Howdy folks, summer is starting. Do you have a goal? I hope you carve out some time for your work over the next few months.
Our next Schmooze will fall on 6-27-2012 at the College Station Barnes and Noble. Bring copies (up to 5) for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. Our program begins at 10 a.m. and the discussion topic will be: Children‘s Magazine Publishing.
Local Author Sherry Garland is teaching a week long session at the Writers' Academy at West Texas A&M University on June 20-24, 2012. Sherry is an award-winning and best-selling author of thirty books for children, teens and adults and will teach Writing for Children and Young Adults. Using lectures and writing exercises, this course will cover a survey of children's literature; components of a picture book; components of a MG/YA novel including characterization, plot, dialog and voice; query letters and submitting manuscripts; working with editors and agents; marketing your book and promoting yourself; critique sessions. Here is the link to learn more and register for this event.
Messages
Many authors feel they want insert a message into their work. This goes against the age old advice, "don't preach." Here is an article by author Patrica C. Wrede that offers a unique perspective.
Laura Backes also offers a useful perspective on whether you should insert teaching into you current work. Here is an article at Children's Fiction Factory.
Magazines
Here is a link to many writer's guidelines for children's magazines at Freelancewriting.com.
Here is a listing of children's magazines at Yahoo.
Here is a link for non-fiction writers to help the build professional submissions for the magazine market, courtesy of the talented Fiona Bayrock.
Queries
Here is some solid advice on how to write a query letter to a magazine at AskAllison.
Here are some sample query letters from Margot Finke that worked at The Purple Crayon.
Children's author Cynthia Liu offers advice on how to create a professional query letter.
News
Houghton Mifflin-Harcourt filed for bankruptcy. Read about it in Businessweek.com http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-05-21/houghton-mifflin-harcourt-publishing-files-for-bankruptcy
Random House book designer Chip Kidd gave a TED talk called “Designing books is no laughing matter. OK, it is.” This offers some insight into the marketing of books. You may find this of some interest.
A new children's/YA imprint from World Wisdom for the philosophically inclined. Read about at PW.
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Current Scratch: Literacy, Write, Non-fiction, and RIP
Howdy folks, hope you are spending some time working on master works! Yay for rain to keep us indoors and working.
Our next Schmooze will fall on 5-30-2012 at the College Station Barnes and Noble. Bring copies (up to 5) for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. Our program begins at 10 a.m. and the discussion topic will be: Children‘s Magazine Publishing.
A new blog in town! Andy Sherrod's Big Boy Book Blog is a place to get the scoop on boy books. Andy's stated purpose, "My purpose here is to equip you to promote reading among boys who are alliterate (they know HOW to read but don't because they think books are boring)." Check it out.
Brazos Writers has an upcoming workshop on Saturday, June 16, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. as poet, memoirist, and associate professor at Texas A&M University English Department Chuck Taylor helps writers draw on life experience to create memoirs or use memories to enrich other writing types. On-site registration and networking time at 8:30 a.m. Check it out.
Literacy
The story of one small town and how they got the kids reading. Reported in SLJ.
Write
We all can use some helps some times to create the best works. Here are some tools to help you create your best book. Here is one that will help you strengthen you plot. Here is another tool, 40 questions to a stronger manuscript.
Non-fiction Writers
Our next Schmooze will fall on 5-30-2012 at the College Station Barnes and Noble. Bring copies (up to 5) for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. Our program begins at 10 a.m. and the discussion topic will be: Children‘s Magazine Publishing.
A new blog in town! Andy Sherrod's Big Boy Book Blog is a place to get the scoop on boy books. Andy's stated purpose, "My purpose here is to equip you to promote reading among boys who are alliterate (they know HOW to read but don't because they think books are boring)." Check it out.
Brazos Writers has an upcoming workshop on Saturday, June 16, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. as poet, memoirist, and associate professor at Texas A&M University English Department Chuck Taylor helps writers draw on life experience to create memoirs or use memories to enrich other writing types. On-site registration and networking time at 8:30 a.m. Check it out.
Literacy
The story of one small town and how they got the kids reading. Reported in SLJ.
Write
We all can use some helps some times to create the best works. Here are some tools to help you create your best book. Here is one that will help you strengthen you plot. Here is another tool, 40 questions to a stronger manuscript.
Non-fiction Writers
Nonfiction Monday was started by Anastasia Suen. Bloggers across the kidlitosphere celebrate Nonfiction Monday by writing about nonfiction books for kids on Monday. Check it out.
RIP
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI
Friday, April 27, 2012
Current Scratch: Young Poets, News
Howdy, folks. I hope you are taking time to create master works!
Our next Schmooze will fall on 5-30-2012 at the College Station Barnes and Noble. Bring copies (up to 5) for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. Our program begins at 10 a.m. and the discussion topic will be: Children‘s Magazine Publishing.
May 12 -- Brazos Writers presents Law & Disorder: Tales from the Street, Body Farm & Criminal Mind. Brazos Center, Bryan, TX. 9 to 2:30. Here is the link. A little birdie might have told me that YA thrillers are hot, and this might help you out.
May 23 -- "Lessons from a Bestseller," writer’s workshop with New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry (The Jefferson Key, The Romanov Prophecy, The Amber Room) from When: 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Fondren Hall. Follow this link for more info.
My (Molly Blaisdell) YA novel advanced to the semi-finals of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest. Follow this link to download the novel excerpt. I also have another story on an app called Farfaria. The story is "Waiting for Princess Tea."
YOUNG POETS
Winning young poets across the Brazos Valley joined to celebrate National Poetry Month on April 24 at the College Station Conference in BV-SCBWI annual poetry contest. Great thanks to Alyson Greene for doing such a great job chairing this event. Thanks to our volunteers Mary Mize, Kathy Whitehead, ARA Jacqueline Gramann, and everyone else who helped encourage the 6th, 7th and 8th graders of the Brazos Valley to explore the world of poetry. Highlights included readings, snack and poems for your pocket. Follow this link to learn more about poems for your pocket. Contact Liz Mertz for additional copies of the poem books on sale for $5.00 each. Here are some pics from the event:
A big crowd showed up. We have many fine poets in our area!
Thanks to efforts of program coordinator Alyson Greene the event was perfect! She did a fabulous job!
Thanks Andy Sherrod for serving as MC. Thanks always to our SCBWI regional advisor, Liz Mertz. And thanks to local educators, like 6th grade English teacher, Andrew Maly, of the Odyssey School in Bryan, Texas (on left) for encouraging participation.
Our next Schmooze will fall on 5-30-2012 at the College Station Barnes and Noble. Bring copies (up to 5) for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. Our program begins at 10 a.m. and the discussion topic will be: Children‘s Magazine Publishing.
April 28 -- Jeanette Larson, SCBWI member from Pflugerville, will be speaking about hummingbirds at 11 a.m. in the Clara B. Mounce Library, 201 E 26th St in downtown Bryan. Her children's book, Hummingbirds: Facts and Folklore in the Americas (Charlesbridge, 2011), is illustrated with quilts, and she is bringing some samples of the art.
Apr 28 --Brazos Valley's Sherry Garland will be signing her new book, Voices of the Dust Bowl (Pelican, 2012), 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Katy Budget Books.
Apr 28 -- Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site and the Star of the Republic Museum for free on Saturday, April 28. See details below from the Arts Council of Brazos Valley. As an affiliate member of the ACBV our group is included in the event.
May 12 -- Brazos Writers presents Law & Disorder: Tales from the Street, Body Farm & Criminal Mind. Brazos Center, Bryan, TX. 9 to 2:30. Here is the link. A little birdie might have told me that YA thrillers are hot, and this might help you out.
May 23 -- "Lessons from a Bestseller," writer’s workshop with New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry (The Jefferson Key, The Romanov Prophecy, The Amber Room) from When: 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Fondren Hall. Follow this link for more info.
My (Molly Blaisdell) YA novel advanced to the semi-finals of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest. Follow this link to download the novel excerpt. I also have another story on an app called Farfaria. The story is "Waiting for Princess Tea."
YOUNG POETS
Winning young poets across the Brazos Valley joined to celebrate National Poetry Month on April 24 at the College Station Conference in BV-SCBWI annual poetry contest. Great thanks to Alyson Greene for doing such a great job chairing this event. Thanks to our volunteers Mary Mize, Kathy Whitehead, ARA Jacqueline Gramann, and everyone else who helped encourage the 6th, 7th and 8th graders of the Brazos Valley to explore the world of poetry. Highlights included readings, snack and poems for your pocket. Follow this link to learn more about poems for your pocket. Contact Liz Mertz for additional copies of the poem books on sale for $5.00 each. Here are some pics from the event:
A big crowd showed up. We have many fine poets in our area!
Thanks to efforts of program coordinator Alyson Greene the event was perfect! She did a fabulous job!
Thanks Andy Sherrod for serving as MC. Thanks always to our SCBWI regional advisor, Liz Mertz. And thanks to local educators, like 6th grade English teacher, Andrew Maly, of the Odyssey School in Bryan, Texas (on left) for encouraging participation.
NEWS
Capstone has launched a new trade division called Capstone Young Readers. Read about it in PW.
An income avenue for publisher writers. Check out the honorarium deal from Audible.com
Mystery writers, the 2012 Edgar Award winners have been announced. Click here for the nominees. Here are the two chidren's winners: BEST JUVENILE: Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby (Scholastic Press) and BEST YOUNG ADULT: The Silence of Murder by Dandi Daley Mackall (Random House Children’s Books – Knopf BFYR.
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Current Scratch: Trends, Edit, Poetry
Howdy, folks. Tough to work when the weather is perfect. Let the wildflowers inspire you some! We have oodles of stuff going on in the Brazos Valley in the coming weeks.
April 7—Kelly Bennett, author of Your Mommy Was Just Like You and Dance, Y'all, Dance reads at College Station Barnes & Noble Storytime, 10 a.m.—noon (also signing books)
April 17-20—Texas Library Association Conference at George R. Brown in Houston
“Exhibits Only” pass allows a visitor to see publisher’s new books and authors' signings.
April 24—Young Poets on the Brazos poetry reading/award night, 7 p.m. at College Station Conference Center on George Bush Drive
April 28—Jeanette Larson, author of Hummingbirds: Facts and Folklore from the Americas will speak at Bryan Public Library, 11 a.m. to noon, family event
All April -- Script Frenzy is on, like NANOWRIMO for scripts. You might want to join in with the script writers at the Bryan/College Station Library events. Here is the link.
May 12 -- Brazos Writers presents Law & Disorder: Tales from the Street, Body Farm & Criminal Mind. Brazos Center, Bryan, TX. 9 to 2:30. Here is the link. A little birdie might have told me that YA thrillers are hot, and this might help you out.
TRENDS
Here's the recap of Bologna Children's Bookfair and some enlightening news on trends. PW reports.
EDIT
Need some advice on how to edit a novel. Here's a useful article over at Writer's Digest.
POETRY
I know poetry is a big deal in the Brazos Valley. I mean we are having our yearly contest. Why? It's National Poetry Writing Month! Perhaps you want to write a poem. If you like children's poetry, this is a name you want to know: Lee Bennet Hopkins. Check out his website. Wonder who is the Children's Poetry Laureate? For inquiring minds that want to know. Check out NaPoWriMo too...
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Our Schmooze this month will fall on 4-25-2012 at the College Station Barnes and Noble. Bring copies up to 5 copies for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. Our program begins at 10 a.m. and the discussion topic will be: Elements of a Mystery" .
April 7—Kelly Bennett, author of Your Mommy Was Just Like You and Dance, Y'all, Dance reads at College Station Barnes & Noble Storytime, 10 a.m.—noon (also signing books)
April 17-20—Texas Library Association Conference at George R. Brown in Houston
“Exhibits Only” pass allows a visitor to see publisher’s new books and authors' signings.
April 24—Young Poets on the Brazos poetry reading/award night, 7 p.m. at College Station Conference Center on George Bush Drive
April 28—Jeanette Larson, author of Hummingbirds: Facts and Folklore from the Americas will speak at Bryan Public Library, 11 a.m. to noon, family event
May 12 -- Brazos Writers presents Law & Disorder: Tales from the Street, Body Farm & Criminal Mind. Brazos Center, Bryan, TX. 9 to 2:30. Here is the link. A little birdie might have told me that YA thrillers are hot, and this might help you out.
TRENDS
Here's the recap of Bologna Children's Bookfair and some enlightening news on trends. PW reports.
EDIT
Need some advice on how to edit a novel. Here's a useful article over at Writer's Digest.
POETRY
I know poetry is a big deal in the Brazos Valley. I mean we are having our yearly contest. Why? It's National Poetry Writing Month! Perhaps you want to write a poem. If you like children's poetry, this is a name you want to know: Lee Bennet Hopkins. Check out his website. Wonder who is the Children's Poetry Laureate? For inquiring minds that want to know. Check out NaPoWriMo too...
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Current Scratch: Workshop, Next, Pinterest, Craft
Howdy, folks! I know the sunshine and perfect weather is calling. How do you keep moving forward with your work? Come to our Schmooze where we will discuss Balancing Writing Life--Goals & Deadlines.
The SCBWI Brazos Valley Schmooze topic this Wednesday, March 28, is "Balancing Your Writing Life" with Jacqueline Gramann, speaker. Join us at 10 a.m. in the Science corner at Barnes & Noble, 711 Texas Ave. in College Station, TX.
Open critique before the meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. Bring 5 copies of 5, double-spaced pages of a work in progress for peer review.
Local authors Kathi Appelt, Kathy Whitehead and Sherry Garland are all signing at the Texas Library Association conference on April 17-20 in Houston, TX. at the George R. Brown Convention center. Here is the link.
Don't forget the upcoming yearly events:
SCBWI Saturday Workshop Finding the Story
August 18, 2012 10 am/ Arts Center
Mary Wade, SCBWI Houston—Non-fiction
Jessica Lee Anderson, SCBWI Austin—Fiction
and
Writing Retreat Speakers TBA
November 3, 2012
Glory Inn in Bryan Texas
Program:TBA
Good news for Molly Blasidell (intrepid Scratchpadder): 1. Her eBook THE BIG FUZZY COAT was published by Meegenius! 2. Her YA comedy novel PLUMB CRAZY is in the Quarterfinals of the Amazon Breakout Novel Contest. An excerpt is available HERE for the Kindles.
WORKSHOP
If you have any further questions about the event, please feel free to contact Jo Lloyd at jo.lloyd@highlightsfoundation.org; or call, toll-free, 877-512-8365.NEXT
Here is an article in PW about what is coming next in children's books. This is a Bologna Bookfair 2012 perspective.
PINTEREST
Into social media? A new popular form is Pinterest. It is online bulletin board space for you to pin and share the things you love, I'm trying this out. Here is a link to my boards.
Here is some stuff about the growing Pinterest fad and discussion about copyright. Discusison on Downtown YA. Check it out.
Here is another post about Pinterest at Rachelle Gardner's blog -- 13 things you may want to know about it.
CRAFT
Check out the PLOT WHISPERER blog for some plot rx.
Searching for your original voice? Here is some good advice CHERYL REIF WRITES blog. Check it out.
Need some tricks to help you slip in description of your characters? Check out LET THE WORDS FLOW blog.
The SCBWI Brazos Valley Schmooze topic this Wednesday, March 28, is "Balancing Your Writing Life" with Jacqueline Gramann, speaker. Join us at 10 a.m. in the Science corner at Barnes & Noble, 711 Texas Ave. in College Station, TX.
Open critique before the meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. Bring 5 copies of 5, double-spaced pages of a work in progress for peer review.
Local authors Kathi Appelt, Kathy Whitehead and Sherry Garland are all signing at the Texas Library Association conference on April 17-20 in Houston, TX. at the George R. Brown Convention center. Here is the link.
Don't forget the upcoming yearly events:
SCBWI Saturday Workshop Finding the Story
August 18, 2012 10 am/ Arts Center
Mary Wade, SCBWI Houston—Non-fiction
Jessica Lee Anderson, SCBWI Austin—Fiction
and
Writing Retreat Speakers TBA
November 3, 2012
Glory Inn in Bryan Texas
Program:TBA
Good news for Molly Blasidell (intrepid Scratchpadder): 1. Her eBook THE BIG FUZZY COAT was published by Meegenius! 2. Her YA comedy novel PLUMB CRAZY is in the Quarterfinals of the Amazon Breakout Novel Contest. An excerpt is available HERE for the Kindles.
WORKSHOP
Putting imagination, experience, empathy, and research to work for you
April 26 – April 29, 2012
If you have any further questions about the event, please feel free to contact Jo Lloyd at jo.lloyd@highlightsfoundation.org; or call, toll-free, 877-512-8365.
Here is an article in PW about what is coming next in children's books. This is a Bologna Bookfair 2012 perspective.
Into social media? A new popular form is Pinterest. It is online bulletin board space for you to pin and share the things you love, I'm trying this out. Here is a link to my boards.
Here is some stuff about the growing Pinterest fad and discussion about copyright. Discusison on Downtown YA. Check it out.
Here is another post about Pinterest at Rachelle Gardner's blog -- 13 things you may want to know about it.
CRAFT
Check out the PLOT WHISPERER blog for some plot rx.
Searching for your original voice? Here is some good advice CHERYL REIF WRITES blog. Check it out.
Need some tricks to help you slip in description of your characters? Check out LET THE WORDS FLOW blog.
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Current Scratch: Extras, Locally, Better
Our Schmooze this month will fall on 3-28-12 at the College Station Barnes and Noble. Bring copies up to 5 copies for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. Our program begins at 10 a.m. and the discussion topic will be Balancing a Writing Life.
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 Gander Mountain, 2301 Earl Rudder Freeway South, College Station, TX. 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.
Mark your calendars for other special events:
Also mark your calendars: Young Poets on the Brazos awards ceremony will be at the College Station Conference Center on Tuesday, April 24 at 7pm.
Want to dig deep into award winning children's books. CLBC (ChildLitbookclub) is a local group of authors who delve into children's books. If you want to come to the CLBC meetings and get our reading list updates: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChildLitbookclub/
The required reading is:
April: Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
The March reading list includes books by Brian Selznick and Robert Lawson. The required reading is The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. The Great Wheel by Robert Lawson is suggested reading. Optional reading follows: Rabbit Hill; The Story of Ferdinand; They Were Strong and Good. Shirley Hoskins will be the discussion leader in March.
For everyone participating in CLBC: May: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
September: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead and A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle
October: Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
EXTRAS
CBLC participants, here are some fun goodies to go with the books.
Charlotte's Web trailer:
Ender's Game author Orson Scott Card will be the keynote speaker for Teen Book Con, April 14, 2012 at Alief Taylor High School, 7555 Howell Sugarland Road, Houston TX, 77083
A Wrinkle In Time trailer:
LOCALLY
The Houston SCBWI Conference is on March 31st. Here is the link.
TLA Texas Library association state wide conference is coming up. Here is a link to the scoop: April 17-20 at the George R. Brown Convention center, Houston, TX.
BETTER
Perhaps you need more conflict for your character. This Kidlit.com post might help.
Wavy Lines: One Writer's Zigzagging Journey offers three things you really ought to know if you write children's books.
Reading Rainbow is coming back as an app! Check it out.
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Current Scratch: Critique Groups, To Market, Luck, Revolution, Workshops
Howdy, folks! Spring is in the air. I hope that you the season is inspiring you to start new projects.
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