Tales from the Rushmore Kid

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.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

The Newberys always deserve a read and a rave.  The committee surprised and pleased me with their 2010 choice of honor book, The Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin. This story has the feel of a Chinese folk tale. We are introduced to Minli, who lives with her parents in a very poor village in the very poor countryside. While her father finds joy in living, her mother is filled with bitterness. When Minli buys a gold fish with one of her two coins, and is ridiculed by her mother for the purchase, Minli leaves, hoping that she will find the luck that her family is missing with the Man in the Moon.

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.

Venice - Travel Art

I have been lucky enough to travel and see some truly remarkable places. Venice, Italy is one such place.  I have been there several times, and I am always struck by its Disney-esque quality.  The picture here is a giant wall painting I did of a view from Saint Mark's Square. It was featured in an art show but I didn't have the heart to sell it.  Now and forever it hangs in my home.

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.

Interview Wednesday - Kidlotsphere

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.

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.