Tina Cho's Advice For Aspiring Picture Book Writers
Congrats to Tina Cho, who recently won the COWBOY CHRISTMAS book prize giveaway as part of my interview with Rob Sanders.
Tina Cho is an author of 22 guided reading books from Lakeshore Learning and Compass Media. My Mini Pet Shop and The Christian Girls Guide to Grace (a book about etiquette), both with Legacy Press Kids, and a coloring book with Warner Press will be out in 2013. She is a former elementary teacher who currently homeschools her 5th grade daughter and 2nd grade son. Though she grew up in Iowa, she is now living outside of Seoul, South Korea. She is participating in Julie Hedlund’s 12x12 in 2012 picture book challenge and Tara Lazar’s PiBoIdMo.
You can find out more info about Tina at http://tinamcho.wordpress.com.
What advice do you have for aspiring picture book writers?
I had to read The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by the late Stephen Covey in college, and one of those seven habits stays by my side. "Be proactive." If you really want to learn how to write picture books and get one published, you can! Join a critique group. Read writing craft books. Read writers', illustrators', editors', and agents' blogs. My children's lunch was delayed today because I was so engrossed in reading blogs! Read picture books every day. And join picture book challenges. Not only are they fun, but they connect you to other writers like yourself.
----
For more insights from children's book writers and illustrators, see the Inkygirl Interview Archives.
Monday, November 5, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Reader Comments (12)
I forget my children's lunch almost daily for the same reason, Tina:) Thanks for this post. Great tips, all!
Great advice, Tina. And since I get to benefit from your excellent critiquing in our pb group, I agree that belonging to such a group is invaluable. Congratulations again on all your books! You're a terrific writer.
Go Team-Tina!
That's great advice, Tina. All those things DO make a big difference. For those who don't know Tina, she's the consummate professional!
Great advice, Tina! Learning, connecting and getting feedback keeps me inspired every day.
So true, Tina! I have both burned dinner and forgotten to make dinner because I've been so absorbed in reading/writing/critiquing. My writing has become much more of a priority since I started connecting with other people who are doing the same thing.
Tina, picture book writers can take your tips as authentic because you have proven them to be true by your own successes.
Thanks so much, everyone! And thanks, Debbie, for allowing me to be on your blog and for the great win!
Hurray Tina! You know that we love your Lakeshore books at this house. Can't wait to read more from you.
Such good advice, Tina, to get into the "thick of things." I, too, get sidetracked with all there is to absorb in our field. Moderation is the key. Thanks for the encouragement!
Great advice, Tina - and it has obviously worked for you! "Be proactive" is another version of my personal motto: "Less talk. More action" - because opportunity doesn't actually knock on doors. :)
Thanks again, Debbie, for having me, and thanks everyone for your nice comments! Go forth and write!