Well, okay. I finished a draft of a very small thing. I sent it out to three fine readers and to Husband, who is very busy cursing the rain in Hawaii and probably won’t be able to read any sort of early-reader chapter books any time soon. And yesterday I took the draft (which I had “finished” and printed that morning) to Kid 4’s class. It was my turn to come in and read to the adorable first graders, so I went ahead and asked Mrs. Patterson (teacher of the decade, at least) if she objected to giving the kids a totally new reading experience.
Of course she did not object. Because she’s awesome like that.
I started by telling the class a little about the characters. Just a tiny introduction, because really, this was research and I wanted to know if they could keep the characters straight. I told them that this character talks all the time, and we did the open-shut-open-shut fingers (that thing you might just possibly do when someone won’t actually ever shut up). I told them that this other character almost never talks. We held our fingers shut. Like that. So when one of those characters came on the scene, the kids held their hands out, either flapping or shut depending who we were talking about. See? Normally I wouldn’t need to give them any clues like that, but this book is made to be illustrated. And I so don’t illustrate.
So I read the first chapter. Two kids laughed out loud. I asked a few questions at the end of the chapter, and they responded as though they were following me. (*relief*) I read another chapter. Two more kids laughed. By chapter 3, the group was totally engaged, and that was a huge shot of joy for me. After chapter 4, I asked them if they wanted a little more. Huge shout of “YES.” Oy, the joy.
So by the time they needed to get in jackets and “crash hats” (this is what their new principal calls helmets – is that strangely fatalistic to anyone else?) we had read half the manuscript and many of the kids asked me to please come back tomorrow. I know, right?
*sigh*
It’s good to get some happy feedback from the target audience. I think I’ll go back next week and read some more to them. But today I’m taking a tiny break. I’m cleaning the house. (1 load of laundry, dishes, and a family room carpet down, lots to go.) And making more bread. White, this time. Naan and pita. Mmm. And I think I’ll do a little Christmas shopping online. These are some of the little things that bring me some more of the joy.
And for the gratitude today:
* Fresh snipped Rosemary (I think, deep down inside, that this is what pine trees must taste like – but don’t worry, I don’t eat the trees; just the Rosemary)
* Lawnmowers with bag attachments (for leaf “raking” activities)
* Wrapped packages filling a space in my closet
* Clever musical theatre
(24) Comments for this blog
Having someone else enjoy what you wrote is the definition of joy. Congrats!
Having someone else enjoy what you wrote is the definition of joy. Congrats!
What a warm acceptance from your little friends!
What a warm acceptance from your little friends!
That’s great! Can’t wait to find out more about your ‘little’ project! (and by the way: mmmmmmmmm to naan….) 😉
That’s great! Can’t wait to find out more about your ‘little’ project! (and by the way: mmmmmmmmm to naan….) 😉
Of course it went well! You rock! I’m so glad your target audience was in love because you’re all kinds of fabulous.
And you can make your own NAAN? Oh, I LOVE you!
Of course it went well! You rock! I’m so glad your target audience was in love because you’re all kinds of fabulous.
And you can make your own NAAN? Oh, I LOVE you!
Thanks for an inspiring post. I need to get some feedback. That’s what I need! I found your blog after reading an interview on “I Am A Reader Not A Writer Blog” and I am so thankful! Its awesome to read about and get to know other women writers. *Happy dance*
Thanks for an inspiring post. I need to get some feedback. That’s what I need! I found your blog after reading an interview on “I Am A Reader Not A Writer Blog” and I am so thankful! Its awesome to read about and get to know other women writers. *Happy dance*
Well I would have rolled around on the floor for sure. And I just sent you a baby announcement of my Gigi. Cause I miss you like that.
Well I would have rolled around on the floor for sure. And I just sent you a baby announcement of my Gigi. Cause I miss you like that.
How very satisfying. All of it.
How very satisfying. All of it.
That’s gotta be one of those things that just makes your entire week. What’s the age group for those kids? I’m trying to get hints on this project. 🙂
That’s gotta be one of those things that just makes your entire week. What’s the age group for those kids? I’m trying to get hints on this project. 🙂
It’s always a good thing when your target audience appreciates your work. Congrats! And much continued success.
It’s always a good thing when your target audience appreciates your work. Congrats! And much continued success.
Every once in a while you need to take a break for some “me” time. Enjoy.
Every once in a while you need to take a break for some “me” time. Enjoy.
I just entered the giveaway on “I Am a Reader Not a Writer” to win a copy of your books. My fingers are crossed!! 🙂
Nancye Davis
I just entered the giveaway on “I Am a Reader Not a Writer” to win a copy of your books. My fingers are crossed!! 🙂
Nancye Davis
Aww!!! That is awesome! I love that they loved it! Hooray for cool target audiences!
Aww!!! That is awesome! I love that they loved it! Hooray for cool target audiences!