SCBWI Brazos Valley Scratchpad

Current Scratch: Local Author Opportunities, Business Talk

2012-02-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

Howdy, folks! Another great week to create children's books! Yay for the rain!

Our Schmooze this month will fall on 2-29-12 at 10 a.m at the College Station Barnes and Noble. The topic is effective critiquing.

Also locally, sign up now! Free workshop on "Boy Books" March 24 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Andy Sherrod will be our workshop leader on March 24 for our SCBWI Saturday on "What Makes a Good 'Boy Book' and Why Should We Care?" Join us from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arts Center, 2275 Dartmouth, College Station, Texas. Bring your own lunch. The event is free, but seating is limited, so we do need to know how many people plan to come. Please contact me at lizBmertz@gmail.com to sign up.

We have an Annual Poetry Contest for local 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders. If you are interested, on the online blog, fill out the form in the left sidebar.

Also note the upcoming Austin SCBWI Conference in February and the upcoming Houston SCBWI Conference in March.

If you want to join a critique group use our handy form found in the online sidebar on the left.

Check out our very own Sherry Garland's new book VOICES OF THE DUSTBOWL. Here is a link to the Pelican Publishing website to check it out. Here is a peek at the cover:

Also consider voting for Molly Blaisdell's THE BIG FUZZY COAT, a finalist in the MeeGenius! Author Challenge, a contest on Facebook. Vote for her book here:

Local Author Opportunites

On Friday, February 24th, the 6th grade GT classes at Brenham Middle School will host the 2012 Authors and Poets Luncheon at the Giddings Stone Mansion in Brenham, Texas. It is a great experience for the students to meet local authors. The event starts at 11:30 with a luncheon catered by the parents and then a brief talk by each author (5-10 minutes) on what they are working on/their writing process/inspiration, etc. The event wraps up around 2:00. Come out and enjoy a day in Washington County! Please contact April Albrecht if you are able to attend. aalbrecht@brenhamisd.net

Also, Giddings Public Library & Cultural Center and the Giddings Area Chamber of Commerce invite all published Texas authors to submit a book for consideration in their upcoming 7^th Annual Texas Word Wranglers Festival on Friday, September 14, 2012. For more information: contact Minnie Simmang by email at minnie@simmang.com> or meks@gvec.net.

Business Talk

Rachelle Gardner of Books and Such Literary Agency offers a provocative discussion about knowing your business, your custormers and understanding the need for adaptability at her website.

You might be wondering how does Amazon fit into the new publishing paradigm. It's reported that Barnes and Noble and Books-a-Million refuse to shelve the Amazon books. Yep, there some tussling going on out there. Here are some thoughts over at the Behler blog.

Here's another article over at PW: How to Navigate a Changing Business? Children's Agents Shed Some Light By Matia Burnett. This article also gives a dip into the minds of several top agents.

The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.

Current Scratch: The Revolution, Agent Resources, Free, Opportunity

2012-02-10T19:55:00.000-08:00

Howdy, folks! Another great week to create children's books!

We have an Annual Poetry Contest for local 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders. If you are interested, fill out the form in the left sidebar.

Also note the upcoming Austin SCBWI Conference in February and the upcoming Houston SCBWI Conference in March.

If you want to join a critique group use our handy form found in the sidebar to your left

Local Authors is in the news.

Kathy Whitehead's Art From her Heart is featured at Sunday Story Hour and http://www.nyhistory.org/.

Molly Blaisdell's picture book in the MeeGenius! Author Challenge was featured on KBTX as a "Gem of the Day." Here is the video:

Vote for THE BIG FUZZY COAT here.

The Revolution

Maybe you should consider opening up to the world of e-books and social media.
5 Reasons to Embrace the Brave New World

Agent Resources

Chip MacGregor answers questions about agenting, querying, and responding. He's a savvy one.
Chip MacGregor .com: Ask the Agent

Free

Here is the link to a free e-book with publishing advice from some top children's authors like Kirby Larsen, Natasha Wing, and more. Here is the link: http://cbiclubhouse.com/2012report/. Enjoy!

Opportunity

Writing Round-Up. the Texas Mountain Trail Writers Spring Retreat might be a thing you want to check out. Western Writers might need a trip out the Davis Mountains.

The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.

Current Scratch: ALA Youth Media Awards, Agent Info, Popular Agencies

2012-02-02T19:58:00.000-08:00

Howdy, folks! Yay for the glorious rain. I hope that's got you holed up writing and illustrating!

Our Schmooze this month will fall on 2-29-12 at 10 a.m at the College Station Barnes and Noble. The topic is effective critiquing.

Also locally, sign up now! Free workshop on "Boy Books" March 24 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Andy Sherrod will be our workshop leader on March 24 for our SCBWI Saturday on "What Makes a Good 'Boy Book' and Why Should We Care?" Join us from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arts Center, 2275 Dartmouth, College Station, Texas. Bring your own lunch.

The event is free, but seating is limited, so we do need to know how many people plan to come. Please contact me at lizBmertz@gmail.com to sign up.

We have an Annual Poetry Contest for local 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders. If you have contact information of someone who is interested in participating in this yearly event, please email me.

Also note the upcoming Austin SCBWI Conference in February and the upcoming Houston SCBWI Conference in March.

If you want to join a critique group use our handy form to your left on the screen.

Finally, noteworthy, Molly Blaisdell is finalist in a nationwide publishing Facebook contest with a New York digital publisher MeeGenius!. Winning brings a publishing contract, an e-library of books for Sul Ross Elementary in Bryan, and a $1500 cash prize. Please give her e-picture book THE BIG FUZZY COAT a look, and if you like, give it a vote. Feel free to pass this on to whomever you wish. Here is the link: http://www.meegenius.com/challenge/book/6068/the-big-fuzzy-coat-by-molly-blaisdell/.

ALA Youth Media Awards

The Newbery? The Printz? The Caldecott? Follow this link to the winners of the 2012 Youth Media Awards.

Agent Resources

Are you looking for an agent? Here are some helpful resources to guide you on your journey.

The Association of Author Representatives -- a professional organization of literary agents with a canon of ethics that all member adhere to. You might want to read that canon of ethics on the site. Familiarizing yourself with agent ethics is a smart move.

Popular Agent Databases.

QueryTracker - Agent Database

AgentQuery - Agent Database

Popular Blogs and Websites:

http://www.novelnovice.com/ -- here is a link to an excellent sample query letter.

Chuck Sambuchino’s Guide to Literary Agents Blog – great resource especially for current report of new agents.

Casey L. McCormick – Literary Rambles, an excellent agent resource for children’s authors. Many, many, helpful interviews from various children’s book agents – all genres are represented.

www.nathanbransford.com A great article about how to find a literary agent offered by author Nathan Bransford. Check out the forums on his site for networking too.

guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/ – informative blog with agent news.

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/ offers numerous interviews with agents.

http://www.agentsavant.com/ Especially if you want to know about literary agents and digital publishing.

http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/ This blog is a great place to connect with agents.

To get you started, check out these worthy agencies

Here are some well known Literary Agencies that represent children’s books. Just a starting place, folks. There are way more agencies out there.

Writers House

Andrea Brown Literary Agency

Erin Murphy Literary Agency

Nancy Coffey Literary Agency

Greenhouse Literary Agency

Adams Literary

Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency

Word Serve Literary Agency

The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.

Current Scratch: Awards, YA, Smiles

2012-01-20T19:24:00.000-08:00

Howdy, folks! I hope you are enjoying our way early spring weather. We meet on Jan. 25, 2012 at the College Station Barnes and Noble at 9:30 for critique (bring copies) and 10 AM for the Schmooze. Molly Blaisdell will be speaking: Do You Need an Agent? How Do You Snag One?

Also locally:

The Children's Literature Book Club meets on the last Thursday, January 26th, at 4:30 pm in the Arts Council board room. Our book to read this month is Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.

Also note the upcoming Austin SCBWI Conference in February and the upcoming Houston SCBWI Conference in March.

Awards

Here's the lists of this year's children's finalists for the Mystery Writer's of America's 2012 Edgar Awards:

Best Juvenile: Horton Halfpott by Tom Angleberger (Abrams/Amulet); It Happened on a Train by Mac Barnett (Simon & Schuster); Vanished by Sheela Chari (Disney-Hyperion); Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby (Scholastic Press); The Wizard of Dark Street by Shawn Thomas Odyssey (Egmont USA).

Best Young Adult: Shelter by Harlan Coben (Putnam); The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson (Putnam); The Silence of Murder by Dandi Daley Mackall (Knopf); The Girl Is Murder by Kathryn Miller Haines (Roaring Brook); Kill You Last by Todd Strasser (Egmont USA).

Here's an interesting article in PW called "YA Comes of Age," discussing the juggernaut status YA has in today's publishing climate.

Are you a writer of young adult novels? You might enjoy checking out this blog: YA Highway -- a road worth traveling if you are interested in writing for young adults. This blog is an immense resource for every aspect of YA fiction.

Smiles

Here is the real scoop on how books are created from Annie Burrows author of the Ivy and Bean series.

Here is a blog post: "Eat the Butt Lies That Can Posion our Writing Career." This one might make you smile and think.

The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.

Current Scratch: Awards, Revolution, Craft

2012-01-13T11:57:00.000-08:00

Howdy, folks! I hope you have made your new year's resolutions! Maybe working on marketing was one of them. We meet on Jan. 25, 2012 at the College Station Barnes and Noble at 9:30 for critique (bring copies) and 10 AM for the Schmooze. Molly Blaisdell will be speaking: Do You Need an Agent? How Do You Snag One?

Also locally:

The Children's Literature Book Club meets on the last Thursday, January 26th, at 4:30 pm in the Arts Council board room. Our book to read this month is Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.

Awards:

Bank Street

The Bankstreet College of Education 2012 Irma Black Award semifinalists have been announced. This award is given by children for the best picture book of the year.
http://www.bnkst.edu/irmablack/semifinalists-2012/

Mark you calendars for this one: The American Library Association's Youth Media Awards, including ALSC's Newbery and Caldecott awards, will be announced at a press conference on Monday, January 23, 2012, beginning at 7:45 a.m. Central time, in Dallas.

The Revolution

An interesting article from Kathleen Duey on her blog writerwriterwriter about the revolution in publishing.

Here is an article about e-publishing about the new self-publishing platform for the iBook.

Here is an article leaked from the Hachette Book Group that explains the relevancy of publishers.This is found in Digital Book World.

Traditional publishers are diving into self-publishing in various ways. Self-publishing fee-based services are popping up all over. Here are two: The first is Book Country. Here is the scoop from Agent Savant's blog: "Book Country, the free online writing community launched by Penguin last Spring, is now offering a Kindle-like self-pub option for DIY authors." Another version of traditional publishing partnering with self-publishing is WestBow Press, a self-publishing division of Thomas Nelson.

Wondering about eBook readers? Here is an article in PW of the Nook tablet vs the Kindle Fire.

Craft

A great article from Darcy Pattison about 12 ways to start your novel by categorizing famous first lines. Good stuff.

Twenty-five things you should really know about voice. Check out this blog post on TerribleMinds.

A list to help you on your revision journey. Add what your story lacks. Check out this blog post at The Editor's Blog.

The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.

Current Scratch: 2011 News, KathiVision, Encouragement, Hero's Journey, Accolades, Sales

2012-01-04T22:24:00.000-08:00

Howdy folks, I hope you have made your new year's resolutions! Maybe working on marketing was on of them. We meet on Jan. 25 2012 at the College Station Barnes and Noble at 9:30 for critique (bring copies) and 10 AM for the Schmooze. Molly Blaisdell will be speaking: Do You Need an Agent? How Do You Snag One?

Also locally:

The Children's Literature Book Club meets on the last Thursday, January 26th, at 4:30 pm in the Arts Council board room. Our book to read this month is Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.

2011 News

Check out Sherry Garland's new blog post on Into the Woods We Go: Where Do Ideas Come From? , December 31, 2011.

Molly Blaisdell's book REMBRANDT AND THE BOY WHO DREW DOGS was featured back in the summer in the NGAKids 2011 Summer Scoop.

KathiVision (I so dub it!)

Check out Kathi Appelt's Youtube Channel for some fun video clips. Love Eric Rohmann and BONE DOG.

Encouragement

From Hilary Wagner, an encouraging blog post to keep you going in the face of rejections.

Hero's Journey

Here, from The Writer's Journey, the Hero's Journey with charts.

Accolades

A new national ambassador of Children's Literature is named: Walter Dean Myers. Read about in the NY Times.

NSK Neustadt Prize for Children's Literature....Do you know what this is? This award is intended to enhance the quality of children's literature by promoting writing that contributes to the quality of their lives.

Each NSK Neustadt jury narrows to areas of children's and young-adult literature principally through the author nominations it brings forward. All nominations come from the jury members. What do you win? A check for $25,000, a silver medallion, and a certificate is presented to the laureate at a public ceremony at The University of Oklahoma every other year in odd-numbered years. The 2011 winner is Virginia Euwer Wolff. Read about it here.

Sales

A blog post on the importance of pre-sales. Something to know.

The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.

Current Scratch: Best, Hot, Promote!, The Revolution

2011-12-28T14:06:00.000-08:00

Howdy folks, I bet everyone is busy and barely has time to breathe. Still, children's books are our passion. That's so important! Take time to create good books in the midst of the buzz. We don't have a meeting until January. We meet on Jan. 25 2012 at the College Station Barnes and Noble at 9:30 for critique (bring copies) and 10 AM for the Schmooze. Molly Blaisdell will be speaking: Do You Need an Agent? How Do You Snag One?

Here is an upcoming regional event:

SCBWI Events in Texas and Beyond, Austin, http://www.austinscbwi.com/ Regional Conference: Something for Everyone
February 17-19, 2012 St. Edward‘s University
Base Rate is $150 Members/ $165 Non-members

Best

PW's best of 2011 is out. This seems like a hot list of books to me. You might find something to check out too.

Hot

Yes we want to write books to shoot out there. Here is an article on YA and Middle Grade trends in the LA Times that you may enjoy.

Here's the link to the New York Times Best Selling Chapter Books list, just in case you need have a little reading time right now.

Here is the link to an essay contest at BookWish.org to win a free YA critique from a publishing expert. This might also open your eyes to the world in a much wider way.

Here is a link to a contest at Query Tracker for children's authors looking for an agent.

Promote!

Do you have a book out. Here is a list of ten non-traditional ways to promote your book.

The Revolution

Here is a thoughtful post from Kathlenn Duey at WriteWriteWriter about the revolution going on in publishing.

Another thoughtful post about the Revolution from Anne R. Allen's Blog and going with traditional publishing.

The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.

Today's Scratch: Craft, Query, Fun

2011-11-20T20:40:00.000-08:00

Howdy, folks! Thought I'd toss a little scratch before Thanksgiving.

The conference was most excellent. Yay to our RA Liz Mertz and her assistant RA Jacqueline Gramann. What a wonderful event! I hope things are buzzing for you from all that inspiration.

We have one more event for the year-end. Our Holiday Gathering is set for Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m. in The Village Cafe, 210 W. 26th Street, Bryan, TX. Come on for good conversation.

CRAFT

Need some plot support here are 27 plot points to get you on the road to creating a solid novel. A free master class on plotting from plot whisperer Martha Anderson.. Totally check this out. It is time well spent.

QUERY

Here is some very straight forward querying advice if you need a little more to get that query sparkling.

Check out the new agent over at DMLA. Here is an interview article of Katie Shea at Writer Unboxed.

FOR FUN

I just watched the "THE BOOK JOB", a Simpson episode, guest starring Neil Gaiman (he totally has a Newbery Medal), where Homer and the gang form a team to create a YA phenom book series. It's quite hysterical. Here is an article where Neil discusses his experience. Look around at streaming sites and catch this Simpsons episode. You will laugh and nod. Good stuff.

The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.

Current Scratch: Nanowrimo, Connect, Revolution

2011-11-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

Howdy, folks! I know this weather is begging you to get outside, but take time to work on your projects. Our conference is also coming up folks. Here is the link. Sign up! It's going to be fab. Here's the scoop:

Connections & Craft Conference! Speaker are fab -- Author Kathi Appelt, Author/Illustrator Brian Floca, author Doris Fisher, author Molly Blasidell, editor Claudia Gabel of Katherine Tegen Books and agent Elena Mechlin of Pippin Properties.

November 12, 2011 A&M United Methodist Church
417 University Drive
College Station, TX 77840

SCBWI Members! Alert! Registration for the Winter 2012 Conference is Open!

More local events:

November 18th: CLBC member Janet Fox will be at the CS Barnes & Noble to discuss her books and writing from 4 to 6 PM.

November 30th: SCBWI BV Holiday Gathering at The Village Cafe at 5:30 PM.

January 26th in 2012: the next CLBC (ChildLitbookclub) meeting. Book: Bridge Over Terabithia. The discussion leader will be Alicia Clay O'Neill. Check their calendar for upcoming books to be read. Join the book club yahoo group to get updates: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChildLitbookclub/ .

January 25th: next Schmooze.

NANOWRIMO

It's the time of the year for NANOWRIMO, the National Novel Writing Month project. Writers all over the world join together and write 50,000 word novels. You've missed the kick off but you could still jump in. Check it out it.

CONNECT

Writers need to connect. Here are some online spots to meet up with writers and find critique partners..

SCBWI Forums
SCBWI LinkedIn
Verla Kay's Blue Board
SheWrites
AbsoluteWrite
Writer's Guide to Twitter

Revolution

The Publising App Expo site will help you become more aware of this growing segment of the publishing industry.

uTales is a site for authors and illustrators to come together and create and publish e-picture books.

Learn about popular app trends at AppData.

Also interested in what's happening with ebooks? Try EBOOKNEWSER, an online magazine from Mediabistro all about ebooks.

The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.

Weekly Scratch: Awards, Opportunities, Self-publishing, Critique

2011-10-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

Howdy, folks! I hope that you are working on your stories and getting ready to send out.

On to our local news. We have a schmooze coming up -- October 26, 2011, 9:30 AM Critique (bring copies) and 10 AM (meeting) at the College Station Barnes and Noble.  Schmooze topic: Critique Group Advantages--Panel. How are our critique groups going? We will share ideas and handouts.

Our conference is also coming up folks. Here is the link. Sign up! It's going to be fab.  Here's the scoop:

Connections & Craft Conference!

November 12, 2011 A&M United Methodist Church
417 University Drive
College Station, TX 77840

AWARDS

From PW, The finalists for the 2011 National Book Award in Young People's Literature were announced on Wednesday. The nominees are: Franny Billingsley, Chime, edited by Kathy Dawson (Dial), Debby Dahl Edwardson, My Name Is Not Easy, edited by Melanie Kroupa (Marshall Cavendish); Thanhha Lai, Inside Out and Back Again, edited by Tara Weikum (Harper); Albert Marrin, Flesh & Blood So Cheap: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy, edited by Michelle Frey (Knopf); Lauren Myracle, Shine, edited by Susan Van Metre (Abrams/Amulet); and Gary D. Schmidt, Okay for Now, edited by Virginia Buckley (Clarion).

OPPORTUNITIES

To celebrate the release of the trailer for her Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies book, Deborah Halverson is giving away a critique of the first 20 pages of a fiction manuscript of any genre. No picture books. Click the link to the giveaway details.

Here is an opportunity for science fiction writers at Carina Press. Dust off those 18000 to 35000 holiday science fiction novellas and give them a polish. Perhaps the is the break you need.

A local storyteller is going to be in town. This may be of some interest to you. Here are the particulars:

Who: FREE for all! Lyn Ford will be performing and also demonstrating how to use storytelling in K-8 classrooms. Teller of "Home-Fried" Tales
Where: CSISD Transportation Center (Rock Prairie Rd)
Date: Wed, Nov. 9, 2011
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Contact: Nancy Self, n-self@tamu.edu.

SELF-PUBLISHING

Is self-publishing a new door into traditional publishing market? Here is an interesting article at Alan Rinzler's site with opinions from top editors.

Self-published author is so yesterday; it's all about indie authors now. Here's a roundup of tips and tricks that will rock your indie world from Shelli Johannes' MARKET MY WORDS.

CRITIQUE

Here is an awesome discussion from YA Oasis. A group of authors pick apart a query letter to make it all sparkly and shiny. Check it out.

Here is a structure plan to online critique groups at Roni Loren's WRITING BLOG that you may find eye opening.

Here is an article from a blogger called The Art of Critiquing that you find helps you keep it real.

The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.

Weekly Scratch: Opportunities, Blogging, Tracking

2011-10-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

Howdy, folks! Hope your work is humming.

Don't forget to sign up for the SCBWI-BV Conference. We have an editor, an agent, and world class authors on the slate. Here is the link. Sign up! It's going to be fab.

Here's the scoop: 2011 Connections & Craft, November 12, 2011 A&M United Methodist Church
417 University Drive, College Station, TX 77840. Don't miss it.

Check out our own Sherry Garland's blog: In to the Woods We Go. Some great stuff there about query letters.

OPPORTUNITIES

Join R.L. Stine for Dinner--FREE at Tre Trattoria on Thursday, October 6!
Preceeded by: WORKSHOP -Overcoming Writer's Block: An Interactive Writing Workshop for Adults with R.L. Stine

October 6, 2011, 5:00 - 6:15pm

Where: The Magik Theatre++

Cost: $60 seatting limited to 50 participants)

Registration: Call The Magik Theatre 210.227.27 or go to www.magiktheatre.org for more information

Writer Who Care: The 50/50 Project

How does it work? Working with CARE INTERNATIONAL, Writers who CARE: the 50/50 PROJECT will allow anyone who makes a donation of $50.00 to submit 50 pages double-spaced of a work-in-progress for a 1-2 page critique by one of the participating authors. All donators wishing a critique must have access to e-mail and the Internet for correspondence with a published author in order to qualify. Authors and donators will be matched on a first come, first serve basis as long as slots are open. The project is also open to those wishing simply to make a donation to this worthy cause.

Local Conference --The Dean of Faculties and Associate Provost is proud to announce and invite you to attend the 2011 CALLALOO CONFERENCE, which will take place at Texas A&M University (College Station, October 12-14) and The Menil Collection (Houston, TX), October 15, 2011. This event is free and open to the general public. If you attend this international conference you will be delighted and inspired by some of the best artists and intellectuals currently living in the United States. For additional information about Callaloo and the 2011 CALLALOO CONFERENCE, visit: http://callaloo.tamu.edu

Registration is open now for summer classes and workshops at Gemini Ink in San Antonio.

http://geminiink.org/

The Founder's Workshops at the the Highlights Foundation were not "highlighted" at our Schmooze.

http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/pages/current/FWsched_preview.html

BLOGGING

Some link to useful tools to help you blog:
www.addtoany.com
www.sharethis.com
www.addthis.com
http://FeedBurner.com
http://developers.facebook.com/docs/reference/plugins/like/
http://technorati.com

TRACKING

Interested in some free submission tracking software? Check out SONAR.

Want a submisson tracking app for you iPad or iPhone? Try Story Tracker.

A basic tracking spread sheet. Downloadable.

The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.

Weekly Scratch: Screenwriter Help, Opportunities, Thoughts

2011-09-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

Howdy, folks! We have a schmooze coming up -- October[Correction: September] 28 2011, 9:30 AM Critique (bring copies) and 10 AM (meeting) at the College Station Barnes and Noble. Bring in your brilliant ways of how to keep track of your manuscript submissions. It's a roundtable discussion.
Our conference is also coming up folks. Here is the link. Sign up! It's going to be fab. Here's the scoop:

Connections & Craft

November 12, 2011 A&M United Methodist Church
417 University Drive
College Station, TX 77840

Doris Fisher is speaking at our conference. Here is a link to her fab website. Here is a link to an interview of Doris at Melissa Buron's blog .

Local Brazos's Writers has an upcoming event that you may wish to check out:

BRAZOS WRITERS invites you to the Texas Reds -- Steak and Grape Festival on October 7-8, 2011.

Texas Writers will be signing books at 202 Bryan, Avenue in the Artist’s Show Case, next door to the Our hours will be Friday: 8 pm to 10 pm and Saturday: 10 am to 10 pm. Texas authors are invited to join us in selling their books. Fill out the form on Brazos Writers’ web site, www.brazoswriters.org.

Old Bryan Market Place.

Screenwriters Help

We can all learn a thing or two from silver screen folks. Here are some sites to explore.

Here is screenwriter Doug Eboch's blog. His blog Let's Schmooze might help you.
Try: MIchael Hauge's site-- Story Mastery. Chris Vogler's site -- Storytech Literary Consutling. Blake Snyder's site -- Save the Cat. Here's another great screenwriting blog: Go Into the Story.

Opportunities

App publisher Meegenius! is holding a picture book contest. The grand prize is a publishing contract and $1500. You might want to check this out.

There is an open call from author Mitali Perkins. In her own words: I'm priviledged to be editing an anthology published by Candlewick Press tentatively called OPEN MIC, a compilation of funny short pieces written by some of today's best YA authors, people who grew up along the margins of race and culture in North America. One of my dreams has been to introduce one or two fresh, relatively unknown voices in this anthology, so I'm excited to announce that I'm calling for submissions. Check out the link here.

Thoughts

Is blogging worth it? Here is a link to a provocative article that might get you thinking.

Think about this. Help out a good cause. Banned Book Week Auction might be something you want to check out.

One author's view on the role of her agent. Something to think about.

The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.

Weekly Scratch: Books! Inspiration! Provocation! Opportunities!

2011-09-14T23:44:00.000-07:00

Howdy, folks. Phew, this is a busy time of year for me. School starts. Football. The fall routine is almost set up so the weekly blog is getting back on track. We have a schmooze coming up -- 9:30 AM Critique (bring copies) and 10 AM (meeting) at the College Station Barnes and Noble. Bring in your brilliant ways of how to keep track of your manuscript submissions. It's a roundtable discussion.

Our conference is also coming up folks. Here is the link. Sign up! It's going to be fab. Here's the scoop:

Connections & Craft

November 12, 2011 A&M United Methodist Church
417 University Drive
College Station, TX 77840

As another tidbit. Oh, my Brian Floca is going to be speaking at our conference! Here is a nice interview with Brian that you may wish to check out.
Books!

Here's what is hot at the Naperville Public Library in Illinois. From PW.
And here is a link to this week's NY Times bestsellers.
Here are the Amazon bestsellers.
Here are the current INDIEBOUND bestsellers.

Inspiration!

Here is a post from literary agent Sarah Davies -- The Spirit of Normandy. This is one encouraging post.

Here's a post from Joe Konrath about How to Succeed.

Provocation!

The uphill battle for authors with original work. Definitely a provocative post.

Need some instant creativity juice, here's some weird and wonderful advice.

Opportunities!

Just a reminder. Here is a new magazine for emerging YA authors. It's called Sucker Literary Magazine. It's featured in PW. It's a place for short fiction. You may wish to check it out.
You need to be working on your story now if you plan to enter the 2012 Highlights For Children contest. Here is the contest information link.

If you want to go to the Children's Writing Workshop at Chautauqua, you get an edge if your scholarship application is early.

Hunger Mountain is out there. This is a reminder too.

See you next time for more scratch!

Any views expressed here are my own and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Weekly Scratch: Manuscript Formatting, eBook Formatting, Document Maps, Love Librarians

2011-09-04T22:39:00.000-07:00

Howdy, folks! At the last schmooze I promised to send out some of my favorite formatting links. Don't forget to sign up for our fab conference on November 12, 2011. Brazos Writers has a workshop for the mystery inclined on September 10, 2011.

This week we eschew all else for formatting information.

Submission Formatting

So here is Nathan Bransford's thoughts on formatting manuscripts. He's a bright guy and 'spains good. Check out his post.

Gotta love the Purple Crayon. Here is Harold Underdown's take on formatting.

Email Formatting

Formatting for an email submission. There is a nice discussion in this article about email submission. This is stuff to help you make it pretty and not garbled when you send it in. Courtesy of Writing World.

Remove the formatting from a Word Document. Here's quickie advice.

Here is another little article about email formatting that may be of some use to you.

eBook Formatting

Here is an article I like about Kindle formatting. I found some understandable advice here on how to do turn a Word document into one that can be easily read on the Kindle.

Amazon offers a page about Kindle formatting too. You might find it useful.

Here is a guru article from Aaron Shepherd. You will certainly know a thing or two if you wade through this article on Kindle Formatting.

Document Maps

I'm a fan of the document map feature of Word for formatting my novels.

Here are some articles to help you on your way if you want to get a tech on.

This article is pretty simple and straight-forward about how to make a simple document map. You might like it.

Here is another nifty article about creating a document map for a novel.

Well, I'm closing out this week with a "gotta love librarians" moment. Check out this article.

Check y'all next week with more chicken scratch.

Weekly Scratch: The Revolution, Craft, Fun

2011-08-24T08:31:00.000-07:00

Howdy, folks! Whew, it hot. I hope the heat is keeping you inside writing masterworks.
Follow this link to learn more about the upcoming SCBWI Brazos Valley Conference. Check out editor and author Claudia Gabel's website. Claudia is a speaker at the upcoming conference SCBWI BV conference.
Plan ahead? The 2012 Austin Conference is on February 17 and 18.

Remember, the Mini-Retreat is around the corner. SCBWI Saturday: A Mini-Retreat to Inspire Your Writing Voice is on Aug. 27, 2011, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It's located at Arts Council of the Brazos Valley, 2275 Dartmouth St., College Station, TX. SCBWI Brazos Valley Children’s Literature Book Club co-coordinators, Jacqueline Gramann and Alicia Clay O’Neill, will team up and present A Mini-Retreat to Inspire Your Writing Voice. They are combining their professional backgrounds to inform and inspire beginning and seasoned writers. Jacqueline and Alicia will present new ways to look at writing for children and have several writing exercises to unlock your writing obstacles.

We also have a Schmooze: Schmooze: How to Format a Manuscript with Liz Mertz. She will explain
standard formatting for manuscripts and why is it important at the College Station Barnes and Noble. Critiques start a 9:30 AM.

Are you a mystery writer? Brazos Writers has an all day workshop: BRAZOS WRITERS PRESENTS THE ART AND SCIENCE OF INVESTIGATION on the September 10, 2011 at the Brazos Center from 8:30 AM to 4:00 AM. Check out their website for more info.

THE REVOLUTION

Children's picture book apps are all the rage. Check out these two companies on the forefront of the technological wave. One from Oceanhouse Media and another from Skyreader Media Inc.

Want to convert a PDF for your Kindle/Nook/Kobo ebook?   Here is a page to help you out.

What are some ebook trends on the horizon? Here is an an article with preditictons.

CRAFT

Here is a good blog about how to create a character bible. It's from the San Diego Professional Writer's Group.

Want to know the difference between magical realism and paranormal/fantasy?   Here is a post from WriteOnCon.

FUN

Minimalist Fairy tale posters. Less can be more.

You probably want to check out Pottermore. You may need a place for your fans to dwell someday too.

Weekly Scratch: The Truth, Plot, WriteOnCon

2011-08-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

Howdy, folks! It's hot outside. No question! I've been off to LA for the SCBWI Summer Conference. Here is a nice write up in PW about the conference. Good times for sure. But now it's time to roll up the sleeves and get ready for the next stuff coming. Work is good.

Remember, the Mini-Retreat is around the corner. SCBWI Saturday: A Mini-Retreat to Inspire Your Writing Voice is on Aug. 27, 2011, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It's located at Arts Council of the Brazos Valley, 2275 Dartmouth St., College Station, TX. SCBWI Brazos Valley Children’s Literature Book Club co-coordinators, Jacqueline Gramann and Alicia Clay O’Neill, will team up and present A Mini-Retreat to Inspire Your Writing Voice. They are combining their professional backgrounds to inform and inspire beginning and seasoned writers. Jacqueline and Alicia will present new ways to look at writing for children and have several writing exercises to unlock your writing obstacles.

We also have a Schmooze: Schmooze: How to Format a Manuscript with Liz Mertz. She will explain
standard formatting for manuscripts and why is it important at the College Station Barnes and Noble. Critiques start a 9:30.

Follow this link to learn more about the upcoming SCBWI Brazos Valley Conference. Check out Martha Mihalick's website: Martha Mihalick's Curiosities from a Children's Book Editor. Martha is a speaker at the upcoming conference SCBWI BV conference.

THE TRUTH

Have you ever wondered how much a children's book editor makes? Here's an article from GalleyCat that offers some insider info.

PLOT

Want to read a good book about plotting. Seasoned children's author Chris Eboch offers a new book called ADVANCED PLOTTING. Check it out. Here is a blog that talks about plotting a series. Check it out too.

WRITEONCON

Sad that you did not get to go to LA. Here is a deal for you: WRITEONCON! A free conference from August 16 to August 18.

Oh, this is hot summer. I hope that is reflected in your writing. Back soon with more scratch..

Weekly Scratch: Perfect Pitch, Rejection Dictionary

2011-07-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

Howdy, folks! SCBWI Brazos Valley has some events coming. First, on July 27 at the College Station Barnes and Noble at 10:00 a.m., author Sherry Garland will offer tricks of writing winning query and cover letters.

Don't forget the upcoming mini-retreat! SCBWI Saturday: A Mini-Retreat to Inspire Your Writing Voice on Aug. 27, 2011, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley (2275 Dartmouth St., College Station, TX).Cost: Free. Offered by Brazos Valley Children’s Literature Book Club co-coordinators, Jacqueline Gramann and Alicia Clay O’Neill. More info is on the website.

Mark your calendars! Our annual conference registration -- Connections and Craft 2011: Writing for hildren and Adults -- is about to open. The conference will be held at A&M United Methodist Church on November 12, 2011 Keep checking the website for more information.

Perfect Pitch

Wonder how to avoid "I'm out of town" syndrome. Check out this article and learn the worst time to pitch a book.

The 2011 Backspace Agent-Author Seminar is November 3 and 4, 2011. This conference offers an interesting take on how to break into the business.

Want to pitch your book and don't know whether it is high concept or not? Author Lori Wilde offers some thoughts about that.

Rejection Dictionary

Ever wonder how to decode a rejection? Here ia a post over at ADVENTURES IN CHILDREN'S PUBLISHING and The Writer's Rejection Dictionary.

Dog days of summer. More scratch next week.

Weekly Scratch: YA Opportunity, Revolution, Good Letters, Tweets, Book Club, Craft

2011-07-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

Howdy, folks. I hope y'all are not too hot. Keep working on your projects. Make space for the art and craft of children's books. I hope are writing heats up just like the weather. Check out the SCBWI Brazos Valley website for upcoming events: schmoozes, a retreat, a conference. Lots of cool stuff ahead.

YA Opportunity

Here is a new magazine for emerging YA authors. It's called Sucker Literary Magazine. It's featured in PW. It's a place for short fiction. You may wish to check it out.

Revolution

Yes, HarperCollins "I Can Read Books" are now digital. More migration from print. Read about in PW.

The number of print books sold has fallen by 10% in the past 6 months. The biggest chunk is out of adult fiction -- also reported in PW.

SCBWI Austin has a conference on October 8, 2011 at Saint Edwards University: Storytelling in the Digital Age: Embrace the Change. Folks in the neighborhood sort through the revolution to help you understand what is going on out there.

Good Letters

I love Letters of Note. They put some outstanding correspondence over there. Here is one to warm the heart of anyone who has been rejected by an editor. Enjoy.

Tweets

Here is a round up of tweets from agents from late June. You might find something interesting here.

Book Club

Don't want to get out in the heat but you do want to hang with readers of good books. Check out this how to Host A Virtual Book Club article.

Craft

Underneath every story is something hovering. What are you not saying when you are writing? Why is that important. Read this article on subtext if you feel the need to dive into the deep end of the craft pool. :)

Write more this week. I'll see you next week with more of the weekly scratch.

Weekly Scratch: Mom Power, The Darkness, Life VS Writing, Rule breakers, Query!

2011-07-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Folks. I hope your work is heating up like our summer, because if it is, you are on fire. In the news is former SCBWI Brazos Valley member Donna Cooner . Read about her six-figure debut deal here.   Shout out to her on Facebook!  Kathi Appelt is a contributing writer to Writing Young Adult Fiction for Children. So yay! I hope you all enjoy the Fourth!

Mom Power

I like this article about the power of moms to influence book sales and think it is cool.

The Darkness

Lots of folks are arguing about this article about in the Wall Street Journal about the darkness in YA books. Believe me this has incited dramatic feelings and  many are going on and on about this article. Be sure to check out the comments too.

Life vs. Writing

Some advice to keep you writing even if life is throwing you tons of curve balls. This is all about Plan B.

Rule breaker.

Do you see rules as merely the guidelines. Apparently George Orwell wrote the rules. Follow this link to learn them. You can decide whether to break them or not.  Here's a list of 5 rules you are encouraged to break. Give it a look.

Query!

Here is some encouragement to get you querying and moving away from your perfection. :)

Have a fun weekend!

Weekly Scratch:Contest!, Sequels, Tumble, Commas

2011-06-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

Howdy, folks! Our next Schmooze is next Wednesday. Here's the info: 6-29-2011 at 10 AM at B&N in College Station. Writing Fiction from Life with Kathy Whitehead is the program. Kathy will take a look at how to use real life experiences in creating story. I hope your work is humming.

CONTEST!

The 2012 Highlights Fiction Contest is up and perhaps you are feeling particularly inspired. Give it a look. :)

SEQUELS

Do you want to write a sequel? I mean you've got the first one done, right? Here is some advice to make the second one.

TUMBLE

Not into blogging? Here is something to try, TUMBLR. As if you dont have anything else to do with your time. :)

COMMAS

Do you struggle with grammar? Do you need comma rehab? Try this blog post.

DICTATE

Do you want to reinvent how you create a rough draft? Here is something to try: dictate your story. Check out this blog post for the full scoop.

Well, there is a handful of scratch. Come back next week for more. :)

Weekly Scratch: YA BOOKS, LAUNCH TIPS, IMPROVE

2011-06-16T16:39:00.000-07:00

Howdy, folks. Are you hot? At least this makes me want to hunker inside and write. I hope you are doing excellent work. Here's some news about our local authors. We love libraries! Kathi Appelt will be at the Elgin Library on June 22. Read about it here. Kathi Whitehead and Molly Blaisdell are going to be at the Georgetown Library on July 28th. Here is a great interview from Sherry Garland at Marjoleinbookblog. I hope you are writing your hearts out!

YA BOOKS

An interesting article in PW about whether YA books are dark and depraved or are saving lives.

BOOK LAUNCH TIPS

Hey, it's never too early to plan! That's my motto. Here is a great article to tuck for that book launch in the future.

IMPROVE

Want to really pick apart the bones of a children's book with some experts. Here is a great blog to help you on your journey - Story Sleuths.

Here is a list of 40 questions that is guaranteed to help you make a stronger manuscript.

Here is a list of 11 free resources to help you with editing.

BLOG

Thinking about blogging? Here are some good tips to help you on your way!

Hope your writing is hotter that outside this week! See you next week with more scratch.

Weekly Scratch: Genre Writing, Agents, Self Publishing, Tweets

2011-06-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

Howdy, folks, hope your work is humming! I hope you find something here to help you on your creative journey.

GENRE WRITING

Summer season is out and I have noticed that there are a boatload of superhero movies out there. Here is a blog post that shares some good advice for superhero writing at SuperheroNation.

AGENTS

Here is a new agent to check out at JABerwocky Literary: Jesse Cammack.

Here is a spotlight at Literary Rambles about Spieler Agency's Eric Meyer.

SELF PUBLISHING

DuoLit offers some good weekly links and advice about self-publishing and marketing.

TWEETS

Too busy for twitter, here is mystery writer's Elizabeth Spain Craig's best tweets for lit folks this week. Useful stuff.

Hope you make awesome progress this week!

Weekly Scratch: Statewide Opportunities, Great Conferences, Educational Opportunities

2011-06-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

Howdy, folks,

I hope that you are having a good week. Please remember that all the links provided below are for informational purpose and not to be considered an endorsement unless it is an SCBWI event. Do you your research. If I missed anything, send me an email and I will post the link next week.
Here is news about our next local SCBWI event.

For the next Saturday opportunity in the Brazos Valley, bring your work-in-progress or a new notebook to our mini-retreat on August 27.

SCBWI Saturday Mini-RetreatL August 27, 2011, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Arts Council of the Brazos Valley building, -- A Mini-Retreat to Inspire Your Writing Voice: SCBWI Brazos Valley Children’s Literature Book Club co-coordinators, Jacqueline Gramann and Alicia Clay O’Neill, will team-up and present A Mini-Retreat to Inspire Your Writing Voice. They are combining their professional backgrounds to inform and inspire beginning and seasoned writers. Jacqueline and Alicia will present new ways to look at writing for children and have several writing exercises to unlock your writing obstacles.

Alicia Clay O’Neill, M.A. is a college-level English instructor and has taught writing at Texas A&M University and most recently to students at Blinn College. Alicia is a 2nd grade Faith Formation teacher, mother to an energetic 3 year old, and works as a reading intervention tutor with a special interest in instruction for dyslexic students. Alicia enjoys coaching writers at all levels of the writing process and she has found that teaching is the best way to learn. She will present “Voicing Your Characters.”

Jacqueline Gramann, Ed.M. has over twenty years of experience in teaching, research, and the writing of educational briefs, research reports, and training manuals. She has taught toddlers to adults in the fields of gifted and talented, early childhood, child development, and family literacy. Research work has been in metacognition and emergent literacy. A SCBWI member since 1982, she has attended many workshops, including the Writers Workshop at Chautauqua. Currently, Jacqueline is crossing her fingers and following-up her first publication in children’s writing with rewriting, blogging and submitting new manuscripts to editors. She will lead off with “Informing Your Story Voice.”

CLBC:

For information about our Children's Literature Book Club, join the yahoo group to view the calendar of meetings and books, past books, and to get reminders. The Children's Literature Book Club meets for book discussion at the Arts Council of Brazos Valley, 2275 Dartmouth Street in College Station. The next book club meeting will be in September with a couple of books by Richard Peck.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChildLitbookclub/

STATEWIDE OPPORTUNITIES

Registration is open now for summer classes and workshops at Gemini Ink in San Antonio.
SCBWI Austin - July 30th Workshop – Beyond the Basics: Applying and Analyzing Constructive Criticism with the Texas Sweethearts.</a>

GREAT CONFERENCES TO EXPLORE

SCBWI SUMMER CONFERENCE
SCBWI WINTER CONFERENCE
SCBWI NEVADA Mentorship Program
SCBWI Bologna in conjunction with the Bologna Book Fair. </a>
SCBWI San Fransisco Asilomar Conference

Writers Workshop at Chautauqua.
The Founder's Workshops at the the Highlights Foundation were not "highlighted" at our Schmooze.
The Rutger's One-on-one Conference sponsored by the Rutger's Council on Children's Literature.
The Backspace Writer's Conference. Backspace (http://www.bksp.org/) is an online writers organization with over 1,400 members in a dozen countries.
For publsihed writing professionals, Kindling Words Retreats--Kindling Words is an inspiring retreat where accomplished authors, illustrators and editors meet, talk shop, participate in workshops, and inspire each other.
Write On Con is an online conference site for children's writers with monthly events. It's sponsored by a group of very generous authors.
Robert McKee's Story Seminar.
The Whidbey Island Writer's Conference, a conference for all writers, but it does have a children's author track.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Institute of Children's Literature
Vermont College Low Residency Children's Writing MFA
Hamline University Low Residency Children's Writing MFA
Hollins University Low Residency Children's Writing MFA
Northwest Institute for Literary Arts Low Residency Children's Writing MFA

Weekly Scratch: A MOVIE, AWARDS, DON'T TELL,

2011-05-24T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hi folks, Our upcoming Schmooze on 5-25 at the College Station Barnes and Noble at 10 a.m. will feature a panel discussing the following : Q&A about MFA programs, SCBWI conferences, Highlights Foundation workshops, and others. Be sure to check calendar for other weekly events. Have I mentioned that Sherry Garland's book VOICES OF GETTYSBERG has recieved a 2011 Storytelling World Resource Award for Stories for Adolescent Listeners?
A MOVIE

I want to see The Library of the Early Mind. It's a documentary about children's literature. Watch the trailer here.

AWARDS

Wondering who won the Edgar Award for juvenile books from Mystery Writers of America in 2011?

Wonder who were the finalists for the Mythopoeic Society's Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature?

Look,a new award to honor the exceptional writing in a picture book in the amount of $5000: PEN/Steven Kroll Award to Honor Author of an Illustrated Children's Book!

DON'T TELL

A good article about showing vs telling on the blog, The Blood Red Pencil.

I will toss some more scratch next week. Have a good day, folks!

Weekly Scratch: Trends, Market, Tweet, Advice, Revolution, Laugh

2011-05-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

Howdy, folks. Hope your work is humming. Keep looking up and believing good things will come. Our books reach all kinds of places, Brazos Valley . Proof: If you go to Minnesota's Children's Museum, you might want to read (among others) Kathy Whitehead's book ART FROM HER HEART. Our upcoming Schmooze on 5-25 at the College Station Barnes and Noble at 10 a.m. will feature a panel discussing the following : Q&A about MFA programs, SCBWI conferences, Highlights Foundation workshops, and others. Here is a little blurb about Kathi Appelt at Chautauqua.
TRENDS

Here is an article about an upcoming trend in YA -- Myths.

MARKET

Pyr is entering into the YA market. PW

TWEET

Why is Twitter useful? Check out this little video. Comments of a NEWBIE tweeter offers advice for the want-to-be tweeter.

ADVICE

Some great advice from J. K. Rowling (commencement at Harvard.)

REVOLUTION

Production of all kinds of books in major decline.
Hot new site for YA writers...check it out - Figment.

LAUGH

Kurt Vonnegut and the curves of fiction. Good for a laugh and it might be some good writing advice too!

I hope something here helps you on your journey.

Weekly Scratch: Opportunity, Publishing News, Revolution, Bestsellers, A Smile

2011-05-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

Howdy, folks! Hope you have had a chance to work on your writing this week. Keep digging and I'm sure you will find gold.    The SCBWI Magazine Merit Awards were recently announced.

OPPORTUNITY

Lot of live query events going on over at Write-on-con (WOC). Next week, Monday, May 16 at 9 PM Eastern Time (That's 8 PM Central Time :) ) at WOC,  Molly O'Neill, an Associate Editor at Katherine Tegan Books, Joanna Stampfel-Volpe, and Michelle Andelman of Regal Literary will show up for a live event.   Check it out if you have a book to pitch.

PUBLISHING NEWS

Dial Books has a new vice-president of acquisition and development -- Jennifer Hunt. Check out the article.

REVOLUTION

Did you know that some literary agency are becoming publishing agencies too?

Ed Victor, an English based literary agency, has started publishing e-book and print-on-demand. Read about in PW.

BESTSELLERS

Here is a round up of current best sellers:

The current Indiebound "Indie Bestsellers" list for Children's Interest.
Here are the current NY TIMES bestsellers for Children's Chapter Books and Picture Books.

A SMILE

Did you just receive a requested manuscript? Good for a smile.

I will toss out some more scratch next week. Keep writing.

Weekly Scratch: First Lines, Micro Plots, On Character, Sequels, The Revolution, Hahaha

2011-05-04T08:05:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Folks, I hope your plots are stronger this week. Thanks Debra for a great program last week! If you wish to apply for the Matha Weston grant that is open and the rules are at the SCBWI website. SCBWI Member's Choice Awards have been announced: The Crystal Kite Award. Tammi Sauer wins the Oklahoma/Texas region's Crystal Kite honor with Mostly Monsterly. Here's the link to the Children's Choice Awards if you are interested. Go Texans: Author of Year-Rick Riordan!

FIRST LINES

I thought this might be of some use to you on your journey to a great a novel.  This is a link to the first lines of a boatload of classics--Interesting Things: The First Lines. Here legendary librarian Nancy Pearl's offers a grouping of great opening lines. Want a tweet of a first of children's book every day? Here is the spot.   Here are over 1000 first lines of picture books. And here's some first lines from books hot off the presses from School Library Journey's Fuse 8 and famed librarian Elizabeth Bird.

MICRO PLOTS

Please consider posting your faves in the notes. I like to think about the micro elements of plots -- i.e. scenes. Here is an article that offers some useful guidiance on how to construct scenes.

ON CHARACTER

"Character is plot, plot is character." F. Scott Fitzgerald. Here is a guy chatting about how to use the Enneagram to build character. This may of be of some interest to you

SEQUELS

I really liked this PW article on upcoming sequels and I thought you might like it too.

THE REVOLUTION

Here is a mystery author musing about the rapidly transforming publishing world.

HAHAHA

You may feel this sometimes when you are writing your manuscript.

Have a great day. May the 4th be with you. :)   I am so punny. See y'all next week!

Weekly Scratch: Read a book, Famous, Opportunity, For Fun

2011-04-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

Hi folks, SCBWI Brazos Valley’s Young Poets on the Brazos annual reading is TONIGHT. On April 26, 2011 the SCBWI Brazos Valley will have their annual Young Poets on the Brazos reading of winning poems from 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in local schools. The event will start at 7 p. m. at the College Station Community Center on George Bush Drive. Extra copies of the yearly anthology will be on sale at the Arts Council after the event. Please join at our only community outreach program and help welcome the young writers and their families! Enjoy refreshments!

TOMORROW is our monthly Schmooze. Locally, the SCBWI Brazos Valley Schmooze is at 10 a.m. in the "Science" corner at the Barnes & Noble in College Station on April 27, 2011, “Do I Have A Plot?” with Debra Booth.

Save the Date. Our Fall SCBWI Saturday will be on August 27, 2011 at the same location, the Arts Council building at 2275 Dartmouth in College Station. Details will be coming soon.

Save our conference date: November 12, 2011.

READ A BOOK

SCBWI Brazos Valley’s Children's Literature Book Club selected the reading list for the remaining meetings in 2011. All of the meetings are scheduled to be at the Arts Council (SCBWI BV is an affiliate member) building. Join in the discussion on the last Thursdays at 4:30-6 p.m. in the Arts Council, 2275 Dartmouth in College Station. The September book includes the next book in the series and, if you have time, the last book. The CLBC list of books read is in the Yahoo database. Upcoming meetings and books are listed in the Yahoo calendar. To get to the archives and current news with reading updates join the Yahoo group. Subscribe here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChildLitbookclub/

CLBC Reading List:

April 28: A SWIFTLY TILTING PLANET by Madeleine L'Engle

May 26: EACH LITTLE BIRD THAT SINGS by Deborah Wiles

September 29: A LONG WAY FROM CHICAGO series (including A YEAR DOWN YONDER; A SEASON OF GIFTS) by Richard Peck

October 27: THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND by Elizabeth George Speare

Also consider checking out some of BOOKS at BEA (Bookexpo America) this year, PW reports.

FAMOUS (or soon to be)

Local author, Linnea Heaney, has her first publication in children’s writing at Hunger Mountain, the VCFA journal of the arts. This is a high literary online journal with one print issue compiled each year. Link to the publication and her blog here: http://www.hungermtn.org/a-real-best-friend/

Check out this. Kathi Appelt and other interviews are at this link: http://www.ourvoicesourselves.com/

Our speaker, Bethany Hegedus, author of Truth With a Capital T and Hunger Mountain editor, blogged about our Spring SCBWI Saturday and included photos of us at http://bethanyhegedus.blogspot.com/2011/04/april-foolss-friday-week-in-review.html?spref=fb

OPPORTUNITY!

More about Hunger Mountain: Hunger Mountain’s Katherine Paterson Prize for YA and Children’s Writing is coming up soon with the deadline of June 30, 2011. It has an annual prize in writing for children of $1,000 for the first place winner and publication. Three runners-up receive $100 each. Winners are chosen with one runner-up from the YA (young adult) entries, one from the Middle Grade entries, and one from the Picture Book or Writing for Young Children entries.

All entries are read by editors at Hunger Mountain. The judge this year for the Katherine Paterson Prize is Kimberly Willis Holt, author of the Piper Reed series, My Louisiana Sky, Mister and Me, Dancing in Cadillac Light, Keeper of the Night, Waiting for Gregory, Part of Me, and Skinny Brown Dog; winner of the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature for When Zachary Beaver Came to Town; and winner of the 2011 YALSA BEST FICTION for Young Adults for The Water Seeker.

Local connection: Kimberly skyped-in for our CLBC February meeting about her award-winning book, When Zachary Beaver Came to Town! Link: http://www.hungermtn.org/katherine-paterson-prize-for-young-adult-and-childrens-writing/

FOR FUN!

So, I like a good laugh. If you have not seen this video: So you want to write a novel! Awesome, so awesome. I think my heart just stopped.

Weekly Scratch: Improve Your Writng, Fat Pig, Late Bloomers.

2011-04-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

Howdy! I hope you have worked on projects this week and have made good progress. Are you going to LA for the 40 Annual SCBWI Conference? Registration is open. Details! 40th Anniversary SCBWI Summer Conference Registration. Locally, the SCBWI Brazos Valley Schmooze is at 10 a.m. in the "Science" corner at the Barnes & Noble in College Station on April 27, 2011, “Do I Have A Plot?” with Debra Booth.

IMPROVE YOUR WRITING

This book was mentioned at the Houston SCBWI conference. Late screenwriter Blake Snyder wrote SAVE THE CAT, a powerful book about screenwriting. You may want to check out the website and perhaps read the book.

Ways to get some writing education with out emptying out the piggy bank.

(to market, to market to sell a) FAT PIG

Chuck Sambuchino's blog A GUIDE TO LITERARY AGENTS is an important on with tons of info about agents and pitching and such. Check it out!

Hey, author Kate Hart crunches the numbers about what's selling in the YA market. You might want to check it out, too,

New to publishing? Check out Joe Konrath's THE NEWBIE'S GUIDE TO PUBLISHING blog.

LATE BLOOMERS

Here is a list of 40 writers that were first published over the age of 40. Hopefully this will cheer you up if you are feeling time keeps on slipping into the future.

Here is a blog post about three late bloomers who found there way. Maybe what you read here will help you keep moving forward.

Another up article for the late bloomers. :)

Late bloomers abound. Skip to the end of this blog post at JANE WRITES so you can read about the awesome children's authors.

I'll be back next week with more scratch!

Weekly Scratch: Musical Chairs, Agents, Revolution, Awards

2011-04-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

  Sorry, I'm a day late, folks! I've had tons to do this week. I hope everyone is having fun at TLA. We have an upcoming schmooze at the College Station Barnes and Noble. Be sure to make your calendars. I hope all your projects are humming and that something here helps you on your journey.

AWARDS

Check out the American Bookseller's Association's 2011 Indies' Choice Awards. Check out the children's book winners. Check out their national best sellers list HERE.

REVOLUTION

Here are a number of APPS that have tie-ins to books that you might want to look at.

eBooks are selling but it's not enough to make up for losses. From 4/14/2011 Publisher's Lunch and the got it from AAP Consumer Data Presentation: In January, the increase in ebook sales of $37.5 million did not make up for the decline in trade print sales of $50.4 million. It was the same in February, with ebooks' gain of $60.4 million lagging print's decline of $93.5 million. If you want to read a fat article on the revolution in bookselling go HERE to NEW WAYS TO UNDERSTAND SHIFTING BOOK SALE CHANNELS.

AGENTS

Casey McCormick's blog is a weath of infomation on agents. Check out this: Agent Spotlight: Andrea Cascardi.

Nelson Literary Agency agent Sara Megibow was at the SCBWI Houston Conference.  Here is a link to the Sara Megibow interview from Casey. And here is the link to Nelson Literary Agency.

Anna Webman was another agent at this conference. She is a Curtis Brown agent. She cautioned at the conference, "Don't believe everything you read on the Internet."   Here is a link to the Anna Webman interview from Casey.

MUSICAL CHAIRS

The publishing industry reminds me of a game of musical chairs. Every one has a chair, the music plays, and then it stops, and every scrambles for a new chair!

News at Capstone Press: Ashley Andersen Zantop will serve as group publisher and general manager at Capstone.

Over at the PURPLE CRAYON, editor Harold Underdown is always keeping tabs on Editorial Staff Changes. You might want to check it out.

I hope you are working hard. Keep at it. The only sure way to fail is to not try.

Weekly Scratch: Horizons, Revolution, TUBWCI

2011-04-05T19:46:00.000-07:00

Hi, y'all. I'm going to the Houston SCBWI Conference this next weekend and am excited! The TLA's Annual Confernece is coming up on April 12-15.. Local Texas stars, Kathi Appelt and Janet Fox will be signing. Little birdies tell me that more of our Texas stars will be around. Kathy Whitehead and Sherri Garland will be signing at booths also. SCBWI has booth too (that's a whole galaxy of stars), so drop by and say hi if you manage to hop over to Austin.

HORIZONS

Agent Mary Kole from the Andrea Brown Literary Agency is chatting on the AgentQuery Connect forum until April 12. You might want to check that out.

AgentQuery also has a nifty agent cheat sheet to check out. Scroll down the page where there is a special link to a post with hungry YA agents if that is something you are looking for.

Check out WattPad, an e-book community that has contests for YA writers with some really decent judges.

REVOLUTION

Here's an article from NPR about children's book apps that Ann Perry shared with me. Interesting stuff.

TOTALLY USELESS (but wholly cool) INFORMATION

Casting for Suzanne Collins' HUNGER GAMES has begun.

Some new Dr. Seuss books are coming out.

If you are heading to New York, you might want to check out this Harry Potter exhibition.

Hey, I'm sorry that the Scratch is a little late and thin this week. My computer died this past weekend and I've been scrambling since. I'll be be back next week with some excellent scratch.

Weekly Scratch: Boy Books, Passage, New Horizons, World View, Deals

2011-03-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hi folks, I'm speaking tomorrow about how to connect your work with the children's market at 10 am at the Barnes and Noble in College Station, TX.

BOY BOOKS

Publishers continue to scramble to find a way to get boys reading. Are you thinking about the Holy Grail of children's writing? Here is an interesting article in the Washington Post.

NEW HORIZONS

A new imprint for the preschool set -- Abrams' Appleseed will publish 8 to 12 titles a year. Reported 3/24/11. PW.

"WingedChariot is the latest digital partner for Walker...WingedChariot, already known for its pioneering work in the digital picture book publishing arena, will work with Walker to produce interactive apps based on Walker's award-winning, best-selling children’s book properties." Press release from Bologna CBF.
WORLDVIEW

Do you know what the Bologna Children's Book Fair is about? This book fair is really about the global market. Check it out if you want to a world-view perspective. Some highlights: Arab publishers at the fair.
Taiwanese illustrators at the fair, and more good news for Shaun Tan. He won a Oscar for his short THE LOST THING and now he's won the Lindgren Award. Reported 3/29/2011, PW.

PASSAGE

Dianna Wynne Jones, author of over 40 fantasies -- many for children, passed away on March 26. Her wild imagination and wit will be sorely missed. Here's a nice article in THE TELEGRAPH if you want to read more.

DEALS

Are you interested in getting an agent? Here is an article about a YA author that just made such a leap and is now happily published. From GalleyCat, 3/29/2011.

Self publisher Amanda Hocking, Kindle phenom, just landed a traditional publishing deal. Read about it in THE NEW YORKER book blog.

2011-03-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

Brazos Valley has two events coming up. Saturday, March 26, 2011 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Arts Council of Brazos Valley, 2275 Dartmouth Street, College Station, TX, we have Spring SCBWI Saturday and "Create Your Own Canon" with Bethany Hegedus. Download Registration. $20. On Wednesday, March 3, 2011 at B&N in College Station at 10 a.m. mind behind the Scratchpad, Molly Blaisdell, will present "Sure Paths to Publication" to help you with your journey to publication. The SCBWI Houston Conference is around the corner. And you might want to check that out too.

DEALS

Hey, do you want to sell 100,000 books? Half a million? A million? Look in this article in PW with sales numbers on the high flying franchises in the children's book industry.

Patrick Carman is somebody who has been on my radar for years. If you want a great role model on how to create a fab career in children's publishing, he is someone to study. Here is a recent article in PW that covers his latest endeavor. I'm going to offer a tip. One thing I have learned in the journey of publication is one of your jobs as an author is to make sure your book reaches its audience (no one will do this for you). I think that Patrick is an author who really gets that.

CRYSTAL KITE

Hey, folks, I hope you voted. Congrats to local author Kathi Appelt!
Here are the finalists from our SCBWI region. You will find the rest of the regions' finalists here.

TEXAS/OKLAHOMA

KEEPER, Kathi Appelt

MOSTLY MONSTERLY, Tammi Sauer

SAVING MADDIE, Varian Johnson

SHARK VS. TRAIN, Chris Barton

THE BATTLE OF THE SNOWCONES, Lupe Ruiz-Flores

SPOTLIGHT

Who was the agent for the 2011 Newbery winning book MOON OVER MANIFEST by Clare Vanderpool? Andrea Cascardi at Transatlantic Literary Agency.

Want to know who reps who in the literary world? Check out this list from Querytracker.net.

I hope you found something that helps you on your journey here. See you next week.

Weekly Scratch: Revolution, Free Stuff, and News

2011-03-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

Hi, folks, I hope that you are working hard on your current works. I've been watching the feeds and hope that I have a little tidbit here to help you on your journey toward publication.

REVOLUTION

Publishing as an industry is rapidly changing. The value of content is changing, and we all need to move with the times. Here are few interesting bits that you may find of interest.

How about this idea, folks -- Hulu for books. Here is an article from Galleycat that will give you an peek inside on possible future publishing scenario.

First up an interesting press release from ALA with a perspective on how restrictions on e-book lending required by publishers is threatening access to information.

This week author Chris Eboch is offering a startling perspective covering the new frontiers in self-publishing on the Spectacle, a blog about speculative fiction for children and teens.

FREE STUFF

Chris Eboch is a multi-book author if you follow her blog Write Like a Pro! A Free Online Writing Workshop, you are eligible for a free critique.

If you want a free copy of a hot new book CHAOS by Rachael Ward swing by The Neverending Shelf blog and drop your name in the hat.

Over at the blog of CHRISTINE FONSECA, AUTHOR blog a whole slew of free stuff you can try for if you so wish at big Kidlit blog party. This is a nice way to network with folk and perhaps win a free thing or two.

NEWS

There's a new imprint over at Candlewick called Nosy Crow. Read about it here in PW.

In these days and times, authors need to think globally. Here is an interesting article in PW about children's publishing in Asia.

Remember this blog is for informational purposes and is not to be considered an endorsement.

Weekly Scratch: New Horizons, Tough Times,and Learn Something.

2011-03-07T22:09:00.000-08:00

Hi, folks, remember we have a special event this month Spring SCBWI Saturday with author/editor Bethany Hegedus on Saturday, March 26 at 10:00am at the Arts Council of Brazos Valley. To register click here. Don't forget to send in your applications for WIP grants. They are due by March 15th.

NEW HORIZONS

from PW, March 3, 2011. Beach Ball Books, a book packager in Santa Barbara has put out a new line, the list with six debut titles features many sports books.

Check out RUCKUS MOBILE MEDIA, an app publisher on the forefront of the publishing revolution.

Here's a little press, LOOK AGAIN PRESS, that specializes in "innovative approaches to the analysis of children's literature, and children's books which resonate with readers". Their plan is to publish 3 to 5 books per year.

TOUGH TIMES
Read about tough times at Tokyopop, a popular manga publisher, in PW, March 7, 2011.

LEARN SOMETHING

Have you ever heard of PUBLISHER'S MARKETPLACE? You might be interested in the fee-based service that offers up-to-date publishing information.

Check out the SCBWI Houston Regional Conference coming up on April 9th in Katy Texas.

Here's something that might interest you: Highlights and Boyds Mills Press science editor Andy Boyles for Science Writing Boot Camp! This newly created Highlights Foundation workshop will take place April 27–May 1, 2011. Here is a link to all the upcoming workshops for the Highlights Foundation.

Hope you have a good week, create tons of great stuff, and find good success. See you next week for more scratch.

Weekly Scratch: A Deal, Biz News, Best Sellers, Awards

2011-03-01T15:48:00.000-08:00

Hi, folks, great stuff from Andy Sherrod at our monthly Schmooze. I hope that you are writing your heart out. Here's a link to some interesting articles provided by James Frey, the guy that wrote the book on the fictive dream. Don't forget to send in your SCBWI WIP grant applications!

RECENT DEAL

From Publisher's Lunch 3/1/2011: Simon & Schuster editor and Columbia MFA grad Karen Thompson Walker's debut novel THE AGE OF MIRACLES, about an eleven-year-old girl and her family who wake one morning in their modest suburban home in California, to discover, along with the rest of the world, that the rotation of the earth has suddenly begun to slow, setting a suspenseful family drama of the lows and highs of a girl's adolescence and a poignant story of first love against this looming global disaster, to Kate Medina at Random House, in a pre-empt, for publication in 2012, by Eric Simonoff at William Morris Endeavor (US).

BIZ NEWS

From PW (3/1/2011): Bloomsbury USA had its best year ever in 2010 with profits up 160% to 1.3 million pounds ($2.1million) before central charges of 200,000 pounds. Sales rose 1.6% to 19.1 million pounds ($31 million). Sales were led by The Finkler Question, backlist sales, three children’s bestsellers, right sales and e-books. E-book sales totaled $2.3 million for all of Bloomsbury with two-thirds of that coming from the U.S. In the first month Finkler was on sale in the U.S., 42% of sales were from e-books.

From Pearson to its investors: Penguin will face another year of fast-changing industry conditions, driven by the rapid growth of both digital sales channels and digital books, and by the resulting pressures on physical bookstores. After particularly strong competitive performance and financial results in 2010, we expect Penguin to perform in line with the overall consumer publishing industry this year, while we continue to adapt the business to these industry changes.
GOOD ADVICE

"Words of Advice" compiled by Diane Roback in PW on Feb. 21, 2011 "We asked a number of industry veterans about the best piece of advice they received when first entering publishing, and what advice they have for those just starting out today."

BEST SELLERS

NY Times Bestselling Picture Books, the week begining Feb. 27, 2011.
NY Times Bestselling Chapter Books, the week beginning Feb. 27, 2011.
NY Times Bestselling Paperback Books, the week beginning Feb. 27, 2011.
USA Today bestsellers based on sales through Feb. 20, 2011.

AN ACADEMY AWARD

Shaun Tan, children's book author and movie animator, wins the 2011 Academy Award for Animated Short.
Check out the film here! Really worth your time. It's weird and wonderful.

I hope something here is helpful or inspiring here. See you next week with more scratch.

Weekly Scratch: Local, Sci/Fan, Revolution, Fun

2011-02-22T13:30:00.000-08:00

Howdy, Brazos Valley Children's Writers and Illustrators! I hope you have had a good work week. First up, fun news for two local writers. Kathy Whitehead received a nice mention for ART FROM YOUR HEART. Janet Fox's FORGIVEN is a Junior Library Guild selection.

We have meeting tomorrow, February 23, 2011 at Barnes & Noble, 711 Texas Ave, College Station at 10 a.m.. Be there or be square. :) Andy Sherrod will help us ferret out clumsy writing. Yay!

We have a cool upcoming opportunity: Kimberly Willis Holt will attend the Children's Literature Book Club Thursday for the discussion of her award-winning novel, WHEN ZACHARY BEAVER CAME TO TOWN. Ms. Holt will appear via Skype for 30-40 minutes of the meeting which begins at 4:30 p.m. at the Arts Council of Brazos Valley, 2275 Dartmouth Street in College Station.
Remember that SCBWI WIP GRANT applications are currently open. Don't forget to vote for the Crystal Kite, all by March 15th!

INTERESTED IN SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY?

The Highlights Foundation has a Whole Novel Worshop for Fantasy Writers, May 1-8th. Click here for more information.

The 2011 SFWA Nebula Award short list is out. Here are the YA titles.

Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy

Ship Breaker, Paolo Bacigalupi (Little, Brown)
White Cat, Holly Black (McElderry)
Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins (Scholastic Press; Scholastic UK)
Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword, Barry Deutsch (Amulet)
The Boy from Ilysies, Pearl North (Tor Teen)
I Shall Wear Midnight, Terry Pratchett (Gollancz; Harper)
A Conspiracy of Kings, Megan Whalen Turner (Greenwillow)
Behemoth, Scott Westerfeld (Simon Pulse; Simon & Schuster UK)

MORE ON THE E REVOLUTION

The price point of book content is falling. It happened to the music industry first but that is now flooding into book industry. The information age is changing publishing forever. Be aware. Here is article that may interest you about price cuts from DC Comics. Where will teens read books in the future? Here is an interesting PW article teens jumping on the e-wagon.

SOME ODDS AND ENDS FOR FUN

Hunger Games, part of YA series by Suzanne Collins, has spawned a slew of homemade movie trailers on Youtube. Oh, the things that our books will do. Want to read a good book? The PW Fall Sneak Peek is out. I like to get books on the list early. I hope you do too...

Weekly Scratch: Opportunities, Deals, Best of, Revolution, and Passages.

2011-02-15T12:08:00.000-08:00

Hi folks, hope you are having a great writing week. This weekend is the AUSTIN SCBWI Conference! Have fun if you are going. :) The Writers' League of Texas has an upcoming conference for YA authors that you may wish to check out. The SCBWI Work-in-progress Grant season is open. Read about it here.

CONNECTING
Have you heard of WRITEONCON? This website offers monthly live events with children's agents and editors. This month will be an hour of Q and A with Literary Agent Suzie Townsend, with FinePrint Literary and Editor Maria Gomez, with Harper Collins Childrens. Both will volunteer their time online on 2/28/2011 at 9PST to answer your burning publishing questions. Write on Con has monthly events. Check it out.

WHAT A DEAL
Wonder who buys what? ...from GalleyCat: Disney-"Hyperion has acquired two books from children’s series author Ally Carter." and "Editorial director Stephanie Lurie negotiated the deal with literary agent Kristin Nelson of the Nelson Literary Agency. Senior editor Catherine Onder will edit the books." Yep, it's already been optioned by Warner Brothers. Nice.

Here's another one! ...from GalleyCat: Random House Children's Books. A Trilogy deal for Mark Frost for a YA series. Editorial director Jim Thomas negotiated the deal with literary agents Sophie Hicks and Ed Victor from Ed Victor Ltd. Super.

THE REVOLUTION
Yes, children's publishing is changing. Digital media is a game changer. Lots to think about. Here is one. YA author AMANDA HOCKING's blog. You WILL find it interesting. Ebooks changed her life. She's not worring about getting an agent or publishing house's interest. She's trying to satisfy her hundreds of thousands fans. Something to think about. Brilliant.

BEST OF
The Kidlitosphere (Children and Young Adult Bloggers) --their annual awards have been announced: 2010 Cybils Award winners.

PASSAGE
This week famed children's editor Margert K. MeElderry dies at the age of 98. May we all bring such magic to children's books. Read more here.

Come back next week for more weekly scratch!

Weekly Scratch: Local, Bestsellers, Market News, Passage

2011-02-08T11:45:00.000-08:00

Hi folks: I hope your manuscripts are humming. Be sure to be working on your SCBWI WIP Grant applications, the submitting window is about to open.

Locally, Brazos Writers is offering MOVIE BOOT CAMP on Feb 19. Scroll down the page to find the info.

What's the most popular book?

From Publisher's Lunch (2/3/2010):
The New York Times Unveils Their E-Book Bestseller Lists --The NYT's first-ever e-book bestseller lists will appear in print on February 13 and online on February 11 (reflecting rankings for the week ending January 30), as the paper previewed for publishing people at an event this morning. Not only will the paper publish a separate e-book list, but there will also be a hybrid print and e-book bestseller list. A spokesperson said the paper "wanted to provide more comprehensive lists of which books are selling. Here's a link to the NY TIMES BESTSELLER LISTS.

Who is buying books and why?

Check out this new study from a joint consumer study with Bowker and ABC (now a part of the ABA) in PW, Have you had questions about how the digital media is reshaping children's publishing? This might shed some light on the subject. Here's another acticle from Feb 2011 in the NY Times about how E-Book sales for kids are on the rise.

Some interesting children's market tidbits.

D4EO Literary Agency has promoted Kristin Miller to associate agent. A co-founder of the young adult blog YA Highway, she will work on building the agency's young adult and middle grade client list.

from Publisher's Lunch

Beth Fleisher has left BG Literary to found her own agency, Clear Sailing Creatives, and as of Janurary, Michael Stearns is only accepting queries by conference submission and referral.

from Thursday Spotlight with Casey McCormick.

Passage

Brian Jacques the author of the REDWALL series has died. -- from NPR.

You will not be dissappointed if you go.

Highlights Foundation Writers Workshop at Chautauqua, the deadline for having applications in the mail is Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011. . It takes place July 16-23, 2011, in western New York at the Chautauqua Institution. For an application, and for more information, please contact Jo Lloyd, e-mail:
jo.lloyd@highlightsfoundation.org, or phone, toll-free, 877-512-8365.

For the Team Unicorn folks, here's a new book...

Do you remember this oldie but goodie from the '60s? Peter S. Beagle's LAST UNICORN is a graphic novel! In September 2010, S&S published ZOMBIES VS UNICORNS, watch the trailer here if you have no clue. The epic battle continues to rage Go Unicorns!

Come back next week for more Scratch!

Weekly Scratch -- Quiet Books, Agents, Trends, a Kite, and more

2011-02-01T20:59:00.000-08:00

Hi folks, brrr, it is freezing here in the Brazos Valley; I hope that makes you want to curl up with a good and work.

First up, thanks to ARA Jacqueline Gramann for her great talk about "who are we writing for." Here is a link to self-publishing option she mentioned...Fastpencil.

So you want to write a picture book? Here is a two-minute master class from Kevin Henkes on how to achieve your goal.

Next, Santa Claus is coming to town... Wonderful William Joyce is coming out with a new Childhood Guardians series. This series will delve into the history of such childhood superheroes as Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, and the Easter Bunny. Here's the link to PW article.

Do you like quiet books? Here's a great blog post from Shannon Hitchcock's chat with Literary Agent Erin Murphy and her client Audrey Vernick. Gives a list of ways to make a quiet book louder. Enjoy.

The SCBWI Winter Conference -- sign -- I wish could have been a fly on the wall. Don't forget to check out the SCBWI Winter Conference Blog. Notes from a few attendees: Karen Strong, K.M. Walton, Kathryn Freeman, Amy K. Nichols, Nina Mata.

Do you need an agent? Links!

Here is one author's story of how she got an agent from Galley Cat.
Sarah Dessen's agent Leigh Feldman has joined Writer's House.
The Nelson Agency has posted some stand out query letters and pitches. You might want to check them out.
Casey McCormick's blog is an awesome place for agent research. Check it out.

This has been out there for a little while but is nevertheless an interesting blog entry from Ally Carter about TRENDS in children's publishing.

SCBWI members, vote for your CRYSTAL KITE award book -- it's like our own WGA awards. Log in and go to your homepage. Don't cry because you can only pick one book.

Hope you found helpful stuff here. Come back next week for more scratch...

Weekly Scratch -- News, Deals, Opportunites

2011-01-25T10:41:00.000-08:00

Lots of stuff to report on this week.

First check your calendars. We have a SCHMOOZE tomorrow at the College Station Barnes and Noble. Check the calender on your left for more information about our monthly meeting for SCBWI Brazos Valley.

You might want to check out this round table discussion about writing for children with your Regional Advisor Liz Mertz, your Assistant Regional Advisor Jacqueline Gramann and your Scratchpad editor Molly Blaisdell on OUR VOICES, OURSELVES.

Our parent organization SCBWI has several new board members! Congratulations to Emma Dryden, Chris Cheng, Bonnie Bader, and Melissa Stewart.

New Agent Opportunites

New agency from veteran agents Wernick & Pratt, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY reports that Marcia Wernick and Linda Pratt have left the Sheldon Fogelman Agency to start their own firm, Wernick & Pratt.
<<http://www.wernickpratt.com/>>

New agency from International SCBWI veteran, writer, literary scout, editorial consultant Erzsi Deak. Check out the website for more info: Hen & Ink Literary Studio .
Recent Childern's Deals

To give you an idea of what is selling in the children's market. Here are some tidbits from PW's Deals.

Warner Brothers has optioned Veronica Rossi's debut, a dystopian YA romance trilogy called Under the Never Sky, sold to HarperCollins in September 2010 in a major deal.

Bestselling picture book author Eric Carle will publish his first new picture book in more than four years in October. The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse.

A story of two self-published picture book authors who found their into mainstream publishing houses.

In E-BOOK News

The Apple iPad has over taken the Kindle. Read about this growing print industry in PW.

A Few More Days

You have till the end of January to enter the Highlights Fiction Contest. Follow the link for more info.

"90-Second Newbery" Video Contest

Announcing the "90-Second Newbery" Video Contest! The challenge: make a video that compresses the story of a Newbery award-winning book into 90 seconds or less. Anyone can enter. Here is the first video: Madeleine L'Engle's 1963 Newbery winner, "A Wrinkle in Time"! A star-studded 90-Second Newbery Film Festival is planned in the fall at the New York Public Library in Fall of 2011.
For more details, go to 90secondnewbery.com !

Weekly Scratch: Book Club, Judy Blume Fans, WIP SCBWI, What's hot in YA...

2011-01-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks!

Here is some news from the Brazos Valley's own Children's Literature Book Club...

Howdy CLBC,

The first CLBC meeting of 2011 is important as we will select the next few books to read for discussion. The January meeting will be led by Debra Booth, a SCBWI member. The book is The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton. I have read the book and it is an "easy read" if you have not read it, yet. Please urge anyone you know who enjoys literature for the young-at-heart to come and visit the book club on the 27th of this month.

The Children's Literature Book Club will meet for book discussion at the Arts Council of Brazos Valley, 2275 Dartmouth Street in College Station, from 4:30 PM to 6 PM, on the last Thursday of the month.

Spread the word to join the yahoo group for book club reminders:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChildLitbookclub/

Jacqueline Gramann, ARA SCBWI Brazos Valley

Are you feeling like a winner? Is your YA novel awesome? Perhaps you should try this contest...

Contest:
"Amazon.com, along with Penguin Group (USA) and CreateSpace, is pleased to announce the fourth annual Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, the international competition seeking the next popular novel.

The competion features an award for Young Adult Fiction. The winner will receive a publishing contract with Penguin, which
includes a $15,000 advance." Read the detailed terms/conditions at the site.

Deadline: January 24-February 6, 2011

Details: You must register at www.CreateSpace.com/abna to enter the Contest.

As always, we pass this stuff along for informational purposes only. Do your own research.

Want to know what is hot in YA? Give this article in PW about Today's YA Market a read: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/45333-today-s-ya-scene-.html?page=1.

Remember that SCBWI grant season is gearing up. Follow this link for more info: http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/WIP-Grant(1).

Are you a Judy Blume fan? This fandom contest might be for you...http://www.judyblumecontest.com/.

Are you searching for an agent? Aspiring author Casey L. McCormick offers a great website to help you on that journey: http://caseylmccormick.blogspot.com/search/label/Agent%20Spotlight.

Hope something here helps you on your journey!

Weekly Scratch: Newbery, Caldecott, and sifting through the news

2011-01-10T15:17:00.000-08:00

Hi folks, this is big time award season and here are the some of this year's big winners at ALA this year follow:

2011 Newbery Medal winner is Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool, published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, a division of Random House, Inc.

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm, published by Random House Children's Books, a div. of Random House, Inc.

Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus, published by Amulet Books, an imprint of Abrams.

Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Rick Allen, published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia, published by Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Caldecott Medal A Sick Day for Amos McGee illustrated by Erin E. Stead, written by Philip C. Stead, a Neal Porter Book, published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing

Caldecott Honor Books

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave illustrated by Bryan Collier, written by Laban Carrick Hill, published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

Interrupting Chicken illustrated and written by David Ezra Stein, published by Candlewick Press
The rest of the awards are listed here.

The rest of the awards are listed here.

Here are SLJ blogging librarian Elizabeth Bird's thoughts on the award winners. She's always entertaining.

Here is some inspiration to keep revising.:) From Darcy Pattison: "2013 Newbery Awards".

There are sooo many books listed here, pick the ones the interest you and give them a look. :)

See you next week with more scratch. :)

Weekly Scratch-- Children's publishing opportunities, inspiring stories, news from the digital war front

2011-01-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a lovely winter break. It's time to boot up the BV SCBWI scratchpad.  Here are some bits and pieces to help you on your journey.

First up, on last Christmas bell to ring, an inspiring story for authors and also the story of Publisher Weekly's number one children's picture book in December -- Elf on the Shelf by Carol Aebersole-- a great tale to encourage you to think outside of the box and believe in your dreams.

Milkweed, a nonprofit literary press, publishing between fifteen and twenty books a year, is open for submissions from January to March. If you have a middle grade or YA novel read to got, this might be a good place to send.

Have you ever been embarrassed? Write a story about it and get your entry in by January 31st. The Highlights for Children Fiction Contest is open for submissions.

Do you tweet? The Johnson Lit agency is taking pitches on their twitter page on JAN. 6. Click here for more info.

Hmm, the Kindle. Here is an article about how the Kindle is flipping the publishing industry upside down.   You might pay close attention to the reported royalty rates.   More on the publishing war (it kind of feels like a war): Publisher Wins Fight With Amazon Over E-Books.

Editorial Anonymous, a jazzy blog by a children's book editor, is back posting after a break from July to December. You might want to check out this informative blog.

Check out Cynsational Books of 2010. I like this list, it's eclectic and features some books that I don't think are getting near enough love on the "best of" lists this year. So many books to read, so little time.

And last, some good news, Skyhorse Publishing will launch a new children's imprint, Sky Pony Press, in the fall of 2011. Read about it here.

Check the calender for upcoming events! I will be back next week with the weekly scratch.

Weekly Scratch

2010-12-20T19:22:00.000-08:00

Hi folks,

The Brazos Valley SCBWI gathered for lunch on Monday, Dec. 13, 2010 at the Village Cafe in Bryan, TX for a year-end time to connect. We enjoyed great food, great company, and supported a great cause -- Brazos Valley Reach Out and Read, our local chapter of the nationwide literacy organization dedicated to preparing America's youngest children to succeed in school. We were able to bring together more than 60 books to support our community. Thanks to ARA Jacqueline Gramann for delivering the books! Thanks to RA Liz Mertz for a year of great programming.

The event was a great time to connect with local writers and illustrators. Our business can be lonely; take time to get out and connect. Consider joining us for monthly events.

Publisher's Weekly is buzzing about the upcoming 2011 spring book season. Check it out here.

Interested in eBooks? Check out Interact Books, a Texas company. They are looking for submissions. Read more about it here.

Harold Underdown has put up some newsy publishing bits for November at his site The Purple Crayon.

Sales up 250%! Happy news from Random House. Read about it in PW here.

Check out the calendar for upcoming Texas events. I will be back in January with more Weekly Scratch.

Weekly Scratch

2010-12-09T21:47:00.000-08:00

Hi folks, I've gathered together a few tidbits that you may wish to check out.

Here is a great way to fritter time. Check out your recent books sales. Here's an article in the LA Times about the new Nielsen BookScan info available to authors on Amazon. Head over to Amazon's Author Central to find out about your sales. :)

You want to read a good book? The best book lists keep rolling in...

Here's the Best Illustrated Books of the New York Times: http://events.nytimes.com/gift-guide/holiday-2010/best-illustrated-childrens-books-2010/list.html

From the New York Times Library blog: Children's Books 2010: 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing.

Just keeping an eye on the emerging markets. Another article from PW about "Children's Books in an iPad Age". Want to check out a digital publisher? Here's one: Callaway Digital Arts.

Have you dreamed of going to Chautauqua and the Highlights Foundation Writer's Workshop? That dream can come true. Check out Chautauqua alum Vijaya Bodach's blog for an insider's story.

Remember

2010-12-07T09:08:00.000-08:00

Hi folks, remember, Please join members and friends of SCBWI Brazos Valley Holiday Gathering--

11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 13

The Village Cafe

210 W. 26th Street, Bryan, TX*

RSVP to Liz Mertz, Regional Advisor, lizbmertz@gmail.com

Donations of new and gently used books appropriate for children ages 6 months to 5 years will be accepted for the Brazos Valley Reach Out and Read** program. A donation letter can be received for tax purposes. Middle Grade books also will be accepted. Older siblings of children in the program may receive books as well as read them in the waiting room.

Cafe’s phone: 979-703-8514, http://www.thevillagedowntown.com/eats/our-menu/

*View Map Order at the counter and join us in the back corner of the restaurant.

Reach Out and Read Mission Statement: Reach Out and Read prepares America's youngest children to succeed in school by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together.

Doctors, nurse practitioners, and other medical professionals incorporate Reach Out and Read's evidence-based model into regular pediatric checkups, by advising parents about the importance of reading aloud and giving developmentally-appropriate books to children. The program begins at the 6-month checkup and continues through age 5, with a special emphasis on children growing up in low-income communities. Families served by Reach Out and Read read together more often, and their children enter kindergarten with larger vocabularies and stronger language skills, better prepared to achieve their potential.

Monday Round-up -- Contests, App Publishers, Good Books

2010-11-30T12:17:00.000-08:00

I've been collecting tidbits for you.

Are you working on something wonderful?

SCBWI Barbara Karlin and W-I-P Grants open up for entries in mid-February. Now is a good time to think about getting together your entries. Read the rules, folks! No Fee for Members. Due: Feb. 15 to Mar. 15.

Are you a winner? Most contests open up in the new year, but it is time to think about submitting now.

The Writer's League of Texas has a contest for a YA and Middle Grade writing. $50.00 fee. Due: Feb. 15, 2011. http://www.writersleague.org/contests/manuscript.html

Miss Snark's First Victim has regular contests to get your work in front of agents. I've know more than one person to connect with an agent on her blog.

Perhaps you should polish up a story for Highlights for Children Fiction Contest. No Fee. Due: Jan. 1 - Jan. 31.

Please note: this list is for informational purposes and not to be construed as endorsement.

Want to read a book? Here are some best of lists to help you on your journey.
Publisher's Weekly Best Children's Books of 2010
Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books of 2010

Are you interested in emerging children's content markets? Check out this article in PW  if you are interested to see how traditional publishers are moving into APP territory. I also noticed that Harold Underdown at The Purple Crayon reports on a couple of APP publishers: Callaway Digital Arts and Ruckus Media.

FYI. Yes, The President of the United States is a children's book author. Read about it here. :)

Hope you find something useful here.

Mark Your Calendars!

2010-11-22T12:13:00.000-08:00

A great year of programs is ahead. Mark your calendars or check back here for updates. Also refer to the local SCBWI BV website. For your convenience, there's a nifty calendar in the sidebar; it lists upcoming local, regional, and international SCBWI events and other local events that may be of some interest to members and subscribers.

For complete schedule and changes: www.scbwi-brazosvalley.org

January 26, 2011 Who Am I Writing For?

Jacqueline Gramann

Who are the people and ages of children that have a stake in children's publishing?

February 23, 2011 Dream On

Andy Sherrod

We will look at five examples of clumsy writing which disrupt the fictive dream, and how to avoid them.

March 30, 2011 Creative Approaches to Finding Your Story’s Heart

Molly Blaisdell

Some lessons from artists, musicians, philosophers, mathematicians, dancers, and thespians to create stories that breathe with life.

April 27, 2011 Do I Have A Plot?

Debra Booth

Is your manuscript a story? Do you have an act 1, 2, and 3? We will discuss how to create a story arc in a manuscript.

May 25, 2011 Opportunities to Advance Craft

Panel

Q&A about MFA programs, SCBWI conferences, Highlights Foundation workshops, and others.

June 29, 2011 Writing Fiction from Life

Kathy Whitehead

Writing Fiction from Life will take a look at how to use real life experiences in creating story.

July 27, 2011 Query and Cover Letters

Sherry Garland

We will learn about the tricky tasks of writing winning query and cover letters.

August 31, 2011 How to Format a Manuscript

Liz Mertz

What is standard formatting for manuscripts and why is it important?

September 28, 2011 Sending and Keeping Track of Manuscripts Roundtable

Everyone needs to come with ideas about how to keep track of manuscript submissions.

October 26, 2011 Critique Group Advantages

Panel

How are our critique groups going? We will share ideas and handouts.

SCBWI BV

Schmoozes 2011

Headlines, Kudos, and Such

2010-11-18T14:34:00.000-08:00

National Book Award for Young People's Literature goes to Kathryn Erskine for her book MOCKINGBIRD (Philomel, 2010). Read an interview here.

Kudos: Local author Kathi Appelt's book KEEPER (Atheneum, 2010) appears on 2010 School Library Journal's Best Fiction Books list and Kirkus Review's 2010 Best Children's Books: Fantasy & Science Fiction list. I'm sure more is to come. :)

Kudos: Local author Sherry Garland's book VOICES OF GETTYSBURG (Pelican, 2010) received a nice review in SLJ's August issue.

Here’s a cautionary YA publishing tale that you might want to check out.
James Frey’s Fiction Factory: The controversial author is hiring young writers to join him in a new publishing company. The goal is to produce the next Twilight. The contracts are brutal.

Goodbye, Tricycle Press. Publishers Marketplace reports that Random House is closing the doors of the recently acquired small press. Here's a blog entry from Tacoma author Tom Llewellyn that expresses one author's opinion of the closure: "Aaaargghh! My publisher is closing its doors!

Welcome and the Novel Revision Retreat Report

2010-11-18T13:05:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the launch of the SCBWI Brazos Valley Scratchpad. Our blog will be a place to keep up with local news, and it will also offer tidbits to help you on your personal creative journey. Please subscribe to our blog for automatic email updates.

Our first post is a taste of our SCBWI region’s wonderful Novel Revision Retreat. It was led by Darcy Pattison, and held this past weekend at the La Salle Hotel in historic downtown Bryan. We experienced a happy time with lots of good food, better company, and an incredible creative journey. It’s behind us now, but it’s sure to keep the attendees’ creative fires burning for a long time to come.

Regional Advisor Liz Mertz and assistant RA Jacqueline Gramann (l to r on bench) planned the event and kudos to them. And yay for delicious eats like the paninis at the hotel and the wonder of The Lemon Wedge. And most all, yay for Darcy Pattison’s intense journey through a workable plan to take a novel from a diamond- in-the-rough to a multi-faceted diamond, cut and polished in every way.

Darcy opened the retreat with the prophetic refrain: There is never enough time. So true. This was a working retreat and we launched into the action with little ceremony. After a short workshop session, Darcy put us to work on a thorough analysis of the plot plan for our novels, first separately and then as a group. After, we moved on to various analyses of our stories, including plot, narrative arc, dialogue, pacing, etc. Did I mention this was the first day?

The next day, we brought the energy level up even higher with more group discussions and exercises with a focus on characterization. My favorite of these sessions was “novel gossip’ where members of each group dished about each others work in a positive and encouraging manner. This was a fun way to really delve into the psyche of our characters and open up in terms of conversation on our quest to make our books the best possible.

After numerous exercises and a good dose of working time, we moved on to movie night. I’m sure none of us will ever look at Pirates of the Caribbean the same way again after Darcy’s insightful commentary. I know I left that movie session and went home and wrote a revision plan on the basis of her scene by scene breakdown. Usually things wind down on the third day of a weekend event , but the energy and pace continued at this workshop and never let up until the very end. The weekend was chock full of revision advice; I’m sure there were many ah-ha moments for all.

In closing, if you were able to attend, good luck with your revision! If not, please do not despair -- Darcy has a great website and blog with lots of encouragement and advice for your writing journey. Take time to check it out.