Tales from the Rushmore Kid

Book Blips - Class of 2K10 - New Island Sting - Bonnie Doerr

Bonnie Doerr is another debut novelist from the class of  2K10. Her novel, New Island Sting, has just been released by Leap Books. I asked her to give us a summary of the book and talk about what inspired her to write it.

Summary of Island Sting:

Kenzie Ryan's New York know-how and private girls' academy education prove useless when she moves to a cottage in the exotic Florida Keys. Upon arrival, she is thrown into the midst of an ecological island mystery involving the endangered Key deer. How can she navigate this upside down world?

SCBWI Winter Conference 2010

I've been to about 12 Summer Conferences but this was my first Winter Conference in New York City and it was great fun.  I passed on the Friday optional round table critique with an agent or editor since I already have both, but I heard great things about it from several authors who not only got great suggestions but a few notes saying "Send this to me" from editors. Lin Oliver and Steve Mooser MC'd much of the procedings with touching and hilarious speeches from Libba Bray, Jacqueline Woodson, Peter Sis and Jim Benton.  Susan Raab gave the low down of what's selling, Sheldon Fogelman talked career choices and Jane Yolen gave a detail twenty writer/illustrator tips.
The break out session with editors were not only helpful but several allowed limited time submissions for queries and manuscripts if you attended the conference.  I hung out with some of my buddies from the Southern Regions and had a few Blog fans approach me. One of the biggest thrills for me was seeing CWIM 2010, that I have an article in, sold in the bookshop. All and all a great time for a cold weekend in the city.

Sydney Taylor Book Awards 2010 trailer

Here's an award trailer I did for the Sydney Taylor Book Awards. It was my first awards trailer and I hope not my last.

Barbara Jean Hicks - Writing Tip of the Day

Barbara Jean Hicks moved into my neighborhood from Seattle a few years ago and became one of my closest writing friends. The published author of five picture books, Barbara Jean enriches my writer's group, edits the blog and keeps a pulse on school programs and speaking opportunities.

I asked my good buddy Barbara Jean Hicks to give us the Writing Tip of the Day. 

June Sobel's writing tip a few months ago about "letting go" was a good reminder for me. I hate letting go of my beautiful, too-many-for-a-picture-book words!

Tina's Top Book Picks - Al Capone Shines My Shoes

One of my favorite books of all time is Gennifer Chodenko's Newbery honor winner, Al Capone Does My Shirts.  For many years I hoped for a sequel, and this year I got it. Al Capone Shines My Shoes is a masterful sequel.

The story picks up where the first one left off, when twelve year old Moose Flannagan asked a favor of one of the most deadly gangsters of all time, Al Capone, who is incarcerated in the prison at Alcatraz where Moose's father is a guard. In the first book, Al helped Moose's autistic sister get into a very prestigious school for the learning impaired--and now he wants payback.

The sequel begins with another note from Al sent to Moose in his laundry: "your turn then we're square." This sets up a series of crazy events for Moose as he tries to keep the note secret, deal with his friends and pay back Capone.

Interview Wednesday - Children's Authors & Illustrators

Today on the blog I am starting a new feature, Interview Wednesday. All us kidlit bloggers have interviewed many authors and illustrators.  Please post a small description and a link to your interview.

In honor of the announcement of the 2009 Newbery prize, I am posting an encore interview with Newbery Honor winner Gennifer Choldenko.  The sequel to her honor book Al Capone Does My Shirts was just released, Al Capone Shines My Shoes is fabulous, here's the link http://www.tinanicholscouryblog.com/2007/12/gennifer-cholde.html#more

The Secret World of Walter Anderson - 2010 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award

Big Congrats out to my buddy Hester Bass. Her picture book, THE SECRET WORLD OF WALTER ANDERSON, illustrated by E.B. Lewis, won the 2010 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children.

V/SB SCBWI Cyber Promotion Retreat

The weekend of January 8th I had the opportunity to attend an SCBWI Cyber Promotion Retreat with other published kidlit authors. The weekend was full of information on social media, networking and putting together a formidable cyber arsenal. On the last day, before we said our good-byes, I asked participants to tell me what they had learned. You might learn something, too, from this short vlog.

Book Blips - Class of 2K10 - Of All The Stupid Things - Alexandra Diaz

Alexandra Diaz is a member of the class of 2K10. Her debut YA novel, Of All The Stupid Things, was just released by Egmont USA.  I asked Alexandra to give me a summary of her novel and what inspired her to write it.

When a rumor starts circulating that Tara's boyfriend has been with one of the guy cheerleaders, the innuendo doesn't just hurt Tara. It marks the beginning of the end for three lifelong friends.

Caryn Wiseman - Andrea Brown Literary Agency

I met agent Caryn Wiseman at the SCBWI summer conference through my good buddy Greg Trine, who is one of her clients.  As we all were dancing around the costume party that Saturday night, I got Caryn to agree to an interview. I give you Caryn Wiseman of Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

When and why did you start representing children’s authors and illustrators? 

I started agenting in early 2003, as a second career. I had always been a voracious and critical reader, and had done a lot of business writing and editing. I knew that agenting would allow me to do the things that I love best - reading and editing - and that, as an agent, I could discover wonderful authors, and help them get their books published. 

Most Popular Post 2009 - Bruce Hale - Writing Tip of the Day

I have known Bruce Hale for many years and I am always struck by how funny, kind and generous he is. He's a huge supporter of the SCBWI and full of great ideas, and I will sit in on any talk or workshop he gives.  Author of the wildly successful Chet Gecko series, Bruce gives us the Writing Tip of the Day.

A CURE FOR STORY STUCK-ITIS
     
Often, I find that when my story bogs down I've lost track of what the character wants or I haven't given her a strong/meaningful enough goal to carry her through. If the character is actively trying to solve a problem, your story will keep moving forward. Of course, it’s one thing to say this and another thing to accomplish it. Here are a few techniques you might try to get unstuck:

Most Popular Posts 2009 - Laurent Linn - Art Director - Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

I met Laurent Linn several years ago at the SCBWI National Conference and I was struck by his kindness, generosity and humor.  He is a great friend to the SCBWI, participating in portfolio reviews, workshops and roundtable discussions.  I am also a great admirer of his work as a designer.  It gives me great pleasure to interview Laurent Linn.

When and why did you start art directing for children?

My entire career has been involved in children’s worlds. I didn’t set out to do that, it just evolved that way. Perhaps because I’ve never grown up (and don’t plan to), so I’ve basically worked on projects that interest me.

Most Popular Post 09 - Kathi Appelt - The Underneath

Sometimes I read a book that is so moving I have to get in touch with the author for an interview. The Underneath is one such book.  Both a National Book Award honor book and a Newbery honor book, this  story is so powerful that at times I had to put it down--but it was also so heartfelt I had to pick it back up.  I am honored that Kathi Appelt agreed to be interviewed for the blog.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I started writing for children not long after my second son was born in 1984.  Before that, I thought I wanted to be a scholar and write academic papers and books--you know, "scholarly" stuff.

Most Popular Post 09 - Lisa Yee - Writing Tip of the Day

I have known Lisa Yee for many years.  Kind, fun, and always smiling, my fellow blogger Lisa is also a great speaker who keeps her audiences rolling in the aisle.  This month is the release of her next book, a YA  called ABSOLUTELY MAYBE (Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic).  It is great to have my buddy Lisa Yee give us a "Writing Tip of the Day."

I meet a lot of writers who say, "I want to be a bestselling author." Um, that's a lot of pressure for anyone--published or unpublished.

Most Popular Posts - 09 - Kathy Landwehr - Vice President - Peachtree Publisher

 I met Kathy Landwehr at the Ventura/Santa Barbara Mission picturebook retreat this year.  Kathy was gracious and generous with her critiques of first pages.  I am always pleased to interview an editor.  I give you Kathy Landwehr.

When and why did you become an editor for children’s books?

I started working at Peachtree in 1990, but in publicity and marketing. I moved over to editorial and production in 1995 in a managerial role and starting acquiring titles in 2001. And that’s when I felt I’d really found my home, even though I loved my time at Peachtree before that as well.

Sketchbook Art - Bethlehem

I have been lucky enough to have been in the town of Bethlehem on Christmas day.  It was one of my parochial school kid's dreams come true.  Our Jewish mother tour guide took us to the Church of the Nativity on Christmas night.  The line was hours long to go down to the cave where the baby Jesus was born, but our guide knew of a secret door that is only open on Christmas. We followed her down and viewed the glorious Nativity scene--surround by chicken wire, just in case someone wanted to take baby Jesus home.  As we sang Christmas carols on our way back to the hotel, the brightest star I have ever seen shined over the land.  On this blessed day, Merry Christmas to all.

Most Popular Posts 09 - Neil Gaiman - Newbery Winner - The Graveyard Book

I heard Neil Gaiman speak at the BEA authors' breakfast in 2008. He was paneled with Jon Scieszka, Judy Blume, Sherman Alexie and Eoin Colfer. Anyone who was there will tell you that it was one of the most hilarious mornings of BEA. It is also where I picked up an advance copy of The Graveyard Book. I adore this book and I was so happy that the Newbery committee thought it was worthy of their award.  I contacted Mr. Gaiman soon after The Graveyard Book won the Newbery, and he was gracious enough to grant me an interview. I am thrilled to have this year's Newbery winner, author and screenwriter Neil Gaiman, give us his insights for the blog.

When and why did you start writing for children?

My first book was for children. I was 21, and when it was finished I sent it to a publisher and it came back with an encouraging rejection slip. 23 years later, after CORALINE and WOLVES IN THE WALLS, I found the ms. in a tub in the attic, and read it, at bedtime, to my daughter Maddy.

Tina's Top Book Picks - RENÉ HAS TWO LAST NAMES / RENÉ TIENE DOS APELLIDOS

I have known Rene' Colato Lainez for many years and have admired his  books about the Latino experience in the United States. His new picture book Rene' Has Two Last Names is a fabulous story of a kid feeling out of water in a new school and new country.

On the first day in his new school, René’s teacher gives everyone a name tag with their first and last names.  Like many Salvadoran names, Rene's name has two parts, “Colato Laínez.” But his tag reads only “René Colato.”

Happy Holidays from the Courys

This year I have many reasons to be thankful.  I am blessed with a supportive family, wonderful friends and an adoring husband.  Happy holidays to all, and enjoy our virtual youtube holiday card.

Terri Hoover Dunham

Occasionally I will hear from an author around a holiday to promote their holiday book. Such is the case with Terri Hoover Dunham and her darling Christmas picture book illustrated by Laura Knopp, The Legend of Papa Noel: A Cajun Christmas Story. I give you Terri Hoover Dunham.
 

When and why did you start writing for children?

I've written stories and poems since I can remember.  But when my sons were small, I had been reading lots of picture books to them.  I so enjoyed those times, my sweet boys curled up on my lap, mesmerized by the stories and the illustrations.

Tina's Top Book Picks

As If Being 12 3/4 Isn't Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President. I love this book! It made me laugh out loud. No wonder it won the Sid Fleischman Humor Award last Summer.  It is hilarious.

Vanessa has a crush on the wrong guy, she's praying for the Boob Fairy to come, and she hates having a secret service agent following her every move at school. Most of all, she hates that her mother, who is Governor of Florida, is running for president.

Resentful of her mom being on the campaign trail, Vanessa devises a plan to make her mother quit. But her plan backfires, and Vanessa has more to deal with than she bargained for.

The book has a surprise ending and left me wanting more. I love this kid!

Fran Cannon Slayton

I met Fran Cannon Slayton though the kidlit blogosphere.  She is one of the Class of 2009 with her historical YA, When the Whistle Blows. I agree with all the rave reviews for her debut novel. I am happy to give you Fran Cannon Slayton.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I started writing for kids in 1991, just before I entered law school.  While I'd always loved writing, I really didn't make a conscious choice to write for kids.  Rather, an idea for a story hit me and I tried to just flush it out of my mind - after all, I was going to be a lawyer, not a writer - but the idea would not be put to rest.

Happy Thanksgiving

I am thankful for my husband Al, my family, my friends, my agent, Mark McVeigh ,my editor Steve Meltzer, chocolate cupcakes with white icing, Maui Jim sunglasses, the SCBWI,  being an American, my writer's group, watercolor sketchbooks, my Big Bertha driver, costume contests, fine French champagne, my two kitties, Toulouse & Monet, our  puppy, Honey, sushi,  mephisto sandals, good health, gardenias, my ipod shuffle and yoga.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Holiday book picks

It is true that I know both these authors well, but I love these holiday books.  "Like a Maccabee" is Barbara Bietz's award winning middle grade novel, a Hanukkah story now in paperback about a boy who finds the true meaning of Hanukkah through his grandfather, who has just moved in with the family.  Author/illustrator Carol Heyer's "Humphrey's First Christmas" is the  beautifully illustrated picture book and funny story of Humphrey, a camel who carries one of the Wise Men to see the baby Jesus on Christmas Day.

Non-Fiction Monday - Kidlitosphere

Today I am hosting Kidlitosphere  Non-Fiction Monday. Kidlit bloggers and others will offer their best posts for nonfiction. Keep checking the comments as I update links all day.

 Paula Willey is getting a jump on the week by pre-writing her review of The Vermeer Interviews: Conversations with Seven Works of Art by Bob Raczka. It'll be up on Pink Me (http://pinkme.typepad.com)

Crash into Me - YA Book trailer

One of the members of the class of 2009 turned me on to this fabulous YA novel, Crash into Me, by Albert Borris. This great YA is full of emotion and heart and I am pleased to have produced the book trailer.

Karen Cushman

I didn't plan to meet one of my all time idols while I was wearing a Mother Goose costume, but that's what I had on when I met the great Karen Cushman. She is the author of one of my favorite books, Catherine Called Birdy, which I have bought for gifts probably 40 times. Charming, inspiring, and a multiple Newbery winner, Karen spoke at last summer's SCBWI conference in LA. It is my great honor to have Karen Cushman interview for the blog.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I began writing when I was almost 50 because I had an idea for a story about a girl who lived a long time ago and I wanted to know what happened to her.

Buy a Book, Save the World!

Kid Lit authors are taking matters into their own hands again this year with a program called Buy a Book, Save the World!

With the holidays upon us, these authors are reminding the world that it's just as easy to buy a kid a book as it is to buy a toy.  It's great to know that children's authors are not going to take this downturn in the economy lying down.

Today is National Bookstore Day.  So go out and buy books for gifts and save the world in the process.

Sketchbook art - Mykonos - Greece

Mykonos is sort of the Disneyland of the Greek Islands. The white buildings with their blue roofs lend a charming fantasy feel to the towns. During the high season the streets are jammed with tourists, and the white sand beaches, where tops are optional, are loaded. The shopping is fun and the locals friendly. Like everywhere in Greece, Mykonos has its own mythology. This was where Heracles killed the giants. The rocks around the island are supposedly their corpses!!!

Tracy Barrett

Tracy Barrett is a hard working RA for the SCBWI for years.  I would see her around the summer conferences always helpful and kind.  Tracy is also one of these "Brainieacks" that I often find in children's literature.  Professor at Vanderbilt University, published author and scholar. We are so lucky to have her in our mist. I give you Tracy Barrett.

When and why did you start writing for children?

In 1975, I wrote some short stories for an educational publishing firm. I later found out that I was the only non-professional in the group (I was a college student) and was edited the least of any of them, so that gave me confidence that I could actually do it!

Happy Halloween

As it is for most kids, Halloween was one of my favorite holidays. Dressing up, getting free candy and carving pumpkins...what could be better than that? All I needed was a pair of good shoes to cover the miles. I only stopped between houses to gobble up a few choice goodies. I still love to put on a costume and go trick-or-treating with the kids. And I still gobble up my favorite candy all night long.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Critique Group Tips

I highly recommend writers to be involved in critique groups. I have been part of a writing group since I started writing back in the early 90's. Except for Barbara Beitz, my critique partner since the beginning, the members have changed over the years but the basic premise has stayed the same: to provide support and help each of us hone our manuscripts. I recently got together with several members of my writing group, Barbara Bietz, June Sobel and Barbara Jean Hicks, to record a few critique group tips.

Art for cash sake - Murals

I have painted many murals over the years. I have a love/hate thing with them. They are way too much work for way too little money. They are intensive manual labor. When you are done with them you can basically kiss them good-bye. Eventually they are painted over. With that said, I do enjoy an occasional mural. There is nothing like art on a massive scale.  The one pictured here was for a Mexican restaurant and the owners wanted some bright and festive flowers. I did have a blast with this one. I heard later that the restaurant was sold and I don't know if they kept the mural, but it is still alive in my heart.

Esther Hershenhorn - Blog Tour - S is for Story: a Writer's Alphabet

I have known of Esther Hershenhorn for many years, not only as a talented writer but as a dedicated regional advisor for the SCBWI.  I am so pleased to have finally met her and to be part of her wonderful blog tour for her new picture book, S is for Story: A Writer's Alphabet.  I give you the very kind hearted Esther Hershenhorn.

When and why did you start writing for children?

   

I knew at age six, while playing “Library” with my sister and friends, checking in and checking out our shared treasured books, I wanted my name on a children’s book someday.

INK - Interesting Nonfiction for Kids - Ink Think Tank

  I love this blog INK, interesting nonfiction for kids. It is one of my favorite group blogs and includes posts from 22 award winning nonfiction authors. Debrah Heiligman just was nominated for the National Book Award, for "Charles and Emma:The Darwin's Leap of Faith." All the authors have gotten together to form a new online database, INK Think Tank  to help educators find nonfiction books.

22 AWARD-WINNING NONFICTION AUTHORS LAUNCH FREE DATABASE OF CHILDREN’S BOOKS ALIGNED TO NATIONAL CURRICULUM STANDARDS

Twenty-two leading children’s book authors have launched a free online database of nonfiction books, www.INKThinkTank.com, designed to help teachers, librarians, and homeschoolers find the books they need to meet curriculum requirements in grades K-12.

Hester Bass - The Secret World of Walter Anderson

I met Hester Bass online through a list serve I am on and had the opportunity to meet her in person this year at the SCBWI national conference.  She is funny, kind and very talented.  Her fabulous new picture book on artist Walter Anderson from Candlewick Press has just come out and I am so pleased to have Hester Bass on the blog.

When and why did you start writing for children?




I remember sitting in our little library in my small town in Georgia when I was about six, imagining a book on the shelf with my name on it. I especially loved all the books by Beatrix Potter and wanted to write about that kind of world, where hedgehogs serve you tea and do your laundry.

Tina Nichols Coury - Interview with Class of 2009

Today I am featured on the Kidlit blog the Class of 2009.  For the past few years, YA & Middle Grade authors who have released a book in the same year have banded together to form a group to do joint promotions. 

I produced a book trailer for one of the members of 2K9 and the group asked if I would do an interview for the class blog. http://community.livejournal.com/classof2k9

Old manuscript art

Now it seems overdone, but at one time the publishing houses were crazy about pirates. I loved to create pencil drawings on colored Canson paper. I experimented with a drawing for an ABC book on pirates. This one is E for eye patch.  My ever obliging husband agreed to pose for the drawing. I never did publish that pirate alphabet, but my critique group member, June Sobel did.  Shiver Me Letters is a wonderful pirate alphabet book and I recommend it to all.

Children's Writer's and Illustrator Market 2010 - Book Trailer

I am honored to have an article in Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market 2010 on Blog Tours and Book Trailers.  Here is a book trailer I produced for the book.

Sketchbook Art - Kyoto - Japan

For something like 1000 years, Kyoto was the capital of Japan. Home of ancient palaces, museums and temples, this remarkable city is a feast for any artist.  Everywhere design and style have come into play.  This is Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion. It was built  for a retired Shogun and became a Zen temple after his death. Like many temples, it has wonderfully harmonious gardens, but what makes it unique is that it is painted in gold leaf. When the sun is shining, the temple glows.