NaNoWriMo Kickoff Event

Are you participating in NaNoWriMo or just want an excuse to write (or sketch!) among peers while in a pub setting? Then join Brenda Winter Hansen in a NaNoWriMo kickoff at the Pub at Third Place while she hosts a write-in on Tuesday, November 1 from 8-10 p.m., or stay as late as you want! She will have her official NaNoWriMo designator (a rubber duck) so bring the tools of your trade and leave the editor behind for an evening of camaraderie!

The Great Critique

The annual Great Critique will occur in place of our regularly scheduled Professional Series Meeting on January 10, 2012. 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 in mid-November. The number of spaces is limited. Since this is part of our Professional Series, priority is given first to those who have purchased a passport to the SCBWI-WW Professional Series Meetings, then to SCBWI 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.

Seven Things Samantha Vamos has Learned

Check out this post written by fellow SCBWI WWA member Samantha Vamos on Writer's Digest! Samantha's post "7 Things I've Learned So Far" is chock full of good advice and encouragement! Here's the link to the article.

For more information on Samantha, and her work, you can 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.

Third Place Books November Events

Check out these November Events at Third Place Books!!

November 1, 7 p.m. : Jennifer Kogler, DEATH CATCHERS Event.

November 2, 5:30 p.m.: Annie Barrows, IVY and BEAN: NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS Event.

November 4, 4 p.m.: Stages on Pages Event: 6 new authors and their books about performance.

November 5, 1 p.m.: Patrick Carman, DARK EDEN Event.

November 14, 7 p.m.: Heather Davis, WHEREVER YOU GO Event.
(This is not the event page, only the book page. The event hasn't been uploaded yet.)

For more information visit the Third Place Books webpage.

Karen Kincy Book Signing

Come meet and support fellow SCBWI WWA member Karen Kincy at her Saturday book signing!!

When: Saturday, October 29 from 4-6 p.m.

Where: Uppercase Books in Snohomish, WA

What: Karen will be signing copies of her YA novels BLOODBORN and OTHER, talking about writing, and giving away goodies. She hopes to see some SCBWI'ers there!

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

Good News for Elizabeth Rose Stanton

Good news and congratulations to Elizabeth Rose Stanton. Elizabeth's illustration was selected for the cover of the October issue of children's literature online magazine, Underneath the Juniper Tree.

Her work is also featured in this issue on page 84 with an illustration for the story BEDTIME (see the illustration below)-and two more illustrated limericks for the on-going series: THE UNFORTUNATE INCIDENTS OF TEDDY THE BEAR, featured on pages 117-18.

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

NaNoWriMo Support

Have you ever been part of NaNoWriMo? It's National Novel Writing Month & you write a novel (30,000 words) in 30 days. I've done it and it's an amazing experience to get into the discipline of writing every day! I heard about it two years ago from fellow SCBWI WWA member Lois Brandt.

Lois sent this email to fellow SCBWI NaNoWriMo'ers (by the way...those are my cats on the FB page).

Join our Facebook SCBWI NaNoWriMo support page. This is a place to ask questions, get encouragement and, yes, upload pet photos.

Here's the page address.

Questions? You can email Lois Brandt (Lois@LoisBrandt.com)

PS: Remember to sign up at NaNoWriMo.org early before the website slows to a crawl.

Northern Network Schmooze on November 2--All About Critique Groups

Critical Alert!! Critical Alert!! Critical Alert!!

Mark your calendars for the November meeting of the Northern Network! We will meet on Wednesday, November 2 to talk about critique groups. Are you in one? Have you been in one in the past? How do critique groups work? Learn the ins and outs of critiquing others' work and how to receive critical feedback of your own.

We will meet at the Bellingham Barnes and Noble (4099 Meridian Street) from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Questions? Email Rebecca Van Slykeat rebecca_vanslyke (at) hotmail (dot) com.

Hope to see you there!

Kid Lit Pub Night tonight!

Come socialize and talk about children's books with like-minded spirits. Everyone welcome! Tonight at 7:00 p.m. at Paddy Coyne's in Bellevue.

UPDATE! Due to Trivia Night at Paddy Coyne's, Kid Lit Drink Night will be happening RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER at the Cypress Wine Bar and Lounge inside the Westin Hotel. 

Good News for Jenn Chushcoff

Good news and happy days for Jenn Chushcoff! Jenn's book, SNOWFLAKES, won the 2011 Moonbeam gold medal in the pop up category. Yevgeniya Yeretskaya created the illustrations and paper engineering. Jenn said she did an amazing job! Look at this page!

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

Amazon Rewrites the Rules of Book Publishing

Thanks to Jim Whiting for sending this interesting article found in the New York Times. The article talks about how Amazon will be publishing books in both physical and e-book form and according to the article is encouraging writers to not go to Publishing Houses. Interesting read!

Spencer G. Shaw Lecture Series Presents Pam Munoz Ryan

Spencer G. Shaw Lecture Series Presents: Pam Muñoz Ryan Why I Read and Why I Write: The Cloud with the Silver Lining October 27 7 pm | Book signing and reception immediately following Kane Hall 210 | UW Seattle $3 for current students $5 general admission Cash at the door Join award-winning author Pam Muñoz Ryan for the 25th anniversary of the Spencer G. Shaw Lecture Series. The Shaw Lecture Series spotlights literature and library service for children and young adults. To register, visit iSchool.uw.edu/shaw2011 or call 206-543-4794. We hope to see you there!

Funding Opportunity for Seattle Artists

Seattle-based artists working in the visual, literary and media arts may apply for set award amounts of either $2,000 or $4,000 to support projects in 2012. City Artist Projects is an annual funding program that provides support to individual Seattle artists to develop and present new, in-progress or remounted works taken to the next stage. Projects must include a public presentation in the city.

Assistance is available during drop-in draft review sessions on Monday, Oct. 17 and Monday, Oct. 24. Click here for more details.

Priority will be given to quality art projects that focus on public benefit defined as community impact and access. Projects must include at least one of these four elements: engage new audiences, develop partnerships, create access through education and public awareness opportunities and/or present in non-traditional venues.

Eligibility: Seattle-based individual artists proposing projects in the visual, literary and media arts. Artists working in traditional/ethnic and multidisciplinary projects that incorporate one of these primary arts disciplines may also apply. CityArtists funds different disciplines in alternating years.

Deadline: 11 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011

Application: Access the online application here.

Draft review sessions: Staff will host a series of drop-in draft review sessions in October. Check here for dates and details.

Info:Irene Gómez, project manager, (206) 684-7310

Pacific Northwest Author Workshop--Protecting Your Legal Rights

Foster Pepper attorney Matt Hooper invites you to join him as he discusses ways that local authors can protect their legal rights, featuring the following topics:

• Typical Literary Contracts 
• Advances
• Land Mines to Avoid
• Personal Liability 
• Ownership of Derivative Works 
• Royalties 
• Affiliate Licensing
• Protecting Your Long-Term Rights
• Copyright Issues
• Option Agreements

Schedule: 7:45 a.m. Registration, 8:00-9:30 a.m. Program/Q&A (breakfast provided)


RSVP by: Friday, November 11, 2011 (to register, click on link below)


Click here to register


Questions? E-mail events@foster.com

Location:
Foster Pepper PLLC
30th Floor Conference Ctr.
1111 Third Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101

Directions:

• I-5 Northbound: Seneca Street exit (Exit 165); cross Third Avenue; immediate left to enter
  parking garage.
  
• I-90 Westbound: I-5 North exit; Madison Street exit (Exit 164A); left on Madison; right on Sixth; left on Seneca; cross Third Avenue; immediate left to enter parking garage.
  
• I-5 Southbound: Union Street exit (Exit 165B); left on Fifth Avenue; right on Seneca; cross Third Avenue; immediate left to enter parking garage.
  
  

Parking:
There is limited parking in the 1111 Third Avenue Building garage; enter from Seneca Street. Parking is validated for this building. In the event that this parking garage is full, alternate garage options are:

• Benaroya Hall: Enter the garage off Second Avenue, just south of Union Street.
  
• Cobb Building: Enter the garage on University between Third and Fourth Avenue. 
  
• Puget Sound Plaza Building: Enter the garage on Union Street between Third and Fourth Avenue.
  
  

Please note: 
Third Avenue is a "transit priority" corridor, and passenger vehicles are prohibited during peak commute times (6–9:00 a.m. and 3–6:30 p.m.).

Arthur A. Levine & Linda Sue Park Seattle Events

Not attending the SCBWI WWA Annual Fall Retreat? Or planning on it, and already know you'll want to see more, more, more of them? There's good news: In addition to the retreat, you'll be able to catch both Arthur and Linda Sue elsewhere in Seattle in early November:

ARTHUR A. LEVINE AT SECRET GARDEN:

Secret Garden Books is hosting Arthur on Wednesday, November 2 at 7 p.m. for an event to promote his picture book MONDAY IS ONE DAY. Author Arthur A. Levine and illustrator Julian Hector deliver a love note from a working parent to a child, counting the days of the week--each one a special opportunity to spend time together. The author will read his book, answer our millions of questions (including questions about what it's like being J.K. Rowling's U.S. editor!) and sign books available for sale. Free!

LINDA SUE PARK AND ARTHUR A. LEVINE, AMONG OTHERS: PLOT FOR TOTSON.

Bring your small kids with you to attend PLOT FOR TOTS -- a literary and musical extravaganza for the very young, benefitting Page Ahead Children's Literacy Program -- taking place on Sunday, November 6 from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Phinney Neighborhood Association Community Hall.

Famed kids' musician Caspar Babypants (lead singer of The Presidents of the United States of America) is headlining with his artist wife Kate Endle -- along with various stars in the children's literature field: Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park, Arthur A. Levine (J.K. Rowling's U.S. editor), and local legends Lorie Ann Grover, Samantha Vamos, and author/illustrator Wendy Wahman (who'll also be painting faces during the event).

Recommended for infants and children (and their parents), ages 0-5. Parents must accompany their children. There's a $5 suggested donation at the door, to benefit Page Ahead.

Call for Conference Presenters

Jody Ashton (from Rochester, Washington) is the Gifted Teacher at Grand Mound Elementary and in charge of their annual Young Authors' Conference. She's looking for authors and/or illustrators and storytellers to come be presenters at the conference in March 2012. The audience is kindergarten to fifth grade. Her budget is very small but can pay you something for the half day conference.

If you are interested in being a presenter please contact her at jashton@rochester.wednet.edu

Rollin Thomas Article

If you're an international SCBWI member you receive the SCBWI Bulletin (which is a wonderful resource for both writers and illustrators).

In the current September/October issue there's a fantastic article by fellow SCBWI WWA member Rollin Thomas. Rollin's article in the SCBWI Bulletin is titled "How Do You Say Brrktzzzpd!!!?" and it's about writing sounds. Check it out!! Thanks to Dana Sullivan for the heads up!!

Looking for a Freelance Editor?

Are you thinking of self-publishing? Looking for some constructive feedback on your latest work in progress? You need an editor! Nikki Bruno Clapper, an editor with more than 10 years of experience working for publishers such as Scholastic, Candlewick, Marshall Cavendish has launched a new website offering editorial services for writers.

Nikki just finished editing Cynthia Leitich Smith's upcoming novel, Diabolical (Candlewick, 2012) and comes highly recommended by Seattle writer, Trudi Trueit. "Nikki has edited several of my books," says Trudi. "She's an outstanding editor, and is so pleasant to work with. With Nikki, I always know my work is in capable hands." Nikki welcomes queries from authors in all stages of writing.

Here's a little more about Nikki:

Nikki Clapper is a writer-friendly editor. She is passionate about partnering with both fiction and nonfiction authors to make ideas sing. With 10 years of experience editing more than 300 titles for major publishers such as Candlewick Press, National Geographic Books, Scholastic, Prentice Hall, and Pearson Longman, she knows what it takes to convert an idea into a successful book.

With every manuscript, she acts as an advocate of both the reader and the author. A certified English teacher with a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University (anthropology) and a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education (teaching and curriculum), Nikki's areas of expertise include literary nonfiction, YA and middle-grade fiction, biography, and general interest nonfiction. Her services include manuscript critiques, developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading.

You can visit her website for more information. Thanks to Trudi Trueit for the recommendation!!

Graphic Artists Guild October Workshop-Jennifer Mccord

Learn How Creativity Helps Position and Sell Books in a Fast Changing Marketplace

Wednesday, October 26, from 12-2 p.m. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

What you need to know about publishing today.

From the written word to the design and delivery of books, how books are created and sold is shifting. How will e-books, POD, and rapidly changing book technology affect your chances of success?

Jennifer McCord will brief you on the interplay and impacts of changes in publishing, and remind you that no matter how or where your work is published, it is all about content and design.

Bring your questions about current trends in publishing and take away ideas for a strategy working and succeeding in the evolving world of today's publishing.

WHERE

Seattle Design Center Plaza Building

5701 6^th Avenue S. STE. 292

Seattle 98108

Lunch available at Molly’s in the Atrium

HOW MUCH:

Preregister at Brown Paper Tickets

Guild member-$10

Student-$10

Professional Association member-$15

General-$20

At the door cash or check only

Guild member-$15

Student-$15

Professional Association member-$20

General-$25

More information on their website.

Anne Belov Free Presentations

Fellow SCBWI member Anne Belov is giving free presentations at the Freeland Library over the next two weeks.

Here's information on her presentations:

Friday, October 21, at 11 a.m.- Project Management for Artists

This is not as boring as it sounds. It's all about how to plan your time so that you get your creative work done without having a nervous break down. We'll discuss ways of breaking down the big pieces into smaller ones to accomplish your creative goals. This is appropriate for all forms of creative work, not just visual art. Handouts will be provided. Please sign up at the Freeland library.

Friday October 28, at 11 a.m.- Hand Printed Paper Without a Press

This will be really fun. Get ink on your hands as well as the paper. We will play with printing papers using all sorts of found "templates". The resulting paper can be used for many things, not limited to cards, wrapping paper, and furniture embellishments. A supply list for those who want to do more work at home will be provided. You must sign up at the Freeland library as the class is limited to 10 people and is almost full.

The Freeland Library is located in Freeland WA on Whidbey Island. For directions to the library, visit their website.

Kevan Atteberry Signing

No Saturday plans??? Come and visit with fellow SCBWI member Kevan Atteberry!

Kevan is doing a book signing for BOOGIE MONSTER (and TICKLE MONSTER) tomorrow at Bellevue Art and Frame from 2:30 - 4 p.m.

Ellen Hopkins Seattle Visit

SCBWI Nevada RA Ellen Hopkins (who was also our keynote speaker at our annual SCBWI WWA conference in 2009) will be in Seattle promoting her first adult novel, TRIANGLES, at Third Place Books (17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake forest Park) on Tuesday October 25, at 7 p.m. She'd love to see some friendly faces there!

Here's more about Ellen from her web page.

Ellen Hopkins is a poet, freelance writer, and the award-winning author of twenty nonfiction titles and five NY Times Bestselling novels-in-verse. She has published hundreds of articles on subjects ranging from aviation to child abuse to winegrowing. Ellen mentors other writers through her position as a regional adviser for the Nevada chapter of the Society of Childrenïs Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She is a regular speaker at schools, book festivals and writers conferences across the US, and now throughout the world.

Here's some information on her new adult book-

After eight young adult novels, Ellen thought it was time to explore more mature subject matter, while still utilizing her signature verse novel formatting. Readers who started with her in 2004 (with her first YA novel, CRANK) have grown up. They have turned on their parents, teachers, librarians and counselors to her books, and this adult readership has come to appreciate verse as story as much as her younger readers do. Her first adult novel, TRIANGLE, is about hitting midlife and wondering if you might have accomplished more, or if you had taken a different turn, would your life, in fact, be better? And, perhaps the biggest midlife question of all—should I change directions now, before it’s too late?

Join us for LIBRARY OF THE EARLY MIND on November 8th!

SCBWI Western Washington is pleased as punch to present Seattle's first public screening of LIBRARY OF THE EARLY MIND, followed by a special Q&A session with director and co-producer, Ted Delaney. The film features a long list of children's literature luminaries such as past conference faculty members Grace Lin, Mo Willems, and Jane Yolen— plus upcoming retreat leader Arthur Levine.

Take a peek at the trailer.

PLUS, we'll have popcorn, candy, prizes, and more! November 8th at 7pm. This is sure to be a popular event, so come early to insure a seat! Seattle Pacific University, Demaray Hall. All welcome!

More info here. See you there!

Stasia Ward Kehoe Book Launch!!

Fellow SCBWI WWA member STASIA WARD KEHOE is celebrating the launch of her debut novel, AUDITION, at Barnes & Noble Woodinville (18025 Garden Way, NE, Woodinville, WA) on Tuesday, October 18, from 6-7 p.m.

Enjoy some AUDITION and arts book chat, plus prizes, treats, and performances by local teens from Evergreen Family Theater, Woodinville Dance Academy & Northwest Art Center. Fun for readers of all ages!

Today is AUDITIONS's Book Birthday! A big congratulations to Stasia!!! For more information on Stasia, and her work, visit her website.

Announcing the 2012 Mock Newbery Workshop!!

The Mock Newbery Workshop is presented by CSD, the Children and Young Adult Services (CAYAS) Interest Group of WLA, and the Wilsonville Public Library!

Here are the particulars:

Date/Time: Saturday December 10, 2011 / 10 am - 4 pm
Location: Wilsonville Public Library / 8200 SW Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville, OR
Cost: $15 / pays for snacks and a lunch from Country Grains Deli

Registration may be limited. So sign up quick, to ensure that you're able to take part in what promises to be a super-fun workshop.

For more details (and to register), click here.
Questions? Please contact Rick Samuelson at ricks@wccls.org or 503.648.9809.

Notes from the screener

Competition was stiff among the record number of applicants for our 2011 Weekend on the Water retreat. Whether you were accepted this year or even applied, you might benefit from the observations of our anonymous submission screener, because they’re so directly related to standing out in a slush pile or in an agent’s reading stack:

· The screener noted the difficulty of the ranking and selection process, not only because of the number of submissions but because the group as a whole displayed a high level of skill. Applicants as a whole are to be congratulated for making that strong impression.

· One factor that sometimes made a difference was an apparent mismatch between the elements or intent of a work, its writing style, and/or its intended age range — such as a YA character plopped into a middle-grade plot or vice versa. Or a preschool-age topic with a writing style more suited to older readers.

· A substantial number of submissions felt derivative of something already well done, e.g., wizard school or the teen girl who falls for the [insert vampire substitute here]. Press for more originality.

· There were a lot of YA submissions that used a first-person point of view. While it’s true that first person is very common in contemporary YA, the screener emphasized that the ubiquity of this point of view makes it even harder for a manuscript to stand out. Too many sounded the same. Distinguishing that voice and the character behind it is of paramount importance. “And pissed off or eccentric does not necessarily do it.”

· A notable number of submissions involved mothers with mental illness or depression. Be aware that this setup is looking unoriginal or overdone. How can yours be different?

· Finally, a large number of submissions were well-written but “meh” — nice but not knock-your-socks-off. Their authors may need to dial it up to get noticed. “Ordinary” and “generic” were two labels the screener used that you don’t want applied to your work. (And when editors say they’re looking for voice, they frequently mean they want something that’s the very opposite of generic.) This interest in distinguishing your work was a strong message from Chronicle editor Victoria Rock at our September Professional Series Meeting, too, and we’ve all heard it before: Great writing isn’t enough. Your work must stand out somehow. Above all, be unique.

The main selection criteria came down to voice and originality, since nearly all of the retreat applicants, accepted or not, submitted high-quality, polished writing. That’s good to know!

West Sound Reads Events

From Fellow SCBWI WWA member Dawn Simon:

WEST SOUND READS! is a consortium of Kitsap Regional Library and West Sound Independent Bookstores, including Eagle Harbor Book Co. & Liberty Bay Books in Poulsbo, joining together to bring premium authors to Kitsap County. Past authors include, Sherman Alexie, Lemony Snicket, Andre Dubus III, Lisa See, Rebecca Wells, Barbara Kingsolver, Henry Winkler, Rick Stever, & Philippa Gregory.

Here's their upcoming events (including one for today!):

Maggie Stiefvater will be reading from THE SCORPIO RACES on Monday, October 10, at 7 p.m. The event will be held at the North Kitsap Community Auditorium in Poulsbo.

Christopher Paolini will be at the Commons at Bainbridge High School on Monday, November 28, at 7 p.m. He will be reading from INHERITANCE.

Here's the website. For more information about Dawn visit her website (which includes some great book recommendations and events).

Don't forget Tuesday evening's Professional Series Meeting

We hope you'll join us for this month's Professional Series Meeting on Tuesday evening!

Where:  Seattle Pacific University, Demaray Hall, Room 150


When:  October 11, 2011. Registration starts at 6:45 p.m., main program begins at 7:00 p.m.


What:  PARA-ABNORMAL: MAKING A GENRE (OR, DARE I SAY IT, A TREND!) YOUR OWN with Stephen Barr, literary agent with Writers House in New York. You'll pretty much never be the only one writing within a particular genre (knitting-cowboy noir being the rare exception). Chasing trends is a lost cause and a death knell to unrestrained creativity, but whatever's popular is popular for a reason--it's fun to write and fun to read!--so how do you simultaneously respect the genre you're working in and break free from it?  Stephen will discuss what stands out to him from the onslaught of same-feeling submissions and how to satisfy readers while challenging their expectations (for instance, have you considered knitting-cowboy noir?).

See you there!

Daily Writing Prompts from Lois Brandt

Fellow SCBWI member Lois Brandt has added a list of daily writing prompts for October to her website. This is for writers who like prompts or need that little extra push towards writing every day. Print out the list, take it with you, when you have a free moment: write.

The October list is under the "Resources" tab on her website (here's the link). For more information on Lois, and her work, visit her website.

Kenmore Reading Series

This is from fellow SCBWI WWA member Lindy Thompson: The Kenmore Reading Series is giving SCBWI members a special invitation to attend our reading series. The next open mic night is Wednesday, October 19 from 6-8 p.m. at Espresso Works in Kenmore. We are different from other open mics because we not only share our work, but we talk about writing in an atmosphere that fosters community. Come and share your current project or those poems and essays in have in your drawer. "google us"

Light Up the Library Auction

Jean Reidy's third picture book LIGHT UP THE NIGHT, comes out this month! We received this email from Jean:

What you probably don't know is that the story - while visibly very American - was inspired by the children of Uganda, many of whom are orphaned by AIDS while others have been displaced due to past civil war. My family has developed strong connections to that country and its children over the past 6 years.

To celebrate the release of my book and those beautiful children, I'm holding an online auction this November to benefit literacy in Africa and a library at Musana Children's Home in Iganga, Uganda where I worked last summer. The auction is called LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY.

I'm coordinating this with the volunteers for an amazing Peace Corps project called Libraries for Life - which is providing books for libraries in designated Ugandan schools. The project is being administered by, not only the Peace Corps, but also the Books for Africa organization. And Musana has been designated as one of the recipient libraries.

Please know that each and every day I continue to support public libraries, school libraries and literacy programs here in the U.S. But this auction will reach beyond our borders to benefit efforts abroad.

I know all of you, as caring and generous as you are, have your own special passions and causes. So I don't want you to feel any pressure here, especially during such difficult economic times. But if, by chance, this project of mine touches you in any way, and if you have something you might like to donate to the auction, please let me know via my online form. Here's the link:

Light Up the Library Auction Donation Form.

I'm open to any and all possibilities. Some of the items on my wish
list include:

Manuscript critiques
Writing mentorships
Autographed books
Author Twitter Chats
School visits
Author Skype Visits
Marketing Consultations
Social Networking Consultations
Book trailers
Blog designs
Blog header designs
Web designs
Personalized Sketches, Caricatures or Watercolors for Blogs or Websites
Business Card Designs
Real Estate Sales Consultations
Home Staging or Design Consultations
Night Time Baby Items or Crib Items
Baby Afghans
Baby Quilts
Telescopes
Original artwork
Handy Man Services
Hand-crafted Jewelry and Bags
Sports Memorabilia
Other Services such as Massages, Manicures, Etc.

Thanks so much for considering my request. Please feel free to pass this info to friends who may be interested.

For more information on Jean, and her work, 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.

Ann Gonzalez's Writing for Teens and Tweens Online Class

Sharpen your keyboard, the next session of Ann Gonzalez's Writing for Teens and Tweens the online craft and novel revision workshop will start on October 16th. For 125.00 (money-back guarantee) you'll have 8 weeks of in-depth ms critiques and lessons on aspects of craft. You'll meet other writers in the cyber-workshop and have a little fun, too.

Contact Ann at ann@anngonzalez.com if you have a novel started and need help pushing through to the end, or if you're at the final revision stage — the class is designed to help writers finish their stories.

Ann Gonzalez has an MFA from the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts, and is author of RUNNING FOR MY LIFE, the story of fourteen-year-old Andrea McKane, a teen struggling to make sense of her mother's mental illness.

SCBWI WWA at Northwest Bookfest

SCBWI WWA had a great time at Northwest Bookfest over the weekend. The weather could have been nicer, and the crowds could have been bigger, but the company couldn't have been better. We had fabulous authors and illustrators showing off their talents in the booth continuously both days, along with book sales and signings, giveaways, and outreach to many librarians and potential new members. 

Authors and illustrators who participated included:

• Stephanie Barden, 
• Bonny Becker, 
• Elizabeth Blake, 
• Tom Brenner, 
• Erik Brooks, 
• Royce Buckingham, 
• Robyn Chance, 
• Holly Cupala, 
• Carole Dagg, 
• Lois Harris, 
• Laurie Isop, 
• Nick James, 
• Karen Kincy, 
• Katherine Kirkpatrick, 
• Helen Landalf, 
• Liz Mills, 
• John Abbott Nez, 
• Katherine Schlick Noe, 
• Joni Sensel, 
• Wendy Wahman, 
• Richard Jesse Watson, 
• Conrad Wesselhoeft, and 
• Jennifer Shaw Wolf.

And many others also dropped in to read, draw, or just say hi. Thanks!

Many thanks to everyone who volunteered to help make our booth a success, including the authors and illustrators, University Book Store, and especially, Tina Hoggatt and her trusty assistant, Dana Sullivan, for pulling it all together!

 

Join Mindy Hardwick for the Dark and Stormy Beach Weekend

On Saturday, November 5, Fellow SCBWI WWA member Mindy Hardwick will lead two writing workshops for Dark and Stormy Beach Weekend in Manzanita, Oregon. The workshops will run from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The fee for each is $25. Both workshops will be at the Hoffman Center, 594 Laneda Avenue in Manzanita.

To find out more about the Hoffman Center's Dark and Stormy Beach Weekend as well as register visit their event page. You can also find out more about Mindy, and her work, on her website.

Mindy's Workshops for Dark and Stormy Beach Weekend:

Writing From Life: Flash Fiction

It’s short. It’s fast, and it’s fun. Mindy will lead us through exercises to “mine our memories” for ideas. Then, we’ll take those rich ideas and turn them into pieces of flash fiction. You’ll learn about publishing markets open to Flash Fiction. This is a great workshop for writers wanting to learn more about Flash Fiction, memoir writers looking for new writing ideas, and high school writing teachers looking for new ways to teach writing.

Writing the Picture Book

Picture books are the most beloved story form of children’s writing. But, how easy is it to write a picture book and how can the knowledge of picture book writing help writers who are working on longer stories? Join Mindy to learn to create a memorable character and how to structure a picture book. The workshop is perfect for writers and educators who want to better understand how to work with and teach the elements of story.

Big Sur Children’s and Young Adults Writing Workshop

There are still a few spots left at the Big Sur Children’s and Young Adults Writing Workshop to be held on Dec. 2-3, 2011.

The workshop is sponsored by the Henry Miller Memorial Library, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) bookstore and art space who has hosted Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, theater, poetry, art, and so much more; and the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

Each year we host dozens of aspiring writers and illustrators across two illuminating days here in the redwoods. The workshops are small - ratio of faculty to writers is five to one or better - and the faculty consists of authors, publishers, editors, and literary agents. To make things slightly more bearable, I’ve included some helpful links:

• The workshop home page. It has all the information you’ll need, including the editors, agents, and authors who'll be attending, submission guidelines, and logistics.

• Our Facebook page, which includes works of workshop alumni and faculty members, as well as news and other information.
  

• Success stories and thank-you notes from alumni, some of whom found a publisher at previous workshops, all of whom found the workshop to be inspirational and unforgettable.