Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Uncovering the Story: Layered Text


By Lisa Kahn Schnell



I started.

I didn’t intend to write a book with layered text. To be honest, I’m not even sure I’d heard the term when I started writing. But the pattern of short phrases followed by longer sections of prose on the same page emerged, so I went with it. It’s just what worked.

I explored.

I had already waded deep into my project—my curiosity about horseshoe crabs led to internet searches, piles of books and articles, phone interviews, and horseshoe crab tagging. Then, on a research trip to help band migrating shorebirds, I wandered down to the beach before dawn. I thought I’d be lucky to find a few clusters of horseshoe crabs. But as my eyes adjusted, I discovered a swath of thousands of these animals clambering in the waves as far down the shore as I could see.  

Knowing about the annual horseshoe crab spawning event and standing in the water as moonlight reflected off each point and curve of their convoluted shells were two entirely different things. Alone that morning, I knew I had to find a way to share this moment. But how could I capture on paper the jumble of energy, facts, and observations that were in my head?

I wondered.

I started by asking myself a lot of questions, and I made a lot of lists. What was it, at the most basic level, that I wanted to share? Which details mattered most? I was dedicated to creating a nonfiction book, but as much as I love all the incredible information—and truly, the facts are fascinating! —it was ultimately the feeling of awe, the wonder and amazement, that I was trying to communicate.

I structured.

When I distilled my lists and thoughts down to the basics, I ended up with…another list. But now it was a list with shape, a mini-symphony of horseshoe crabs, birds, and people braiding in and out. It built, it crescendoed, it receded—kind of like the annual spawning cycle itself. I’m always a little uneasy until I find my structure, that unsung hero that holds a project together. Now I had it—short, repetitious bursts of words that linked the various parts together and felt sturdy enough to hold what I wanted to say.

I layered.

With each bit of text, I could easily recall my pre-dawn walk, the way tiny shore birds peeped and skittered along the water’s edge, and all the other experiences I’d had. But for that kid in Kansas or Chicago who had never seen wild horseshoe crabs, I wanted more. So, I added sentences full of observations, facts, and sensory moments to develop the feeling of excitement and make the drama of the event clearer.

I envisioned.

Picture books have another layer, too: illustrations. As an artist, I pay close attention to how images bring a book to life and create a deep connection with the reader. In this case, I knew that for many children, just going outside, let alone staring down a bizarre, prehistoric-looking creature, might be overwhelming.

Before I ever sent the manuscript to an editor, I used a draft of my text to make a book dummy, and then sketched out some illustrations myself. From that process emerged the idea of having a guide—in this case, a child to follow through the pages.

Thankfully, my fantastic editor and illustrator were both open to my idea. (This is not a given, and I was very thankful for their openness to my suggestions!) In the final illustrations, we see friendly, inviting faces that amplify the feeling of the moment and put the reader at ease. Hey, I hope the reader thinks, if that kid can be out there, face-to-face with a horseshoe crab, I could be too.

I recommended.

Tempted to try layered text for your project? There are lots of benefits. Young children, impatient listeners, and parents with only a brief time to read can focus on the short top layer, and enjoy the images. Other readers can dig deeper into the main text (and the back matter—yet another layer), depending on time and interest. Repetition in the top layer provides an opportunity to consider how the same phrase can change meaning depending on the expanded text below it, and it allows readers to enjoy success with recognizing familiar words and sounds.

For examples, mentor texts, and more thoughts on this subject, check out the resources listed below.

It’s over…until I start again.

I’m happy with how the layered text worked for this project. But who knows what structure will emerge next time! For any project, I look forward to the moment when I’m finally able to relinquish control and let whatever it is I have to say take over. It’s a little scary, a little exhilarating, and—despite the layers of challenges in this sort of creative work—it’s the thrill that keeps me coming back for more.  
Mentor Texts:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lisa Kahn Schnell writes, draws, and shares the stories of the strange and wonderful creatures she encounters wherever she is—from Alaska to Ghana to her current home in Pennsylvania. High Tide for Horseshoe Crabs, a celebration of one of the animals Lisa has fallen in love with, was an AAAS/Subaru SB&F Excellence in Science Writing Prize Finalist, an Outstanding Science Trade Book, a Cook Prize Honor book, and one of Bank Street College of Education’s Best Children's Books of the Year (Outstanding Merit). Visit Lisa at lisakschnell.com and follow her @lisakschnell

ABOUT THE PRIZE
Lisa will be giving away one picture book critique.

Leave one comment below about what struck you in the post.

You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered NF Fest participant and you have contributed one comment below.
 

175 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing your experience with a layered text. As a reading teacher for children with reading disabilities, I find these this structure to be helpful. Older readers can participate in reading a short amount of text without the book feeling like “a baby book.” It gives more information that a more able reader can then share with them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That makes perfect sense, but I had never thought of it before. Thanks for letting me know, Gail!

      Delete
    2. Great post, Lisa! Thank you for sharing your process of structuring or layering your texts. I will definitely be checking out the books you listed as mentor texts

      Delete
  2. Your suggestions are helpful, Lisa, and useful in writing nonfiction that engages all readers. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love this as I have been working on a NF PB with layered text myself. Thanks for the great list of mentor texts and the advice about dummying. I did this early on, but many revisions later, I think it is time to revisit. And formatting your blog post as a layered text? Brilliant! -Sara Ackerman

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Sara! And best of luck with your project.

      Delete
  4. I am a big believer in layered text in my nonfiction (I think I've used it in every picture book I've written so far). It allows me so much room to experiment with structure, rhythm, content, and so many other parts of my writing!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I remember falling in love with the structure of your book when I first read it. And I love the way you mirrored that structure in this post. Thanks for the peek into your process, Lisa!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I like the way she wrote: "When I distilled my lists and thoughts down to the basics, I ended up with…another list. But now it was a list with shape, a mini-symphony . . ." Sounds like a good process to learn.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lisa, I remember reading and studying HIGH TIDE FOR HORSESHOE CRABS. I love your book and how it perfectly captures the wonder of the spawn. I used to see horseshoe crabs on Cape Cod as a child but it was the crabs (I don't remember what kind) we saw spawn one morning. Thank you so much for sharing your process. I love writing about the natural world and it's helpful to see how you found your structure.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you for the wonderful lessons in this post.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lisa, Thank you so much for sharing your process! I am a big list maker too, so it's comforting to see how other people shape books out of their lists. I love looking at different structures, so this gave me some great food for thought. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you for showing and telling us about layered text!I also appreciate the other examples and will check them out.

    ReplyDelete
  11. My former job was in interpretive signage and layered text was exactly how we wrote our text. Layered text is perfect for the busy traveler and wandering individuals alike. I'll need to check out a few of your mentor texts. Thanks for the post!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for giving me a look into your process. I love lists too, and I love how you ask yourself questions as a beginning to those lists. What a great way to start.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have studied this book numerous times and love the structure. I think I need to dig it out again for a current project. Ty for the other mentor texts an the view of your process, Lisa.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Layers and lists - a winning combination! Thank you for the peek at your process.

    ReplyDelete
  15. So intriguing, especially your explanation: "But now it was a list with shape, a mini-symphony of horseshoe crabs, birds, and people braiding in and out. It built, it crescendoed, it receded—kind of like the annual spawning cycle itself."

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love idea you gave of distilled all your info into lists and then distilled further to the essence of what you wanted to convey.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for the insight into your process as well as for the suggested mentor texts.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I like to pack in a lot of information and feeling in my work. Thank you, Lisa, for providing the details on how you accomplished that. I'm excited to check out your book!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Lisa, I love sharing the wonder and finding the structure for telling the story.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love 'a mini-symphony' and 'it built, it crescendoed, it receded'!

    Analogies are a great thing!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I loved your analogies. I also like how your research "distilled" into lists" It's the perfect word!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Lisa's layered structure is broken down so even I can follow it. Thanks for sharing your process.
    Melanie Vickers

    ReplyDelete
  23. "How could I capture on paper the jumble of energy, facts, and observations that were in my head?"
    I can totally relate to this. I love how you simplified the process by starting with lists and questions.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks for the explanation of your process, Lisa! And I appreciate the mentor texts!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I did NOT know that format was called layered text but I liked it when I was reading to my kids for just the reasons you mentioned. Also ALL THOSE HORSESHOE CRABS. I thought it was bad at Tybee in August when the beach is covered with jellyfish! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  26. I loved your discussion of the benefits of layered text! Thank you, Lisa. And the mentor texts are so helpful too.

    ReplyDelete
  27. How wonderful to see all the ways to layer texts. I had done this for educational publishers, but that was always dictated by the house style. I appreciate the mentor texts that show creative ways to make an appealing text.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Your explanation of how and why you layered your book is so helpful. Short phrases that lead one into the text were also successfully used in this post. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Love your post! [but please make sure someone else wins your critique ;) ]

    ReplyDelete
  30. I like this idea for structuring the text. It appeals to me. I wonder about the word count demon, but I would still like to try it on my pbs. Thanks for a great idea!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Emily,

      I'm curious to know what you mean about the word-count demon--?

      Delete
  31. Such an interesting way of structuring your book! Thanks for sharing your process. I'm about to start on the backmatter on a bio with a very small wordcount--maybe I could layer the info into the story instead. You've got me thinking!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Love the idea of a layered structure.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thanks for your great post, and also for including mentor texts! I'm a person who needs this step in order to fully understand how the process looks on paper. Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Love your ideas on layered text. Your point that "parents with only a brief time to read can focus on the short top layer, and enjoy the images. Other readers can dig deeper into the main text" rings so true. I am experiencing this first hand as I now have an elementary school child and a new baby: different attention spans and needs but still able to enjoy the same books. Thank you for the incite into your process!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Wow! Mind blown! I can't wait to read your book and the mentor texts listed to learn more about this amazing technique. This post makes non fiction seem like a genre I can tackle in thr future. Not that this seems easy, but it gives me ideas for good topics. Thanks for sharing your writing process with us.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thank you for the list of mentor texts. Off to order some from my library!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thank you for posting your layered style of writing. It is like wearing many layers of clothes, peeling each off to reveal something, beautiful and special.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thanks for the great information on how to layer your text so the book can reach a wider audience.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thanks for this great post. I love layering, and I'm glad for morementor texts.

    ReplyDelete
  40. What a great post: This line especially resonated with me: Repetition in the top layer provides an opportunity to consider how the same phrase can change meaning depending on the expanded text below it, and it allows readers to enjoy success with recognizing familiar words and sounds.

    And I should probably create more lists! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thanks, Lisa, for sharing your process. I especially liked how in awe you were when you came upon the thousands of horseshoe crabs along the beach. Your feelings and emotions at that moment enabled you to write the book you were destined to write.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Layered text is such an intriguing technique to tell a story. I might give it a try. Also, horseshoe crabs are cool!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Loved this post because one of my WIPs is a layered text about the physics of sound.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh! Sounds interesting! I look forward to reading it someday. : )

      Delete
  44. With a family beachhouse on the Delaware shore, HIGH TIDE FOR HORSESHOE CRABS has been on my favorites list for a while, and then I realized it was a fabulous mentor text due to its layers. Thanks so much for sharing that process, and the list of other examples!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's actually how this whole project started--a walk on the beach while we were staying at my cousins' beach house. Thank you for your kind words about my book, and keep your eyes open for other ideas there on the Delaware shore!

      Delete
  45. Layered text is an intriguing idea. Horseshoe crabs are a wonderful subject - they seem to bridge the gap between eras.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Something we keep hearing over and over...Structure. Structure. Structure. Thank you for all these examples, they help me think deeper about structure in my own work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! Finding a structure really does seem to be key to moving forward with a manuscript. The wonderful author Loree Griffin Burns wrote a series of blog posts about exploring structure. Some years have passed, but so much of what she says is still true. Here are the links:

      https://loreeburns.com/studying-structure/
      https://loreeburns.com/can-we-save-the-tiger-part-1/
      https://loreeburns.com/can-we-save-the-tiger-part-2/
      https://loreeburns.com/can-we-save-the-tiger-part-3/

      Delete
  47. I love to hear about new structures for nonfiction stories. I am running out right now to go to the library to find your book and the others on your list. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thanks, Lisa, for sharing your process and giving us great mentor texts including a link to Wendy Hinote Lanier’s post on layering. Very helpful!

    ReplyDelete
  49. I am excited to try this format. Thanks for sharing your experience and process!

    ReplyDelete
  50. thanks for sharing your "process" for layered texts. It's good to know that the process changes for each story. We just need to discover it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That process of discovery definitely keeps things interesting!

      Delete
  51. Thank you for sharing this, Lisa! I haven't tried writing a layered text book yet, but I've noticed the structure in a lot of our favorite nonfiction books!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Audrey. I'd love to hear about some of the other books you enjoy that use layered text.

      Delete
  52. I love reading how you built the multi-layered text for your book -- helps me with my own writing.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Lisa, thank you for this informative post on your process and layered text. I'm curious to read more about it and see how it will apply to my writing.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi Lisa, how would you set up your manuscript if you are trying a layered text model? Do you set up two different manuscripts or, for example, do you build it out as one manuscript, but with story A and story B on each page? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Faygie,

      I think of it as one continuous manuscript. The first layer is short, almost like an introduction, and then the expanded text continues the same subject but goes more in depth.

      When I formatted my manuscript for submission, I put that short layer for each page in bold (isolated on its own line) and then put the expanded text below it as a paragraph. Then the next short/bold line, followed by its associated paragraph, and so on. It's basically how I set up my blog post. I hope that helps!

      Delete
  55. I think layering is a real advantage when trying to reach across age groups. I loved hearing how your visit to the ocean during spawning inspired your structure.

    ReplyDelete
  56. What a wonderful idea to incorporate layers to be able to share with a variety of age groups and interest levels. Thank you Lisa! Be Inspired, Nicki Jacobsmeyer

    ReplyDelete
  57. My latest story unfolded itself in layers as I wrote it. I am looking forward to using your book as a mentor text to refine its structure. Thanks for sharing your process with us.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I was considering writing my next PB in layered text. Thank you fir the information and the additional inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Thank you for your explanation of layered text ❤️

    ReplyDelete
  60. Lisa, thank you for sharing your exhilarating journey into finding the layered text approach for your horseshoe crab book. I felt like I was there on the beach with you.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Thanks for this step-by-step guide to exploring a possible topic. This will be very helpful in figuring what's my story. I think this helps narrow it down, "What was it, at the most basic level, that I wanted to share? Which details mattered most?"
    -Ashley Congdon

    ReplyDelete
  62. This is my favorite sentence of so many great observations in this post: "I’m always a little uneasy until I find my structure, that unsung hero that holds a project together." Struggling to find the right structure for a story can be so agonizing and I love how you describe the way it came to you! Thanks for sharing the layers in your work :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Jyoti. And I'm with you--it really is tough. Best of luck with your work!

      Delete
  63. Yes, love the idea of layered text. Something for everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Thank you Lisa for this inspiring post. I appreciate how you showed your organization and process. This is a great topic!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Thanks Lisa, for this insightful post. I love how you pulled back the curtains on your writing process.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Love your discussion of layers and how you thought of young readers who have had no similar experiences and may need lots of scaffolding. Thank you for the post!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Thank you, Lisa, for the insight into multi-layering and your process for High Tide for Horseshoe Crabs. The sight of so many crabs on the one beach must have been breathtaking.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Thank you for sharing your expertise with this process. I can see layered texts being helpful when parents are reading to kiddos of different ages, and love your description of ”distilling” your research as you work. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Your post beautifully lays out your process for developing a layered text - a format that I'd like to play around with in the near future. Thank you for the example mentor texts and links - Priscilla

    ReplyDelete
  70. Your post is fascinating - now I have your book on hold at my library and looking forward to seeing how this structure works in the book. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  71. I appreciated your sharing how you developed the layered text for this book, explained some of the benefits of layered text, and the list of mentor texts to help us along. Fascinating post!

    ReplyDelete
  72. I know I will write with layered text at times, but my question is how you format it for submission. Do you have tips?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Teresa,

      I formatted it pretty much just like I did my blog post. The initial short/intro layer for each page is in bold (isolated on its own line), and then I put the expanded text below it as a paragraph. Then the next short/bold line, followed by its associated paragraph, and so on. I'm sure there are other formats that could also work, but I'd keep it as streamlined as possible.

      Delete
  73. I'm trying to work out a layered text of my own so this was really helpful! I love the form--I think it offers so much to both readers and writers!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Thank you for sharing your process with us and for the mentor texts! I’m learning so much from your post (and others in this month-long challenge) about the importance of structure in non-fiction books. I really appreciate it! 🙂🙂🙂

    ReplyDelete
  75. Lisa, how serendipitous to walk on the beach and witness what you had been researching! So exciting- wow 😁 thanks for sharing the steps in your journey and for the mentor text ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Love layered text! It makes so much sense for many reasons and is especially helpful for reading aloud. Thank you for your answer to a question above about how you presented your version in the manuscript. I had written my deeper text as sidebars, but I like your idea of separating the two by making the "top layer" bold. Makes it look less disjointed.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Thanks Lisa! I love layered text and have just been recently discovering how to write it. This post is so timely :)

    ReplyDelete
  78. I still don't have a handle on layered texts. But I'm planning to look at the mentor texts you mentioned to learn more. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Lisa's "I’m always a little uneasy until I find my structure" stuck out for me...finding a structure is definitely very hard and things don't fall into places until there is a structure. (p.s. Horseshoe crabs are SO very cool)

    ReplyDelete
  80. "Structure as an unsung hero that holds a project together." Love this idea, and so much more that you explore in this post. You've given me precious thoughts to consider with regards to structure, text, and how all the elements of a manuscript come together. Thanks! I appreciate your insight.

    Celia Viramontes

    ReplyDelete
  81. It is so important to keep in mind that child in Kansas or Chicago who might not have the same coast experiences we do.
    Thanks for the insightful post.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Lisa, I appreciate your explanation and illustration of layered text in this post. And I'm so happy for you that you got to witness the spectacular spawning event.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Thank you so much for sharing that insight on layered text! There is so much for me to learn!!!

    ReplyDelete
  84. First off, horseshoe crabs are the coolest! Second, Thanks for sharing this interesting format.

    ReplyDelete
  85. I really loved this sentence: "Repetition in the top layer provides an opportunity to consider how the same phrase can change meaning depending on the expanded text below it, and it allows readers to enjoy success with recognizing familiar words and sounds." That is what I'm looking to do! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  86. I love layered text and all the possibilities that are available. I have so much to learn on the HOW to put together layered text effectively. I think I've mostly discovered the ways that aren't as effective. But we keep trying!

    ReplyDelete
  87. You've given me much to think about and try. Thanks for providing the mentor texts!

    Jennifer Lane Wilson

    ReplyDelete
  88. I love your post. I too am always seeking ways to show the awe I feel around nature or when I learn a new fact and how to present it to children in the hopes that they can feel it too. I am traveling soon and will question my findings in the way you suggest. (ps. my maiden name is Lisa Kohn, but pronounced like Kahn). A small world moment. Best of luck.

    ReplyDelete
  89. I love that you wanted to communicate wonder and amazement. This is often where I start from... Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Lisa, this opened my eyes to a new way to structure non-fiction. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  91. I love reading layered text. Thank you for the mentor books. I'll look for each of them today on my visit to the local library.

    ReplyDelete
  92. I love how you broken down your post into sections to show how it's possible to add layers to your writing. Your suggestions for mentor texts are superb!

    ReplyDelete
  93. I love the idea of asking questions and making lists, digging deep to find what it is you want to share, and then creating an experience for kids, especially those who may never have the experience in person.

    ReplyDelete
  94. I like the way she came up with a method of showing her joy, amazement and excitement over her subject matter. She did her due diligence.

    ReplyDelete
  95. Lisa, thank you for so clearly describing your process of creating and layering your book. It will be a helpful guide when I work on my next nonfiction book!

    ReplyDelete
  96. Thanks for explaining your process in such detail and for the list of examples. Discovering the structure can be so difficult.

    ReplyDelete
  97. I used a layered format for my first Picture book, Mighty Mac, The Bridge That Michigan Built, as well! Thanks for sharing your process.

    ReplyDelete
  98. I thought I understood what is meant by layered text, until I read your lovely, lyrical post. Thank you for clarifying--I didn't know what I didn't know!

    ReplyDelete
  99. As an adult reading nonfiction picture books for mentor text, I appreciate layered books. I am hoping to published a layered book myself and have the shorter text drafted and now need to complete the next layer.

    ReplyDelete
  100. Thanks for helping us uncover the layers!

    ReplyDelete
  101. Thank you for sharing the layering process on your book

    ReplyDelete
  102. I am really looking forward to reading your book, both with a reader's eye & a writer's eye, digging into all those layers :) Thanks for your informative post!

    ReplyDelete
  103. Thanks for a great post! I love learning about how you layered your text. And thanks for the great mentor text selections!

    ReplyDelete
  104. Thank you Lisa for putting a name to what I’m trying to do with my first NF PB manuscript! I had no idea I was layering it :) And thank you for listing some good mentor texts for the format. And posts, too! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  105. I'm always fascinated to learn more about layering. Thankyou, Lisa.

    ReplyDelete
  106. Thanks for he list of layered books. That must have been quite a sight when went to the beach and saw all those horseshoe crabs. Wow.

    ReplyDelete
  107. Lisa, this gives me a new way to structure non-fiction and thank you! I have been fascinated by horshoe crabs myself for years, I'm going to look for your book!

    ReplyDelete
  108. I loved reading about your process of discovery. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  109. Thanks for sharing this process. It just may unlock a manuscript that I've been stuck on! Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  110. It's daring and exciting to let the text reveal its own structure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hadn't thought about it that way, but thank you, Susan!

      Delete
  111. Lisa, thank you for such an indepth look into how and why you created layered text in your NF. I can't wait to dig into the mentor text with your comments in mind.

    ReplyDelete
  112. Oh! Thanks for sharing... of course, I'm adding all these to my TBR list (library trip is calling me.) I'm not 100% sure what your "layering" looks like, but I like to "sprinkle" a fact or two, quotes etc, into a PB page of a narrative NF text. Of course this makes more sense in Bios, but this is exactly what I want to look at (mentor text-wise) in other NF. Again, thanks for sharing your insights!

    ReplyDelete
  113. Thank you for sharing! I hadn't heard layered texts explained this way before and it is very helpful!

    ReplyDelete
  114. This is great; I especially love the term "guide" for a child who may not be mentioned in the text but appears in the illustrations to experience the science.

    ReplyDelete
  115. I love this book and I love hearing that the structure emerged gradually as you played. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  116. Lisa, thank you for sharing your experience and learning journey in developing the layered text of your story. Looking forward to deepening my understanding of NF layered text writing when I read HIGH TIDE FOR HORSESHOE CRABS.

    ReplyDelete
  117. I read.
    Wow. Layering text sounds like a really cool technique that I'd love to try.

    I learned.
    I really appreciate the tips about making list and incorporating sensory experiences along with facts and observations, as well as the recommendations for mentor texts.

    I loved.
    It was very meta how you layered your post about layering!

    ReplyDelete
  118. I love the insight into your process, Lisa. High Tide for Horseshoe Crabs sounds like a fantastic read. Can't wait to get my hands on it.

    ReplyDelete
  119. I'm really intrigued by the concept of layered text and I'm thrilled that you provided a list of mentor text to help me explore this structure. I'll be starting with HIGH TIDE FOR HORSESHOE CRABS!

    ReplyDelete
  120. Such an interesting and unique form for nonfiction! I hope to encounter a subject that speaks to me in this format. Thanks, Lisa.

    ReplyDelete
  121. I didn't know what layered text was. Thank you. Hope to be able to effectively use it.

    ReplyDelete
  122. Thanks for your interesting post on layered text. Have to read this one again too!

    ReplyDelete
  123. I'm so thankful to learn more about how you created your beautiful book! I love the concept of layering as well as learning how you created a mockup of your manuscript.

    ReplyDelete
  124. Thanks for explaining layered text and breaking down your steps.

    ReplyDelete
  125. Great post. I actually have a NF ms that uses that structure, but I didn't know that's what it was called! I understand what you mean by the structure "emerged". It's just the way you can best tell your story. Thanks for sharing all the great information and your process.

    ReplyDelete
  126. I'm eager to read your book and the mentor texts you listed. This style of writing is really an art form!

    ReplyDelete
  127. Curious how you suggest lists and distill them - turning all into musical elements. Especially love the topic since I grew up on NYC beaches when they were loaded w/ horseshoe crabs!

    ReplyDelete
  128. Thank you, Lisa, for sharing the benefits of writing in layered text.

    Suzy Leopold

    ReplyDelete
  129. Thank you for taking us on a journey as you explore and wade deep into your project on horseshoe crabs and the magical experience of discovering a swath of thousands of these animals clambering in the waves as far down the shore as I could see. Thank you for also subtitling your explanation with activity: “I started. I explored. I wondered. I structured.”

    ReplyDelete
  130. Layering seems like a brilliant strategy, accommodating both "speed readers" and those who want to delve deeper. Thank you for sharing your insights, Lisa!

    ReplyDelete
  131. I love reading layered nf picture books and have often even read them in story times! Thank you Lisa . It was good to be reminded to explore and discover and decide what, "at the most basic level," to share. My writing can provide sensory detail as well as layers of facts and fun. Thanks for being such a great guide!

    ReplyDelete
  132. Asking a lot of questions, making a lot of lists, figuring out which details matter most. Thank you for this post, Lisa. And I really enjoyed the way you structured it..."I started, I explored, I wondered..."

    ReplyDelete
  133. Thank you for bring this up. Such a nuanced way to tell a story, and your post is perfectly laid out to understand the process you used.

    ReplyDelete
  134. Thanks for the post. I never thought about layering in a PB before. It made me do a little more research on the subject and go back and look at my manuscripts.

    ReplyDelete
  135. I didn’t realize this was called layered text. Very interesting and helpful!

    ReplyDelete
  136. Lovely tips on layering and bonus mentor list too. Thanks. Maria Johnson

    ReplyDelete
  137. Thanks for teaching this retired teacher something new. I've read it before, but didn't have a name for it. Now, I do! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  138. The explanation of how the story took shape through layers is so helpful. I'm intrigued by using lists to help find the structure.

    ReplyDelete
  139. I love the idea of structure as "an unsung hero that holds the project together." Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  140. I've really wanted to play with layered text. Thank you for the tips and mentor texts.

    ReplyDelete
  141. I had never even heard of layered text. I’ll be studying it right away for the book I’m working on. The structure has eluded me for years so I was relieved hear that this is not necessarily a problem or failure, just part of the process.

    ReplyDelete
  142. I've always loved layered texts, and the fun of discovering facts underlying the adventure splayed out on the page. Thanks for the careful analysis of this process, Lisa.

    ReplyDelete
  143. I've always loved layered texts, as a teacher. Now as an author. I didn't know this was the name for it until I watched a webinar the other day.

    ReplyDelete
  144. Lisa, I have High Tide for Horseshoe Crabs on my shelf of picture-book mentor texts. Kristen Fulton recommended it a couple years ago. I love it! "It's starting" is a perfect opening line--immediately creating mystery and curiosity in the reader's mind.

    ReplyDelete
  145. Not only is this post very informative, it was so beautifully written! Thank you, Lisa!

    ReplyDelete
  146. Thanks for sharing your process. Very enlightening.

    ReplyDelete
  147. The multi-dimensional approach makes for a richer read.

    ReplyDelete
  148. This is so helpful, Lisa! Studying this concept will help writers using layered text. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  149. Thank you for your lovely post. I can't wait to read your book and the mentor texts!!!

    ReplyDelete
  150. Thanks so much for the post and additional resources!

    ReplyDelete
  151. I love the idea of layering! I’m also excited to read your books ASAP. 😊

    ReplyDelete