Remembering Our Fallen Heroes

Today Americans everywhere honor the fallen heroes

of American wars past and present.

As we take time to reflect on those who have sacrificed their lives for the service of our country, let us remember what Memorial Day is and why it is crucial to never forget what these heroes gave for our country.

Historically, Memorial Day dates back to the Civil War (1861-1865) when it was originally formed by liberated slaves calling it Decoration Day when they covered the tombs of fallen union soldiers with flowers. After World War I, the day was expanded to honor all American casualties of war or military action and renamed it Memorial Day.

I had the unforgettable honor of visiting our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. My cousin and her fiance, who were getting married that week, gave us an outstanding tour of many historical landmarks. One of the most impressive places we toured was the Arlington National Cemetery. There, thousands of known and unknown soldiers are buried and honored. As we observed the countless burial markers, the vast statement of sacrifice for our country overwhelmed me. A moment of silence fell as we contemplated the nameless soldiers honored at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Although fallen American soldiers are buried worldwide in marked and unmarked graves, Arlington National Cemetery brought to my mind the recognition of those who fought for liberty, freedom, and justice. Although their lives were lost, their nobility lives on through the survivors and civilians, and the liberty and justice they fought so courageously for.


I am encouraged to take a moment today and remember that Memorial Day is more than barbecues or a reason to visit with family and friends. Memorial Day is a day to remember those who gave everything for their country. For our country. For America, the land of the free.



Photos by BL1961, Rob Crowley, and Army.mil at http://www.flickr.com/

SCBWI Agent's Day Recap (Part 1)

Saturday, May 16, was SCBWI’s Agent’s Day in Newport Beach, CA. This was my first official writer’s event and I learned a tremendous amount of information about the roll of an agent, how agents can vary in preference and style, and what the current trends are in the children’s book market.

The staff was amazing and everyone had a smile on their face. It was like walking into a family reunion: You know you are all related, but you don’t necessarily know who everyone is yet. The location view was marvelous at the Newport Seabase. Although the sky was covered with a gray overcast, the sailboat-filled harbor was beautiful.

The first guest agent to greet us was Chris Richman with Firebrand Literary. Right off the bat we all knew Chris loved humor. I laughed out loud several times and found that agents can be really cool. Chris shared some of his favorite books and writing styles, including middle grade and young adult. He also talked about the “pitch process” and told us what he liked to see in a query. Chris even shared some queries with us that he had received and explained why they grabbed his attention.

Our second speaker was Michael Bourret, an agent with Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. Michael was very down to earth and began by stating that he loves to help put writers’ careers together and develop people. After sharing some of his favorite genres, Michael told us that building a brand was an important task for new writers to focus on. He reminded us that the goal is not to write the most books, but to write the best books. He encouraged those of us who like to write in multiple genres (which includes me) to complete at least three similar projects before moving on to something else. Beginner writers, he said, should work on figuring out their strengths and take time to try on different voices in writing while developing their craft.

Next, we had the honor of hearing from one of Michael Bourret's clients, Heather Buchta, who was our guest author. It was enlightening to hear her perspective of the importance of having an agent. She claimed that not only do they help you skip over the slush pile, they help with all the minute details involved in getting your work published. She gave us her opinion on the four things your agent should be. They should seem smarter than you, communication should flow easily, they need to be approachable on what might appear to be trivial details, and your agent must have wisdom about the industry.

We broke for lunch and enjoyed a seaside meal at a nearby restaurant. The networking was great and I just may have found a new member to join my local critique group, HB Critters.

Stay tuned for my Agent’s Day Recap, Part 2, when I’ll share some details of our guest agents, Stephen Barbara (Foundry Literary and Media) and Tina Wexler (ICM). Additionally, I’ll tell you all about breaking into groups for our Round Robin Speed Chat with each of the agents.

Until then, happy reading and writing!

Jenni Bielicki

Francina: A Mother's Day Tribute

Francina Lee McLendon Tucker

On September 15, 1970, a very special woman, Francina Lee McLendon, became a mother. From the moment she laid eyes on her new bundle of joy, love was redefined. That day, she held me for the first time and started her journey of motherhood.

Through the trials, lessons, and mistakes, she learned that no bond was like that of a mother and her child. As an only child, I soaked up her affection and devotion day by day. She focused on teaching me to feel and express love, to have compassion and understanding for those around me, and to stand with strength for what I believe in with an unwavering independence. In fact, she was a fine example in each of those lessons.

As the days and years go by, I’m often reminded of her wisdom and simplistic way of looking at things. I remember calling her one day, early on in my journey of motherhood. I was overwhelmed with the simple task of cleaning my messy house. She told me to blot out the thought of “the house” and focus on just one room at a time. In fact, she said to focus on one corner and move around until the room was done. That was a lesson I’ve carried into many areas of my life. I do my best not to worry about the lot and stay focused on one task at a time. Of course, I’m still working on fine tuning that skill.

Francina’s journey as a mother became illuminated in a whole new light when her “baby had a baby,” as she would say. Grand-motherhood seemed to come natural to her. She did all the things that Noni’s should do; give the grandbabies candy and cookies when mom wasn’t looking; cuddle and read stories together; have spend-the-nights; and of course, the very important “fussing” over birthdays and Christmas.

Family time was important to her. I remember a conversation we had in the hospital a few days before we lost her to cancer. I thanked her for all those times she had the kids over so that Brian and I were able to spend time together alone. She simply explained how important it was to her that my marriage was nurtured. And of course, time with her grandkids was more special to her than words can say.

I’m honoring my mother this Mother’s Day with what she would want me to do most... I’m spending time with my precious family. After this post, I’ll change clothes and we’ll go on a family bike ride. Then we’ll eat together and laugh together. As I wake in the morning, I’ll sip my coffee and eat my much anticipated breakfast in bed. I’ll relax and contemplate the meaning of motherhood and remember what Mother’s Day is all about for me...

It’s about honoring my mother by loving my kids openly, passionately, and simplistically, the way she did so well... the way every mother should.

The History of our Mother's Day

In 1912 Anna Jarvis created our first Mother's Day and marked the second Sunday in May as a day for celebrating in the United States. Anna was adamant about where the apostrophe was placed, stressing that this holiday was created to honor your own mother (singular posessive), not mothers in general.



Soon, Mother's Day became one of the most commercially successful occations in the U.S. and this infuriated Anne. She was completely opposed to the giving of commercial greeting cards. She called them a sign of being too lazy to write a personal letter. She spent her inheritance, all her financial worth, and the rest of her life fighting the commercialization of this very special day of honoring your mother.

As a mommy, I know there is no comparison between a hand written note or picture and a card printed by the card industry with a name at the bottom. Never take for granted the blessing of having your mother in your life. Appreciate her. Make her feel special. Thank her. And above all, love her every day!

Happy Mother's Day!

Photos by: aussiegall, yorkshiregeek, and spisharam - Away

I DID IT!!!

Yes, that's right! I actually wrote seven picture books (first drafts) in seven days. Some are absolutely adorably hillarious... and then... well, there's the rest that helped me reach my goal.

In fact, I only had two of them completed by the start of today, day seven. Yep, that means I wrote four and a half complet first drafts today. Whew!

Most of all, I learned I CAN DO IT!!! I posted this poem on Paula's web site as a 'thank you' for organizing the National Picture Book Writers Week (NaPiBoWriWee). She's totally rockin'!!!! You guys should definately keep up with her blog! She's so funny!!!

Photo by Jeremy Brooks

Hey, Paula Yoo!
by Jenni Bielicki

Hey, Paula Yoo!
It’s really true!
I can’t believe my drafts are through!

Your blog was revin’!
A writer’s heaven!
You helped me write my books – Yeah! SEVEN!!!!

With blogging shots
from your guest spots,
we all pressed in and found our plots.

We laughed and cried.
With you, our guide.
Encouraged now, we’ll write with pride.

We learned to snack
and keep on track
‘cause Donna’s surely got our back.

NaPiBo’s – WOW!
We all learned how
to get through seven book drafts now!

I made some friends
with lots of pens.
Let’s meet up when the summer ends.

We had some fun.
But now we’re done.
Oh wait, the work has just begun.

Until next year...
We’ll have no fear...
Because it’s fourteen days, I hear!

The real surprise...
Who wins that prize?
But ‘till we find out, let’s REVISE!

Happy Cinco de Mayo

Have you ever asked, "What is Cinco de Mayo, anyway?" If you have, this is for you...

On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army fought the French in the Battle of Puebla. Mexico owed a debt to the French and refused to pay. The French showed up in Mexico and tried to force payment. Even though the Mexican army was greatly outnumbered, they won the battle.

About a year later, France returned to Mexico and took over leadership. By 1866, the French were under pressure from the United States, and ultimately withdrew from Mexico.

A common misconception is that Cinco de Mayo is the Mexican celebration of independence. Mexico actually celebrates her independence on September 16th, which is the most important holiday celebrated in Mexico.

Cinco de Mayo is an optional holiday celebrated by many in Mexico, but not all. The United States celebrate it to honor not only our neighbor, Mexico, but all those Americans who take pride in their Mexican heritage.

However you view the holiday and whether you celebrate it or not, I wish you a happy May fifth and Cinco de Mayo, wherever you may be.

Sincerely,

Jenni B.

Photos by: jorge alg, spotted on flickr, and sirhowardlee