Karen Kincy Book Launch Party!!

You're invited to the launch party for BLOODBORN, a YA novel by Karen Kincy! Karen is a fellow SCBWI WWA member! There will be a reading, Q&A, and raffle for werewolfy prizes. And don't forget the book birthday cake. She hopes to see fellow SCBWI WWA members there!

When: September 12 at 7 p.m.
Where: Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park, WA

Please RSVP here.

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

WLA Legal Arts Workshop: Financing and Securities Compliance for Artists and Creative Entrepreneurs

GETTING THE GREEN LIGHT: FINANCING AND SECURITIES COMPLIANCE FOR ARTISTS AND CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS

So you’ve got it. That great idea that you know is going to be a hit: an incredible book, a brilliant screenplay, a website that is going to fundamentally alter the way people interact with media, or even just a new neighborhood theater group. Whatever it is, you’re ready to put it into action. The one thing you need to launch it is other people’s money, or in professional terms, investors. Persuading investors to provide the necessary financing to launch your idea can be very challenging and is full of legal pitfalls. In Getting the Green Light: Financing and Securities Compliance for Artists and Creative Entrepreneurs, Foster Pepper Arts, Entertainment and Business attorneys Matt Hooper, Vin Ricci and Vandana Harris will offer practical advice and review the legal fundamentals that you’ll need to successfully raise money, protect yourself from personal liability, and comply with Securities and Exchange Commission regulations in order to put your big idea to work. They will also answer any questions you may have on how to structure deals in a manner that allows for you to retain ownership and creative control over your ideas to the greatest extent possible.

If you are an artist, creative entrepreneur or an attorney who represents them, this Workshop is not to be missed as it will provide an excellent fundamental framework for understanding how to recognize and resolve the legal issues involved with financing and securities compliance.

DATE: Thursday, Sept 8, from 12-1:30 p.m. (registration begins at 11:45 a.m., lunches welcome)

LOCATION:

Foster Pepper PLLC

30th Floor Conference Center

1111 Third Avenue

Seattle, WA 98101

FEE:

In advance: $35 Attorneys (includes CLE credit); $10 Artists, Students and Others

At the door: $40 Attorneys (includes CLE credit); $15 Artists, Students and Others

REGISTRATION:
To register, visit Brown Paper Tickets, or phone 24/7 at 800.838.3006. To pay at the door, RSVP to Washington Lawyers for the Arts at 206.328.7053. Please note that the event is subject to cancellation; visit WLA's website or call 206.328.7053 for more information.

Help put the Fest in Bookfest this October!

Bookfest in October! It’s Raining Books

SCBWI Western Washington will have a booth at Bookfest, a celebration of books and authors taking place in Kirkland over the weekend of October 1 and 2, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day. A number of SCBWI members will be giving presentations and workshops over the weekend. Check out the participating authors here.

We need your help to:

• Appear as an author/illustrator and sign books if you like. Chat up fans, show off covers and illustrations, hand out book marks or school visit information, or bring other fun ideas for being a Real Live Author or Illustrator!

○ Authors already assigned to Bookfest panels or workshops will have books sold by anchor indie Parkplace Books at those event venues. We are currently working to determine whether we can have Parkplace Books or another bookseller handle book sales in our booth for other authors, too. If that doesn’t work, PAL-level SCBWI members may bring their own books to sell and sign (but you’ll have to manage all stock and money yourself). We’ll let you know as soon as we can which it’ll be.

• Schedule a read-aloud picture book session or a live illustration session. We’d like to have a few of these a day, perhaps with several authors in a session. If you’re not published, you’re welcome to read a favorite book by someone else!

• Mind the booth with other staff for an hour at a time and represent SCBWI. Answer questions, hand out materials, and tell your SCBWI story. There are authors and illustrators out there whose lives may be changed by SCBWI... or at least would enjoy meeting kindred spirits.

• Bring the fun factor. We are looking for fun, interactive ideas for booth activities during the two days of Bookfest. Illustrators, pull out your pencils, pens and paints for artist demos. Mad Lib experts, challenge the crowd. Got sock puppets? Bring ‘em on. We want to hear your ideas and make them happen.

Sign up for any of these opportunities by filling out and submitting the form below. You don't have to be a published member! Just bring the fun, people! Help us make our inaugural participation in Bookfest a memorable weekend.

Northern Network Meeting Sept. 7

Well, the Summer-That-Never-Was is drawing to a close, and it’s time to gear up for fall already. The Northern Network of SCBWI Western Washington is meeting on Wednesday, September 7, at 7:00 p.m.. We’ll continue to meet at the Bellingham Barnes & Noble (on Meridian Street). Come prepared to answer the question, “How can the Northern Network help you this year?” Call Rebecca Van Slyke at (360) 354-5797 if you have questions. Hope to see you all there at this year-shaping event!

An online application form for Inside Story/KidLitCon

If you've sent an application to Inside Story or the Kidlitosphere Convention meet and greet and your application wasn't received, it might have been kidnapped by the wicked elves of cyberspace. If that's the case, please fill out this form.

Thank you!

Reminder: Apply for Inside Story/Kidlitosphere Conference

If you have a new book release or expect one in the next few months, don't forget to apply for big events for authors and illustrators in the Western Washington region. Applications are due Aug. 28 and are considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Kidlitosphere Conference's SCBWI Meet & Greet Author Presentation is Friday, Sept. 16, from 7-9 p.m. at the Monaco Hotel in Seattle. (More info about that here.)



We have a bit more room than we originally thought, so if you have a book coming out in the next year, please consider it.

NOTE: Participation in this event for people not registered for the conference itself is $15, but if you're on our panel, this fee is waived.
Inside Story, our twice-yearly celebration of new books and the stories behind their creation, will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, at the Sunset Hill Community Association in Ballard.

Please read the eligibility requirements to make sure your book's a fit. You can find that information and the downloadable PDF application on our website.


REMINDER: "Weekend on the Water" Retreat applications due NEXT WEEK!

The application deadline is fast approaching for SCBWI Western Washington’s fifth annual fall retreat, and we don't want you to miss out! Remember, you can always cancel later if you decide it doesn't work for you, but you must have all application materials in by September 2nd to even be considered.


We’ll be returning to the past years’ hugely popular Alderbrook Resort on Hood Canal to work in an intimate setting with two of the industry's most masterful teachers: Newbery Award-winning author Linda Sue Park and Arthur Levine, author, publisher of Arthur A. Levine Books, and a vice-president at Scholastic Inc.

Weekend on the Water also includes:

• Two nights’ lodging in a luxurious room (shared with one roommate) at the Alderbrook Resort & Spa, one of the premier resort destinations in the Northwest that truly evokes “the spirit of Hood Canal.”
• Five catered meals.
• Free time for writing, networking, hiking, playing word games, kayaking, swimming, and resting.

Apply now to join us at our fifth annual working retreat for selected writers and writer/illustrators this fall, November 4 – 6, 2011.

For more details and to apply, click here!

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.

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.

Good News and Growing Trans-Media Trend

Congratulations to previous faculty member and nearby SCBWI OR member Amber J. Keyser! Amber has joined the creative team at Relium Media as their YA novelist!! She's also part of a growing trans-media trend which tells a story over multiple media platforms. She's writing ANGEL PUNK as part of this project.

ANGEL PUNK is the story of action-adventure heroine, Mara Layil, unfolds through a feature film (filming in Portland this fall), a comic book series (out and available at Things From Another World), a fan engagement site, and a YA novel (which will be released in 2012).

For more information you can check out this link for their official press release. You can find our more information about Amber, and her work, on her website.

Be an 826 Student for a Day!

In honor of Youth Literacy Day on Friday (8/26), 826 Seattle is presenting a few writing projects similar to what they might offer students at the center.

Write an 8-2-6 haiku, an 82.6 word short story, or an 826 character news article. They'll publish their favorite entries daily, and favorites will receive tote bags full of 826 swag.

Go play!

And on top of the stellar programming 826 offers local youth, there are a couple of workshops left in the season for the Write Like I Do workshops for grown ups. Details here.

Reminder: Summer Picnic THIS SATURDAY!

This will be a potluck picnic so please B.Y.O. food and drink.

We'll have a grill for any grill-ables, and a big yard with some kid activities,
and a few surprises.

RSVP to mollyjhall@yahoo.com for address and directions.

Applications now being accepted for SCBWI WWA's Fall 2011 "Weekend on the Water" Retreat

Don’t miss SCBWI Western Washington’s fifth annual fall retreat. Every year has been better and better, and this year is going to blow all the others right out of the Puget Sound waters. So, pull out that work in progress and get ready to work with two shining stars in our industry!


We’ll be returning to past years’ hugely popular Alderbrook Resort on Hood Canal to work with Arthur Levine, author, a vice-president at Scholastic Inc., and publisher of Arthur A. Levine Books, and award-winning author Linda Sue Park.


This retreat will provide the rare opportunity to get 10 minutes of focused time on the first few pages of your manuscript from Arthur Levine. Arthur does not do manuscript consultations at conferences but has agreed to give feedback in small groups at this retreat. He’ll bring his editorial expertise to provide on-the-spot feedback in a small-group setting. A portion of the ten minutes will be spent reading two to three manuscript pages aloud, and Arthur will use the rest to respond. Retreat attendees also will have the chance to hear Arthur’s feedback about the work of many of their peers, which will also be a great learning experience that can apply to their own work.


Linda Sue Park believes every book has to be good enough to be read at least 60 times--because that's what young readers do when they fall in love with a story. She is a master at teaching the fine points of writing and revision: of choosing point of view and seeing breakdowns, of identifying the beginnings and endings of scenes to make them as powerful as they can be, and of weaving powerful details through the story so that nothing seems arbitrary or out of place. She won a Newbery award for A SINGLE SHARD and has won countless other awards for the rest of her many books. She is a masterful teacher who will transform how you look at your own work.


This intimate, craft-focused retreat will give you the opportunity to focus on your work-in-progress with the guidance and expert insight of our two retreat leaders, as well as to connect with a network of talented local authors, which will include exchanging manuscript pages with several peers. Even if you’re already in a critique group, this opportunity is special for two reasons. First, you’ll get feedback on the first 25 pages of your manuscript from the fresh eyes of three or four other writers of the caliber accepted into this retreat (many of whom are likely to have been published). Second, you’ll get to read their pages and discuss those pages and your own work in light of Arthur’s feedback and with a shared understanding of the specific topics, techniques, and lessons that will be discussed and practiced throughout the weekend.

Weekend on the Water also includes:

• Two nights’ lodging in a luxurious room (shared with one roommate) at the Alderbrook Resort & Spa, one of the premier resort destinations in the Northwest that truly evokes “the spirit of Hood Canal.”
• Five catered meals.
• Free time for writing, walks, kayaking, swimming, resting, and networking.

Apply to join us at our fifth annual working retreat for selected writers and writer/illustrators this fall, November 4 – 6, 2011.

Participation will be limited and will require an application. Acceptance will be based on a blind screening of a brief application and writing sample. The sample you submit for screening need not be the project you plan to focus on during the retreat, but it should be written for children.

For more details and to apply, please click here!

Third Annual Random Acts of Publicity

Author & Writing Teacher Darcy Pattison is proud to announce the 3rd Annual Random Acts of Publicity Week: It’s all about your friend’s book!

The Random Acts of Publicity Week is the four days after Labor Day and is dedicated to writers paying-it-forward by helping promote a friend’s book.

Each day, we will recommend a simple act of promotion for a friend’s book: write and post a review, tell someone about the book, link to the author’s page, etc.

This year, we have lots planned: guest posts by experts in publicity, prizes and more. I’m not ready to tell details until mid-August, but here’s a hint at what’s coming.

* Focus your promotion efforts: Major publicist guest post
* FREE 15-minute phone publicity consultation: Enter your Friend’s Name/Book
* How to get your book reviewed: Guest post
* FREE ebook How To Get Your Book Reviewed: Enter your Friend’s Name/Book
* Book Trailers to Catch Readers: Guest post
* FREE 1-minute Book Trailer: Enter you Friend’s Name/Book

Would you like to participate in the week? We are asking that bloggers post about promotion and publicity during this week, then put a link to the post on the Facebook Page. Some suggestions–but feel free to take it anywhere within this slant on publicity:

Remember the focus is on your Friend’s Book or on what a Friend can do to help your book. It isn’t about promotion or publicity in general, but on how one person can help another.

The Facebook Page for this event has the full details (you can also check out Darcy's blog).

The focus all week is giving, paying forward, helping others. We hope you’ll plan now to participate!

Thanks to Martha for sending this!

Good News for Paul Schmid!

Congratulations and a big yahoo for Paul Schmid! Both of Paul's books that were published this year, A PET FOR PETUNIA and HUGS FROM PEARL, were accepted into the Society of Illustrators annual children's book exhibit, The Original Art show.

The exhibit will be at the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators from October 26 through December 29, 2011. Check out the link for more information.

You can also find out more about Paul, and his work on his website and blog! Congrats Paul!!!

E-book Webinar

SCBWI WWA recently had a Pubbed Pro Think Tank that focused on E-books. Sara Easterly, who hosted the event, sent information about an upcoming webinar that is the perfect follow up to our event. The Library Journal/School Library Journal will present the second annual Virtual Summit on Ebooks: The New Normal. It's a one-day virtual conference on ebooks and their role in the future of libraries. The virtual conference will be Wednesday October 12, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (EDT).

Author M.T. Anderson will be the keynote speaker at this virtual summit. You can find more information and register here.

More Resources for Authors

Thanks to Tina for this tip! Galleycat has started an Authors who visit Book Clubs page. It's easy to signup online. Click this link!!

Also, a big YAHOO for the Update! We know how 100 folks following our feed!!

Follow Bonny Becker!!

Fellow SCBWI member Bonny Becker whose story, A BEDTIME FOR BEAR, won the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for the NW region is starting an e-newsletter for those who want to follow Mouse & Bear News.

If you'd like to be on the mailing list e-mail Bonny at bjb(at)site7000(dot)com. Just put "Mouse and Bear News" in the subject line and she'll know what it's about.

You can also follow Bonny on her Facebook Bonny Becker Author Page.

Field's End Class with George Shannon

George Shannon is teaching "Writing the Picture Book" class at Field's End. This is a great opportunity to study with a master of picture books.

The class is has four sessions- October 13, 20, 27 and November 3 from 7-9 p.m. at the Bainbridge Public Library. Cost is $160.

For more information and to register visit the class link.

Thanks to Margaret Nevinski for sending the link!

Great New Resource for SCBWI Members!

For those of you who are SCBWI members, we'd like to announce a great new resource! SCBWI has compiled a list of recommended individuals and businesses to help you develop websites, book trailers, promotional materials, curriculum guides, and more. Just log into the national website and go to this link.

WLA Legal Arts Workshop: Fundamentals of Intellectual Property for Artists

As an artist or person working in a creative field, it's important to understand the law as it relates to your work. An understanding of the fundamentals of intellectual property law will help you to protect your work and avoid disputes with others. Perhaps you've attended seminars in the past where the issues were too complex and you felt lost? Or perhaps you just haven't given it much thought until now? In either case, this workshop is for you.

Regina Culbert and Jim Vana will explain the differences between copyrights, trademarks andpatents. You'll learn about copyright and trademark registration, including the benefits of registration and the costs. You'll also learn about who owns the copyright in a work created by more than one person and in works created in the course of employment.

Do you ever use someone else’s work? Gina and Jim will teach you how to decide when it is acceptable to use another person’s work, and how much of it can be used. And, when people or company logos show up in your work, you should know how to acquire appropriate releases. Have you ever felt that someone else has used your work inappropriately or without permission? You’ll learn the basics of copyright infringement: when you think someone has stolen from you, or when you’re accused of infringing someone else’scopyright.

Bring your questions - this is an excellent introductory seminar for all artists, and for attorneys whose clients include artists.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 from 12 – 1:30 p.m. (registration begins at 11:45 a.m., lunches welcome)

LOCATION:

Perkins Coie

1201 Third Avenue, Suite 4800

Seattle, WA 98101

1201 Third Avenue, Suite 4800

Seattle, WA 98101

FEE:

In advance: $35 Attorneys (includes CLE credit); $10 Artists, Students and Others

At the door: $40 Attorneys (includes CLE credit); $15 Artists, Students and Others

REGISTRATION:
To register, visit Brown Paper Tickets, or phone 24/7 at 800-838-3006. To pay at the door, RSVP to Washington Lawyers for the Arts at 206-328-7053. Please note that the event is subject to cancellation; visit their website or call 206.328.7053 for more information.

Ann Teplick Readings

Here's the dates to catch readings for fellow SCBWI member Ann Teplick-

Friday August 5 at 7 p.m.

Elliott Bay Book Company
I'll be sharing the stage with four wonderful 2011 Jack Straw Writers:
Nassim Assefi, Anne McDuffie,Nora Wendl, and Don Fels.

Wednesday August 17 a7 5:30 p.m.

Queen Anne Books
I will be reading with other contributors to the latest Drash: Northwest Mosaic.

Tomorrow is her first reading! If you didn't make it to the SCBWI Summer National Conference you can connect and support SCBWI members right at home!

Page Ahead Volunteer Opportunity

Page Ahead has an opportunity for volunteers to read with kids! They are looking for volunteers--especially in South King County and Tacoma--to read with preschool and kindergarten classes this 2011-2012 school year.

Story Time volunteers read books, sing songs & create simple crafts with kids. Training and materials are provided. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your love of reading with children in need!

Volunteers choose a weekly, bimonthly or monthly schedule and must commit for a full school year. Story Time occur during school hours and last approximately 45 minutes.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED IN:

Auburn, Bellingham, Burien, Des Moines, Everett, Federal Way, Kent, Mount Vernon, Renton, SeaTac, Spanaway, Spokane, Spokane Valley, Tacoma & Tukwila. Volunteers remain in their same classroom(s) throughout the school year.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY

Volunteers should be comfortable in the spotlight and enjoy interacting with children. Must complete a half-day training and pass a background check.

Contact Shana Faulkner at 206.461.0123 or sfaulkner(at)pageahead(dot)org. Or visit Page Ahead's website (volunteer applications are available online).

Volunteer applications must be submitted by August 28, 2011

Illustration Style

One of my favorite blogs is Drawn--a Canadian site devoted to illustration, graphic design, and animation. I'm constantly amazed, inspired, and blown away by the talent and imagination.

Today's post featured an artist whose work is full of whimsy and heart.

Cory Godbey's ethereal sketches captivate with their simplicity and expression. Enjoy!

Here's Cory's blog.

Registration is open for SCBWI WWA's Professional Series Meeting Passport and Special Fall Events!

GET YOUR SCBWI WWA PROFESSIONAL SERIES MEETING PASSPORT AND REGISTER FOR OUR SPECIAL FALL EVENTS NOW.

SCBWI Western Washington’s Professional Series Meetings run from September to May of each year, which means now's the time to purchase your passport to all of the 2011-2012 season's meetings. Available to SCBWI International members and non-members alike, these Professional Series Meetings typically feature two professional presentations, with a brief business meeting between. The cost for each individual Professional Series Meeting is only $8 (for members of SCBWI International) or $10 (for non-members) per meeting.

You can save time and money by purchasing a passport to all of the 2011-2012 season meetings at just $35 (for SCBWI International members) or $40 (for non-members)—an incredible bargain! Attending even a handful of the eight meetings we’re holding this year makes up for the price of the passport. Plus, only passport holders will be able to sign up for the additional fall editor and agent events, have priority registration for January’s unique and popular meeting, "The Great Critique," and submit their art for our February portfolio tune-up.

We're sure you'll want the passport when you see this season's lineup. Speakers include Victoria Rock, founding children’s publisher and editor-at-large at Chronicle Books; Stephen Barr, literary agent at Writers House; and local talents Kimberly Baker, Lois Brandt, Mike Cressy, Heather Davis, Liz Gallagher, Denise Jaden, Kathleen Kemly, and many more. We’ll also have a screening of the documentary LIBRARY OF THE EARLY MIND with commentary and live Q&A from the director.

Please click this link for more details and to purchase your Professional Series Meeting passport, and be sure to check out the extra opportunities we're offering only to our passport holders in September and October. These special editor/agent events have limited space and tight deadlines, so be sure to act fast!

SCBWI Summer Conference Nonfiction MIxer

Lois Harris sent this email in regards to the SCBWI Summer Conference:

For those attending next week’s SCBWI Summer Conference in Los Angeles AND interested in nonfiction, another Nonfiction Mixer will take place on Friday, August 5, in Olympic II, from 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Friday night will be busy with the Wine & Cheese Reception/PAL Booksale running until 8 p.m. plus our SCBWI/WA group meeting by the pool at 8 PM---BUT if you’re interested in nonfiction, please come! I love chatting with nonfiction authors from around the world about their experiences.

LAX rideshares

The SCBWI conference in LA is fast approaching. If you want to share a ride from LAX to the hotel (and back afterward), now is the time to send in your travel times to Erik Pulkka, volunteer transportation coordinator, at epulkka@hotmail.com

Erik has a list of people arriving at LAX almost every hour on Aug 4, but only two cabs being shared so far. So send him your arrival and departure times and he'll try to pair you up. Every dollar saved is a dollar you can spend on a book!

Here are the costs and travel time of getting to the hotel from LAX:

• Estimated cost in a cab, shared (2-4 people): $40-50 plus tip, total, for a travel time of 30-45 minutes.
  
• Super Shuttle: $13 plus tip per person, but travel time up to 2 hours

By sharing, you can get there much faster for about the same price. Contact Erik today. For those who have already sent in their info, he will contact you as soon as he has a ride match for you.