Tales from the Rushmore Kid

Sydney Taylor Book Awards 2010 trailer

Here's an award trailer I did for the Sydney Taylor Book Awards. It was my first awards trailer and I hope not my last.

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!

Tina's Top Book Picks - Al Capone Shines My Shoes

One of my favorite books of all time is Gennifer Chodenko's Newbery honor winner, Al Capone Does My Shirts.  For many years I hoped for a sequel, and this year I got it. Al Capone Shines My Shoes is a masterful sequel.

The story picks up where the first one left off, when twelve year old Moose Flannagan asked a favor of one of the most deadly gangsters of all time, Al Capone, who is incarcerated in the prison at Alcatraz where Moose's father is a guard. In the first book, Al helped Moose's autistic sister get into a very prestigious school for the learning impaired--and now he wants payback.

The sequel begins with another note from Al sent to Moose in his laundry: "your turn then we're square." This sets up a series of crazy events for Moose as he tries to keep the note secret, deal with his friends and pay back Capone.

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.

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.

Book Blips - Class of 2K10 - Of All The Stupid Things - Alexandra Diaz

Alexandra Diaz is a member of the class of 2K10. Her debut YA novel, Of All The Stupid Things, was just released by Egmont USA.  I asked Alexandra to give me a summary of her novel and what inspired her to write it.

When a rumor starts circulating that Tara's boyfriend has been with one of the guy cheerleaders, the innuendo doesn't just hurt Tara. It marks the beginning of the end for three lifelong friends.

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 Posts 2009 - Laurent Linn - Art Director - Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

I met Laurent Linn several years ago at the SCBWI National Conference and I was struck by his kindness, generosity and humor.  He is a great friend to the SCBWI, participating in portfolio reviews, workshops and roundtable discussions.  I am also a great admirer of his work as a designer.  It gives me great pleasure to interview Laurent Linn.

When and why did you start art directing for children?

My entire career has been involved in children’s worlds. I didn’t set out to do that, it just evolved that way. Perhaps because I’ve never grown up (and don’t plan to), so I’ve basically worked on projects that interest me.

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.