et ceteras
Welcome to et ceteras, a blog featuring posts about Joann, animals, childhood, The Mollys B. (her latest book!), and writing in general. An insight to her writing, Joann shares thoughts on topics regarding her inspiration, ethics, companionship with animals, and imagination. Check back often, or subscribe to receive the latest updates by email!
THE STORY OF A CAMEL
I didn’t recognize it while it was happening, but here I am now, the author of two children’s picture books whose main characters feature ungulates. How did this happen?
It took sixteen years for me to write THE MOLLYS B., my picture book biography about a heifer fleeing a Montana abattoir, but that was all subconscious writing because when that story fell into my lap, it arrived nearly complete. And in the two years it took for me to get it ready for publication, it went through twelve drafts. It was heaven-sent. And made of magic.
Neville, perhaps the embodiment of his dromedary personality, gave me a lot more trouble. It took twenty-eight drafts to get his story right. How did this goofy, gangly, tenderhearted camel galumph his way into my life?
A WRITER’S LIFE: Critique Partner Relationships
Today we call them “critique partners,” but as a group of trusted fellow artists, they’ve probably existed forever. Storytellers have always relied on family and friends to be their first audiences. Beginning as early as the 15th century, more formal groupings of literary artists began gathering in what was known as “salons,” in which works were read and critiqued.
What Would Writers Do Without Erasers?
Erasers! What a magical tool for writers, not to mention composers, bookkeepers, and crossword puzzle aficionados. They’ve always existed in some form, but the rubber eraser as we know it today didn’t really come into fashion until the early 1800s when Charles Goodyear of tire fame, figured out the process for stabilizing it called “vulcanization.”
Winning FIRST PLACE in the Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Competition
Winning First Place in the Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Competition for my book SOMETIMES has unveiled some interesting emotions: I am unabashedly proud! I'm also gratified that people are beginning to see its merit. My intention was to help children living in difficult situations. I hoped to give them courage & permission to speak up - this award has validated that intention.