Peggy King Anderson's classes

I guarantee that the rest of winter will be snow and ice-free! So I'm inviting you all to sign up for one of my two Magic of Writing for Children evening series. Come join me and your fellow writers for a fun, hands-on series of writing classes.

THE MAGIC OF WRITING FOR CHILDREN (Beginning) Bellevue College, North Campus Location, beginning Tuesday, January 15^th, 6:30-9:30 PM, 6 week series. A winter bargain, at $189

Have you always wanted to write for kids?  When you try, do you run into ogres, trolls, and wicked stepmothers?  (otherwise known as writer's block, wandering plot lines, and cardboard characters)  We may not have a fairy godmother, but we DO have help for you!  In this eight week class we'll cover the basics of writing for kids, with tips for getting past the dragons you meet along the way.   

In addition, classes will include writing exercises, and the opportunity to get feedback on your own writing.   By the end of these six sessions, you will be joyfully writing!

THE MAGIC OF WRITING FOR CHILDREN  (Intermediate/Advanced)Bellevue College, North Campus location, beginning Wednesday, January 16^th, 6:30-9:30, 6 week series. A winter bargain at $189

So now you’ve taken at least one writing class, and you’re ready for more. Join Peggy in this second level class to work on your current writing project. We’ll still have lots of fun writing exercises, and learn some more advanced writing techniques, such as how to put VOICE into your writing. But there will be lots of time for feedback on your writing project, whether it be a short story or article, or the brave start of your novel.

Contact Bellevue College at http://www.gotobcc.com, or call 425 564-2263

Questions?  Email Peggy at peggy@peggyking.com

(Okay, so I can’t really guarantee a snow and ice-free winter, but all the rest of the above is absolutely true!)

Kid Lit Drink Night!

In case you haven't heard, now hear this!

KID LIT DRINK NIGHT

Tuesday, January 15

The Elysian Brewery

 

on Seattle's Capitol Hill

 

7-9pm

 

 

Please come! Join your fellow SCBWI-ers for a pint! Hope to see you there!

Person of the Week: Lisa Yee

If you want a great study in voice, just look to Lisa Yee. Her first book, Millicent Min, Girl Genius, won the Sid Fleischman Humor Award. It was followed by two more books featuring other characters from the book, told in their own voices: Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time, and So Totally Emily Ebers. She has written a young adult novel, Absolutely Maybe, and has two books in a new chapter book series: Bobby vs Girls (Accidentally) and Bobby the Brave (Sometimes). Her newest book, Warp Speed, is about a Star Trek geek.

Lisa Yee at a book-signing

Lisa Yee currently lives in South Pasadena, California, with her husband, two children, and a rambunctious dog. To learn more about her, please visit her website and check out her blog for (practically) up-to-the-minute details on all her exploits.

1. What is your definition of a productive day?

When no one cries. Also, if I can meet my writing goals. I set them for myself daily.

3. What is the most helpful advice you ever received, and from whom?

When I was writing my first novel, Millicent Min, Girl Genius, I kept asking my editor Arthur Levine about the target audience, demographics, etc. (I had come from a career in TV and advertising).  He told me, "Just write the story it needs to be." So I stopped thinking and started writing.

4. What book do you wish you'd written?

The one that I am working on now.

5. What is your most consistent work habit?

I always start with an outline.

Baby Lisa with Santa

"Lightning" Round: Pickles: Sweet or sour?

Sour. Of course.

––Interview by Rebecca Van Slyke

Great Critique recap

Group led by Ann Gonzales

Monday night's Great Critique was a huge success! It was fun to listen to the buzz as the groups dispersed... people talking about revision ideas, manuscript problems solved, (or at least identified,) and new friendships made. 

Group led by Karen Lee Schmidt

A big hearty thank you to this years leaders: Holly Cupala, Ann Gonzalez, Janet Lee Carey, Helen Landalf, Kevin Emerson, Trudi Trueit, David Patneaude, Liz Mills, Peggy King Anderson, Meg Lippert, Tom Brenner, Donna Bergman, Wendy Wahman, Deborah Reber, Richard Jesse Watson, Julie Paschkis, Karen Lee Schmidt and Craig Orback. 

Group led by Wendy Wahman

AND we were able to collect about 100 books for our Sandy Hook Elementary Book Drive. Thank you to everyone who donated. We truly have such a generous region!

Some of the books we collected for Sandy Hook

 

Calling all writing groups!

Are you in a writing group?

Then I'm talking to YOU.

If you and your group would like to be featured in the Chinook Update blog, spilling your group-dynamic successes and challenges, the story of your formation and longevity, your inspirational/motivational/hysterical writing exercises, or your advice for the rest of us groupies, then:

Please email me.

I am going to use this space to include an ongoing feature on writing groups within the chapter, and the stories behind the scenes. It's time for us to stop hiding out at coffeehouses, and come into the open!


Thanks so much, and PLEASE share your group with the rest of us.

With gratitude and anticipation,

Emily Russin
Chinook Update blog
russin3@msn.com

January Events

Saturday, January 12

Jeanne Ryan, Nerve

University Book Store, Mill Creek, 11am

 

Friday, January 18

Annameekee Hesik, The You Know Who Girls (gay/lesbian-themed YA)

Elliott Bay Book Co., 7pm

Saturday, January 19

OUT OF TOWN EVENT: The Great Critique, hosted by SCBWI-Oregon

For complete information go to scbwior.com and click on the EVENTS tab.

Saturday, January 26

Clare Vanderpool, Navigating Early

Seattle Public Library, Northeast Branch, 2pm

Saturday, January 26

Jennifer L. Holm, Squish No. 4: Captain Disaster and Babymouse 17: Extreme Babymouse

Secret Garden Books, 2pm

Saturday, January 26

Amy Novetsky, Imogen: The Mother of Modernism and Three Boys (appears with novelist Whitney Otto, Eight Girls Taking Pictures)

Elliott Bay Book Co., 5pm

The Monday Scoop.....

Happy Monday. Here's a smattering of things to get your brains percolating....



First, if you are all signed up, don't be late for tonight's Great Critique!
When: 7pm 
Where: Seattle Pacific University, Demaray Hall
This event is closed. If you didn't register this time around, start working on something for next year. It's one of those amazing events that our chapter offers, but you have to register ahead of time.



Second, here's a lovely (if not sarcastic) link found on Twitter today. Don't we all just really need to know what The Next Big Trend in YA is?



Thirdly, Rebecca Van Slyke reports the following news from the Northern Network:

Last Wednesday the Northern Network was treated to an inspiring talk by Barb Davis-Pyles. She talked about “Bringing Balance into the Writing Life.” Those darn “little things”—laundry, house cleaning, surfing the ‘Net—keep pushing our “big things,” like writing and illustrating goals, aside.  How do you have time for both? Barb recommends these steps:

1.      Label the “big rocks” that fill up your jar: family, job, writing/illustrating goals, etc.

2.      Be specific with your goals: “I will complete a picture book manuscript by the end of this month.”

3.      Then think very small. Break your goal into smaller steps: “I will make a dummy of my book this weekend.”

4.      Commit to working toward your goal for 15 minutes a day. Remember, “I can do ANYthing for 15 minutes. “ Then if things go well, you can keep going. If not, quit after 15 minutes.

5.      Schedule your 15 minutes into your day. Studies show that earlier times evolve into habits easier.

6.      Stay on track. Get an accountability partner or reward yourself for goals met.

7.      If you fall off the wagon, get back on again.

Remember, a balanced life is all about creating good habits!

Dana Antrim shares an important link for all illustrators on how to price your artwork. It's well worth the look and listen.

SCBWI Oregon's Great Critque and more down south

Happy New Year from your neighbors to the south! If you live in the southern part of the state or want an excuse to visit Portland (food- cart phenomenon!), SCBWI Oregon has two events that might be of interest to you.

Can't make The Great Critique in Seattle? Oregon has taken a leaf out of WWA's book and is doing a similar event.
 
January 19, 2013 - The Great Critique - a writer's critique event. (Sorry, early-bird registration ended on January 1.)


February 23, 2013 - Wearing Two Hats - an event for illustrators who write, featuring Kristine Brogno, Design Director at Chronicle Books and author/illustrator Caroline Conahan. 
(You're in luck: Early-bird registration ends on January 15.)

For complete information on both of these events go to scbwior.com and click on the EVENTS tab.

Questions? Need more info? Contact Sue Ford, SCBWI Oregon, Co-Regional Advisor and Newsletter Editor

Critiquing 101

by Kerri Kokias, SCBWI-WWA Critique Coordinator

The Great Critique, coming up this Monday, January 7, is full!

With so many eager participants, it seems timely to have a brief post on Critiquing 101.

Why Critique? The purpose of a critique is to enable authors/illustrators to further develop their work. Receiving critiques provides authors/illustrators with non-biased feedback, and concrete suggestions for improvement. Giving critiques helps authors and illustrators to develop analytical skills that they can also apply to their own work.

The Job of the Author/Illustrator is to introduce the work and then sit back and listen to feedback without being defensive. It’s useful to take notes on everything, even if a piece of feedback doesn’t initially resonate. Ask questions for clarification. And later, decide which advice to take.

The Job of the Critiquer is to encourage the author/illustrator to do their best work by pointing out what works in a piece, as well as areas for development.

Specifics to consider when critiquing manuscripts….

·     Is the title effective? Does it arouse interest and hint at content?

·     Does the beginning grab and hold attention? Does the story begin at the appropriate time?

·     Is the point of view consistent? Is it the most effective one?

·      Is the material appropriate for the proposed audience?

·      Is the setting (time and place) clear?

·      Is the theme fresh and important?

·      Does the story move with good pacing and transitions?

·      Is the content focused? Does it show, not tell? Are sensory details woven in?

·      Are characters interesting, well-rounded, and believable?

·      Does the plot develop with credibility? Are character’s motivations clear? Is there sufficient conflict and growth?

·      Is the voice fresh, original, compelling and age appropriate?

·      Does the dialogue seem natural? Does it show character and advance the story? Do individual characters have a distinct way of talking?

·      Is word choice effective? Is there clarity, rhythm and power in the language?

·      Do chapter endings make you want to read on? Does the end of the story leave you satisfied?

Specifics to consider when critiquing illustrations:

·      Is the composition strong and interesting?

·      Is the chosen medium the best for the artist and subject?

·      Do the text and illustration support AND supplement each other? (Does the work illustrate the text and then contribute even more?)

·      Is there fluid movement and rhythm in shape and line?

·      Is the point of view effective? Does it vary to avoid monotony?

·      Does the layout contribute to the text?

·      Are characters fully developed? Consistent in appearance throughout?

·      Are the gutters free of important information?

·      Are page breaks effective?

·      Does the work break down into the correct page specifications according to its form (picture book = 24, 32, 40, etc.)?

In summary, critiquing is an essential part of making your work be the best that it can be!

Need a Critique Group? For tips and suggestions, see this recent blog post!

Events this week

On Thursday, January 3, from 7–8:30pm, Bill Kenower will lead a monthly roundtable at East West Bookshop in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood. Here is your chance to talk about success, failure, acceptance, rejection, writer's block, writer's envy, and a writer's joy. Everything will be on the table, and everyone is welcome. Sign up now. Space is still available.



Northern Network Meeting:
Wednesday, January 3
Barnes & Noble, Bellingham (Meridian St.)

Topic: "Bringing Balance to the Writing Life"
Laundry, grocery shopping, kids (and their activities), a day job (maybe two), errands, family obligations, and… writing. How can one writer balance the writing life with all the daily life that gets in the way?
Join us to hear full-time writer Barbara Davis Pyles talk about how to write for a living while keeping up with all that life throws your way.
Call Rebecca Van Slyke (360-354-5797) if you have questions. Hope to see you all there!

 

Novel Re-Vision: Editing Your Manuscript for Story 

Saturdays, beginning January 5–February 23, 10am-12:30pm

For those who feel like they need a little push/assistance in revising their novel, Lois Brandt's novel revision class begins January 5 at Bellevue College. 

This is an intensive hands-on class. You will be expected to work on your novel and complete assignments between class sessions. In-class exercises and critiques will help you recognize the parts of your manuscript that convey story and those that don’t. Each student will compile a list of edits necessary to revise their novel. Prerequisite for the class: a completed draft novel.  Cost:  $195.00

Instructor Lois Brandt welcomes email queries for those wondering if this is the right class for them.

 

For more information please follow this link to the Bellevue College website.

 

A note from Rollin

Dear SCBWI friends,

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much.

 

Sorry for my long silence but I was so overwhelmed by your well wishes on the poster and the check for economic assistance that I didn’t know how to respond. It is one thing to sign a poster with hopeful thoughts and kindly offer up some money and something quite different to receive it. I was so in awe of the kind words of hope and positive thinking plus the check that I was speechless. My sister said, “A simple thank you will do, just say it soon.” I am sure she is correct but I want to add a little news.

 

I have chosen the Gerson Therapy, which goes on the premise that cancer is a chronic symptom and that the disease is a failing immune system. So I am out to heal my immune system so it can heal my chronic diseases but it is expensive, as Medicare or insurance does not cover it--though it is the least expensive way to heal cancer. Two years of therapy at about $28,000.00 in food and supplements and the cost of my doctor to oversee the process plus my need to spend almost two thirds of my day in juicing and other health care, it leaves precious little time to earn a living. So when the check arrived, it was enough to cover one month of food and some supplements. I was so grateful, again thank you very much. Thank you, Joni, for gather it all together to send to me.

 

The poster sits on the wall at the end of my bed so all of the positive thoughts can give me a good start each morning and a peaceful way to end my day. Thank you, Dana, for creating it for every one to sign.

 

Thank you all for the joy you have sent to me.

Be well, create lots,

Rollin

 

PS, Please visit my healing site.

Cheers to our published members of 2012!

It's here. The last day of the year.

(That went fast, didn't it? Yikes!)

This year, many of our members released new books in a variety of genres. I wanted to ATTEMPT to take a quick roll call to honor you all, and your work, during this year. Forgive me if I missed some names, or just misspelled some––I am culling from Inside Story events as well as posts from the beginning of the year.

Cheers to you all for the books that are now in the world! Here's to many more successes in 2013!


Kimberly Baker
Stephanie Barden
Sean Beaudoin
Elizabeth Blake
Katherine Grace Bond
Martha Brockenbrough
Erik Brooks
Dia Calhoun
Stacey R. Campbell
Janet Lee Carey
Robyn Chance
Ben Clanton
J. Anderson Coats
Holly Cupala
Kevin Emerson
Sundee Frazier
Chadwick Gillenwater
Brenda Z. Guiberson
Stephanie Guerra
Mindy Hardwick
Penny Holland
Mark Holtzen
Jeff James
Patrick Jennings
Peg Kehret
Kathleen Kemly
Karen Kincy
Helen Landalf
Deb Lund
John Nez
Katherine Schlick Noe
Kirk Parrish
Julie Paschkis
Brenda Peterson
Randall Platt
Karen Robbins
Jeanne Ryan
Brianna Caplan Sayres
Carole Lexa Schaefer
Paul Schmid
Suzanne Selfors
Clete Barrett Smith
Maggie Smith
Trudi Trueit
Joe Wahman
Wendy Wahman
Suzanne Williams
Jennifer Shaw Wolf