Lynn Rogalsky

“Welcome to My Manuscript”

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It’s been one week since I attended the SCBWI AZ “Welcome To Our House” Convention. Last year was my first time as the Arizona chapter celebrated 25 years. I was a bit star-struck then as I listened to literary agents and editors. I also was in awe at all the other writers there.

This year the theme was “energize, nurture, and grow,” so I took advantage of the opportunity to submit a manuscript for evaluation by an agent or editor. When I got it back full of marks on each page I wasn’t surprised. Neither was I stunned by the full page hand-written notes by the editor. Everything she suggested was golden and will help shape my picture book into a better story to submit out into the world when that time comes.

What did surprise me as I read over the wise remarks was my reaction to my story, even though I knew it needed help. I’ve been studying the craft of writing for children since 2008 and it struck me how much more I need to learn to apply what I have studied. That is the nurturing and growing part.

The other plus was the new writer friend – Savannah – I made this year. I look forward to keeping in touch with her (we already have), as she’s very nice, and a fellow dog-lover. I also connected with other acquaintances. That alone is energizing. Just like the photo above – flowers growing in the sunlight…together.

What or who enlivens your writing or writing process?

Published by Lynn Rogalsky

I'm a former TV News Producer/Reporter who now has a love for writing children's picture books and middle grade novels. As an active member of the Arizona chapter of the Society for Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI-AZ), I attend workshops to better my writing craft, and mingle with other like-minded children’s book writers/illustrators published and pre-published. Being a member of a dynamic SCBWI writer’s critique group is a monthly highlight. I'm actively submitting my children's manuscripts to agents and editors. Here’s my writing background: Lynn Rogalsky is a native (since age 5) of Tucson, Arizona where she befriends the saguaros and wildlife. Since she grew up in this beautiful desert city, a thread of Southwest flavor shows up in many of her humorous stories for children. Lynn became aware of her writing talent by a middle school English teacher. During her high school senior year, Lynn’s English teacher also praised her writing abilities. She encouraged Lynn to study Journalism, which she did at Pima Community College and the University of Arizona. Lynn began her professional writing career as a newsroom intern at KGUN Ch. 9, Tucson’s ABC-affiliate TV station. She quickly worked her way up to News/Feature Writer and 10PM News Producer, giving her B.A. in Journalism a good workout. Currently, Lynn works as a freelance Slogan Writer, which takes a lot of creativity to project an idea in one short phrase. In the past, she has enjoyed working as a Copywriter for a catalog company and ad agency. With a minor in Creative Writing, later she yearned for more than news and feature stories. Lynn fell in love with the idea of writing for children at a workshop given by award-winning children’s author, Jennifer Ward in 2008. That spark took flame after meeting another Tucson children’s author at the Pima Writers’ Workshop. As an active member of SCBWI since 2008, Lynn has been inspired by many authors and fellow members. In Spring 2009, she completed the class “Writing For Children” at Pima College, taught by award-winning children’s book author, Juanita Havill. Lynn has since written multiple picture book manuscripts, one chapter book, and has a middle grade novel in the works. She loves writing and working “quirky” into her manuscripts. Photography is another passion of Lynn’s, and she often incorporates her own photographs in her writing blog, Whimsical Words Blog. She has also had my photos hanging in galleries. Visit her photography fan page, Through Lynn’s Lens on Facebook. I can't live without my faith, family, friends, dogs, and Indian food. Thanks for stopping by!

6 comments

  1. How funny, I didn’t see your post until after my blog posted. Thank you for your kind words. I too would agree there is always so much to learn. Which can be fun but also frustrating at times!

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  3. Your photograph is a great example of what you wrote. I find that I go through cycles of reading a lot then writing a lot. Having writing friends is very important to me. It keeps me going when ideas or word are taking a holiday.

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