Current Scratch: Local Events, SCBWI News, Publishing News, Better Blogs

Howdy, folks! Sorry there has been a little gap on the Scratchpad coming out. I'm working on that. Note: I'm looking for volunteers to join as contributors to the Scratchpad. Let me know if know if you are interested!

I hope your year hums with good news!

Mark your calendars. Our next Schmooze will fall on 2-27-13 at the College Station Barnes and Noble. Bring copies (up to 5) for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. Our Schmooze program begins at 10 a.m. The topic is picture books. See you there!

LOCAL EVENTS

Children's Literature Book Club
Date: February 28,
Time: 4:30 PM
Place: The ArtsCenter

Please learn more by following this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChildLitbookclub/

Free lecture from author George R. R. Martin: 

"Deeper Than Swords: Celebrating the Work of George R. R. Martin"
Date: March 22, 2013

Time: 6:30 PM
Place: Rudder Auditorium: Texas A&M University

SCBWI NEWS

Crystal Kite: FIRST ROUND CRYSTAL KITE VOTING ENDS FEBRUARY 28TH. If you have not voted take time to look at the entries and vote.

 

WIP Grants: The Work-In-Progress, Barbara Karlin, and Don Freeman Grant will be open MARCH 1-30. Get your submissions ready! For more information and the full application check out the "Awards and Grants" section. This year for the first time submissions will be accepted electronically only- no paper submissions will be accepted.

 

All work in progress material must be submitted electronically. No paper submissions will be accepted, so make sure you read the applications carefully!

PUBLISHING NEWS
 
Sales of children's and YA books up significantly last year. Check out this ariticle at GalleyCat.

Wondering about "Common Core Standards" and how it might change the children's book industry?  Here is an article in Publisher's Weekly that might shed some light for you.

BETTER BLOGS

Do you want to make your blog better. Check out the tips on ProBlogger. Also check out Michael Hyatt's site.  Want some short and sweet tips -- check out this article from Rachelle Gardner.

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