Tales from the Rushmore Kid

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!

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.

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 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 - 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.”

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Barbara Bietz - Chairperson of the Sydney Taylor Book Awards

Congratulations to my good friend  Barbara Bietz for being appointed the new chairperson of the Sydney Taylor Book Awards. Here are the others on the committee.

NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED TO THE SYDNEY TAYLOR BOOK AWARD COMMITTEE
The Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee appointed three new members.  Their four-year terms will begin in January 2010. The committee benefits from the diverse membership of AJL, and with the unique talents and experience of the incoming members, we are confident the high standards of the committee will continue.

Writing Class at UCLA - Merrily Kutner

My buddy, author Merrily Kutner, informed me there are still a few places left in her UCLA extension class on September 23rd.

Structuring Your Picture Books Like the Pros: A beginning workshop.

Here’s the link www.2.uclaextension.edu/writers/instructors  Merrily is off to the Big Bear Film Festival to see a short film that she co-wrote with her son! How cool is that!

Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market 2010

I am so pleased to have an article on blog tours and book trailers in Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market 2010.  This annual book has loads of information for the published and unpublished alike. Just a few tidbits from the just published 2010 edition: articles on acquisitions, researching publishers and social networking; an agent's advice to illustrators; interviews with Holly  Black, Rachel Cohn, Mitali Perkins and  many more.  The book is loaded with publishing house information as well as magazine acceptance policy and information on agents, contests and conferences. This annual edition is an education for children's authors and illustrators to keep us current in an ever changing market.  Buy a copy and if we run into each other I'll sign my article for you.

Michelle Markel

Today's author interview is with L.A.'s own Michelle Markel.


When and why did you start writing for children?

Although I was a huge Madeline fan in my day, it wasn't till I had little kids, in the mid 90's, that I got turned on to children's books. The field had widened since my childhood, with many possibilities for not only classy art but also wit, lyricism, exploration of social issues. (Maybe I'm a sap, but some picture books are so elegant in their simplicity, and so deep, they bring tears to my eyes).

Jim Averbeck - Writing Tip of the Day

Author, illustrator and regional adviser for the SCBWI Jim Averbeck is one talented guy.  I met him a few years ago at the SCBWI National and I was struck by his kindness and generosity. I asked Jim to give us the Writing Tip of the Day.

“If the problem is the ending, the solution is the beginning.”

Many times I have seen writers who move along briskly through the beginning and middle of their stories only to be stumped at the end.

Suzanne Morgan Williams

I have met Suzanne Morgan Williams many times at the SCBWI National Conference.  Whether standing in line for autographs or just hanging around, I've always found her charming and funny. Nonfiction and fiction author Suzanne has penned many books.  This year her fabulous new book Bull Rider came out, and I am so pleased that Suzanne agreed to an interview.

When and why did you start writing for children?

When our oldest daughter was in second grade she participated in a Young Author program in her elementary school and she was invited to bring a parent and attend the district author day. The program was intended to inspire the kids to write, but I was the one who was inspired.

Terry Pierce - Writing Tip of the Day

Terry Pierce and I have been buddies for many years. Terry is a skilled author of chapter and picture books and a great teacher. She also has a successful blog. I knew she would come up with a unique Writing Tip of the Day.

Play with your highlighters! Not only do highlighters take me back to my younger days of engaging in art activities, but they're a valuable tool for manuscript revision. I have two favorite ways to use highlighters for picture book revisions; first, after I've done that initial draft, I go through my manuscript and I highlight every adjective and adverb.

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.

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!

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 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.

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.