Tales from the Rushmore Kid

From North to South - Book Trailer - René Colato Laínez -

.I have known René Colato Laínez for many years. I am impressed with his lyrical writing and his personal insight into the immigrant experience. I am also honored to have produced two of his book trailers. From North to South is the touching story of José missing his mamá after she has been deported. José visits her in Tijuana where she waits for her proper papers. René is donating a portion of his royalties to El Centro Madre Assumte, a safe house for immigrant women and children.

The Poem that Will Not End Blog Tour - Editor Melanie Kroupa

I have had the pleasure of knowing the multi-talented poet Joan Graham for many years. When she asked me to participate in her blog tour for her new book, THE POEM THAT WILL NOT END, I was thrilled. This is a fabulous book that introduces many poetic forms. Joan's editor, Melanie Kroupa, agreed to be interviewed for the my stop on the tour. Leave a comment to get a chance to win an autographed copy of the book.

What intrigued you about this story?  

 

I loved the fact that there IS a story – a very funny narrative in verse that chronicles the plight of a young boy who can’t stop writing poetry – no matter where he is: in the cafeteria writing with French fries, in the bathroom using toothpaste, and even writing on the soccer ball in mud! But that’s not all:  in addition, readers can discover the poems that Ryan writes – so the book works as a poetry collection too, and not just any collection, but one that offers poems in all the major poetic forms.  And, at the back of the book, young readers and teachers alike can reference a handy guide to poetic forms and voices that connects the poems they’ve just read to specific poetic forms.  What Joan cleverly created is really 3-books-in-1, all working together to create a very special book that’s fun to read again and again.

When I read the manuscript I could see kids being pulled in by the humor and hilarious antics. Joan has a terrific sense of what kids are like.  I think children will want to read THE POEM THAT WILL NOT END just for the fun of it, but I can also see this book having great appeal in the classroom – it’s a lively way to introduce children to the delights of poetry  -- and a painless way to learn about poetic forms.

Last but not least, I thought it would be great fun for an illustrator – and I immediately thought of Kyrsten Brooker whose inventive collage and paint style adds yet another appealing dimension to the book.  This was a challenging picture book to put together, but Joan had created a great “road map” for the book and Kyrsten and I used that as a useful first tool to get us going.

What do you look for in a manuscript?  

I look for something that strikes me as fresh and imaginative – whether it feels that way because it presents the familiar in a new way that brings it alive for readers or because it explores something new and different in a telling way.  I want characters I can care about, a world that makes me curious and that I want to step into, wonderful telling details and language to bring those characters and that world alive in a memorable way -- and most of all, I want a story -- whether it be fiction or non-fiction (which after all is “story” too) that strikes an emotional chord with me and that I think will do the same for children or teens.  

When and why did you become a children’s book editor?  What is your favorite part of being an editor?

I became a children’s book editor back in the 1970’s, after taking the Radcliffe Publishing Procedures Course and working as an assistant secretary for $65.00 a week at Harvard University Press, then moving to Houghton Mifflin’s textbook division to work as an editorial assistant on their Reading Series.   I somehow always knew I wanted to be in children’s books.  FINALLY, a job opened up in the trade division at Houghton.  It was there I first experienced the thrill of discovering that special manuscript and I had the great pleasure of working with Lois Lowry and David Macaulay on their first books.  That excitement of discovering a special voice, story or artistic talent has never diminished – even after years in the field.  But one of my favorite parts of being an editor is the on-going dialogue with the author to find ways to strengthen a manuscript – to make it sing --  until, eventually, there’s the joy and satisfaction of seeing a finished book after months and months, sometimes even years  of work,  where all the various elements – text, art, design,, etc. -- have come together to create what you believe is a stellar book.  It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s perfect – but you know you gave it your all and it’s the best book you, the author, illustrator, designer and others who worked with you were able to create at that particular time and place.

Tell us about the graduate course you teach at Simmons College.

For the last few years I’ve had the fun of teaching a course, Editing Books for Children and Young Adults, in the Children’s Literature Program at Simmons College.  At the beginning of the course I create a publishing company, “hire” students as editors, and we delve into the editorial process and what it means to be an editor. As the course progresses we discuss (and experience hands on) the editing of picture books, middle grade fiction and non-fiction, YA fiction and memoir.  Students create text dummies for picture books, write editorial reports, offer editorial suggestions on manuscripts, defend opinions at editorial meetings, write editorial letters to authors, and exchange ideas in lively class discussions as we work through the editorial process from initial manuscript to finished book.  I think I learn as much as the students do!

The Gingerbread Cowboy - Book Trailer - Blog Tour - BOOK TRAILER SUMMER!

Janet Squire hired me to do a book trailer for the 5th anniversary of The Gingerbread Cowboy. This got me thinking and led me to write an article about backlist book promotion. Trailers give back list books an opportunity to be promoted to a whole new cyber community.

1-2-3- Va Va Vroom - BOOK TRAILER SUMMER!

My buddy Sarah Lynn has written the cutest counting book.  I am honored not only to have produced the book trailer for it but to be part of her blog tour.  Here is 1-2-3 VaVaVroom.

Editor Katherine Tegen - Floating on Mama's Song Blog Tour - Summer Editors Archives

 

A favorite post from 2010:

I am happy to be on one of the stops for the Floating on Mama's Song Blog Tour.  The lyrical picture book by Laura Lacámara, with illustrations by Yuyi Morales, is a beautiful tale.  A single mother is lifted off the ground by her songs.  I was lucky to get the book's editor, Katherine Tegen, to give me an interview about why she acquired the book, the state of promotion and, of course, her favorite dessert. 

What qualities in the manuscript Floating on Mama’s Song intrigued you enough to acquire it?

I have a special desire to publish Latina talent, perhaps because I am part Hispanic myself.  I grew up hearing the stories of my grandmother who was from Puerto Rico, stories that depicted a rich culture that was kind of magical, and so very different from my suburban American life.

Fairview Felines: A Newspaper Mystery- Blog Tour

Michele Corriell is one talented author and a buddy.  Here are some questions I asked her for her ebook blog tour.

 

 

What inspired you to write Book Two, True Lies, of the Newspaper Mysteries?

 

I always intended for the Newspaper Mysteries to be a series. I love the characters and felt they had much more to say and do than just the first book. In the second book Thomas is still skirting trouble with the principal while concentrating on his school newspaper. Only in this book he uncovers a much bigger crime – a jewel heist! (And don’t tell anyone, but I have a great idea for a third book.)

Hanging Off Jefferson's Nose - Super Blog Tour Master List May 2012

 

 

The Hanging Off Jefferson's Nose 

Super Blog Tour Master List

(Buy the Book)

 

 Welcome to the one-stop list for all the blogs hosting this incredible BOOK BLOG TOUR, including interviews with Tina Nichols Coury, her editor, agent and illustrator, plus amazing raffle prizes for commenters!

All comment raffles will be open until 10:00 pm (PST) on Tuesday May 15th.  Only one comment per Blog Tour stop. The winners will be listed here and the on the hosting blog on Wednesday, May 16th.

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 Blog Tour schedule:

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 Monday  May 7th - Hanging Off Jefferson's Nose Book Trailer  Debut at Darcy Pattison's site   http://www.darcypattison.com/authors/hanging-off-jeffersons-nose/

Today's comment raffle prize: One free book trailer from Tina's Trailers.  WINNER - MARTHA BENNETT STILES

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Tuesday May 8th - Interview with Tina Nichols Coury at Barbara Bietz's blog, Jewish Books for Children with Author Barbara Bietz
barbarabbookblog.blogspot.com

Today's comment raffle prize: A Kindle. WINNER - GAIL GAUTHIER

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Wednesday May 9th -Interview with Tina's agent Mark McVeigh at Greg Pincus's blog,  gottabook.blogspot.com

Today's comment raffle prize: a 15 minute phone critique on 10 pages of a manuscript with Mark McVeigh. WINNER CSTWMAXE (NO EMAIL? CONTACT ME.)

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Thursday May 10th - Interview with Illustrator Sally Wern Comport at Elizabeth Dulemba's Blog, dulemba.blogspot.com

Today's comment raffle prize: a Nook and a piece of original art from Hanging Off Jefferson's Nose.WINNER - MAGGIE SWANSON

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Friday May 11th - Joint interview with Dutton Editor Steve Meltzer and Tina at Cynsations, Cynthia Leitich Smith's blog, cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com  

Today's comment raffle prize: Five first-page critiques by Steve Meltzer.  WINNERS: SUSAN BERK KOCH, KELLY ANDREWS, JOANNE COOKE, ROSIE POVA, CATHY MEALEY.

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Minette's Feast: - Blog Tour - Susanna Reich

I am happy to be part of the Blog Tour for Minette’s Feast: The Delicious Story of Julia Child and Her Cat.  I have never interviewed a cat before, but Susanna gave me unlimited access to her inspiration, Chloe.

Here is my interview with Chloe Reich-Golio, as told to Susanna Reich.

(Tomorrow's blog tour stop is at The Fourth Musketeer http://fourthmusketeer.blogspot.com/ - interview with Susanna)

How long have you been helping Susanna write her books?

 I'd rather not reveal my age. However, I have been watching Susanna type since I was a kitten. I do occasionally walk across the keyboard and step on a key here and there. My contributions are always the best part of her books.

Tip Tap Pop Blog Tour - Agent Deborah Warren

Today I am happy to be part of Sarah Lynn Scheerger's blog tour for her picture book Tip Tap Pop.  Her agent,  Deborah Warren from East/West Literary Agency, gives us some insight into Sarah and the changing market of children's publishing.

What was it about Sarah’s work that inspired you to offer her representation?
 
Sarah's solid writing was the first clue that we had someone special here. Then came the ability to get teen dialogue just right without going over to the dark side of current teen slang (which ages faster than a peach on a hot summer day),followed by her talent for creating a strong voice and plot; in particular, her facility with developing characters throughout the story with telling little details.

Editor Lynne Polvino - Blog Tour - Jimi, Sounds Like a Rainbow

I am so impressed with this new picture book, Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow, by Gary Golio with art by Javaka Steptoe.  It is about the late guitar player Jimi Hendrix as a boy, and it is just marvelous.  The beautiful art and the story made me want to run and play some Hendrix. I was also intrigued as to how and why this story was told.  I am so pleased to be part of the Jimi Blog Tour with an interview with Clarion editor, Lynne Polvino, who answered those questions and more. (Leave a comment for book giveaway raffle.)

Jimi Hendrix seems an unlikely subject for a picture book. What intrigued you about this story?

My mother is a music professor and I grew up surrounded by and loving all kinds of music, including rock, so it made sense to me that kids would be interested in a story about the childhood of one of the most famous and influential guitar players of all time.

Fairview Felines Blog Tour - Agent Mark McVeigh

I met Michele Corriel last January at the SCBWI Winter Conference in New York.  She is a dedicated RA and a member of the class of 2K10 with her debut novel, Fairview Felines: A Newspaper Mystery.  I am thrilled to be part of her Blog Tour with an interview by our mutual agent, the wonderful Mark McVeigh.

What was it about Michele's work that first attracted your attention and caused you to offer representation?

Michele's clear and on-target voice, her humor, and her ability to create memorable characters blew me away when I read ALL OF THE ABOVE, the novel that is out on submission right now.

Editor Marilyn Brighman - Ogg & Bob Blog Tour

I am pleased to be part of the Ogg & Bob blog tour.  My buddy, prolific author/illustrator Mary Ann Fraser, and her son, author Ian Fraser, wrote and illustrated this new series about the adventures of cave boys Ogg & Bob. What a hoot these chapter books are--and perfect for reluctant readers.

For each day of the tour, Mary Ann Fraser will be  giving away an original piece of art from Ogg and Bob to a randomly selected commenter. So follow the tour and be sure to comment to enter. Winners will be announced on Monday October 18, so be sure to check back to Mary Ann's blog to see if you have won.

I am thrilled to interview Mary Ann and Ian's editor Marilyn Brighman from Marshal Cavendish.

Ogg & Bob is a wacky look at cave boy life, and unusual because the illustrator and the author are mother and son.  With that in mind, what challenges and advantages were there?

Marshall Cavendish loves developing new talent, and it was fun to work with a young, creative, first-time author like Ian. Usually a new author will have to be coached a bit in the ways of the marketplace because they’re new to the field. In this case I didn’t really need to, because Mary Ann, his mom and the artist of these books, is already established in the field and took care of that.

Diane Browning - Blog Tour 2010 - "Signed Abiah Rose"

I have known Diane Browning for many years.  She has been attending local and national SCBWI events as long as I can remember.  Diane honed her craft, learned the business and finally was  published as a writer/illustrator.  I am honored that Diane asked me to kick off her blog tour for her first book, Signed Abiah Rose.  Comment on the tour and you could win an autograph copy of the book. 


How long have you been an author/illustrator?

I’ve been a writer/artist all my life.  I won my first writing honors as a child at the Dallas library’s creative writing club.  At age seven I won a Siamese kitten at an art show (I did a painting of a kitten).  I went on to become an illustrator, designer and painter, writing in my spare time.

Blog Tour - My Shoes and I - Rene' Colato Lainez

I have known Rene' Colato Lainez for years.  We met in a writing class and I was struck by his kindness and his sensitive writing on the immigrant experience. His many published stories detail this and fill a void for all the children who come to this country with their parents looking for a better life. His new book, My Shoes and I, tell the scary and wondrous tale of Marco on his journey to the United States. I asked Rene' a few questions about the book.

What inspired you to write a story about immigration?

My own personal journey from El Salvador to the United States inspired me to write MY SHOES AND I. In 1985, my father and I left El Salvador early in the morning.

Esther Hershenhorn - Blog Tour - S is for Story: a Writer's Alphabet

I have known of Esther Hershenhorn for many years, not only as a talented writer but as a dedicated regional advisor for the SCBWI.  I am so pleased to have finally met her and to be part of her wonderful blog tour for her new picture book, S is for Story: A Writer's Alphabet.  I give you the very kind hearted Esther Hershenhorn.

When and why did you start writing for children?

   

I knew at age six, while playing “Library” with my sister and friends, checking in and checking out our shared treasured books, I wanted my name on a children’s book someday.

Elizabeth Dulemba - Blog Tour - Soap, Soap, Soap

Elizabeth Dulemba is a force in children's illustration. She's active in the Kidslitosphere and other social networks in the industry. Soap, Soap, Soap is her first picture book as both author and illustrator, and I'm thrilled to be part of her blog tour.

When and why did you start illustrating and writing for children?

I've actually been creating art for children for most of my life, even though it didn't start with books. My first job out of college was animating a laser show for Stone Mountain; then I was part of a stable of artists for a children's clothing company (Snoopy); then I worked with a boutique agency illustrating for Brach's candy, etc. I dove into the children's book market in 2001.

New Year at the Pier - Blog Tour 09 - Editor Lauri Hornik

I am honored to be part of April Halprin Wayland's Blog Tour for her new book on Rosh Hashanah, New Year at the Pier. I was lucky enough to draw the editor of the book, President and Publisher of Dutton Children's Books, Lauri Hornik, for an interview.

When you first read New Year at the Pier, what stood out to you about this manuscript?

In a word, heart. The interactions between the characters are so warm and true, and I loved the coziness of the telling and story.