Bits & Bobs
Thanks for coming over!
Scroll down and you’ll find:
Picture Books I Love
Why I Write
A Pitch Sampler
The Whole Writer
Picture Books I Love
Some old, some new, all fabulous!
Knight Owl – Written and illustrated by Christopher Denise
For me, hands down, the pinnacle of picture book perfection.
Hornswoggled! – Josh Crute. Illustrated by Jenn Harney
Wacky word fun is right.
Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore – William Joyce.
Illustrated by William Joyce & Joe Bluhm
Exquisite, heart-tugging, soul satisfying.
Pointsettia & Her Family – Written and Illustrated by Felicia Bond
One of my all-time favorites.
The Missing Pairs – Written and Illustrated by Yvonne Ivinson
Oh to be an illustrator.
Why I Write
I want my words to plant seeds. I want my words to offer hope, and if need be, respite to those kids on harder paths. I want my words to give a little one the chance to laugh, to learn, to feel seen. I want my words to offer a child time to just be, if only for the length of that book.
Pitch Sampler
With the exception of a novelty manuscript, my picture book stories generally fall into one of three categories:
1. Stories that validate a child’s existence, so they learn there is a place on this earth only they can fill.
2. Quiet stories that are a soothing respite from this hurly-burly, over-stimulated world.
3. Humor provides a release valve to the stress and pressure in a kid’s world. In my book, there can never be too much laughter.
Here are two pitches to wet your whistle. More are available upon request.
I DANCED A JIG WHEN YOU WERE BORN (168-word picture book). Bugles blared. Fireworks flared. Elation filled the land! A boisterous, exuberant counterpoint to On The Night You Were Born (2012) leaves 1-4 year olds basking in the glow of knowing their arrival was a grand, heralded event. But more importantly, that they occupy a valued, beloved place in this world. I danced a jig when you were born. What…a…glorious day it was!
HUSH, SNUGGLE, SLEEP (181 words, lyrical) This hurly-burly, over-stimulated world often leaves kids too wired and anxious to sleep. Harried parents lose patience. Both need a way to wind down. In HUSH, SNUGGLE, SLEEP subtle cues embedded in a hypnotic rhythm help children feel reassured and shift their nervous systems from ramped-up to relaxed. So, drifting on a mermaid’s wave, the day slip, slip, slips away tock…tick…tock. Drowsy, droopy eyelids drop.
The Whole Writer
I was a yoga teacher for a little over a decade. During that time I wrote a manuscript called The Whole Writer about managing your energy during a writing session.
Here’s a quick little sequence to stretch out the kinks and counteract all that sitting.
But SAFETY FIRST!
If you feel any pain – stop immediately.
No matter how seemingly simple, ease into any movement. Move slowly, gently, and most of all, mindfully.
I cannot stress enough – listen, listen, listen to your body. Fit the body to the movement, not the movement to the body. What works for you might cause injury for another.
This is not about how far you can go, but an exploration of expression and self- care. Like with writing, just do you!
All of these can be done at your desk. None take more than 3-5 breaths, so they are a great mini-break that doesn’t break your stride.
NECK, SHOULDERS, AND UPPER BACK
Gentle Neck Rolls (emphasis on the word gentle) – Sitting with a neutral spine and chest (not slumped, not arched) and feet on the floor, turn your head gently to the left then slowly drop it down and across the center of your body, bring the head up to the right and as you move it behind, imagine a grapefruit in the base of your neck, so you don’t take the head all the way back. Do 2-3 times, then reverse.
Variation: Starting with your head facing forward, very gently turn partially to the left, slowly return to center, and turn partially to the right, return to center. Repeat.
Elbows Up – Place the fingertips on either side of the back of the head just past the ears. Upper arms and elbows should be parallel to the floor. Hold 3-5 seconds. From here can place the fingertips on the shoulders and, keeping the shoulders down, make little circles with the elbows, first going clockwise, then counter-clockwise.
BACK AND LEGS
Half Down Dog (at desk or wall) – Keep the arms straight and put your hands on your desk. Walk the feet back until the ankles are in line with the knees, and the knees are in line with the hips. Feet hip-distance apart. Breath mindfully (watch the inhale, watch the exhale) for 3-5 breaths then release.
Variation – Place your elbows on the edge of your desk and interlace your fingers. If safe and comfortable, to increase the stretch bring your thumbs to the back of your neck.
Note: With either variation you can lightly rest your forehand on your desk, which is soothing and grounding. (Use padding if needed, just make sure the neck stays long and level.)
If you just need some respite…
Close your eyes and follow your breath. Watch the inhale. Watch the exhale. (Bonus – put your hands together, rest the thumbs on your chest just above your heart, and put your chin on your fingertips)
Do these during your writing session or at the end. Micro-breaks to stretch and counteract sitting keep the energy moving, your mind alert, and words flowing.
Enjoy!
Photo Credit: LBrookes