What is a Book Dummy?

A book dummy is when you take your story and make a "picture-book" out of it, with the text where you envision it to go.

If You are an Illustrator...
    Sometimes editors ask for dummies from illustrators, just to get an idea of their artwork across a storyline. After all, it's a lot easier to make one really cute character in one scene than to make a bunch of scenes with that character in different situations.
IF You are a Writer... 

   From writers, though, editors do NOT want to see dummies. If you are a writer, sending in a dummy shows that you haven't done your homework, and it's sure to get rejected. (Well, never say never, but why give them a reason to say no before they've even read it?) That's actually a good thing for you, because it saves a boatload of paper.

   Even though you shouldn't send a book dummy in, it is good practice to make a book dummy for yourself. Remember that books are generally 32 pages  (because the printer prints 8 pages to a sheet), with 28 of those pages reserved for the story. Try making a dummy, then rearranging the pages. You might find a better story, or you might get a good laugh (which is just as good in my opinion).
    So what do you do with all those book dummies, if you're not submitting them? I use mine to teach my kids to read. I mean, How cool is it that your kids are learning to read on your own (unpublished) picture books?
One More Note: Since I wrote this, my friend pointed out something I didn't mention. Picture books today tend to have more illustrations spanning two pages, so when you're making those dummies, it is a good idea to think in terms of 14 page spans rather than 28 single pages.

Nick and Tesla's Science Book

I planned to blog a glowing review for this book, and Amy beat me to it! So, I'll just let you read hers.

The Scientific Mom: Nick and Tesla's Robo Kitty Dog Distractor!: My daughter loves to read. Ever since she entered the world of chapter books and young novels, her voracious appetite for reading has b...

Can The Scientific Mom get any more awesome?

I think not. But she keeps surprising me!

I heard about Nick and Tesla from Amy, read their book myself.
It's every bit as cool as she says it is. Science Bob has provided some stiff competition for my unpublished The Super Scientific Notebook of Jay Adams.

 

Parable of the Earth

When the Earth was flat and riding on the back of a turtle, most of the world was seriously concerned about their loved ones falling off and being eaten. I'm sure several tried to dissuade their friends and family from taking the trip.

Now the Earth is round (well, almost) and careening recklessly around the sun. And now we have a new serious concern: Global Warming.

Parable of the Top 10 Percent

Parable of the Top Ten Percent

   







Today's parable is not a new one. In fact, it comes from one Jesus Christ himself told.

Speaker Event at Placerville Library

 

 

Writing World Insights at the Library

Guest Blog Post by Krystal Owens 

 

 

 

 

Calling all writers! Looking for insights into the writing world? Writer Lori Moore shares her experiences and answers questions on writing to a faith-based audience at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 5, at the Placerville Library, 345 Fair Lane.

Do We Really Use Common Core in our everyday lives?

I think the answer is C: Yes And No.

Scenario: I'm on a shopping trip. I buy diapers, clothing, shoes, food, and I have a coupon for toilet paper. Oh, I have to buy a few things for my charity. I fill my cart and proceed to the checkout. An associate scans my purchases (the charity stuff first), bags everything and hands me the two receipts. Now, let's go back to the empty shopping cart. For simplicity sake, let's say I only have my two youngest with me. Did I use Common Core?

Book Review and Point of View!

Get this at Amazon

 

 

I just read an awesome book called The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester (2008). In it, Piper can fly and that causes problems. So she's sent to a top secret school where they promise to fix her. But Piper soon finds out that being fixed is worse than dealing with the problems she caused at home.

 

I highly recommend this book not only for its story but for the way the author skillfully changes the pov from one character to another.

Should I Point Out Your Typo?

Let's Face It: We make mistakes.

I make them.

You make them.

Even She makes them.








And in this online world of POST-IT NOW, mistakes abound. But whenever I see one, I always pause. Should I mention it?

Now, I know that if I have a typo, I'd want to know about it. Just don't insult me when you point it out. That's kind of rude.

But not everyone wants their mistakes pointed out. Some would

My "Not" Poem

It lurks in ALMOST

EXAGERATION, PHONY,

It’s a five-tailed cat

And ten-hooved pony,

It eats up HAPPY

WORK and WORRY,

 Speeds up SLOW

And slows down HURRY,

Yep, I think NOT is wonderful word

Though it’s the most negative thing I’ve heard.