2011 Conference Series-Editorial & Art Director Faculty: Lionel Bender

Are you registered for the SCBWI Western Washington 20th Annual Writing and Illustrating for Children Conference yet? We've covered the Keynote Speakers, and gave you some information about our Friday workshops. Next up is our Editorial & Art Director Faculty. Lionel Bender is an Editorial Director at Bender Richardson White. He's written more than sixty children’s illustrated information books on science, natural history, medicine and technology.

Lionel is helping lead the Nonfiction Intensive group on Friday. Here's the website to check out, and a bit more about BRW.

Since being established in 1990, BRW has developed or worked on over a thousand books for dozens of publishers in the USA, UK and elsewhere. We are a one-stop resource for book publishers seeking to outsource all or part of a project. We work with a large number of editors, designers, artists, picture researchers and other resources and have the ability to join a project at any stage and take it through to completion on time and on budget.

Fun fact about Lionel; he is a long-term member of the British Minigolf Association, and a regular minigolf player, representing his country in European and World Championship Minigolf Sport events.

Wordless Storytelling

Liz Mills found this comic by Ryan A. on Drawn: The Illustration and Cartooning blog. It's a brilliant example of wordless storyteling. There are several parts to the story, and it's very moving and simple.

E-Piracy; Online Book Theft

With the rising number of e-readers, and e-books that are being bought, sold, and given as gifts, there is also a rise in piracy. These articles (the first article is about the rise in e-piracy, and the other article is about a book pirate) are good ones to peruse on the subject. Thanks to Joni for sending the links.

Passive Voice Article

Fellow SCBWI member Christina Wilsdon sent us this link (thanks Christina!). Nancy Pearl reposted an article discussing the merits of selected use of the passive voice by another author. It's a good article to check out! And make sure you visit Christina's website.

A Unique Opportunity for Authors & Illustrators to Help

Hamlin Robinson School is holding it's annual fundraising auction on March 5. They are a unique non-profit school (the only one in Washington State) that serves children 1st-8th grade with dyslexia and related language learning disabilities. Many children come to HRS struggling to read, dejected and lacking self-esteem because they've failed in traditional school programs but very quickly the program at Hamlin sparks a joy of learning in them and puts them on the road to success.

For a group of kids who find reading a challenge, they are amazingly passionate about books! Many are also gifted atrists. So, every year at their auction they try to feature lots of books and art. They would love to gather together signed copies of books/artwork by local authors or illustrators. Also, if any local authors are interested, they can put together a 'lunch with a local author/artist & discuss the book' package.

The contact email address is auction@hamlinrobinson.org. You can find out more information at the school at their website.

2010 SCBWI Illustrator Mentorship Award Winners Blog

Fellow SCBWI member John Deininger is part of the SCBWI Illustrator Mentorship Award Winners from the 2010 L.A. Conference. The Mentorship Award is presented to six illustrators participating in the annual SCBWI Portfolio Showcase, "whose publishable work shows great promise and potential". The purpose goes beyond just the selection, in that the Mentorship Program is an intense advance-level portfolio critique that includes both individual reviews with each Mentor, and a culminating critique peer meeting with all Mentors and Mentees.

There are six mentees in the program, and they enjoyed meeting each other so much that we decided to launch this site so that we could share our progress as well as information and tips for other illustrators interested in the children's publishing industry. Here's the link for the mentee blog.

Mark your calendars for KLPN

Are you tongue-tied around unfamiliar faces? Come out to an SCBWI Kid Lit Pub Night and brush up on your conversational skills before our big conference. Share industry news and reviews over a drink in casual surroundings.

For Eastsiders, there's a Kid Lit Pub Night hosted by Carolyn Ossorio on Tuesday, February 15, starting at 7 p.m. at the Renton Keg, and on Thursday, February 24, is a second KLPN in the heart of Ballard at 7 p.m. at The Noble Fir, where there will be door prizes.

Questions? Contact scbwiwa@scbwi-washington.org.

Published Pro Think Tank

Are you a Published Pro? Join the SCBWI Western Washington for the inaugural Published Pro Think Tank on Friday, April 15, from 3-5 p.m. You'll meet with other SCBWI P.A.L (Published and Listed) members to enjoy refreshments; while celebrating each other's latest news, sharing, discussing, brainstorming, and enjoying the benefits of being with your peers, and pals.

This is a free event, and you don't need to register for the conference to participate in this event, but you'll need to be a current P.A.L member. You'll need t0 RSVP to sara@saraeasterly.com if you don't register on the annual conference registration page. Here's the link to register for the conference.

Are You a Librarian & An Author/Illustrator?

Alexis O'Neill, Regional Advisor for SCBWI Ventura/Santa Barbara region would like to interview librarians (or retired librarians) who are also children's authors or illustrators who visit schools (from around the country). You can contact her directly at AlexisInCA@aol.com.

Nonfiction Intensive

Interested in building a non-fiction career? The Nonfiction Intensive will take place at the Marriot Redmond Center on Friday, April 15, the day before our 20th Annual SCBWI Western Washington Annual Conference. You will meet with a small group of nonfiction authors for a four-hour workshop with a strong focus on nonfiction. The workshop will be led by Lionel Bender, editor with non-fiction book packager Bender Richardson White, and Jim Whiting, author of over 100 books for children (mostly non-fiction).

Space is limited, with a first-come, first-served basis depending on the date registered. You'll need to register prior to signing up for the class. The fee is either $35 or $40 (depending on your SCBWI membership status). Here's the link to register for the conference.

New Editorial Consultancy Tip from Fellow SCBWI Member

Thanks to fellow SCBWI member Karen Lee Schmidt for sending us this information. She read in a Publisher's Weekly article that Editor Tamson Weston has left Hyperion to form Tamson Weston Books, an editorial consultancy. Weston's best-selling books include Adam Rex's FRANKENSTEIN MAKES A SANDWICH and OH NO by Mac Barnett (illustrated by 2011 SCBWI Keynote Speaker Dan Santat), as well as Schmidt's own, CARL'S NOSE and HOPTOAD written by Jane Yolen.

Make sure you visit Karen's website for more information on her work.

Master Class for Illustrators

The Master Class for Illustrators will take place at the Marriot Redmond Center on Friday, April 15, the day before our 20th Annual SCBWI Western Washington Annual Conference. You will be part of a small group of 25 illustrators that will meet for a two session workshop. The workshop will be led by award winning illustrator and author (and keynote speaker) Dan Santat, and Candlewick's Art Resource Coordinator Anne Moore.

Space is limited, with a first-come, first-served basis depending on the date registered. You'll need to register prior to signing up for the class. The fee is either $35 or $40 (depending on your SCBWI membership status). Here's the link to register for the conference. There will be specific information about due dates, etc. once you've registered.

Local Authors Gather at Elliot Bay Book Company

Fellow SCBWI authors Wendy Wahman (DON'T LICK THE DOG, and forthcoming A CAT LIKE THAT) and Samantha Vamos (BEFORE YOU WERE HERE, MI AMOR, and the forthcoming THE CAZUELA THAT THE FARM MAIDEN STIRRED) joined authors Jane Porter and Karen Burns at the Elliott Bay Book Company for book signing, and a chat with Verity Mom's Rosemary Garner. They had a lot of fun, and sent the link (thanks Samantha!) to share with the Update.

Kid Lit Pub Night

Don't forget (Southenders especially!) to check out Tuesday's Kid Lit Pub Night at the Columbia City Alehouse, 4914 Rainier Ave S. from 7-9+. There will be two door prizes offered: the word game Bananagrams, and a $10 gift card to University Bookstore. Bring good or bad news to share and what you've been reading lately. See you there!

2011 Conference Series: Keynote Speaker Dan Santat

Our 2011 SCBWI Conference is filling up fast! Make sure you register before the conference is full! And of course, we have one more keynote speaker to feature; Author/Illustrator Dan Santat. Dan actually started off his college career by earning a degree Microbiology, and then ended up going to the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.

Dan's first book, THE GUILD OF GENIUSES, was selected for the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show. The artist behind many highly praised picture books, he also created the animated TV show The Replacements. His clients include Macy's, Scholastic, Simon and Schuster, Random House, and Walt Disney Animation (just to name a few!).

Here's a great interview with more background on Dan, and of course his website is full of his illustrations. Dan, as I've read, also recommends checking out Drawn.ca. He says it's one of the best art blogs out there, and he checks it almost every day! Dan lives with is family, and bird, and cat, and rabbit, in Alhambra, California. Fun fact about Dan, he is currently working on a graphic novel!

Graphic Novel Panel

Seattle Graphic Artists Guild presents:

A Graphic Novel Panel

Saturday, February 5, from 1-5 p.m., at the Cornish College of the Arts.

Learn from a panel of insiders how to develop a graphic novel and get it published. Portfolio reviews available!

Learn the ins and outs of Graphic Novels from a stellar panel of experts. These talented creative professionals have insights on all the facets of Graphic Novels, from business considerations to techniques they employ in their specific areas of expertise. They will share their wisdom, wit, and insight in a format that will take you through the various stages of production: planning, writing, artwork, publishing, and marketing in order to create and market your own graphic novel.

Peter Bagge- HATE, and it's precursor NEAT STUFF

Phil Foglio BUCK GODOT, MYTH ADVENTURES, and GIRL GENIUS

Mike Grell-JON SABLE FREELANCE, THE WARLORD

Jason Janicki-Writer with Wayfarer’s Moon

Leigh Kellogg-Artist with Wayfarer’s Moon

Michael Oeming -MICE TEMPLAR, QUIXOTE, and POWERS.

For more information, and to register visit their website.

CBAY Books is Taking Submissions

CBAY (Children's Brains Are Yummy) is currently taking book submissions. January 15-31 they will be accepting unsolicited manuscript submissions for only fantasy and science fiction picture books. These will be for traditional 32-page picture books for ages 2-5.

This submission round is for electronic submissions only. Please see their link for guidelines, and make sure you read through their website to familiarize yourself with their company.

Good News for Lois Harris

Wonderful new for Lois Harris! The L.A. Times Kids’ Reading Room has published her short story; COWBOY ARTIST online, in the Sunday Comics section (right above her favorite comic strip, Peanuts!). Here’s the link to check it out. For more information about Lois, and her work, visit her website.

Conferences & Classes to Check Out

The Western Washington University Children’s Literature Conference is now in its eighth year! This event is where teachers and librarians, readers and writers gather to celebrate and learn about children’s literature. At the end of last year's conference the creator and director, Nancy Johnson, announced that she had accepted a two-year appointment at the Singapore American School.

Because of the overwhelming response from attendees to keep the conference going, the conference committee is presenting The Children's Literature Alternative Conference! The conference is March 5, from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at WWU. CLAC. Caldecott winner Chris Raschka and Newbery honoree Kirby Larson will keynote the event. Early bird registration (before February 11) is only $40. For more information, and to register visit their webpage.

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The Whidbey Writer's Conference is April 1-3, in Coupeville, WA. Registration is limited to 250 lucky folks. Keynoter Garth Stein will be joined by 30 other authors, editors and agents at this conference. The conference is well known for its warm atmosphere and solid information. To sign up or for more information go to their website.

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Margaret Nevinski is teaching a writing course for young writers. For more information about her classes visit her website.

Creative Writing Workshop (Ages 8-12)

Do you like to write stories and have fun with words? Margaret Nevinski helps young writers get started, create characters, and develop story plots. We'll learn how to move from ideas in our heads to words on the page, and we'll share our work out loud to give each other helpful feedback. Small class size ensures individual attention. Bring a notebook, a pencil, and your imagination!

The class is on Thursdays, February 3- March 24. 4-6 p.m, at the Strawberry Hill Center, 7666 High School Road NE, Bainbridge Island, WA. Class cost is $85. To register, visit Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District or call 206-842-2306 (ext 116).

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Local illustrator Craig Orback has some new Children's Book Illustration classes starting soon in Bellevue and Bellingham. Craig Orback is a freelance children’s book illustrator living in Bellingham and received his B.F.A. in illustration from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle in 1998. For more information on Craig, and his work, visit him at his website.

Children's Book Illustration I

Immerse yourself in the world of children’s book illustration with this introductory course. Through in-class assignments using a variety of media, you'll learn basic techniques to complete illustrations for young readers. Also learn the business side of children’s book illustration, including what it takes to get your work seen by the right people. Character consistency, portfolios, contracts, and other topics are also covered. Craig Orback is an award-winning illustrator of over 15 children's books. Basic drawing skills are helpful but not required. Some homework is required.

Locations:

Bellevue Community College, on Saturdays, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and runs February 5- March 19 (Seven classes in all). Cost is $145 Call 206-527-3705 or visit the course page.

Whatcom Community College, on Thursdays, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and runs February 3-March 24 (Seven classes in all). Cost is $175. Visit the course page.

Childrens Book Illustration II

Explore in greater depth your passion for children's book illustration. In this intermediate course, you will learn, step-by-step, how to create a children's picture book dummy that, when finished, can be submitted to publishers for possible publication. From developing an initial story board to completing full page sketches, this is the perfect course if you have a children's story you have longed to illustrate and potentially publish!

Locations:

Bellevue Community College, on Saturdays, from 1:30-4:30 p.m., and runs from February 5-March 19 (Seven classes in all). Cost is $145. Call 425-564-2263 or visit the course page.

Whatcom Community College, on Wednesdays, from 6-8:30 p.m., and run from February 2-March 23 (Eight classes in all). Cost is $199. Visit the course page.

Kirby Larson Book Signing Tomorrow in Bellingham

Newbery Honor author and fellow SCBWI member Kirby Larson will be speaking and signing at the dog-friendly Village Books in Bellingham, this Saturday January 22, starting at 2 p.m. Kirby's newest book, THE FENCES BETWEEN US: THE DIARY OF PIPER DAVIS is part of the Scholastic relaunch of the popular DEAR AMERICA series. Winston the Wonderdog will be in attendance, as well, and he hopes to see lots of friendly SCBWI faces.

Here's the link for the Village Book event page. You can find more about Kirby, and her work at her website.

Inside Story: It's Time to Apply

We're delighted to announce our chapter's Spring 2011 Inside Story. We hold this party twice a year to celebrate new books by local authors and illustrators, and to share the secret "stories behind the stories" with fellow children's book lovers.

The event is at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 27 at University Bookstore in Bellevue, 990 102nd Avenue Northeast. Mark your calendars, please!

You are eligible to participate as a presenter if you meet ALL of the criteria below:

• You are an SCBWI member at the PAL level or have signed up for SCBWI Western Washington's current regional programming;
• You live in the official Western Washington region. If you’re uncertain which region you’re in, please check online at scbwi.org using the "Search Members" feature, or email us and we’ll check for you.
• Your publisher is on SCBWI’s lists of recognized (traditional) publishers (found in the SCBWI Market Surveys or on the registration pages of the SCBWI website);
• Your book is released within four months before or three months after the event; AND
• Your book is readily available through normal trade channels (e.g., Baker & Taylor).

We do our best to accommodate all eligible applicants, but do have to cap the number to make sure the event doesn't run too long. If you're interested and you meet those eligibility requirements, we recommend applying quickly. Applications are due Feb. 28.

Click here for the Spring 2011 Inside story Application.

If you applied last time and didn't make the cut, please note that in your application. And if you don't hear from us within a week, please contact Martha (insidestory AT scbwi-washington.org).

Graphic Artists Guild Workshop

The Graphic Artists Guild Presents:

How to Find Out Who You Are and How to Sell It

Presented by Ted Leonhardt
Business Consultant and renowned Founder of The Leonhardt Group

Ted Leonhardt will show you how to position your business to fit changing times and talents. Ted's specialty is helping creative people develop products and services that both fit them and meet their clients' needs. If your business is not growing, the experiences he shares will give you some insight into how to turn it around.

The workshop is Wednesday January 26, from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the Pyramid Alehouse

(across from Safeco Field, with complimentary parking in front and back)

Prices (lunch included), if pre-paid by January 24, 11 a.m.
Guild Members and full-time students with I.D.: $25.
ASMP/AIGA members $35.
Non-members: $40.

At-the-door prices, cash or check only:
Guild Members and fulltime-students with I.D.: $32.
ASMP/AIGA members-$42.
Non-members: $47.

For more info, please visit their website, or the event link.

2011 Conference Series: Keynote Speaker Emily Jenkins

Have you registered yet for the SCBWI Western Washington’s 20th Annual Writing and Illustrating for Children Conference? If not, here's the link for the annual conference page. It's also time to highlight another Keynote Speaker; Emily Jenkins. Emily is a full time writer who has written fourteen picture books; including THAT NEW ANIMAL, DAFFODIL, and SUGAR WOULD NOT EAT IT. Emily has another four books forthcoming (including PRINCESSLAND). Emily has worked as a freelance writer, primarily reviewing picture books for The New York Times Book Review, but she also worked for approximately five years as a magazine writer and critic. She has also written two adult books, and has a doctorate in 19th century English literature.

Emily says this about her interest in picture books:

I have always been interested in picture books as a form, which stems (I suppose) from my background in theater. I am fascinated by the intersection of words and images – the way meanings of words can be altered by changing their presentation. An actor varies her intonation, or an illustrator changes a line – and the story is new.

A great resource to find out more information about Emily, and her work, is Emily's own website. Here's a few other interviews; Emily was interviewed on Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast, a blog about books. She is also featured on Who Wrote That? An Interview with Patricia Newman (who writes a blog for children, writers, and parents). And a great quote on Emily that makes me excited to hear her speak at our conference:

"So, what stands out about Emily Jenkins? For one, her writing is so child-friendly and accessible that she makes it look like a cinch to write in such a manner, though we know it isn’t."

How to Write Like I Do

How to Write Like I Do

Not like I do. Like they do.

826 Seattle presents their 2011 Series of Adult Writing Workshops, starting in March with Keef Knight's "How to be a Working Cartoonist- or just look like one!" Guest speakers offer monthly workshops on all aspects of the writing craft, and the proceeds go to help kids at 826 Seattle, a writing and tutoring center for kids.

Win and WIN.

Go check out the lineup and sign up now! All of the delicious details can be found here.

Deborah Reber Book Launch

Deborah Reber launches her newest book LANGUAGE OF LOVE (part of the two-book collection LOVE, LOVE, LOVE) Wednesday, February 2, starting at 7 p.m. at Secret Garden Bookshop.

You can find out more information at Deborah's Facebook Event page. For more information on Deborah, and her work, visit her website.

Secret Garden's Ultimate Tuesday with Erik Brooks

GET IN THE HABIT OF COMING TO THE GARDEN FOR ULTIMATE TUESDAYS!

It’s a special story time every last* Tuesday of the month, where the story teller is an author or illustrator reading his or her own work! There will be themed prizes for all listeners!

* according to dictionary.com, the first definition of ultimate is “last” so,

ULTIMATE TUESDAY is really just a fancy way of saying LAST TUESDAY . . . and we’re setting every last one of them aside to showcase the best and brightest minds working in kid’s literature today, from Seattle authors to those on national tours.

January’s Ultimate Tuesday author/illustrator is Erik Brooks, whose previous books include POLAR POLKA: COUNTING POLAR BEARS IN ALAKS, and SLOW DAYS, FAST FRIENDS.

January's Ultimate Tuesday is January 25, from 7-7:30 p.m. at the Secret Garden Bookshop. You can find out more information about Erik, and his work on his website.

Register Now for the 2011 SCBWI Annual Writing & Illustrating for Children Conference

Don’t delay! We expect registration to fill quickly.

Conference capacity is limited to the first 400 registrants.

Additional opportunities, including consultations, master class for illustrators, nonfiction intensive, published attendee celebration, and juried art portfolio display, are limited and will fill on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information and to register, please visit the event website.

2011 Conference Series: Keynote Speaker Deborah Wiles

It's time for another 2011 Conference Series post! I'd like to introduce one of our four fabulous keynote speakers Deborah Wiles. Deborah is the author of four MG novels, and two picture books; including her newest novel COUNTDOWN, book one of The Sixties Trilogy for Young Readers.

Deborah has taught writing workshops to thousands of children and teachers all over the country (check out this interview with the Frederick News Post). Here's another interview from Harcourt Trade Publishers, where she talks about creating her characters. Deborah says she learned to write by reading, and also holds an MFA in Writing from Vermont College. Visit Deborah's blog, and website to find more about her! Her website has a very interesting Life Notice, which gives some insight into Deborah's life, and work. A fun fact about Deborah is that she lives in Atlanta, where she grows the world's most beautiful zinnias.

Custom Sweets for a Signing or Event

Jenn Chushcoff, fellow SCBWI member, and author of SNOWFLAKES: A POP-UP (released in 2010) has sent us a "sweet" resource. She recently went to do a book signing in California, and wanted to bring treats to her signing. She connected with a local woman named, Alison, who owns Sweet Themes Cookies. Jenn says that "she created the most beautiful custom snowflake cookies I've ever seen, and shipped them intact! It was a real treat to have them at the signing."Jenn thought other members might be interested in having their "characters" brought to life for a special event.

Here is the link for Alison's Facebook page (where you can get more information). You can see Jenn's cookie photo shoot here. You can also find out more about Jenn, and her work on herwebsite. Thanks for the tip Jenn!

Second annual Picture Book Marathon coming

The second annual PICTURE BOOK MARATHON—a sort of NaNoWriMo for picture book writers—starts February 1.

Participants write 26 picture books during the month, essentially one per day. Since February has 28 days, this leaves two well-deserved rest days. Marathon "training" emails will start in mid-January for those who sign up. This year illustrator Nathan Hale is creating a logo for the marathon, which will be available on t-shirts.

There is no cost to join, your email won't be shared with anyone, and you don't post your work. The marathon is simply a motivational tool to jumpstart your writing. Visit www.picturebookmarathon.org for more details and to sign up. The deadline to join is January 30.

Writing Class with Peggy King Anderson

The Magic of Writing for Children classes (taught by Peggy King Anderson) begin this week at Bellevue College. There are still slots left in the Beginning class. Sign up by going here. Total cost for the eight week series is $189, a real bargain!

If you have questions, feel free to email Peggy at peggy@peggyking.com

Peggy hopes to see you there for eight weeks of writing fun, as they work hard and write fast!

The kidlitosphere is abuzz about a recent bad decision by the Today Show; here's the letter SCBWI executive director Lin Oliver wrote the show's producer about it. (Similar letters have gone to other major news outlets.) (The show broke an 11-year tradition by not interviewing our lauded authors and illustrators this year, and this is an example of SCBWI's increasingly public advocacy on behalf of its members.)

Dear Editor:

As the Executive Director of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and
Illustrators, a non-profit international organization of 24,000 professional
children’s book writers, illustrators, publishers, editors and agents, I have to
express dismay at the decision this week of NBC’s Today Show not to run the
traditional interviews with the winners of the Newbery and Caldecott Medals.
The books that are granted these prestigious awards represent the best of what
we have to offer children---great storytelling, strong values, a legacy of
literature and hope and high-minded ideals. What they elected to run in that
spot, an interview with reality star Snooki, represents the exact opposite.


In choosing not to run the interviews with Clare Vanderpool and Erin Stead,
television has once again underestimated the intelligence of its audience.
Parents are dying to get their hands on good books for their kids. Booksellers
are eager to sell and promote good books for kids. It’s good business, good
broadcasting and good ethics to honor the best books for children.

Lin Oliver
Executive Director, SCBWI

Paul Schmid Book Launch Party

Secret Garden Books is throwing a WHIZ BANG of a launch party for F.o.G. (Friend of the Garden) Paul Schmid's new book, A PET FOR PETUNIA!

Maurice Sendak had to say this about A PET FOR PETUNIA; “a simple, beguiling story greatly enhanced by pictures by an artist with a superb eye for line & composition. Bravo Paul!”

Come and join the festivities Janurary 27, at 7 p.m. at Secret Garden Books. There'll be age-appropriate libations (wine for the over 21 crowd, fizzies for those below), treats, along with various celebratory activities related to Petunia and her particular predicament. For more information visit the event page. You can find out more information about Paul, and his work, at his website.

2011 Conference Series: Keynote Speaker Holly Black

SCBWI Western Washington's 20th Annual Writing and Illustrating for Children Conference, will take place on Saturday, April 16, and Sunday, April 17, 2011. To start getting everyone excited (as if you weren't already!!) for this highly anticipated event; we'll be adding Conference Series Posts. These will focus on the incredible faculty, and the conference itself.

Our first Keynote Speaker feature is Holly Black. Holly is the best selling author of contemporary fantasy novels for teens and children (including THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES written with Tony DiTerlizzi). She's also written several short fiction, and poetry books. Holly had four new books released in 2010; THE POISON EATERS AND OTHER STORIES, WHITE CAT, THE GOOD NEIGHBORS, and ZOMBIES VS. UNICORNS (written with Justine Larbalestier). She also wrote THE RED GLOVE (the sequel to WHITE CAT) in 2010, which releases April 5, 2011.

Want to find out more about Holly? Holly (and ZOMBIE VS. UNICORN co-editor Justine Larbalestier) did an interview with BWI TitleTales (Holly is on Team Unicorn). Another great resource is Holly's own website; which has a resource section for writers, and also a recommended reading list (with some of her favorite authors). A fun fact about Holly is that her house has a secret library.

Today Show skips Newbery and Caldecott winners for Snooki

From Alice Pope's SCBWI Children's Market Blog:

"With the national television news outlets providing wall-to-wall media coverage since Saturday of the tragedy in Tucson, it’s not surprising that two children’s book award winners would be overlooked during a week of breaking news. But, to some who tuned into the Today Show on Tuesday morning expecting to see the Newbery and Caldecott Medalists, insult seemed added to injury. The program did indeed take a break from its coverage of the shootings during the second hour to interview an author. But it was an author who's not likely to win a prestigious literary award any time soon: Nicole Polizzi, better known to the world as Snooki, the Jersey Shore star more famous for her trash talk and wild partying rather than her literary chops..."

Click here to read more, including the letter SCBWI's Lin Oliver and Stephen Mooser sent to the Today Show.

Want to add your opinion? 

• Email the show at: TODAY@nbcuni.com
• Post a comment on their website  
• Spread the word! 

Dori Jones Yang Book Release

Dori Jones Yang is thrilled to announce the release of her first YA historical novel, DAUGHTER OF XANADU. Check out the DAUGHTER OF XANADU book trailer, done by Dori’s daughter, Emily.

Dori invites ALL SCBWI members to celebrate with her at her book launch party at Parkplace Books (Kirkland) on Saturday January 15, at 6:30 p.m. She is also having a book reading at Elliot Bay Books (Capitol Hill) on Sunday January 16, at 2 p.m.

For more information, check out her website.

Writing the Teen Novel with Suzanne Selfors

Walk into any bookstore and you'll notice the young adult section has doubled. Teenagers are reading! And there’s a variety of styles and subjects—it’s not just about vampires. While stories vary, at the heart of every teen novel is the coming-of-age theme. Using popular YA novels as examples, this class will explore the unique aspects of writing for teens. We’ll discuss concerns such as “Do I have to sound like a teenager?” “Should I worry about trends?” and “How do I get in touch with my inner teen?” Each class will be a blend of lecture and workshop. Writers of all levels are welcome, but a first chapter of a work-in-progress is required. The instructor and class members will read the chapters before discussion in the workshop sessions. Students will receive a written critique from the instructor.

Students should mail up to 12 double-spaced pages from their first chapters along with their application. Before class begins, students will be notified as to how many copies to bring to the first class.


There are four sessions; Thursday, Feb. 24 and March 3, 10, and 17, from 7-9 p.m. at the Library Meeting Room, at the Bainbridge Public Library (1270 Madison Avenue N., Bainbridge Island). Cost is $160. To register, or for more information visit the Fields' End website.

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Venue Correction for WLA Workshop on Copyright Lawsuits

If you're planning on attending the WLA Workshop on Copyright Laws (see the post here), there is a venue change. The workshop is tomorrow, Thursday January 13, from 12-1:30 p.m. at the Photographic Center NW (900 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122).

Reminder: THE GREAT TONIGHT is TONIGHT (Tuesday, 1/11/2011)

Despite the predicted snowpocalypse tonight, we are ON for THE GREAT CRITIQUE! If you aren't comfortable driving, please stay home. We'd much rather have you safe and warm. If you're brave enough to venture out, please be prepared in case the weather turns nasty while we're soaking up great feedback on our works-in-progress.

And, a reminder... if you're not registered especially for THE GREAT CRITIQUE event tonight, please stay home! We're not going to be adding any last-minute additions (despite the snow), and there will be no non-registered observers.

Stay safe. We hope to see EVERYONE next month!

Novel Revision Class with Ann Gonzalez

Did you resolve to finish your novel, or revise it to completion? Do you think you'd benefit from an occasional nudge and professional critique of your work? If so, consider signing up for the next online version of Ann Gonzalez's novel revision class starting January 16. The class costs 125.00 for eight weeks and comes with a money-back guarantee. For those that prefer in-person classes, Ann will be teaching three classes at North Seattle Community College: 1st Draft to Publication, Writing for Children and Young Adults, and Crafting Short Stories for Publication.

Please contact Ann at ann@anngonzalez.com with any questions. You can also find out more about Ann, and her work, on her website.

Sunday Morning Cartooning Class

Interested in working on a comic, manga or graphic novel, and not sure where to go to take your skills to the next level? Artist and Craftsman Supply is now offering a five-week ten hour Sunday morning course in all things ink.You'll take a short story through every stage of the process of creation- from brainstorming, planning and developing the ideas and visuals, to thinking drawing and developing in pencil, to inking or finishing with a wide variety of tools (brushes, nibs, technical pens, paper towels, etc). The class will culminate with a tutorial on printing in the digital world, the wonder of the photocopier, and the self-publication of your very own comic. Drop-ins are welcome, but most students will benefit from the sequencing of the entire class.

January 9- February 6, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Workshop (advanced) class from noon to 2 p.m.

$50 for all five sessions, or $12 for a single drop-in session

Workshop held at Artist & Craftsman Supply
4350 8th Avenue NE Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 545-0091
For more information visit this link, and/or contact seanmichaelrobinson@gmail.com