Tales from the Rushmore Kid

Book Blips - Class of 2K10 - Kristina McBride

Another debut YA novel comes from author Kristina McBride.The Tension of Opposites was just released by Egmont USA, and I asked Kristina to give us a summary and tell us what inspired her to write the book.

It’s been two years since Noelle disappeared. Two years since her bike was discovered, sprawled on a sidewalk. Two years of silence, of worry, of fear.

For those two long years, her best friend Tessa has waited, living her own life in a state of suspended animation. Because how can she allow herself to enjoy a normal high school life if Noelle can’t? How dare she have other friends, go to dances, date boys, without knowing what happened to the girl she thought she would share everything with?

And then one day, someone calls Noelle’s house. She’s alive.

Jim Benton - Illustration Tip of the Day

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of listening to Jim Benton speak. He gave a hilarious presentation, which he ended by asking for ideas from the audience and drawing sketches that were later auctioned off. I highly recommend Jim to any region in the SCBWI looking for an entertaining speaker. Jim was kind enough to give us an Illustration Tip of the Day.

Kick the Cowboy - Tina Top Book Pick

Now that the blog is well established I have been contacted by publishing houses and authors alike to review their books. My blog policy is that I only review the books I like. Kick the Cowboy came to me from Pelican Publishing. I love this picture book. Joe Gribnau tells a wonderful tale and his story is complemented by Adrian Tans' beautiful and fun illustrations. This is a great boy book for young readers.

Kick was the greatest cowboy that Texas every saw. He was also the grumpiest. He was so mean that rattlesnakes steered clear.

Anne Broyles - Revision Tip of the Day

I have known of Anne Broyles for years and recently had the pleasure of meeting her. She is a prolific author and great supporter of the SCBWI. After lunch, I asked her to give us a Revision Tip of The Day.

Book Blips - Class of 2K10 - Leah Cypess

I am loving all the debut novels that have come out this year. Here's a fantasy YA novel, Mistwood by Leah Cypess for Greenwillow / HarperCollins. I asked Leah to give us a summary and tell us what inspired her to write the book. I can't wait to read this one--it sounds fascinating.

Everyone tells Isabel that she is the Shifter – the ancient
shape-shifting creature who has protected the kings of Samorna for
centuries. But Isabel feels like a lonely human girl, beset by flashes
of memory that do more to confuse than to help her.

Erica Silverman

I have heard Erica Silverman speak many times at SCBWI events. Her Cowgirl Kate series has been a favorite of mine for years.  In January, I attended a fabulous Cyber Promotion Retreat and met Erica.  We hung out and discovered that we have the same editor, the wonderful Steve Meltzer at Dutton.  I am so pleased that my new buddy, Erica Silverman, agreed to give me an interview. (Photo by Sonya Sones)

When and why did you start writing for children?

Well, about 100 years ago (psychological time), I was taking creative writing classes in college, writing poetry and short stories, but hadn’t given a thought to writing for children. I wrote my first picture book at that time -- a silly story about my cat -- to entertain children at a school where I volunteered. But it didn’t occur to me to write children’s books for publication.  I was stuck on the idea of writing for adults.

Janet Fox - Book Summary & Writing Tip of the Day

I met Janet Fox through the Class of 2K10. She is an active RA in the SCBWI, and she is funny and kind. At the Winter Conference in New York I asked Janet to tell us about her new novel and give us a Writing Tip of the Day.