Thursday, August 1, 2019

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY: Shannon Stocker's Can U Save the Day illustrated by Tom Disbury


THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY
by Shannon Stocker 

One chilly night, late 2015, I tucked under the covers after an exhausting day. Christmas loomed and I felt utterly unprepared, despite the fact that I’d recently quit my job to focus on being a mother and a writer. Evenings overflowed with decorating, cleaning, cooking, and wrapping, while I stole daylight hours to write. But for weeks, I’d been reworking a picture book that simply didn’t want to cooperate. I felt defeated.
I kissed my husband goodnight and turned off the light. As I finally drifted toward sleep, words filled my head.
Instead of bark, the dog said BRK.
I rolled over and tugged the covers higher.
Instead of bark, the dog said BRK, the words screamed.
I’ll remember in the morning, I thought-screamed back.
NO YOU WON’T, my subconscious shouted. INSTEAD OF BARK, THE DOG SAID BRK!
I sighed. Fine, I thought. I snagged my phone and typed the words into my NOTES section, then rolled over and closed my eyes again.
And the duck…couldn’t quack…she could only…
Quck, I thought. Wait a minute… Bark. Brk. Quack. Quck. Croak. Crok. Moo…
I grinned.
My eyes snapped open and I reached for my phone again. As I typed the lines, my brain became overwhelmed by an onslaught of vowel-less farm animals. I kicked the covers off, the mattress creaking as I stood.
“Where are you going?” my husband mumbled.
“Sorry—go to sleep. I’m gonna be a while,” I said. “I think I’ve got a good idea for a book.”
The first half of the story rolled out of me, in rhyme, within an hour. Once my thinking slowed, I allowed myself to get some rest. The next day, I finished the first draft of what was then called, THE DAY ‘A’ RAN AWAY. In that version, B bullied A, who became sad and ran away. E, I, and O followed suit, leaving behind a mess of stuttering, stammering farm animals. 
Realizing that the vowels are crucial, U convinced her gang to return and B saw that even though there are only five vowels, they are all equally important. 
The book rolled out perfectly the first time, sold quickly, and landed me my dream agent. Right?
Ha.
I queried a few of my top agent choices with the story, including Rosemary Stimola. Many were kind enough to respond that they loved the idea, but something was missing. It was always a “no.”
I reworked the story with two critique partners I’d met at my first SCBWI conference the prior fall. I joined a local critique group and reworked it with them. I took an online class and reworked it again. In the fall of 2016, I attended my second SCBWI conference, submitted the story for a paid critique, and reworked it again. Late fall 2016, I paid for an online critique by an editor who loved the idea, but suggested I rewrite the story without rhyme. My heart sank. The story first came to me in rhyme. As a songwriter, I believed in my ability to write with strong meter, rhythm, and rhyme. But I’d been around long enough at this point to know that if an editor wanted you to try something, you should try it. So I did.
I hated it.
And that’s when I got my first bite from a publishing house I’d queried through the slush pile. In late 2016, an editor suggested that not only should vowels disappear from the animal sounds, perhaps they should disappear from everywhere. What if the vowels left the farm, and road signs lost the vowels, too? It was a suggestion I could embrace wholeheartedly.
As the rewrite unfolded, I injected a scene where a truck nearly flattens the consonants. It became clear that U was the heroine of my story, so a new title emerged: CAN U SAVE THE DAY. This editor and I went back and forth for a few revisions, then BOOM! My story went to editorial.
Just as quickly as my dream ignited, it died. The editorial director felt the idea was too abstract for young readers. But the momentum had given me hope.
Early 2017, I signed up for another online editorial critique. This one was with Sarah Rockett of Sleeping Bear Press. In some ways, her suggestions mirrored those of the first editor. She wanted me to clean up my logistics—it would be much funnier, she thought, if the vowels left all the dialogue as they abandoned the farm. But in other ways, she disagreed with the other editor. Sarah suggested I bring the vowels back to the farm for the whole book. And instead of a truck, how about a tractor? And tension, she said. Add more tension.
So I did. Sarah and I emailed revisions back and forth until finally, she sent my fifty-sixth draft to her editorial team.
They loved it.
About two months later, in May 2017, I learned that CAN U SAVE THE DAY had passed through Acquisitions as well, and Sarah offered me a contract. Champagne flowed!
Almost one full year after the contract was signed, I learned that my illustrator would be Tom Disbury. I looked him up and felt thrilled by his humorous, modern style. I knew his artwork would pair perfectly with the manuscript…and it does!
Now, over two years following the sale of my first picture book, I can look back and appreciate the lessons I learned during this period of time. Patience. Persistence. Gratitude. Every step served a purpose. I’m grateful to my early critique partners who guided me on this book, and I’m grateful to my new critique partners and agent, Allison Remcheck, who forge ahead with me on this crazy road. It is because of all of them that I’m now celebrating my next book, LISTEN (Evelyn Glennie: How One Deaf Girl Changed the World of Percussion), to be released by Dial Books for Young Readers!
Stick to it, y’all. It can happen!

GIVE-AWAY: Shannon is willing to give-away a critique and a book, so we will have not one, but TWO (2) lucky winners. To be eligible, be a follower of this blog, and leave a comment for Shannon on the blog. For extra entries, please share this post and let us know where you posted it. Thanks in advance for helping promote this fabulous author and book. 

Winners Chosen 9/1/2019 and announced shortly thereafter! PLEASE NOTE: If you are chosen, and you are not a follower of this blog, another winner will be chosen, so please be certain to follow the instructions. Thank you. 


 AUTHOR BIO:
Shannon Stocker is an award-winning author and proud word nerd who loves all letters equally. She lives with her husband, Greg, and her children, Cassidy and Tye, in Louisville, KY, where she molds the alphabet into picture books and songs all day. LISTEN, Shannon's picture book biography about deaf percussionist, Evelyn Glennie will be released by Dial Books for Young Readers (Penguin/Random House), and several of her stories have been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul. Shannon currently serves as SCBWI social co-director for Louisville, a judge for Rate Your Story, and she created the blog series, Pivotal Moments: inHERview, highlighting transitional life stories of female picture book authors. Cool facts: Currently writing her memoir, Shannon is a medical school graduate, a coma survivor, and an RSD/CRPS patient and advocate. She’s also a singer/songwriter who once performed two songs, including one original, as part of an opening act for Blake Shelton. 
To subscribe to her blog, visit her website, http://www.shannonstocker.com/blog/. She can also be found tweeting positive quotes, mantras, and adorable animal pics @iwriteforkidz. Shannon is represented by Allison Remcheck of Stimola Literary Studio.
 WEBSITE LINK:
 SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Facebook (Shannon Otto Stocker) - https://www.facebook.com/shannon.o.stocker
Facebook author page (Shannon Stocker Author) - https://www.facebook.com/shannonstockerauthor/
Twitter - @iwriteforkidz
Instagram - @iwriteforkidz

PRE-ORDER LINK:
CAN YOU SAVE THE DAY

53 comments:

  1. Great interview! What a fun concept. Can't live without those vowels!

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    1. I agree -- such a brilliant concept! Thanks for stopping by My Word Playground, Sherry and helping me celebrate Shannon and the vowels!

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    2. Also, Remember that you must be a follower to be entered in the drawing for the prizes!

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    3. How was I not following you already?! I just did : )

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    4. Awww, you are so sweet! Glad you are here!

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  2. Wow! This eye-opening post really encouraged me to push onward. Your book sounds amazing! I wish I had had it when I was a 1st grade teacher. It is perfect for teaching the big spelling lesson all words have at least one vowel.

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    1. Yes, isn't this a wonderful book. I can't wait until my copy arrives. Counting the days...Thanks for stopping by My Word Playground and celebrating. Remember that you must be a follower to be entered in the drawing for the prizes!

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  3. Love this story concept - so clever! And inspired by Shannon’s journey - in writing and in life! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Me, too! She's such an inspiring person to know! Thanks for stopping by My Word Playground and for your support!

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  4. Love hearing how this book came to be! Looking forward to reading about Evelyn Glennie.

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    1. The Story Behind the Story can be as fascinating as "the Story"! Thanks for stopping by My Word Playground, Rose! Glad to have you here!

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  5. Inspirational interview with Shannon. Fifty-six drafts for one story! Gotta love revising! Thanks for posting! Twitter

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    1. It takes as many as it takes, so don't give up hope. So glad you found it inspiring. Please leave your name as it didn't show up.

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    1. I am happy you find it encouraging! Just keep writing! Just keep writing! And stay on the path :) Good luck to you!

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  7. Great interview. Always love hearing an author's journey to publication. Thanks for sharing. Sharing on Twitter

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    1. Thanks for visiting and for sharing, Lori! We appreciate the support! Have a great day!

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  8. Thanks for sharing the story behind your story! :) Looking forward to reading this one and LISTEN.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Becky! So happy to see you here! Can't wait to feature you and your Story Behind the Story!

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  9. Thank you for sharing your process, patience and persistence.

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    1. So happy to see you here, Keenie! It will be you one day, too!

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  10. Great insight! Thanks for sharing. Some of my best ideas and solutions for my picture books come when I am just waking up but not fully awake in the early morning hours. I have to write them down quickly before I lose them. I'm still looking for a publisher or agent and totally agree with you about honing your craft with SCBWI and critique partners. This is my first year with 12X12 and I really like it.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by My Word Playground and sharing your thoughts and experiences, Deb Bushman. So happy to have you here!

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  11. I would love the opportunity for a critique!
    Thank you for sharing your journey! Your book sounds clever!
    I also shared this on Twitter.

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    1. Shannon gives fabulous critiques - she is actually my very own trusted critique partner! Good luck, Mia and thanks for stopping by My Word Playground!

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  12. Love your post Shannon--don't we all "thought-scream" back to our muse at night, LOL!! And I always feel guilty if I wake hubby when having one of those "aha" moments. Also, I too have gone round the block many times w/ story revisions. This writing biz is not for the faint of heart! Can't wait to read your book, Shannon! And Lynn Marie--I literally just stumbled onto your blog---it's awesome! Catching up on past posts today :)

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    1. So glad to have you here, Yangmama -- and enjoy the process! Good luck!

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  13. What a clever idea! I love the wordplay. Looking forward to seeing how you added tension. Thanks for sharing the ups and downs, too. It's encouraging to see how a story can evolve into a book.

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    1. So happy to have you here, Mary Worley and happy to be your #PBChat Mentor on this part of your journey!

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  14. This is so inspiring. Thank you, Shannon, for your bts story. For someone starting out on this journey, it's great to hear stories like this. Can't wait to read this book too. Thanks for the interview Lynne.

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    1. Welcome, Dea -- scroll through the archives for more inspiring story behind the story journeys! We were all beginners once, so it's so encouraging! Good luck to you!

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  15. What a great story! Talk about yppingi the tension -- the story behind the story has it all!

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    1. Awww, thanks Kelly. Shannon definitely has it all. Thanks for stopping by My Word Playground! Good luck!

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  16. This is so inspiring. I really appreciate you outlining all the steps. It shows me just how much perseverance is needed in this industry. Thank you and congrats!

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    1. Shared on Twitter @SamanthaGassman

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    2. Woo hoo, Samanatha, thanks for sharing for two entries. So happy to have you here and good luck to you! And yes, perseverance is key! Stay on the path and you'll get to the destination!

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  17. Patience, persistence and gratitude. SO happy you found a champion who also believed in your story - all 56 drafts! Congratulations and thanks for sharing your inspiring story. Shared on Twitter

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    1. We all tell our Mentees, it takes as many as it takes, and this is the proof! Thanks for stopping by My Word Playground, Tracey and for commenting and sharing. Good luck!

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  18. Love this interview! Wow...56 drafts! That's persistence!

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    1. So happy to see you here Shelley Kinder! Yes, that is persistence at its finest. Good luck to you!

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  20. I have a story like this, with dozens of drafts. I keep thinking I am close, but not there yet. Thank you so much for the encouragement I need to not give up on it! I have shared this article on Twitter.

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    1. Yes, there is no golden #. It takes as many as it takes to make it "just right." Not a moment sooner. Wishing you patience, perspiration and persistence LOL. Thanks for stopping by My Word Playground and for sharing. Good luck to you!

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  21. Wonderful interview! Just keep writing! Thanks for the encouragement.
    Can't wait to read the whole book!
    I also shared on Twitter.

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    1. THAT book is so fun - I can't wait until everyone gets a chance to read it too! Such great things will be coming from my dear friend. Thanks for stopping by My Word Playground, Tracy J. Hora! Good luck!

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  22. I LVE T (wow that is too hard to figure out...I love it!) Seriously, it is heartening to see such persistence and commitment to revision.

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    1. She's so clever :) Thanks for stopping by My Word Playground, Bonnie! Nice to have you here, and good luck!

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  23. Great interview and story. Thanks for making it available and the critique offer. It is always inspirational and comforting to hear the time, effort, patience and revisions that go into making a great picture book! I loved the part about the nighttime inspiration. I Can’t wait to read your book.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by My Word Playground, John! Glad you enjoyed the Interview. Good luck!

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  24. Thanks for sharing your journey. It helps to know a story takes a lot of revisions and people have varying opinions on what it should look like. I'm looking forward to reading it to my son. The other day he came home talking about vowels. This book is perfect to read to him now.

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    1. This is so true, Ashley. And it's hard to know who to trust. I've seen manuscripts that are not in great shape where the writer said, "my critique group said to send it out." I think, in these cases, a professional critique could be valuable. My full critiques currently start at only $32.50 and my book chat is currently free, plus I have inexpensive online mentor critique groups; a Rate Your Story Speedpass (not a full critique but a rating and comments) are only $25.00, conference critiques are $50 - $100, and others who give critiques that will give you this necessary feedback. I am always happy to see you here and answer your questions! Best of luck to you!

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  25. Thank you Lynne for the information. I have known about your services. I'm trying to learn, write, and revise more before I take the next step. Your tips have been helpful along the way. I actually have a story I wrote based on one of your exercises back in December. I've shelved it for some months since I've learned a lot since then. I'm hoping to make it work some day.

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    1. So happy to make a difference on your path. Keep reading, writing, revising and revisioning! It will keep you moving forward toward your goal!

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