NESCBWI Workshop

Kate Messner

May 2, 2013

http://www.katemessner.com

Time to

Write!

WHAT REVISION ISN’T…

Spell Checking

Hiring a professional editor

Solitary

A process with a single correct solution or end point

http://devilduck.tumblr.com/post/3834151230

http://devilduck.tumblr.com/post/3834151230

WHAT REVISION IS

Finding & Strengthening the Heart of a project

My book is about _________________________________________________________________________________________.

(But underneath that, it’s really about __________________________________________________________________________________________.

My book is about three kids whose families are part of a secret society to protect the world’s artifacts & they go racing through the Costa Rica rainforest, searching for a lost society artifact.

But underneath that, it’s really about the things we choose to hide…and the reasons we choose to hide them.

My book is about a future world where killer tornadoes are widespread and four kids at a science camp who are trying to stop them but discover a terrifying secret.

But underneath that, it’s really about using your powers for good.

My book is about _________________________________________________________________________________________.

(But underneath that, it’s really about __________________________________________________________________________________________.

WHAT REVISION IS

Brainstorming

Free-Writing

(and maybe

starting over)

Princess Marty Frog-Slimeand the

Nutcracker Ballet

Confessions of a Sea Monster

“Well…This is funny. But it sounds more

like a New Yorker cartoon than a book for

kids.”

Reconsidering a

character’s motivation

What if things turned

out differentl

y?

Two Books

in One?

Who’s that guygirl?

The Gift of a

Crashed Hard

Drive…

Considering

different formats

Draft 1

Draft 2

Draft 3

Draft 4

WHAT REVISION IS

65 Off-Draft Writing Prompts

to Jump-Start Revision

Write a metaphor-poem describing one of your characters, in another character’s voice.Thanks, Kelly Fineman!

Write a metaphor-poem describing one of your characters, in another character’s voice.

Thanks, Kelly Fineman!

WHAT REVISION IS

Raising the Stakes

MENTOR TEXTS

How could my main character

make his/her

situation worse?

What actions might your

main character take to make

his/her situation

worse before he or she makes it better?

WHAT REVISION IS

Charts, maps, timelines, & outlines

More Ideas…

• Map the setting – note important events

• Chapter by chapter timelines• Plot charts with rising/falling

action• Outline (after writing) to

identify weak chapters

Big-Picture Story Chart - What

characters, settings, objects, jokes,

themes, and threads are important in your

project? Are they woven consistently

throughout the text?

What elements will be included

on your Big-Picture Story

Chart?

• Characters• Objects

• Running jokes• Themes• Threads

WHAT REVISION IS

Returning to Research

WHAT REVISION IS

Details and Word Choice

Be specific.

Be surprising.

Look for delicious details

Look for delicious details

Google Maps – Street View

Role Play!Replace Tired Body

Language

Role Play!Replace Tired Body

Language

ANGRYFRUSTRATED

ANXIOUSSCARED

JOYFUL-EXCITEDDEPRESSED

WHAT REVISION IS

Being a Word Ninja

Young Readers are Smart

Don’t keep repeating your points to make sure they “get it.”

very

really

just

that

“what looked like”

JUSTANDRATHERBEGAN TOAS THOUGHTHENBUT ALWAYS

GLANCEDIN THAT MOMENTSO A BITI GUESSMAYBETHATVERY REALLY

Watch for “Pet Stories”• Cute things your kids do/say

• Your favorite sayings, places,

devices• Personal stories

(that should stay personal)

Brainstorm: What words,

phrases, & pet stories are on your personal

“MOST WANTED” list?

WHAT REVISION IS

Being Social

-Critique Groups/Partners

-Crowd-Sourcing Solutions

Hey….What would you call that little

container where you keep contact lenses

when you’re not wearing them? A jar?

Calling on KidsPost-It Note

Critiques

ORANGE = “I LOVE THIS!”

GREEN = “I’M BORED.”YELLOW=“I’M CONFUSED”

WHAT REVISION IS

Technology Tools

of the Trade

Scrivener

http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.php

WHAT REVISION IS

Finding the Right Title

WHAT REVISION IS

Finding the Right Title Highlight great

phrases Crowd-source

Cut-it-Up & Mix-it-Up

WHAT REVISION IS

Making Lists…

…and getting to work!

What’s on your revision

to-do list now?

QUESTIONS?

NESCBWI Workshop

Kate Messner

May 2, 2013

http://www.katemessner.com