January 2018 events

SCBWI WWA events:

January Northern Network Meeting 

2018. Doesn't that sound like a year full of possibilities? Is one of your New Year's resolutions to write/ illustrate more? Let's ring IN the New Year with a Write-IN/ Draw-IN! Bring a current project to work on.  Nothing current happening? I'll have some writing/ drawing prompts to get those creative juices flowing!

Wednesday, January 3, 7:00 p.m., The Bellingham Barnes & Noble (4099 Meridian Street) Questions? Email Rebecca at rebecca_vanslyke@hotmail.com. 

The Critique Group Road Show

Seattle on January 3rd at Victrola Coffee and Art in Seattle (411 15th Ave E) at 8 pm! Come out and learn a proven method for critique group success. Bring 3-5 pages of your work-in-progress for feedback.

and... 

January 13th at 10am-1pm at the Charles Pink House on Lawrence in Port Townsend. Space is limited, so RSVP to andrea_peninsulakidlit@olympus.net.

Monthly Meeting

January 10
January meeting with Michèle Griskey and Megan Kelso. Demaray Hall at SPU, 7-9. Find more details here. 

The Great Critique
January 20
The Great Critique! Preregistration required. 

Lois Harris writing workshop

Writing for Children: Critiquing Workshop 

 

 

Come North, ye writers for children!

 

Lois V. Harris will be covering the elements, advantages and disadvantages of in-person and online critiques, etiquette, and guidelines plus manuscript feedback at Skagit Valley College, May 5, and May 12, 6:30 to 8 PM. Cost is $49. Register for 6105 CENGL by calling 360-416-7638 or email MV.CTI@skagit.edu 

Workshop with Lois Harris

Lois V. Harris will offer a workshop, “Writing for Children: Guidelines for Seven Major Categories of Children’s Books,” at Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon campus, February 18, 2016 and February 25, 2016, 6:30 to 8 PM. Learn about each category and how to write back matter. Tweak your manuscript and share your results. Cost: $49. Register for CENGL 054B online or call tol-free 1-877-385-5360.

Lois Harris class

WHAT: Lois V. Harris' class,“Writing for Children: Preparing for a Successful Submission" 

WHEN: October 8 and October 15, 6:30PM to 8PM

WHERE: Mount Vernon campus, cost: $49

HOW: Register for 6096 CENGL 056 by calling Skagit Valley College, 360-416-7638

 

Description:

Do you have a rough draft of a fiction or nonfiction manuscript? Improve, polish, and revise it for submission. Topics covered are self-editing tips, the correct format, etc., researching and choosing the right magazine or book publisher for your work, keeping track of submissions, and understanding rejections. You will learn how to write an effective cover and query letter for fiction and nonfiction, and a nonfiction proposal. Sample letters will be provided. Share your letters or proposal with other classmates and receive feedback.

Best wishes,

Lois V. Harris

lvharris@fidalgo.net

http://www.loisharris.net

Lois Harris has a class for YOU!

Lois V. Harris will be offering a class at Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon campus, titled "Writing for Children: Nail Your Work of Fiction/Nonfiction on a Strong Structure."

The course takes place on April 30, 2015 and May 7, 2015, 6:30 PM—8:00 PM. Learn about key organizational elements: the Introduction, Conflict, and Resolution. Discover the importance of the Inciting Incident, Plot Points, and the tension-filled Climax. Follow a simple outline, plug in your manuscript's info, and breeze your way through the revision process!

Class fee: $49

There are two ways to register:

Go to Skagit Valley College and plug in Course 6107 CENG or by calling the college, 360-416-7638.

Lois Harris writing class

Writing for Children: Polishing for a Successful Submission 

Do you have a rough draft of a children's article or story? Improve and revise your manuscript for submission by learning self-editing tips, the correct format, structural elements, and important first-page essentials. Learn how to research and choose the right magazine or book publisher for your particular work, create an effective cover, proposal or query letter and what to include, and how to keep track of your submissions. Taught by Lois Harris, author of Maxfield Parrish: Painter of Magical Make-Believe.

 

Location: Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon Campus. 

Dates: October 9, 2014 and October 16, 2014 (Thursdays) 6:30 PM to 8 PM

Cost: $49 

 

Register for 6089 CENGL 056.

Lois Harris September book events

Lois V. Harris will read her picture book, Maxfield Parrish: Painter of Magical Make-Believe, in the area at two upcoming events:

• Saturday, September 7, at 1 p.m, at Finally Found Books, formerly in Black Diamond, and now in Auburn (next to Nielson Carpets).  
•  Saturday, September 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble in Bellingham.

What's news this week

And now, on to all the good news that's fit to print!

Martha Brockenbrough's Devine Intervention, J. Anderson Coats' The Wicked and the Just, and Kelly Milner Halls' Girl Meets Boy were included in Kirkus Reviews' Best Teen Books of 2012. Cheers to you all!

Chadwick Gillenwater, aka "Professor Watermelon" announces the release of his new children's chapter book, Herbert. For more details about this book and how to find a copy, click here. Congrats, Chadwick!
 

Necromancing the Stone author Lish McBride appears this Tuesday, Decemebr 17 from 7-8pm at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park to discuss the much-anticipated follow-up to Hold Me Closer, Necromancer. Come support Lish and her Necromancer series.


December's Kid Lit Drink Night on December 7 was a convivial event for all! Dana Arnim recaps:

Gathering at Hale's Brewery in Ballard, my husband Bill and I were joined by 8 other SCBWI-ers for a great evening of talk and beer. A mix of both veteran and new members, we enjoyed the cheery mood at Hale's. I even snagged an "emergency business card" coaster––what clever folks. Thanks to all for coming out!

Lois Harris' My Maxfield Parrish: Painter of Magical Make-Believe book received a lovely review from Fran Lewis. Lois also shared that her biographies of artists Mary Cassatt, Charlie Russell, and Maxfield Parrish are mentioned in local artist Ellen Clark’s Bellingham Herald blog. To find out more about Lois' books, Discussion Guides for which were developed by SCBWI Northern Network Coordinator and teacher Rebecca Van Slyke, can be found on Lois's website. 





Laurie O'Keefe's picture book, Gopher to the Rescue: A Volcano Recovery Story (written by Terry Catasus Jennings, illustrated by Laurie O'Keefe), has been named to the 2013 list of Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12. The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), in combination with the Children's Book Council (CBC) collaborate each year to choose top reads for children in grades K-12 that promote science and literacy.

Andrea Lawson has a new store on  Etsy, Flying Selki Art Studio.
Please visit! SCBWI members get a holiday coupon!  (coupon code: FlyingSeDec2012Art)
 

Children's book illustration classes with local illustrator Craig Orback begin in January, both in Seattle and Bellevue. Check his website for details on Children's Book Illustration I and II, to be held at Bellevue College (Saturdays, January 19–March 9) and North Seattle Community College
(I: Tuesdays, January 15-March 5; II: Mondays, January 14–March 18).

Monday morning catch-up!

Welcome to this, the Monday edition, of what I call "Playing Catch-Up"! Now that the turkeys have been reduced to stock and the pie pans contain nothing but crumbs, 'tis the time for me to catch up on some of your news.




Apologies to the stalwart crew who made it to the Kid Lit Drink Night on Bainbridge Island a couple of weeks ago! Here's the long-awaited recap of what went down on The Island, courtesy of Jennifer Mann:

Seven intrepid SCBWI-ers traveled from far and wide on a very dark and rainy Friday night recently to join up on at Casa Rojas Cantina on Bainbridge Island for Kid Lit Drink Night November 16. Kevan Attebury came all the way over from the Eastside (but departed before our photo shoot); Christina Wilsdon joined us from Seattle; Rowena Russell traveled from Bremerton; and Andrea Lawson came down in the dark from Port Townsend. Margaret Nevinski, Dawn Simon and Jennifer Mann made the relatively short journey from other dark and rainy neighborhoods on the island. Although we competed for the Noisiest Group Award with a large and lively crowd imbibing at the Cantina before seeing Breaking Dawn at the theater next door, we did manage to silence the room when we loudly brainstormed brilliant and unexpected markets for Kevan’s Monster-a-Day project. We also solved some vexing Photoshop problems, discussed the current state of publishing and generally toasted the wonder and joy that is children’s books. It was a great night to venture out into the rain! Next time maybe we’ll aim for a sunny summer evening, and a spot on the deck of the Harbour Pub.


Plus:

Check this out! Lois V. Harris was interviewed on Stacy Thies’ blog.

Karen Robbins will be signing Care For Our World and children will be doing an art drawing from her Shoe Print Art book at Market Street Shoes (2232 NW Market St #101, Ballard) on Tuesday, November 27 at 7pm. This is a combined book event with Secret Garden Books and Market Street Shoes. Please bring a slightly used pair of shoes to place in the collection box for Soles 4 Souls.  



 

Lois V. Harris events

Lois V. Harris presents an interactive picture book writing workshop on structure on Sept. 23 at Northwest Bookfest, in Kirkland’s Peter Kirk Community Center, Room 3 at 4 PM. (Please note that kid lit programs at Northwest Bookfest are not associated with or organized by SCBWI of Western Washington.)

On Sept. 29 at the 2012 Washington Art Education Association’s Fall Conference at Highline Community College, Lois gives a workshop sparked by the art of Maxfield Parrish, the subject of her newest book, Maxfield Parrish: Painter of Magical Make-Believe---if you know any art teachers, she'd love for you to let them know.

Good News For Lois V. Harris

Lois V. Harris received some good news. Her book, MARY CASSATT: IMPRESSIONIST PAINTER, was reviewed on YouTube by the Children Book Mix. Here's the link to check out!

For more information on Lois, and her work, you can check out her website. 

Good News for Lois V. Harris

Good News and Happy Days for fellow SCBWI member Lois V. Harris! Lois received a lovely surprise! Her book, MAXFIELD PARRISH: PAINTER OF MAGICAL MAKE-BELIEVE, was reviewed, and the reviewer provided research tips and created a nature-inspired activity. Thank you Jackie Castle of The Castle Library! Check out the review here!!

Congratulations Lois! For more information on Lois, and her work, visit her website.

Lois V. Harris Interview and Book Event

The Cascadia Weekly newspaper published an interview with Lois V. Harris this week. You can also read it online here.

On Saturday, January 21 at 2 p.m. Lois will read her new book, MAXFIELD PARRISH: PAINTER OF MAGICAL MAKE-BELIEVE, while presenting a colorful slideshow of Parrish’s imaginative art for children, art, and history fans. Parrish, one of the three most popular artists in the world in the 1920s and 1930s, helped develop the future of visual arts. The event takes place at

Village Books
Readings Gallery
1200 11th St.
Bellingham, WA

For more information on Lois, and her work, you can visit her website.

Good News & More From Lois V. Harris

Good News and reviews for Lois V. Harris, and her new book MAXFIELD PARRISH: PAINTER OF MAGICAL MAKE-BELIEVE. Check these out:

“...an excellent introduction to an artist/illustrator who deserves to be remembered for his ability to do something quite miraculous: create a magical make-believe world that both children and adults would like to walk into for an extended vacation.”—TheBloomsbury Review, Vol 31/Issue 2, 2011

“Lavishly illustrated" are the review words of my new Maxfield Parrish: Painter of Magical Make-Believe book in WORLD Magazine, by Susan Olasky, December 6, 2011---many thanks Maxfield Parrish!”

Lois also sent this link to an interesting article for our members, especially for those of us interested in The Arts. We’ve heard about STEM and now there’s STEAM...remember, steam provides power and energy.

For more information on Lois, and her work, you can visit her website.

Good News for Lois V. Harris

More good news for Lois V. Harris!! Love hearing good news!!

Publishers Weekly reviewed her new book, MAXFIELD PARRISH: PAINTER OF MAGICAL MAKE-BELIEVE. To see the review click on this link.

For more information on Lois, and her work, visit her website.

Good News for Lois V. Harris

Don't you love hearing good news in the middle of the week?!? Here's a big congratulations and good news for Lois V. Harris. Her new book, MAXFIELD PARRISH: PAINTER OF MAGICAL MAKE-BELIVE, has earned a good review in the November 1 issue of the American Library Association’s Booklist by Julie Cummins who called the content “fascinating.”

To find out more information about Lois, her "fascinating" new book and other work visit her website.

Good News for Lois Harris

A big hip hip hooray and Good News dance for Lois Harris! Her brand new book, MAXFIELD PARRISH: PAINTER OF MAGICAL MAKE-BELIEVE, received a lovely review in Feathered Quill---I’ll treasure it! Here’s the link.

For more information on Lois, and her work, you can visit her website.

Lois Harris Book Launch!!!

Lois V. Harris launches her new book, MAXFIELD PARRISH: PAINTER OF MAGICAL MAKE-BELIEVE, during her “Art History for the Elementary Classroom” presentation on Saturday, October 15, at the Washington Art Education Association’s 2011 Fall Conference in Tumwater, WA. Maxfield would have said, the event will be “mighty good fun!

For more information on Lois, and her work, visit her website.

Lois Harris Booksigning and NW Bookfest Event

Lois Harris will be signing her CHARLIE RUSSELL: TALE-TELLING COWBOY ARTIST book on October 1, at 2 p.m. in SCBWI’s booth at Northwest Bookfest in Kirkland. There will be other SCBWI members at the booth throughout the weekend as well.

In addition Lois, Clare Hodgson Meeker and Katherine Kirkpatrick will discuss Children’s Nonfiction as panelists during Northwest Bookfest, on Saturday, October 1, from 12-1 p.m., at the Kirkland Community Center, Room 2, 12421 103rd Ave. N.E. Tina Hoggatt will be moderating the panel. For more information on Lois, and her work, visit her website.

Lois V. Harris Book Event On the Far Eastside

I live in Zillah, WA and am a SCBWI WWA member. Usually there's not too much going on as far as events over in my part of the state so I was pretty excited to receive this event from Lois V. Harris.

Lois will read her CHARLIE RUSSELL: TALE-TELLING COWBOY ARTIST book at an Autograph Party at Jerrol’s Books, 111 E. University Way, Ellensburg, Friday, Sept. 2 from 12-to 2 p.m. during the Ellensburg Rodeo. If you’re nearby, come on by and say howdy!

If you'd like to find out more about Lois, and her work, visit her website.