Chat

Our first chat session was a great success! Our guest was children's book illustrator and author, Carol Thompson. If you couldn't make the live versions, read the transcript below ...

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First though, sorry if you entered the chat room and found it empty! We were due to start at 8.00 p.m. Carol was actually there well before then and all ready fielding questions which meant by 9.00 p.m. we were all suffering aching fingers!

TRANSCRIPT OF CHAT

CarolThompson: logged in
TheLandOfGrimney : Hello Carol. Now I have just been invited here. Only me at the moment. Sorry.
CarolThompson: Who are you?
TheLandOfGrimney : Gavin.
SueK: logged in
CarolThompson: Do you have a question Gavin?
SueK: Hello Carol, you're early!
TheLandOfGrimney : Well Carol. How does one get started?
CarolThompson: Usually am - but Gavin's waiting!
TheLandOfGrimney : Well, I like to be eary. Hello Suek.
Welcome! You have entered [The Lounge] at 8:46 pm
[SueK] 8:46 pm: Hello Lorraine.
[The Lounge]: TheLandOfGrimney has entered at 8:47 pm
[CarolThompson] 8:47 pm: If you're not pu b***h Ied Istrongly reccomend joining like- minded groups - like SCWBI Buy the CHILDREN's and WRITERS YEARBOOK Gavin
[Lorraine] 8:47 pm: Hello, I just popped in to make sure I had set things up properly.
[CarolThompson] 8:48 pm: Is that helpful?
[SueK] 8:48 pm: We seem to have started early, I did the same and found Carol and Gavin all ready here!
[Lorraine] 8:48 pm: I'm happy to come back in a little while if Carol isn't yet ready
[CarolThompson] 8:49 pm: sorry The WRITERS and ARTISTS YEARBOOK, GAVIN
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 8:49 pm: Terribly sorry, got cut off. I have been looking at your paintings. Very impressive. I am not that good.
[SueK] 8:49 pm: I think she's O.K. we'd just lost Gavin for a moment.
[CarolThompson] 8:49 pm: HI LORRAINE
[Lorraine] 8:49 pm: Hi, I am a pu b***h ed author of non-fiction, but my real love is writing novels for children.
[CarolThompson] 8:50 pm: Are you trying to get pu b***h ed in that field?
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 8:50 pm: I have built a website to promote my work, I write novels and poetry, and illustrate them. I'm not pu b***h ed though. Never get anyone to read it.
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 8:51 pm: Thanks for that advice though.
[The Lounge]: has left at 8:51 pm
[Lorraine] 8:51 pm: Yes, I have a novel for the 9+ age group which has done very well on YouWriteOn and Authonomy, but haven't yet been able to interest an agent.
[CarolThompson] 8:51 pm: Maybe you could try readings in libraries schools etc Gavin
[Lorraine] 8:53 pm: How do you choose which books you illustrate? Is it down to pu b***h ers, or do you look at other works and ask the author if they would like to use your work?
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 8:53 pm: What I have chosen to do is build an interactive website. Bit like facebook for writers, trying to promote that. Thinking about schools, yes Carol. You WriteOn? I have a look for that thank you.
[CarolThompson] 8:53 pm: you could try the big Book fairs- London, frankfurt - Bologna - you heave to keep b***h ing away - Have you joined the Societ of Authors? You can when your pu b***h ed
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 8:54 pm: Thank you, I shall let you answer Lorraine's question now. Don't want to ramble on.
[The Lounge]: has left at 8:54 pm
[CarolThompson] 8:55 pm: Gavin, It's a mix of all these. Iwrite some myself, I work closely with other writers and we develop ideas tog. and pu b***h ers send me texts
[The Lounge]: Lois has entered at 8:55 pm
[SueK] 8:56 pm: How would you present your manuscript to pu b***h ers at a book fair?
[The Lounge]: mpira has entered at 8:57 pm
[Lois] 8:57 pm: Hello, I went on the net and it seems you are an illustrator?
[CarolThompson] 8:57 pm: clearly typed - double spacing - every page numbered - a short synopsis - a cover
[CarolThompson] 8:58 pm: Lois - I do b***h but primarily illustrate - but more writing recently
[SueK] 8:58 pm: Are you able to just walk up to a pu b***h er and present it without an appointment? I've never been to a book fair so don't know how they are set up.
[Lorraine] 8:59 pm: Carol, I'm not sure if you saw my question. How do you choose which books you illustrate? Is it down to pu b***h ers, or do you look at other works and ask the author if they would like to use your work?
[Lois] 8:59 pm: Ah, yes, I thought I so. That must be good, you can illustrate your own. And which informs which the more?
[CarolThompson] 8:59 pm: very occasionally you see a chance - but you research the website and make appointments b***h and with the correct person
[CarolThompson] 9:00 pm: sorry lorraine - its Gavin's answer!
[Lorraine] 9:01 pm: Ah, yes, I see it now.
[SueK] 9:02 pm: Lorraine look at the 7.55 answer
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:02 pm: Sorry, I was just sitting back and letting others speak. So do you help new writers in anyway?
[The Lounge]: Maureen has entered at 9:02 pm
[CarolThompson] 9:03 pm: I can only offer support and help direct them towards thre right info - are you children's Gavin?
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:04 pm: I write scripts, children's poetry, adult poetry, and novels, and illustrate my work. That kind of thing.
[SueK] 9:05 pm: Have you tried self pu b***h ing Gavin and selling locally through talks etc?
[CarolThompson] 9:05 pm: theres a conference in Winchester - SCWBI - the art of and craft of story nov22nd 23rd
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:06 pm: I have taken a different step, and created The Land of Grimney website. It can be googled. It is all online. Drawings, novels, and a map.
[CarolThompson] 9:06 pm: Have you tried educational pubs. Gavin - Ox Un Press etc - do lots of poetry for schools - its a big market
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:06 pm: poetry too.
[CarolThompson] 9:07 pm: I look forward to seeing it Gavin
[Lois] 9:07 pm: I am being patient awaiting for my answers.
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:07 pm: I could send you a link. It is free to visit. Always pleased to have soemone pop in.
[CarolThompson] 9:08 pm: Its important to build a local audience as well as thinking 'Big'
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:08 pm: Sorry, I step out agin.
[Lorraine] 9:08 pm: Carol, I live in France, so it is difficult to attend conferences in the UK. My children's novel, Vlad the Inhaler, finished in the number one position on YouWriteOn and in the number two spot on Authonomy, other than these sites I am sending out to agents, but it is very expensive from here to send hard copies. Do you know of a website where I can find agents who would accept email submissions?
[CarolThompson] 9:08 pm: Yes please
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:08 pm: again.
[CarolThompson] 9:09 pm: Lorraine trychildren's and artists yearbook - full of info
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:09 pm: Certainly. http://www.thelandofgrimney.co.uk/
[SueK] 9:09 pm: Just looked at your website Gavin, very nicely done.
[CarolThompson] 9:10 pm: thanks gavin
[Lorraine] 9:10 pm: I have that, but very few agents in there accept email subs
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:10 pm: Thank you. Please do join. You can share your own work too.
[CarolThompson] 9:10 pm: Lorraine - pu b***h er is A and C Black
[SueK] 9:11 pm: Lois take a look at Gavin's site, you could do something like that for Brix.
[Lorraine] 9:11 pm: Yes, thank you, I do have the most recent copy of it.
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:11 pm: Yes, agents are not that keen to have a link. Still it looks quite good.
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:12 pm: I think it is a good way to promote work. Brix?
[SueK] 9:12 pm: Lorraine could you get to one of those book fairs that Carol spoke of earlier?
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:12 pm: But not to agents.
[CarolThompson] 9:12 pm: try pu b***h ers directly - don,t all use agents - look at the smaller ones
[SueK] 9:13 pm: Gavin click Lois's username and you can have a private conversation. She will tell you all about Brix. Great childrens story.
[Lorraine] 9:13 pm: Sadly, no. I wish I could attend such a conference. I shall persevere with my submissions.
[Lorraine] 9:14 pm: Carol, sorry, was that post about submitting to pu b***h ers directly meant for me?
[CarolThompson] 9:14 pm: Yes - I,m a bit slow, but small houses can be receptive
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:15 pm: The website I have shwoed you is like facebook. If you join you can share your own writing and drawings etc. It is designed to promote the work of new writers
[The Lounge]: has left at 9:15 pm
[CarolThompson] 9:15 pm: have you thought of self publising lorraine?
[Maureen] 9:16 pm: According to The Writers' Advice Centre for Children's Books, the writers who have gone through them and been pu b***h ed have all done so withour agents.
[Lorraine] 9:16 pm: I'd rather exhaust all the traditional routes first. I want to know that my book is good enough
[Lorraine] 9:17 pm: I'm happy to try the smaller pu b***h ers, but don't want to self-pu b***h at this stage.
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:18 pm: Certainly, the site is there should you need it.
[SueK] 9:18 pm: The problem with self pu b***h ing is you have to do a lot of marketing which can take you away from writing. How much marketing, if any do you do for your books?
[CarolThompson] 9:18 pm: you sometimes have to think laterally - and sadly - agent's/pubs will often look for what's commercial
[Maureen] 9:19 pm: That's understandable
[Maureen] 9:19 pm: .
[Lorraine] 9:19 pm: I think Vlad is commercial, I've had it read in schools and have a fan club now for Vlad
[CarolThompson] 9:19 pm: sue - it's become more and more important in cotemporary publising - I do quite a bit and it can interfere with work
[Lorraine] 9:19 pm: I'll try pu b***h ers direct
[SueK] 9:20 pm: What are the hot subjects for children's stories at the moment?
[Maureen] 9:20 pm: Perhaps that's the key Lorraine - get a Vlad fanclub up and running to show pu b***h ers how commercial he is
[The Lounge]: dream109 has entered at 9:21 pm
[CarolThompson] 9:21 pm: we're still in the wake of JK Rowling - fantasy - there are definite trends in pic books too
[SueK] 9:22 pm: Yes Lorraine, pu b***h through Lulu and sell some copies on line. If it's selling they will sit up and take notice then!
[The Lounge]: davidr has entered at 9:22 pm
[CarolThompson] 9:22 pm: I do alot of school visits too
[Maureen] 9:22 pm: David, you've missed the pork pies
[davidr] 9:23 pm: is b****er unoffical chit chat?
[CarolThompson] 9:23 pm: You could look for writing competitions too and submit - that can help towards gettin pu b***h ed
[Maureen] 9:23 pm: Do you set up the school visits yourself, Carol or is that through your pu b***h er?
[CarolThompson] 9:24 pm: Through editors - and from schools themseves - also libraries
[Maureen] 9:24 pm: I just won The Writers' Advice Centre for Children's Books competition
[CarolThompson] 9:25 pm: Congratulations - what was the prize
[davidr] 9:25 pm: forgive me, Carol, but I stumbled into something here that I don't qualify for. I don't do children's lit, or illustrations, so I will retire gracefully.
[The Lounge]: davidr has left at 9:25 pm
[Maureen] 9:25 pm: Dosh, a book and a review
[CarolThompson] 9:26 pm: Review in what - is the book pu b***h ed?
[The Lounge]: has left at 9:26 pm
[Maureen] 9:27 pm: No, the competition was for a story under 1000 words. But part of the comp remit was to submit it as it should go to a pu b***h er
[The Lounge]: has left at 9:27 pm
[CarolThompson] 9:28 pm: Are they submitting it to a pu b***h er?
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:28 pm: Great though. I have never won any literary competitions. Well done>
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[The Lounge]: Trevor has entered at 9:29 pm
[The Lounge]: Lois has left at 9:29 pm
[Lorraine->CarolThompson] 9:29 pm: Hi Carol, I don't want to ask in public because I don't want to put you on the spot, but do you ever read mss of other children's writers? Please feel free to say an outright no.
[Maureen] 9:29 pm: No I don't think so. I haven't had the crit yet but Louise Jordan is including it in her column for Writers' Forum magazine
[CarolThompson->Lorraine] 9:29 pm: yes
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[Lorraine->CarolThompson] 9:30 pm: Would you be prepared to read the synopsis of Vlad the Inhaler?
[SueK] 9:30 pm: Well done Maureen, I didn't know you wrote for children?
[CarolThompson->Lorraine] 9:31 pm: tortort
[Lorraine->CarolThompson] 9:31 pm: sorry, was that a yes or a no?
[Maureen] 9:31 pm: Thanks, Sue. Yes it's what I enjoy most
[The Lounge]: has left at 9:31 pm
[CarolThompson->Lorraine] 9:31 pm: yes
[CarolThompson] 9:32 pm: It should really get an editors/ agents interst maureen
[Lorraine->CarolThompson] 9:32 pm: thank you so much. How should I send it to you?
[Maureen] 9:32 pm: That would be great
[The Lounge]: has left at 9:32 pm
[CarolThompson->Lorraine] 9:32 pm: through Sue K
[Lorraine->CarolThompson] 9:33 pm: will do
[CarolThompson->Lorraine] 9:33 pm: ou're
[CarolThompson] 9:33 pm: Do you know where you are going to try and place it maureen?
[Maureen] 9:33 pm: Sorry, Carol, I missed the strat of the chat so not sure if you've already been asked this but how long did it take to get a pu b***h er interested in your first book?
[Maureen] 9:34 pm: I'm really waiting to see what Louise has to say. I'd like to do more stories with the same character too
[CarolThompson] 9:35 pm: I was lucky - quite a while ago - a pub noticed my illustrations on cards- and commisioned 4 books
[SueK] 9:36 pm: It seems to me we need to think up a way of getting pu b***h ers to come to us! There are obviously a lot of writers with potential.
[CarolThompson] 9:36 pm: I then won the Mother Goose Award - which launched me v. quickly - I had an advantage
[dream109] 9:36 pm: Hi Carol, I am a complete amatuer when it comes to pu b***h ing etc, I have written a pilot story for a series. It is a fantasy world with many different species etc, how many words should childrens books be roughly? It is aimed at older children/young adult. Thanks
[Lorraine] 9:36 pm: Which age group do you write for, Carol?
[CarolThompson] 9:37 pm: Good thinking Sue - editors say that they're always looking for new work/writers
[CarolThompson] 9:37 pm: 0-9yrs approx - but grown ups like them too!
[Lorraine] 9:39 pm: that's important, that adults like them, too
[The Lounge]: dream109 has left at 9:39 pm
[CarolThompson] 9:39 pm: have a look in the library and see where your book/ format will fit in - it helps if you've researched your market - try and tailor it to a format
[The Lounge]: dream109 has entered at 9:39 pm
[SueK] 9:40 pm: Would it be an advantage to team up with an illustrator?
[CarolThompson] 9:40 pm: Does that help dream?
[The Lounge]: Trevor has left at 9:41 pm
[dream109] 9:41 pm: Im so sorry i missed it my internet explorer crashed. I hope you didnt type to much
[CarolThompson] 9:41 pm: Only sometimes - some editors like to match up ill/author themselves
[The Lounge]: has left at 9:42 pm
[CarolThompson] 9:42 pm: I like to illustrate and writr my own books - but I love working on someone elses text!
[Lorraine] 9:43 pm: I have no artistic talent at all, but I love to write.
[dream109] 9:43 pm: sorry to be a pain, could you copy what you wrote and paste?
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[Maureen] 9:43 pm: There's a wide crossover stage between some children's and young adult books
[CarolThompson] 9:43 pm: does your book lend itself to pics lorraine?
[Lorraine] 9:44 pm: Oh yes, very much so. My young fan club say they want it to be made into a film
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[SueK] 9:44 pm: Dream, Carol says to look in your library and see where your book/format will fit in. You need to research similar publications.
[dream109] 9:44 pm: im an artist to but i paint abstract. I have all my characters in my head but need to really practice them to try to get them perfect.
[Lorraine] 9:45 pm: It's the first book in a trilogy
[Maureen] 9:45 pm: For dream: [CarolThompson] 8:39 pm: have a look in the library and see where your book/ format will fit in - it helps if you've researched your market - try and tailor it to a format
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:45 pm: Dream, I think she said you should go in libraries and book shops and study the length of children's books.
[dream109] 9:45 pm: ok thank you Carol/Sue
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[Maureen] 9:45 pm: too late!
[dream109] 9:45 pm:
[CarolThompson] 9:45 pm: Yes - costing does come into it
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:46 pm: Sorry, I was a bit slow...
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[CarolThompson] 9:47 pm: They'll prob. be black/wite pics lorraine if its a novel
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[Lorraine] 9:48 pm: If the pics are b/w is that a disadvantage? It's complete at 33,500 words, but there are another two books to come.
[The Lounge]: has left at 9:49 pm
[CarolThompson] 9:50 pm: Not at all. you don't usually find full colourd pics in a novel -too costly and distracting
[SueK] 9:50 pm: Well I'm off to enjoy some high brow literature on the telly, (New Tricks!). Hope you will excuse me! Could someone volunteer to save this Chat by copying and pasting into a word doc and emailing it to me? I've clicked save, it won't be the complete script.
[Lorraine] 9:50 pm: I missed the beginning, but am happy to save what I have.
[SueK] 9:51 pm: Thanks Lorraine. I have the beginning. I'll post up on the Chat blog. Goodnight all. :yeah:
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:51 pm: Erm. Now can I do this? Although my skills with computing are not that great.
[The Lounge]: has left at 9:51 pm
[CarolThompson] 9:51 pm: Shall i do it Sue?
[SueK] 9:52 pm: Everyone do it if they can! At least I'll be sure of one copy!
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:52 pm: Goodnight Suek.
[CarolThompson] 9:52 pm: Is that the end Sue?
[The Lounge]: has left at 9:53 pm
[CarolThompson] 9:53 pm: I've enjoyed the chat - it's speeded up my typing skills!
[SueK] 9:53 pm: 9.00 p.m. seems reasonable to me, but go on if you wish. This software runs 24/7! Thanks for hosting it for us Carol.
[Maureen] 9:53 pm: Sorry, Carol, one more! how do you work out the layout when illustrating someone else's book?
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[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:54 pm: Yes. Thank you Carol. It has been most enjoyable.
[The Lounge]: dream109 has left at 9:54 pm
[CarolThompson] 9:55 pm: I work to a size format - then do lots of thumbnail sketches and decide which bits of the text needs to be illustrated - quite complicated to explain - a bit like a story board
[The Lounge]: has left at 9:55 pm
[The Lounge]: has left at 9:55 pm
[Maureen] 9:55 pm: With input from the writer?
[CarolThompson] 9:56 pm: I then show sketches to author for approval and we iron out any glitches
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[Maureen] 9:56 pm: Great, thanks, Carol
[CarolThompson] 9:57 pm: some writers like input - others have none and don't wish too - it's very variable - the worst are writers who draw - sorry!
[The Lounge]: has left at 9:57 pm
[Maureen] 9:57 pm:
[Lorraine] 9:57 pm: In that case I'm glad I can't draw
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:57 pm: Goodnihgt Lorraine, Maureen and Carol. Hope to chat with you all again. All the best.
[Lorraine] 9:58 pm: goodnight
[Maureen] 9:58 pm: Goodnight
[CarolThompson] 9:58 pm: nigt-night
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:58 pm: Writers who draw? What is wrong with them?
[CarolThompson] 9:58 pm: are you all going to watch the witchcraft or Fashion Genius/
[Maureen] 9:59 pm: What's that?
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 9:59 pm: Witchcraft? I don't think I will be watching Fashion Genius.
[Lorraine] 9:59 pm: I was just about to ask that question
[Maureen] 9:59 pm: :red:
[CarolThompson] 9:59 pm: They want to do it their way -as they see it - it's too hard for another illustrator with a different 'eye'
[CarolThompson] 10:00 pm: BBC2 NOW!
[Lorraine] 10:00 pm: We should let you go to watch it
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 10:00 pm: Well, I've done all mine, and in colour oops. Witchcraft?
[Maureen] 10:01 pm: Oh, no, off to watch Ruth Rendell
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 10:01 pm: Yes. Goodnight all. I am truly off now.
[CarolThompson] 10:01 pm: I hope I didn't offend you Gavin -
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 10:01 pm: Not at all. I have very thick skin. Not easily offended. Just by rude words.
[Lorraine] 10:02 pm: Thank you so much for answering my questions, Carol. Goodnight all.
[CarolThompson] 10:02 pm: I like to illustrate my own work too -
[Maureen] 10:02 pm: Thank you, Carol. This has been interesting. Goodnight all!
[CarolThompson] 10:02 pm: night Lorraine
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 10:03 pm: Yes, I must find out more about you, I shall Google you.
[Maureen] 10:03 pm: Good luck with your current project
[CarolThompson] 10:03 pm: look at Shannon Kids usa
[CarolThompson] 10:03 pm: Happy googling
[Maureen] 10:04 pm: :yeah:
[CarolThompson] 10:04 pm: look at amazon
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 10:04 pm: Shannon Kids usa, got you. Yes, goodnight enjoy your witchcraft fashion etc.
[Lorraine] 10:05 pm: I'm trying to copy and paste, but can't seem to pick up all the chat
[TheLandOfGrimney ] 10:05 pm: Amazon too, you are everywhere. : ) Once more, thank you.
[Lorraine->Maureen] 10:06 pm: can you copy all of the chat?