One Over-Caffeinated Mom

Totally gone AWOL

2010-03-09T18:35:00.001-08:00

I totally do not use this blog anymore! To find me, go to this site. I'm talking running, writing and more running over there. :-)

The Word Chef

2008-09-28T06:43:00.001-07:00

My crazy costume idea for the SCBWI national conference in August has taken on a new life.

I went to the SCBWI "Paint the Town Red" gala as "The Word Chef," with the intention of promoting all my author friends at Kidlit Central News. I wore a red chef's outfit with oven mitts, a spatula and a wire wisk tied around my waist and carried a plate of Zingers (red) with tiny book covers stuck in them.

It was fun--and a lot out of my comfort zone. I had the idea at the last minute, so I paid a small fortune to get the embroidered hat and apron sent to me on time. With all that cash spent, I knew I had to get another use out of that get up.

At the same time, I was looking for a way to connect with some young writers I know without seeming like that preachy mom/aunt/neighbor/friend.

From this, The Word Chef was born. The Word Chef offers writing tips for kids, in video and photo essay format. Everything is a cooking analogy, so the lessons are easy (and fun!) to remember.

I hope you'll stop by The Word Chef's blog--and help spread the word.

My regular blog is still at: http://kidlit-kim.livejournal.com/
Also stop by to see all the latest and greatest kidlit news from the Midwest at: www.kidlitcentralnews.com

Kidlit Central News

2008-08-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

Hey! I don't know if anyone still checks up on me here, but I'm blogging at Live Journal now: http://kidlit-kim.livejournal.com/

You can also find me on Twitter: kidlit_kim

AND, the super cool news -- We've (me and 30 of my kidlit BFFs) started a new blog, Kidlit Central News, that has really taken off. At Kidlit Central News, we'll keep you updated on all the hottest kidlit news, books, reviews, interviews and happenings in the Central U.S. (www.kidlitcentralnews.com)

Moved!

2008-03-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

Hey, I don't know if anyone still checks up on me over here. But, I've been blogging at LJ for a looonnnnngggg time now!

http://kidlit-kim.livejournal.com/

My best posts are friends-locked, but you can still get some of the scoop there :-)

Off to see the Wizard...

2007-08-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

I'm off to see the Wizard...

Oh, wait! I'm not in Kansas anymore!

Tonight I'll be at the SCBWI conference in LA. If I have time, I'll do some posts on my Live Journal. Catch it here: http://kidlit-kim.livejournal.com/

Blogging

2007-02-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

Obviously, I'm not blogging here much these days! I've been blogging at LJ:

http://kidlit-kim.livejournal.com/

But, for the really good stuff, you'll need to get a LJ account and become my friend :-)

I was double-posting the writing-related stuff, but it's just becoming too time-consuming.

Santa Knows

2006-12-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

When Cynthia Leitich Smith found out how much A loved Santa Knows, she linked to my blog entry that discussed A's reaction to the book (See A Young Reader Believer Story on the Santa Knows site). But, that's not all. Because A thought that the Leitich Smiths were elves, Cynthia sent an autographed post card for A's stocking.

When A pulled out the card, she said, "Oh, this must be a letter from Santa." She had written a letter to Santa the night before asking Santa to find her missing stuffed animal, Lammy. She ended the letter with, "I will always believe in you."

She opened the envelope and pulled out the card. She read the card, "Merry Christmas from the elves." She shrieked. "They're real. They're real. They're real elves!"

She finished looking through her stocking and was thrilled with sunscreen, hand sanitizer, goggles (all things the girls will need in the coming weeks :-) and her double dutch jump rope. All this time, S was quietly looking at the contents of her own stocking. A looked at the coffee table and saw the note from Santa. "Oh, here's the note from Santa," she said before she read Santa's letter aloud to the rest of us. Santa thanked her for the cookies and milk and the reindeer treats we threw in the front yard, and for the cheese for Santa Mouse. * He told her Lammy was in her closet, to do her homework and to help clean that messy room (since that was how Lammy disappeared!).

Then...she got down to the part that said, "I hope you enjoy your iPod. Please remember to share and to take good care of it."

She frantically looked around. "What iPod? Where is it?" Then she saw it. Right on the table next to the spot she picked the note up from. "That wasn't there! Santa made that appear just now! That wasn't there before!"

"An iPod! An iPod!" Now S was screaming too!

It was a very special Christmas at home! The girls (and hubby and I) enjoyed waking up in our own home on Christmas morning and creating our own holiday traditions. It has always felt weird to me because our holiday tradition has always been to travel on Christmas Eve and run around to all the relatives homes eating and exchanging presents.

Happy Holidays! I wish each of you a joyous and prosperous New Year.

* Do you know about Santa Mouse? Santa Mouse was my favorite Christmas book as a kid. I found a copy for $5 this year. At my brother's house, stocking presents are from Santa Mouse. The girls thought Santa Mouse sounded like a pretty cool mouse, so this year, stocking presents came from SANTA MOUSE at our house too!

Jump Ropes

2006-12-08T20:14:00.000-08:00

I mentioned the new Disney Channel movie, Jump In, in an earlier post. In that post, I also told you where to go to get your double dutch fabric (come on...you know you want new flannel jammies or maybe a pillow!) HINT: Austin illustrator Don Tate is now a fabric designer!!!

Now, here's where to get your double dutch jump ropes: The Jump Rope Store.

I bought ropes for S, A and K for Christmas. These are the old-style gym class ropes. You can choose the length. AND, you can choose the bead colors. A is getting a pink and purple rope. S will get blue, green and purple. K gets a smaller rope in purple and pink. The price is a reasonable $16.95 + shipping for a double dutch (less for smaller ropes). And, mine arrived in just two days!

Yep, we'll be doing double dutch in the garage on Christmas Day!

All Partied Out!

2006-12-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

Looking back on October and November, it's a wonder I got any writing done at all. We hosted a lot of parties: Halloween work gathering, Hubby's surprise party and S's pirate birthday party. I still have the neighborhood hayride with Santa. It starts at my house, but I no longer plan it. (See....I CAN say no!) And, we still have the 3rd grade winter party that I'm one of three room moms for (That one will be easy!)

My neighbor reminded me of all the parties when I mentioned another party opportunity. I briefly considered hosting a Jump In party. (Until I remembered that we'll have A's b-day party that month. One party a month is definitely enough, even in my book!) Disney Channel has a new original movie, Jump In, staring Corbin Bleu (one of the boys from HS Musical) and Keke Palmer (the girl from Keelah and the Bee). It's a jump rope movie with what appears to be a hot soundtrack. I predict this will be bigger than Cheetah Girls 2.

So... I'm buying double dutch jump ropes for Christmas and I'll be picking up some of Don Tate's flannel and fleece when it's available. Don has just licensed some illustrations for a fabric line and one of those will be double dutch jump ropers! (I'll make something simple like pillows or scarves, as I'm not much of a seamstress!

Pick up Don's fabric, get a jump rope and start the year with what will be the hottest old exercise around!

How to Host a Pirate Party -- Part 2

2006-12-03T21:03:00.000-08:00

We used my pirate manuscript as the "script" for the party and came up with games to fit the situations the pirates got themselves into.

Keep in mind that it was 16 degrees in the Midwest today, and we had 20 kids!

The kids batted around balloons while they waited for the other pirates to arrive. Most of the kids came in pirate gear. We had pirate bandanas for everyone. We divided them into two teams and put color-coded name tags on each kid so they wouldn't forget which team they were on.

We covered the door to the basement with craft paper and decorated it to look like a ship. This was not a fancy party in terms of the decorations. I wanted this to be simple (and in terms of my manuscript, I want it to be something everyone could execute whether it's for a story time or a party.) We had two laundry basket ships! How's that for fancy!?

I read a few stanzas of the story, then we took breaks to play games. After each game, they sat and listened to the story to see which game would come next. A few of our games: canonball fight, walking the plank, swabbing the deck and sword fighting with Captain Chris.

How to Host a Pirate Party

2006-12-03T20:19:00.000-08:00

How to Host a Pirate Party

1. Start with the invitations. Our invitation consisted of pirate lingo printed on tan paper. We tore the paper to make jagged edges, rubbed the edges with a dab (just a dab, no more!) of water, placed them on a cookie sheet and baked at 200 for about 10 minutes (until the paper started to curl). I've also heard of people dabbing the edges with a wet tea bag before baking, but I prefer this look.

2. Wear your pirate garb.

3. Write a pirate story. Oh, you don't have one? Well...I just happened to write one! Wouldn't it be great if some brilliant publisher made it into a picture book? (I have sent it out as an exclusive submission to one publisher. Crossing my fingers and biting my nails!)

More details coming soon!

Schmooze

2006-11-12T04:40:00.000-08:00

We had an SCBWI Schmooze event yesterday. Our first stop was Joe's Crab Shack for drinks and appetizers and lots of writerly talk. L.D. Harkrader was there and it was a pleasure to meet her lovely daughter. L.D. told us a little about a very cool new project she's working on. Susan Uhlig (otherwise known as Sue the RA!) came with her always-helpful and friendly hubby. What a patient man for putting up with four hours of writer talk! Jenn, one of my critique partners (who is writing a very good, hilarious novel that any publisher would be lucky to get their hands on), came too.

After drinking and snacking, we walked over to the movie theater to see STRANGER THAN FICTION (See the movie trailer here.) It's about Harold Crick, a boring, predictable IRS agent who begins to hear voices. The voice is that of a novelist who always kills off her characters. Harold is a character in her latest novel. He consults with a professor of literature, and sets out to convince the author to spare his life.

As you can see, it was a perfect movie to attend with a bunch of writer friends! It was just what my stressed-out brain needed too. Little snowmen woke me up all night long. They are characters in my latest PB, and I'm awake before the kids, ready to write about them.

In a bookish sort of mood

2006-11-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

I'm in a bookish sort of mood today. I've been admiring all my books (autographed and not) by my lovely LJ and Blogger friends, which made me think we should start a Christmas/birthday/holiday list.

What books written by our blogging friends are currently available? Let's make a list. Reply to this post. I'll compile the list and post it as a new post.

Include: Title, Author, if it's a PB, MG, YA (or something else), a link to the book or author site, if you want. Also, if there's a reason (aside from the obvious, "it's a great book!") that it would make a good selection for a particular age group this holiday season.

Don't be shy! You're allowed to post about your own book!

Santa Knows

2006-10-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out Santa Knows by Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith? I bought it about a month ago and had the perfect opportunity to see Christmas magic in October this week.

*******

My third grader came home from school this week and announced that her friend told the class that there's no such thing as Santa because Santa couldn't fly around the world in one night and reindeer don't have blinking noses. The other kids insisted Santa exists. It was just the one kid who didn't believe.

It sounded like something straight out of Santa Knows, so I handed her the book and told her that this book had all the answers; it was as simple as elf science and technology. I sat next to her as she read.

Finally, she let out a gasp. "Who wrote this book?"

I paused, about to tell her that I've met one of the authors. Before I could say anything, she said, "Do you think they are Santa's elves?"

"Well, they just might be," I said.

"They have to be. How else would they know all of this? Only an elf would know about the conveyor belt!"

"What do you think? Does this explain everything?"

"Yes! It says right here that Santa believes in those who believe in him!"

She glanced at my computer across the room. "But, maybe we should look these authors up on the Internet. If they show up, they can't be elves!"

So, now I've spent the whole week trying to keep her away from Google! Maybe I should teach her about pseudonyms or ghost writers. After all, elves are way too busy to write their own books!

********

Here's to Cynthia and Greg. May they have wildly popular book! Definitely one to add to your collection. You never know when the facts on elf science and technology will come in handy!

Two new reviews

2006-10-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

I have posted two new reviews at YA Books Central.

Estelle Takes a Bath by Jill Esbaum (Cynsations interview)

Santa Knows by Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith (Edge of the Forest interview with Cynthia)

Both books are darling, must-read books. Estelle encounters a shivering mouse while bathing and hilarious cause and effect ensues. In Santa Knows, Elfie doesn't believe in Santa until he learns about elf science and technology. You'll have to get full scoop at YA Books Central--that's where my reviews go first!

Troy Wilson Interview

2006-09-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I'm a big fan of Troy Wilson, author of PERFECT MAN and FROSTY IS A STUPID NAME.

I absolutely love these two books. I like the way Troy's imagination works! (The characters in both have vivid imaginations.)

CBC Radio One's GO has reunited Troy with his Grade One teacher from thirty years ago. He says, "It was wonderful to thank her for nurturing me as a writer at such a crucial time."

The interview will air Saturday just after 11am (GO is pre-taped, so it airs at exactly the same time of day across North America).

Here's a link for listening online:
http://www.cbc.ca/listen/index.html

Catch Troy on the air if you can!

What the audition process taught me about life and writing

2006-09-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

This was a very exciting and busy weekend for our family. A (8) and S (5) both auditioned for their first play on Friday night. They were both exceptional. They did the very best they could on that night, and we are so proud of them for doing what they love and being brave enough to try out. They both love to sing and perform, but they are both shy. They put their hearts into the audition process.

A got a callback. S did not. We waited and waited until Sunday night to hear the results. Neither girl made the cut. There will be no show for them this time.

All said, it was a fabulous experience. Here's what I learned about life and about writing as I watched my daughters. (S was not upset at all that she didn't make it. "I'm glad I didn't get in. That was scary!" For that reason, I'll focus on A's experience below.)

1) Enjoy the journey. We hear this all the time, but what does this really mean? A knows. She enjoyed the journey. Friday night, she was scared as she prepared to perform for a room full of people. She tapped into her courage and sang her little heart out. She raced back to me afterwards and squeezed me and said, "That was so much fun!" She couldn't believe how quickly the scared energy turns into something more powerful. She caught the performance high.

The next day, she learned she had a callback. She went for dance auditions saying, "I'm just so glad I get another chance to try again!" She learned the dance and performed it and ran to me with a huge smile, pleased with her performance once again.

All weekend, she thought about how great it would be to perform on that big stage. When she learned she didn't get a part, she cried lots of tears. Even though she didn't get in, she enjoyed herself. She had fun. She learned something. Getting the part wasn't the only goal here. She did her best and she grew from the experience. Is your only goal publication? Are you learning, growing and HAVING FUN?

2) Failure makes success even sweeter. So, A hasn't learned this one yet, but I can see this one as her mom. There was tremendous competition. I had no idea there was this much talent in the KC area. Wow. Yes, it would have been lovely to get in on her first try, but working hard and knowing how far she's come will make success that much more meaningful. Yes, it would be fun to be published with that first manuscript that we send out, but isn't the frustration and the sweat part of what makes the victory feel like it was worth the effort?

3) Discover your passion. A was upset about not being part of the cast because this is her passion. If it didn't hurt a little, if it didn't sting, we'd know she wasn't serious about acting. What about you? How much do you care?

4) Bounce back. It's easy to sit and mope when we get a rejection, but if you are meant to be an actress (or a writer), if you have that passion, you'll eventually bounce back. A was still sad this morning when she woke up, but she was already making plans to audition for the spring show, and she was asking about ways she could volunteer for this show. I think she's decided to help work the concession stand or to be an usher for a show or two. Are you a bouncer or a perpetual moper?

5) Surround yourself with people who care. A was crushed when she got the news. I rocked her like a little baby and wiped away her tears. I listened to her frustration. Then, I reminded her about all she learned, the fantastic performance she gave that night, and what an exciting experience this was for all of us. Even if she never gets a part, I'll be proud of her for trying. Who lifts YOU up when you need a boost?

6) Get a good coach. A has taken acting lessons since last January. This was her first audition. None of us knew what to expect. Her vocals teacher continues to work with her, and with each class, A becomes just a little more confident. Now that my husband and I know what to expect, we too can help coach her practice sessions as she prepares for the spring show. Do you have a teacher, a mentor or a critique partner? Someone to learn from and who can help you improve?

7) Find someone to give you a push. A didn't need a push this time, but her vocals teacher works to help her stretch her ability and confidence. With each gentle nudge, A realizes she can do more than she thought possible. For the next show, she'll need to push herself again--and if she doesn't push herself to that next level, we'll help her find the inspiration to reach. Do you have someone who challenges you to do your best? Someone who gives you a gentle nudge? Someone who sees your talent and your ability and helps you take those baby steps toward success?

Would we be a more literate society if...

2006-08-30T20:35:00.000-07:00

I took the girls to Applebee's for dinner tonight. The kid's menu had an ad for Lowe's home improvement stores, saying that kids could go to Lowe's to work on various wood crafting projects throughout the summer.

This reminded me of Sonic and their passion for offering what they consider to be educational toys with their kids' meals.

This made me wonder what would happen if books were promoted the same way we promote movies in this country.

Why don't we see book tie-ins in kids' meals and on kids' menus at restaurants? Does it have to be Disney and Pixar movie characters all the time? Now, I know many children's authors hate the idea of selling out. But, I personally think it would help the industry and literacy as a whole if publishers took their marketing to where the kids are.

Why not....tie in with someone like Sonic and offer a short story or activity book that ties in with a new release (with a coupon for a discount on the book or a special incentive with purchase).

Why not... offer McDonald's a picture book series of toys or stuffed dolls based on famous PB characters or even a way for kids to collect points that they can redeem for a new book?

Why not ...promote new releases with the movie trailers at movies that target the same type of audience?

Maybe it all comes down to budget once again. However, kids will want to read if they find a book they love and they think reading is cool. Why can't we make reading become important by giving it the high profile our beloved characters deserve?

The Edge of the Forest

2006-08-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

The August The Edge of the Forest is up. This issue has an interview with Linda Sue Park .... and my review of Pinkalicious. (Have you bought that book yet? You know I've talked about it enough!)

Cheetahs!

2006-08-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

If you want to know what tweener girls are into, I encourage you to watch Friday night's premiere of CHEETAH GIRLS 2 on Disney Channel. This time, the girls go to Spain for a shot at their big break. Directed by Kenny Ortega (the HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL director), Disney is hoping for another hit with the tween crowd.

You (or your children :-) can go to the Disney Channel website to sample music and get party plans. Being the party family that we are, the girls are having friends over for the premiere. This time, we've limited it to just five friends, so we'll have seven girls total--eight if you count our two year old who will no doubt want to be in on the fun!

We're rolling out the red carpet and asking the girls to wear Cheetahlicious rock star clothes. I couldn't find enough red poster board to make a red carpet (and I swore I wasn't going to spend a fortune on this party after our big blowout in July), so I think I'm going to paint a pink carpet using Crayola paints on the driveway.

A wants to follow the official party plans on the Cheetah Girls site, so she's setting up a concession stand, and we've asked each attendee to bring a snack. We're serving popcorn in paper sacks and we have small boxes of M&Ms and Milk Duds.

Our camera is broken. S accidentally threw it across the kitchen last weekend. SIGH. If I did have a working camera, I'd take a red carpet photo of each girl and send them home with a party photo framed in the cheetah print frame that is part of my Microsoft clip art.

Illustration notes??

2006-08-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

My friend Tammi Sauer has just posted some great notes from the Mo Willems talk at the conference.

I asked the following question on her blog. What's your opinion?

One thing I'm getting from all the PB notes from the conference is that the visuals really count (DUH!) and to decrease the word count. Common sense, yes?

I've never put in any illustration notes, and I know illustrators don't care much for overly-explained notes. BUT, wouldn't it help sell the book if you could help the editor "see" what you have in mind? I could definitely write less wordy if I had a way to SHOW what I'm seeing. Sometimes I think author/illustrators have such an advantage!

So...do you/would you/should you put in illustration notes (even simple notes) if you are an author-only?

What do you think? Is this the start of an illustration note trend?

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

2006-08-14T14:04:00.000-07:00

I'm really struggling with some of the "rules" of writing right now. In the story I'm trying to get ready for our conference, one reader told me that Lion solves his problem too easily. That's fine. Maybe he does, but it's a creative, somewhat realistic solution to his problem. I did stick with the rule of threes and I had the MC solve his own problem.

What confuses me is that I can think of many books that have made publishers and authors lots of money that have less tension and less plot. Because it's been talked about so much lately, Punk Farm is the one I thought of first. I LOVE this book. I've owned it for over a year and we read it often. Punk Farm is being made into a movie, and the author is a very clever promoter. (Check out the Punk Farm video on his site).

HOWEVER, the book's big plot crisis? The animals might get caught practicing in the barn! How do they overcome the problem? They don't. They hold their concert anyway. The concert is Punk Farm's own version of Old MacDonald. On the final page, the farmer gets up in the morning and finds all the animals aslep in the barn. Yup. That would be the whole book.

I don't think that every picture book has to be some heavily-conflicted book with major drama and crisis. Sometimes, girls (I mean readers) just wanna have fun...even when the book covers a serious topic. What do you think?

(Oh, by the way, have you seen the fabulous video Punk Farm author, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, showed at the SCBWI conference?)

Pink, Pink, Pink

2006-08-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

We're still loving Pinkalicious!

I've been trying to record K "reading." I finally caught her today! She was reading one of her favorites, "Pinkalicious." She used to just speak jibberish, pause and turn the page. Now, she squeezes real words in too!

Okay, so she's reading the book backwards and can't tell PINK from green. It's still darn cute and one to save for the baby archives. If you listen, you can hear her say, "No cupcakes, Daddy." and something about the bumblebees getting on Pinkalicious. She actually had most of the story right.

For the record, we just like this book. I do not know the author or the illustrator.

Reality Chick Contest

2006-07-25T05:57:00.000-07:00

Introducing....THE REALITY CHICK BUZZ THE BOOK contest!

The PRIZES:
(1) Your choice of either an iPod Shuffle, OR a fifty dollar Amazon.com gift certificate
(2) An autographed copy of REALITY CHICK by Lauren Barnholdt
(3) A copy of the August issue of Teen People, which lists REALITY CHICK as a Can't-Miss Pick for August
(4) Free tuition to a session of Lauren's YA writing class

THE CONTEST: STEP ONE: Simply copy and paste this whole message (including the info about the contest) into any blog, message board, email list, myspace bulletin, or anywhere a lot of people will see it!

REALITY CHICK by Lauren Barnholdt is NOW IN STORES!

Going away to college means total independence and freedom. Unless ofcourse your freshman year is taped and televised for all the world towatch. On uncensored cable.Sweet and normal Ally Cavanaugh is one of five freshpeople shacking upon In the House, a reality show filmed on her college campus. (As ifschool isn't panic-inducing enough!)

The cameras stalk her likepaparazzi, but they also capture the fun that is new friends, oldcrushes, and learning to live on your own. Sure, the camera adds ten pounds, but with the freshman fifteen a given anyway, who cares? Ally's got bigger issues -- like how her long-distance bf can watch herloopy late-night "episode" with a certain housemate...Freshman year on film.It's outrageous.It's juicy.And like all good reality TV, it's impossible to turn off. IN STORES NOW!

Check out Lauren on the web at www.laurenbarnholdt.com or on her myspace at www.myspace.com/laurenbarnholdt

STEP TWO -- Email Lauren at lauren (at) laurenbarnholdt.com and let her know you've posted about the contest and the book, and you'll be entered to win the prize pack! The winner will be picked at random on September 1st. The more places you post, the more entries you get. Have fun and good luck!!!

Camp Pinkalicious

2006-07-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

Friday night, 15 kids will attend Camp Pinkalicious in my backyard. We're calling it a "reading party in honor of summer and lots of great books." Inside the invitation, we have a picture of the Cowboy Camp cover. Underneath, it says, "Cowboy games. Cowboy food." Below that is the Pinkalicious cover with the words "and lots of pink, pink, pink!"

We asked kids to bring a paint shirt and one used book to swap.

When they arrive, they will be assigned to a tent where their counselor will read the welcome announcements and daily camp schedule. While they wait for the other campers to arrive, they can read books in their comfy tents.

Next, they are off to "wardrobe" where they will get pink ribbon hair ties, pink nail polish and pink pony tails. (For the one best friend who is a boy, we bought silver hair spray. The girls get pink)

We'll ring the dinner bell and they will go to the mess hall for cowboy dinner. We decided on hot dogs, baked beans, carrots and chips to make this easy. Dinner will be served in tin pans.

While we eat, I'll read Cowboy Camp. (author site)

After dinner, it's off to the garage to paint reading pillows.

While they are painting (or right after, depending on the attention span) we'll read Pinkalicious (author site).

The obstacle course will be next. We have a tin can shoot (water guns), sack races, horse shoes, "horse" races, hula hoops and some hoops to hop through.

After they are all hot and tired, we'll make S'mores and have Campground Karoke. A wants to teach the kids to sing I Will Survive, and the dance that goes with it, from her Girl Power Pop Vocals camp. We've also made a long CD of songs tweeners love, with lots of High School Musical.

We'll end the night with a water balloon fight. While they wait for parents to pick up, they can make book marks and post cards or run around the yard like wild people (most likely).

So, that's the plan. I'll post a few pictures post-party!

This party was inspired by this post by Esme Raji Codell

REVIEW: JUST FOR YOU TO KNOW

2006-06-14T21:35:00.001-07:00

This week, I read JUST FOR YOU TO KNOW by Independence, Missouri author, Cheryl Harness.

JUST FOR YOU TO KNOW takes place in 1963 as Carmen Cathcart and her five younger brothers move from a beat-up old house in the country to a fixer-upper in Independence, Missouri—-the tenth home in which almost-13-year-old Carmen has lived. She’s embarrassed by her family and would rather daydream and draw than spend time with these crazy, noisy people.

After the big move, Carmen makes a new best friend and starts junior high, but the most dramatic change comes when another Cathcart baby is born. The reader embarks on an emotional journey with Carmen as she learns to appreciate her family while struggling to maintain her individuality and hold onto her dreams.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not put it down! Cheryl Harness creates a captivating world with bits of history interspersed throughout. This comes as no surprise because Cheryl is a prolific author and illustrator of historical non-fiction and fiction, with 25 books in print (and several more in the works). If you enjoyed THE PENDERWICKS or BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE, you’ll love JUST FOR YOU TO KNOW.

REVIEW: JUST FOR YOU TO KNOW

2006-06-14T21:35:00.000-07:00

Summer Reading Events

2006-06-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

Kansas City is hopping with literacy events this summer!

Reading Reptile will feature local authors on Wednesday nights:

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14TH 7:00pmLISA CAMPBELL ERNST
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28th 7:00pm JENNY & PETE WHITEHEAD
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21st 7:00pm BRAD SNEED
WEDNESDAY, JULY 5th 7:00pm LAURA HULISKA-BEITH

Wonderscope Children's Museum has a great line up the next few weeks. They are working with Beyond the Book to bring stories and book-related crafts to children on Mondays. Also, the Paul Messner Puppets and Martin City Melodrama, and Theater for Young America will hold performances there this summer.

What kinds of things are taking place in your area to get kids excited about reading?

Summer Reading Slide

2006-06-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

This post by Esme Raji Codell really made me think. It's full of great ideas on how to prevent the summer reading slide in children. If you haven't already, visit Esme's new blog: The PlanetEsme Book-A-Day Plan: The Best New Children's Books from Esme's Shelf .

"Who wants to sit still when the sun is shining? To keep reading in the running for a summer recreation choice, help children pick and design a special spot, a clubhouse of sorts where they can retreat. How about redecorating an old refrigerator or piano box? Clear out a corner of a closet? Build a backyard tipi?"

Esme also suggests: "have a beach-blanket read-aloud , reading sleepovers, a reading by campfire, a reading-based cooking club where you choose recipes based on books."

Which, of course, gave me an idea! We've already been taking The Magician's Nephew to the pool to read on rest breaks, and our library, children's museum and indie book store have some great reading programs (including local authors!). Now, I'm thinking we'll have a mid-summer reading party. I haven't put much thought into the how-to part yet, but I'm thinking--book-themed snacks and crafts and a book swap. Maybe we could decorate pillow cases to make a "reading pillow" or make canvas bags.

So, what kind of books would you recommend for a party for 5-8 year old girls? I'd like to keep it outside as much as possible too :-)

New picture book--PINKALICOUS

2006-06-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

If you are a girly girl and love pink like I do, you have to check out Pinkalicious by sisters Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann.

I have to admit that I had a hot pink wedding. I love pink (Gee, I sure hope hot pink was in style in May of 1991! If not, I'm sure the bridesmaids wanted to kill me!)

This book sings! The words are delicious and the pictures make you want to gobble each and every page. It's full of pink, and rich illustrations with lots of contrast and texture. I sure wish I knew more about art because I'm really not doing this justice!

Kansas SCBWI Conference

2006-06-01T06:07:00.000-07:00

The SCBWI Kansas conference will be September 30th.

We have:

Tim Travaglini (Putnam) (See this Robin Friedman interview),

Melanie Cecka (Bloomsbury) (See this interview with Melanie for a glimpse into what she's looking for and this conference wrap up from Janee Trasler, and this),

Barry Goldblatt (agent) (also see his blog),

Dan Schwabauer (author),

Hudson Talbott (author/illustrator),

Alexandria LaFaye (author)

and Randi Dawn Hacker (author).

Watch the Kansas SCBWI site for information and registration materials as they become available.

Hope to see some of you there! Registration materials will be available soon!

Very Important Reminder

2006-05-24T05:01:00.000-07:00

Very important reminder.

Must attend this chat. I read the new book yesterday. It's super! If I get off my behind today, I'll get out a review of Frogs and French Kisses!

From YA Books Central:

************

Chat with Sarah Mlynowski!

By Kimberly Pauley

Mark your calendars! Stop by and chat with the lovely and talented Sarah Mlynowski, author of Bras & Broomsticks and Frogs & French Kisses!Date: Thursday, May 25thTime: 8 PM ESTNotes: The chat will take place within the YABC Delphi Chat Room. So, to get ready, you need to sign up for a FREE User ID. It's fast and easy and I've never had a problem with Delphi spamming me or any other site visitors. In other words, you have no excuses!

I've found myself!

2006-05-18T15:10:00.000-07:00

Before my SCBWI meeting last night, I was ready to quit. I can't write. Everyone knows it.

There's something about being with a group of writers that gives me that boost of energy I need to keep going. Last night, our speaker, Barri L. Bumgarner, gave a very interesting and entertaining speech, "Hook, Line and Sinker," on how to write a book that gets attention.

As she talked, she handed out some worksheets and had us start one. I had been thinking about question #1 earlier that day--list three things you'd like to write about (even when we say we're going to quit writing, we just can't turn off the brain, can we?). I quickly scribbled about 10 items on my list. Common themes, things I'm passionate about that keep popping up in my writing. The next step was to twist these ideas to see what interesting potential plots arose.

She also provided a sheet with a whole bunch of questions to answer about our character. When I put these together (we didn't actually complete all these steps there, but it sure jumpstarted my brain!), I had a fun, quirky character that preschoolers would love.

I sat down today to work on one of the ideas I started last night. Naturally, I lost focus and started down another path. But, this is a good thing. I'm so excited. I think I've found myself. I think I have my own style! (Okay, it's maybe not that dramatic, but I do know what I'm shooting for this time.) I have a wild, playful, yet educational, picture book in progress! My girls are giggling already (um...you know...not like I'd tell anyone but my best blogging friends that!)

It's amazing how I keep stumbling upon the perfect inspiration each time the need arises.

NEW BOOKS!

2006-05-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day! I just received a box of review books from AUGUST HOUSE. You know what that means?? Don Tate's The Hidden Feast is in that box along with some other really great picture books.

Must find time to read and review!

Look what I found!

2006-05-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

Look what I spied while browsing after critique group last night!

The Hidden Feast, illustrated by Don Tate!

WHY???

2006-04-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

WHY? Why are all the great conferences all in April, right on top of soccer, baseball, dance recitals, school fairs, proms and other end-of-the-school-year events?

I do wonder, but I'm also whining because I'm missing out on a great conference this weekend.

Friday is A's big school fun run and auction--the girls expect me to run with them. It's actually a pretty fun family event (when I have money to spend on auction items!)

Saturday--I will volunteer at S's school art fair/auction at 9:00 a.m. Hubby will bring the girls for some games and snacks while I'm there.Then, it's off to A's soccer game. S and I will have to leave early because she has dance rehearsal for The Big Show.* A will not be far behind. She has a rehearsal at the same place for an in-studio show for her acting class. We'll sit around for a few hours--maybe I'll actually get to write while I wait since Hubby will have Baby K--then it will be time to go home to collapse around 3:00!

Sunday--another soccer game. We're also going to see Akeelah and the Bee with our super-smart spelling bee friend!

*************************

*The Big Show. S signed up for a little dance class this year. I say little because S is not a "showy" kid. She wanted a simple dance class. They told us there was a recital. I pictured the typical recital--kids shuffled onto stage, lined up, do their show, shuffle off stage, go home. Maybe just one show for the little ones. She was fine with that. So was I.

NOOOOOOO way. This is A Big Show, a theatrical production! They have rehearsals two weekends in a row. The older kids will be there five hours; little kids, "just" two. The week of the show, the rehearsals are 2 hours one night and four hours the second night. Little S won't be leaving until 9 p.m.!

There's a Friday show and two Saturday shows. On that Saturday, S and I will be at the theater from noon-9:00 p.m. (I've volunteered for Green Room duty so she doesn't have to be alone.) For some kids, this might be fun, but this is not S's idea of fun! I wish I would have known what I was getting her into with this :-(

I'm packing lots of books and coloring books and games to try to make the "green room" seem like fun mommy time. Another parent (one whose 5 year old is also involved, but who has been involved with many shows) says that the little kids think it's a lot of fun. I hope she's right!

Energized

2006-04-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

I feel fantastic. Full of energy and the brain fog is gone! I don't know if it's the new diet (low fat, healthy carbs) or the spring weather, but I feel energized...like I'm plugged into the sun. (Can you picture me as a kite with a cord plugged into an oversized, cartoon sun with big, bold triangular rays?)

The problem when I'm this energetic? I lose focus! As you may have noticed today, it's been an idea day. This afternoon, a new book arrived. I am not supposed to be ordering new books--NOT in the budget (taxes killed us!). BUT, the Real Writing Teachers (Yahoo Group) recommended some books for teaching kids to write. I just HAD to have them.

I can't wait for summer vacation to start. The girls and I will be writing a few days a week. These new books will make it fun. Even 5 yo S can participate. Now, I really, really want to start an after school writing club at the school. I have all summer to play around with my lesson plans. In the fall, I'll propose the idea.

The books that I'm so excited about:
Razzle Dazzle Writing
and Primary Pizzazz

I have some others that I bought last year. I really like Poetry a La Carte

Tomorrow. I will focus! Tonight, I will read.

A very cool idea

2006-04-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

I was so excited about my gift basket idea. I thought about all the book basket possibilities while I worked out this morning. I wished I had the time to turn this into a business. I knew it was a good idea. Think about how much additional revenue an indie bookseller could make selling custom baskets if she hustled to target the right opportunities.

Well.. I came home to read the lovely PW Bookshelf review of Rules (Yay, cynthialord!) and glanced up the page and saw this: a link to Storyopolis. They sell custom book baskets that are to die for, starting at $75. How cool is that? At this price, they might be more like corporate gifts than little birthday party and special occasion gifts, so I think there's still a market for another supplier.

I wish I had the time to take something like this on. Wouldn't it be fun? A person could do PTO/PTA sales around the holidays, book parties, city or state-state specific baskets. Really, you could create a theme for almost any business you can think of--which might get a lot of authors' books into some non-traditional places.

Tie a basket purchase or auction to library funding or a literacy charity, and think of all the access and support you'd get! Restaurants, hardware stores, auto dealers, sporting goods/camping/fishing supply stores.

Just dreamin' again. I wish Storyopolis lots of luck! I think it's a very cool idea.

Cooking Up Literacy

2006-04-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

I wish I would have thought of this idea sooner.

S's preschool is having their art fair / auction next week. We needed to come up with a donation item (this is not the same fair where I proposed the author pizza/PJ party). I took a few of my review copies and bought one more book to make a cooking "basket."

Books:

My Pop Pop and Me (2006, Little, Brown)
Rabbit Pie (2006, Viking)
Tallulah in the Kitchen (2005, Henry Holt)

I'm going to put them in a mixing bowl, add measuring spoons and measuring cups and include a recipe card for the item description.

If I had thought of this earlier, I could have added so many great books, of course...there's always the cost of buying them!

What else could go into a basket like this? How about:

The Rachel Ray kids' cookbook
Pete's a Pizza
How to Eat Fried Worms
The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza
Cook-a-doodle Doo
The Princess and the Pizza

I think there's a reason I want to write a PB about cooking. I have so many of them!

Happy Easter!

2006-04-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

This is how S and I spent the afternoon. Rice Krispie Treat nests.

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter.
Pour one package of large marshmallows into bowl.
Mix together until marshmallows are fully melted.
Pour in 6 cups of Rice Krispies.
Mix well.

Spoon mixture into greased muffin tins. (I put mine in the large tins for oversized muffins; it filled 10 holes.)

Let mixture cool slightly. Then, butter your hands. Using your thumbs, press mixture toward the edges of the muffin tin, making a hole in the center for a "nest." Sprinkle with green cake decorating sugar.

Add a Peep and a few jelly beans to each nest.

Retreat

2006-04-10T20:02:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my SCBWI retreat. It was an incredible experience and SO worthwhile! The location was rustic, a true summer camp setting. But, it was the perfect escape and it brought back many fond memories.

We spent Friday night watching Dan Schwabauer's presentation: Story Telling From the Silver Screen. He used movie clips to demonstrate plot elements that must be included in all good stories. (If you have a chance to see Dan's presentation, go for it! It was an entertaining approach to explainig the elements of plot.)

Later, we broke into critique groups. There were only three in the picture book group, but I learned a lot from the experience. I took a story I hadn't worked on in a while and found the critiquers' comments insightful. I know JUST how to fix this one up!

The workshop with Jane Kurtz was exactly what I needed at exactly the right time. She is knowledgeable, down-to-earth, energetic and positive. She has that ability to look at a story and know just what's wrong. She critiqued a story for each participant prior to our arrival, and throughout the session, tied her workshop comments back to what she noted on our manuscripts.

We spent a lot of time analyzing picture books in relation to genre. It helped so much to be able to ask questions about why certain elements were used in certain books. At one point, I had to test out a theory (something I've noticed lately and something that cynthea brought up in my free-tique.) I read an opening aloud (it was one of those Lion did this. Lion did that. Lion did NOT like to ??? openings.)

I asked, "I've noticed a lot of picture books open with this type of opening. Do you think it's necessary to start this way?" She pointed to a worksheet we had just discussed. "See the rhythm?" she asked. Suddenly, the lightbulb clicked on! (so thank you to Jane and to cynthea!)

Here's an excerpt from the article that helped pull this together for me. It's a simple statement, but I felt like someone handed me glasses after years of walking around with fuzzy vision. It's from MAGAZINE STORY OR PICTURE BOOK? written by Carol Iverson: "What do editors look for in a picture book? Julie Amper, editorial edirector of children's books at Arcade Publishing, watches for language, pattern, cadence, vision, magic and wonderment..."

It was a wonderful weekend. I feel like I can do this... and that I'm getting close to breaking in. I can't wait to start my revisions because I feel really good about where I'm headed.

Third Carnival of Children's Literature

2006-04-03T05:04:00.000-07:00

The Third Carnival of Children's Literature is here! This month's theme is poetry and Sherry at Semicolon has a poetry link for each day of April.

**I review Susan Taylor Brown's new book, Hugging the Rock, in the April 24th Carnival entry. My blogging buddy, Chris Barton, is featured on April 21.

Hugging the Rock

2006-04-01T13:56:00.000-08:00

I received a great surprise in the mail last week: an advance release copy of Hugging the Rock by Susan Taylor Brown (September 2006, Tricycle Press). Hugging the Rock is a middle grade novel written in verse, but don’t let the poetry and young protagonist fool you. This novel deals with some heavy issues.

Rachel’s mother runs away from home and she is left behind with her father, an emotionally-distant man she barely knows. The reader is thrown into the middle of Rachel’s journey as she looks for answers and acceptance.

Susan Taylor Brown tells a moving story in Hugging the Rock. She dares to bring painful emotions to the surface, connecting with her readers through shared feelings and experiences.

A powerful novel with the potential to spark heart-to-heart conversations among families and friends.

LINKS: My October 2005 inteview with Susan at YA Books Central after the release of her picture book, Oliver's Must-Do List.

Susan was guest author at Children's Media Professionals Forum last week. Join the group and learn more about Susan's inspiration for Hugging the Rock.

DOWNLOAD: Download an excerpt from Hugging the Rock. Check it out; you'll be hooked!

Book Geeks Rule

2006-03-28T15:26:00.000-08:00

Kimberly at YA Books Central has added a Cafe Press shop. Check out the new YA Books Central items you can purchase.

15% of each purchase goes toward covering operating costs for the site (mainly mailing out books for the many contests held there.)

My favorite t-shirt: Book Geeks Rule!

If you have a saying you'd like to see on a shirt, let Kimberly know so she can add it. Buy a shirt...or two or three...and help support her efforts!

My unscientific study: how to get out of the slushpile

2006-03-21T17:11:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you've seen Agent Obscura's posts this week where she's doing a "choose your own adventure" lesson on how the process works when you pitch an agent. I don't have the energy to turn this into a "choose your own adventure" post, but I thought today's mail might be an interesting study.

Today, I received a box with 13 self-published books to review for YA Books Central.

1. My first pass through these, I picked up three to examine more closely. I chose these based on the interesting cover art.

2. I opened this box before I opened THE box...the box containing material I was waiting for (Princess Academy, Zen Shorts and Cowboy Camp).

3. Of course, I browsed through the self-published material and quickly focused my attention on the highly-anticipated material.

4. I read one of the books from my Amazon box and LOVED it. So, I stopped everything and wrote a review. You can see my Cowboy Camp review here.

5. I attended to some urgent matters (dinner for the kiddos) and then came back to one of the three books--the one with what appeared to be the strongest opening.

What can we learn from this (besides that I need to spend more time writing!)? Whether you're trying to target a reviewer, an agent, or an editor, it's important to stand out, to be original, to target a person who is interested in the type of things you write. I know I don't always like what I'm "supposed to" like. It's all about personal taste; don't be offended if your writing doesn't make a connection with the agent/editor/reviewer. It's all subjective. Also, it's easy to see why some books make it out of the slushpile and others don't. When an editor has to choose between manuscripts she's requested vs manuscripts that just appear on her desk, she's always going to read the juicy stuff first.

New Reviews

2006-03-21T05:40:00.000-08:00

I have posted my review of Rules by Cynthia Lord at YA Books Central.

An excerpt:

RULES is a touching story about families, friendship and fitting in. Catherine, Jason and David are just like real kids next door—the kind of kids you fall in love with and want to shelter from the harsh world.

I read RULES in one sitting on the day it arrived; I couldn’t put it down. I felt the tension and the love—and I wanted to stay in Catherine’s world for just a bit longer. I carried the characters around in my head and my heart for several days...and, I’m not sure they’ll really ever leave me.

I have also recently revivewed The Cranium Star Performer Book of Outrageous Fun.

The Star Performer Book of Outrageous Fun comes with a dry erase marker, clay, a die, a timer, a kazoo, Star Performer cards and a mini Humdinger game board. The book is slim enough to fit into a backpack and is perfect for roadtrips, waits in restaurants and slumber parties.

A perfect gift for the performer in your life!

Happy Blogiversary to Me!

2006-03-15T20:35:00.000-08:00

Happy One Year Blogiversary to Me!

One year ago, Baby K was 9 months old and woke each morning at 5:00 for a bottle. I snuggled her in the dark, hoping she'd go back to sleep. I was sleep deprived and needed "just one more hour" of rest before starting my day. While I snuggled and wished for sleep, I cruised the internet.

I was introduced to blogging by my friend Heather. Her blog was my first stop each day. I looked forward to my daily glimpse into Heather's life. I was intrigued, so I started a blog.

Like many first blog posts, it started, "Well, this is it! I am officially a blogger. I have no idea what to write..." I posted a limerick I had worked on the night before. One year later, I'm still writing limericks. Right now, I'm working on a picture book written in limerick. (Unfortunately I still need to work on my rhyming technique.)

I can't recall where I first learned of children's writing blogs. Early on, I discovered Harold Underdown's site, Anastasia Suen's site and Cynsations. From there, I began following links until I ran across Don Tate and Susan Taylor Brown.

One year ago, I wrote this about Harold Underdown:

I'm so used to thinking of my cyber friends as real life friends, that I almost slipped up the other day and told someone I knew Harold Underdown. I don't know him at all, but he's a great source of writing information. I spend a lot of time researching on his site.

Here's the first mention of Anastasia Suen in my blog:

I stumbled upon Anastasia Suen's web site, Yahoo Group and blog. I've received more useful information from her in the last week than I have from any other source in the past year.

Yes, go ahead and laugh at me! I was very, very green. Some of my posts remind me of a toddler's reaction the first time she visits the zoo. Everything is new and exciting. I've come a long way in the last year, and I owe it all to blogging.

I learned a lot about poetry in April (makes sense since it's National Poetry Month!) I was already getting mouthy about marketing. I was obsessed with American Idol, and I discovered Lauren Barnholdt and Robyn Schneider's blogs. Shortly after that, Lauren convinced Nadia Cornier to blog, and I found that too. April was a big month!

In May, I was still thinking about book marketing and was disappointed to learn that not all books make it to the bookstore, and not all books are pushed by their publishers. Another newbie writer month! I was also fixated on making Boyfriend Lists and on my 20 year high school reunion.

It doesn't look like I did much writing in June. It does look like my kids had a great summer with a flurry of activities. July was full of more vacation activities, my continued obsession with Because of Winn Dixie and a hyper post about book packagers and other stuff.

In August, I took Anastasia Suen's picture book class and gushed about it in several posts. In September I decided I was blogging too much when I started having dreams about other people's books.

In September, I started a journal at Live Journal and started posting my blog entries in both blogs. (As of very recently, I've decided to keep LJ for my "fun" posts and Blogger for my more professional posts.) I love the community-building aspects of Live Journal, but I just can't give up my one year of blogging history at Blogger!

From October through December, my party-girl, sugar-addicted self took over. I sure don't see much evidence of writing going on! (Another post, but I think I'm going to term October-January as my sugar coma months.) I know I was writing, but I definitely was not focused!

January brought a relaxing Hawaiian vacation and renewed focus on writing and submissions.

In February, I started a blog for writers living in the Central U.S.

It's been an incredible year! I met so many amazing people and my life is richer because of YOU!

And, now...I must go take care of the kids who are waiting for mom to plan yet another fun-filled day of Spring Break. I'll do it sugar-free to see if I can avoid the sugar coma that threatens my sanity and my ability to write. You can take away my sugar, but not my caffeine.

I will remain...

One Over-Caffeinated Mom

SCBWI Retreat Update

2006-03-15T07:53:00.000-08:00

For those of you in the Kansas City area:

APRIL RETREAT--The deadline for the Kansas SCBWI April Retreat is March 31. If you're in need of time to focus on your writing, this is a perfect opportunity. Choose one of three tracks—Novel, Picture Book, or Sequester—and work on what you really need. Friday is for group activities and time to write; Saturday, spend time on your track.

Not sure about spending the night? We've added a DAY RATE for people who would rather sleep in their comfy beds at home!

DAY RATES:

* Friday afternoon/evening only (1 meal) - $45 members / $50 nonmembers
* Saturday only (3 meals) - $85 members / $95 nonmembers
* Both Friday and Saturday (4 meals) - $120 members / $135 nonmembers

Download the registration form at our website: http://www.kansas-scbwi.org/ .

Disney Channel High School Musical -- Part 4

2006-03-10T06:42:00.000-08:00

You may recall how giddy I was over the Disney Channel Original Movie, High School Musical back on January 21, the morning after its premiere. I've talked about this movie several times since then because I'm so impressed with the Disney marketing machine.

A few stats-

The premiere drew 7.7 million viewers in 5 million households.
The soundtrack has gone GOLD! Gold, people!
The soundtrack was number 1 on the top 200 chart last week.
Zach Efron's name (Zach is the male lead) was the second most searched name on Google's Zeitgeist by late January.
With each showing, Disney has used a new marketing twist--downloadable lyrics, itunes downloads, a sing a long. Tonight--a dance party! (You can print out dance moves here.)

There was a nice story in our morning paper about this movie. I found it online. It's a must-read for children's writers.

Why? Director Kenny Ortega talks about reaching the tween market. (Yes, a lot of marketing to tweens stuff in this article!) One of my favorite lines:

"I knew from all the research we do and talking we do with kids that they feel good about being kids," he said. "There is definitely tension and angst and issues, but at the end of the day, they have an optimistic viewpoint."

And, related to marketing to tweens, "Tweens and teens spend their lives online," said Elllis [President of youth marketing company, 12 to 20], who counts Diseny among his clients. "The first thing they do when they get home is sign on to the computer and chat with their friends. If someone says, 'Have you seeen this?' all of a sudden everyone is talking about it."

Read the article! And, if you haven't seen what all the hype is about, tune into Disney Channel tonight at 7 central.

**Edited to add--It just occurred to me that a perfect reading selection for middle graders obsessed with basketball is Airball: My Life in Briefs, by LD Harkrader from Kansas! High School Musical is not just a movie about the school musical. It's a movie about basketball and self-discovery. A great parallel to experiences of Kirby, the main character in Airball: My Life in Briefs.

I can't wait to read....

2006-03-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to read this! In Ian Falconer's newest Olivia book, Olivia forms a band! AND...the cover shows her twirling a baton. A piggie with a baton!

I just love baton twirling! I was one of the original members (back in 1973!) of the largest group in the Midwest. It's also one of the best in the country, consistently placing high at Nationals! We weren't so good back then, but I was the first student the Director took to nationals way back in 1983. (I'd link you, but for the safety of the kids, I think I'll just let you think it's as geeky as it's portrayed on TV. If you've ever seen this kids, you know that baton twirling ROCKS!)

Wouldn't this be fun?

2006-03-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've been trying to come up with a donation item for my daughter's school auction. The PTO raised $25,000 last year with a school auction and fun run. This money helps with extra field trips, supplies, playground equipment, PE gear, computers...things that are "needed" but aren't in the budget.

People donate things like time shares, frequent flyer miles, spa days, gym memberships, autographed sports items....things from their parents' businesses. I'm not connected in this city--not like I would be if I lived "back home" near my extended family, so I'm really struggling with this.

Yesterday, I got a bright idea. Why not do something that would also help local writers in the area? I emailed the leaders of two of our local writing groups to see what they thought. They liked it. Next I emailed the principal (still waiting to hear back from him).

Here's the event I proposed:

We would auction a lunch with Kansas and Missouri children's writers (probably authors of picture books, chapter books and middle grade novels) for the winning bidder and 15-20 friends. I'd try to get a lunch sponsor to cater the meal and maybe see if a bookstore would co-sponsor and provide a gift certificate. Lunch entertainment would be the area authors--either reading from their books, or doing something fun from their school visit/storytelling talk. The winner could use it as a birthday party, an outing for their class, or a fun event for another organization they are involved with.

After some additional brainstorming with some area writers, my latest proposal is:

PJs, Pizza and Picturebooks
An almost-sleepover with area writers and illustrators

Story telling, games and crafts (tied to the books' themes) with our author and illustrator volunteers.

We'd open it up to a whole grade level and the parents could do group bidding. The grade that bids the most, wins the event.

I think this is a win/win. The school needs auction items. The authors are looking for a way to increase their exposure among teachers and book buyers. It would also make a nice small-scale event to use as practice. We could easily take this concept to the library, book store or children's museum as a fundraiser for those groups. I'm all about taking the books to the people, on their level...wherever that may be!

I'll let you know what happens next. If the principal likes the idea, I'll open the brainstorming up to the area writers and illustrators.

Another good idea :-)

2006-03-04T07:07:00.000-08:00

I saw this link on Cynthia Leitich Smith's blog today. Michigan SCBWI has a listing of all the 2006 books authored or illustrated by their members.

What a great idea! I also noticed that they have a listing of all the speakers in their area. Again, a great idea. it should be a no brainer to make it easy for schools and other organizations to find speakers (including school visits).

You need to take a look at those book covers. Yummy! I see several I'd like to add to my collection.

Now, before this turns into a rant, I'm signing off...

because...I just don't understand why people don't want to yell and scream and shout about their new books.

and...
and...
and...

Thinking BIG

2006-03-02T11:29:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about book promotion and the relationship between librarians, booksellers, authors and schools.

It started when I attended the awards ceremony for an excellent young writers' competition hosted by our county library system and Reading Reptile. There's a reason Reading Reptile was voted the best bookstore in the country last year. They get it. (By the way, look at what's coming up next. They are hosting the DNA Litfest the weekend of March 30th. Some heavy-hitters are coming to town!)

Later that week, Susan Taylor Brown sent me a link to the Children's Literature Network. I've been dragging my feet, but I intend to join. This organization brings authors, illustrators, booksellers, librarians, teachers--everyone involved with children's literature--together. While many of their current members are from Minnesota, you'll see they are seeking members from everywhere. You might also notice that they host a lot of literacy events, author events, book signings, and that they have a lot of marketing resources that their members will find helpful.

Today, I picked up a copy of one of those local children's magazines that sits in the entry to every kid-oriented establishment in the city. As far as free magazines go, the quality is good, but most parents read it for the ads. Ya gotta know what's going on in the wonderful land of Oz! They are hosting a writing competition for young children. Smart business people that they are, there's an ad sales tie in--the company that will provide savings bonds to the winner.

So, I'm sitting here looking at all this stuff, and I'm thinking there has to be a way to get all these people to communicate. It would be nice to start a regional organization to host some awesome events and boost everyone's visibility. It would be a big win for everyone who supports children's literacy.

But, who has the time to start or maintain another organization? Not me. I need to work on getting published (Yes, I know it's strange to think of all these things with no contract in hand, but that's how my mind works when it comes to this stuff. I'm usually thinking three steps ahead of where I am.)

I'm not sure what the answer is. I'm guessing this situation is not just a local/regional "problem."

In my dreams I'd love to see an event co-sponsored by SCBWI, JWKC, the Kansas City Star, an independent bookseller, and...dreaming big here...how about the state library association, a University and the State Board of Education in Kansas in Missouri. (Realistically, I know we can't get this many groups to cooperate, but it is my dream.)

We'd host a gigantic literacy festival. Authors and illustrators would demo their school visit programs to give librarians and teachers a taste of what they have to offer. Booksellers and libraries in both states (Kansas City sits on a state line, for those of you who don't live here) would feature books from participating authors.

At the event, we'd push the teaching guides.
We'd have coupons consumers could exchange for a special gift when they go into the bookstore to buy a book by one of the featured authors.
We'd host a youth writing competition
We'd have mini-lessons that kids could atttend to hear authors and illustrators speak and to learn how to write or illustrate.
There would be snacks and entertainment and activities related books by participating authors.

It would be a three-ring circus with the best, most engaging, book presentations you've ever seen.

What do you think? What's going on in your community to bring everyone together to support children's literacy? What can or should be done?

Edited to add: The fabulous Elizabeth C Bunce also provided this link to this weekend's Children's Literature Festival in Warrensburg, MO. If you go, or if you've been there before, I'd love you to tell me all about it. It looks similar to what I imagined above. I wonder why I just heard about it today? Cool!

Edited again: Don Tate posted this link to Staple, the Independent Media Expo. Read the description, this looks very similar to what I was thinking. Shoulda known it would be in Austin! Read this description and think KIDS to imagine how this could work in your area as a Kids' Expo: An event to promote independent creative media: comics, mini-comics, zines, art, and self-published literature. Building a community to encourage communication between creators and their audience. All the while having a damn good time in the Live Music Capital of the World - Austin, TX.

Edited yet again: My friend Sharon directed me to the Texas Book Festival. YES! This is what I'm thinking! It is on a larger scale than I thought (look at the major sponsors!), but I did say THINK BIG! I'd love to check this out. Maybe I can get some KC writers to roadtrip with me next year!

Mabel O'Leary

2006-03-02T08:25:00.000-08:00

I reviewed Mabel O'Leary Put Peas In Her Ear-y today at YA Books Central. I really, really like this book. I'll forgive the forced "ear-y" rhyme because it's hilarious. It has great illustrations. I love books where there's complete chaos--this one has it!

LAUNCH!

2006-02-24T20:17:00.000-08:00

The new community for children's writers living in the Central U.S. is LIVE! If you live in or near (or HAVE lived in) Kansas, Missouri, Iowa or Nebraska, check out kidlit_central.

It's a place where we can share ideas, network, and promote the work of other children's book creators living in our region.

If you like what you see, please help spread the word.

(If you saw my earlier attempt at this, I've switched gears. For ease of building a community, I've moved the blog to Live Journal)

Creative Dungeon

2006-02-21T11:28:00.000-08:00

Trying to avoid having a mess in every room of the house, I moved my computer to the basement last week. The kids...and the mess...tend to gravitate to whichever room I'm working in. While the basement is a good place to get work done, I don't feel very creative there.

Today, I'm working in the dining room with the sun to my back. It's a warm 45 degrees and surrounded by the sunshine, I'm beginning to feel inspired.

Above, you'll see a picture of the dungeon. The creative mess made by my children was cleaned up at least three different times last week. This is our bar. Unlike most people, there's no alcohol in there. Instead, it's stuffed with art supplies. Today, you'll find: a photo album, hand sanitizer, blo pens, paint sets, three bead kits, photos and school things waiting to be scrapbooked, some spare game parts, a few unfinished "books" the kids wrote, clay, cardstock and foamies.

Anyone want to send a cleaning fairy to help me? The rest of the house isn't looking much better at the moment!

SCBWI KANSAS writing retreat

2006-02-19T20:06:00.000-08:00

SCBWI Kansas has an energizing writing weekend planned April 7-8.

At last, a retreat for children’s book writers that has something for everyone! Choose one of three tracks*—Novel, Picture Book, or Sequester—and work on what you really need. Friday is for group activities and time to write; Saturday, spend time on your track.

Featuring:

Storytelling from the Silver Screen
Discover what every audience is looking for, regardless of genre. See the five elements of story demonstrated in 22 short clips from famous movies. The clips don't just reveal the five elements, they also illustrate how each element was achieved. See them acted out right in front of you. This session, led by award winning author Dan Schwabauer, will include time for discussion.

Exercises to Energize and More Exercises to Energize
These sessions will give you a chance to limber up and stretch your writing skills, get your mind working, and expand your imagination. Put on your mental swim suits and dive right in to find out the writing’s fine.

Group Critiques
Come prepared to read your manuscript aloud to a small group and to listen and make notes when others read. Not only will you get constructive comments on your piece, you’ll learn from the work you hear. We’ll try to put participants into groups by genre.

THREE TRACKS:

Isn’t that Novel?
Local children’s novelists, Dan Schwabauer and Sue Ford (writing as Susan Uhlig) team up to help you work on your novel in progress or completed novel draft. Learn more about the process. Pick up tips to improve self-editing. Work on areas where you are struggling. A workbook will be provided. This track will also be helpful for someone in the planning stages of a novel.

Picture It!
Award-winning author Jane Kurtz will help you think about what a picture book is and isn't (how can you tell if you have a magazine story or a picture book manuscript, for instance) and about why so many picture books are rejected...and how yours might avoid that fate. We will look at length, format, language, dialogue, and what it means when an editor says, "leave room for the illustrator." We'll study beginnings and endings. Does "show, don't tell" apply to picture books? What about story arc? Finally, we'll consider ways to steer clear of common reasons for rejection including these familiar phrases: too slight, too gentle, too didactic, not strong enough for today's tough market, and "not for me."

Sequester:
Never have time to write? Or don’t usually have a big enough block of time to make good progress? This track will provide 6+ hours of guaranteed time to do so.

Sequester participants will not be hearing guest speakers on Saturday.

For the full scoop, fees, location and speaker bios, visit the Kansas SCBWI website. The flyer has the details. Submit your registration form by March 1 for the earlybird discount.

If you know children's writers who might enjoy this retreat, please help spread the word!

Bookseller networking

2006-02-18T15:27:00.000-08:00

Susan Taylor Brown has a super conversation going on her blog. What are you doing to work with your local, independent bookseller? Is it all me, me, me? OR do you do your part to help increase that bookseller's business? Is it a partnership? A win/win?

See her original post here.

And the follow up with an excellent book marketing tip here.

In case you missed them, MJ Rose ran 10 Book Tour Tool Kits--book tour advice from touring authors. Go to her site and start scrolling down!

My little writers

2006-02-17T19:32:00.000-08:00

We attended the awards ceremony tonight for a youth writing contest sponsored by our county library system and one of our indie booksellers. To describe the evening, I need only use two words: incredible talent!

The contest was open to children ages 5-12. (A did not win, but we enjoyed the winning stories and the illustrations by the local illustrators). I thought A would not have a chance because all the awards would go to the older kids. I was wrong. The younger kids cleaned up!

We are in for some steep competition if we want to publish our own stories when these kids get older! They were awesome! The judges chose stories that would have made good picture books.

There was this sweet boy who was about 5 or 6. When they called his name, he jumped for joy. As the illustrator read his story, he looked like the Energizer Bunny, doing quick, tiny bunny hops next to the podium. Each time the illustrator turned the page, he jumped faster and sucked his breath in anticipation. The librarian sitting next to me said it brought tears to her eyes. This excited little guy had a cute story about a duck and stole the show with his enthusiasm.

There was also a story about a purple turkey who outsmarted some hunters (our favorite!), a beautiful poem that most adults would be hard-pressed to write, an Abbott and Costello-type story about some guys whose boat is swallowed by a whale, a "chapter book" about a family that never went into their basement and discovered a genie when the crept down the stairs, and an adorable story about a flea who joined some sort of Flying Flea Fleet (the last line: flea end!) The only winning story by an older kid was this incredible fantasy story that the illustrator said would make a fantastic movie (he only read us part of it because it was so long.).

A took tons of pictures (and lots of Brad Sneed, who will be doing a presentation for our school district soon). Both A and S enjoyed the stories and the art (two of the artists did fabric collages.)

AND... proud mama moment--they both came home and went to work on new stories. S will be old enough next year and says she's entering too!

Random Thoughts

2006-02-17T12:15:00.000-08:00

This is what my girls were playing with today. For some of us, these are the toys of our childhood. You younger bloggers might call these antiques! Notice the old Barbie with the wire in the hair to make it "curl." She lost a leg and my dad fixed her by placing a huge screw in her hip! There's also the Skipper whose breasts grow when you twist her arm (is that gross to anyone but me?), Holly Hobbie and friends, a few members of the Sunshine Family, and some disco girls whose names I can't recall.

This is a picture of the city A's class built. Really, it's only about 1/3 of the project. They made a very, very large city, filling up half of the school entryway. Isn't it cute?

Arthur A Levine's Blog and Speech

2006-02-17T05:19:00.000-08:00

Chris Barton linked to a post from Bravebethany who linked to a speech given by Arthur A. Levine in Miami. (This has been posted by Mr. Levine on his own blog.)

A very worthwhile read. I'm pulling out just one quote here because it's meaningful to ME:

"Write about this situation as if you were right in the middle of it yourself. Use all the information you’d have at your disposal if you were writing about YOU."

I think this is what made yesterday's quirk meme so much fun--a great exercise for writers. How can you create a believable, detailed world if you aren't even aware of the quirks that make you an individual and not some carbon-copy of someone else?

Go forth. Be quirky. Be proud. Noticing this stuff is what makes you a writer!

Sweet Dreams

2006-02-14T07:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I promised a picture of my clay sheep in honor of Lisa's book, BABY CAN'T SLEEP.

Don't laugh. I never claimed to be an artist :-)

We're putting the finishing touches on the pool tonight for the community buildings project. I'll try to take a picture to share.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Baby Can't Sleep

2006-02-12T14:42:00.000-08:00

My "official" review of BABY CAN'T SLEEP will be one of the featured picture books at YA Books Central tomorrow.

But, you can have a sneak peek today.

I really enjoyed this book! I can picture all the fun activities parents and teachers can do to tie-in with this book: acting out the sheeps' actions, making sheep hats with ears, addition and subtraction fun, talking about bedtime rituals, making up new things for the sheep to do, talking about how they relax, having pajama day, making sheep puppets or bean bags (that would look like Baby's special toy).

But, what I really want to do right now is make a little sheep out of clay, artistq -style. Since we're off to the store to buy clay to finish up a school project, we might just do that! (A is supposed to be making a community pool for the model city they are making at school. We've decided to use clay to make some of the exterior details--the life preservers, chairs, etc.)

Virtual Writing Assistant

2006-02-09T06:26:00.000-08:00

How would you like your own Virtual Writing Assistant? If you get stuck while writing, a charming assistant pops onto your desktop. "Hello, Kim! I see you're having difficulty today. May I suggest some possible plot points? Would you like to brainstorm? Could I suggest a few publishers? I am here to help with all your writing needs."

Last night, I had a dream that I had a Virtual Writing Assistant. Guess who it was? Cynthia Leitich Smith popped onto my screen right where that little paper clip guy comes up in Word. She spoke in this calm, futeristic voice and sat cross-legged like Jeanie in I Dream of Genie. Maybe that's what we need when our muse takes a vacation. Just turn the little switch to ON and our own personal muse appears!

If you haven't already checked out Cynthia's newly-designed site, go now! Between the blog and the site, she is a true Virtual Writing Assistant. She may not pop onto your screen and talk to you, but if you read the site, you get a pretty good idea of what she'd have to say!

Happy Buzzday!

2006-02-06T08:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Buzzday, everyone!

First--Thanks to susanwrites for telling me about the rich text editor at LJ. I've been struggling with LJ all this time because I can never remember HTML!

Second-- Stop by laurenbarnholdt's LJ to hear her read an excerpt from her new book, REALITY CHICK. It's super!

Third--laurenbarnholdt is doing an online chat for the Institute of Children's Literature on Thursday, February 16th, at 8 o'clock EST. And, there's a contest involved. Visit Lauren's blog for contest details.

Fourth-- (Susan Taylor Brown) has a new book coming out. You can download an excerpt from the book on her website. I can't wait to read more! I predict this book will be huge!

It's Conference Time!

2006-02-04T15:29:00.000-08:00

The links in my original post have been deleted because it has been brought to my attention that posting conference notes may be a copyright infringement and may interfere with the author's ability to make a living from their speaking.

Out of respect for those who believe this, I've taken down my notes. I meant no harm. In fact, I believe reading conference notes online actually promotes the speaker and makes people want to go to a conference to see him or her.

Hey...I'm even on the "wrong" side of the Google Print issue. I see it all as a way to promotion--pique their interest and they'll want the real thing.

It's School Auction Time Again!

2006-02-02T08:16:00.000-08:00

It's that time again: planning time for the school auctions. Do they do this where you live?

Here, all the elementary schools (even many of the preschools) do auctions to help raise funds for school extras. At my 8 year old's school, the money is kept by the PTO to fund things like: extra field trips, buy book collections, provide extra playground equipment/extra items for the gym, and start the second grade Spanish Club. At our preschool, the money usually goes toward toys and playground equipment.

I really HATE fundraisers. (Just like Laura who says today, "Fundraisers are not fun.")

To make matters worse, each family is asked to come up with a special item to donate for the auction. Many items come from donations from health clubs, summer camps, restaurants, spas. But, then there are the big ticket items--vacations at people's time shares, autographed sports items (we have a few players' children at our school), cool stuff from mommy and daddy's business. You get the idea.

It's hard when you don't have local connections. If we lived near our families, we could come up with some really cool packages to give away. But, we don't.

For you author and illustrators out there, here are some potential solutions:

1) Team up with other authors and illustrators to create a state collection of books. For example, a KANSAS COLLECTION would be books written and/or illustrated by people in Kansas.

2) Offer the school a writer's workshop (illustrator/author visit). Offer this as an individual or work with others to create a literacy or book creation or creativity workshop event at the school. For a hot item like this, parents at our school would go in together to buy the package for a whole grade level (as they did with the sixth grade pool party last year).

3) Offer a summer camp for young writers or illustrators and give the school a few free camps to give away.

Even if you don't have kids in school, this could be an effective marketing idea for someone looking for an opportunity to get into the schools with their workshops.

Happy Auction Season!

3)

Eating at the Kidlit Cafe

2006-01-31T09:17:00.000-08:00

It's lunch time, and I'm feasting on leftovers. I made Lisa Schroeder's Baked Potato Soup (from Not Your Mother's Slowcooker Cookbook) last night. Everyone loved it. I'm having it again.

This made me wonder--if a Kidlit Cafe existed, what menu item would you choose to represent you or your characters?

We could have Baby Can't Sleep Potato Soup
Oliver's Peanut Butter and Pickle Sandwiches

Of course, there would be Green Eggs and Ham.

Depending on my mood, I'd choose my Tex Mex chili recipe. Maybe we could call it Busy Writer's Leftover Delight (because you eat chili one day, use it as a topping for stuffed pasta shells the second day, eat chili dogs the next day...)

So...what about you? What's your signature item? Share the recipe if you want!

Updated

2006-01-31T05:26:00.000-08:00

I've updated my new blog. Rather than writers and illustrators in the Midwest, it is now Writers and Illustrators in the Central States. We've always said we're from the Midwest. However, it has come to my attention that people as far as Ohio call themselves Midwesterners. So, it's now Central States.

Not that I want to leave anyone out--but *I* think the people in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas could use some special attention.

And, by the way...if you once lived in the four states mentioned, I'll be happy to add you to the list!

My latest experiment

2006-01-30T15:42:00.000-08:00

If you've been reading my blog for any time, you know that have this obsession about book promotion. In fact, just a few posts down, I posed the question, WHY DO YOU BLOG? The responses ranged from networking to promotion, to writing warm-ups.

Since the day I started blogging (Yes, my one year blog-o-versary is coming up!) I've been impressed with the folks in Texas. Actually, it took me a few weeks to realize they were all connected in some way. Don, Cynthia, Chris, Varian, Trevor...and m any more! They all live in Texas and do a GREAT job of promoting one another's work.

And, I'm very, very jealous!

So, I've decided to start a new blog. An effort to connect children's writers and illustrators living in the Midwestern states--Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska. If you know of anyone who would like to join or link up, let me know! I hope this new community will be a place where writers can talk about their work, their book releases, book signings and book promotion.

Tell me what you think!

Writing Retreat

2006-01-29T06:28:00.000-08:00

Doesn't this just look awesome? I'll be attending the Kansas SCBWI "Write Your Heart Out" retreat in April.

I'll participate in the picture book track with Jane Kurtz. I can't wait to meet her...and to learn from her. It will be a working weekend. I'm on the advisory committee for our SCBWI region, so I'll be helping out at the retreat. I think, once we're organized, it will run itself (mostly) that weekend.

Unfortunately, I'll have to miss out on this awesome conference at the end of April. The Missouri Writers' Guild (JWKC CHAPTER) has an impressive lineup of editors and agents coming to KC. With soccer schedules, school fairs and a traveling husband (oh, and that thing called finances), I'll have to pass on this one. I'll just have to help make sure the SCBWI Kansas annual conference in September is extra awesome! It's just killing me that I'll miss out on Judy Burke, Erin Murphy, Regina Brooks, Kent L. Brown and Cheryl Kline.

Resources

2006-01-27T13:35:00.000-08:00

I realized today, while daydreaming in the car and jamming to our new CD, (okay, okay...I like it too!!!) that I have a lot of resources available to me. People with ideas and talents who can help make my MG novel a huge success. I have this HUGE idea for a book launch. It's totally possible. And so, so cool!

Um...now I just have to write the darn thing. I wonder if anyone has ever written a book by starting with the marketing plan? In case you're wondering if I'm off on another tangent...I might be. But, it is SO related to the big idea I had last week.

Oh yea!

2006-01-27T06:38:00.000-08:00

I now have six little manuscript babies out in the world. I sent off number six last night. Hooray for me!!!!

No, I didn't just scribble all these things down. It's all stuff I've written in the past 12 months. I just did another rewrite yesterday. I have a major rewrite today. By Monday, manuscript seven should be taking a road trip in a postal truck over the thumpity bumpity roads.

I'm shooting for 12 manuscripts out by June. Unfortunately, I don't have 12 I like yet...so I'll have to wait a few more months. I read a Jane Yolen quote on one of my writing lists -- someone asked her how she got so many manuscripts published. She said she made it a rule to always have 12 out there.

I couldn't find that quote, but I did find this one on her site:

A writer never gets used to rejections. But if enough manuscripts are out there, each small rejection is less important.

Why, Mr. V? Oh, Why?

2006-01-26T20:04:00.000-08:00

I read Red Polka Dot in a World Full of Plaid today. Amazing. I could not put it down. Varian Johnson jumps right into the action in the first paragraph. One minute, I was laughing. The next, I was so very sad. Full of plot twists I would not have expected. A great story. Fabulous characters and an ending that made me want to drive down to Austin and punch Mr. V in the nose! Why, Mr. V? Oh, why?

Highly recommended! I predict a bright future for Mr. Varian Johnson!

*******

171 people have been to this site today looking for the lyrics to THAT SONG! If you're here searching, try this link.

Why do you blog -- revisited

2006-01-26T07:15:00.000-08:00

Back to blogs and promotion for a minute.

Why do writers have blogs? Is it a place to dump their thoughts, kick-start the writing day, reward oneself for actually writing, a place for networking and swapping ideas, a promotional tool, or all of the above?
Personally, I think writers, especially MG and YA authors are foolish if they don't have a web presence of some sort. It's a great way to connect with their target audience.

I keep two blogs (completly identical--one on Blogger and another on LJ. Don't ask. I'm still confused.) I have a stat counter on my blog at Blogger. Nearly all of the hits are from 1) blogging friends 2) people looking for author or book references 3) people Googling the topics I blog about (most of which are somewhat related to things the YA/MG audience or their parents would be interested in.

Right now, I write about whatever strikes me. I'm still unpublished and I figure I have time to experiment. Once I'm published, I'm not sure I'd change much. Yesterday, I received 40 hits from people looking for the lyrics to that Disney movie while it was replaying on TV.

Now, the question becomes -- would a person intent on finding lyrics NOW...RIGHT NOW WHILE THE SHOW IS ON...take the time to read something interesting about a book that might be targeted to their age group?

Probably not. But maybe. It's definitely worth thinking about.

*****
Just checked the webstats--another 16 hits looking for lyrics as of 9:30 this morning! Definitely marketing lessons to be learned here! I want a Disney movie/musical/book deal!

Inspired

2006-01-25T08:26:00.000-08:00

I have been in a rut. I've started and quit so many writing projects these past few months. I know I am capable of having good ideas. I keep digging out ideas, partially-written stories, poems from two years ago when I first started writing for children! I love the ideas in my old pile. I'm just not so inspired by my new ideas.

I had so much less going on back then. More quiet time. More time for ideas to simmer. I do a lot of prewriting while driving, working out, cooking...just hanging out. Now I have constant noise. There's always someone or something begging for attention.

I'm not sure what the solution is, but I DO know which manuscript I'm working on this afternoon! I decided to dig it out after reading our February 2006 Spider that arrived yesterday. This is the last issue in our subscription. I had decided that I don't write the stuff they publish...and since the kids won't touch the thing (they think it leans toward "boring" too. I know. I know. I shouldn't admit this!)

BUT, I absolutely love this issue. It's one of my favorites yet. If you have it, take a look at "What's for Supper?" by Julie Douglas. Such a fun story! And similar to one I'm digging out of my old pile.

Too bad all the editors involved with this one are gone, hu? I really like the direction they took with this one!

High School Musical

2006-01-21T08:35:00.000-08:00

Did you catch Disney's High School Musical last night? This was a major event at my house. We'd planned to have a bunch of girls over to watch it with us. Since we still have some sickies, we skipped that and watched it alone.

Disney Channel is SO GOOD at tapping into that little girl audience with their Disney Channel Original Movies. They hype the show with all the behind the scenes stuff for weeks before the show. There's always a soundtrack and web tie ins. You can go to the Disney Channel site and print the lyrics (guess what A's doing now?) so you are ready to sing along tonight when they replay it! Um...we taped it, so we're also watching it again RIGHT NOW.

Plus, most of the movies star a Disney Channel star. I've also noticed they use these movies to launch new stars. Just wait...in a few months, there will be a new series with a kid who "starred in High School Musical."

I love Disney. It's not enough that I want a published book. I want a published book, that is turned into a Disney Movie WITH A SOUNDTRACK! I can dream big, can't I?

***
Edited to add: We went to Target and Borders to look for the HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL CD. Target didn't appear to have it. Our Borders had it earlier in the week, but they were out. We talked to the smart lady at the info desk. She said that she noticed it was on the best seller list on Wednesday, so she already ordered more. Since A has a Borders gift certificate she's dying to use, we gave the lady our name and she'll call us later this week when it's in. Apparently, lots of little girls had already been in today looking for that CD. By the time we arrived, Info Lady knew all about the movie and the CD.

Five down!

2006-01-17T20:59:00.000-08:00

Five little picture book manuscripts are ready for a big adventure. They are in their seats all nice and snug and they have their tickets and letters of introduction. Hopefully, they'll take a one-way trip. If not, well...they have a small suitcase with the proper return ticket attached.

One more little guy to send out this week. I think this one will be Highlights material. After I give this one a little trim (He'll look much more handsome without all that excess hair), he'll fly along after his brothers and sisters.

Wish my kids a wonderful flight...with a just a very, very short layover in the Slush Pile. We feel lucky this time.

Best idea ever

2006-01-16T19:26:00.000-08:00

This may well be my best idea ever. We'll know in a few days. If I'm still writing this one, I'll know it can at least hold my attention for a while. That's my biggest problem with writing a novel. My short attention span.

My novel idea could go both YA or MG. So, laundry and dishes are done. Work is done. Kids are in bed. Puke* cleaned up. I'm going to grab a notebook and brainstorm in a nice, hot bubblebath. :Giggles: I just love this idea! I hope it looks as good in paper as it does in my mind.

Thanks to Kelly and Lisa for suggesting MG novels (on my LJ...I keep two blogs because I'm still deciding which place I like best.)I'll order the ones I haven't read from my library.

*Yes, we had a day off of school, big plans. We were at the mall buying jeans at Gap Kids. Then, a quick trip to Build a Bear for some clothes for the bear (S hit the jackpot. Her $11 item came to just over $1 because I happened to have a full punch card! She was spending Christmas $$, so she got a real bargain!). We never finished our shopping because A had a bad tummy ache. Doubling over at Build a Bear. We rushed home, cancelled our afternoon playdate and curled up for naps. Then, the vomiting began. I'm SO glad she is old enough to make it to the bathroom...and her aim is good. Fortunately, my kids don't get stomach illnesses often. Keeping my fingers crossed that no one else comes down with this.

Middle Grade Recommendations?

2006-01-16T10:46:00.000-08:00

What is your favorite middle grade novel?

I think my next project might be a middle grade novel. Or maybe a YA without the "mature" content. Susan is always saying, "Write what scares you." Well, right now, what scares me is writing a novel where my kids come away thinking it's okay to um...experiment. Then again...maybe when they're older and I'm exeriencing teenaged drama every day.

So, back to the question. I need to do some more middle grade research. What do you recommend?

Good thing my brain kicked in

2006-01-15T19:27:00.000-08:00

It's a good thing my brain kicked in before I sent out any query letters/manuscripts. Can't find the editor's name? Duh! How about using the phone??? To think I call myself a sales person.

Research

2006-01-15T07:50:00.000-08:00

My research is coming along nicely! I was able to knock out two publishers who are totally wrong. I have one story that might be a good fit at three houses. I have two that didn't seem to belong anywhere...but now that I think about it, I may have to search younger. I was only looking at PBs for 4-8 year olds.

Does anyone know if reviewers such as the School Library Journal hold grudges? One of the publishers had overwhelmingly negative reviews from SLJ on their 2005 books. Would you submit to a publisher who got lots of bad reviews? Maybe it doesn't matter since PBs take so long to get out the door? Maybe they don't really care who the publisher is?

I'm having an impossible time finding names of editors at the places I'm hoping to send my work. Oh, how I wish I had an agent! (Can't say I tried real hard to find one last year.) Possibly a good reason to switch genres...it seems so many more agents rep YA and MG novels than picture books.

Submissions

2006-01-13T21:51:00.000-08:00

Well, that was one quiet party. I guess no one could make it on such short notice :-)

Here's what transpired:

After the dance party, we braided hair, got into PJs and climbed into bed. I turned off the lights and tip-toed to my computer. I researched markets and came up with eight potential markets for my picture books. Next, I went back over my PB manuscripts. I worked on six last year that I'm still pleased with. I did some minor editing, and will print these in the morning.

I'll do some additional research on these markets this weekend, based on information I found at this cool new picture book blogger site. Then, I'll match mss to publishers and ship 'em off this weekend.

I wish each of you a successful writing week!

It's a PARTY! BYOB

2006-01-13T18:35:00.000-08:00

It was a busy December, and I vowed that I would not host any parties until summer. But, I'm breaking the rules (sort of). This is a virtual party. A Query Letter Party and it's taking place at 9:00 Central time. BYOB! (Bring Your Own Book!)

Yep...my husband has gone to a party without me. One of his actuarial colleagues just passed his ASA exam, so it's time to party actuarial style (YAWN!). Actually, I couldn't get a babysitter on such sort notice.

After my girls finish their dance party (Twister Moves...really fun game!) in a few minutes, it's off to bed for them. I'll be making myself a drink and sitting down at the computer to research markets and write queries.
I have a whole lot of manuscripts that I failed to send out last year, and my first goal of the year is to get those things out the door.

I promise not to send out the queries until tomorrow...just in case I throw a wild party :-)

RSVP below. Tell me what you're working on and what you're bringing to the party.

Children's Music Recommendation

2006-01-12T19:06:00.000-08:00

I posted a review of Mr. Stinky Feet's Roadtrip at YA Books Central. We don't usually review music, but this is a very special CD, so I asked Kimberly to make an exception.

Jim Cosgrove (Mr. Stinky Feet) is a children's entertainer from Kansas City. This is his first CD on a major record label, although this is his sixth children's CD. I am proud to say we own them all...and I've purchased most of them as gifts for family and friends.

For a long time, we were groupies. Lately, we haven't been able to catch so many shows...conflicts with travel and sports. He performs several times a year at our Children's Museum. This year was the first time in four years that we'd missed his New Year's celebration there. I wish I could share a little video so you could see the way kids respond to this guy. Watching him perform makes me want to get up on stage and dance (and if you know me, you realize singing on stage would be a HUGE mistake!). The room is filled with energy.

Last summer, we road tripped to Omaha ...and happened to catch him on tour there. So, we loaded up the grandparents and cousins and caught a show. A, S and their cousin P all got on stage and played instruments "in the band." They had a great time and convinced grandma to buy them a stuffed Bop Bop Dinosaur.

Jim Cosgrove is a true entertainer. Sample the music on his site (partial samples on his site; samples of every song at Amazon.) and also check out the tour schedule. I guarantee the pre-schoolers in your life will love him!

In case you're wondering...No, I don't know him personally. Just what I see on stage. Even if you don't like his music (which you will!) he is worth seeing just so you can observe the way he interacts with the children and engages them.

**By the way, I think the Road Trip CD would make an excellent addition to a road trip survival kit. The CD (a CD player and headphones if you don't want to share in the music experience), road games, card games, coloring books and crayons/markers (or Color Wonder stuff if you have kids who can't be trusted with markers in the car). I'll bet a search at www.familyfun.com would provide tons of fun ideas for a road trip kit.

ALA Notable Children's Book List

2006-01-12T10:44:00.000-08:00

The ALA discussion list has been posted. I thought I did a super job of trying to keep up on new books this year. The list proves I didn't even scratch the surface!

I was surprised by one of the selections. I disliked this picture book that shall remain unnamed so much, I can't bring myself to review it. This proves I have quirky taste and possibly indicates that I need to try harder to find an editor who shares my quirky views.

Vacation Reading

2006-01-11T20:03:00.000-08:00

(PHOTO: New Year's morning in Hawaii on the hotel balcony. A Coke Zero and great reading!)

As I mentioned earlier, I read seven novels on my Maui vacation. My friend's husband was appalled. "What!?" he said. "That's all they could find to do in Hawaii? Then, I don't want to go there!"

We were there a full week and did our share of tourist activities. What we really needed was to relax in a beautiful setting. There's nothing more relaxing than reading a book on the beach (or on the balcony overlooking the ocean). The salty air. The crashing waves. The clapping palm trees. Ahhh.

What a treat to be able to just hang out after our stressful, busy December! Since my relatives didn't use the Amazon Wish List I prepared, I didn't have time to get the books I've been wanting to read. I had to live with what was stocked at the bookstore. I was pleased to find a few books by some of the authors on my LJ friend list as well as at least one recent award winner that I was curious about.

I'm pleased to report that of the seven books I read, I LOVED six of them. Since I really hate to bash books, I'll focus only on the ones I enjoyed.

My Hawaii vacation reading:

1. Contents Under Pressure by Lara Zeises. As you can see in the picture above, this was my New Year's Day reading. I tried to get anyone but you at the bookstore, but they didn't have it. I was happy to find Contents Under Pressure on the shelf. I grabbed it up the minute I saw it, and I was not disappointed. I totally did not want this book to end. I sat staring out at the ocean imagining what might have happened next. Then, a pale bozo popped up an umbrella and blocked my sun and the spell was broken.

2. Chicks with Sticks by Elizabeth Lenhard. I thought this was an interesting idea--knitting bringing people together. Okay, so it's symbolic and makes sense, but it was unique in a high school setting. I really cared about these characters and wanted them to remain friends.

3. The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall. I'd heard a lot about this one due to the recent press. This was a great, nostalgic vacation read. I loved it, but I'm also curious. It seems to have broken a lot of rules ... and it didn't matter! I fell in love with the characters and wanted a sequel. Now.

4. Bras and Broomsticks by Sarah Mlynowski. OMG! Too funny! Great voice. Great characters. Fun plot and magical high school drama. I can't wait for the sequel.

5. Monkey Business by Sarah Mlynowski. Okay, so this one is not YA. It's about a bunch of sex crazed MBA students. At this point in my vacation, my husband was giving me a hard time about all the kids' reading I was doing, so when I ran of of books the second time, I picked a pink book in the adult section. I had to hide this one when we got back onto town. I didn't want my young nieces picking it up out of my luggage! At any rate, I love Sarah Mlynowski's writing.

6. Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen. This one hit me hard. It's the type of story I've always wanted to write, but have always doubted I could do well. I was absorbed in the characters and the choices they made. I wanted to keep the characters from harm, to protect them from the choices they made. I had tears in my eyes at the end of this one.

I need to go back and study these. I wish I would have read these with paper nearby. With each book, I noticed something different and wanted to go back to analyze certain parts. Naturally, I don't remember what parts I wanted to study! With some it was the characters; with others the plot; with some I wondered what the author did to make me really care about the character or how they made me feel so sorry or scared for a character.

Longing for Hawaii

2006-01-10T20:50:00.000-08:00

I'm longing for Hawaii already. Tonight, I'm reading myself a bedtime story, HULA LULLABY by Erin Eitter Kono. I reviewed it at YABooksCentral a while back. I loved it then, and I love it even more after my recent visit. I was so disappointed that I didn't see this among the Hawaiian book displays in the stores we visited.

I bought a book about Hawaii while we were there. I'm going to order A is for Aloha with my next Amazon order. I love S is for Sunflower...what a great series and an entertaining way to learn about the states! If Aloha is half as good as S is for Sunflower, I'll be seriously impressed. Now that I think about it, I'll need C is for Cornhusker while I'm at it. They can amaze their grandparents with knowledge of our childhood home state.

I bought coconut shrimp at the store this week, and I prepared French toast made with Hawaiian Sweet Bread for breakfast today. Also on our menu this week: grilled hamburgers with pineapple slices and teriyaki sauce. Who cares that it snowed today? We're having a heat wave tomorrow--50 degrees!

Off to Hula dreamland for me.

It's that time of year

2006-01-10T12:17:00.000-08:00

I usually don't DO New Year's Resolutions. I think people set themselves up for failure by putting so much pressure on themselves as they start a new year. I get that it's a "new year," but why NEW YEAR's resolutions? (I suppose I could find the answer to that with a quick Google search, hu?). Look at gyms. They're filled with people who have recently resolved to lose weight, get fit, look good in a bikini by spring. From experience I can tell you that by February...maybe mid-March, the gyms are thinning out. I have plenty of treadmill access. No waiting for the newly-resolved (who by now are weight loss drop outs.)

That said, so many of you are posting resolutions and writing goals, I'm getting in the mood. I must have been under the influence last year as well. SCBWI contacted me to tell me that my membership is about to expire. If you aren't a member, join! If you're in the Kansas City area, look us up. The Kansas region is really taking off. Join a critique group! Get involved! Meet some new writer friends! Come to our super cool April retreat with a super cool picture book author (info available on the site soon).

But, enough of my setting goals for YOU. Here are a few thoughts I have for myself as I reflect upon my 2005 writing career.

In early 2005, I decided to get serious about children's writing. I took my first PB writing class in the early stages of my pregnancy with Baby K...and just stopped writing after that. Baby K was six months old in January 2005. It was time to get serious.

I dabbled in my pregnancy, but just couldn't focus. I still belonged to my original online critique group with some of the people I met in my children's writing course. They encouraged me to join SCBWI. SO, I joined SCBWI about a year ago.

Then, I set a goal of being published by the end of the year. Rookie mistake, right?
Later in the year, I revised that goal...to have a book under contract by December 2005.

I wrote a lot. I started to blog. I met so many, many awesome writers who inspired me. I wrote some more.

The one big problem? I submitted almost nothing last year! It's hard to be published without submitting!

So, now it's a new year. I've learned a lot. I've been to a few conferences. I became active in my SCBWI region. I joined a local critique group. I took a class. I read a lot. I became a picture book reviewer. Looking back, I accomplished a lot. Sure, I underestimated the work it takes to become a children's writer. I think that's part of the process.

The holiday, vacation and birthday distractions are behind me. Now, I need to get down to business and write, and revise and submit and write some more.

Wonder Where I've Been?

2006-01-09T07:13:00.000-08:00

We just returned from a fabulous week in Hawaii. We stayed at the Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort in Maui. We went without the kids, so it was very relaxing and incredibly romantic.

Our room had an ocean view and overlooked the pool area. The hotel lobby, dining area and lounge sat perpendicular to our room. Being in a warm weather climate (80-82 degrees our whole stay!) everything there is open air, which meant that each night, we had a lounge music lullaby. We slept with the balcony door open at night—a great breeze, the lounge lullaby each night and the ocean calling us out to play each morning.

We never really adjusted to Maui time, so we went to bed around 8:30 or 9:00 each night and woke around 6:00 a.m. Chris has never been good at jumping out of bed in the morning, so while he watched TV, checked email and lounged, I started each morning with a Coke Zero and a book on the balcony.

We spent New Year’s Eve on a dinner cruise—a good idea, except that sunset is at 5:55 at this time of year. By the time we got out to sea, it was dark, which meant no scenic photo ops. We were asleep by 9:30. The fireworks woke us up—briefly. We looked at each other, “Uh, fireworks. Happy New Year,” and were back in dreamland 30 seconds later.

We took a five hour snuba/scuba/whale watching trip (a three hour tour just seemed unlucky…Gilligan). Snuba was interesting. I panicked for the first 15 minutes. When we had five minutes left, I finally felt comfortable breathing and asked our instructor to put my weights back on so I could sink. But, my ears wouldn’t pop, so I only went down about 10 feet. With snuba, you breathe out of a mouthpiece like a scuba diver would have, but it’s connected to a hose, which is connected to a little raft with an air tank. The instructor was a diver and took six people down each stop.

Our snuba site was the Molokini Crater. They say it’s one of the top 10 dive spots in the world. We preferred the snorkel site, Coral Gardens. Both were gorgeous. Along the way, we saw lots of humpback whales, dolphins and a few turtles.

It’s whale season in Hawaii right now. We could see the whales from our balcony. I wish I had thought to pack binoculars, for whale watching and for viewing the stars. There was a beach front path that connected the resorts. We walked the path at least once each day, enjoying the landscaping, the amazing houses, the whales and the fresh air.

We spent lots of time at the beach. The first few days were red flag days, so we had lots of surfers near our hotel. The first day, I flipped under a wave. My swimming suit bottoms fell to my ankles and I hooked them with my foot to keep them on. The girls laughed…and then put us on hold so they could tell their cousins the story…when we called with our first day update.

We got nice tans, which are already fading. I read seven novels—we had to find a bookstore so I could buy more. (I always wanted to be one of those people who got to read on the beach! With kids, that's impossible!) Unfortunately, there’s nothing spectacular to report about the food (I did like the macadamia nut and banana pancakes with coconut syrup…and of course, the tropical beach drinks :-) I received one of the best massages ever (the whole thing was good, but the neck massage was amazing.) I am SO ready to go back.

The girls had a fantastic time with our relatives (grandparents and cousins), but want to know if our next vacation will be a family vacation. It was a fantastic time for a vacation, so I’m already campaigning for New Year’s Eve at Disney World 2006. (We paid for four of our seven days in Maui on Marriott Rewards points from Chris’ travel, so we’ve now officially switched to collecting Southwest miles so we can buy five tickets to Orlando...if we can get the blackout dates to work, we'll be set!)

Back to regularly-scheduled writing posts as soon as the laundry is done and I get the Christmas tree put away!

The birthday cake

2005-12-23T09:40:00.000-08:00

A &S have been asking for the Betty Crocker Bake 'N Fill pan, so we bought it to make the birthday cake. The kids HATED the cake. Good thing the pan takes two mixes--enough for 12 cupcakes. They nibbled on cupcakes and ate A GALLON of ice cream! We'll still use the pan again. It was a fun baking project. We used a white cake and peppermint ice cream. Maybe a bad choice for such a large group.

Hubby took the girls to his office so I could get some wrapping done. They love going to his office when it's closed. They run laps, watch movies and get lots of drinks from the pop machine. I guess I'd better take advantage of this quiet time!

A Wild Birthday!

2005-12-23T09:24:00.000-08:00

"A" had quite the wild 8th birthday party!

We had 15 for caroling. The one boy brave enough to hang with girls for the night went home at 9. Three girls left (planned ahead of time) at midnight. The rest (11 girls!) stayed up until about 1:30-1:45 a.m. They all woke up at 7:00.

We crammed them in the dining room for pizza. Then, we practiced our songs and went caroling. We haven't had carolers around here in many years, so people thought it was really neat. One lady started dancing in her living room and sang with us :-)

We came home, had hot chocolate and cake, opened presents. We decorated two gingerbread houses. I turned my back for just a second and the project took a wild, crazy turn. The kids spread frosting all over their hands and arms and tried to stack one house on top of the other. Soon, candy and cereal pieces were falling onto the carpeting. The table was smeared with frosting. I almost cracked. Instead, I took a picture and sent them to wash their hands.

We put in Madagascar and some of the kids watched. The others (about 6) decided to give people movie theater "jobs." Some were in charge of snacks, drinks...and spills. They even had a bathroom attendant. Yeah, strange :-0 Soon, one of the girls (who cried at least five times over the course of the party) started crying about how jobs weren't fair and she didn't like that game.

That was fine. It was time for bed. We spent the next three hours trying to get everyone to bed.

Overall, a fun party. I'm glad "A" now understands why smaller parties are more fun. It was quite chaotic, but memorable. I mean...how often do you get to have a sleepover with all the girls from your class? We can only hope future sleepovers will have a nice, small group of say...5 or fewer girls!

My girls were in bed promptly at 8:30 last night and no one woke me up until 8:15! I got 10 1/2 hours of much-needed sleep last night!

***

Silly side story: Earlier that night, we had our first major spill on the new carpet--a full cup of hot chocolate. I finally got it all out yesterday, but I thought I was going to need to use that Stainmaster Warranty! It's because of situations like this that one pays the big $$ for that stuff, afterall! Early in our marriage, hubby spilled a whole bowl of chili on our new white kitchen chairs. They came out and replaced the whole seat FREE! No questions. No hassle!

Officially Done!

2005-12-19T20:03:00.000-08:00

As of 30 minutes ago, I have officially completed my Christmas shopping! What a day it has been. We (along with our siblings) decided we'd get our parents hotel and shopping gift certificates in one of Kansas City's finest shopping areas. One would think a simple phone call would be enough. Not so.

I first contacted The Fairmont on the Plaza. It took three phone calls and multiple transfers to the gift shop to determine no one there could help me. Can you imagine purchasing $250 worth of gift shop items? Yeah...right!

Frustrated, I changed shopping areas, this time selecting Crown Center. After three attempts at communicating with a reasonable person at the Westin, I sent a frustrated email message to the Crown Center management office. If the person at the Westin could have told me how to purchase a CG online, I would have taken that opportunity. Instead, she explained that she couldn't sell it, but she also didn't know where to find the GC link on their website. They also don't sell GCs on site.

I called the Hyatt and discovered that they sell gift certificates in the lobby until 11 p.m. each evening. Still, I would have to get in my car and drive out there. I called Crown Center to check on gift certificates--what I really wanted was a package that included hotel and shopping. A grumpy person answered and told me that I could buy a GC, but I still needed to get into my car and drive there.

Extremely agitated at this point, I decided S and I would go to lunch at Fritz's and try to have a little fun while we ran our unnecessary errands. (Fritz's is a theme restaurant where you sit on a "train" and order your food by phone and a mini train that circles the restaurant drops your food off at your table.)

As I gathered baby supplies for our outing, a manager from Crown Center called me in response to my email. WOAH! A link that actually goes somewhere. A link someone actually does something with! I was impressed. He confirmed that I could indeed purchase what I wanted at the places I narrowed down. BUT, still not conveniently over the phone or online. He did tell me to call him from the shopping center if I ran into any trouble and he'd assist.

We made it to Crown Center. Because I don't get that way often, I had difficulty navigating the stairs and finding elevators to get us to the various levels and through the link (walkway) to the hotel. But, we got the job done! We also had a fabulous lunch. S gave it a big thumbs up. And, Crayola had an awesome Santa exhibit where the kids had a chance to play and forget about shopping.

Round trip, including lunch, playtime and errands: four hours.
Time spent on phone the past few days: over one.
Number of happy grandparents this Christmas: four
Number of happy shopping girls: two
Number of times I forget my camera when I go to Crown Center: countless!

I really need to take my camera every time I get to that part of the city. Even when I don't plan to go to Crown Center (such as when we are at Science City) we end up there and I wish I had my camera. Always a good time...even if I didn't want to be there!

So, that's my Christmas shopping story. Mission accomplished.

When we got home, I had a voice mail message and an email message from a manager at the Westin. No, they couldn't sell the GCs onsite, but he was calling to tell me how. Unfortunately for them, I had already purchased elsewhere. As a marketing person, I'll just say there are too many marketing and customer service lessons in this tale to count.

Thirsty

2005-12-15T18:44:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting in a hotel. I just finished two book reviews. I'm in my PJs...and I'm thirsty.

The problem? I won't drink hotel tap water and the vending machine right outside my door is broken. I really don't want to wander all over the hotel to find a Pepsi in my jammies. (And, what I really want is a Coke Zero, which they don't have here because they sell Pepsi.)

For those of you who are keeping track-- I had a huge headache by the time I left for my meeting yesterday. I slept on the plane. I wrote a teeny tiny bit. I got in, skipped the holiday party, shared a bottle of wine + some sort of coffee martini with a friend (no, that didn't help the headache, nor did I feel better this morning...and it has nothing to do with writing, except that my poor, over-worked brain and body really needed to sit and relax and the wine was really nice).

I'm preparing to write now--sans Coke, which is not a good thing. Meetings tomorrow and girls' night before we head home. I haven't written much, but I have enjoyed the break from Christmas and birthday preparations!

While I'm gone, hubby is getting a taste of my life--he's on vacation and still got pulled into three conference calls today, which he had to take on mute with a screaming baby in the background. He's also fielding RSVP calls for the big slumber party/caroling bash, taking the kids to Chuck E. Cheese's and had to do a diaper run (because I forgot that small detail before I left town!)

Just 2 1/2 weeks!

2005-12-13T19:36:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas. I really do. But, this year, I'm counting the days until the holiday season is officially over. I'm exhausted and ready to move on already. So, just 2 1/2 more weeks of holiday cheer left.

In that time, I have:

A business trip to Tampa (tomorrow)

A school holiday party (Tuesday next week)

A birthday slumber party for A (Wednesday next week). The original list of 12 girls was adjusted to 15 when we invited four boys for caroling and realized we were leaving out three girls from her class. It just didn't seem right, so we invited 'em all!

Christmas (next week, obviously)

Miscellaneous family commitments the last week of the year.

It doesn't look so bad on paper, but all the little details to keep dancing around in my head!

*****

Today was S's last day of pre-K for the year. Her teacher gave them a baggie filled with red M&Ms, cinnamon candies and red jelly beans and included the following note:

"I wanted the perfect gift for you, but couldn't decide just what to do! I almost sent you a dozen roses--instead, here's a bag of reindeer noses!"

Isn't that just the cutest? S thought so!

*****
Last year, we received baggies of oatmeal and red baking (decorator) sugar with this note about reindeer. We made up extras and distributed them around the neighborhood. Not sure we'll do that this year since we'll be spreading holiday cheer with the 15 girls and four boys caroling!

Reindeer Food

Up on the housetop reindeer pause.
Out jumps good old Santa Claus.
Santa gets cookies and leaves some toys.
But the reindeer tummies make lots of noise.

Ho Ho Ho! We need some food!
Ho Ho Ho! We need some food!

Up on the housetop, click, click, click.
Leave us some food when you feed St. Nick!

Directions:

1. Wait until Christmas Eve.
2. Open the bag. Sprinkle reindeer food on the lawn.
3. Hop into bed and wait for Santa.

****
The cinnamon ornaments we made for S's party favors were a big hit. Three moms called me MARTHA! I'd usually take that as an insult, but this was the first crafty thing I've tried that has really turned out well. They looked just like I imagined them. And, S had a ball helping me.

***
I'm off to bed--after I find a few books to read and gather writing materials for the flight!

Have a Holly Jolly ...

2005-12-08T12:40:00.000-08:00

Have a holly jolly birthday! Yes, that's us. Instead of writing, I'm planning yet another birthday party before Christmas. Almost-8-year-old "A" has decided that she wants a birthday sleepover. We're inviting 12, count 'em--12, girls to the party (plus three boys who will go home before bed time.)

I was a bit freaked out by the idea of having 12 second grade girls over night. That was before I had a brilliant idea that "A" happened to love. We're going caroling. Pizza, practice, caroling, hot cocoa and cake, presents, a craft or two. I think this party will be one of the easier parties I've planned. We're also thinking about making gingerbread houses, but we started one this afternoon and it's not looking so swell.

I ended up taking nothing to critique group after all. I just couldn't focus. Fortunately, I have lots of "air" time in the next few weeks. I'll be traveling to Florida without kids next week, which should give me some good writing time.

I'm going to a holiday wrapping/card addressing party tonight. I'll be working on my cards. Our Christmas picture of the kids is beautiful. S took especially good pictures--she looks like a princess--better than a princess, really.

Other than two birthday party invitations and about 15 birthday thank you notes, my other big writing project is our Christmas "letter." I took the easy way out, but here it is:

Happy Holidays!

Instead of our usual Christmas letter, we thought we’d give you a Christmas quiz. Select the best answer to each question below. Then, see how you score!

1) A is in second grade and will be eight next month. She is involved in her school’s Spanish club and enjoys writing and singing. She plays:

a) soccer and basketball…and would add more activities if she had the time.
b) Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.
c) guitar in a rock band.

2) S just turned five and can’t wait to go to school next year. She is learning to read and:

a) plays soccer and takes swimming lessons. She scores lots of goals!
b) likes to kiss boys.
c) ran a marathon this year.

3) K is 18 months. She adores her sisters and enjoys reading books. She climbs everything, is becoming quite the talker and:

a) loves to play with dolls.
b) HATES water—just like her sisters.
c) is not allowed to grow up.

4. C traveled a lot for work this year. He finally bought:

a) Chiefs season tickets.
b) a cool car.
c) HP stock to support his family’s printing habits.

5. Kim insists there’s nothing new to report again this year. She:

a) still enjoys writing children’s stories.
b) would love to play in the snow and freeze her toes off every day.
c) is pregnant.

6. C & Kim will celebrate their 15th anniversary next year, so they're skkskslaljhchcht and going to :

a) dkkdksksksks!
b) the library.
c) a Star Trek convention

ANSWERS: A—of course, “A” is the correct answer for all of the above. Give yourself one point for each correct answer.

If you scored:

· 5 or 6—HOORAY! We’ve done a pretty good job of keeping in touch with you this year.

· 3 or 4—ARE YOU ASLEEP? If we talked to you, you weren’t paying attention.

· 2 or fewer—LET’S TALK! What have you been up to? We miss you! Give us a call at xxxxxxxx. Better yet, send an email to 123456 or 67890. We’re much better at keeping in touch with email!

Seriously...You've gotta check this out!

2005-12-02T12:20:00.000-08:00

Really...you NEED to check this out. If you love books or you know anyone who loves books, you need to check out the Book A Day December Giveaway at YA Books Central.

There's some great prizes--including A City Christmas Tree, Snowbaby Could Not Sleep, Anyone But You and A Great and Terrible Beauty.

Winners posted daily on the YA Books Central blog where you can always find out about the most recent reviews and interviews posted.

Kimberly has done a fantastic job with this. I'm totally amazed. Me...I played no role in this; I'm just thrilled to review picture books for the site. Check it out and pass the link on!

Cinnamon Hugs

2005-12-02T08:07:00.000-08:00

S and I had the greatest morning. Her Chuck E. Cheese birthday party is this weekend. I hate, hate, hate giving gift bags with junky toys in them. So, we decided to make our own cinnamon-applesauce ornaments and "ice" them with puffy glitter paint and loop a red ribbon through the top. The kids will get: an ornament that S made, the recipe to make their own and a gingerbread cookie cutter. I hope the parents don't turn up their noses --because we think they turned out pretty fancy.

To make the dough, combine equal parts of cinnamon and applesauce. (We used one cup of each.) Roll the dough and cut ornament shapes. Dry flat for two to three days. Our second batch, has been cooking for over an hour at about 200 degrees. The dough was too sticky, and I was out of cinnamon, so we added ground cloves and allspice. MMMMM....my house smells lovely!

This all reminds me of my emotional connection with food. I love the smells and the warmth of baking. I have wonderful memories of baking and frosting Christmas cookies with my family. I think this also explains why I can spend days baking at Christmas and throw it all way, only eating a few bites.

Which reminds me of that book I like...A City Christmas Tree...it's all about the many reactions and connections people have with Christmas trees.

Which reminds me that this little project is closely related to my new writing project. (YES! I have a new idea, part of which WILL be ready for critique group.) I had another cooking-related project that I abandoned a few months ago. I've decided all the research from that project still relevant to the new project, so I'm looking at this as a fresh approach.

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Related to post #1 from earlier this week, Cynthia Leitich Smith just happened to have some thoughts on the same subject regarding the critiques of her own first drafts.

And, just in case you missed it...be sure to check out December's Book A Day Giveaway at Young Adult Books Central. While you're there, check out a few of the new book reviews and interviews!

On My Mind

2005-11-30T19:39:00.000-08:00

I have a lot on my mind again tonight.

1. Critique group is next next week. I have nothing to share. Sure, I finished the picture book they critiqued last month, but I don't want to share it. I think it's because I didn't take their advice...and I don't want to hear it again. Is that wrong? Am I stubborn?

2. I keep hearing that quiet picture books are not selling. This confuses me because it looks to me like Little Brown is buying them. Have you read A City Christmas Tree? I just love it. But, it's quiet.

3. And, what about "jumping right into the action" on the first page? I am a big believer in this one. Kids today (myself included!) get bored if the action doesn't start right away. For proof, compare some of the movie remakes--FREAKY FRIDAY comes to mind. In the Tatum O'Neill version, it seems like the credits and that slow, slow music will never end. In the Lindsay Lohan version, the movie starts with upbeat music and action before the credits ever roll.

So, what's the point? Does my story really need the action to start on the first spread if I think a one-spread scene set up helps the story along? I guess you have to see it to understand, but the humor is in what is NOT said. (YES, this is the advice I didn't take in #1 above.)

4. We have a super, awesome speaker coming to our SCBWI retreat that is still in the planning stages. This presenter is one of three I recommended to our RA (um...as if my idea is original ...or that my opinion matters ;-). I'm psyched and can't wait to spread the news!

5. Before I go to bed tonight, I'm writing down a few ideas for a middle grade novel. I'm still thinking about carrying around a model of my character and keeping a journal about her experiences to get started.

6. I still need to write SOMETHING for critique group, but how do I do that when I have all this going on: neighborhood hayride with Santa (I'm in charge), school holiday party to plan, S's birthday party, Christmas cards to design and print (I ALWAYS make mine and our relatives expect this from me...at least my mom's aunts do. Seriously, they told me so.), the family calendar to print (it's designed. Would you believe it was over one GIG?!) But, hey...I did make it through four family birthdays in the past week. I've made two cakes and one batch of cupcakes this week alone!)

Traffic Jam

2005-11-30T18:30:00.000-08:00

I've had a record number of visitors to my blog today. I see a lot of it is local traffic, but I have NO idea why. So...if you're checking this blog out for the first time today, clue me in: what brought you here? My curious mind wants to know :-)