Day: 18 May 2013

Use Time and Timing Wisely for Powerful Storytelling

Use Time and Timing Wisely for Powerful Storytelling

Anyone who has told stories often knows the importance of time and timing. Used with planning, time can be a storyteller’s best friend. Used without thought, however, time can ruin a performance and rob a teller of credibility, reputation, and the joy of experiencing eager listeners. In this article, I will highlight the ins and outs of time management for storytellers – and I am not referring to the Day Planner kind of time management!

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Use the Power of the Pause to Strengthen Your Storytelling

Use the Power of the Pause to Strengthen Your Storytelling

When we are telling stories to a group, and especially as a newer storyteller, one of the most difficult techniques to master is the use of the pause. Even in everyday conversation, most people have a problem with silence. Somehow we feel we must always fill a space with words. And yet silence and a pause during the telling of a story not only enhances the audience’s understanding of the story, it also builds anticipation. In this article I will discuss the whys and how of using pauses to strengthen your storytelling.

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Understanding Children’s Book Genres

Understanding Children’s Book Genres

I just received a letter from a writer who said, “Alas, I find myself adrift in a sea of unexplained and/or contradictory publishing terms.” It’s true — you can read three different books on writing and find three different definitions of “picture book.” So, to make your life easier, here’s what I hope is a definitive glossary of children’s publishing genres:

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Run Your Own Race-At Your Own Pace

Run Your Own Race-At Your Own Pace

On Thanksgiving Day, dawn spills over Dana Point Harbor where thousands of runners gather for the annual Turkey Trot. The largest holiday race in California beckons folks of all ages, sizes, shapes, and abilities. Waiting at the starting line for the 10-K, I talk to a Dad and his 7 year- old daughter. Around me, I hear bravado talk about marathons, triathlons, hard bodies and zippo fat content. Thankfully, I spy silver haired folks with knee braces, a young couple with babies in jogging strollers and runners decked in costumes ranging from Santa Claus to Elvis Presley. Running in a gold polyester jump suit, and pompadour wig while carrying a boom box blaring Elvis tunes will be some trick. Me-I just want to finish.

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Researching The Market

Researching The Market

Editors always plead with authors to research the market before submitting manuscripts. This makes sense–it cuts down on the number of inappropriate submissions an editor may receive, and presumably will lower the chance of a manuscript getting rejected. But how, exactly, does one research a market that produces thousands of new products each year? I suggest a systematic, three-part approach which works for book and magazine publishers. This involves studying a publisher’s overall list, individual books or issues, and their writers’ guidelines. It doesn’t matter which part you do first as long as you cover all three. (Note: Illustrators can use this same system to research potential illustration markets and then send for artists’ guidelines.)

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