Anita Nolan has a three-part blog post on how to make the most when critiquing the work of others:Read all manuscripts before you arrive at a meeting.Mark up the manuscript, commenting on what you see that you like as well as the things that didn’t work for you.If you find your mind wandering as you... Continue Reading →
Time to nominate for Brown Bookshelf’s 28 Days Later
Now through November 1st is the time to tell our friends over at The Brown Bookshelf who you would like to hear about during 28 Days Later: A Black History Month celebration of children's literature.During February, the authors and illustrators of Brown Bookshelf profile twenty-eight of the best of the best African-American authors and illustrators,... Continue Reading →
The vook and some personal ramblings on the future of publishing
I'm a couple of days late on this, but here's Simon & Schuster's introduction of the "vook," a hybrid book/video story. You have to give them credit for trying something newish. I pray, though, that the hideous portmanteau "vook" doesn't catch on.For what it's worth (approximately two cents), I don't think this is the wave... Continue Reading →
Some illustrations to get you inspired
The best moleskine art of 2009 is being featured here. What amazes me is that this is art created for its own sake--just for the joy of it. (It's not like you can easily frame a moleskine...)
10 Facebook status update suggestions
Greg Pincus, our featured October speaker, has some great suggestions for those of us getting started on Facebook. Successful status messages get people engaged--they start little discussions:- Share your good news- Share a friend's good news- Ask a questionFor the rest, visit his blog post: http://www.thehappyaccident.net/10-facebook-status-update-ideas/
2010 Conference Scholarship: everything you need to know
Are you longing to attend an SCBWI Western Washington annual conference but find yourself in a financial pinch? Or do you know somebody else facing that challenge? SCBWI WWA will offer a scholarship for a writer or illustrator in our region to attend our 2010 conference on April 10-11, 2010.The scholarship will cover conference tuition... Continue Reading →
A sort of scientific way to name your characters
You know how it can sometimes feel like you're pulling character names out of a dark, unmentionable space (I'm talking about the kitchen junk drawer, sicko).The Shelftalker blog at Publishers Weekly has a great find: a book and website called The Baby Name Wizard.Check out Shelftalker to get the links and see how it all... Continue Reading →
Great tongue-in-cheek promotional video
Here's James Gurney, creator of the Dinotopia series, promoting his humor. Bet he books a lot of class visits with this.
Cheryl Klein on characters
Cheryl's blog has a great list of things we need to think about when we're building characters. It comes from Joan Bauer, and includes: ESSENCE1. Facts-- Gender-- Age-- Ethnicity-- Sexuality-- Basic family situation+ Who's in the immediate family+ Their socioeconomic status?-- Where they live+ Rural, suburban, urban?+ Region and country2. Internal Qualities-- Personality traits-- Ethics/morals/values--... Continue Reading →
Meg and Allyson: story sleuths
Meg Lippert and Allyson Valentine Schrier have launched a new blog that should be really helpful for all of us trying to figure out what makes a great book tick:Story Sleuths Goes Online! What happens when you mix two children's writers with the books they love to read? Story Sleuths--where Meg Lippert and Allyson Valentine... Continue Reading →