Sarah Aronson's Blog

The people I choose as models have a quality that seems to contain the past, the present, and the future all at once. It’s hard to explain. I can look at 100 people in a room but only find it in one person. -Amy Sherald

Dear Writers,

When writers ask me what to do when they are stuck—and let’s face it—we all feel this way periodically—I often hear myself say: give yourself permission to write badly. Don’t worry when you’re drafting. #noexpectations If you let yourself write badly, you will find what you need. Your subconscious will work its magic. Your only goal is words on paper.

Then the other day, a writer didn’t simply accept this answer. “But really. WHY does that actually work? And how DO you let yourself write badly . . . especially if you are a perfectionist?

DANG.

She had a point. So, I made a list. Please reply to this post with your suggestions and ideas on writing badly. Because while I do feel like an expert on this subject, I am not the only expert!!!!

What is a draft for? For me? It’s all about DISCOVERY. That’s the main job I have given that first round, and sometimes a few more rounds. So I don’t expect it to be good. Or logical. Or even in order. ALL I need to do is discover who my characters are. I need to put them in scene. See them in action. See what they’re made of. In that first draft, I don’t care as much about story as I care who is going to bring my story to life.Knowing yourself may make this easier or harder. While I am a perfectionist, I also have NO PROBLEMS deleting. This is because my early writing, no matter how great it is, is always wrong. At first. That makes writing badly easier.Can you trick yourself? Try some speed writing. Or a group sprint. Or write without your glasses. Or write longhand. Or limit yourself to 15 min a day.Or try Pomodoro—essentially write for 25 min, rest for ten. (And really rest. No email.) I can do anything for 25 minutes. If you struggle with attention, and that’s what letting your inner perfectionist take over, give this strategy a try.When I am feeling particularly uptight, I side write. I am serious when I say “EMBRACE PLAY.” Make it a game. Try writing a letter from my main character. Or a prompt. Let your antagonist apologize. See what they say.

No matter what I do, writing badly happens—whether I want it or not. But the plus side is: writing badly really helps me figure out: what my characters want. How my story will/might end. What I want to say. That thing about the subconscious? It’s true. Because mostly, writing badly also means: not listening to my internal editor. When she’s in the back seat (or in a jar with a tight lid), I take more chances.

Bottom line: When we are not thinking about PRODUCT while we write, we tap into our imaginations. When we don’t care if it’s good, we write things that maybe spark bigger things. When we are not reading over our shoulders, we are honest. And when all that goes on the page, we can reimagine what we’re writing.

Ready to stretch?????

Really, let’s start with a stretch. Hands over head. Lean to the left. Then the right. Then reach back. Then touch your toes.

Now let’s do something we did in my JUST DO IT class.

Ask your MAIN CHARACTER to give each secondary character one or two or more aliases. For me, this inspired a lot more emotion and tension. I hope it works for you.

Happy Writing!

xo Sarah

 

The post From the newsletter: On writing badly appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.

I was so honored to receive the Prairie Writer Award for contributions to literature and literacy! Honestly, I still can’t believe it!

Here’s what I wrote about validation:

If you know me, you know I believe in celebrating every step. In every page. Every epiphany. Every friendship. Every yes, no, not now, and get back to it.

Well, I had one of the best weeks ever for counting my blessings! This week, at the Illinois Reading Council conference, I was given the Prairie State Award for Excellence in Writing for Children. This award recognizes an Illinois Children’s/young adult author whose body of work demonstrates excellence, engenders a love of literature, and embraces an important part of the mission of the Illinois Reading Council—to promote lifelong literacy.

For me?
It was a thrill.
An honor.
I hardly feel worthy.
(And it’s very pretty!)

It makes we want to double down on what I do–what we all do. Sharing our stories. The personal. The profound. The sad, funny, scary, and everything in between.

Are you writing a story?

A novel? A picture book? Fiction? Nonfiction?

DO NOT GIVE UP.

#ItHappens

The post I won The Prairie Writer Award!!!!! appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.

“Idea generation is about quantity, not quality. Multiplication, not subtraction. Editing comes later. The goal of brainstorming is to walk out with buckets of ideas, not one precious idea perched on a pillow.”
― Sam Harrison, Creative Zing! Spark Your Creativity & Powerfully Present Your ideas

Dear Writers,

Friends: I am in that exciting place known as the discovery zone!

This week, everywhere I look, my story is talking to me. FINALLY! I’ve been waiting for this feeling.

What got me there?

Listening.
Banishing the doubt.
Writing something else.
And….
talking about it.

Let’s talk about that.

I know a lot of people don’t like to talk about their WIPS. They are afraid they will lose their enthusiasm for discovery.

But for me, brainstorming works.

This week, while talking to a writer friend, I took the chance to describe the new WIP–the one that feels a little bit difficult to find. I talked about what I loved about the story and where in my heart it came from. By the end of that, I said, “Is there anything I’m overlooking?” I asked my friend to ask me questions. And once we were done, I understood what I wanted to write–and why. I knew how I could say what I wanted to say. I had found a way in.

That’s the power of brainstorming.
The power of trust.
The power of being asked questions. Not given the answers.

Have you tried brainstorming lately?

When you don’t know (YET) what will happen in a book, the best thing (for me) is to HAVE to have is to be asked a whole bunch of questions. As my friends ask questions, both easy and hard, I am forced to answer. Sometimes, I have nothing. Nothing YET. But sometimes, the question makes a bell go off in my head. Sometimes, those questions help me find the way forward. That’s when the writing begins to happen.

(What never works for me: when everyone starts trying to solve my problems for me.) Even when they are right.

Brainstorming isn’t about someone else figuring out the puzzle of the story. It’s about the writer finding those answers. It’s about having the confidence to move forward, and that of course, takes trust…and maybe something to reach for. When our friends are stuck, our job is to prod. And query. And listen. Our job is to listen. To help the writer see outside the boundaries they were working with. By asking questions, we push the writer to become their own hero, to come up with their own answers. That is a more exciting and meaningful way to work on a draft.

Are you ready to stretch? Reach? Groan? Embrace the power of play?

How to help someone else (or yourself):

Start with the writer. What do they want to say? What do they love about their book? What are they still grappling with?

With those things in mind, read a page or two. Get a sense of the MC and the voice. And then start asking questions. Start with the big ones: what do these characters want and why? What do they fear? And then go deeper: what just happened? How will this character change? What is the worst thing that could happen? What happens at the very middle? When everything has changed and the protagonist needs some new direction?

Not all questions will land. But some will. Some will inspire. Some will puzzle. Some might need discussion or weeks of deep thinking. Some will lead you to new scenes and ideas and maybe characters, too. This kind of conversation isn’t exactly feedback. It’s brain work. It’s play. And if you can keep at it, it will help you and the rest of your group find new ideas that will strengthen the story and make it more exciting.

And when you are finished, keep your notebook close. Even if you are busy and have only fifteen minutes a day to write, you can jot down the quantity of ideas that are going to flow. Finding stories sometimes feels like a chain reaction.

I hope you had a wonderful Father’s Day Weekend.
If you will be at Litapalooza or ALA, I hope to see you there!
Have a great writing week!

Sarah

The post From the Newsletter: On Brainstorming appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.

Last night, I asked my son, Elliot, what his word for 2023 was going to be.

(He gave me the look that said: Mom. I do not do these kinds of things.) And then, when I didn’t drop it, he thought about it and chose EXPAND.

In 2023, he wants to expand his social circle, his interests, his travel, his responsibilities at work. By expanding, he sees growth and potential. Like me, he is a natural worrier, but in 2022, we both did a lot of exciting things, and he said:

Mom. I’m ready to reach.

Are you?

What are the verbs that you are taking with you?

I’m thinking:

Explore.

Conquer.

Enjoy.

And of course, create.

Like every year, I am packing curiosity and creativity and I’m going to try and not compromise JOY.

In 2022, I took a lot of chances. We moved into Chicago, gave away a ton of furniture, and got rid of our car!  I traveled to Greece AND India! I met so many amazing readers and writers and artists. And I hope, that in 2023, I will continue to STRIVE to tell stories in new forms. For new readers. For myself.

Also: I’m going to try and NOT buy four new notebooks until I have used ALL the notebooks I bought last year!

Happy New Year, Friends!

The post Goodbye 2022! Hello, 2023! appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.

Do one thing today that scares you – and you already know what that is! – and go do it. Even if you just make one step toward it, it will help you look at the world differently. -Luvvie Ajayi

Dear Writers,
Greetings from The Highlights Foundation’s Whole Novel Workshop!

During this retreat, writers submit a whole novel. A faculty member reads it and writes an editorial letter. We talk about writing. We workshop our stories. We make a plan for revision.

This is NOT easy work.

Revising is a do-over. It’s a chance to see your story in new ways. It’s your chance to say what you want to say with more tension, more conflict, more heart.

What a privilege that is!

But it is also scary.

Right now, all the writers here are stretching with support. They are helping each other. We are learning and pushing ourselves and exploring new ideas and WOW is it exhilarating. And inspiring. And that makes me take chances.

I am working on two things: a chapter book idea that charms me. And a YA novel that is freaking me out! Mostly because I’m not sure I can do it. Do you ever feel that way? Today, I’m not sure my skills are enough. I’m not sure my heart can take it. I very well may fail.

So why am I doing it?

Because the story scares me.
Because it moves me.
Because I see new ways to tell it.
Because I can’t forget it.
Because this is our job.
Because there is a reader waiting for this book. A kid like I used to be.

Are you ready to stretch? Reach? Groan? Embrace the power of play?

Are you getting ready to revise? Are you in the middle of a revision? Are you getting ready to share your work?

Are you scared?

This week, focus on one secondary character. A character that isn’t fully developed in the first draft. Journal about the story from THEIR POV. See how they see the story. Ask them what is on their mind. Find a new way in to your tension and conflict.

You might still be scared.
But that is one way to know that the story needs to be written.

Have a great writing week!

Sarah

The post From the Newsletter: Reassess. Reset. Restart appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.

Oct 10, 2022

“Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance.”
― Steven Pressfield

Dear Writers,

Who is the writer you want to be?

Are you feeling any joy in your writing?

How are you dealing with resistance?

How are you dealing with the voice inside your head that is telling you your idea is too ambitious, too difficult, not for you? How are you responding to the impulse to put your dreams on hold for something practical?

How are you managing your deepest fears about your goals?

We all have strategies.
But sometimes, we forget them.
Or sometimes, they stop working. We need to find new ones.

Here’s a new approach that I’m trying: I’m letting resistance remind me that what I am attempting to do IS big. I’m reminding myself that failure IS going to happen–over and over again. And I’m looking back and showing myself that when I have been mindful of resistance, when I have used it as a cue to dig deeper, to take bigger risks, not smaller, I have been rewarded over and over again.

I have also stopped asking myself to be a writer I can’t be. I’m never going to be fast. I’m never going to finish things without help. I am never going to be the writer I am SURE everyone else is.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t have fun. And write with joy. And be delighted/surprised/emotionally engaged in every single step. THIS is my goal. The HOW, not the what. The NOW not the someday. The story that is calling my name has found ME for a reason.

And, resistance in hand, I am going to attempt, every single day, to solve its riddle.

Are you ready to stretch? Reach? Groan? Embrace the power of play?

(that’s me in High School! Back then, I had no idea I’d ever be able to call myself a writer!)

When I am in the zone, writing with joy, everything is great. But when I hit a place in the story that I’m not sure of? Hello Resistance.

So, this week, this is what I’m employing:

The FIVE SECOND rule.

This week, if I have an epiphany with my story, I’m going to act on it–pronto. No thinking. No hesitating. No waiting for a better, more convenient moment. I am going to write it down.

Let’s try this, even if we don’t want to. ESPECIALLY if we don’t want to. Let’s see if the five second rule can help us start the process of finding those complicated scenes and chapters and emotions.

It still won’t be easy.
We’ll still have to deal with fears.

But when we discover something that we don’t want to do because if seems absolutely too big, too scary, too above our abilities, let’s see what happens if we count backwards and GO.

Have a great writing week!

Sarah

The post From The Newsletter: Fear and Resistance and Joy appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.

Oct 17, 2022When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. -Harriet Beecher Stowe
 Dear Writers,

Lately, I’ve been hearing from a lot of amazing writers who have been feeling discouraged with their writing. When we get discouraged, we take fewer chances. Feel less joy. Let’s talk about how this happens and then take some action to get back on track.

Why does discouragement hit us?

Sometimes, it’s a rejection. Or rejections. Even though you know everyone gets them.

Or maybe you just got a tough critique that left you without motivation. Or even a path.

Maybe you are feeling angry about something else.
Or the politics are scaring you.

Maybe you feel invisible in the creative world.
Or you have been writing and/or creating art for a long time and no longer know when your story is ready to go out.
Or you feel like everyone else is succeeding, while you are trying and failing and trying again and not getting anywhere.

Maybe you are thinking about quitting.
Maybe you feel alone. Distracted. Angry.
Maybe you are just feeling completely, utterly STUCK.

Friends, we ALL feel that way sometimes.
At one point or another, we all feel like we’ll never get there. Wherever there is.

I know YOU know that determination is mandatory in this biz. But I also know that sometimes, it simply feels like A LOT. Or too much.

So, today, let’s make an action plan.

In the past, how have you gotten yourself get back on track?

How do we reclaim hope? And joy? And fun in our writing/creativity? How do we ignore bad reviews? Or unkind comments? Or that feeling of being ignored or looked over? Or targeted?

Are you ready to stretch? Reach? Groan? Embrace the power of play?

Maintaining the joy in your writing is no easy feat. But luckily, there are lots of things you can do to dig yourself out of the writing doldrums (in no particular order):

1. Put your head down. Focus on your story. This is the story that should give you joy. So take it!

2. Be kind….to YOURSELF. You know how the airline says, “Put your own oxygen mask on first?” Well, before you help/support others, you have to help yourself. (Thanks again, Skyler Schrempp, for that analogy! Also: check out Skyler’s amazing debut novel, Three Strike Summer!)

Thank yourself every time you show up to write. Reward yourself, too. NOTHING good happens unless you show up.

3. It’s okay to ask for support. From friends. Family. Colleagues. This support is not just for your writing…it is for you. Your heart. Your effort. Your goals.
And while you are at it, if someone is needling you, it’s okay to be polite and NOT listen. That goes for the news. If the news is getting to you, turn it off.

4. Write what makes YOU happy. Write what excites you. Or what terrifies you. Or what annoys you. Write for your own satisfaction first. No matter what happens, writing what feeds you will leave you feeling accomplished.

When I am feeling discouraged, I do a writing sprint. I write as fast as I can for 30-60min. Or I do pomodoros.

5. Step away from the things that don’t work for you. But don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid NOT to fail! If you never fail, you aren’t reaching for anything big.

6. Next time you get tough feedback or rejections, thank yourself for trying. Pinpoint at least one thing that feels exciting or doable. Start there. Ask why it resonates. Brainstorm. Find a friend that will ask you questions that help you find the answers.

Remember: The only guarantee: if you don’t put your work out there, it will never get published.

7. Track your emotions at the end of each writing day. See if you can find patterns in your moods so you can prepare for the downs…as well as the ups.

Most of all, Writers, believe in yourself.

We all feel low sometimes. So when it hits you, think about our readers, the people who are waiting for our stories, who will help us change the world. Those readers are cheering us on. They are counting on us.

There is room for your story.
And if you need a pep talk, reach out. We are all in this together.

Have a great writing week!

Sarah

The post From the Newsletter: Discouraged? Let’s get back on track today! appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.

In Brand New Bubbe, I share three great soup recipes!

For me, making soup is a lot like writing. I add a bunch of interesting ingredients to the mix…and something even better emerges!

(You also have to taste/revise A LOT.)

Do you have a great recipe you’d like to share? Post it here by pressing reply! Or download this recipe card and send me a screenshot!

Brand New Bubbe Recipe Card

Like soup, our family is made of love! And joy! And there is ALWAYS room for more!

The post Add YOUR recipes here! appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.

“The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire.” 
― Malcolm Gladwell, The Tipping Point

Dear Writers,

In one month, my next picture book, Brand New Bubbe, will be on the shelves! (If you want a personalized, signed copy, you can preorder it here!) This means, for the next few weeks, I will be doing some marketing. I’ll be trying to spread the word about my book.

And, well, fretting.

Friends, I don’t ever talk about the business of writing in my newsletter, but today, let’s break some rules (my favorite thing to do) and start with this: marketing doesn’t have to be painful, but it does require a different mindset from the one that created the book.

First, you have to remember that there is very little you can control. (Except keeping a budget!) You can’t guarantee what will work and what won’t.

Second, you have to realize, that while writing is all about you, marketing isn’t! It’s about your readership!

Debbie Gonzales, friend and founder of PIN LIT, explains it this way: “The key to effective marketing — whether online or in-person — is to strive to inspire, entertain, amuse, and educate your intended audience. Marketers must take their own needs out of the equation and consider how their content will serve others. Think long and hard about who you’re trying to reach with your books, programs, and messaging. Avoid broad assumptions. Are teachers your target audience?  Okay, fine. Go deeper. Do they teach science or math? Preschool? Upper elementary? Once you’ve got your target audience narrowed down, connect with content that will be exceedingly helpful to them. You’ll develop a relationship with them in this way. And, they’ll come back for more.”

That doesn’t sound so bad, right?

So, then WHY does marketing always feel like bragging? And uncomfortable?

Today, let’s talk about how we can adopt a mindset that makes this part of the publishing business FUN. And playful. And maybe even fulfilling…or at least, not dreadful!

Are you ready to stretch? Reach? Groan? Embrace the power of play?

Here are some things that I do, plus an exercise to help you tap into an effective marketing campaign:

Start by asking:

Who else is vested in the success of your book? Who do you think will love it? Create materials that speak directly to these people.

Communicate with your publisher! If you are like me and you like to make stuff, tell them what you are up to! Ask for advice!

What’s your budget? (Even though we want ALL the swag, don’t commit yourself to paying for things you can’t afford!)

Don’t like social media? Pick ONE platform. For Brand New Bubbe, I am doing more on Pinterest! (Thanks, Debbie Gonzales and Pin Lit for all your help!)

(Find out more about Pin Lit at https://www.debbiegonzales.com!)

Have you visited your independent bookstore or library recently? Go on! Do it! Introduce yourself! Community is important when we’re writing. It’s important when you have published a book!

Can you boost others while talking about your book? For me, this is the way in! I will be posting other writers’ and illustrators recipes and memories of their grandmas, bubbes, nonis, and grams, and while I’m at it, I’ll share their books! That makes me happy!

Last, here’s that exercise:

Imagine your ideal reader, the kid who is going to love your book. Even need it.

Make a list of all the things that are important to kids at that age, and specifically, to that kid. They can be words, phrases from your book, but they have to be from the reader’s mindset. Use these words as a starting point for your marketing plan. When it comes to marketing, there are no promises. But if you tap into who your reader is, my guess is that you will have more fun!

And then…..write that next book!

Have a great writing week!

Sarah

The post From the Newsletter: Getting ready to launch! appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.

“The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire.” 
― Malcolm Gladwell, The Tipping Point

Dear Writers,

In one month, my next picture book, Brand New Bubbe, will be on the shelves! (If you want a personalized, signed copy, you can preorder it here!) This means, for the next few weeks, I will be doing some marketing. I’ll be trying to spread the word about my book.

And, well, fretting.

Friends, I don’t ever talk about the business of writing in my newsletter, but today, let’s break some rules (my favorite thing to do) and start with this: marketing doesn’t have to be painful, but it does require a different mindset from the one that created the book.

First, you have to remember that there is very little you can control. (Except keeping a budget!) You can’t guarantee what will work and what won’t.

Second, you have to realize, that while writing is all about you, marketing isn’t! It’s about your readership!

Debbie Gonzales, friend and founder of PIN LIT, explains it this way: “The key to effective marketing — whether online or in-person — is to strive to inspire, entertain, amuse, and educate your intended audience. Marketers must take their own needs out of the equation and consider how their content will serve others. Think long and hard about who you’re trying to reach with your books, programs, and messaging. Avoid broad assumptions. Are teachers your target audience?  Okay, fine. Go deeper. Do they teach science or math? Preschool? Upper elementary? Once you’ve got your target audience narrowed down, connect with content that will be exceedingly helpful to them. You’ll develop a relationship with them in this way. And, they’ll come back for more.”

That doesn’t sound so bad, right?

So, then WHY does marketing always feel like bragging? And uncomfortable?

Today, let’s talk about how we can adopt a mindset that makes this part of the publishing business FUN. And playful. And maybe even fulfilling…or at least, not dreadful!

Are you ready to stretch? Reach? Groan? Embrace the power of play?

Here are some things that I do, plus an exercise to help you tap into an effective marketing campaign:

Start by asking:

Who else is vested in the success of your book? Who do you think will love it? Create materials that speak directly to these people.

Communicate with your publisher! If you are like me and you like to make stuff, tell them what you are up to! Ask for advice!

What’s your budget? (Even though we want ALL the swag, don’t commit yourself to paying for things you can’t afford!)

Don’t like social media? Pick ONE platform. For Brand New Bubbe, I am doing more on Pinterest! (Thanks, Debbie Gonzales and Pin Lit for all your help!)

(Find out more about Pin Lit at https://www.debbiegonzales.com!)

Have you visited your independent bookstore or library recently? Go on! Do it! Introduce yourself! Community is important when we’re writing. It’s important when you have published a book!

Can you boost others while talking about your book? For me, this is the way in! I will be posting other writers’ and illustrators recipes and memories of their grandmas, bubbes, nonis, and grams, and while I’m at it, I’ll share their books! That makes me happy!

Last, here’s that exercise:

Imagine your ideal reader, the kid who is going to love your book. Even need it.

Make a list of all the things that are important to kids at that age, and specifically, to that kid. They can be words, phrases from your book, but they have to be from the reader’s mindset. Use these words as a starting point for your marketing plan. When it comes to marketing, there are no promises. But if you tap into who your reader is, my guess is that you will have more fun!

And then…..write that next book!

Have a great writing week!

Sarah

The post From the Newsletter: Getting ready to launch! appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.