tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49103036182818579982024-03-03T16:27:22.800-08:00A Song of Six PensNotes on the writing life by six children's authorsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-50359931747136230472024-03-01T03:30:00.000-08:002024-03-02T05:08:56.351-08:00 Meet Award-Winning Author Jenn Bishop<p> by Gloria G. Adams</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTuX-TtJqu0xnbD7zeayv_xkueg4co8ch_eENsRkUbjd8C2q_ToF8_s06mTeDRc0RenFkYFNrlC52np6qCLrTyWXYELzlb2PC_TgrrE8whXbMhbWH75vEJEojBgD9kqIyQPG80L91ClHfO9nO6RvB_FJQEHMuW4YWp1DPWgceTbEJyGU-w8bJFz-rhZ5-o" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTuX-TtJqu0xnbD7zeayv_xkueg4co8ch_eENsRkUbjd8C2q_ToF8_s06mTeDRc0RenFkYFNrlC52np6qCLrTyWXYELzlb2PC_TgrrE8whXbMhbWH75vEJEojBgD9kqIyQPG80L91ClHfO9nO6RvB_FJQEHMuW4YWp1DPWgceTbEJyGU-w8bJFz-rhZ5-o=w244-h366" width="244" /></a></div><p></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; hyphens: none; margin: 0em 0px 1.3em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Jenn Bishop is the author of five novels for young readers, including the Parents’ Choice Gold Award winner,<i> </i><span class="a-text-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i>T</i><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">hings You Can’t Say</em></span>. Her books have been named Junior Library Guild selections and Bank Street College of Education best books and have been finalists for state book awards. </span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; hyphens: none; margin: 0em 0px 1.3em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">A former youth services and teen librarian, Jenn is a graduate of the University of Chicago and Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults has served her well in her writing career.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; hyphens: none; margin: 0em 0px 1.3em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">She grew up loving to draw and write stories, as well as playing softball. Her love of sports shines through in her books and you'll find her rooting for her favorite teams in Cincinnati, where she lives with her husband and their cat, Lilly.</span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b> Jenn,<br /></b></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><b>Tell
us about your journey into children’s publishing.</b></span></span></h4><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOt_0eGcLSesELWt2GHbsS8xtGxG9NCU03zvikCiuSC9emhnf2mG2nZocmUsk-G_WqJ3Vpyja3Pn1T-yRf3Dq6F_q0uJ0A9crpdLuME3oVLxvo97MmHaSBHXh2wLlS0bGUNVq5deQDySqo_0357r5c6wlE-aVGzMVNW1vsBIR6tdsDzW-6b9jyyUjASalP/s600/The-Distance-to-Home-cover-with-blurb-copy-1-389x600.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="389" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOt_0eGcLSesELWt2GHbsS8xtGxG9NCU03zvikCiuSC9emhnf2mG2nZocmUsk-G_WqJ3Vpyja3Pn1T-yRf3Dq6F_q0uJ0A9crpdLuME3oVLxvo97MmHaSBHXh2wLlS0bGUNVq5deQDySqo_0357r5c6wlE-aVGzMVNW1vsBIR6tdsDzW-6b9jyyUjASalP/s320/The-Distance-to-Home-cover-with-blurb-copy-1-389x600.png" width="207" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I<span><span> came
into children’s publishing after first becoming a children’s librarian after
college. Admittedly, I figured out I wanted to write for children partway
through college, but I knew it could take a long time to get published (if I
broke in at all) and becoming a librarian first felt natural. My librarian
experience taught me so much about the publishing world and reader habits, in
addition to, of course, introducing me to so many wonderful books and authors.
I went to Vermont College of Fine Arts to get my MFA in Writing for Young
Adults, where I worked closely with 4 incredible author mentors: Elizabeth
Partridge, Rita Williams-Garcia, Sarah Ellis, and A.S. King. It was the best
boot camp for craft you can imagine, and it’s where I wrote the first drafts of
what became my debut novel, </span><i>The Distance to Home</i><span>.</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></p><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">W</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">hich
children’s book authors do you admire?</span></span></span></b></h4><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Looking
back on the books I loved as a child, Lois Lowry, Judy Blume, and Phyllis
Reynolds Naylo</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">r were major inspirations. I still can’t get over how many books
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor has published—over 120! These days, some of my
favorites include Erin Entrada Kelly, Rebecca Stead, Kevin Henkes, Rita
Williams-Garcia, Barbara Dee, and Mariama Lockington.</span></span></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">W</span></b></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">hat
goals do you have as a writer? Where do you see your career 10 years from now?</span></b></span></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCrz2Bhz4Q9RRWY2ePupVPf4GEh78xS1tqby7TaxyuBPCA04Nh2LL5camvFYXu1aTwJnsDju1kfYgb9XHguXpCAGRCdUPbSFQVoukilMgysaktATE1K0p5ks8OI7dxniLGB7gAJU58lWyVd1GNcikOpSZr6nPvG56MgrXRUsQW6lJlb5gXL0zTetX5bTsb" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="395" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCrz2Bhz4Q9RRWY2ePupVPf4GEh78xS1tqby7TaxyuBPCA04Nh2LL5camvFYXu1aTwJnsDju1kfYgb9XHguXpCAGRCdUPbSFQVoukilMgysaktATE1K0p5ks8OI7dxniLGB7gAJU58lWyVd1GNcikOpSZr6nPvG56MgrXRUsQW6lJlb5gXL0zTetX5bTsb=w175-h265" width="175" /></span></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="font-size: medium;">M</span><span style="font-size: large;">y goals
are always shifting, I think. Something about having a fifth book come out last
year (and turning forty) has made me more future-oriented lately. I’d love to
diversify the ages that I write for. I’ve been drafting some early chapter
books and having a lot of fun with them. And though I never thought I’d say
this, I think I actually </span><i style="font-size: large;">do</i><span style="font-size: large;"> now want to someday writer for grownups!</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">What
do you like to do when you aren’t writing?</span></b></span></h4><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: large;">I love
being in nature, whether that means going on a long hike at my local nature
preserve, attending a baseball game (go, Reds!), or simply sitting in my
backyard reading once it’s warm enough. (Sadly, in February, there is not a lot
of the latter.) What can I say? I am an outdoor plant. Thankfully my other
favorite activity, watching college basketball, has eased the winter doldrums.
Now if only my team could win more than one game in a row . . .</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">What
inspires you? What about writing makes you happy?</span></b></span></h4><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sYm2Wh12vSxgB-L-JyohUsz2LmOM3w2w82shWYjjXJlzTBR5hilWO3byj-BOd7IAbfZ_u9_Z2sALrJlFMUN439JF2a-EYH3xZdv8_KCD_9CT0kJkUyXii3t0f_RsbEYnCnCPmztRUeJ0p01Onm96SS80ioTyCO_ytMUoXBET0z3wXfxPyzjwy3ku2z0F/s600/Things-You-Cant-Say-Cover-with-blurb-copy-1-397x600.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="397" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sYm2Wh12vSxgB-L-JyohUsz2LmOM3w2w82shWYjjXJlzTBR5hilWO3byj-BOd7IAbfZ_u9_Z2sALrJlFMUN439JF2a-EYH3xZdv8_KCD_9CT0kJkUyXii3t0f_RsbEYnCnCPmztRUeJ0p01Onm96SS80ioTyCO_ytMUoXBET0z3wXfxPyzjwy3ku2z0F/w194-h293/Things-You-Cant-Say-Cover-with-blurb-copy-1-397x600.jpg" width="194" /></a></div></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I</span><span style="font-family: arial;">’ve
discovered that I can find inspiration anywhere—truly! When I was stumped on
what my third book could be about, I sat out on my front porch with an open
mind and a motorcycle drove up the street. It turned out, that was all I
needed: the first seed of </span><i style="font-family: arial;">Things You Can’t Say</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> was planted. My favorite
part of writing is when I begin to lose myself in the story—when I lose track
of time during my drafting sessions and I start hearing conversations between
my characters while I’m on a run or washing the dishes.</span></span></p></div>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p></div></div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: left;">
</p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: large; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></h4><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: large; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></h4><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Best
experience/story from school visits?</span></b></h4><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">During a
school visit once, a student asked, “When did you first learn that words have
power?” Honestly, that’s such a smart question, I’m still figuring out my
answer.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><b>You
write about some tough subjects. What are some things that </b></span><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">you hope kids will take </b><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">away from your books?</b></span></h4><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_H09NuPcQ5Q0tGs-qIpckE1FZNxTwhYAsk9-qQk-H3cNa-Gu5jn5Ox9Km7cDxP0Bn0qtBFe9YiC94o7VWsQkz9Z1j7LBb-XUwIVOHNopx4vfTw9r05RWOCq4bbTnFMxABFTaifnswsC4TXZ5z-SrGyYP690Dbw_GnnhBDHWEbGcpf0HUC1IuNqpc6nkLV" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="397" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_H09NuPcQ5Q0tGs-qIpckE1FZNxTwhYAsk9-qQk-H3cNa-Gu5jn5Ox9Km7cDxP0Bn0qtBFe9YiC94o7VWsQkz9Z1j7LBb-XUwIVOHNopx4vfTw9r05RWOCq4bbTnFMxABFTaifnswsC4TXZ5z-SrGyYP690Dbw_GnnhBDHWEbGcpf0HUC1IuNqpc6nkLV=w185-h279" width="185" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope my
books help kids in tough situations feel seen and heard. For the kids who
haven’t yet had any first-hand experience with my tough subjects, I hope my
books help them understand those situations better from the inside. Stories
have an incredible power to promote empathy.<br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Can
you share with us when your next book is coming out?</span></b></span></h4><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately,
I cannot! At the moment, I don’t have anything under contract, though I have
several projects in the works so hopefully that status changes later this year.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">O</span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">kay,
I have to ask, why is the buffalo your favorite animal?</span></span></b></h4><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It all
goes back to a wonderful summer after my freshman year of college that I spent
in the northeastern corner of Wyoming with my roommate’s family. I’d never seen
a bison outside of a zoo before (if I’d even seen one at a zoo—I honestly can’t
remember), but we were on the long drive from Denver to her house and lo and
behold, there was a bison grazing by the side of the road. Nothing against all
the cows I’ve ever seen by the side of the road and managed to have a normal
human reaction to, but I was spellbound by the bison. Spellbound! There was
something so majestic and magnificent about this creature. To make up for never
having a favorite animal as a kid, I fully embraced bison (or “buffies” as I
called them) as my favorite animal in adulthood and I’ve never looked back.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">What advice would you give to
aspiring writers?</span></b></span></h4><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrq2EYGHGfB9zTBiHE1uDXuWKDyt0MvyfWZ_dQ1RYEkvlp6vnZUiVMb_j9F-_yPB0g3uIbI8PA0xF2fApkFMeEw_eO_nHINkm7lj3wPj9O_chmkvGNTq6AkVn_DcO5v7Vd7NtLOOn0aEqmdG3f25UZJYcB5GPV7EeF-yhpt4Dq3L6NefO8KetX5T3Jt27y" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="415" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrq2EYGHGfB9zTBiHE1uDXuWKDyt0MvyfWZ_dQ1RYEkvlp6vnZUiVMb_j9F-_yPB0g3uIbI8PA0xF2fApkFMeEw_eO_nHINkm7lj3wPj9O_chmkvGNTq6AkVn_DcO5v7Vd7NtLOOn0aEqmdG3f25UZJYcB5GPV7EeF-yhpt4Dq3L6NefO8KetX5T3Jt27y" width="166" /></a></b></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /> </b></span><span style="font-size: large;">The
library is your best friend as a writer. Embrace it! Use that library card! Check
out all of the books! (If you are wondering, I really take my own advice to
heart. I currently have 75 books checked out from my local library, and that’s
pretty average for me.) Books are wonderful teachers. In every revision, I find
that the problems I am trying to solve are usually unlocked by reading someone </span><i style="font-size: large;">else’s</i><span style="font-size: large;">
published book.</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b><u>Short and
Sweet:</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Pantser or
Plotter?</b> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Plotser these days</span> </span></span></h4><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Guilty
Food Pleasure?</b> <span><span style="font-weight: normal;">I don’t feel guilty about food but . . . chocolate!</span><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Favorite
Hobby</b>? <span style="font-weight: normal;">Watching college basketball</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Dog or Cat
person?</b> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Cat person</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Who would
you like to have dinner with (living or dead)?</b> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Miep Gies, my personal hero
since my childhood</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Do you do
your best work in the morning, afternoon, or evening?</b> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Late morning</span></span></span></h4><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Learn more about Jenn and her books on her website,</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.jennbishop.com">www.jennbishop.com</a></u></span></span></b></span></p>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-51366284851406479132024-02-02T03:12:00.000-08:002024-02-02T03:12:15.210-08:00 A New Year: Time to Review Your Vision Board<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">By</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Gloria
Reichert<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgio3MfD2fPEx6Yi1pkjsgPGtnyFTi_MM8W4bEcUNE0Kam4Jm7w1FQ_oddbChQUef0l2XQLeG9F-6VUuarsrhD312WG0KWrHC7OFvkwm7cp1h-lK9dkZXYGNCwyfeGP5-VjL5M9WEIGn_XhusNIY2sfLwZnWthDCQDLXFVunl8H0D0DmGFCNIj53gi82CCY/s388/Vision%20Board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="388" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgio3MfD2fPEx6Yi1pkjsgPGtnyFTi_MM8W4bEcUNE0Kam4Jm7w1FQ_oddbChQUef0l2XQLeG9F-6VUuarsrhD312WG0KWrHC7OFvkwm7cp1h-lK9dkZXYGNCwyfeGP5-VjL5M9WEIGn_XhusNIY2sfLwZnWthDCQDLXFVunl8H0D0DmGFCNIj53gi82CCY/s320/Vision%20Board.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A new year calls us to assess what is going well in
our lives and what might need to be revised or changed. This emphasis on
reassessing provides an opportunity to reexamine our goals and the dreams we
have for our futures. If you have created a vision board to help you achieve
your goals, now is the time to take a look at it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What successes did you have? Did you get that book
deal? Make plans for a writing retreat? Become more organized? Take a course? Clean
the basement? Earn more money?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What goals still remain? What new goals do you have?
These can be part of a new vision board for this year. Details for making a
vision board and the philosophy behind them can be found in this blog’s
archives in the article <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nothing Happens
Lest First You Dream: Vision Boards </i>posted<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>in March<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>of<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> 2022. </i>Here are the highlights about
making vision boards.</span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -18pt;">First, set a timer for 10-15 minutes. In
this time, list all of the goals you wish to achieve in the coming year.
Include all areas of your life – not just writing.</span><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Next, read through you goals. Analyze them
and think about how you might categorize them. Categories might be things like
Long Term Goals, Short Term Goals, Financial Goals, Self- Care Goals, or
Writing Goals. Then, set a timer for 20 minutes and categorize the goals.
Decide what it is that you most want to achieve.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPnlIYrbsWaoEUXj2F9TifiYpwQYIzxEaF11jOpbiK5ihUmkAM__WhUl8aqPd_xeAshtmltT8k0zirBlD7o_AR1gpWlB_wySo704A3EY2LQ8voyS9HFfB0YGWkIvlkOAlN8gkzCJ9YgLIXBKgkutmDdhl8cSnWdq-6iQ-al0uDpzHXN4tqH2K67V1lOmX/s3242/Vision%20board%20Gloria%20digital.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3242" data-original-width="2806" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPnlIYrbsWaoEUXj2F9TifiYpwQYIzxEaF11jOpbiK5ihUmkAM__WhUl8aqPd_xeAshtmltT8k0zirBlD7o_AR1gpWlB_wySo704A3EY2LQ8voyS9HFfB0YGWkIvlkOAlN8gkzCJ9YgLIXBKgkutmDdhl8cSnWdq-6iQ-al0uDpzHXN4tqH2K67V1lOmX/w189-h204/Vision%20board%20Gloria%20digital.png" width="189" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now comes the fun part of actually
creating your new vision board. Create a collage of pictures, text, artifacts,
stickers, and drawings. Examples of vision boards are available on Pinterest
and Etsy if you need some guidance. On-line templates are available for those
who wish to complete a vision board digitally.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Decide on a key word to guide you through
the coming year. Examples are focus, bravery, dedication, success. Choose a
word that is important to you and make sure to include it prominently on your
vision board. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Place your completed vision board in an area where you
will see it every day. Some folks put them on their phones or laptops or in
their journals. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtwQOL4lahTwlGjMnUcUWQjU2Zt6yCghMn1_nBJiyIknJ4mZLN62WFh6yqk5TtrieES5gTz4q3UjCAaqu5EYNiMUqhjwGDkvT7u53cCIWxwBAbJvJeWTPGix7eyAbi3uqyNUxO7Zlc_-ld4TUDnAxLCxpiS8HhL8zlXqyrNVnQyMzaGbZrKbYlAZvtBnt/s1280/vision-board-520757_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtwQOL4lahTwlGjMnUcUWQjU2Zt6yCghMn1_nBJiyIknJ4mZLN62WFh6yqk5TtrieES5gTz4q3UjCAaqu5EYNiMUqhjwGDkvT7u53cCIWxwBAbJvJeWTPGix7eyAbi3uqyNUxO7Zlc_-ld4TUDnAxLCxpiS8HhL8zlXqyrNVnQyMzaGbZrKbYlAZvtBnt/s320/vision-board-520757_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />As the year rolls on, look at your vision board often.
By viewing these goals frequently, your subconscious mind will work on them.
Believe that you can achieve your goals and be willing to put in the necessary
effort, so that at this year’s end, you will be able to look at your vision
board and marvel at what you have achieved! <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Good luck with all of your endeavors!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-35605941593243906382024-01-03T07:05:00.000-08:002024-01-03T10:59:07.185-08:00 Launch 2024 with an Explosion of Ideas!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">by author/illustrator Wendy Fedan, our guest blogger</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtXHOvcB3rqXbFZNQrWCuCMFVBC8eTXLPo3l3kIymp1rBOLzPu_UAE4i3gEPaR0OjN9bvsFmuH7EDvL4hHw04904u7saZbWPlnY2E1JfJQcXJ2QfJ5gqvnbUls7D5vr7NX1JBIaAZWSbbHfu6YPk3luoxtzBK84buUIt1MbY6qmD4q-qGlS_DRzOYq4dM/s1080/WEndy%20Fedan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtXHOvcB3rqXbFZNQrWCuCMFVBC8eTXLPo3l3kIymp1rBOLzPu_UAE4i3gEPaR0OjN9bvsFmuH7EDvL4hHw04904u7saZbWPlnY2E1JfJQcXJ2QfJ5gqvnbUls7D5vr7NX1JBIaAZWSbbHfu6YPk3luoxtzBK84buUIt1MbY6qmD4q-qGlS_DRzOYq4dM/s320/WEndy%20Fedan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> It seems appropriate
for the New Year to share some resources with you that have helped me over the
past several years to come up with more book ideas and marinate myself to
create goals toward my book business. I join many different online communities,
programs and workshops to help motivate me as a writer. Writing is such a
solitary practice and I often need that extra PUSH from the outside world to
motivate me to get my rear end in gear and get another book done! I have found
each and every one valuable to help me through the year. I encourage you to
check these resources out for yourself and see if any of them seem worthwhile
to try out.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">JANUARY:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><a href="https://taralazar.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">STORYSTORM</span></a> (formerly called Picture Book
Idea Month)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> This is a blog that
runs ONLY through the month of January, so hop on this quickly if you want to
try out this free 31-day challenge.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> Run by author, <a href="https://taralazar.com/about/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Tara Lazar</span></a>, this challenge has encouraged
me to keep a journal of ideas through the month of January. The object of the
challenge is to come up with a story idea every day. I’ve gone through the
challenge for many years now, and no - I have not always won the challenge, but
I don’t let that get me down. Regardless of whether I successfully finished the
challenge, I still ended the month of January with more story ideas than I had
when I started. It’s interesting what happens when you force yourself to come
up with ideas. Most ideas won’t go anywhere, but you are guaranteed at least a
handful of ideas with promise.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> This challenge is one
of my personal favorites. Some pitiful ideas I simply jotted down in order to
check that day off, but I would go back to those bad ideas later and find a
smidgen of worthiness that would stem off into another book idea. You just never
know what a bad idea can possibly morph into.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">JANUARY through
DECEMBER</span></b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.12x12challenge.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">12X12 CHALLENGE</span></a> (12
picture books in 12 months)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> This is a paid
membership challenge so it could be less appealing for you, but if you are gung
ho about really making progress this year (or some year), it’s a good challenge
to try. It’s very intensive, but if you are truly dedicated I highly recommend doing
it. You receive critiques on your work from your peers and you also receive
some perks to have your work looked at by actual publishers. I have tried it
myself and never actually finished the challenge, but it was worthwhile to
learn what this community is all about and I received some valuable feedback on
a book I eventually self published.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">APRIL, JULY &
NOVEMBER</span></b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><a href="https://nanowrimo.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">NANOWRIMO</span></a> & <a href="https://nanowrimo.org/what-is-camp-nanowrimo"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">CAMP NANOWRIMO</span></a> (National
Novel Writing Month)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> NaNoWriMo is a
month-long free writing challenge which is simply to reach a word count goal
within the span of a month. Although this challenge is meant for novel writers,
you can set any goal you really want for yourself. The standard NaNoWriMo goal
is to write 50K words in a month. Personally I have never gotten better than
40K words, but the way I see it, if it wasn’t for the challenge, that is 40K
more words than I would have written if I had NOT tried the challenge. There is an
online community forum to find peers to help encourage you along the way, and
my personal favorite part of it is the opportunity you’ll find in the forum to
swap postcards with as many fellow writers as you want to send encouraging
words to by snail mail - and even care packages. There are some
months that the postcard swaps are all I really do - and it’s inspirational
enough just sending encouraging notes to my fellow writers.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Remember, you can join
in on these challenges, but try not to judge yourself too harshly if you poop
out halfway through them. Have fun with the challenges and simply let your
imagination run free. Even the worst idea can be modeled into something, whether
it’s a new character, a different story angle, a location you’ve never thought
of before - simply because you pushed yourself to think of another idea in
order to meet that challenge.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">I wish you a
productive new year filled with exciting new story ideas!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTm3QIy5y1ZQo_KYISrt2EngfvVnjSvbmYlK-fc2zQerqSpwpAaWl5edH1Hp38nV0DpFPsRMp__tcvWCS7CzHLK9TjlClPXHUB3ck4nuDw0HyjF6CyGrWPTFRIpCUGjaIKlibVgYgTwKFLbxXg3cguSBB_itoWnVV5YN3XsyIGi2_U4k8SDMLylLWMixJP/s466/Somewhere%20In%20Between.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="311" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTm3QIy5y1ZQo_KYISrt2EngfvVnjSvbmYlK-fc2zQerqSpwpAaWl5edH1Hp38nV0DpFPsRMp__tcvWCS7CzHLK9TjlClPXHUB3ck4nuDw0HyjF6CyGrWPTFRIpCUGjaIKlibVgYgTwKFLbxXg3cguSBB_itoWnVV5YN3XsyIGi2_U4k8SDMLylLWMixJP/s320/Somewhere%20In%20Between.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Wendy Carrick Fedan is
a freelance illustrator working in Amherst, Ohio. She has self published ten
books of her own and has designed and illustrated eight books for other self
published authors. Her books have won several awards in recent years Including
The BookFest Awards, Mom’s Choice Awards, Reader’s Favorite, and Northern
Lights Book Award. She has her own publishing label called Create-a-Way Design
& Publishing and acts as a Book Shepherd to many other writers looking to
self publish. You can find Wendy on her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wendy.fedan/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook</span></a> page, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/wfedan/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;">LinkedIn</span></a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wendyfedan/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;">Instagram</span></a>, and her <a href="https://www.cawpublishing.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;">website</span></a>.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 72.0pt 108.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><o:p></o:p></p>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-55547069602070937392024-01-01T06:32:00.000-08:002024-01-01T06:32:47.038-08:00 Happy New Year! <p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">May all your writing dreams come true!</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">from The Six Pens</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNBe65OUpaV4jAUaHqnjdO3VAjyqHho47vEaAVkvp4EWJB81NZAeRQMibcKbBRe8V7wxzU9Vgwcn77k360FKGGt4P5ZYZmidCP-PmQeXOYUCZ8GOZFY79PIWePDRAjXDA7uVPKtd2hyD50aTS-9ylkCiL8mpXP2RyPBi7363x4JEyRUz-QYkA2-mMOdOg/s864/2024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="576" height="535" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNBe65OUpaV4jAUaHqnjdO3VAjyqHho47vEaAVkvp4EWJB81NZAeRQMibcKbBRe8V7wxzU9Vgwcn77k360FKGGt4P5ZYZmidCP-PmQeXOYUCZ8GOZFY79PIWePDRAjXDA7uVPKtd2hyD50aTS-9ylkCiL8mpXP2RyPBi7363x4JEyRUz-QYkA2-mMOdOg/w356-h535/2024.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-51757826077279956612023-12-03T07:54:00.000-08:002023-12-08T04:54:00.308-08:00 'Tis the Season! Check out these holiday children's books!<p> </p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkLXBPltjCIq2fdB5GWskDtLaJWVRcNrMkKR_-n-PHzFS0Pu0wvHK8GzPJmHL9cfBNsjE83wOJquUVoZ1JjgVBocZwjxxkXEVPsiuY-NygxfiAuRET1fLbSLb7gCCXoBWpgH0zTRNn0C8pLoMkW9eKd89ke4bO2BofGAKTvqQXl_isWeaSTrjFHgtD3UV/s243/Dasher.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="243" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkLXBPltjCIq2fdB5GWskDtLaJWVRcNrMkKR_-n-PHzFS0Pu0wvHK8GzPJmHL9cfBNsjE83wOJquUVoZ1JjgVBocZwjxxkXEVPsiuY-NygxfiAuRET1fLbSLb7gCCXoBWpgH0zTRNn0C8pLoMkW9eKd89ke4bO2BofGAKTvqQXl_isWeaSTrjFHgtD3UV/s1600/Dasher.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><br />Dasher Can't Wait for Christmas</span></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>by Matt Taveres</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>A heartwarming Christmas story about helping others.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Ages 4-8.</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1qbTmUmOyFPKPxwp0IK7n3XRIIlbdDj4QzC5iOvKdCxFu28YMDZyMX2qzUhvbzOlWbgnEsrcFfxhf7d6M-85GQcnD7oJV6sqK0_-FGTb4vaIKSbj2gaLZZzP7a8NjiN2YEIz8qlv8xXEqo34UqV0tm-A3SiVf0BJc3OA1PXYKe97a2HELGKJGAMjUMLB/s499/Finding%20a%20dove%20for%20Gramps.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="499" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1qbTmUmOyFPKPxwp0IK7n3XRIIlbdDj4QzC5iOvKdCxFu28YMDZyMX2qzUhvbzOlWbgnEsrcFfxhf7d6M-85GQcnD7oJV6sqK0_-FGTb4vaIKSbj2gaLZZzP7a8NjiN2YEIz8qlv8xXEqo34UqV0tm-A3SiVf0BJc3OA1PXYKe97a2HELGKJGAMjUMLB/w272-h217/Finding%20a%20dove%20for%20Gramps.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> Finding a Dove for Gramps </span></b></div></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><b>A story featuring the Audubon Christmas</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Bird Count by author and literary agent,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Lisa Amstutz. Ages 4-8.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfP6rSYlqWbaGx4n15vW9btehbZdrwkf3zyc4wiCJrDqQUDoCxrcWibCOMeK70LTkKoyT73qbGyNoxZQfC2QEHYpqul9hxmpgRNE2Jq5zKZdwsbTz4FPxXtuabIpYY16FolievwFMn6XGq-ENYsDQB_O8o1kyGMrYbVpjRqhQ8rEiMvpQ6mg3u5lEwVVOW/s218/I%20Heard%20Chistmas%20Whisper.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="212" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfP6rSYlqWbaGx4n15vW9btehbZdrwkf3zyc4wiCJrDqQUDoCxrcWibCOMeK70LTkKoyT73qbGyNoxZQfC2QEHYpqul9hxmpgRNE2Jq5zKZdwsbTz4FPxXtuabIpYY16FolievwFMn6XGq-ENYsDQB_O8o1kyGMrYbVpjRqhQ8rEiMvpQ6mg3u5lEwVVOW/w236-h243/I%20Heard%20Chistmas%20Whisper.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>I Heard Christmas Whisper</span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>by Janice Garden MacDonald</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>A scruffy dog and a Christmas tree</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>make friends, but what will happen</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>when Christmas is over?</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Ages 2-6.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZU7fY7LfWxFZ-Hje5C9YwOqF_B2A99zPF3sWQj7AItbu3Yj5oxwbXS03CaKO9vg_LZvxGmCJ0zY0VuzWEXQy7tbGHWqSd8qGuk7yAXmORie7_3GNlAnFz06Kd8VmCzpbEXKjnj6f4EYccjP6xktgxpRhZje-FQ-hZUG_5-7HpKeUuAe9S4_gzH77AiaWY/s220/8%20Nights%20of%20chanukah.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="161" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZU7fY7LfWxFZ-Hje5C9YwOqF_B2A99zPF3sWQj7AItbu3Yj5oxwbXS03CaKO9vg_LZvxGmCJ0zY0VuzWEXQy7tbGHWqSd8qGuk7yAXmORie7_3GNlAnFz06Kd8VmCzpbEXKjnj6f4EYccjP6xktgxpRhZje-FQ-hZUG_5-7HpKeUuAe9S4_gzH77AiaWY/w215-h293/8%20Nights%20of%20chanukah.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Very Hungry Caterpillar's</span></b></div></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">8 Nights of Chanukah</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>by Eric Carle</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Follow the Very Hungry Caterpillar</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>through 8 nights of Chanukah in this</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>board book for ages 1-3.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLr2OlJDrTlP00h6R4RnSF9jmtGsRuWPvounHivdaAikLx5131nss6uLPG7FW1dgWEK1tDBhFLUPWK8KuSxlM3ZcKMOp2d5b49HXpLRzCMG8fkHXZeKtRyc7TxYTBAHTMXydv0tWJMdy_TTaCrMX7OVH90j8CRzbYmG8mQ6ptllUiCc0UEfQ8d7F19Flo/s218/Challah.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="198" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLr2OlJDrTlP00h6R4RnSF9jmtGsRuWPvounHivdaAikLx5131nss6uLPG7FW1dgWEK1tDBhFLUPWK8KuSxlM3ZcKMOp2d5b49HXpLRzCMG8fkHXZeKtRyc7TxYTBAHTMXydv0tWJMdy_TTaCrMX7OVH90j8CRzbYmG8mQ6ptllUiCc0UEfQ8d7F19Flo/s1600/Challah.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>The KIDS Book of Challah</span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>by Rochie Pinson</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Bring the whole family together for some<br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>warm holiday baking.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Ages 8-14.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYerQp7o2Iy3clKJBPrLRyAG1-d52mxHy4QJuvwyiNr0Ct0nErakDoJ5RnUZQplIeVWjDH-FwHWTYz2gmve0WifAIzHAu5QIrc_n_dj8rw2Pi1EudLD7rAOg4d9f8idfqyFtCmyM4adXWoO4bYl9AIv9mcCF8kJt_wgGNJDT1yYa78XX412Fe0iG2kaph/s218/Awesome%20Days.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="170" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYerQp7o2Iy3clKJBPrLRyAG1-d52mxHy4QJuvwyiNr0Ct0nErakDoJ5RnUZQplIeVWjDH-FwHWTYz2gmve0WifAIzHAu5QIrc_n_dj8rw2Pi1EudLD7rAOg4d9f8idfqyFtCmyM4adXWoO4bYl9AIv9mcCF8kJt_wgGNJDT1yYa78XX412Fe0iG2kaph/w194-h249/Awesome%20Days.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> Awe-some Days: Poems About the Jewish Holidays</span></b></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>by Marilyn Singer</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> An introduction to all the Jewish holidays and</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>traditions through poetry.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ages 5-8. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfx63xnVZ28dhMLUZBPVP6W0BoiAO5ejdmISb_BHjfLzPQkJS3uwdq2FdI844CynTvysvZr3SgWuQF3BuB8MYwaf1rF4GJ_mhUUzWzf3xF-AI_a7xKrnqPBIk4ZPtBzvZOrEnDrMLLLSUjX7thjS9dM3ofGKs5zKQ2jizN0v057QYQf_HyYyw0qMW82BSD/s218/Celebrate%20Kwanzaa.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="185" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfx63xnVZ28dhMLUZBPVP6W0BoiAO5ejdmISb_BHjfLzPQkJS3uwdq2FdI844CynTvysvZr3SgWuQF3BuB8MYwaf1rF4GJ_mhUUzWzf3xF-AI_a7xKrnqPBIk4ZPtBzvZOrEnDrMLLLSUjX7thjS9dM3ofGKs5zKQ2jizN0v057QYQf_HyYyw0qMW82BSD/s1600/Celebrate%20Kwanzaa.jpg" width="185" /></a></div><br />Celebrate Kwanzaa</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>by Caroline Otto</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Celebrate family, friends, and community</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>with this book from National Geographic.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Ages 6-8.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgdxiZIb7WPf2bBfmEQcnPabgYoCz_SHu4A6uP5wI8HdnM0D_ZJ8xAbcRqzAjmt2WYEiULq8MrIm0WrecmNBZdh7A90j8YuvdMjPuCRRhD5MEqsqIVtTmR_Z1x4zE5dP46Mfy98nqMJJeJG-5JgK_ZT-9tgFAUKFMlP1mOmhyphenhyphenJGj3muHsv0zClJ0_t_A_/s343/Night%20before%20kwanzaa.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="342" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgdxiZIb7WPf2bBfmEQcnPabgYoCz_SHu4A6uP5wI8HdnM0D_ZJ8xAbcRqzAjmt2WYEiULq8MrIm0WrecmNBZdh7A90j8YuvdMjPuCRRhD5MEqsqIVtTmR_Z1x4zE5dP46Mfy98nqMJJeJG-5JgK_ZT-9tgFAUKFMlP1mOmhyphenhyphenJGj3muHsv0zClJ0_t_A_/w253-h254/Night%20before%20kwanzaa.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Night Before Kwanzaa</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>by Natasha Wing & Kirsti Jewel</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A Kwanzaa story written in the style of</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>'Twas the Night Before Christmas.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ages 4-6.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipitVUq_3QIrB06CvMq1TY5wdx4vqy0lBoEuwCfyRBNTOtN9_TXE4CrLBPWTlRiHZayEJfIhDild5JmADr6KaImu6f_pdpvQxWVVFyYc-iVtR-tgXznKpIyDMsBS3TatRE7RGBpX-HOItEqT3h2DSv4Xqib9pmHQV8dJFpxMA2GWT1at1IzsSpZob8pcFd/s466/the%20people%20remember.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="425" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipitVUq_3QIrB06CvMq1TY5wdx4vqy0lBoEuwCfyRBNTOtN9_TXE4CrLBPWTlRiHZayEJfIhDild5JmADr6KaImu6f_pdpvQxWVVFyYc-iVtR-tgXznKpIyDMsBS3TatRE7RGBpX-HOItEqT3h2DSv4Xqib9pmHQV8dJFpxMA2GWT1at1IzsSpZob8pcFd/w243-h266/the%20people%20remember.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><br />The People Remember: </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">A Kwanzaa Holiday Book for Kids</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>by Ibi Zoboi</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>This lyrical picture book teaches history</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>through the seven principles of Kwanzaa.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Ages 4-8.</b></div>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-12934454789536775282023-11-03T08:17:00.000-07:002023-11-03T08:17:20.785-07:00 The Writing Life: Putting Yourself Out There<p> by Jean Daigneau</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 36.0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPfexyo29eRUES4Wi8H4-Kzje4agsPtAy4Yl3zvRIWh-ilOXJLJOEi4HnNOhHTOR695N__QPRn5f2bHqyTyS1laZzBZ7E6V92Y4HqvYa4GmI6788J9BNuhajjnrs7mPzGbwQmyxGnSYb58C8zi8kkQdBoKETl02uvRQp02rEPZ80Ey8PZPhHrYX56LN6v/s149/Jean%20headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="149" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPfexyo29eRUES4Wi8H4-Kzje4agsPtAy4Yl3zvRIWh-ilOXJLJOEi4HnNOhHTOR695N__QPRn5f2bHqyTyS1laZzBZ7E6V92Y4HqvYa4GmI6788J9BNuhajjnrs7mPzGbwQmyxGnSYb58C8zi8kkQdBoKETl02uvRQp02rEPZ80Ey8PZPhHrYX56LN6v/s1600/Jean%20headshot.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">When I sold my
first two picture books over 20 years ago, I couldn’t know</p><p style="text-align: left;"> that not only would
those books <i>never</i> be published, it would take almost 20</p><p style="text-align: left;"> <i>more </i>years
to see my first book in print.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Happily, just over 2 years later, my second
nonfiction book was published by</p><p style="text-align: left;"><i> </i>Chicago Review Press as well. </p><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">Early on my
writing journey, I attended a writers’ event where picture book author Eric
Kimmel put a scenario to the attendees. Kimmel had us imagine having a crystal
ball and seeing a future where we would <i>never</i> get published. Only if we
continued to write anyway, he said, would we have what it takes to pursue publication.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJlVVLzK0NMoS5hjsxIpr8udItZMoDAUij12hyap0SHQntKkEiF355S9PuG69zGv8fBOGXIxZ36LYjHSCwcI_kyAqSESCcLkI3_2LjMpCPGspKtZ8dTYrJb16Gb9j4gm4Qghz-prbgc7rQHQxU_SYiPZSkt89Y0l0_c8kVry57xpyI2tEnKa2d5hVohP9/s436/Code%20Cracking_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="436" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJlVVLzK0NMoS5hjsxIpr8udItZMoDAUij12hyap0SHQntKkEiF355S9PuG69zGv8fBOGXIxZ36LYjHSCwcI_kyAqSESCcLkI3_2LjMpCPGspKtZ8dTYrJb16Gb9j4gm4Qghz-prbgc7rQHQxU_SYiPZSkt89Y0l0_c8kVry57xpyI2tEnKa2d5hVohP9/w292-h226/Code%20Cracking_Cover.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If
anyone had told me then what a roller-coaster</p><p style="text-align: left;"> ride pursuing publication would
be, I might not have</p><p style="text-align: left;"> believed it. Actually, I’m not sure I would have stuck it</p><p style="text-align: left;"> out. Over those years, through rejection after rejection,</p><p style="text-align: left;"> my late husband
always asked, “But are you having</p><p style="text-align: left;"> fun?” whenever I complained about the challenging,</p><p style="text-align: left;"> changing world of children’s publishing. My answer</p><p style="text-align: left;"> always sounded like, “Oh
yeah! I’m learning amazing stuff. I’m having fun. I’ve met interesting</p><p style="text-align: left;"> authors,
editors, and agents. I’ve made wonderful friends.”</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Writing
then and even more today is a lot about taking risks. It means putting yourself
out there and taking advantage of opportunities you might not otherwise have
considered. It means getting involved in writers’ organizations, attending
events whenever possible, finding critique partners, and giving your writing as
much priority as you possibly can. It means taking rejections with a thick skin
and getting back to the keyboard the next day and the next and the next.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLaylTqx9XTDbEmzjPtTcdD8euvMkW3qryl-MVgRLCN6F6Jfbmx2T_7uafegL-RqhKwRNaEssGK8e2w8mjy5gEGceRfASjy8X9zImF_AHWm1iCt5WcvP0eP-gmds1mbONbSQVFhV5gLjmSY2tctJepBelPgh9d_esoJZjt_PPc41OWbYUCY8QbuymFLMV/s282/Ellis%20Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="282" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLaylTqx9XTDbEmzjPtTcdD8euvMkW3qryl-MVgRLCN6F6Jfbmx2T_7uafegL-RqhKwRNaEssGK8e2w8mjy5gEGceRfASjy8X9zImF_AHWm1iCt5WcvP0eP-gmds1mbONbSQVFhV5gLjmSY2tctJepBelPgh9d_esoJZjt_PPc41OWbYUCY8QbuymFLMV/w316-h244/Ellis%20Island.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">While it took me
two decades to get a book</p><p style="text-align: left;"> published, I’ve sold greeting card text, educational</p><p style="text-align: left;"> testing material, nonfiction children’s poetry and</p><p style="text-align: left;"> crafts, and adult freelance
articles. I’ve appeared on</p><p style="text-align: left;"> local television and radio and presented at writers’</p><p style="text-align: left;"> events, and I write a quarterly column for</p><p style="text-align: left;"> <i style="text-indent: 36pt;">Children’s Book Insider</i><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">. I’m
blessed to be</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> represented by Vicki Selvaggio of Storm Literary</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> Agency. None of
these opportunities were on my radar when I first considered publishing.</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today,
writing is more challenging than ever. The industry has faced challenges, not
the least of which was an epidemic. My critique partners and I often question
why we write. But then one of us usually answers, “Because we can’t <i>not </i>do
it.” As hard as it is to admit, Eric Kimmel was right. <o:p></o:p>These
days, I’m sticking my neck out further with an adult project. This story came
to me because of a family connection, and I never saw it coming. While I regularly
remind my co-writer, “I write for kids,” I know I’d be foolish not to at least
try.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Because,
in the end, it’s about putting myself out there. Day after day after day. The
worst that can happen is that I never see this project published. But then
again, maybe someday I will. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Jean also co-owns a freelance critique editing service, Two-4-One Kid Critiques, LLC. Learn more about Jean on her website: https://jeandaigneau.com/</p><br /><p></p>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-11430738468797954212023-10-07T05:22:00.000-07:002023-10-07T05:22:37.176-07:00 TIPS TO TICKLE THEIR FUNNY BONES<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDfMBm7rWMjgMOihHFQ4w3mD-fmDEViS86By8BkE6DxdSr01OqDUlBXKx2E0Nx04IbFTIJfCTrm62s6IrHb9qkDaJ4dLG9VZSh8mKUNoCJx8s2I0m3T6g7u4XSGKoAXlXK8LI9lPQnlIEqfMZCKF4PNsN8ZXgycI7ADGBgd-EA7I8myXAMxrFU5oxAtEg/s357/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="357" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDfMBm7rWMjgMOihHFQ4w3mD-fmDEViS86By8BkE6DxdSr01OqDUlBXKx2E0Nx04IbFTIJfCTrm62s6IrHb9qkDaJ4dLG9VZSh8mKUNoCJx8s2I0m3T6g7u4XSGKoAXlXK8LI9lPQnlIEqfMZCKF4PNsN8ZXgycI7ADGBgd-EA7I8myXAMxrFU5oxAtEg/w233-h156/Picture1.jpg" width="233" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span> <span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>By</b></span></span></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gloria
Reichert<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>At a recent conference,
a presenter reminded us that one way to make our picture books stand out in a
crowded market is to use humor. But how do I do that? If you, like me, are not naturally
funny, writing humor is HARD! Wanting to improve my humor writing skills led to
some research. So whether you wish to write a totally hilarious book or just
insert a small amount of humor into your story, here are some helpful hints.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. Immerse yourself in
all things “funny.” Read the most current funny picture books. Watch comedy and
funny movies on TV. Read kids’ joke books.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. Research humor theory
by reading books and watching webinars on the topic of what makes people laugh.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. Most picture books are concept driven, so
develop a funny concept that appeals to kids. Remember that current funny
picture books tend to be edgier and sometimes irreverent, so thinking outside
the box can lead to much humor.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4. The characters do
NOT need to be kids. Some of the latest funny books have dragons, crayons, and
even a mutant potato as main characters. So let your imagination go crazy!<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJLRAZbkMiI7ZhaGX2_GFiCJp59VahjAN4LC5morhH_6kI9NFTv2c1qMQCFd7wF02kq2ojl6SL4ntYou-U_LupfA12AFC9_jPB3ct5aUOT5HbiNu1Du7n5dUPqOJXirbo72oaEXrCsT8I5T1BIcyTIqwqCdYIiuxnd1voile4pWwz31gLg8GkYQCKvF0n/s119/Ah%20Ha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="118" data-original-width="119" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJLRAZbkMiI7ZhaGX2_GFiCJp59VahjAN4LC5morhH_6kI9NFTv2c1qMQCFd7wF02kq2ojl6SL4ntYou-U_LupfA12AFC9_jPB3ct5aUOT5HbiNu1Du7n5dUPqOJXirbo72oaEXrCsT8I5T1BIcyTIqwqCdYIiuxnd1voile4pWwz31gLg8GkYQCKvF0n/w196-h194/Ah%20Ha.jpg" width="196" /></a></b></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>5. Be willing to take
some risks with your story structure. Many humorous books do not follow the
traditional “Rule of Three.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Day the
Crayons Quit</i> is told via letters. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Book with No Pictures</i> makes the reader the main character. Some books are
even interactive.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>6. Use situational
humor by putting your characters in funny, unusual settings and create some
funny scenes as they interact with their environment and other characters.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>7. You must include the
element of surprise. This is vital.
The reader must be surprised. Humor happens when one’s expectations are
violated, so set up a normal expectation for the reader and then misdirect
things so the expectation is not met.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>8. Page turns can lead
to surprises, so use then thoughtfully.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>9. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ramp up the humor with puns and jokes that
relate to your topic. Include recurring jokes and word play. Dialogue can
sometimes enhance the humor, as in Tammi Sauer’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Me Want Pet!</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cave Boy tries
to convince his parents he needs a pet and uses short, snappy “cave language”
throughout.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>10. Incorporate
figurative language – alliteration, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, exaggeration, and
rhyme. Keep a thesaurus close by and check out Rhyme Zone online.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>11. Use inherently
funny words. Bungalow, pantaloons, bamboozle, kerfuffle, and catawampus are
sure to elicit some chuckles. Just hearing the word “underwear” makes kids
laugh. A great resource is the book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Absurd
Words </i>by<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>Tara Lazar.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>12. Lastly, craft a
funny ending – hopefully with a twist – and tie it back to the beginning of the
story somehow.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">All of this seems
easier said than done, but if we start small, try a few tips, and see how our
sense of humor can fit in, we will be progressing and growing in our ability to
write humorous picture books which will help kids in many ways. </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRKbaDe907fe_dP4Kw8QLLlhyAXR8tmDwFa-ZzPdlvLScm_zeeQ4tYL25Jl7opBiYO3uwJzB_HETO-jS71dKlSJdi_zquoa-DBzy7svvmt1SgM259TuWmwMp0moQbv4Ydgitk-cUSJ9Txn7J30vePMR9PMDcEA0PxnuK9ViY3zjuYVB5mRurHEndnWKE-/s282/Dog%20with%20Sunglasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="281" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRKbaDe907fe_dP4Kw8QLLlhyAXR8tmDwFa-ZzPdlvLScm_zeeQ4tYL25Jl7opBiYO3uwJzB_HETO-jS71dKlSJdi_zquoa-DBzy7svvmt1SgM259TuWmwMp0moQbv4Ydgitk-cUSJ9Txn7J30vePMR9PMDcEA0PxnuK9ViY3zjuYVB5mRurHEndnWKE-/w217-h218/Dog%20with%20Sunglasses.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-88563256626954291852023-09-01T08:21:00.003-07:002023-09-01T09:45:51.283-07:00 September Happenings<p> </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamtS4KKfSiYvn5_GWas6yh-btP3NV3f_6tjMIFPtkDsh6X54moMUu8fVey-zUGPZvKaylUEe-pSwhiF2z43aJ1UigvElbqLoLUdCyfzlqUybC0MsC59RxUvdyUXuKJo7mrdSLk1VvvmeKsRXs4mQbQ9rKVzuTKpA_j5wgNOapg9HkAHYyqHzNwIDZMZiY/s416/Autumn.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="350" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamtS4KKfSiYvn5_GWas6yh-btP3NV3f_6tjMIFPtkDsh6X54moMUu8fVey-zUGPZvKaylUEe-pSwhiF2z43aJ1UigvElbqLoLUdCyfzlqUybC0MsC59RxUvdyUXuKJo7mrdSLk1VvvmeKsRXs4mQbQ9rKVzuTKpA_j5wgNOapg9HkAHYyqHzNwIDZMZiY/w230-h274/Autumn.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">For children's writers living in Northeast Ohio, September means it's time for the annual conference hosted by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, SCBWI.</span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This year's conference, Make Your Story Pop!, will be held on September 29th and 30th (National Chewing Gum Day.) The conference offers great opportunities to meet agents, editors, and authors, to network and meet old friends, and to get inspired to keep learning and writing and illustrating for the people we care most about and write for: children!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Serving on the faculty this year is the Six Pen's own </span><b>Lisa Amstutz,</b><span> agent with Storm Literary Agency and author of over 150 books!</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mIT4Zk5pX1NzL0F-NtSBMt9VvUZhLqaKfQXtqfsABOi6GPMbhu0fLkPQaRgA2Rq_6iYICBLqIx7N6Nc2yz4JGEVRd__N_RCzygRnLb57oX5R93cOD9_jskchoTEYzOUvlLkXoAoKvOyh5vRhZLN1EqJgQsk1oqVrbH7engzK7tc0qkXHW_jzPZxYsiCb/s1600/lisa%20headshot%20jpg.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mIT4Zk5pX1NzL0F-NtSBMt9VvUZhLqaKfQXtqfsABOi6GPMbhu0fLkPQaRgA2Rq_6iYICBLqIx7N6Nc2yz4JGEVRd__N_RCzygRnLb57oX5R93cOD9_jskchoTEYzOUvlLkXoAoKvOyh5vRhZLN1EqJgQsk1oqVrbH7engzK7tc0qkXHW_jzPZxYsiCb/s320/lisa%20headshot%20jpg.jpg" width="256" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Lisa will be teaching an intensive workshop Friday afternoon on writing engaging nonfiction for kids. She'll also be leading one of the Saturday sessions about writing query letters and talking about what agents look for.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">A former outdoor educator, Lisa specializes in topics related to nature, sustainability, and agriculture and is passionate about sharing the wonders of nature with young readers. Her background includes a B.A. in Biology and an M.S. in Environmental Science/Ecology.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">Lisa brings a great deal of experience to the faculty. She has been writing professionally since 2005 and spent eight years as a freelance editor, working with individual authors as well as publishing companies. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">She also served as Assistant Regional Advisor and in several other board positions for SCBWI: Ohio North and as a volunteer judge for Rate Your Story.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">If you are coming to the conference this year, make sure to meet Lisa. Learn more about Lisa on her website: </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.lisaamstutz.com/</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYjDhlKCl1U2IMfBTZizUn8a1PMs8jWREMYf8eAE33XO3LL7oq0M0BHC8_PlZGYaHk-gLwxgXtnOg1seUM2-0JbfOWZi5L7PNTwuktUo6Ic81cGw74bGeLNLAmVGntCJz2E_9bfyisPjfm8DjaQLLzri_7RAv-eyUf0bLUoqps98fNAQOyiFNW_jgmi2c/s2117/Leaves%20border.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="2117" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYjDhlKCl1U2IMfBTZizUn8a1PMs8jWREMYf8eAE33XO3LL7oq0M0BHC8_PlZGYaHk-gLwxgXtnOg1seUM2-0JbfOWZi5L7PNTwuktUo6Ic81cGw74bGeLNLAmVGntCJz2E_9bfyisPjfm8DjaQLLzri_7RAv-eyUf0bLUoqps98fNAQOyiFNW_jgmi2c/w483-h86/Leaves%20border.png" width="483" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Just in time for fall, Lisa's book, <i>Applesauce Day</i> just launched in paperback! Check it out <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Applesauce-Day-Lisa-J-Amstutz/dp/0807503908/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JI02G5FHNB5Q&keywords=applesauce+day&qid=1693580082&s=books&sprefix=applesauce+day%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1">here.</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtUDCLdffWegNXKha63YNoEG3p7LMBbccTuF8O318MBAXH0re-7rfRa7KIruCLfxDhK2comdEKQYe8kCaxWDyQ6cvyY5rSCgifqAaoHDAIy-5cYRgHjmIrAWgp8FzhEGG9Xkr4nXFx5qCeKpxY81rF3RU3jK2AF88SzmgBPWUcBtD4ylio2T4FSwSrSZr/s500/Applesauce%20Day.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="500" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtUDCLdffWegNXKha63YNoEG3p7LMBbccTuF8O318MBAXH0re-7rfRa7KIruCLfxDhK2comdEKQYe8kCaxWDyQ6cvyY5rSCgifqAaoHDAIy-5cYRgHjmIrAWgp8FzhEGG9Xkr4nXFx5qCeKpxY81rF3RU3jK2AF88SzmgBPWUcBtD4ylio2T4FSwSrSZr/w279-h225/Applesauce%20Day.jpg" width="279" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Applesauce Day is here! Maria and her family visit an apple orchard and pick apples. Then it's time to turn the apples into applesauce. Every year they use a special pot that has been in the family for generations. Follow along as everyone helps to make delicious applesauce.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">For a clever, fun book about ordinal numbers, you'll love Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton's book, </span><i style="font-size: large;">Who Knew? Under the Apple Tree. </i><span style="font-size: large;">Available on </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Who-Knew-Under-Apple-Tree/dp/1681526573/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1GG37902K4KFH&keywords=who+knew+under+the+apple+tree&qid=1693580265&s=books&sprefix=Who+Knew+Under%2Cstripbooks%2C102&sr=1-1" style="font-size: large;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywX3DeXYzwZzzQfP4_0eFQOJpApkHQxDkQdMAeW_cH0pIsYkEYPqKrlVutna5SR9xvaGmIIaGt0czSiPWI0bzb3fVcrP3N45_jqi1KRdtuTA1QaVJqb0qOhBDdtiiIa1WWszPgRZqOaIK0hqwfVTKIBiy7fuMfkNLtxCcB3uAoGCsqZgqjLEIU4zqEQ6g/s500/who%20knew.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="498" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywX3DeXYzwZzzQfP4_0eFQOJpApkHQxDkQdMAeW_cH0pIsYkEYPqKrlVutna5SR9xvaGmIIaGt0czSiPWI0bzb3fVcrP3N45_jqi1KRdtuTA1QaVJqb0qOhBDdtiiIa1WWszPgRZqOaIK0hqwfVTKIBiy7fuMfkNLtxCcB3uAoGCsqZgqjLEIU4zqEQ6g/w186-h187/who%20knew.png" width="186" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Nature gives us many signs of the changing seasons, if we pay attention and use our senses like animals do. Author Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton's poetic language seamlessly weaves together the arrival of fall, animal communication, and counting with ordinal numbers. Steph Marshall's bright, bold illustrations capture the animals' actions as they enjoy a fall feast.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95_-3ztplZ7gL_mf97AFv_tsM1nR6hpZbR4lYCyE3coaPG5ohAvHWdvdlVu70oq2FicVcnUcYp6hseLml8pzxWcEC_-ltk4DSABDc788b9cI7X3Yt2fq-s196JinKcO1J48gDgGxGaH_YlepkydDaqOSEr4BrzX0xZWTpOP6iaMbIO8ipl016-myqww1b/s971/Leaves.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">On August 14th, Six Pens author Gloria G. Adams launched her new book, <i>Munch! Crunch! Bugs for Lunch! </i>A nonfiction picture book for ages 8-12, this book is all about entomophagy, the practice of eating bugs. Find out what kinds of bugs kids around the world eat and what they taste like.</span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Munch-Crunch-Lunch-Gloria-Adams/dp/1736768840/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LIC1N1W5MX69&keywords=munch+crunch+bugs+for+lunch&qid=1693581215&s=books&sprefix=munch+cru%2Cstripbooks%2C98&sr=1-1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="488" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH3zQrrvoQAZP-BzlV-cU0AZaunXGDA-stMOdVSxADr54sALKat8K239ivThFwiPW7I8o-SP2xYglVTqmI5w35p5N7a4xUDkIRstT8B5JzER8tejtY63KRn6w6Ej3Gh2dhTQjrvbe1MyETANKx_zcT2xD2N91EbmLkFYwmHfEr_e-vaklFtwv8Am-3c7G/w215-h271/Cover%20Bug%20Book%202023_300.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Gloria will be selling and signing copies of her new book at the following locations:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Author Alley, Loganberry Books, Shaker Heights, Ohio, September 9, 2023.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">NorthCoast Indie Author Expo, Avon, Ohio, September 24, 2023.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The SCBWI annual conference, Warrensville Heights, Ohio, September 29th and 30th, 2023</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Buckeye Book Fair, Wooster, Ohio, November 4, 2023.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Check out other books by Gloria on her websites: www.gloriagadams.com and </span><span style="font-size: large;">www.slantedink.com</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYjDhlKCl1U2IMfBTZizUn8a1PMs8jWREMYf8eAE33XO3LL7oq0M0BHC8_PlZGYaHk-gLwxgXtnOg1seUM2-0JbfOWZi5L7PNTwuktUo6Ic81cGw74bGeLNLAmVGntCJz2E_9bfyisPjfm8DjaQLLzri_7RAv-eyUf0bLUoqps98fNAQOyiFNW_jgmi2c/s2117/Leaves%20border.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="2117" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYjDhlKCl1U2IMfBTZizUn8a1PMs8jWREMYf8eAE33XO3LL7oq0M0BHC8_PlZGYaHk-gLwxgXtnOg1seUM2-0JbfOWZi5L7PNTwuktUo6Ic81cGw74bGeLNLAmVGntCJz2E_9bfyisPjfm8DjaQLLzri_7RAv-eyUf0bLUoqps98fNAQOyiFNW_jgmi2c/w533-h95/Leaves%20border.png" width="533" /></a></div><div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">All of us at A Song of Six Pens are busy working on our writing projects this fall. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">What will <i>you</i> be working on?<br /></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-25795125210136280822023-08-05T13:41:00.000-07:002023-08-05T13:41:14.455-07:00 Welcome our Guest Author, Michelle Henrie<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZPzZeLkCOQAfaplKx24wfp8AJV9lTTMKowRdKP16rEgbUFP9Zm0JC3j2fMShZBv63sdeRJ4S0eyOofBONMvMqwcDOK7sVDVJmPCoRaLwgji0acMefwgZHA_fOPVR29TAnpDPSIF6PVP0X5KAipSwAfcN30ih5I-BqoC5nOYrf6ZFUopLtmEDbwKlVnIO/s268/Michelle%20Henrie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="213" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZPzZeLkCOQAfaplKx24wfp8AJV9lTTMKowRdKP16rEgbUFP9Zm0JC3j2fMShZBv63sdeRJ4S0eyOofBONMvMqwcDOK7sVDVJmPCoRaLwgji0acMefwgZHA_fOPVR29TAnpDPSIF6PVP0X5KAipSwAfcN30ih5I-BqoC5nOYrf6ZFUopLtmEDbwKlVnIO/w263-h331/Michelle%20Henrie.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">My Writing Journey</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Michelle Henrie<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> Third
time is the charm, right? At least that became the plan after quitting twice.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When I first decided to write, I had
two small children and wrote picture books. They’re over a thousand words! I
never submitted them to agents because I was frightened of rejection. At that
time, I was battling depression, and writing was my outlet. I was on the fence
about publishing because others would have to read my work.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b>Ten years later.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With four kids and a teen boy who
hated reading, I started writing a young adult fantasy about powers from a
meteor that hit the earth. He loved it and always begged for more. But I knew
my villain was as sturdy as wet paper. Discouraged, I started a blog to review
books and see what made them work. Wow! I learned a lot about what I liked and
what worked for me. But was I ready to write again?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> <b> </b><b>Four years later.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’d had surgery and was lying in
bed. For two years, I’d had an idea forming for a novel. With a notebook, I
wrote everything I’d imagined in two weeks. Then I upgraded to my computer. But
I kept this a secret from my husband and everyone for six months. Within nine months,
I had 105,000 words. The first person I shared it with was my mom—she
encouraged me to keep working on it and thought it was good. (Go ahead and roll
your eyes.) I gave it to my husband, and he said he was confused and that it didn’t
make any sense. The only fantasy he'd ever read was <i>Harry Potter</i>—surely,
he was wrong. I donated money for a published author to read my novel. She
hated it. Couldn’t say a kind word to a newbie. Her caustic review sent me into
a spiral.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRelu85Gu-bYs7Nm-vnvMGOGN12o4HzzAppLQQddXIkPrTovzS55VrL62m5_JWmHNxiRZUMFlERBiMHLgHYo7I6F2I9Q4q8t4mzZqj_qk9reaQmCY0B4Hj2amd-6pxuUdBwe1bSGFS7fXEPU8whazd8hNvGC2iL3MBNmcQfBH1yIBTcJp3-dAl5c8LQLZo/s138/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="129" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRelu85Gu-bYs7Nm-vnvMGOGN12o4HzzAppLQQddXIkPrTovzS55VrL62m5_JWmHNxiRZUMFlERBiMHLgHYo7I6F2I9Q4q8t4mzZqj_qk9reaQmCY0B4Hj2amd-6pxuUdBwe1bSGFS7fXEPU8whazd8hNvGC2iL3MBNmcQfBH1yIBTcJp3-dAl5c8LQLZo/w179-h192/Picture2.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That’s when conferences started. And
I put that on your basic wash and repeat cycle. I grew a thicker hide. Learned
about sentence structure. How to use sentence fragments for impact. And I
reviewed so many chapters with other “budding” authors. We worked so hard, but
that doesn’t guarantee success.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But no one can define my success
except myself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That’s when I became an author
without the “newbie” or “budding” or “wannabe” attachment. I’d written six
novels, bunches of picture books, entries for Writers of the Future (and
received some awards), and one graphic novel.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b>Seven years later.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I changed my approach on Twitter. My
goal was to become noticed, and to do this, I hunted for writing tips. By
posting and reposting, agents started following me. I branded myself: I’m
always kind to others and supportive, I love art, and review tons of ARCs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdHnZ0lKjRr6vOiZIAcrCkdpGIxrspJ_Krepnt2MX3e42Fy6F01gLNIAwTHa0_-H_sMc_OJ-vS-f4mV51qgi9wn_IAtA8WNNyv-dy3-ahbwIbxSVSnVsPalp4gQboyz9uq5hk96djyDKc8sFlginC-l070EM4Twyx_c_k5iQ2a0GYOtQxhQW35bcCer-g/s197/illustration%20Michelle%20Henrie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="197" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdHnZ0lKjRr6vOiZIAcrCkdpGIxrspJ_Krepnt2MX3e42Fy6F01gLNIAwTHa0_-H_sMc_OJ-vS-f4mV51qgi9wn_IAtA8WNNyv-dy3-ahbwIbxSVSnVsPalp4gQboyz9uq5hk96djyDKc8sFlginC-l070EM4Twyx_c_k5iQ2a0GYOtQxhQW35bcCer-g/s1600/illustration%20Michelle%20Henrie.jpg" width="197" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then I got an email! An agent wanted
to talk.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As per industry standards, I
contacted all the other agents with my manuscript, letting them know I had an
offer on the table and if they were interested in representing me, they needed
to get in touch.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I got another email wanting to set
up a conference call. This agent told me upfront she wasn’t necessarily
offering representation…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Okay.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Please, cue Jaws’ theme song.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Da-da, da-da.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After we discussed the manuscript
and goals for my career, she gave me an offer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I couldn’t believe I had such a
difficult decision. And after much consideration, chose the second agent but
deeply respect the first. It came down to the vision the second agent had for
my manuscript.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now, I’m in the querying trenches
with publishers driven by my agent.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><b> One
year, five months later.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> We
haven’t had a hit yet. And I’m revising the novels and picture books and
writing new manuscripts. I adore working with my agent, but how to choose your
agent is another story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Write because you love it!</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Check out Michelle's website: </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">https://www.michelle-henrie.com/</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></p>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-77161099504351796762023-07-07T09:18:00.000-07:002023-07-07T09:18:56.767-07:00 Meet Guest Author, Sabrina Fedel<p> Sabrina Fedel is an award-winning writer and author of the YA novel, <i>Leaving Kent State.</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggO4JGMXEJ4yWyRckrmv4AISUCo_5l7MMGPe2L5dkN2v3N2MUFuTWvAHBf9AtC94vn8eygzsqQfxIVB5nbgDIyOV2EHgWZObxk3hV9BTHec3M5FzW8CSsVMjHPC-_SMYmvXIXGEQ-1kM_PCMIiJYiUDl9_O0IY3tbghcwVs5k6ujbGe57MHtvmiBZEoevn/s437/Sabrina+Headshot+10+2022.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="434" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggO4JGMXEJ4yWyRckrmv4AISUCo_5l7MMGPe2L5dkN2v3N2MUFuTWvAHBf9AtC94vn8eygzsqQfxIVB5nbgDIyOV2EHgWZObxk3hV9BTHec3M5FzW8CSsVMjHPC-_SMYmvXIXGEQ-1kM_PCMIiJYiUDl9_O0IY3tbghcwVs5k6ujbGe57MHtvmiBZEoevn/s320/Sabrina+Headshot+10+2022.jpg" width="318" /></a></i></div><i><br /></i><p></p><p>Recently, a poet friend from my MFA in creative writing
program reached out to me for some advice on writing for kids for a teacher
colleague of hers who has a first draft of a story and doesn’t know what to do
next.</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>My first response was that I’d be happy to try to help. My
second was to say that my advice would really depend on what this writer wants
from her writing. It’s easy to assume that everyone writes with the hope of
being published, but that’s not true for everyone (as David Rogers writes about
in his <a href="https://davidjrogersftw.com/2022/01/05/writers-with-no-desire-to-publish/" target="_blank">blog</a>). As Rogers points out, there is even
evidence to suggest that writing solely for internal goals improves one’s
creativity and enjoyment of writing.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>But the reality is that most of us would love to see our
name in print, to share our glorious stories with others, and to have them <i>want</i>
us to share these darling creations with them. Most of us would probably also
like to get paid for this. While I adhere to the premise that you are a writer
if you write, I also waited to call myself a poet until someone actually paid
me for a poem. Do as a say and all that. Some of us dream of being able to make
a living as a writer, even if we don’t also dream of being famous. Some of us
want it all, the whole Steven King experience.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>So, the first step to figuring out how to be a “writer” is
to find out what goals a writer actually has for their writing. The second step
is for a writer to "know thyself." </b>Writing with the aim of being traditionally
published is a very different path from being self-published. It’s important to
understand the differences to assess which path is the right one for you. Both
paths have their benefits and drawbacks. For some, one or the other may be the
right direction. For others, they may get traditionally published and then
decide to self-publish. Or vice-versa.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vdoX9x82NKzQ3CgWmW9pGWtAGH4krBBezK1Hx92nxpa8gO8PDvvV0ByXf3bM76jf6LC2ymqNGjw7TRoIK3gUpwiLm_qlPyXYmyMz_jP-9aom4kx35H1jhvi_nZvbr-GJZhbaJm1QjlYWtpWn6Yu-eFfTGbFZb_NFzhHfMXPq4EMbjGVsnkPBljUqv53T/s445/Leaving%20Kent%20State.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="279" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vdoX9x82NKzQ3CgWmW9pGWtAGH4krBBezK1Hx92nxpa8gO8PDvvV0ByXf3bM76jf6LC2ymqNGjw7TRoIK3gUpwiLm_qlPyXYmyMz_jP-9aom4kx35H1jhvi_nZvbr-GJZhbaJm1QjlYWtpWn6Yu-eFfTGbFZb_NFzhHfMXPq4EMbjGVsnkPBljUqv53T/s320/Leaving%20Kent%20State.jpg" width="201" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Setting goals will also help a writer figure out what they
need in their creative process.</b> For me, a writers’ group is essential. Being
part of a writing community is essential. For others, it may not be (though
most of us should be open to critique, because even the best writers can
improve from seeing their work through someone else’s eyes. It’s fun to think
of Jane Austen concocting her stories alone in the countryside, but her family
listened to her <a href="https://janeaustens.house/jane-austen-a-life/" target="_blank">drafts</a> and likely gave her feedback).
I highly encourage you to find your community. With the internet at our fingertips,
it can be done much more easily than in Austen’s day!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Finally, I think a writer needs to understand how important
writing is to them.</b> For me, writing is something I need to do. It’s a source of
joy, self-understanding, and solace in a world that I often don’t understand.
It keeps me grounded and present. It helps me get up on the days when getting
up seems too hard. As country singer Luke Combs says, I’d still be doing this
if I weren’t <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIUIpMcNbdk" target="_blank">Doin' This</a>. </p><p class="MsoNormal">But, if writing isn’t all
that to you, that’s okay, too. <b>The important part is to understand what you
want out of your writing journey and what you need from it.</b> For some, the
difficulties of getting traditionally published are extremely disheartening.
I’ve been there myself. And it’s okay to quit when you get to that point, and
it’s okay to keep going because you still want to write even if no one ever
reads your words outside of your writers’ group. But understanding what you
need, and what you are willing to go through to try to achieve your writing
goals, is an important part of the journey. Because goals are just that,
something to aspire to. Once you’ve brushed off the eraser marks from the page,
the important part is whether you <i>want</i> to start over, no matter what.
The important part is to know whether the journey is as important as the
finished product.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Happy writing!</p><p class="MsoNormal">Learn more about Sabrina on her <a href="https://www.sabrinafedel.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://twitter.com/writeawhile/" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sabrinafedelauthor/" target="_blank">FB</a></p><p></p>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-74891020565103862552023-06-02T03:30:00.023-07:002023-06-02T14:24:23.467-07:00 Meet Children's Author & Illustrator Merrill Rainey<p> An interview by Gloria G. Adams<span style="font-size: 17.5pt;"> </span></p><div class="WordSection1">
<p style="margin-top: 0.05pt; text-align: left;"><b>We<span style="letter-spacing: -0.55pt;"> </span>are<span style="letter-spacing: -0.55pt;"> </span>thrilled<span style="letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span>have<span style="letter-spacing: -0.55pt;"> </span>illustrator,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span>author,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span>paper<span style="letter-spacing: -0.75pt;"> </span>engineer,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span>Master<span style="letter-spacing: -0.75pt;"> </span>Doodler<span style="letter-spacing: -0.75pt;">
</span>Merrill Rainey as a guest on our blog this month!<br /></b><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_VjZ-axGMms4D4jAUMQVZyRrfUuM4H2mlNdtVgGM2R46LFDbLORhD29Ff-9o67935AKkzRVyQwk9uFh2QY23-iPbchFQ48YVorh-JP1P0FRXVfp5YtI-xl7cb8Sgx_Qs257qaYXKsL_o6scaEcDvYBbqDJxiw8YkflwfWLs5whgzZNhaXVxe4gw7dw/s2421/MRainey_PromoPhoto_032822.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1680" data-original-width="2421" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_VjZ-axGMms4D4jAUMQVZyRrfUuM4H2mlNdtVgGM2R46LFDbLORhD29Ff-9o67935AKkzRVyQwk9uFh2QY23-iPbchFQ48YVorh-JP1P0FRXVfp5YtI-xl7cb8Sgx_Qs257qaYXKsL_o6scaEcDvYBbqDJxiw8YkflwfWLs5whgzZNhaXVxe4gw7dw/w278-h193/MRainey_PromoPhoto_032822.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><p style="margin-top: 0.05pt; text-align: left;">Hi<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>Gloria,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>Thanks<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>for<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>having<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;">me!</span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left: 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.4pt;"><b>Merrill,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>can<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>you<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>tell<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>us<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>little<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>about<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>your<span style="letter-spacing: -0.4pt;"> </span>journey<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">
</span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>becoming<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>children’s<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>book<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>and
magazine illustrator? Is this something you always wanted to do?</b></p><h1 style="line-height: 123%; margin-top: 0.05pt;"><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoBodyText">Let’s<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>start<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>with<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>your<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>second<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>question<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>first,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>as<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>it<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>good<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>one<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>something<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>I’ve<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>been<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>thinking about over the last year.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>The simple answer is that I have come to
the conclusion that being an author/illustrator is something that chose me.<span style="letter-spacing: 2.66667px;"> </span>Creating books and products for young
people seems to come second nature to me.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>It’s
just something I know how to do.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>I’ve
always been an artsy/crafty person and my childhood was full of moments of
creation, and imaginary play. </p><p class="MsoBodyText">These<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>childhood<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>moments<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>are<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>what<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>laid<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>foundation<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>for<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>things<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>am<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>creating<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>today!<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>When asked, I also like to tell people
that I enjoy creating for children because I have never lost my inner child!<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>So, I create the things that my inner
child would want to see on the shelf.</p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 5.65pt; margin-top: .3pt; margin: 0.3pt 5.65pt 0cm 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.1pt;">I started working
towards my illustration career while attending Kent State University.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>I graduated in 2003 with a BA<span style="letter-spacing: -0.65pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>Visual
Communication Design with a background in illustration. At that time, I had
interned at the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span>Akron Beacon journal
doing editorial illustration and design work and had a few opportunities to
even illustrate a few featured sections.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>It
was an amazing internship, and after graduation, working for a large newspaper
seemed like where I wanted to<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>be.<span style="letter-spacing: 3.85pt;"> </span>However, the newspaper industry took a
turn for the worse, which left me looking for different<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>work,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>specifically<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>anything<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>with<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>description<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>illustrator<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>it.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>can<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>even<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>remember
applying to the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>Yellow Pages to
illustrate and create the ads that showed up in the coupon <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">section.</span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 5.85pt; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 5.85pt 0cm 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhHVpoAgM8377wZj7Vmgcb0fMATfaoAMuAd33-_4wu_1DLNkf3AePum7O6p4yaGAN1EwvRc5QH_85Ov8VyqbMUz0XGZm1DzHGUjYra7p4WTLmwRWI6s0IqXBorh46xk07NYheMARcI097wanNUndyCc3r5Q1coNzNmIOSxx1GGCAXI13tM0TfdeedTQ/s4032/MRAiney_drawing.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhHVpoAgM8377wZj7Vmgcb0fMATfaoAMuAd33-_4wu_1DLNkf3AePum7O6p4yaGAN1EwvRc5QH_85Ov8VyqbMUz0XGZm1DzHGUjYra7p4WTLmwRWI6s0IqXBorh46xk07NYheMARcI097wanNUndyCc3r5Q1coNzNmIOSxx1GGCAXI13tM0TfdeedTQ/w215-h287/MRAiney_drawing.jpg" width="215" /></a><span style="font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span> For a while, I
worked as a Graphic Designer by day and worked on my portfolio at night. In
2007,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>signed<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>with<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.45pt;"> </span>Tugeau<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>2<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>agency,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>working<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">
</span>mainly<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>on<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>educational<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>illustration<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>assignments.
Then in 2010 when my son Chase was born, I finally got my first big kid’s magazine
assignment from Jack and Jill Magazine.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>This
was just the start, and soon after the completion of that first job, new
assignments started coming in regularly.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>At
this time, I was still working my full-time job.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>After working an 8–10-hour day at the office, I would go home,
we’d have dinner and put Chase to bed after which I would go back to work on
contract work until about 4 or 5 in the morning.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>Then, I would sleep a few hours and go back to my day job.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>This went on for a few years.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>I am not<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">
</span>quite<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>sure<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>what the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">
</span>heck was I thinking, or how I managed this for so long, but what<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>it<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>came<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>down<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>was<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>that<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>truly<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>wanted<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>succeed<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
</span>more<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>than<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>anything<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
</span>else!<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>By<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>2012,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>was eventually making enough income to
quit my full-time job and start working for myself.</p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 9.1pt; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 9.1pt 0cm 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.1pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3f1MQPyw7kVJ5qpjk6j0XfguqO4iUR5_TgYW1SjxoOfAdlP08sRnouvhhCb8ZgiQpaEz81bqMsWpuGO6b1vnnQ20daKhwDqr7VMFO7UvTGo837gCsDh5m1kMOiS6ReJxLei3RSBM3zOPdvpHL8fRG_DjAMKQ5pWZTpAW8ifYwdsLx70quSAmn9kXLzA/s3321/MRainey_Color%20Cut%20Create.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3321" data-original-width="3237" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3f1MQPyw7kVJ5qpjk6j0XfguqO4iUR5_TgYW1SjxoOfAdlP08sRnouvhhCb8ZgiQpaEz81bqMsWpuGO6b1vnnQ20daKhwDqr7VMFO7UvTGo837gCsDh5m1kMOiS6ReJxLei3RSBM3zOPdvpHL8fRG_DjAMKQ5pWZTpAW8ifYwdsLx70quSAmn9kXLzA/w223-h229/MRainey_Color%20Cut%20Create.jpg" width="223" /></a></p>Fast forward a
few years to 2017… a lot of things had happened in that time from the loss of a
few family members (that’s still a hard one), an addition of a baby girl to our
family, to taking over<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>as<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>Illustrator<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>Coordinator<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>for<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>Northern<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
</span>Ohio<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>Chapter<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>SCBWI.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>It<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>was<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>also<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>when<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>I connected<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>with<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>my<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>current<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;">
</span>literary<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>agent<span style="letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span>Teresa<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>Kietlinski<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>Bookmark<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>Literary.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>Working<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>with Teresa<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>where<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>all<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>magic<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>started<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">
</span>coming<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>together,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>we<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>refined<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>my<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>portfolio,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>started<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">
</span>pitching ideas to publishers, and now, almost 7 years later we have 6
books together with 2 more on the <span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">way.</span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.35pt;">I will note that
through all of this, without organizations like SCBWI and The Highlights
Foundation,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>would<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>not<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>be<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>where I am today.So<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>many<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>key<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>moments<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">
</span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>my<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>career,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>like<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>meeting mentors and publishers, have
happened because these organizations exist, and I will forever be <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">thankful!</span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 7.15pt; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 7.15pt 0cm 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><b>Who<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>are<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>people<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>who<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>have<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>influenced<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>your<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>work<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
most?</span></b></p><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 3.4pt; margin: 3.4pt 0cm 0cm 5pt;">My<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>kids!<span style="letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span>They<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>reopened<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
</span>my<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>eyes<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>remember<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>what<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>it<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>was<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>like<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>be<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>child.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>They<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>helped<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>me<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>to
remember what it is like<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>to grow up
and to experience<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>pure<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>joy and innocence<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>again.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>Observing them
daily gives me a firm understanding of what it is like to be a kid learning to
navigate and find one’s self in the world.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.15pt;"><span style="font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzZQxnAvYml4HjVHaQ0M5lGQOQmSHFx0FXWiSRYVIeigrTemKP-Qw8wzK-U1NGYDgmjQaTf-mwnf_bOj0x_JHmcbHXGY72QRdbQmn_soOF3_lK69AaeYiWJE3xJIrivGTM0R8pg4gl4SsmgT5AbY3aA5qJiOr7aowDmI9WTSGOSCVxm87EpmhTB0avw/s512/MRainey_presenting.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzZQxnAvYml4HjVHaQ0M5lGQOQmSHFx0FXWiSRYVIeigrTemKP-Qw8wzK-U1NGYDgmjQaTf-mwnf_bOj0x_JHmcbHXGY72QRdbQmn_soOF3_lK69AaeYiWJE3xJIrivGTM0R8pg4gl4SsmgT5AbY3aA5qJiOr7aowDmI9WTSGOSCVxm87EpmhTB0avw/w199-h199/MRainey_presenting.jpeg" width="199" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 9.1pt; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 9.1pt 0cm 5pt;">Throughout<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>last<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>10<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>years<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>I’ve<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>been<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>offered<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
</span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>few<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>opportunities<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>go<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>back<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>work<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>again<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>for
various companies, but I decided not to, mainly because of Chase and Zoey.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>We may not have everything<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>that<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>all<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>their<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>friends<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
</span>do,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>but<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>want<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>them<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>see<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>that<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>if<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>you<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>work<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>hard<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>for<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>what<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>you want, you can achieve anything.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>When they are my age, no matter what they
end up being, I hope they follow in my footsteps and know that they can achieve
anything by working hard.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>I want<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>them<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>realize<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>that<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>some<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>things<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
</span>are<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>more<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>important<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>more<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>valuable<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
</span>than<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>latest<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
</span>toy or technology on the shelf.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 9.1pt; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 9.1pt 0cm 5pt;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.35pt;"><span style="font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.05pt; text-align: left;"><b>What<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>exactly<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>paper<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;">
</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">engineer?</span></b></p><h1 style="margin-top: 0.05pt;"><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 3.35pt; margin: 3.35pt 0cm 0cm 5pt;">Paper<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>engineering<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>art<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>taking<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>flat<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>sheets<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>paper<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>turning<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>them<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>into<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>something<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>3D<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>or 4D.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>It’s similar to Origami but we paper
engineers use scissors and glue. :-)<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>It
really is very comparable to architectural, or mechanical engineering.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>I just use paper to create my final products.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>When<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>it<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>comes<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>down<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>it,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>we<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>engineers<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>(no<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>matter<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>what<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>kind)<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>use<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>same<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>precision
and creative thinking to build products for our end users.</p></div><div class="WordSection2"><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 3.7pt; margin: 3.7pt 0cm 0cm 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span>Some<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>my<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>favorite<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
</span>paper<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>engineers<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>are<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>Matthew<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>Reinhart<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>David<span style="letter-spacing: -0.75pt;"> </span>A.<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">Carter.</span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: .05pt; margin: 0.05pt 0cm 0cm 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.4pt;"><b>I’ve<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>read<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>that<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>one<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>thing<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>you<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>want<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>do<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>show<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>kids<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>how<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>see<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>things<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">
</span>differently.<span style="letter-spacing: -0.4pt;"> </span>This really
resonated with me. Can you tell us how you feel your books accomplish this?<br /></b></p><h1 style="line-height: 123%;"><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.05pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HDXKfaHQuFkMWr1CGV66WLAFK4-CezwihsplFm2n7G1baC63tt0leK_5kcyKfBritNhkT6XIHP02MuGYA5wZwgpQWv2d60v327aGpYOonvaBJnPz3F_rEfS9ep8CNg-Jkouxz7WEQLWrL1rXLwCFa0r-D-_n44tZYBPaIJVmeOOoOIEkuVHg5vNNkw/s512/MRainey_coloring.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HDXKfaHQuFkMWr1CGV66WLAFK4-CezwihsplFm2n7G1baC63tt0leK_5kcyKfBritNhkT6XIHP02MuGYA5wZwgpQWv2d60v327aGpYOonvaBJnPz3F_rEfS9ep8CNg-Jkouxz7WEQLWrL1rXLwCFa0r-D-_n44tZYBPaIJVmeOOoOIEkuVHg5vNNkw/w281-h281/MRainey_coloring.jpeg" width="281" /></a></div>The Color, Cut,
Create series was created specifically to get kids to see a sheet of paper and
know that by folding and bending it, they can turn it into anything they want.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>Odd Dot and I spent a lot of time trying
to make sure that the kids using these books would have a successful time<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>creating.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;">
</span>It<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>was<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>also<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>designed<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>indirectly<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>educate<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
</span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>user.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>For<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>example,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>Dinosaur World book, all of the dinosaurs
are built the same way.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>My hope is
that once the user has built<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>one<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>or<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>two<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>them,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>they<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>will<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>know<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>how<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>build<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>all<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>them.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>Then,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>when<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>they<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>realize<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>they are missing a particular dinosaur that they want in their world,
they will now have the ability to create it themselves!<p></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 7.15pt; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 7.15pt 0cm 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.4pt;">As<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>mentioned<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>above,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>my siblings and I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>spent<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>lot<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>time<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>using<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>our<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>imagination<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>creating<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>things<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>while growing up, and I want to make sure that today’s generations have
the same childhood opportunities I did.</p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: .05pt; margin: 0.05pt 0cm 0cm 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><b>I’d<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>like<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>hear<span style="letter-spacing: -0.4pt;"> </span>more<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>about<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>“lunchbox<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>doodles.”<span style="letter-spacing: -0.4pt;"> </span>What<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>great<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>idea!<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>And<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>why<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>do<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>you call yourself a master doodler?</b></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.1pt;">I have one answer
for both questions!<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>The master
doodler tagline came from years of creating drawings<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>for<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>my<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>son<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>Chase’s<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>school<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">
</span>lunches.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>caught<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">
</span>wind<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>this<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>idea<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>from<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>another<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>dad’s<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>blog who<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>put<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>drawing<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>his<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>kids<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>lunches<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>for<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>16<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>years.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;">
</span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>thought<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>that was awesome,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>so<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>gave<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>it<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>a try.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;">
</span>It<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>not<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>only<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>gave<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>me<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>opportunity<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>make<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>Chase’s<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">
</span>day,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>but<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>it<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>also<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>gave<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>me<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>opportunity
to test how fast I could draw something or come up with new characters, as well
as try out new pens, markers, etc. </p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.05pt; text-align: left;">I had a pretty
good run with drawing a doodle every day for almost 6 years (Pre-K–4th grade),
until COVID.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>COVID got me out of the
habit of doing this every morning.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>Even
though it doesn't happen<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>every<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>day<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>anymore,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>do<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>still<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>try<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>get<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>few<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>doodles<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>drawn<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>now<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>then<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>during
the school year for both of my kids.</p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.05pt; text-align: left;">For<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>those<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>who<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>want<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>get<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>better<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>at<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>drawing<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>become<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>master<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>doodler,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>my<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>advice<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>draw with a pen or Sharpie.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>Something that you can’t erase.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>Doing so will help you to be more
confident and precise with your pen strokes.</p></div><div class="WordSection3"><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 3.7pt; margin: 3.7pt 0cm 0cm 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 3.7pt; margin: 3.7pt 0cm 0cm 5pt;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><b>How<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>much<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>work/time<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>goes<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>into<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>creating<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>one<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>your<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">books?</span></b></p><p class="MsoBodyText"><b><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_w_z7o-jwcnDdnI-IoNnT9iD8X8e-tiTOZeMwHbqml-0QWrkqbVRInPStnPGwN1nxBHvQVOWyoT-1u9w6xO_S0jiWYqoiY20fHGxX9kGah6qXMLPkE3uq98t29TtnkTyOtHP4n_1ioq1cH5bDu2g1k3-4qAYjM65u8BIETntLvqOp9lRGdgRokxfcQ/s512/MRainey_signing.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_w_z7o-jwcnDdnI-IoNnT9iD8X8e-tiTOZeMwHbqml-0QWrkqbVRInPStnPGwN1nxBHvQVOWyoT-1u9w6xO_S0jiWYqoiY20fHGxX9kGah6qXMLPkE3uq98t29TtnkTyOtHP4n_1ioq1cH5bDu2g1k3-4qAYjM65u8BIETntLvqOp9lRGdgRokxfcQ/w190-h190/MRainey_signing.jpeg" width="190" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; margin-top: 3.4pt; margin: 3.4pt 7.5pt 0cm 5pt;">It depends on the
book, but on average from start to finish it’s about two years.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>That timeframe is<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>after<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>book<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>idea<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>has<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>been<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>acquired<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>from<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>publishing<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>house.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>That<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>two<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>years<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>doesn’t<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>include all of the
time and prep-work beforehand leading up to the acquisition of the title (which
can sometimes take years.)<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>I’ve been
working on a few stories for almost five years now and still haven’t completely
figured them out.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>When I present to
kids, I talk about and emphasize how trial and error is part of this process
and to not give up if your idea doesn’t work out the first time.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>Reworking projects is just a big part of
the whole writing and illustrating process.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; margin-top: 3.4pt; margin: 3.4pt 7.5pt 0cm 5pt;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; margin-top: 3.4pt; margin: 3.4pt 7.5pt 0cm 5pt;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; margin-top: 3.4pt; margin: 3.4pt 7.5pt 0cm 5pt;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; margin-top: 3.4pt; margin: 3.4pt 7.5pt 0cm 5pt;"><b>How<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>did<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>having<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">
</span>your<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>work<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>displayed at<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>Mazza<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>Museum<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">
</span>come<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">about?</span></b></p><h1 style="margin-top: 0.05pt;"><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 5.65pt; margin-top: 3.35pt; margin: 3.35pt 5.65pt 0cm 5pt;">For a few years,
I was working in cut paper collage work for some of my magazine illustration jobs.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>After a while, I started to collect
physical pieces of artwork from these assignments, and I didn’t know what to do
with them.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>So, I reached out to Ben
Sapp at the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum about donating a few pieces.<span style="letter-spacing: 3.85pt;"> </span>He graciously accepted and even offered
that we<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>could<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>also<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>do<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>small<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>gallery<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
</span>show<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>work.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>This<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>was<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>definitely<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>career<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>highlight<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>for<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>me! It<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>also gave<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>me<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>little<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">
</span>piece<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>of mind that some<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>of my cut<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>paper works will be<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>archived
for as long as they will last for future generations to see.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><b>You are currently the Regional Illustrator
Coordinator for the Ohio: North Society of Book Writers and<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>Illustrators.<span style="letter-spacing: -0.4pt;"> </span>What<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>are<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>some<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>things<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>you<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>do<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>your<span style="letter-spacing: -0.4pt;"> </span>position<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>with<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>SCBWI? </b></p><p class="MsoBodyText"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 4.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 4.2pt 0cm 5pt;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUEBUm2OBjtZ4JsLXqBPvRugaVO85wVqUeN6dK-6LTZ5SPu2JN3YtgUpLHCIKVnaSowB6DAAGbuOO6bq3YltiGh6Jduv1rFBTw2Owaru5TPj98mR13a49Qh0QYkY41JQ8p9A-gOUmH7bxlV5eR9fFS5N6TugM57A3jN4atWGwS6MFNKSazjae37PNZw/s512/MRainey_book%20signing.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUEBUm2OBjtZ4JsLXqBPvRugaVO85wVqUeN6dK-6LTZ5SPu2JN3YtgUpLHCIKVnaSowB6DAAGbuOO6bq3YltiGh6Jduv1rFBTw2Owaru5TPj98mR13a49Qh0QYkY41JQ8p9A-gOUmH7bxlV5eR9fFS5N6TugM57A3jN4atWGwS6MFNKSazjae37PNZw/w242-h242/MRainey_book%20signing.jpeg" width="242" /><br /></a></b>I have been
the Illustrator Coordinator for seven years now and I have loved every minute!<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>My main goal in this role was to give back
to a community and organization that had presented me with so many
opportunities that helped me advance my career.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>When I stepped into this role, I focused on bringing in
opportunities for the illustrators in our chapter to be seen by agents,
editors, and art directors.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>I’ve also
tried to focus on inspirational or educational experiences for our<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>members.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;">
</span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>spent<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>lot<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>time<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>trying<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">
</span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>build<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>cohesive<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>look<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>feel<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>our<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>local<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>chapter<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">
</span>by encouraging a consistent look to all of our events and graphics.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>It has been a wonderful experience.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>However, with that all said, at the end of
this year I will be stepping away from this role.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>My<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>time<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>energy<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>currently<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>needed<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>elsewhere,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>but<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>look<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>forward<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>bringing<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>new spark to help continue building what I
have been working on for our region.</p></div><div class="WordSection4"><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 7.15pt; margin-top: 3.7pt; margin: 3.7pt 7.15pt 0cm 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText"><b>You’ve<span style="letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span>done<span style="letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span>work<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>for<span style="letter-spacing: -0.55pt;"> </span>hire<span style="letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span>for<span style="letter-spacing: -0.55pt;"> </span>several<span style="letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span>magazines,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>been<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>published<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>traditionally<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>through<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>Odd Dot and
Harper Collins, and have also published independently. Can you tell us your
experiences with each and what you learned from them?</b></p><h1 style="line-height: 123%; margin-top: 0.05pt;"><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.1pt;">Having<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>published<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">
</span>both<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>traditionally<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>independently,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>can<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>say<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>that<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>they<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>both<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>have<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>been<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>lot<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>of work.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;">
</span>No matter which direction you decide to go in your publishing career, it
takes your all to do it <i>right!<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span></i>It takes a lot of time and effort to
market your books, whether on social media or promoting at public events.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>It also takes a lot of time to review and
edit your own work.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>You have to be
involved in every step along the way…you are on 24/7!</p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 5.65pt; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 5.65pt 0cm 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.2pt;">If I had to
choose one way to publish, traditionally vs. independently, that would be to
publish traditionally.<span style="letter-spacing: 3.85pt;"> </span>Here is why:
per my experiences, publishing traditionally has allowed me to be able to work
with a team of experts who know the best way to build my books so that they
will be the highest quality, most user friendly, and actually get into the
hands of the end user.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>It has allowed<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>me<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>opportunities<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>learn<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>how<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>publishing<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>world<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>works.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>It<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>doesn’t<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>always<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>work<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>right, or in your favor,
but I’ve gained invaluable knowledge on how to navigate situations that might
arise with my next project or publishing experiences.</p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 7.15pt; margin-top: .05pt; margin: 0.05pt 7.15pt 0cm 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><b>Are<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>you<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>ever<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>planning<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>on<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>writing<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>graphic<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>novel?<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">
</span>(Or<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>have<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>you<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>already<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>written<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">
</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">one?)</span></b></p><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 7.15pt; margin-top: 3.4pt; margin: 3.4pt 7.15pt 0cm 5pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 123%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I have a
few in the works, but nothing finished yet.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>Some
stories just take longer to find their voice.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;">
</span>Currently, I am illustrating the new <i>Jack
and Jill Protectors of Safe Tomorrows </i>comic found<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>Jack<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>Jill<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>Magazine.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>am<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>also<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>working<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>on<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>hybrid<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>picture<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>book/graphic<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>novel<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>with
Hippo Park currently titled <i>On The Air
With Dr. Doodle Bug.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText"><i><span style="font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: 17pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i><b>What<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>upcoming<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>projects<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">
</span>can<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>you<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>tell<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>us<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">about?</span></b></p><p class="MsoBodyText"><b><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PmbUxeKPibGXHPSZpPo5db7Tzf-XSQUcnLfbXZoSVhH3HexZJ31aWVsjtHQiuXEszHu0IU7afgn7c00s_CBL_V3Y7l2mtWggj9PXD8sKqzJb7t0s7ajoKIpWGwom08v1wbhnWvN_eXFqI1EvzGjUaRe3vIAAr6XP3uZ5AXRxODTJH22boT78GulgaQ/s512/MRainey_Giants.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PmbUxeKPibGXHPSZpPo5db7Tzf-XSQUcnLfbXZoSVhH3HexZJ31aWVsjtHQiuXEszHu0IU7afgn7c00s_CBL_V3Y7l2mtWggj9PXD8sKqzJb7t0s7ajoKIpWGwom08v1wbhnWvN_eXFqI1EvzGjUaRe3vIAAr6XP3uZ5AXRxODTJH22boT78GulgaQ/w214-h214/MRainey_Giants.jpeg" width="214" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 3.35pt; margin: 3.35pt 0cm 0cm 5pt; text-align: left;">I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>am<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>currently<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>marketing<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>my<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>next<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>illustrated<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>picture<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>book<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>which<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>is<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>reimagined<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>Florence<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>Parry Heide classic picture book titled <i>Giants Are Very Brave People, </i>set to
release on<span style="letter-spacing: -0.45pt;"> </span>August 1st.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 5.65pt; margin-top: .15pt; margin: 0.15pt 5.65pt 0cm 5pt; text-align: left;">I am also working
on two new projects.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>One is another
paper craft book with Odd Dot titled <i>Building
Block Books: My First Town.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span></i>This
book is a take on the classic children’s building blocks where young builders
will punch out, build, and stack a 3D city of their own.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>And I am working<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>on,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>as<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>mentioned<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>above,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>hybrid<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>picture<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">
</span>book/graphic<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>novel<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>with<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>Hippo<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>Park<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>currently
titled <i>On The Air With Dr. Doodle Bug.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 123%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="break-before: page; mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<div class="WordSection5">
<p class="MsoBodyText"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoBodyText"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></p>
<p style="margin-top: 4.5pt; text-align: left;"><b>What’s<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>your<span style="letter-spacing: -0.4pt;"> </span>best<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>advice<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>for<span style="letter-spacing: -0.45pt;"> </span>aspiring<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>illustrators<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>for<span style="letter-spacing: -0.4pt;"> </span>children’s<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">work?</span></b></p><h1 style="margin-top: 4.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 7.15pt; margin-top: 3.4pt; margin: 3.4pt 7.15pt 0cm 5pt;">If you really
want it- Stick with it!<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>Know that
this career path is not your normal 9-5 job.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;">
</span>It’s a constant<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>hustle<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>trying<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>figure<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>out<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>new<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>projects,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>while<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>working<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>on<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>current<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>projects,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>figuring out ways to
market your work.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>Also, learn how to
speak for yourself and your work, and never quit learning new skills or
refining your craft.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.15pt;"><span style="font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: .05pt; margin: 0.05pt 0cm 0cm 5pt;"><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Short<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>and <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">Sweet</span></span></u><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 8.35pt; margin: 8.35pt 0cm 0cm 5pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Pantser<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>or<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>Plotter?<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Pantser</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.2pt; margin: 6.2pt 0cm 0cm 5pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Guilty<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>Food<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>Pleasure?<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">French<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>Fries<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
Cookies</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.2pt; margin: 6.2pt 0cm 0cm 5pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Favorite<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>Hobby?<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Urban<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>Sketching<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>or<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>antiquing<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>for<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>perfect<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">
</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">treasure!</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 6.2pt; text-align: left;"><b> Cat</b><span style="font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span><b>or</b><span style="font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span><b>Dog</b><span style="font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span><b>Person? </b><span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;">Dog</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 5.65pt; margin-top: 6.2pt; margin: 6.2pt 5.65pt 0cm 5pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 108%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Who<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>would<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>you<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>like<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>have<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>dinner<span style="letter-spacing: -0.35pt;">
</span>with<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>(living<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>or<span style="letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span>dead)?<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 108%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
</span>Dad<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>(we<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>lost<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>him<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>when<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>was <span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">12.)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 5.65pt; margin-top: 6.2pt; margin: 6.2pt 5.65pt 0cm 5pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 108%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Do<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>you<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>do<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>your<span style="letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span>best<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>work<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>morning,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>afternoon,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>or<span style="letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span>evening?<span style="letter-spacing: -0.35pt;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 108%;">When<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>I<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>first<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">
</span>started<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>out,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>I used to like to work between the hours
of midnight and 5 am.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>Mainly due to
the world being complete shutdown so I could just focus on my work.<span style="letter-spacing: 2pt;"> </span>Now, it’s the morning hours, and sometimes
late afternoons.</span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 292.1pt; margin-top: 9.3pt; margin: 9.3pt 292.1pt 0cm 5pt;"><b>Website</b>:<a href=" https://littlerainey.com/ " target="_blank"> <span style="color: #0563c1;">https://littlerainey.com/</span><span style="color: #0563c1;"> </span></a></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 292.1pt; margin-top: 9.3pt; margin: 9.3pt 292.1pt 0cm 5pt;"><b>Instagram</b>: <u><span style="color: #0563c1;"><a href="http://instagram.com/littlerainey" target="_blank">instagram.com/littleraine<b>y</b></a></span></u></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 292.1pt; margin-top: 9.3pt; margin: 9.3pt 292.1pt 0cm 5pt;"><b>Upcoming events and workshops:<a href=" https://littlerainey.com/events" target="_blank"> </a></b><u><span style="color: #0563c1; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"><a href=" https://littlerainey.com/events" target="_blank">https://littlerainey.com/events</a></span></u></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 292.1pt; margin-top: 9.3pt; margin: 9.3pt 292.1pt 0cm 5pt;"><u><span style="color: #0563c1; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"><br /></span></u></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: .2pt; margin: 0.2pt 0cm 0cm 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 12.9pt; margin-top: 3.35pt; margin: 3.35pt 12.9pt 0cm 5pt;"><b>Join Merrill at the
Highlights Foundation Summer Camp in Illustration:</b> <span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.133333px;"><u><a href="https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/summer-camp-in-illustration-intensive-artistic-inspiration/" target="_blank">Highlights Foundation Summer Camp in Illustration</a></u></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-left: 5pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtl0472T4PVfGjmJH730wMDfFq_vy7ZjBBYBYEvo8YPSe6AMJ9BeDXdMn2IFFEUa6wEFXjhlImx6SPXb4caBCcL6K61eGeT0Twmq-yr2BnbuUoAcYEBJX-3dwCIRJLfR1zhsA6nGYFP_0MNimx6LwPgiiwWUI9-rywZA4RE-FETpBKUTY4fKaVA9gng/s500/MRainey_Roar%20Im%20a%20Dinosaur.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="475" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtl0472T4PVfGjmJH730wMDfFq_vy7ZjBBYBYEvo8YPSe6AMJ9BeDXdMn2IFFEUa6wEFXjhlImx6SPXb4caBCcL6K61eGeT0Twmq-yr2BnbuUoAcYEBJX-3dwCIRJLfR1zhsA6nGYFP_0MNimx6LwPgiiwWUI9-rywZA4RE-FETpBKUTY4fKaVA9gng/w139-h147/MRainey_Roar%20Im%20a%20Dinosaur.jpg" width="139" /></a></div><b>Preorder Giants
Are Very Brave People:</b> <a href="https://gatheringvolumes.com/item/FtG3jpk3T0QnEpiV1yFSiw" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: #0563c1; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">https://gatheringvolumes.com/item/FtG3jpk3T0QnEpiV1yFSiw</span></u><o:p></o:p></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.05pt;"><b style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> Books by Merrill:</b></p><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 47.6pt; margin-top: 3.35pt; margin: 3.35pt 47.6pt 0cm 5pt;"></p><a href="https://gatheringvolumes.com/item/MEgaIBq6_d8BsF3VDGIFqQ " target="_blank">ROAR! I’m a
Dinosaur <u><span style="color: #0563c1; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">https://gatheringvolumes.com/item/MEgaIBq6_d8BsF3VDGIFqQ</span></u></a><a href="https://gatheringvolumes.com/item/MEgaIBq6_d8BsF3VDGIFqQ " style="font-size: 15pt;" target="_blank"> </a><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left: 5pt;"><a href="https://gatheringvolumes.com/item/MEgaIBq6_d8uMsSLD0Vy8A" style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;" target="_blank">OINK! I'm a Pig</a></p></div><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 5.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 3.7pt; margin: 3.7pt 0cm 0cm 5pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.4pt;"><span style="font-size: 17.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><a href=" https://gatheringvolumes.com/item/pAG4rDFNcoyEF-nfP4FOPg " target="_blank">Color, Cut,
Create • Dinosaur World <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">https://gatheringvolumes.com/item/pAG4rDFNcoyEF-nfP4FOPg</span></a></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: 0.05pt;"><span style="font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href=" https://gatheringvolumes.com/item/pAG4rDFNcoyEF-nfP4FOPg " target="_blank"> </a></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 123%; margin-left: 5pt;"><a href="https://gatheringvolumes.com/item/pAG4rDFNcoymdRXoahNwOA" target="_blank">Color, Cut,
Create • Horse Ranch <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">https://gatheringvolumes.com/item/pAG4rDFNcoymdRXoahNwOA</span><o:p></o:p></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-24595447936315631642023-05-05T03:23:00.011-07:002023-05-16T05:49:23.472-07:00 Welcome Keila V. Dawson, this month's guest author!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHz2uvTiMtmsvTj3P9DXgAWLj9MLDfyY931SQkikkMerkucStKi5U4f-PqL_h1loHE7xMeVzKybNVlk2OzQS1NccPNDrCc6g_Lj2mv5qDzdpK1BwK4Bf5nX2_XC3eZsLf5EZ8-HQtOc8kufqvPP0W_M93UnvEnrsyXEKi7uEiTZmvb6RjpQLs_tF9ybQ/s927/Keila%20Dawson.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="636" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHz2uvTiMtmsvTj3P9DXgAWLj9MLDfyY931SQkikkMerkucStKi5U4f-PqL_h1loHE7xMeVzKybNVlk2OzQS1NccPNDrCc6g_Lj2mv5qDzdpK1BwK4Bf5nX2_XC3eZsLf5EZ8-HQtOc8kufqvPP0W_M93UnvEnrsyXEKi7uEiTZmvb6RjpQLs_tF9ybQ/w231-h335/Keila%20Dawson.jpg" width="231" /></b></a></div><o:p><b> Interview by Lana Wayne Koehler</b></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><br /></b></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Tell us about yourself, Keila.</b></p><p></p><p class="yiv2651168639MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: #0070c0; outline: none;">Thank you so much for allowing me to be a guest on your blog, Lana!</span></p><p class="yiv2651168639MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: #0070c0; outline: none;"><br style="outline: none;" /></span></p><p class="yiv2651168639MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: #0070c0; outline: none;">I am a former educator turned children’s author. I’m originally from New Orleans, but I’ve lived in different states across the U.S. and abroad in </span><span style="color: #0070c0; outline: none;">the Philippines, Japan, and Egypt. Learning about other cultures and world history has always interested me. I enjoy international travel and genealogical research which also takes me all over the world.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br class="yiv2651168639Apple-interchange-newline" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none;" /><b>What got you started in writing children’s books?</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0070c0;">My journey
in writing started when a friend asked about my bucket list and I said I’d
always wanted to write a book for kids. I had been a teacher of young children,
a picture book collector and then a parent of children, so I’d read a lot of
picture books. Writing one is something I had thought about over the years, but
I had told no one that before! I believe sharing that dream brought it closer
to a reality.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0070c0;">But I
didn’t have a story idea, and I knew nothing about writing a book for kids,
however saying it out loud made me think of the possibility. And so I
questioned why I hadn't tried. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>What was your inspiration for The King Cake Baby and Opening the Road? </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #0070c0; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVss5gmRtvbOxgmv130fWkIXgX3XZI5CUJWfX_35Qvwdo4Bk1Cy8tooDyaQ6b9QjPEY1yzA6JgEj2-6d4tBU2WELHyzO7H_hOyEK9kkZAmuYC4TJsQIUO8fRi-MDCw-Uv2afjRx7Tiqc6ks8w7F39IspOyGl4l5tn53qklwZ5Hb4bxloA9XUV0p8739A/s747/King%20Cake%20Baby.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><div><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="589" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVss5gmRtvbOxgmv130fWkIXgX3XZI5CUJWfX_35Qvwdo4Bk1Cy8tooDyaQ6b9QjPEY1yzA6JgEj2-6d4tBU2WELHyzO7H_hOyEK9kkZAmuYC4TJsQIUO8fRi-MDCw-Uv2afjRx7Tiqc6ks8w7F39IspOyGl4l5tn53qklwZ5Hb4bxloA9XUV0p8739A/w241-h307/King%20Cake%20Baby.jpg" width="241" /></b><span style="color: #0070c0; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #0070c0; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><div><br /></div><span style="color: #3d85c6;">I think allowing myself to think I could write a
book opened my mind to ideas about what would make a good story. One day while
baking a king cake during the Carnival season, I reached inside my kitchen
drawer to get one of a little plastic baby from my a collection that I’ve
found in king cakes over the years to hide inside the cake. But I couldn’t
find them. And I said something like, “Where’d my babies run off to?” And in<i>
</i>that moment, I knew that was the story idea I had been waiting for. That
night I wrote my first draft of The King Cake Baby as a runaway tale based on
the Gingerbread Man tale, but told Louisiana style!</span><o:p></o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqv2_wU27YjkEAzUqVHhUucvKyZnaPtKzYowLCA6ZdT7Jxx0xKjdF43V_XM8zY1mjzJUiHp5bV24xn6E_pf9lclPLjo7uA4aRtWGSsV86JerqjYQyjyD1l3JsWHw3Ci6xT7Mq53oo659OQSpRzg13e4z-gUWrew2LnV5e5LkTzgWyTS2mO2nLj-HW0Ow/s481/King%20Cake%20Baby%202.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="481" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqv2_wU27YjkEAzUqVHhUucvKyZnaPtKzYowLCA6ZdT7Jxx0xKjdF43V_XM8zY1mjzJUiHp5bV24xn6E_pf9lclPLjo7uA4aRtWGSsV86JerqjYQyjyD1l3JsWHw3Ci6xT7Mq53oo659OQSpRzg13e4z-gUWrew2LnV5e5LkTzgWyTS2mO2nLj-HW0Ow/s320/King%20Cake%20Baby%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #0070c0;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0070c0;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0070c0; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1032" style="height: 244.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 192.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0070c0;"><o:p><br /> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_i1031" style="height: 233.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 360.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #0070c0; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #0070c0; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLGchSuNFA1RBqHsBbWnd2qbJzmvG5fzcpNKRahehNin3W2XLJrSk0ZeBRF4zwuGO0cGpguIM2de-LlZVe8rzyd4-Kx8N8kFvXyEer37iFuHeinnmrL1FHAQUrcB5ajWmnMGgw7JGFPIa0DhvzaOZtTGPGmopzsN6rveEJRHLRhm8KieXquXi0MRQqw/s677/Opening%20the%20Road.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="576" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLGchSuNFA1RBqHsBbWnd2qbJzmvG5fzcpNKRahehNin3W2XLJrSk0ZeBRF4zwuGO0cGpguIM2de-LlZVe8rzyd4-Kx8N8kFvXyEer37iFuHeinnmrL1FHAQUrcB5ajWmnMGgw7JGFPIa0DhvzaOZtTGPGmopzsN6rveEJRHLRhm8KieXquXi0MRQqw/w245-h288/Opening%20the%20Road.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #0070c0; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0070c0;">For
Opening the Road, I listened to a BBC radio program about the postal worker who
wrote guides for Black Americans used to travel safely during legal segregation
and wanted to know more. The research for this book had me learning many things
I didn’t learn in school. And it shows the importance of having quality
children’s nonfiction trade books available for young readers.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_i1030" style="height: 222pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 188.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><o:p> <span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br /></o:p>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_v8ioSCKwd8mIII2siJmpRL3JbrtPq9Sa6uqQ2P8UHYSadEarFdKA43cw0aQ-jPgcWd7wMT-iazf2ZzFXM8PRwtHmbrnmWJKewTO9_KULlkhJj6MKWfCaE4FjiT65C7V38mQ1uzM2demgP3YYMJ050BduYlunl61xruQso_2OnLn5Mr2X_ibK6mBRg/s780/Opening%20the%20Road_2.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="780" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_v8ioSCKwd8mIII2siJmpRL3JbrtPq9Sa6uqQ2P8UHYSadEarFdKA43cw0aQ-jPgcWd7wMT-iazf2ZzFXM8PRwtHmbrnmWJKewTO9_KULlkhJj6MKWfCaE4FjiT65C7V38mQ1uzM2demgP3YYMJ050BduYlunl61xruQso_2OnLn5Mr2X_ibK6mBRg/w400-h236/Opening%20the%20Road_2.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>How did you happen to get together with your
co-authors/editors on your No World Too Big and No Voice Too Small books?</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RSgDzNYoOwo-vjbFTxP7DpD6xnoCCOHK65cataFyOF3lyvkH1VbWO3HvxNSBONiZ48VDBNtSXQ0zsMe_H5j3JOPc4dEf27fnPuyUe3-lvF3iDSscIz-ucYg-LarWZQfianiHCTcAQ7gDpEDToVfmwFZfQwZwQ59tvnRkeL1uhXfPsVtNF2Oz5Ejdcg/s640/No%20Voice%20Too%20Small.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RSgDzNYoOwo-vjbFTxP7DpD6xnoCCOHK65cataFyOF3lyvkH1VbWO3HvxNSBONiZ48VDBNtSXQ0zsMe_H5j3JOPc4dEf27fnPuyUe3-lvF3iDSscIz-ucYg-LarWZQfianiHCTcAQ7gDpEDToVfmwFZfQwZwQ59tvnRkeL1uhXfPsVtNF2Oz5Ejdcg/w290-h290/No%20Voice%20Too%20Small.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><span style="background: white; color: #0070c0;">Lindsay,
Jeanette, and I were part of a Facebook group for the Kidlit Women. Jeanette
posted about an </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">idea to write a book that featured young activists. I replied,
along with others with ideas of who I’d put in such a book. Lindsay had had a
similar idea about writing about young changemakers and had started a list, so
she contacted Jeanette. They shared the same agent who liked the idea, but she
thought it was a big project and advised them to add a third person. And there
were a lot of moving parts writing the proposal, finding youth to feature,
seeking permissions, and reaching out to poets. Lindsay contacted me and I was
thrilled to commit to the project. We chose biographical poems because poetry
carries a lot of emotion and is often used as a vehicle for social change. When
Karen Boss expressed interest in our proposal, we knew Charlesbridge was the
perfect publisher for this book. And we worked so well together that before NO
VOICE TOO SMALL released, we were already thinking about a companion title.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivgYrmLlpjoKfhisdiDOcC6Cemy4akbjEn_R88UDS_4iSnhatTtmLJDfuMHpn-S0pjzuvt4mug6UacUEWy2GxKMvvLgYzidDBRp2T7Jqrij-5m1MfJwAM149JJbGfPYB3v9bT-ufN6s0cTv1Wfq1kPiRnO2jjIsPjJoQvfWfvzlGdwlRCR134QHtKLA/s635/No%20Voice%20Too%20Small_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="635" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivgYrmLlpjoKfhisdiDOcC6Cemy4akbjEn_R88UDS_4iSnhatTtmLJDfuMHpn-S0pjzuvt4mug6UacUEWy2GxKMvvLgYzidDBRp2T7Jqrij-5m1MfJwAM149JJbGfPYB3v9bT-ufN6s0cTv1Wfq1kPiRnO2jjIsPjJoQvfWfvzlGdwlRCR134QHtKLA/w388-h194/No%20Voice%20Too%20Small_2.jpg" width="388" /></a></div></span><p></p><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1028" style="height: 209.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 209.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background: white; color: #0070c0;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6oI4DKbsHLGhTDlD2uAiU1GMeefFAUOdzMDdxEMOr28w11uH-e_U4jA4QXkxkIAosYiUpBQaaN-nPx6MD0ItsjXzEYN1zy1dJ-TCFjU5LVKp73hK__xSlpA5_yock6Ivt_8qf7lpHf0cHvsVw7vEfwRlX2jjh-HoxliN7mrpbp4HE-hTBWDfwBFbTw/s612/No%20World%20Too%20Big.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6oI4DKbsHLGhTDlD2uAiU1GMeefFAUOdzMDdxEMOr28w11uH-e_U4jA4QXkxkIAosYiUpBQaaN-nPx6MD0ItsjXzEYN1zy1dJ-TCFjU5LVKp73hK__xSlpA5_yock6Ivt_8qf7lpHf0cHvsVw7vEfwRlX2jjh-HoxliN7mrpbp4HE-hTBWDfwBFbTw/s320/No%20World%20Too%20Big.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background: white; color: #0070c0;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background: white; color: #0070c0;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background: white; color: #0070c0;">We focused NO WORLD TOO BIG on climate change because kids
are anxious about their futures. And there are kids all around the world giving
them hope because they are taking action and searching for solutions to ease
the effects of global warming.</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 200.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 200.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TWI194CTCTi4FWh5m-xtH6-GpHQybrshcQ1KNScbgYoJ67aQtFbG7P-CuXrP2J7sKFgbV6LLPkJJ8tkWBINtTYllyAvztmu7ap9d3K0BNROeNqOM6M_AfbGVkhcOeERKEJX9uA6FOESNsuUjvlj1P5GnMR3XaR6_48vy-N-ltxkW1iFkk-1tG5unNw/s682/No%20World%20Too%20Big_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="682" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TWI194CTCTi4FWh5m-xtH6-GpHQybrshcQ1KNScbgYoJ67aQtFbG7P-CuXrP2J7sKFgbV6LLPkJJ8tkWBINtTYllyAvztmu7ap9d3K0BNROeNqOM6M_AfbGVkhcOeERKEJX9uA6FOESNsuUjvlj1P5GnMR3XaR6_48vy-N-ltxkW1iFkk-1tG5unNw/w428-h214/No%20World%20Too%20Big_2.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Any new projects in the works?</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0070c0;">Yes! In
2024, YUMBO GUMBO will be released with Charlesbridge as part of their
Storytelling Math Series. It's an intergenerational story with a side of
sibling rivalry about making gumbo and how the main character uses mathematical
reasoning to solve the problem. I am excited to share another story about my
Louisiana culture. YUMBO!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><u><b>Short and Sweet:</b></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p>Pantser or Plotter?</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><span style="color: #0070c0;">Panster until research forces me
to plot and plan!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><b>Guilty Food Pleasure?</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #0070c0;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #0070c0;">See’s Candies (And king cake
that I only eat during Carnival season!)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p>Favorite Hobby?</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><span style="color: #0070c0;">Genealogy</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><b>Cat or Dog Person?</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><span style="color: #0070c0;">Cat. I’ve also had dogs and love
that they love unconditionally, but I adore how cats are so unpredictable and
independent.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><b>Who would you like to have dinner with (living or dead)?</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><span style="color: #0070c0;">My great-grandparents! I found
the ship’s manifest with my great-grandfather, my very pregnant great-grandmother,
my 5-year-old grandfather, and his older siblings moving to the U.S from
Central America with 3 trunks, 1 Valise of Books, Bedding, and a baby carriage.
What books were in that suitcase?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Do you do your best work in the morning, afternoon, or evening?</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #0070c0;">Night!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_Hlk133275894" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Keila V. Dawson</b> worked as a community organizer,
educator, and advocate for children with disabilities before becoming a
children’s book author.<i> </i>She writes fiction and nonfiction picture books.
She is coeditor of </a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/No-World-Too-Big-Fighting/dp/1623543134/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FL1RFFESHEK2&keywords=No+World+too+big&qid=1682593150&s=books&sprefix=no+world+too+big%2Cstripbooks%2C164&sr=1-1about:blank" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><i>No
World Too Big, Young People Fighting Global Climate Change</i></a><span style="text-align: justify;"><i>, </i>and<i> </i></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/No-Voice-Too-Small-Americans/dp/162354131X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3FL1RFFESHEK2&keywords=No+World+too+big&qid=1682593202&s=books&sprefix=no+world+too+big%2Cstripbooks%2C164&sr=1-2about:blank" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><i>No Voice Too
Small: Fourteen Young Americans Making History</i></a><span style="text-align: justify;">. Dawson is the author of </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Opening-Road-Victor-Hugo-Green/dp/1506467911/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1682593238&refinements=p_27%3AKeila+V.+Dawson&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Keila+V.+Dawsonabout:blank" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><i>Opening the Road: Victor Hugo Green and His
Green Book</i></a><span style="text-align: justify;"><i>, </i></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/KING-CAKE-BABY-Keila-Dawson-ebook/dp/B01BE28ALS/ref=sr_1_4?qid=1682593275&refinements=p_27%3AKeila+V.+Dawson&s=books&sr=1-4&text=Keila+V.+Dawsonabout:blank" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><i>The
King Cake Baby</i></a><span style="text-align: justify;"> and the
forthcoming <i>Yumbo Gumbo.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk133275894;"><a name="_Hlk131974484"><o:p> </o:p></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk133275894;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk131974484;">Awards
and honors for her books include an International Reading Association
Children’s Book Award, a NCSS and NCTE Notable, Kirkus Best Book, Chicago
Public Library Best Book, New York Public Library Best Book, Bank Street Best
Book, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum's Noteworthy Book, a
two-time Ohioana finalist, Jane Addams finalist, a 2023 Charlotte Award and
2023-24 Louisiana Readers' Choice Award nominee.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk133275894;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk131974484;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk131974484;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk133275894;">A New Orleans native, Dawson has also lived
and worked in different states across the U.S., and abroad in the Philippines,
Japan, and Egypt. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. When she isn’t reading,
writing, and visiting schools, she’s traveling, playing tennis, or digging in
genealogical archives. </span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk133275894;"><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-color-alt: windowtext; padding: 0cm;">Find her on </span></span><a href="https://twitter.com/keila_dawson" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk133275894;"><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Twitter</span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk133275894;"><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-color-alt: windowtext; padding: 0cm;">, </span></span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/keilavdawson/" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk133275894;"><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Instagram,</span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk133275894;"><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-color-alt: windowtext; padding: 0cm;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/keila.dawson" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, or her </span></span><a href="https://www.keiladawson.com/" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk133275894;"><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">website</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk133275894;"></span><u><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-color-alt: windowtext; padding: 0cm;">.</span></u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><a href="https://www.keiladawson.com/" target="_blank"> </a></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKuqZL1_Ftpt7Q-k0bLCR_JILYKvmfOt1ugGUNzTpZwsCk_bi-dhgb9ZUWmGjRPKhrmBzijlGfaPT8BMwrSuqu3UpMrG8hwDwKXwSHLxpyri1ekV8yHPKNuwptoy-vpOvrLxjdHTU-GasThjMterrdZ0TGVxnY8LccS35Y60qJzwkfmfCqaYyUAwQUQ/s481/King%20Cake%20Baby%202.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="481" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKuqZL1_Ftpt7Q-k0bLCR_JILYKvmfOt1ugGUNzTpZwsCk_bi-dhgb9ZUWmGjRPKhrmBzijlGfaPT8BMwrSuqu3UpMrG8hwDwKXwSHLxpyri1ekV8yHPKNuwptoy-vpOvrLxjdHTU-GasThjMterrdZ0TGVxnY8LccS35Y60qJzwkfmfCqaYyUAwQUQ/w347-h224/King%20Cake%20Baby%202.jpg" width="347" /></a></div></div>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-34543556988072792942023-03-31T04:08:00.020-07:002023-03-31T04:51:25.227-07:00 Guest Post: Jennifer Swanson<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #26282a;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">We welcome Jen Swanson to our blog this month. What a thrill to have her on our page! A celebrated author, Jen has had multiple successes navigating through and contributing to the Kid lit world. Thanks for stopping by and sharing some words of wisdom with our readers, Jen. Continued success on your journey.</span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8mdkMBlig7vQNySyuhvM6BfaMzi27tHxVy8ueSBXRbz1Pla3YAR_0Z6OpZiBqYMN9rD6ZKxMtD6AEPMk74FB3kFnrGEZwMK30S5Y4m27nLoCGiPqL2fmZy_aZse10uM5r9xsO371qGT2vLpDhZXTjsmXME0apCgnXv40YTukd4rC1-XcR0rkoBlUbA/s318/Jen%20Swanson%20headshot.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="318" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8mdkMBlig7vQNySyuhvM6BfaMzi27tHxVy8ueSBXRbz1Pla3YAR_0Z6OpZiBqYMN9rD6ZKxMtD6AEPMk74FB3kFnrGEZwMK30S5Y4m27nLoCGiPqL2fmZy_aZse10uM5r9xsO371qGT2vLpDhZXTjsmXME0apCgnXv40YTukd4rC1-XcR0rkoBlUbA/w195-h195/Jen%20Swanson%20headshot.jpg" width="195" /></a> <b><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: times;">BE BOLD<span style="text-align: center;">!</span></span></span></b></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <b> by
Jennifer Swanson</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <b> </b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">People
often ask me for advice about how to manage their career. After over 15 years
and 45 books in this industry, I smile. I’m not sure it’s possible to give
anyone advice about how to navigate a career as an author. Everyone’s journey
is different. You get out of it what you put into it (usually). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">But when
pressed, I give them the two words that have guided me throughout mine:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>BE BOLD</b>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>That sounds
good, doesn’t it? What exactly does it mean? <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">BEING BOLD is:</span></b><div><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Taking advantage of opportunities offered to you.</span></b><div><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Applying for opportunities you think you have no
chance of getting.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Politely asking for something that might be out of
your reach (assuming you are not doing anything on the list below)</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">BELIEVING in yourself, even when you find that
difficult.</span><br /></b><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>When is a good time to BE BOLD?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">1. When you’re at a writer’s conference, during the
mixer, consider going over and chatting with an agent or editor. DON’T pitch to
them. Just talk to them about normal things. How’s the weather? Do you have a
pet? Isn’t it a bit freezing in here? Those types of conversations will stick
with the person much longer (and much more positively) than pitching.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Then, when you email them your submission (according
to the rules), start out with, “It was so nice chatting with you a X. That way
they might remember you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It works. I’ve
done this. It is not a guarantee of a sale or anything, but if you make
connections with agents and editors, in the long run, it helps you to feel more
confident about yourself.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIZyBp5sdvPVRDhVaWVNWzrjsC6CkK3PTHTAuJuA4DSK-ta6mL5G5LE2EnxR14Q36zdl5wtx8-PcDdSthxvIfHPjrtA4IY5O-LiNa1v7b_F37JcaPFNK-Yg_cDP0CChe7iUykMsbJ0UtlqWWRvsPEKv_QRlXRU-IjsFfY-eVYZN0eg1sIT8wOnoYMqg/s1632/Pix%20for%20Jen%20Swanson%20on%20six%20pens%20blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="1632" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIZyBp5sdvPVRDhVaWVNWzrjsC6CkK3PTHTAuJuA4DSK-ta6mL5G5LE2EnxR14Q36zdl5wtx8-PcDdSthxvIfHPjrtA4IY5O-LiNa1v7b_F37JcaPFNK-Yg_cDP0CChe7iUykMsbJ0UtlqWWRvsPEKv_QRlXRU-IjsFfY-eVYZN0eg1sIT8wOnoYMqg/w571-h146/Pix%20for%20Jen%20Swanson%20on%20six%20pens%20blog.jpg" width="571" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: left;">( I met these editors at conferences, most before I worked
with them—note meeting an editor does NOT guarantee a sell. I’ve met plenty of editors who haven’t bought
any of my books… yet </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: left;">😉)</span></span></b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><b><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></b></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 111.6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGBM8TnxQML86g5xXoGph_UJnh7LxIw6gNhgUZsXlXEcjf_qQmrF9vY3v6NMluLKx0pUs1cxBPKnvNyHkBoajx5DFQiLeBcY1le1oW2TL0CP2NDSatPgRRbpCQqTCL9ZtWPQnNZ7CXPwtB1UF8DeYQZvELptsQ9UIow1ZDOoUs0bh_4X4yL3IZtSaZA/s472/Jen%20Swanson%20and%20Fabien.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="354" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGBM8TnxQML86g5xXoGph_UJnh7LxIw6gNhgUZsXlXEcjf_qQmrF9vY3v6NMluLKx0pUs1cxBPKnvNyHkBoajx5DFQiLeBcY1le1oW2TL0CP2NDSatPgRRbpCQqTCL9ZtWPQnNZ7CXPwtB1UF8DeYQZvELptsQ9UIow1ZDOoUs0bh_4X4yL3IZtSaZA/w178-h238/Jen%20Swanson%20and%20Fabien.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: times;">2. When you really,
really want to get a certain expert to help you or go to an amazing place to
visit. Start out by asking. I mean, you never know. I really wanted to get a
quote from Fabien Cousteau for my Astronaut-Aquanaut book. It just so happens
that I met a university professor who is also an aquanaut who knew Fabien. I
politely asked to be connected to Fabien. It took about six months for him to
respond, but eventually I got my quote. And went on to work on a couple other
things with him. <o:p></o:p></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 111.6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><b><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></b></o:p></span></p>
<br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 111.6pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QrSnkEjYZVRWWnrmDeUHshMl5edHVp4QSUyV-Gs383y4GHwRTGIaHTf0ZHL9nfd_pfCwtkpQE8nvfIpvRXJvVkm7ipxGvspoSQxI1RqKO0mVdeBa0-M83sAaJ_PycMWJnUvCwu4j-grYb7LDyOHmVh8wMKlLs8U86gyiG4ZxaZLFNyUOR6g2H-02hA/s504/Jen%20Swanson%20hardhat.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="378" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QrSnkEjYZVRWWnrmDeUHshMl5edHVp4QSUyV-Gs383y4GHwRTGIaHTf0ZHL9nfd_pfCwtkpQE8nvfIpvRXJvVkm7ipxGvspoSQxI1RqKO0mVdeBa0-M83sAaJ_PycMWJnUvCwu4j-grYb7LDyOHmVh8wMKlLs8U86gyiG4ZxaZLFNyUOR6g2H-02hA/w199-h264/Jen%20Swanson%20hardhat.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">When I wanted to visit
CERN on their Open Day, I dug until I found their PR department, and wrote them
a letter. I told them who I was and why I wanted to come, took a deep breath
and hit send! Three weeks later they responded with a private tour of the Alice
detector. OMG! Was that amazing!</span></b></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 111.6pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 111.6pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"><b> </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: left;">3. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: left;">When you need a change in your career. Let’s face it, sometimes this
writing gig gets us down. Even if you’re published multiple times, you can
still experience imposter syndrome. Like many others, I was having a hard time
getting work during the pandemic. So, I decided to… start a science podcast for
kids! Who knew if it would lead anywhere, but I did know where to get guests. I
contacted all of the experts I’d worked with on my books. Luckily, most of them
said yes (even Fabien!). </span></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 111.6pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: left;">Today, my </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: left;"><a href="abhttps://solveitforkids.com/out:blank" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Solve It for Kids</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: left;"> podcast is over 150
episodes and going strong.</span></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 111.6pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: left;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 111.6pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://solveitforkids.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="260" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25vkoBLiWXPk5j4gAk8MJOPZ1CPDf5Ua5jnPpMFhWQupyJFUvDU6GRzgE-Z_zOD_pSm8JEH497d3V-kLHqt6r74CxefIUcLSULF4eNGTCbu4VOhhX18fvWUeOkXEuJYqQ1QWu_dKRwD2ZwzlLAN2JqYACj0pU-L1ouNLljO1WFE1atAqV4fbFaJFX_A/w174-h174/Solve%20it%20for%20Kids%20Logo.jpg" width="174" /></a><a href="https://solveitforkids.com/" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="416" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrseQvfylYteGYpgrDv63S9rtcRHycZ3ua1PL9SW5WzosQV6dqooAHg1QEn8mujvtMsnEbInIY_B0zkie5xb5eclQeTrNxExWm_L0umaT2E_jC9l59caKcJ-FTyA3WpD_C5t_s6xTwAm1YB_OXrZrlR_sVa16_DkAxP0SWMW3_rCUvNCLcqnLExq9mlQ/w177-h177/Podcast%20Jen%20Swanson.jpg" width="177" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 111.6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Let me add a final caveat
though, being bold does NOT mean:</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">That you don’t have to follow submission
rules of agents and editors<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">That you can submit more than the allowed amount
from a conference<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">That you should ask a fellow writer for
their contacts (unless you’re really good friends) <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> I add</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">ed that second list above because I want to be
clear. I have been bold in my career and sometimes it has worked out. Other
times, it has not. (but that’s for another blog post </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">😊</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">)</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 111.6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">So, go out and--BE
BOLD!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have the confidence to take the
writing world by storm. Or at the very least, write something really cool that
makes you happy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 111.6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><b><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></b></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 111.6pt;"><b><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><a href="https://jenniferswansonbooks.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #4ba976; font-size: 13pt; text-decoration-line: none;">Jennifer Swanson</span></a><span style="background: white; font-size: 13pt;"> is the award-winning author of more than 50 books for </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13pt;">children. Her awards include: three Florida Book Awards,
a Parent’s Choice GOLD award, a Kirkus Best Book of 2021, AAAS/Subaru Prize
semifinalist, and multiple NSTA BEST STEM awards. Jennifer is the founder of
the </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="background: white; color: #4ba976; font-size: 13pt;">STEMTuesday</span></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13pt;"> blog, </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="background: white; color: #4ba976; font-size: 13pt;">STEAMTeamBooks</span></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13pt;">, and the </span><a href="https://solveitforkids.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #4ba976; font-size: 13pt; text-decoration-line: none;">Solve It! for Kids</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13pt;"> podcast. She has presented at NSTA conferences, the
Atlanta Science Festival, the World Science Festival, and the Library of
Congress' National Book Festival.</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 111.6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><b><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></b></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 111.6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 111.6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div></div>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-3131139245748413132023-03-13T08:58:00.002-07:002023-03-13T09:04:32.083-07:00 WHO ARE THE SIX PENS?<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">Who we are? Then and now?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">This is Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton and I thought you all
might enjoy a little back story on the members of Six Pens.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">When did you first get the itch to be a
writer? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfPie7xKX1jJ4ynKo0dT7pUTZj-iGRSvSwF2KnxRNBS-WjRZq2ysjRjQWZLTvn16p_CdzdLt5byhTEEOKYGvMH83J-CU83FQB4ybIN1i75i5H7sFVdcBoapAkeug9Nhsy799thm3JsjTPt_yA8chEU4Mbxp55Z38RMMSevXXXbLJShlbyGU88p_fo5w/s320/photo_orig.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="230" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfPie7xKX1jJ4ynKo0dT7pUTZj-iGRSvSwF2KnxRNBS-WjRZq2ysjRjQWZLTvn16p_CdzdLt5byhTEEOKYGvMH83J-CU83FQB4ybIN1i75i5H7sFVdcBoapAkeug9Nhsy799thm3JsjTPt_yA8chEU4Mbxp55Z38RMMSevXXXbLJShlbyGU88p_fo5w/w129-h180/photo_orig.jpg" width="129" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Laurie:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> I got hooked on
writing in fifth grade. In ninth grade I had a very encouraging teacher, but it
wasn’t until I became a kindergarten teacher that I decided to try my hand at
writing. <o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">What I didn’t do initially was my homework. I assumed
that because I read multiple stories to my<br /> children daily that I would
automatically be able to write. So, my first story had two main characters, two
main points of view, and the plot was meager at best. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">What I learned was I needed to go back and educate
myself. I attended classes, workshops, conferences and read every how-to book I
could get my hands on. Probably the best three resources for my education were:
attending a Highlights Writer’s Conference, initiated by Kent Brown, joining The
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and reading every How To
Write For Children book available.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">As a result of attending events I found the networking,
the encouragement, the critiques, the speakers, the rejections all worked
together for my eventual success. It took me a total of 12 years of stumbling,
educating myself, participating in critiques, classes, and conferences,
submitting, and receiving piles of rejections before I finally accomplished my
first published book, Why Cowboys Sleep With Their Boots On, Pelican
Publishing, 1994. Since then I have had 62 titles published in the trade,
craft, educational, Christian, and work-for-hire markets.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">What advice do you have for people wanting
to become writers?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Laurie:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> 1. My best advice
is to educate yourself. Read, read, read! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">2. Attend every conference, workshop, library speaker,
in your genre that you can afford to participate in. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">3.Allow your work to be critiqued. Do not defend your
work. Listen. Then incorporate what rings true to you. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">4. Be tenacious. Do not give up when you receive a bad
critique, or another rejection. Listen, learn and keep moving forward. The
people who make it in the field do not give up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">Best part of being an author?</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Laurie:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> When I see a
child listening to or reading one of my books.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">Worst part of being an author?</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Laurie:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> Having books go
out of print. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.laurieknowlton.com/"><span style="font-family: times;">http://www.laurieknowlton.com/</span></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Gloria G. Adams</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: times;">When
did you first get the itch to be a writer?</span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOQeDAmYWySrpXqExKNZ0_E8RfyAv6JQ49fiCjV9DmFZ5I44gw2SkbOzgQ0TLhfT6NxnLnxiXR6_BZVEQq5v7sv2nUehVfNuFvPjxF9fgPVJufSCNk54nQJcws897yVgNPSPEFDV_1qDhWrycfVvrTdtmiXjbW6QFQnHMhPvc-YXhmwCYbmG-lNYF2g/s391/gloria_headshot_300dpi.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="353" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOQeDAmYWySrpXqExKNZ0_E8RfyAv6JQ49fiCjV9DmFZ5I44gw2SkbOzgQ0TLhfT6NxnLnxiXR6_BZVEQq5v7sv2nUehVfNuFvPjxF9fgPVJufSCNk54nQJcws897yVgNPSPEFDV_1qDhWrycfVvrTdtmiXjbW6QFQnHMhPvc-YXhmwCYbmG-lNYF2g/w171-h190/gloria_headshot_300dpi.jpg" width="171" /></a></span></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Gloria:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> As a kid, I always had my nose in a book. The local
library was practically my second home and authors were my heroes. I dreamed
about becoming a writer when I grew up and even majored in English in college.
But I was steered away from writing as a career and ended up eventually
becoming a children’s librarian.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">I
loved my library career! But I never lost my dream of becoming a writer. I made
up a lot of my own stories for story hour and, as I read picture books to my
preschoolers, hoped that someday a librarian would be reading books in story
hour that were written by me.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">I
was fortunate to have my dream come true! But getting there was a long journey.
I remember thinking that it would be easy to write picture books since I had
read so many over the years as a librarian. Boy, was I wrong!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I
had a lot of learning to do. I took writing courses, read books on writing,
joined SCBWI and was fortunate to find not one, but two critique groups with
amazing authors. One of them started as a mentoring group led by prolific
author, Laurie Knowlton, from whom I have learned so much. And of course, I
wrote and rewrote and…well, I’m still learning, taking webinars, reading
articles, and writing and rewriting. I’ve found that the writing community is
all about sharing, teaching, and encouraging.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">I
have a great agent and have been published traditionally as well as
independently through my self-publishing company, Slanted Ink. I also started a
critique editing company with a partner, author Jean Daigneau, called Two-4-One
Kid Critiques.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What
advice do you have for people wanting to become writers?</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Gloria:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Learn all you can, not just about writing, but about
the publishing business. Join writing/critique groups and professional
associations. Read the kinds of books you want to write and practice, practice,
practice.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b style="text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Best
part of being an author?</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Gloria:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Seeing my books on the shelf at the library where I
used to work, finding out that one of my books helped my great nephew with his
reading, and finally being able to say, “I’m an author.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Worst
part of being an author?</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">The
frustration of having editors want your book, but then the book getting turned
down by the acquisition department.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><a href="https://two4onekidcritiques.wixsite.com/mysite" target="_blank">https://two4onekidcritiques.wixsite.com/mysite</a></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><a href="https://www.gloriagadams.com/" target="_blank">https://www.gloriagadams.com/</a></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"> and </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><a href="https://www.slantedink.com/">https://www.slantedink.com/</a></span><a href="https://www.slantedink.com/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.slantedink.com"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"> </span> </a></span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: times;">Lisa
Amstutz</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">When did you first get the itch to be a writer?</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilV_4WThHvbIzt8dhC_XkfuCWhZUwAehFRFVL3_WMc3UEvPY0WDjjE-3n5o7Kuyxp1-Gc7XznfhJJYJNN6PMNt1CN919Hsgu89qxnNLG2aZg0bxYDIOo3i2r52J8lzr_lOtmo7ultrk7c3HJ5QA6fxL8_s-VbkVhHkdcpiWUxkfn6oLB_FWXveq4jbvQ/s1600/lisa%20headshot%20jpg.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilV_4WThHvbIzt8dhC_XkfuCWhZUwAehFRFVL3_WMc3UEvPY0WDjjE-3n5o7Kuyxp1-Gc7XznfhJJYJNN6PMNt1CN919Hsgu89qxnNLG2aZg0bxYDIOo3i2r52J8lzr_lOtmo7ultrk7c3HJ5QA6fxL8_s-VbkVhHkdcpiWUxkfn6oLB_FWXveq4jbvQ/w171-h214/lisa%20headshot%20jpg.jpg" width="171" /></a></span></b></div><p></p><p class="yiv4116624388msonormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="color: black;">Lisa:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> I always loved
to read and kept a journal intermittently as a kid, but never thought about
writing until I was in my 20s. Then I proceeded to read every book in three
local libraries about writing. However, it took me 10 years to work up the
courage to submit something for publication. Once I finally started, I wrote
for magazines and the local newspaper for several years before venturing into
books. In 2009, I discovered the world of children’s writing and haven’t looked
back! </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="yiv4116624388msonormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="color: black;">What advice do you have for people wanting to become
writers?</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="yiv4116624388msonormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="color: black;">Lisa:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Don’t let fears
and insecurities keep you from your dreams. Do your homework – go to the
library, take classes if you can, and look for resources online to help you learn
the craft of writing and understand how the market works. And don’t give up –
the first stories you write may never sell, but each one will teach you
something. Writing is a journey, not a sprint. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="yiv4116624388msonormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="color: black;">Best part of being an author?</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="yiv4116624388msonormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="color: black;">Lisa:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Connecting with readers
is definitely the best part!</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="yiv4116624388msonormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="color: black;">Worst part of being an author?</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="yiv4116624388msonormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="color: black;">Lisa:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Rejections. But
they are just part of the process for a working writer.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.lisaamstutz.com/">https://www.lisaamstutz.com/</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><strong><span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: times;">Kate
Carroll</span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: times;"><strong>When did you first get the itch to be a writer? </strong></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokf70nfKuyPZkXsNW9Al-C5q4Rqjt0gdgZA9w9h2OEAU1-MxDH6P2bHrztowbRtGfQRqBFRNEt73jluFuOiVKoJET2LASph2mlSI_mFYMH61UU6JnXY4_PTG4KJwQBtfChxkqebb9l-hnbDnHu7dBwF9yqYRVtasTj31ZEDe_BQDno2ENh3UaeeqR2Q/s640/Kate%20photo.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="413" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokf70nfKuyPZkXsNW9Al-C5q4Rqjt0gdgZA9w9h2OEAU1-MxDH6P2bHrztowbRtGfQRqBFRNEt73jluFuOiVKoJET2LASph2mlSI_mFYMH61UU6JnXY4_PTG4KJwQBtfChxkqebb9l-hnbDnHu7dBwF9yqYRVtasTj31ZEDe_BQDno2ENh3UaeeqR2Q/w161-h249/Kate%20photo.jpeg" width="161" /></a></strong></span></div><span style="font-family: times;"><br />
<strong>Kate: </strong>I can’t say exactly when I wanted to BE a
writer, but it was always my favorite subject, next to reading. I pursued a
career in elementary education and found myself writing supplemental stories
for my struggling second grade readers and penning plays for my class to
perform. I didn’t think of it as writing, but more of way for my students to
succeed at learning.<br />
One fall, I needed <em>cce </em>credits, so, I randomly took an
online class on creative writing. That was the first time I realized
writing was more than a solo activity. The professor encouraged us to share
homework, support each other and join professional organizations like SCBWI.
Which is what I did, and which is where I met my fabulous fellow pens. <br />
That first SCBWI conference caught me swimming in water way over my head. But I
didn’t care, I was hooked. Slowly, I began to understand the challenges of
writing for children. In fact, my first ever critique was a disaster. I think
the editor was as stunned and didn’t have much to say except to tell me that
most of my story was missing! Shaken but undaunted, I kept diving
into the deep to learn the lessons of plot, character development, climax,
theme. I never stopped believing that I could produce some
publishable work. <br />
Five years later, I sold to Cricket Magazine, followed by Highlights and Faces
Magazines, I picked up credits and the courage to keep going, to keep studying
the craft, to keep tapping into the world around me and to lean on my kid lit
crew. Even as an agented writer, my work ethic remains the same. My picture
book hopes loom large… stay tuned for that big news!<br />
<br />
<strong>What advice do you have for people wanting to become writers?</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Kate:</strong> Study the craft. Whether you want to write picture
books, middle grade or YA, learn everything you can about the genre. Read
books, dissect them and repeat. <br />
Develop a community – even if it is only one fellow writer. Be brave. Have a
thick skin. It will help your manuscript in ways you can't imagine.<br />
Be patient! Success rarely happens overnight.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: times;">Best
part of being an author? </span></span></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: times;"><strong>Kate</strong>: I love that my writing can be an unforgettable part of a
child’s life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: times;"><strong>Worst part of being an author?</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Kate:</strong> Not having the time to write when I get an idea
brewing in my head.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://ktcarroll.com"><span style="font-family: times;">https://ktcarroll.com</span></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: times;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">Lana Wayne Koehler<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">When did you first get the itch to be a writer?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GwJYuFgAS9IJONCEls0J-g98AHUDXBhxn18HHOjXvtCig9eRz468-7loamCtFZlQTkZQXUM_79xmgwWPhar45gI1xMZlkrWoxbET9nws3VcW3c_nBxQtj5Y_apcf44xDLoW8-BuFx3EE9yt_98yEXySXJVT5Jqo2aCctO2NAoEA5_LoGgb1PeuBjZw/s300/Lana%20Picture1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GwJYuFgAS9IJONCEls0J-g98AHUDXBhxn18HHOjXvtCig9eRz468-7loamCtFZlQTkZQXUM_79xmgwWPhar45gI1xMZlkrWoxbET9nws3VcW3c_nBxQtj5Y_apcf44xDLoW8-BuFx3EE9yt_98yEXySXJVT5Jqo2aCctO2NAoEA5_LoGgb1PeuBjZw/w200-h200/Lana%20Picture1.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Lana: </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I always remember writing but never thought about
doing it professionally until I wanted to share a particular story that I had
written. I attended a writer’s group at my community library and read my story.
I got what I now know was a kind reception and from there, caught the bug to
improve.</span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">I began to hang out with other writers and listen to their stories of
encouragement and defeat and<br /> realized that I knew nothing about the craft that
I wanted to pursue.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">From there, I joined writer’s groups and local organizations like SBWI.
I began to attend classes and conferences and met many others who had a thirst
for learning more about writing. I had finally found my people!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">I went to a Highlights retreat in Honesdale, PA, and began to really
work at my craft. There, I met editors, agents, and fellow writers and learned
how to hone the craft I was starting to understand.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">What advice do you have for people wanting to become writers?</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Lana: </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Read what you want to write. See what others have
done with your genre. Research your subject matter. Become an expert in every
story you want to write.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">Best part of being an author?</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Lana:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Sharing what I have learned by writing what people
want to read and meeting those readers! I once asked a little boy what his favorite
animal was from my book about allergies and he said, “The rabbit.” My book
didn’t have a rabbit in it. I found, after close inspection, my illustrator had
included a rabbit on the cover. Always trust your readers opinions!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">Worst part of being an author?</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Lana: </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Putting time into a project and not finding an
editor who was interested. It can be hard to remain optimistic and persistent
in the face of rejection.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01C21HZRU/about"><span style="font-family: times;">https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01C21HZRU/about</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">Gloria <a name="_Hlk129593851">Reichert</a></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">When
did you first get the itch to be a writer?</span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidn7tLab3KobT1HLeeVbEtlZcBQT0G1FNuaV0DkBlzO-DeiWbZ0Lwlh_-ozIfucE4mv8_joSsUFcDvlDPHTUicLcrAZxxeFvnC0pXPS9TwH4XiyTQJOd7JcMfJrvTwHVUMrSN6n7fndr_wW7skUayL5C-9DLtj74L_5_1xVq25D9Gfhs55HyKIKvV0xA/s248/Gloria%20One(2).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="212" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidn7tLab3KobT1HLeeVbEtlZcBQT0G1FNuaV0DkBlzO-DeiWbZ0Lwlh_-ozIfucE4mv8_joSsUFcDvlDPHTUicLcrAZxxeFvnC0pXPS9TwH4XiyTQJOd7JcMfJrvTwHVUMrSN6n7fndr_wW7skUayL5C-9DLtj74L_5_1xVq25D9Gfhs55HyKIKvV0xA/s1600/Gloria%20One(2).jpg" width="212" /></a></span></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Gloria Reichert:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> I
am not sure I can precisely pinpoint when I realized I wanted to write. It
seemed to evolve. In high school, I had to write a theme every week for four
years, and during college, as an education major, I was always writing
something. My last quarter I had 14 papers to write! Writing was a part of my
life. My desire to write for children became apparent during my teaching
career. Using picture books as part of my teaching made me realize and
appreciate the value of this genre. I came to regard them as little books with
big ideas. I remember stating to my students that one of my goals was to write
picture books. I still have a thank you note written by one of my students at
the end of the year. In the note, she wishes me good luck in writing picture
books.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">Once I left teaching, my first step in my quest to
write for children was to contact the local library to see what direction they
could give me. They suggested I contact the wonderful Laurie Knowlton.
(Actually, I remembered her, since she had taught a workshop I attended as a
teacher.) When I spoke to Laurie all those years ago, she advised me to join
The Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and to educate myself
by reading books on the craft of writing. I took her advice and participated in
workshops of all kinds and did all I could to hone my talents. Educating myself
as a writer continues to this day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">What
advice do you have for people wanting to become writers?</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Gloria Reichert:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> Those
who wish to become writers should educate themselves and find a critique group.
It is also important to keep reading, not only books in the genre in which they
wish to write but also current adult writing. Never give up. Be persistent.
There is not one published author who ever gave up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">I also think it is important not to compare yourself
to other authors. All of our roads to being published are different. Our
uniqueness will eventually make our work stand out. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">Best
part of being an author?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Gloria Reichert:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> I
appreciate having fun when creating, wordsmithing, and challenging myself to
make my manuscripts better. I also appreciate knowing that my words have the
potential to change a child’s life for the better in some way. As I have
participated in workshops, conferences, classes. and critiques, I’ve met many
other authors and illustrators who are among the kindest, nicest, people in the
world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Worst
part of being an author?</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Gloria Reichert:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> To
me, rejections and all the time it takes to hear from editors are among the
worst parts of being an author.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.gloriareichert.com/"><span style="font-family: times;">https://www.gloriareichert.com/</span></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-43583786347930971392023-02-14T08:45:00.000-08:002023-02-14T08:45:02.383-08:00 For the Love of Words<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvosl29s9DSVHKetlKoy3KAHzEKWvUTUpRYssAlsqwwVW-FHUbMzYNwmd3E1M3PXKfr2V_-C9i9cUr588Wvw2rNI4UYWugCNO3IcyZjGz73aOFW9pDX3yi4zzfrU9mCxAFcykSlq_ZYyas3yARaA8O5lCvHOhLMDeZGtR7Mbw2h2jEPMcJjoLkMUz8Q/s320/photo_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="230" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvosl29s9DSVHKetlKoy3KAHzEKWvUTUpRYssAlsqwwVW-FHUbMzYNwmd3E1M3PXKfr2V_-C9i9cUr588Wvw2rNI4UYWugCNO3IcyZjGz73aOFW9pDX3yi4zzfrU9mCxAFcykSlq_ZYyas3yARaA8O5lCvHOhLMDeZGtR7Mbw2h2jEPMcJjoLkMUz8Q/w220-h306/photo_orig.jpg" width="220" /></a></div> Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">From just 26 letters the
English language has developed well over a million words. Forming those words
into meaningful content that evokes a response from a reader is what keeps writers
up at night. Those words wheedle their way in our minds poking and prodding us
to get up and write that idea before it floats off into the great beyond.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0yma59adxHpc-Igo3W4KoTLkEVrxMt5_Sr2Zf989D8yn4tw1dXLr9Xkx6xJdeK-rh9SU56zSPz-ODei68ZOlb2Yppschbzuuv5Y9CHbQlcX95I_pEFg2TLgSQuo_QZ8zPOaI-rpyrdNfLXxdXIxpkyZokVLpwPBkXdvZaXJ48DwW41gx6f7Rs5LH-g/s306/Purple%20Heart%20blog%20post.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="306" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0yma59adxHpc-Igo3W4KoTLkEVrxMt5_Sr2Zf989D8yn4tw1dXLr9Xkx6xJdeK-rh9SU56zSPz-ODei68ZOlb2Yppschbzuuv5Y9CHbQlcX95I_pEFg2TLgSQuo_QZ8zPOaI-rpyrdNfLXxdXIxpkyZokVLpwPBkXdvZaXJ48DwW41gx6f7Rs5LH-g/w168-h131/Purple%20Heart%20blog%20post.png" width="168" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Yes, words are our tools,
but not just any word. It must be the right word. The strongest word. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most visual word. The most sensual word. The
most active word. All the pieces and parts words: nouns, pronouns, verbs,
adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOwu7WlpQDpKnjucW-Z-754QaOVDWwFfCuASgmkTdUqzahsaRPj3Ga-wux-cMTNf19mH71D2h66YLhpwF2HzjJ834xu_ZWfxFH9JMcHU94L6mimmPiWnBhIsNG1YipgziLX-lBuhvGmEyO344fOGHOGZDCOFRJaK0FFO43zlIKEEuIX-pH_9ateaB3Q/s311/pink%20heart%20blog%20post.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="249" data-original-width="311" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOwu7WlpQDpKnjucW-Z-754QaOVDWwFfCuASgmkTdUqzahsaRPj3Ga-wux-cMTNf19mH71D2h66YLhpwF2HzjJ834xu_ZWfxFH9JMcHU94L6mimmPiWnBhIsNG1YipgziLX-lBuhvGmEyO344fOGHOGZDCOFRJaK0FFO43zlIKEEuIX-pH_9ateaB3Q/w186-h149/pink%20heart%20blog%20post.png" width="186" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Sounds overwhelming, but
those words, oh, how we love them. They are part of every task we partake in
when we are not actually writing: in the laundry room as we fold clothes, in the
shower as we wash our hair, at the stop light when a car in front of you rocks
from their music. The words circling in our brains are louder. They demand we write
them down. <br /><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The answer? Be prepared.
Make sure your words have a safety net waiting for their delivery. Hang an
erase board in your laundry room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Write
the words in the steam on the shower door. Dictate to your phone in the car. Keep
a note book and pencil next to your bed. Keep a magnetic pad on your
refrigerator. Have a chalk board in the garden. For the love of words, make
sure where ever you are you have what you need to capture those flighty words
before they float away. Those lovely words may just lead you to the next New
York Best Book of the Year!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMo1MEKbMwmwwSa0hiR9mleUCwMVRnCgY7eHX9waAG_NlQNdg0SQBcSRDxWYlHlqPXb96bSZdwS-cqCR7lPRrPpT6no-bly9YxvunsAjsKJ-oazb-ITDDpqg845HQ_U7mxu4GkND0Hgh4MJC2RDwFYtDYKgoxUScwzj_t0_m5d8sPj8_a0ddMj3BBoTQ/s317/Aqua%20heart%20blog%20post.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="317" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMo1MEKbMwmwwSa0hiR9mleUCwMVRnCgY7eHX9waAG_NlQNdg0SQBcSRDxWYlHlqPXb96bSZdwS-cqCR7lPRrPpT6no-bly9YxvunsAjsKJ-oazb-ITDDpqg845HQ_U7mxu4GkND0Hgh4MJC2RDwFYtDYKgoxUScwzj_t0_m5d8sPj8_a0ddMj3BBoTQ/w216-h167/Aqua%20heart%20blog%20post.png" width="216" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span><p></p>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-1430660372319911362023-01-18T03:40:00.003-08:002023-01-18T10:04:47.999-08:00 Meet Michelle Houts <p> by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6N4Ng9e4UpWWYki7gEiiiaqqGaUlOhzf_JpsTxLASTVzfcUqSRjWFZE8Sfyn9VgvL65j8L4j_JMimZhYYiXw_600z7UJiQIJa9xeVqcONvrABU0nI_uIzlq8c6avlnm3GUeZiscPKB6DK7wsn3ok8S20msVi50u2_59elmPG2aqosGZxaUPeupTi7rw/s2463/Houts%202.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2463" data-original-width="1633" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6N4Ng9e4UpWWYki7gEiiiaqqGaUlOhzf_JpsTxLASTVzfcUqSRjWFZE8Sfyn9VgvL65j8L4j_JMimZhYYiXw_600z7UJiQIJa9xeVqcONvrABU0nI_uIzlq8c6avlnm3GUeZiscPKB6DK7wsn3ok8S20msVi50u2_59elmPG2aqosGZxaUPeupTi7rw/w184-h277/Houts%202.JPG" width="184" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I'd like to welcome Michelle Houts to the Six Pens Blog!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Michelle is a fellow, award-winning Ohio author who has a new book coming out in August of 2023, <i>Hopefully the Scarecrow. </i>We are excited to help her celebrate!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Here's a sneak peek at the cover:</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGA1o_6GZ5Rdwd2dHYHbe9A-fioKuNGu1OWK2ev-9lb4n5h50n--GNCH58Lsy0Cp-2VFagYyY4fIQ4KvvY-AhLLe3CS36mdPMgOJNrAVkQWlA_SCcoPHxpqipUfjvt3QXFfSSq9f4ccBSkdl372FNDkoV30N04OKgXoJCSHMqz79XibFixTJ69bfx86g/s1698/Hopefully%20hi-res%20cover.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1698" data-original-width="1400" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGA1o_6GZ5Rdwd2dHYHbe9A-fioKuNGu1OWK2ev-9lb4n5h50n--GNCH58Lsy0Cp-2VFagYyY4fIQ4KvvY-AhLLe3CS36mdPMgOJNrAVkQWlA_SCcoPHxpqipUfjvt3QXFfSSq9f4ccBSkdl372FNDkoV30N04OKgXoJCSHMqz79XibFixTJ69bfx86g/w186-h226/Hopefully%20hi-res%20cover.jpg" width="186" /></a></p><p><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><b>Michelle, tell us about HOPEFULLY
THE SCARECROW.</b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Hopefully the Scarecrow</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> (by Michelle Houts, illustrated by Sara Palacios) releases August 8, 2023 from Flamingo
Books (Penguin Random House). It tells the story of a scarecrow who is kept
company by a girl who visits his garden with piles of books. She reads aloud,
filling his head with stories and adventures. When the girl stops coming to the
garden, the scarecrow finds himself alone and helpless. But throughout
adversity, he remains hopeful.<i> Hopefully the Scarecrow</i> is a story of
friendship and hope. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">What was your inspiration
for the book?</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">While working as an
elementary school speech-language pathologist, I observed children whose life
circumstances left them uncertain about their futures. As very young children,
they had very little agency and no ability to change their situations. I wanted
to write a story for anyone who needs hope. And who has less control over their
situation than a scarecrow, stuck to a pole and left out in the elements? Like
Hopefully the Scarecrow, I want children to see that even when things seem
bleak, there’s always hope that the sun will shine again. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Michelle, what are your
thoughts on Sara Palacio’s illustrations?</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">When I saw Sara
Palacios’s sketches, I adored Hopefully and his young friend. But, when I got
my first glimpse of the finished art, I was completely in love! Sara has
created a fabulously rich garden, alive with vibrant color and a wonderful
southern feeling that I’ve never seen in a scarecrow story. Her art leads the
reader right into Hopefully’s imagination, where kings and dragons and, most
especially, hope live.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">Thanks,
Michelle for sharing your latest book with us. We are excited and looking
froward to purchasing this heartwarming tale of friendship and hope in all of our
lives. You can preorder from your favorite bookseller or follow this link: </span><a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/hopefully-the-scarecrow-michelle-houts/19248118?ean=9780593206904" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Hopefully the Scarecrow a book by Michelle Houts and Sara
Palacios (bookshop.org)</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"></p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuq9LsCo4rfRVInjCD18HPK7q49GwWHV03wI7piiTW9GML30VXRsnSYg6CdocUbSXoP_n7lxFCx3HfFJ0DMGY4MU8N0GtBmnM0hYOKzofjVtnFNnGT0YcjU9_geHOd9GR_R6VmMZItxrl6GtwmCiGIt_fDxGA3FsmRxgtGFu3fCBtxWbqA63aLZf40Q/s250/Lucys%20Lab.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="165" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuq9LsCo4rfRVInjCD18HPK7q49GwWHV03wI7piiTW9GML30VXRsnSYg6CdocUbSXoP_n7lxFCx3HfFJ0DMGY4MU8N0GtBmnM0hYOKzofjVtnFNnGT0YcjU9_geHOd9GR_R6VmMZItxrl6GtwmCiGIt_fDxGA3FsmRxgtGFu3fCBtxWbqA63aLZf40Q/w163-h249/Lucys%20Lab.jpg" width="163" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div> Michelle has published 13 titles. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Here are a few of my favorites: </span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">COUNT THE WINGS, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">a middle grade biography about Ohio artist Charlie Harper.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">SEAGLASS </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> SUMMER, a picture book.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">LUCY'S LAB, a chapter book series.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">BEEF PRINCESS OF PRACTICAL COUNTY, Michelle's first book,</span><div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">published in 2009.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div>Her books can be found at in-person bookstores or online here<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">: </span><a href="https://bookshop.org/contributors/michelle-houts" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span face="Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #196ad4;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">https://bookshop.org/contributors/michelle-houts</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">.</span></a></div></blockquote><div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75fPvP3yCfmA4dtImNEOBKN1ua0RqMVejwUa45cdlbgY_3U1GB79cQqLGHkYKrPRLTaxt7RdecSP6XTmr2jONdXZe9LdRFRNxDPs7kc9hHsy9Xksd5tq0A301TTVd8j4BWGqFIBqjmxiIuhBhP5Spzx0izlG7nkTvpW1DoumnAIgyUoxNJ-cpFgP0pQ/s250/Houts%204.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="226" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75fPvP3yCfmA4dtImNEOBKN1ua0RqMVejwUa45cdlbgY_3U1GB79cQqLGHkYKrPRLTaxt7RdecSP6XTmr2jONdXZe9LdRFRNxDPs7kc9hHsy9Xksd5tq0A301TTVd8j4BWGqFIBqjmxiIuhBhP5Spzx0izlG7nkTvpW1DoumnAIgyUoxNJ-cpFgP0pQ/w177-h196/Houts%204.jpg" width="177" /></a></div></div> <br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> Check out Michelle's website:<a href="https://michellehouts.com/">https://michellehouts.com/</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div></div></div></div>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-85013094884125248582023-01-06T04:49:00.002-08:002023-01-07T12:14:11.796-08:00 Author Quotes for the New Year<p> (Share your favorite author quotes in the comments! Happy New Year!)</p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem;"><b><i> </i></b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekVURd1GCihwZj3R8rwO2o-S9-zn-Ma5JKR-C0M-7RLloDmn1U48Yz9_TWhO-rU3ToQuQl_jLBPwsxALNqYojnHDRY9NJpNUHphFEZMH6yYOX-ZlDEjlGLmCB7oh0wdQKUUX3dJ7TkaMRgWHX2czhWxjUDWC9kN9HY7-W28nWkLEKjc4UQdR88_aBfA/s960/boy-5731001_960_720.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekVURd1GCihwZj3R8rwO2o-S9-zn-Ma5JKR-C0M-7RLloDmn1U48Yz9_TWhO-rU3ToQuQl_jLBPwsxALNqYojnHDRY9NJpNUHphFEZMH6yYOX-ZlDEjlGLmCB7oh0wdQKUUX3dJ7TkaMRgWHX2czhWxjUDWC9kN9HY7-W28nWkLEKjc4UQdR88_aBfA/s320/boy-5731001_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><p></p><p><b style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 1.25rem;">'You should write because you love the shape of stories and sentences and the creation of different words on a page. Writing comes from reading, and reading is the finest teacher of how to write.' – Annie Proulx</b></p><p></p><div><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem;"><br /><b><br /></b></span></div><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: inherit;">'</span><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem;"><b>Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.' – Stephen King</b></span></p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYBXaiCaJ08gLZMB3C23_DHKXF3pugafrInUJt38kYVkZ6Kq3QiuEixSUFHqW3mkB0cD11hMDdDFcJ7PVpL1CLs_mxBqpgNNxhSdJM11dfd3OlOMCstc7Q-p8dlN87DTQDMxALXl8URWIUGLe-P_pzPGlIRT_eWs0ZiBMe0I2YMAtiodwqZzEm7eUow/s960/girl-2760853_960_720.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYBXaiCaJ08gLZMB3C23_DHKXF3pugafrInUJt38kYVkZ6Kq3QiuEixSUFHqW3mkB0cD11hMDdDFcJ7PVpL1CLs_mxBqpgNNxhSdJM11dfd3OlOMCstc7Q-p8dlN87DTQDMxALXl8URWIUGLe-P_pzPGlIRT_eWs0ZiBMe0I2YMAtiodwqZzEm7eUow/s320/girl-2760853_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 20px;"><b>'We are all broken, that's how the light gets in.' – Ernest Hemingway</b></span></p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 20px;"><b>'You can always edit a bad page. You can't edit a blank page.' </b></span></p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 20px;"><b>– Jodi Picoult</b></span></p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGiBLjFtwDKBX2obFNgqqJ0odEqHMWH-OZQLZnz-OeUofFPoiH21DJi7BT4hTcAnHFZO6fMa4AXruD5lNIjlyDKyvasiuPWRJHlHUaJ8ryEmfLmGE5555WyAK0koi6wcPOUR93cPu5M2d-o8d8dOAz1Uq0b0eU7ycV9jadTuP7ghsEdECpSA-btwHyA/s960/woman-1209866_960_720.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGiBLjFtwDKBX2obFNgqqJ0odEqHMWH-OZQLZnz-OeUofFPoiH21DJi7BT4hTcAnHFZO6fMa4AXruD5lNIjlyDKyvasiuPWRJHlHUaJ8ryEmfLmGE5555WyAK0koi6wcPOUR93cPu5M2d-o8d8dOAz1Uq0b0eU7ycV9jadTuP7ghsEdECpSA-btwHyA/s320/woman-1209866_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem;"><b>'If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.' </b></span></p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem;"><b>– Margaret Atwood</b></span></p><div><span face="Noto Sans, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, Liberation Sans, Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="Noto Sans, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, Liberation Sans, Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="Noto Sans, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, Liberation Sans, Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="Noto Sans, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, Liberation Sans, Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem;"><b><i>What will you write this year?</i></b></span></p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Calendar-Planner-Writers-Gloria-Adams/dp/B0BPVZLG9H/ref=sr_1_1?crid=184J87ZBXFPTR&keywords=2023+calendar+planner+for+writers+gloria&qid=1673008629&s=books&sprefix=2023+calendar+planner+for+writers+gloria%2Cstripbooks%2C98&sr=1-1https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38Y1GTrH3pXSiJUhviP3wEOmWN7-RSsjoqXMWHHBF1aug8UuAz6lnWD4IivpxuawIiBi7cjcsYl2kVMnHCVwyRvbesZse5fQNRPhjaMfrGEal-iGBr3lRMLlKi3gb9sVPLDmR0rxhTfgHyR8fCOXuVbFz6u-q_XwrY3H8dRqu6U82roBx76hHeiRejg/s555/Cover_2023%20Planner%20for%202-4-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38Y1GTrH3pXSiJUhviP3wEOmWN7-RSsjoqXMWHHBF1aug8UuAz6lnWD4IivpxuawIiBi7cjcsYl2kVMnHCVwyRvbesZse5fQNRPhjaMfrGEal-iGBr3lRMLlKi3gb9sVPLDmR0rxhTfgHyR8fCOXuVbFz6u-q_XwrY3H8dRqu6U82roBx76hHeiRejg/s320/Cover_2023%20Planner%20for%202-4-1.jpg" width="259" /></a></b></div><b><br /><i><br /></i></b><p></p></div><div><span face=""Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Liberation Sans", Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 1.25rem;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-83863204274338669162022-11-25T04:11:00.001-08:002022-11-25T04:14:42.005-08:00 HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FOR BOOK LOVERS<p> <b><span style="font-size: medium;">from all of us at A Song of Six Pens </span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7umF-IS83mqMGJ63TwAef8gzUYFDSUYCExRxgfhFs8IZXFyXkVcaCJFYGbauGU1N-V1tL4UJYL0d5Zr8CdYfyTCMNenDtfajU2Q8hA9uxLYm3TLylw6k12qE_Cj5dDG9zhJLZ2Kgyntzp9zbCvkqarEWA7igFEnLaTf8BhomssTL8pj5fG7nl8Rsfg/s960/christmas-2971961_960_720.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7umF-IS83mqMGJ63TwAef8gzUYFDSUYCExRxgfhFs8IZXFyXkVcaCJFYGbauGU1N-V1tL4UJYL0d5Zr8CdYfyTCMNenDtfajU2Q8hA9uxLYm3TLylw6k12qE_Cj5dDG9zhJLZ2Kgyntzp9zbCvkqarEWA7igFEnLaTf8BhomssTL8pj5fG7nl8Rsfg/w319-h212/christmas-2971961_960_720.jpg" width="319" /></span></b></a></div><b><span><i><div style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;">Gloria G. Adams </span></i></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"><i>Lisa Amstuz</i></span></b><div><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><div><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"><b><span><i>Kate Carroll </i></span></b><b><span><i>Laurie Knowlton</i></span></b></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"><b><span><i>Lana Koehler Gl</i></span></b><b><span><i>oria Reichert</i></span></b></span></div><div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b style="font-size: large;">We've put together some gift ideas for readers, writers, </b><b style="font-size: large;">and book lovers everywhere! Enjoy!</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguB3y5K2klFbyCCC_eYJc-hSMYSFjWiffWXn7XH73Qb28Mo4Aq5i21N7czwqrOk-hjiYq7ViDtBbJvqDFOmUyFeHphAmY3fCWJjuQ8JjMaHZmWCGlnBpRBJRDjw3R8rDZdDscGrBNdvEvLeqwUKMr9PHCvL7lyDgb7p1tt4x90_MgItB4vlXf77k78nA/w219-h219/Socks.png" width="219" /> </b><b></b></p><p><b><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></b></p><p><b><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Check out LITERARY GIFTS like jewelry, clothing or even temporary tattoos on sites such as Etsy, Pinterest, Out of Print, and The Literary Gift Company.</span></b></b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Who wouldn't love to have their own personalized BOOK EMBOSSER?</span></b></b></p><p><b><b></b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><b> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy21VQZpxQljeZtfMuudVL3pb3h2mjD1LVA6M1HM_75ASJHXvQJl0XyDbifAtkdpZ9RMoGoDZLCFTqNwYtkKdbfeZxCm2opEFFrfW_3wsO0-EknszkRW8rZjFRCiTJ4a20C0MnWiXHuoHx9NuLF9t-mE1e2VLJP1TL2olK8SAyUSNtBmTVElijhs5WPA/s348/EMBOSSER.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="348" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy21VQZpxQljeZtfMuudVL3pb3h2mjD1LVA6M1HM_75ASJHXvQJl0XyDbifAtkdpZ9RMoGoDZLCFTqNwYtkKdbfeZxCm2opEFFrfW_3wsO0-EknszkRW8rZjFRCiTJ4a20C0MnWiXHuoHx9NuLF9t-mE1e2VLJP1TL2olK8SAyUSNtBmTVElijhs5WPA/w202-h161/EMBOSSER.png" width="202" /></a></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><b><br /> </b></b></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfOisgR-0xCwvaHwJCBZTq_4AOrY-N2bLvL7AE2YfzozpLA32zKfZ19U3Ic0o5upSM1Hj8CP4RmFLZwyiZ_w4-8FyuzuaMqWXBZEyVX5x3IkN2xsYuZ-fyRSOtXcwDOGE9kerWv69Z69nApoKQ1I9T76bvyZ2a8e7CcXYBDVtkpnhV6cRdyXYOYmD8A/s960/woman%20feet%20up.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfOisgR-0xCwvaHwJCBZTq_4AOrY-N2bLvL7AE2YfzozpLA32zKfZ19U3Ic0o5upSM1Hj8CP4RmFLZwyiZ_w4-8FyuzuaMqWXBZEyVX5x3IkN2xsYuZ-fyRSOtXcwDOGE9kerWv69Z69nApoKQ1I9T76bvyZ2a8e7CcXYBDVtkpnhV6cRdyXYOYmD8A/w247-h164/woman%20feet%20up.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><b> <span style="font-size: medium;">Or, how about giving your favorite writer or voracious reader the gift of TIME? Offer to babysit, house sit, or pet sit while they get away to write or read.</span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Writers love to take WRITING COURSES and WEBINARS! The Storyteller Academy, Reedsy, and Writer's Digest are just a few great resources.</b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="font-size: medium;">Our favorite gifts, of course, are BOOKS!</span></b></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Check out this <a href="https://www.michaelmahin.com/best-books-writing-children/" target="_blank">great website </a>for a list of some of the </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>best books on writing for children</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stein-Writing-Successful-Techniques-Strategies/dp/0312254210/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1CRX5979JW8E0&keywords=stein+on+writing+by+sol+stein&qid=1668620963&s=books&sprefix=stien+on%2Cstripbooks%2C104&sr=1-1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8bPaEDaY3jebuxdm-alNbZeZ0vsJbMc3reUD9chCrXt1RUa-XyOMAe1WqhSvwL_Vh35Uk2f7lCvLiP5oOIijKk2CD8v3hIcibezRxNnYZ7Pi5ifFB2ymA55xEkWCZeAw5xFJWuqWim0-8UwiQnmoS7W_rmx2kMSUYmvra4_OGnexWfuodinwZgAlag/s218/ann%20paul.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="142" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8bPaEDaY3jebuxdm-alNbZeZ0vsJbMc3reUD9chCrXt1RUa-XyOMAe1WqhSvwL_Vh35Uk2f7lCvLiP5oOIijKk2CD8v3hIcibezRxNnYZ7Pi5ifFB2ymA55xEkWCZeAw5xFJWuqWim0-8UwiQnmoS7W_rmx2kMSUYmvra4_OGnexWfuodinwZgAlag/s1600/ann%20paul.jpg" width="142" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhn-R0Yrm3bkp11Y39CGA96_wOmTizIToPxYTh83uPzwuredgrapKuVXe3ML41GxoZzAKV7_pJf6hfTErSzi-TD4LXuYgPQ2Gne6O65teSSrs9h1PnoKDq0MmvHJOueDfUDBkOLfdO7sQZpbBwYnPgBizUsj76q9RLEQUX2a__W_RgbUtlnO7USRi5Q/s218/91HCjAenFJL._AC_UY218_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="174" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhn-R0Yrm3bkp11Y39CGA96_wOmTizIToPxYTh83uPzwuredgrapKuVXe3ML41GxoZzAKV7_pJf6hfTErSzi-TD4LXuYgPQ2Gne6O65teSSrs9h1PnoKDq0MmvHJOueDfUDBkOLfdO7sQZpbBwYnPgBizUsj76q9RLEQUX2a__W_RgbUtlnO7USRi5Q/s1600/91HCjAenFJL._AC_UY218_.jpg" width="174" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cGg5XOtFCucBd8eTnxoZEPE8M_jZeBYtGB0pgOROoNOlHAm2b7CsAY_KWPa6CX8yUa-c-63awF5BzUVMY0BpjcIzxNwbj4j-IFgCB8DOuUOKdgAMlFogANxpVV2GnIunnqFor5hG7bEPiyetKZrpyoXUCM6IO146Luln4Fl6InN6UeCfhsEy3U5QvQ/s474/Story%20Sparkers.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="369" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cGg5XOtFCucBd8eTnxoZEPE8M_jZeBYtGB0pgOROoNOlHAm2b7CsAY_KWPa6CX8yUa-c-63awF5BzUVMY0BpjcIzxNwbj4j-IFgCB8DOuUOKdgAMlFogANxpVV2GnIunnqFor5hG7bEPiyetKZrpyoXUCM6IO146Luln4Fl6InN6UeCfhsEy3U5QvQ/w163-h208/Story%20Sparkers.jpg" width="163" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Satisfy; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Happy Holidays!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: red; font-size: xx-large;"><b> </b></i></div></div>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-69307902678018854782022-10-12T05:00:00.007-07:002022-10-12T07:57:35.710-07:00 Meet Becky Gehrisch, owner of Bookling Media<p> by Gloria Reichert</p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyblA-USHPXMnJT-tawVVnMNfnJolWGulr9hmutXUV4wZKZX0KNTyhWTDWxaXJn9O_SLRZFwfiejP2-FqkGcm_vfcDzFI1tjW7Ypy1Yl5CJudbxdbubhJVbPxfMc2NVs34CZNvbyu2qpXrlXZZ_67hu78U55RC145XwzM1MMloTuw9t_FkJhocQ2eSFQ/s1600/Becky%20Gehrisch%20with%20background%20Headshot.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1142" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyblA-USHPXMnJT-tawVVnMNfnJolWGulr9hmutXUV4wZKZX0KNTyhWTDWxaXJn9O_SLRZFwfiejP2-FqkGcm_vfcDzFI1tjW7Ypy1Yl5CJudbxdbubhJVbPxfMc2NVs34CZNvbyu2qpXrlXZZ_67hu78U55RC145XwzM1MMloTuw9t_FkJhocQ2eSFQ/w139-h196/Becky%20Gehrisch%20with%20background%20Headshot.png" width="139" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Becky Gehrisch </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="yiv1767167311gmail_default" style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> After meeting Becky Gehrisch at the recent SCBWI: Ohio North Conference, I was fascinated that she has established a publishing company called Bookling Media. I had all sorts of questions about how one goes about doing such a thing and thought readers of this blog might also find such information useful, especially those who are authors/illustrators. Becky graciously agreed to be interviewed. I hope you enjoy meeting her and learning about her company.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="yiv1767167311gmail_default"> Becky is the Creative Director at Bookling Media LLC, an independent press redefining the kidlit publishing industry, book by book! Bookling Media focuses on picture books created by author-illustrators. Passionate about art, Becky has an art degree from The Ohio State University and has served as the Illustrator Coordinator for the Central and Southern Ohio chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.</div><div class="yiv1767167311gmail_default"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><p><b> Becky, what inspired you to write and illustrate your first book?</b></p><p>As a kid, I loved seek-in-find aspects to illustrations and details in picture books. When I was in middle school, my art class had an opportunity to submit a picture book through a nationwide Written and Illustrated program. I won Honorable Mention! The thrill of creating a physical book to call my own was satisfying. My name was on a book –how cool is that?!</p><p></p><p>I then went to The Ohio State University to study painting and drawing. I was drawn (pun intended) to Norman Rockwell and other illustrators. I loved art that told a playful, childlike story. After graduating, I took time away from the fine arts and relocated to the countryside. There, I was newly inspired to pick up my paintbrush and make a fun illustration of three dogs playing in a bathtub!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Play-Becky-Gehrisch/dp/1954376006" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="500" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbrQ8meiVbwJV8BSgvnGr8q8ST0XjKBnR8fHKT-sQpDtxVGpikszKX9wLUx8BbeL8lMobWDGldLL73_YZp637j9UQjuoerEN-9qMSnEoRBoX7RFsnkqDIIbNk2Xr6sQ4CiI38wERVB9_Nt0GZLZ_8J4p84szv5GebJw3PHl2Af5Krc0i7MMJb2yDtdA/w258-h212/escape%20to%20play.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>At OSU, I almost minored in Art History. Remembering dates and names was a challenge but I was intrigued by how art changed throughout time. Because of this, I included fun art facts about art styles in the back material of Escape to Play. Creating classic art on the pages for kids to find and then read about later was a blast! I loved the interactive aspect this is for kids.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2CMdrjgtQdinqxwhLelR7DI6JVm9VmaE05tCb1mfDrX0ncpxA4qTLYnXrB3BOIYWeuxDS6AsWy-sHcSfMFT5rueanvlHrHxTByZQWNA8jOdyRK6CVBhxGnVELl3JqsCruQjENk0bTZtpKKxD18bpzgJr_9DdSY5ikLFxOu9Kx8kamFgglhlTYMVzmUg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="949" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2CMdrjgtQdinqxwhLelR7DI6JVm9VmaE05tCb1mfDrX0ncpxA4qTLYnXrB3BOIYWeuxDS6AsWy-sHcSfMFT5rueanvlHrHxTByZQWNA8jOdyRK6CVBhxGnVELl3JqsCruQjENk0bTZtpKKxD18bpzgJr_9DdSY5ikLFxOu9Kx8kamFgglhlTYMVzmUg=w538-h219" width="538" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>I absolutely needed, in my core, to create a fun book that allowed kids to enjoy detailed illustrations! I loved the process of creating each chaotic scene for the dogs to explore which then evolved into a story. Adding the easy-to-read poem tied everything together.<p></p><p><b>Who are some author/illustrators you admire?</b></p><p>Wow! So many. Here are some in no particular order: Wanda Gág, Jan Brett, Dan Santat, Brian Lies, Brendan Wenzel, Peter Brown, Ryan T. Higgins, and many others! They all have such a unique and mastered illustrative style. The reason their books stand out to me is because of their storytelling power through the marriage of the words and images. I often love the humorously written ones best but a beautiful, touching story is quite captivating, too!</p><p></p><p><b>What led you to found Bookling Media? How will it be different from other publishers?</b></p><p>I saw a need in the industry to create Bookling Media through my own experiences as an author-illustrator and through my involvement with SCBWI. I realized how terrible the traditional publishing experience has been for many creators, not just when submitting manuscripts to publishers, but also after their books were published.</p><p></p><p>I saw friends powerless to market their books and take control of their own success due to their publishers’ policies and contract restrictions. I knew there had to be a better way. So, a plan emerged! I wanted to create a new kind of publishing company that is known for high-quality picture books while also respecting the creators and allowing author-illustrators to remain in control of their intellectual property rights.</p><p></p><p><b>What will you do if you receive a manuscript that is beautifully illustrated but poorly written? Or, vice versa?</b></p><p>I feel that a manuscript with great illustrations but poorly written is easier to adjust and mold into a polished piece. We can always develop a story. It would be harder to keep the essence of</p><p>the art in a collaboration with another illustrator. If the meat of the story is unique, the rest can follow.</p><p></p><p>If a manuscript is written well but the creator lacks in artistic skill, it will be hard to move forward. I strive for high quality, especially in the illustrations, and a picture book should reflect that. I have already received some manuscripts which have great illustrations, so I’m confident that the next book that Bookling Media releases will be beautiful!</p><p></p><p><b>Can you share some details about your Bookling Media? How will you promote and distribute your books? Do authors receive royalties? Will you use freelance or in-house editors? etc.</b></p><p>There is a lot to cover here! Relationships are everything, and that is the value that Bookling Media brings to the table for our creators. My team consists of industry professionals that either have their own businesses or freelance. It works well because we can get experienced professionals such as editors, designers, proofreaders, and typesetters to work on our projects on a fractional basis. We use offset printing instead of print-on-demand to give us the highest degree of creative control and quality.</p><p></p><p>When the book is ready, we run a presale campaign to help cover the initial costs of publication and printing. Working closely with the creator, we put together a launch team and marketing plan for the presale. Our relationship with our distributor lets us make our titles available through Baker & Taylor for libraries, Ingram for independent bookstores, Barnes &Noble, Amazon, and even Walmart.com to name a few.</p><p></p><p>We provide marketing support to drive sales, and our creators make a percentage of every book that Bookling Media sells, either directly or through distribution. Unfortunately, the middlemen and retailers take a large cut. Where our creators can make the most money is author events and school visits.</p><p></p><p>We have built a toolkit to help creators market themselves and host successful events. We make copies of their book available to them at deeply discounted prices so that they can sell directly at their events or on their own website. Our authors enjoy access to our marketing coaching and materials, as well as the freedom to sell and market their books as they see fit.</p><p></p><p><b>What kind of books do you like to read?</b></p><p>This is the toughest question! I love a variety of genres, but I really enjoy picture books and a good, historical fiction!</p><p></p><p><b>What book has influenced you the most?</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh75jHKPKzsY-qVCScWYIlb9MEDfsj-dKViec8dRkhkoN3d4Wyhdg5clS3dwSuQ3_n70pnm-eoMopiPwiOgAv2xaWq7_FZqn4GOQ_tYnPXgKNcy6G2Y-8umqqm9k_bjTMRun51wGKneAZ-6nXj3qphsjvorFFcK9CPrMpDGPznpAuVWVHtfyjbZd7PU2Q" style="clear: left; float: left; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="366" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh75jHKPKzsY-qVCScWYIlb9MEDfsj-dKViec8dRkhkoN3d4Wyhdg5clS3dwSuQ3_n70pnm-eoMopiPwiOgAv2xaWq7_FZqn4GOQ_tYnPXgKNcy6G2Y-8umqqm9k_bjTMRun51wGKneAZ-6nXj3qphsjvorFFcK9CPrMpDGPznpAuVWVHtfyjbZd7PU2Q=w167-h248" width="167" /></a></div>I received a chapter book, Half Magic, from my aunt when I was a kid. It was by Edward Eager and originally published in 1954. This was the first book that I could read with minimal illustrations, and it struck a chord in me. Merging the magical and every-day of four children, was intriguing.<p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLA9iH6TTxkNvxrPVr2Uk5xf4pKToJOF9kEovyW2dsr_zyc23qi1CfLdJnoq9K36FippFmzSXOiJbBwW20LFbg3yWlAb8D-U-0DqPBwqf8o3lGQShsruTTcF1z2IcvNoT1DT8f78DpptS6AllICRywxzfjvMywyMQifY8u4-W-Jho50IMWPt7GCrkUDg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="386" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLA9iH6TTxkNvxrPVr2Uk5xf4pKToJOF9kEovyW2dsr_zyc23qi1CfLdJnoq9K36FippFmzSXOiJbBwW20LFbg3yWlAb8D-U-0DqPBwqf8o3lGQShsruTTcF1z2IcvNoT1DT8f78DpptS6AllICRywxzfjvMywyMQifY8u4-W-Jho50IMWPt7GCrkUDg=w200-h265" width="200" /></a></p><p><br /></p>My mind was full of the images that inspired me to create my own magical scenes. In 2019 I drew a ghostly girl and did not connect the association somehow to the cover of Half Magic! The cover art is a part of my subconscious it seems!<p></p></div><div class="yiv1767167311gmail_default"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>What was your most unusual or funny experience as an author/illustrator?</b></div><p>What a great question! At an elementary school visit I asked what tools might be needed to make a picture book. One answer was interesting. The boy said, “a saw!” I wasn’t sure how to respond to that one, so I just said, “Sure, cutting large stacks of paper needs a sharp cutter almost like a saw!” Kids say the funniest things.</p><p></p><p>I have found that kids love coming up to my 18” mouse puppet, Norman. They want to hug him and pet him. This is more sweet than funny, but I enjoy those moments with young readers. It is amusing when kids want my autograph – in pencil – on their writing notebooks.</p><p></p><p><b>What work do you wish you had written and illustrated?</b></p><p>Anything illustrated by David Wiesner or created by Dan Santat – just wow! They have been extremely inspirational to me in my art and illustrations. The dynamic way they lay out their illustrations is amazing.</p><p><b>What is one piece of advice you would give to author/illustrators?</b></p><p>I love the advice to be cautious of taking too much advice. However, there is one piece of advice that I feel strongly about - study your craft. If your craft is writing and illustrating, take serious time to hone each. This will make a world of difference in submitting your work and in the end, selling it!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>*Short and Sweet:</b></p><p><b>Pantser or Plotter?</b> Both! Mostly pantser!</p><p><b>Guilty Food Pleasure? </b>Ice cream!</p><p><b>Favorite Hobby?</b> Painting and light hiking.</p><p><b>Dog or Cat Person?</b> Cat currently. Maybe all those years of mischievous dogs wore me down!</p><p><b>Who would you like to have dinner with (living or dead)?</b> David Wiesner. His illustrations are amazing, and I would love to know more about how his brain works.</p><p><b>Do you do your best work in the morning, afternoon, or evening?</b> Evening. If I could, I’d work from 12pm-4pm and 8pm-12am.</p><p><br /></p></div><div class="yiv1767167311gmail_default"><p> Since Bookling Media’s start in 2020, Becky has built and led the team through the publication of their premiere title and is now announcing national distribution! Bookling Media has also opened submissions for author-illustrators to submit their manuscripts for publication.</p><p><b>Check out the submission guidelines here: <a href="https://www.booklingmedia.com/submissions">https://www.booklingmedia.com/submissions</a></b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-8203838895705120022022-08-16T10:53:00.002-07:002022-08-16T10:55:06.038-07:00 Five Ways to Know That Your Manuscript is Ready to Submit<p> by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton</p><p><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjZXPrqVsd6IV3v15nQEJSiZR9_HviF1VUGVwBXW65epn77nVLfYjRcRBHNNn-LaVIgrRN3DaXp1MBZU0Kk67HTxpiNL1BJGKXqatHFiSyCVwrke4DQnjVLjAzuUo6rqBSvxb6o4LlPmQRcmdM5mf5jlKgwDQdcL2AHHxmB_hqJSbGFBpNYBzZ_pLug/s320/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="320" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjZXPrqVsd6IV3v15nQEJSiZR9_HviF1VUGVwBXW65epn77nVLfYjRcRBHNNn-LaVIgrRN3DaXp1MBZU0Kk67HTxpiNL1BJGKXqatHFiSyCVwrke4DQnjVLjAzuUo6rqBSvxb6o4LlPmQRcmdM5mf5jlKgwDQdcL2AHHxmB_hqJSbGFBpNYBzZ_pLug/w269-h135/book.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Does your story have</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">:</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">One
main character?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">A
setting, using strong sensorial words?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">A
problem? Quest? Journey? Mystery? Can it be solved by the end of the story?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Attempts
at solving or completing the plot line? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Suspense,
with each attempt to succeed intensifying the tension?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Character-driven
actions for the circumstances or world you have developed? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">A
plot that must be solved by the main character’s wits, strength, abilities? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">A
climax where the main character is at his lowest point?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">A
character’s attempts and failures at solving the problem that add up to the
knowledge, talent, strength needed to actually solve the story problem?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Character
growth for your main character? Change? Become stronger, better, wiser? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">A
satisfying ending? Have you wrapped up all the loose ends?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Make sure your manuscript has been read
by a critique group. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Rewriting
is the most important part of writing. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">If
a critique suggestion rings true to your character, make the change.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">If
you have more than one person saying there is something missing or needing to
be rewritten, chances are strong that you need to rework that portion. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V8LBlqWX3iQx6bx3bPXKt0Kj-vblxiwGD7VZHwolS7Hgbk-46k9eN3vSPxDxCd7t6oI3vEhx8-Fslx4uWhwOlmI2tvZ3LCUu8VmDzIbYLGBTOYQtZO5Ld3ypz20hbYDpYnsescKNItTgrsHG9yEt1ijE5d_vPGdeDtWbOoxNFzGj_XHJ9Ubz3ZnmNw/s960/meeting-594091_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V8LBlqWX3iQx6bx3bPXKt0Kj-vblxiwGD7VZHwolS7Hgbk-46k9eN3vSPxDxCd7t6oI3vEhx8-Fslx4uWhwOlmI2tvZ3LCUu8VmDzIbYLGBTOYQtZO5Ld3ypz20hbYDpYnsescKNItTgrsHG9yEt1ijE5d_vPGdeDtWbOoxNFzGj_XHJ9Ubz3ZnmNw/w308-h205/meeting-594091_960_720.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;"> </span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 23.65pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Make sure your manuscript has been
edited.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check grammar, punctuation, spelling, and
sentence structure.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 20.85pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Make sure you know the proper format
for submitting a manuscript.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Name,
address, phone number on lefthand corner.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Title
half way down the manuscript, with your name below.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Second
page has a header with you name, title and page number. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The
following pages all need the same header with the page number.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Begin
your story at the top of page 2 under the header.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Word
count in the upper right corner.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Make sure you check the publisher’s
guidelines prior to submission.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Every
publishing house has its own distinct directions on how, and to whom a
manuscript should be submitted. Follow those directions, or your manuscript may
end up in the trash never having been read. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Most
successful writers spend more time and energy rewriting than they do writing. My
father always said, “The harder I work the luckier I am.” The same is true with
writing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kgacmJ2SERCUCydyt7ySXwsZFPkect4RJFqQZhpQA05f_OWt2HVrnNNmRR6QuKZzuSapocFOlBZQIGZZ01Nns6Bhwi-z9s-Xu7Uz-_ib3NEvkTBfEDpMoWGmkaYf99MolnAzVLQctGGleRFKgm_ara7OE19uG54sZyFidkHfkMIK-458-9W0sB1CnQ/s960/influencer-4081842_960_720.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kgacmJ2SERCUCydyt7ySXwsZFPkect4RJFqQZhpQA05f_OWt2HVrnNNmRR6QuKZzuSapocFOlBZQIGZZ01Nns6Bhwi-z9s-Xu7Uz-_ib3NEvkTBfEDpMoWGmkaYf99MolnAzVLQctGGleRFKgm_ara7OE19uG54sZyFidkHfkMIK-458-9W0sB1CnQ/s320/influencer-4081842_960_720.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-1833096544100704792022-05-06T03:00:00.012-07:002022-05-06T03:00:00.192-07:00 DON’T JUST END IT!<p> </p><br />
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">By<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Kate Carroll<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></b></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Last
month, Six Pen’s author, Laurie Lazarro Knowlton, splashed into spring with
seven writing hooks that are sure to capture a reader’s attention. This month I
decided to focus on entertaining endings. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Maybe
you’ve already written a perfect masterpiece, but the ending doesn’t measure
up. You’re searching for that satisfying stop that will cause readers to
reprise, “Again!” Stories that surprise us with a twist at the end, ones that come full
circle, or those that drop in one last drip of humor can deliver that marvelous magic for
the reader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds simple enough, but
just like all things picture book, penning a winning ending takes practice. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If
story endings challenge you, take some time to study several well-loved picture
books and uncover the craft elements that make their endings successful. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enlist the expertise of a well-read librarian
to lead you to some of the best examples. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Below
are endings from both classics and new works that have effective endings and make
kids want to read and repeat. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
employ the use of more than one device that double down on a great pay-off.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><b><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Repetition
and Dialogue</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><b><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxC3gG5fSlubSlmvu30_GufrKUQ6aBARnMgfqSkoijDWHi6MjkmyQ3Mv8h686N9PvUjmdVGBcqkGeBZO9KwHum10SzJAuT7GF5eCpQLZYNo_ydLNvNH7XsRb7lOMvU-H5Dvpd_KrsQ4Bshkh44p_3k7wK8BJbAMmnpKuw21fhibv6Q4r3Cr_J8vsUcJA/s218/Mrs.%20Wishy%20Washy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="192" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxC3gG5fSlubSlmvu30_GufrKUQ6aBARnMgfqSkoijDWHi6MjkmyQ3Mv8h686N9PvUjmdVGBcqkGeBZO9KwHum10SzJAuT7GF5eCpQLZYNo_ydLNvNH7XsRb7lOMvU-H5Dvpd_KrsQ4Bshkh44p_3k7wK8BJbAMmnpKuw21fhibv6Q4r3Cr_J8vsUcJA/s1600/Mrs.%20Wishy%20Washy.jpg" width="192" /></span></a></div><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>… “Oh, bliss!” says
the cow, and she jumps right in.<o:p></o:p></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">“Oh, bliss!” says the pig with a happy grin.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">“Oh, bliss!” says the duck, splashing in with the rest. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">“There’s no doubt about it. Home is best!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Wishy - washy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wishy - washy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></b></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Excerpt from ~MRS. WISHY-WASHY’S FARM by Joy Cowley</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Dialogue
and Surprise</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNvvVf2jfU8ywmkq-0v9-DcoVkgcmAVTXy3i_c3fuw5QIWnpfF7erIHxmhtUv9abuK1Gjv6AFpRn9Z4UJT3Y7rZimh2stvFxsAmn2LL7JiPIDIoV2QJHHa58gTQGoc7IClsWGMAC3MgOwuvRdEZ0yV5Y4oRB6iqsN3wqwttCS7Y_HL70YyUAnaEEYOg/s218/snack%20attack.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="196" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNvvVf2jfU8ywmkq-0v9-DcoVkgcmAVTXy3i_c3fuw5QIWnpfF7erIHxmhtUv9abuK1Gjv6AFpRn9Z4UJT3Y7rZimh2stvFxsAmn2LL7JiPIDIoV2QJHHa58gTQGoc7IClsWGMAC3MgOwuvRdEZ0yV5Y4oRB6iqsN3wqwttCS7Y_HL70YyUAnaEEYOg/s1600/snack%20attack.jpg" width="196" /></span></a></div><b><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> <b> … “I think we can!” said Cheese
Doodle. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> “How about you Cookie? Hey, Cookie, where are you?”<br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> “Umm…
Cookie?”</span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></b></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Excerpt
from ~SNACK ATTACK! By Terry Border.</span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Humor and Surprise</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsxgoGfxevNU9Lil_GOVY1NLJef68z5bzvyhWvlW5_WFLgE10RUXbwLvG3acUXL9lN92WPjYpo3VaKLP1kuVZ1WfxnD1DVZ6JDYnOpwYm1_9AOWyjw-wOC46waWyzAAx_pAdHIRtwI9W5_SXuMaJ9AAGtfQ6X10vZ7H2WRIYwpTZvPcAuoSw1g-mvxA/s218/I%20want%20my%20hat%20back.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="157" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsxgoGfxevNU9Lil_GOVY1NLJef68z5bzvyhWvlW5_WFLgE10RUXbwLvG3acUXL9lN92WPjYpo3VaKLP1kuVZ1WfxnD1DVZ6JDYnOpwYm1_9AOWyjw-wOC46waWyzAAx_pAdHIRtwI9W5_SXuMaJ9AAGtfQ6X10vZ7H2WRIYwpTZvPcAuoSw1g-mvxA/s1600/I%20want%20my%20hat%20back.jpg" width="157" /></span></a></div><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> … Excuse me, have you
seen a rabbit wearing a hat? <o:p></o:p></span></b><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">No. Why are you asking
me? </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">I haven’t seen any rabbits anywhere. </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> I would not eat a rabbit. Don’t ask me anymore
questions. </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">OK. Thank you anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></b></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Excerpt from ~I
WANT MY HAT BACK by Jon Klassen </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Circular,
Repetition, Dialogue<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_svMOI013zQ6BPKqRbIyjoEe6q0PfGPD8ToUQXmD7E6-6HXtGmZHTMbBdExRezXe_CNO096pJ6C9tb6NM0s-ptVDo36HELQonrF-8irsHNTLbmGx75j95res3xV-8CqKH6vuYgJoNAo0ePYacBYGXKj6X-aD8UXTg6Opqm-zVkVcWCo3J5-VxdWjcg/s218/Chicka%20Chicka.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="167" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_svMOI013zQ6BPKqRbIyjoEe6q0PfGPD8ToUQXmD7E6-6HXtGmZHTMbBdExRezXe_CNO096pJ6C9tb6NM0s-ptVDo36HELQonrF-8irsHNTLbmGx75j95res3xV-8CqKH6vuYgJoNAo0ePYacBYGXKj6X-aD8UXTg6Opqm-zVkVcWCo3J5-VxdWjcg/s1600/Chicka%20Chicka.jpg" width="167" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">…A is out of bed, and
this is what he said: “Dare double dare, you can’t catch me.</span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> I’ll beat you to
the top of the coconut tree.” Chi</b><b>cka
chicka BOOM BOOM!</b><b> </b>
</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoCaption" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Excerpt from ~CHICKA
CHICKA BOOM BOOM by B. Martin and J. Archambault</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Circular and Humor<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnpR7CJEny24ZU375e7CE4vBbNMdKTpEBGjV-XFSHF6JvkJqRTBy5q9CqO_f0uiVf5ObiUQYMlz65Z0hZwIOmXWrVxzAB-EACBbolohGc7hTD0ebU1TV6sprlsQ3VDnEr-fhPHLLuZyryoG-PJRdt02TVZGqM2uIV-rACQTD4cvEiuOBrsLk_OJ9sKA/s218/Moose%20Muffin.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="200" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnpR7CJEny24ZU375e7CE4vBbNMdKTpEBGjV-XFSHF6JvkJqRTBy5q9CqO_f0uiVf5ObiUQYMlz65Z0hZwIOmXWrVxzAB-EACBbolohGc7hTD0ebU1TV6sprlsQ3VDnEr-fhPHLLuZyryoG-PJRdt02TVZGqM2uIV-rACQTD4cvEiuOBrsLk_OJ9sKA/s1600/Moose%20Muffin.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"> <b> ...Seeing the blackberries will remind him of her jam. </b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> He’ll probably ask for
some. And chances are… </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> if you give him the jam, he’ll want a muffin to go with
it.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></b></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Excerpt from ~IF
YOU GIVE A MOOSE A MUFFIN </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>by Laura Numeroff</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Humor and
Dialogue</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1W3s_2pOMoGo01AEj4c8iVTYUCazZx-fWyJOzsSpdm2p2JvJDrXppighZtx9OSZiqw4TRcJbOYR1p-bClD2tHfKZtlIkTjSTUkuRPWJyNksrvfuAiBxFwhy4DkvyWr6UTBIjWRfMH3T7b2-qytYuphsq1LMUBfE62S-LKW2rbbITxUsMuPOFDVDVyg/s218/Never%20Not%20Ever.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="177" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1W3s_2pOMoGo01AEj4c8iVTYUCazZx-fWyJOzsSpdm2p2JvJDrXppighZtx9OSZiqw4TRcJbOYR1p-bClD2tHfKZtlIkTjSTUkuRPWJyNksrvfuAiBxFwhy4DkvyWr6UTBIjWRfMH3T7b2-qytYuphsq1LMUBfE62S-LKW2rbbITxUsMuPOFDVDVyg/s1600/Never%20Not%20Ever.jpg" width="177" /></span></a></div><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> … “That first day
wasn’t so bad,” Dad says, feeling pleased. </span></b><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">“We can come back tomorrow,” Mom
offers. “If you want.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> “Umm,” Pascaline says
with a smile... <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>“Never, not ever.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Excerpt from ~NEVER,
NOT EVER! by Beatrice Alemagna</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Total Surprise <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><o:p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR--uI4Uycznz--7n_YfQuULzVEngqf5NWv1CPH45ieguhAdkpgBM7TYUBFV-yiHEcmKl0x8h7fhsUMCVPrrnGW2rEdhp6xBUXJO7GQFKWwwTz31fKzGqqk1qrD9ZxPQp91aO7TljWQjii23s1E_nT9zl44IAptlogHVM5Wvs2yo-ABJRr7DXuMIeQ5g/s297/Spencer's%20New%20Pet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="297" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR--uI4Uycznz--7n_YfQuULzVEngqf5NWv1CPH45ieguhAdkpgBM7TYUBFV-yiHEcmKl0x8h7fhsUMCVPrrnGW2rEdhp6xBUXJO7GQFKWwwTz31fKzGqqk1qrD9ZxPQp91aO7TljWQjii23s1E_nT9zl44IAptlogHVM5Wvs2yo-ABJRr7DXuMIeQ5g/s1600/Spencer's%20New%20Pet.jpg" width="297" /></span></a></div><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>This three-act, one word picture book has a brilliant ending!<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>~SPENCER'S NEW PET by Jessie Sima</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><br />G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-54510581486503281512022-04-01T03:09:00.001-07:002022-04-01T04:30:52.853-07:00 Seven Spring Hooks<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton</span> </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p class="Standard"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzNJZD_kzCsMNO1Ckac6ymeMDQzPjZlqTQmEqsDM3XhmEX6pOwL6U04ZNgqR3Lm_NAUTNOVXmZr0ht0UaJ8_twzLLz8Em5c4_NYWq2sAgNPlWlxC9ElEoafW_iOs-iomAlxBdBPFPTlX8WBOqcuMQBx9ywF1JrbLVJqGLNNIhLFdr5GZjB3UwzU9u1w/s4032/Spring.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzNJZD_kzCsMNO1Ckac6ymeMDQzPjZlqTQmEqsDM3XhmEX6pOwL6U04ZNgqR3Lm_NAUTNOVXmZr0ht0UaJ8_twzLLz8Em5c4_NYWq2sAgNPlWlxC9ElEoafW_iOs-iomAlxBdBPFPTlX8WBOqcuMQBx9ywF1JrbLVJqGLNNIhLFdr5GZjB3UwzU9u1w/s320/Spring.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> Spring is so close we can almost
taste it!<p></p><p class="Standard" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;"> The thing I love about spring is that after so many gray days the sun
finally warms the earth, and all the world is made anew.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="text-indent: 35.3pt;"> Spring also seems to be a time
when new ideas flood my mind. Ideas are great, but everyone knows it is how you
execute that idea that makes a story.</span><span style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
</span><span style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">Good stories begin with a great hook. A hook grabs your reader and gets
them to sit down and read. But how do you do that?</span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">I've pulled together seven types of
opening sentences that are guaranteed to make the reader want to keep reading.</span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="Standard"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="Standard"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Start with an exclamation</b>!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi! I'm the bus driver. Listen,
I've got to leave for a little while, so can you watch things for me until I
get back? Thanks. Oh, and remember: Don't let the Pigeon drive the bus!”</p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>~DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! By Mo
Willems<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Textbody" style="margin-bottom: 15pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Museo Sans W01_500"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Start with a question</b>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 35.45pt;">“Brown Bear, Brown Bear what do
you see? I see a ...”</span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-indent: 35.45pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 70.9pt; text-indent: 35.45pt;"> ~BROWN BEAR,
BROWN BEAR WHAT DO YOU SEE?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bill Martin
Jr.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="Standard"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Start with a statement</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibqT8Wiz0Y8atEplW1guRCvlHqyfqv71rwljOcy5MIoyIAB65LqmuR6oVe_I1p46j4qQdOyjy_ICxPGMM1RfwcXiUyJR0Of115RB5wFNzc19fZAXGluxj_vIAblt28jJq7eb5_fXvOPasJTPTOQsRq0lw93ASlMlcrnaDmrGrB2zUwZ1rLdnzlPkcoeA" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="387" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibqT8Wiz0Y8atEplW1guRCvlHqyfqv71rwljOcy5MIoyIAB65LqmuR6oVe_I1p46j4qQdOyjy_ICxPGMM1RfwcXiUyJR0Of115RB5wFNzc19fZAXGluxj_vIAblt28jJq7eb5_fXvOPasJTPTOQsRq0lw93ASlMlcrnaDmrGrB2zUwZ1rLdnzlPkcoeA=w205-h265" width="205" /></a></div><p></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 35.45pt;">“Grandma Ronnie isn't home anymore.”</span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="text-indent: 35.45pt;"> ~A YOUNG MAN'S
DANCE by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton</span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 70.9pt; text-indent: 35.45pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Start by showing the setting</b>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p>“In an old house in Paris that was
covered in vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.”</p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>~ MADELINE, by Ludwig
Bemelmans<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Start with Onomatopoeia</b>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 35.45pt;">“Hieronymus Bets has unusual
pets. Slurp the sugapotomus is his slimiest pet.”</span><span style="text-indent: 35.45pt;"> </span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-indent: 35.45pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.55pt; text-indent: 35.45pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>~HIERONYMUS BETS AND
HIS UNUSUAL PETS, by M.P. Robertson<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Start with a repeat refrain</b>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPeXhHkYN5mV66YX7aass6TMaYCNSLXZgGOf4AEsilP3cYygQVtHczZ242tU8snYlTORCpX9E7JT_O40jUxjmqG9GH3TUmIv8GDhJCtqFXZO_7DXbVVbXWfivVPMawMHzUw1h2bsIActR2j49nv7yRyon6RN4k8SPB4sKqpXTkYFvi6v2j1yBWCROhdw" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="175" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPeXhHkYN5mV66YX7aass6TMaYCNSLXZgGOf4AEsilP3cYygQVtHczZ242tU8snYlTORCpX9E7JT_O40jUxjmqG9GH3TUmIv8GDhJCtqFXZO_7DXbVVbXWfivVPMawMHzUw1h2bsIActR2j49nv7yRyon6RN4k8SPB4sKqpXTkYFvi6v2j1yBWCROhdw=w170-h211" width="170" /></a></div><o:p><div><o:p><br /></o:p></div> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 35.45pt;">“Before John was a jazz giant, he
heard hambones knocking on grandma's pots, Daddy </span>strumming
the ukulele, and Mama cranking the phonograph.<p></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"> Before John
was a jazz giant, he heard steam engines whistling past...”</p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /></p><p class="Standard"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> ~</span>BEFORE JOHN WAS A
JAZZ GIANT, by Carol Boston Weatherford</p><p class="Standard"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Start with the main character</b>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 35.45pt;">“Clementine waited until her work
in the Big House was done and the twinkle of stars </span><span style="text-indent: 35.45pt;">filled the night sky above the Cane River. She
was ready to paint.”</span></p><p class="Standard" style="text-indent: 35.45pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> ~A</span>RT FROM HER
HEART, FOLK ARTIST CLEMENTINE HUNTER, by Kathy Whitehead</p><p class="Standard"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="Standard"><o:p> </o:p> Spend some time in the library reading first lines in picture
books to make your own list of great ways to hook a reader, then spring into a
new season of writing by hooking your reader with a great opening sentence.</p><p class="Standard"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB81gIZKQn4CrHtm2gg0uNwTPNIfyb7C-UhpO7iX2aRBmq6sdYTQ3AF0gSKcn9wF0sqjznosT7zAif6SAg6xdJFwgVs2SeAQnTvbMeqRY6eawTxcAQ_l8XgYKPwSOnOubEkNdsP8lwS9v0dUc1Yqnwp2JDkl_gfYtYJi1kCA_yzj2itsGmKP5RiU7K1w/s591/bunny.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="591" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB81gIZKQn4CrHtm2gg0uNwTPNIfyb7C-UhpO7iX2aRBmq6sdYTQ3AF0gSKcn9wF0sqjznosT7zAif6SAg6xdJFwgVs2SeAQnTvbMeqRY6eawTxcAQ_l8XgYKPwSOnOubEkNdsP8lwS9v0dUc1Yqnwp2JDkl_gfYtYJi1kCA_yzj2itsGmKP5RiU7K1w/w236-h177/bunny.JPG" width="236" /></a></div><o:p> <br /></o:p><p></p>
<p class="Standard"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="Standard"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="Standard"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-39200662301584281602022-03-10T16:00:00.003-08:002022-03-13T05:51:40.766-07:00 Serialized Fiction: Is It For You?<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">by Gloria G. Adams</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Serialized fiction is nothing new. In the late 1800’s and
early-mid 1900’s, many classics like <i>Treasure Island</i> and <i>The War of the Worlds</i>
began as a series of chapters published in magazines or newspapers. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixILjG3YOVTVHufMT3IdZ_Mp1DKQ-kwMqr8aQHTlDL_QxX6_9b-uRZ7ay7MMYKxqUkYcyOSBUtlNcSkAU98n8gpyn9E9NUkkNQu5rU-rC9JafBu2iWbn4UI9k9bTa-bj1DK64UEci4ZxPXliJr1v1GgMFNkNjUFfEFda48EqiyqFP1z81RAe7qhUPF0A=s320" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="213" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixILjG3YOVTVHufMT3IdZ_Mp1DKQ-kwMqr8aQHTlDL_QxX6_9b-uRZ7ay7MMYKxqUkYcyOSBUtlNcSkAU98n8gpyn9E9NUkkNQu5rU-rC9JafBu2iWbn4UI9k9bTa-bj1DK64UEci4ZxPXliJr1v1GgMFNkNjUFfEFda48EqiyqFP1z81RAe7qhUPF0A=w176-h265" width="176" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Though this
form of publishing never truly disappeared, its popularity waned for a long while.
But today, serialized books have found a resurgence through social media platforms
like Wattpad, Sweek, and more recently, Kindle Vella.<br /><span style="text-align: right;"> </span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">At first blush, you might think it’s only for adult books.
But Kindle Vella has an entire children’s collection, and both Sweek and Wattpad
publish YA novels as well as adult.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p>Kindle Vella: <a href="https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GR2L4AHPMQ44HNQ7">https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GR2L4AHPMQ44HNQ7</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p>Wattpad: <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/">https://www.wattpad.com/</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p>Sweek: <a href="https://sweek.com/write-stories">https://sweek.com/write-stories</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Besides writing a serialized novel (publishing one chapter at a time), writers also use these platforms to publish stand-alone short stories as well as serials (like soap operas and weekly TV dramas and sitcoms.)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Readers can access a great deal of content for free, but there
are also paid options. Wattpad includes some books in their Wattpad Paid
Stories, but it’s by invitation only.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">What’s in it for writers? Promotion, recognition, and
possibly building a fan base. And the possibility of royalties. Wattpad boasts
a monthly audience of 90 <b><i>million </i></b>users. It’s a great way to
connect with readers, especially for new or unagented authors. There are also some protections in place against plagiarism.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Some have found success on these platforms.<span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #4b5055;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #4b5055;">Over 100 books have been published that
had their origins on Wattpad.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqaYJix3SDx73qyh7W8tc0HmEVfd8mhiwjJ78V6Snsmdq3LBNvrp3UBAWFZG0tua7j_oseILFn8pHjpFxo837ng5jh04zyZr5FZdhS5Fv85q809G-jpZb-JDrxGN8CiscK2CwUWk6642i0c_zeGiorgEVJs3c3VVepd6oiKpPOoeIuP3KZJtVa9eUHVQ=s218" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="146" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqaYJix3SDx73qyh7W8tc0HmEVfd8mhiwjJ78V6Snsmdq3LBNvrp3UBAWFZG0tua7j_oseILFn8pHjpFxo837ng5jh04zyZr5FZdhS5Fv85q809G-jpZb-JDrxGN8CiscK2CwUWk6642i0c_zeGiorgEVJs3c3VVepd6oiKpPOoeIuP3KZJtVa9eUHVQ" width="146" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #4b5055; font-size: medium;">One of these
authors was Brittany Geragotelis, who tried for ten years to get published traditionally.
After posting on Wattpad, she garnered nineteen million readers and Simon and
Schuster published her YA book and sequels.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Nikki Kelly’s Wattpad-published
romance trilogy was picked up by MacMillan in 2014.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white; color: #4b5055;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4b5055;">While these
success stories aren’t the norm, the potential is out there.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #4b5055; font-size: medium;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnkka5-2gpIGiDClkmCWqnTtOuPVeToI-hjld043KD-etWnlEsKHyB92LQajGQMT_apMbOk4rK8uscARswJMedQhEJebTN5kw9OKc2y6n7egFavlkffdqXO11xEGIZgsnE1PcPP4o5THe9RNjpZFVWajSGPL4oAfM_I1ejPrLtswVgL2yQJelJJ0_C_w=s800" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="512" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnkka5-2gpIGiDClkmCWqnTtOuPVeToI-hjld043KD-etWnlEsKHyB92LQajGQMT_apMbOk4rK8uscARswJMedQhEJebTN5kw9OKc2y6n7egFavlkffdqXO11xEGIZgsnE1PcPP4o5THe9RNjpZFVWajSGPL4oAfM_I1ejPrLtswVgL2yQJelJJ0_C_w=w185-h289" width="185" /></span></a></div><span style="background: white; color: #4b5055; font-size: medium;">If you are
interested in serialized fiction (or nonfiction), thoroughly explore
all of the information on the platforms’ websites. Another suggestion: read one
or more how-to books, like <i>How to Write Serialised Fiction </i>by Simon K.
Jones. Start reading it right now on... Wattpad!</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="background: white; color: #4b5055; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.wattpad.com/story/86532927-how-to-write-serialised-fiction">https://www.wattpad.com/story/86532927-how-to-write-serialised-fiction</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #4b5055; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-72870006630503796912022-02-08T13:56:00.002-08:002022-02-08T20:13:48.016-08:00 Nothing Happens Lest First You Dream <p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIgah0QHV6Yq-4rGWXwYL3Fc4VjAJmSMjVkm4ClVxHdJd4ILidIEKX1UwABqrcowC5rfkZENI02M8W6cEDpWj4ghM6M4KUOVwxqxkJTlu02fxoO9BygoFQwpVwW-cARcO_tXcnSCDS_OsnvJZn5EGLphQ9Aqj-_F12DmkfUfgstzol8v6YLlry6vumwg=s388" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="388" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIgah0QHV6Yq-4rGWXwYL3Fc4VjAJmSMjVkm4ClVxHdJd4ILidIEKX1UwABqrcowC5rfkZENI02M8W6cEDpWj4ghM6M4KUOVwxqxkJTlu02fxoO9BygoFQwpVwW-cARcO_tXcnSCDS_OsnvJZn5EGLphQ9Aqj-_F12DmkfUfgstzol8v6YLlry6vumwg=w294-h220" width="294" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Vision Boards</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> by</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span> Gloria Reichert</p><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Recently, I attended a webinar about Vision Boards
presented by Merrill Rainey, Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI: Ohio North. A
vision board is a physical, tactile representation of the goals which someone
wishes to achieve. This collection of pictures, words, and phrases is designed
to help a person visualize his dreams and goals. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The idea behind vision boards is simple. By placing
your vision board in a prominent place where your goals and intentions are
highly visible, your mind is constantly reminded of these focus areas, and your
subconscious works away at them. Vision boards are connected to the Law of
Attraction, which is about attracting into your life those things upon which
you are focusing. The idea is that our experiences are created by our thoughts
and feelings. Whatever we focus our attention on will be brought into our
lives. Vision boards keep the goals we set foremost in our minds and create
positive feelings when we look at them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Do vision boards work? A body of research says they
do. They rely on visualization, which is a powerful tool. A report in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Psychology Today </i>states that athletes
who visualized their training exercises received almost the same benefit as
those who undertook the physical exercises. Oprah Winfrey has discussed the use
of vision boards to help her meet her goals.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Merrill suggested four steps for creating a vision
board. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Step 1 - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Brain
Dump: </b>Set a timer for 20 minutes. During that time, write down everything
you want to accomplish in 2022, three years, five years – whatever you decide. Focus
on your writing goals or whatever you choose. Then categorize the ideas into
different columns.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Step 2 - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Reflect
and Refine. </b>Decide which ideas are the most important. What do you want most
to change or improve? These can be either short or long term goals.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSnfRwa-vfXYCj_iTj3uLzfSHFTzR38vByKD4ZNgm-2y4WxISyP8PDQTwPg6jg6uPEetqe6tENfQgTG98rd_91O1MRSVMdY7dJoFPk5nIJ1cBNQHZeM4Hc9AzwaDjLvpdvWvI1F9mI4ZY_2yCv3ZcOGqc6hVH2QJtnUJccmWRN-7Nmo5t3jOVR9L591g=s250" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="250" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSnfRwa-vfXYCj_iTj3uLzfSHFTzR38vByKD4ZNgm-2y4WxISyP8PDQTwPg6jg6uPEetqe6tENfQgTG98rd_91O1MRSVMdY7dJoFPk5nIJ1cBNQHZeM4Hc9AzwaDjLvpdvWvI1F9mI4ZY_2yCv3ZcOGqc6hVH2QJtnUJccmWRN-7Nmo5t3jOVR9L591g=w91-h72" width="91" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Step 3 - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Create
your vision board. </b>Use white or colored poster board, foam board, cork board,
white board, or felt board as the background. Using magazines, newspapers, and computer
printings, cut out images, words, and phrases which reflect your goals. Arrange
them on your background. Glue or tape them into place. Add glitter or stickers.
Draw with markers - whatever you wish. You might play music while you create
your board.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzKJ9_C7XkCMHh9HHVOC400j47Zy8Z56_UHlhUo9zY5xyDKt9CC68fHWM4Ouo3fLYmEW_d8RUkLQV9IIVhnoI49oTX96yRcf4ee6F8VAIFWLltow_IqDgDbI9ZmDPnMbzCLDJMzGf3VsU4Y23kmGZ4L0YbctRiqgiYqE-FjM8paVsnfGZOsXlpivMEuQ=s175" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="89" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzKJ9_C7XkCMHh9HHVOC400j47Zy8Z56_UHlhUo9zY5xyDKt9CC68fHWM4Ouo3fLYmEW_d8RUkLQV9IIVhnoI49oTX96yRcf4ee6F8VAIFWLltow_IqDgDbI9ZmDPnMbzCLDJMzGf3VsU4Y23kmGZ4L0YbctRiqgiYqE-FjM8paVsnfGZOsXlpivMEuQ=w33-h65" width="33" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Step 4 – </span><b style="font-size: 12pt;">Display
your vision board.</b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Put your vision board somewhere you can see it every day
so that your subconscious can get to work.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Vision boards can also be made digitally. Online
templates and directions are available. Once printed, these can be displayed or
kept in a planner or journal where they will be easily seen. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Many suggestions for both kinds of vision boards can
be found on Pinterest.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaixOzKG26tomKRxq2dt19ddctLNrXjTB7losLGOqRrz7p-BLBscU3-lT0L640HpEYknpFTHjUe1NVsdPthx4yyFWc6derWTA-rXznItd74kaSPk5x1gFti7W48r_Ysd--g2OPt9YSNxG9GNKTyKt4FWPr7WfGk-nkn0qTLQRNwXgMsY8x2IULQw8m5A=s3242" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3242" data-original-width="2806" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaixOzKG26tomKRxq2dt19ddctLNrXjTB7losLGOqRrz7p-BLBscU3-lT0L640HpEYknpFTHjUe1NVsdPthx4yyFWc6derWTA-rXznItd74kaSPk5x1gFti7W48r_Ysd--g2OPt9YSNxG9GNKTyKt4FWPr7WfGk-nkn0qTLQRNwXgMsY8x2IULQw8m5A=w237-h248" width="237" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You must believe that what you are putting on your
vision board will come true, and you must give the work and effort that’s
necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Once I complete my vision board, I think I might make
one for some of my characters to see how that could inform my writing. No telling
where vision boards might lead.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">***************************************************</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For
more information on Merrill, follow him on Instagram (@littlerainey) or visit
his website at <a href="http://www.l">www.l</a></span><a href="http://ittlerainey.com"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">ittlerainey.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></p>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910303618281857998.post-54725242343426220002022-01-06T10:47:00.000-08:002022-01-06T10:47:29.899-08:00 Remembering Richard Peck<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">by Gloria G. Adams<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrigm1P1UYd1DZPcjpI_UMWi7KvfjC299wgnSD3UOlSSvW84eT73IvQuhPlNDcMON3VoQyceik8pzt9k38yHcEP6bE8UI97PS0ru4IGVDOxFU3CR7z6YxRVrJhuT85Ea8pPXjlZQslMNk4WdggMEVsW6umo8iWLEikOL1UHkUm7j5mQwbaN4gfTa5uXA=s240" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="160" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrigm1P1UYd1DZPcjpI_UMWi7KvfjC299wgnSD3UOlSSvW84eT73IvQuhPlNDcMON3VoQyceik8pzt9k38yHcEP6bE8UI97PS0ru4IGVDOxFU3CR7z6YxRVrJhuT85Ea8pPXjlZQslMNk4WdggMEVsW6umo8iWLEikOL1UHkUm7j5mQwbaN4gfTa5uXA=w216-h324" width="216" /></span></a><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s January again, and my turn to write for our blog. I
thought about so many things that you often think about as a writer in January:
setting writing goals, taking workshops, attending conferences, making a list
of all the books you want to write this year or how you’re going to finish
writing that one that tugs the most at your mind and heart strings.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then I thought a list of inspirational writing quotes might
be appropriate. And when I think about inspirational writing quotes, I always
think about Richard Peck.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Richard Peck was one of the pioneers of young adult
literature, whose books I discovered when I first started working in the
library. He won many awards, including the Newbery Award, and the prestigious
Margaret A. Edwards award for his “significant and lasting contribution to
young adult literature.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiP95gY522_Aml74qO56yD5dv8bSxwhjOAokFb0GDz4LETF2BAU7BrOoM1MRozSZ1rzHP_Ed7B3kf6snGbl7ISSYZ0V42YPobAl_zOysPF1Q8Cmlu4GUyj-VNaELK3UCOe5a66hyx1Uxp3pFzwXvxTIU08QOX0itWgB2Vhcl4GUOecz1P0Y45s6ouYqcg=s240" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiP95gY522_Aml74qO56yD5dv8bSxwhjOAokFb0GDz4LETF2BAU7BrOoM1MRozSZ1rzHP_Ed7B3kf6snGbl7ISSYZ0V42YPobAl_zOysPF1Q8Cmlu4GUyj-VNaELK3UCOe5a66hyx1Uxp3pFzwXvxTIU08QOX0itWgB2Vhcl4GUOecz1P0Y45s6ouYqcg" width="160" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was fortunate enough to attend a few conferences where I heard
him speak. He had piercing blue eyes and a compelling presence that commanded
everyone’s attention. I was even lucky enough to meet him and share lunch and
conversation with him at a writing festival in which I participated while
working as a librarian.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p>But even more than his talent as a writer and speaker was
his heart for young readers. He had taught English to middle-schoolers before he
began his writing career in 1971, where he witnessed first-hand some of the
negative consequences of peer pressure. His message resonates through his
books: “You only grow up when you’ve walked away from those people. In all my
novels, you have to declare your independence from your peers before you can
take that first real step toward yourself.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p>When he read us some of the letters he’d received from his
readers, you could tell he had touched many lives through his books and really
made a difference. He passed away in 2018, but what a legacy he left us!</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p>We writers all have authors we admire, respect, and by whom
we are inspired; the one at the top of my list is Richard Peck.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p>Here are some of my favorite Richard Peck quotes:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p>“The only way you can write is by the light of the bridges
burning behind you.”</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhT3nCPqF-Nbq_LXCRME_oB1qM-jKynEVwEJywn3x_AnLHdEuqObPFCX0AJJwVCleM2VmxqWd9GNDqucWdboFy8kY0pXcYqUJDa-GXBk-k3W9SKJAGXtoKxkebJS7Kcqk2Tyw9FRbSSJOhSmLC1qd2PbfcQQuF4wDPcuMV8S9i9mLkyS-31rlfsHFp4A=s240" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="160" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhT3nCPqF-Nbq_LXCRME_oB1qM-jKynEVwEJywn3x_AnLHdEuqObPFCX0AJJwVCleM2VmxqWd9GNDqucWdboFy8kY0pXcYqUJDa-GXBk-k3W9SKJAGXtoKxkebJS7Kcqk2Tyw9FRbSSJOhSmLC1qd2PbfcQQuF4wDPcuMV8S9i9mLkyS-31rlfsHFp4A=w203-h305" width="203" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Because nobody but a reader ever became a writer.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">“I'm a writer because I never had a teacher who said,
"Write what you know." If I'd been limited to writing what I know, I
would have produced one unpublishable haiku. Beatrix Potter was never a rabbit.
J. K. Rowling did not attend Hogwarts School.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">“[A young adult novel] ends not with happily ever after, but
at a new beginning, with the sense of a lot of life yet to be lived.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Learn five new words a day…You want to use words to create
new worlds… If you are going to be a writer, you need to collect words.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">“If you cannot find yourself on the page very early in life,
you will go looking for yourself in all the wrong places.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe6v6WHz-oV4qxE3ZjWH635QaQsWVzpStDoLyMm0U6POMNpCELMCcd070Lg72kCOc2U9m_lPOIBOWCdKzQ1nkssD6cFZQuaTtMDX4g2rjAx5SD4kR_WLX4E3hseTkYVFBMUwS4joVNb6gUwe_oUdQ5ittrCo65g-SqM0XlQkaPMwt0_JyJjC4QPclXEA=s240" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="160" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe6v6WHz-oV4qxE3ZjWH635QaQsWVzpStDoLyMm0U6POMNpCELMCcd070Lg72kCOc2U9m_lPOIBOWCdKzQ1nkssD6cFZQuaTtMDX4g2rjAx5SD4kR_WLX4E3hseTkYVFBMUwS4joVNb6gUwe_oUdQ5ittrCo65g-SqM0XlQkaPMwt0_JyJjC4QPclXEA=w186-h279" width="186" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">“I read because one life isn't enough, and in the page of a
book I can be anybody;<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">I read because the words that build the story become mine,
to build my life;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">I read not for happy endings but for new beginnings; I'm
just beginning myself, and I wouldn't mind a map;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">I read because I have friends who don't, and young though
they are, they're beginning to run out of material;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">I read because every journey begins at the library, and it's
time for me to start packing;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">I read because one of these days I'm going to get out of
this town, and I'm going to go everywhere and meet everybody, and I want to be
ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-size: large;">― Richard Peck, from </span><i style="font-size: large;">Anonymously Yours</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">For more information on Richard Peck:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.nypl.org/blog/2018/06/11/life-work-richard-peck-nypl-catalog</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.kennedy-center.org/video/education/literary-arts/a-conversation-with-author-richard-peck/</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>G2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00412859964217931264noreply@blogger.com2