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?)
I’ve been through big upheavals in my life in recent months, one of them a major move. Not that I haven’t moved before—I’ve lived in more than twenty different homes in my adult life! You’d think I’d have the moving process down to a science by now. I do, kind of. I go through my closets and kitchen; I assess the value, both material and emotional, of my furniture and bric-a-brac; I sort through all my files, all my piles of notebooks, all my shelves of books. Deciding what I really want and need and what I can dispose of. Looking to lighten my load.
Guess what? I’ve never tossed a single one of my children’s books, my poetry anthologies, my tomes on writing and the writing life. Or my notes, several inches thick, from all those conferences and workshops I’ve attended and presentations and workshops I've taught myself. In fact, the weight of these materials is greater every time I move. (Again, does anyone relate?!) I’ve even added another several pounds of books and notes acquired this summer at the Highlights Chautauqua Writers Workshop—ready for the next move!
Browsing through my teaching files, books, conference materials and writing notebooks as I settle them (and me) into our new home, I realize anew there are nuggets of gold buried in them. Advice. Instruction. Wisdom. Inspiration.
This time, instead of leaving those nuggets buried, I intend to bring them to the light of day. For myself and for you--aspiring and published authors alike. No matter how long we've been writing, it seems there's always something new to learn from someone!
Meet me here at Tales from the Rushmore Kid every Friday and take a little something away with you to help you along your writing journey. Craft, marketing, promotion, living the writing life—my hope is that the nuggets you find here, from a wealth of resources, will add richness to your experience as a writer for children.
TO THINK ABOUT:
“The original writer is not one who imitates nobody, but one whom nobody can imitate.”
-- François René de Chateaubriand
Bio:
Barbara Jean Hicks might never have started writing children’s books except for an unkind review of one of her published romantic comedies: “Ms. Hicks really ought to be writing for children—no one else could possibly appreciate such silliness!” After hiding in bed for a week, certain she would never write again, Barbara made up her mind to take the comment as a personal challenge.
The result was the delightful Jitterbug Jam, which received numerous starred reviews and children’s book awards, was translated into five languages, released in nine countries, and sold stage and audio rights. Even better, Barbara discovered that writing for children, who really do appreciate her special brand of “silliness,” is her true love. Her additional books for kids include The Secret Life of Walter Kitty, I Like Black and White, I Like Colors, and Monsters Don’t Eat Broccoli.
In addition to writing, freelance editing and speaking in elementary schools as a visiting author, Barbara has compiled, edited and published books of student writing and art. She holds a teaching credential in English/Language Arts and works for an online high school in California. Visit her at www.barbarajeanhicks.com and www.class-act-creative.com.
Linda, I'm certainly going to try!
Posted by: Barbara Jean | September 23, 2011 at 06:49 PM
Sounds good Barbara! But hopefully you'll be by sometime in the not-too-distant future, for a visit!
Posted by: Linda Silvestri | September 23, 2011 at 05:07 PM
Barbara: In person is much more fun! We need to have a critique group reunion.
Caroline: "Impish fun" is a great description of my goal for my picture books. Clever I can hope for!
Linda: Since I can't make first Wednesdays any more, virtual Fridays will have to do. Let's make it a regular date. :-)
Posted by: Barbara Jean | September 23, 2011 at 04:43 PM
Oh how exciting! I'll be sure to tune in every Friday. Can't wait for all your pearls of wisdom, Barbara!
Posted by: Linda Silvestri | September 23, 2011 at 04:05 PM
Hey, Barbara...
How absolutely exciting to see you with a column on writing. You have such a wealth of information and experience, it's bound to be a resounding success!
P.S. I love your photo. It's so impish, foretelling fun and clever thoughts.
Keep Smiling!
Caroline
Posted by: Caroline Corser | September 23, 2011 at 03:49 PM
Barbara Jean,
I am so excited to see you on Tina's blog. Reading your words of wisdom is almost as good as seeing you in person. I look forward to learning more from you -
Barbara B
Posted by: Barbara Bietz | September 23, 2011 at 12:50 PM
Helen: I knew I wasn't the only one hoarding books and notebooks! I'm looking forward to spending time with them again.
Jackie: Thanks for your wonderful and ongoing support--you are a treasure.
Lois: So nice to hear from you! I'm actually splitting my time between Washington and California. One of those upheavals I mentioned was my dad's death in July. My mom is in assisted living in Bellingham. I've connected with a couple of people in the B'ham SCBWI and hope to get to the Seattle meetings once in a while when I'm in the Northwest. Would love to see you again!
Posted by: Barbara Jean | September 23, 2011 at 12:39 PM
Marvelous idea, Tina! And Barbara: Welcome back to the Northwest. I saw your name label at the registration table at SCBWI/WA's 9/8 meeting but didn't see you in the crowd. One of the conference packets I refer to again and again is from SCBWI's January 2007 Ventura/SB Retreat where you spoke and provided handouts on school presentations. My first book would be published that fall, and I soaked up your helpful info and tips. Many times, I've returned to those handouts and found the help I needed. Looking forward to Fridays on the blog!
Posted by: Lois V. Harris | September 23, 2011 at 12:27 PM
Bravo, Barb! So glad to see your shining face appearing here! I'll look forward to Fridays with you. Talk to you off line about your new whereabouts and your life! May all be well with you!
Your friend, pal, cohort, supporter, what have you, with love,
Jackie
P.S. Thanks, Tina, for having Barb! xo
Posted by: Jacquelyn Raftery Imrich | September 23, 2011 at 11:36 AM
I'm so excited about your column, Barb! I, too, have stacks of writing books and notebooks full of workshop and conference notes that I rarely look at. Your post is a good reminder to pull them out when I need some guidance or inspiration.
Posted by: Helen Landalf | September 23, 2011 at 10:28 AM