Share-a-Secret Sunday

I have been reluctant to attempt any sort of weekly theme. Everyone seems to do it. Spotlight Sunday, Flashback Friday etc. I have been reluctant because I didn't want to be locked into blogging on a particular day if I didn't have anything to say. Anywho, I have decided to try it so here goes.

Welcome to the first Share-a-Secret Sunday. A chance to share your deepest darkest secrets. I promise I won't tell a soul! Just kidding. The secrets I'm talking about are craft related. I will share a tidbit of information I have learned along the way and hope you will respond as well. You guys are a bit lacking in the comment department. Don't worry, I still luv ya. My secret is that this week I have started typing up picture books. Whenever you go to another writer for help inevitably you will have a conversation like this.

Me: Oh, woe is I my writing is a shambles.

Writer Person: Oh well have you tried typing up a picture book. I've never done it, but people seem to think it is a good way to get a grasp on what makes a book work.

Me: (sniff, sniff) Well okay, Maybe I will try it.

And scene!! So I have had numerous conversations exactly like that one. No one will admit to doing it. I'm not ashamed. I did it! I have typed up two this week and you know what, it helps. The book I gained the most from was The Hat That Wore Clara B. by Melanie Turner-Denstaedt. It never won any awards but it is a great book. Really funny. The thing I noticed most from actually copying it down was how strong the pacing was. The sense of anticipation continued to build throughout the story. After reading it over and over I still get little butterflies in my tummy waiting to see if Clara B. will get to wear the hat she so desires. I am not exactly sure how to translate that into my own writing, but it is nice to study how someone else did it. Your turn friends. Remember it's Share-a-Secret Sunday. Have you ever or would you ever type up a book? Until next time.