My, what big feet you have!

THIS SUNDAY! THIS SUNDAY! THIS SUNDAY! 

Please join author Eric Ode and illustrator Jaime Temairik for a swell celebration in honor of the birth of their picture book, BIGFOOT DOES NOT LIKE BIRTHDAY PARTIES.

The book.

The illustrator.

The author.

WHEN: Sunday, November 15 at 3pm
WHERE: Queen Anne Avenue Books, 1811 Queen Anne Ave. N., Seattle

It's going to be big, it's going to have ten toes (or more), and things might get a little hairy...but in a good way. There will be a reading, there will be games, there will be prizes. And pie. Oh, yes!

Spots available this summer at picture book boot camp!

The University of Washington is pleased to offer ILLUSTRATING CHILDREN'S BOOKS, evenings on the Seattle campus, June 19 - July 12.


Illustrator and SCBWI WWA Co-Regional Advisor Jaime Temairik is here to help you get your picture book art and/or text in shape! Details after the jump.

Upcoming Author/Illustrator Events

Wondering what's going on in your neighborhood? Here are just a few author/illustrator events from our local bookstores. Make sure you visit the websites for more information and more events.

Secret Garden Events:

March 31 at 6:00 p.m.
Author Lisa Lutz wil share a sneak peek of her forthcoming picture book, HOW TO NEGOTIATE EVERYTHING with art by our own amazing Jaime Temairik!!! Lisa and Jaime will reminisce about how they met, which involved some very poor private investigating and a lot of Irish coffee.
Additionally, join Lisa and Jaime for an unofficial booze up post-book event across the street at the Balmar at 7:30 p.m.

April 9 at 7 p.m.
Peter Lerangis is the author of more than 160 books, which have sold more than 4.5 million copies and been translated into 28 different languages, including the bestselling series THE 39 CLUES.

April 10 at 6:30 p.m. (Event held at Seattle Public Library: Central branch)

Come meet Peter and the Starcatchers co-author (with Dave Barry) Ridley Pearson, author of over 50 books for people of all ages.

Third Place Books Events:

April 2 from 7-8 p.m. at the Lake Forest Park store

Author Barry Lyga will be reading and signing his book, I HUNT KILLERS.

April 7 at 3 p.m. at the Ravenna store
CELEBRATE NATIONAL POETRY MONTH! Kenn Nesbitt is possibly the funniest and most sought-after children's poet writing today. When he's not writing, podcasting, updating his website (poetry4kids.com), or visiting schools sharing his wacky brand of humor with kids across America, Kenn can be found cuddling his collection of stuffed bears. He seriously cannot get enough of bears. Or chickens.

University Bookstore Events:

Friday April 20 at 4 p.m. at Seattle Library: North East branch 6801 35th Avenue N.E.

Trenton Lee Stewart will be reading and signing THE EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION OF NICHOLAS BENEDICT.

Before there was a Mysterious Benedict Society, there was Nicholas Benedict. And here is his story. Fans of Trenton Lee Stewart's series of books about a group of extraordinary kids who solve mysteries will delight in this new book about the boyhood education of the man who started the society.

Barnes & Noble Northgate Events:

April 6 at 7 p.m.

R.L. LaFevers' GRAVE MERCY event.
Join us and THEODOSIA series author R.L. LaFevers as she shares her new teen novel, GRAVE MERCY. This powerful first volume of the 'His Fair Assassin' series is a must-read! LaFevers' complex tale incorporates magic both sparingly and subtly.

Mockingbird Books Events:

April 27, from 11-noon

Alex Beard Author Event. Alex Beard will once again be visiting Mockingbird Books! Help us celebrate his latest book CROCODILE'S TEARS by joining us for an 11 a.m. storytime. Alex is a celebrated painter from New Orleans.

Illustrating Children's Picture Books Class with Jaime Temairik

Hey Picture Book Makers!

Join me this summer for a great class, Illustrating Children's Picture Books, at the University of Washington Seattle campus. I can promise you four weeks of wall-to wall-picture book making talk. Incredible guest speakers like Martha Brockenbrough (www.marthabee.com) and Richard Jesse Watson (www.richardjessewatson.com) can promise you incredible inspirational writing tips and illustration techniques (Richard will be doing a live painting demo!)

Especially suited to those just starting out in picture books, this class is also an excellent bootcamp for seasoned creators that need a refresher course or some outside accountability.

Give your children's book career that boost in craft it needs this summer. There are a few spots left, so sign up soon—class starts June 14!

Details:

http://www.pce.uw.edu/course.aspx?id=6246

Start Date: 6/14/2011, End Date: 7/7/2011

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Credits:2.4 CEUs

Location:UW Seattle

Cost:$549

Reg #:108945

Liz Gallagher's MY NOT-SO-STILL LIFE on shelves

Our own Liz Gallagher celebrated the release of her second novel Saturday afternoon at Secret Garden Books.

The book, MY NOT-SO-STILL life, is about an artsy teen named Vanessa who dyes her hair to express her individuality (hence Liz's vivid pink wig).

Liz read from her book, which is set in Seattle, served us outrageously good cupcakes from Bake It in a Cake, and held an art contest for her many fans. You can pick up a signed copy of the book at Secret Garden. Sorry, but there are no cupcakes left. Helen Landalf ate like forty of them (kidding, Helen, kidding!)

From left: Kim Baker, Jaime Temairik, Martha Brockenbrough, Helen Landalf,
Megan the baker, and Liz Gallagher. Photo by novelist Heather Davis.

Also from left: pretzels, napkins, lemon bar cupcakes,
nerd-flavored cupcakes (the candy, not the human form), hot chocolate cupcakes,
and Liz's hand holding pink lemonade.

Jaime Temairik art show today!

I don't know about you, but my afternoon plans today are completely set: I'm headed to Dubsea Coffee at 9910 8th Avenue SW in Seattle to see new art by Jaime Temairik.

The party is from 2-4 p.m., and there will be cookies, iced coffee, and an art activity for kids. (What, no pole dancing? OK, on second thought, I'm totally fine with that.)

Don't miss Jaime's show. Check out her portfolio here.

Jaime Temairik teaching a picture book class at UW

Here's what Jaime has to say about her class:

The UW Illustrating Children's Picture Books class really is the perfect way to keep your butt in chair over the summer. I consider it a boot camp for picture books. All levels are welcome to attend. We will be learning about what constitutes a great picture book and making dummies. Even if you think you know it all, are you practicing it in your own work? Or do you get more done if you are accountable to others? I'm happy to account you this summer!

You don't need to be an illustrator to attend: authors will be encouraged to practice paginating their work and thinking more visually. And I'm SO EXCITED to share the book report assignment I've come up with -- yous guys are going to love it.

You don't need to be an author to attend: if you don't have a manuscript to dummy up, I will have some published texts for you to practice on or you can find a song or folktale on your own.

Wouldn't it be fun to spend a few nights a week this summer making your next project shine, surrounded by kindred, picture book lovin' spirits? Listening to some stellar guest speakers -- Julie Paschkis and Paul Schmid? AND DID I MENTION THERE WILL BE CUPCAKES?

Plus, the class is happening during Eric Carle's birthday and the anniversary of the awarding of the first Caldecott Medal. So be prepared to celebrate those if you sign up!

And here's what I have to say about it...I first met Jaime during this very class, and strategically sat by her each time because she was so darned good that I thought I could pick up a few things by osmosis.

The class itself definitely helped me turn a corner as a picture-book writer--among other things, I learned what words I could leave out. But to have it also be taught by Jaime? SCORE. She really knows her stuff. Sign up if you can!

Illustrator Panel: Secrets for Success at Every Stage #scbwiwwa

Dana Arnim, Jim Di Bartolo, Paul Schmid, and five stolen candy bars joined me, Jaime Temairik, Sunday afternoon.The panel had been asked to divulge three secrets -- career secrets, not political secrets, although I think Jim knows things...

PERSONAL:
The Chinook Update blog had a round up of local studio tours a few months ago. You may have noticed framed quotes populating these places and the panel was asked if they had any particular rituals or mantras they turn to while working.

Dana: She has a pair of Addidas Tokyo track spikes hanging in her studio from her running days. "They remind me there is no substitute for putting in the work. Before you can race, you have to train, so craft, craft craft."

Jim: Laini and Jim work in the same room and they have signs above their computers. Jim's says "Mr. Fresh" and Laini's says "Mrs. Wonderful." This only proves that they are indeed superheroes. BUT seriously. Jim surrounds himself with reference books and does Mental Apprenticeships -- when looking at other artists' work analyze how they made a piece and see if their approach could help your work. "Always be studying, always be willing to try new styles, especially if you aren't getting the work you want."

Paul: He's got a quote hanging above his desk that says "Quality is not job one, being totally, frigging amazing is job one." What Paul wants to do every day is amaze and stand out. He thinks this boils down to content, not style.

Jaime: I spend most mornings having existential crises and low confidence. Running has helped that. Especially running up a hill which makes me feel like I've accomplished something for the day even if I end up scrapping all my drawings. Taped to my computer is "What's the opportunity in this?" I always wonder if I'm good enough to handle a new job or responsibility, but taking a leap into the unknown can be great. If I get a rejection, rather than cry into some Ben & Jerry's, I have to remember there's got to be something in this that will make me a better author or illustrator.

LOCAL:
This mostly comes down to Seattle/Portland opportunities for illustrators.

Dana: Dana works in watercolors and has a Kinko's secret for us. She brings in her 140 lb. watercolor paper (up to 13 x 19) to a Kinko's and has them use their color laser printer to print her line work on the paper. Knowing she has multiple copies to practice painting on frees her to try new things and not be too careful.

Jim: SCBWI!!!

Paul: SCBWI!!!

Jaime: Printing postcards at Costco (see their website for locations with Copy Centers) and taking Brenda Guiberson's summer UW Extension class on Illustrating Children's Picture Books. It is like book dummy boot camp and I've taken it three times. Shameless plug -- I'll be teaching it this summer and Paul Schmid is one of the guest speakers!

NATIONAL/GLOBAL:
Since world domination is the goal of most illustrators.

Dana: Online tutorials. If you need to beef up your digital art skills, check out lynda.com.

Jim: Conferences. Jim attends the SCBWI International Conferences and has made many work connections. Jim also attends other industry conferences like ComiCon.

Paul: The internet. Paul loves to look at other illustrators online and is especially enamored of European ones. You can look at covers on Amazon.fr or see if any of the Bologna Book Fair illustrators have websites.

Jaime: Alyson B. Stanfield has a mini-monopoly on art business advice. Though geared toward gallery artists, her book, podcasts and classes offer advice easily applied to illustrators. I loved taking her online "Blast Off" class.

Take a class with Jaime Temairik

If you're an aspiring picture book author, you can sign up for a class with the one and only Jaime Temairik, who's been hired as an instructor by the University of Washington. It'll meet eight times this summer, in the evening so that people with day jobs can attend.

Here's the description:

Designed for aspiring and published illustrators and authors of children's 32-page picture books, this course explores the visual side of writing picture books through workshops, discussions, and critiques.

Working from an original story or re-told folktale, participants:

• Develop a complete 32-page book dummy and work toward the final art.

• Evaluate ways in which a manuscript can suggest visual scenes and how illustrations enhance the narrative qualities of a manuscript.

• Explore character details, word choice, visual research, pacing, art styles, media, point-of-view, and manuscript revision.

• Learn techniques for seamlessly integrating a story's words and pictures.

Illustrators and authors of children's chapter books are also welcome. This course complements the University of Washington Extension certificate program in Writing for Children.

Find out how and when to register here.

Noted local illustrators Julie Paschkis and Paul Schmid will make guest appearances.

And here's one of Jaime's illustrations. Wouldn't you love to be able to paint like that?

This really makes me want to visit Beach Lane Books

Here's a photo of their offices, snagged from Jaime's CocoaStomp blog, in which she has a lovely interview with Allyn Johnston. One really great way to know if you should pitch an editor is to get to know that editor a bit in person. Check it out, and see if Beach Lane Books (which published last year's ALL THE WORLD) might be for you.

Studio tours: Jaime Temairik

Ooh! Jaime's workspace, in video format. Enjoy!



See more of Jaime at her Cocoastomp blog and on Bound, her MSN Entertainment book blog.

Books recommended by Cheryl Klein/Ruta Rimas

Jaime Temairik has the scoop at her book blog, Bound. P.S. Don't anyone tell her about the giant chicken in GRACELING. It will give everything away.

Eoin Colfer fans

Jaime Temairik interviewed him! Find out his favorite writing snack and the latest news on ARTEMIS FOWL (a new book and movie are in the works).

Check out Bound on MSN Entertainment.

National Bookstore Day coming up

Look! An announcement from Jaime Temairik. Let's all help get our favorite stores on the map. Read on:

Hey YOU GUYS!
Are you polishing your beanies for November 7th, National Bookstore Day?

Well MSN Entertainment is. There's a bunch of new pages at the Bound blog dedicated to celebrating the best bookstores across the nation.

And we would LOVE to know what your favorite shoppe is!

Add your favorite bookstore by U.S. region, or if you are fancy, International. Signing up to add to the pages is totally free, you can even pick a super secret Username like The Secret Life of Martha Bees.

If you have any problems loading stuff you can email me at jaime at jaimetemairik dot com and I will walk you through it or do it for you!

I'm easy like that! And you can tell I set up the pages because I not only ask for the bookstore recommendation, but also a place to have a snack. Extra points if you can suggest a nearby cupcakery.

Click here to help Jaime and promote your favorite store at the same time. (On the left side of the page is a regional list of links. Click that to begin.)

Bound with Jaime Temairik Hedquist

Don't you wish you could talk books with Jaime T. every day?

Guess what! You can!

She is far too modest to have sent along word that she's doing this, but it's high time to let everyone know that Jaime is blogging for the MSN Entertainment Superfan team. Her blog, BOUND, is all about books.

You can find author interviews, references to books on TV (it's not just Oprah, people). And on Friday, she'll be interviewing the illustrator Sue Hendra, who collaboratoed with Barbara Jean Hicks to create MONSTERS DON'T EAT BROCCOLI.

Do check it out. Leave her comments. Let's help make this blog a success so that MSN continues to include books in their pop culture mix.

Go, Jaime!

Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi

The author/illustrator team of THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES will be here next week. Quoting Jaime Temairik's blog:

Lake Forest Park is the first stop on Monday, the 14th:

September 14th, at 7:00 pm

Third Place Books
17171 Bothell Way NE
Seattle, WA 98155

And rocking in Redmond on Tuesday, the 15th:

September 15th, at 7:00 pm

BORDERS (Redmond Town Center)
16549 NE 74th St.
Redmond, WA 98052

How cool to have BOTH the author and illustrator on tour together!

Remember, Holly was just at the SCBWI LA Conference, see all the Holly related posts here. Tony's website has lots of wonderful hidden bits and bobs if you haven't checked it out recently.

Our chapter shines at the conference

Sheesh, it was almost EMBARRASSING how famous our chapter was at the SCBWI national conference in Los Angeles.

Jolie Stekly and Jaime Temairik represented as members of the official blog team. Be sure to read the posts--you'll really get a sense of what you missed.

Allyson Valentine Schrier was honored with a scholarship to attend the conference.

And Jolie and Sara Easterly, our incredible former RAs, were honored as SCBWI members of the year for their outstanding work. They deserved it--and then some.