Tumwater Library workshops

The TUMWATER TIMBERLAND LIBRARY is offering these great classes. If you live in the South Sound or want to take a day trip south, check these out!

 

Choose Your Words Carefully
Saturday 10/3/15
2:00-5:00 pm
Mark Twain said that the difference between the right word and the nearly right word is the same as that between lightning and the lightning bug. Storytellers of all skills and disciplines will benefit from this fun and insightful look at the language they choose for their creative writing. Participants will learn how to develop their own unique writing voice, how to use a thesaurus wisely, how to write powerful metaphors and similes, and how to avoid clichés. Presented by local author and writing instructor, Lindsay Schopfer. Sponsored by the Friends of the Tumwater Timberland Library. This event is part of Timberland Reads Together - a one book, one community reading program.

Making the Most of Your Writing Time
Saturday 10/10/15
2:00-5:00pm
“I only write when I'm inspired, and I make sure I'm inspired every morning at 9 a.m.” Learn how to turn off your inner critic and make the most of the time you set aside to practice your craft. Participants will learn how to create a writing-friendly environment, manage and prepare for their writing time and how to measure success rather than focus on artificial deadlines. Presented by local author and writing instructor, Lindsay Schopfer. Sponsored by the Friends of the Tumwater Timberland Library. This event is part of Timberland Reads Together - a one book, one community reading program.
Printing & Ebooks for Self-Published Authors
Tuesday 10/13/15
5:30-6:30pm
Join us for a talk on book printing and self-publishing with book printer Alison Bailey. Learn the process of book printing, ins and outs of self-publishing, ebook options and see examples of books printed in the Gorham Printing shop in Centralia. Bring your questions for Q & A afterward! This event is part of Timberland Reads Together - a one book, one community reading program.
Indie Publishing: Get Your Writing Out There
Wednesday 10/14/2015
5:00-6:00pm
Independent publishing now rivals the combined output of all the publishers in New York. Authors Anthea Sharp and Ryan Williams will talk about how to get your writing directly into the hands of readers. This event is part of Timberland Reads Together - a one book, one community reading program.
LOCATION: Tenino Timberland Library (Tumwater's sister branch)
172 Central Avenue West, Tenino, WA 98589
(360) 264-2369

The (bargain) Book

THE BOOK (2015) is available online for free for members of SCBWI. 

About THE BOOK:

This three hundred page comprehensive, hands-on tool is designed to guide children’s book writers and illustrators through their publishing careers. It is available in hard copy and online to SCBWI members.

 

It contains new and essential articles featuring such topics as maximizing social media, creating book trailers, best practices in independent publishing, and grassroots promotion. A highlight of THE BOOK is the up-to-the-minute Market Survey, which includes a comprehensive house by house listing of editors, art directors and key personnel. Other directories include The International Market Survey, The Book Reviewers Directory, The Agents Directory, and a unique feature called Edited By, in which editors have been personally surveyed to provide a history of their recent acquisitions. Key resources include an annotated bibliography of essential reference books for any aspiring children’s book author or illustrator, as well as a current listing of bloggers, reviewers, grants and awards.

Your brain on stories

Why are clichés ineffective? Why is simple language likely to make for a more popular book? Get the answers to these and other great writing-related questions at this cool post about how our brains respond to stories.

CONFERENCE 2013: Colleen AF Venable- Villains: Why It’s Good to be Bad

Colleen AF Venable is an author and designer. Colleen AF Venable has an incredible knack of showing some extremely scary villains to her audience. She (with scary and hilarious slides) talked through film and literary villains, such as Voldemort, King Leck, Darth Vader, a number of Disney villains, and even a rabbit.

We talked through the different types of villains from Pure Powerful Evil villains to the Reader as the villain (with some WONDERFUL examples!). We looked at two different villains: King Leck (from Kristin Cashore's GRACELING series) and the Rabbit (I WANT MY HAT BACK by Jon Klassen)

A question that was asked was: How do you write a great villain? Here is one from Colleen tip to use: Think of what the average person would do in a situation. Make your character do anything but that.

Check out more about Colleen, and her work at her fabulous website

CONFERENCE 2013: Robin LaFevers, Pace Yourself: Tools & Tips for Pacing Your Story

We had a wonderful session with Author Robin LaFevers. It was chock full of invaluable information on pace for your story. According to Robin:

Pace is all about momentum. Getting the reader to turn the page as quickly as possible. We are creating a compulsion through pace for our reader to turn the page.

There were so many great pace tips and tools that Robin gave. One major tip and tool for pace is conflict. Stories need to have conflict. Conflict equals tension (which drives the pacing of a story). 

Here's a question regarding conflict that Robin asked us to consider:

Is the Conflict Big Enough?
-Look at the conflict and the growth protagonist needs to overcome it.

-Is it Big Enough to sustain an entire book?

-Does it truly challenge your character?

-Will readers care?

You can find our more information on Robin, and her work, on her website. 

100 Free and Useful Apps for Writers

How many apps do you have on your phone? How many help you with your writing? You can check out this article on OnlineUniversities.com on 100 Free and Useful Apps for Writers! There are some great apps that include inspirational, publishing, organizing, writing and more! Check it out! Thanks to Brenda for sending this in!!!

Writing and Revision Resources

Here are some great resources to help with your writing and revision process! Thanks to Laurie for always sharing her amazing resources!!

This blog post on A Totally Random Romp (by Jean Reidy) offers a quick exercise to use with your critique group or critique friends. A great tool for novel writers!

Here's a post for What Writers Need To Know About Formatting (FAQs) on Writer's Digest. This is a great resource for those new to writing or a refresher for those who need it.

On writeoncon there's a great post on the whys and hows of revision called Revising Your Way to Success. Need I say more?

ETA: Joni's pirating in here to add these don't-miss "before and after" revision views gathered by YA novelist Maggie Stiefvater.

The Perfect Article for Monday Morning

Before you pull out your WIP or get ready to create something new and amazing, grab your cup of coffee (or tea) and take a few moments to read this Publishers' Weekly article, "Giving Birth to Bitterblue." BITTERBLUE is Author Kristin Cashore's third novel (which was #2 on the New York Times Bestseller list two weeks after it's release on May 1).

This article not only tells the story of how the book was written, but it also shows an amazing relationship between an author and her editor. Check it out! You'll feel inspired for the week ahead! Thanks to Laurie for sending it in!

The Difference Between MG and Chapter Books

Here's a great article on Operation Awesome (a wonderful resource for writers!) about the difference between writing chapter books and middle grade fiction. The article is written by Author Kurtis Scaletta and is a great one to check out!! Thanks to Laurie for sending the article!!

Find a Trusted Reader for Your Middle-Grade Novel

Writing the middle-grade novel means writing in that fine line between the mind of a child and the uncharted territory of an adolescent. At the Whole Novel Workshop, we offer trusted readers on our faculty who are also published authors and editors working on fiction targeted for middle school children. If you have a manuscript that you think deserves a trusted reader, join Tami Lewis Brown , Sarah Aronson , Melanie Kroupa, Kent Brown -- and our own Joni Sensel -- in July for the Whole Novel Workshop for Middle Grade Fiction. One of the faculty will read and critique your novel to tell you what's working and what needs work. Then, we'll spend a week writing, talking, and working together to make your story better. After it's all done, we'll send you home with a plan to keep the good work flowing.

For more information about the Whole Novel Workshop, which takes place near Honesdale, PA, contact Jo Lloyd at 570-253-1192, or email Jo at jo.lloyd@highlightsfoundation.org or visit their website.

Field's End Roundtable talk at Bainbridge Public Library

February 21, 2012 | 7 - 8:30 p.m. | Bainbridge Public Library | Free Event

Reading, Living, and Writing Cross-Culturally

with Margaret Chang

How do writers shape and inform stories depicting a culture other than their own? Margaret Chang, who married into a Chinese family, offers insights based on her experience as a writer, teacher, critic, librarian, and member of a supportive community that advocates for cross-cultural understanding.

Margaret Chang, a former children’s librarian, holds an MA in Children’s Literature and for 17 years taught college courses in children’s literature. With her Chinese-born husband, she has published four children’s books set in China, and an introduction to the Chinese language. A longtime reviewer for School Library Journal, she served on two American Library Association award committees: the 2005 Caldecott and the 2007 Batchelder. Chang was also a judge for the 6th Annual Massachusetts Book Awards. She is now on the Board of Directors for USBBY, an organization promoting international understanding through children’s books. Her most recent book is Celia’s Robot. Listen to a podcast with Margaret Chang.

The library is located at 1270 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, WA

Did You Make a New Year's Writing Resolution?

Need help keeping that New Year’s resolution to write more? Fellow SCBWI WWA member Lois Brandt has posted daily writing prompts for the month the January on her site. Print out Lois’s list and keep it in your notebook. When you have 10 minutes downtime, write.

Stasia Ward Kehoe Teen Writing Workshop this Wednesday!!

Live on the eastside?

Fellow SCBWI author Stasia Ward Kehoe is giving a TEEN WRITING WORKSHOP

Wednesday, August 24 · 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Woodinville Library

17105 Avondale Road NE, Woodinville

For more information, call 425.788.0733

Stasia, whose YA novel, AUDITION, will be published by Viking/Penguin this fall, will help you take your writing to a new level. Through theater games and writing exercises, explore the connections between actions and words and find new ways to bring your stories to life. Plus get some fun info on getting a book published!

If you'd like more information on Stacia, and her work, visit her website.

The Art of Writing Children's Books Workshop with Richard Jesse Watson

Author/Illustrator Richard Jesse Watson is teaching a two-day workshop on Saturday and Sunday, August 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cost is $150 for the workshop.

For anyone interested in writing for children, this class will give you tools and tangible steps to help launch your stories.

Sign up soon! There are only a few spots left. Contact The Writer's Workshoppe in Port Townsend at 360.379.2617.

You can find out more about the class, what to bring on his news blog page. You can find out more about Richard, and his work, on his website and blog.

No More Writer's Block

A big huge thanks to Laurie for sending this link to a great blog post on Joanne Rocklin's "Anti-block" blog. It's titled 180 WAYS TO CONQUER WRITER'S BLOCK: for writers of all ages and genres. There are daily tips for writers and is a great resource to get those creative juices flowing!

Here's a little bit from Tip #9

WRITE LIKE ERNEST HEMINGWAY:
Not what you think...
One of the best tips I know is his: he used to stop his writing for the day just when things were going well. The next day he'd just pick up at that point and not have to wonder what to write. After that, the writing flowed.

Check it out! There are some great ideas and we all can use great ideas!! Happy Writing!

"Girl's Ink" Summer Camp Registration

Hedgebrook is joining forces with the Power of Hope, The Whidbey Institute and The Partnership for Youth Empowerment Global to offer a week long summer camp for aspiring young female writers. Program participants will be mentored by published Hedgebrook alumnae who will inspire new ways of thinking and delivering the written word.

Within a supportive and safe community of women; writers will have the opportunity to explore issues and themes that are meaningful to their lives. Through working with narrative, fiction, poetry, spoken word, and playwriting, students can explore the genre that speaks to them. A week of diverse workshops, classes and "one on one" sessions allow participants to build new skills, confidence and self esteem.

The Date: August 16-23, 2011
Location: Whidbey Institute, in Clinton, Washington.
Cost: $695 includes meals, lodging, and all activities. Transportation is additional.

Need-based scholarship funds available.

Visit Power of Hope's website for more information or to download the application.

Good News for Jenn Chushcoff (and a Great Post by Jenn too!)

Good News to Jenn Preston Chushcoff. Jenn's story, THE ABCDEATH MURDER MYSTERY, won Under the Juniper Tree's Edward Gorey challenge. Jenn also sent in a wonderfully written post about writing for UTJT to share more about her experience. Here's her post-

Crow Toes Quarterly has closed shop, but the macabre side of children's literature has found a home in the online journal, Underneath the Juniper Tree. Though they're unable to pay contributor's at this time, writing for them is an opportunity for both emerging and established writers. I usually shy away from writing for free, but there are some benefits to submitting to a quality online journal.

First, it helps newbies learn the publishing process, like meeting deadlines and collaborating with an editor. It gets stories out of the desk drawer and in front of an audience. (That's the entire point of doing this, right?) Plus, if you know anything about publishing, you know it's a slower than molasses endeavor. Writing a story and having it appear in print one month later is, how can I put this?, an incredible release!

Then there's the possibility of catching the eye of an agent or editor who happen by.

For already published authors, UTJT encourages fresh work. Several of my published pieces in UTJT were inspired by their weekly contests. My story, THE ABCDEATH MURDER MYSTERY, won their Edward Gorey challenge, which was to write a story based on three Gorey illustrations. UTJT has also been an outlet for my more spookity-ookity stuff like, THE FAIRY GOTHMOTHER and THE TRUTH ABOUT NOTHING.

Authors keep their copyright, but since much of the writing is specific to the challenges, it would be a "challenge" to have it published elsewhere. Instead, it's a good opportunity to stretch yourself and indulge that dark side. So if you like to tingle scaredy bones, you should check out Underneath the Juniper Tree.

*Artists! They're also accepting artwork and feature lots of talent in their June and July issues.

Congrats to Jenn and thanks for the thoughtful post too! Here's the link for THE FAIRY GOTHMOTHER and you can read more about Jenn, and her work, on her website.

Ann Gonzalez Writing Workshops

Are you looking for feedback on and help shaping the young adult or middle-grade novel you're working on? The next session of Ann Gonzalez's online craft and workshop class is set to start Monday June 27. It's only 125.00 for 8 weeks and comes with a money-back guarantee. To enroll or for more information please contact Ann at ann@anngonzalez.com.

Or maybe you're interested in in-person workshops? For the first time, author and teacher Ann Gonzalez, will be offering an in-person craft workshop in her home. The class will run for 8 weeks on Tuesday nights from 7-9 p.m. beginning July 12. Because of the limited number of critiques possible in an in-person class this is being offered at the discounted rate of 100.00 for the 8 weeks. If you'd like more information please contact Ann at ann@anngonzalez.com.

Show, Don't Tell!

When I first started getting feedback on my WIP (work in progress) I kept hearing "Show, don't tell" and honestly it was driving me nuts! It's a phrase that's thrown around in writing circles without too much explanation for beginning writers. Through time and practice I slowly started understanding what that means and my stories started taking on a whole new life (and I received other critique notes instead).

I found this post on the Courage 2 Create blog on a practical way to understand what the phrase "Show don't tell" means & how to really learn the right way to view it from a writing standpoint (wish I had found it earlier). Worth a read as a good reminder & also a practical writing exercise.

Finding the MUSE with Professor Watermelon

Professor Watermelon (Chadwick Gillenwater) has officially launched his blog. The blog is geared toward teachers and young writers, but all writers are sure to enjoy his weekly IMAGINATION CHRONICLES. These are sure to help you and the young authors in your life find JOY in writing.

So grab a cup of hot cocoa, and come on by. The professor looks forward to helping you find the MUSE!