Current Scratch: Join Us, Local Events, News.

Sorry this is a day late! I am very busy. Yay for rain followed by glorious Texas sunshine.  I hope that you are spending time creating fabulous works!

Join us for our next schmooze. Our topic? Middle Grade Mysteries with the speaker TBA, 10 a.m. June , Barnes & Noble, College Station, TX. We will be looking at the usual suspects, red herrings, clues, puzzles, and suspense . Join us at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, in the College Station Barnes & Noble the meeting. Also come early for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. and/or stay around as the discussion continues over lunch. Join us!

LOCAL EVENTS

Molly Blaisdell's new book PLUMB CRAZY is released in ebook format. She will have an author vist: Wednesday, June 25, 2014 (Ringer Library, CS). Here are the deets: Local author Molly Blaisdell will talk about her book Plumb Crazy. This book is a crossover young adult (teen) / new adult (college age) novel. Molly’s visit will be split into two sections. Both visits will include Star Trek trivia, prizes, and twinkies. Teens will have the room at 4:30 and adults will have the room from 5:15 to 6:00. For more information, contact Kendra at (979) 764-3416 or email kperkins@bryantx.gov

Kathi Appelt will discuss and sign her newest picture book, MOGIE: THE HEART OF THE HOUSE on Saturday, June 14, 1:00 pm at Blue Willow Bookshop, 14532 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079

Note: In order to go through the signing line and meet Kathi Appelt for book personalization, please purchase MOGIE: THE HEART OF THE HOUSE from Blue Willow Bookshop. At the time of your purchase, we will issue a signing line ticket that indicates your place in line. Your book and signing line ticket can be picked up at the event
NEWS

Here is an article about the Author Alliance that may be of some interest to you. This is on the Author's Guild website and is written by a board member T. J. Stiles.

Author James Patterson weighs in on the Hatchette/Amazon controversy for those of you following this.

Lin Oliver, Executive Director of SCBWI, speaks out for diversity in Children's literature. Check out the article here.
The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.

Current Scratch: Join Us, Industry News, Resources, Check it out, & For Fun

Forgive me, folks! I've been so caught up in my own projects, I almost forgot to scratch this month! The fourth Tuesday, which is my day to post, came and went while I was submerged in Revision City. But have no fear, here's your dose of scratch. Hope all of your projects are groovin' right along.

May 28th: We had the honor of having Debbie Leland, Indie picture book author extraordinaire, share her experiences of publishing picture books in the Indie world. Let me say, this woman is talented, steadfast, and successful! If you missed out, you can check out her website above.

JOIN US

June 25th for our next Schmooze at the Barnes & Noble in College Station. Details coming soon!

INDUSTRY NEWS

BEA 2014 It's happening right now! Even more exciting, if you scroll down towards the last part of the article, you'll find our very own Molly Blaisdell is in NYC with her fellow SWOON ROMANCE authors! On her blog, check out her list of ten ways to have fun at a trade show. Have a blast, Molly, and pass out that swag!

WRITER RESOURCES

PEN Center USA looks for emerging voices. Deadline: August 11, 2014.

ILLUSTRATOR NEWS

2014 Winners of the SCBWI Student Illustrator Scholarship.

CHECK IT OUT

SCBWI Blueboard Forums

ARE YOU GOING?

2014 43rd Annual SCBWI Summer Conference

FOR FUN

Want to join a Typewriter Rodeo? Member Jenifer Webb passed on this article from the Austin American Statesman. You can also check out the Typewriter Rodeo Facebook page, too!


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

Current Scratch: Join Us, Local, Evolution, Poetry

Rain is falling! Yay! I love the sound of rain. I hope your projects are humming out there. Keep working. Everyone succeeds who doesn't give up.

JOIN US

Schmooze: Successful Indie Publishing–A Veteran’s Story with local Indie star Debbie Leland, 10 a.m. April 30, Barnes & Noble, College Station, TX. Debbie Leland will offer her experience as an indie author with tips to help you on your journey. Join us at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 30, in the College Station Barnes & Noble for the slam. Also come early for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. and/or stay around as the discussion continues over lunch. Join us!

Debbie will have some books for sale, the newest one is THE FOOTBALL MAN. Check out her website for more information about her and her books at Debbie Leland.com.

Webinar: Characters Who Walk Off the Page and Into Your Heart--You Can Create One with Darcy Pattison

SCBWI Brazos Valley has joined with all the Texas SCBWI chapters to offer a series of webinars on craft. We're thrilled to have author and renowned writing teacher Darcy Pattison kick off the series. Darcy will present "Characters Who Walk Off the Page and Into Your Heart--You Can Create One."

Date/Time:05/13/2014, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm --Register here!

LOCAL

Author Visit from J.A. White.

Author of The Thickety. A dark, forbidden forest. Vicious beasts. Deadly plants. An evil spellbook. Secrets. Mysteries. A Forest Demon. Witches both fair and foul.

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014, 5:00 PM
APPEARS AT: B&N #2875/College Station, 711 Texas AVE College Station, TX 77840

EVOLUTION

The way kids read books is changing. Here is a thoughtful article from PW. 

POETRY

We had our first ever Poetry Slam in April. It was tons of fun and a nice segue into summer. Here is one of the poems:

TEXAS SUMMER 

by Angela Turner

Sumner is fun, or so you would think. 

And in most places you would be right. 

But in Texas . . . 

In Texas you sweat from morning 'til night

And drink water all day if you know what's right. 

Go to a party, icing melts off the cake,

Hop in a car, your legs start to bake. 

With all the heat, the bluebonnets droop, 

Swim in the Brazos River, it feels like soup. 

Sno Cone? Yay! But it melts down your arm.

A picnic outside has lost all its charm. 

When out in the sun, a hat is a must,

A fan you say?  Not with the dust. 

But even in Texas there is one thing you will find

To bring some relief to your sun scorched mind. 

So walk on inside, its waiting right there--

AIR CONDITIONING! Answer to a Texan's prayer. 

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

Current Scratch: Join Us, Opportunities, Vote Now, & Tips for Reading Poetry

In light of poetry month, here's a little treat! I'm not claiming to be a poet, but it was fun anyways! 

 

Beauty and the Hiss

Across the vast Brazos Valley, fields of wildflowers attract the human eye. Like bees to honey, we're drawn to it. Beauty. Canvasses of bluebonnets, paintbrushes, winecups, and more, we long to frolic and dance upon nature's palette. And while we may fall prey to nature's alluring spells, amongst the wildflowers, a slithering creature dwells. It hisses. It strikes. It slides. It glides. Remember, you're in charge of saving your hide! So, while you're out enjoying nature's bliss,

listen & beware of the dreadful hiss!

JOIN US

 

Poetry Slam, 10 a.m. April 30, Barnes & Noble, College Station, TX.  Take time this month to create a new poem or revise some old ones using the word prompts below. Then join us at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 30, in the College Station Barnes & Noble for the slam. Also come early for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. and/or stay around as the discussion continues over lunch. Join us!

RULES for the Poetry Slam

Our goal is to provide a professional setting for members and friends to present their work. To that end, the following rules will be enforced.

1. The poems must be for children or teens—rated PG-13 or less (look it up).

2. Besides stating your name and the age level and genre of your poem, no other commentary will be allowed during your reading. You may only read your poem(s).

3. You will have 5 minutes. Several short poems within the time span will be allowed. You will receive a one minute warning and a 30 second warning. The time-keeper will stop you at 5 minutes even if you are in mid-word. (Practice timing yourself.)

4. The first 12 poets to sign in will read. (Assuming 5 min. per person. If there's time before the end of the hour, we can do more.)

5. Each poem must include at least four words from the list below. Have fun!

PROMPT LIST

Include at least four words from the following list in each poem presented. Plural forms are allowed.

1. bluebonnet

2. brazos
3. chupacabra
4. family
5. football
6. heat
7. sno cone (counts as one word)

Come early for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. and/or stay around as the discussion continues over lunch.

 

Children's Book Lit. Club

 

This month, we will discuss PROTECTING MARIE by Kevin Henkes at our meeting next Thursday, April 24, 4:30-6 p.m. in the Arts Center on Dartmouth. Please bring a picture book by Henkes to share as well.

 

OPPORTUNITIES

 

May 13, 2014, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Don't miss this great opportunity to participate in a SCBWI webinar on craft! Click on the link below to find out all the details.

Webinar With Darcy Pattison: Characters Who Walk Off the Page and Into Your Heart

 

A chance for picture book submissions, folks! Meegenius Accepting Manuscripts

 

VOTE NOW!

 

Round Two of the Crystal Kite Awards Closes April 30th

 

TIPS ON POETRY READING

 

Are you crafting your poem for our poetry slam on April 30th? Need a few tips for reciting your poem out loud? Voice, physical presence, and more! This link has it all... Poetry Out Loud.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Scratch: Join Us, Author News, Gender Bias?, Agents, Revision

Oh, what glorious days we have been having! National Poetry month, folks! I totally understand why they picked April.  From an ode to bluebonnets by Grace Noll Crowell:

It was so blue beneath the Texas sky,
It made me want to cry.

I hope that you enjoying the weather and finding time to write.

 JOIN US

Poetry Slam, 10 a.m. April 30, Barnes & Noble, College Station, TX.  Take time this month to create a new poem or revise some old ones using the word prompts below. Then join us at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 30, in the College Station Barnes & Noble for the slam. Also come early for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. and/or stay around as the discussion continues over lunch. Join us!
RULES for the Poetry Slam

Our goal is to provide a professional setting for members and friends to present their work. To that end, the following rules will be enforced.

1. The poems must be for children or teens—rated PG-13 or less (look it up).
2. Besides stating your name and the age level and genre of your poem, no other commentary will be allowed during your reading. You may only read your poem(s).
3. You will have 5 minutes. Several short poems within the time span will be allowed. You will receive a one minute warning and a 30 second warning. The time-keeper will stop you at 5 minutes even if you are in mid-word. (Practice timing yourself.)
4. The first 12 poets to sign in will read. (Assuming 5 min. per person. If there's time before the end of the hour, we can do more.)
5. Each poem must include at least four words from the list below. Have fun!

PROMPT LIST

Include at least four words from the following list in each poem presented. Plural forms are allowed.

1. bluebonnet
2. brazos
3. chupacabra
4. family
5. football
6. heat
7. sno cone (counts as one word)

Come early for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. and/or stay around as the discussion continues over lunch.

 Young Poets on the Brazos Contest -- Awards ceremony and poetry reading on Tuesday, April 15, at 6 p.m. in the Clara B Mounce Public Library in downtown Bryan. Arrive early, as we will start the reading promptly at 6 p.m. in order to leave the library at closing time one hour later. Join us for this brief ceremony applauding 30 young poets and acknowledging the family, teachers, and friends who encourage them.

Children's Literature Book Club meets the day after the Schmooze at the Brazos Arts Center.

Upcoming Webinar -- details to come. The Texas RAs led by Austin and North Texas have planned a series of webinars to make available to all members in the state. The idea is that each region will set up registration for the event so each region will receive payment from its members, so we all benefit. The first one will be May 13 with Darcy Pattison.

AUTHOR NEWS

Mary Mize announces her two books Letters to Scamper (illus. by Shirley Hoskins) and His Name is BEN (illus. by Suzy Keller) are avaliable for purchase.  These books were edited by Tammy Hensel (Check out her blog) and published by Erin Casey.  If you wish to purchase these books contact Mary at marylouisemize@gmail.com

or

Here is the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/His-Name-Ben-Mary-Mize/dp/0983251460/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396967387&sr=8-1&keywords=mary+mize

Here is the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Letters-Scamper-Mize-Mary/dp/0983251436/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1396967387&sr=8-6&keywords=mary+mize

GENDER BIAS?

Join the discussion.

Here's an article that may be of interest to you:  http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-dollar-and-cents-case-against-hollywoods-exclusion-of-women/

Laurie Halse Anderson's take on John Green, YA world and the New York Times.

AGENTS

Here is the monster list of picture book agents: http://frolickingthroughcyberspace.blogspot.com/p/monster-list-of-picture-book-agents.html.

REVISION

Need to cut down a manuscript. Here is some RX help for Writer Unblocked. Love every word. http://writerunboxed.com/2014/04/06/love-every-word/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WriterUnboxed+%28Writer+Unboxed%29

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

Current Scratch: Join Us, Awards, Opportunities, Interest, & For Fun

Howdy, folks! It's official. The Bluebonnets and Texas Paintbrushes are blooming. The trees are budding. Spring has sprung! What new projects of yours are springing to life?

JOIN US

Diandra Mae: An Illustrator's Perspective, 10 a.m. March 26, Barnes & Noble College Station, TX. Want to know what happens once an illustrator receives a new picture book text? Illustrator coordinator for SCBWI Houston, Diandra Mae, will fill us in, along with tips for writers on "leaving room for the illustrator." Check out her portfolio in the Illustrators Gallery. Or stop by her website or her blog. Come early for gentle critique at 9:30 a.m. and/or stay around as the discussion continues over lunch. Join us!

The Children's Literature Book Club meets on March 27th. March reading list.RETURN TO SENDER by Julia Alvarez and A CAFECITO STORY, by Julia Alvarez, will be shared More info? Contact here: ChildLitbookclub@yahoogroups.com.

AWARDS

The Texas Institute of Letters gives out literary awards every year in several different categories. Read more about it here. 

Our local members are nominated!

VOICES OF PEARL HARBOR by Sherry Garland, illus. by  Layne Johnson is a finalist H-E-B Awards for Best Children’s Book ($500)

And

TRUE BLUE SCOUTS by Kathi Appelt. is a finalist in the YA category.

National Book Awards at Sam Houston

OPPORTUNITIES

In light of our recent (awesome!) Speculative Fiction workshop with Martha Wells, check out this writing opportunity in Inaccurate Realities, a Speculative Fiction magazine. Next submission theme: Superpowers, due May 15, 2014.

Highlights Retreat Scholarship


INTEREST

April 26-27  SCBWI Houston holds their annual conference.  Find out more details here.

FOR FUN

Ever wanted to pick Neil Gaiman's brain about why he writes scary stories for kids? Here's your chance.

And how about the big Oxford comma squabble? Are you for or against it? Check out this fun, animated video.

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

Current Scratch: Join us, Industry News, Grants, In State, Crystal Kite

Hi folks, warmer days have arrived! I hope that you have found some time to work on your projects. I hope that everything is singing.

JOIN US

Want to know what happens once an illustrator receives a new picture book text? Illustrator coordinator for SCBWI Houston, Diandra Mae, will fill us in, along with tips for writers on "leaving room for the illustrator." Check out her portfolio in the Illustrators Gallery. Or stop by her website or her blog. Come to the Schmooze on Wednesday, March 26, at 10 a.m. in the College Station Barnes & Noble. 

ALSO Join us for "Writing Speculative Fiction for Kids and Teen with acclaimed fantasy author Martha Wells.

March 22
Time: 10 a.m - noon
Place: Arts Council of Brazos Valley

Martha will offer her expert overview of  writing speculative fiction, including tips, resources, exercises and practical advice. Bring your questions for a time of Q&A. Copies of Martha’s books will be available for purchase—cash or check only. We look forward to seeing you!

Registration for the workshop is $20 for SCBWI members or $25 for non-members. Seating is limited. Please let us know you are coming by emailing brazosvalley@scbwi.org and then paying at the door. Bring your check book to buy books too!

Martha Wells (www.marthawells.com) is the author of a number of fantasy novels, including her YA fantasy, Emilie and the Hollow World, which was published by Angry Robot/Strange Chemistry in April 2013, and the sequel, Emilie and the Sky World, which will be out in March 2014. She’s also the author of The Cloud Roads, The Wizard Hunters, and the Nebula-nominated The Death of the Necromancer. The Siren Depths was published in December 2012 by Night Shade Books, and is the third in the Books of the Raksura series.

March 27 Children's Literature Book Club: Meets last Thursday of the month, subject to change. Please check.  March reading list.RETURN TO SENDER by Julia Alvarez and A CAFECITO STORY, by Julia Alvarez, will be shared More info? Contact here: childlitbookclub-owner@yahoogroups.com.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Here is an in depth artcle about the shifting children's market from PW. Emphasis on how ebooks are changing the market. Interesting.

What do editors thing about their work? Publishing advice that editors would give to their younger selves. Check it out in PW.

Thinking about self-publishing. Here are six questions to ask yourself from GalleyCat.

DreamWorks launches its own press. Read about it here.

 GRANTS

Work-in-progress grant applications are due in March.  Follow the links for the important details.

Here is an extended list of grants, fellow ships and prizes post on Horn Book. 

IN STATE

April 26-27  SCBWI Houston holds their annual conference.  Check ou this link for details.

Here are the links to our state's SCBWI regions: austin.scbwi.org, brazosvalley.scbwi org, houston.scbwi.org, northtexas.scbwi.org, swtexas.scbwi.org.   

CRYSTAL KITE

This is our annual members choice award. The deadline has been extend until Mar. 26.  Consider entering your book! Here are the details.

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