Found a neat blog I wanted to share with you.

 Playing by the Book is a blog that reviews kid's books and other fun stuff.

Besides these thoughtful reviews, I discovered their list of TED TALKS linked to children's books.

Enjoy.

I did.

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My critique group is getting together for shop talk, food, and a sip of wine this week. Our assignment-- to bring a great pitch for the project you are currently working on.

I found an excellent pitching formula from Jessica Sinsheimer on Twitter this week. 

"MC wants to   GOAL but can't because of CONFLICT 

so s/he does ___________ which results in ___________________."

Is this great or what?  

She has 28 retweets and counting, so others think so too.

Thanks Jessica------

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Time to read, sketch, take long walks, and do a little gardening.

 
Revisiting several of my favorite books

Stephen King's - ON WRITING

Blake Snyder's - SAVE THE CAT

Cheryl B. Klein's - SECOND SIGHT 

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Yes. Things to tighten, things to cut out and things that I'm not sure why were there in the first place. 

But cut I will.
Cut I must.

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So a picture is worth a thousand words.
And since I'm so deep into a final revision and resubmit with a looming deadline,

I'm leaving my two pals here.


Hey, they are not rats but white squirrels --

Oh, but it is going fantastic and I hope to be back in a few weeks.

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I came upon the blog,  WRITER'S RUMPUS 

Such a talented group of writers and illustrators, providing so many tips and information that I couldn't resist passing it on. Wow. Take a peek at the Writer and Illustrator Resource page.


Worth another cup of coffee and afternoon study.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

Wishing Everyone a Wonderful Holiday and a Very Happy New Year...

 

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Time again for a few school visits. 

Christmas time is a great time to spread cheer and sell a few books too. I found Kidlit411 had an amazing page of articles on how to make your visit enjoyable for you and your wide-eyed audience. 
I love school visits- as you can tell. --------------------Kit's School Visit Page


Just a shout out to Louie V, my fav cat in Louie V Trims the Tree  by Tracey Delio- the perfect Christmas feline.

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Perfect timing. Finished a big project- for now, so it's the perfect time to take a few days break and grab some great reads.

 The Publishers Weekly, Best Children's and YA Books for Fall 2015

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So they say-- when you are finished writing and revising, take a break for a little bit to get fresh eyes. 

So I did- 

But what a trip. Started our Anniversary Trip in Paris, then Venice, Florence, and Rome.

So I'm sharing a few pictures.

But now I'm
back. And back to work...

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Yes it has. Oh yes it has. 

Editing away these days. But, oh so happy with my results. 

Taking the next two weeks off to regroup and then------

I promise to have some fresh insights.  

And I hope to share some great news too.

 

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Just heard wonderful news.  

 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has acquired ebooks and other technology assets from Meegenius 


 My ebook, Mollie the Merbaby was one of them.

You may still order Mollie at Meegenius.

Finishing up the last details on my middle grade novel, which has filled my time for the passed three months. But, oh so close now.  

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My new novel has reached 45,000 words and now in the revision process. 

I'm coming up for air to share.

 
Here are some of the links and resources I've used in the past few weeks. 
They have been such a plus for me.  I think you will enjoy.

Thesaurus.comwww.thesaurus.com -   You think you are using the best word possible? Plug your word here and see more possibilities.

Susan Dennard's---How to write a one page synopsis- This is a fantastic way to get started on your synopsis. Thank you, Sooz, These tips have really opened my eyes.

Animal Onomatopoeia - Since I've got an animal in my story, I need to know how he communicates.
Plus this one is fun.

Fiction University- So amazing. This blog from Janice Hardy has zillions of topics for a writer to grow. Whether, it is how to start you story---- or the fine points of-- Does your novel have too many character's. So many great links here. Janice rocks.

I have not had time to sketch.   GASP!  Which is such a strange experience. But I have to admit, I'm enjoying so much, writing pictures with words.

 

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I've been missing lately. So much going on. I do apologize and plan to be back soon. I've just finished my new MG and now revising and tweaking some things. Yes, Yes Yes! 

Yes, it is your Day to shine!

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Writing writing writing.

My time has been spent sitting for long hours writing. With such a large project, it has seemed that I'll never get there. But now that I'm about 80% done, it is finally feeling ...  Can I say it? do-able.
Best of all I love it more than when I started.   Scary stuff, I know.

And as I've worked, I  have found a wonderful link with some amazing information I would like to share. Janice Hardy's Fiction University is so full of great, great things, I've bookmarked it way too many times. Thank you Janice. You rock.

Here's one to start you going-- Ten Traits of a Great Protagonist

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Finally  

I have my postcards back from printer and ready to mail.

A few things to remember as you mail your postcards:

Try to mail out quarterly- to keep your client refreshed on your new work.
Mail to art directors and editors.
Make sure your contact information is on front and large enough to be seen from several feet. (since many directors will post on bulletin boards)
Have information and contact information on back of card also.
Leave room for addressee.
Have proper postage.

Here is an excellent article by Art Director,  Giuseppe Castellano on Post Card worthly-ness. And how art directors really, yes really- look at your promo postcards-

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My new hashtag Twitter find for the day...

 ABOUT EVERYTHING PICTURE BOOK

Check out:
 # PictureBookParade

I found it so eye opening and interesting-
Plus a great way to shake off your old winter blues and get your creative juices flowing.
There are great comments, educational tidbits, best ever sketches, Q&As, and neat, fun stuff.

Enjoy-

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So it may seem that I've taken the month off.

Not by a long shot. My post card is finished and right on time. Our SCBWI-Carolinas Working Illustrator's Network (WIN) challenged all to a post card mail-out for April 1st. A few days late but waiting on the printer now.
I also submitted my manuscript for the SCBWI Work in Progress Grant with a picture book story that I feel has worked out well. 
This follows working on two contests from our local  SCBWI Carolina's Chapter. One for a manuscript with a new chapter book and one illustration for my rendition of the cover for the classic, Charlotte's Webb.

 So sorry to be missing here, but I'm back.

 Oh, did I mention I'm starting to submit to a few agents. A busy girl indeed.

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I keep trying to get back and post a little, but oh so little time.

So let me finish a few things and I promise to have something worthy to say.....

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Publishers Weekly has come out with their list of the many great children's books coming this fall.
What a lineup, complete with  the list of dozens of top publishers serving their best selections.
Whether you are looking as Mom, a reader or an author studying the markets; you will need to grab a cup of coffee, sit and enjoy.

Lots of magic, creativity and fun coming soon.

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Publishers Weekly explains when they got the call.

These are what dreams are made of............. oh yes. 

Dreams and so much hard work.

Congratulations, 

Well played -

Kwame Alexander

Dan Santat

Jandy Nelson

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POSTCARDS

Our SCBWI Carolinas Challenge will be four postcard submissions in 2015. But are they worth it. All the prep work, designing, creating, ordering and then of course- add stamps and address them. 

But Deb Johnson, a wonderful artist and one of our SCBWI C Working Illustrators Network [WIN] Coordinators found and posted this great article from Giuseppe Castellano, designer and Art Director at Penguin Random House. Ten percent, yes I needed that, oh how I needed that. I'll get right on it.

                                                  " Yes silly, just ten percent, ha, ha."

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This was posted a few months ago in the Official SCBWI Conference Blog, but needs to be repeated as we prepare for the new year with all the possibilities, dear writers.
Tim Federle, Better Nate Than Ever, list his ten things nobody tells you about being a debut novelist. Things you'll need to remember when your first or any novel comes out.

And I love his bonus - Love your characters.  
Thanks Tim for this and the many wonderful books you provide.

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I wish everyone a blessed and wonderful holiday season.

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 AHH,  I've been so busy working up my Work in Progress for a new Easy Reader Series. Yes, it is coming along so well. And since I've fallen in love with my characters, I've decided to get them out of my head and onto my sketch pad. The dummys are almost done.

So  please be patient with me as I finish up.
Here are a few tips I ran across from  The Editor's Blog to help me with this project. Lots of great tips.             





So be patient with me as I finish up.

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