Flare for writing (short story) by Leanne Dyck

What did your parent think about your plans to become a writer?

photo by ldyck

 Flare for writing

A fashion magazine lay on our kitchen table. I reached for Flare, and something fell out.

"What's that?" Mom asked.

I kept my eyes on the magazine, on the dresses, and on other distractions. "I don't know."

"It's a career planner," Mom told me. "Occupations for the women of today, along with the education you require to obtain them."

What I was going to do after grade school weighed heavy in my seventeen-year-old brain. It crushed me.

"This is what you should do." She spread the pamphlet out in front of me.

"Writer? I can't be a writer."

"I would believe you if I didn't know that you write all the time."

"What publisher is going to want a writer who can't spell and doesn't know the rules about grammar or punctuation or—"

"Well, something in the publishing industry then."

"Yeah, I could be an editor and teach everyone how to spell the dyslexic way—backward and upside down."

Mom didn't laugh. She didn't even argue. She was stuck in my fantastical future.

But I knew better. I knew that some dreams, no matter how alluring, will never come true.

photo by ldyck

On this blog in June

Sunday, June 14

"Spelling Bee" (short memoir)

Sunday, June 21

Sharing the Light by Monique Gray Smith (book review)

Sunday, June 28

"My Aunt's Kitchen" (short memoir)

New content is published

each Sunday

at approximately 4:40 PM PT.

12 Picture Book Publishers in Canada accepting manuscripts (list) by Leanne Dyck

A collection of small presses and large publishing houses--from British Columbia to Manitoba to Ontario to Atlantic Canada. 

me and a friend

Picture Book Publishers in Canada

the link will take you to the publisher's submission page 
(when available)

Greystone Books kids 
imprint of Greystone Books
British Columbia

currently not accepting submissions (March 2023)

Second Story Press

no rhyming or anthropomorphized animals

feminist-inspired books 
Ontario 

Nimbus Publishing
publishes books about Atlantic Canada
Whitney Moran, Senior Editor

temporarily closed for submissions (March 2023)

Rocky Mountain Books
Don Gorman, Publisher
British Columbia

Red Deer Press
Peter Carver, Publisher
Ontario

Tradewind Books
Michael Katz, Publisher
British Columbia

No submissions by email

Pajama Press
is NOT currently (March 2023) accepting submissions
Ann Featherstone, Editor
Ontario 

Annick Press
Ontario

Orca Book Publishers 
British Columbia

Owlkids Books

is accepting submissions until March 17, 2023
Preschool to Kindergarten 

non-fiction
Ontario

Kids Can Press

non-rhyming picture books
distributed by Hachette Book Group 
Ontario


Tundra Books and Puffin Canada

Only accepting submissions from underrepresented communities

'If you identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a person of color, LGBTSQI2S+, having a disability, or have ever had refugee status, we want to hear from you!'

imprints of 
Penguin Random House Young Readers
Ontario

Scholastic Canada

'interested in reviewing unpublished material by writers from underrepresented communities, including indigenous writers, writers of colour, writers with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ writers and writers who identify with other marginalized groups'

Others are encouraged to seek representation from a literary agent.

Picture Book authors wishing to submit to the following publishing houses require literary agent representation.

Groundwood Books

is NOT currently (March 2023) accepting submissions
imprint of House of Anansi
Ontario

Harper Collins Canada

Children
Ontario

Simon & Schuster Canada
Children
Ontario

A Writer's Journey (short story) by Leanne Dyck

When did you decide to be an author? What has your author journey been like? This short story was inspired by my answer to those questions...

"On Mayne Island" photo by ldyck

A Writer's Journey

Once upon a time (on October 10, 2010, to be exact), a woman packed a pen and some paper and set out on a journey. She had heard about the hill throughout her life. She'd thought about it... Others had encouraged her to climb... But she'd put excuse after excuse in her way. She'd been too scared to even try. But that day, she shoved her fear out of the way and jumped over her excuses. 

The sun was warm on her back. The chill fall breeze was invigorating. From the base of the hill, it was hard to tell its height. She didn't know how long it would take her. But she put one foot in front of the other and started to climb.

Day after day, week after week, she climbed. Sometimes she felt lonely. But the woman wasn't alone.

Others called, "Hey, do you need help?" and gave her a walking stick, more paper, a pen.

Others cheered, "Keep climbing!"

Others silently watched her climb, and she felt their support.

Month after month, year after year, she climbed. Sometimes she tripped.

"You're going to hurt yourself," people called from the grass beside the path. "That's why I stopped climbing. It's way too hard." 

Those people looked a lot more fit than she was. The woman's legs were too short. Her lungs were too small. What made her think that she could succeed when others had failed? Was it really worth all the effort? How much longer would it take? How high was the hill? The grass looked so soft. Her pack felt so heavy. She bent her knee. She rested, but...

"Don't stop! "Don't stop!" one voice called, and then another. Soon a chorus encouraged her on. "Keep going. You can do it. We believe in you."


Those voices... That support... They carried her. And that's how the woman is still climbing.

"On Mayne Island" photo by ldyck

Valuing my words by Leanne Dyck

"dogwood--I think" photo by ldyck

I finished writing my first book (Novelty Yarn) and thought...

I'm brilliant; it's brilliant.

I re-read it...

It's not bad.

I re-read it again...

Well... Hmm

Again...

This needs work and this and this.

Again...

I can't write. I don't have any talent? I'm a joke. This is a joke.

Listening to this negative self-talk paralyzed me, preventing me from submitting my work to any publisher. I didn't elect to self-publish Novelty Yarn. I hide in self-publishing.

But then came the reviews...

'Novelty Yarn contains a collection of small, tasty morsels that will continue surprise you right up until the last bite... Ranging from childhood memories about 4-H knitting and lessons from Grandma to night dreams about wild women knitting in the forest, each segment evokes a different mood. Many of the stories made me laugh out loud, while others made me pause...to mediate for a few minutes. The stories are separated by brief interludes of acoustic guitar music... The guitar intervals are just long enough to let your mind rest between the stories. The sensation is like cleansing your palate after sampling each vintage at a wine tasting. The total experience was delicious.' Donna Druchunas (Ethnic Knitting Discovery)

This review--and others like it--slowly began to transform me.

Today I submitted a manuscript to a publishing house. Will this publisher validate me? Will they accept my manuscript? Maybe, maybe not. That's not the point. The point is, by submitting my work, I'm validating myself.

*Revised from some a piece written in April 2007.

"blue sky" photo by ldyck

Next post:  Blue Skies (short story) about coping with anxiety and depression. Published on Sunday, May 6th at (approximately) 5 PM PST

"dog and wood--I know" photo by ldyck

Sharing my author journey...


This April I...

How I Wrote My First Book by Leanne Dyck

The following article was published in the West Coast Knitter's News in November 2006. The newsletter was edited by Paulette Lane.

How I Wrote a Knitting Book

Like all journeys, this one began with a single step. I was at a house party and innocently told a friend, "I'd like to start a writing group."

"Well," advised the friend, "you should talk to (name withheld to protect the innocent)." And a few short weeks later the Mayne Island writers' group was formed.

I immediately began to benefit from the group. The first lesson I learnt was in order for skills to be sharpened, you have to practice them. So I made a commitment to write daily.

I had tried this strategy before and had failed miserably. Not wanting this same fate, I decided to go public by way of a blog.

Daily writing is difficult. I began to run out of ideas. When that happened, I had to dig deep. I had to carve off the fat to reach the bone. What really mattered to me began to be exposed. I began to write from my heart.

I began to write about my passion: knitting. Each time I did this, my readership grew. People were actually logging on to read my writing. Go figure? It amazed me. 

The idea of writing a book began to percolate in my brain.

Still, the sheer volume of writing scared me. Even a short book is 100 pages. How could I write 100 pages?

Day after day, I wrote. I kept the good bits and forgot about the bad.

I shared my best stuff not only with my blogging readership but also with the talented writers of the writers' group. They gave me the feedback I needed in order to grow.

I soon began to realize that my goal of writing a book was attainable.

Living so closely with my story endeared it to me. Visualizing a stranger, an editor, moulding and forming my baby under the direction of another stranger, a publisher, made me churn. At the time, I was unprepared to take that leap of faith. The only solution for me was self-publishing. I wanted to tell my story in my words in my way. 

I have always thoroughly enjoyed clicking my knitting needles to the sound of audiobooks. I knew there were many other knitters who felt the same. I was surprised that I was unable to find an audiobook written by a knitter for the knitting community. An audiobook that celebrated knitting called out to be written. How could I publish it?

Fortunately for me, the man I married has considerable computer skills. It is due to his patience, dedication, and talent that Novelty Yarn has such high-quality sound. 

The family I married into is jam-packed-full of talented musicians—such as my brother-in-law Tim Dyck. He composed and performed the beautiful instrumentals that knit the readings together. 

Self-publishing is a misnomer. Many hands were involved in the creation of Novelty Yarn. From the members of the Mayne Island writers' group who carefully edited it, to Mayne Island's Alea Design and Print, who designed the CD cover.

Recently, a friend, clutching the CD in her hands, said, "You should be very proud."

Know what? I am.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." LaoTzu

Don't be afraid to take that step.

Next post:  
The Lure of Yarn (short story)is from Novelty Yarn--my first book.
It's a tongue in cheek look at being addicted to knitting. 
Published on April 22nd at approximately 5 PM PT

'Abby beachcombing' ldyck

Sharing my author journey...

Self Publishing? Ah, nope by Leanne Dyck

"dreaming of spring on Mayne Island" ldyck

 Questions...

"Hey, Leanne, it's taken you so long to publish a new book. Have you ever thought of self-publishing?"

And...

"Hey, Leanne, have you published anything recently?"

And...

Answer...

I began my career as a self-published author. I published fiction and non-fiction for adults. It was a fun experience that challenged and informed me. I'm glad I started that way, but I have no plans to return to this path to publication.

Why?

I like the idea of joining a team of professionals. 
(meaning, I don't want to assemble a team.)

And

I don't like the idea of shelling out money in order to be published—especially when there's no guarantee I will earn it all back. 

A book could be a must-read, but if no one knows about it, it won't become a best-seller.

Successful self-publishing, in my opinion, relies on deep pockets and a big name. I have neither. And so I seek to team up with a recognized and trusted name publisher.

Please don't get me wrong. I'm not cautioning you against self-publishing. If it makes sense to you, I say go for it. It doesn't make sense to me, so I won't.

The downside is you'll have to wait a long time to read my next book. (Estimation: about two years after I sign a contract). In the meantime, I hope you will continue to read this blog. Thank you for your interest and for supporting my author journey.

"dreaming of spring on Mayne Island" ldyck

Next post:  Sunday, February 20th (5PM PST)
I'll share a slice of life from my days as a knitwear designer. 

Sharing my author journey...

"Abby enjoying her human pillow" ldyck

My Writing Strategy for 2018

"Beyond the Fog" ldyck

I write in many different genres. To date, I've written...

37 picture books for children

1 YA novel

6 short story collections for adults (includes a composite  novel)

My goal is to break into traditional publishing. (I began my career as an indie author. And was also published by a small press.)

Picture books are reported to be hard to break into and this has held true for me. So in 2018, they will take a back seat to my other work. This doesn't mean I will stop writing them--never shut the door on inspiration. They simply won't be my focus.

You may know that I've been writing a middle grade novel (for children ages 9 to 12 years of age). This one of the first times I've attempted to write for this age group. (The second time was a short story that has potential to become something longer. Here's the link to read that story.) I will continue to work on this novel. Three short novels for adults round out my work for 2018.

This is my strategy for the new year. But my strategies like my plot lines are flexible--I remain open to inspiration and direction (provided by educated/experienced outside sources). 

"Hey, look over there" ldyck

Sharing my author journey...

Writing: The Right Foot Forward by Leanne Dyck

"Night sky" ldyck

Oh, 2018, I have big plans for you. I want you to be the year the right publisher chooses me.

But what if they don't?

No, I can't think like that. There's no point. I can't control another's actions...chooses. I can only keep clicking my pen, keep tapping away on my keyboard. I can only continue to believe in my ability to keep dancing--write, revise, submit. Keep trusting. Keep believing.

You will be an amazing year.

"In Byron's arms" ldyck

Caterpillar (short story) by Leanne Dyck

Do you find change or transitions difficult? I do--and to help me try to overcome, I wrote this short story...

(photo by LDyck)

One fine day in early spring an ant met a caterpillar. 

"When are you planning to spin your cocoon?" the ant asked.

"I'm not," the caterpillar told him.

The ant just stared at him. "Pardon me?"

The caterpillar spoke louder. "I'm not!"

"I heard you. I just don't understand. Why would you continue crawling in the dirt when you can fly up there in the beautiful blue sky, among the fluffy white clouds?"

"I like it down here in the cool black soil," the caterpillar said.

A bird perched on a branch overhead flew down to the caterpillar. "Ever since I broke out of my egg, there's nothing I'd rather do than fly. Caterpillar, you have a right to be apprehensive. Change is scary, but don't let that fear limit you. Listen to your friend, the ant. Embrace your destiny," she sweetly sung to him. "Close your eyes."

The caterpillar closed them.

"Imagine the sun shining on your beautiful wings. Imagine the wind carrying you." 

The caterpillar felt the sun on his face, the wind on his wings.

"All that can be yours if you only believe in yourself—in your potential."

The caterpillar spun his cocoon, he rested, his wings grew, and then he flew.

Write Faster--or not by Leanne Dyck

Does anyone write with a pen anymore?

Of course not. Who has that kind of time? All of us are in too much of a hurry to finish that novel and get it published. Did that one, on to the next—every year...twice a year...every three months.

Fast, faster, fastest—the fastest wins the race. And this is a race. Right? That's the reason you write, right—to win.

And if you don't win. You lose—your readership, your title. You can't call yourself a writer unless you win. You can't call yourself a writer unless you pump out those novels. Writers write—all. The. Time.

So ditch that pen—it's too slow. The computer is the only tool to use. You're in this game to win.

Or...

I recently received a rejection letter that read more like a pep talk. The Pub-lish-er wanted me to realize that it wasn't the act of being published that gave my writing value. She wanted me to remember that writing—the act, the craft—is valuable in and of itself.

And so I wonder... Could it be true that we don't have to enter the race? Is it possible that you don't even have to be published to be a writer? Maybe there are more important things than speed—like studying the craft. Hmmm...

More...

Giving Up and Giving In by Kathryn Magendie

4 books that changed my life by Leanne Dyck

What are the books that changed your life?

Here's my answer...

I can't remember life without a pen. And before that I told stories to puppies and kittens. When I wasn't telling the stories I was listening to them. All this listening and all this writing inevitably lead me to want to write a book.

1st Question:  Can I write a book?

It seemed like an unreachable goal. In a blog post I wrote 'even a short book is over 100 pages'.

So how did I achieve this goal?

By writing one short story after another.

an audio book a collection of knitting-themed short stories

published in 2006

2nd Question:  Can I sell my book?

is a short (approximately 35,000 words) mystery 

set on Mayne Island 

published in 2009

As I wrote the final chapter, I worked on the marketing plan. I envisioned my target reader and devised plans to reach her. These plans included a book launch featuring Mayne Island musicians. This book served as an introduce to the publishing industry. I learned what is involved in the publishing and marketing of books. I sold over 200 copies (through several bookstores and directly to readers). Maynely A Mystery was a Mayne Island best seller.

3rd Question:  Can I find a publisher?


The success of Maynely A Mystery inspired me to take (what I viewed as) the next step--finding a publisher for The Sweater Curse a novella-length paranormal thriller. Novellas are challenging to place. I searched the Internet. Bono Bookstore (imprint of Decadent Publishing) taught me how to work with a publishing house. My writing benefited at the hands of skilled editors. I worked with other authors to develop marketing plans for our books. 

Link to a YouTube video of me reading from this book

4th Question:  Can I build a writing career?

Novelty Yarn taught me that I could write a book.

Maynely A Mystery taught me that I could market a book.

The Sweater Curse taught me that I can find a publisher.

You, dear reader, taught me that I can build a supportive community.

And now I'm ready to work with publishers to build a career in writing.

(photo by Leanne Dyck)

More...

Please click this link for my complete publishing history

?

Next post:  July 17th (around 5 PM) 

(a clue from me to you) Logline:  An operation to increase intellect fails, but the experience teaches a man with down syndrome that there are more important things than intelligence. 

The book is... 

(photo by Leanne Dyck)

Picture Books in Canada

'Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable is one of many Children's Literature Roundtables across Canada. We are a varied group of educators, librarians, parents, authors, illustrators and other professionals who meet 5-7 times between September and June to celebrate and promote children's literature. Our programs are varied and offer something to everyone. Children's literature enthusiasts are always welcome.' -quote from the Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable website 

For more information, please click this link and this one 

  Sharing my author journey...

A black blanket, studded with a sliver moon and twinkling stars covered the earth...

Book Review: three picture books by Leanne Dyck

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

author:  Laura Joffe Numeroff

illustrator:  Felicia Bond

publisher:  Laura Geringer Books--an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers 

www.harpercollinschildrens.com

publishing date:  1985

The story begins with the mouse's request for a cookie. It continues as the mouse asks for something else and something else and something else. I enjoyed the author and illustrator's light touches of humour. The author doesn't supply an ending; the illustrator does--with a drawing of a clearly exhausted narrator. The repeated phrase built suspense and carried me through the story.

Gifts

author:  Jo Ellen Bogart

illustrator:  Barbara Reid

publisher:  Scholastic Canada Ltd

www.scholastic.ca

publishing date:  1995

The poetic text began as a song. 

Grandma travels to Africa to Australia to Mexico to Hawaii to the Arctic to India to Switzerland to China to England. And as she travels she sends gifts to her granddaughter. This truly is a feel good story. Through the illustrations we watch the granddaughter grow from a little girl to a young mother. Like If You Give A Mouse A Cookie, this book also continues after the ending--with Grandma promising to send gifts to her great-grandson. 

This Tree Counts

author:  Alison Formento

illustrator:  Sarah Snow

publisher:  Albert Whitman and Company

publishing date:  2010

This book was printed on recycled paper.

This clever counting book is sure to delight tree huggers young and older. Mr. Tate takes his class outside where they learn why trees are so important to our environment and the students plant trees. The ecological message is driven home by the charming illustrations.

photo by ldyck

Spend time reading picture books...But don't just read them--think about them. Take notes. Study why one works for you and another doesn't. This is good training before starting to write and should continue throughout your career.

 

Ann Whitford Paul

Sharing my author journey...
How do you introduce your characters to your readers. There are so many fun ways. This week I found another.

Why I keep writing by Leanne Dyck

The following was inspired by Alex Cavanaugh's article (link). 
Especially, '[T]hat time won't come if we think it's the end and we give up.'
and Vaughn Roycroft's article (link). 
Especially, 'One truth I have found to be unfailing is that I am inspired and heartened by my fellow writers.'

photo by Leanne Dyck

An author friend recently told me that she'd given up submitting to publishers because she'd realized having her work published was an unattainable goal. She said, "It's like a one-in-a-million chance. Why bother?"

That made me consider my own chances. Were they slim to none, and had Slim just left town? If she couldn't make it, what made me think that I could? 

"I'm no more talented than she is," I told myself. And the way she spoke, it sounded like she was a lot smarter.

The writing game felt like a big joke. I felt like a big joke. 

After all, I've been working hard for almost five years. I've sent out over 100 submissions. If something was going to happen, it would have happened by now. 

The universe is trying to tell me to give up, I told myself. Maybe I should listen.

I wallowed in self-pity for a while. I thought about jumping off this ride...

But... I... didn't.

Why didn't I?

Well... I realized writing is like breathing. Even if that big hand doesn't drop out of the sky and pick me up, I am still going to write. I have to.

Other people have faith that I will succeed. Some people are even counting on my success. 

"They can't all be wrong," I told myself. I can't let them down.

And so, I have to continue.

Writing fulfills me, like nothing else can. 

When I dream of my favourite place, I think of myself at my computer keyboard or on my balcony reading (and studying) a good book.

I. Am. A. Writer.

And so I move forward.

Instead of dwelling on rejection, I will focus on the journey. 

That publisher read my writing, and it wasn't for them. Where can I send my writing next? What new publishing house can I find? 

There is a thrill to combing through the Internet in search of a publisher. It's amazing what you can learn and what interesting people you can meet.

Other authors may obtain success before me. When that happens, I will celebrate their success. We are all in the same game. We live in abundance. There is more than enough for everyone.

When that happens, I will learn from their journey. How did they obtain success? What lessons can I learn from them?

Write. Submit. Revise. 

There's nothing better.

More...
The Rainbow Connection as sung by muppet, Kermit the Frog
'

Next Monday: Book review:  Sing A Worried Song by Canadian mystery author William Deverell

Sharing my author journey...

Be careful what you say to an author because you may just inspire them.
For example...

Are writing contests a waste of money? by Leanne Dyck

(Photo by Leanne Dyck. Rock art by Byron Dyck)

Simply by affixing a stamp or clicking send you've won--because you're showing pride in your work; you're proving you're in this writing game; and you're ensuring that at least one other person will read your work (the judge--who could be an established author, a literary agent or a publisher. All these people can help you further your career.)

I've entered the  Women on Writing contests and The Rising Star award The winner of these contests was announced and my name wasn't on the list but... I have won by receiving invaluable feedback and encouragement from judges.

For example, one judge wrote:  This author's work displays many favorable attributes. The author has an eye for detail. She weaves emotion throughout. It's noted in the synopsis, the story is based on a true story and I suspect that contributed to the strong story world created in this manuscript. I think this author has great potential. 

I also entered...
Quattro Books' Ken Klonsky Novella Contest
Room's Fiction contest
The New Quarterly's The Peter Hinchcliffe Fiction Award
The winner of these contests has yet to be announced --fingers crossed.

So, in closing, I know there are many reasons to invest your money in writing contests. But do your homework and avoid scams. One way to do this is to enter contests run by well-established literary magazines--such as Prism International contests. I'd also advise you to read contest rules carefully and closely follow their guidelines.

Good luck

Sharing my author journey...

How do you get published? (poem) by Leanne Dyck

How do you get published?

Fluffy white clouds

Colour-rich rainbows

Songbirds sang

I typed, wrote for hours, days, weeks, years, decades

People, who looked like me, walked and others ran past

I followed

I came to a sign and read, 'Publishing House'

An arrow pointed the way

I continued down that road

Until I stood in front of a white wall

Others stood there too

But they were soon gone

Where did they go?

I heard noises

It sounded like a party

"Hey, why don't you join us?" someone called

I searched high; I searched low

But I couldn't find a doorknob or even a door

Someone else walked up

"Hey, can you tell me how to get." I pointed at the wall. "Inside."

"Sure," she said. "Here's the key." She handed me a note.

I unfolded the note and read, "Keep writing and submitting."

And so I did.

I haven't got in, not yet.

But I know I will, soon.

And when I do, I'll pass the key on to you.