Get ready for November!

Whether you write novels or picture books, November offers opportunities to kick start a new project...or 30.

If you're the novel writing sort, you can celebrate National Novel Writing Month by trying your hand at NaNoWriMo! Their site offers loads in the way of support, information, finding others in your area. Sign up and see what you can do!



If you're more of a picture book person, you're not getting left out in the November cold! Children's book author Tara Lazar organized PiBoIdMo— Picture Book Idea Month. The challenge is to create 30 picture book ideas in 30 days. And like NaNoWriMo, you get the chance for support, encouragement, and there are even prizes! Do you see the list of fabulous guest bloggers?! Information can be found here.

Maybe you're a picture book writer and you want to try a novel? Or vice versa? Go crazy, kittens! This  is your month to see what you can do.

What say you, SCBWI WWA? Warm up those pens!

If you're participating in either program, why not connect with others in our group on the SCBWI WWA Facebook page or here in the comments?

And thanks to Kerry Mazengia for the post suggestion!

Happy writing!

Penguin House... Random Penguin...

Big to-dos in the book world today with the pending combination of Random House and Penguin. It's hard to say yet what the impact may be in the children's imprints, but often this sort of thing involves consolidation of marketing and/or editorial resources (and thus staff), as well as alignment of contracts over time.

A letter to authors today suggests that no impacts on editorial/working relationships should be expected, though. Sounds like the deal won't close for a while, anyway. Stay tuned.

The next SCBWI WWA Published Pro Think Tank

Come learn more about the legalities of your book contracts at the autumn edition of SCBWI WWA's Published Pro Think Tank on Nov. 17. Foster Pepper attorney Matthew Hooper will give us an overview of relevant legal issues, including e-rights and other trends.

When: Saturday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m. - noon (including potluck snacks)

Where: Present Sense Community Center (Woodland Park Ave. N, Seattle).

Cost: $25 plus a potluck goodie to share

Eligibility: You must be a current PAL (Published and Listed) member of SCBWI to attend. Please confirm or update your membership status as needed on your profile at www.scbwi.org.

Advance registration: Required, as space is limited.

To sign up: Email joni@jonisensel.com to let her know you’d like to come AND send a check for $25 made out to SCBWI WWA to the address below. Your registration will be confirmed once your check is received and your PAL status verified. Send your check to:
Joni Sensel
58402 114th Street East
Enumclaw WA 98022-7954

We’ll coordinate dietary needs and who should bring what by email. In the meantime, send any questions to joni@jonisensel.com.

We'll hope to see you there!

Contracts, clauses, and conversation

Want to understand the legalities of your publishing career more than you do? SCBWI members at the published and listed (PAL) level, mark your calendars for 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, November 17. At the autumn edition of SCBWI WWA's Published Member Think Tank, we'll welcome Foster Pepper PLLC attorney Matthew Hooper, an expert in all things related to publishing contracts, e-rights, and the law. He'll give us an overview of the legal issues that authors and illustrators should understand and provide some insight into the latest buzz about electronic rights and other controversial contract provisions.

This event will take place in Seattle and will require advance registration and a small fee. Space will be limited. Watch this space and your email inbox right after Spook Day for more details about how to sign up.

Karen Kincy book release

Karen Kincy's newest novel, Foxfire, just released in late October. 

Please see her website for more details and upcoming readings, signings, and appearances.

The book is the third in Karen's Other series (Other, Bloodborn), all published by Flux. Congratulations on another (an Other!) publication, Karen!

Reminder: Kid Lit Open Mic TOMORROW

Don't forget that Tuesday night is KidLit Open Mic at Richard Hugo House in Seattle. Dust off a 5- minute piece of writing and join us for a fun evening celebrating our work.
All genres welcome.
The bar will be open with drinks and snacks. Signups start at 6:30 and we will read between 7-9, with a break.

Hope to see you there!

Bainbridge Student Writing Contest

Suzanne Selfors is hosting the 4th semi-annual Student Writing Contest on Bainbridge Island, but you don't have to be a Bainbridge resident to enter!

 

 

 

 

WHO: Eligible writers are Western WA kids in grades 1-6

WHAT: Please write a short story, 1 to 2 pages. This year's theme is PIRATES.

6 local writers will be chosen as finalists and each will receive a $40 gift certificate to Eagle Harbor Books.

WHEN: Deadline to enter is November 4. Finalists will be announced at the big SMELLS LIKE PIRATES party on November 11 at 3pm, Eagle Harbor Books, Bainbridge.

 

Entries can be picked up at Eagle Harbor Books or downloaded from Suzanne's website.

Great Critique: Monday, January 7, 2013

As in past years, the annual Great Critique will occur in place of our January Professional Series Meeting. However, in order to reserve the maximum about of space at SPU, The Great Critique will be on Monday, January 7, 2013 rather than on that Thursday.

The Great Critique gives authors and illustrators the opportunity to experience a model critique group led by a published professional. Participants will receive feedback from the group leader as well as from a small group of their peers. This event offers writers and illustrators a chance to experience how critiques can help strengthen their work, and offers those who already participate in a critique group feedback from a fresh set of eyes and ears.

Participants will bring a maximum of 5 double spaced pages (or 1200 words) OR a dummy/illustration sample. Attendees must register in advance, so please watch for registration information the end of November. The number of spaces is limited, and the event fills up fast. Since this is part of our Professional Series, priority is given first to Professional Series Meeting passport holders, then to SCBWI International members, then to others. Please carefully consider whether you would like to take advantage of this opportunity — if you sign up, we expect you to show up — and be aware that registration fills fast.

This year's stellar lineup of critique group leaders include: Holly Cupala, Ann Gonzalez, Janet Lee Carey, Helen Landalf, Kevin Emerson, Trudi Trueit, David Patneaude, Liz Mills, Peggy King Anderson, Meg Lippert, Tom Brenner, Donna Bergman, Deborah Reber, Richard Jesse Watson, Julie Paschkis, Wendy Wahman, Karen Lee Schmidt, and Craig Orback.

Karen Robbins book release helps others

From Karen Robbins:

Soles4Souls just released this yesterday and connected our websites to help get shoes for those without. There are 1.5 billion people walking barefoot. Today is Bebarefoot4them to help bring awareness.  Thanks for your help.  Karen 

Karen Robbins, Author, Steps Out with Children's Drawing Book Benefitting Soles4Souls

Karen Robbins, Author of “Shoe Print Art,” Steps Out with Children’s Drawing book TO BENEFIT SOLES4SOULS

“Shoe Print Art,” sets goal to help the shoeless around the world.

 Karen Robbins, a children’s author will release “Shoe Print Art” to raise support for the International shoe charity Soles4Souls. With the purchase of a “Shoe Print Art” book, you are partnering with Soles4Souls to help put shoes on the feet of kids who cannot afford them. With 1 in 4 people in the world living in adverse poverty, the access to footwear is extremely limited.  Soles4Souls works hard to provide individuals in need with proper shoes.  The shoe charity has distributed more than 19 million pairs of shoes around the globe.
In support of “Shoe Print Art” and Soles4Souls partnership, Simplicity Décor and Simplicity ABC retail stores will be collecting shoes. Beginning on October 11th, individuals may come to drop off the new and gently used shoes.
This book illustrates ways that children can take the outline of their shoe and transform it into a work of art! “When I learned children in parts of the world aren’t allowed to attend school without a uniform or shoes, it broke my heart. No child in our world should be banned from school. I am so blessed, and hope to make a difference by giving a percentage of the sales from my Shoe Print Art book to Soles4Souls. Working together, we can make a difference,” said Robbins.
"By purchasing a copy of ‘Shoe Print Art’ you’re also helping millions around the world receive their first pair of shoes," said Paul Wilson, Chairman of the Board.

Graphic Artists Guild Workshop Oct. 24

Are you looking to create your first site? Is your existing site is looking tired? Is it a pain to maintain?
A website is an essential promotional tool for visual artists. It’s a 24/7 venue to showcase your work and present yourself professionally to potential clients.


The Graphic Artists Guild presents its next workshop, "WordPress Portfolio Websites for Artists and Designers," this Wednesday, October 24 at the Seattle Design Center.

Leslie Newman, an independent graphic designer/illustrator/website architect demonstrates how WordPress can be used to create professional portfolio websites that are easy to update.

To register for this event, click here.

Gary Panter's drawing tips

Thanks to illustrator Elizabeth (Sattler) Thieme,who wanted to pass along a blog post in Unbored, which features drawing tips by Gary Panter.

For those in the dark, graphic artist Gary Panter has been called the "William Blake of artists". His book, Jimbo's Inferno, won an American Book Award in 2007. His cartoon style is characterized by his signature use of the "ratty line," and his talents and influence have helped bring underground comic illustration into the mainstream.

Town of LaConner wants artists

The town of LaConner might evoke images of tulips or the stunning Skagit Valley. What about as an attraction for artists? 

LaConner is conducting a market analysis to determine the viability of an artist live/work project to attract artists to LaConner.  The attached hard copy version of the survey outlines some project alternatives and proposals and asks artists to offer their opinions about artist work or exhibition space as well as artist live/work options.  We are looking to see if a project in LaConner will attract a significant level of interest to warrant further development or any or all of the alternatives outlined in the survey.

Please circulate this invitation to parties you think would be interested in artist live/work project possibilities in LaConner. Your assistance in our efforts will be appreciated.

KidLit / YA / MG Open Mic Night October 23

Join us Tuesday, October 23rd at Richard Hugo House. Bring your work and sign up to read. We'd like to crowd the room. Excellent bar with drinks, coffee and light snacks. 

What could be better?

Diane Muldrow Recap!

What a great couple of days with Golden Books editorial director Diane Muldrow. We started things off with her rave-reviewed picture-book writing workshop. Diane provided workshop attendees with a brand new tool kit, full of tools to help smarten up any existing picture-book text. As both an author and an editor of picture books, Diane's unique take on how to edit a manuscript was well received. One of the texts we worked with was the adorable THE MERRY SHIPWRECK.

If you weren't able to attend, keep your eyes peeled for other SCBWI region event calendars, this workshop is so much fun, we're sure it's going to happen again somewhere soon.

Diane's evening lecture for our October Professional Series Meeting focused on a selection of popular Golden Books illustrators, and how these illustrators' works have stood the test of time. Diane gave the audience tips on how their work could benefit from looking to or emulating these past masters. We also saw what modern Golden Books look like and what subjects are covered, and how our writing or illustrating styles may or may not be appropriate for a Little Golden Book or their trade division. If you'd like to get a taste of what Diane talked about Thursday night, consider reading GOLDEN LEGACY, or the new GOLDEN BOOKS MARY BLAIR TREASURY, both available at Secret Garden Books!

Friday Diane did a number of picture-book manuscript, dummy, and art sample one-on-one consultations for our members. She was really impressed with our region's talent, but we weren't surprised! Though I made the mistake of looking at Facebook while timing the appointments and this picture of Dan Santat and Loren Long screwed up all my timing.

And then Diane got to see a little bit of Seattle, and of course the first stop was one of our famous, fantastic indie bookstores!

If you are in Secret Garden, you'll find Diane's autograph on one of those great bricks!

Diane also got to visit with our Advisory Committee over a lovely dinner, a fine perk for volunteering all year long. Those empty glasses are for apple juice, not margaritas, we swear.

Spencer G. Shaw Lecture: Christopher Paul Curtis

Please join us for the University of Washington Information School’s annual Spencer G. Shaw Lecture on Thursday, October 25. This year’s lecture features Christopher Paul Curtis, award-winning author of The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963; Bud, Not Buddy; Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money; Mr. Chickee’s Messy Mission; and Bucking the Sarge. His second novel Bud, Not Buddy is the first book ever to receive both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Author Award. 

Mr. Curtis will give a talk titled "How to Construct an Author."

The Shaw Lecture Series spotlights literature and library service for children and young adults. It honors beloved UW Information School Professor Emeritus Spencer G. Shaw, who was an internationally known librarian, storyteller and teacher.

WHAT: Spencer G. Shaw Lecture

WHO: Christopher Paul Curtis 

WHEN: Thursday, October 25

WHERE: UW campus, Seattle, Kane Hall 220, 7-9:30pm

 

To register click here or call 206-543-4794. Admission: $10 general / $5 current UW students

 

Wendy Wahman's Mitten Drive

Great news from Wendy Wahman, illustrator of the forthcoming Snowboy 1, 2, 3, which was written by her husband, Joe Wahman.

She writes:

We're having a mitten drive to celebrate the launch of the book. Your mittens will be delivered to kids who will need them this winter. Please send new or lightly worn children's mittens to:

Snowboy

1719 126th Ave. S.E.

Bellevue, WA 98005

Or bring them to Thursday's PSM meeting at Seattle Pacific University, or to the book launch event at Secret Garden Books on Tuesday, from 6:30-8:30pm. Joe will be setting the words of the book to music, for your additional entertainment!

Please forward to all who might like to donate or spread the word about our mitten drive.

I'll be bringing this flyer, plus a basket for donations to events and SCBWI meetings until Dec. 1st. 

Thanks,

Wendy

But wait! There's more!

Wendy will also be showcasing her talents at this weekend's Sammamish Arts Fair, doing art with kids and reading from her books, and painting faces this Saturday from 1-3pm.

REMINDER: Professional Series Meeting TOMORROW!

Don't forget to:


- reconfirm that sitter/spouse/neighbor/pet boarder
- leave that microwaveable food in the freezer/soup on the stove/roast in the crockpot
- fill up the gas tank/call your driver

because tomorrow is:

The October Professional Series Meeting, featuring Diane Muldrow, editorial director at Golden Books, and author of numerous picture books and chapter books for all ages.


It promises to be a fantastically inspiring event!


See you at SPU. 7-9pm. Over and out.

Farm-to-table reading events

An invitation from Philip Lee:

 

September is Food Literacy Month and October is National Farm to School Month, so it's a good time to raise awareness about what and how we eat with kids and families. 

 

I'd like to invite SCBWI members to two events we're planning with Mockingbird Books in Green Lake to promote food literacy in celebration and anticipation of Food Day on Wednesday, October 24. 

 

On Sunday, October 21, from noon–3pm, authors, Rick Swann (Our School Garden!) and Cynthia Lair (Feeding the Young Athlete: Sports Nutrition Made Easy for Players,  Parents and Coaches) will present. 

 

There will also be a farmers market of school garden harvest, chicken farmer demonstrations, food sampling from local food growers and producers, and gatherings of garden educators, teachers and librarians, and good food advocates. 

 

 

Wednesday, October 24 also marks the release of our newest book, Sylvia's Spinach, the picture book debut for SCBWI member Katherine Pryor. From 6–8pm, Kathy will give a book talk followed by a reception at Mockingbird Books. We expect to have many of our partners from the food and education world together to connect good reads and good eats. 

Please join us for these special events!

Apply now for Fall 2012 Inside Story

We are delighted to announce our Fall 2012 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.

If you have a recently (or about-to-be) published book, you may be eligible to present at the Fall Inside Story on Tuesday, November 13 at 7pm, at University Bookstore in Mill Creek (15311 Main St, Mill Creek). You must live in the Western Washington region and your new book must meet the criteria outlined here.

We do our best to accommodate all eligible applicants, but we 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!

To be considered for Inside Story, please submit this online form. If you don't have an eligible book, we're looking forward to seeing you at a future Inside Story!

Happy Writing,

Deb Lund

Inside Story Chair

Q: How to get your book seen? A: The PNBA trade show!

P.A.L. (Published and Listed) Opportunity!

Want your books to be seen by hundreds of independent booksellers (and librarians, book reviewers, and others) from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington? 

 

Here's your chance to get the words out about your book(s).  

 

Bring your currently-in-print books (published by approved P.A.L. publishers) to our Professional Series monthly meeting on Thursday night, and we'll show them off for you at this coming weekend's Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association's trade show! 

 

The PNBA is a nonprofit association promoting literacy, free speech, and independent bookselling. Help us help you get your books in the hands of those who can hand sell them. Marketing was never so easy.

Julie Paschkis wins TWO awards!

Let's start the applause now, for talented illustrator Julie Paschkis, whose book Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People (Holt) won an Orbis Picture Honor Award AND Americas Award.  She just received her awards at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC on Friday.

Viva Neruda!

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Julie Paschkis | 1 Comment

                                                                                                                                                             

A message from Julie Paschkis: "Several years ago I showed this image of a boater in a sea of words to Reka Simonsen, my editor at Holt. She sent me a wonderful manuscript - a biography of Pablo Neruda written by Monica Brown -and asked if I would like to illustrate it in this “wordy” style.This fall our book, Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People won an Orbis Pictus Honor Award and an Américas Award. I am in Washington, DC to receive the Américas award in a ceremony at the Library of Congress on October 5th. It is a huge honor and a thrill to be here."

Many congratulations to Julie from the other side of the country! Wonderful news!

For whole blog posting, see: http://booksaroundthetable.wordpress.com/2012/10/05/viva-neruda/

Don't Miss October's PSM with Diane Muldrow!

Leaves around town are turning golden just in time for this Thursday's Professional Series Meeting with Golden Books editorial director Diane Muldrow! Authors and illustrators alike won't want to miss her fantastic presentation. She'll be signing copies of the books she's written, too.

A few links about Diane, here's her talking about Mary Blair, and check out the raves in the comments section for this post about Diane's workshop (which SCBWI WWA is having her do on Thursday afternoon! Totally sold out with a gigantor wait list!!!)

Likewise be sure to come a little early to check out all the great local illustrator talent in the Keep-It-Simple Art Show.

Haven't signed up for your passport yet? It's still a great deal, click here for more info and to register.

A little bit about Diane:

Diane Muldrow is an editorial director at Golden Books/Random House. She has worked in publishing for over twenty years, editing mass market, licensed, and trade picture books for young children, including the iconic Little Golden Books. Diane is also a prolific author of books for kids of all ages. Diane edited GOLDEN LEGACY: HOW GOLDEN BOOKS WON CHILDREN’S HEARTS, CHANGED PUBLISHING FOREVER, AND BECAME AN AMERICAN ICON ALONG THE WAY, by noted literary historian Leonard Marcus (Random House, 2007). In 2007, to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Little Golden Bookline, she and Marcus co-curated an exhibition of original Golden Books illustrations, which is currently touring the country. Diane was a dancer, actress, and spoken-word performer in New York’s avant-garde scene in the late 1980s/early 1990s. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Fine Arts (Dance), and in Magazine Journalism, from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.

October readings and appearances

What do Marissa Meyer, Jan Brett, Colin Meloy, Annie Barrows, and Libba Bray have in common?

They're coming.
Here.
To a bookish venue near you!

Get those calendars out, because this is one busy month of not-to-be-missed kid lit favorites!




Thursday, October 4
Sean Beaudoin, The Infects
(Elliott Bay Book Company, 7pm)


Sunday, October 7
Marisa Moss and Jordan Jacobs Middle-Grade Timetravel Books Event
(Secret Garden, 2pm)


Monday, October 8
Young Adult Reading Blowout: Marissa Meyer, CJ Redwine, J Anderson Coats, Marissa Burt, Jennifer Shaw Wolf, Daniel Marks
(University Book Store, Bellevue, 6:30pm)

Adventures in Time Tour with Marissa Moss and Jordan Jacobs 
(Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, 7pm)


Tuesday, October 9
Annie Barrows Ivy & Bean return for their 9th misadventure
(Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, 7pm)

Grief in Fiction book from Denise Jaden

After presenting on the topic of Grief in Fiction at a recent Pro Series meeting, YA author Denise Jaden has compiled and expanded her notes on the subject, included exercises and key points, and is releasing it as a new author's resource in ebook and paperback.

In her first nonfiction book, Writing With A Heavy Heart: Using Grief and Loss to Stretch Your Fiction, Jaden explores the stages and outlets of grief and how to implement them into your fiction to create more interesting characters and a more engaging plot. Some topics of this book include: grieving before the loss, spiritual matters, and how grief affects different ages, personality types and gender.

Writing With A Heavy Heart: Using Grief and Loss to Stretch Your Fiction is available at the following links:

The paperback version is available at Create Space, as well as through Amazon. (The price is the same on both, $6.99)

The e-book is available for $2.99 at:

Amazon

Smashwords

Kobo

Diesel

And it will be coming soon to Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Sony (but you can pick up a copy that will work on pretty much any electronic reading device through Smashwords.)

Note: It is a workbook, including exercises, but all versions of the book and e-book include a link where you can print the exercises for your own use.

Help Denise spread the word, and if you get something out of it, she'd love to hear about it! Find out more at http://www.denisejaden.com

A book makes a wish come true

Once in a while, the forces for good in this world come together in a spectacular way.

Here is one of those instances.