Tales from the Rushmore Kid

SCBWI Southern Breeze Springmingle 2012

What I love most about the SCBWI are the people. I LOVE the Southern Breezers. I'm on their listserve and get to visit with them every summer at the Summer Conference. I wish I could attend Springmingle. If you are anywhere near Atlanta, go!  With agents, editors, writers--even a Newbery Honor Winner--it sounds like a blast....

If you’re serious about the children’s book market, you need to attend Springmingle 2012, Feb. 24-26, 2012 at the Atlanta Marriott Century Center.
 
Springmingle is presented by the Southern Breeze Region of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the world’s largest professional organization for authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults.

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.

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.

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?)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Mysterious Benedict Society - Trenton Lee Stewart

This is one of those books I had heard of for years and meant to read. When I downloaded it on my Kindle, I thought it was about a group of monks. I was surprised and delighted to find it was a boarding school fantasy about four orphans that was full of action and adventure. Of course their assignment was no less than saving the world. The entire series--I had to read the other two in the trilogy immediately--is masterfully written and full of creative twists, secrets and heartfelt realizations. I LOVED these books and I was sad when the character's adventures ended.

"Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" When the ad appears in a local paper, orphan Reynie Muldoon takes and passes mind-bending tests to gain a place at what he thinks is a school. As it turns out, only four children, all orphans, pass the test--and the school is not about getting an education but pursuing a secret mission.

Chris Eboch - Writing Tip of the Day

I knew of prolific author Chris Eboch before I met her. Another RA champion of the SCBWI, Chris has worked hard for SCBWI. She is also a masterful storyteller. We also share the same agent, the wonderful Mark McVeigh. I was delighted to track down Chris to give us a the Writing Tip of the Day.

Donna Guthrie - Meet Me at the Corner - Virtual Field Trips for Kids

I'm always surfing for new kid-friendly sites and was delighted to find that kidlit author Donna Guthrie has created a really cool one. Meet Me At the Corner - Virtual Field Trips for Kids is one impressive site.  It is loaded with interesting subjects and interviews. I asked Donna if she'd give us an interview for the blog.

How did you come up with the concept of virtual field trips for kids?

I was in the process of getting my MFA in Children's and Young Adult Writing from the Vermont College Program, when it came to me that there might be a new way to write nonfiction for the 21st Century Learner.

Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton - Writing Tip of the Day

I have known Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton for many years and she is such a kick. Laurie is a prolific writer, illustrator and champion of the SCBWI. It has been a pleasure to hear her speak on the writer's life. Today she gives us a great Writing Tip of the Day.

Allen Zadoff - Sid Fleischman Humor Award 2010

When I go to the Summer SCBWI Conference I always make it a point to pick up the latest winner of the Sid Fleischman Humor Award.  These award winning books are always filled with belly laughs and a good time.

I was not disappointed this past year with Allen Zadoff's Food, Girls and Other Things I Can't Have.  This is the hilarious story of a fat teenage boy whose dreams come true when he gets on the football team and starts dating a cheerleader.  Then the dream turns into a nightmare as he questions his so-called success.  As soon as I finished the book, I immediately contacted the author, Allen Zadoff, for an interview.  I give you Allen Zadoff.

 When and why did you start writing for children?

I never intended to write for teens.  In the year I was waiting for my first book, a memoir called HUNGRY, to come out, I sat down and wrote a novel.  I'd written many other things before that--screenplays, sitcoms, personal essays--but none of them had the voice that emerged when I started writing fiction. It was the story of a twelve-year-old boy competing with his brother to win his father's love.

Thalia Chaltas - Writing Tip of the Day

I have known the beautiful Thalia Chaltas for many years.She's a great buddy and always game for dressing up at the summer costume party. I saw Thalia work hard, learn her craft and eventually publish her stunning YA novel in poems, BECAUSE I AM FURNITURE. I asked Miss Thalia to give us a Writing Tip of the Day.

Gretchen Woelfle - Writing Tip of the Day

Gretchen Woelfle has been around the SCBWI for years, receiving awards and accolades for many of her fiction and non-ficiton books. At the January retreat, Gretchen gave us a research tip of the day.

From Dutton to Dial: Release Date May 2012!

When Mark McVeigh, then an editor at Dutton, aquired HANGING OFF JEFFERSON'S NOSE: GROWING UP ON MOUNT RUSHMORE at my regional SCBWI Writer's Day in 2005, little did I know the journey I'd begun! The last six years have been amazing.

Between now and then I've become a kidlit blogger, acquired a new editor (the wonderful Steve Meltzer), written an article on Blog Tours and Book Trailers for CWIM 2010, been a faculty member at the SCBWI summer conference and acquired an agent, the inspiring Mark McVeigh. Yes, the same Mark McVeigh who first saw the promise in my manuscript and bought it!

My nonfiction picture book about Lincoln Borglum, the son of Mount Rushmore sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, started at Dutton but is now at Dial after a reorganization of the two houses. Dutton handles YA and middle grade novels and all picture books go to Dial. Here's a sketch of the cover by illustrator Sally Wern Comport. And after six long years I finally have a release date! I can't wait to find out where else this journey will take me by the time May 2012 rolls around.

Ventura/Santa Barbara SCBWI Retreat 2011

For many years, the RA for our local SCBWI chapter, Alexis O'Neill, has put together fabulous weekend retreats at the old Santa Barbara Mission. In the past I have attended retreats that featured cyber promotion, novels, picture books and social media. Being immersed in the intense workshops offered always leaves me feeling refreshed and energized. This year was no exception.

In four core editor groups, we critiqued our manuscripts all day Saturday with Andrew Karre (Lerner Publishing Group), Melanie Kroupa (Marshall Cavedish), Grace Maccarone (Holiday House) and Brenda Murray (Scholastic Nonfiction). For the remainder of the weekend, we rotated out of our core groups to present first pages with the other three editors.

This annual retreat attracted many published writers from across the country and offered the unpublished writers a chance to submit to editors whose doors would normaly be closed. A big thank you to all the editors and hats off to Alexis O'Neill, who always puts on a bang-up event!

Kathleen Duey - Writing Tip of the Day

I have known Kathleen Duey for many years.  She is a great speaker, a wonderful critiquer and a hard core supporter of the SCBWI.  The first book in her Skin Hunger Trilogy was a National Book Award Finalist.  She is immensely talented and generous. At the SCBWI summer conference Kathleen agreed to give us a very helpful Writing Tip of the Day.

Rosa's Bus - Jo S. Kittinger - Steven Walker

Books to review come to me in different ways: sometimes from the author, sometimes from a librarian and sometimes from the publishing house.  That is what happened here when Calkin Creek sent me this book. I was tickled when I opened the envelope and found not only a great picture book, but saw that it was written by one of my SCBWI buddies, Jo S. Kittinger. Just when I thought there was no way to give the story of Rosa Parks a fresh new twist, Jo came up with one.

Rosa's Bus tells the tale of bus number 2857: how it rolled off the assembly line in 1948 and made it down to Montgomery, Alabama around the time the civil rights movement started. The bus had a moveable sign on the seats that indicated where colored people could sit; f they did not obey the bus rules, they could be arrested.

Cleopatra Rules - The Amazing Life of the Original Teen Queen

As you have read, I am a nut for nonfiction and I had been waiting for the release of Cleopatra Rules!  The Amazing Life of the Original Teen Queen for some time.  Fellow blogger Vicky Alvear Shecter took bits of boring history and wove it into an exciting book about Cleopatra. I have been to Egypt more than once and consider myself an amateur historian of the pharaohs, but Vicky surprised me again and again with new information and tells her story with such humor that both kids and adults will love this book.

Valerie Hobbs-Writing Tip of the Day

I have known Valerie Hobbs for many years. I have enjoyed her wonderful stories and her marvelous master classes. I also produced a book trailer for her last novel, The Best Last Days of Summer. I cornered Val at the SCBWI Summer Conference and asked her to give us a Writing Tip of the Day.

SCBWI Summer Conference 2010 - Confessions of a First Time Faculty Member

Some dreams, like a rainbow after a storm, just happen. Others, like getting on the faculty of the SCBWI conference, happen after many years of hope and perseverance.

I have sent in proposals for workshops over the last couple of years without results, so I was surprised and pleased when I received the email in April that my latest proposal had been accepted and I would be teaching a workshop at this year's summer conference.

On Thursday night before the conference I was delighted to attend the faculty dinner at the Plaza. Nervous, but knowing a few faculty members, I mingled with the crowd. We all introduced ourselves and said a few words before dinner. (I talked about my workshop and mentioned that I love the costume contest.) I ended up at a table with M.T. Anderson. I was glad I had read his National Book Award winner, Octavian Nothing. It was fascinating to discuss the ending of the book with him. Arthur Levine, Lisa Yee, Kathleen Duey, and various other editors, art directors and illustrators were also at my table. I felt as if I had arrived! Everyone was charming and interested in my opinions, making me feel as though I wasn’t just a minion; I was one of the club.

SCBWI Costume Contest 2010 - Tina Ga Ga

The SCBWI Costume Contest has turned into my one performance piece of the year. I usually try to incorporate children's literature into the theme, but this year was difficult. The Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland was the obvious choice for Heart and Soul, but that wasn't creative enough for me.

What really struck me for this theme is that the Heart and Soul of the fabulous SCBWI are Lin Oliver and Steve Mooser. I have attended 12+ summer conferences, and I am always touched by the generosity and kindness of Lin and Steve. I decided that one very small way I could thank them was to make them part of my costume. 

With a $15 bridesmaid dress, a hot glue gun, and a bunch of sparkly do-dads, this is what I came up with.

SCBWI costume contest 2010 - Heart & Soul

Well, it's red again this year. I always wait to hear the theme before I start working on my costume for the SCBWI National Conference's big Saturday night party. This year the theme is Heart & Soul.  I love this contest, whether I win or lose. It gives me and my buddies, Greg Trine and Yuki Yoshino, a chance to dress up and feed our inner hams.  I  look at the event as my performance art piece of the year. I've been working on our costumes since April. This is one of the many bags of red stuff that I've purchased. I thought maybe I would tone it down this year due to me being on the faculty, but after a quick poll on Face Book I decided to be my usual goofy self.

Sid Fleischman 1920-2010

Today I mourn a legend.  I met Sid Fleischman several times over the years and attended many of his workshops at the Summer Conferences.  He was warm, funny, generous and kind, and also immensely talented. In his honor I am rerunning this post from August 2007.  Good-Bye Sid, we'll all miss you.

Talk about inspirations...you're looking at them.  Three Newberys. Three!

Newbery winners Susan Patron, Sid Fleischman and Linda Sue Park have written some of my favorite children's stories, The Higher Power of Lucky, The Whipping Boy and A Single Shard.  So pushy little me saw them talking at the SCBWI National and asked for a photo. They were so gracious. Susan and Linda Sue agreed to be interviewed for the blog later. I didn't have the nerve to ask Sid, but I will. I printed out this photo and stuck it next to my computer with the phrase, "Dream Big!"

I'm sorry to say that I never got that interview with Sid, but my buddy Barbara Bietz did interview him last year. Check it out today at her blog, (http://www.barbarabbookblog.blogspot.com/

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.

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.

SCBWI - Costume Contest - 2009

I love this party--the Saturday Night SCBWI Ball at the National Conference. Not only do I get the privilege of creating performance art, I get to act goofy with my friends. For the past few years, Greg Trine (Melvin Beederman Series), illustrator Yuki Yoshino and I dress up, dance and try to win the costume contest. We always give everyone else stiff competition.  This year we came in 2nd place with our Mother Goose and the Goosettes costumes. Here we are pictured with Lin Oliver, executive director of the SCBWI.

SCBWI Summer Conference 2009 - Inspiration, Motivation and Hard Truths

Like all years, the 2009 SCBWI Summer Conference was loaded with inspiring speakers. Sherman Alexie's keynote got a standing ovation and brought tears to the audience. He ended with a story of the power of books and reminded us to never underestimate what our books can do for others. Kathleen Duey ended the conference with her speech on the family of the SCBWI and how we should embrace it.

Many of the workshops had practical tools to go forward for both the published and unpublished. Alice Pope spoke on "Practical On-line Promotion" while Karen Cushman gave detailed instruction on research.

But one thing differed from all the other conferences in the past.  Again and again, authors and editors stressed the importance of having an agent in these hard economic times. With less houses accepting unsolicited manuscripts, no extra employees to speak of and lists being cut way back, it is imperative to have a good editorial agent.

The SCBWI did a great job with on-line tweeting and a conference blog, http://scbwiconference.blogspot.com.  Check it out if you didn't attend the conference to get detailed information on what you missed.

SCBWI Costume Contest '09: Blue Moon Ball!

It's that time of year again where I get a chance to do performance art at the SCBWI National Costume contest.  Here's a short video on how I made my costume "Mother Goose."

SCBWI Costume Contest '09: Blue Moon Ball!

Well, it's blue this year. I always wait to hear the theme before I start working on my costume for the SCBWI National Conference's big Saturday night party. I love this contest, wether I win or lose. It gives me and my buddies, Greg Trine and Yuki Yoshino, a chance to dress up and feed our inner hams. I try to keep with the Kidlit theme, and I also look at the event as performance art. I've been working on our costumes since April. This is one of the many bags of blue stuff that I've purchased. This year I'm learning to carve foam.

Congratulations to Eloise Freeman & Yuki Yoshino

Kudos to my writing buddies and former classmates Eloise Freeman and Yuki Yoshino for winning honorable mention in the picture book categories at L.A. Writer's Day in April.  I met both of them in a children's writing class back in 1994 and we've all taken this fabulous writer's journey together. Eloise's winning non-fiction picture book, Sophie's Journey, is about an orphaned orangutan. Yuki's picture book, Wrong Way Sam, is about a wacky bird in flight school.

What book are you reading now? SCBWI Writer's Day L.A. 2009

Last week I attended SCBWI Writer's Day L.A. with my new video camera.  For a different take on the day, I asked some authors and illustrators to tell me what book they were reading. Here's the short video.

SCBWI Santa Barbara Mission Picturebook Retreat

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a weekend picture book retreat with four acquiring editors at the old Mission in Santa Barbara. Kate Fletcher of Candlewick led my core group and I received a helpful 20-minute critique. On Sunday, Kathy Landwher of Peachtree and Ruta Rimas of Balzer & Bray gave helpful insights on two of my first pages and others at the retreat had critiques from Lisa Graff of FS&G. What a great SCBWI event this was. Here's a quick YouTube piece I did of the weekend.

Four Editors, a Mission, and Twinkies - SCBWI Picture Book Retreat '09

Hats off to our local SCBWI RA, Alexis O'Neill, for putting on a fabulous picture book retreat at the Santa Barbara Mission last weekend: workshops on manuscripts, first pages, poetry and word dummies, and two nights of partying with four back east editors (who were loving the 80 degree weather, by the way).  A big thank you to all the editors--Ruta Rimas, Kathy Landwher, Kate Fletcher, and Lisa Graff--for their kindness, generosity, and inspiration. I plan a Youtube piece about the weekend soon.

SCBWI Ventura/Santa Barbara Writer's Day

Here's a little YouTube piece I produced on Ventura/Santa Barbara SCBWI Writers' Day.

SCBWI National Conference - August 2008

The SCBWI National conference is always a blast.  Workshops, networking with authors, agents, illustrators and editors makes for an amazing few days.  With my handy camera I documented my days at the SCBWI.  Enjoy this short slide show.

The Making of the Red Geisha

Every summer I do my performance piece of the year for the SCBWI National Conference costume contest. This year I worked on the piece for three months. I am always asked "How do you create your costume?" This year I did a YouTube piece on the making of the Red Geisha. Enjoy!

Kite Tales - SCBWI Mary Flowers on contracts

When I go to any SCBWI conference I usually pick up the info and sometimes blog about it.  Last L.A. Writer's Day I was asked to report on a professional workshop about contracts run by attorney Mary Flowers.  The article is in the Summer's edition of Kite Tales, It is on page 8 and here's the link, http://www.scbwisocal.org/kitetales/2008/KTSummer08.pdf

Sue Alexander

All of us in the SCBWI community mourn the great loss of one of our founding members, author, Sue Alexander, who  passed away suddenly last week. Sue was a sweetheart and a pit bull mixed into one.  She worked hard for the SCBWI to keep the quality of children's literature at the highest standard.  I personally appreciated all the professional workshops she developed for different conferences and I will miss that carrot top munchkin who encouraged the best from all of us.  My prayers go out to her family and to her SCBWI family as well.

SCBWI Costume Party 2008 - Paint the town red!

It's that time of year again.  Time to work on my costume for the SCBWI National conference in August.  This is the one performance art piece that I do a year.  Red just happens to be my favorite color and this costume just happens to be my favorite "FUN" art.  Which is always a bonus.  These are the ingredients and by August my masterpiece will be fully cooked!

SCBWI Writer's Day L.A. 2008

I thought I would try my hand at YouTube.  Here's my little slide show of SCBWI L.A.Writer's Day.

Steve Mooser

Steve Mooser, children's book author and President of the SCBWI is seen here holding my little Rushmore.  Charming, encouraging and fun, Steve is always a pleasure to be with.  He works tirelessly for the SCBWI and we are very lucky to have him. At L.A. Writer's Day last year, Steve had this cool multi-lens camera  that takes 3-D pictures.  He snapped one of Joan Bauer and me. He gave me the photo at the national conference in August.  It is pinned on one of my studio bulletin boards so I can look at it everyday.  What a guy!  The SCBWI Rocks!!

Ventura/Santa Barbara Writer's Day 2007

Alexis O'Neill organized a fun filled Writer's Day with inspiring speeches by Newbery Winner, Susan Patron, editors Reka Simonsen, Kendra Levin, and art director, Tim Gillner.   The competition in the writing contest is always fierce.  So, I was stoked that my unpublished manuscript, What Lincoln Saw, the story of the building of the Lincoln Memorial, told by the spirit of Abraham Lincoln, won Special Mention in the picture book category!

The road to publication - SCBWI

Everyone wants to write for kids.  Whether I am at a black-tie dinner or walking on the beach I am cornered by the potential authors to be.  I feel like the bearer of bad news dispelling their usual misconceptions of fame, fortune and speed of publication.
But I do offer hope by suggesting they join the SCBWI.  I am a writer because of this fabulous organization.  This is a photo of folders from Writers Days, retreats, National confrences, writing classes, novel retreats that I attended over the many years.  And these are just the ones I saved!

SCBWI National Conference - One of my favorite parts!

I know I should be blogging about the inspiring speakers, the motivating workshops and the amazing camaraderie at the SCBWI National Conference, but the last question asked when I interview is "What is your favorite dessert?"  You're looking at mine.  The Rushmore Kid is really the Cupcake Kid! Every year they have a dessert bar for the autograph party at the end of the conference.  I squealed at the mountains of cupcakes offered up.  I ate two on the spot and took one back to my room and ate it for breakfast.  My buddy, photographer Sabina Rascol, did an impromptu photo shoot in front of my treasures.  I had to remember to first wipe the icing off my sugar buzzed face.

SCBWI Silvery Moon Ball Winners!

You are looking at the winners of the Silvery Moon Ball costume contest.  Greg Trine, Me and Yuki Yoshino.  I was determined to win and delighted that my buddies agreed to play along.  The party lasted into the night
with authors, illustrators, editors and agents.
I managed to get a picture with my former editor Mark Mc Veigh, art director Laurent Linn, Newbery winner, Linda Sue Park, who also dressed up, the Disco Mermaids, John Green, Roxyanne Young and many of my local author friends.  Check out the photos by Alexis O'Neill on the following page for all the goofiness that is the wonderful SCBWI.

Queen of the Silvery Moon - Costume details

As I said before, I consider the SCBWI National costume ball an art performance piece.  Every year, around April, they announce the theme.  This year it took me approximately two seconds to know what to do for the Silvery Moon Ball,   I would become the Silvery Moon Queen.   I would be decorated with famous children's book paintings with the name "Moon" in the title and of course I would paint them in silver.   These are the books I chose to wear:

Good Night Moon, Kitten's First Full Moon, The Cow that Jumped Over the Moon, Walk Two Moons and the Golden Kite honor winner for non-fiction, Team Moon.

Silvery Moon Ball-Art for Art Sake

There is nothing like a glue gun, rhinestones and silver glitter to get the creative  juices flowing.  I love the  masquerade ball at the SCBWI National Conference each year because it is so much fun. And it gives me the opportunity to be 12 years old all over again.
Performance Art is the ultimate Art for Art's Sake.
It's one night to take art into bad theater and no one cares. 
I'm practicing balancing this wig on my head.  It's like wearing a watermelon!