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JUNE 2004


The Creative Process: Writing Children’s Books
by Karen Winnick

Wonderment, that’s what creating children’s picture books brings into my life.

I love the word—wonderment. I struggle to hold on to this word. A postcard sent by a friend hangs above my desk, “Show me a day when the world wasn’t new.” (Sister Barbara Hance)

Studying poetry for many years with Myra Cohn Livingston, I came to understand that much of poetry was observing the world and expressing through the tools of poetry feelings about that world. It’s not so different with picture books. I observe and learn about the world through my senses as well as through things I read and study. Then I express through my writing and art my feelings about those observations.

I believe most of good writing is about trying to arrive at a human truth. I hope to portray characters that have obstacles to overcome in order to achieve understanding. What is this understanding? For me, it is some truth about our human condition.

So at the same time that I attempt to view the world with the freshness of a child, I enjoy going to schools to show students that writing stories and creating art is just what they do in their classrooms. I hope to demystify the process of making a picture book—beginning with the awareness that ideas are all around us. So pay attention. And then, imagine—imagine the possibilities of a situation, of being someone, an animal or a thing. Imagine why, where or what if.

Most often I need to research before I begin the struggle to write and rewrite, often between twenty-five and fifty drafts. This is followed by more research for the visuals and then rough sketches. Next I am on to a book dummy, a mock-up of words and sketches combined in 32 pages. My book dummy is sent out to publishers, usually one at a time. What I’ve learned from the process of sending out my work is to take in editor’s comments and see if they can help me make my story better. Sometimes they do, sometimes not. When a story is finally sold, often after many rejections—so don’t get discouraged—I begin the finished art. For my historical stories I choose oils to replicate a style of art consistent with when the story takes place. Finally I go through the production process with students—printing, bookbinding, etc.

Hopefully I encourage students through my presentations, certainly students inspire me. Creating children’s picture books truly does implore me to look at the world with wonderment, something children just do naturally.#

Noted children’s author and illustrator Karen Winnick has written and illustrated Mr. Lincoln’s Whiskers, Sybil’s Night Ride, A Year Goes Round, Barn Sneeze and The Night of the Fireflies. In 2005, Cassie’s Sweet Berry Pie will be available. Out of print are Patch and the Strings and Sandro’s Dolphin. Books can be ordered at the local bookstore or through Boyds Mills Press (800) 949-7777. Ms. Winnick  would be delighted to visit your school to talk and demonstrate how she writes and illustrates books (grades 2-6). Write to her at ednews1@aol.com to request her visit.

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