In-House Editors

Something strange and wonderful is happening in my household… I never pictured this or dreamed it would happen, but I sure am happy about it. My daughters have become my in-house editors and beta (test) readers. My youngest daughter may become my next book’s illustrator too.

There I said it…my next book. I’m ready to say that. I’m working on another children’s book. This time I envision it being a chapter book for middle grade students. This was not the book I planned to write next, but it’s the one that came to me and I find most compelling. It has me pushing aside other writing projects and ideas I’ve had since the fall of 2020.

I was inspired to start it as I was reading a book series meant for my oldest daughter, Vivian (but she is instead currently reading other books). I have also been inspired by my youngest daughter, Lana, and parts of her personality. Some of Lana’s traits are being used to develop the lead character in the story. I have Lana reading it and giving me feedback. Last night she pulled out a notepad and asked me questions about the different characters because she wants to help me illustrate the book. I welcome this idea. In fact, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the notion of us collaborating together on it!

Since I’m writing a children’s book, I need to gain that child’s perspective. Lana has been asking me a lot of questions that actually help me think more about my story. She asks a lot about what the character is wearing and how she is dressed from head to toe, about the family, about her mannerisms. I haven’t gotten to those points yet as I’ve been outlining the action of the story. Therefore her inquisitive nature provides quite a few insights for me. She’s a great beta reader.

Vivian is reading it for me as well. Even though it’s meant for a younger audience, for those younger than her, she too offers insights that are useful. She’s good at giving me feedback on my work. Vivian has made comments like, “I don’t think a nine year old would say this. That is too big a word to use here.” Etc. She brought up valuable points.

I so enjoy hearing my kids laugh at parts that I wrote that are meant to be funny. Or when they ask me why I included a particular dramatic section, I can say, “Well, there has to be some conflict or excitement in there.” This tells me that I’m on the right track with the story.

I try to write a few sentences or paragraphs every day on this project. Some days I succeed more than others. (Some days I write nothing at all. Others, I do well with my word count). But I have an outline and direction for it so I’m feeling good about finishing it, although I know it will take time.

Meanwhile, when I’m not working on this next book idea, I’m concentrating on shorter pieces, such as a nonfiction essay for a state-wide special writers anthology. Vivian and I both have plans to enter this opportunity – me in the adult category and she in the student category. I did have to strongly encourage her (push her a bit) in the beginning, but she found a topic to write on and actually wrote a first draft in less than two hours. She’s quite the talented writer, especially for just being 13 years old. Now that she has written it, she seems excited to share it with other Florida writers in her youth writing group this coming week.

Vivian and I read each other’s essays and edited them using Google Docs. Both of my kids have Google Chromebooks for school, and they are familiar with Google programs. Often my oldest daughter will share her writing with me through Google Docs. I’m getting used to it after many years of Microsoft Word. It’s been an easy, interesting way for us to share insights and edits. (Below is an example of the editing feature.)

Vivian is a lot like me in how I approach my creative writing and how I prefer to share it. She’s a bit shy at first like me. She wants to be done with the story or mostly finished before she shares it. Vivian wants it to be as close to perfect as possible, even for that first draft. I know it means a lot when she does finally share it with me or someone else. I’m the same way.

But I think she’s learning that sharing and gaining feedback only helps you. Being a part of a writers group (even if only within your own home) makes you a better, stronger writer. Having a different perspective is so helpful. Learning to take criticism constructively is also an important life skill.

My younger daughter Lana is of course different than Vivian and me. She wants and needs feedback immediately. Lana often stops and shares her progress along the way, long before she is complete. This includes her artwork, writing or any school project in development. Most of the time she wants to know what you think right away. But if you give her suggestions for improvement, she can be sensitive to what you advise. That’s understandable though, since she is only eight years old. She is still maturing. Yet, I see her making progress in this area too.

The best thing about my kids, my current in-house editors, beta readers and illustrator is the encouragement they give me and the excitement they have after reading it. This is so lovely to witness.

Yes, I know they are my kids but they’re avid readers and lovers of words. So, to see my work connect with them is the best accomplishment I could ask for with any reader of my stories or books. For them to share their work with me is magical and uplifting for me – to gain those glimpses inside their minds.

This experience could change when more things open up after the pandemic. We may eventually go back to driving around more and doing activities. So for now, I’m just enjoying this creative time period we’re in – with lots more writing, reading, making art, sharing and connecting on deeper levels.