While I do know more than what I’ve written, I’ve tried to focus on the immediate story while still lifting up an example of an intimate, caring, but non-traditional family.

In any family-the love, security and support that the child receives from his/her parent, guardian or caregiver is what matters most. As the writer, do you know a lot more about the family than what you’ve written? For example, the relationship between Sierra and her aunt is certainly tender and special – one of my favorite parts of the story! And, yet that relationship itself raises questions about Sierra’s parents and family life. There’s so much in the story that remains unspoken and that invites readers to ask and answer questions in their own ways. For “Happy Like Soccer”, I believe there were 5-6 drafts.

After completing the manuscript, I begin to test it-blocking up the text in chunks to see if there’s enough there to support a picture book. Having studied picture books, I do have a basic structure in mind in terms of opening hook, story arc, word count and resolution, but while I’m writing the first drafts, I try to set the more detailed parameters aside and focus on the heart and trajectory of the story. In the early stages, I write “broadly”-hoping to capture the hot point of what the main character wants. What works best for me is writing in first person and making the character and voice as real as it can be.

I find a traditionally structured, third person picture book difficult to write and I admire people who can write them. I’m so amazed at the depth and texture of your story! Does the picture book form take a lot of practice? How many drafts did you write of Happy Like Soccer?Īh, such kind words, Gigi.

Maribeth boelts