Jacinta Lou – Writer

Tag: children’s literature

  • Imposter Syndrome and CYA

    Imposter Syndrome and CYA

    CYA is happening!

    It’s two days till I meet my first editor for a CYA assessment. I’m looking at the stories I sent her and I want to pull them back through the internet and throw them in the bin. What was I thinking?

    But – the money has been paid, the assessment booked and I’ve had my lesson on how zoom operates during assessments so there is no going back.

    It’s been months since I booked my first assessments. Yet it feels like it’s happened way too quickly!

    As my anxiety grows, I wonder what it is I’m scared of? I made such a mess of submitting my stories (I was recovering from pneumonia) but the amazing folk who run CYA untangled the mess and stories were sent to editors. Are they the best stories? No. Does it matter? Well, maybe, but no.

    These are assessments, not pitches, so the hope is the editor will give me enough guidance to improve my stories. Assessments, not pitches. I keep reminding myself.

    Of course, in the back of everybody’s mind, including mine, is the hope the editor will be so impressed they will ask to see your stories again. Wouldn’t that be amazing!

    In fantasy land, they come to the assessment with a contract ready for you to sign while unicorns cheer from the sidelines!

    But we don’t live in fantasy land…except when we are writing!

    The real fear is they will look at my stories and wonder why I bothered. A bit like I am wondering now. Am I exposing myself to these wonderful editors as someone who cannot write? Is this how others feel two nights before assessments begin?

    I’ve seen similar posts on FB and in writing groups so I know I’m not alone, but those other people can write. What if I can’t!

    Of course, none of this could be happening and we wouldn’t be having these amazing opportunities without the amazing CYA team. Particularly Tina and Shawn. They dealt with my stress and booboos when submitting like the true professional they are. I’ll be better next year – I promise! And of course if I’m making mistakes, there must be others? Tell me there were others.

    And thank you to the editors and industry reps who are spending the time assessing and talking to those of us who will be hanging off their every words, hoping they will move us forward in our quest to be published!

    Hats off to the CYA Team! And best of luck to my fellow writers and illustrators who are facing their fears and putting themselves, and their work in front of the industry we all want to be a part of.

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  • AI – How do I feel about it?

    AI – How do I feel about it?

    As an aspiring author of picture books, I feel very nervous about AI. I feel less nervous when I see how it can benefit writers with editing tools etc but it means I need to lift my game.

    I have AI on my google docs so I asked it to write me an article about how picture book writers feel about AI.

    Here is what it wrote.

    AI Generated by Google Docs

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field with the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives, including the way we create and consume art. For picture book writers, AI could offer new tools and techniques for developing stories and illustrations, as well as new ways to reach and engage readers.

    However, there are also concerns that AI could pose a threat to the art of picture book writing. Some worry that AI-generated stories and illustrations will be so realistic and engaging that they will displace human-created work. Others worry that AI will be used to create propaganda or other harmful content.

    Ultimately, the impact of AI on picture book writing is likely to be complex and multifaceted. It is important to be aware of the potential benefits and risks of AI, and to use it in a way that enhances rather than diminishes the art of picture book writing.

    Here are some specific examples of how AI could be used in picture book writing:

    • AI could be used to generate story ideas or plot twists.
    • AI could be used to create illustrations or animations.
    • AI could be used to personalize stories for individual readers.
    • AI could be used to create interactive stories that allow readers to choose their own path.

    It is important to note that AI is still in its early stages of development, and it is not yet clear how it will be used in picture book writing in the future. However, the potential for AI to revolutionize the art of picture book writing is exciting, and it will be interesting to see how it develops in the years to come.

    As for how I, as a picture book writer, feel about AI, I am both excited and cautious. I am excited about the potential for AI to help me create new and innovative stories and illustrations. However, I am also cautious about the potential for AI to replace human creativity. I believe that the best stories and illustrations are created by humans who are passionate about their work. AI can be a valuable tool, but it should not be used to replace human creativity.

    Now back to me. What did you think? I think I agree with the last paragraph. I don’t think it will ever replace human creativity, but it may mean we have to be better, have more soul, think outside the box.

    I also asked my google AI to write me a story about a lazy lizard who wanted to be a poet.

    Here is what it came up with.

    Once upon a time, there was a lazy lizard named Lazlo who wanted to be a poet. He would spend hours sunning himself on a rock, dreaming of the day when he would write the most beautiful poem in the world.

    One day, Lazlo decided that it was time to put his dreams into action. He gathered up a few sticks and leaves and started to write. But after a few minutes, he got bored and went back to sunning himself on the rock.

    The next day, Lazlo tried again. This time, he wrote for a little longer, but he still got bored and gave up.

    This went on for days. Lazlo would try to write, but he would always get bored and give up.

    One day, Lazlo was sunning himself on the rock when he heard a voice.

    “Why don’t you try writing about something you’re passionate about?” the voice said.

    Lazlo looked around, but he couldn’t see anyone.

    “Who said that?” he asked.

    “I did,” the voice said. “I’m the voice of your conscience.”

    “I don’t have a conscience,” Lazlo said.

    “Of course you do,” the voice said. “Everyone has a conscience.”

    Lazlo thought about this for a moment.

    “Maybe you’re right,” he said. “I do have a conscience.”

    “And what is it that you’re passionate about?” the voice asked.

    Lazlo thought about this for a moment.

    “I’m passionate about being lazy,” he said.

    “Well, there you go,” the voice said. “Write a poem about being lazy.“

    Lazlo smiled.

    “That’s a great idea,” he said.

    And so, Lazlo wrote a poem about being lazy. It was the best poem he had ever written.

    And that is the story of how a lazy lizard became a poet.

    So that is what I got with a basic prompt. The more complex the prompt, the more complex the story. And you can change the prompt to change the story.

    I’m still confused about where it fits and the ethics of AI generated stories. Do we have a new class of stories and films? AI generated? Human generated? Or are they all human generated?

    As a writer who cannot build a website, I am absolutely unqualified to know the answers but as an aspiring writer of picture books I’ll be keeping a close eye on developments.

    Please note most of this post was generated by AI, with my prompts. Am I to become a lazy blogger?

    Time to polish my stories and get them out there!

    © Jacinta Lou – can I claim that if it’s generated by AI?

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  • Leaving the comfort zone: Websites, Instagram, Facebook and more!

    Leaving the comfort zone: Websites, Instagram, Facebook and more!

    Deciding to become a full-time writer means I have also had to learn to use social media and more! What happened to the image of the writer tapping away day and night, producing reams of typed or handwritten pages? There may be some who can still do that, but for most of us trying to establish ourselves in the children’s book industry, we need to have a social media presence before we have a book published!

    The first course I did with the Australian Writers Centre led us through the maze, which is the industry, and gave us guidance on how to navigate it. That’s on top of writing amazing stories!

    Websites, Facebook pages, Instagram accounts. All things publishers are looking for. Can you promote your book? Have you a presence out there in the world? Have you followers?

    I knew how to use Facebook so, tick! But I had to learn Instagram and I’m still learning but I have over 400 followers, so tick.

    Websites. Well, this is it so far and I’ll admit it’s not great. I’m trying to learn more, but it has got me beat.

    Soooooo the first thing I will do when I get a book contract is pay someone to build me a super dooper website. In the meantime, please be kind to my attempts. I am way out of my comfort zone.

    Oh, and did I mention, I’m sure I did. The most important part of becoming an author is writing an amazing story!

    Is there an app for that? Stay tuned. Next time, we will talk about AI (artificial intelligence) from the perspective of someone who cannot build a website!

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  • So Much has Happened!

    So Much has Happened!

    As I sit here tonight, I’m reflecting on the last six months. Has it only been six months? So much has happened!

    I made a decision. This year is the year of assessments and honing my craft! So I began the year with two manuscript assessments with a publishing house. Several manuscripts found their way to Sally Odgers at Affordable Manuscripts and I entered a few in the CYA aspiring competition. More feedback!

    I booked assessments with several editors and publishers at CYA and they will take place in July. I’m so nervous but there is no backing out now. The manuscripts are in their hands! Well probably in their email inbox waiting till closer to the date!

    I’ve completed courses and workshops with the ASA, Jen Storer, Zanni Louise’s Sunshine house and Larrikin House. Learning about this industry gives me insight into how to navigate it as well as tools to support other creatives as we journey together.

    I’ve been active in my SCBWI critique group and two private groups of fantastic aspiring writers from around Australia.

    I became the New Books and Awards coordinator for the SCBWI Australia East blog which gives me the chance to see how many amazing books are being created and published by members, and I have been active as the social media person for SCBWI Tasmania as well as a committee member.

    We recently partnered with TasWriters to put on StoryGig in the last weekend in May. I was very fortunate to be asked to present one of my unpublished works to children in the Square. Posy the Pink Witch certainly made an impression! I also had the opportunity to read one of my works in progress to a room full of established creators at a SCBWI networking event! Yes I was terrified but what I have discovered about those who create for children, is everyone is incredibly supportive.

    Getting to know Tasmanian creatives has been a highlight of this year! Oh, did I mention, SCBWI Tasmania also held two Sketch and Scribble events so far this year? We did! Both at the beautiful Botanical gardens!

    So where I am at now is finishing off courses. Creating new work while many of my stories are waiting to be assessed and doing lots of walking on the beach to nurture my soul.

    I can’t believe half the year is almost over!

    I’ve submitted two stories to publishers. Both to more than one publisher. So far I have been met with silence except for one email letting me know it wasn’t what they were looking for at this time. I was excited someone had taken the time to read it and respond!

    I hope, after my assessments, I will have the courage to submit more!.

    This week I’ll be working on my latest manuscript and weighing up the critiques I have received from my wonderful critique partners.

    Talk again soon!

  • Last week in the hen house

    Last week in the hen house

    Last week, I watched Rex and his seven chooks meet up with a family of native hens (Turbo chooks). The hens didn’t seem to mind sharing the paddock with the turbos but Rex had other ideas and confronted them. The Turbos weren’t phased by the bossy rooster, but did slowly move back from where Rex had his hens. I couldn’t get close enough for a photo but watched as the two families sorted out the space.

    The following day, just after I opened the hen house, a cheeky currawong flew in and tried to get some vegetable scraps. I have never seen a rooster move so quickly to get back into the hen house yard and chase the cheeky currawong away, empty beaked. Feathers did fly and Rex strutted back and forth for about ten minutes, guarding the hen house. The currawong waited till Rex was at the far side of the paddock and went in, with his mate, to clean up left over scraps. They won’t cross Rex again in a hurry.

    One of the joys of living in the bush, is watching birds sort out the pecking order, so to speak.

  • A grand Rooster

    This grand fellow is called Rex, but it hasn’t always been his name. He began his life as an egg in the hen house. His father, Rex and his mother, Nutmeg. He was one of nine eggs but the only one to hatch. He was born (hatched – what is the right term for a bird?) and named Popcorn. At this stage it wasn’t known if he was a rooster or a hen, he was just very adorable. Not long after his birth (hatching?) his brave father, Rex, was killed by a quoll, defending the flock. A sad day for everyone.

    Popcorn grew and eventually became a rooster even grander than his father so his name changed to Son of Rex and then to Rex. He still gets called Popcorn from time to time but with a family of seven hens to protect, we think he prefers Rex.

    He is every bit as brave as his father, who was also born (hatched) on our property but he has more hens and keeping them together in one place proves difficult.

    We see, and hear Rex, running back and forward around the yard and the henhouse keeping a watchful eye on his flock. They free range through the day so he has his work cut out for him. (If you are ever feeling a bit down, watch a very grand rooster run. It will soon have you smiling, if not laughing.)

    Rex lives in Tasmania so he doesn’t have to worry about foxes or dingos but he does have to be vigilant to feral cats and quolls.

    He shares his yard with the native hens (turbo chooks) and their families. Theirs is an easy alliance with plenty of food for all. The currawong raid the coop as soon as the gate is opened, having worked out, through trial and error, how NOT to get tangled in the bird netting.

    My goal is to write the adventures of Rex and his feathered friends, native and migratory, as either short stories or picture books. At the moment I’m enjoying watching them as they go about their day. Moving to the bush has turned me into a bird watcher!

  • My Writing Companion

    This is my writing companion, Bella. When I say writing companion, what I mean is my partner in crime. The crime of procrastination!

    Bella is a lap dog and she takes her job very seriously. I adopted her when she was almost three and since then it is impossible to sit without her trying to get on my lap.

    Using a laptop with a lapdog is fraught with danger. I don’t recommend it. Occasionally she will allow me to rest a book on her but NEVER the laptop. She refuses to give up her prime realestate and in her determination has walked across the laptop on more than one occasion managing to delete my work. Just lucky she is cute.

    I had to obtain a desktop computer to enable me to work without the fear of losing my efforts, or, more importantly, upsetting the pug. It’s taken a few months but she has come to terms with losing my lap to the desktop – as long as I don’t write for too long.

    When I sit back on the couch, she pounces and takes up her spot. I can’t move then, can I? Like I said, she is my partner in procrastination. She sometimes walks on the remote and turns on NETFLIX. Then I’m really stuck.

    Stuck is the wrong word. I could get up and write if I wanted to… I really could, but being the lap for a lapdog is a very important job and I, like my pug, take my job seriously.

    Apparently my lap is required on the couch. Till next time.

  • Connecting with my inner child

    Reconnecting with my inner child with an old Atari and space invaders. Writing can be a solitary venture and I sometimes get stuck in my head and forget to have fun. I’m writing for children. Fun is important for me as a writer to keep myself connected with my audience and to get out of my head. Remembering to have fun gets harder as I get older. I might have to put a reminder in my calendar haha.

  • It’s been a while…

    Wow, I can’t believe how long it’s been since I posted. As an aspiring children’s book author, I spend a lot of time honing my craft and put updates on my facebook page. So just to catch up, since July 2021, I have completed a couple of courses with the Australian Writers’s Centre, Writing for Children and Young Adults and the Picture Book Master Class. During the first of these courses, with tutor and author Stephen Hart, I came up with an idea for a young adult novel so I spent November trying my hand, and mind, at Nanawrimo. Trying to write 50,000 words in one month! I didn’t quite get there but I have a good start on the novel so can return to that at a later date.

    I also continued my efforts with short stories through Globe Soup. My goal, as always , is to improve my writing skills and come up with great stories. So with Globe Soup’s seven day writing challenges, I have been long listed and have received two honorable mentions. But I’m trying to pull back and concentrate my efforts on Picture books. Perhaps writing short stories, flash fiction and poetry is my current form of procrastination to keep me from my goal.

    Soooo now I am halfway through a six-month course, with Zanni Louise and Anna Pignatoro, Writing and illustrating picture books. It’s a brilliant course though I have to say I will NEVER be an illustrator, but it’s fun to try.

    The path to becoming a published author can be long and the world of picture books is very competitive and difficult to get into. But what fun would it be if it was easy?

    I’m learning so much about facebook, Instagram and all other social media and in between I write, talk about writing, share stories with other aspiring authors in critique groups and try to stay focused on my goal; to publish a picture book. But I’m still going to write the odd short story or three.

  • Welcome

    I’m a picture book author on the exciting journey to publication.