husband is a Lego artist? Wow!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 08:56:55 am

Leanne, he is. And he's really awesome. :)

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Margaret Greanias
3/3/2015 06:09:44 am

Great use of mentor texts for different aspects of your book! I also use mentor texts to see how different authors have handled things that I'm having trouble visualizing but now I will be using them more extensively! Thank you!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 08:59:11 am

Great idea, Margaret! Best wishes with your own projects!

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Doris Stone
3/3/2015 06:45:18 am

Great post, Marcie. Thank you! I just ordered a "stack" from the the library.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 09:00:56 am

Thanks, Doris. Enjoy!

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Laura J / Laura Jenkins link
3/3/2015 07:20:24 am

Thanks for the great info.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 09:01:32 am

You are welcome, Laura. :)

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Joanne Sher link
3/3/2015 07:24:00 am

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, Marcie, for not only showing us what books you used, but WHY, and HOW you used them! This is so incredibly helpful for me.

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Marcie Collen
3/3/2015 09:03:18 am

Glad you found it helpful, Joanne. :)

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Lori Moen
3/3/2015 01:22:41 pm

Exactly!!

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saba link
3/3/2015 07:30:21 am

Hi Marcie,

Thank you for sharing, this was very helpful. I was wondering, how did you find your mentor text? Were they suggested to you, did you go specifically reading different books, or were these books you read before and later went back to them to use as mentor books?

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 09:05:49 am

Great question, Saba. I read widely, so sometimes while I am working on a particular part of a ms that is giving me trouble I might be reminded of a book that I have read that deals with a similar issue. Or I have a big writing community that I sometimes ask, "do you know of any books that deal with jealousy in a light way?" and I get ideas of titles from them. But mostly its because I read a lot of books. A lot. Its very important.

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Gayle Stern
3/3/2015 07:44:49 am

Thank you so much for sharing a sneak preview of your upcoming and how you used mentor texts. I especially appreciated your comments on not getting upset at finding accidental mentor texts and instead using them to make yours uniquely your own. I wrote a story about friends Square and Circle and how something Triangle said came between them. I'm guessing Love, Triangle would be a really good mentor text for me.

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 09:07:40 am

Perhaps, Gayle. My book should be out in a few years. So write the book that you want to write. And when the time comes, maybe I will be YOUR mentor text. :) Best wishes with it!

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Darshana Khiani link
3/3/2015 08:25:32 am

This post is so awesome,it's a keeper. I can't believe you teased us! Don't know how I am going to wait two(?) years to read your awesome book and see the influences of these mentor texts. :-)
Seriously, thank you so much for this post. It has given me a new way to use mentor texts and Susanna's PPBF list!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 09:11:39 am

Thanks, Darshana, Love, Triangle might be out in 2016, so maybe it'll be sooner! :)

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Kristen Schroeder
3/3/2015 08:54:38 am

Thank you for generously sharing your process, Marcie. The books you listed are among my very favorites and I have checked out most of them myself as mentor texts. I think we have similar taste in books :) My goal is to write something as awesome as any one of the books on your list, including Love, Triangle!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 09:13:18 am

Thanks, Kristen! You are well on your way!

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Caroline Twomey link
3/3/2015 09:02:03 am

I really enjoyed reading this post! It's always great to hear of great mentor texts but I love that you explained WHY and HOW each of these mentor texts helped you in creating Love, Triangle! Very informative Marcie, thank you!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 09:14:36 am

Thank you, Caroline. Glad it was helpful.

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Karen Nordseth Roos
3/3/2015 09:06:19 am

Thank you for this inspiring post. I especially liked the accidental mentor texts section, as I have found two similar approaches to my illustration style in the last day! Now I will go see if I can check these books out from the library

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 09:16:01 am

Use those "accidental" moments as ways to figure out how to make your's better, stronger. You can make your's stand out once you know what is already out there.

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Lauri Meyers link
3/3/2015 09:13:46 am

Marcie, I love your deliberate, focused approach to mentor texts. I'm far too willy-nilly about the whole thing. Thank you for sharing so much (top secret) info!

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Marcie Colleen
3/3/2015 09:17:46 am

Lauri, remember, this story is already written and sold. I did not gather this entire stack from the get-go. They came to me one by one as I worked through my story. I just have the benefit of looking back at these ten titles and sharing them. That's why it looks so focused.

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Ashley Bankhead
3/3/2015 10:00:46 am

Thank you for this post. I, too, have a stack of picture books next to me when I am writing. I enjoyed seeing which ones you used. Some of them are my very favorites. Thank you for taking the time to share some of your insight with us. It was very kind of you. I look forward to reading your books.

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:10:22 am

Thanks, Ashley!

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Andrea Allen
3/3/2015 10:01:36 am

What a great stack of recommendations - and what a fabulous post! Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your new book!

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:11:11 am

Thanks for reading, Andrea! :)

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Christie Allred link
3/3/2015 10:18:58 am

The thing I love most about events like ReFoReMo is when we make connections with other writers - In this instance, writers who can make lists of books (like this one about inanimate objects - Thanks!) for us to learn from.

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:12:35 am

Community and learning/sharing with others is so very important indeed, Christie! :) We all have something to share.

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Bev Langill
3/3/2015 10:52:46 am

Lovedf your sharing about these books. So many great ones. Wonderful informative post.

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:13:13 am

Thanks, Bev!

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Angela Verges link
3/3/2015 11:01:39 am

Thanks Marcie for sharing this approach to picture book writing. I look forward to applying this technique as I write, rewrite,,,and write some more.

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:14:00 am

Thanks, Angela! I hope it proves helpful.

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Nancy Brown
3/3/2015 11:09:25 am

Marcie, your comments about "accidental mentor texts" were so timely for me! I just discovered a book similar in idea to the MS I am working on. Take a deep breath seems like very good advice.

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:15:06 am

Now you have the advantage, Nancy, of looking at that book and making yours even stronger, better. Make yours stand out. Go, girl!

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Jeanne Alleva
3/3/2015 11:12:41 am

Gah! I learned so much from this!! Marcie, your creativity and humor bounce off the page like rainbow-bubbles at a 5-yr old's birthday party! I am in awe! When I first read the book "Frederick" eons ago..., I felt the same way you describe these books...like a heart-opening.. I told myelf: "I want to do that: I WILL do that one day." Marcie, you are now, officially, whether you like it or not, my living, breathing, walking-about Mentor Text!
:o). Thank you so much.....

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:16:06 am

Jeanne, this is the best. You made my day! Thank YOU!

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Jeanette Bradley link
3/3/2015 11:33:32 am

Thanks in particular for the accidental mentor text thought about not freaking out about similar books already published ! Can't wait to read yours!

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:17:14 am

Similar titles are only your opportunity to rise above and write better. Stretch yourself.

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Myrna Foster link
3/3/2015 11:41:50 am

Thanks for sharing your experience with us! I recently discovered a book that's supposed to be similar to a manuscript I have. Now, instead of stressing over it, I'm just going to see if I can get my hands on a copy.

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:19:03 am

Get your hands on a copy, Myrna, and then write a BETTER, FRESHER, more UNIQUE story!

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Janet Smart link
3/3/2015 11:54:12 am

Great post with some wonderful ideas and tips. Congratulations on your forthcoming book!

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:20:42 am

Thanks, Janet!

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shirley johnson
3/3/2015 12:13:17 pm

Great list of books! Enjoyed the post.

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:21:24 am

Thanks, Shirley!

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Jennifer Judd link
3/3/2015 12:33:55 pm

Love this, Marcie! So helpful to see which mentor texts helped guide you through your own story--and I cannot wait to read Love, Triangle when it comes out! Sounds so fun!

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:22:15 am

Thanks, Jennifer!

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Rene` Diane Aube
3/3/2015 12:59:13 pm

Thank you for sharing your mentor text list, Marcie :) I can't wait to check them out to learn more about how inanimate objects move about, interact, and building their world. I love to see how others use humor and word play, too. :)

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:23:23 am

Inanimate objects can be tough...but these mentor texts will help you see how it can be done well. Good luck!

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Katie McEnaney link
3/3/2015 01:01:10 pm

Great list of mentor texts! I especially like that you included "accidental" mentor texts, because I think those are the ones that really get you down, just when you think you have something really original! Thanks.

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:24:41 am

Nothing is original. We must always dig deep to find our own unique spin.

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Lori Moen
3/3/2015 01:20:43 pm

Marcy,
Thank you! I found your post extremely helpful!

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:25:28 am

Glad to hear it, Lori!

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Kristen Kirwan Browning
3/3/2015 01:22:26 pm

Hi, Marcie. Thanks very much for your insights. I appreciate the approach of learning from and improving your (already formed) story with similar mentor texts, instead of panicking. I'm learning so much from ReFoReMo--and it's only day 3!

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:26:42 am

Yay! Just imagine all of the goodies you'll come in contact with this month! Go ReFoReMo!!!!

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Mary Warth
3/3/2015 01:40:49 pm

Thanks Marcie! Not only have you provided some great mentor texts, I appreciate seeing how you used them. Each time I am faced with revisions I need to remind myself to go back and read. Luckily I'm friends with 2 librarians- they keep me in the books!

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:27:38 am

Reading and reading current is key. I am sure your librarian friends help with that. :)

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Teresa MI Schaefer link
3/3/2015 02:08:48 pm

If I can't be the first, let me be the 215th person to tell you this was a great post and I can't wait to buy/read Love, Triangle!

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:28:32 am

Thank you, Teresa!

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Helen Dening link
3/3/2015 02:27:17 pm

Thanks, Marcie, for a peek at your stack and a peek at your process. Using similar texts for inspiration to make my work fresh and unique is a great tip. Ooops, guess I shouldn't have repeated that. I had on my floppy hat so my memory wasn't sucked out.

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:29:31 am

It's my fault for not making you remove your hat. Glad you found the post helpful. :)

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B.J. Lee link
3/3/2015 02:51:41 pm

Fab post, Marcie! I love the connections and coincidences that happened as a result of your study of these mentor texts! :)

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:30:58 am

Thanks, B.J. Always keep your feelers up!

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Darlene Frybarger
3/3/2015 03:03:45 pm

Thank you, Marcie! I'm pre-published author, and you have helped elarify the mentor text process for me. Great post!

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:32:28 am

Darlene, thank you. Enjoy learning about the process and soon you will adopt your own.

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Juliann (Juli) Caveny
3/3/2015 03:34:16 pm

Love the advice about "Accidental Mentor Text"...I can be near tears when I hear a pitch that is similar to mine, and then, I remember--that author isn't me. I wrote my story; they wrote theirs. (And sometimes that is so incredibly hard to take to heart that I have to repeat it again and again until it becomes a mantra!)
As to Inanimate Characters-- Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds comes to mind. I LOVE those Carrots! (Everyone knows that vegetables are so dang spooky!) Thanks for the post!

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:34:01 am

Thanks, Juli! Use similar titles as a way of rising above. Work harder.

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Janie Reinart
3/3/2015 03:39:18 pm

Marcie, Great stack of books! Looking forward to checking them out at the library. Best wishes with your fabulous new book debuts.

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:34:43 am

Thanks, Janie! Enjoy!

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Laurie J. Edwards link
3/3/2015 04:55:02 pm

So much fun to see your process and use of mentor texts, Marcie!

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:35:20 am

Thanks, Laurie!

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Keila Dawson link
3/3/2015 05:01:32 pm

Thanks for sharing your process. Looks like fun titles to check out. :)

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:35:59 am

Thanks, Keila!

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/3/2015 05:45:13 pm

Great thoughts everyone! Thank you so much for an insightful post, Marcie! Oh, and I must tell you...the light doesn't work on me. I'm an alien! :)

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:36:59 am

I always knew there was something about you, Carrie. :) Thanks for this wonderful opportunity!

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Tanya Konerman link
3/3/2015 09:48:22 pm

Thank you so much for addressing the OH, NO! situation of discovering eerily similar titles...great way to view it. Love all your mentor texts too!

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:37:54 am

Yes. Use those OH NO moments to rally the fight and write better!

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Ann Kelley
3/4/2015 12:42:22 am

Oh my gosh! Thank you so much for sharing part of your researching and writing process. It helps me a lot. When you started researching mentor texts for Love Triangle, how did you find your mentor texts? What sites did you use beside Amazon and libraries?

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:40:01 am

Ann, this is when it is extremely beneficial to be a constant reader. Reading often and widely. Then when you are working on a story you might be reminded of a book that can be a mentor text. That's what often happens to me. I also ask my writing community, if I need help. I might ask them for a book about jealousy. But reading is key.

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Sylvia Liu link
3/4/2015 01:28:42 am

Awesome post. Thanks for sharing your research process.

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Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:40:36 am

Thanks, Sylvia!

Reply
Deirdre Englehart
3/4/2015 01:54:21 am

Marcie, I loved to hear your process of writing and considering various mentor texts! This is an awesome example to consider and follow.
Thanks!

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/4/2015 07:41:25 am

Thanks, Deirdre! Glad you found it helpful. :)

Reply
Noel Csermak
3/4/2015 08:30:59 am

Marcie, thank you for the sharing the wide reach you undertake when searching out mentor texts. We have just moved and I am sorting through stacks of books that simply shift into different stacks as I ponder how I can use them for current and future endeavours. Glad to see that I'm not too crazy when a completely mature title sparks an idea to introduce children to the world around them. And no, no shades of anything involved.

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/5/2015 11:30:28 pm

Thanks for reading, Noel. And congrats on your move. :)

Reply
Meridth Gimbel link
3/4/2015 10:33:23 am

So insightful to hear about your mentor texts, and congrats on your upcoming book!

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/5/2015 11:31:27 pm

Thanks, Meridth. :)

Reply
Ellen Sirianni
3/4/2015 11:13:10 am

Marcie, thank you for this great post. I found it extremely helpful!

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/5/2015 11:32:17 pm

Glad you found it helpful, Ellen! :)

Reply
Jarm Del Boccio link
3/4/2015 12:55:56 pm

Looking forward to checking these out and reading over your blogpost. Thanks for sharing your insights, Marcie!

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/5/2015 11:33:45 pm

You are very welcome, Jarm. :)

Reply
Kara Newhouse link
3/4/2015 01:46:21 pm

This is great - I've used mentor texts for plot, theme and form, btu had not thought about mood before. Thanks, Marci!

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/5/2015 11:35:07 pm

Oh good. Give it a shot, Kara! Maybe it will work for you, too.

Reply
JEN Garrett link
3/4/2015 02:26:30 pm

Oh, I LOVE Norton Juster! "The Dot and the Line," "The Odious Ogre," and my all time fave THE PHANTOM TOLL BOOTH.
His word play and smart humor inspires me.

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/5/2015 11:36:19 pm

It's all about inspiration, Jen! :) Thanks for reading.

Reply
Urania Smith
3/4/2015 03:16:29 pm

I love several of the books you discuss. I will have to check out the rest. Thanks Marcie!

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/5/2015 11:37:31 pm

You are welcome, Urania. :)

Reply
Ann Magee
3/5/2015 03:45:01 am

Thanks for the ideas, Marcie, and congrats on your upcoming books. I'm sure your unique personality will come shining through your work!

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/5/2015 11:38:21 pm

Thank you, Ann! :)

Reply
Debbie LaCroix link
3/5/2015 06:53:50 am

Thanks for the peek into your writing process. I can't wait to read it.

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/5/2015 11:39:42 pm

Thanks, Debbie. I can't wait to share it with you! :)

Reply
Leslie Norris
3/5/2015 09:01:00 am

Thank you! The insight into your process is helpful. :)

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/5/2015 11:41:28 pm

Glad you found it helpful, Leslie. :)

Reply
Sarah Glenn Fortson link
3/5/2015 01:32:42 pm

Marcie, thank you. I have felt that sinking feeling before when someone says, "Oh, just like (name of book)..." and it's good to know that's not always a bad thing.

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/5/2015 11:42:43 pm

It's definitely not always a bad thing, Sarah, but it does mean you need to do a little more research and possibly change your story a bit to make it stronger and more unique.

Reply
Jarmila Del Boccio link
3/6/2015 04:13:27 am

Thanks for sharing your journey, and some new PBs along the way, Marcie!

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/7/2015 03:04:57 am

You are welcome, Jarmila!

Reply
Lane Arnold link
3/6/2015 04:39:04 am

Your attention to detail inspires me. Eager to read some of the books you mention here and see for myself what you describe.

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/7/2015 03:05:39 am

Happy to inspire! Have fun, Lane!

Reply
Suzy Leopold
3/6/2015 05:52:09 am

Marcie! Your post is filled with much inspiration. Thank you for sharing your tall stack of mentor texts, reserach books and books filled with inspiration. I look forward to reading your upcoming book. Love, Triangle. I looked into the light! Did you zap my memory cells?

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/7/2015 03:06:43 am

Sorry, Suzy, but I did. But shhhh I'll let you remember a little bit. Ok?

Reply
Carrie Finison
3/6/2015 08:57:55 am

The thing I find so funny is that, once I start working on a story, I suddenly start to find mentor text that I never knew about before. Last week I had about 15 minutes to kill and ducked into a bookstore. (OK, actually I drove 10 minutes out of my way to go to the bookstore!) Anyway, I picked up a random book off the shelf just because I liked the cover and it was a PERFECT mentor text for a story I am working on. Weird, coincidence? Hand of fate? Whatever it is, I'll take it!

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/7/2015 03:07:55 am

That happens to me, too, Carrie. Gotta be constant readers...you never know what will inspire.

Reply
Heather Pierce Stigall
3/7/2015 09:05:47 am

Thanks for sharing your secrets! I have read about half the mentor texts you mentioned (I love Amy Krouse Rosenthal's work and grew up on the Mr. Men and Little Miss books) and will have to check out the other half. I look forward to reading Love, Triangle. Congratulations on your success!

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/11/2015 02:56:21 am

Thanks, Heather! Happy reading!

Reply
Sandy Perlic
3/7/2015 11:03:24 am

Thanks for sharing your stack. It certainly opened my eyes to the possibility of many sources for inspiration for the very same book.

Thanks, Marcie!

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/11/2015 02:57:21 am

You are very welcome, Sandy. :)

Reply
Amber M. Lavoie
3/7/2015 03:11:04 pm

Thank you for the mentor texts you suggested. I adore Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great. Your explanation on how you used the mentor texts and how you chose them was very helpful. Thanks for the insight on "accidental" mentor texts. I look forward to reading Love, Triangle.

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/11/2015 02:58:13 am

Yeah. UNICORN is an amazing book! Glad you found the post helpful.

Reply
Lauren Soloy
3/8/2015 05:19:18 am

This is so inspiring - thanks for sharing some of your process!

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/11/2015 02:59:05 am

You are welcome, Lauren. :)

Reply
anita nolan link
3/8/2015 06:37:46 am

Loved this. Very insightful.

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/11/2015 03:00:14 am

Yay! Thanks, Anita!

Reply
Denise Engle
3/8/2015 10:26:37 am

Such a simple concept, but so effective!! Love, Triangle. Can't wait!

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/11/2015 03:01:13 am

As a writer, your concept is your gold. And crazy as it is, the simpler the better! :)

Reply
Rebecca Sheraton
3/8/2015 01:10:46 pm

Great mentor texts to looks at

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/11/2015 03:01:49 am

Enjoy, Rebecca!

Reply
Melissa bulls
3/8/2015 03:48:41 pm

lover the advice about using similar titles to inspire your story. Seems like I have had so many ideas that have already been done lol

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/11/2015 03:02:36 am

EVERY idea has already been done! But rest assured, your's will be better! :)

Reply
Maria Marshall
3/9/2015 09:19:39 am

I love your list of mentor texts. The Day the Crayons Quit is a definite favorite and I can't wait to find Chopsticks. Thank you.

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/11/2015 03:03:18 am

Enjoy! CHOPSTICKS is pretty darn brilliant!

Reply
Zainab
3/9/2015 06:19:46 pm

Marcie, you are on talented person. Thanks for your advice.

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/11/2015 03:04:03 am

Takes one to know one, Zainab. :)

Reply
Catherine Friess link
3/9/2015 09:33:30 pm

I've used mentor texts for non fiction writing but haven't thought so much about using them for fiction. Thanks Marcie, am off to raid the library now :)

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/11/2015 03:05:48 am

Go raid! And have fun!!

Reply
Gina Silvester
3/10/2015 04:07:27 am

Thank you! The panic of finding an "accidental mentor text" has now faded away.

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/11/2015 03:06:35 am

Good. Read it, learn from it and then write BETTER!

Reply
Julie Campbell link
3/10/2015 09:23:33 am

Thanks so much for this amazing glimpse into your creative process, Marcie! This post will go down in history as one of my all time favs! :-)

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/11/2015 03:07:17 am

Yay! So honored! :)

Reply
Lindsey Tate
3/13/2015 11:51:46 am

This was such an eye-opening post for me. Thank you. I often browse at B+N as I live across the street from one, but realize now that I need to be more purposeful and deliberate - and use the library card to bring books home to study. Congrats on your forthcoming titles!

Reply
Marcie Colleem
3/14/2015 01:33:01 am

So happy it was helpful! Happy Reading! :)

Reply
Didi Wood
3/15/2015 11:34:22 am

I appreciate the don't-panic advice with regard to similar titles. My instinct is to drop my own story and run, but in future I will use such titles as inspiration for ways to make my story unique. Thanks!

Reply
Marcie Colleen
3/15/2015 12:59:31 pm

Yay! Go Didi go!

Reply
Beth Gallagher
3/18/2015 02:38:49 am

Thanks for some GREAT inspiration!!!

Reply
Marcie Colleen
4/1/2015 12:24:34 am

You are very welcome, Beth. :)

Reply
sadee schilling
3/30/2015 04:04:58 am

Thanks for the great list, Marcie! Somehow I missed this post at the beginning of the month and am excited to add your reccommendations to my next library visit--as well as to watch for your forthcoming books!

Reply
Marcie Colleen
4/1/2015 12:25:36 am

You are welcome, Sadee. Enjoy! :)

Reply
Laura K Zimmermann link
3/31/2015 01:37:27 am

Great post and great suggestions...thanks!

Reply
Marcie Colleen
4/1/2015 12:26:26 am

And thank YOU for reading, Laura. :)

Reply
Amie Valore-Caplan
3/31/2015 06:38:24 am

I appreciate how you guided us through your process for a specific book. I read widely, but also realize it's helpful to find mentor texts for specific manuscripts. I am looking forward to reading Love, Triangle! The suspense!!!

Reply
Marcie Colleen
4/1/2015 12:27:15 am

Tell me about it! I can't wait either! :)

Reply



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