I’m honored to be this month’s 12×12 featured author and talk about something that sounds maniacally overconfident: how to write like a rock star.
When I shared news of my debut, HOW TO BE A ROCK STAR (illustrated by Daniel Duncan) with an acquaintance at dinner, I was flummoxed by her first question: “Are you a rock star?”
“What? No…”
“Then how do you know how to be a rock star?”
“Well, it’s humor, and I was inspired by my son and I just … wrote … it.”
One way to show people you’re a rock star is to sound smooth.
But in the days that followed, I realized HOW TO BE A ROCK STAR is all about staying strong in the face of challenges and being true to your (extra loud) voice. And in that way, I am 100% a rock star. If you’re in 12 x 12, so are you. Here’s how to write like the rock star you are:
First, you need a band
No rock star is truly a solo artist. As picture book writers, you need critique partners to develop your craft. If you find the right partners, you’re bound to find your Johns (deep and soulful). your Pauls (upbeat and catchy). and your Ringos (in picture books, the highest compliment). Personally, I think I’m a George – a late bloomer who still has a lot to say.
If you’re lucky, you’ll find an agent, an editor, an illustrator (if you’re not one), an art director, a publicist, a marketing director and more who all work together to bring your idea to life. That’s serious star power.
Next, write an album
Picture books aren’t so different from songs – they’re often lyrical, short, and more complicated than they seem.
In 12 x 12, the goal is to write 12 picture books a year – about as many as the songs you’d find on a solid album. Will all those songs be hits? Nope! That doesn’t mean they’re bad, or that the songwriter should stop writing. It means it didn’t catch the attention of the right ears at the right time. Even radio’s a subjective business.
You might be a fan of some underappreciated deep cuts on albums, and you might have your own picture book darlings that don’t stand out enough to agents or editors. Stick with them because…
There’s always the remix
Some of my favorite songs are clever covers of classic songs. Listen to the Scissor Sisters cover Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb,” or Angélique Kidjo’s version of Talking Heads’ “Once in a Lifetime.” These radically different covers make me laugh with their unexpected approaches, and they remind me not to get too stuck to my own tune.
Sometimes as a picture book writer, you need to write a cover version of your own story. If changing a word here and there isn’t helping, can you start from scratch and create something totally different, but keep the tune at its heart?
For HOW TO BE A ROCK STAR, I knew I wanted to write something for my rock star son, but I struggled to find the right story. Many narratives about musicians use stage fright as a central conflict – will the musician make it on stage?! – but I had so much fun rocking out with my son, I didn’t want to introduce the idea that he should be frightened to perform. He was too young for those nerves. When I switched to second person, the pieces fell into place.
Trash your hotel room
If it all fails (and for me, to be honest, it usually does), rip it all up and start over again. A common pitfall for picture book writers is clinging stubbornly to a story that just isn’t going anywhere. Write another one. And another.
You bombed that last set in Cleveland? Would a rock star wallow? Nah, she’d start writing her next song.
And she’d sing it LOUD.
—
Lisa Tolin is a longtime journalist and editor. HOW TO BE A ROCK STAR, illustrated by Daniel Duncan, is her picture book debut. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and rock star children.
Lisa is giving away a non-rhyming picture book critique to one lucky 12 x 12 member at the July check-in.
181 Responses
Thanks for the connection to music. You are a Rock Star.
Thank you and so are you! 🎸
Thanks for a rocking post, Lisa! I love all your tips and look forward to reading your debut picture book!
Thank you I hope something resonates! 🥰
Congratulations on your debut! Your book sounds like so much fun! And you have a great sense of humor. Thanks for the tips. Rock on! 🙂
Thank you! 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
Write it loud! Love it. Thanks for the “rocking” inspiration.
Phew I need that one myself sometimes!
Thanks, Lisa. It reminds me that we all need each other, from beginning to end, and 12 x 12 provides a ton of support. I’m definitely ‘George,’ a late bloomer who still has a lot to say.
Same and I have met so many fabulous CPs through 12×12!
Love this extended analogy! You, Lisa, are a rock star!
Aww thank you!
Thanks, LIsa, for the encouragement to not be afraid to start over or to even scrap that idea / book and start again with something brand new. I also like the idea that 12 PB’s in a year don’t always have to be hits. Can’t wait to read your book and best wishes on future endeavors.
I find so much joy in a new project- and if we aren’t doing it for joy what are we doing it for? (Certainly not money!)
Great interview — and great book! You’re definitely a rock star, Lisa 🙂 Loved the song links. I think about “Once in a Lifetime” a LOT, specifically the line “How did I get here?” The version you shared is now in my song library. Thank you!
Thank you Claire, for all your support and help! You rock. ❤️
Lisa, Love the analogy and the reminder to get back up, write another one, and be louder! Congrats on your book. You definitely ROCK!
Sooo much backup!
Love the advice to not wallow but move on to a new story. Also love that you wanted to keep the concept of nervousness out of the story.
Thank you! I think a lot of books already deal with overcoming anxiety and they’re wonderful! But for this one, I just wanted to rock. 🎸
Lisa, I’m so lucky to be in your writing band. Feeling inspired by your post…I think I’ll go write now! Kids are going to love your book, and family bands are for sure going to rock out after reading it.
That means so much to me, Heather! I couldn’t do it without you.
I want to sing loud. I love that thought. I also want to give up on stories and start new ones. I love the independence and me making the decisions for once. I feel like being in charge after your article.
Ooh hooray! There’s a lot of frustration in this process, so we have to find joy (and power!) where we can.
What a rockin’ post! I’m ready to rock and roll! Thanks for the pep talk!
Thank you back! These wonderful comments are a pep talk for me.
Congrats on your debut inspired by your son! So special!
Thank you! Of course my other son wants his own book, no pressure. 😅
Love this connection to music! Very clever and well said. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!
Love this post! Coming from a family of musicians (although not rock stars), I can totally relate. I especially appreciated the advice to “trash your hotel room” – start over when things aren’t working or you get rejections. The important thing is – don’t give up. Thank you!
Love that you have a musical family! We wrote a faux-musical in the car yesterday. It’s the best. 🙂
Congrats on HOW TO BE A ROCKSTAR!
Thanks so much, Suzie!
I love your comparison of our 12×12 monthly drafts to an album – a couple of hits, a few catchy ones and a couple of just okay attempts! This made me smile!
I found it to be a nice way to give myself grace, which I need!
Great post, Lisa. I definitely have a few rooms to trash. I think I’m George also – I have enough tracks for a triple album package. And if you’re a late bloomer, I must be a reanimated mummy. Thanks for the post and keep on rockin’!
Lololol! My 11-year-old rock star is wearing an All Things Must Pass T-shirt today. Can’t wait to see your tracks.
This looks wonderful!
Thank you! I hope you love it.
Congrats, Lisa!
Thanks, Lisa!
Lisa, love this clever comparison of rock musicians and writers. Great takeaways and fun to read as well! Looking forward to reading your book. Congrats!
Thanks so much, Marty! It’s as close as I’m going to get to being a musician.
How fun–your post left me jammin’! Congratulations on your book, and rock on!
Thank you, Jennifer!
Thanks for the advice, Lisa!
Hope something resonated!
Thanks for sharing your story. I needed the reminder to let some parts of the story go and move on with many new stories.
Honestly my bigger problem is sticking WITH a story instead of running after the next shiny object…
You are so right! Starting over often produces a much better story. The first version was just a trial runt o get to know your characters. The second version often rocks!!
This is something I need to remind myself about! It’s easy to get wedded to your own words and sometimes I can’t see past the original approach.
What a fun comparison of writing and music. I think it’s time to put pen to paper and write another first draft! Thanks for the inspiration!
Ooh I hope you made something beautiful!
Congratulations, Lisa! Love the inspiration and tips to keep the mss rocking to a positive tune. I look forward to reading your book.
Thank you! I have to stay positive or my words just won’t sing.
Lisa, congratulations on How to be a Rock Star, and a big thank you for your down to earth advice – inspiring and motivating!
Thanks so much, Lee!
Congratulations on your debut! Love the advice and connections to music. Rock on!
Thank you! Rock on!
So excited to read this one! 🙂
And I can’t wait to read BRAINSTORM!!
Such upbeat and inspiring advice! Congratulations, Lisa, and rock on!
I’m so glad you felt inspired!
Congratulations Lisa on the upcoming release of your book! I love the thought of writing as a Rock Star…all the “behind the scenes” stuff, and the band it takes to get there. Thank You!
I should have made this a Behind the Music post but then I’d have to get a big ego and drug problems and break up my band…
Thank you so much for the great post. Very helpful and inspiring!
Thank you, Karin!
Thank you, Lisa! I appreciate this reminder.
I need these reminders, too.
You rock, Lisa! Thanks for the great tips. Can’t wait for the release of your debut PB!
Thank you, Judy! I hope you like it!
What an inspiring piece! Thank you. I happen to also be working on songs this year, so this was the perfect post for me. I can’t wait to read your book. It looks amazing! Congratulations on your debut!
Thank you – that is so cool you write music, too! Have you connected with fellow multi-hyphenate Tara Trudel? She’s one of my critique partners and a wonderful songwriter and person!
Loved the analogy. Am working on some remixes!
Same! That sounds better than version 37 of the same document.
I appreciated the comparison to an album, with some hits, and how each tune lands differently on different ears. This is such a subjective business. We just have to keep writing and putting things out there, until we are able to connect with the right agent/editor. Write on!
Oh goodness it is SO subjective and I have to remind myself, too. But as a reader, I think we know intuitively that some books are “for” us and some just aren’t, even though they might be wonderful books. Rejection stinks, though, not gonna sugar coat that.
I loved this book when it was shared earlier in the Forum. So glad you had the chance to describe how it came about. It’s a great mentor text for many formats. Thanks!
Thank you, Marie! I’m so glad you loved it.
Great motivation! I love the Beatles reference. I hope to be a rockstar one day like you!
You are already a rock star! You have to celebrate the work you’re putting in.
Lisa, comparing writing children’s books to being a rock star is a brilliant analogy. You remind me that it’s okay to rip things up and start over and that nothing is ever wasted. Today you’ve inspired me to look forward to my remix! Thank you.
I’m so glad it struck a chord! (sorry)
Wonderfully motivating and makes me want to re-rock my own story. And thank you for reminding me how a change in POV can change the whole story — often for the better. Rock on!!
Yes, you’re inspiring me right back! I think I have some old tunes that need a remix.
Rockin’ advice! Totally inspired by your analogy – thank you. (& l loove Angelique Kidjo. Thanks for the link.)
Isn’t she so cool?!
Lisa your book looks like a fun read. Your kids are lucky to have a rock star for a mom. Thanks for your inspirational post.
Thank you so much! I definitely have rock star children.
Each time I hear of a late bloomer’s success I am encouraged to keep writing. Your book sounds delightful. Congratulations!
There are so many late bloomers in 12×12! One of the things that made me start something late was paying for lessons for my children and expecting them to somehow learn something new while not allowing/trusting myself to do the same.
Thanks for giving me new hope for the many stories I have put aside or given up on rewrites. I think I am a George as well and should write to my own music or inner voice. I am deep, deep into rewrites and hooks and pitches and finding a new way to say things in my manuscripts. I need to use critique corner more often as well. You’ve helped me with inspiration today.
I’m so glad, Sheri! Sometimes these stories need to go in a drawer for a while before we can think of a way to revive them.
It’s always great to encourage kids to play an instrument and read. Good luck with your book.
Thank you, Chelle!
Lisa, you’re a rock star at giving writing advice too! That was brilliant. Thank you so much!
Thank you! It’s advice I need, too.
Thank you, Suzie!
Thanks so much, Marty! It’s as close as I’m going to get to being a musician.
Love the Beatles and your post! Congratulations on your debut! Keep on rocking!
Thanks so much, Patricia!
Having critique partners is like having band members. Love the analogy. Gives me a whole new perspective to think about. Thank you.
Fabulous post! And you’re absolutely right. We are all rock stars! Thanks for the reminder. 🙂 Loved all your analogies of “needing a band” and “creating an album of stories”. So many things to take away, thank you. And congrats on your debut! Can’t wait to read it.
What a fun (and inspirational!) analogy, Lisa! 🙂 (And it doesn’t hurt that it has so many shout-outs to the Beatles, who are definitely inspirations to me in many ways.) Rock on, sister!
I love this book and I love this post! Lisa, you are a rockstar on so many levels and thanks for convincing us that we might be too!
Great post, Lisa! Thank you for sharing your story and giving us a peek at your writing journey. I loved your comparison of rock musicians to writers. My husband was a musician – the lead singer/guitarist of the group, so I can totally relate! Your advice of ‘trash your hotel room’ was perfect, as we all have had manuscripts that needed ‘remixing.’ The important thing is not to give up when you hit the wall and things are not working out, or when you receive another rejection letter/email. You just need to remix… and ‘Rock On!!’
Lisa, you rock! This is a wonderful analogy with lots of helpful advice. I hope your pb goes PLATINUM!
I love it! Such great advice to BE a rock star! Congratulations and best wishes!
Oh my goodness, these analogies are SPOT ON. Thank you for the pep talk, Lisa! Rock on!
Thanks, Lisa! This post is so much fun! I love all the clever analogies. And congratulations on How to Be a Rock Star… you rock!
Thank you, Lisa! Maintaining one’s writing confidence can be challenging, but important. Also important…not being afraid to toss and start again.
Congratulations Lisa! Thank you for sharing such inspirational tips on each of us working hard at becoming rockstar authors and illustrators!
Marianne
You are a rock star!
Such great advice! Can’t wait to read your book!
Love this analogy. Great post and congrats on your debut- you rock! Thanks for the inspiration, and the Beatles lyrics now looping through my head.
Thank you for the advice and congrats!
How To Be a Rockstar has great life lessons for kids and adults alike! I’ll have to read this to my daughter to never forget to be a rockstar and keep rocking out those manuscripts myself!
What an encouraging and upbeat message! Thank you for sharing.
From one George to another, you rock! Thank you for this inspirational post.
A very inspiring post! Love the rock star comparisons — Sometimes as a picture book writer, you need to write a cover version of your own story. Congratulations on your PB debut!
So love this! What a fun post. I can’t wait to read your book!
This post was such a fun read! Congrats on your debut! It looks fantastic!
Great post and perfect timing, I have a draft that has not been working and I will use some of your tips. Congrats on your debut book!!! Wishing you continued success!!!
Lisa, How great to see you having success! Loved your analogy to making a remix- yes sometimes it is necessary to take a whole new approach!
Lisa- I alsolutely loved this post especially how it was based on someone questioning your authority to write the book by asking if you were a rock star. The way you came to the realization that not only are you a rock star but all members of 12 by 12 are rock stars. Your advice was spot on and so easy to relate to with the rock band metaphor. I will definitely be checking out your book. Thanks so much for inspiring us!
Perfect timing for this post for me! I have been keeping up with 12×12’s monthly draft mandate but feeling kind of fake about it because I’ve only really solved the story on 2 or 3. I love the perspective of the remix and going back to the drawing board. (Sorry for mixing art and music metaphors here.) Thanks for the encouragement and rock on!
Hilarious and so on point.
Love the metaphor here! Thanks for this post – it made me smile!
Hip hip hooray for kids who are Rock Stars! Thanks Lisa for your wonderful insight!! Rock on!
Wonderful post with great advice. Thank you!
Love the story behind the story, and how a musician’s struggle connects to writing!
That post rocked me! Can’t wait to read your book!
Thank you for sharing your insight!! Congrats on your book.
I love this! It reminds us to remember to not take everything so seriously … at least, not take ourselves so seriously, but DO take our craft seriously! When we get up against a wall (writer’s block, re-writer’s block, whatever) we can just rock out, move, shout and generally break things loose!
Awe. Looks and sounds adorable. Congrats!!!
Thanks, great tips.
Thanks for a great post. Things I need to keep in mind!
Thank you for sharing your story, Lisa. Congratulations on your debut! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of HOW TO BE A ROCK STAR!
I love this analogy! Thanks for sharing some humor and advice. Congratulations on your book. You rock!
Well said, Lisa! The book looks adorable. Can’t wait to check it out.
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I love the way you compare writing to being a rock star–humorous and insightful.
What a great analogy! Sounds spectacular!
Every kid’s dream – Looks good for library Storytime!
Thank you for your positive advice on what to do with a great idea that isn’t going where you want it to (I have a “few” stories doing that)
Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your book !!
Write a different cover of your story–what a great way to look at it. Thanks
Yay congrats on your book, and to you and Rock Stars everywhere! 🙂
Congratulations on your book!
Rock on!
Some excellently rockin’ tips! Congratulations on the book!
What an excellent post! Thanks for sharing this!!
Lisa, what a fun idea for a story! Thank you for sharing your journey.
Tracy
This was brilliant Lisa. Your post has inspired me to channel my inner rock star!
I love this Lisa! Rock Star advice, for sure! I especially love thinking about participating in 12×12 as creating my album. This is my second year, so by December, I’ll have made 2 albums!! So encouraging 🙂
Congratulations on your book! I absolutely LOVE how you weave music with writing… but of course 🙂
Thank you for sharing!
I love the analogy to music and thinking of this years stories as making my album. ONe I can play over and over again till I know every lyric. Your son is blessed to have a Mom who is willing to rock out with him. Dancing with my kids are some of my best memories:) Thank you!
Thanks for inspiring us to think like a rock star!
I loved reading this book when you dropped it into the Forum! So glad to see it’s on bookstore shelves. All the best to you and all the little rock stars out there!
Thank you for this clever and humorous post! Not only is it those two things, but it is full of encouragement and good advice!
Congrats on your book and I wish you lots of picture book success!!
Loved this blog post, Lisa!! And congrats on your book!! Can’t wait to read it!
Love this post! The idea of remixing those stories that haven’t yet worked is a great one!
This looks like a cute book and I love the theme! Rock on!
This is awesome, Lisa! And a big congratulations. Very exciting!
Thank you for the advice! Congratulations on your debut!
Such a clever, encouraging post! Thank you for the rockin’ advice 🙂 Congratulations, Lisa!
Lisa, I love this. Thank you for the inspiring post. My sisters and I always say, “Rock out with your socks out!”
LOVE THIS! I not only printed it out, but added the four parts of how to write like a rock star to the quote page in my writing planner. Thanks!
Lisa, I love that you said you were a George… I feel like that Beatle too! So awesome, thank you!
I love this analogy SO much! Thanks for the chuckle. Now to go trash the hotel…
You got a PB published — you ARE a Rock Star!!! Looks fun and funny; excited to read it!
A great insightful post! Wonderful analogies. I’m a George but I try to be John, Paul and Ringo when I critique.
How did I miss reading this post earlier? I love your advice – especially finding the band. I love writing with co-authors, too. Congratulations on your book!
Who doesn’t want to be a rock star? I love the idea of remixes 🙂 Congrats, Lisa!
Lisa, your post hits home in many ways.
Living in a family of musicians (as the only non-musician) I can totally relate to the musical analogies. I like your comment that an album has many songs all of which aren’t hits, but all of which had to be thought of, written down, and revised to the end product by someone being creative. That’s a lot of work, all of should be satisfying for the creator.
Thanks for the inspiration!
I love the energy of this post, and the book sounds and looks awesomeeee.
You need a band: I’m in two critique groups and frankly, I could use a third. And talk about late bloomers, I am the latest of the lates. Great post. Thanks.
Love this creative post and the music links! Congratulations on the book, Lisa, and thank you for an inspiring post!
Thanks, Lisa, for your encouraging post. I hope kids will have fun with your rock-star book.