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.

Current Scratch: Local Events, Shout out! ALA Youth Media Awards

Howdy, folks! Welcome to a brand new year! First blog! I hope you are working on your stories.

Mark your calendars. Our next Schmooze will fall on 1-30-13 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. We have a surprise guest.  Get your laptops and phones set up for a Google Hangout!  See you there!

LOCAL EVENTS

Book Signing With Janet Fox and Joy Preble

Author Signing. Join Janet Fox and Joy Preble for an exclusive young adult Q&A session of their latest books and what it takes to be a YA author. We will release Janet's newest book, Sirens, and Joy will talk about her upcoming book, The Sweet Dead Life.

 

Date/Time: Tuesday February 05, 2013 6:00 PM

Place Barnes and Nobles, Lone-Star Pavilion, 711 Texas Avenue, College Station, TX 77840, 979-764-8955

 

Book Sale. The Fortnightly Club, a non-profit whose main beneficiary is the Nancy Carol Roberts Library in Brenham, is having their annual used book sale

When: February 20th to February 23rd, 2013 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, 1305 E. Blue Bell Road, Brenham TX.

Fee: $1.00 except on Wednesday, February 20th from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm, when dealers come, so the entrance fee is $10.00.

Somehistory about the club: It was founded by a small group of ladies, who wanted to form a literary club in Brenham. Together with friends they became the 14 charter members of The Fortnightly Literary Club of Brenham in 1895. They met every two weeks, thus the name “Fortnightly”. In 1901, the ladies decided to establish a public library and after being given the use of two rooms behind a bank, they collected about 1,000 books (all donated, I believe) and opened Brenham’s first library. In 1974 the City took over the library, but The Fortnightly Club maintains control of the Library Board.

SHOUT OUT!

Local author, Linnea Heaney's poem, ALL GONE, has been accepted at Highlights Hello. The poem is her second poem accepted at Hello; BOUNCY was accepted last summer.

ALA YOUTH MEDIA AWARDS

Here are some 2013 highlights:
Newbery Medal - “The One and Only Ivan,” written by Katherine Applegate, is the 2013 Newbery Medal winner. The book is published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers.
Caldecott - “This Is Not My Hat,” illustrated and written by Jon Klassen, is the 2013 Caldecott Medal winner. The book is published by Candlewick Press.
Printz - “In Darkness,” written by Nick Lake, is the 2013 Printz Award winner. The book is published by Bloomsbury Books for Young Readers.

Follow this link to learn more.
 

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

Current Scratch: Shout Out, Perfect Copy, Book Sale

Howdy, folks! Welcome to a brand new year! First blog!  I hope you are working on your stories.

Mark your calendars. Our next Schmooze will fall on 1-30-13 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.

Shout Out!

Local member CandiLynn Fite had some good news over the holidays! Candi received and accepted an offer for representation from Ms. Kathleen Rushall from Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. Go over to her blog to congratulate her!


Perfect Copy

Here is a useful copy advice article on Biographile:
Good Prose Month: Advice From a VP Executive Managing Editor and Copy Chief, From A to X.

Book Sale

The Fortnightly Club, a non-profit whose main beneficiary is the Nancy Carol Roberts Library in Brenham, is having their annual used book sale

When: February 20th to February 23rd, 2013 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, 1305 E. Blue Bell Road, Brenham TX.

Fee: $1.00 except on Wednesday, February 20th from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm, when dealers come, so the entrance fee is $10.00.

Some history about the club: It was founded by a small group of ladies, who wanted to form a literary club in Brenham. Together with friends they became the 14 charter members of The Fortnightly Literary Club of Brenham in 1895. They met every two weeks, thus the name “Fortnightly”. In 1901, the ladies decided to establish a public library and after being given the use of two rooms behind a bank, they collected about 1,000 books (all donated, I believe) and opened Brenham’s first library. In 1974 the City took over the library, but The Fortnightly Club maintains control of the Library Board.

 

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

Current Scratch:Oh, What Fun!, Book Sale,

Hi folks,  I do believe we have a tiny chill in the air here in the Brazos Valley.  Many of us are busy at this time of year, but take time to work on your stories. Your dedication to your craft is important. Bring good stuff into the world.

Mark your calendars. Our next Schmooze will fall on  1-30-13 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.

Local authors in Brazos Valley were busy in 2012.  Want to try a children's book app to for the little ones ? CandiLynn Fite has an ebook LITTLE ACORN'S BIG FALL is available from uTALES app.  Molly Blaisdell has an ebook THE BIG FUZZY COAT available from the MeeGenius! app. Maybe you have some bookstore cash  or need a last minute gift?  Consider VOICES OF THE DUSTBOWL by Sherry Garland, illustrated by Judith Hierstein, from Pelican Publishing Company, Incorporated. Local, Janet Fox has a new book, SIRENS, from Penguin/Speak.  Don't forget  the wonderful books of local authors Kathi Appelt, Debbie Leland, and Kathy Whitehead.

OH, WHAT FUN!

Here we're gathered at  our annual holliday party at the local Boston's for a good time of meaningful conversation , our goals for the new year, and the trivia competition. Note the bar to your left. Our goals will rotate here year -ong.

BOOK SALE
 

The Fortnightly Club, a non-profit whose main beneficiary is the Nancy Carol Roberts Library in Brenham, is having their annual used book sale

When: February 20th to February 23rd, 2013 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, 1305 E. Blue Bell Road, Brenham TX.

Fee: $1.00 except on Wednesday, February 20th from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm, when dealers come, so the entrance fee is $10.00.

Some history about the club: It was founded by a small group of ladies, who wanted to form a literary club in Brenham. Together with friends they became the 14 charter members of The Fortnightly Literary Club of Brenham in 1895. They met every two weeks, thus the name “Fortnightly”. In 1901, the ladies decided to establish a public library and after being given the use of two rooms behind a bank, they collected about 1,000 books (all donated, I believe) and opened Brenham’s first library. In 1974 the City took over the library, but The Fortnightly Club maintains control of the Library Board.

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

Current Scratch: News, Book Sale

Howdy, folks.  Hope you are squeezing in time work. Weather has been distracting. Yay for the occasional thunder boomer or I'd want to stay out all the time and walk in the coolish air and sunshine. 

 

Here's our next event. 

 

SCBWI-BV Holiday Party: Oh, What Fun!

Host: SCBWI BRAZOS VALLEY, Liz Mertz, RA

When: Tuesday, December 4 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Where: Boston's, 820 University Drive East College Station, TX 77845

Bring a book to give to Larry Ringer Library. Books will be used for the collection or they will be handed out as prizes to young patrons throughout the year.

We will also have a time for trivia and time to share our goals for the upcoming year. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Brush up on the Newberys, Caldecotts and Prinzes.

 

NEWS

 

2012 100 Books for Reading and Sharing. Here is the link.  

 

HarperCollins is considering buying Simon and Schuster. Read about it here.

 

If you have writte a children's magazine article this year and want to be up for the SCBWI Magazine Merit Awards, follow this link.

 

Wondering if your book fits into schools? Do you know abut the Common Core State Standards Initiative?  Here is a link that may be of interest to you.

 

BOOK SALE

The Fortnightly Club, a non-profit whose main beneficiary is the Nancy Carol Roberts Library in Brenham, is having their annual used book sale

 

When: February 20th to February 23rd, 2013 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Where:  Washington County Fairgrounds, 1305 E. Blue Bell Road, Brenham TX.

Fee: $1.00 except on Wednesday, February 20th from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm, when dealers come, so the entrance fee is $10.00. 

Some history about the club: It was founded by a small group of ladies, who wanted to form a literary club in Brenham.  Together with friends they became the 14 charter members of The Fortnightly Literary Club of Brenham in 1895.  They met every two weeks, thus the name “Fortnightly”.  In 1901, the ladies decided to establish a public library and after being given the use of two rooms behind a bank, they collected about 1,000 books (all donated, I believe) and opened Brenham’s first library.  In 1974 the City took over the library, but The Fortnightly Club maintains control of the Library Board.

 

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

Current Scratch: SCBWI, Best Books, News, Fun

Hi folks: It's definitely getting chilly in the mornings. I hope this weather makes you want to sit down with a hot cup of tea or java and muse about current works.

Schmoozes are over for the year but we still have our Annual Holiday Party!

SCBWI-BV Holiday Party: Oh, What Fun!

Host: SCBWI BRAZOS VALLEY, Liz Mertz, RA

When: Tuesday, December 4 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Where: Boston's, 820 University Drive East College Station, TX 77845

Bring a book to give to Larry Ringer Library. Books will be used for the collection or they will be handed out as prizes to young patrons throughout the year.

We will also have a time for trivia and time to share our goals for the upcoming year. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Brush up on the Newberys, Caldecotts and Prinzs. 

Sat., Nov. 17, Suspense Authors: Kathy DiSanto, 1 to 2 p.m., Mitzi Pool Bridges, 2 to 3 p.m. will visit the Larry Ringer Library.

SCBWI

GOLDEN KITES SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENDED ONE MONTH DUE TO HURRICANE SANDY - Tuesday, October 30, 2012

 

Registration for the 2013 Annual SCBWI Winter Conference is currently open.  Check it out.

 

BEST BOOKS

 

2012 National Book Award  for Young People's Literature: Goblin Secrets (S&S/Margaret K. McElderry Books). "Alexander's book follows Rownie, the youngest in a witchworker's household of stray children, and his search for his missing brother." Read about this at PW.

 

PW's Best Books List is out. Read about it at PW.

 

NEWS

 

RandomHouse and Penguin merge making it the largest consumer book publisher in the world. Read about it in at nytimes.com.  Read about it here from BBC. Read about here from a Pearson press release. Pearson owns Penguin, and Bertelsmann owns Random House. Bertelsmann has the controlling interest in the partnership.

 

FUN

 

Want some old school fun?  Turn your web browser into a typewriter.  Read about it GalleyCat.

 

A twitter book festival. Check it out.

 

Check out Tammara Webber's self-publishing story at her website. She landed a literary agent and a two book deal.

 

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

 

Current Scratch: AROUND TOWN, SHOUT OUT, NEWS, NANOWRIMO

Howdy, folks. Don't you just love the weather? Sweaters one day, shorts the next. I hope you are taking some time to dig into your books. 

Our next Schmooze will fall on  10-31-2012  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. and the discussion topic will be: Publishers in Texas.

SCBWI-BV Writing Intensive with Executive Editor of Philomel, Jill Santopolo.
ONLINE REGISTRATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED!  THERE ARE ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT!  

DATE: November 3, 2012

TIME/LOCATION:  8 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. The Glory Inn on Still Creek Ranch, Bryan, TX 77808COST: $150 SCBWI Members and $175 Non-Member.

AROUND TOWN

ChildLitBookClub CLBC http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChildLitbookclub/cal
This month's books: Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
Date: Thursday 10/25/2012
Time: 9:30 am- 11:00 am
Location: Arts Center

RED WASP FILM FESTIVAL
DATE:  Friday, October 26, and Saturday, October 27, 2012, Doors open at 7.
TIME AND LOCATION: Stage Center Theater (201-B W. 26th St.) in downtown Bryan, TX.
COST: Tickets are available at the door: $25/both nights, $15/one night; with student ID, $15/both nights, $10/one night.

Brazos Writers is also offering a screenwriting workshop in conjuction with this event a three hour workshop, learn the basic of screenwriting from industry expert BEN WIGGINS founder and Development Executive at AccessFilms.

Date: Saturday, October 27, 2012. 
Cost: $10.00, tickets available at the door.  
Place: Stage Center Theater (201-B W. 26th St.) in downtown Bryan, TX

Creative Thinking for Productive Writing. Saturday, November 10, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Creativity experts Hector and Suzanna Ramos will lead participants in exploring basic creative thinking skills such as exploration, ideation, idea selection, idea development, and attribute transfer. Creative skills help writers develop insight and resilience in their writing, as well as overcome the dreaded writer’s block. More info to come. www.brazoswriters.org

Author Molly Blaisdell is offering a novel writing workshop (Teen Novel Boot Camp) for teens in honor of the National Novel Writing month.  This two hour event will cover the nuts and bolts of novel writing and will offer teens a chance to share their work (5min) and receive gentle critique.(Ages 10-19)

DATE:  11/06/2012

TIME:  4:00pm to 6:00pm

PLACE: LARRY J. RINGER LIBRARY, 1818 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy., College Station, TX. 77845, (979) 764-3416

COST: FREE, please RSVP @ (molly@mollyblaisdell.com) or at the library (space is limited)

SHOUT OUT

Big Shout Out for local author Candilynn Fite. She has a new ebook out on uTales.com. It's illustrated by Caroline Lee. LITTLE ACORN'S BIG FALL is a picture ebook available on the uTales ebook platform.  Click here for the link to preview her book! Check out this! Download the app. Buy the book. :) Yay! Congratulations, Candilynn.

NEWS


The National Book Award Finalist in Young People's literature has been announced.  Read about the finalists in PW.

Here's PW article reporting the AAP's Children's  and Young Adult Books sales for the past few months. Note the rise in ebook sales!  FYI: AAP=Association of American Publishers. 

NANOWRIMO

Yes it is time to write a novel in the November!  Here is the link to Nanowrimo.  Here is the link to our local BCS Library Nanowrimo events.  Here is a link to help you create a survival kit for the month of November.