Tales from the Rushmore Kid

Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton - Writing Tip of the Day

I have known Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton for many years and she is such a kick. Laurie is a prolific writer, illustrator and champion of the SCBWI. It has been a pleasure to hear her speak on the writer's life. Today she gives us a great Writing Tip of the Day.

Valerie Hobbs-Writing Tip of the Day

I have known Valerie Hobbs for many years. I have enjoyed her wonderful stories and her marvelous master classes. I also produced a book trailer for her last novel, The Best Last Days of Summer. I cornered Val at the SCBWI Summer Conference and asked her to give us a Writing Tip of the Day.

SCBWI Costume Contest - Tina Ga Ga

This is a repeat from a few years ago.  2014 contest is ITALY...pictures of me to follow.  

 

The SCBWI Costume Contest has turned into my one performance piece of the year. I usually try to incorporate children's literature into the theme, but this year was difficult. The Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland was the obvious choice for Heart and Soul, but that wasn't creative enough for me.

What really struck me for this theme is that the Heart and Soul of the fabulous SCBWI are Lin Oliver and Steve Mooser. I have attended 12+ summer conferences, and I am always touched by the generosity and kindness of Lin and Steve. I decided that one very small way I could thank them was to make them part of my costume. 

With a $15 bridesmaid dress, a hot glue gun, and a bunch of sparkly do-dads, this is what I came up with.

SCBWI Costume Ball - Queen of the Silvery Moon - Costume details

It is time again for the SCBWI Costume party so I am rerunning this post to show what goes into one of my costumes.

As I said before, I consider the SCBWI National costume ball an art performance piece.  Every year, around April, they announce the theme.  This year it took me approximately two seconds to know what to do for the Silvery Moon Ball,   I would become the Silvery Moon Queen.   I would be decorated with famous children's book paintings with the name "Moon" in the title and of course I would paint them in silver.   These are the books I chose to wear:

Good Night Moon, Kitten's First Full Moon, The Cow that Jumped Over the Moon, Walk Two Moons and the Golden Kite honor winner for non-fiction, Team Moon.

Agent Jill Corcoran - Revision Tip of the Day

I have known the talented Jill Corcoran for many years.  She is a poet, author and now a very successful agent.  At L.A. Writer's Day this year, I asked Jill to give us a Revision Tip. of the Day.

Blast from the Past Interview- Neil Gaiman

Here is a past interview that I was lucky enough to get. I heard Neil Gaiman speak at the BEA authors' breakfast in 2008. He was paneled with Jon Scieszka, Judy Blume, Sherman Alexie and Eoin Colfer. Anyone who was there will tell you that it was one of the most hilarious mornings of BEA. It is also where I picked up an advance copy of The Graveyard Book. I adore this book and I was so happy that the Newbery committee thought it was worthy of their award.  I contacted Mr. Gaiman soon after The Graveyard Book won the Newbery, and he was gracious enough to grant me an interview. I am thrilled to have this year's Newbery winner, author and screenwriter Neil Gaiman, give us his insights for the blog.

When and why did you start writing for children?

My first book was for children. I was 21, and when it was finished I sent it to a publisher and it came back with an encouraging rejection slip. 23 years later, after CORALINE and WOLVES IN THE WALLS, I found the ms. in a tub in the attic, and read it, at bedtime, to my daughter Maddy.

Caroline Arnold - Writing Tip of the Day

I have known Caroline Arnold for many years. She's bright, funny and generous with her knowledge. I tracked her down at the Santa Barbara Author's Breakfast and asked her to give us a "Writing Tip of the Day."

Mountain Plains Library Conference

I was very fortunate to not only attend as a vendor but to present at the Mountain Plains Library Conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I had an opportunity to sign my books, do a presentation and basically feel like a star. I love librarians, and the chance to mingle and perform for 462 of them was a thrill. Hats off to South Dakota Library Association President Jan Brue Enright for putting on such a fabulous conference.

I met old friends Suzanne Morgan Williams and Terri Farely there, vendors promoting school visits for the mountain plains authors of the SCBWI. I also made many new friends. I hope to be back in the region to do school and library visits next year.

Barbara Bietz - Writing Tip of the Day

Barbara Bietz has been my writing partner for almost twenty years.  We came up through the ranks of the SCBWI as wannabe published authors to become acquired, then published authors.  Barbara was on the committee and then became chairwoman of the Sydney Taylor Book Awards and wrote the popular book Like a Maccabee.  Her blog, Jewish Books for Kids, is one of the mainstays in Jewish publishing.  Barbara is also the nicest person you'd ever want to know.  I recently sat her down and asked for her writing tip of the day.

Princess Party! - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the life and times of
children's author and educator
Barbara Jean Hicks

What does a girl do to celebrate the launch of a book about Disney princesses?

Throw a Princess Party, of course! A martini bar might not seem like the perfect choice to launch a children's book, but since I have more kid-friendly party plans for closer to the time the Disney movie FROZEN comes out Thanksgiving weekend, I thought a grown-up version with writer friends at one of my favorite haunts in Bellingham, Washington, Fireside Martini and Wine Bar, would be just the ticket to celebrate the launch of A SISTER MORE LIKE ME.

Neither of my real-life sisters could make it, but some of my writer-sisters joined me for a fun-filled Happy Hour (well, four hours...). That's Lois Harris of famous-artist-biography-picture-book fame on the left and Judy Enderle, author of over fifty children's books and partner in Writers Ink, a Critique-by-Mail service, on the right.

Hanging Off Jefferson's Nose - Book Trailer Number 2 - BOOK TRAILER SUMMER.

THIS IS BOOK TRAILER SUMMER. STAY TUNED FOR MANY TRAILERS THAT I HAVE PRODUCED OVER THE YEARS!

 

Here's one of my trailers for Hanging Off Jefferson's Nose.  The trick is to make each trailer different while keeping each engaging.

 

Edie Pagliasotti - SCBWI Member Tip of the Day

If you live in Los Angeles you have probably met the vivacious Edie Pagliasotti.

SCBWI Regional Advisor of the L.A. region for many years, Edie has helped shape the chapter into the organization of generous spirit that it is.  Edie has always been willing to share, help and guide new authors or illustrators who joined.  Here she gives the Member Tip of the Day.

Laurisa White Reyes - Writing Tip of the Day

Children's author Laurisa White Reyes gives us a Writing Tip of the Day.  No matter how often I have heard this tip, I can always hear it again.

Genetta Adair - Writing Tip of the Day

The best thing about the SCBWI is the people in the organization.  I have been lucky enough to be part of the Midsouth listserve for years, even though I live in Southern California. The Southern Belles and Gents welcomed me on board and have been lovingly supported throughout my publishing journey.  At the Winter conference I ran into one of my favorite Southern Belles, Genetta Adair.  Former RA for her region, Genetta is kind, generous and a talented writer.  I asked her to give us a Writing Tip of the Day.

Jo S. Kittinger - Writing Tip of the Day

An SCBWI RA and talented author, Jo S. Kittinger has written one of my favorite books, Rosa's Bus, the story of what happened to the bus that Rosa Parks rode on when she refused to give up her seat, creating an unforgettable moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Jo generously gives us the Writing Tip of the Day.

Heather Tomlinson - Writing Tip of the Day

I have known Heather Tomlinson for many years.  She is one of my good buds who worked hard, honed her craft and now is the published author of three fantasy novels.  Heather left California, but I ran into her at the Winter conference and she gave me a tried and true Writing Tip of the Day that I feel we all need to hear again and again.

Priscilla Burris - Illustration Tip of the Day

One of the most talented, generous, and wonderful members of the SCBWI board is Priscilla Burris. Illustrator of over ninety books, Priscilla has coordinated the illustrator area of the SCBWI for years. With a joyous heart, Priscilla gives her Illustrator Tip of the Day.

Chris Eboch - Writing Tip of the Day

I have known Chris Eboch through the SCBWI for many years. She is kind, funny and one of those blessed RA's. A prolific writer, she recently wrote a book on plotting. I asked her to give us the Writing Tip of the Day.

Tracy Barrett - Writing Tip of the Day

Prolific author, brainiac and all around great gal, Tracy Barrett has come up with an interesting way to write. I guarantee you haven't heard this one before.

Editor Steve Meltzer - Writing Tip of the Day

I am one lucky author. Six years ago when my first editor left Dutton, I was assigned the fabulous Steve Meltzer. A Teddy Bear of a guy, Steve is not only a wonderful editor but over the years has become my good friend. Any time I see him he is generous enough to give us a Writing Tip of the Day.

Molly Sardella Penguin Publicity Gal - Publicity Tip of the Day

Man oh man, am I one lucky author.  Not only do I have a fabulous publishing house (Dial Books for Young Readers), I was given a remarkable Publicity person. Molly Sardella is talented, hard working and everything I could want in a publicist. I asked her to give all of us a publicity Tip of the Day, and my girl Molly obliged.

Lee Wind - Conference Tip of the Day

I have known Lee Wind for many years. Author, SCBWI Team Blogger and advocate for GLBTQ youths, Lee is an inspiration to all. I tracked him down at the SCBWI Winter Conference and he had a wonderful conference tip.

April Halprin Wayland - Writing Tip of the Day

I have known April Halprin Wayland for many years.  Not only is she a talented, award-winning poet, she is also one of the most generous writers I know.  We were at a library event recently and I asked April to give us a Writing Tip of the Day. Here's what she had to say.

SCBWI Winter Conference - Interview with David Diaz

The SCBWI Winter Conference in New York City is always a blast. It gives me the opportunity to listen to and network with authors, illustrators and friends. This year at the Saturday night cocktail party, I pinned down my good bud, the fabulous Caldecott winner David Diaz, and interviewed him for the blog.

Eureka Award - Grand Canyon Readers Nominee

Another one of the great things that happened to me this year with the release of my first picture book: the awards!  This was a part of publication that I never thought about or even hoped for.

In October, I was informed that Hanging Off Jefferson's Nose: Growing Up On Mount Rushmore was awarded the Silver Medal Honor Eureka Award, given by the California Reading  Association for outstanding nonfiction in Children's literature.  What an honor.

Then I was informed in November that my book is also a nominee for the 2014 Grand Canyon Readers Award for Nonfiction in Children's Books.  School kids in Arizona will now have to read the book and vote for their favorite out of ten nonfiction nominees.  I think I already won by having those kids read my book!

Leslie Helakoski - Picture Book Tip of the Day

One of the great things about SCBWI conferences it the chance I get to video some wonderful authors. Illustrator/Author Leslie Helakoski gave me a great Picture Book Tip of the Day.

Signing for SCBWI PAL - First Book Journey

People often ask me if it was worth the wait of 17 years to be published--ten to be acquired and seven more before final publication. The answer is "YES!" in so many ways.

Children's publishing is a long waiting game. I was tempted to go the self-published route, but I am so glad I took the traditional publishing way.  Not only has Penguin done so much for me by submitting my book for reviews (raves in SLJ, Booklist and Children's Book Council), they have distributed it nationwide. One of the thrilling events for me this year was selling my book at the Summer Conference PAL event, something I could not have done if I had published my book myself. It was so satisfying and fun to be congratulated by all the authors and illustrators who have been with me on this journey for many years.

Here's a picture of me signing in the tent!

SCBWI Summer Conference 2012

I have been attending the SCBWI Summer Conference off and on for 15 years. This year, as usual, turned out to be a blast. The only difference was that for the first time I was attending as a published author!

I decided to take the Nonfiction track and follow the different authors and editors as they gave workshops and tips on nonfiction.  Author Mellisa Stewart, editor Bonnie Bader, author Candace Fleming and editor Laura Goodwin gave informative, uplifting workshops on what the markets want and what their houses were looking for. The good news is that nonfiction is the hottest picture book seller due to the common core standards ready to hit 46 states in 2014. I adored being part of the PAL event and of course the big fun for me is always the costume contest. This year the theme was the Hippie Hop. Yuki Yoshino and Greg Trine have been part of my entourage for 7 years. This year we didn't win, but we had so much fun dancing the night away. The Sunday Golden Kite Luncheon was exceptionally uplifting and I was sad to say good bye to many of my friends until next year.

 

Breakfast with the Authors - Sat October 6th

I am honored to have been asked to participate in the 60th Santa Barbara Author Breakfast this October 6th. 

Twelve local children's authors will attend and sign books.

Registration deadline September 24th

For additional details contact Rose Koller at [email protected] or (805) 964-4711 x 5222.

How I spent my summer...Rushmore!

On my summer trip back to Rushmore, I wanted to pay homage to the subject of my Hanging Off Jefferson's Nose, Lincoln Borglum. On the mountain he is always present; the museum is named after Lincoln.  But I found a more fitting homage. A wood-planked walkway surrounds the mountain and leads down into Gutzon Borglum's old studio. On the way back up to the Visitor Center, there is a small stone patio with a bust of Gutzon. The bust was carved by Lincoln. This is where I decided to place my book for both father and son.  Theirs is an amazing American story and I feel honored to have been the one to tell it.

How I spent my summer...Rushmore!

I made a promise to myself when my manuscript for Hanging Off Jefferson's Nose was acquired in 2005 that I wouldn't go to Rushmore again without the book in my hand.  Here I am this summer on Mount Rushmore, promise kept!
I was in South Dakota doing book signings at and near the memorial.  It was a magical, fun time and a thrill to see the mountain again.  All the years of wanting to tell this story has finally come true.  This picture might look like I photoshopped the presidents in, but I am thrilled to say I didn't--they are the real thing.   I plan to go back for signings at least once every year!

School Library Journal's Review for Hanging Off Jefferson's Nose

Ok, I'm bragging now, but I was tickled that SLJ gave my book a rave! Here it is:

COURY, Tina Nichols. Hanging off Jefferson’s Nose. illus. by Sally Wern Comport. 40p. bibliog. CIP. Dial. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3731-0. LC 2011029968.

Gr 3-6

What would it be like to be the son of the man who was the sculptor of Mount Rushmore? Lincoln Borglum was only 12 when his father took the commission. As he grew up, he learned about every aspect of the project, and eventually, at age 26, became the superintendent under his father. When Ghutzon Borglum died suddenly from complications of surgery, Lincoln was ready to step in and bring the project to a satisfying conclusion. This slightly fictionalized narrative of Borglum’s life is engaging and informative.

SCBWI Southern Breeze Springmingle 2012

What I love most about the SCBWI are the people. I LOVE the Southern Breezers. I'm on their listserve and get to visit with them every summer at the Summer Conference. I wish I could attend Springmingle. If you are anywhere near Atlanta, go!  With agents, editors, writers--even a Newbery Honor Winner--it sounds like a blast....

If you’re serious about the children’s book market, you need to attend Springmingle 2012, Feb. 24-26, 2012 at the Atlanta Marriott Century Center.
 
Springmingle is presented by the Southern Breeze Region of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the world’s largest professional organization for authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults.

Agent Jill Corcoran - Writing Tip of the Day

This is one story I LOVE to tell, about Jill Corcoran, a fellow blogger and buddy of mine for years. It was a hoot to see her at many SCBWI events, always curious, always learning her craft and always a blast to hang out with. A few years back Jill decided to become a Children's Literary agent for the Herman Agency in New York. This girl was born to do this job. Jill has sky rocketed to success with multi-book deals for many authors. We who "knew her when" are bursting with pride. I'm happy that my good friend and buddy Jill Corcoran agreed to give us a Writing Tip of the Day.

Jay Asher - The Future of Us

I have known Jay Asher for many years. He is in my SCBWI region and I watched him go from winning writing contests to publishing his wildly successful first novel Thirteen Reasons Why.  Jay collaborated with Carolynn Mackler for his second book, The Future of Us, and it's getting rave reviews. I asked Jay to talk about the collaboration process.

Panning for Gold with Barbara Jean Hicks

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?)

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.

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.

Vicki Leon - Research Tip of the Day

I met Vicki Leon at a Writer's Retreat in Santa Barbara a few years ago and have seen her give workshops on Writing Nonfiction. Not only is she prolific and funny, she is also very knowledgeable about research.

Sherry Shahan - Purple Daze

I have known prolific author Sherry Shahan for many years. Sherry is funny and generous! She is represented by my good buddy, agent Jill Corcoran. Sherry's new novel, Purple Daze, is getting rave reviews. I was so pleased when she agreed to give us an interview.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I began writing as a hobby when my two daughters were quite young. Back then, it was something to do to keep my brain from turning into strained carrots.

The Mysterious Benedict Society - Trenton Lee Stewart

This is one of those books I had heard of for years and meant to read. When I downloaded it on my Kindle, I thought it was about a group of monks. I was surprised and delighted to find it was a boarding school fantasy about four orphans that was full of action and adventure. Of course their assignment was no less than saving the world. The entire series--I had to read the other two in the trilogy immediately--is masterfully written and full of creative twists, secrets and heartfelt realizations. I LOVED these books and I was sad when the character's adventures ended.

"Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" When the ad appears in a local paper, orphan Reynie Muldoon takes and passes mind-bending tests to gain a place at what he thinks is a school. As it turns out, only four children, all orphans, pass the test--and the school is not about getting an education but pursuing a secret mission.

Chris Eboch - Writing Tip of the Day

I knew of prolific author Chris Eboch before I met her. Another RA champion of the SCBWI, Chris has worked hard for SCBWI. She is also a masterful storyteller. We also share the same agent, the wonderful Mark McVeigh. I was delighted to track down Chris to give us a the Writing Tip of the Day.

Donna Guthrie - Meet Me at the Corner - Virtual Field Trips for Kids

I'm always surfing for new kid-friendly sites and was delighted to find that kidlit author Donna Guthrie has created a really cool one. Meet Me At the Corner - Virtual Field Trips for Kids is one impressive site.  It is loaded with interesting subjects and interviews. I asked Donna if she'd give us an interview for the blog.

How did you come up with the concept of virtual field trips for kids?

I was in the process of getting my MFA in Children's and Young Adult Writing from the Vermont College Program, when it came to me that there might be a new way to write nonfiction for the 21st Century Learner.

Allen Zadoff - Sid Fleischman Humor Award 2010

When I go to the Summer SCBWI Conference I always make it a point to pick up the latest winner of the Sid Fleischman Humor Award.  These award winning books are always filled with belly laughs and a good time.

I was not disappointed this past year with Allen Zadoff's Food, Girls and Other Things I Can't Have.  This is the hilarious story of a fat teenage boy whose dreams come true when he gets on the football team and starts dating a cheerleader.  Then the dream turns into a nightmare as he questions his so-called success.  As soon as I finished the book, I immediately contacted the author, Allen Zadoff, for an interview.  I give you Allen Zadoff.

 When and why did you start writing for children?

I never intended to write for teens.  In the year I was waiting for my first book, a memoir called HUNGRY, to come out, I sat down and wrote a novel.  I'd written many other things before that--screenplays, sitcoms, personal essays--but none of them had the voice that emerged when I started writing fiction. It was the story of a twelve-year-old boy competing with his brother to win his father's love.

Thalia Chaltas - Writing Tip of the Day

I have known the beautiful Thalia Chaltas for many years.She's a great buddy and always game for dressing up at the summer costume party. I saw Thalia work hard, learn her craft and eventually publish her stunning YA novel in poems, BECAUSE I AM FURNITURE. I asked Miss Thalia to give us a Writing Tip of the Day.

Gretchen Woelfle - Writing Tip of the Day

Gretchen Woelfle has been around the SCBWI for years, receiving awards and accolades for many of her fiction and non-ficiton books. At the January retreat, Gretchen gave us a research tip of the day.

From Dutton to Dial: Release Date May 2012!

When Mark McVeigh, then an editor at Dutton, aquired HANGING OFF JEFFERSON'S NOSE: GROWING UP ON MOUNT RUSHMORE at my regional SCBWI Writer's Day in 2005, little did I know the journey I'd begun! The last six years have been amazing.

Between now and then I've become a kidlit blogger, acquired a new editor (the wonderful Steve Meltzer), written an article on Blog Tours and Book Trailers for CWIM 2010, been a faculty member at the SCBWI summer conference and acquired an agent, the inspiring Mark McVeigh. Yes, the same Mark McVeigh who first saw the promise in my manuscript and bought it!

My nonfiction picture book about Lincoln Borglum, the son of Mount Rushmore sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, started at Dutton but is now at Dial after a reorganization of the two houses. Dutton handles YA and middle grade novels and all picture books go to Dial. Here's a sketch of the cover by illustrator Sally Wern Comport. And after six long years I finally have a release date! I can't wait to find out where else this journey will take me by the time May 2012 rolls around.

Ventura/Santa Barbara SCBWI Retreat 2011

For many years, the RA for our local SCBWI chapter, Alexis O'Neill, has put together fabulous weekend retreats at the old Santa Barbara Mission. In the past I have attended retreats that featured cyber promotion, novels, picture books and social media. Being immersed in the intense workshops offered always leaves me feeling refreshed and energized. This year was no exception.

In four core editor groups, we critiqued our manuscripts all day Saturday with Andrew Karre (Lerner Publishing Group), Melanie Kroupa (Marshall Cavedish), Grace Maccarone (Holiday House) and Brenda Murray (Scholastic Nonfiction). For the remainder of the weekend, we rotated out of our core groups to present first pages with the other three editors.

This annual retreat attracted many published writers from across the country and offered the unpublished writers a chance to submit to editors whose doors would normaly be closed. A big thank you to all the editors and hats off to Alexis O'Neill, who always puts on a bang-up event!

Kathleen Duey - Writing Tip of the Day

I have known Kathleen Duey for many years.  She is a great speaker, a wonderful critiquer and a hard core supporter of the SCBWI.  The first book in her Skin Hunger Trilogy was a National Book Award Finalist.  She is immensely talented and generous. At the SCBWI summer conference Kathleen agreed to give us a very helpful Writing Tip of the Day.

Rosa's Bus - Jo S. Kittinger - Steven Walker

Books to review come to me in different ways: sometimes from the author, sometimes from a librarian and sometimes from the publishing house.  That is what happened here when Calkin Creek sent me this book. I was tickled when I opened the envelope and found not only a great picture book, but saw that it was written by one of my SCBWI buddies, Jo S. Kittinger. Just when I thought there was no way to give the story of Rosa Parks a fresh new twist, Jo came up with one.

Rosa's Bus tells the tale of bus number 2857: how it rolled off the assembly line in 1948 and made it down to Montgomery, Alabama around the time the civil rights movement started. The bus had a moveable sign on the seats that indicated where colored people could sit; f they did not obey the bus rules, they could be arrested.