Persistance and Determination = Picture Book Writer
Breezing through Facebook tonight, I happened upon a link a friend posted to Upstart Crow Literary . Agent Michael Stearns has written an excellent piece on Agenting Picture Books v. Agenting Novels. It’s one of the most insightful posts I’ve seen on the subject of picture books – both the art of writing them and the challenges inherent in representing a picture book author.
Somehow being reminded of how “tricky” they are, both to write and to sell makes me glad I’m a picture book writer. 
Stearns writes, “A really great picture book is a difficult art to pull off… It is about grace and the right words in the right place—much more akin to poetry than mere storytelling.”
Reminds me of the quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge: “…poetry: the best words in the best order.”
Yes. Poetry and picture books. I love them both.
Stephanie said:
I loved the Michael Stearns essay, Dianne. I passed it on to a young woman I know who’s trying to write picture books. It should be required reading for anyone who is.
Dianne said:
I agree, Stephanie! I’ve never read such a straightforward discussion about the “truth” of picture book writing! I completely understand what Michael Stearns is talking about – the art of making pbks – the love, the difficulty of writing them, the dilemma of placing them, the desire to choose pbk clients carefully, etc. etc. All of it deepens my desire to carry on doing exactly what I’ve always done.
Stephanie Parsley said:
I think I recognize that little girl in the picture! How cute. Now, to check out your link.
Dianne said:
Yes, you do! She’s a whole year older now.