Wow (which means “Yes” in the West-African language Wolof.)

Wow, wow!

Yes, thanks for your time, your attention, and your comments. Your enthusiasm about this project is pushing me through the tough parts of the writing. I’m paying attention and making changes based on your comments.  Hhere’s what you’ll see in the next few chapters.

1. I’m going to make the sentences longer. I’m aiming for readers in grades 4 -6, or students reading at that level. I think I can add some clauses without writing above grade level
2. I’m going for more poetic devices. Again, I’d been quite conservative because I feared writing above grade level. However, as I read Because of Winn Dixie and other similar books, I realize I can be less restrained in my descriptions.
3. The main theme will emerge. Obviously, this book isn’t about new clothes and Easter parades. By Chapter 4 you’ll discover the conflict at the heart of the story.

Again, thanks for your interest and your feedback. It’s helping immensely.

Yes, I know. I’ve used the generic headline from wordpress.com, but hey, it’s working for me.

For the past four years, my website has been my calling card. This year, however, it has a different function. I’m using the website to write a book that looks at segregation from a nine-year-old’s point of view.

The book, as yet untitled, takes place during Easter, 1963 in Nashville, Tenn. The heroine, Stephanie, learns she won’t get a new dress because Negroes are boycotting the department stores downtown. She crushed – until a friend offers a way to circumvent the boycott without anyone knowing.

Now Stephanie has a choice to make.

I’ve been working on this book since 1995. It started as a picture book, was rejected and has sat in my computer ever since. I’ve written a couple drafts, but I haven’t been able to get things right.

This blog is my latest attempt. I’m asking readers to make critique – not criticize – as I work through the manuscript. I’ll be posting drafts of each chapter, and  I’ll ask what works and what doesn’t. I’ll also ask for suggestions for getting over specific humps.

The drafts will be short – probably about 800 words. All comments will be moderated, of course.

By the way, it may pay to stay involved in the process. Once the manuscript is completed, I’ll invite the most regular commenters to suggest a title for the book. The winner will get $50.

I’m serious.