Tales from the Rushmore Kid

Writing Tip of the Day - Jane Yolen

Jane Yolen is a legend in our business. An award winning and prolific writer, she has penned something like 300 books. She was kind enough to give me an interview a few years back and gracious enough to give us the "Writing Tip of the Day."

Really--my favorite tip is BIC. Butt in Chair. (Or Behind in Chair. Or Backside in Chair.) Because if you do not put your time in the chair, you will not get any writing done.

Lois Harris - Writing Tip of the Day

I met Lois Harris at a promotional retreat in Santa Barbara almost three years ago.  Her dedication to children's literature impressed me.  Also, she had written about one of my favorite impressionist artists, Mary Cassatt. I give you Lois Harris's "Writing Tip of the Day."

Joseph Campbell said, “Follow your bliss. If you do follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while waiting for you…” Oh Joe, you were so right.

Tillmon County Fire Blog Tour 09 - Pamela Ehrenberg

I am so pleased to be part of Pamela Ehrenberg's Tillmon County Fire Blog Tour.  You can read the reviews and track the rest of the blog tour on Pamela's site. I give you Pamela Ehrenberg.

When and why did you start writing for children?
 
In the spring of 1991, because a professor gave me permission.  She returned one of my short stories with the comment, "This sounds like the first chapter of a young people's novel," and I thought, "Really?  That's allowed?"

Writing Tip of the Day - Barbara Bietz

Today my Writing Tip of the Day is from my good buddy Barbara Bietz. We've been in the same writers' group since 1994 and I value her precise critiquing, good humor and hand holding over the years.  Not only has she published a successful middle grade novel, Like a Maccabee (Yaldah, 2006) she is on the committee of the Sydney Taylor Book Award and has a popular blog, Jewish Books for Children.  I give you Barbara Bietz's Writing Tip of the Day.

“Voice” is an illusive concept, difficult for most of us to define. Over the years I have formed ideas about voice that help keep me from getting stuck.
I think of voice as an extension of the adage, “write what you know.” When a writer is immersed in a world that feels natural and comfortable, the voice will come organically.

Susan Patron Book Launch

I had the great pleasure of attending the book launch for Susan Patron's new book, "Lucky Breaks," the sequel to her Newbery winner, "The Higher Power of Lucky."  Susan, a retired librarian, packed the place with friends, family and a lot of librarians.  So I thought it would be fun for them to describe Susan Patron in one word. Here's the short video.

Jess Mowry

Jess Mowry has been a voice for the voiceless and a champion storyteller for many years. When my agent Mark McVeigh told me he had signed Jess Mowry I was stoked and awed.  Being a huge fan of Jess I immediately asked for an interview and I am so pleased that he agreed.  I give you the legendary Jess Mowry.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I started writing stories for kids at a youth center in Oakland, CA in 1988 because there were very few books and stories the kids could relate to. This was during the first wave of the crack epidemic that had begun to devastate black neighborhoods and it seemed as if no one knew why or how this was happening.

Picture This - Ventura County Museum

Last month I attended the opening of Picture This! The Magic of Children's Books at the Ventura County Museum of Art. It was a great party, with over 250 people in attendance. The museum did a fabulous job displaying art and book drafts of different picture books. Congratulations to my buddies who were featured: Alexis O'Neill, Carol Heyer, Jody Fickes Shapiro, Mary Ann Fraser, Amada Irma Perez and Sims Taback.  Go see the show before it closes July 5th.

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:

Val Hobbs - "Sheep" - California Reader's Medal

Congratulations to my good buddy, the great Val Hobbs.  Valerie Hobbs' novel SHEEP has won this year's California Young Reader Medal in the Intermediate Category!

Call for Entries - Santa Barbara Writer's Conference

If you've got a good manuscript and twenty five bucks and you live anywhere close to Santa Barbara, this is the contest for you.  The prize is full tuition to the 2010 Santa Barbara Writers Conference and a chance to have lunch with an agent.  Here's the information. Note the deadline is June 1, 2009.

SBWC's First Annual Writing Contest 

We're pleased to announce the first annual SBWC Writing Contest in Fiction, Nonfiction and Poetry. Winners in each category will receive a
scholarship for tuition to the 2010 Santa Barbara Writers Conference and a grand prize winner will
get a scholarship and the opportunity to have lunch with a top agent during the conference.

Judith Janda Presnall

I met Judith Janda Presnall at a picture book writing retreat last January. A nonfiction children's book author with a gazillion books. It gives me great pleasure to interview Judith Janda Presnall.

When and why did you start writing for children?

In 1985, I wanted to take a detour from my teaching job. I began taking general writing classes at local colleges and at UCLA Extension. I soon discovered that my writing was more appropriate for the children's market.

Chicken Butt Blog Tour 2009 - Erica Perl

I met Erica Perl though the Kidlitosphere community. Blogger, author and editor-at-large for Abrams, Erica Perl is one funny lady. Her new book, Chicken Butt, is a scream, and I'm so happy to be part of the Chicken Butt Blog Tour 2009. Erica is also giving away prizes the last day of the tour.  Go to her blog, leave a comment and sign up for the drawing. I give you Erica Perl.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I’ve always written and I’ve always loved children’s books. As a kid, I wanted to be an author-illustrator when I grew up. I’ve had many other jobs along the way (including being a trial lawyer and teaching dog obedience), but I’m pretty thrilled to have accomplished half of what I originally set out to do!

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.

June Sobel - Writing Tip of the Day

I have known June Sobel for many years and was thrilled when she joined my writing group a few years back. Kind, fun and a master critiquer, June agreed to give us a "writing tip of the day."


My writing tip of the day is "Let go!" Letting go is the one of the hardest tasks a writer has to face.

It's hard to let go of a text that still seems forced after six months of rewrites.

Congratulations to Rebecca Langston-George

In honor of National Poetry Month, I want to congratulate my good buddy, poet and author Rebecca Langston-George. Her action rhyme poem "Peach Pie," published in Highlights High Five, received a letter of merit from SCBWI in their Magazine Merit competition. Rebecca has worked hard on her craft for many years.  Congratulations, Rebecca, on another well deserved award.

Picture book opening at Ventura County Museum

 My buddies, picture book authors and illustrators Alexis O'Neill, Carol Heyer, Jody Fickes Shapiro, Mary Ann Fraser, Amada Irma Perez and Sims Taback are part of a show at the Ventura County Museum of Art. Picture This, The Magic of Children's Books opens next Friday, April 3, 2009 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.  All are invited to cheer on our gang of very talented SCBWI folks.

Ventura Museum, 89 South California Street, Ventura http://www.venturamuseum.org
SHOW RUNS UNTIL JULY 5TH.

Val Hobbs - Writing Class for YA and Middle Grade

One of the great things about being an artist and writer is the opportunity to continuously evolve my creative skills. That is why I take classes in art, computer and writing any chance I get . For years, I tried and finally managed to get into the Writing for Novels class of the great Val Hobbs (author of Defiance).  Limited to eight students who met once a week in Val's home to critique manuscripts, we learned about pacing, plot and other helpful topics. Pictured here from left to right are Val Hobbs, Maggie Desruisseaux, Gwen Dandridge, Sherrie Petersen, Jody Fickes Shapiro, me and Stephanie Sneddon.  I thank them all for their wonderful insights.

Anastasia Suen - Writing Tip of the Day

 Today I asked the fabulous Anastasia Suen to give us a Writing Tip of the Day.

Writing Tip of the Day

Read - think - write is how the process works.

First you read
then you think
and THEN you write.

Andrew Smith

I heard Andrew Smith speak at Ventura /Santa Barbara Writers Day last fall.  I had heard much buzz about his YA novel Ghost Medicine and looked forward to his speech. Andrew was informative, inspiring and witty. It gives me great pleasure to interview Andrew Smith.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I don't think I ever consciously decided to write for children. I just wrote. And I think that writers of Young Adult fiction kind of bristle at the term "children," because our audience and characters really
aren't children.

Susan Thomsen - Chicken Spaghetti Blog

A few tried and true Kidlit blogs have been around for a while now.  Chicken Spaghetti is one of those and is full of great info on children's books.  Chicken Spaghetti also has a carnival for other Kidlit bloggers to post their stuff.  I am so pleased that Kidlit Blogger Susan Thomsen agreed to be interviewed.

When and why did you start a Kidlit blog?

I started Chicken Spaghetti in May 2005. I was enjoying reading books with my kindergartner (now a big fourth-grader), and wanted to share some of the great titles we'd come across.

Read Early, Read Aloud

Congratulations to one of my good buddies, author Merrily Kutner, who is involved in a very noble cause. Read Early and Read Aloud promotes reading to children during their first five years.  The program is about putting a children's book into kids' hands during their regular pediatric visits.  As they get vaccines and check-ups they are also given books  to promote growth and mental health--a program we all can get behind.  Check it out: Read Early and Read Aloud.

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.

Lisa Schroeder

Occasionally when I am surfing around the web I come across a wonderful author site.  This was the case with author Lisa Schroeder.  After reading about her books, both those that are out and those that are coming out, I asked her to interview for the blog.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I started writing for kids about seven years ago. At the time, I was at a fork in the road in my life, and really trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I had a home-based business and didn’t know if I wanted to continue on with that or what. I had recently read a spiritual based book about making your dreams come true and the first chapter was about discovering what your true dream is.

Most Popular Posts 2008 - Sherman Alexie

Occasionally I'll come across a book that becomes one of my all time favorites.  The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is one. It made me laugh, weep and cheer.  It also won the National Book Award.  I am honored that Sherman Alexie agreed to be interviewed.


When and why did you start writing for children?

Many of my books prior to True Diary have been used successfully in high schools.  So I always knew they were popular.

Most Popular Posts 2008 - Sonya Sones

I have met author/poet Sonya Sones many times over the years. She is charming and very talented. Her stories are a delight to read. It gives me great pleasure to interview her for my blog.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I started writing for kids in 1993, after I gave up film editing to spend more time with my children. I decided to try my hand at writing for kids because my favorite time of the day was when I was reading to my children.

Most Popular Posts 2008 - Kathleen Duey - Writing Tip of the Day

I asked my buddy, National Book Award Finalist Kathleen Duey, to give us a "Writing Tip of the Day."

I am writing the second book in a trilogy: A Resurrection of Magic; Sacred Scars. It's two stories, back and forth in every other chapter, set 200 years apart. The first story causes the second one. A million details. A very important book for me career-wise.

Most Popular Posts - 2008 - Kathleen Krull

When I think of biographies, I think of Kathleen Krull. Musicians, writers, painters, presidents, you name them and she has probably written a book about them. Over the years I have had the privilege of seeing Kathleen at several SCBWI events.  It is my great pleasure that Kathleen agreed to be interviewed for the blog.

When and why did you start writing for children?

That's where the jobs were when I graduated from college in 1974.

Most Popular Posts 2008 - Jerry Spinelli

Jerry Spinelli is a legend in our business.  Newbery winner, Newbery honor winner, with more awards than I could list, he is one entertaining writer.  I personally related to his very successful Stargirl, about an eccentric girl who secretly wanted to belong. 

I am honored that Jerry Spinelli agreed to an interview.

When and why did you start writing for children?

Frankly, I still haven't begun writing for children. In my mind, I write about them, not for them.

Anna Levine

I met Anna Levine at the SCBWI national conference a few years ago.  Funny, smart and articulate, Anna was a blast to hang out with.  I am so pleased that Anna Levine agreed to be interviewed for the blog.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I started writing after I emigrated from Canada to Israel. Even today, after living in Israel for so many years later, I still struggle with the nuances of the language, miss cultural cues and struggle to understand this society which is so different from the one I grew up in.

Buy a Book, Save the World!

My friend Alice Pope alerted me to a Facebook page where Kid Lit authors are taking matters into their own hands with a program called Buy a Book, Save the World!

With the devastating news of firings and layoffs in the publishing industry this week, a few authors have decided to do something to help.  Here's the link to see more details: http://www.facebook.com/n/?group.php&gid=44439143572.

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.

Joyce Moyer Hostetter

I am a big fan of Joyce Moyer Hostetter.  Her wonderful novels take you on a journey of time and place.  I am so pleased that she agreed to be interviewed.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I started writing for publication in 1990-91.  I’d worked with children in various teaching roles, so curriculum writing was a natural.  But truthfully, I didn’t pursue curricula.  It came to me, and as it turned out, I got an excellent writing education in the process.

Carla Killough McClafferty

 I met some remarkable authors at the SCBWI National Conference this year.  Carla Killough McClafferty is one of them. Her just released non-fiction middle grade novel, In Defiance of Hitler: The secret Mission of Varian Fry, is the true story of an American Journalist who risked his life to help others escape the Nazi horrors.  It is my pleasure to interview author and SCBWI Regional Advisor, Carla Killough McClafferty.

When and why did you first start writing for children?

My first book, published in 1995, was an adult Christian book titled Forgiving God. It is about the spiritual battle I faced after the death of my youngest son, Corey.

Daphne Grab

As I was researching book trailers, I came across a great one for Daphne Grab's first book, ALIVE AND WELL IN PRAGUE, NEW YORK. I immediately contacted Daphne and asked her to interview for the blog.

When and why did you start writing for children?

Long after I’d left my middle grade and teen years behind, I was still reading teen and middle grade books.  I read adult books, too, but I was always drawn to teen stories and couldn’t seem to kick the habit.  I’d ride the subway hiding the cover of my book so no one would see that the thirty-something woman across the aisle was reading a book for twelve year olds.

Susanna Reich - Blog Tour - Painting the Wild Frontier

I am so pleased to be part of Susanna Reich's blog tour for her new book, Painting the Wild Frontier: The Art and Adventures of George Catlin.  I love non-fiction and this story about frontier artist George Catlin is just fascinating.  I give you Susanna Reich.

When and why did you start writing for children?

It took me a long time to find my voice.  My creative energies were going in a different direction--a nonverbal one.  I used to be a professional dancer.  Then I worked for ten years as a floral designer.

Blog the Vote - Why I vote - Kidlit Bloggers

My buddy Greg Pincus and a few other kid-lit bloggers recently started a discussion on "Blogging the Vote."  Now each one of us has blogged about why we vote.  Here's my short video explaining why I vote, plus the link for the master post where other kid-lit bloggers have weighed in. http://www.chasingray.com/archives/2008/11/blog_the_vote_2008.html

Merrily Kutner - Writing Tip of the Day.

I met Merrily for the first time at this year's SCBWI National conference.  Pretty, kind, and fun, Merrily was a blast to hang out with. Not only is she a poet, she teaches writing classes at UCLA extension. I asked her to give us a writing tip of the day. She gave us two, one from her and one from our dear departed Sue Alexander.

The best tip I ever got was from Sue Alexander: Type out 5-10 pages of your favorite picture books in manuscript format. Now analyze what the artist chose to illustrate.  Check to see what actions or words were illustrated and what was told only in the pictures.

Mary Ann Fraser

I have known illustrator/author Mary Ann Fraser for many years.  Talented, funny and smart, she is always a blast to hang around with. I am also awed by her huge body of work, over fifty children's books.  It is my great pleasure to interview my buddy, Mary Ann Fraser.

When and why did you start writing/illustrating for children?

I first began writing and illustrating my own books in second grade at the encouragement of my teacher, Mrs. Floberg. It was her way of keeping me from talking to my classmates when I had finished my work early.

Book Launch - The Worst Best Friend

A book launch for Alexis O'Neill's new picture book, The Worst Best Friend, was held today at Simi Valley Library.  A huge crowd showed up and participated in making crafts, eating cupcakes, and decorating  balloons.  A cute troop of girl scouts organized a raffle and games for the kids.   Alexis gave a bang up presentation of the book along with participation from the boys and girls in the audience.  She also  showed us how to do Conrad and Mike's secret handshake.  A percentage of the profits from the book sales were donated to "Friends of the Library."  Congratulations Alexis for a great launch.

Susan Patron - Writing Tip of the Day.

I have known 2007 Newbery winner, Susan Patron for many years.  This former librarian is active in the SCBWI and has a well deserved reputation for her enormous talent, but also her generous heart.  I was amazed by the grace and dignity that she conducted herself when her Newbery winner, "The Higher Power of Lucky," hit a firestorm of controversy over one little word, scrotum!
I am so pleased that Susan agreed to give us a Writing Tip of the Day.

Realize each day that everything in your story is connected, especially the most disjointed aspects, and you must discover those deeply hidden links between them. 

Marla Frazee - Horn Book honor winner

A huge congratulations going out to our very own Marla Frazee.  Marla won the 2008 Horn book picture book honor for "A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever,"  which she wrote and illustrated.  A hilarious story based on her and her editor's sons.  I saw Marla, with her editor, Allyn Johnston, give an entertaining duel speech about the book at the SCBWI National conference 2007.  We are all so proud of Marla.

Terri Fields

At the SCBWI National conference I had the great fortune to meet author Terri Fields.  She gave me an advance copy of her new novel, My Father's Son, which I loved.  I am so happy that Terri Fields agreed to be interviewed.

When and why did you start writing for children? 

My six-year-old son was not at all impressed that I had been published for adults or that my writing had won prizes.  He begged, "Mommy, please stop writing all that boring stuff and write something good." 

Cynthia Kadohata

I adored Cynthia Kadohata's Newbery winning book, Kira Kira. Being a fan, I just had to read her new book, "Cacker, the best dog in Vietnam."  After finishing the wonderful story and being a huge dog person, I immediately wrote her for an interview.  I  am so pleased that Cynthia agreed to be on the blog.

When and why did you start writing for children?

Previously I was writing for adults, but even though my books were for adults, the main characters were young.  So it felt like a natural progression for me.  Also, one of my best friends was a children’s book editor, and she encouraged me to write for kids.

 

Orphan Work Bill Passed - Still time for action!

 My good buddy illustrator/author Carol Heyer just informed me that the Orphan Work Bill just passed the Senate today.  Here's the email that she sent out to the community.

"The Orphan Works Bill was passed by the Senate. There is still time to write to your Congressman. Please write, fax or call today. I've attached a letter from the Illustrators Partnership below and I'm happy to say that SCBWI officially opposes this bill."

Thanks, Carol
http://www.carolheyer.com

Orphan Works: The Devil's Own Day
Never Too Busy to Pass Special Interest Legislation 9.28.08
As lawmakers struggled Friday to clean up the mess on Wall Street, sponsors of the Orphan Works Act passed more special interest legislation. Their bill would force copyright holders to subsidize giant copyright databases run by giant internet firms.

Larry Dane Brimmer - Writing Tip of the Day.

Years ago, when my writing still stunk, I had a very kind critique at the SCBWI national from award winning author, Larry Dane Brimmer.  At the time, I was ready to chuck it all but his generous spirit encouraged me to go on and I want to publicly thank him for that.  Larry is still very generous and has given us the writing tip for today.

Stay With Your Story to the End!  Mid-story blues?  Don't chuck it all prematurely. 

Lee Bennett Hopkins - Writing Tip of the Day

 

MY writing

tip of the

day is: 

Put your butt

in a chair

and write!

Lee's new book.  AMERICA AT WAR (McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster)
www.simonsays.com

Nicole Rubel

  Illustrator and author Nicole Rubel is is one of those talented artist whose work not only graces children's books but also animated series.  I give you Nicole Rubel.


WHEN DID YOU FIRST START ILLUSTRATING FOR KIDS?

I received an assignment in my last semester of art school. My teacher asked everyone to draw someone over and over for three months. I chose my goldfish.

April Sayre

April Sayre is another one of those children's book authors who is a "brainy."  Smart, talented and prolific, I give you April Sayre.

When and why did you start writing for children?

My background is in science. I have a biology degree from Duke  University. My first job writing for children was an internship at  WORLD magazine, published by the National Geographic Society.

Greg Trine - Writing tip of the day.

I asked my buddy, Greg Trine, of the Melvin Beederman Super Hero Series, to give us a "Writing tip of the day."

If you're stuck in the middle of your novel, not knowing what comes next, but you know the ending, skip to it and keep writing.  You'll be happy you produced something when you thought you were stuck.  There's no rule that says you need to write sequentially.  You can arrange things later.

Gennifer Choldenko - Writing tip of the Day!

I have never met Gennifer Choldenko, but I am a huge fan of her Newbery honor book, "Al Capone Does My Shirts." Last year Gennifer was kind enough to give me an interview, this year she is giving us a writing tip.

Build your writing muscles. The muscles for writing take time to develop.

Eleanor Updale - Writing tip of the day.

I am a huge fan of British writer Eleanor Updale.  Her YA series Montmorency, a thief turned aristocrat then spy, are some of my all time favorite books.  She was kind enough to give us a writing tip for the the day.

When you know you are writing badly, don't stop.  Keep going, but change the color of the font, so that you can easily return to the passage later.  That way you don't lose momentum, and may even write your way out of trouble.