Tales from the Rushmore Kid

Dianne de Las Casas - Storytelling Tip of the Day

I had heard of Dianne de Las Casas before I met her last summer at the SCBWI conference.  A well published author, she is also known for her amazing school visits. You can visit her at her site, Story Connection.  I grabbed her for a quick tip on storytelling.

Reviving Your Out-of-Print Novel as an E-book part 2 - Barbara Jean Hicks

 from the files of Barbara Jean Hicks www.barbarajeanhicks.com

As promised last week, here are the short version instructions for converting your out-of-print novel to e-book format for the Kindle and Nook. Also, just in time for Valentine's Day, I've provided a link to my second e-book, a Valentine's romance called Cupid's Chase, for an example of marketing copy and keyword suggestions.

Because Amazon and Barnes and Noble provide free e-reader apps for the iPad, iPhone and Android powered devices, these instructions can be used to make your out-of-print novel available as an e-book on pretty much any electronic reading device, including PC’s and Macs. I’ve published two of my out of print novellas as e-books using these instructions. I recognize this was a year ago, however; if anyone has updated instructions, please comment below!

Reviving Your Out-of-Print Novel as an E-book part 1-Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of Barbara Jean Hicks

In early December 2010, I started thinking about what I wanted to give as a Christmas gift to my friends and fans.

Before I started writing children’s books, I wrote romance novels and novellas. (I know, what a switch!) The rights to one of those novellas, a Christmas romance called "Tea for Two," had reverted to me. What if I could figure out how to format it as an e-book and offer it for free to anyone who wanted to download it to their computer or reading device?

I’m always up for the challenge of learning something new, so the idea was just my cup of tea--so to speak.

Jim Averbeck - Writing Tip of the Day

I met author/illustrator Jim Averbeck years ago at a Kathleen Duey writing retreat and then again at the SCBWI Summer conference. He was an RA for SCBWI at the time and waiting for his first book to be released. It is always a pleasure to see Jim, and this year I got him to give us a Writing Tip of the Day.

Karen Cushman - Blast from the Past Interview

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.

Book Blips - Class of 2K12 - Robin Bridges - The Katerina Trilogy, Vol 1

I believe this is the first Book Blip I've done for a story that's part of a trilogy.

The Katerina Trilogy, Vol. I: The Gathering Storm
 

Delacorte, January 10, 2012

A short summary of the book:

St. Petersburg, Russia, 1888. As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. Katerina considers her talent a curse, not a gift. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial Family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue.

Book Blips - Class of 2K12 - Caroline Rose - Mary B.

Caroline Rose is president of the Class of 2K12.  Here is her summary and inspiration for her book.

May B.
Schwartz and Wade / Random House Children’s Books
January 10, 2012

Summary of the book.

Mavis Elizabeth Betterly, or May B. as she is known, is helping out on a neighbor's Kansas prairie homestead, “Just until Christmas,” says her Pa. Twelve-year-old May wants to contribute, but it's hard to be separated from her family by fifteen long, unfamiliar miles.

Panning for Gold with Barbara Jean Hicks - Kathryn Erskine

from the collected notes of
Barbara Jean Hicks

I loved meeting and comparing notes with author Kathryn Erskine, a warm and wonderful human being whose moving children’s novel, Mockingbird, won the 2010 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. Kathryn’s other books include Quaking and The Absolute Value of Mike.

In one of the keynote addresses at the Highlights Writers Workshop at Chautauqua last summer, Kathryn talked about critiques, a word that can make even the most confident of us cringe. After all, the word comes from the same root as “criticize,” and who likes being criticized?

Interview Wednesday - Kidlitosphere

Today I am hosting Interview Wednesday for Kidlitosphere. Kidlit bloggers will be leaving comments relating to kidlit interviews, with links to their own blog posts. Check back and see where it takes you!

Scroll down for my Revision Tip of the Day with my good buddy, agent Jill Corcoran.

Our British buddy Zoe Toft has this interview today:

An interview with Nigerian/British author Atinuke, one of whose
books has been shortlisted for a cybils award in the early chapter book
category:

http://www.playingbythebook.net/2011/12/13/an-interview-with-atinuke/

Agent Jill Corcoran - Writing Tip of the Day

This is one story I LOVE to tell, about Jill Corcoran, a fellow blogger and buddy of mine for years. It was a hoot to see her at many SCBWI events, always curious, always learning her craft and always a blast to hang out with. A few years back Jill decided to become a Children's Literary agent for the Herman Agency in New York. This girl was born to do this job. Jill has sky rocketed to success with multi-book deals for many authors. We who "knew her when" are bursting with pride. I'm happy that my good friend and buddy Jill Corcoran agreed to give us a Writing Tip of the Day.

Book Blips - Class of 2K12 - Sarah Tregay - Love & Leftovers

Here is the first Book Blip of debut novels by the Class of 2K12.

Love and Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins (January 2012)

Summary:

My wish
 is to fall

cranium over Converse

in dizzy, daydream-worthy 
love.

(If only it were that easy.)

When her parents split, Marcie is dragged from Idaho to a family summerhouse in New Hampshire. She leaves behind her friends, a group of freaks and geeks called the Leftovers, including her emo-rocker boyfriend, and her father. By the time Labor Day rolls around, Marcie suspects this "vacation" has become permanent. She starts at a new school where a cute boy brings her breakfast and a new romance heats up.

But understanding love, especially when you've watched your parents' affections end, is elusive. What does it feel like, really? can you even know it until you've lost it?

Most popular posts 2011- Grace Maccarone - Editor/Author - Holiday House

I met Grace Maccarone, editor at Holiday House, at the Santa Barbara Mission retreat in 2011. She was one of my first-page editors. I was struck by her kindess, humor and insight.  I am so pleased that Grace agreed to be interviewed for the blog.

When and why did you become a children’s book editor?
 
Because I love, love, love kids’ books and kids. I began my career in magazines, then shifted over to books. That happened in the mid-eighties.

Erica Silverman - Writing Tip of the Day - Hanukkah Hop!

My good buddy, award winning children's author and librarian Erica Silverman, has come out with a great Hanukkah book this year. Hanukkah Hop is a rollicking, fun story of a family celebrating Hanukkah. It's a great gift for the holidays! Erica agreed to give us the Writing Tip of the Day, using Hanukkah Hop to demonstrate the use of repetition.

John Green - Blast from the Past Interview

  Printz Award Winner, John  Green. 

When and why did you start writing for children?

I didn't start writing for teens until I was about a year out of college and living in Chicago. I was working at the book review journal "Booklist," and I was reading a lot of YA novels.

The Little Shepherd's Christmas - Carol Heyer - book launch info

My good buddy, award winning author/illustrator Carol Heyer, wrote and illustrated a wonderful Christmas story, out just in time for the holidays. Here is the book launch info. If you are in the area go to the launch and support your local independent book seller.

THE LITTLE SHEPHERD'S CHRISTMAS

December 3rd
,11:00 - 1:00

Mrs. Figs' Bookworm

93 East Daily Drive  Camarillo, CA 93010-6332
(805) 482-1384

What a great gift this is from Ideal Books. Here is a summary of The Little Shepherd's Christmas.

This is Reuel's big chance to prove that he can tend sheep just as well as his older brothers. All he has to do is keep a watchful eye on his little flock. But distracted by his brothers' teasing, he looks away just long enough for a little lamb to wander. Following a frantic search, Reuel finds his missing charge . . . and also finds himself in the midst of the biggest announcement ever made. The Christ Child has been born, and Reuel is one of the first chosen to hear the news! After racing through the streets of Bethlehem, his misstep becomes a blessing when he encounters the Baby who will one day become the Shepherd of Men.

A School Visit Nugget: Meeting Visual Arts Standards - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the teaching files of
Barbara Jean Hicks

I admit it, I’m envious of both the talent and the opportunities available for picture book illustrators and author/illustrators. What fun it would be to create something visual, in the moment, for a group of spell-bound students-- and inspire them to create artwork of their own!

In these days of budget cuts for schools, the arts often get short shrift. But most states have academic standards in the arts that educators must address. What better person to help them do so than a real live illustrator?!

Bruce Coville - Writing Tip of the Day

I love Bruce Coville. I have heard him speak at many SCBWI events over the years.  He is funny, enertaining and generous. After giving the Keynote at last summer's SCBWI conference, I jumped him in the lobby and asked for a writing tip. He graciously agreed. I give you the wonderful Bruce Coville.

 

A School Visit Nugget: Meeting Writing Standards - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the teaching files of
Barbara Jean Hicks

In these days of standards-based education and accountability, the pressure is on administrators and teachers to make sure everything they do helps their students reach academic benchmarks. Sometimes it must feel as if the creative spirit that led educators to the profession in the first place is struggling to survive.

Anything we can do as authors to refresh the creative spirit of both teachers and students will be doubly welcome if we address those all-important academic standards along the way. And who better to talk to kids about writing than a published author?

Alexis O'Neill - Writing Tip of the Day

My good buddy, author Alexis O'Neill, is not only a great writer, she has an amazing blog, School Visits Experts, where she writes about everything you need to know about school visits, from great openings to how to choose a volunteer. Today Alexis gives us an interesting Writing Tip of the Day.

A Nugget from The Artist’s Way - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the bookshelf of
Barbara Jean Hicks

I remember a minister friend once asking me what I wanted out of life. I answered without hesitation. “I want to be a co-creator with God of something beautiful.” I didn’t make the connection at the time, but several years earlier I had read The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron (Putnam 1992), in which the creative process is described as “forging a creative alliance, artist-to-artist, with the Great Creator.”

A School Visit Nugget: Meeting Speaking & Listening Standards - Barbara Jean Hicks

 from the teaching files of
Barbara Jean Hicks

One of the ways I’ve addressed state standards for speaking and listening in my school visits, especially with upper elementary and middle school kids, is to have student volunteers do a Readers’ Theatre presentation of one of my books. I have the required number of scripts available with the readers’ parts printed in different colors, making it easy for each reader to know when it’s his or her turn.

Katherine House - Writing Tip of the Day

Katherine House has written a great nonfiction book, Lighthouses for Kids, which includes stories about many U.S. lighthouses, fun facts and activities such as tying a bowline. It is a wonderful book for kids. I've asked Katherine to give us a Writing Tip of the Day.

Panning for Gold with Barbara Jean Hicks - Peter P. Jacobi

 from the collected notes of
Barbara Jean Hicks

Peter P. Jacobi is professor emeritus of journalism at Indiana University. His guidebooks on writing magazine articles, news stories and feature articles are standard reference sources for journalists. If you’ve never heard Peter speak, it’s worth the price of admission just to hear his resonant baritone fill a room.

In his keynote address at the Highlights Writers Workshop at Chautauqua last summer, Peter dipped into The Wonderful Wizard of Oz for inspiration.

The Silence of Murder - Dandi Daley Mackall

My good buddy, prolific writer Dandi Daley Mackall, has a new YA novel coming out this fall. It is a murder mystery. I have interviewed Dandi before but I had new questions about her writing a mystery.

You have written so many YA novels; what inspired you write a murder mystery?

I LOVE mysteries! That’s what I read every night before I fall asleep. I’ve toyed with “mini-mysteries” before—one mystery in a series with 8 books, like Midnight Mystery in Winnie the Horse Gentler. But a murder mystery, with court scenes and courtroom antics and testimonies—that was a different arena.

A School Visit Nugget: Content & Theme - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the teaching files of Barbara Jean Hicks

For nonfiction authors, focusing on content that relates to subjects such as science or social studies is a no-brainer. But many picture books and children's/YA novels, too, can have science and social studies curriculum tie-ins.

In addition, picture books and novels are likely to have themes appropriate to the emotional and social development of children and teens. Social/emotional growth is as much a part of the educational process as intellectual growth, and teachers and administrators welcome assemblies that address important issues in this area.

Think about your book as a pick for a children's or teen's book club, for example. What questions do you raise that you want your readers to think about and discuss?

Jay Asher - The Future of Us

I have known Jay Asher for many years. He is in my SCBWI region and I watched him go from winning writing contests to publishing his wildly successful first novel Thirteen Reasons Why.  Jay collaborated with Carolynn Mackler for his second book, The Future of Us, and it's getting rave reviews. I asked Jay to talk about the collaboration process.

A Nugget from One Writer’s Beginnings - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the bookshelf of
Barbara Jean Hicks

The marvelous writing memoir of southern novelist and short story author Eudora Welty (1909-2001), published in 1984 by Harvard University Press, is a treasure trove for a working writer.

One Writer’s Beginnings is based on a set of lectures Welty delivered at Harvard in 1983, ten years after winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for her novel The Optimist’s Daughter. Here’s one passage I especially resonated with:

Book Blips - Class of 2k11 - The Faerie Ring - Kiki Hamilton

This book blip is my cup of tea,  a fantasy with a British twist.  Here is the summary and inspiration for THE FAERIE RING:  Tor Books / Macmillan   October  2011

London, December 1871
 
Orphaned and picking pockets in London’s Charing Cross station to support not only herself but her ‘family’ of orphans, sixteen year-old Tiki steals the Queen’s ring and thinks she’s solved  their problems. That is, until Rieker, a pickpocket from the North End, suspects her in the theft and tells her that the ring is really a reservoir that holds a truce between the British and Faerie courts.

A School Visit Nugget: Meeting Reading Standards - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the teaching files of
Barbara Jean Hicks

It's the end of September. School is in full swing. It seems a good time to talk about school visits--something every children's author should think about doing. It's good for your books, it's good for you, it's good for the kids--and it's fun!

Authors who understand and address state educational standards in their presentations and workshops are a step ahead in the school visit game. Administrators and teachers are under pressure to justify everything they do based on the standards. Addressing state academic standards in your programs not only enhances your professionalism, it warms the cockles of an educator’s heart!

Panning for Gold with Barbara Jean Hicks

I am thrilled to announce the addition of a  regular Friday column for Tales From the Rushmore Kid, "Panning for Gold with Barbara Jean Hicks." Barbara Jean has been my friend and writing partner for many years. She has years of experience in writing, editing, teaching and marketing, and I look forward to her contribution to the blog. Please help me welcome her!

Panning for Gold

Like many of you, I’ve read lots of books about writing and been to lots of conferences and writing workshops. And, like you, I’ve taken lots of notes. Once in a while I take them out to see what I can use in classes, presentations and workshops of my own, but too often the books sit unopened on my shelves and the notes stay buried in my files. (Does anyone relate?)

Interview Wednesday - Kidlitosphere

It's Interview Wednesday in Kidlitosphere, and my blog is your portal!

Check back all day today to view comments with links to many other Kidlit blog interviews. Here's your chance to hear and interact with authors, illustrators, editors, agents and librarians in the world of children's literature.

Scroll down for my interview yesterday with agent Kelly Sonnack, from the Andrea Brown Agency.

Nonfiction Monday - Kidlitosphere

Today I'm hosting Nonfiction Monday.

Check back all day for comments of posts relating to nonfiction for kidlit.

Jeff Barger  posted a review of Exploring Countries: England

http://ncteacherstuff.blogspot.com/2011/09/nonfiction-monday-exploring-countries.html

A look back at Gladys Conklin's nonfiction books that inspired me.  Anatomy of Nonfiction at anatomyofnonfiction.blogspot.com.
www.Peggythomaswrites.com
http://writingnonfictionforchildren.blogspot.com
New for 2011 - ANATOMY OF NONFICTION: Writing True Stories for Children
and FOR THE BIRDS: The Story of Roger Tory Peterson

Marla Frazee Illustrator - Blast from the Past Interview

Here's a Blast from the Past with an interview from Marla Frazee...

Marla Frazee and I attended Art Center together many years ago.  She was then as she is now, funny, kind, generous and very talented.  As an award winning illustrator/author, she fills her books with mirth and joy. This year at the SCBWI National Conference, Marla, with her editor, Allyn Johnston, gave an entertaining presentation on the process of creating a picture book.  I am so pleased that she agreed to be interviewed.

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

I've wanted to be a children's book writer and illustrator since I was a little kid.

Interview Wednesday - Kidlitosphere

It's Interview Wednesday in Kidlitosphere, and my blog is your portal!

Check back all day today to view comments with links to many other Kidlit blog interviews. Here's your chance to hear and interact with authors, illustrators, editors, agents and librarians in the world of children's literature.

The Gingerbread Cowboy - Book Trailer - Blog Tour

Janet Squire hired me to do a book trailer for the 5th anniversary of The Gingerbread Cowboy.  This got me thinking and led me to write an article about back list book promotion.  Trailers give back list books an opportunity to be promoted to a whole new cyber community.  This book is a natural for all things cowboy, so enjoy the tour and post a comment for a chance at a $50.00 gift certificate to Out West Marketing.

Janet Buell - Writing Tip of the Day

Janet Buell is another author I met this year at the SCBWI Santa Barbara Mission Retreat. Janet gives us a quick Writing Tip of the Day.

Kate Hovey - Writing Tip of the Day

I have known Kate Hovey for many years and have always admired her in-depth books about Greek mythology.  I saw her again at the SCBWI Santa Barbara Retreat this year and asked her to give us a Writing Tip of the Day.

Blast from the Past Interview - Illustrator Matthew Holm

Matthew Holm is one multi-talented author/illustrator. His graphic novel series Babymouse is a delight.  Written by his Newbery Honor winner sister, Jennifer L. Holm, the series is funny, darling and very pink! I am pleased that Matthew Holm agreed to be interviewed.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I've known since I was in middle school, if not earlier, that I wanted to either do a comic strip, comic books, or write and illustrate children's books. Or all of the above. I consumed comic strips and comic books in prodigious amounts. 

Book Blips - Class of 2k11- Stupid Fast - Geoff Herbach

I loved the summary I received for this week's featured Book Blip. The book sounds hilarious! The author, Geoff Herbach, wrote Stupid Fast from the point of view of his main character. Here's a peek.

To Whom It May Concern:

I, Felton Reinstein, am Stupid Fast. Seriously. The upper classmen used to call me Squirrel Nut, because I was little and jumpy. Then, during sophomore year, I got tall and huge and so fast the gym teachers in their tight shorts fell all over themselves.

SCBWI Summer Conference Costume Ball - 2011- Tina Tooth Fairy

For the past seven years I have fed my inner ham by dressing up for my one performance art act of the year, at the SCBWI Summer Conference.  The theme this year was vague: "40 Winks."  Most people will probably show up in their pj's, but I wanted to do something from children's literature. And who doesn't love the Tooth Fairy, who exchanges teeth for coins in the dark of night when kids are catching their forty winks?  I look forward to the conference and all its opportunities for networking, workshops and revisiting old friendships. In these distressing times, a writing conference is solice for my creative soul.

Blast From the Past Interview - Lisa Yee

"Funny," "generous" and "a Blog Queen Extraordinaire" are just a few ways to describe author Lisa Yee.  I managed to talk Lisa into holding my miniature Rushmore for a picture at an SCBWI Ventura Writer's Day.  She also agreed to answer a few questions.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I first started writing for children when I was a child. Only I didn't know that's what I was doing. I thought I was just writing, period. It was fun.

Turtle in Paradise - Jennifer Holms

I love anything Jennifer Holms writes. Turtle in Paradise, Jennifer's Newbery honor winner this year, didn't disappoint. The book is one of my favorite genres, middle grade historical fiction, and it's easy to see why it picked up a Newbery honor.

Synopsis:

In 1935, twelve year old Turtle is forced to leave her flaky single mom and move into her aunt's home in Key West, Florida. In her heart, she hopes that someday her mom's new boyfriend Archie will become her stepdad and they'll be a real family.

Turtle has never met her Florida relatives. When she shows up uninvited on their doorstep, she discovers  a house full of boys and an aunt who is not at all keen on raising another kid.

Vicki Leon - Research Tip of the Day

I met Vicki Leon at a Writer's Retreat in Santa Barbara a few years ago and have seen her give workshops on Writing Nonfiction. Not only is she prolific and funny, she is also very knowledgeable about research.

Tina's Top Book Picks - A True Princess - Diane Zahler

I have found that most of the books I receive to review from the big publishing houses deserve a read and sometimes a rave.

Such is the case with the fantasy middle grade novel A True Princess by Diane Zahler, (Harper - February 2011.)  I was expecting the usual princess, knights and fairy kind of fantasy; what I got was an action adventure that never stopped and was so well written that I had to read it in one sitting.

This is a GREAT book.

It opens with the almost thirteen year old Lilia, a servant girl, overhearing plans to sell her to a miller in the village.

Blast from the Past Interview- Neil Gaiman

Here is a past interview that I was lucky enough to get. 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.

Book Blips - Class of 2k11 - Alissa Grosso - Popular

Popular is a debut novel from Flux by Allissa Grosso.

Book Summary: Meet the clique that rules Fidelity High: Olivia, Zelda,
Nordica, and Shelly, each one handpicked by über-popular Hamilton
Best. You know you're "in" when you make the guest list for one of Hamilton's parties. And in the thralls of senior year, everyone wants to get noticed by Hamilton. But Hamilton's elite entourage is coming apart at the seams.

Moon Over Manifest - Newbery Winner 2011

Newbery winner, Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool, a historical fiction middle grade novel, the story is told by twelve-year-old Abilene Tucker. It starts in May 1936 in Southeast Kansas, but Vanderpool masterfully flips the story back to 1918.

It’s the heart of the Depression, and for many years Abilene and her Dad have been traveling the rails, looking for work and living in shantytowns. But after an accident, Abilene is left in the only town in which her Dad has long ago connections, Manifest, Kansas.

Sherry Shahan - Purple Daze

I have known prolific author Sherry Shahan for many years. Sherry is funny and generous! She is represented by my good buddy, agent Jill Corcoran. Sherry's new novel, Purple Daze, is getting rave reviews. I was so pleased when she agreed to give us an interview.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I began writing as a hobby when my two daughters were quite young. Back then, it was something to do to keep my brain from turning into strained carrots.

Editor Deborah Halverson - Writing Tip of the Day

I met editor/author Deborah Halverson last summer when I was on the faculty of the SCBWI summer conference. She has written a number of teen novels and  just completed her book "Writing YA for Dummies," scheduled for release in June 2011. Based on the great revision tip she gives us here, I'd say if you are writing YA, buy her "Dummies" book!

Suzanne Morgan Williams - Writing Tip of the Day

I met Suzanne Morgan Williams many years ago at the SCBWI Summer Conference.  She is RA of Nevada and a champion of the SCBWI.  I love her YA novel, Bull Rider, and I was so pleased that she has given us a seemingly obvious but somewhat overlooked Writing Tip of the Day.