Tales from the Rushmore Kid

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.

Qala'at ar-Rabad - Sketchbook art

Jordan is one fabulous place. In traditional Arab fashion, tourists are treated like guests in the homes of Jordanians. When my girlfriends and I were there, we were treated with gracious hospitality by the locals and guides alike.

Jordan is also one of those Middle Eastern countries that has been conquered and occupied  by hundreds of armies over the years. The desert landscape is dotted with castles and walled towns. Qala'at ar-Rabad  is one such castle.  Between Aman and Petra, the ruins still stand tall on the top of a mountain, strategically located for watchmen to spot trouble coming out of the surrounding valleys. Most of this castle was built underground to protect its inhabitants, but I chose to sketch the view from one of the remaining watchtowers.

My Agent, Mark McVeigh

 I am so pleased to announce that I signed today with agent Mark McVeigh of THE McVEIGH AGENCY. Mark was the editor who acquired my picture book about Mount Rushmore at an SCBWI Writer's Day in 2005. After he left Dutton we kept in touch, and I was not surprised when he branched out and started an agency. I am thrilled to be part of his prestigious list of clients and I look forward to many years of working together.

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!

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.

The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games has picked up a ton of awards, including the National Book Award honor, and with good reason. It is one of the best books of the year. It is a fasten-your-seat-belt wild ride that I had to finish in one sitting. I had heard much buzz about this book, but I wasn't prepared for the richness, suspense and emotion of this dark sci-fi/fantasy story. If science fiction isn't your thing, read it anyway. I guarantee you will love it.