St. Louis Writers Guild and Build-a-Bear Workshop Foundation are sponsoring THE BIG WRITE, a writing contest for both elementary and middle school students. This contest will be a part of THE BIG READ literary festival in Clayton, Missouri on October 11, 2008.
Six winners–three in each of two grade levels for 4th & 5th and 6th through 8th. Student should enter the contest as the grade they will be in for the fall of 2008. Prizes for the contest include: cash, award certificates, and Build-a-Bear merchandise. Winners will be announced at the festival, and the winning stories will be published on The Big Read website. There is no limit on the number of entries. For more information: Contest Guidelines. The deadline is September 12.
Author: cindyindigo
The Green Earth Book Award
This award is sponsored by the Newton Marasco Foundation–a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire responsible environmental stewardship. This year’s winner in the children fiction category is WINSTON OF CHURCHILL: ONE BEAR’S BATTLE AGAINST GLOBAL WARMING by Jean Davies Okimoto and illustrated by Jeremiah Trammell (published by Sasquatch Books.)
For additional information on the other books honored with this award, visit the Newton Marasco Foundation website.
And for information about helping your school or your child’s school become more environmentally friendly, visit my website and read the article, “Green Schools.”
Every day can be a green day when we make the decision to recycle, reuse, and reduce our waste and fossil fuel energy dependence. With everyone working together we can make a big difference!
LAUNCH PAD Needs Authors & Illustrators
LAUNCH PAD, a free online magazine for kids 6-12, needs juvenile authors and illustrators. The ezine–a bi-monthly literary and arts publication–includes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and artwork from children in the U.S.
Read the request below from editor and publisher, Paul Kelsey.
Dear Launch Pad Readers,
I am pleased to announce that the second online issue (Fairy Tales & Fantasy) of Launch Pad has now been published. The issue is accessible on the magazine web site. In this issue, you will meet a genie who loves to work out at the gym, some uninvited guests, fairies that light up the stars, an evil magician, and two brave fairies on a quest to save their village from the dragon. The stories and artwork are superb, and I know you will enjoy reading these outstanding creative works.
Launch Pad still needs contributors. We are looking for works for our upcoming issues about the Ocean, Summer Fun (hiking, camping, summer sports, vacations, etc.) and Mysteries. If you are a teacher, librarian, or parent, please encourage young people to submit their work! We still have space in all of our upcoming 2008 issues, and Launch Pad especially needs young artists. I would welcome any comments that you might like to share about the second issue. Please feel free to forward or post this announcement on listservs, blogs, Facebook, or other resources.
Enjoy the magazine!
All the Best,
Paul Kelsey
Editor and Publisher
Launch Pad: Where Young Authors and Illustrators Take Off!
http://us.f806.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=editor@launchpadmag.com
http://www.launchpadmag.com/
Consider this an immediate bulletin for all librarians, teachers, parents–especially those who homeschool their children. What a great way for a child to have his story or her illustration published!
Today’s Guest–Cecil Paplinskie
Stopping by today is author & illustrator, Cecil Paplinskie, who illustrated my story “BF’s & Butterflies,” in the current edition of STORIES FOR CHILDREN MAGAZINE.
Welcome, Cecil. It sounds like you’ve moved around some in your lifetime. Could you give us a quick overview of your life and how your travels have impacted your art & writing?
I was born in the Philippines. When I was little all I wanted to do was draw. I got a scholarship and at age 19, graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts majoring in Advertising. I was lucky; my first job was as an artist for an export company. I would design a theme, angel cows for example. I would then illustrate 20-30 poses of the angel cow doing different things. Then out of these drawings I would do the prototype by sculpting the design. It was fun. The company would join international gift shows, and they would send the artists to look at trends. I got to travel and work with people from all over.
Then I was offered work in China, decided to give it a try, and was there for two years. When I got back, I wanted to get into graphic designing. Computers were starting to be the thing, and I had a feeling that pretty soon things would be done through computers instead of the traditional hand-drawn art that I was used to. I got a contract to be a graphic designer in Taiwan. Although the job wasn’t quite suited for me, I stayed there for a year.
After that, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. However, I got lucky and was hired to do part-time illustrating for a children’s magazine owned by an American. I loved it, and I wanted to pursue a career in that field. So when the German Institute of Technology offered a workshop for children’s book writing and illustrating, I took it.
However, my new love for children’s book art had to be put on hold due to personal reasons. Eventually, I ended up in Canada where I met my husband and got married. I worked as a graphic designer in Toronto. When my first child was born, my husband and I thought it was best that we raise our kids in the country. I put my illustrating career on hold for the time being and instead funneled my creative talent into handmade crafts which I marketed. About year ago, I decided to return to my art. For an entire year I made sample artworks, compiled my best work and started writing. I created the illustrations and designed a website. Now I’m excited to be promoting myself and my work.
I love the ballet kitty in her tutu on your website. The kitty illustration has the single word “Dream” incorporated into the picture. What are your professional dreams? Are your dreams part of your motivation?
Very much so. I would love to have a published picture book which I wrote and illustrated someday.
What is the most fun part of the creative process?
When everything is done, and I see how good the finished product is. That to me is the most fun part.
What is your typical illustrator’s day like?
I’m a stay at home mom with a two year old and a seven-year-old. My working hours are during the baby’s naptime in the afternoon and from 10-3 during the day. Just like any other job, I work seven hours a day.
Describe your working environment.
Crazy and messy.
From your portfolio, I see that you use a variety of methods for creating your art from computer enhanced images to more formal paintings and also black and white drawings. Do you prefer one over the other? How do you determine what type of artwork you will use for a particular story?
It depends on what the author will ask for. Everyone, it seems, likes how I draw children.
What tips would you offer to others just beginning their career writing and illustrating children’s literature?
I myself am restarting my career. One thing that I am is persistent and hard working. It doesn’t hurt that I love what I’m doing.
What project are you working on now? Or what projects are pending?
I am working with self-published authors, Dionne Winters on her story, Frightful Things and Creepy Ones coming out soon and Zayre Ferrers’ Charlene’s Halloween Party.
I was selected to illustrate one of the stories for Gumboot Books in conjunction with Rotary International and their Literacy Foundation. These are collected stories from authors and illustrators around the world, celebrating different UN holidays.
I am working with self-published authors, Dionne Winters on her story, Frightful Things and Creepy Ones coming out soon and Zayre Ferrers’ Charlene’s Halloween Party.
I was selected to illustrate one of the stories for Gumboot Books in conjunction with Rotary International and their Literacy Foundation. These are collected stories from authors and illustrators around the world, celebrating different UN holidays.
That project seems a perfect fit for you, Cecil, with your own international background. Thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m sure we’ll see more of your delightful work in the years to come.
To view samples of Cecilia’s work go to her website and to STORIES FOR CHILDREN Magazine, “BF”s & Butterflies.”
School Visit at St. Alban Roe
Today I celebrated National Library Week and School Library Media Month with the two first grade classes at St. Alban Roe School in Wildwood, Missouri. Both of the classes were great listeners and offered many wonderful ideas. They enjoyed KITTY KERPLUNKING and GIFTS FROM GOD, which I shared with them. And afterwards, I was so happy to see them eagerly checking out books. In fact, many of them couldn’t even wait until they had checked out their books but began reading as they waited in line.
Way to go, first graders! And thanks to Mrs. Bobbit, the school librarian, for inviting me for the delightful visit.
Happy reading to all of you!
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK April 13-19
Nancy Pearl, world renown librarian immortalized with her very own action-figure, is pictured to the left to announce that today, April 13, is the start of NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK.
The American Library Association’s website provides a brief history and explanation of this special week promoting libraries:
What is National Library Week?
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries – school, public, academic and special – participate.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries – school, public, academic and special – participate.
The entire month of April is School Library Media Month. I know I’ll be celebrating with school students in the St. Alban’s School Library on Wednesday when I spend time with two first grade classes and their extremely well-organized and energetic librarian, Christy Bobbit.
How do you plan to celebrate libraries this week? Here are some suggestions:
- Check out a library book–or two or three or more
- Say an enthusiastic “THANK YOU!” to your librarian
- Send your favorite library (librarians) a “Just Because You’re Special Card”
- Donate time or money to your favorite library
- Attend a library story time with your children
- Soak up the zen when you stop by your favorite library for some quiet reading time
Interview with JODY FELDMAN
Author of The Gollywhopper Games, HarperCollins, 2008.
Greenwillow
ISBN: 0061214507
320 pages
ISBN: 0061214507
320 pages
Yesterday I had the wonderful opportunity to catch a quick lunch with author Jody Feldman, whose new book—THE GOLLYWHOPPER GAMES—has just been nominated for the American Library Association’s 2009 Best Books for Young Adults.
Jody was on her way to a school visit and feeling in a bit of a whirl from her busy personal life and recent book promotion events which have offered numerous travel opportunities.
As we munched on our Asian-flavored entrees, I asked if she knew that THE GOLLYWHOPPER GAMES was being considered for the YALSA list.
“I had no idea,” she said. “The book is listed by my publisher for ages 10-14. I guess that makes it borderline young adult.” She explained that she’d been in total shock for at least 10 minutes when she first heard the news.
“How has your life changed since your book has come out?” I asked.
“I’ve not been able to write,” she said immediately. “I’ve been spending more time on publicity, but I’m really looking forward to getting back to writing.” She told me of her new plan to write every morning and leave her afternoons open for publicity work.
When I asked her what had been the most fun and exciting part of her book’s release, Jody said, “Being here and seeing it all happen—the whole bundle of going through what a regular author does. Holding the book in my hand. Getting that connection with the kids. The sense of fulfillment.”
Jody has waited a long time for her well-deserved fulfillment. The idea for THE GOLLYWHOPPER GAMES first entered her mind nearly 20 years ago as she overheard an unhappy child in the school library trying to find another book with the same feel as Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. She became determined to create a book for adventure-minded young readers. Readers who like puzzles and games and quick-witted contests.
THE GOLLYWHOPPER GAMES’ journey to print was itself a great adventure—not for the weak of heart. Jody wrote and rewrote the story; she submitted it and received rejection after rejection. She put the story away for a long time, until finally she joined an online writers’ group and began revamping the story yet again. When she finally found an interested agent, Jennie Dunham of Dunham Literary, Jody still had to wait another three years before an editor, Virginia Duncan, at HarperCollins’ Greenwillow imprint ultimately perceived THE GOLLYWHOPPER GAMES’ great potential and helped Jody shape it into the amazing story it is today.
Currently, Jody is working on a new middle grade/young adult book with another seventh-grade boy main character. The book will border on the fantastical—“like you might experience in dreams,” she said.
As we wrapped up our lunch, I asked, ”What advice do you have for writers?”
“If you don’t really, really want to do it (write), don’t do it! Find something else.” She explained how determined writers have to be. “Willing to get down on their knees and scrub the floor sometimes”—knowing that there will be lots of hard work involved in the publishing process. It’s not the glamorous lifestyle so often portrayed in the media.
“And a writer needs to be open to knowledge from wherever you can get it,” Jody said. She likes to listen to kids and adults, to those who like and don’t like her stories. She explained that using all this information can help her write a better story.
I said my goodbyes to Jody as she refilled her to-go cup, fueling up for her school visit in just 15 minutes. She seemed a bit harried but quite happy with her new role as successful children’s author.
Muse It Up
Today I’m offering a review of Lea Schizas’ book, ASSAULTING A WRITER’S THINKING, as well as the opportunity to receive the Ebook FREE! Look for the details following the review.
ASSAULTING A WRITER’S THINKING by Lea Schizas
In this humorous motivational how-to Ebook for beginning (or reluctant) writers, Lea Schizas—award-winning author and editor—tells it like it is. No holds barred. She de-mystifies the writing life and provides real insights into the profession.
· Chapter 1: Explains many of the “roller coaster” ups and downs inherent for those who choose to weld the pen.
· Chapter 2: Offers numerous suggestions for seeing story ideas everywhere—even in a dresser drawer. A great bonus in this chapter, especially for children authors, is a list of questions which helps the writer enter back into the childhood mode.
· Chapter 3: Provides tips on finding a critique group and emphasizes the importance of doing so.
· Chapter 4: Advises writers to use research material to create more than one story and submit stories and articles to various magazines and publishers to increase market presence.
· Chapter 5: Encourages writers to keep plugging away despite rejections and failures—to keep believing.
· Chapter 6: Reiterates the need for writers to be as professional as possible by setting (and meeting) goals, maintaining a writing schedule, networking, and following publishers’ guidelines.
· Chapter 7: Emphasizes the rallying cry to “Keep at it!”
· Chapter 8: Lists a variety of links for writing-related associations, agents, editors, publishing houses, and much more.
· Bonus Chapter from her full-length book on writing: Muse It Up. If this first chapter is any indication, the book must be jam-packed with hands-on helps and encouragement for beginning authors. This one chapter alone provides a wealth of suggestions to motivate any reluctant writer.
Here is more information on Lea Schizas:
Author of the award-winning Young Adult Fantasy Novel
THE ROCK OF REALM
Co-author & Editor of THE MUSE ON WRITING
http://leaschizasauthor.tripod.com Email: museitupeditor@yahoo.ca
Lea Schizas is an award-winning author/editor, a short story competition winner,
living in Montreal with her husband Jimmy and their five children. She describes herself
as “finally woke up after a 23-year self-induced coma taking care of the family, and
re-discovered my passion for writing.”
She is the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of two Writer’s Digest 101 Top Writing
Sites of 2005 & 2006 and recipients of the Preditors and Editors Most Useful Writing
Sites Award: Apollo’s Lyre, an online writer’s Zine: http://www.apollos-lyre.com and
the online writing critique community The MuseItUp Club,
http://museitupclub.tripod.com/
-Founder of The Muse Online Writers Conference,
http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference/
-Founder of The Muse Marquee, http://themusemarquee.tripod.com
-Founder of The Muse Book Reviews, http://themusebookreviews.tripod.com
-Co-founder of Coffee Cramp eZine http://coffeecrampmagazine.tripod.com
-Reviewer for the award-winning site AllBooksReviews.com
-copy editor for Double Dragon Publishing
You can read more of Lea’s bio and accomplishments at: http://leaschizaseditor.tripod.com/
To receive your FREE copy of ASSAULTING A WRITER’S THINKING, send me an email via the Contact section here on my website.
More Great News!
I received a letter from HIGHLIGHTS for CHILDREN magazine today announcing the publication of my poem, “Reaching for the Stars,” in the November 2008 issue of their magazine.
How exciting!
I started writing this poem while at the Highlight’s Foundation Chautaugua Workshop in July 2005. My writer mentor for the week was David L. Harrison, a poet laureate from Missouri. It was during one of his presentations that the poem took shape.
So I offer a salute today to Mr. Harrison. I’m including some links below to a few online sites with information about him. Of course, he has a large number of books available either through bookstores or libraries. He writes not only poetry and stories for children but also nonfiction books as well.
A MATTER OF METER
By David L. Harrison
http://www.teachingk-8.com/archives/articles/a_matter_of_meter_by_david_l_harrison.html
The article explains some of the rhythmic patterns used in poetry with examples by children. The author also offers suggestions for presenting the topic to students.
RANDOM HOUSE MEET THE AUTHOR
http://www.randomhouse.com/author/results.pperl?authorid=12056
Brief highlights of Mr. Harrison’s writing career and education
THE READER: THE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS READING ASSOCIATION
“Fluency Fun: Kids Love the Sound of Words”
http://www.arareading.org/The%20Reader%20-%20fluency.pdf
An interview with Mr. Harrison and examples of his poems
BF’s & Butterflies
Exciting news today! My short story for mid-grade readers is now in the April issue of STORIES FOR CHILDREN MAGAZINE: http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com/id491.html
Here’s the scoop on “BF’s & Butterflies“
Small town girl, Leya, wants to figure out a way to befriend Kari, the new girl, before Nasty Nona, self-crowned queen of fifth grade, claims her. Leya’s just lost her BF—Best Friend—Lucy, who’s moved all the way to Florida. Now as Leya struggles to find a new BF, as well as her place in her fifth grade class, she discovers that butterflies can lead to friendship.
And here’s the scoop on Stories for Children Magazine: a FREE Ezine for children ages 3 to 12 years old. This monthly online children’s magazine takes children on an adventure into the World of Ink. Each issue is loaded with fun stories, articles, puzzles, children’s book reviews, crafts, poems.
SFC was “voted one of the Top Ten Best E-zines in Fiction, Non Fiction, Poetry, Cover Art, and Bookstores on the web — Preditors and Editors Readers Poll 2007.”
Be sure to stop by http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com/ and enjoy!