Sunday, December 29, 2013
Current Scratch: Happy New Year....
You might have noticed the blog has been quiet this month. We are on BLOG VACATION for December. We will be back next month with the Current Scratch!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Current Scratch: Join Us!, Sad News, Opportunity, Tip, & Big News!
Howdy, folks! Bundle up with a good book or your current work in progress, Old Man Winter decided to arrive early in Texas!
JOIN US!
*Remember, there's no monthly Schmooze in November & December. But don't forget...
JOIN US!
*Remember, there's no monthly Schmooze in November & December. But don't forget...
Our Annual Holiday Party. Dress in your festive finery!
Bring a guest or come alone to the annual SCBWI-BV Annual Holiday Party.
This year is a holiday crawl in downtown Bryan 206 W 26th St , Bryan ,
TX 77803 222 N Main St , Bryan , TX 77803
Share what you've achieved this year and what you hope to
achieve next year. Did you read a good book this year? Let us know. :)
Let's play trivia. Brush up on your Newberys and Caldecotts.
:) Do you know which books won the year you were born? Can you name all the RAs
of SCBWI-BV?
Giving opportunity! (TBA) Bring one book to be given to a
worthy cause.
Food and beverages will be availble for individual purchase
at each step on the crawl.
***
Dec. 6--Candilynn Fite will be signing her picture book, LITTLE ACORN'S BIG FALL at the annual Christmas Stroll in Brenham, after the parade (7:00-8:30) at the Brenham Book Nook.
Dec. 7--Sherry Garland and illustrator Layne Johnson will
sign Voices of Pearl Harbor at the National Museum of the Pacific War (Admiral
NimitzMuseum), Fredericksburg ,
TX
SAD NEWS
As children lit lovers, we mourn the loss of one of our own. A lovely tribute to the creator of Junie B. Jones, Barbara Park.
OPPORTUNITY
SCBWI and the Author's Guild partner up to create the Children's Book Section of BookTalk Nation. Very cool! Check it out!
WRITING TIP
What happens when you craft that story. The one you love with all your existence, only to discover people don't like it? Darcy Pattison offers some sage advice.
BIG (HUGE) NEWS!
Way to go, Kathi Appelt!!! Read the BEST news ever Here .
Also, Kathi Appelt and her book THE TRUE BLUE SCOUTS OF SUGAR MAN SWAMP was a 2013 National Book Award Finalist. You can read her interview Here.
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily
those of the SCBWI.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Current Scratch: Join Us! Around Texas, Reading
November is upon us, and, brrr, it's cold! I hope you are snuggled up with good books or blazing through your Nanowrimo, or writing happy words at your own speed.
JOIN US!
No Schmooze in November. Enjoy your Thanksgiving, folks, and we hope to see you for the Annual Holiday Party. Dress in your festive finery! Bring a guest or come alone to the annual SCBWI-BV Annual Holiday Party.
This year is a holiday crawl in downtown Bryan. We start at Uncorked, 206 W 26th St, Bryan, TX 77803, and then at 6:15, we will arrive at Caffe Capri, 222 N Main St, Bryan, TX 77803, and have an entree. By 8:15, we will move up the street to Murphy's Law for yummy desserts. Come to all or drop in when you can.
Share what you've achieved this year and what you hope to achieve next year. Did you read a good book this year? Let us know. :)
Let's play trivia. Brush up on your Newberys and Caldecotts. :) Do you know which books won the year you were born? Can you name all the RAs of SCBWI-BV?
Giving opportunity! (TBA) Bring one book to be given to a worthy cause.
Food and beverages will be availble for individual purchase at each step on the crawl.
AROUND TEXAS
The annual SCBWI Austin conference will be February 8-9, 2014. Click here for details.
The annual SCBWI Houston conference will be April 26-27 2014. Click here for details.
READING
Here is an interesting article in PW about what are the new trends in YA.
Nanowrimo is throwing bunches of writing tips out there. Here is a link.
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
JOIN US!
No Schmooze in November. Enjoy your Thanksgiving, folks, and we hope to see you for the Annual Holiday Party. Dress in your festive finery! Bring a guest or come alone to the annual SCBWI-BV Annual Holiday Party.
This year is a holiday crawl in downtown Bryan. We start at Uncorked, 206 W 26th St, Bryan, TX 77803, and then at 6:15, we will arrive at Caffe Capri, 222 N Main St, Bryan, TX 77803, and have an entree. By 8:15, we will move up the street to Murphy's Law for yummy desserts. Come to all or drop in when you can.
Share what you've achieved this year and what you hope to achieve next year. Did you read a good book this year? Let us know. :)
Let's play trivia. Brush up on your Newberys and Caldecotts. :) Do you know which books won the year you were born? Can you name all the RAs of SCBWI-BV?
Giving opportunity! (TBA) Bring one book to be given to a worthy cause.
Food and beverages will be availble for individual purchase at each step on the crawl.
AROUND TEXAS
The annual SCBWI Austin conference will be February 8-9, 2014. Click here for details.
The annual SCBWI Houston conference will be April 26-27 2014. Click here for details.
READING
Here is an interesting article in PW about what are the new trends in YA.
Nanowrimo is throwing bunches of writing tips out there. Here is a link.
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Current Scratch: Join Us, Announcement, Local Events, Big News, & Interest
The end of October is upon us, but fear not, folks! There's still time to break out your cauldrons and brew a spooktacular project for the upcoming winter months.
JOIN US!
The Schmooze topic for Wednesday, Oct. 30, is "Revisiting Revision." From picture books to 60,000-word young adult novels, all manuscripts need to undergo revision before they are ready to send to an editor or agent. Learn tips for revising your work and join the discussion! 10 a.m. Wednesday in theCollege
Station
***ANNOUNCEMENT***
The Piney Woods Retreat scheduled for Nov. 15-17 has been cancelled due to low registration. We haven't given up on the idea, but we will use a different format in the future.
LOCAL EVENTS
Children's Literature Book Club will meet on October 24th,Arts Center in College
Station
Nov. 9--Sherry Garland’s book signing for Voices of Pearl Harbor, Barnes & Noble, College Station, TX. Sherry is scheduled for a Story Time at 10:30am, Saturday November 9 and will continue with a book signing from 11am-12pm, potentially 1pm, if her schedule allows. *Signing time may change.
Nov. 9--Christie Craig will be at Larry J. Ringer Library (College Station
Dec. 3--Holiday
Celebration, 7 pm. Location TBA
Dec. 7--Sherry Garland and illustrator Layne Johnson will sign Voices of Pearl Harbor at the NationalMuseum of the Pacific War (Admiral NimitzMuseum),Fredericksburg ,
TX
BIG NEWS, FOLKS!
Kathi Appelt's THE TRUE BLUE SCOUTS OF SUGAR MAN SWAMP made it into the top five for the National Book Award for Young Peoples Literature! You can read about it here. You can read the full review of Kathi's book here. Congrats, Kathi!!
Also, Sherry Garland on Oct. 23 -- will be interviewed by Sharon Colson for her TV Magazine Program on the topic of VOICES OF PEARL HARBOR. The program will be aired three times: Oct. 31, Nov. 2 & Nov. 3 on KAMU-TV, the local PBS station. Congrats, Sherry!!
INTEREST
The Texas Book Festival is this weekend, October 26 & 27. A fun, free, literary event in Austin.
Interested in attending the SCBWI Winter Con? Check out details on the SCBWI blog.
Slick Write is a free online tool to check your writing for potential stylistic mistakes and other features of interest.
Check out this cool announcement. The USPS will issue a Harry Potter stamp this November for the holidays.
November is the month for NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, where writers can find support and motivation all while writing 50k in 30 days.
If novels aren't your genre and picture books are, check out PiBoIdMo, Picture Book Idea Month in November as well. By generating 30 picture book ideas in 30 days, a fabulous idea (or two) is sure to be in the mix!
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
JOIN US!
The Schmooze topic for Wednesday, Oct. 30, is "Revisiting Revision." From picture books to 60,000-word young adult novels, all manuscripts need to undergo revision before they are ready to send to an editor or agent. Learn tips for revising your work and join the discussion! 10 a.m. Wednesday in the
***ANNOUNCEMENT***
The Piney Woods Retreat scheduled for Nov. 15-17 has been cancelled due to low registration. We haven't given up on the idea, but we will use a different format in the future.
LOCAL EVENTS
Children's Literature Book Club will meet on October 24th,
Nov. 9--Sherry Garland’s book signing for Voices of Pearl Harbor, Barnes & Noble, College Station, TX. Sherry is scheduled for a Story Time at 10:30am, Saturday November 9 and will continue with a book signing from 11am-12pm, potentially 1pm, if her schedule allows. *Signing time may change.
Nov. 9--Christie Craig will be at Larry J. Ringer Library (
Dec. 3--
Dec. 7--Sherry Garland and illustrator Layne Johnson will sign Voices of Pearl Harbor at the NationalMuseum of the Pacific War (Admiral NimitzMuseum),
BIG NEWS, FOLKS!
Kathi Appelt's THE TRUE BLUE SCOUTS OF SUGAR MAN SWAMP made it into the top five for the National Book Award for Young Peoples Literature! You can read about it here. You can read the full review of Kathi's book here. Congrats, Kathi!!
Also, Sherry Garland on Oct. 23 -- will be interviewed by Sharon Colson for her TV Magazine Program on the topic of VOICES OF PEARL HARBOR. The program will be aired three times: Oct. 31, Nov. 2 & Nov. 3 on KAMU-TV, the local PBS station. Congrats, Sherry!!
INTEREST
The Texas Book Festival is this weekend, October 26 & 27. A fun, free, literary event in Austin.
Interested in attending the SCBWI Winter Con? Check out details on the SCBWI blog.
Slick Write is a free online tool to check your writing for potential stylistic mistakes and other features of interest.
Check out this cool announcement. The USPS will issue a Harry Potter stamp this November for the holidays.
November is the month for NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, where writers can find support and motivation all while writing 50k in 30 days.
If novels aren't your genre and picture books are, check out PiBoIdMo, Picture Book Idea Month in November as well. By generating 30 picture book ideas in 30 days, a fabulous idea (or two) is sure to be in the mix!
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Current Scratch: Local Events, Good News, Opportunities.
Howdy, folks! Yay, cooler weather is here. Yards are green. Every one's yard is blooming. I hope that your work is blooming too.
JOIN US
Join us on Oct. 30--Schmooze: “Revisiting Revision”--10 a.m. at Barnes& Noble,College Station , TX
B.V. EVENT
LOCAL EVENTS
JOIN US
Join us on Oct. 30--Schmooze: “Revisiting Revision”--10 a.m. at Barnes& Noble,
Piney Woods Retreat, Nov. 15-17, 2013 for writers and illustrators in the pines of East Texas at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center near Palestine , TX
LOCAL EVENTS
Oct. 26-27--Texas Book Festival, Austin , TX
Nov. 9--Sherry Garland’s book signing for Voices of Pearl Harbor, Barnes & Noble, College Station, TX (time to be set around the football game)
Nov. 15-17--Piney Woods Retreat, Lakeview Methodist Conference Center , Palestine , TX (info above)
Dec. 3--Holiday Celebration, 7 pm. Location TBA
Dec. 7--Sherry Garland and illustrator Layne Johnson will sign Voices of Pearl Harbor at the National Museum of the Pacific War (Admiral Nimitz Museum ), Fredericksburg , TX
GOOD NEWS
Kathi Appelt's The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp is on the National Book Awards Long List! From the site: "Newbery Honoree and National Book Award finalist Kathi Appelt presents a story of care and conservation, funny as all get out and ripe for reading aloud."
Molly Blaisdell fangirl rom-com PLUMB CRAZY-- to Georgia McBride at Swoon Romance,a nice deal, a 2-book deal, for publication in May 2014, reported in Publisher's Marketplace.
OPPORTUNITIES
New Imprint -- all digital -- Bloomsbury Spark -- Read about it in PW.
Macmillian Children's Books has opened a new site called Swoon Reads. Read about it at Galley Cat.
Check out Merit Publishing yet another new publishing venture available to authors. Read about it on PW.
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
GOOD NEWS
Kathi Appelt's The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp is on the National Book Awards Long List! From the site: "Newbery Honoree and National Book Award finalist Kathi Appelt presents a story of care and conservation, funny as all get out and ripe for reading aloud."
Molly Blaisdell fangirl rom-com PLUMB CRAZY-- to Georgia McBride at Swoon Romance,a nice deal, a 2-book deal, for publication in May 2014, reported in Publisher's Marketplace.
OPPORTUNITIES
New Imprint -- all digital -- Bloomsbury Spark -- Read about it in PW.
Macmillian Children's Books has opened a new site called Swoon Reads. Read about it at Galley Cat.
Check out Merit Publishing yet another new publishing venture available to authors. Read about it on PW.
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Current Scratch: Join Us!, Piney Woods Retreat, Local Events, Big News, & All About Middle Grade
Howdy, folks! There's something invigorating about the first cool spell of fall. Cooler weather seems to lighten the mood. Wouldn't you agree? It's time to plan your winter book projects. So put on a pot of chicken n' dumplings and let's get to writing and / or illustrating!
JOIN US
Read any good middle grade books lately? Five middle grade titles are among the ten books on the new longlist for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature!
B.V. EVENT
LOCAL EVENTS
SCBWI Executive Director, Lin Oliver, and President, Stephen Mooser, strongly believe that, “it is time that SCBWI recognize that there are new models for publishing. The Spark Award is one way we can reward those authors and illustrators who are pursuing independent and self-publishing in a legitimate and high quality way.”
ALL ABOUT MIDDLE GRADE
JOIN US
Read any good middle grade books lately? Five middle grade titles are among the ten books on the new longlist for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature!
Join us on Sept. 25 for a discussion of current middle
grade titles, topics, and trends. We'll meet at 10 a.m. in the Science corner of the College
Station Barnes & Noble. Come early for a gentle critique session that
begins at 9:30.
Piney Woods Retreat, Nov. 15-17, 2013 for
writers and illustrators in the pines of East Texas at Lakeview
Methodist Conference
Center near Palestine , TX
LOCAL EVENTS
Sept. 26--Children's Literature Book Club, 4:30 p.m. at Arts Center ,
College Station , TX
Sept. 29--Fantasy author Cinda Williams Chima reading and
signing, 4 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, College
Station , TX
Oct. 26-27--Texas Book
Festival, Austin , TX
Oct. 30--Schmooze: “Revisiting Revision”--10 a.m. at Barnes
& Noble, College Station ,
TX
Nov. 9--Sherry Garland’s book signing for Voices of Pearl
Harbor, Barnes & Noble, College Station, TX
(time to be set around the football game)
Nov. 15-17--Piney Woods Retreat, Lakeview
Methodist Conference
Center , Palestine , TX (info above)
Dec. 3--Holiday
Celebration, 7 pm. Location TBA
Dec. 7--Sherry Garland and illustrator Layne Johnson will
sign Voices of Pearl Harbor at the National
Museum of the Pacific War (Admiral Nimitz
Museum ), Fredericksburg , TX
BIG NEWS!!
THE SOCIETY OF CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS
DEBUTS THE SPARK AWARD FOR INDEPENDENTLY-PUBLISHED WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS
The SCBWI is pleased to announce the creation of The Spark
Award, an annual award that recognizes excellence in a children’s book
published through a non-traditional publishing route. The award is open to current writer and/or
illustrator SCBWI members who have independently-published a board book,
picture book, chapter book, middle grade, or young adult novel through an
established self- publishing enterprise or individually self-published.
SCBWI Executive Director, Lin Oliver, and President, Stephen Mooser, strongly believe that, “it is time that SCBWI recognize that there are new models for publishing. The Spark Award is one way we can reward those authors and illustrators who are pursuing independent and self-publishing in a legitimate and high quality way.”
Check out the SCBWI guidelines for the Spark Award here.
ALL ABOUT MIDDLE GRADE
Find out what MG titles are on the New York Times Bestseller list.
Author William Alexander on writing MG books.
Two agents discuss everything you wanted to know about MG.
The views expressed here are my own, and not
necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Current Scratch: Join Us!, Local SCBWI Events, Local Author Events, PB Blogs, PB Best Sellers, PB Awards, PB Agents, PB Digital Markets
Howdy, folks! Fall is on! We have tons of stuff to cover on the blog. Pull out your calendars and pens. Lots of upcoming events. Also here is the PB love. As promised a mega-load of picture book resources is below. Set aside a day for research. Enjoy!
Remember, if you have an event, we want to know about it. Let us know about your news! We like to shout it out. Please email us. Thanks!
JOIN US!
For our next Schmooze: Wednesday, September 25, 2013 and our topic is: “What is Middle Grade Today". We meet at 10 a.m. in the College Station Barnes & Noble, 711 Texas Ave.
Gentle critique begins at 9:30 a.m. Bring 5 copies of 5 double-spaced pages to share. Feel free to join us for lunch afterwards.
LOCAL SCBWI EVENTS
Sept. 26--Children's Literature Book Club, 4:30 p.m. at Arts Center, College Station, TX. Read The Great Unexpected by Sharon Creech, plus any picture book illustrated by David Diaz.
Nov. 15-17--Piney Woods Retreat, Lakeview Methodist Conference Center, Palestine, TX.
Dec. 3--Holiday Celebration, 7 pm. Location TBA
LOCAL AUTHOR EVENTS
Okay, it's time to pull out your calendars because we have stuff to do this fall! We are one on fire region!
Sept. 13--Texas Word Wrangler Festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Giddings, TX
(Candy Fite and Connie Grudzinski will be appearing.
Sept. 15--Kathi Appelt’s Book Release Party & Signing for The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp, 3:30-5:30 p.m., College Station, TX
Sept. 21--Kelly Bennett’s Launch Party for Vampire Baby, 11 a.m. at Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
Sept. 29--Fantasy author Cinda Williams Chima reading and signing, 4 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, College Station, TX
Oct. 26-27--Texas Book Festival, Austin, TX
Nov. 9--Sherry Garland’s book signing for Voices of Pearl Harbor, Barnes & Noble, College Station, TX (time to be set around the football game)
Dec. 7--Sherry Garland and illustrator Layne Johnson will sign Voices of Pearl Harbor at the National Museum of the Pacific War (Admiral Nimitz Museum), Fredericksburg, TX.
PB (PICTURE BOOK) BLOGS
http://theartofchildrenspicturebooks.blogspot.com/ - A blog that focuses on the art and artists of vintage children's books, largely from the 1950's through 1980's.
http://designofthepicturebook.com/ - Carter Higgins's blog, a writer (mostly picture books and middle grade novels) and graphic designer (mostly motion). She's also the Children's Book Editor at Design Mom.
http://paulayoo.com/napi/ - NATIONAL PICTURE BOOK WRITING WEEK (AKA “NaPiBoWriWee”) will take place May 1-7, 2014.
http://wwwpamcalvert.blogspot.com/p/picture-book-university.html -- This is a free self-paced to help you improve your creation of picture books.
http://picturebookillustration.blogspot.com/ -- this blog celebrate the art of picture books worldwide is a feast for the imagination. Brought to you by Shelley Davies & Julie Fortenberry.
http://www.picturebookparty.co.uk/ -- Discover the best new Walker picture books and go behind the scenes with the authors and illustrators.
http://planetesme.blogspot.com/ Esme Raji Codell – The Wonderful World of PlanetEsme!. A self proclaimed professional readiologist™ who thinks children's trade literature and read-aloud is our best hope for equalizing education in America.
http://susannahill.blogspot.com/p/perfect-picture-books.html -- Author Susanna Hill sorts through the best of the best picture books.
PB BEST SELLERS
New York Times Children's Picture Book Best Sellers.
Children's Illustrated Best Seller list from Indie Bound.
PB AWARDS
http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/2013-Golden-Kite-Award-Winners
http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/greenaway/current_shortlist.php
http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/books/zolotow.asp
http://www.bookweekonline.com/2013Finalists
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal
PB AGENTS
http://wwwpamcalvert.blogspot.com/p/picture-book-agents.html -- offers a list of literary agents that are currently accepting picture books.
From Chuck Sambucino's Guide to Literary Agents.New Literary Agent Alert:
Kathleen Zakhar of Harold Ober Associates
Fiona Kenshole of Transatlantic Agency
Danielle Smith of Foreword Literary
PB DIGITAL MARKETS
The universe of PBs is expanding. The following links will help you on your journey of exploration.
http://www.meegenius.com/faqauthor
http://storybird.com/artists/
http://xistpublishing.com/
http://utales.com/
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Remember, if you have an event, we want to know about it. Let us know about your news! We like to shout it out. Please email us. Thanks!
JOIN US!
For our next Schmooze: Wednesday, September 25, 2013 and our topic is: “What is Middle Grade Today". We meet at 10 a.m. in the College Station Barnes & Noble, 711 Texas Ave.
Gentle critique begins at 9:30 a.m. Bring 5 copies of 5 double-spaced pages to share. Feel free to join us for lunch afterwards.
LOCAL SCBWI EVENTS
Sept. 26--Children's Literature Book Club, 4:30 p.m. at Arts Center, College Station, TX. Read The Great Unexpected by Sharon Creech, plus any picture book illustrated by David Diaz.
Nov. 15-17--Piney Woods Retreat, Lakeview Methodist Conference Center, Palestine, TX.
Dec. 3--Holiday Celebration, 7 pm. Location TBA
LOCAL AUTHOR EVENTS
Okay, it's time to pull out your calendars because we have stuff to do this fall! We are one on fire region!
Sept. 13--Texas Word Wrangler Festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Giddings, TX
(Candy Fite and Connie Grudzinski will be appearing.
Sept. 15--Kathi Appelt’s Book Release Party & Signing for The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp, 3:30-5:30 p.m., College Station, TX
Sept. 21--Kelly Bennett’s Launch Party for Vampire Baby, 11 a.m. at Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
Sept. 29--Fantasy author Cinda Williams Chima reading and signing, 4 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, College Station, TX
Oct. 26-27--Texas Book Festival, Austin, TX
Nov. 9--Sherry Garland’s book signing for Voices of Pearl Harbor, Barnes & Noble, College Station, TX (time to be set around the football game)
Dec. 7--Sherry Garland and illustrator Layne Johnson will sign Voices of Pearl Harbor at the National Museum of the Pacific War (Admiral Nimitz Museum), Fredericksburg, TX.
PB (PICTURE BOOK) BLOGS
http://theartofchildrenspicturebooks.blogspot.com/ - A blog that focuses on the art and artists of vintage children's books, largely from the 1950's through 1980's.
http://designofthepicturebook.com/ - Carter Higgins's blog, a writer (mostly picture books and middle grade novels) and graphic designer (mostly motion). She's also the Children's Book Editor at Design Mom.
http://paulayoo.com/napi/ - NATIONAL PICTURE BOOK WRITING WEEK (AKA “NaPiBoWriWee”) will take place May 1-7, 2014.
http://wwwpamcalvert.blogspot.com/p/picture-book-university.html -- This is a free self-paced to help you improve your creation of picture books.
http://picturebookillustration.blogspot.com/ -- this blog celebrate the art of picture books worldwide is a feast for the imagination. Brought to you by Shelley Davies & Julie Fortenberry.
http://www.picturebookparty.co.uk/ -- Discover the best new Walker picture books and go behind the scenes with the authors and illustrators.
http://planetesme.blogspot.com/ Esme Raji Codell – The Wonderful World of PlanetEsme!. A self proclaimed professional readiologist™ who thinks children's trade literature and read-aloud is our best hope for equalizing education in America.
http://susannahill.blogspot.com/p/perfect-picture-books.html -- Author Susanna Hill sorts through the best of the best picture books.
PB BEST SELLERS
New York Times Children's Picture Book Best Sellers.
Children's Illustrated Best Seller list from Indie Bound.
PB AWARDS
http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/2013-Golden-Kite-Award-Winners
http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/greenaway/current_shortlist.php
http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/books/zolotow.asp
http://www.bookweekonline.com/2013Finalists
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal
PB AGENTS
http://wwwpamcalvert.blogspot.com/p/picture-book-agents.html -- offers a list of literary agents that are currently accepting picture books.
From Chuck Sambucino's Guide to Literary Agents.New Literary Agent Alert:
Kathleen Zakhar of Harold Ober Associates
Fiona Kenshole of Transatlantic Agency
Danielle Smith of Foreword Literary
PB DIGITAL MARKETS
The universe of PBs is expanding. The following links will help you on your journey of exploration.
http://www.meegenius.com/faqauthor
http://storybird.com/artists/
http://xistpublishing.com/
http://utales.com/
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Current Scratch: Interest, Business Buzz, For the Illustrator, & Just For Fun
Howdy folks! As our summer comes to an end, it's time to fall head first into our writing and illustrating projects. Jump on the productive bus! Need some inspiration? See the Join Us section below. :)
JOIN US
For our next Schmooze: On Wednesday, August 28 for "Picture Book Potpourri"--a panel discussion of the best current books, best resources, acquiring agents, picture book development, U Tales etc. We meet at 10 a.m. in the College Station Barnes & Noble, 711 Texas Ave.
Gentle critique begins at 9:30 a.m. Bring 5 copies of 5 double-spaced pages to share. Feel free to join us for lunch afterwards.
Piney Woods Retreat Nov. 15-17, 2013 for writers and illustrators
Join SCBWI Brazos Valley for a working retreat in the pines of East Texas at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center near Palestine, TX. This event is for working writers and illustrators who need time, space and encouragement to move forward with their works in progress.
Additional information is available here.
Online registration is available at Eventbrite.
To register by mail, please indicate whether you are an author or illustrator, make your check payable to SCBWI Brazos Valley and send it to: SCBWI Brazos Valley P.O. Box 9622 College Station, TX 77842
INTEREST
Looking for helpful information about small business deductions?
Read Highlights Fiction Contest guidelines here.
BUSINESS BUZZ
Here's a WOW story for you: Penguin signs a 13-year-old author!
A success story about a picture book, a girl named Sophie, and a butternut squash, emerging from the slush pile. Too cute!
FOR THE ILLUSTRATOR
Self-Promo Tips
JUST FOR FUN
Love poetry? Neil Gaiman? Watch this!
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Current Scratch: CANCELLED Critiquenic!, Statewide, Middle Grade, Recaps.
Howdy, folks! School is around the corner. Gearing up for a new school year inspires me. Hope your pencils are sharpened and you are ready to do great work!
JOIN US
Need a break? SCBWI-BV Schmooze with us August 28, 2013. Picture Book Potpourri is the topic!
Stay for lunch if you have the time. Gentle critique begins at 9:30 a.m. Bring 5 copies of 5 double-spaced pages of a work in progress to share.
KEEP THE DATE
CANCELLED --August 17th SCBWI Critiquenic CANCELLED!!!!
We recommend that you consider attending the BRAZOS WRITERS' MINI-Workshop: Crime 101.
Date: August 17, 2013
Time: 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Place:Ringer Library in College Station
Piney Woods Retreat
November 15-17, 2013 @ Lakeview Methodist Conference Center, Palestine, TX. Join us for a working retreat in the pines of East Texas. Registration fee covers two nights and six meals:
SCBWI Members--$295 per person for single room; $245 per person for double occupancy
Non-members--$315 per person for single room; $265 per person for double occupancy
Stay tuned for more details.
STATEWIDE
We have SCBWI events statewide. Here are a couple of upcoming events that might fit you.
JOIN US
Need a break? SCBWI-BV Schmooze with us August 28, 2013. Picture Book Potpourri is the topic!
Stay for lunch if you have the time. Gentle critique begins at 9:30 a.m. Bring 5 copies of 5 double-spaced pages of a work in progress to share.
KEEP THE DATE
CANCELLED --August 17th SCBWI Critiquenic CANCELLED!!!!
We recommend that you consider attending the BRAZOS WRITERS' MINI-Workshop: Crime 101.
Date: August 17, 2013
Time: 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Place:Ringer Library in College Station
Should
be very interesting for writers in all genres: stories from the front lines of
law enforcement here at Texas A&M, followed by award-winning mystery writer
Reavis Z. Wortham, who will share his journey to writing success. He will have
copies of his Red River mystery series for sale as well.
Cost
is just $20 and there is no preregistration--just show up!
Piney Woods Retreat
November 15-17, 2013 @ Lakeview Methodist Conference Center, Palestine, TX. Join us for a working retreat in the pines of East Texas. Registration fee covers two nights and six meals:
SCBWI Members--$295 per person for single room; $245 per person for double occupancy
Non-members--$315 per person for single room; $265 per person for double occupancy
Stay tuned for more details.
STATEWIDE
We have SCBWI events statewide. Here are a couple of upcoming events that might fit you.
SCBWI SouthWest Texas -- San Antonio ...Richard Jesse Watson for a full-day picture book workshop on
October 19, 2013. Register here: EventBrite registration page.
SCBWI North Texas -- Dallas...SCBWI North Texas 2013 Regional Conference, Creating Kids Books That Soar. September 21, 2013. For more details follow this link.
SCBWI Austin -- St. Edward University Austin. Graphic Novel Workshop 2013, October 5, 2013. Follow this link for more details: http://www.austinscbwi.com/graphic-novel-workshop-2013/ .
MIDDLE GRADE
Here is some middle grade writing advice from Peter Lerangis, author of 160 books for kids. Check it out at Galley Cat.
Ever wanted to see how a relationship works between a writer and editor. Check out this article from Stephen Roxburgh at PW. Gobsmacked! is an eye-opening experience.
Here is a Letter of Note from E.B. White. On Charlotte's Web, a book is a sneeze. You will love this. It will make you happy.
RECAP
SCBWI Summer conference was a couple of weeks ago. Here is the official recap. Another.
WRITE-ON-CON was just the other day. Here is the link to the content. Check it out. :)
The views
expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the
SCBWI.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Current Scratch: Schmooze, Keep the Date, Publishing, Interest, & Just For Fun
Howdy folks! What're you doing to beat the heat? Hopefully y'all have pens to paper, fingers to keyboards, and / or brushes to canvas. It's the only way to go when the temperature's a risin'!
JOIN US
SCBWI: Need a break? Schmooze with us July 31
Taking the right kind of break from one’s work can make a difference in keeping creativity cranking. “Spend & Restore: Create & Rejuvenate” is Candy Fite’s topic for the Schmooze, Wednesday, July 31, at 10 a.m. in the College Station Barnes & Noble. Come join the discussion about balancing work and restorative activity and rest. Stay for lunch if you have the time.
Gentle critique begins at 9:30 a.m. Bring 5 copies of 5 double-spaced pages of a work in progress to share.
KEEP THE DATE
August 17th SCBWI Critiquenic in the Bryan / College Station area. At the event, we will break into groups by audience/genre with the aim of four in each group. Groups may stay at the cafe or choose to move to another venue nearby. Groups will critique from 10 to 12 and reconvene for lunch at the cafe. Candilynn shares: I attended a Critiquenic in Austin in June; it was highly effective & fun! Details for venue are in the works. Stay tuned!
Piney Woods Retreat
November 15-17, 2013 @ Lakeview Methodist Conference Center, Palestine, TX. Join us for a working retreat in the pines of East Texas. Registration fee covers two nights and six meals:
SCBWI Members--$295 per person for single room; $245 per person for double occupancy
Non-members--$315 per person for single room; $265 per person for double occupancy
Stay tuned for more details.
PUBLISHING
Find out what books will bloom in spring 2014! Go here to get a sneak peek.
INTEREST
Baffled by snazzy literary terms? Think the term "Kill fee" is a secret advance in pay for mystery writers? Stay on top of literary talk here.
When it comes to he said / she said, do you get confused? Darcy Pattison shares the how-to on dialogue here.
JUST FOR FUN
Scholastic has a cool, literary tasty treat for us!
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
JOIN US
SCBWI: Need a break? Schmooze with us July 31
Taking the right kind of break from one’s work can make a difference in keeping creativity cranking. “Spend & Restore: Create & Rejuvenate” is Candy Fite’s topic for the Schmooze, Wednesday, July 31, at 10 a.m. in the College Station Barnes & Noble. Come join the discussion about balancing work and restorative activity and rest. Stay for lunch if you have the time.
Gentle critique begins at 9:30 a.m. Bring 5 copies of 5 double-spaced pages of a work in progress to share.
KEEP THE DATE
August 17th SCBWI Critiquenic in the Bryan / College Station area. At the event, we will break into groups by audience/genre with the aim of four in each group. Groups may stay at the cafe or choose to move to another venue nearby. Groups will critique from 10 to 12 and reconvene for lunch at the cafe. Candilynn shares: I attended a Critiquenic in Austin in June; it was highly effective & fun! Details for venue are in the works. Stay tuned!
Piney Woods Retreat
November 15-17, 2013 @ Lakeview Methodist Conference Center, Palestine, TX. Join us for a working retreat in the pines of East Texas. Registration fee covers two nights and six meals:
SCBWI Members--$295 per person for single room; $245 per person for double occupancy
Non-members--$315 per person for single room; $265 per person for double occupancy
Stay tuned for more details.
PUBLISHING
Find out what books will bloom in spring 2014! Go here to get a sneak peek.
INTEREST
Baffled by snazzy literary terms? Think the term "Kill fee" is a secret advance in pay for mystery writers? Stay on top of literary talk here.
When it comes to he said / she said, do you get confused? Darcy Pattison shares the how-to on dialogue here.
JUST FOR FUN
Scholastic has a cool, literary tasty treat for us!
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Current Scratch: Schmooze, Agents, Self Published, Best Sellers, Fun
Hi, folks: During the summer, managing a writing a routine can be difficult. Schedules aren't as tight and the heat begs for lazy days. Yes, you might be procrastinating. After you try to fry an egg on the sidewalk and bake some brownies in your car, I hope create fab work!
JOIN US
Our next Schmooze at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at the Barnes & Noble, 711 Texas Ave, College Station, TX. Our program will be led by Candilynn Fite. Check out her blog for details about our program. :)
Gentle peer critique begins at 9:30 a.m. Bring 5 copies of up to 5 double-spaced pages.
Summer read? The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi Appelt is out. Getting tons of **** ratings...
AGENTS
Overwhelmed by Twitter but want to know what tweeting agents are looking for, check out this tumblr created to highlight #MSWL -- the literary agent manuscript wish list. Here is the link.
SELF PUBLISHED.
Read the story of succesful indie author Tommy Cohorst. This might give you a little insight.
BEST SELLERS
Wondering what took off last year in children's publishing. Check out this PW article.
FUN
Here is an encouraging little note from Libby Bray. It will cheer you up if you have writing muligrubs. Grab a juice box and head over.
Here is a fun link: Sock puppets tell the hero's journey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yZxs_jGN7Pg#at=71
JOIN US
Our next Schmooze at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at the Barnes & Noble, 711 Texas Ave, College Station, TX. Our program will be led by Candilynn Fite. Check out her blog for details about our program. :)
Gentle peer critique begins at 9:30 a.m. Bring 5 copies of up to 5 double-spaced pages.
Summer read? The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi Appelt is out. Getting tons of **** ratings...
AGENTS
Overwhelmed by Twitter but want to know what tweeting agents are looking for, check out this tumblr created to highlight #MSWL -- the literary agent manuscript wish list. Here is the link.
SELF PUBLISHED.
Read the story of succesful indie author Tommy Cohorst. This might give you a little insight.
BEST SELLERS
Wondering what took off last year in children's publishing. Check out this PW article.
FUN
Here is an encouraging little note from Libby Bray. It will cheer you up if you have writing muligrubs. Grab a juice box and head over.
Here is a fun link: Sock puppets tell the hero's journey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yZxs_jGN7Pg#at=71
The
views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the
SCBWI.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Current Scratch: Schmooze, Publishing News, Interest, & Just For Fun
Howdy folks! Summer is officially here. Hope your works in progress are sizzling!
JOIN US
Our next Schmooze:
"What's Your Favorite Color? and Other Questions to Ask Your
Characters" is the topic for our Schmooze at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June
26, in the Barnes & Noble, 711 Texas Ave, College Station, TX.
Gentle peer critique begins at 9:30 a.m. Bring 5 copies of up to 5
double-spaced pages.
PUBLISHING NEWS
Good news, this report shows young readers still love the printed word.
21st Century Children's Nonfiction Con. Recap HERE.
New opportunities for writers bloom over at Bloomsbury Children's Books.
INTEREST
Wattpad, a way to build an audience.
Do you want to write a novel in 30 days or less? Join Camp NaNoWriMo by July 1st.
How would you like to be the author of a new novel set in Jim Henson's world of The Dark Crystal? Find out more HERE.
JUST FOR FUN (Since June's Schmooze is about getting to know your characters)
Character Worksheet
Another Character Worksheet
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
JOIN US
Our next Schmooze:
"What's Your Favorite Color? and Other Questions to Ask Your
Characters" is the topic for our Schmooze at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June
26, in the Barnes & Noble, 711 Texas Ave, College Station, TX.
Gentle peer critique begins at 9:30 a.m. Bring 5 copies of up to 5
double-spaced pages.
PUBLISHING NEWS
Good news, this report shows young readers still love the printed word.
21st Century Children's Nonfiction Con. Recap HERE.
New opportunities for writers bloom over at Bloomsbury Children's Books.
INTEREST
Wattpad, a way to build an audience.
Do you want to write a novel in 30 days or less? Join Camp NaNoWriMo by July 1st.
How would you like to be the author of a new novel set in Jim Henson's world of The Dark Crystal? Find out more HERE.
JUST FOR FUN (Since June's Schmooze is about getting to know your characters)
Character Worksheet
Another Character Worksheet
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Current Scratch: Publishing News, Social Media, and Book Events.
Howdy folks, summer is ramping up and it is HOT! I hope that your works are on fire too. This is a good time to hunker down in the air conditioning and move forward with your master works.
Our next Schmooze
June 26, 2013
Our next Wednesday’s Schmooze is at 10 a.m. in the College Station Barnes & Noble. Our panel topic is: What's Your Favorite Color? and Other Questions to Ask Your Characters" Before the meeting, a brief critique time begins at 9:30 a.m. Writers may bring up to 5 double-spaced pages of their work-in-progress to share.
Our next Wednesday’s Schmooze is at 10 a.m. in the College Station Barnes & Noble. Our panel topic is: What's Your Favorite Color? and Other Questions to Ask Your Characters" Before the meeting, a brief critique time begins at 9:30 a.m. Writers may bring up to 5 double-spaced pages of their work-in-progress to share.
The Ringer Library in College Station has two events for writers this Saturday June 15, 2012 if you have time.:
Brazos Writers offers Plotting Your Story with Mark Troy from 9:30 to 12:00.
Author Diane Kelly is offers a Horror Workshop from 2:00-4:00 a.m. .
Check out more about these at this link.
PUBLISHING NEWS
Strong season ahead for children's publishers. Check out this article in PW.
New Children's Imprint Sci Fi and Fantasy by publisher Rebellion launched. Read about it here.
Follow the link for a new opportunity, Victoria Wells Arms leaves Bloomsbury to start a children's literary agency.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Check out these 10 mistakes you might be making on Twitter.
Fun Tweet turns up lots tons of responses. Check out Sherman's Alexie's grammar cop rant.
Fun Tweet turns up lots tons of responses. Check out Sherman's Alexie's grammar cop rant.
BOOK EVENTS
Do you have a recently published book? The SCBWI Book Launch Award is now open. It provides $2000 to help market your book: http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/Book-Launch-Award.
Swag. This is the free stuff you offer with book at signings and events -- bookmarks, pins, buttons, magnets, cupcakes, cookies, posters, tattoos, seed packets...authors are creative folk. Here is a new idea: Digital Swag. Check out this article at GalleyCat.
The
views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the
SCBWI.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Current Scratch: Publishing News, Interest, Just For Fun, & Something Meaningful
Howdy folks! Phew. *fans self* If you're anything like me (melts in the sun), this is the time of the year when I spend the hot hours of the afternoon indoors, writing to my heart's content. So dig out those writing and/or illustrating projects and get busy!
JOIN US
June:
PUBLISHING NEWS
Check out the 2013 Children's Choice Book Awards.
Who's acquiring what? Publishers Weekly's Rights Report for the week of May 20th.
Read an interesting story about Barefoot Book's Brave Breakup with Amazon HERE. (Try to say that 5x quickly!)
INTEREST
2013 Cheerios' Spoonfuls of Stories Contest (For unpublished writers only)
This one's for the illustrators! Ever dream of submitting your fabulous artwork to the SCBWI Bulletin? Visit here to find out how.
Here's a cool call for submissions you don't see everyday, and it pays!
JUST FOR FUN
You must read this delightful story of Lost & Bound. It's a publishing success story you'll never forget.
Does your writing get bogged down with boring clichés? If so, check out this nifty tool.
SOMETHING MEANINGFUL
Writers Reaching Out To Others In Need
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
JOIN US
Our next Schmooze May 29, 2013
Our next Wednesday’s Schmooze is at 10 a.m. in the College Station Barnes & Noble. Our panel topic is: Schmooze: Promise and Fulfillment—novel beginnings & endings. Before the meeting, a brief critique time begins at 9:30 a.m. Writers may bring up to 5 double-spaced pages of their work-in-progress to share.
Also Mark Your Calendars:
Our next Wednesday’s Schmooze is at 10 a.m. in the College Station Barnes & Noble. Our panel topic is: Schmooze: Promise and Fulfillment—novel beginnings & endings. Before the meeting, a brief critique time begins at 9:30 a.m. Writers may bring up to 5 double-spaced pages of their work-in-progress to share.
Also Mark Your Calendars:
June:
Schmooze 6/26--"What's Your Favorite Color? and Other Questions to Ask Your Characters"
***
Children's Literature Book Club
Date: May 30th
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Place: The Arts Center
Book to be discussed: The Moves Make the Man by Bruce Brooks
To find out more about the book club follow this link:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChildLitbookclub/
Children's Literature Book Club
Date: May 30th
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Place: The Arts Center
Book to be discussed: The Moves Make the Man by Bruce Brooks
To find out more about the book club follow this link:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChildLitbookclub/
PUBLISHING NEWS
Check out the 2013 Children's Choice Book Awards.
Who's acquiring what? Publishers Weekly's Rights Report for the week of May 20th.
Read an interesting story about Barefoot Book's Brave Breakup with Amazon HERE. (Try to say that 5x quickly!)
INTEREST
2013 Cheerios' Spoonfuls of Stories Contest (For unpublished writers only)
This one's for the illustrators! Ever dream of submitting your fabulous artwork to the SCBWI Bulletin? Visit here to find out how.
Here's a cool call for submissions you don't see everyday, and it pays!
JUST FOR FUN
You must read this delightful story of Lost & Bound. It's a publishing success story you'll never forget.
Does your writing get bogged down with boring clichés? If so, check out this nifty tool.
SOMETHING MEANINGFUL
Writers Reaching Out To Others In Need
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Current Scratch: Publishing News, Interest, Just for Fun!, Poetry
Hi folks! I wore my jacket in May in Texas. Proof positive anything is possible. Keep sending out your stories. May they bloom!
Our next Schmooze May 29, 2013
Our next Wednesday’s Schmooze is at 10 a.m. in the College Station Barnes & Noble. Our panel topic is: Schmooze: Promise and Fulfillment—novel beginnings & endings. Before the meeting, a brief critique time begins at 9:30 a.m. Writers may bring up to 5 double-spaced pages of their work-in-progress to share.
Also Mark Your Calendars
Children's Literature Book Club
Date: May 30th
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Place: The Arts Center
Book to be discussed: The Moves Make the Man by Bruce Brooks
To find out more about the book club follow this link:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChildLitbookclub/
PUBLISHING NEWS
Wondering what books sold like hot cakes last year (hmm, hunger...)? Check out this article at PW.
Who is acquiring what? Check out the PW's rights report.
INTEREST
2013 NaPiBoWriWee is going on. The fifth annual 2013 NAPIBOWRIWEE (National Picture Book Writing Week) is a group of like minded picture book writers who attempt to write 100 picture books in 100 days. Read about it here.
View the 2013 SCBWI Crystal Kite Winners here. These are SCBWI members choice awards.
Late bloomer? Good news for you from SCBWI. Check out this article here.
JUST FOR FUN!
Do you want write by hand, old school, but still want to save a trees. There is an app for that if you own a tablet. Check out this article at Galleycat.
POETRY
Out of print but if you can get your hands on a copy try to: Poem Making by Myra Cohn Livingston. Myra was a crazy talented teacher who influenced the lives of many children's poets.
Want a witty, reader friendly guide to poetry. Try the Ode Less Traveled by Stephen Fry.
Want even more about poetry. Is the rhyme the thing for you? Check out Children's Poetry at the Poetry Foundation.
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Our next Schmooze May 29, 2013
Our next Wednesday’s Schmooze is at 10 a.m. in the College Station Barnes & Noble. Our panel topic is: Schmooze: Promise and Fulfillment—novel beginnings & endings. Before the meeting, a brief critique time begins at 9:30 a.m. Writers may bring up to 5 double-spaced pages of their work-in-progress to share.
Also Mark Your Calendars
Children's Literature Book Club
Date: May 30th
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Place: The Arts Center
Book to be discussed: The Moves Make the Man by Bruce Brooks
To find out more about the book club follow this link:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChildLitbookclub/
PUBLISHING NEWS
Wondering what books sold like hot cakes last year (hmm, hunger...)? Check out this article at PW.
Who is acquiring what? Check out the PW's rights report.
INTEREST
2013 NaPiBoWriWee is going on. The fifth annual 2013 NAPIBOWRIWEE (National Picture Book Writing Week) is a group of like minded picture book writers who attempt to write 100 picture books in 100 days. Read about it here.
View the 2013 SCBWI Crystal Kite Winners here. These are SCBWI members choice awards.
Late bloomer? Good news for you from SCBWI. Check out this article here.
JUST FOR FUN!
Do you want write by hand, old school, but still want to save a trees. There is an app for that if you own a tablet. Check out this article at Galleycat.
POETRY
Out of print but if you can get your hands on a copy try to: Poem Making by Myra Cohn Livingston. Myra was a crazy talented teacher who influenced the lives of many children's poets.
Want a witty, reader friendly guide to poetry. Try the Ode Less Traveled by Stephen Fry.
Want even more about poetry. Is the rhyme the thing for you? Check out Children's Poetry at the Poetry Foundation.
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Current Scratch: Publishing News, Interest, and Just For Fun!
Hi folks! I hope April's showers sprinkled new life into your projects! May they bloom!
Our next Schmooze April 24, 2013
Linnea Heaney will speak about Writing Lyrical at Wednesday’s Schmooze at 10 a.m. in the College Station Barnes & Noble. Her poetry has appeared in regional anthologies and in the new publication for very young children, Highlights Hello (upcoming titles: Bouncy, Filling Up). A Real Best Friend, a lyrical picture book story for children, was published at Hunger Mountain: the Vermont College of Fine Arts journal. Before the meeting, a brief critique time begins at 9:30 a.m. Writers may bring up to 5 double-spaced pages of their work-in-progress to share.
Also Mark Your Calendars
Children's Literature Book Club
Date: May 30th
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Place: The Arts Center
Book to be discussed: The Moves Make the Man by Bruce Brooks
To find out more about the book club follow this link:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChildLitbookclub/
PUBLISHING NEWS
Changes and Trends in Children's and YA Publishing: An ABPA Panel
INTEREST
Interesting article about the 10 Best Small Towns in Books. Check out those Texas towns!
Farewell to award-winning children's author, E.L. Konigsburg. R.I.P. See article here.
JUST FOR FUN!
Illustrator Adam Rex shows us how he makes a picture book.
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Our next Schmooze April 24, 2013
Linnea Heaney will speak about Writing Lyrical at Wednesday’s Schmooze at 10 a.m. in the College Station Barnes & Noble. Her poetry has appeared in regional anthologies and in the new publication for very young children, Highlights Hello (upcoming titles: Bouncy, Filling Up). A Real Best Friend, a lyrical picture book story for children, was published at Hunger Mountain: the Vermont College of Fine Arts journal. Before the meeting, a brief critique time begins at 9:30 a.m. Writers may bring up to 5 double-spaced pages of their work-in-progress to share.
Also Mark Your Calendars
Children's Literature Book Club
Date: May 30th
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Place: The Arts Center
Book to be discussed: The Moves Make the Man by Bruce Brooks
To find out more about the book club follow this link:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChildLitbookclub/
PUBLISHING NEWS
Changes and Trends in Children's and YA Publishing: An ABPA Panel
INTEREST
Interesting article about the 10 Best Small Towns in Books. Check out those Texas towns!
Farewell to award-winning children's author, E.L. Konigsburg. R.I.P. See article here.
JUST FOR FUN!
Illustrator Adam Rex shows us how he makes a picture book.
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Current Scratch:Shout Out!, Publishing News, Interest.
Hi folks, I hope that you have a chance to get out and see the wildflowers. The Brazos Valley is blooming and hope that your projects are doing the same.
Mark your calendars. Our next Schmooze will fall on 3-27-13 at the College Station Barnes and Noble. Bring copies (up to 5) for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. Our Schmooze program begins at 10 a.m. This month: Writing Lyrical.
Also mark your calendar. It's national poetry month, and our local region of SCBWI promotes poetry in the our town every year by holding a contest for 6th through 8th graders in the Brazos Valley. Consider attending the award ceremony. Want to know more? Please email our regional advisor, Liz Mertz.
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: A&M United Methodist Church, 417 University, College Station
We have a local children's book club. Check it out.
Children's Literature Book Club
Date: April 25th and May 30th
Time: 4:30 PM
Place: The ArtsCenter
Books to be discussed:
Amazon has acquired the book lovers social networking site: Goodreads. Read about it here.
Here's a new imprint from Enslow. They are accepting submissions. This is all about boy books. Here is a link to Speeding Star.
INTEREST
This article at GalleyCat might be of some interest to those who wish to self publish. This article offers links to many self publishing video tutorials on the web. Enjoy here.
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Mark your calendars. Our next Schmooze will fall on 3-27-13 at the College Station Barnes and Noble. Bring copies (up to 5) for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. Our Schmooze program begins at 10 a.m. This month: Writing Lyrical.
Also mark your calendar. It's national poetry month, and our local region of SCBWI promotes poetry in the our town every year by holding a contest for 6th through 8th graders in the Brazos Valley. Consider attending the award ceremony. Want to know more? Please email our regional advisor, Liz Mertz.
Young
Poets on the Brazos poetry reading and award
ceremony
Date:
April 16, 2013Time: 7 p.m.
Place: A&M United Methodist Church, 417 University, College Station
We have a local children's book club. Check it out.
Children's Literature Book Club
Date: April 25th and May 30th
Time: 4:30 PM
Place: The ArtsCenter
Books to be discussed:
April: The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P
Figg by Rodman Philbrick
May: The Moves Make the Man by Bruce Brooks
May: The Moves Make the Man by Bruce Brooks
Please learn more by
following this link: http://groups.
SHOUT OUT!
Kathi Appelt has a new book on the horizon: THE TRUE BLUE SCOUTS OF SUGAR MAN SWAMP. Out in July from Simon and Schuster. Read about it here: .http://books.simonandschuster.com/True-Blue-Scouts-of-Sugar-Man-Swamp/Kathi-Appelt/9781442366138.
Sherry Garland's first picture book THE LOTUS SEED just had a birthday! It's 20 years old and in its 14th printing. Check it out here.
PUBLISHING NEWSAmazon has acquired the book lovers social networking site: Goodreads. Read about it here.
Here's a new imprint from Enslow. They are accepting submissions. This is all about boy books. Here is a link to Speeding Star.
INTEREST
This article at GalleyCat might be of some interest to those who wish to self publish. This article offers links to many self publishing video tutorials on the web. Enjoy here.
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Current Scratch: Local Events, Publishing News, For the Illustrator, And A Bit Of Fun
Howdy, folks! Can you feel it? Spring is all abuzz. I hope your writing and illustrating projects are zooming with invigorating energy. If not...grab a pen / pencil and a notebook and head outdoors. Let nature inspire you!
Mark your calendars. Our next Schmooze will fall on 3-27-13 at the College Station Barnes and Noble. Bring copies (up to 5) for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. Our Schmooze program begins at 10 a.m. This month: Kid-lit discussion boards - Why? What? How? Speaker: Molly Blaisdell, moderator for Children's Writer and Illustrator Board. See you there!
Mark your calendars. Our next Schmooze will fall on 3-27-13 at the College Station Barnes and Noble. Bring copies (up to 5) for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. Our Schmooze program begins at 10 a.m. This month: Kid-lit discussion boards - Why? What? How? Speaker: Molly Blaisdell, moderator for Children's Writer and Illustrator Board. See you there!
SCBWI Brazos Valley presents "Self-Publishing: When, Why & How to
Professionally Self-Publish Your Book" with Erin Casey, author, editor, and self-publishing expert. More info? http://www.erin-casey.com/
Date: Saturday, April 6, 2013
Time: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Time: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Place: Arts Center, 2275 Dartmouth St., College Station, Texas 77840
Fee: $20 for SCBWI members/$25 non-members
Bring your own lunch and join us at the Arts Center! Click for registration form.
Also mark your calendar. It's national poetry month, and our local region of SCBWI promotes poetry in the our town every year by holding a contest for 6th through 8th graders in the Brazos Valley. Consider attending the award ceremony. Want to know more? Please email our regional advisor, Liz Mertz.
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: A&M United Methodist Church, 417 University, College Station
LOCAL EVENTS
Bestselling & award winning author presents a 2-part workshop
Writing Workshop with Beth Wiseman
PUBLISHING NEWS
Check this out
Bestselling Children's Books of 2012
FOR THE ILLUSTRATORS
"Art is a language"
Speak the Language by E.B. Lewis
AND FOR A BIT OF FUN
Who doesn't love cupcakes and books?
Have Your (Cup)Cake & Read it Too
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Also mark your calendar. It's national poetry month, and our local region of SCBWI promotes poetry in the our town every year by holding a contest for 6th through 8th graders in the Brazos Valley. Consider attending the award ceremony. Want to know more? Please email our regional advisor, Liz Mertz.
Young Poets on the Brazos poetry reading and award ceremony
Date: April 16, 2013Time: 7 p.m.
Place: A&M United Methodist Church, 417 University, College Station
LOCAL EVENTS
Bestselling & award winning author presents a 2-part workshop
Writing Workshop with Beth Wiseman
PUBLISHING NEWS
Check this out
Bestselling Children's Books of 2012
FOR THE ILLUSTRATORS
"Art is a language"
Speak the Language by E.B. Lewis
AND FOR A BIT OF FUN
Who doesn't love cupcakes and books?
Have Your (Cup)Cake & Read it Too
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
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