Writer's Profile: Laying the Foundation

By Lisa Lodholm Gilman

Resources and Tips Some of Jené Jackson Hanna's current reads and favorites: Writing the Breakout Novel, by Donald Maass Mouse Soup, by Arnold Lobel Elements of Style, by Strunk & White Max & Ruby books by Rosemary Wells Picture Writing: A New Approach to Writing for Kids and Teens, by Anastasia Suen Tip of the Newsletter: The library has DVDs of classic children's books that are slightly animated available for check out. See classics in a new way!

You may recall from the previous two newsletters that we've been following Jené Jackson Hanna, a Colorado Springs author, as she tries to get her foot in the door of children's publishing. It's been a year since we first heard her story as she was preparing to send out her first manuscript. Now she's in the thick of it and has her own battle scars to share. For previous installments, please see the archives for the last two newsletters.

Where We Left Off

The last time we talked with Jackson Hanna, she was anticipating the Pikes Peak Writers Conference and pitching her manuscript, <i>The Quiet Tree</i>, to Samantha McFerrin of Harcourt with great hope and interest. <i>The Quiet Tree</i> is based on one of her mother's experiences as a child in an abusive home and she has more than a little hope that it will be well received.

Conference at a Glance

When the conference is at last at hand, it is our author's fate to catch some nasty, prowling virus. She tells how she was a sick as a dog and, while she enjoyed the conference, she became very familiar with her hotel room as she rested and tried to recuperate. Finally, it's her turn to pitch her story to McFerrin.

"She hated it!" says Jackson Hanna. No doubt she is exaggerating, and certainly hate is too strong a word. McFerrin tells her it feels more like a mood piece or issues book. But as disappointed as she is, Jackson Hanna sees the value of the experience and appreciates that McFerrin had "some great comments." When they meet individually the next day, McFerrin again gives her good feedback and says she likes it. She encourages Jackson Hanna to tweak the ending … and "definitely send it to me." Score! Maybe not a hole in one, but at least a great shot.

Jackson Hanna sends it to McFerrin just two weeks after the conference. She gets "the letter"—a rejection--June 7.  She now wonders if she should revise it and send it back to McFerrin or try someone else.  "I'm percolating right now," she says. Jackson Hanna continues to work on multiple projects, of course, determining to whom to send her manuscripts.

A timely encounter with Scott Treimel, a New York agent, was one of the conference highlights. Jackson Hanna was able to informally pitch a book idea to him about an adventuring cat. (I won't reveal more so she doesn't accuse me of giving away her ideas.) Another highlight for her was pitching an idea during lunch to Donald Maass, president of the Donald Maass Literary Agency in New York, who gave the Friday keynote address. Her main character fascinated him, so it seems some good came of the conference – and there was no lack of hobnobbing.

A Year (And a Few Rejections) Under the Belt

This past year has been one of learning – and to some extent, surprises – for Jackson Hanna. In contrast to where she was a year ago, Jackson Hanna now has a tally of nine rejection letters under her belt. "The ante has been upped," she says. She writes and re-writes each manuscript, analyzing each word and cutting to the bare bones. "I don't want to send anything not ready. "Writing picture books "is really hard," she adds. "I used to think a novel would be harder than a picture book, but it's not. Every word really does count." And instead of leading Jackson Hanna to give up, a rejection is a push for her to make it better.

She didn't have many expectations when she began writing for children. However, based on her previous successes in writing, the challenge of children's writing has been surprising. "It's always been easy to set down what I want to say." Her mantra now is "eliminate unnecessary words."

One thing that hasn't changed is Jackson Hanna's propensity for having lots of pots on the stove, simmering and developing at the same time. While she pursues children's book writing, she continues to work on screenplays, even hiring a coach for guidance. She used to joke about her "lack of focus," but now she appreciates and values the benefits of having her hands in many projects. The genres feed off each other, she says. "I wouldn't know stuff to improve in children's books if I weren't writing a novel." She also believe writing children's books will improve her novel. "You learn from other kinds of writing."

Her approach to a children's book is intriguing. She wants it to be like a puzzle, with the ending present in the first paragraph. That's part of the fun. Then, when you reach the end, your surprise of putting it all together makes you say, "oh," and re-evaluate the whole book with new perspective.

Jackson Hanna again emphasizes the value of a critique group. Sharing one's writing with others helps a writer improve. Fellow members can offer insight and constructive criticism – just tuck that ego away for a little while so it doesn't get in the way.

What's To Come

Her current goals are to re-write a manuscript, <i>My Favorite Jungle Gym</i>, and send it out. She also is nearly finished with <i>Ned, the Night Owl Squirrel<i>, an early reader. Plus, she has a second story and adventure lined up for Ned.

Through the learning and ventures, Jackson Hanna is building her foundation and digging her trenches. Stay tuned for the next issue to see if she finishes her screenplay and if so, where it goes. Will she at last get more than some positive feedback and more serious interest in one of her manuscripts? Or will the postal service deliver another rejection to add to her collection (or line a bird cage, perhaps)? Until next time!