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ReFoReMo Day 21:  Debbie Ridpath Ohi Considers Reader Experience

3/21/2016

264 Comments

 
by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
One of the most important things I’ve learned as a picture book writer and illustrator​ is consider READER EXPERIENCE into account when creating stories.

Here are some examples to show what I mean:

​1. WON TON AND CHOPSTICK by Lee Wardlaw and Eugene Yeltsin

This tale of a cat and a dog is told in haiku and enormously fun to read aloud, full of humor, natural-sounding. WHAT I GLEAN: Always read my work out loud to myself.

2. LOCOMOTIVE by Brian Floca

At 64 pages, Locomotive is longer than most picture books but the length is perfect for the combo of rich prose and gorgeously detailed artwork, packed with a ton of fascinating info in both the text and illustrations. WHAT I GLEAN: It’s good to be aware of publishing standards and rules, especially if you are new to the business, but don’t be afraid of experimenting with new reader experiences.
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3. THE DARK by Lemony Snicket and Jon Klassen

I was genuinely scared when I read this picture book! WHAT I GLEAN: It’s ok to be dark and edgy in a picture book. It’s also okay to have a young reader feel scared, as long as the ending comforts, and brings them back to a safe place.

​4. THIS IS SADIE by Sara O’Leary and Julie Morstad

​So inspired by the perfect partnership of text and illustration in this book from beginning to end, showing how Sadie can become anything or anyone she wants to be. WHAT I GLEAN: Think about how I want the reader to feel at the end of my book.
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5. FOX AND SQUIRREL MAKE A FRIEND by Ruth Ohi

Yes, Ruth is my sister! But I genuinely admire her writing as well as illustrating, and her FOX AND SQUIRREL MAKE A FRIEND is no exception. I loved how the friendship between Fox and Squirrel evolved in this story. WHAT I GLEAN: Make the readers care about what happens to your characters.
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Debbie is giving a signed copy of WHERE ARE MY BOOKS? To be eligible, you must live in North America, be a fully registered participant, comment on this post, read daily, and keep records of your progress.





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Debbie Ridpath Ohi is a children’s book writer and illustrator whose illustrations have appeared in books by Judy Blume and Michael Ian Black. She is author/illustrator of WHERE ARE MY BOOKS? (Simon & Schuster BFYR). Find her at DebbieOhi.com and on Twitter at @inkyelbows.

264 Comments
Traci Bold link
3/21/2016 03:27:02 am

Great mentor texts Debbie to remind us of one of the readons why we write. Thank you!

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Debbie Ohi link
3/21/2016 08:59:41 am

Thanks so much, Traci!

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Katelyn Aronson
3/21/2016 04:11:02 am

Excellent points, Debbie! I so agree with #1: The importance of reading one's work aloud. If you don't, you can miss a lot of what your text ISN'T achieving. Thank you for that reminder. As for #3, it looks like it didn't get published in the article. I'd really like to know what it was...(Carrie/Kirsti?)

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Kirstine Call
3/21/2016 06:55:23 am

Thanks, Katelyn! Sorry about the mix up...it's fixed now :)

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Debbie Ohi link
3/21/2016 09:00:52 am

Thanks, Katelyn! And yes, I find reading aloud (even when I'm working on my middle grade novel, not just picture books) can help me catch a lot of potential problems.

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MD Knabb
3/21/2016 05:18:59 am

Great tips for thoughtful reading, Debbie. Thank you!

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Debbie Ohi link
3/21/2016 09:01:10 am

So glad you found my post useful, MD!

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Rebecca Colby
3/21/2016 05:35:22 am

The reader's experience of a book is so important! Thanks for these recommendations. I just wondered though, is part of the blog post missing?

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Kirstine Call
3/21/2016 06:56:11 am

It's fixed now, Rebecca!

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Deborah Ohi link
3/21/2016 09:01:31 am

Thanks, Rebecca!

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Karla Valenti
3/21/2016 05:41:08 am

Great insights, thank you Debbie! Quick question: were there two more points that got left out?

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Kirstine Call
3/21/2016 07:00:07 am

Yes, they're fixed now!

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Debbie Ohi link
3/21/2016 09:01:48 am

Thanks, Karla!

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carole calladine
3/21/2016 05:51:07 am

Thanks, Debbie. I enjoyed reading your "gleanings" and loved your choices. The Won Ton books are favorites of mine and are so much fun to read aloud. Your post and REFOREMO have shown me that experimenting is fun and creates stellar picture books.

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Debbie Ohi
3/21/2016 10:49:58 am

I love the WON TON books so much. And yay for experimenting!

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Denise Engle
3/21/2016 06:15:56 am

Thanks, Debbie, for these reader's experience mentor texts. The Dark was a surprise that I did not expect to enjoy so much!

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Debbie Ohi
3/21/2016 10:50:37 am

I loved The Dark so much! And so glad you enjoyed my post, thanks for letting me know.

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Lori Gravley link
3/21/2016 06:16:50 am

Great reminders. Thank you for the wonderful list and the gleanings.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 10:50:52 am

Thanks, Lori!

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Andrea Mack link
3/21/2016 06:28:55 am

Great advice, Debbie! Thinking like a reader is SO important, especially when revising, especially thinking about how you want the reader to be feeling and what decisions and words will help to achieve that.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 10:51:40 am

Thanks, Andrea! And I so agree.

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Lisa Connors link
3/21/2016 06:31:58 am

Nice gleanings! Thank you!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 10:51:58 am

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed my post, Lisa; thanks for letting me know.

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Linda Chavez
3/21/2016 06:52:38 am

Thank you for these lovely reading experiences! Read Won Ton last night. What an incredible Haiku experience!!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 10:52:45 am

Thanks, Linda. And yes, I learned a new appreciate of haiku as a result of the WON TON books. Lee does it so well, doesn't she?

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Linda Schueler
3/21/2016 06:54:44 am

Good way of looking at writing, from the reader's point of view.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 10:53:05 am

Thanks, Linda!

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Terri DeGezelle link
3/21/2016 07:01:38 am

I have found it is important for me to have someone in my writers' group read my MS out loud while I listen. I know what is supposed to be there and it is to flow. someone new reading it and I may catch an area that slows the reader up.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 10:53:25 am

That's a great idea, Terri, having someone ELSE read your work.

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Charlene Steadman
3/22/2016 08:35:43 pm

We also have others read our manuscript aloud. When it doesn't flow you know where you need to do more work. I love Sadie also. Our kids today need more encouragement to pretend and try out new ideas.

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Marianne Kuzujanakis link
3/21/2016 07:06:13 am

Fantastic mentor texts, Debbie!
Off to the library.......!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 10:53:42 am

Thanks, Marianne!

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Sara Gentry
3/21/2016 07:06:31 am

Thank you for the suggestions. I like the "What I Glean" segments.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 10:53:55 am

Thanks, Sara!

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Sherri Jones Rivers link
3/21/2016 07:13:10 am

I have yet to read two of these, but I will, eventually. Great selection and each one has its own sparkly gem for the reader.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 10:54:19 am

Thanks, Sherri! And I like your "sparkly gem for the reader" phrase. :-)

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Jodi McKay
3/21/2016 07:13:34 am

Great book choices, Debbie! Your "gleans" are really important to think about when writing.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 10:54:34 am

Thanks, Jodi!

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Donna Cangelosi link
3/21/2016 07:15:15 am

Great examples and insightful gleanings! Thank you,Debbie. Look forward to reading these mentor texts and Where are My Books?

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 10:54:49 am

Thanks, Donna!

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Val McCammon
3/21/2016 07:21:33 am

Great points about how to consider reader experience and what each PB brings to the reader. Thanks, Debbie.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 10:55:01 am

Thanks, Val!

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PatHaap
3/21/2016 07:24:06 am

Important things to think about when writing!

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Debbie Ridpath ohi
3/21/2016 10:55:22 am

I learn so much from reading other people's picture books. Thanks, Pat.

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Terri DeGezelle link
3/21/2016 07:35:14 am

I also wanted to comment on number three. I too wasn't sure when I picked this book up but I have read it over and over. The artwork forms a good marriage. I think this story gives the reader encourage to be brave. Thank you for the great examples. I had to smile even your explanations read like a picture book, beginning, middle and end, clear, simple and important. Thank you, Debbie.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 10:56:48 am

Good points, Terri. I agree -- THE DARK has a great marriage of words and text. And HA, thanks for comparing my explanations to a picture book format! :-D

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Jess Townes link
3/21/2016 07:48:15 am

Debbie, I love this post. This is Sadie and The Dark were already two of my favorite picture books, and your other choices were delightful and brand new to me. Thinking about the reader experience is probably the reason many of us write for children in the first place. I know it is for me - remembering how the books I read as a kid were anchors in stormier times, or just joy and laughter and levity. It's easy to lose sight of that as you work your way through the revision process, and begin pondering the marketability of your text but I think it has to stay front and center. Thank you for the reminder!

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Debbie Ridpath ohi
3/21/2016 10:57:48 am

Thanks, Jess! "Thinking about the reader experience is probably the reason many of us write for children in the first place." You should turn your comment into a blog post -- so many great points!

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Donna L Martin link
3/21/2016 07:49:23 am

I'm going to the library today to pick up my copies. Can't wait to discover for myself why you enjoy these particular picture books so much!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 10:58:17 am

I hope you enjoy the books, Donna!

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Manju Howard
3/21/2016 07:50:08 am

Hi, Debbie! I love your blog - your posts inspire me. And THIS IS SADIE also inspires me to break through boundaries in our world.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 10:58:57 am

Thanks for the kind words about my blog and posts, Manju. And THIS IS SADIE is so inspiring, isn't it??

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Carrie Pearson link
3/21/2016 07:50:39 am

Oh, yeah -- the READERS! Can't forget about them in the process of trying to write a publishable manuscript! ;) Love these varied examples.

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Carrie Charley Brown
3/21/2016 09:54:54 am

Yep! That's what it's all about, right Carrie? ;) And one must really think about how the target age groups feels and what they experience. For a picture book, the target for a character's age should relate to the 4 year old most, even if the intended age range is 4-8. Unless, of course, you are targeting an older picture book audience 6-10, for example, and nonfiction. There are exceptions to the rules, but the I hear publishing professionals mention the 4 year old over and over again when referring to picture books.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 10:59:25 am

Thanks, Carrie! :-)

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Sue Poduska
3/21/2016 07:51:56 am

Great mentor texts, Debbie. And love your books, too!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 10:59:42 am

Thank you and thank you, Sue! :-)

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Mary Boehmer
3/21/2016 08:05:47 am

Thank you for sharing with us! Reader Experience, ReFoReMo has certainly been an amazing experience for me!:) I just love your suggested books, the response from both the listeners (my library classes) and from myself as the reader is why I just love, love, love picture books!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:00:48 am

Thanks, Mary. Yay for ReFoReMo! Also yay for library classes. :-)

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Sharon Giltrow
3/21/2016 08:14:29 am

Thanks Debbie for reminding me that the message we want to leave the reader with is important.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:01:05 am

Thanks, Sharon!

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Janet Smart link
3/21/2016 08:22:55 am

Hi, Debbie! I definitely agree with reading your story out loud and making readers care about what happens to your characters.Thanks for your helpful info.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:01:24 am

So glad you enjoyed my post, Janet. Thanks for letting me know!

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Jill Jeffries
3/21/2016 08:24:44 am

Thank you, great reminders.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:01:44 am

So glad you found my post useful, Jill. Thanks!

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Robin Currie link
3/21/2016 08:36:02 am

Love the "what I glean" - I should have done that with all the books I really liked. Ah, well, a post-ReFoReMo activity! Thank for the insights!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:02:41 am

It's never too late to go back and do that for books you've read that you really like. I continue to do this -- picking up old favourites and rereading them with a different perspective. Thanks for the feedback, Robin!

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Cathy Mealey
3/21/2016 08:36:06 am

The reader's experience of text married to illustrations is indeed paramount. Thanks for the reminder!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:02:53 am

Thanks, Cathy!

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Tina Cho link
3/21/2016 08:40:03 am

I like your mantra here: Make your reader feel!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:03:05 am

Thanks, Tina!

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Deborah Allmand
3/21/2016 08:42:41 am

Debbie, thanks so much for the tips! They are paramount to improve our work. Thanks for the post and fabulous prize!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:03:22 am

Thanks, Deborah! Glad you enjoyed my post. :-)

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Vicki Reinhardt
3/21/2016 08:43:56 am

I just read "The Dark" a few days ago and really liked it! =) I'm going to add these other titles to my list, as tomorrow is my Library Day. Thanks so much for the wonderful suggestions! I always read my work out loud, and it's amazing how it helps to edit a story or poem. Thanks again!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:04:00 am

Thanks, Vicki, And yes, isn't THE DARK wonderful? Have a Happy Library Day tomorrow!

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Anne Appert link
3/21/2016 08:45:59 am

I am definitely going to start thinking about "what I glean" from books. What great insight into reader experience! Thanks for the post!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:04:14 am

Thanks, Anne!

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Amy Murrell
3/21/2016 08:57:46 am

Thanks for this great post, Debbie. How fun that you and your sister both write picture books! I think your point about how picture and word come together to make the reader feel throughout the book and at the end is so important! I also really love your point about being familar with publishing standards but being willing to take well planned and well executed risks. -Amy

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:04:57 am

Thanks, Amy! And yes, I've gotten a lot of great tips from my sister (who is way more experienced than I am) So glad you enjoyed the post. :-)

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Kathryn Howes link
3/21/2016 09:02:49 am

Great post, with some excellent examples! I often try to think about what I want my reader to feel at the end as I build a story arc.
BTW, I love Debbie's inkyelbows website and use her picture book thumbnail templates to plan out page turns all the time! Thanks for continuing to give so much back to the kidlit community, Debbie!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:05:49 am

Thanks so much, Kathryn, and I appreciate the shoutout. Also happy to hear that you find my picture book thumbnail templates useful. :-) Thanks for letting me know!

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Nancy Rimar
3/21/2016 09:08:01 am

Thanks for the great suggestions and for the reminder to read our work out loud.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:06:06 am

Thanks, Nancy!

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Juliana Lee link
3/21/2016 09:09:30 am

One of the reasons I love picture books so much is that there are so many levels of enjoyment for kids and adults. I love how you use the phrase "what I glean" showing a personal relationship with each one. Every reader will come away from a book with his/her own connection. We can never know exactly what any one person will 'glean' from our stories. Thanks for reminding us to read and write with an open heart!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:06:41 am

So happy to hear you enjoyed my post, Juliana. Thanks so much for letting me know. :-)

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Sharon Putnam
3/21/2016 09:19:25 am

Great post, Debbie!! Thank you for showing us how a writer can go about considering the reader’s experience by looking at picture books from the perspective of both the writer and the reader

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Debbie Ridpath ohi
3/21/2016 11:07:01 am

Thank you, Sharon!

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Tanya Konerman link
3/21/2016 09:24:29 am

Looks like a great list to check out. I've only read one of these so far! Thanks for the recommendations.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:07:28 am

I hope you enjoy the other books, Tanya!

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Kathy Halsey
3/21/2016 09:28:40 am

Debbie, you sure have packed tons of gleanings into this post. I admire you and your work. I am going to jot these gleanings down as I draft & revise my WIPs. Some I always do, but some I have not thought about. Happy Spring and thank you.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:07:50 am

Thanks for the kind words, Kathy. Much appreciated. Happy Spring to you, too!

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Angela Turner
3/21/2016 09:29:50 am

Your gleanings give great direction to us writers. Thank you for the focus.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:08:16 am

You're welcome, Angela. Delighted to hear that you found the post useful! :-)

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Virginia Law Manning link
3/21/2016 09:30:41 am

Great post and reading list! I hope to meet you some day! I'm a huge fan of your work. I live in PA but had planned to go into NYC for your recent Professional Tuesday talk on Social Media, but had to miss it due to the weather. I suggested to KidLit College that they offer it as a webinar. I don't know if they approached you but I'd love to hear that talk!!!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:09:07 am

Thanks, Virginia. I hope to meet you someday, too! And thanks so much for the kind words about my work. Sorry we didn't get to see each other in NYC. And thanks for the shoutout re: my talk! :-)

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Virginia Law Manning link
3/22/2016 08:20:22 am

You're welcome! I don't know if a KidLit College webinar on "Social Media" is something you'd like to do, but if so and the organizers haven't approached you yet, let me know and I'll nudge them again. I know others who wanted to attend your workshop in NYC, but it was too far for them. I don't think KidLit College has offered a webinar on Social Media yet. Take care!

Lucky Jo Boscarino
3/21/2016 09:32:15 am

Thanks, Debbie. Love the comics on Inkygirl (especially the ones on self-doubt which is, like, 90% of them).

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:10:11 am

So glad you like my comics, Lucky Jo. And yes, I have a LOT of comics about self-doubt because that's what I went through a ton and still go through, for every one of my projects. :-)

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Kelly Rice Schmitt
3/21/2016 09:32:44 am

Debbie, Thank you for this insightful list of steps you go through when formulating your ideas and editing. I love reading aloud and having the gut sense of if everything sounds right. Sometimes you need a bit more or less for the pace of the spoken word and to allow more or less in the illustrations. My sister and I are also both in the picture booking craft-- how fun!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
3/21/2016 11:10:52 am

How great that you and your sister are also both in the picture book industry, too! :-D And thank you for the kind words about my post.

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Stephanie Gray
3/21/2016 09:36:19 am

The Dark is a favorite at our house. The book, not the real thing. And I was very pleased to meet Sadie for the first time. Thanks for your wonderful suggestions and the gleanings you took from them.

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Sandra Jenkins
3/21/2016 09:56:12 am

Thanks for the perspective on guiding the reader's experience.

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debra daugherty
3/21/2016 09:49:27 am

Thanks,, Debbie, for sharing your mentor texts. When writing, I try to put myself in my readers minds, picturing what is their take of my story.

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Debbie Ohi
3/21/2016 07:41:03 pm

Thanks, Debra!

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Emily J
3/21/2016 09:49:51 am

Oh yes! I love these books and your take-away(s)! Thank you Debbie!

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Debbie Ohi
3/21/2016 07:41:26 pm

So glad you enjoyed my post (and the books), Emily.

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Sherry Howard link
3/21/2016 09:51:38 am

I loved the way each book emphasized a different point in your writer's vision of it. I think we need to remember that not every book has to tick off every box, as long as it resonates with the reader in some strong way. If we followed formulas too closely we wouldn't have this lovely diversity of choices.

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Debbie Ohi
3/21/2016 07:42:08 pm

Absolutely, Sherry. Love your phrasing: "Not every book has to tick off every box."

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Kathy Mazurowski
3/21/2016 09:58:23 am

Thanks, Debbie. Yesterday I was able to go through a stack of library books reading aloud, (I was home alone:) I enjoyed them so much.

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Debbie Ohi
3/21/2016 07:42:56 pm

I love reading aloud even if I'm alone, too. Thanks for sharing, Kathy!

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Sylvia Liu link
3/21/2016 09:58:44 am

Great post - looking forward to checking out some of these that were not familiar to me, including your sister's book!

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Linda Thomas
3/21/2016 09:59:36 am

I can't wait to read these PBs! Thank you, Debbie, for sharing your recommendations and your thoughts about writing for our readers!

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 09:57:03 am

You're welcome, Linda. Glad you enjoyed my post!

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Elizabeth Duncan link
3/21/2016 10:01:44 am

Throughout the month, I have been evolving the way that I read picture books. Thinking about "what I glean" is another way to evaluate and understand the genre. Thanks for another lens.

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 09:57:22 am

Thanks, Elizabeth!

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Sue Heavenrich
3/21/2016 10:01:58 am

These were fun books to read. Great tips and observations. I admit - "The Dark" scared me too.

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 09:57:52 am

But it's fun being scared, isn't it? As long as we can come back to a safe place at the end. :-)

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AJ Irving link
3/21/2016 10:06:12 am

Great mentor texts! Thank you, Debbie!

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 09:58:10 am

You're welcome, AJ! Glad you enjoyed my post. :-)

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Beverly Marsh
3/21/2016 10:12:11 am

Debbie, Great mentor texts-- look forward to reading them aloud!

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 09:58:22 am

Thanks, Beverly!

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Alice Fulgione
3/21/2016 10:18:10 am

I read "The Dark" and loved it. The others look like great mentor texts.

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 09:58:48 am

THE DARK is such a great book, isn't it?

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Holly Samson Hall
3/21/2016 10:23:36 am

These are great examples. Thank you!

I think "dark and edgy" is a theme that isn't explored enough in kid lit. I know I've always been drawn to things that were a little bit scary, even as a child. I now make art and music that is very dark and edgy (for adults, of course!). I've been thinking a lot about how to incorporate a little of that aesthetic into my picture books for children. There's a reason that Lemony Snicket is so popular--even kids like a little bit of a scare before they get to the happy ending.

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 09:59:42 am

I'm a big fan of the dark and edgy. And yay for dark and edgy art and music, too -- how wonderful that you're able to do that! Thanks for sharing, Holly.

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Therese Nagi
3/21/2016 10:23:38 am

Debbie thanks for giving us some great mentor texts. It's good to remember the readers and how to touch them.

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 09:59:56 am

Thanks, Therese!

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Linda Hofke
3/21/2016 10:30:41 am

I have read Lemony Snicket's book about the dark and like it. I haven't read Fox and Squirrel Make a Friend, but the cover illustration is adorable. I hope I can find this one and read it.

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 10:00:54 am

It's such a fun book, Linda! And I love the cover art, too. :-)

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Joanne Sher link
3/21/2016 10:34:21 am

Love your "gleanings!" Thanks so very much for sharing them - and these wonderful books!

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 10:01:11 am

Thank you, Joanne! So glad you enjoyed my post. :-)

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Lori Dubbin
3/21/2016 10:35:52 am

Thank you for this post where you streamlined and gleaned and told us what these books mean to you! The points you made are vital to creating great stories, and I look forward to reading the ones I haven't read yet!

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 10:03:48 am

So glad you enjoyed my post, Lori. Thanks for letting me know. :-)

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Jane BUttery link
3/21/2016 10:39:17 am

I enjoyed the dark and know all children could relate to it. Most of my own books come out of my experience as a parent and as a person living in S.W. Ontario because I often write about where we live in novelsfor students and picture books. I believe the illustrator 's veiw is very important.
thank you for exra books to look at.

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 10:04:32 am

Thanks so much, Jane!

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Joy Main
3/21/2016 10:45:27 am

Great texts, thank you. I can't wait to read a haiku PB, it's always exciting and inspiring to find someone working with language in a new or different way.

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 10:05:21 am

Nice to hear from a fellow haiku fan. :-) Thanks for posting, Joy.

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Monique Wakefield
3/21/2016 10:50:20 am

Thank you Debbie for your advice. I like that you pointed out our audiences POV especially with the mentor text of "The Dark".

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 10:05:56 am

Thank you, Monique!

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Ellen Leventhal
3/21/2016 10:54:31 am

Great post! I've not read all of these books (some still on hold at the library), but they look great. I really like how you organized this post. Straight and to the point. You must be a PB writer. :) Thanks!

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 10:07:10 am

Heh. :-D You're welcome. Thanks for the kind words, Ellen!

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Sydney O'Neill
3/21/2016 10:55:06 am

Thanks for these recommendations, Debbie! Carrie, I hadn't known the PB for ages 4-8 should relate most to the 4-year-old. Interesting. That helps to explain the stress on low word count.

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 10:08:04 am

Happy to hear you enjoyed my recommendations, Sydney! Thank you for commenting.

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Darlene Koppel link
3/21/2016 10:55:07 am

Thank you Debbie. I especially liked your tip about The Dark.

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 10:08:26 am

Thanks, Darlene! And I love THE DARK so much. I think I need to reread it soon.

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Shelley Kinder
3/21/2016 10:56:51 am

Thank you Debbie for the great tips, book recommendations, and prize! Definitely so good to think about all the things you mentioned. The thing that is sticking to me right now is how the reader feels at the end. I'm gathering lately that "twist endings" are a good thing in this industry, but I think we have to be careful to not make them so "twisty" that we forget about how the reader feels, if that makes sense. Also, your book, Where Are My Books? looks/sounds adorable! Must read!

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 10:09:48 am

Yes, exactly, you put it so well: " I'm gathering lately that "twist endings" are a good thing in this industry, but I think we have to be careful to not make them so "twisty" that we forget about how the reader feels." And thanks for the kind words about WHERE ARE MY BOOKS? I hope you enjoy it when yo read it! Thanks, Shelley.

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Meena
3/21/2016 11:02:22 am

Reader Experience - that's the magic word for any picture book to be a hit. Thanks for the great choices!

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Debbie Ohi
3/22/2016 10:10:02 am

Thanks, Meena!

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Marlene Rohr link
3/21/2016 11:06:59 am

Thank you Debbie. I have read all of these PB's recently and have concluded that each reader will have their own personal response to each book that is beyond the writer's capacity to predict or control. I am finding that the books I like to read to my grandchildren aren't going to be the ones that they enjoy or ask for. My 3 year old granddaughter enjoyed Fox and Squirrel. I was wondering what the connection was between you and Ruth. So nice to know that you are sisters!

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Mary Worley
3/21/2016 11:07:39 am

My favorite picture books leave me feeling satisfied and hopeful. Good to be reminded that our books are emotional journeys for the readers. Thank you!

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Rachel Hamby link
3/21/2016 11:08:04 am

Thanks, Debbie, it seems like simple advice, but it is easy to get caught up with other aspects of creating picture books. It's good to really think about our readers reactions and interactions with our work.

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Karen Brady link
3/21/2016 11:09:15 am

Great selection, Debbie! They were all excellent but I especially enjoyed Locomotive (Brian Floca is such a master!) and Fox and Squirrel Make a Friend--truly heartwarming! My heart sank for Fox when he felt left out. Thank you for sharing your insight with us!

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Mary Jo Wagner
3/21/2016 11:14:37 am

The Dark is one of my favorites -- for concept and experience. I am experimenting with a number of subversive manuscripts that are pushing the publishing standards (!) so I appreciate excellent examples to further study! And I love your advice about thinking about how I want the reader to feel at the END of the book.

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Charlotte Dixon
3/21/2016 11:22:21 am

Thank you, Debbie, for these great examples to show what to consider when thinking about the readers' experience :)

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Diane Asyre
3/21/2016 11:29:22 am

So cool to hear the thoughts from a picture book superstar. Thanks!

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Mike Karg link
3/21/2016 11:34:26 am

Thanks, Debbie! It is easy to get hung up on the mechanics of the text, but that overall feeling is paramount.

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Gabrielle Snyder link
3/21/2016 11:43:38 am

Thank you, Debbie, for sharing what you gleaned from these great books. I especially like the suggestion to think about how I want the reader to feel at the end of the book.

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Megan Taraszkiewicz
3/21/2016 11:45:22 am

Thank you for this post, Debbie. Lots to learn from these great selections!

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Annette Bay Pimentel link
3/21/2016 11:58:12 am

What I glean: After reading, pause to reflect on why a book works.

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Brook Gideon link
3/21/2016 11:59:57 am

Debbie, hello!!! Hope you are well! Thank you for a wonderful post with amazing mentor texts and the specific things to remember to include in our own stories. They are important points! P.S. the Dark scares me every time I read it even though I know the end! Suspense is where it's at!

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Cecilia
3/21/2016 12:06:48 pm

Thanks for your "glean" points. Will get me thinking about what I want readers will glean from my work.

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Chana Stiefel link
3/21/2016 12:19:27 pm

Great suggestions! Lately I've been reading work-in-progress drafts to students at author visits. Great to see their reactions, hear their questions, and get real, live reader response to see what's working and what's not!

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JEN link
3/21/2016 12:19:54 pm

This is something I've been thinking a lot about lately. As a writer, I should be thinking about my reader's experience. Thanks for the reminder and great recommendations!

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Michele Manning
3/21/2016 12:22:10 pm

I was hesitant to read Locomotive to my students, because it didn't seem like a typical read-aloud; but it has become a favorite! I can't keep it on the shelves anymore.

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Ali Bovis
3/21/2016 12:39:19 pm

Thanks so much for the great post and mentor texts! I LOVE The Dark and you've given us so many amazing points to consider. Thank you!

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Angela De Groot
3/21/2016 12:49:49 pm

Thanks for sharing your gleanings. After reading the mentor texts, as you suggest, I gave some thought to what the reader experienced in each book. I love Locomotive and as a Hell On Wheels fan, the book helped me understand more about the era and the effect the linked railroads had on people and the surroundings.

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Martin Segal link
3/21/2016 12:50:27 pm

Thank you for sharing these mentor texts, Debbie! They sound great!

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Rita Lorraine Hubbard link
3/21/2016 12:54:36 pm

Thanks for the recommendations! Won Ton and Chopstick sounds hilarious. The title already has me smiling. Off to see if I can find it. :)

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Melissa Rutigliano
3/21/2016 12:59:25 pm

I think for me this inspires a challenge of reading my current WIP as an outsider. My MS is inspired by a real character in my own life, and his struggle to overcome hardship. Therefore, it's something new to try and separate myself and read it how the reader might, without having the original emotional attachment to my MC that I have, but hoping they acquire it through his story.

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Carol Nelson
3/21/2016 01:03:28 pm

Debbie, Thanks for sharing what you gleaned from the books. Looking at the books through your eyes and my eyes helps me 'glean' even more from the mentor books.

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Alan Elliott link
3/21/2016 01:13:56 pm

Thanks Debbie. It took me two reads to get The Dark, but once I got it, I could see how it is a gem.

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Dee Leone link
3/21/2016 01:23:39 pm

Thanks for the great mentor list, Debbi.

Everyone, if you haven't checked out Debbie's websites (her author one and inkygirl one), they are full of excellent advice and information for writers ... and her comics are hilarious!

Also, check out her Where Are My Books crowd-sourced video. She is a great supporter of librarians and bookstores.

P.S. - No I'm not her publicist:-) She's just a wonderful person who shares a lot of useful information.

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Lenne' Musarra
3/21/2016 01:25:25 pm

Thank you for sharing what you've gleamed from the PB selections you mentioned. I really loved The Dark. It brought me back to my childhood fears and the resolution was so unexpected. It had perfect pacing and melding of text and illustrations. This is Sadie is an important statement to empower girls in particular. I am looking forward to following you on twitter and finding your thumbnail templates and reading your and your sister's PBs.

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Bev Baird
3/21/2016 01:26:47 pm

Great post. Loved the books you highlighted but especially loved what you gleaned from each. Thanks so much!

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Sue Ganz-Schmitt link
3/21/2016 01:34:57 pm

Thank you so much Debbie - great book choices. I especially found Locomotive to be a breathtaking surprise. How wonderful that you and your sister are on this children's book journey together!

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Heidi Yates
3/21/2016 01:38:32 pm

Thank you for helping us think deeper into the readers experience. Great mentor text selections Debbie! :)

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Brenda Huante
3/21/2016 01:53:19 pm

Thank you for the reminder and the excellent mentor texts. I just love Won Ton!

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Anna Forrester link
3/21/2016 01:57:51 pm

Great reminders Debbie -- thanks!

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Bethany Roberts link
3/21/2016 02:17:59 pm

Thanks for the helpful thoughts. So important to get into the heads of our readers!

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Melanie Ellsworth
3/21/2016 02:24:58 pm

Wow, so much to think about in this post, Debbie. The best picture books pack so much (in so few words) into a reader's experience, without ever making it feel overwhelming. Picture book writers/illustrators are amazing folks!

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Lauren Kerstein link
3/21/2016 02:26:09 pm

Thank you for this excellent framework that we can apply each time we read a mentor text.

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Valarie Giogas
3/21/2016 02:33:29 pm

I love these examples, but I love the "what I glean" comments even more. Very helpful.

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Natalie Rompella link
3/21/2016 02:37:16 pm

Thanks for sharing what you got from each. And I love the eclectic mix of pbs.

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Mona Pease
3/21/2016 02:50:54 pm

Debbie, thanks for the mentor texts and your "gleans". Besides the words, the cover of your book is so inviting. A child (adult/me) really wants to look inside...and under the bed!

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maria gianferrari link
3/21/2016 02:52:00 pm

Thank you, Debbie! I adore both Won Ton as well as Won Ton & Chopstick.

I haven't yet been able to get a hold of Fox & Squirrel Make a Friend--I love the very sweet cover! :)

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Kristi Veitenheimer link
3/21/2016 02:58:17 pm

Thanks for the recommendations to add to my ever-growing stack!

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Tracey Brown
3/21/2016 03:21:55 pm

Thank you, Debbie. Read your selections a couple of times and then re-read them thinking about your "what I glean" comments! Love it!

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Rosie Pova
3/21/2016 03:44:03 pm

I especially like the last piece of advice! Thank you.

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Maria Marshall
3/21/2016 03:45:16 pm

Debbie, I love your gleanings of what do I want my reader to feel and how do i ant them to connect with my character, Your choices for mentor texts are very helpful. Thank you! :-)

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Susan Deo
3/21/2016 04:08:12 pm

Debbie: What fun to find you here after just seeing your presentation at the Los Angeles SCBWI Writers Day! Thank you for reminding us how important to think about our readers when we write and revise. I'm happy to keep thinking about it when reading mentor texts and thanks for the great examples!

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Anita Jones link
3/21/2016 04:30:08 pm

I'm looking forward to reading these suggested books...I also like the comment about "reading my work out loud to myself"...something I need to practice!! Thanks Debbie!

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L. Michelle Quraishi link
3/21/2016 04:31:54 pm

I appreciate the direct advice offered in your "gleanings."

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Denise Benavides
3/21/2016 04:38:22 pm

When you said that the writer needs to think about what we want the reader to feel, I realized what an incredible power we writers have. We can change the way a person feels - Thanks

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Trine
3/21/2016 04:43:33 pm

Thank you for sharing your gleanings. The Dark spooked me too, but I breathed easy as I was brought back to that safe place.

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Jarm Del Boccio link
3/21/2016 05:03:36 pm

I've enjoyed your gleanings, Debbie. . .thanks!

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Jennifer Cole Judd link
3/21/2016 05:27:17 pm

I love The Dark! And now I can't wait to read the others--Wonton and Chopstick looks especially adorable! Thanks for sharing your list with us, Debbie! :)

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Patricia Nozell
3/21/2016 05:39:31 pm

Love the advice & the examples! Thank you.

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Nancy Ramsey
3/21/2016 05:44:47 pm

All great things to keep in mind when writing. I especially like the idea of thinking about how you want the reader to feel at the end of the book. Great post, Debbie! Thank you!

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dfrybarger
3/21/2016 06:14:20 pm

Great mentor texts and insights!

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Mary Warth
3/21/2016 06:20:12 pm

Thanks Debbie for the great thoughts about reader experiences. I enjoy reading old favorites from new perspectives. I also am a fan of your blog so it was great to see you here!

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Laura Renauld
3/21/2016 06:22:48 pm

I absolutely loved This is Sadie. Thank you for walking up through your inspirations and what you glean from them. Great insight!

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Sheri Radovich
3/21/2016 06:41:59 pm

I liked This is Sadie and had read all the books except Fox and Squirrel which the library didn't have and the bookstore I checked didn't have.
My e-mail left out #3 and #5 but when I went into browser all 5 descriptions were there. I have to go to browser to comment anyway.
I think one of the books will help with a manuscript I am struggling with.

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Debbie McCue
3/21/2016 06:43:52 pm

Great points to think about, Debbie, and great mentor text recommendations.

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Noelle McBride
3/21/2016 07:06:23 pm

Thank you for bringing these wonderful mentor texts to our attention! It is always so revealing and helpful for someone else to read my manuscript aloud during our critique group. I can the reader experience playing out in their faces.

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Julie Burchstead
3/21/2016 07:14:32 pm

Great post. The books that make me feel something deeply, whether a sadness, a laugh, a connection are the ones I have never forgotten. Thanks for the reminder to keep this in mind, to try to create this for our own readers.

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Susan Zonca
3/21/2016 07:31:00 pm

What great variety! Thanks for sharing.

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sue twiggs
3/21/2016 07:40:37 pm

How neat that both you and your sister write PB's!
pointing out the importance of how I'd like the reader to feel after reading my PB is good. I hadn't considered that and yet that is what is key for me when I read a book as an adult. ( since when did we have time to do that!!!) Ask Me and Yard Sale were 2 PB's that left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling. I also like Hippos are Huge! These are previous books on the list but they still have left their mark.

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Heather Pierce Stigall link
3/21/2016 07:49:47 pm

Great questions to help me when writing my manuscripts! Thanks!

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Judy Cooper link
3/21/2016 07:51:33 pm

Thank you for your insights. Very helpful advice.

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Vivian Kirkfield link
3/21/2016 08:00:13 pm

Such an important post, Debbie...I love your "I Glean"...that highlighted for me the really important elements I need to make sure are in MY stories. Thank you so much!

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Lydia Lukidis link
3/21/2016 08:36:03 pm

Great mentor texts and great reminders. I write so often about what I feel compelled to write about, but i need to become more conscious of my audience!!

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Lotus Ivak link
3/21/2016 08:42:08 pm

Hi Debbie, thank you for these great suggestions! Wonton and Chopstick was such a fresh and humorous book to read aloud!

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Celeste Gerard
3/21/2016 08:49:03 pm

Thank you Debbie. I feel in love with this is Sadie....such imagination!

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Maria Johnson
3/21/2016 09:19:24 pm

WHAT I GLEAN = What a good question to ask! Thank you Debbie. So illuminating. Julie Morstad is one of my most favorite illustrators,
and an equal to Sara O'Leary's text; the two together making This Is Sadie so magical.

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Angie Quantrell
3/21/2016 09:21:24 pm

Love your suggestions of things to consider as we write. Thank you so much!

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Linda Carpenter link
3/21/2016 09:34:30 pm

Many thanks for the great post! Great tips!

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Cathy Breisacher
3/21/2016 09:36:17 pm

These are great texts to study when reflecting upon a reader's experience. Thanks so much!

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Natalie Lynn Tanner
3/21/2016 10:25:47 pm

Debbie: THANK YOU for showing us what you glean from pic books. This is a POWERFUL reminder that we really need to think about the books we read, to dig deep into the story -- to the very heart of the story! -- to learn what we, too, can glean. Hopefully we will then apply these lessons to our own writing! THANK YOU!!!

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Keila Dawson link
3/21/2016 10:43:17 pm

I find author-illustrators bring something very special to picture books. They know how to leave room for the reader. Lenny and Lucy is a book where the husband wife team Phillip & Erin Stead discuss this.They work so beautifully together.

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Kimberly Marcus link
3/21/2016 10:46:45 pm

Thank you for you thoughtful approach and introducing the concept of 'reader experience'. Very interesting and considered examples!!!

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Lynn Davidson link
3/21/2016 10:58:06 pm

These are interesting choices. I've read two of them so far. I usually think about the reader when I am writing something. That's why I hesitate to write scary stories or characters that I think a child will want to be like if it's not a good thing. Maybe I'm not thinking the right way about it, but that's how I feel about it.
Thank you for the examples you gave us, Debbie.

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DeLeon
3/21/2016 11:03:46 pm

Thank you, Debbie. From now on everytime I find a book I love, I will analyze my experience as a reader and how they can be helpful in writing my own.

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Melissa Stoller link
3/21/2016 11:12:42 pm

Thank you Debbie! I like your advice to always consider how the reader is experiencing the story, especially how the reader feels at the end of the book. There is nothing like a well done ending!

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Carol Cole link
3/21/2016 11:43:27 pm

Debbie, What great books for today's post. I love how Sadie loses herself in books and can be anything she wants - it reminds me of when I was very young. I did the same things. "Locomotive" is a beautiful book filled with facts but presented in a wonderfully entertaining way. My critique group always reads each other's stories aloud - you learn so much by hearing where others may stumble or the rhythm may be off - something you can't really catch by reading it aloud yourself.

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Amanda Sincavage
3/22/2016 12:57:38 am

Love reading your take-aways - especially considering how we want our readers to feel at the end of the book. Thanks Debbie!

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Jilanne Hoffmann
3/22/2016 01:05:16 am

Awesome choices, here! I've been focusing a lot on reader experience, lately, so this is a timely post. Thanks!

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Shelley Marshall
3/22/2016 03:26:22 am

Thanks so much Debbie. These are all lively, memorable books and that reminds me of YOU! I was delighted to see your Writer's Day presentation at the Skirball. You are a firecracker, of personality and have a genuine desire to share your knowledge and yourself with the PB community. Thank you sincerely.

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Leah Heilman Schanke
3/22/2016 07:46:25 am

I also greatly appreciate the "gleanings." One of my son's who is in middle school has been reading the mentor texts. He loved Won Ton and Chopstick. It’s a reminder to me that PB's can be enjoyed by older children as well.

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Christine Rodenbour
3/22/2016 08:45:09 am

Great stuff. Thank you!!

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Joana Pastro
3/22/2016 10:55:48 am

Hi Debbie, I'm in awe of Locomotive. What an amazing book, the amount of information and details sent me on a train ride from East to West. The word count is bigger but you can still see the author only used the necessary amount of them and the right ones. Wow!
Thanks for the great mentor text suggestions. :)

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Shari Della Penna link
3/22/2016 11:15:42 am

Your post reminds me to keep my own gleanings in mind. What AM I trying to do anyway? How do I know if I'm sucessful? Thanks for reminding us there really is no ONE right way when we write picture books.

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Suzy Leopold
3/22/2016 12:14:02 pm

Thank you, Debbie, for sharing what you gleaned through this outstanding post. You and your books are admired.

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Sadee Schilling
3/22/2016 12:34:05 pm

Thank you for the reading list, Debbie, and for the encouragement to try new and experimental things, even if you are still pre-published.

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Jena Benton
3/22/2016 12:49:39 pm

Thank you for sharing this list! As a poet, I learned to read my writing out loud a long time ago to check for rhythm, etc.

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Pam Jones-Nill
3/22/2016 12:51:21 pm

Thanks for sharing your gleaning thoughts. All important points to remember while writing PB's (or anything for that matter)

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Christie Allred link
3/22/2016 01:42:14 pm

Thank you for the post :) I am really enjoying ReFoReMo this year!

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Nina Johnson
3/22/2016 02:07:30 pm

Debbie, this is a good look at books that you like. I loved the "what I gleaned" part. I'd be interested to know what it is that you would "glean" from books that you didn't love or care for? What would be the reasons for not loving them? Thanks.

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Lynn Alpert link
3/22/2016 02:10:56 pm

Thanks for the insightful post, Debbie! WHAT I GLEAN: You are awesome!

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Linda Kujawski link
3/22/2016 03:55:48 pm

Thank you, Debbie. You have given us many good things to remember while writing for young readers. I loved your suggestion, "think about how I want the reader to feel at the end of my book." Thank you!

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Ann Magee
3/22/2016 07:27:40 pm

Thanks, Debbie! I haven't read This is Sadie yet. I'll look for that one. I love thinking about how my reader will feel at the end of my stories too!

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Pamela Courtney
3/22/2016 11:49:16 pm

You've given us a considerable amount to ponder. WHAT I GLEAN? Be knowledgeable, but use that information to take intelligent risk by upping the funny, intensifying tension, or making that universal theme a comforting, yet out of the box feel good. Love this post.

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Nadine Gamble link
3/23/2016 07:12:02 am

Great list of books and thanks for the advice about putting ourselves in the reader's place when we are writing.

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Lauri Meyers link
3/23/2016 07:25:27 am

What I glean: Creativity runs in your family! Great points Debbie.

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Suzanne Poulter Harris
3/23/2016 11:50:08 am

Thank you for the reminder of why we write ... how do we want our readers to feel when they turn the final page?

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Karen Condit
3/23/2016 11:52:46 am

How different these books are from one another! There really is something to glean from every book we read, isn't there? Thanks for helping me focus more than just on an overall impression.

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Laurie Bouck
3/23/2016 12:47:17 pm

Great advice, thank you for sharing! :)

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Susie Sawyer link
3/24/2016 01:23:04 pm

Three cheers for Debbie Ohi!! I SO hope I can meet you someday at a conference and see that amazing smile in person! :D Your post is packed with such great examples, and so many examples, of "reader experience success". I can't wait to apply these to my own work. Thank you, Debbie!

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Claire Noland link
3/24/2016 04:10:54 pm

Thank you for sharing the lessons you learned from these mentor texts.
These are all great things to think about while writing.

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Karen Bell
3/25/2016 11:44:47 am

Thanks for your insight and the mentor text list. I, too, found The Dark scary the first time I read it but after leaving it for a day and then rereading it I decided that it wasn't quite as scary. Guess it's like checking out the dark and discovering it's not as scary as you originally thought???? Maybe............;-)

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Ashley Bankhead
3/25/2016 10:10:14 pm

Thank you for sharing these mentor texts, and how they have helped you.

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Myrna Foster
3/27/2016 02:37:46 am

Love these recommendations! The Dark was awesome, creepy with a perfect ending. Thank you!

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Lisa Williams
3/27/2016 05:39:48 pm

I'm so glad you took the time to put this into words for me because I never really thought about it yet it makes the difference between a so-so book and a GREAT book! When my grandsons and I first read The Dark together we read it by flashlight. What an experience!! It's an often-requested read-aloud with them now. (And yes- it was eery! LOL) Locomotive is one of the few long books that my preschool-aged grandson will sit still for. He is enthralled with that book- it's also another oft-requested read-aloud at my house.

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Lisa Morgan
3/28/2016 09:44:23 am

Thank you Debbie! This is a great reminder of unique mentor texts to help us grow as writers. I'm headed to a new library today to get my hands on the books my local library didn't have!

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Lynne Marie link
3/28/2016 10:09:51 am

Thanks for the recommendations, Debbie! You are a wonderful mentor!

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Cindy Cornwall
3/28/2016 10:55:06 am

Debbie, I enjoyed your choices and the "What I Glean" portion of your post. Often that gets overlooked when I read. "This is Sadie" is such a sweet book. Wasn't able to get your sister's book from the library. I'll see if I can find it elsewhere. Thanks!

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Anita Banks
3/28/2016 03:06:40 pm

Thank you for the suggestions.

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Gabrielle Schoeffield
3/28/2016 07:20:26 pm

I loved Won Ton and Chopstick....another writing style I would love to try!

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Dina Ticas
3/29/2016 03:01:29 am

I have so many reactions to this post. First ...No fair...how come your gene pool gets all the talent?! ;) Great selections, writing and illustrations. I must always read books aloud (definitely manuscripts) because I try to imagine how my teacher friends would read them. Funny voices, expressions, accents; all of that. If they'd approve I know it would be a hit. But I'm curious...how did you and your sister go down the same path? What do you attribute it to?

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Wendy Greenley
3/29/2016 04:36:54 pm

I have been spending a lot of time on #4, wondering if my readers will get the feels. Time to revisit the others. :)

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Helen Dening link
3/30/2016 04:03:51 pm

Thanks for your mentor text and gleanings, Debbie. Great questions to keep in mind.

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jaclyn kruzie
3/30/2016 05:06:19 pm

I often think "reader are going to love this!" I may need to be knocked down a few pegs from time to time;) Great examples to keep me grounded

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Kristen Browning
3/30/2016 10:52:56 pm

Thanks for the great suggestions to consider when writing/revising manuscripts.I especially like #4: how I want the reader to feel at the end of my book. I, too, felt real fear and dread when reading THE DARK! LOCOMOTIVE is incredible--I can't imagine how much work went into that book. Still on the look-out for FOX AND SQUIRREL--it looks adorable.

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Sue Twiggs
3/22/2018 02:28:23 pm

I like these reminders Debi. And I’m going to visit my granddaughter Sadie. I’ll definitely look into this book.

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