Planning “Attack of the Pocket Fuzz”

Nineteen years ago, I wrote a series map for more Esmerelda books. “Attack of the Pocket Fuzz” was the second option in the series list of titles. Now, that my illustrator is making progress with the first book, I need to go ahead and write the second one. I have been watching several independent authors vlog lately just to ease drop on their progress and process.

Unfortunately, divine inspiration in the middle of the night doesn’t make for a consistent or relevant process for writing children’s book series. Thus, I have been researching other authors’ processes. I noticed a consistent theme of mapping or prewriting with graphics. I force my student writers to use graphic organizers on a weekly basis, so it does seem feasible for me to use them too. I printed off several graphic organizers off my Canva page, and I attempted to be inspired to pre-write yesterday. However, I drew a blank most of the day.

Thankfully after resting a little today, the planning stage for “Attack of the Pocket Fuzz” was successful. I found myself creating the idea for two new characters in this book–her sister and her dog. The puppy is technically introduced at the end of the first book, so it seems natural to allow Rocket to be seen in the sequel. I also have an upcoming book where Esmerelda learns of a new baby in the family, so I added Jane, a little sister to the second book.

I wonder if I actually have developed a pre-writing process now? I guess when I finish this book, and repeat the process for the next one–I will really have a pre-writing process.