By WB Senior Intern Cathy Sheafor
A Writer’s Journey
I have two more sessions left in the WSS program for picture book writers with Ann Marie Stephens. Our last meeting was about 3 weeks ago and my next one is this coming Sunday. Although on unsure footing when I started the program, I feel grounded now. And, that is exactly what I was hoping for when I registered for the program.
WSS meets monthly for 3 hours. We have conversations about our writing, engage with each other on topics of interest, connect with guest speakers, and present our research on elements of the craft. I completed my craft presentation early in the session but found it so engaging that I asked to do another for this coming meeting. This process of digging deep into an element of the craft and then presenting my findings to others has forced me to master material in a way I might not have otherwise.
I still want to see my picture books on shelves. One day, that will happen. But, for now, I will just keep writing and learning. And, I will enjoy every moment that I have with ideas in my head and fingers on the keyboard.
Time and Commitment
I am finding that knowing how to write a strong picture book is not a function of genius but rather a function of commitment of time and effort. The more time one devotes to investigating their writing from different angles, the stronger one becomes. This is where WSS has been so valuable. With monthly critiques, I get Anne Marie’s feedback on my work. With craft presentations from others, I garner ideas about new ways to examine my work. In generating presentations myself, I gain new insight into my personal why, my writing style, and my own strengths/weaknesses.
Overall Reflections
Each time I report on my experience for the Writing Barn blog, I acquire new perspective on what it means to be a writer. At the beginning, I compared my writing experience to spinning in the middle of a lake on a blow-up swan without a paddle. This month, I didn’t experience a single moment on that blow-up swan. Instead, I gained confidence in knowing when a manuscript is polished and knowing that my process is working for me. I am not riding down the river in a motorboat yet, but I am moving forward with a paddle secure in hand. I can thank WSS for that.
I still want to see my picture books on shelves. One day, that will happen. But, for now, I will just keep writing and learning. And, I will enjoy every moment that I have with ideas in my head and fingers on the keyboard.
You Can Join Too!
WSS programming will be returning again this fall with Hannah Barnaby, Carrie Jones, Rob Sanders, Donna Johnson and Kirk Wilson. Are you interested in possibly applying for Write. Submit. Support.? Join us for our upcoming FREE WSS Info and Inspiration happening in September!
Check out Cathy’s previous WSS posts here:
About the Author
Cathy Sheafor is a writer from North Carolina. She is a graduate of Duke University and Washington University School of Law. She is currently working on picture books and her first middle grade novel. She loves to swim, hike, travel and paint when she is not writing or reading.