ReFoReMo Day 6: Joyce Sweeney Applies the Plot Clock

3/7/2015

by Joyce Sweeney

While preparing my Picture Book Essentials writing e-course, I had to delve into every area of craft. Different picture books served as perfect mentor texts for the essentials.

I definitely had my breakthrough on how to teach the plotting for picture books when I read CHICKEN DANCE by Tammi Sauer. She hits each and every one of the plot points perfectly and helped me see how my plot clock template best translates into picture books.

Another very good example of plotting came from CLICK, CLACK, MOO COWS THAT TYPE by Doreen Cronin (illustrated by Betsy Lewin). I discovered that in picture books a plot point might be completely carried by the illustration (art note) and not need words at all. That was a big revelation.

The LITTLE MATADOR by Julian Hector is one I constantly use for teaching and I think it is the best on what I call structure (different from plot) because Hector knows how to set up characters and situations to illicit the most possible emotion from the reader.

Another favorite for emotion and feeling is BIRD by Zetta Elliott (illustrated by Shandra Stickland). It's a picture book clearly for older children who may be reluctant readers and deals with a very serious and powerful subject (addiction). I can still read it today and be moved by the way the words and pictures work in harmony to make us feel.

For voice, I look to two of my own students; Sandra Markle for the beautiful, poetic type of voice (SNOW SCHOOL is my favorite) and Rob Sanders for bouncy, fun playful language that makes a read aloud truly fun. I think my favorite of his will always be COWBOY CHRISTMAS. Every verb is perfectly chosen!

I've learned a lot from Toni Buzzeo about remembering to think and feel as a child. My favorite of hers is ONE COOL FRIEND (illustrated by Davis Small).

As far as educational/non-fiction types of books, no one does it better than Andrea David Pinkney. My all time favorite is MARTIN & MAHALIA, (with Brian Pinkney) which creatively weaves Mahalia Jackson's songs with Martin Luther King's words and the illustrations weave too!

Finally, I think I am most inspired by Peter Brown's MR. TIGER GOES WILD. It really hits all the marks, great language, great plot, totally kid friendly, fantastic illustrations and every element works together. Plus it has a tiger!

And for all around humor, nothing beats Jonathan London's FROGGY books (illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz). All of them. I'm also very excited about, Fred Koehler's first book, HOW TO CHEER UP DAD. It has so much heart and soul, and real potential to be a rising star.

I think what makes all these books so good is that the authors and illustrators found their own style and passion and learned how to showcase it. None of them looks or sounds like anyone else. And I think that's the key. Learn the rules and then find your own voice within them. Best wishes!

PRIZE ALERT
Joyce is giving away a picture book course: Fiction Picture Book Essentials On-Demand, at the conclusion of ReFoReMo! To be eligible, please leave her a a comment here, read consistently, and record your efforts.

Joyce Sweeney has coached and mentored 52 authors to successful, traditional publication. Among those are many picture book writers such as Janeen Mason, Rob Sanders, Fred Koehler, Aimee Reed and Sandra Markle. Her ten week course, Picture Book Essentials, is available at http://www.sweeneywritingcoach.com/. In addition, Joyce is a mentor to writers in other genres, the author of fourteen novels and one book of poetry and a producer and director for the theater company, The Playgroup LLC.

150 Comments

Wendy Engelmann

3/5/2015 05:13:42 pm

Thank you for all the great information about plots. I will keep the article in mind as I write.

Joyce Sweeney link

3/5/2015 11:39:14 pm

Thanks, Wendy!

Jilanne Hoffmann

3/5/2015 05:34:01 pm

Clearly, I've got to get crackin'! I've only read two of the books you've listed. And the plot clock looks pretty interesting, too. I'm thinking it's part of your course? Thanks for giving us more texts that can help us improve our work!

Joyce Sweeney link

3/5/2015 11:40:29 pm

Yes, Jilanne, we spend a whole week on plotting working with modifying the plot clock to work for picture books!

sharon giltrow

3/5/2015 05:55:32 pm

Thanks Joyce I would really love to do your PB course one day what successful students you have had you must be an excellent teacher. Thanks for the very useful information in this blog.

Joyce Sweeney link

3/5/2015 11:41:36 pm

Thanks, Sharon! Good luck in the contest!

Myrna Foster link

3/5/2015 06:06:30 pm

Thanks for the recommendations! I love the way that ONE COOL FRIEND ends. I actually just read it to my preschool classes today.

Joyce Sweeney link

3/5/2015 11:42:51 pm

Toni has a great talk about the book...she thought she was writing about an urban legend...then she found out it was a true story!

Elaine Hillson

3/5/2015 06:12:23 pm

I'm afraid I have to admit that I've not read any of the books listed here. But that's a good thing too as it just adds to the list of wonderful book recommendations so far.
That plot clock is a very useful way of representing plot structure. Another take and another insight. Thank you for a wonderful post.

Joyce Sweeney link

3/5/2015 11:44:30 pm

Whenever we do the PB Essentials course, people start recommending their favorites and I end up with a new, long reading list. There are so many great PB's out there!

Laurie J. Edwards link

3/5/2015 06:37:35 pm

Thanks for the great mentor text suggestions. I've added some of these to my TBR list.

Kathleen Lamb

3/5/2015 07:43:25 pm

Love the Plot Clock! Thanks! Getting to that really low "low point" is challenging, but if you reach it, the rest of the story carries so much more emotion.

Maria Laso

3/5/2015 07:50:10 pm

I hope the plot clock is not affected by Daylight Savings Time this weekend!

Joni Klein-Higger link

3/5/2015 09:43:30 pm

Hi, Joyce! Love that plot clock and use it frequently. Glad to see some of my favorite authors on this list:)

Rita Lorraine link

3/5/2015 09:44:52 pm

Hi Joyce, thanks so much for the Plot Clock and for these great recommendations. I've only read one - Martin & Mahalia, and can't wait to get to the library for the others. Thanks for sharing!

Linda Schueler link

3/5/2015 09:45:54 pm

I am looking forward to reviewing the plot clock with your examples.

Sue Poduska

3/5/2015 09:48:29 pm

Thanks, Joyce! Here's to the plot clock and to all of us finding our voices.

Caroline Twomey link

3/5/2015 10:28:53 pm

Thanks Joyce for your post-there are some on here that I haven't come across yet so I'm looking forward to reading those!

Doris Stone

3/5/2015 10:32:21 pm

Joyce, thank you for sharing the Plot Clock and also the wonderful books. I'll be visiting the library this weekend!

Val McCammon

3/5/2015 10:33:55 pm

Great post with examples of how plot clock can be developed through each author's and/or illustrator's "own style and passion." Thank you Joyce!

Kim Erickson

3/5/2015 10:52:25 pm

I can't wait to sit down with all of these books and the plot clock by my side. It is such a great tool.

Penny Parker Klostermann link

3/5/2015 10:52:27 pm

Thanks so much, Joyce. I love the variety of books you listed as mentor texts. I've read many of them and have plans to read them again, as well as the ones I haven't read, while keeping in mind your "mentor" points.

Laura K Zimmermann link

3/5/2015 10:54:10 pm

Thank you for the great suggestions!

Debra Shumaker

3/5/2015 10:59:12 pm

I must take a closer look at that plot clock. And I've read a few of your suggested books, but must look at the rest. Busy week coming up! :-) Thanks for a great post.

Sue Heavenrich

3/5/2015 11:10:19 pm

Thanks for the book list - and the Plot Clock. What a cool tool. Off to plot ....

Linda Carpenter link

3/5/2015 11:18:34 pm

Joyce,
Thank you so much for your insight. Looking forward to reading and studying all the books you mentioned!

Angela Hawkins link

3/5/2015 11:20:20 pm

Love this Joyce! Mr. Tiger Goes Wild is definitely a favorite. You know the writer/illustrator has got it right when both kids and adults are begging for a re-read! Thanks for the terrific info.!

Pat Miller link

3/5/2015 11:23:35 pm

Thanks for the interesting booklist Joyce. I am especially interested in mentors that show emotion.

Marianne Kuzujanakis

3/5/2015 11:34:56 pm

You have given us a remarkable list of PB mentor texts, Joyce! Thanks so much. Many I had not heard of before. I love how you stress individuality of voice. Off to the library!

Alison Goldberg

3/5/2015 11:45:22 pm

Thanks for the great post!

Jeanette Bradley

3/5/2015 11:46:31 pm

Thank you for sharing your plot clock! I'm going to try it on my next revision!

Robin Currie link

3/5/2015 11:51:41 pm

Visual like the plot clock are so useful! I wonder in picture books how much Denoument there can be - does the climax need to be the last line? Or picture? Sometimes there feels like a conclusion - sort of happily ever after - is needed but after lots of reading to kids, they often stop listening at the obvious resolution.

Jodi McKay link

3/5/2015 11:58:59 pm

Big fan of the plot clock! Thanks Joyce, can't wait to use it!!

Ariel Bernstein

3/6/2015 12:00:45 am

The plot clock is a really helpful way to look at how to structure a story! Thank you for the advice & wonderful reading list!

Nina Johnson

3/6/2015 12:04:18 am

Hi, Joyce. I'm taken back because you make it sound so simple. The most amazing thing is how you point out that none of the books are the same. That's true and amazing on it's own. Learn the rules and use them to showcase one's own voice. What a simple statement. Thank you.

Angela Padron link

3/6/2015 12:06:26 am

No one teaches plot and voice like Joyce Sweeney - she's an amazing mentor and a great friend. Thanks for the post, Joyce!

Alice Fulgione

3/6/2015 12:09:06 am

I loved your plot clock and I loved your picture book examples.

Erin Nowak link

3/6/2015 12:10:35 am

Thanks so much Joyce, not only will your plot clock help me with plot, but certainly with pacing as well. Thanks for sharing!

Manju Howard link

3/6/2015 12:35:42 am

Joyce, I appreciate the writing tools you shared. I'm amazed by the diverse approaches to PB writing.

Nicole Popel link

3/6/2015 12:59:00 am

Joyce, it's so easy to understand different concepts when you use books to illustrate certain points. Thanks!

Lisa Connors link

3/6/2015 01:04:17 am

Thanks for all the helpful advice and where to find examples!

Laura J / Laura Jenkins link

3/6/2015 01:12:26 am

Thanks Joyce for your insight and list of mentor texts. I'm starting to feel really behind, as I have only read 5 of the mentioned books.

Mary McClellan

3/6/2015 01:12:52 am

Joyce, with all of the PBs you listed as examples of plotting, voice, etc., your post was like a mini course. I can't wait to read books that are new to me (The Little Matador, Cowboy Christmas) and reread the ones I have (Click, Clack, Moo, etc.) seeing them in a new way. Thanks for a very informative post!

Annette Bay Pimentel link

3/6/2015 01:31:35 am

I always have a hard time seeing the bones of plots. Thanks for a different way of looking at it!

Cathy Ballou Mealey link

3/6/2015 01:32:14 am

Tick Tock! The plot clock is a wonderful tool to use with mentor texts as well as our own PB drafts. Love how you tie the thread of clock through a very diverse group of terrific texts!

AJ Irving link

3/6/2015 01:32:56 am

Wow! This is such an incredibly helpful post! Thank you, Joyce!

Stephanie Geckle link

3/6/2015 01:39:05 am

"Learn the rules and then find your own voice within them." Great advice, Joyce. That is something I am working on. Hope I can find it! And I just love your Plot Clock worksheet...looks like it will keep the story flowing along nicely :)

Lori Dubbin

3/6/2015 01:48:35 am

Thanks, Joyce, for highlighting great mentor texts, illustrating the plot clock, and inspiring us to find our own voice. I look forward to reading THE LITTLE MATADOR and BIRD for examples of how to illicit the most possible emotion from the reader.

Mike Karg link

3/6/2015 01:51:25 am

Great thoughts and suggestions, Joyce! Here's a Writer Unboxed essay with a similar rubric to your Plot Clock:
http://writerunboxed.com/2014/05/04/plotting-pacing-and-crossing-over/

Rachel Hamby link

3/6/2015 01:51:26 am

Thank you, Joyce for your list of mentor texts. I think Peter Brown's book is wonderfu,l too. I gave it to my wild nephew for Christmas. :)

JEN Garrett link

3/6/2015 02:08:50 am

When I saw the plot being carried by illustrations, it was a big reveal to me, too. But the book that really drove it home for me was ONCE UPON A BANANA. The "signs" tell the story, but the illustrations carry the plot.

Sydney O'Neill

3/6/2015 02:09:13 am

Thanks for the great recommendations and the helpful Plot Clock!

Leslie Goodman link

3/6/2015 02:23:21 am

About a year ago, I came across a blog post that credited you for the marvelous plot clock. I started using it that very day, not just in my own PB writing, but alongside other PBs. Also, when my family watches a movie, I grab a sheet of paper, outline the plot clock, and fill it in as I watch. It's an amazing tool. Thank you also for the books you recommended in this post. I can't wait to check them out at my library today.

Sandy Powell

3/6/2015 02:29:20 am

Oh I love Jonathan London's Froggy books. I also love his Hippo books as well.

I especially like your last paragraph. To me it's very motivational because when I read a really good picture book I sometimes think that I will never write that good, and for a brief moment I get discouraged, but then as you say they all look and sound different. So I know to keep plugging along, find my voice, and practice, practice, practice, and read, read, read.

Thanks for the great post!

Kelley Lewis

3/6/2015 02:40:53 am

Love your plot clock and overall creative sensibility!

Beth Anderson

3/6/2015 02:49:31 am

Thank you for sharing these wonderful mentor texts for all aspects of formulating the story. Now I can love Chicken Dance on a whole new level.

Jarmila Del Boccio link

3/6/2015 02:51:44 am

Thanks so much for introducing us to some great new PBs to enjoy and analyze, Joyce. The plot clock is another useful tool for us. It's new to me!

Janie Reinart

3/6/2015 02:56:01 am

Joyce, I've never seen a plot clock before! Cool! Thanks for the great stack of books to read!

Anita Banks

3/6/2015 03:10:44 am

Thank you for all the wonderful information.

B.J.Lee link

3/6/2015 03:31:35 am

Hi Joyce - So here I am, Joyce, not doing my YA outlines just yet, but trying to polish up my pb mss before I dive into my YA headfirst. Fabulous post - love the plot clock and all of your mentor texts!

Teresa MI Schaefer link

3/6/2015 03:38:25 am

"Learn the rules and then find your own voice within them." -- I love this.

Sadee Schilling link

3/6/2015 03:50:12 am

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild is a new favorite of mine too! I've got the rest of your recommendations on hold at the library and can't wait to read them! Thank you, Joyce!

Deirdre Englehart link

3/6/2015 03:52:02 am

Joyce, Thank you for the books suggestions and the plot clock... great ideas and suggestions! Deirdre Englehart

Renee Kirchner

3/6/2015 04:02:12 am

Joyce. I am looking forward to reading the titles on this list that I'm not familiar with. I love Mr. Tiger Goes Wild. It's so original and I met the author at TLA last spring. He's very nice.

Joanne Sher link

3/6/2015 04:13:27 am

Pinned your plot clock, and requested SEVERAL of your books from the library. Looking forward to digging into both. Super post - thanks!

Andrea Allen

3/6/2015 04:16:48 am

Thanks for the plot clock idea - it looks great! Not to mention the PB suggestions - can't wait to get reading!

Carole Jenks

3/6/2015 04:25:23 am

I love this list of mentor books especially the book: Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin. I love that title and I can't wait to get these books from my library.

Lane Arnold link

3/6/2015 04:28:39 am

Click, Clack, Moo is often requested by my grands as I read to them over Skype.

The rest you mention??? New to me. The children's librarian is getting to know me well...thank you for the invitation to more exploration.

Laura Renauld

3/6/2015 04:29:37 am

Your Plot Clock is fantastic. I can't wait to use it with your reading list to help me study picture books.

Jennette Mutolo

3/6/2015 04:35:26 am

Plot clock! Love it! Thank you!

Gabrielle Snyder

3/6/2015 04:55:07 am

Thanks, Joyce, for this list of great mentor texts that illustrate different PB essentials. I've added these to my library list!

maria gianferrari link

3/6/2015 06:09:19 am

Looking forward to trying out the plot clock today, Joyce--thank you!
Thanks for all the great book recommendations, too. I love Shadra Strickland's art work, and have been wanting to read Bird for a long time, but our library doesn't have it. I'm going to do their suggest a title program for it :)

Ann Magee

3/6/2015 07:12:39 am

Thanks, Joyce, for some new books for me to investigate. And for helping me see some favorites in a new light!

Suzy Leopold

3/6/2015 07:14:02 am

From this outstanding post, I take away the importance of learning the rules and finding my own voice, style & passion. And finally, learn to showcase my words.

Thank you for the graphic organizer, Joyce.

Heidi Yates

3/6/2015 07:15:51 am

Joyce, Thank you for the advice on plots, and the wonderful list of mentor books.

Romelle Broas link

3/6/2015 07:21:47 am

Thank you, Joyce, for generously sharing your plot clock. The visual helps me. Nice book list!

Debra Daugherty

3/6/2015 07:29:42 am

I love the plot clock idea! I'm behind the times. I've only read one of the books listed. I need to get busy. Thanks for the helpful suggestions.

Suzy Leopold

3/6/2015 07:42:18 am

Cassie Bentley

3/6/2015 08:06:04 am

I love that the plot clock is a visual. I've seen other plotting devices written out. The picture simplifies it immensely. I had fun at the library picking up your featured books, but cannot seem to not pass up others that look interesting. I'll use the plot clock on them too.

Carrie Finison

3/6/2015 08:19:26 am

Thank you for these recommendations, Joyce, and for sharing your plot clock. What a great idea! I just picked up Chicken Dance, the Little Matador and Snow School at the library - can't wait to dive in. Plot is always a problem for me.

Lynne Marie link

3/6/2015 08:23:54 am

Ooooh, Oooh, Oooh! Waving my hands in the air and saying Pick Me LOL :) I would LOVE the opportunity to have a class with Joyce Sweeney!!!

Laura Lee Malesh

3/6/2015 08:57:03 am

Thank you Joyce. I must say as a completely "green" writer I had several take aways from your post. Your last paragraph spoke clearly to my heart. I wrote, "find your style and passion then learn to showcase it" in my notebook. (Underlined and Highlighted) LOVE IT! Thank you:0)

Mary Warth

3/6/2015 09:20:51 am

Thanks Joyce! I appreciate your encouragement to not only use mentor texts but to find our own style and passion.

Juliana Lee link

3/6/2015 10:02:03 am

Wonderful titles! Can't wait to test out your plot clock with some of my favorite books and then work on my own!

Kristi Veitenheimer link

3/6/2015 10:04:45 am

Thanks for all the great recommendations! I'll need to get Chicken Dance so I can plot it out on the Plot Clock.

nancy brown

3/6/2015 10:21:07 am

Joyce, thank you for all the mentor text suggestions. Interesting thought that the plot can be carried by the illustrations and not need any words!

shirley Fadden link

3/6/2015 10:44:54 am

I love the plot clock and your selection of books. Thank you!

Kathy Phillips

3/6/2015 10:51:32 am

Thank you Joyce :)
I can see I have a lot of books to find :)

Kirsti Call link

3/6/2015 10:55:01 am

I can't wait to read these! I've only read 4 of the books you mention! Thanks for your insights, Joyce!

Sarah Glenn Fortson link

3/6/2015 11:11:14 am

I'll be at the library first thing tomorrow morning. Looking forward to applying what I've learned in your post. Thank you!

Debbie LaCroix link

3/6/2015 11:21:41 am

Thank you for this breakdown!

Joyce Tucker link

3/6/2015 11:22:51 am

Joyce...thank you so much for the wonderful graphic organizer. I love being able to use things like this as I write. I also loved the titles you provided for the different areas of craft. I now have more to read...good thing it's the weekend!

Keila Dawson link

3/6/2015 12:19:35 pm

Oh yes, you are speaking to the teacher in me, a grahic organizer! Thanks for that and all your great suggestions. To the library!

Angela Turner

3/6/2015 01:04:11 pm

Thank you for passing along such great information with good examples for each.

Tammi Sauer link

3/6/2015 01:22:38 pm

I'm honored, Joyce!

Bawk-bawk. :)

Therese Nagi

3/6/2015 01:25:59 pm

Joyce thanks much for your suggestions! I loved the template you provided!

Jennifer Judd

3/6/2015 01:55:35 pm

Love the plot clock! Great examples--several of these I haven't read yet, so can't wait to check them out. Thanks for such a helpful post, Joyce!

Kristen Kirwan Browning

3/6/2015 02:05:06 pm

"Learn the rules and then find your own voice within them." Great advice and very helpful post. Thanks, too, for the plot clock. I look forward to trying it out in my reading and in my writing.

Julie Burchstead

3/6/2015 02:13:03 pm

Thanks for these helpful tips. I am going to give your plot clock a try as I set up for a new story.

Zebo link

3/6/2015 02:45:36 pm

Would LOVE to take your picture book course someday!

Pamela Courtney

3/6/2015 02:52:53 pm

I am grateful for this insightful post. These books will be amazing study texts. Learning how to evoke emotion in a thoughtful way will take much study and I am excited. Wonderful post. Thank you.

MaDonna Maurer link

3/6/2015 03:49:56 pm

Thanks so much for posting about the "Plot Clock" - this looks a great tool for plotting. Can't wait to use it for my researching to see how it really works well - and then to test my own writing against it.

Shirley

3/6/2015 04:00:52 pm

The clock was right on target for me. It was extremely helpful and is a good way to organize my thoughts. Thank you so much.

Elaine Kiely Kearns

3/6/2015 10:55:57 pm

What an informative post- thanks, Joyce!

Kim Chaffee link

3/6/2015 10:58:10 pm

So many great titles to study! Thanks, Joyce!

Jodi Moore

3/7/2015 01:03:23 am

Great examples and advice. Thank you, Joyce! :)

Karen Nordseth Roos

3/7/2015 01:06:55 am

thank you, Joyce, for this insightful and handy post!

Danielle Dufayet link

3/7/2015 02:26:44 am

Thank you for sharing these great books. I will read them carefully!

Kathy Mazurowski

3/7/2015 02:43:16 am

Thanks for giving me some new titles to get at the library. I am at my limit of holds!

Janet Smart link

3/7/2015 03:52:17 am

Thanks for the recommendations, I'm going to have to check them out. I've only read one.

Rena Traxel

3/7/2015 04:27:45 am

I'm loving all these books.

shirley johnson

3/7/2015 04:31:04 am

Great list of books and great information! Thanks for sharing.

Kaye Baillie link

3/7/2015 09:11:14 am

I love examples of finding voice, which can be tricky. Looking forward to finding more new books on your list. Thank you.

Sandy Perlic

3/7/2015 09:30:45 am

"Learn the rules, and then find your own voice within them." Perfectly distilled! I'm really excited to dig into your recommendations. Thank you!

Katie McEnaney link

3/7/2015 10:13:07 am

The concept of the "plot clock" is a new one to me, and I really like it. Thanks for these great examples and reminders of how best to pace out plot in a picture book!

Heather Pierce Stigall

3/7/2015 10:35:13 am

Oh, so many good looking books to read. I've read only two on your list and I'm looking forward to reading more! Thanks for the post.

Julie Campbell link

3/7/2015 12:50:44 pm

Can't wait to check out some of your recommendations, Joyce! What a great post! :-)

Yvonne Mes link

3/7/2015 04:34:23 pm

Thank you for your post, and especially your advice on learning the rules and finding your own voice withing resonated with me.

Hope Lim

3/7/2015 06:05:29 pm

Thanks for the wonderful post! Can't wait to read all the books on the list.

Rebecca Colby

3/7/2015 09:01:01 pm

I've read a few of these and they are great books for teaching plot! I look forward to reading the rest and I loved that one of them (Cowboy Christmas) was written by an author you previously mentored.

Lindsey Tate

3/8/2015 03:37:39 am

Thank you Joyce! Such helpful information - love the plot clock! I've already ordered these great mentor texts from the library.

Lauri Meyers link

3/8/2015 03:43:37 am

Great post Joyce. I don't think I've had the insight before to include what's happening in the illustrations/art notes to detail the plot. It seems OBVIOUS now!

anita nolan link

3/8/2015 03:54:36 am

Thanks for a great post. Lots of interesting books to look at, and the plot clock is a new perspective for me.

Brenda Huante

3/8/2015 05:04:32 am

Thank you for the post about this very important topic.

Rene` Diane Aube

3/8/2015 06:32:44 am

I've got your list and I've taken notes :) Looking forward to diving into the study on plotting. Thank you, Joyce!

Helen Dening link

3/8/2015 09:44:11 am

Thank you! I can't wait to try the plot clock. I'm not familiar with some of the books on your list. On my way to the library.

Denise Engle

3/8/2015 09:53:10 am

Joyce, I agree that Mr. Tiger Goes Wild really hits the mark! And Click Clack Moo Cows That Type is an excellent mentor text. Love the Plot Clock!! Thank you.

Rebecca Sheraton

3/8/2015 12:38:56 pm

I look forward to studying the plots

Meridth Gimbel link

3/8/2015 05:12:00 pm

Thanks for the booklist and the plot clock. So much to think about. :)

Catherine Friess link

3/8/2015 08:57:34 pm

Thank you for the plot clock Joyce, this will be really useful for editing sessions :)

Noel Csermak

3/9/2015 05:09:37 am

Thank you for the suggestions to remind us to find our own story and to present it in our unique voice. So much to learn!

Bev Langill

3/9/2015 06:57:05 am

Such an informative post! Loved the plot clock - will definitely use it. So many great mentor texts mentioned. Will have lots to read. Thanks so much. And such a wonderful giveaway!

Maria Marshall

3/9/2015 08:12:25 am

Thank you Joyce. I love Mr Tiger Goes Wild and I can't wait to find One Coll Friend. It would be so interesting to know how Doreen Cronin submitted the MS for Click Clack Moo, when so much relied on the illustrator. Great mentor list. Someday, life permitting, I would love to take your course. :-)

Kelly Carey link

3/9/2015 09:26:52 am

"JOOOOOYCCCCE!" called Kelly.
"Wh-a-a-a-at?" replied Joyce.
"I love Froggy too -- thanks for giving me an excuse to read them again! "

Lindsay Bonilla link

3/9/2015 12:23:10 pm

Thanks for sharing your Plot Clock and these great book suggestions. Many are new to me so I look forward to checking them out!

Zainab

3/9/2015 05:27:47 pm

I like your Plot Clock. It's a great way to plot the story. Thank you.

Linda Kujawski

3/10/2015 06:04:47 am

Joyce, thank you! I am looking forward to taking Picture Book Essentials on-demand.

Ashley Bankhead

3/10/2015 10:22:28 am

Thank you for sharing all these great books. There are a few I have not read that I need to check out. Thanks again.

Mary Worley

3/12/2015 01:38:07 am

Great list. I'd like to see an original MS where the plot relies on illustrations for part of it as well. I'm assuming that some of those instances are changes agreed on by the author, editor, and illustrator? Or are we just overthinking illustration notes??

Gina Silvester

3/12/2015 03:20:21 am

loved pulling out all the Froggy books that my kids have kept!

Juliann (Juli) Caveny link

3/13/2015 05:33:35 pm

Ooops! (I know I composed a reply to this the day I read it...I'm a big-time Froggy-fan!)
I think I remember why I didn't post it though...I was still thinking through the Plot Clock organizer. I'm an Epic Cycle/three act person and I was a bit confused by some of the points. In MG, the lowest point for the MC is often just before the Climax. (Thinking about Harry Potter vs Voldermort in the finally book.) I think this is the point where I'm most confused how to translate these points. Any suggestions, Joyce? For picture books, do you have a page by page example? Say, with Click, Clack, Moo... what points would you place at each point?

Carrie Charley Brown

3/13/2015 05:49:22 pm

Hi Juli! As a student of Joyce's, I can honestly say that stories that follow the plot clock pack more of a punch than others. Tammi Sauer is really really good at plot and her texts touch on the points nicely. Check those out. Maybe Joyce will chime in here, too. But, if not, please give that a whirl. I'd be happy to list an example later. :)

Kathleen Birmingham link

3/14/2015 05:08:49 pm

Thank you for the Plot Clock reminder. Whenever a story feels "off" I must remember to assign the various markers to your plot clock. If my story misses the markers, the story needs some serious revision!

Didi Wood

3/15/2015 11:37:10 am

Great suggestions - thanks!

Tina Hoggatt link

3/15/2015 06:14:40 pm

I really enjoyed this post - just came back to it a second time. Thank you!

Beth Gallagher

3/18/2015 01:18:35 am

Thanks for a wonderful post and for your plot clock! I can hardly wait to get these books and begin studying them. :)

Michelle Heidenrich Barnes link

3/24/2015 10:10:56 am

Love the idea of a plot clock. While I'm aware of the basic elements of plot, the visual should really help with pacing.

Ellen Sirianni

3/31/2015 04:51:52 am

Thank you for sharing the plot clock template. I will definitely use it
for my writing.

Amie Valore-Caplan

3/31/2015 05:52:03 am

Thanks for this great list of books! I enjoyed reading them all (especially with your comments in mind!)

Jennifer Judd link

3/31/2015 10:53:35 am

Joyce, I read this back at the beginning of the month, downloaded the plot clock image, thought it was brilliant, and clearly forgot to come and tell you how great this post was! This was so helpful to see how to pace a picture book. Love your book suggestions--I've already been reading them! :) Thanks for a great post!

ReFoReMo Day 6: Joyce Sweeney Applies the Plot Clock

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