Poetry Friday: An Update on ONE STEP FORWARD
Our Poetry Friday host this week is Rose! Hop on over to my poetry pal’s website for the roundup.
One Step Forward Update
I have some news on One Step Forward. The pub date has been moved to March 4, 2025, just in time to celebrate Women’s History Month.
I’m a big fan of Maggie Smith’s Substack (and her poetry). Recently, she wrote a great post about her process and how she figures out the order of her poem from her first draft. I love this last bit she wrote:
“When you’re trying out different options for how a piece of writing might unfold—where to begin, where to leave the reader, and what happens in between and in what order—keep a soft grip. No white-knuckled holds allowed! Let the piece surprise you.”
I’m hoping for the same as I launch this book in 2025. I’m letting go of the white-knuckles and trying to keep a soft grip. Many thanks to those of you who pre-ordered. I’m sorry for the longer wait. I hope you will find it worth it!
Haiku of the Week
after days of sun
seep in to nudge daffodils
they debut in rain
Photo Taken: March 5, 2024 in my yard
Haiku Written: March 6, 2024
Poem as Picture Book
by Curtis Manley
Illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann
Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, 2024
This book is a series of 50 linked haiku that tell the story of a child hiking a volcano.
Poetry Connections
- Haiku
- Narrative Poetry
- Vivid verbs
- Personification
- Alliteration
- Imagery
Links
Grow
My grow this week is learning to be flexible as things change with my books. I am trusting that things will work out as they are supposed to.
26 Comments
Rose Cappelli
Love the photo of the rain on the daffodils. And thanks for introducing me to Maggie Smith. I’m enjoying her posts. Here’s to fingers crossed (but not too tightly) that things are smooth from here on out with your book.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
So glad you are enjoying Maggie Smith! Her newsletter and books are so great!
Irene Latham
Have I mentioned how much I love your cover, Marcie?! Next March will be perfect!! Yay for releasing the white knuckles. xo
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Irene! 🙂
PATRICIA J FRANZ
Love “sun/seeps in” —
And Brava! for letting go and growing with it!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Whew! Letting go can be hard! 🙂
Susan Thomsen
March does sound perfect for the book launch, as Irene is saying! Beautiful photo and haiku. Our daffodils are blooming, too.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Susan!
Linda Baie
I love “They debut in rain”, Marcie, wishing (instead of snow) we would have some of that rain! I imagine you would like to shout that you want your book now! But congratulations for its being on the way, a really wonderful thing! Happy weekend, too!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Gosh! It’s so late for snow, but I know so many parts of the country are getting hammered with snow!
Mary Lee Hahn
I LOVED Climbing the Volcano! I thought of you when I read it, knowing it would be perfect for your series of reviews!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Hooray! So glad you thought of me. I really enjoyed it.
Tracey Kiff-Judson
I am excited for One Step Forward in 2025! Has anyone mentioned that the cover art resembles you?! : )
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Aww! Thanks! It’s rendered from a photo of the character. 🙂 But I did connect with her a lot.
Sarah Grace Tuttle
Your haiku is a beautiful snapshot– thank you!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you!
Bridget Magee
Excited for “One Step Forward”, Marcie, whenever it arrives. A “soft grip” is a great way to move through life, too. 🙂
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Totally agree! Soft grip on life is so important!
Denise Krebs
Yes, here’s to a soft grip and never white-knuckles! Excited for your new book–it’s still less than a year’s wait. I love the rain-drenched daffodils in your photo and poem.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Denise!
Heidi Mordhorst
I, too, love the cover, and while delays are frustrating, the timing of your book couldn’t be more perfect. “debuts in rain” is unexpected and lovely, and may apply also to ONE STEP FORWARD! Thanks for the haiku picture book tip!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Heidi! As the song says, “the waiting is the hardest part…”
Carol Varsalona
Marcie, you certainly got this photo to blend in with the weather conditions here in VA. The photo definitely shows raindrops on the daffodil-such a stilled moment.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Yes, we’ve had a rainy spring!
janice scully
Your daffodil photo is so bright and I love the word nudge in your haiku. It’s what the sun seems to do. I’d love to read the Manley book and see how the text and pictures work together.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Hope you’ll pick it up! It’s a gem!