How the Ladybug Got Her Spots
A Pourquoi Story by Melissa Webb
The excitement began in the summer of 2018. And, the journey continues.
Follow along as I share my first-ever publishing experience.
[NOTE] The adventure is written in chronological order. My most recent posts are at the end.
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In August 2018
After years of trying (on and off) to publish my children's book titled How the Ladybug Got Her Spots, I submitted my query to one more publishing company with my dear husband's gentle push.
Experience had already taught me, through several failed attempts, that a query letter does not go far.
By the way, did you know it is taboo to simply send a written manuscript to a publisher? They frown upon it. They have plenty to read already. Most publishing companies request a query letter first. And, then, if interested, they'll ask to read your story.
Being the rule follower that I am, that is exactly what I did time and time again.
And, time and time again, my former query letters were either ignored completely or kindly rejected.
"Thank you for your query, Mrs. Webb. At this time, we are not looking for a book on this topic."
So, when Covenant Books, Inc. asked for my query, tentatively I sent it.
The biggest difference was that THIS time I was going to go ALL OUT and share as much about my story, its background, my experience, the study guide I was creating to accompany it, a book series idea I had in mind, and my passionate enthusiasm for stories in general.
Imagine my surprise when 24 hours later I received an email requesting my manuscript.
SOMEBODY WANTED TO READ MY STORY???
SOMEBODY WANTED TO READ MY STORY!!!
I cried. I truly did. It did not matter if they liked it. I was just so relieved that a book I poured my heart and soul into would finally have eyes other than my own moving across the lines I took such care to create.
Then, on Monday, August 21, I came home to a phone message from the literary agent at CBI.
"She must have a question for me," was my thought. They'd had my manuscript for less than a week.
So, on Tuesday morning, after dropping Derek off at a school, I headed to meet a couple of girlfriends for coffee.
While waiting in my car, I returned the call to answer any questions she might have.
And, that call - that moment - will never be forgotten.
On August 22, 2018 I received my FIRST EVER "Formal Offer to Publish" from Covenant Books, Inc.
Funny enough, I did not cry. I was in SHOCK. For the remainder of our phone call, all I could utter was, "Great. That's great. Okay. Great. That's great."
Truth. I did cry later.
It was the BEST DAY EVER!
In September 2018
After submitting my manuscript to my editor (through my PUBLICATION ASSISTANT - yes, people, I have PEOPLE! Lol), my next job was to choose my illustrator.
This time-consuming task included completing a detailed questionnaire on every minute detail imaginable. After a couple of hours, my 12 page dissertation was complete. Off to my PA it went.
Then, I waited.
In October 2018
The editor returned my manuscript!
Now, let me just say, I have combed over this 500+ word story approximately a billion times. And, YES, there were STILL editing suggestions! (I can't wait to share this with my writing kids.)
Two commas were removed for better rhythm and flow. (It is a rhyming story.)
And, there was one word substitution.
"Near the bubbly brook," became "Near the babbling brook." Love it!
I approved the edits.
Now, I wait some more.
In November 2018
Right after Thanksgiving, I got an email from my PA (Publication Assistant). She instructed me to log into my Author's Dashboard and open the first illustration created for my book.
She encouraged me to communicate any thoughts, corrections, or suggestions back to her.
Here was the first picture:
May I just say that it was a FANTASTIC feeling to see another person's interpretation of my characters and setting. It made this publishing experience REAL on a whole new level.
This was an exciting day for me. Right away, I snapped a screenshot and made it my iPhone wallpaper!
On November 28th, after sharing my appreciation, I compiled a list of things that were spot on and things I would like altered or tweaked.
Here is what I sent. As well, I included some sample illustrations found from other sources to clarify my vision.
1. I love the colors of the fall foliage and how it is depicted in the background.
2. The trees in the foreground are too stark white and bare. If we could warm those up a bit that would be ideal.
3. I love the grass details! But, it looks like “spring” grass. Could we add varying hues of greens and yellows?
4. Could I also ask that some more detailed leaves be added to the front/foreground of the trees? There are so many amazing details, I’d love more leaves to be part of that. Perhaps even some on the ground? It seems strange that only one leaf is on the ground.
5. The path/dirt trail is fantastic. The details in the sand are amazing, too.
6. I love the addition of the stick. Perfect for a little boy.
7. The aspen leaf is gorgeous but a little too big in proportion to the boy’s hand. The colors are perfect!
8. The water is great, and I love how I can see the transparency of it over the sand in places.
9. The spotless ladybug is great. However, I’d like her to have a black head and legs, not brown.
10. The boy’s hair is too green. Maybe we should move from blond to a lighter brown? Here are some colors I like. Maybe a light brown with some blonde highlights?
11. There is something about the boy’s eyes that don’t grab me. It almost looks like he has two sets of eyebrows, so maybe the lids just aren’t right? I’m thinking his eyes look long. I’d prefer something more “gentle” looking. Nose, mouth, and ears are all great. The hairstyle is great, too.
12. The overalls are too “new.” I’d love to see them a faded denim color, maybe a bit dirty on the knees?
And, this is what I received in return on December 5th.
In December 2018
It was clear to me at this point that the illustrations would be computer generated. The changes all seemed digitally altered.
The improvements were made, but I still felt a few other things should be mentioned.
"Hi CBI Team!
Okay, just a couple minor things -
1. The hair is better, for sure. Could we add some white to reduce the “yellow” tone to it? Or, maybe it needs more of his “flesh” color to tone it out a bit? It may just be the background colors making it look so yellow, so if we can avoid the same color mix, that would probably help.
2. His eyes. They are smaller now and therefore aging him a bit too much. They also seem out of line with the tilt of his head. He looks “sleepy” and I am going for “curious.”
3. I like the faded overalls and rough knee area. However, at the bottom portion of the boy, the fade looks very computer generated, with a straight line across. Can we keep the texture on his bended knee but erase the other marks?
4. The stick looks faded, too, but I’d like it to be the same shade of the tree trunk behind him."
Okay, just a couple minor things -
1. The hair is better, for sure. Could we add some white to reduce the “yellow” tone to it? Or, maybe it needs more of his “flesh” color to tone it out a bit? It may just be the background colors making it look so yellow, so if we can avoid the same color mix, that would probably help.
2. His eyes. They are smaller now and therefore aging him a bit too much. They also seem out of line with the tilt of his head. He looks “sleepy” and I am going for “curious.”
3. I like the faded overalls and rough knee area. However, at the bottom portion of the boy, the fade looks very computer generated, with a straight line across. Can we keep the texture on his bended knee but erase the other marks?
4. The stick looks faded, too, but I’d like it to be the same shade of the tree trunk behind him."
And, just like that, they made those corrections happen. And, I really like this boy. I will say, there is still "something" about his eyes... Your thoughts?
My last request was to add some wild life. THAT suggestion came from my Friday Class students at JCS. Aren't they smart?! (Thanks, guys!)
The fox and deer are a bit conspicuous, but we can work on that next.
My last request was to add some wild life. THAT suggestion came from my Friday Class students at JCS. Aren't they smart?! (Thanks, guys!)
The fox and deer are a bit conspicuous, but we can work on that next.
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In January 2019
All of my BLACK LINE DRAWINGS have arrived!
I must say that it is a mighty surreal moment when a story that has only lived in my head is interpreted through someone else's handy work.
It's magical!
This month the illustrators and I have gone back and forth adding and adjusting drawing details.
For your interest and enjoyment, I am attaching the images here.
I realize the majority of you do not know the storyline. So, I will add an abbreviated summary to go with each picture. The actual story is written in rhyme.
Before doing so, you should also know this is a pourquoi tale. Through the years I have loved teaching children how to write pourquoi stories. Pourquoi means "why" in French. A pourquoi tale - also known as an origin tale or etiological tale - is much like a folk tale or legend. These creative stories have been used for centuries to explain things like why tigers have stripes or why snakes have no legs.
Most often they have a sense of silliness about them but with a small moral lesson embedded into them as well.
For years I've searched for these fun stories to use as examples for the pourquoi technique.
Clearly, I did not feel there were enough and created one of my own. Ha!
Now you, too, will come to learn just how the ladybug got her spots.
~Enjoy!
All of my BLACK LINE DRAWINGS have arrived!
I must say that it is a mighty surreal moment when a story that has only lived in my head is interpreted through someone else's handy work.
It's magical!
This month the illustrators and I have gone back and forth adding and adjusting drawing details.
For your interest and enjoyment, I am attaching the images here.
I realize the majority of you do not know the storyline. So, I will add an abbreviated summary to go with each picture. The actual story is written in rhyme.
Before doing so, you should also know this is a pourquoi tale. Through the years I have loved teaching children how to write pourquoi stories. Pourquoi means "why" in French. A pourquoi tale - also known as an origin tale or etiological tale - is much like a folk tale or legend. These creative stories have been used for centuries to explain things like why tigers have stripes or why snakes have no legs.
Most often they have a sense of silliness about them but with a small moral lesson embedded into them as well.
For years I've searched for these fun stories to use as examples for the pourquoi technique.
Clearly, I did not feel there were enough and created one of my own. Ha!
Now you, too, will come to learn just how the ladybug got her spots.
~Enjoy!
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The story opens with a young boy and his grandfather enjoying stories together. The grandfather begins to tell his grandson, Ted, about a story that took place some time ago...
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In a lovely picturesque garden - perfect to delight any child's joy of exploration - wildlife and nature surround him.
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And there, in the woods on a colorful fall leaf, a small red ladybug rests. (Spotless, of course.)
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Busily exploring and playing, Ted does not notice her at first.
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Ahhh... but soon he does!
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Before long, they make a special connection and a kind, gentle, and trusting friendship blossoms.
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But, as all days do, this one comes to an end. The young boy takes the ladybug back to her colony only to discover she is one of HUNDREDS of red bugs. He is not sure how he will tell her apart from all of the others.
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Quickly he devises a plan! If he could just add a few black dots to her protective shell, he'd be able to find her once again.
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Well, you can certainly imagine what her friends and family had to say to her!!!
Alas, they were just relieved she survived such an assault. Except. It wasn't an assault. In fact, she was treated with kindness, gentleness, and love. |
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So, after she nestled herself under some fallen leaves to dream about her perfect day, her friends and family decided they TOO would like to be treated with kindness, gentleness, and love.
And that, my friends, was the inspiration needed for all ladybugs to become spotted themselves. |
So, now are you even MORE excited to see the story in all its completion and glory!
I know I am.
Soon I will be putting together a PRE-SALE BOOK LAUNCH! I am open to any and all ideas you may have.
Please share!
I know I am.
Soon I will be putting together a PRE-SALE BOOK LAUNCH! I am open to any and all ideas you may have.
Please share!
February 2019
By early February I took a third peek at the black-line drawings for any other final tweaks. And, fairly quickly we were ready to move to the next stage.
On February 18th I gave my approval for the storyboard and on February 19th I received the following from my PA - Michelle.
By early February I took a third peek at the black-line drawings for any other final tweaks. And, fairly quickly we were ready to move to the next stage.
On February 18th I gave my approval for the storyboard and on February 19th I received the following from my PA - Michelle.
My ladybug book sits cradled in the hands of the "color art illustrator."
I imagine each picture coming to life with splashes of color on every page I turn. Yep. I'm smiling.
In my mind, it is much like the Wizard of Oz, and I'm waiting for the TECHNICOLOR to appear!
It's hard to believe that the production is getting so close to completion. I'm not ready yet! I have no idea how many to order or how to best market the book.
Did I already mention this? Covenant Books, Inc. is only a publication company. They do not market the material.
Thankfully, they will be helping me create a 30-60 second video commercial, acquire some reviews for the book, and print a press release.
But! The selling falls on my shoulders - OUR SHOULDERS!
And, I want to do something REALLY awesome for the first 100 people to buy a copy. I will be offering this in a "pre-order package." (Yes, yes, yes! YOU will be given the first opportunity to purchase.)
My thoughts:
What do you think? Do you have other suggestions? What would entice you (or someone you know) to buy it before it hits the stores? I want to have this pre-order campaign ready to go the first week of April.
Part of my offer agreement with Covenant Books, Inc is that my book will be distributed "in secular retail stores, Christian bookstores, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Apple." If it goes to print in April, I'm thinking it will be in stores by May or June at the latest.
It's time to start planning for the success of its publication, my friends.
I imagine each picture coming to life with splashes of color on every page I turn. Yep. I'm smiling.
In my mind, it is much like the Wizard of Oz, and I'm waiting for the TECHNICOLOR to appear!
It's hard to believe that the production is getting so close to completion. I'm not ready yet! I have no idea how many to order or how to best market the book.
Did I already mention this? Covenant Books, Inc. is only a publication company. They do not market the material.
Thankfully, they will be helping me create a 30-60 second video commercial, acquire some reviews for the book, and print a press release.
But! The selling falls on my shoulders - OUR SHOULDERS!
And, I want to do something REALLY awesome for the first 100 people to buy a copy. I will be offering this in a "pre-order package." (Yes, yes, yes! YOU will be given the first opportunity to purchase.)
My thoughts:
- a signed copy, of course
- a storybook companion guide (how to use the story to teach science on the lifecycle of ladybugs, etc.)
- a ladybug finger puppet (these are ridiculously cute)
What do you think? Do you have other suggestions? What would entice you (or someone you know) to buy it before it hits the stores? I want to have this pre-order campaign ready to go the first week of April.
Part of my offer agreement with Covenant Books, Inc is that my book will be distributed "in secular retail stores, Christian bookstores, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Apple." If it goes to print in April, I'm thinking it will be in stores by May or June at the latest.
It's time to start planning for the success of its publication, my friends.
March 2019
This was certainly an unforgettable month! Those line drawn illustrations came to life and my "colored storyboard" was presented for review.
Let me be honest.
I had this idea in my head that I would "fall in love" with this book and connect with the boy and ladybug in a new and even better way --- one that would warm my heart and make me feel fuzzy all over.
That's not happening.
Instead, I feel a bit critical.
"Should the flower be stark white?"
"Can't we get those eyebrows just right?"
"The stream looks like it has too much movement."
This was certainly an unforgettable month! Those line drawn illustrations came to life and my "colored storyboard" was presented for review.
Let me be honest.
I had this idea in my head that I would "fall in love" with this book and connect with the boy and ladybug in a new and even better way --- one that would warm my heart and make me feel fuzzy all over.
That's not happening.
Instead, I feel a bit critical.
"Should the flower be stark white?"
"Can't we get those eyebrows just right?"
"The stream looks like it has too much movement."
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I uploaded the cover page and took it to FB! The support from family and friends who are more than willing to offer feedback and insight has meant the world to me.
I spent most of March and April going back and forth with the colored storyboard illustrator. I have matched the wording to the illustrations and, THANKFULLY, noticed we had two scenes out of order. Whew! As well, I have begun to look into creating an author page on Amazon and creating a website for the book. |
FACEBOOK FEEDBACK
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It has been suggested that I determine the SWAG extras and bonuses for my SUPER FANS! (That's you, by the way.) And, oh, there are some GOOD THINGS COMIN'!
May 2019
You thought we'd be done by now? Well. There is only one reason why this project has slowed its pace.
ME.
There may be something wrong with me. Why is it that every time I receive the colored illustrations I find one more thing to tweak?
For example, let me tell you the three most recent changes or additions I requested.
1. The purple color which edges the flower is too purple. I'd prefer a periwinkle blue.
2. The softer edging effect on SCENE 3 should also be on SCENE 10 because they are similar illustrations.
3. On SCENE 10 there will be words saying "a sparkle in her eye," and I'd like there to be a sparkle in her eye.
Am I being nit-picky and finicky? Or, is this being patient and wise? I think I may be going mad.
It has me wondering if I might be a bit SCARED. After all, once these are finalized we will move pretty fast. Once the publication begins there is no going back.
It will be time to promote and sell to the public - and let other's read it - who will decide its worth - and like it or hate it.
You thought we'd be done by now? Well. There is only one reason why this project has slowed its pace.
ME.
There may be something wrong with me. Why is it that every time I receive the colored illustrations I find one more thing to tweak?
For example, let me tell you the three most recent changes or additions I requested.
1. The purple color which edges the flower is too purple. I'd prefer a periwinkle blue.
2. The softer edging effect on SCENE 3 should also be on SCENE 10 because they are similar illustrations.
3. On SCENE 10 there will be words saying "a sparkle in her eye," and I'd like there to be a sparkle in her eye.
Am I being nit-picky and finicky? Or, is this being patient and wise? I think I may be going mad.
It has me wondering if I might be a bit SCARED. After all, once these are finalized we will move pretty fast. Once the publication begins there is no going back.
It will be time to promote and sell to the public - and let other's read it - who will decide its worth - and like it or hate it.
June 2019
I did it! I finalized the colored illustrations. It feels freeing to have done so. My excitement for the final product is back. However, that doesn't mean my worries are gone.
This past year I've learned so much about myself. I have been doing more than building storybook characters. I've been working on my own personal character traits as well.
One big change, for me, has been to embrace the good AND bad life offers us willingly and whole-heartedly.
For years and years, I thought the goal in life was to avoid the bad altogether. "Success" meant I had to be happy - at least almost always. If I wasn't happy most of the time, something was wrong in my life. However, after some great books, life-changing podcasts, and serious soul-searching, I realize all of our emotions - the whole gamut - were DESIGNED to be a part of who we are as humans. We were created to experience ALL emotions - intentionally. We are supposed to be joyful, happy, excited. However, we are equally expected to experience sadness, disappointment, and anger.
Now I find myself getting curious about my feelings rather than trying to avoid or change them. I ask myself, "Why do you feel this way?" Once I can pinpoint the thought that is creating that emotion, I can choose to keep it or trade it in.
Last month's emotional rollercoaster is a perfect example of this.
I was feeling hesitant about approving the illustrations. Why was I feeling so hesitant? Why wasn't I just excited to move forward? I knew something was going on in my head. The thought I pulled out was, "What if it just isn't going to be good enough?" For days I thought about this thought. My goal has not been to quickly change a thought and move on. My intention is to sit with it for a day or two. No good comes from me beating myself up for my negative, non-productive thoughts. They are a part of who I am. I am designed this way on purpose.
Well, as you can imagine, all kinds of other thoughts stirred in me. I questioned the value of my story. I wondered who I thought I was thinking I could publish a book. I pictured stacks of my books collecting dust - never having been read. I worried about being an embarrassment to my family and friends. Oh, yes. The well was deep with negative thoughts.
The crazy thing about thoughts is that we create them. We have free will and can choose to believe what we - as individuals - want to believe.
Finally, I concluded that none of those thoughts served me well. They had me feeling discouraged, doubtful, and downright sad.
Since then, I have exchanged them for better-serving thoughts.
These FEEL so much better.
Can you see how I embraced those lousy thoughts? I accepted them. Lived with them. Then left them behind.
Of course, we both know they'll be back from time to time. Feelings do that. They visit for a while. Then they move on.
I did it! I finalized the colored illustrations. It feels freeing to have done so. My excitement for the final product is back. However, that doesn't mean my worries are gone.
This past year I've learned so much about myself. I have been doing more than building storybook characters. I've been working on my own personal character traits as well.
One big change, for me, has been to embrace the good AND bad life offers us willingly and whole-heartedly.
For years and years, I thought the goal in life was to avoid the bad altogether. "Success" meant I had to be happy - at least almost always. If I wasn't happy most of the time, something was wrong in my life. However, after some great books, life-changing podcasts, and serious soul-searching, I realize all of our emotions - the whole gamut - were DESIGNED to be a part of who we are as humans. We were created to experience ALL emotions - intentionally. We are supposed to be joyful, happy, excited. However, we are equally expected to experience sadness, disappointment, and anger.
Now I find myself getting curious about my feelings rather than trying to avoid or change them. I ask myself, "Why do you feel this way?" Once I can pinpoint the thought that is creating that emotion, I can choose to keep it or trade it in.
Last month's emotional rollercoaster is a perfect example of this.
I was feeling hesitant about approving the illustrations. Why was I feeling so hesitant? Why wasn't I just excited to move forward? I knew something was going on in my head. The thought I pulled out was, "What if it just isn't going to be good enough?" For days I thought about this thought. My goal has not been to quickly change a thought and move on. My intention is to sit with it for a day or two. No good comes from me beating myself up for my negative, non-productive thoughts. They are a part of who I am. I am designed this way on purpose.
Well, as you can imagine, all kinds of other thoughts stirred in me. I questioned the value of my story. I wondered who I thought I was thinking I could publish a book. I pictured stacks of my books collecting dust - never having been read. I worried about being an embarrassment to my family and friends. Oh, yes. The well was deep with negative thoughts.
The crazy thing about thoughts is that we create them. We have free will and can choose to believe what we - as individuals - want to believe.
Finally, I concluded that none of those thoughts served me well. They had me feeling discouraged, doubtful, and downright sad.
Since then, I have exchanged them for better-serving thoughts.
- What if children love this book and it becomes their favorite story for a while?
- What if my story inspires someone else to create a story of their own?
- What if I meet one new person on this journey and our lives are better because of it?
- I am qualified - Covenant Books, Inc. thinks so!
- I am qualified - God has gifted me with an imagination.
- I am qualified - I'm willing to work hard.
These FEEL so much better.
Can you see how I embraced those lousy thoughts? I accepted them. Lived with them. Then left them behind.
Of course, we both know they'll be back from time to time. Feelings do that. They visit for a while. Then they move on.