Bleary-Eyed Scribe

Hey all you REAL book lovers out there . . .

2012-01-15T13:49:00.000-08:00

Books are not dead. Check out this fun video by Type Bookstore in Toronto!

The Joy of Books

Something to look forward to in 2012 . . .

2012-01-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

The Hunger Games movie!

Oh. My. Gosh. You guys. Have you seen the trailer? I CANNOT wait until March 23, 2012. I'm so excited about this, that it's rubbed off on my hubby who is currently reading the series. He thinks the movie looks really cool. I hope the movies live up to the fabulous books.

If you haven't seen the trailer, you can sneak a peek at the Hunger Games Movie website. Click on the link and check it out, y'all.

The Hunger Games Movie

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

2011-12-25T08:14:00.000-08:00

However you say it, have a wonderful holiday season with the ones you love. Wishing you peace, joy, and happiness AND much writing success in 2012!

Highlights Foundation Magazine Writing Workshop

2011-12-21T14:08:00.000-08:00

From a Highlights Foundation e-mail:

At a recent Highlights Foundation workshop, Rachel Buchholz, executive editor at National Geographic Kids, contributed her knowledge of the current children's magazine market. She told of an eager market, ready for your stories. A market that reaches millions of readers; with healthy circulations and a growing online presence.

Learn how to break into this favorable market with four amazing magazine writing experts. Join Rachel Buchholz, Paula Morrow, Rich Wallace, and Lou Waryncia at Writing for Magazines: Fiction and Nonfiction, March 8-11, 2012. You will leave this workshop with a clear understanding of everything the children's magazine market has to offer.

To secure your spot, or for more information, contact Jo Lloyd at 570-253-1192 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 570-253-1192 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, e-mail jo.lloyd@highlightsfoundation.org, or request an application online.

To view more 2012 Founders Workshops, which take place near Honesdale, Pennsylvania, please visit www.highlightsfoundation.org.

Failure and Hard Work Equal Success

2011-12-10T05:36:00.000-08:00

"Dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price."

~ Vince Lombardi

"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure."

~ Colin Powell

Maggie Stiefvater author of the best-selling series Shiver failed to get into a creative writing class in college because she was told that her writing wasn't promising enough. Thankfully for readers, that didn't stop her. Many writers believe that they need a writing degree in order to purse a career as a writer. According to Maggie no formal degree is required. What is required? Many hours of hard work.

A Proper Education

Shannon Messenger's (one of the founding members of WriteOnCon) inspirational post on the hard work and failed draft attempts that finally got her first novel published.
20 ways to NOT write your first book

Inspirational video by muscleprodigy.com. Great quote from the narrator, "You will always pass failure on the road to success."
Failure Before Success

It's December Already?

2011-12-03T12:24:00.000-08:00

I can't believe July 30 was my last blog post. How have you been?

Here's what I've been doing:

1) Surviving the new school year. It amazes me how much homework a third and sixth grader can have each day. You'd think they were in college. AND it amazes me how much I've been helping them. I feel like I'm back in school with all the book reports and writing happening this year. Thank God my hubby helps them in the math department. Not my strongest subject for sure.

2) Taking online writing classes. Well, I actually am back in school. I took my first online UCLA writing class this summer with the UCLA Writers Extension program, Writing the Young Adult Novel with Beth Ann Bauman. I just completed a fall quarter class, Novel Planning: Writing Order out of Chaos with Lynn Hightower. These classes just keep getting better and better. I've been pushed and stretched to places I'd thought my writing couldn't go. Each class is seriously tough, but worth it. I've got an edgy novel pretty much figured out. I never thought I'd want to write a novel, but I've never been more excited about a writing project and I'm putting my all into it. I'll be enrolling in the winter quarter soon. If you don't hear from me for a while again, you'll know why.

3) Attending sporting events. Hockey and football. I've been chauffeuring my boys to practices and games nonstop. We even attended our first Baron's hockey game a few weeks ago on free jersey night and hope to attend a OKC Thunder games soon once the NBA games get going again. Whew. Being in an all-boy family, it's a good thing I like sports.

4) Adding a new family member. In August, the Rogers' added a very cute furry addition to the family that we adopted from the Bella Foundation. Our oldest son, Big C named our new Chiweenie puppy, Lucky. "Mom, I hope he brings us luck," he said. Big C even wrote an essay about him for his English class. I was one proud mama when he brought home an A. I'm hoping this streak of good grade luck will continue.

Here's Lucky... Isn't he a cutie?

5) Experiencing earthquakes. In Oklahoma. During November, Hubby and I were jolted awake at 2:15 a.m. by our first earthquake, a 4.7 one Saturday night. Then the next night, the biggest earthquake in Oklahoma history, a 5.6 rocked our house for a minute. Our youngest son, Little C came running down the stairs in a panic asking us what was happening. Big C slept right through it. Then another night we had a 4.7 earthquake during a tornado and flash flood watch. I felt another small one a few days ago. We are expecting the volcano to erupt any minute now.

That's just a small serving of what's been on my plate lately. How are you? Writing lots? Taken any great writing classes lately? I'd love to hear all about it.

Encouragement for Beginning Writers and a Pep Talk from a Viking

2011-07-30T06:34:00.000-07:00

Are you a beginning writing in need of encouragement? Be sure to watch this cool vimeo video message that's been floating around on facebook by David Shiyang Liu.

Ira Glass on Storytelling

Also, what writer doesn't need a pep talk? And a funny one at that. Check out my writing/illustrator friend, Ingvard the Terrible's (Sean Ashby) blog. You might just see yourself in this one like I did. Uh, huh. Sometimes I am guilty of stinkin' thinkin'. How about you?

How creatives sabotage themselves

You may remember one of my previous blog posts Self-Doubt and Pep Talks.

Have a great weekend!

And The Book Giveaway Winner Is...

2011-07-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

Gwen Hooks

Congrats for winning a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just for Teenagers!

Gwen's name was randomly drawn from an OU (University of Oklahoma) baseball cap by my oldest son, Big C. Gwen, I will be contacting you soon to mail you your copy.

Thanks to everyone who entered and spread the word!

My First Time Being Interviewed

2011-07-21T08:17:00.000-07:00

Check out my first time on the flip side of an interview with author, Susan Meyers. Thanks Susan!

Quickie Interview: Kim Rogers (and Giveaway!)

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just for Teenagers Book Giveaway

2011-07-13T07:07:00.000-07:00

I received my copies of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just for Teenagers scheduled for release on July 26th. In it you'll find my stories, Stacy's Secret and The Substitute and many other inspirational stories.

Want to win a copy?

To win you can do one or more of the following:

1. Follow this blog

2. Comment on this blog post. (Should have added this in the original post. Sorry!)

3. Blog about this book giveaway

4. Tweet about this book giveaway

If you do one of the above you get one entry. If you do two, you get two entries. And so on.

Open to all U.S. residents. Contest deadline is Friday, July 22nd.

Please spread the word. Good luck!

Write a Novel This Summer

2011-07-02T08:36:00.000-07:00

Overwhelmed with the thought of writing an entire novel? You can do it! Check out Camp NaNoWriMo where you can find online support, tracking tools, and a serious deadline to help you write the rough draft of your novel in just a MONTH this summer.

2011 Camp NaNoWriMo sessions take place in July and August. Like you need to add more to your crazy summer filled with work and vacations and all the things you do. Right? And if you're a mom like me—trying to write amidst taxiing kids to camp, the pool, and just plain keeping them entertained and from saying, "Mom, I'm bored." Well, there's always the original NaNoWriMo that kicks off in November. Either way, you'll have that novel written by Christmas.

Hope you're staying cool this summer. To all my American friends . . .

Happy 4th of July!

Be safe where you are!

Story Acceptances

2011-06-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

My two stories, The Substitute and Stacy's Secret have been accepted for publication in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just for Teenagers. Yay! The book is scheduled for release on June 26, 2011.

As soon as I receive my copies, I'll be having a book giveaway. Be sure to check back!

First Blogger Award

2011-05-28T06:32:00.000-07:00

With all the awful news of the past week . . . moving onto positive news.

I received my first blogger award from my Big Sur buddy, Cynthia Cheng! She said she enjoyed reading my blog. I enjoy reading hers, too. Check it out at Read is the New Black. Don't you love her blog design? Here's yet another advantage of attending writing workshops and conferences—the awesome friends you meet.

Thanks Cynthia!

So I'll pass this on to a few of my other favorite blogger friends . . .

Ann
Cindy
Jeannie
Suzanne

If you are a blogger do you want to award some of your favorite blogger buddies, too? Here are the rules from Cynthia's blog:

1. Thank and link to the person who nominated you.
2. Share seven facts about yourself.
2. Pass the award along to buddies whose blogs epitomize said theme.
4. Contact those buddies to award theme.
5. Rules 1-4 are optional. You can adhere to them only if you wish to.

Below are seven random facts about myself. Probably more than you ever wanted to know. Right?

1. I've lived overseas for five years in two different continents and traveled to many countries.
2. I've taught English in South Korea.
3. My writing is sporadic. I don't have a set time or place. I like varied locations like the library, home, or at a coffee shop where I used to write with a friend. We chatted waaaay too much and never got much writing done, so now we just meet for lunch.
4. I don't like peanut butter. Yuck.
5. I (along with my hubby) was in a boat crash in Venice. Through a seriously thick fog, a tugboat emerged heading directly for our water bus. My hubby had a detailed plan of which window we would jump from if we collided and took on water. He told me to, "Get ready." When we crashed head-on, it sloshed our boat, jostled us around, and jacked up the front end of our boat. Luckily, we didn't have to leap into that scary, murky-green water.
6. I'm addicted to Riesen chocolate (that I hide) and caffeine free Diet Dr. Pepper in an ice cold can.
7. I once won an individual amateur curling competition on a ski trip in Austria. I really don't know how I pulled that off. It was definitely beginners luck.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend (if you live in the U.S.) and be safe where you are!

Oklahoma Tornado Outbreak

2011-05-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I'm blogging about tornadoes AGAIN. This time the tornado outbreak was in my neck of the woods in Oklahoma yesterday. It was a scary afternoon for sure.

Before the weather turned severe, I was at my hairstylist and was the last haircut of the day. They cancelled the rest of the days appointments due to the high risk or tornadoes. My hubby came home from work early since the meteorologists were telling people to stay off the highways during the late afternoon to evening hours. Then, we picked up our kids early from school. And it wasn't long until the weather turned violent and tornado sirens blared.

Our previous home had a tornado shelter. Since our current home does not, we headed to the kid's school (along with our neighbors across the street) that was opened up as a public tornado shelter. Many new schools built in Oklahoma are equipped with safe rooms—reinforced above ground shelters able to withstand high winds.

As I type this, CNN is reporting a tornado on the ground in Sedalia, Missouri. This is just days after the F5 tornado tore a path of massive destruction through Joplin and, according to one report, destroyed seventy-five percent of the town.

Here are some stories on recent tornadoes:

Joplin Death Toll at 116 Making It Deadliest Tornado in Nearly 60 Years

Tornadoes, storms kill 6 in Oklahoma and Kansas

My prayers go out to everyone affected. There's a three-year-old boy still missing in the town of Piedmont. If you are a praying person too, please keep him and his family in your prayers.

5 Things I Admire About Published Authors

2011-05-22T14:53:00.000-07:00

Whether at conferences, workshops, writing groups or book signings, you’ve probably met several published authors. I’ve met many great authors in my journey as a writer and wanted to share with you the traits of the ones who've impacted me the most.

1. They are humble.

2. They give back. They invest in new writers, mentoring them, encouraging them, speaking to them at workshops and conferences.

3. They comment on other writer's facebook posts. It’s not all about them and promoting their books. They care about others, too.

4. They don’t promote their own agenda. They are careful what they say publicly about politics and religion or say nothing at all. They respect everyone’s opinions.

5. Their writing rocks.

I’m most likely to buy books from these types of authors. How about you?

Famous Writers on Failure and Success

2011-05-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

Lessons on Failure from Joyce Carol Oates

The Fringe Benefits of Failure: J.K. Rowling Harvard Commencement Speech

J.K. Rowling on Fear, Depression, and Failure

Success

"Talent is a dreadfully cheap commodity, cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work and study”
–Stephen King

"When you have a great and difficult task, something perhaps almost impossible, if you only work a little at a time, every day a little, suddenly the work will finish itself."
-Isak Dinesen

"Failure is success if we learn from it."
-Malcom S. Forbes

Be responsible for your own success. "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go."
-Dr. Seuss

Stay the course, even when it feels like you aren't making progress. "One may not reach the dawn save by the path of the night."
-Kahlil Gibran

"Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires
courage."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience."
-Paul Coelho

"Success is blocked by concentrating on it and planning for it… Success is shy – it won't come out while you're watching."
-Tenessee Williams

Tornadoes Across the South

2011-05-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

As someone who lives in tornado alley, my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in the south affected by tornadoes last week. This was the second worst tornado outbreak in

U.S.

history.

I've been through a few tornadoes myself. Although I've never lost my home, I know the fear of hearing tornado sirens blaring, having to seek shelter in a bathtub with my family, and wondering if a tornado would hit our house as we waited for a violent storm to pass.

In 2007, my story, A Safe Haven (about one of my tornado experiences and how our neighbors took care of us) was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul People Who Make a Difference: The Headlines You'll Never Read and was later reprinted in Hometown America.

For more information on the recent tornadoes:

Tornadoes Leave Destruction Across South

Obama ramps up recovery help for tornado-hit south

Some ways to help:

Seven Ways to Help Tornado Victims

Oregon Coast Children's Book Writers Workshop

2011-04-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

This workshop sounds great! From an occbww email:

This summer, July 11-15 we will proudly present the ninth Oregon Coast Children's Book Writers Workshop, in the exquisite Oregon coast town of Oceanside. At this time the class is three-quarters full. If you care to join us, probably it would be a good idea to sign up soon by using the registration form at the site.

The instructors for the workshop will include five established children's book authors (between them, specializing in YA and middle school novels, picture books, non-fiction, magazine pieces, and poetry), two children's book editors from major houses, and one children's book agent. Summer Workshop 2011 promises to be our best yet because:

- The instructor-student ratio will be a maximum of one to seven
- Each day you will meet with an instructor for at least one comprehensive consultation
- You can have one-on-one informal meetings with instructors each day as well
- Every student who wishes can have an anonymous first page manuscript critique by all eight instructors in front of the class
- We will offer at least twelve instructional lectures on various aspects of writing and publishing
- There will be two evening presentations by instructors
- Out-of-class consultations with instructors are available
- There will be at least three guest lectures/writing workshops
- There will be two wonderful parties (quite appropriate for friends, partners, spouses, children)

If you are ambitious to publish a children's book (or simply adore children's books) this is the workshop for you. It will allow you to connect directly with authors, editors, agents who are active in the children's book business. If you go to the website and look under Evaluations, you'll see that it's received extraordinarily high praise.

The course is available for graduate credit.

For complete information we welcome you to visit our website at www.occbww.com

There's a generous refund policy (described at the website) if you decide to register now and then later on change your mind.

The Future of Publishing

2011-04-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

Wow. Check it out . . .

UCLA Writers' Program Cyberhouse: Free Online Open House

2011-04-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

A friend from the Big Sur Writing Workshop told me about online writing classes presented by the UCLA Extension Writers' Program. She's taking classes on campus and highly recommends them.

For those of us who don't live in LA, UCLA Extension is having a free online open house on May 3. You need to register by April 29th.

For more information visit the UCLA Extension web site at WRITERS' PROGRAM CYBERHOUSE: A FREE ONLINE OPEN HOUSE.

I've registered and am planning on taking a few online courses. You may want to check it out, too.

Hope to see you there!

Chicken Soup For The Soul Finalist

2011-03-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

Just found out Friday that I have a second teen Chicken Soup for the Soul story in the finalist round for upcoming books. I'm shocked! They've published a few of my stories, but I'm always stunned when positive writing news comes my way. I'm sending the second contract off soon. Fingers crossed these stories make the final cut.

I love writing anthology stories. Cup of Comfort is another publication I've published with. Unfortunately, they are retiring these books. If you're interested in writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul, check out their writers' guidelines on their website and possible book titles.

Have a great week!

Big Sur Fiction Writing Workshop March 2011

2011-03-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling energized and inspired after attending the Big Sur Fiction Writing Workshop in Seaside/Monterey, California on March 4 - 6. The workshop is offered twice a year by the Andrea Brown Literary Agency in conjunction with the Henry Miller Library.

My husband came along, too. Even though he's not a writer, he was able to join me for all the meals and cocktail parties. What a blast! He even fessed up to having fun himself and got in some much needed nap time. The lazy bum. I absolutely LOVE meeting and getting to know new people. These types of events nurture my social butterfly side. I'm still pumped!

This is one of the best investments I've made in my writing thus far and my twelfth conference. If you're looking for constructive and useful feedback on your manuscripts, a big helping of encouragement, and networking with new friends, this workshop is for you! Here's the scoop:

Panels. The weekend consisted of three agent, editor, and author panels. They shared the latest trends in publishing, their pet peeves, what types of manuscripts they are wanting, and the books they've published. One surprising tidbit Andrea Brown shared is that most of their sales from last year came from picture books even though the market has been soft for these books. She said that Good Night Moon would not sell in today's market as kids of the 21st century are more sophisticated and savvy readers.

Critique groups. Writers were split into two critique groups each depending on genre. The groups consisted of four to five peers and were facilitated by one of the faculty members. I loved both of my critique groups. Our leaders did a fantastic job! One group bonded so well we were sad when the workshop ended. I'm thankful for email and facebook. So happy to keep in touch with many new amazingly talented writing buddies!

Time to revise. After the first critique groups, we were given several hours to revise before we immersed ourselves in the second and final critiques. Because of the excellent feedback from my groups and the short stint of time (I'm a deadline oriented person) I was able to revise several manuscripts for the better. Now that I'm at home, I'll be revising and revising and REVISING some more. One published picture book author told us she revised a picture book manuscript 200 times before she finally got it right. FOR REAL.

Private query critique from a faculty member. Query writing is tough. My private meeting with a fabulous agent allowed me to get some valuable feedback on my query and manuscripts. It was an incredibly positive experience.

Meeting agents. Attending Big Sur gave me the opportunity to meet and hear several agents speak. It was great getting a sense of their personalities and what types of works they're looking for--so different than looking at their bios online. I now know of one agent I'll be sending my work to in the future. To me it's important meeting agents in person to see if there is a potential connection.

The deciding factor. If you're a writer with a few children's manuscripts and are on the fence about whether this genre is for you, the workshop could help you decide. Andrea Brown said that a previous participant told her that they will stick with adult writing after attending. Writing for children is difficult work and NOT for the faint of heart.

Intensity. The workshop was intense. It was basically a boot camp for children's writers from picture books to young adult. Only serious writers should apply. You will need lots of sleep when you get home and perhaps a massage.

Want to know more? You should consider attending. I plan to return someday soon. If you go, look for the bleary-eyed one. Hope to see you there!

Devastation in Japan

2011-03-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

I am heartbroken by the news images of the devastation in

Japan

in the aftermath of the 9.0 earthquake and tsunami. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Japanese people and everyone affected by this awful tragedy.

Here are some great ways to help:

Six Ways You Can Help Earthquake and Tsunami Victims in Japan

How To Be A Happy Writer

2011-02-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

1. Don’t compare yourself to other writers. They have their own path to publication and you have yours. So what if they sold something to a big publisher. How long have they been working toward that goal? If you’ve only been writing for a short time, don’t be impatient. You must pay your dues. If you learn all you can about writing, work hard enough, and want it bad enough, publication may come when the time is right. And that might not be NOW. It could be a few years away or twelve . . . Plus, comparison can lead you down a path to jealousy. Don't go there. You'll save yourself some grief and keep your self-confidence in check.

2. Be patient. See number one.

3. Exercise. Taking care of your body will help take care of your mind. You’ll have more energy to crank out those words like a writin’ fool on a caffeine high without the side effects.

4. Give sadness the boot. Writers have the tendency to get down. When you are feeling blue, take a walk, have lunch with a friend, go shopping, eat chocolate (highly recommended), listen to your favorite music.

5. Find the right fit for a critique group or partner. Nothing will karate-kick your writing into gear more that finding other writers who support your passion and like you and your writing. You can find them online, at writing conferences, or in a local writing group. You may have to try a few to ensure the best fit. The right people make all the difference. They are your fellow word ninjas.

6. Write. Many people who say they are writers only talk about it. Tie yourself to the computer and put in your writing hours, Mister.

7. Don't let anything stop you. Hang a “do not disturb” sign on your door or shoot the stink eye when anyone walks into the room--even your needy cat. And do it . . . NOW. You are not getting any younger. Don't wait until your kids grow up, you move to a bigger place with an office, or you have some sort of degree to deem yourself a writer. If you write, guess what? You are a writer. Be self-motivated. Be courageous. Be FEARLESS. Just DO it.

8. Enjoy the world. Yes, you need to write, but you also must enjoy life. Not only does this make you an interesting writer, it makes you a fun person, too. Volunteer. Take a class. Go to a museum. Take a trip. Have a romantic date night with your significant other. Do a friends' night out. Hang out with your human kids and/or furry ones. They will forgive you for the stink eye.

Want more tips? Check out Nathan Bransford's Ten Commandments of a Happy Writer.

Keep writing!

Highlights Workshops For Spring 2011

2011-02-20T17:09:00.000-08:00

Interested in children's writing workshops? Check this out from the Hightlights Foundation . . .

This spring, the Highlights Foundation has three exciting new workshops to help you meet your writing goals. Our faculty members are children's literature professionals. They have been where you are now, and they know just what it takes to get your writing off the computer and into the hands of eager young readers. Take a look at the first-time offerings below and see our other 2011 workshops at http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/pages/current/FWsched_preview.html.

Learn to Self-Edit and Revise

Harold Underdown, longtime editor and the author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books, will introduce writers to proven techniques for self-editing and for revising with the help of others, from checklists to reader response theory to critique groups. Through lectures, hands-on work, and model critique group sessions, participants will gain objectivity, learn to give more focused responses to manuscripts, discover a variety of techniques for self-editing, and explore big-picture revision down to copy-editing. How to Revise on Your Own and with Others (March 10-13, 2011) is limited to twelve participants.

Intensify Your Middle-Grade Novel

Shape and intensify your novel in progress through group critiques, targeted writing exercises, and consultation with novelist and editor Rich Wallace. Rich is known for his award-winning novels for young adults; but much of his recent work has been for this younger age group, including his novels Sports Camp and War and Watermelon, and his two series, The Winning Season and Kickers. This exciting new workshop will focus on developing age-appropriate (and realistic) dialogue, internal monologue, action, and the all-important narrative voice. Writing Novels for Middle-Graders (April 7-10, 2011) is limited to twelve participants.

Write for the Ear and the Eye

Short works, whether picture books, short stories, easy readers, chapters, or poems, require the ability to jettison the verbal baggage that can bog down a story. Children's writer Juanita Havill and writer/editor Susan Pearson will show you how to write with precision and economy and how to revise with ear and eye. You'll analyze exemplary "short" works for children and young adults, learn how to create taut plots and to link episodic chapters by means of an overarching plotline, and analyze and put into practice techniques for self-editing. Time to Be Brief: Taking the Time to Write Concisely (May 19-22, 2011) is limited to twelve participants.

The Highlights Foundation keeps workshops small so you get the individual attention your writing deserves. To apply and secure your spot, or for more information, contact Jo Lloyd at 570-253-1192 570-253-1192, e-mail jo.lloyd@highlightsfoundation.org, or request an application online.

Highlights Foundation Founders Workshops take place near Honesdale, Pennsylvania. You'll stay in your own cozy cabin, surrounded by 1,300 wooded acres and hiking trails. Workshop fee includes individual cabins; all meals (provided by a top-notch chef); airport pickup service, if needed; and an intimate teaching setting at the homeplace of the Founders of Highlights for Children.

Misconceptions About Picture Book Writing

2011-02-13T11:28:00.000-08:00

Misconception #1: Since picture books are written for younger children they are the easiest to write and sell.

Picture books are DIFFICULT to write. Every word must count and many editors are wanting shorter picture book manuscripts. Try fitting a coherent story into 500 words or less. AND your story must be truly fantastic to rise above the slush pile. Also, a published author/friend of mine said that a picture book is approximately a $150,000 investment for a publisher. No wonder the competition is crazy-fierce and rejections are a plentiful. Yowza.

Why does everyone think it's easy to write a picture book?

Picture Book Manuscripts: Why Most Fail to Sell

Misconception #2: My kids, neighbors, mom, and cats LOVE my picture book, so it must be good.

Dude, not so fast. Have you seen those people on American Idol who don't make it to Hollywood? Cringe-worthy stuff. I'll bet their mamas said they were good, too.

Unrealistic Expectations? Unrealistic Expectations, Party of Four?

Misconception #3: If I write a picture book, I have to find my own illustrator.

Um, NO.

Picture Book Manuscripts and Illustrations

Guide to Literary Agents

Happy writing!

Encouraging Words for Writers

2011-01-28T15:11:00.000-08:00

Writing takes guts, thick-skin, and determination—especially when rejection is so prevalent in the publishing world. If you're like me, you need encouraging words every now and then to uplift and inspire you to keep on truckin'.

Feel like calling it quits?

http://www.creativity-portal.com/cca/david-duggins/i-quit-writing.html

Self-doubt beating you up?

http://kidlit.com/2011/01/19/a-crisis-of-self-confidence/

Think you're the only writer being rejected? You're in good company . . .

http://www.writersservices.com/mag/m_rejection.htm

Need some motivation?

Don't give up!

Writing Accountability Partners and What They Can Do For You

2011-01-21T11:30:00.000-08:00

What exactly is a writing accountability partner (WAP)?

Someone you can check in with on a regular basis to share your writing goals for a given length of time and they will hold you to things like completing that manuscript you said you’d finish . . . or start.

How do you know if you need one?

If you’re having trouble focusing on writing goals and actually following through, an accountability partner may be a good kick in the pants for you Mr. or Ms. Procrastinator.

What can they do for you?

Your productivity factor will increase because they will challenge you. You WILL get that manuscript done. You’ll send those queries out. You’ll (insert your goals here), (and here), (and here) . . .

How do you find one?

Ask a writing buddy, a family member, or hire a writing coach. To me, finding a writing friend is your best bet. That way, your relationship is a give and take deal and it’s FREE.

I'm a self-motivated kind of gal. But there are days when I slip back into my slacker mode and fail to meet my goals—especially on sunny blue sky days when I want to have long lunches with friends or when it’s raining outside and I want to be curled up with a good book and some nice tea. There are days for that, but I must stay on course and complete my goals in a timely manner so I won’t disappoint myself and face the wrath of my WAP.

I have a new accountability buddy—one of my best and oldest friends, Sara McAlister. This past Sunday, we emailed each other our writing goals for the next two weeks. After that time is up, we'll check in to see if we've completed them. Then we'll share our goals for the next two weeks and so on.

Do you need to shake your writing up a bit? Maybe teaming up with a writing accountability partner is something you’ll want to do, too. And instead of Mr. or Ms. Procrastinator, you'll be Mr. or Ms. Successful. Now, doesn't that sound better? Goooo, you!

Snooki Trumps 2011 Caldecott, Newbery Award Winners on Today Show. Really?

2011-01-13T15:53:00.000-08:00

Yes folks, it's true.

From School Library Journal:
'Today Show' Snubs 2011 Caldecott, Newbery Winners

And from Publishers Weekly:
No 'Today Show' for Vanderpool or Stead

So disappointing.

7 Ways to Motivate Your Writing in 2011

2011-01-05T12:04:00.000-08:00

"Climb high, climb far, your goal the sky, your aim the star.”

- Anonymous

1. Set realistic goals. Otherwise, you will be setting yourself up for failure. That’s not a good way to begin a new year. Start out by writing down what you'd like to accomplish and give yourself a deadline. Let a writing buddy know your goals so they can hold you accountable. They’ll beat you over the head if you get off track.

2. Pace yourself. Just like a runner in a marathon, you can’t run full speed ahead and expect to get to the finish line. You have to pick a pace that's sustainable for you. Then you can run the distance and actually finish the race to the end of your manuscript and get there in one piece.

3. Exercise. A healthy bod gives you more energy to accomplish your goals. Your rear with thank you for it, too--especially after spending so much time on it in your writing chair.

4. Get in the zone. Meditate, pray, listen to music before writing--doing this will help provide you with the stamina to keep you focused on the task at hand.

5. Spend time with writing friends. Hanging out with kindred spirits can help inspire and motivate you. You will want to hurry home and start typing. Don't speed, though. You may get a ticket. And that will ruin your day.

6. Turn off Facebook and the boob tube. Time suckers. ‘Nuff said.

7. Reward yourself. Eat some chocolate. Have lunch with a friend. Do a cartwheel. Do heel clicks. You’ve completed a goal. CELEBRATE!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-19T18:49:00.000-08:00

Saturday afternoon my critique group partner and dear friend, Maria Veres and I drove to Chandler to attend our Oklahoma SCBWI chapter's Christmas party. She always makes the boring drive to Chandler FUN. We giggle a lot and get there in no time! She's one of the funniest people I know. Oh, and she brought me delicious banana pineapple bread and a dozen fresh eggs from her own chickens. I'm blessed to have her as my friend.

Although this is a blurry photo (it was clear on my iPhone), you can still see the cool colors of those eggs:

The party was held at our Regional Advisor's house, Anna Myers. We all had a great time eating too much delicious food and listening to each and every one's Christmas memories. Helen Newton Dunlap sang, "Mary Did You Know" a capella. That's one of my favorite Christmas songs. I held back tears listening to Helen sing that song. It was beautiful. I have so many Christmas favorites. But the one I remember most from my childhood is "Do You Hear What I Hear?" I still love it especially the version sung by the fabulous Carrie Underwood.

What are your Christmas song favorites?

Happy Holidays! Wishing you much success in 2011!

You've Found The Right Critique Group If . . .

2010-12-02T18:43:00.000-08:00

1. Not only are you excited they are critiquing your work, but you cannot wait to critique theirs. They are some of your favorite writers and people.

2. There are no personality conflicts. You actually like these writers and call them your friends.

3. They kick your bootay, but you appreciate their honesty. It makes you a better writer.

4. They are tactful in what they say never breaking your spirit and making you want to quit writing forever. They point out your manuscripts weaknesses and STRENGTHS.

5. Their comments and suggestions propel you to want to be your best. This encourages you to keep growing in your craft.

6. You cheer them on in their successes and they cheer you on in yours. Jealousy doesn't sabotage your relationships. You are honestly happy for one another.

7. They hold you accountable because you must produce work each designated time. This makes you more productive.

8. These wonderful people inspire you.

9. You truly appreciate all that they do.

10. You want to tell everyone about your critique group because they are freakin' AWESOME!

Why I Haven't Been Blogging

2010-11-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I haven't been blogging. Shame on me, but I have been BUSY. Here's what I've been doing:

1. Drinking large amounts of coffee and tea to tackle 2-16.
2. Writing
3. Revising
4. Writing
5. Reading
6. Critiquing partners' manuscripts
7. More reading
8. Revising some more
9. Brainstorming ideas
10. Research, research, research
11. Trying to decide if I should continue blogging
12. Struggling to slay the laundry monster
13. Attending writers' meetings
14. Failing at keeping a house full of boys clean
15. Spending time with friends
16. And most importantly . . . being a wife and mom!

So many excuses, I KNOW. If you are a blogger, what keeps you away from blogging?

Funny Blog Posts For Writers

2010-09-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

1. Hello Hello! by agent, Janet Reid. If you've been writing for a while, you're probably familiar with many "trying to get an agent" faux pas. This blog post is a funny example of what NOT to do when trying to contact an agent.

2. Vlogs by author of The Siren, Keira Cass. This chica's quirky humor cracks me up. I think she's HILARIOUS. Maybe you will, too.

3. Picture Books and Easy Readers by Author Shelly Moore Thomas. Okay, this isn't a blog post, but it's a vlog discussion from Write On Con. AND you'll learn a few things about writing for these age groups in a silly and FUN way.

Summer Book Reviews Part II: Mockingjay and More

2010-09-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
(the last book in the HG trilogy)

From Amazon:
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not the people of District 12.

I'm glad I didn't devour Mockingjay. I read it in the span of two weeks. The read was a roller coaster ride of on the edge of your seat emotion. That was enough for me to be ready for the HG to end. I was wanting the characters to find peace in a sunset of hope. Cheesy, but true.

When the book ended, tears were streaming down my cheeks. To me that's the best kind of book -- the rare ones that make my tears unexpectedly spilleth over. I wasn't sure Mockingjay could hold up to the first two books. But, it did. These books will stay with me for a looooong time. Suzanne Collins is brilliant.

Interested in knowing more about the author and how she got the idea for the HG series? Check out this Borders Book Club interview with Suzanne Collins.

Happy reading!

Summer Book Reviews

2010-08-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

The very best books I've read all summer? The Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, the first two books in the young adult HG trilogy. A few of my writing buddies raved about these books as did my twelve-year-old next door neighbor. I'm a little behind the reading times.

Although I'm usually not a reader of violent books, I must admit that what made me want to read them is the jaw-dropping plot line of injustice. It really ticked me off. Halfway through Catching Fire, I almost chucked it across the room and said "good riddance" to the series. I kept reading because I really cared about the characters and what happened to them. And things got a lot better and hopeful. Whew.

Want to know something crazy? After reading Catching Fire, I dreamed that I was the main character, Katniss Everdeen. I stopped at 7-11 on the way to the Hunger Games where I stocked up on (of all things) beef jerky, strawberry Twizzlers, and Dr. Pepper. That's how much these books have impacted me. Have you ever dreamed you were a book character?

I'm currently reading Mockingjay, the third book in the HG trilogy. I bought it from a bookstore on release day. Yes, I wanted to scarf it up like it was the last piece of layered chocolate cake. But since it's the final in the series, I really want to savor every word. Many times, I've rushed through great books only to feel sad they've ended. I agree with the blog post written by Christopher John Farley in the Wall Street Journal, 'Mockingjay': Please Don't Devour The Hunger Games.

Book Reviews:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen lives in Panem, a post-apocalyptic United States where a powerful government called the Capitol has taken over after several devastating disasters. The Hunger Games are an annual televised event where the Capitol chooses one boy and one girl from each district to a fight to the death. The purpose of the Hunger Games is to show how no one, including children, is above the Capitol's crushing power. The last child standing wins the game.

This book absolutely had me from the first page. Katniss Everdeen is the strongest character I've come to know in a book. I was amazed by her bravery and sacrifice. She must make a decision that affects her life forever. How will this affect her relationship with her crush, Gale, and (gasp) a new love interest? Read it, to find out.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (second book in HG series)

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled a rebellion against the Capitol that she's not sure she can or wants to stop. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

As I indicated above, I nearly chucked this book. I was appalled at some of the horrific things that the Capitol has in store for Katniss and others. This book kept me up waaaaay past my bedtime until 3 AM one night. After I read the last page, I was feeling hopeful for the people of Panem and Katniss Everdeen. I couldn't wait for the last installment of the HG series, Mockingjay. Review to come...

School's Back In Session

2010-08-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

"Lord, Thank you for a wonderful summer with my children. We made memories to last a lifetime. And thank you for school starting back up next week. Amen."

The quote above is what my cuz wrote on her facebook page last week. Amen, sister! I couldn't agree more. My kids went back to school TODAY. My sadness didn't last long. They started fighting, and I quickly shooed them out the door.

Excuse me while I do a happy dance --to "Back in the Saddle Again". Aerosmith, baby. Your kids back in school, too? Bored out of your mind? In need of caffeine? Feel free to dance with me, people. Air guitars welcome. Goooo.

I'm saddling up to my regular writing schedule. Yeehaw! I did get some sporadic writing and research done over the summer thanks to sports day camps and awesome grandparents. I'm working on several new projects that I'm super excited about. Even got lost on one of my research excursions. Knew something was wrong when all I was passing was hay bales and cows. Maps on my iphone saved me. Getting lost in farmland for research is worth it. Good thing I didn't roll down my windows, though.

Also attended a way cool online writing conference at Writeoncon.com. And it was FREE. If you missed it, you can still check it out. You'll even find recorded transcripts of live chats from editors and agents. Some of my favorite sessions were Give Yourself Permission by editor Molly O'Neill (inspiring), Writing With a Real Life by author Lindsey Leavitt (funny, quirky, down-to-earth gal, love people like her). The live chats were wonderful, too. But really, it was ALL fabulous. The conference was so well-received, they are planning a Write On Con two next year. I'll definitely be back...in my PJ's, curled up in my comfy chair, with a nice cup of tea (saying that last tea bit in my corny British accent). What a great way to enjoy a conference.

I did read, of course. Read through The Chronicles of Narnia series again (still working on that, think I missed some as a kid), plus new books as well. Have some definite favorites.

Hope you had a summer full of fun memories with those you love and great reads. If you're interested, I'll share some HIGHLY recommended books with you in upcoming posts...

Summer Hiatus

2010-06-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

The summer season is well underway. My kiddos last day of school was a few weeks ago. I’m now the mom of a 5th and a 2nd grader. Can’t believe how much my boys have grown. Big C was the tallest kid in his class this year, and Little C’s feet are HUGE – reminds me of a rowdy Rottweiler pup. My babies are growing up so fast!

Since they are out of school and family is my first priority, I will be taking a summer hiatus from my blog to spend time with them and write when I can.

Here are a few of my favorite songs of the summer season...Can you tell what era I grew up in? Think mullets, mile high mall bangs, and MC Hammer pants, people. Scary fashion. Great music.

Boys of Summer by Don Henley

Cruel Summer by Bananarama

Had to throw this in, too. Forget Justin Bieber. You've probably heard of internet sensation, Greyson Michael Chance. This unbelievably talented kid lives in our town! Greyson recently signed a record deal with Ellen Degeneres. Wow! Fabulosity. Go Greyson!

Happy summer!

Author in the Spotlight - Larry Mike Garmon On Marketing His Work-In-Progress, NEVЯLAND

2010-06-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

Larry Mike Garmon began his writing career at 16 writing sports and news for the Wyoming State Tribune. He soon took up photojournalism, and by the end of high school he had worked as a stringer for UPI, AP, Rocky Mountain News, LA Times, New York Times, and the National Editors Association.

His publishing career began with the Hardy Boys Casefiles mysteries series, writing five, including one Nancy Drew-Hardy Boys SuperMystery set at Quartz Mountain, Oklahoma.

Because of his experience with the Hardy Boys series, Universal Studios and Scholastic Books, Inc., contracted Garmon to develop and write a six-book young adult series based on the classic Universal Studio monsters: Dracula, Wolf Man, Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, The Mummy, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon.

He has written for the RollarCoaster Tycoon middle grade series.

Garmon is currently marketing his work-in-progress, a young adult novel, NEVЯLAND.

Tell us about NEVЯLAND.

NEVЯLAND is a post-apocalyptic middle grade-young adult transitional novel about Laynie Price, a 13-year-old eighth grader who wakes to a world where all adults have disappeared. Everyone 18 and older is gone, plus the remaining 4,000 plus children are trapped in the city by an invisible wall. And, they discover that when any of the 17-year-olds turn 18, they disappear as well. Does that mean, then, that eventually everyone will disappear? And why 18?

I’ve wanted to write a post apocalyptic thriller for some time, but I didn’t want to go the typical route of the zombie craze or have anything to do with recombinant DNA.

The story came from two simple questions I asked myself after a day of teaching. I don’t know why these questions came to mind, but they did:

1. What do young teens especially wish for?
2. What do young teens fear the most?

I thought about these questions for a day and a half, and just as I was about to go to sleep one night, the answers came to me. Rather, the ANSWER came to me because the answer is the same for both questions—for parents to disappear.

That answer begged another question: If all the parents were to disappear, what would happen?

I’ve raised five children and have taught high school for 27 years. Teens both hate and desire the presence of adults. We’re the security and stabilizing force in their growing chaotic world. We’re the obstacle keeping them from the freedom they so desire.

So, take out the adults, and what would happen? This is the world of NEVЯLAND, a place with no adults, like the namesake from Peter Pan, but also a place of chaos, hysteria, confusion, fear, and near hopelessness.

You have a unique approach to marketing. What ways are you marketing NEVЯLAND? What should readers look forward to?

I’ve started a blog specifically for NEVЯLAND as well as a NEVЯLAND Facebook Group and a NEVЯLAND website.

I blog at least five to six times a week about the writing of NEVЯLAND. The blog is aimed more at writers or those interested in how a novel is put together. It includes the technical angst of writing and probably wouldn’t interest the average reader.

I address the Facebook Group members as NEVЯLANDers so they feel they are a part of the story. The Facebook Group gets updates on the story. I post news about characters and what they are going through. This allows the characters to become real people. I quote from Laynie and others and even allow the characters to post their own comments.

I also hold contests for the NEVЯLANDers with real prizes from NEVЯLAND. My first prize was an autograph draft copy. I’ll be offering t-shirts, mugs, posters, and other items promoting NEVЯLAND.

The Facebook Group went from Zero to 266 in five days. My goal is 1,000 by August. We’re sitting at just over 300 now in less than two weeks, and all of them by personal invitation from me or invitations from other Facebook Friends.

On the web site, I post character profiles, interviews with characters, background information, and sundry items of interest. I’m still getting this all together. Now that school is over, I’ll be able to work on it more thoroughly.

I’ve also started “publishing” the Junebug Journal, which is the local newspaper in the story. Of course, it’s published on the NEVЯLAND web site by Chad Chapman, Jr., the son of the publisher—his father disappeared along with the other adults.

The Junebug Journal contains weekly articles about what is happening in the southwest Oklahoma town of, where the story takes place. Readers will get interviews, photos, and insights that won’t be in the novel. Also, the “newspaper” gives me an opportunity to work on background material and characters and gage reader reaction.

This is similar to what Charles Dickens and other 19th Century writers did. They published their novels as weekly serial chapters in newspapers and journals, and then when the serials finished, they revised their stories according to the readers’ reactions and published the revisions as books.

Dickens even changed the ending of Great Expectations because the readers of the weekly newspaper version hated his original ending and wrote to the newspaper to tell him so.

I’m publishing the book in installments on the NEVЯLAND Facebook Group page, the website, and the blog—chapter by chapter—and hoping for feedback. So far, I’ve gotten some great feedback from Chapter One, some very good questions, plot pointers, and even technical corrections.

Many writers are superstitious and keep their writing projects top secret. What made you decide to put your novel out there?

I used to practice this superstition religiously, but now I’m talking up a storm.

I’m not sure when exactly I changed my mind about putting my stories out there as I write the tales, but it was a slow evolution over the past three years.

Finally in the fall of 2009, I decided to open up to a few people about what I’m doing. I did so with a few friends and through the OWFI Yahoo groups. I received encouragement, suggestions, and warnings.

The next step was to open up to the “civilians”, the non-writers, the readers—the writer’s true and most critical audience. This was the hardest step to take.

I’ve never seen an author market a novel before it was finished. Have you seen anyone do this? If not, how did you come up with the idea?

I haven’t seen anyone take it to the level I’ve taken it, but I don’t feel as if I’m an innovator or trailblazer.

I saw on IMDb the other day posters advertising a movie that won’t be out for two more years. It’s becoming more common to start to sell the product before the product is available for the public.

A writer’s success is as much in marketing as it is in his talent. Agents, editors, and publishers want writers who can sell themselves. Gone are the days of the aloof writer pounding away at his lonely keyboard in a small dark room in a forgotten corner of the house.

A writer needs to be both Ringmaster and tightrope walker.

Although I am basically a shy person, I believe in my talents and my stories. Who better to sell myself except myself?

How important do you think social media is in a writer’s career?

It’s becoming the key element in a writer’s successful career. A writer will still have to write good stories readers want to read, but he must also bare his soul on the Internet as well as in the printer’s ink.

I kept away from social media for a long time, thinking it was too time consuming and non-productive.

One reason I stayed away from it and even laughed at it is because I saw many, many non-published writers substituting “social networking success” with “writing success”. They had hundreds of blog followers and wrote everyday in the blogs or commented cleverly and often on but they had nothing in hard copy print.

“Success” in writing comes only upon publication.

Many writers are shy, how do you think they can get past that and get themselves on the internet stage?

I’m going to sound like a Nike commercial: Just do it!

Where can we find information on NEVЯLAND?

Website: LarryMikeGarmon.com

Blog: http://talewright.blogspot.com/ or http://nevrland.wordpress.com/

Facebook: NEVЯLAND Group

Email: nevrland.oklahoma@gmail.com

JacketFlap published page: Larry Mike Garmon

Cool Writing Sites

2010-05-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

Looking for ideas on what to write about?

http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/

http://www.writersdigest.com/WritingPrompts/

Needing encouragement?

http://www.dailywriting.net/Accolades.htm

http://www.fictionfactor.com/motivation.html

Rx For Writers:

http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/index.shtml

Famous book rejections:

http://www.neatorama.com/2010/04/28/if-at-first-you-don%E2%80%99t-succeed-very-famous-book-rejections/

Wanting publishing info?

http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/lunch/free/

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/home/index.html

Interested in reading an author interview?

Check back next week for a new Author in the Spotlight...

Happy writing! Have a great week!

South Carolina and Books

2010-05-16T18:41:00.000-07:00

Hey, y'all.

This is how Hubby and I were greeted at a few restaurants on a trip to South Carolina last week. So hard not to giggle with each warm southern welcome. We dug the accents, friendliness, and all that wonderful charm and hospitality.

It was difficult to find time to write during our trip, but I did squeeze out a few paragraphs one afternoon.

We drove past lanes of lush oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. Countless Magnolia trees dotted the landscape. I imagined what life was like during the Civil War era. And without air conditioning. The air was a sticky breeze. Good thing mosquito season was a few months away. We cranked up the music on Sirius radio as beautiful houses with wrap around porches whizzed by on the way to Kiawah Island where we spent a few days.

Then onto Charleston where we found super cool Blue Bicycle Books located on King Street. There you'll find used, rare, and local books. You'll want to check this place out if you visit Charleston.

I bought a used copy of The ABCs of Writing for Children for only $4.95! And Girls in Trucks a debut novel by author, Katie Crouch who grew up in South Carolina. I wanted to load up on purchases, but I had to hold myself back. I have a teetering tower of unread books at home, and I couldn’t fit anything else in my carry on.

We strolled along the Battery overlooking the historic Charleston harbor. Across the street amazing homes built in the 1800s lined the waterfront. We wished we could go inside each glorious one for a tour then sit on a porch to sip some sweet iced tea or a frosty mint julep.

Then we headed to the Battery Carriage House Inn that was built in 1843. It's supposed to be haunted. Guests report seeing a headless soldier hovering over their beds and other eerie occurrences. We may just have to stay there sometime...if I get really brave. I'm the type who would see a ghost.

The smell of jasmine and honeysuckle tickled our noses. The Historic District smelled better than Honolulu. I kid you not. I plucked some jasmine from a bush in front of a home with a for sale sign.

Then off to downtown Charleston where it didn’t smell so nice with the horse-drawn carriages and all…

After that to lunch for some of the best gulf shrimp we’ve ever tasted. Oh. My. Gosh. Yum. We should have had the steamed clams, too. Those suckers were HUGE. Also, had the she-crab bisque, but it was better on Kiawah Island.

I devoured half of Girls in Trucks on the plane ride home. A few times, I laughed a little loudly. People looked at me funny. Read the rest of the book over the next few days. It's sassy, scandalous, and heartbreaking. Not at all what I envisioned from reading the back cover. The ending was something I never saw coming, y'all.

We loved South Carolina and our awesome bookstore visit. I'd love to hear about your vacation bookstore finds or the ones in your city. What local bookstores do you recommend?

The Writer's Rap

2010-05-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

You may have seen this video by children's writer, Erin Dealy. If you haven't, it's worth watching. Love it!

Author in the Spotlight: Susan A. Meyers - The Princess and the Pee

2010-05-02T06:11:00.000-07:00

The Princess and the Pee by Susan A. Myers is illustrated by Manelle Oliphant and is published by Blooming Tree/Tire Swing Books (February 16, 2010).

Book Synopsis:

Princess Pia Scarlett wants to see fireflies at night. Her older sister, the Darling Millicent, won't let Pia sleep on the top bunk until she stops wetting the bed. Can she stop? A bet is made...
Which sister will win?

What was your first book?

Callie and the Stepmother. It's about a girl who believes fairy tales are real. This causes a lot of problems when she gets a stepmother of her very own.

What was your inspiration for writing The Princess and the Pee?

There were two. 1. Almost every family I know has a child in it who has problems with bed wetting. The Princess and the Pee takes a humorous look at how Princess Pia Scarlett (or Princess Pees-a-lot as her older sister calls her) solves her problem. I hope this book can encourage others. But it's not just about bed wetting. It's also about problem solving and sisterly conflict. 2. I just couldn't pass up that title!

What were you like as a child?

I loved to read. And since I was also a tomboy, my favorite place to read was in a huge oak tree that grew next to our house. I'd climb to the top, get comfortable and read while eating apples.

Describe your journey to publication? What struggles did you have?

My first story was published in 2000. I went on to publish several short stories in magazines and anthologies, but didn't get my first book published until 2005. I used to start a lot of projects, but never finish them. I'd read a great book and think, "that's the type of story I want to write." So, I'd put down whatever I was currently writing and start another story. I didn't start getting published until I made myself stop writing beginnings and start finishing my manuscripts. Sending them out is also key. I love email submissions because I don't have to look for stamps, address envelopes and go to the post office!

How did you learn the craft of writing?

Classes, conferences, and critique groups. I urge anyone who wants to write for children to check out the SCBWI. Find out if they have a local chapter in your area and join. It's well worth your time and money.

Why did you decide to become a writer?

I've been writing since I was a kid. I used to love writing scenes set in exotic places like Hawaii. When I became a mother, I started telling my son bedtime stories that I made up. I started writing the stories down. It wasn't until several years later that I thought about actually getting them published.

When you were a kid, what was your favorite book?

Little Black - the first book I could ever read by myself, Little Women, Nancy Drew Mysteries, Cherry Ames mysteries (these were actually before my time, lol, but my grandmother shared them with me. That, of course, made them extra special). Gosh, there are so many.

What advice can you give to aspiring writers?

See above about the SCBWI. LEARN YOUR CRAFT. I think one of the saddest comments I've ever heard was from an unpublished writer is, "I don't need to get my work critiqued, I know I'm a good writer." Good writers know how important it is to get your work critiqued!

Is there anything else you would like to mention?

Thanks, Kim, for this interview. Everyone, check out my blog and The Princess and the Pee at susanameyers.blogspot.com.

Self-Doubt and Pep Talks

2010-04-25T06:42:00.000-07:00

“And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” Sylvia Plath

Sometimes there’s a sneaky dark mass that sits in the corner as I write. It slithers to my desk and whispers discouragement in my ear. It climbs into the car with me for a ride to the library, or Starbucks, or wherever I write. Then it taps me on the shoulder like an incessant child.

“Excuse me. EXcuse me. EXCUSE me. Who do you think you are anyhow? You’re not up to par, you know. You have a lot to learn and a far, faaaaar way to go. You can’t really do this. That’s a really dumb idea. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. Why don’t you just give up silly girl with silly dreams. Girl, puulease.”

This is the voice of self-doubt and it tries to sink its slimy talons into me when I write, or before I write, or even after I write. It’s mean. It’s ugly.

Okay, so I told self-doubt to bite me after I got pep talks from a few invaluable writer friends. They know what it’s like. They have to tell self-doubt to bite it, too. It comes with the writing territory. Hmmm. This could be one reason some writers get tipsy.

I called a writing friend and emailed another. I shared my fears, my doubts, my growing frustrations.

They cheered me on.

“I have a lot to learn myself. Glad to know I’m not the only one. You’ll get there. You just started this journey, don’t be impatient! My time will come when it’s the right time and so will yours. Keep your chin up.”

Thanks for the encouragement, my friends. I’m going to believe that now and get out the artillery. One moment please.

I’ve just channeled Lara Croft then kicked some self-doubt butt. He’s wounded and wrangled and tied up at the moment. I can be one tough chica—with a little help from my friends. I’m going to write now—before the sorry sucker squirms loose.

Call me if you need a pep talk. I’ll loan you a weapon.

One April Morning

2010-04-19T05:46:00.000-07:00

Today marks the fifteen year anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. This review is in remembrance of all who lost their lives that day, the survivors, their families and friends.

One April Morning
By Nancy Lamb and Children of Oklahoma City
Illustrated by Floyd Cooper

Reading level: Ages 6 and up
Hardcover: 1 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers; 1st edition (April 1996)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 068814666X
ISBN-13: 978-0688146665

Summary:

Author, Nancy Lamb was visiting her hometown of Oklahoma City when the bomb exploded. She interviewed fifty Oklahoma City children ranging from ages 3 to 14. Of those interviewed, none lost loved ones in the bombing. Lamb considered those children “too fragile.”

One April Morning was written in close collaboration with Oklahoma City therapists, clergy, and teachers. The book is filled with quotes from children deeply affected by the bombing. Each section describes a specific incident – from how life was for children in Oklahoma City before the bombing, to what happened during the bombing, and afterwards. The children share their feelings of shock and fear, guilt and anger, and their sense of hope and healing.

I was touched by the emotion-packed illustrations and the powerful words from children. “The first night it rained, it seemed like God was crying, too,” said Emily. “God doesn’t like people destroying His world,” said Addi.

Although I enjoyed the book, it was difficult for me to read. I grew up in Oklahoma and was in the city that day. My memories are still vivid fifteen years later.

On April 19, 1995, I was working on the third floor of an office building just six miles away from downtown Oklahoma City. I felt the bomb blast. Our building rumbled under our feet. The windows rattled.

That day, 168 of my fellow citizens lost their lives. A few of them were my friends. Fifteen years later, it is still awful and heartbreaking. Tears are welling in my eyes as I type this because the images and events of that day are forever etched in my mind. It's still hard to talk about.

I will never forget what happened on April 19, 1995 at 9:02 AM.

Shin-chi's Canoe

2010-04-11T14:44:00.000-07:00

Shin-chi’s Canoe
Written by Nicola I. Campbell
Illustrated by Kim Lafave
Groundwood, 2008, ISBN: 9-780-88899-857-6

Inside the jacket flap: "The system of Indian residential schools was one of the great injustices perpetrated against the First Nations in Canada and the United States."

Part of the author's note: "When the Europeans came to the Americas they believed Native people were uncivilized. They pushed them off their traditional lands and onto reserves, or reservations. In the late 1800s governments decided to colonize Native people, forcing them to adapt to the European way of life. In both Canada and the US (as well as in Australia and New Zealand), laws were passed forcing Native children to be educated in church-run boarding schools. The purpose of these schools was to sever all ties the children had to their families, cultures and traditional territories."

Shin-chi’s Canoe is a finalist for the Governor General's Literacy Award from the Canadian Council for the Arts and the sequel to Nicola I. Campbell's award-winning book, Shi-shi-etko.

Although this book is fiction, Campbell interviewed her family members and elders who are survivors of residential schools. Kim Lafave used archival photos for the illustrations. The book shows the devastating experience for children and their families in the government-sponsored, church-run schools.

Summary:

Shin-chi’s Canoe is the story of six-year-old, Shin-chi who is accompanying his big sister, Shi-shi-etko, to residential school for the first time.

This lovely, but heart wrenching tale shows the children sitting together with their family on the porch waiting for the cattle truck to pick them up. Shi-shi-etko tells her little brother things he must remember. He must only use their English names, and that they are not allowed to speak to one another. Then she gives him a gift from their father of a tiny canoe that represents everything Shin-chi must keep hidden. Shin-chi knows he won’t see his family again until the salmon return in the summer.

Upon their arrival, Shin-chi keeps his canoe hidden as the priests and sisters separate boys and girls. The school teaches the children how to pray as the Europeans do. The girls learn to cook, clean etc. while the boys learned to farm, do carpentry and blacksmithing.

Especially disturbing is that the children are given only burnt toast and porridge for breakfast while the teachers feast on steaming plates of bacon, eggs and potatoes from the farm. Thin soup is served to the children for lunch. For dinner it’s hard buns with stew. However, the teachers dine on meat, vegetables and corn for lunch and dinner. The children were never given enough food. The illustrations show the plump teachers through French doors feasting in hues of color while the children in the chow hall are in black and white.

The canoe keeps Shin-chi hopeful throughout the book until he and his sister are eventually reunited with their family in the summer.

This beautiful book teaches children about the resilience of Native children in an ugly era of social injustice. It reminded me of my own family’s extraordinary strength as some of my own ancestors are survivors of residential schools here in Oklahoma.

How To Find Time To Write

2010-04-05T16:26:00.001-07:00

Most of us are crazy busy. Full-time jobs, housework, kids, sports, homework, family, friends, and other commitments keep us constantly on the go. Top that off with finding time to write, and that can be a challenging feat. It’s enough to make your head spin like Linda Blair’s in the move, The Exorcist.

If you have a passion to write, finding time is not impossible. Here’s how:

Get up early.

The crack of dawn has never been my thang. I’m not an early riser. I like to sleep in ‘till the very last possible moment. Then I reach for a big honkin’ mug of java or Earl Grey tea to jolt my brain cells awake. For many writers, the quiet of the morning proves productive. Set your alarm and give it a go you early bird, you. Make writing your first priority of the day.

Stay up late.

I’m more of a night owl kind of gal. I’d much rather stay up late to write than get up before the sun. To me, there’s just something so wrong about getting up while it’s still dark out. Late into the night can be an ideal time to write. The kids are in bed, the phone doesn’t ring. Hopefully the prose will sing.

Write while the kids are in school.

If you’re a stay-at-home work your tail off mom like me, you probably have some luxury of writing while your kiddos are in school. This is the time I write most. I lug my laptop to the library, Starbucks (writing can be lonely, and I need to be around people!), sit at my breakfast table or in my office to write. My creative juices seem to flow better when I mix up writing locations. School hours are a good time to write!

Write during your lunch hour.

One of my writing buddies has a full-time job and spends her lunch hour writing. Sometimes she goes to a park with her laptop in tow to get away from the office. Knowing you only have small amount of time to write can make you super productive. Oh, yeah.

Write on the fly.

If you’re on the run, keep a small notebook handy so you can write anywhere when ideas strike. One day, I made the mistake of not carrying any paper or pen in my purse and ended up using a Subway napkin and cobalt blue eyeliner pencil. Not pretty. You can also use your phone’s notebook feature. I’ve written many ideas on my iphone. Love that technology.

Happy Writing!

10 Things I’ve Learned About Writing So Far

2010-03-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

"Easy reading is damn hard writing." Nathaniel Hawthorne

1. There are no secrets to getting published.

The key is to always keep learning. Read. Read. Read to see how the greats do it. Go to writing conferences. Take online classes. Obtain a degree in journalism, English or creative writing if feasible. Get an MFA. Whatever you decide, take that knowledge, work hard, and practice the butt in chair (bic) principle, and write. It’s as simple as that. No secret formulas or hocus pocus required.

2. Rejections get less painful.

I remember when I sent out my first query. I was devastated when I received my first form rejection. Over time, I’ve become more thick-skinned. Each rejection made me try even harder. Then I started receiving personal rejections. Eventually, I was able to sell my first story! Although each rejection is never fun, it no longer brings me to my knees in a depressed heap. Life does go on!

3. Not to take critiques personally.

Getting a critique can hurt. You put your soul into your writing. To have someone not like what you’ve written can be tough. I’ve learned not to take it personally, though. It’s not me being scrutinized. It’s my manuscript. Also, I’d rather hear what I need to work on instead of how great my manuscript is when it isn't. I don’t want to send it to a publisher prematurely who in turn rejects it.

4. Good critiques are like gold.

I’ve been a member of critique groups, have critique partners, and have received professional critiques here and there. Some advice I’ve written off literally. I just wasn’t feelin’ it.

I do know a good critique when I hear one. Sometimes it’s a confirmation of what I’ve been worrying about in my manuscript. Do I need to make a smoother transition? Or did they point out something I missed logistically? What about big picture issues? Those are the critiques like gold. I am truly grateful for each and every one. They improve my writing.

5. Revise, revise, and revise.

No writer I know of can pull off a great manuscript the first time they write it. That’s why writing is so stinkin' hard. To write something that looks so simple takes draft after draft after draft after draft. Did I mention revising?

6. Accept writing advice.

Experienced writers know a lot more about the biz. Read their blogs. Read their books. Go to conferences and hear them speak. I’ve learned some great things from established writers and still hope to learn more!

7. Try new genres.

Most of my writing background in is nonfiction writing. I have a degree in journalism and have worked as a freelancer, a contract writer for a university, and in public relations where I’ve written copy, articles, and press releases.

Attending multigenre conferences allowed me the opportunity to think about writing for a new genre. I never thought I’d want to write for children. Now, I’ve sold a few nonfiction articles to children’s publications, and I'm writing a few children's books. So glad I tried another genre!

8. Make friends with other writers.

Over the years, I’ve attended lots of writing conferences and met many writers. I can honestly say these are some of my most favorite people ever. I’ve made great writing buddies who offer the best support and advice. I learn from them and we lean on each other and share in the joys and heartaches of writing. Don’t know what I’d do without them.

9. Writers can take breaks from writing.

Unless you are a contracted writer, it's okay to step away from writing. Life happens. People you love get sick. Your hubby goes out of town, and you have to hold down the fort and take care of the kids. Whatever the reason, you can stop writing for a while. That doesn’t mean you’re not a writer. It means you are a person who is overwhelmed and needs some time away. I’ve recently taken my own writing hiatus due to a number of overwhelming reasons. And now I’m jumping back in.

10. Never give up.

I can’t count how many times I’ve listened to those negative voices swirling inside my head telling me that I’m not good enough. Several times, I’ve almost given up. Writing isn't easy. But, if I would have given up the first time I beat myself up and actually called it quits, then I would never have sold that first story. How sad that would have been if I would have given up on my dreams.

First Blog Confession

2010-03-17T15:02:00.001-07:00

Hello world! This is my first blog, and I will start it with a confession. I haven't been writing. Shhh. Don't tell my writing buddies. I guess that isn't a bad thing. Life gets in the way of a person's dreams sometimes. Crisis’s and people become priority. Rightly so. There's nothing wrong with that. I promise.

I recently read a blog by New York Times best-selling author, Brandilyn Collins, called The Five Reasons Why the Unpublished Can Stop Writing.

Reading that post couldn’t have come at a better time for me personally. A few months ago, I lost my grandfather and our family had to put my grandmother in assisted living. He had been hiding her advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and taking care of her all by himself. She was his sweetheart. It’s a beautiful love story, really. I’m still learning a lot through this whole heartbreaking experience, and their story reminds me of the movie/book, The Notebook. I’ve heard people say that movie is cheesy, but I can honestly say there is love like this in the world. I saw it firsthand.

Other crazy things happened, too and I just couldn’t rein in the energy to write. Plus I am taking care of two rambunctious (think Dennis the Menace times two) stinky boys.

And guess what? I was bleary-eyed tired people! I still am, but now I’m slowly moving towards getting back into my "bootay in chair" (bic) mode. I started this blog. Yay! I attended an inspiring OK SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) schmooze with awesome and super nice, upcoming illustrator, Jerry Bennett. I also have a conference to attend next Saturday, and I get to hang out with some of my favorite people ever. Writers and Illustrators. My writing batteries should be fully charged soon, and I will glue my butt to that dang chair.