Mind Sponge and Playtime

As you can tell, I've been on quite a long blogging hiatus. Typically I'd be pretty regretful that it's been about three months since my last post, but I'm not. In September I enrolled in a local college creative writing course that called for an original short story per week. And since I crave deadlines I had quite an exciting and productive time with it. I learned a lot about the writing process and I even walked out of the class with several short stories, including two I consider rough draft chapters of a new middle grade manuscript WIP. Yay me!!

Now that the class is over, I've started dabbling in painting. Most picture book writers think in pictures, or at least I do, so I am excited to be jumping in with both feet. It's been a dream of mine for a long time now. One thing that most people don't know about me is that before I chose to pursue my Marketing degree, I started out as an Art major. I did mostly 2D and graphic design stuff before switching my major, so drawing and painting animals and people are pretty new to me. I'm having a really fun time playing around with watercolors. Who knows, maybe some day I'll be good enough to illustrate my own books.

Here's my first try at painting, using two of Pat Schories' characters from her book Biscuit Wants to Play.

As for blogging, I haven't forgotten about all those workshop and conference updates I promised. More SCBWI Summer Conference recaps to come very soon.

SCBWI Summer Conference 2011 - Saturday, Part 1

The Saturday line-up at the SCBWI Summer conference was AHHH-MAZE-ING!!!

Author Donna Jo Napoli kicked off our morning, getting right to business with a keynote titled, How Writing About Terrible Things Makes Your Reader a Better Person.  She talked about the difference between children who are protected (fed well, kept safe, listened to, etc.) and those who are not. When a child is unprotected, he feels alone and embarrassed and when he reads a book about a character going through the same thing, a perfectly good person, he realizes that bad things happen to good people.  This reminded me of the keynote by Richard Peck in 2009 when he discussed how important our "jobs" are as writers. We can not always save a hurting child, but what we can do is offer her a companion. Needless to say, I was a blubbering mess through Mr. Peck and Ms. Napoli's keynotes.

The next keynote has stayed with me since the moment I heard it. Author/Illustrator, David Small, began with a short film that was made as a trailer for his illustrated memoir, Stitches, that takes the reader through a journey of unimaginable abuse. After sharing with us about his writing, art, and how he grew up feel unloved, he closed his keynote singing, "How sweet it is to be loved by you," as he pointed to us, the audience, his family. The moment was unforgettable and when most of us had started to tear up in that moment, his wife joined him on the stage. They, together, danced a victory dance, and Mr. Small sang to her as they danced, "How sweet it is to be loved by you."  It was an unforgettable moment and I am honored that I was there to be a part of it.

As if we weren't emotional enough, Lin Oliver took the next keynote segment to interview the incredible Judy Blume.  Yes... That's right. JUDY BLUME!  I feverishly took five pages of gold-nugget filled notes. Here are a few if my favorites...

• Kid's concerns are the same.
• No matter what, get that first draft done!
• It never gets any easier.
• I hear them talking.  (re: writing dialogue.)
• Telling a story is a quest. It involves questioning.

When Lin and Judy closed, the California Ballroom erupted with applause and a much deserved standing ovation from all.

Stay tuned for Saturday, Part 2 with details of my breakout session with Libba Bray and Jenni Holm and keynotes from Jon Scieszka, Norton Juster and Mary Pope Osborne.

SCBWI Summer Conference 2011 - Friday

I'm still riding the "high" of the SCBWI 40th Anniversary Summer Conference. As usual, the air was thick with inspiration, encouragement and kid lit friends.  Here are a few of my favorite moments...

Friday

I carpooled with one of my local critique partners, Sherry Dargert, and arrived first thing Friday morning. I quickly registered and met up with two of my dear kid lit friends (and conference roomies), Lori Degman and Meg Fleming Lentz.  Lori and I have been critique partners for a while now, but this was the first time I'd met her or Meg face to face. Here we are at the Saturday night "Forty Winks" Gala with our other roomie, Heather Zenzen.

Lin Oliver and Stephen Mooser greeted and welcomed us to the first ever sold out SCBWI Summer Conference event.  We learned that there were close to 1350 attendees from 49 U.S. states and 20 different countries.  We enjoyed the annual "introduction of the faculty" as everyone shared a sentence that included the word forty.

Prolific author, Bruce Coville, was our first keynote speaker. He gave us 13 pieces of advice, starting with "marry rich."  But one of the most inspiring things he said was simply put, "children are worth our best effort." 

2010 Caldecott Medal winner, Jerry Pinkney, shared his journey through slides. He suggested that we look at things in a different perspective and look over the shoulder of the main character.

Lin Oliver was moderator for our star-studded editor panel with Allyn Johnston, Julie Strauss-Gabel, Jennifer Hunt, Beverly Horowitz, and Debra Dorfman.  One of the things they addressed was how the ebook is changing the way the industry markets and how more is expected from the author regarding creating a buzz with school visits, social media and an overall online presence. 

It was great to see Libba Bray again as she took the podium as our evening speaker.  Libba also spoke at the SCBWI Writers Day LA conference in 2010, where my picture book manuscript, Starry Kalahari, won the writing contest in the nonfiction category.

(Sorry, I couldn't resist that plug opp... now, back to Libba...)

Libba's keynote was titled Writing It All Wrong: A Survival Manual. She explained how important it is to write that first draft, even though we think it's bad... really bad... I mean REALLY SUCKY bad.  She said you should not only acknowledge that it sucks, but you should "embrace the suck." Of course, the entire ballroom erupted with laughter again and again and again.  

Middle Grade and YA author extraordinaire, Laurie Halse Anderson, spoke at a breakout session titled The Nuts and Bolts of Crafting a Creative Life: Finding Lost Time and Reclaiming Creativity.  Nuggets of gold were scattered this way and that around that on-the-floor-in-front-of-her-podium-sitting-room-only room.  Laurie listed many myths that can hurt authors and gave us tons of tips on how to avoid the so-not-true, but very common saying, "I don't have time for writing."  I was in awe as she NAILED us on several time stealing activities and habits.   

Editor and consultant, Emma Dryden, was our Friday evening keynote speaker. Her presentation, Traveling Through the Digital Landscape: Where We've Been an Where We're Headed, was jam-packed with stats, reports and detailed industry info. She took us step by step through the digital age as she tapped into the real deal of what's happening with e-publishing today.

Friday ended with the PAL Book Sale & Cocktail Party and lots of visiting with friends. 

It was great seeing Paula Yoo, who is not only my favorite violin rock star, but also kidlit author and writer/producer of the SciFi show Eureka. By the way, she and I both agree the show should be called YOOreka... but whatever!  Paula and I met at her first National Picture Book Writing Week (NaPiBoWriWee) event in 2009.

 Here I am with picture book mastaaaahhhh, Tammi Sauer, and author/illustrator, Dan Santat. By the way, I had the opportunity to see Dan again this past weekend when he taught a group of kids about graphic novels, including my own three kiddos.  Stay tuned for a blog post about that exciting event soon.

Here I am again with Lori and Meg at the PAL party. "Don't go into the light!" 

Stay tuned for some more great recap action for Saturday and Sunday at the 2011 SCBWI Summer Conference.

SCBWI Summer Conference: 10 Tips (part 2)

The first keynote is less than 24 hours away. Your palms are sweating. Your heart is doing jumping jacks. Your mind is racing.  No worries... Here are 5 more tips to help you enjoy the SCBWI Summer conference. (Tips #1-5 are posted HERE.)

Tip #6: Say Hello!

If you haven’t figured it out yet, the kid lit community is like a family. If you find yourself alone, say hello to someone. It’s easy to make new friends connections, especially if you’re hanging out in the lobby each evening.  Likewise, don’t be afraid to approach an editor or agent and introduce yourself. Of course, always be professional and never corner someone in the bathroom with your manuscript in hand. Seriously, I’ve heard some nightmare stories.

Tip #7: Expense It!
Save receipts for everything you do. All your meals, hotel, airfare, and books are tax deductible.

Tip #8: Remember It!
When someone gives you a business card, jot down a quick note of something that will help you remember them. You will most likely get A LOT of business cards. If you’re Facebook and/or Twitter savvy, friend and follow them when you get home to keep in touch. Another way to recall all the fun is to take pictures. Don’t forget your camera.

Tip #9: Post It!
If you have a blog, or are on Face Book, Twitter, or any other social networking site, post your experience. Remember not to post too much detail about the speeches though.

Tip #10: Relax, Be Yourself, Smile and HAVE FUN!

See you there!!!

SCBWI Summer Conference: 10 Tips (part 1)

The countdown is on... The SCBWI Summer Conference is only days away. If this is your first time attending, here are a few quick tips to help you along as you get ready for the best kid lit event of the year!

TIP #1: How to Dress
The summer conference is casual. Wear what you're most comfortable in, while presenting yourself professionally. Some wear jeans, some wear trendy styles, and some like to wear more corporate/casual attire.

Tip #2: Research
Look up each of the keynote speakers. If you're an avid reader, pick up some of the authors' books at the library or bookstore and find out what makes them the notable author they are.  Know ahead of time what each of the agents and editors are looking for and what their list looks like (prior books and/or authors they've worked with). You may end up having an opportunity to pitch your book to them.

Tip #3: The Pitch
Speaking of pitching your book, you'll want to have a 30 second pitch ready. Even if you don't have (or don't take advantage of) an opportunity to pitch to an agent or editor, you'll most likely hear "What do you write" a number of times from other writers.  30 seconds also happens to be the amount of time that it takes to ride the elevator and you never know who you'll see in there between sessions.

Tip #4: Taking Notes
I like to bring a new spiral bound notebook to keep all my keynotes and session notes in.  If you do this, consider skipping the first 1-3 pages so you can make a Table of Contents.  When crafting your query letters to the editors and/or agents that you've attended sessions with, you'll refer back to your notes many times.

Tip #5: Take Care of Yourself
In order to be your best, be sure to eat well and get lots of sleep the week before the conference.  This event is notably one of the most exhausting experiences of my year, both physically and emotionally.  If you're like me, you may not sleep well at the event, so prepare your body with extra sleep the few days before.  Eat well and hydrate yourself too.

Stay tuned for tips #6-10 soon.

Screenwriting Tips For Writers Workshop

I recently attended a workshop through the SCBWI titled, Screenwriting Tips for Children’s Book Authors, by Michael Mahin, M.D. He began explaining the simplicity of the Three Act Structure, which is the most commonly known structure for screenwriting.

• Act 1 (25%) – Pose the question.
• Act 2 (25-75%) – Deliberation
• Act 3 (75-100%) – Answer the question.

Then the lecture got really exciting when Dr. Mahin spoke in detail about Joseph Campbell’s Mythic Superstructure. I’d been studying Campbell’s writing structure for a couple of months prior to the workshop, so it was nice to have someone break it down in such easy-to-follow details. Overall, the structure has 6 parts.

• Set-UP (0-10%)
• New Situation/Debate (10-25%)
• Progress/Mid-Point (25-50%)
• Complications & Higher Stakes (50-75%)
• Final Push (75-90%)
• Aftermath/Finale (90-100%)

In addition to explaining each section and giving us lots of great examples, Dr. Mahin talked briefly about the Sequence Approach and Preparation by Contrast. We also had the opportunity to do a short writing exercise that allowed us to brainstorm our own writing scenarios.

For those who would like more info on this topic, there's a ton of info online. Two recommended books for those who really want to learn more are The Hero with a Thousand Faces, by Joseph Campbell and Screenwriting: The Sequence Approach, by Paul Joseph Gulino.

Stay tuned for more workshop recaps coming next week.

Workshop Report Coming Soon... Stay Tuned

I've been busy at work over the past several months attending workshops and discussion panels about writing. I look forward to reporting on those over the next few weeks.

Coming up...

• Screenwriting Tips for Wrters, lecture by Michael Mahin, M.D.
• SCBWI Writers Day L.A., including lectures by Margaret Miller, Bruce Coville, Susan Patron, Rachel Cohn, and Tony Johnston.
• L.A. Times Book Festival (discussion panels)
• SCBWI Agents Day, with Natalie Fisher, Edward Necarsulmer IV, Rosemary Stimola, Stefanie Von Borstel, and Ana Webman.

And finally, the SCBWI Summer Conference 2011.  Stay tuned!

NaPiBoWriWee Update & More

First things first. As you can see by my lack of posts about my 2011 NaPiBoWriWee progress that I didn't have much progress... At least not with the NaPiBo challenge.  I've been working on tightening up one of my newest picture books and, like Starry Kalahari, this one is in verse with a nonfiction slant. 

Tomorrow is the 2011 SCBWI Agents Day in Newport Beach and I'm looking forward to seeing two of my long-time picture book critique partners, Sherry Dargert and Anne Speirs.  I also can't wait to meet two of the five agents on my "agent wish list".  Considering this year has been slow in the query area (aka: procrastination), I expect next week to be a week filled with query letters, postage stamps and lots of optimism.

More soon...

National Picture Book Writing Week (aka: NaPiBoWriWee)

It's that time of the year again. It's my 3rd year as a National Picture Book Writing Week challenge participant. It takes place between May 1-7 and is one of the most insane (and exciting) weeks of the year for us picture book writers.  Paula Yoo has once again challenged us to write seven picture books in seven days.  Yep, that's right.  SEVEN!!!

Of course, these are seven first-draft picture books, but insanely challenging, none the less.  You can read more about the details of this lovely event and enjoy guest blogs on Paula's website at http://paulayoo.com/napi/.

I'll post here daily, giving an update of my personally NaPi progress.  And speaking of, I'm on my 2nd spread of my first PB.  If you jump in today, don't worry that you're starting late.  I'm notoriously behind with this thing and have been known to write my last 3-4 picture books in the last day... Yes, as you can tell, I'm painfully competitive and I like it that way!

Good luck and above all, have fun!

That's What It's All About!

Every skate night consists of the same routine; races, boy's skate, girl's skate, song requests and of course, a few slips and trips around the rink.  But my very favorite part of every single skate night is the Hokey Pokey. Because as the song goes, that's what it's all about, right?

Well, I had a Hokey Pokey moment this morning.  While sorting Friday Folders in my daughter's kindergarten class, the teacher asked me if I would read a story to the children.  Of course, that is my favorite place to be in the entire planet.... reading to kids!

I began reading Beatrix Potter's classic, The Take of Peter Rabbit, to 22 tiny faces.  Those faces were concerned when peter got lost. They were worried when Mr. McGregor chased Peter. They were happy when Peter found his way home. And those 22 tiny faces felt bad for Peter when he missed his supper and had to go to bed early with a tummy ache. Those 22 tiny faces hung on to every word and stared intently at every single illustration.

And you know something? As a writer, I was reminded that spending over two years on a 100 word picture book and editing it over and over (as I'm doing right now) is NOT what it's all about.  It's not about the insecurities of ever getting published. It's not about critique groups, or conferences, or even agents and editors.

It's about looking into 22 tiny faces who are leaning, and growing, and loving words.  THAT'S what it's all about. Those tiny faces, filled with excitement and hope and dreams about their world. That's what it's all about.

SCBWI Summer Conference is Coming!

One of the highlights of my year as a writer is attending the SCBWI Summer Conference in Los Angeles.  This year the faculty will include Mary Pope Osborne, Laurie Halse Anderson, John Green, Donna Jo Napoli, Jerry Pinkney, Jon Sciezka, David Small, Gary Paulson, Norton Juster and Bruce Coville, just to name a few. 

Alice Pope has reported that this year's format will be slightly different.  Keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and manuscript/portfolio critiques will take place during the first three days, Aug 5-7. The last day, Monday, Aug. 8, will consist of special intensives and round-table critiques from agents and editors, offered to a limited number of attendees.

Whether you attend one day, three days, or all four, one thing is for certain.  Your life as a writer and/or illustrator will be better for it.  And for those of you who will not be able to be there in person, be sure to keep close tabs on this fabulous conference through the SCBWI Team Blog posts HERE.

See you there!

You Are My Inspiration!

I made yet another trip to the bookstore today. I wanted to walk away with at least 100 books.  Instead, I walked away with inspiration...

Pouring from walls of words.
Filling mind’s eye with thoughts provoking.
A flicker of light. A spark. A bright call of tomorrow's dawn.
Uncovered. Untouched. Unspoken stories, yet to be told.

Yes, you are my inspiration, my fellow writers. You are my inspiration!

Agent Query Phase III

It's a new year and more than ever, I'm determined to find the right agent to champion my writing career. Here's an update on my agent search:

Phase I: Last year, after a year of research on agents and one of my manuscripts winning two awards, including the 2010 SCBWI Barbara Karlin Runner-Up Grant (read about it here), I queried one agent that I'd targeted as a perfect fit for my writing style. After six weeks of consideration (squee), I received the most encouraging rejection.  YES, he actually considered representation, which is a HUGE thing. He praised my writing, saying he'd thought a lot about it, and he gave me a referral to an editor, saying I could use his name on the cover. Talk about a good rejection letter!!!  Not bad for my first agent rejection.

Phase II: I continued my research and narrowed down the list of agents that caught my eye and decided to send my work to two more. They're not only top children's book deal makers based on my research on Publisher's Marketplace, but seem to be a good fit for my writing style and career goals.  Since there was a chance I may see them at the 2010 SCBWI Summer Conference in August, I waited to query them. I did have the opportunity to see one of them, which was really exciting. I shook like a leaf as I introduced myself again (we'd met before), mentioning my award-winning manuscript.  She appeared excited and said she looked forward to reading my work. When I got home, I sent out my manuscript to those two agents and waited.

One of the agents replies, saying my writing was "beautiful" but ultimately, a rejection.

Eight weeks after my manuscript went out, I heard from the agent I'd seen at the conference. She asked to read more work (woo-hoo). After sending four additional picture book manuscripts, I waited again... And in November I received an email, praising my work but ultimately - a rejection. She must have a lot of faith in my potential because she passed my work to one of her colleagues.  WOW! So off it went... and now, I'm waiting.... again...

In the meantime, it's time for Phase III.  I have several prospects and a two-part plan for the next few months... So I'll be sending a few carefully targeted queries this week, then more later...
Coming soon: Phase IV will begin after I attend the 2011 SCBWI Agents Day in Newport Beach this May, where I'll have the opportunity to meet with and hear from agents I've been researching and considering for representation.

Sight Word Writing Challenge

My 6 year old was given 45 sight words to learn by the end of her kindergarten year and I thought, what better way to learn them than to have an early reader with all 45 words. And since I just happen to be a children's writer (wink), why not challenge myself to write a story, 300 words or less, using all 45 words.

So in the name of a good writing challenge, give it a try and let me know how it goes. 
What's your title and how many words is your story?  As for me, my lovely new early reader (dedicated to my 6 year old, of course) is called Fred and Fran and it's about two friends having a boatload of fun as one of them is challenged to overcome her fear with lots of encouragement from her pal and it's 250 words.

a                           one                        of                       me                  run
was                      she                         play                   my                  big
for                        and                        am                      love               how
he                         can                        went                   people           in
this                       fun                         see                     the                 little
is                          all                         up                       we                not
look                      am                        are                      have              said
on                         here                      come                   I                    to
with                      it                           go                      like                you

In honor of NaNoWriMo and PiBoIdMo, and a CAC Recap

In honor of NaNoWriMo and PiBoIdMo, I thought it the perfect time to avoid my personal writing commitments by writing a blog post… especially since it’s so long overdue.

As a follow up to Critters Against Cancer, I wanted to announce that my team raised over $15,000 to help fight cancer through the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in September. More specifically, over $1000 of that was raised directly from Critters Against Cancer in less than two weeks. WOW! I can’t thank everyone enough for all your support. Whether you donated an item, bid, tweeted, blogged, or just stopped by and encouraged me that day when my blog had almost 1000 hits, you deserve a huge cyber (((((hug))))) and a high-five!

Quite honestly, my goal was to raise money for the cause, but what happened in the end, so very much exceeded my expectations. CAC was able to touch lives in ways I’d never imagined, including my own.

On a different note, I want to reiterate how true that saying is: “a mother’s work is never done.” In the past 30 days my kids have had 7 doctor visits, 1 urgent care visit, 1 ER visit and 3 plastic surgeon visits… "Enough with the facial lacerations and 103+ fever, people!" Maybe this means I should get back to that middle grade book I started writing two years ago about germs. Hey, everything happens for a reason, right?! And being the optimist that I am, I’m choosing to look at the bright side of all this and vent through my work.

So with that said, don’t forget to use your hand sanitizer today. Now, I’m off to go write about germs.