tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15940407997074313752024-03-08T03:33:11.335-08:00Cuppa JolieBooks. People. Coffee.Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.comBlogger415125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-3744662835455736322017-02-07T17:21:00.001-08:002017-02-07T17:25:09.649-08:00Welcome to Your First SCBWI Conference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Are you here for the first time?<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">WELCOME!</span></b><br />
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And know you are not alone.<br />
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Did you know that nearly a third of conference-goers* are attending for the first time? And many of them do not know a single person. That might even be you!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few hundred of the first-time attendees at the 2016 summer conference. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I've had the honor of welcoming hundreds at the summer conference, so I thought I could share some (possibly) helpful information with you here.<br />
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<b>Meeting Like-minded People</b><br />
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I repeat, you are not alone. There's a reason Lin Oliver calls us a tribe. This conference can open doors (it <u>does</u> open doors) in so many unexpected ways. More than the editors/agents in attendance, it might be the person sitting next to you who impacts your writing/illustrating life in unexpected ways. Take the leap and say hello.<br />
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<b>There's a Social for That</b><br />
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On Saturday night, from 8:30 to 9:30, there is an optional social for first-time attendees and new members. Check it out, and meet some new friends.<br />
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Also, don't miss the Gala dinner, just prior, where you can connect with your fellow regional members. And, hey...food and drinks!<br />
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<b>What to Wear</b><br />
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Baby it's cold outside!<br />
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"What do I wear?" is one of the most frequently asked questions. Because it's winter in NYC, you'll want some outdoor layers. As for the conference, think business casual in your own personal style. And consider, if you had the opportunity to speak with a publishing professional, would your look say, I take this seriously.<br />
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As for the Gala on Saturday, you can can go in whatever you were wearing during the conference day, but if you want an excuse to change and gussy up a bit, by all mean, do so.<br />
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<b>Editors and Agents</b><br />
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You can have a very successful conference experience without speaking directly to editors and agents. These wonderful industry professionals are in demand. The good news is that most will open their doors to submissions just because you are at the conference. Take the time to learn as much as you can about each and decide who might be a good fit for your work. Then, when your work is ready, submit.<br />
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<b>Create Realistic Goals</b><br />
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Think about a few things you'd like to accomplish at the conference, goals that are realistic and achievable. If you do that, there's no doubt the experience will be a successful one.<br />
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Also, check out the <a href="http://scbwiconference.blogspot.com/">SCBWI conference blog</a> (SCBWI Team Blog will be live blogging from the conference floor) and follow the hashtag #NY17SCBWI.<br />
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See you there!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*This estimation is my own based on past conference attendance.</span><br />
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<br />Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-48407904266018608892016-02-08T20:15:00.000-08:002016-02-08T20:15:41.517-08:00GARY SCHMIDT: A #NY16SCBWI Pre-conference Interview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7NxSfC4HMqmv3uy6t5PvnhYwAAnAwqjY13LzRM1_D-zvAAM-02dmesOkNIxaUGrZn6wX7r1XddV1FEnO4cQca2PSdwoWO8eouxfI7PbCvpB_cGa5-duXLzN6vkCE98CKGceOgAiCC5Cl/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-01+at+8.23.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7NxSfC4HMqmv3uy6t5PvnhYwAAnAwqjY13LzRM1_D-zvAAM-02dmesOkNIxaUGrZn6wX7r1XddV1FEnO4cQca2PSdwoWO8eouxfI7PbCvpB_cGa5-duXLzN6vkCE98CKGceOgAiCC5Cl/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-02-01+at+8.23.46+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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While many are counting down to the start of the conference, I'm already looking forward to a perfect "the end" when the award-winning and extraordinarily talented Gary Schmidt delivers this year's final keynote.<br />
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Gary Schmidt is the author of the Newbery Honor books <i>The Wednesday Wars</i> and <i>Lizzie Bright and the Buckminister Boy</i>. His <i>Okay For Now</i> was a National Book Award Finalist and a Children's Choice Award winner. His latest novel is <i>Orbiting Jupiter</i>. He teaches writing and literature at Calvin College, and is a member of the faculty for Hamline University's MFA in Writing for Children.<br />
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A huge thank you to Gary for taking the time to answer a few questions before the conference gets underway.<br />
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<b class="">You were a kid who wasn’t a reader until the right teacher came into your life. You are now a professor of English, as well as a writer. What brought you down this career path?</b></div>
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I think the love of story led me down my career path. I did learn to read, and to love story, and to love what words can do--their miraculous way of communicating and engaging. I went to college to become a lawyer, and did finish a political science major, thinking that I might want to go into local or state politics, but in the end, I loved my English classes, and the literature that spoke so powerfully to me. It seemed the obvious career path to share what I loved.</div>
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<b class="">You’ll be speaking at the conference’s novel revision intensive—a much-coveted event. Can you give us a glimpse of what you’ll be sharing with the lucky few who will be attending?</b></div>
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On the intensive: We sometimes speak of a passage's tone, or even a novel's tone, but I'm not sure we all are talking about the same thing, or even if we can define the idea of tone, or even if we can specify what elements go into tone. So this intensive is intended to wrestle with the element of tone in our writing, to recognize and define tone in ways that contribute to a story's meaning and presentation.</div>
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<b class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">What is the best (or favorite) piece of writing advice you have ever been given?</b></div>
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<b class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Read a lot.</span></b><br />
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<b class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">***</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We look forward to seeing you at the conference, but if you can't be there, join us as we blog live from the conference floor at <a href="http://scbwiconference.blogspot.com/">The Official SCBWI Conference Blog</a>. You can follow us on Twitter using the official conference hashtag <b>#NY16SCBWI</b>. </span></span><br />
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Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-16854594258134253952015-06-23T10:45:00.000-07:002015-06-23T10:47:18.312-07:00MEM FOX: SCBWI Pre-conference Interview<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFJzos27rMFY7oL9SauEjC869phEYeSSUvLgL4p5EKAJFHxUbtR8fcRXe1RHbiwqnF8-Ag2wB2c2rvttL5s7MiWSErT4vx7timvF5cHnwBYgJSjE3-8rmp4sMUIruPi51IP7SLlDosDIy/s1600/mem-fox1-150x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFJzos27rMFY7oL9SauEjC869phEYeSSUvLgL4p5EKAJFHxUbtR8fcRXe1RHbiwqnF8-Ag2wB2c2rvttL5s7MiWSErT4vx7timvF5cHnwBYgJSjE3-8rmp4sMUIruPi51IP7SLlDosDIy/s1600/mem-fox1-150x150.jpg" /></a><span style="color: #2d2c2c; font-size: 17px;">I'm so thrilled to be able to bring beloved picture book author MEM FOX to the blog. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><a href="http://memfox.com/">Mem Fox</a> is a retired Associate Professor of Literacy Studies and also
Australia's most highly regarded picture book author. Her first
publication, </span><i style="font-size: 13pt;">Possum Magic</i><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> is the best-selling children's book in
Australia. This year marks its thirty-second in print, still available in
hardback. She has written many other internationally best-selling books
including </span><i style="font-size: 13pt;">Time for Bed, Where Is The Green Sheep</i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">?, and </span><i style="font-size: 13pt;">Ten Little
Fingers and Ten Little Toes. </i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">She has also written several nonfiction books
for adults, including her renowned book for parents: </span><i style="font-size: 13pt;">Reading Magic. </i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">She
lives in Adelaide, Australia, but travels constantly as an advocate for
literacy. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #2d2c2c; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #2d2c2c;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Over the many years I've been attending SCBWI conferences, time and time again I've heard editor extraordinaire Allyn Johnston say, "If you want to write </span><span style="font-size: 17px;">picture</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> books study the </span><span style="font-size: 17px;">work</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> of Mem Fox."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #2d2c2c;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #2d2c2c;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">This summer we get to hear </span><span style="font-size: 17px;">directly from her. What a treat!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #2d2c2c;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Not only that, but she took time to answer a few questions before the conference for all of us. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: JA;">How has your writing process
changed (if at all) since you began your writing career?</span></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: JA;">My
writing process hasn’t changed at all over the years, which is to say I
probably write for a total of about four weeks a year. Most of my writing
occurs in my head, in my subconscious, most of the time. In other words I work
constantly, but not on paper or on the computer. I still handwrite a lot. My
brain works more contemplatively with a pencil in my hand: it slows the speed
of thought, which is hugely beneficial for my creativity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: JA;">What is the best piece of
advice you’ve ever received?</span></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: JA;">The
best piece of 'wakey-wakey!' advice came from my first publisher, before my
first book came out: ‘Writing is a business not a hobby.’ I’m grateful to have
been given that advice. It has concentrated my mind on writing the best books
possible. Wasting two years on writing a 400 word picture book that doesn’t
sell is irritating and chastening, and bad for the bank balance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: JA;">A small number of lucky
conference attendees are registered for your intensive class. You, along with
editor extraordinaire Allyn Johnston, will be discussing the importance of
rhythm in picture books. For the majority of us who will not spend those three
hours fully immersed with the two of you, can you give us a thought,
suggestion, or tip as it relates to rhythm in our stories?</span></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbI1awW1h3WibKp42ydcdLq3r4j7YRRH9uF5fRaeUUXy8Oa0JQfYAA6cgVPnic5xtOoeLEjpRQWCSNVdq3wE2bPDqEV9FWEBOXL9YEQDb69EF9DM25L0lTFICyy79VSjkjPpg5sJ2RvDo/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbI1awW1h3WibKp42ydcdLq3r4j7YRRH9uF5fRaeUUXy8Oa0JQfYAA6cgVPnic5xtOoeLEjpRQWCSNVdq3wE2bPDqEV9FWEBOXL9YEQDb69EF9DM25L0lTFICyy79VSjkjPpg5sJ2RvDo/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Glorious
art and high-end writing are essential in any picture book, and by 'high-end'
writing I mean prose in which every syllable counts. Word choice is
crucial, such as the choice between <i>beneath</i> and <i>under</i>.
Both have two syllables and mean the same thing, but one has a slow beats and
the other has fast beats, and if you can’t tell the difference you’ll spoil the
sentence you’re trying to get right. Musically, it’s about composing with crotchets,
quavers and minims; but if that’s unfamiliar territory, we’re talking about the
sort of speed and weight of words. It’s so hard to explain. Sometimes I
wonder if having a sense of rhythm in writing is a case of 'you either have it
or you don’t'. I’m not sure whether this essential, deep-seated sense of rhythm
can be taught. It has to be caught by <i>hearing</i> rhythmically perfect prose
and poetry, and speaking it aloud. I’m thinking of anything from the King James
version of the Bible to Dr Seuss, to folk songs and children’s clapping rhymes.
Rhythm has to be in the marrow of our bones and we’ll only know if it’s in our
writing by reading aloud every phrase and sentence, then every sentence and
paragraph, as we write. I am a re-writer of phrases to the point of madness and
despondency. I draft as I go, not at the end of the first draft. Often the
beginning of a book has more drafts than the rest of it put together, for the
sake of the right rhythm. I re-wrote the first paragraph of Possum Magic 23
times before I was happy with it. (<i>That</i> worked!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: JA;">You mention on your website
that you write three to four books at a time and that it has taken you up to
two years to revise a picture book (I’m certain that resulted in many, many
drafts). Do you find there’s an often-overlooked aspect when writers revise?
And, how do you know when the book is hitting all the right notes and you’re
ready to hit send?</span></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: JA;">These
are hard questions. I’ve been rabbiting on about the importance of rhythm, but
perfect rhythm counts for nothing if the characters, setting and plot don’t
speak to the child. Too many of us write children’s picture books to please our
adult friends. We forget that our main aim and focus should be capturing the <i>child’s
</i>mind and heart. So when we’re revising, the question too rarely asked, and
probably most often overlooked, is this: 'Would a child give a damn about this
book?’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: JA;">As
for knowing when the book is ready! Hmmm. It’s different with every book, but
in general (and I hope this isn’t going to sound crazy) the hairs on your arms
have to stand up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #2d2c2c; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT894gDRFg4KQsmVXEE1GzOBzTd9eJMEFblTIq5RCI1PIQXaTtJgg5NXOw5Mr4Eb8F5qkBLslggUgY-1BDYHPA2kZF7udYLnC0znS19MkT3t1KbE2K2wiqqQZ0bdeVQ3wiSx5hMmvOZ_SH/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT894gDRFg4KQsmVXEE1GzOBzTd9eJMEFblTIq5RCI1PIQXaTtJgg5NXOw5Mr4Eb8F5qkBLslggUgY-1BDYHPA2kZF7udYLnC0znS19MkT3t1KbE2K2wiqqQZ0bdeVQ3wiSx5hMmvOZ_SH/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a><span style="color: #2d2c2c;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Watch for Mem's forthcoming book NELLIE BELLE, coming later this year. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #2d2c2c;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #2d2c2c;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Follow Mem on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/memfox1">@MemFox1</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #2d2c2c;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #2d2c2c;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">And, if you want to find great advice from Mem, check out her wonderful <a href="http://memfox.com/">website</a>. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #2d2c2c;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #2d2c2c;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Today is the last day (June 23) to <a href="https://www.scbwi.org/events/44th-annual-scbwi-summer-conference-in-los-angeles/">register</a> for the conference at early bird prices. Don't miss your chance to see Mem Fox. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #2d2c2c;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #2d2c2c;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWq-OpbA9SpTofsak9-odsMErBzktFdM1thfoqj0ticOw6ijr1CgBAhxJH52ruCcnATMv42e8C4FM6g6JeZ43d1o6FYX6x-bfxBa99c6U81wl-Tg2QwVoKkbabEVlIK9HziX5LTDDKx6L/s1600/TeamBlog_Widget_LA2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWq-OpbA9SpTofsak9-odsMErBzktFdM1thfoqj0ticOw6ijr1CgBAhxJH52ruCcnATMv42e8C4FM6g6JeZ43d1o6FYX6x-bfxBa99c6U81wl-Tg2QwVoKkbabEVlIK9HziX5LTDDKx6L/s1600/TeamBlog_Widget_LA2015.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #2d2c2c;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #2d2c2c;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #2d2c2c; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span>Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-29798257913956373382014-11-13T10:43:00.001-08:002014-11-13T10:43:46.128-08:00Emma D. Dryden: A Pre-#NY15SCBWI Interview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiWlmSIaq-M22nKAM56N26CUuIIGjFv_RsmE78xO1SStIbI7t1I649gSrDiZU_uSQSe4t8yE3b6EtRvHW1CoGpFK5ri7RCFCEqety6ag3AOGzUSTLILoLb7heq01bY36ONOE7qVdZ4-0a/s1600/2015_Winter-Conf_blog-header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiWlmSIaq-M22nKAM56N26CUuIIGjFv_RsmE78xO1SStIbI7t1I649gSrDiZU_uSQSe4t8yE3b6EtRvHW1CoGpFK5ri7RCFCEqety6ag3AOGzUSTLILoLb7heq01bY36ONOE7qVdZ4-0a/s400/2015_Winter-Conf_blog-header.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Registration for the SCBWI Winter Conference in NYC is well underway. If you’re attending, or planning to attend, you also have the opportunity to register for one of the great intensives taking place on Friday, February 6. Spots are going fast, and the <a href="https://www.scbwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/2015_Winter_Conf_Wr-Int.pdf">Writers’ Intensive: World Building: A Hands-On Workshop</a> is almost sold out.<br />
<br />
ONLY 4 SPOTS REMAIN<br />
<br />
If registering for this intensive is in your plans, don’t delay. <a href="https://www.scbwi.org/events/16th-annual-scbwi-winter-conference-in-new-york/">Register now. </a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gM712WY9qtR5bGJK7Svz0HRqI24Qbmbz5RpoXpuPRThg6Q_7_im4bkt6uh9TkHmrIYI0qxVekRoMPR4LFx9Dw4BRxK0nwPy2DYJ85Ul4mJNqN8dyrnzZrTEGwUjto0NSzjOe6tvfhmxd/s1600/Emma+-+SCWBI+LA+0813+(credit%2BSonya%2BSones)%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gM712WY9qtR5bGJK7Svz0HRqI24Qbmbz5RpoXpuPRThg6Q_7_im4bkt6uh9TkHmrIYI0qxVekRoMPR4LFx9Dw4BRxK0nwPy2DYJ85Ul4mJNqN8dyrnzZrTEGwUjto0NSzjOe6tvfhmxd/s320/Emma+-+SCWBI+LA+0813+(credit%2BSonya%2BSones)%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a>If you’re still considering, I have just the person you’ll want to hear from: the fabulous <a href="http://www.drydenbks.com/about.html">Emma D. Dryden</a>, who will be moderating the World Building intensive.
Emma is the founder of <a href="http://www.drydenbks.com/home.html">drydenbks</a>, a premier children’s editorial and publishing consultancy firm. Emma has edited over a thousand books for children and young readers and many of her titles hit bestseller lists in USA Today, the New York Times, Washington Post, and Publishers Weekly. Books published under Emma’s guidance have received numerous awards and medals, including but not limited to, the Newbery Medal, Newbery Honor, and Caldecott Honor.<br />
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<photo>Emma took time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions about the nearly sold out World Building Intensive. </photo><br />
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<photo>Jolie: Each year, the SCBWI precedes the winter conference with several great intensives. For writing we typically see a new focus each year. This year's: World Building: A Hands-on Workshop. While the idea of focusing on World Building for a entire day sounds amazing, I'm even more drawn by the hands-on aspect of this intensive. Can you share more about what participants can plan to experience as well as walk away with at the end of the day? </photo><br />
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<photo><b>Emma: I’m all about writers deepening their craft at every opportunity, and that includes new writers as well as writers who’ve been writing and publishing for many years. So saying, I’m a huge fan of any workshop, session, or intensive that provides opportunities for writers to actually do some WRITING. Impromptu writing, based on writing prompts or provocative questions, not only forces writers to write with abandon and with their internal editor turned off, but can also spark new ideas or perspectives for writers that they hadn’t thought of before. It can be quite exciting and revealing. So, in our World Building session, several of us will be guiding the attendees through some writing exercises specific to their current works-in-progress and specific to the concept of world building. By the end of the day, not only will writers walk away with helpful handouts and heads full of ideas, but they will walk away with some pieces of writing that may find their way into their manuscripts in some form—writing they might not have achieved otherwise. </b></photo><br />
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<photo>Jolie: I agree. There’s nothing better than an opportunity to do some writing, and I love that you say participants could write something they might not have otherwise. The other added bonus is that participants will have the opportunity to share their ideas and work though world-building strategies with industry experts. Can you tell us more about the critique opportunity? </photo><br />
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<b>Emma: The writing exercises that will be discussed during the round table portions of the intensive are going to be based on <a href="http://www.henryhneff.com/">Henry Neff</a>'s S.P.R.I.T.E. acronym which he'll be describing in his opening session. Honestly, I don't think there will be intensive or scary critiques of the writing exercises as much as discussion about the writing exercises insofar as this means a discussion about where people are with world building in their own manuscripts. The round tables will be a chance for all the attendees to, using Henry's exercise as a guide, discuss their world building techniques, questions, thoughts, to identify what work they need to do to deepen or authenticate their world building, and to get professional feedback and guidance in that setting. </b><br />
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Jolie: That sounds invaluable. Is World Building focused only on fantasy and science fiction?<br />
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<b>Emma: Not at all. Really paying attention to the details of world building is essential for the success of any story, be it fantasy or realistic, fiction, nonfiction, historical, or contemporary. How one character perceives the world in which they live, even if it’s meant to be our “here and now,” is going to be quite different from how another character perceives that very same world. Additionally, we often overlook the fact that world building consists not only of the details and facets of the world in which a story takes place, but also within our characters themselves. Just as a physical, geographic world has texture, landscape, and topography, so too does a character—and it’s just as important to explore and build the internal world of a character (the emotional, psychological, spiritual architecture of the character) as it is to explore and build the external world in which that character functions, emotes, perceives, and lives. </b><br />
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Jolie: The Intensive description states that all children's book authors are welcome, but might you have advice about where writers should with their writing projects (concept only, ready to revise, submission ready, etc.)?<br />
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<b>Emma: First, it’s important to note that world building is the architecture of any story, and world building happens at different levels in picture books, in novels, in non-fiction, and in fiction, so we trust writers who are not writing sci-fi or fantasy will see the value in this session. If writers are at the early concept stage, this intensive will help them focus on what questions they need to ask themselves in order to start figuring out the details of the external and internal worlds of their stories and characters. If writers are further along in the process, ready to revise or re-revise a completed manuscript, this intensive will help them sharpen their world building skills and assist them in spotting the places in their work where more external and internal world building may need to be teased out, developed, or fine-tuned. If writers are coming to this intensive with the feeling their work is submission-ready, I suspect this intensive will provide them with a kind of world building checklist that is likely to send those writers back to their manuscripts for at least one more round of revision! ☺ </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmarJzWWTet9AeZgEYGYvWTn7IFbrrql8oFL0-_FI785aw0-5j17qWrqhRFlTYQ24cm7g_Zx0ivbCYv5LCh0vIJAHo87HV9Fdkp7eAGo-_mqNxGmgwCtSOjSDYZ8HwYIBAwK53MYkQnKV/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmarJzWWTet9AeZgEYGYvWTn7IFbrrql8oFL0-_FI785aw0-5j17qWrqhRFlTYQ24cm7g_Zx0ivbCYv5LCh0vIJAHo87HV9Fdkp7eAGo-_mqNxGmgwCtSOjSDYZ8HwYIBAwK53MYkQnKV/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a><br />
Jolie: Thank you so much, Emma.<br />
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Emma also shared several related blog posts if you’re interested in a bit more reading about world building. The first two are from Emma’s blog, “our stories, ourselves,” and the third gives a sneak-preview of what Henry Neff will be talking about during the intensive.<br />
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<a href="http://emmaddryden.blogspot.com/2014/10/seeing-world.html">http://emmaddryden.blogspot.com/2014/10/seeing-world.html</a> <br />
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<a href="http://emmaddryden.blogspot.com/2013/05/playing-make-believe-world-building-and.html">http://emmaddryden.blogspot.com/2013/05/playing-make-believe-world-building-and.html</a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.henryhneff.com/question/blog/d/120">http://www.henryhneff.com/question/blog/d/120</a><br />
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You can also find and follow Emma and drydenbks on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/drydenbks">@drydenbks</a>) and Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/drydenbks">https://www.facebook.com/drydenbks</a>)<br />
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<br />Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-88439744617981545772014-06-12T06:57:00.000-07:002014-06-12T14:20:17.231-07:00Executive Editor Jill Santopolo: #LA14SCBWI Interview<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your opportunity to take advantage of early-bird registration is ending soon. Save a little by <a href="https://www.scbwi.org/events/43rd-annual-summer-conference-in-los-angeles/">registering for the conference</a> on or before June 15. </span><br />
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Whether you're already registered, or planning on doing so soon, do consider adding the Monday intensives to your conference schedule. The intensives are just as they sound: concentrated, intimate, and valuable. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPaNP62tRNaDKHxqvhq0GmR3BpmsuTMQKPmvz3ioROsLI919Q364iJHGtgLBLJdbI0Ltd5LUyNp32IHiJ9ZWt2j4J5Z42dGsSEDnZ-_FJct2Ckj9_98Cb2i7jzx6M32cm0XQZnbcKjJiY/s1600/Jill.Follow.AuthorPhoto.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPaNP62tRNaDKHxqvhq0GmR3BpmsuTMQKPmvz3ioROsLI919Q364iJHGtgLBLJdbI0Ltd5LUyNp32IHiJ9ZWt2j4J5Z42dGsSEDnZ-_FJct2Ckj9_98Cb2i7jzx6M32cm0XQZnbcKjJiY/s1600/Jill.Follow.AuthorPhoto.jpeg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #1f497d; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: Michele Arlotta</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the faculty members who will be leading an intensive is Jill Santopolo. I've had the pleasure of learning from Jill in many settings: retreat, intensive, conference break-out, and she is fantastic. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from not only an executive editor but a successful author. Learn more about her intensive in the interview below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.jillsantopolo.com/"><b><span style="color: #39006f; text-decoration: none;">Jill Santopolo</span></b></a><span style="color: #39006f;"> </span><span style="color: #2d2c2c;">is an executive editor at <a href="http://www.us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/publishers/yr/philomel.html"><b><span style="color: #466b2f; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Philomel Books</span></b></a>,
an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group, a division of Penguin Random House.
Her list includes many award-winning and <i>New York Times</i> best-selling
authors including T.A. Barron, Floyd Cooper, Andrea Cremer, Olivier Dunrea,
Lisa Graff, Alex London, Erin Moulton and Jane Yolen. Jill holds an MFA in
Writing for Children from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and is the author of
the Alec Flint series (Scholastic), the Sparkle Spa series (S&S), and the
Follow Your Heart series (Puffin). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>It’s so great to see you’re part of the faculty for this summer’s conference. You were so well received at the winter conference.</b><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">It’s so great to<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>be<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>part of the faculty! I had such a great time talking plot at the winter conference—I’m excited to go even more in-depth this time around.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>At the winter conference you were part of the full-day plot intensive (with other editors and writers), and in LA you will be offering a 3-hour plot intensive. For those considering registering for the intensives who should hurry to grab up a spot before they’re gone?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1f497d;">I think my plot intensive will be helpful for writers in two different places in their book-writing process. First, I think it’ll help writers who have a nugget of an idea and want to flesh it out into a fully-formed story arc before they begin a first draft. Second, I think it’ll help writers who have written a first draft, but feel like the story is murky in the middle, or who have been getting feedback that not much happens or that there’s a lack of tension in their manuscript. The plot intensive should help writers in that second category diagnose plot problems and prepare them to tackle a plot-focused revision.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Can you give us just a peek inside your 3-hour intensive,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>From Beginning to End: Tips on Plotting Your Plot</i>?</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1f497d;">Absolutely! We’re going to start small and go bigger and bigger and bigger, with a ton of exercises along the way. When people leave the intensive, they should have: An elevator pitch, a synopsis, a broad plot outline, a detailed plot outline, an emotional heartline, a story timeline, and a chapter-by-chapter manuscript outline, which should be the perfect jumping off point for beginning either a first draft or a revision.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQI1YsVGn4_RC7Z5UiPXUTmUemnAD7yX4-KDZEnRKxFcB1q0pI8qLvKGivJKKuNfUARUVN9uD-v6jnHgLCTqWoZjTx-h-EqlsuoB-eIhInsT2gc9SM8oJoTjTsGtSD_kc9atoHEgwuu1MT/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQI1YsVGn4_RC7Z5UiPXUTmUemnAD7yX4-KDZEnRKxFcB1q0pI8qLvKGivJKKuNfUARUVN9uD-v6jnHgLCTqWoZjTx-h-EqlsuoB-eIhInsT2gc9SM8oJoTjTsGtSD_kc9atoHEgwuu1MT/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I know many of those in attendance in NY felt your talk on plot helped them rethink their synopses. Perhaps this was an unexpected connection. Do you think some of your plotting tools are also helpful for synopsis writing?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #1f497d;">I don’t think the connection was unexpected at all. I think plotting and synopsis writing are similar because they both require breaking down the novel’s action in different ways. In fact, writing a synopsis will be part of the plot intensive.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Do you feel there is an element of plot that is often lacking or missing altogether in submission you receive?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDEnEoToHFxxR0DJ9neKrfKg1hlAXEDEd3mbt2U6b0NSuVJOzVBs2ZSNYqe_HijgE5v_5-XGZKmD7iaZd3HOw1igkSiuCB6y5y5BAxEliqb7jkgigZzljLPT3o58C2ieIX8cVCnRd8_CQ/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDEnEoToHFxxR0DJ9neKrfKg1hlAXEDEd3mbt2U6b0NSuVJOzVBs2ZSNYqe_HijgE5v_5-XGZKmD7iaZd3HOw1igkSiuCB6y5y5BAxEliqb7jkgigZzljLPT3o58C2ieIX8cVCnRd8_CQ/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" /></span></a><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don’t think there’s anything that’s often missing altogether, but I do find that often the rising action could use some extra attention. A writer I once worked with told me that his mother, who was a writer herself, taught him that he had to torture his protagonist. It’s hard to do that sometimes, but when plots really work it tends to be because a protagonist keeps coming up against obstacles over and over again and then has to overcome them in new and different (and exciting) ways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Are there any books that you’ve worked on that you think have especially well-crafted plots?</b><span style="color: #1f497d;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think all of the authors I work with are pretty great plotters, but I’d suggest reading <i>Proxy </i>by Alex London and<i>Nightshade </i>by Andrea Cremer if you want to see some extra intense, exciting plotting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2d2c2c;">Follow Jill on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/JillSantopolo"><span style="color: #466b2f; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">@JillSantopolo</span></a>.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.scbwi.org/events/43rd-annual-summer-conference-in-los-angeles/"><span style="color: #0000e9;">Register for the conference and intensives here.</span></a><span style="color: #2d2c2c;"> Remember the final day for early-bird pricing is June15th. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-28993369096360119062014-01-13T09:59:00.001-08:002014-01-13T09:59:48.631-08:00Kate Messner: Pre-#NY14SCBWI Interview<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFCRsEvHqymriWsq3mj3X-_0LHA4fb5PoTa_1bqyQMWEk1ThLfkx18LzeenPiWnBtbl94EiqfSllIglvKNWej0nlNBVVDchjMNfla6nQYFls4uoP0232-QRl3rvJmw-8dxXOKBkAlisPi/s1600/messner-150x150.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFCRsEvHqymriWsq3mj3X-_0LHA4fb5PoTa_1bqyQMWEk1ThLfkx18LzeenPiWnBtbl94EiqfSllIglvKNWej0nlNBVVDchjMNfla6nQYFls4uoP0232-QRl3rvJmw-8dxXOKBkAlisPi/s1600/messner-150x150.png" width="200" /></a><b><span style="color: #2d2c2c; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kate
Messner </span></b><span style="color: #2d2c2c; font-family: "Times New Roman";">is
the award-winning author of more than twenty current and forthcoming books for
young readers. Kate’s titles include picture books like <i>Over and Under the </i></span><i>Snow</i>, the Marty McGuire chapter book series, and middle grade novels like <i>Wake
Up Missing, Capture The Flag</i>, and <i>Hide And Seek</i>. Kate’s books have
been honored with the E.B. White Read Aloud Medal, and SCBWI’s Golden Kite
Award for Picture Book Text; included on the <i>New York Times </i>Notable,
ALSC Notable, CBC Outstanding Trade Books for Science, and Bank Street
College’s Best Books for Children lists; and nominated for fourteen state book
awards. Kate spoke at the 2012 TED Conference and is a frequent presenter
at schools, libraries, and conferences for writers and educators. <span style="color: #2d2c2c; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Find
her on Twitter @KateMessner and at </span><i style="color: #2d2c2c; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">www.katemessner.com</i><span style="color: #2d2c2c; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">.</span><br />
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<!--EndFragment--></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><b>You were a
middle school teacher, and, at least for a time, both writer and teacher. Can
you share with us how teaching has influenced your writing, and how you
balanced the two?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I spent
fifteen years teaching middle school English and put, quite literally,
thousands of books in kids’ hands during those years. Handing a student
that “just-right” book was one of my favorite parts of my job, and it led to me
think a lot about what makes kids love a novel. That’s one of the things
that got me writing more seriously while I was teaching. In those days, my
writing time was from about nine o’clock at night until midnight, and that’s
how my first half dozen books were written. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Visiting
schools to give presentations and do writing workshops with kids is still one
of my favorite parts of my job. People ask me sometimes how I get the kids in
my books to sound like real kids, and for me, it comes down to knowing how kids
talk and think and what it feels like to be twelve. I still have all of those
students’ voices in my head and their dreams and hopes and worries in my heart.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">You have
written many books for kids, ranging from picture books to novels. Is your
process for each format the same, or does it change depending on the project?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDU_8ayxvbLPTUof9Xu5mSeoLk8DNm2DgT791OaJG5-DOtFv6VyV-U9mVo2yiUL8PKCy_-4VlUls_5cIDS9q7n1vl52oETUeXS-WBxqhp-8TkC0naOfj0qHQxgstR8cZt7ParrF1Ef3Obl/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDU_8ayxvbLPTUof9Xu5mSeoLk8DNm2DgT791OaJG5-DOtFv6VyV-U9mVo2yiUL8PKCy_-4VlUls_5cIDS9q7n1vl52oETUeXS-WBxqhp-8TkC0naOfj0qHQxgstR8cZt7ParrF1Ef3Obl/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">It’s
different for every project, and while I wish I could tell you that I have a
“picture book process” or “novel-writing process” down pat, even that isn’t
true. While I do have a very general process (think and research – draft
fast – revise fearlessly again and again) I’ve found that every book is
different in what it demands of me. If they’re at all unique, books can’t
follow a cookie-cutter process, so I find myself inventing new planning and
revision tools for every new book, and they’re not always useful later on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Case in point:
my science thriller WAKE UP MISSING has a main character with a concussion,
which makes her narration shaky and unreliable at times. She’s receiving
treatment through part of the book but not other parts, and when I was
revising, I was worried that her actions and thoughts weren’t consistent with
her post-concussion symptoms. The solution? I designed a
chapter-day-symptom-treatment-thinking-emotion chart so that I could track,
chapter by chapter, whether or not Cat’s symptoms were making sense with the
other elements of the story. It was incredibly useful and helped me solve a lot
of problems with that book, but is it going to come in handy again? Probably
not!<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In 2012
your picture book OVER AND UNDER THE SNOW won the SCBWI Golden Kite Award for
picture book text. Can you share a little about that experience and the role
SCBWI has played in your writing life? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5UM-4EaSKecpByekWZHKXIVuR2Y4ojpBv8nQPSht4zxUE_N3botw-o_F3CNfTBUdWrt-9HelkaBn1ijebhcCNQ6r3ifugg7td34RRRIkMlAFNZHVXRwqyGfH20YQBSvj60lh1JK1Ijlr/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5UM-4EaSKecpByekWZHKXIVuR2Y4ojpBv8nQPSht4zxUE_N3botw-o_F3CNfTBUdWrt-9HelkaBn1ijebhcCNQ6r3ifugg7td34RRRIkMlAFNZHVXRwqyGfH20YQBSvj60lh1JK1Ijlr/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I still
remember getting that phone call from Lin Oliver. I was actually in California
at the time, getting ready for the TED Talk I gave in 2012. Hearing all the
other speakers at TED that week was a gift of an experience and I was quite
literally walking back to my hotel room after one of the speaker sessions,
thinking “Days don’t get much better than this,” when my cell phone rang
and...well...the day got even better. Learning that OVER AND UNDER THE SNOW won
the Golden Kite Award for picture book text was one of the most exciting things
that’s happened in my writing life because it comes from my fellow writers in
an organization that really forms the heart of our community. The New England
SCBWI Conference is where I attended my first writing workshops and learned
about agents and editors. It’s where I was inspired by speakers like Bruce
Coville and Laurie Halse Anderson and Cynthia Lord. It’s where I met my
first writer pals – who are now not just critique buddies but some of my best
friends in the world. So yes...that Golden Kite phone call made me a little
weepy in the best possible way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the
upcoming conference, you’ll be giving keynote, but you’ll also be presenting at
the sold-out Plot Intensive. Do you tend to start your projects with plot?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Sv56byk9fIdQ0TVDNXUvElCj73mprMJbIsXTOnKouqJnHu1hGCiUeuOS5Xb27kOS1trRGP67W1TmCnTWTWwZ3sB4RaGW8HExPgrUeln7juOxi6uYZ8g86SuT0aFULfyzVIQDcli_TsCg/s1600/Unknown-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Sv56byk9fIdQ0TVDNXUvElCj73mprMJbIsXTOnKouqJnHu1hGCiUeuOS5Xb27kOS1trRGP67W1TmCnTWTWwZ3sB4RaGW8HExPgrUeln7juOxi6uYZ8g86SuT0aFULfyzVIQDcli_TsCg/s1600/Unknown-4.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I’m
learning, answering your questions, that there aren’t a lot of “usuallys” in my
writing world because my ideas come to me in all different shapes. SUGAR AND
ICE, for example, started with character and setting – a figure skater and a
maple farm. CAPTURE THE FLAG started with genre and setting – I remember
thinking, “I want to write a mystery set in a snowed-in airport!” and taking it
from there. And Marty McGuire, of course, is all about character – Marty
herself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0B_MtptBdzA7K-spiok-dTj6i1rJbd2iDHJK_qqlLB7Y3WFaSTq4HMN9CoymNTpnV7J4Ps_0-Qb2lVO7igiAK7GbW9u2ziaGKPDdlJngtnDdZOddE53FDnizE2d-PmRMHxNbalcFMY-uS/s1600/Unknown-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0B_MtptBdzA7K-spiok-dTj6i1rJbd2iDHJK_qqlLB7Y3WFaSTq4HMN9CoymNTpnV7J4Ps_0-Qb2lVO7igiAK7GbW9u2ziaGKPDdlJngtnDdZOddE53FDnizE2d-PmRMHxNbalcFMY-uS/s1600/Unknown-3.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">But plot is
such an essential piece of the puzzle for any book we want kids to keep
reading, so whether or not it’s the starting point, it’s something I always
spend lots of time on. Usually, my plot outlines start out incredibly rough – a
few scribbled lines in a notebook. From there, I do a rough outline in
Scrivener, the writing software I use, and then I start writing. Most
days, after I write a scene or two, I go back and revise my outline, so it’s
not a strict guideline but more of a fluid document that changes as I grow to
understand my characters more fully. Plot that doesn’t grow out of character
often feels forced to me, so it’s not often helpful for me to think about the two
as if they’re separate elements of writing. I absolutely love to talk about
planning and plotting, though, so I’m incredibly excited for the plot
intensive. Any time I participate in a group workshop like this, I always learn
so much preparing for my talk, and then on the day of the event, I inevitably
learn at least as much as I teach. It should be a terrific day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><i>You can still register for the upcoming SCBWI Winter Conference <a href="https://www.scbwi.org/events/15th-annual-scbwi-winter-conference-in-new-york/">HERE</a>. It's right around the corner!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_7NOtwXfjI7Ru5KLX0GEM-bBpk5nfpd1Y9E5Jal-H81XOR_76sFi03Mg3IbirwGAPSzJl7U7g1JJvGQZJSpx2tWb0OZxhbym-guBXSjOO5n745Lr_11qt1P0Jor1zkXtgWMvTm9Cl5-l/s1600/TeamBlog_Widget_LA2013_team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_7NOtwXfjI7Ru5KLX0GEM-bBpk5nfpd1Y9E5Jal-H81XOR_76sFi03Mg3IbirwGAPSzJl7U7g1JJvGQZJSpx2tWb0OZxhbym-guBXSjOO5n745Lr_11qt1P0Jor1zkXtgWMvTm9Cl5-l/s1600/TeamBlog_Widget_LA2013_team.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-14556631949202124022013-07-31T13:36:00.003-07:002013-07-31T13:36:44.796-07:00Matt de la Peña: SCBWI Pre-Conference Interview<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-rglLa4eGkIIismI25HN7xtJPJs8ugSPcQ-_RUxSnFGJFw3kdFOjoAFlQ5_KnGpX6uPbMgGinAyLneBkrz1qa2OLgDr-uaW4NHsqfKSKZZNlZ6De8zRntpu8n0nMm2WqPAoMXrt_kFsS/s1600/la13scbwi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-rglLa4eGkIIismI25HN7xtJPJs8ugSPcQ-_RUxSnFGJFw3kdFOjoAFlQ5_KnGpX6uPbMgGinAyLneBkrz1qa2OLgDr-uaW4NHsqfKSKZZNlZ6De8zRntpu8n0nMm2WqPAoMXrt_kFsS/s320/la13scbwi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">The SCBWI summer conference is just days away.
People are on planes, packing bags, and anticipating the event of the year.
This year's conference is sold out, but you can still be there with us, just
follow the <a href="http://scbwiconference.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0000e9;">live conference blog</span></a> and tweets. We would love
to have you join us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Just before he flew out to California, I had the
pleasure of asking <a href="http://mattdelapena.com/"><span style="color: #0000e9;">Matt
de la Peña</span></a> a few questions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1IHHRE9aoQXf4j5CGEVfDEJ6GPx3BKBzd3vZqcW4jjxqhH4be3zgvyQQES7ketAsanejr_IpyHIBQAklElD9BebJutqc6vuE6LBgUvgb9WpZtqMnAHTYWCxF0OhAKpsyBLRbGzkZ9q08/s1600/-Resources-Image-1Matt+de+la+penaH175W175A1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1IHHRE9aoQXf4j5CGEVfDEJ6GPx3BKBzd3vZqcW4jjxqhH4be3zgvyQQES7ketAsanejr_IpyHIBQAklElD9BebJutqc6vuE6LBgUvgb9WpZtqMnAHTYWCxF0OhAKpsyBLRbGzkZ9q08/s1600/-Resources-Image-1Matt+de+la+penaH175W175A1.jpg" /></a><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Matt de la Peña is the
author of four critically-acclaimed YA novels—<i>Ball Don't Lie, Mexican
WhiteBoy, We Were Here</i> and <i>I Will Save You</i>—and the
award-winning picture book <i>A Nation’s Hope: The story of Boxing Legend
Joe Louis</i>. This year his fifth YA novel, <i>The Living</i>,
will be released as will his fist middle grade novel, <i>Curse of the
Ancients</i>. Matt received his MFA in creative writing from San Diego State
University and his BA from the University of the Pacific. He teaches
creative writing at NYU and Vermont College and visits high schools and
colleges throughout the country. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I
know you just met an intense deadline. Can you give us a little taste of what's
coming soon from you?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6ToXJQwdX0WGD1XjX-CUhi5gysk27hxWW5bvDeNMndwPSQziEBy6m3AZ2h70QMmqivnVLVW_Bu2cOskE2ffD9dZudOyYvsAx8Al1lrrnWrNK56vNRCqLk_k7dIekb75C1Tddz1_PWIMm/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6ToXJQwdX0WGD1XjX-CUhi5gysk27hxWW5bvDeNMndwPSQziEBy6m3AZ2h70QMmqivnVLVW_Bu2cOskE2ffD9dZudOyYvsAx8Al1lrrnWrNK56vNRCqLk_k7dIekb75C1Tddz1_PWIMm/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">My newest YA novel, THE
LIVING, comes out in November. And I just finished the sequel to THE LIVING a
couple days ago (tentatively titled THE FORGOTTEN). In this two-book series, my
main character, Shy, lands a summer job on a cruise ship, and while he's out at
sea the "big one" slams California (a massive earthquake). THE LIVING
is part adventure story, part romance, with a little bit of class and race exploration
thrown into the mix. I also have a picture book coming out next year called
LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET (illustrated by the talented Christian Robinson).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Once
you've turned in a manuscript, do you usually have another in the works or will
you start the brainstorming and drafting now?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I have a file on my
computer labeled "future novel ideas." Whenever I'm writing a book
under contract, and I find myself beginning to fall under the spell of the
"slutty new idea," I take a few rough notes about the idea, file it
away, and get back to the story I'm supposed to be writing. As soon as I'm
finished with a project my reward is that I get to open the "future novel
ideas" file and sift through the descriptions, looking for my next
journey. I love trying to figure out what to do next. Each story has so much
possibility. (Some of them are dumb, of course). And luckily my memory isn't
the best, so I never remember how incredibly long and arduous the process of
writing a book is. This allows me to start with the same naive smile I've
started every book with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">You'll
be presenting an Intensive on dialogue during the conference. Is there a common
mistake you see writers make when it comes to writing dialogue?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I get bummed when I read
dialogue that's too cute or too "on the nose." And I throw the book
out the window when I come across exposition that's masquerading as dialogue.
On the flip side, nothing makes me happier than reading a well-crafted scene
with artful and organic dialogue that still manages to stay on point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Speed
Round:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPwlsUBPmhnbQntJe-uwro4v0EWN58td42ociN0FdzsmCNoumqnSmU9NG5zrKEG-oiFoB5aY8v0xgJeAeTuroDMg2zkDVMMzmW7YwGCEORDLr5ud0kulU-Q4mKeqhe4gT6JtarPBl-DLG/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPwlsUBPmhnbQntJe-uwro4v0EWN58td42ociN0FdzsmCNoumqnSmU9NG5zrKEG-oiFoB5aY8v0xgJeAeTuroDMg2zkDVMMzmW7YwGCEORDLr5ud0kulU-Q4mKeqhe4gT6JtarPBl-DLG/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Favorite
part of the writing process?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I love revision so much!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Least
favorite part of the writing process?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">First draft. (This is
where drugs and alcohol come into play. Not really. But something like that.
Because the whole "white page" thing really hurts.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Favorite
writing snack?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Iced lattes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Favorite
place to write?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The Brooklyn Writers
Space, where I've written my last six books.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">How
do you celebrate when you get to "the end"?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">An old fashioned or two
at my favorite bar in Brooklyn. Three if the book was especially hard to
write. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Follow
Matt on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/mattdelapena"><span style="color: #0000e9;">@mattdelapena</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Follow
SCBWI on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/scbwi"><span style="color: #0000e9;">@scbwi</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Official
conference hashtag: #LA13SCBWI</span></b></div>
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Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-4101816274565540222013-07-15T10:50:00.001-07:002013-07-15T10:50:33.501-07:00Peter Lerangis: SCBWI Team Blog Pre-Conference Interview<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKMfaInadDbD-9eLo4y5Iby2FIHxduxTex0yKgKcm1k24GUOLDZomzZAgXQ3XrCpP5nCY4gGYPa5vtxDlKAz5fcEg__OYr78wx1QU5JjXBPeDwhie_Rnc-924NqYUxOq-e1llK44SsdPp/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKMfaInadDbD-9eLo4y5Iby2FIHxduxTex0yKgKcm1k24GUOLDZomzZAgXQ3XrCpP5nCY4gGYPa5vtxDlKAz5fcEg__OYr78wx1QU5JjXBPeDwhie_Rnc-924NqYUxOq-e1llK44SsdPp/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://peterlerangis.com/">Peter Lerangis</a> is the award-winning author of more than 160 books for kids that have sold over 5 million copies, including the <i>New York Times</i> best-selling THE COLOSSUS RISES, Book 1 of The Seven Wonders Series. </div>
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Peter took time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions before the conference. I have no doubt we are in for a fun ride with him come August.</div>
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<b>When you were a biochemistry major at Harvard, or working
as a paralegal, was there ever an inkling of that writer of over 160 books
somewhere inside of you?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Yes, it was just behind my spleen and a little toward the
vertebrae. I thought the doctors got it out,
but they were not inklingectomy specialists and instead removed that little
thingy that controls your ability to say no.
As it happened, one day I took a wrong turn for a biochemical paralegal
party and found myself in a publishers party instead, and it was downhill from
there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQNOt_4SVHps26oA1g75GNW9XJ2tzUwBPWKCHDIE7qlrnUQ2BkflMOnMeWWhyphenhyphennXKf1gnGaWxaZgKZEYdMxhqwfl2CALhMpintoGXPX4fp8uZ3td88nbOPO35EB3iJsM5uXKRoY6WPdfqv/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQNOt_4SVHps26oA1g75GNW9XJ2tzUwBPWKCHDIE7qlrnUQ2BkflMOnMeWWhyphenhyphennXKf1gnGaWxaZgKZEYdMxhqwfl2CALhMpintoGXPX4fp8uZ3td88nbOPO35EB3iJsM5uXKRoY6WPdfqv/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a>Truth is, I always did want to be a writer and
performer. Biochemistry and law were
things I thought I had to do, so I gave them a try. It wasn’t until I was actually accepted into
law school that I had the guts to try a career in musical theater, figuring I
could defer admission and then go back if I wanted. I developed a copyediting career in between
shows, because I was a terrible waiter.
Which of course led me to the stable, sensible career of free-lance
writer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I wonder if law school would still take me ... <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>After your many books and amazing successes, how has your
writing process changed from when you first began your writing career?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I use neither charcoal nor crayons anymore, resulting in
beautiful hands but a really crappy carpal tunnel. Also, I develop and write ideas using my name
along with my warped sensibility, instead of a pseudonym along with my warped
sensibility. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What’s the best piece
of advice you’ve ever received about writing or the industry?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Marry rich. But like
every other really excellent piece of advice, I ignored it. And I’m glad.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Want to see even more of Peter before the conference?</b></div>
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Check out <a href="http://peterlerangis.com/">Peter's amazing website</a>. </div>
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Peter on <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterLerangis">Twitter</a>.</div>
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And, check him out rocking a toga at Comic Con NYC.<br />
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-81860693661186863362013-07-10T13:11:00.003-07:002013-07-10T13:12:43.827-07:00CAROLYN MACKLER: SCBWI Pre-Conference InterviewThere are so many reasons I love SCBWI conferences, but one of the best parts of attending has been meeting and hearing from some of my very favorite authors. <span id="OLK_SRC_BODY_SECTION" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></span><br />
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My go-to author as a young reader was <a href="http://www.judyblume.com/">Judy Blume</a>. SCBWI full-filled my dream of <a href="http://cuppajolie.blogspot.com/2011/08/monday-moment-129-writing-prompt-for.html">meeting her</a>. But my writer crush as a young-adult writer (as I started to dip my toes in the YA waters) was (still is) <a href="http://www.carolynmackler.com/">Carolyn Mackler</a>. SCBWI has given me the opportunity to meet her and hear her speak, and this summer I'll get to do it again. Yay!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguidkX2vi8jiaANft2uQ_e8dnTMQRTSVMZFze6-6RXqXe9AfJUlQLNZpWLkTQ5K-pN1KaEDcq7PLgNT20nvUR1UUfowy50RY_TiWdAW-gnyaOfWyguAHdi8RW7WtL8ugMfkjXkuNhM6IYM/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguidkX2vi8jiaANft2uQ_e8dnTMQRTSVMZFze6-6RXqXe9AfJUlQLNZpWLkTQ5K-pN1KaEDcq7PLgNT20nvUR1UUfowy50RY_TiWdAW-gnyaOfWyguAHdi8RW7WtL8ugMfkjXkuNhM6IYM/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a>Carolyn Mackler is the award-winning author of many novels for teens including: the Printz Honor Book THE EARTH, MY BUTT, AND OTHER BIG ROUND THINGS; VEGAN VIRGIN VALENTINE (one of my very favorite books); and her most recent, THE FUTURE OF US, co-written with bestselling author Jay Asher. </div>
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If it isn't enough to have her on this summer's conference faculty, Carolyn was kind enough to answer a few questions before we all gather in a few short weeks. </div>
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<b>Do you have a favorite part of the writing process?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
I love finishing a draft of a novel – any draft, really – and finally letting someone read it and see what's been in my head for the past several months. My husband is always my first reader, and I hover over his shoulder saying, "What part are you reading now? Did that make you laugh? Hang on, why are you laughing? Did that make you cry?" Finally I force myself to leave the apartment and let him read in peace.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsEube-YcA0UJafmopA3AAK4QPiObN0Yvdfojht50HtduXHUy6gzuasa4fDNbTsWif0sDhfOPccHr9E1s11AQtuVmSzOtjxxcx4uu3GCVxOJKo6nMDWRaa_sKA_pKZPDTh3e0cD_7TkjG/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsEube-YcA0UJafmopA3AAK4QPiObN0Yvdfojht50HtduXHUy6gzuasa4fDNbTsWif0sDhfOPccHr9E1s11AQtuVmSzOtjxxcx4uu3GCVxOJKo6nMDWRaa_sKA_pKZPDTh3e0cD_7TkjG/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a><b>Do you have a favorite piece of advice that was shared with you?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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When I first started writing novels, Judy Blume told me that she reads sections out loud to hear how they sound. This is enormously helpful for me. I catch so much in the editing process when I read out loud – words I repeated, dialogue that doesn't sound organic. It's always funny to sit at my desk, reading and gesturing to an empty room. I wonder what people in neighboring buildings think!</div>
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<b>What is your favorite writing fuel?</b></div>
Coffee. I can't imagine writing without coffee. Coffee, vanilla soy milk, sugar. That's my vice.<br />
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<b>Can you give us any hints about the project you are working on now?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I'm working on a YA novel called EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. It's a big one – five teenagers over all four years of high school. They meet at freshmen orientation and vow to reconvene at graduation. I'm in revisions now. It's about 400 pages, so it's a looong process.<br />
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<b>I know I can't be the only one anxious to get my hands on that one!</b></div>
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<b>Want even more of Carolyn before the conference? </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/carolynmackler">Carolyn on Twitter</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.carolynmackler.com/">Carolyn's Blog</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Still need to register for the conference? </b>Click <a href="http://www.scbwi.org/Conference.aspx?Con=12">HERE</a> to not miss Carolyn and the rest of the amazing faculty. The conference is nearly sold out!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
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<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://scbwiconference.blogspot.com/">SCBWI Conference Blog</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/378740728906577">SCBWI Conference on Facebook</a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/scbwi">SCBWI on Twitter</a></div>
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Conference Hashttag: <b>#LA13SCBWI</b></div>
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Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-78728178376309018362013-01-17T17:00:00.000-08:002013-01-17T17:00:17.447-08:00MATTHEW J KIRBY: SCBWI Pre-Conference Interview #NY13NYC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ever wonder if you should get involved with SCBWI? Attend a conference or other event? <a href="http://matthewjkirby.com/kirbside/">Matthew Kirby</a> is one of many SCBWI success stories who might stop you from continuing to wonder and actually get to doing.<br />
<br />
<br />
Matthew is the award-winning author of CLOCKWORK THREE, ICEFALL, and the forthcoming fifth book in the Infinity Ring series. As I type, my own daughter has her nose buried in ICEFALL and she's loving it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KWzekcmmN9kCcKzA8rGC6qE_P0ZaS9TxQtvP-HVRBodW5Hi0AJM90jHpfNGdwuLU9CwSRc6WOqQwqqiiMqT2FKAxrZ-DevkxauH1jc51pcGzkMhFdOdeL_imlbCxAFwSLBaBAOJS0YLv/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KWzekcmmN9kCcKzA8rGC6qE_P0ZaS9TxQtvP-HVRBodW5Hi0AJM90jHpfNGdwuLU9CwSRc6WOqQwqqiiMqT2FKAxrZ-DevkxauH1jc51pcGzkMhFdOdeL_imlbCxAFwSLBaBAOJS0YLv/s1600/images-1.jpeg" /></a>It was my pleasure to ask Matthew a few questions and I look forward to hearing him at the conference where he will be presenting as part of the Writers Intensive: Elements of the Novel.<br />
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<b>You found your writing sweet spot in books for young readers. When you made the switch from writing for adults to writing for kids, what changed for you as writer (other than publication)?</b></div>
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The switch came about in a moment one day, driving alone in my car. An epiphany, I guess, though it felt more like someone smacking me upside the head than a shining revelation. I had been writing seriously for six or seven years, and by that I mean I was actively writing and submitting (and growing an impressive pile of rejection letters). During those years, I was trying to break into adult fiction markets, mostly science fiction and fantasy. I'd had a few minor successes along the way, but I was approaching what felt like my limit for disappointment and discouragement, and I was at that point I think many of us reach where we contemplate giving up. But you need to know that at that time, I was a school psychologist working in elementary schools. My leisure reading was almost exclusively in middle grade and YA, genres I loved. AND most of the protagonists in the stories I was writing and submitting to adult markets were kids. Should have been obvious, right? That's what I mean by a smack upside the head. So I was driving along, and suddenly all these things occurred to me at once, and I paused and said to myself, "Wow. I wonder if I'm a children's writer." Then I wondered if there was an organization for children's writers. I went home, found SCBWI, and joined that same day. I attended my first annual conference the following summer, and the experience was incredible. I felt like I had finally found the place I truly belonged as a writer.</div>
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<b>Congrats on ICEFALL'S many awards. In a recent blog post about your PEN Center USA Award, you mentioned Ursula Le Guin, who also provided a blurb for ICEFALL (wow!). How has her work influenced your own writing?</b></div>
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It is no exaggeration to say that I am a writer because I read Ursula K. Le Guin. When I was twelve or thirteen, my parents gave me <i>A Wizard of</i> <i>Earthsea</i>, and the experience of that book was transformative. There is a place in the story where the main character, Ged, engages in a forbidden summoning spell, something way beyond his ability to understand and control. He opens a portal onto another plane, and this is how Le Guin described what happens next: "...and through that bright misshapen breach clambered something like a clot of black shadow, quick and hideous, and it leaped straight out at Ged's face." </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeRM3UcRAzXBaTJMZnb_m2VI9dl7Hd8B2VDSznVrPKINSnSDOmIfwHLgTSh1dCyuhZAWICicjEXdmsKCYHEQC6olBVxGUrPPuxBr5ZDwgQMranlNBbxjpoGHfbpCADqE0gZqk4P6_dAEf/s1600/images-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeRM3UcRAzXBaTJMZnb_m2VI9dl7Hd8B2VDSznVrPKINSnSDOmIfwHLgTSh1dCyuhZAWICicjEXdmsKCYHEQC6olBVxGUrPPuxBr5ZDwgQMranlNBbxjpoGHfbpCADqE0gZqk4P6_dAEf/s1600/images-2.jpeg" /></a>As a young reader, that sentence stopped me in my tracks. The power of it. The words. The whole scene is breathtaking. I went back and reread it, and reread it, and reread it. I marked the page with its own bookmark, and even as I moved forward with the story, I'd go back occasionally to that moment to read it again. In that book, in that scene, in that sentence, and even in that single word, "clot", I became aware of the act and art of writing and storytelling. I'd always enjoyed making up stories, and I'd been doing so since the third grade. But I'd never before considered it something powerful or important, and I'd certainly never thought about becoming a writer when I grew up. But after reading Le Guin, I knew that's what I wanted to do. And to this day, I carry a love for words and a care for the words I choose in my own writing. </div>
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I'm very fond of something Richard Peck said at an SCBWI annual conference a few years ago. "We write by the light of every book we've ever read." That is true. And for me, Ursula K. Le Guin shines brightest. <i> </i></div>
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<b>What is your favorite part of the writing process? Least favorite?</b></div>
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My favorite part is the beginning of a new story. The casting about for the voice and the language in which that story wants to be told, and the magic and thrill of finding it (I'll never forget the moment when I first met ICEFALL's Solveig). In the beginning of my writing process, a story can be anything, and contain anything. It's all possibilities when I start a new book. The characters haven't made any choices yet that might limit their later choices. That changes as the story moves forward and assumes its shape, after which the possibilities become limited to what is true and authentic to that story and its characters. Basically, when I begin a book, it seems big, but as I write, it gets smaller and smaller until the end. While that means I face an inevitable deflation when I stand at the end of a book and look back over it, there remains the quiet joy that comes from seeing something for what it is. And it has to be that way. Stories about everything are really about nothing, and offer no meaning, ask no questions, and provide little truth.</div>
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My least favorite part of writing is revision. I hate it, and I always have. Left to my own devices, I am far more likely to go after what is new and shiny than return to polish something I've already found. But my writers' group and my editor show me on a continual basis why it's important. So with their help and feedback, I make myself do it, and I hope my stories are better for it. </div>
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<b>What’s next for you?</b></div>
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Next fall, I have two books coming out. One of those will be my installment in Scholastic's INFINITY RING series, a new multi-platform time-travel adventure. It's been a blast working with the other authors on the series. The other book will be a standalone, a Jules Verne-esque Colonial American fantasy. I've also begun work on a new trilogy called THE QUANTUM LEAGUE. It's a contemporary magical crime saga, with quantum physics and dueling magicians. The first book will come out in spring 2014.</div>
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<b>Sounds exciting! Thanks, Matthew!</b></div>
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<b>You can follow on twitter at: <a href="https://twitter.com/writerMattKirby">@writerMattKirby</a></b></div>
Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-12327576944401673372012-07-23T11:29:00.002-07:002012-07-23T11:29:49.000-07:00#LA12SCBWI Pre-Conference Interview: Dan Gutman<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz62mVe6WDe4cYJLOuCa9kwDKLNSYFtFgAJ3ER4Kq8zT2Z8W7NtHbhCmC0wvGThzQsDWuPx7g0r0zQV4DYyTqngkizkmzMPulFcj0fPHnAQo5W_KR8SPVjyioNU8zTWJvmQZG8FsEjj0DL/s1600/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz62mVe6WDe4cYJLOuCa9kwDKLNSYFtFgAJ3ER4Kq8zT2Z8W7NtHbhCmC0wvGThzQsDWuPx7g0r0zQV4DYyTqngkizkmzMPulFcj0fPHnAQo5W_KR8SPVjyioNU8zTWJvmQZG8FsEjj0DL/s320/3.png" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Not many authors
publish their <a href="http://www.dangutman.com/pages/rejection.html">rejections letters</a>. Not so for <a href="http://www.dangutman.com/">Dan Gutman</a>. He shares several on
his website, and says he’s received hundreds of them. Gutman has also published
over a hundred books for kids, including the very popular MY WEIRD SCHOOL
series. Not too shabby, eh?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">So, Dan, you've received hundreds of
rejections, but you've also published over a hundred books. At this point, for
each rejection letter, do you now have a book?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">No, because a
lot of books have been rejected repeatedly. "Honus" was rejected
ten times. "Johnny Hangtime" was rejected twelve times.
"Casey Back At Bat" was rejected TWENTY times. It took
ten years to get that one published. Man, now you're getting me
depressed!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Ha! Sorry ‘bout that, Dan. But it seems you’ve
made peace with rejection being part of a writer’s life. Was there any one
thing that helped you let go of the upset that comes with rejection?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">It must have
simply been blind arrogance, on my part. I just convinced myself that my
writing and my ideas were good ones that kids would really like. I never
assumed that just because somebody was an editor working for a major publishing
company, they were a better judge than I was. I trusted my
instincts. Also, I was motivated to succeed because I wanted to show
those editors how wrong they were. Success is the best revenge!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Love that! And thanks for the reminder.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Your journey is an interesting one. Your
original desire was to write humor, but it took you a while to figure out that
your writing sweet spot was writing for kids. Do you have any advice that might
help people find their own writing sweet spot?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9pWRWFO0eOBMxRWJseesbijj7TMFed6otoyXTjzFRzCX3olg4fGke6oPH_trXLyVZo747yuh1p6D29vXiUnpv5ViFk-oZUEs_xeKi93B-_B9dHNcOKFWY8-U5SiFjecZoG0rZ_xy2LE8/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9pWRWFO0eOBMxRWJseesbijj7TMFed6otoyXTjzFRzCX3olg4fGke6oPH_trXLyVZo747yuh1p6D29vXiUnpv5ViFk-oZUEs_xeKi93B-_B9dHNcOKFWY8-U5SiFjecZoG0rZ_xy2LE8/s1600/images-1.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Everybody is
different, of course. But I'll tell you what worked for me--TRY
EVERYTHING. This was not my plan, but first I tried writing short essays
for newspapers. I tried writing longer magazine articles. I tried
writing screenplays. I tried writing non-fiction books for adults.
I failed at ALL those things. But by failing, I figured out what I was
NOT good at. And then, when I tried writing for kids, instantly I felt,
"This is what I'm good at! This is what I was meant to
do!" My only regret is that it took me ten years to get to that
point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">You are amazingly prolific, having
published over 100 books. Many writers, especially those just getting started,
find finishing a project one of their biggest obstacles. Any advice for getting
to “The End”?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Hmmm, for me,
it's always the MIDDLE that is the hard part. When I start a book, I
usually know how it will begin and how it will end. Then I struggle with what
comes between.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I play little
mental tricks on myself. I will make a false deadline, a date by which a
project must be finished (even if it's not due yet). I will set the day
before I'm going away on trip as the day I have to finish a project. I'll
limit the number of hours in a day I work on a project, because I find I get a
lot done when I have to do it in a short period of time. That kind of
stuff.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Find Dan on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dan-Gutman/60020139122?ref=ts">Facebook</a></span><br />
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Follow Dan on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/dangutmanbooks">@DanGutmanBooks</a><br />
<br />
As alway, <a href="http://scbwiconference.blogspot.com/">SCBWI Team Blog</a> will be live blogging from the conference floor. Mark your calendar for the August 3rd kick-off.<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-18268390938905137062011-12-16T09:04:00.000-08:002011-12-16T13:45:25.203-08:00SCBWI Pre-Conference Interview: Jean Feiwel<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As part of SCBWI Team Blog pre-conference interviews, I had the opportunity to chat with the wonderful Jean Feiwel on the phone.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://scbwi.org/">SCBWI</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> conference website:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUAok3tlksysxYFwIXnjZfhQzBgAK5KtW3kjusMLaIiPo9Nrqh-9OaOefWmNxN_Umprk343WLtg7wzfYuGlYRTajesUNxlHY54vVgE5AX0iw_TIL2xVuEBYVGF0P3uRr-x3D9rq1KCGoX/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUAok3tlksysxYFwIXnjZfhQzBgAK5KtW3kjusMLaIiPo9Nrqh-9OaOefWmNxN_Umprk343WLtg7wzfYuGlYRTajesUNxlHY54vVgE5AX0iw_TIL2xVuEBYVGF0P3uRr-x3D9rq1KCGoX/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jean Feiwel's career in publishing started in 1976 at Avon Books where she rose from Editorial Assistant to Editorial Director of Books for Young Readers. In 1983, she was hired away to Scholastic. During her tenure as Editor-in-Chief and Publisher at Scholastic, Jean is credited with inventing middle grade series publishing with the creation of Ann Martin’s </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Babysitter’s Club</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, R.L. Stine’s </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Goosebumps</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, Katherine Applegate’s </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Animorphs, </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and the historical fiction series, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Dear America.</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> When pressed, she will also admit to being involved with the acquisition and publication of the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Harry Potter</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> series. In February 2006, Jean left Scholastic and joined Macmillan as Senior Vice President and Publisher. At Macmillan, she has launched </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://us.macmillan.com/FeiwelAndFriends.aspx"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Feiwel & Friends</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, her own commercially minded hardcover imprint, as well as a paperback/backlist program culled from FSG, Henry Holt and Roaring Brook’s lists, called Square Fish. In January 2009, she was promoted to SVP Publishing Director of the new consolidated Macmillan Children’s division.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was a real pleasure to speak with her. From our conversation, here are a few of the questions Jean answered for me:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You, along with three other industry professionals, will speak on a panel about Children’s Books today and tomorrow. In a time full of change, and at times negative talk, what gets you and keeps you excited and makes you feel optimistic?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I’m essentially a glass half full kind of person. I have always been enormously adaptable, and forward looking, and I love what I do. I love working with new authors and the ones that I’ve built already. I like the combination of discovering new talent while maintaining relationships that I’ve already established. The reason for the name Feiwel & Friends is: make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other’s gold. That represents my philosophy of publishing. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Young adult books are on fire right now. Why do you think young adult books are leading the way in the book sales and are today’s hot market?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think that because there were plenty of middle grade series that sort of created that audience. I think Harry Potter being the most instrumental. I think Harry Potter was huge. I think it galvanized reading in general for kids, and for a whole population at a time. I think that’s part of it. And I think these things are cyclical. I’ve been around long enough to see there have been periods of times where young adult has been the dominant category and I’ve seen it over populate and max out in a way and sort of go into a hibernation. I’m not surprised to see it so strong at this point. I think Stephanie Meyer happened to be somebody who hit a cord at the right place at the right time. The audience was there and waiting. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">In that whole cyclical nature of things, does that also bring hope and optimism for the picture book? <o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I really feel like the demise of the picture is strongly overstated. I found with working with the press, in some ways, they want to sell papers, they want people to read what they write, so they tend to exaggerate. This is certainly an exaggeration. I think there is no doubt that the picture book category has changed, in that, kids are being hurried through childhood and hurried through the category…Kids want to read that reading book that chapter book, they want to feel accomplished and if they’re are being read to from the time they are in utero then they are not going to sit there with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bread and Jam for Francis</i>, they’re going to want to be pacing through, along side of their brothers and sisters, the older books, so I think that has contributed to the category being smaller or in decline. But I think that’s okay because I think all of us have over published in the category. I think that a lot of books that duplicate each other. It’s a matter of being smarter in your publishing, and more focused. There’s definitely still an audience there, and it’s just a matter of not flooding the category. That would make for a healthy business all around. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">As you and your fellow editors look to acquire books, is there one element that grabs you each time, that one essential element? <o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I say this in my rejections letter, if I don’t emotionally connect with something I’m not going to respond to it. There’s something about the story that has to pull on my emotions in some way. It has to make me laugh. It has to be very dramatic. It has to surprise me. Something has to happen for me to respond to a story. Even it’s something I’ve heard a lot , even if it’s yet another vampire story, if there’s something in it that feels fresh or emerges in some surprising way I’ll will respond and go after it. There has to be something emotionally alive in it for me.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't miss your chance to hear from Jean Feiwel and many others at the upcoming SCBWI conference in NYC. Register <a href="http://www.scbwi.org/Conference.aspx?Con=9">HERE</a>.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-74918703844005520612011-12-12T20:13:00.000-08:002011-12-12T20:33:26.327-08:00SCBWI Pre-Conference Interview: Ginger Knowlton<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: bold;"><img align="right" alt="Ginger Knowlton" border="1" height="250" hspace="15" src="http://www.curtisbrown.com/images/GKnowlton.jpg" width="225" /></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm pleased to welcome Ginger Knowlton to Cuppa Jolie. Ginger will be sharing her views, along with three other agents, on the final panel of the conference: The Current Market for Your Work. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.curtisbrown.com/index.php">Curtis Brown LTD</a> website. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px;"><strong>Ginger Knowlton, Executive Vice President</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px;"><strong><br />
</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Ginger Knowlton represents authors and illustrators of children's books in all genres, as well as a few adult book authors. Her list includes Newbery Medalists, Newbery Honor and Printz Honor winners, Edgar and Lambda winners, a Sibert and Orbis Pictus winner, New York Times bestsellers, and a host of other delightful and talented clients. Ginger started working at Curtis Brown as an assistant to Marilyn Marlow, one of the first literary agents to specialize in children's books in the 1960s. Working for Marilyn was a rite of passage, affectionately referred to as Curtis Brown’s "Boot Camp." Before joining the company, Ginger worked in the field of early childhood education in Sacramento and Mendocino, California. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Authors' Representatives and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Library in her hometown in Westchester County.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">And now on to the interview. How I love ending with an SCBWI success story! Read on...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Conferences can be a bit overwhelming. What advice do you have for conference-goers, especially those attending for the first time? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #993366; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #993366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Don’t be shy! Talk with other conference-goers, ask to sit with them at lunch, and if you came with a friend or group of friends, be sure to split up and do different things, so you can report back and share whatever you learned (or didn’t learn). Seek advice and camaraderie, and be open to listening as well as sharing. Go outside your comfort zone! Remember Eleanor Roosevelt’s wise words—“Do one thing every day that scares you.” (I’ll be doing that myself on January 29<sup>th</sup> at the Grand Hyatt…)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Writers often ask, "How do I know when my work is ready to submit?" Do you have any sort of measuring stick or advice for knowing when? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #993366; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #993366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">My simple answer is: it’s ready when it <i><span style="font-style: italic;">sings</span></i> ~ but I realize that’s subjective.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #993366; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #993366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">My short answer is: No.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #993366; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #993366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Everyone works differently, and different things work for different people. Some people are blessed with writing partners/critiquers who offer advice and feedback that is spot on. Others are not so lucky, and still others don’t have partners or critiquers at all. I think what can often help is asking someone else to read your work aloud to you, or better yet, ask him/her to record himself reading it, and then listen to that recording by yourself and then with others. Do you like it? Do others? Are you fascinated and eager for more? If it’s a picture book, is it just too long? Would a youngster fidget? Would you, if you had to read it to said youngster time and again? Do you feel like the reader just didn’t get it and you could have done better reading it yourself? If so, there might be a lesson for you there—it may not be the reader’s fault at all. (Sorry!)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #993366; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #993366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I know some authors finish a manuscript and decide to submit it to a lot of agents/editors at once—sort of flooding the field—and I recommend that you start out slower than that, in case you get actual feedback from someone who might help you make the submission stronger for the next round. While it’s important to be open to advice and other opinions, it’s also important to stay true to yourself and your writing. I realize this sounds cliché.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Do you have a particular pet peeve when it comes to receiving queries/submission?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #993366; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #993366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Well, like everyone, I want the query to be addressed to me (Ginger Knowlton), not to Curtis Brown or Ginger Knowlton Clark or Agent or Tracey Adams (hey, Tracey!). And please take the time to proofread your queries and submissions so there are no misspellings. With spellcheck available, there’s just no excuse for that. I’m not saying I won’t read it if there are mistakes, but it is distracting, and why distract me from your writing when you’re hoping I’ll be enthusiastic about it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
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</span></div></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Can you share with us a client's forthcoming or recently published book that you're extra excited about? </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #993366; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #993366; font-size: 11pt;">I cannot wait to see <b><span style="font-weight: bold;">I’m Bored</span></b> by <a href="http://michaelianblack.typepad.com/">Michael Ian Black</a>, with illustrations by <a href="http://debbieohi.com/">Debbie Ridpath Ohi</a>, coming ou</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993366; font-size: 15px;">t in the fall of 2012—and it all came about because of SCBWI! Here’s a recap from Debbie </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993366; font-size: 15px;">herself: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993366; font-size: 15px;"><a href="http://debbieohi.squarespace.com/mentees/2010/9/4/how-a-rejection-got-me-a-book-deal-my-career-changing-scbwi.html" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;">http://debbieohi.squarespace.com/mentees/2010/9/4/how-a-rejection-got-me-a-book-deal-my-career-changing-scbwi.html</a></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuPOOEXszrc50iIKqfd6SDmO-sYqhj53_6ZsYe8-PsAruPo30_c7NK5bTgfuL9o1HlBYLMPRSFgvU8df164qhD4jXDkVl77b_th76Nb2Iw8cZScm8SHfxfN6BDecF5Dj5T9dCJjV2RYZR/s1600/cvr9781442414037_9781442414037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuPOOEXszrc50iIKqfd6SDmO-sYqhj53_6ZsYe8-PsAruPo30_c7NK5bTgfuL9o1HlBYLMPRSFgvU8df164qhD4jXDkVl77b_th76Nb2Iw8cZScm8SHfxfN6BDecF5Dj5T9dCJjV2RYZR/s200/cvr9781442414037_9781442414037.jpg" width="154" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #993366; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #993366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><br />
</o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you so much, Ginger!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To register for the upcoming conference, or to learn more about SCBWI visit <a href="http://scbwi.org/">scbwi.org</a>. </span><br />
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</div></div>Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-40539482049079983852011-10-10T21:00:00.000-07:002011-10-10T21:00:42.728-07:00Monday Moment #132: a writing prompt for your work-in-progress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_5HCR_HBf4X4XbSikiGpe41p8PyUhfJQh7eTV8Maqmjt4k4A6q09IxwVkXFES9KAyRvmTRnnJ0YoYL9wePnPsjVJpsRFCFH2FpWuNM7bobjqNtNWrHjRx7hyPyqoiqdjYhfMjXHtuWcv/s1600-h/Monday+Moments.jpg"><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 85%;"><em><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394165995442064690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_5HCR_HBf4X4XbSikiGpe41p8PyUhfJQh7eTV8Maqmjt4k4A6q09IxwVkXFES9KAyRvmTRnnJ0YoYL9wePnPsjVJpsRFCFH2FpWuNM7bobjqNtNWrHjRx7hyPyqoiqdjYhfMjXHtuWcv/s200/Monday+Moments.jpg" style="float: right; height: 146px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></em></span></a><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 85%;"><em>(If you’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span></span> already read this then skip past all the italicized blah-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">di</span></span>-blah and start writing.) Monday Moments are writing prompts for your work-in-progress. They are questions that come from my experiences and are my favorite way to find out more about my characters. I find I learn a lot. Some of it I use. Some of it I don’t. But I always, <strong>always</strong> get to know my characters better just by answering the question. I hope you do too.)</em></span><br />
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Oh man, my friends. Have I ever dropped the ball, or what?<br />
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I promise it's not without good reason. My plate has been beyond...BEYOND full, and unfortunately I've had to gobble up many other things before getting to the yumminess that is this blog. I apologize for that. I hope it will change soon.<br />
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<b>When has your character ever dropped the ball? What was at stake?</b><br />
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(An added note: I think the second question is an important one. With Cuppa, the stakes for missing a Moment aren't huge. Yes, I have guilt, especially when someone says, "Hey, where was Cuppa Jolie this week." Or something like that. You don't let me forget that I missed. But some stakes can be far bigger.)Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-8754593903719069352011-09-13T14:25:00.000-07:002012-01-16T15:29:29.066-08:00Monday Moment #131: a writing prompt for your work-in-progress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_5HCR_HBf4X4XbSikiGpe41p8PyUhfJQh7eTV8Maqmjt4k4A6q09IxwVkXFES9KAyRvmTRnnJ0YoYL9wePnPsjVJpsRFCFH2FpWuNM7bobjqNtNWrHjRx7hyPyqoiqdjYhfMjXHtuWcv/s1600-h/Monday+Moments.jpg"><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 85%;"><em><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394165995442064690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_5HCR_HBf4X4XbSikiGpe41p8PyUhfJQh7eTV8Maqmjt4k4A6q09IxwVkXFES9KAyRvmTRnnJ0YoYL9wePnPsjVJpsRFCFH2FpWuNM7bobjqNtNWrHjRx7hyPyqoiqdjYhfMjXHtuWcv/s200/Monday+Moments.jpg" style="float: right; height: 146px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></em></span></a><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 85%;"><em>(If you’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span></span> already read this then skip past all the italicized blah-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">di</span></span>-blah and start writing.) Monday Moments are writing prompts for your work-in-progress. They are questions that come from my experiences and are my favorite way to find out more about my characters. I find I learn a lot. Some of it I use. Some of it I don’t. But I always, <strong>always</strong> get to know my characters better just by answering the question. I hope you do too.)</em></span><br />
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No good, very bad blogger. That's me. Sorry for the inconsistencies lately. I should just say here and now, if it's a three day weekend (Monday being a holiday) there will be no Moment that day. Makes sense, right?But what happened to me yesterday? Honestly, life happened. I ended up with a family member at the ER (all is okay though). That threw my entire day for a loop.<br />
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Today is a Monday do-over of sorts. So, there ya go.<br />
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I know that in other parts of the country, school started in August, but here in the Seattle area, we just started last week. Yesterday was the first Monday of the school year. Truly, the school year in Seattle should run October to July, because our summer happens in August and September, but that's another subject. <br />
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So...the start of a new school year. And for us, it meant sending our oldest girlie off to middle school. *gasp* It's shocking. It was made harder by the fact that she was not at all looking forward to it. In fact, she was expecting her first day to be a no-good-horribly-very-bad day. Fortunately, because her expectation were so awfully low, it was actually all right. *phew* She even told a former teacher that she would give it a 7 out of 10. A huge relief for this mama, and yet, I can't believe she is a middle schooler. <br />
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Along with going back to school, there was some good old school shopping, which can be fun and insane all at once. But, one thing I especially noticed as we reached the end of summer was that the kids (and my husband) have favorite pieces of clothing they don't want to part with...no matter how stained, holey, or small they might be. Good grief!<br />
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Anyone else experience this? I'm sure I'm not alone.<br />
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My oldest has been wearing a pair of fake Uggs (even during the summer) and you can literally pull the toe up and see her little piggies inside. She also has a tank tap that had a small hole along her side that has now expanded into what looks like another arm hole. But does she want to get rid of them, or stop wearing them? NO! I believe this is a genetic thing passed on from my husband. (A little secret...when something gets *really* bad it might accidentally end up in the trash.)<br />
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What? What's that? Someone wants to call me out? Okay, fine! Maybe I have one or two things I have yet to let go of myself. So there.<br />
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<strong>How about your character? Does s/he have a favorite piece of clothing? (Describe it. Why is s/he they so attached? What would they do if something happened to it?)</strong></div>Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-84003619807051660722011-08-29T05:35:00.000-07:002012-01-16T15:35:12.675-08:00Monday Moment #130: a writing prompt for your work-in-progress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_5HCR_HBf4X4XbSikiGpe41p8PyUhfJQh7eTV8Maqmjt4k4A6q09IxwVkXFES9KAyRvmTRnnJ0YoYL9wePnPsjVJpsRFCFH2FpWuNM7bobjqNtNWrHjRx7hyPyqoiqdjYhfMjXHtuWcv/s1600-h/Monday+Moments.jpg"><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 85%;"><em><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394165995442064690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_5HCR_HBf4X4XbSikiGpe41p8PyUhfJQh7eTV8Maqmjt4k4A6q09IxwVkXFES9KAyRvmTRnnJ0YoYL9wePnPsjVJpsRFCFH2FpWuNM7bobjqNtNWrHjRx7hyPyqoiqdjYhfMjXHtuWcv/s200/Monday+Moments.jpg" style="float: right; height: 146px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></em></span></a><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 85%;"><em>(If you’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span></span> already read this then skip past all the italicized blah-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">di</span></span>-blah and start writing.) Monday Moments are writing prompts for your work-in-progress. They are questions that come from my experiences and are my favorite way to find out more about my characters. I find I learn a lot. Some of it I use. Some of it I don’t. But I always, <strong>always</strong> get to know my characters better just by answering the question. I hope you do too.)</em></span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here's a question for you: How do you turn one lizard into two guinea pigs?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">What? You find that question strange? Oh...or you think it's some kind of joke with a punch line, maybe?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>No...it's a little something my children made happen, with a little help from their dad. <br />
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So, here goes. This is how you do it. (Warning: you may not want your children to read this post.)<br />
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One morning, not long after my husband had left for work, I get a call from him saying, "Open the garage and tell the kids to meet me outside."<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This can't be good. You're with me, right? <em>Warning bells. </em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sure enough, my hubby arrives with a shoe box which contains a lizard, a lizard that didn't want to take no for an answer (he couldn't get it to leave his van or the road). I don't have to tell you how my children reacted to seeing this clingy lizard, except to say it was the exact opposite of my reaction. I wasn't the one who wanted to keep it. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I had all sorts of arguments for why we shouldn't: we needed to know what it was; if it was safe for the lizard; if we could provide what it need; and oh...the fact that it eats LIVE crickets. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVEEsCCyRV3fJXjrtvBHze8iEhKI1PtK9CaMdn61iE0gDqpyczhtuBPw9TDRMeR6aEJjIlcdJI46-__B4RPt4cNY9bE9EidILpBuM3EFVDpqxp8fyeLjJACSKX0h2MSrnpIUCo_I8G6gp/s1600/Charlotte+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVEEsCCyRV3fJXjrtvBHze8iEhKI1PtK9CaMdn61iE0gDqpyczhtuBPw9TDRMeR6aEJjIlcdJI46-__B4RPt4cNY9bE9EidILpBuM3EFVDpqxp8fyeLjJACSKX0h2MSrnpIUCo_I8G6gp/s320/Charlotte+001.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fred the Lizard</td></tr>
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The kids got right to work. Don't let your children tell you they can't research online because mine learned right quick that the lizard, the one which hitched a ride on their dad's bumper, was a Northwest Alligator Lizard. They knew what it ate and what it needed to be kept as a pet. Next step? Call the local pet store to see if they had the supplies needed to keep the lizard. And, even more important, to ask if it's okay to keep it? Maybe it would just be cruel to the little guy. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Pet store fail! They said, "Hey. No problem. We've got what you need. Come on down. Oh...and you'll probably want to get a cricket habitat so you don't have to continually buy crickets."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Oh, joy!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Because I was so excited about this lizard, I thought it was only fair for the girls to fork over their own money for half the costs (and they agreed...I should have requested all the costs). Of course as we loaded up on lizardy needs at Pet Town, the girls checked out the mice, hamsters, and gerbils. Then after the we received the total and handed over $70 (FOR A LIZARD!) my youngest said, "We should've just got the mouse. It was only a couple bucks." </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">EEEEERCH! Uh...what? Did we not just spend all this time and money for a lizard?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As we loaded up in the car, realizing after all of that we'd actually <em>forgotten</em> to get crickets and meal worms for the lizard, we had a conversation. I had to ask, "Do you really want a lizard? Or if you had a choice would you prefer to have another rodent-pet (we've had gerbils in the past)." </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The answer was fast and clear...they wanted something warm-blooded again. (Frankly, I was open to this because it meant no more lizard.)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In we went, stating our buyer's remorse to the nice girl behind the counter. We were able to return all the lizard supplies and now make a decision about what furry pet to bring home: The cute little white mouse with brown spots that was only $2? Or, that fat hamster...he's awfully cute. Another gerbil? Oh, but don't forget the nice girl behind the counter told us how incredibly sweet the female guinea pig was.</div><br />
Guinea Pig!?!<br />
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Seriously, those things are huge. And not $2.<br />
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But, okay...let's hold the guinea pig just to check it out. That little black guinea pig snuggled into the girls' chests and made sweet squeaky sounds, and then it was my turn to hold her. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Really? Why didn't anyone tell me that guinea pigs are so sweet. Not all squirmy and bitey like hamsters and gerbils. Well, there was no leaving without that pig. And on the way home, she was given her name: Charlotte.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizegbVrXFHfSAL38j4qN5oceLFvCUO_IK6DrbJGHe-zoThlqbBg-iSZpEdeSSEBghUawC4rWvpk1vUiWG3VyRlC8dQPBpPS5N9y2CTtZAJJuNUmW7jmH6Urkjc4HWdnVqunfoYpCDTT7sm/s1600/Charlotte+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizegbVrXFHfSAL38j4qN5oceLFvCUO_IK6DrbJGHe-zoThlqbBg-iSZpEdeSSEBghUawC4rWvpk1vUiWG3VyRlC8dQPBpPS5N9y2CTtZAJJuNUmW7jmH6Urkjc4HWdnVqunfoYpCDTT7sm/s320/Charlotte+007.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte</td></tr>
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</div>And after the girls' Grandma and Papa fell in love with Charlotte, too, and the girls learned that guinea pigs are herd animals and are happier with a friend, Grandma decided she wanted to buy the girls a friend for their new addition. Welcome, Clarabelle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY4xXWqOByStLVX5gsCRtCi-jGxHctbHvmx5Odx9DCieOk6s5Fi5wE48RzkjzIpf9KQnEtaiIJOcsiTu5hxKmnl-AIw2BbeVaUijXe9knQBny8SKyzNs4UAQs5XJTBStdfVlxqdSfmyMh/s1600/100_2498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY4xXWqOByStLVX5gsCRtCi-jGxHctbHvmx5Odx9DCieOk6s5Fi5wE48RzkjzIpf9KQnEtaiIJOcsiTu5hxKmnl-AIw2BbeVaUijXe9knQBny8SKyzNs4UAQs5XJTBStdfVlxqdSfmyMh/s320/100_2498.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clarabelle</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And what happened to the lizard that actually was given the name Fred? Well, we released him into the woods next to our house. And, believe it or not, not too many days later a very familiar looking lizard was under my hubby's van. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdmmhCJ4bWpq_-obfILexJ8aJYPmEEM6vPJyjS7ns4nc7hjYwPTodO95rVGMalC-w4YLlDMUIsU5zZUnSPgsZOkDjy1aHXTopKfD9Uvc0MKWI3ZRBFoQOpMqSfV1SlYze1V7CEq-UHMCK/s1600/Charlotte+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdmmhCJ4bWpq_-obfILexJ8aJYPmEEM6vPJyjS7ns4nc7hjYwPTodO95rVGMalC-w4YLlDMUIsU5zZUnSPgsZOkDjy1aHXTopKfD9Uvc0MKWI3ZRBFoQOpMqSfV1SlYze1V7CEq-UHMCK/s320/Charlotte+004.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And <em>that's</em> how you turn one lizard into two guinea pigs.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Kids can be quite good at manipulating situations to get what they want. (Or at least mine are really good at doing it with me.)<br />
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<strong>What has your character been able to talk a grown up into doing or getting or saying? </strong>Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-32006459037313035972011-08-23T09:59:00.000-07:002011-08-23T09:59:06.058-07:00What? No Monday Moment?Please forgive me for missing the Moment yesterday. A headache took me out yesterday and posting the Monday Moment fell low on the list of to-dos (only the have-tos happened). <br />
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And, as tempted as I am to get it post right now, I will not. I'm going to make the Moment wait, along with the laundry and other to-dos and I'm going to get the writing done first (especially since my children are currently not here). <br />
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Care to join me, anyone? (We'll get to the Moment some time later. Promise.)<br />
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Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-7761117202155873072011-08-15T05:12:00.000-07:002011-08-27T21:51:50.673-07:00Monday Moment #129: a writing prompt for your work-in-progress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_5HCR_HBf4X4XbSikiGpe41p8PyUhfJQh7eTV8Maqmjt4k4A6q09IxwVkXFES9KAyRvmTRnnJ0YoYL9wePnPsjVJpsRFCFH2FpWuNM7bobjqNtNWrHjRx7hyPyqoiqdjYhfMjXHtuWcv/s1600-h/Monday+Moments.jpg"><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 85%;"><em><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394165995442064690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_5HCR_HBf4X4XbSikiGpe41p8PyUhfJQh7eTV8Maqmjt4k4A6q09IxwVkXFES9KAyRvmTRnnJ0YoYL9wePnPsjVJpsRFCFH2FpWuNM7bobjqNtNWrHjRx7hyPyqoiqdjYhfMjXHtuWcv/s200/Monday+Moments.jpg" style="float: right; height: 146px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></em></span></a><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 85%;"><em>(If you’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span></span> already read this then skip past all the italicized blah-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">di</span></span>-blah and start writing.) Monday Moments are writing prompts for your work-in-progress. They are questions that come from my experiences and are my favorite way to find out more about my characters. I find I learn a lot. Some of it I use. Some of it I don’t. But I always, <strong>always</strong> get to know my characters better just by answering the question. I hope you do too.)</em></span><br />
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Sorry I missed you all last week. I was a bit busy doing the <a href="http://scbwiconference.blogspot.com/">SCBWI-Team-Blog</a> thing, helping to commemorate the 40th anniversary of SCBWI and the summer conference. I hope you followed along on the blog, but if you haven't check it out, it's there for the looking. It was one super special event. And a bit of a dream come true for me.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Whose lap am I all snuggled up on, you ask? Why that's just me and Judy Blume: an icon and my idol. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5FjdvVcvVm5M0g7OywGmhmm4yojofr-TvFfd-xNatvw8M0yQ2lIeDHqBZ3yEDISU0UzF1z7GYIZ06n2azbaGGn2AfvUX2SsGRKxE4n3aeGuNvkWw_zj9SxUdr_YdoEk78972MjjHtKio/s1600/LA11SCBWI+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5FjdvVcvVm5M0g7OywGmhmm4yojofr-TvFfd-xNatvw8M0yQ2lIeDHqBZ3yEDISU0UzF1z7GYIZ06n2azbaGGn2AfvUX2SsGRKxE4n3aeGuNvkWw_zj9SxUdr_YdoEk78972MjjHtKio/s320/LA11SCBWI+019.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A giddy me with Judy Blume<br />
(I'm not actually on her lap. She invited me to the arm of her chair.)</td></tr>
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</div>She was an absolute highlight for me. Judy Blume was the only reason I was a reader in Middle School. I've never really understood that whole freaking-out thing when someone sees a celeb they love and admire, that is until I was in the presence of Judy Blume. It all hit me; what she meant to me as a kid and what she means to me as a writer. The best part? She didn't disappoint. She's even more wonderful than I could have imagined, and I will forever remember her graciousness.<br />
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As much fun as I had in L.A., it was also so great to get home. <br />
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But something funny happened this time when my family picked me up from the ferry boat after I arrived back in Seattle. I sandwiched in the backseat of my parents' car right between my two girlies: the best place I could be. After I kissed and squeezed each of them, my youngest said, "You smell funny." Just what a mama wants to hear upon returning home.<br />
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So then my oldest gave me a whiff. "Yeah, you smell weird."<br />
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I replied, "Well, I probably smell a bit like hotel, and airplane, and train, and ferry with an added touch of Judy Blume (that above picture had only been taken hours before)."<br />
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Later, when I finally saw my husband, he said the same. "You don't smell like you."<br />
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It got me thinking about personal scents and where they come from: our homes, laundry detergent, foods we eat, and especially the products we use. All of those items that create my scent had changed over the week. The mix was all wrong, and my family could tell.<br />
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<strong>What are some of the things your character does and some of the items your character uses that create his/her scent (or that of another character your MC is around a lot)?</strong>Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-54708149846458892312011-08-01T12:14:00.000-07:002011-08-27T21:52:48.912-07:00Monday Moment #128: a writing prompt for your work-in-progress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_5HCR_HBf4X4XbSikiGpe41p8PyUhfJQh7eTV8Maqmjt4k4A6q09IxwVkXFES9KAyRvmTRnnJ0YoYL9wePnPsjVJpsRFCFH2FpWuNM7bobjqNtNWrHjRx7hyPyqoiqdjYhfMjXHtuWcv/s1600-h/Monday+Moments.jpg"><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 85%;"><em><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394165995442064690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_5HCR_HBf4X4XbSikiGpe41p8PyUhfJQh7eTV8Maqmjt4k4A6q09IxwVkXFES9KAyRvmTRnnJ0YoYL9wePnPsjVJpsRFCFH2FpWuNM7bobjqNtNWrHjRx7hyPyqoiqdjYhfMjXHtuWcv/s200/Monday+Moments.jpg" style="float: right; height: 146px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></em></span></a><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 85%;"><em>(If you’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span></span> already read this then skip past all the italicized blah-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">di</span></span>-blah and start writing.) Monday Moments are writing prompts for your work-in-progress. They are questions that come from my experiences and are my favorite way to find out more about my characters. I find I learn a lot. Some of it I use. Some of it I don’t. But I always, <strong>always</strong> get to know my characters better just by answering the question. I hope you do too.)</em></span><br />
<em><span style="color: #993399;"></span></em><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So much going on I'm not even sure what Moment to tell you about today: I'm gearing up to leave for the big SCBWI Summer conference; I'm preparing to welcome over 200 during an Orientation just before the big event kicks off; We've been figuring out chore schedules and allowance for our girlies; My youngest girlie and I just ran in her first race, a one-mile fun run; and, we turned a lizard into two guinea pigs (now that's a story...and probably one that requires more time than I have today). </div><br />
So...now to decide. What should today's Moment be?<br />
<br />
I choose...FUN RUN.<br />
<br />
And it was so much fun.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">At the end of this last school year my girls had a to do a one-mile run at school. I have horrid memories of running one mile for academic fitness tests and I usually did anything and everything to get out of them. My oldest girlie (11) feels the same way. But there was something about that one mile and running that my youngest (9) really enjoyed. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">She ran it at school in just over 11 minutes. When we talked about it later, I mentioned how running is sport you can compete against yourself in, and she was into it. A summer goal became improving that one-mile time. We got her a great pair of running shoes and started to hit the track two to three times a week. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Then came this Saturday; a community in our area had a Whale of Run. Skylar and I got up early and drove the 45 minutes to sign up and run; a really different experience without being on a track and running along side all those other runner. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXByju3XwFmi9JL-Y8GGS4lV4E8DdzK0c6IFR7U5plPBMmHFTEo8EV-yjHbL5P96pMm384s7bnaCkJH9sn1IUACmgxSHCHiIo947W7lCyTVlNvkip69W0hpE7zYJ05p2VYZhvogDfSb8ns/s1600/July+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXByju3XwFmi9JL-Y8GGS4lV4E8DdzK0c6IFR7U5plPBMmHFTEo8EV-yjHbL5P96pMm384s7bnaCkJH9sn1IUACmgxSHCHiIo947W7lCyTVlNvkip69W0hpE7zYJ05p2VYZhvogDfSb8ns/s320/July+11.jpg" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skylar and her proud Mama pre-race.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
We were sort of left in the dust as most took off a bit too fast. Of course they started to hit a wall a quarter mile in or so, but we kept on our pace. A pesky side ache slowed us down a bit but we pushed on. Skylar was determine and I tried to keep her motivated. I think she really enjoyed the fact that about half-way along, we started passing other runners.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It was hard to tell how our pace was comparing to our typical runs. Skylar had so far improved her time by quite a bit. Her best time, 10:28. So as we rounded the corner and could spot the finish we pushed a bit more. Then the clock came into view, and we could see a 9! <strong>A 9</strong>. Could we possible get our time under 10 minutes?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We made our final push to the finish and I believe we crossed that line right about 9:55. What an amazing improvement. And, So. Much. Fun.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iXbzzg1JvilCKICsvLc-pEKNKcQZUnn3dzSoxcx7StSDDN4eIWVWayvR9TmuanE90FCKxcFFHPR3meMj1HDbMv-5DtHM51pBcF1JQdPazn8PB2VGlH399nIsQg50xho7FNlt5bJq6VeE/s1600/Skylar+after+the+race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iXbzzg1JvilCKICsvLc-pEKNKcQZUnn3dzSoxcx7StSDDN4eIWVWayvR9TmuanE90FCKxcFFHPR3meMj1HDbMv-5DtHM51pBcF1JQdPazn8PB2VGlH399nIsQg50xho7FNlt5bJq6VeE/s320/Skylar+after+the+race.jpg" t$="true" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skylar after the race. She now says her favorite number is 186. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
I was (and still am) a proud Mama. And even if she didn't say it, I know Skylar was proud of herself. And she's looking forward to another run in the future. She even said, maybe next year we can run the four mile. Amazing. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now, I'm not a runner. I may be a fitness-loving freak. But I'm a gym rat. But let me tell you, I will run to the ends of the Earth with that kids. Pure joy. Chokes me up a bit.<br />
<br />
It seems like there are so many questions that can be asked about character from this experience, so feel free to come up with one that might work best for your character's situations, but I'll ask this one:<br />
<br />
<strong>What is one activity your character finds common interest in with an adult (parent, mentor, family member)?</strong> (Could certainly be positive or negative.)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-13612544199203534612011-07-25T13:59:00.000-07:002011-07-25T13:59:50.354-07:00Monday Moment #127: a writing prompt for your work-in-progress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_5HCR_HBf4X4XbSikiGpe41p8PyUhfJQh7eTV8Maqmjt4k4A6q09IxwVkXFES9KAyRvmTRnnJ0YoYL9wePnPsjVJpsRFCFH2FpWuNM7bobjqNtNWrHjRx7hyPyqoiqdjYhfMjXHtuWcv/s1600-h/Monday+Moments.jpg"><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 85%;"><em><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394165995442064690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_5HCR_HBf4X4XbSikiGpe41p8PyUhfJQh7eTV8Maqmjt4k4A6q09IxwVkXFES9KAyRvmTRnnJ0YoYL9wePnPsjVJpsRFCFH2FpWuNM7bobjqNtNWrHjRx7hyPyqoiqdjYhfMjXHtuWcv/s200/Monday+Moments.jpg" style="float: right; height: 146px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></em></span></a><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 85%;"><em>(If you’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span></span> already read this then skip past all the italicized blah-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">di</span></span>-blah and start writing.) Monday Moments are writing prompts for your work-in-progress. They are questions that come from my experiences and are my favorite way to find out more about my characters. I find I learn a lot. Some of it I use. Some of it I don’t. But I always, <strong>always</strong> get to know my characters better just by answering the question. I hope you do too.)</em></span><br />
<em><span style="color: #993399;"></span></em><br />
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Home again, home again, jiggity jig!<br />
<br />
We've made it home from our big MT road trip, after a very long day on the road yesterday. But man...re-entry is painful. So much to do. So. Much. To. Do.<br />
<br />
There are so many reasons why one (or at least me) would prefer to still be vacationing: the chores of everyday life, playing catch-up, and since I'm returning to the Seattle area...missing the summer sunshine! (Come on, Seattle. It's summer already.)<br />
<br />
That said, there's almost always a reason to LOVE returning home. For me: my bed. Ah...I slept so well last night. I'm already looking forward to visiting it again tonight. <br />
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<strong>When your character leaves home, what about returning makes them the most happy?</strong>Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-86100975138103162932011-07-19T08:48:00.000-07:002011-07-19T08:48:31.170-07:00Monday Moment #126: a writing prompt for your work-in-progress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_5HCR_HBf4X4XbSikiGpe41p8PyUhfJQh7eTV8Maqmjt4k4A6q09IxwVkXFES9KAyRvmTRnnJ0YoYL9wePnPsjVJpsRFCFH2FpWuNM7bobjqNtNWrHjRx7hyPyqoiqdjYhfMjXHtuWcv/s1600-h/Monday+Moments.jpg"><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 85%;"><em><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394165995442064690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_5HCR_HBf4X4XbSikiGpe41p8PyUhfJQh7eTV8Maqmjt4k4A6q09IxwVkXFES9KAyRvmTRnnJ0YoYL9wePnPsjVJpsRFCFH2FpWuNM7bobjqNtNWrHjRx7hyPyqoiqdjYhfMjXHtuWcv/s200/Monday+Moments.jpg" style="float: right; height: 146px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></em></span></a><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 85%;"><em>(If you’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span></span> already read this then skip past all the italicized blah-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">di</span></span>-blah and start writing.) Monday Moments are writing prompts for your work-in-progress. They are questions that come from my experiences and are my favorite way to find out more about my characters. I find I learn a lot. Some of it I use. Some of it I don’t. But I always, <strong>always</strong> get to know my characters better just by answering the question. I hope you do too.)</em></span><br />
<em><span style="color: #993399;"></span></em><br />
<br />
Holy Big Sky Bungle. I thought TODAY was Monday. I'm so off my game. Well, hopefully I can get pass as I'm on the road and yesterday was my 13th wedding anniversary. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Ahhh!</span><br />
<br />
I'm blogging live from what my husband has dubbed Grammapalooza. Although, he doesn't have it quite right since it's more like a Grandparentpalooza, but the former sounds better. It's also been affectionately called The Silver Hair Tour.<br />
<br />
We are currently trekking through the Big Sky state, visiting our six lovely grandparents (yes...SIX). I will say we are blessed to have so many of them still in our lives. They are all in three different cities in Montana, so we are driving a big triangle under this great big sky. First Missoula then Great Falls finally ending up in Livingston where we'll celebrate my grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Double Ahhh!</span><br />
<br />
So, I won't stay here long, but share a few things we've done and seen. One grandma visited, kissed, and loved on. A full day at the Splash Montana, where no sunscreen was enough to keep our Seattle skin from getting pink. Some sweet fawns relaxing and chasing and nursing (vigorously). An ice cream cone from the famous Big Dipper Ice Cream, but the licking had to be brisk in this heat. So far, nothing but delight.<br />
<br />
One mention of something I found funny: As I drove into Montana there was suddenly big splatters on my windshield, sounding just like rain beginning to fall as it often does in the Seattle area. I had to tell myself, that's not rain and ask (in my own mind), <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">What is that?</span> It was very BIG bugs reaching an unfortunate state of splat on my windshield. Ha!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Has your main character ever taken a road trip? If so where, why, and what kind of different and wonderful experiences did they have?</span><br />
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<br class="webkit-block-placeholder" />Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-26756390606749158062011-07-12T12:08:00.000-07:002011-07-12T17:05:40.367-07:00SCBWI Team Blog Exclusive Interview: Laurie Halse Anderson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5Pu1QdfBg7vMK6aMDd5VT5P6kE3cRtc5MB6DeS8N5h11OuFjjGBUMKP28UhQSk_TpMx05iHGxeU8Q8z9m-FupZA5W9hPrHoP6SOIx751yk9pFXlVH9030GdFw5jNkDVwlY2pnay6JClc/s1600/scbwiconfblog40th.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5Pu1QdfBg7vMK6aMDd5VT5P6kE3cRtc5MB6DeS8N5h11OuFjjGBUMKP28UhQSk_TpMx05iHGxeU8Q8z9m-FupZA5W9hPrHoP6SOIx751yk9pFXlVH9030GdFw5jNkDVwlY2pnay6JClc/s320/scbwiconfblog40th.png" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>SCBWI couldn't have called on a better writer to cap off this summer's conference experience, as they'll bring <a href="http://madwomanintheforest.com/">Laurie Halse Anderson</a> to the stage to deliver the final keynote and send conference-goers on their way to tackle creative endeavors. <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">That said, before we get any further, if you have any wish, desire, inkling, etc. to go to the summer conference, the time to register is NOW. For the first time in <a href="http://www.scbwi.org/Default.aspx">SCBWI</a> history, they will be closing registrations. Go <a href="http://www.scbwi.org/Conference.aspx?Con=8">HERE</a> to register. Registration will close on Monday, July 18th and no part-time or walk-in registrations will be allowed. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHQ0ojzRR9udmzIvbSiQJJTuzW-K-QIm0EvZPz5MnQrmjn1QOqiJTragbPzJn5dcrk-MVlwmRG084uYJrlOx5fgNEVyUXb8mlM4KbAL13xyw2wFWHbrU46O_wy9j7q23roY4W7tZA01MN/s1600/HalseAnderson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHQ0ojzRR9udmzIvbSiQJJTuzW-K-QIm0EvZPz5MnQrmjn1QOqiJTragbPzJn5dcrk-MVlwmRG084uYJrlOx5fgNEVyUXb8mlM4KbAL13xyw2wFWHbrU46O_wy9j7q23roY4W7tZA01MN/s200/HalseAnderson.jpg" width="200px" /></a>But let's get back to Laurie. Laurie Halse Anderson is the award-winning and best-selling author of many books for children of all ages, including SPEAK and CHAINS (both National Book Award finalists). </div><br />
It's a real treat to welcome Laurie Halse Anderson here to Cuppa Jolie. <br />
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<strong>One of your Facebook status updates last week said, “Laurie has been writing all week and is very happy about that.” With a very busy life and schedule, how do you ensure you get the writing time you need? And, can I take a guess that perhaps this will be a bit of what you’ll discuss during your conference break-out (The Nuts and Bolts of Crafting a Creative Life:Finding Lost Time and Reclaiming Creativity)?</strong><br />
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It has become a little easier to make writing time now that our youngest has flown the nest. However, as our kids (all four of them) were starting to drive themselves to soccer practice and not require homework help, we became responsible for our elderly parents. And - to my shock and horror - I've found that being a published author actually takes time away from writing, instead of magically creating more hours in the day. I have developed a few Highly Secret Methods over the years, though, enough to have helped me carve out the time to write 27 books in the last 18 years. I'm looking forward to sharing them with everyone!<br />
<br />
<strong>How has your writing life changed, if at all, since you’ve been in your lovely writing cottage?</strong><br />
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The cottage is heaven on earth because I can relax there, free from the nagging worry I might be interrupted. It is also lovely to be able to look around the space and NOT see undone household tasks like laundry that needs to be put away or tumbleweeds of dog hair. But the absolute best aspect of it? That would have to be a tie between the beauty of the space and the the luxury of solitude. While I love traveling and meeting readers and fellow writers, the truth is that I am deeply introverted. Spending time around other people drains all the creativity and ink from my soul. The solitude of my cottage in the woods helps refill it.<br />
<br />
(See video of Laurie's writing cottage below.)<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sxNkZzKmJl4" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<strong>You’ve experienced the bumpy ride of having your books challenged. How do you continue to write without fear, or have the challenges only created a fire in you when it comes to story and honesty?</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAi-BeEmoqy3JlD0v8-5oUSH4l4OPbyC4OSJ9OhpThdwMTQkZ6hCR8ar2KRcru1Elc2QT_qrAqX0JqTbdnQkz338OqKfcBdjgO4URxUnGLXxVj3CfEhf02lgtPDH0s3406TSxW_UsaYdmv/s1600/Speak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAi-BeEmoqy3JlD0v8-5oUSH4l4OPbyC4OSJ9OhpThdwMTQkZ6hCR8ar2KRcru1Elc2QT_qrAqX0JqTbdnQkz338OqKfcBdjgO4URxUnGLXxVj3CfEhf02lgtPDH0s3406TSxW_UsaYdmv/s1600/Speak.jpg" /></a></div>The first couple of dozen times my books were challenged, I took it very personally. I bawled like a baby and wasted untold days paralyzed by the thought that anyone would think I'd ever seek to harm a child. <br />
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Then I got over myself.<br />
<br />
Book challenges say very little about the book being targeted (or the author!) and rather a lot about the people bringing the challenge. Our intellectual freedoms are worth standing up and fighting for. I'm happy to plunge into battle when the trumpets sound!<br />
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<strong>You’ll be sending conference-goers on their way, following your closing keynote. Can you give us a little taste of your talk: Daring the Universe?</strong><br />
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Here's a sneak peek of my keynote:<br />
1. Life is short.<br />
2. Death is guaranteed.<br />
3. Given Point 1 and Point 2, you have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain by embracing your creativity every day! <br />
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<strong>A huge thank you to you, Laurie. </strong><br />
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For the rest of you, those already registered I'm certain you're looking forward to the big event beginning August 5. Everyone else...hurry, hurry, hurry so you can join us too. But, if you can't be with us in LA, <a href="http://scbwiconference.blogspot.com/">SCBWI Team Blog</a> has you covered as we'll be be blogging live from the conference floor.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3BuRWll3XdD_H03C7kYjWoYJMuCCVMUuqb2JFIDNZOGIyk7QWQcAcgHMaU6E3xQ5bcjrrfr0guxbz1QEwDzvqgHtfYWNAgzUCQQJTKgJkw-uG4IEnYXGnTq3W3_HWa8bwC0bOe_sVydP/s1600/LA2011-SCBWI_blog_widget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3BuRWll3XdD_H03C7kYjWoYJMuCCVMUuqb2JFIDNZOGIyk7QWQcAcgHMaU6E3xQ5bcjrrfr0guxbz1QEwDzvqgHtfYWNAgzUCQQJTKgJkw-uG4IEnYXGnTq3W3_HWa8bwC0bOe_sVydP/s1600/LA2011-SCBWI_blog_widget.jpg" /></a></div>Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-67745125944596320752011-07-11T05:41:00.000-07:002011-07-11T09:58:39.414-07:00Monday Moment #125: a writing prompt for your work-in-progress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_5HCR_HBf4X4XbSikiGpe41p8PyUhfJQh7eTV8Maqmjt4k4A6q09IxwVkXFES9KAyRvmTRnnJ0YoYL9wePnPsjVJpsRFCFH2FpWuNM7bobjqNtNWrHjRx7hyPyqoiqdjYhfMjXHtuWcv/s1600-h/Monday+Moments.jpg"><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 85%;"><em><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394165995442064690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_5HCR_HBf4X4XbSikiGpe41p8PyUhfJQh7eTV8Maqmjt4k4A6q09IxwVkXFES9KAyRvmTRnnJ0YoYL9wePnPsjVJpsRFCFH2FpWuNM7bobjqNtNWrHjRx7hyPyqoiqdjYhfMjXHtuWcv/s200/Monday+Moments.jpg" style="float: right; height: 146px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></em></span></a><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 85%;"><em>(If you’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span></span> already read this then skip past all the italicized blah-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">di</span></span>-blah and start writing.) Monday Moments are writing prompts for your work-in-progress. They are questions that come from my experiences and are my favorite way to find out more about my characters. I find I learn a lot. Some of it I use. Some of it I don’t. But I always, <strong>always</strong> get to know my characters better just by answering the question. I hope you do too.)</em></span><br />
<em><span style="color: #993399;"></span></em><br />
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Last Monday, the 4th, blew up on me! Not in a bad way. But in a busy Fourth of July way. Hope your day was as fun as mine. I was hoping to at least type a, <em>See ya next week </em>message. But I couldn't even get that much done.<br />
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Being with friends (ones that are like family) on the Fourth got me to thinking about nicknames--especially nicknames for family members. I don't think there is a family <em>anywhere</em> where every person goes by their traditional title: Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle, etc. Somewhere along the line a nickname comes along and it usually happens in a very organic way. (In my experience, a forced nickname never works.)<br />
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In our family's case, I have dear girlfriends that have been Aunties to my girls since Day One. That said, when my oldest was barely two, instead of calling my friend Auntie Roz, she became Uncle Roz (I think because she had been around uncles more than aunties). On top of that, Uncle Roz had a handsome boyfriend (who later became her husband). His name: Gabe. So when our oldest spoke of them, they became Uncle Roz and Uncle Babe, which was too cute. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhlGdTV18nm4_ECRWxnBQ-ddx1MBRfEzlaRhP2tRd1wo4VsbaxsyVD2dudzMet_fY0Jq56BZCLh-7wiVY36-s0Z_RGP-uDcK_koV0Nown7qDfMvuxl28K6fKfgIgR5V0Cy58ZXcMGVJIE/s1600/UncleBabe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhlGdTV18nm4_ECRWxnBQ-ddx1MBRfEzlaRhP2tRd1wo4VsbaxsyVD2dudzMet_fY0Jq56BZCLh-7wiVY36-s0Z_RGP-uDcK_koV0Nown7qDfMvuxl28K6fKfgIgR5V0Cy58ZXcMGVJIE/s320/UncleBabe.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls with Uncle Babe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On another family note, one of our youngest's first words was <em>Sis</em>, and she's called her big sister that ever since. When she was young if she was asked, "What's your sister's name?" her answer was, "Sis." And still today, to hear her say he sister's given name doesn't even sound right. She will forever call her <em>Sis </em>(and she's the ONLY one who does).<br />
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And, now about personal nicknames? I had a couple: Squirt and JD (both were my dad's nicknames for me). As for shortening my name, I didn't like it (still don't). I never wanted anyone to call me Jo. The only person who ever did, or ever I ever let, call me Jo was my little brother. <br />
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<strong>What nicknames are in your character's family and how did they come about? Does your character have any nicknames?</strong>Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-8369456417748435602011-06-27T09:49:00.000-07:002011-06-27T09:49:28.100-07:00Monday Moment #124: a writing prompt for your work-in-progress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_5HCR_HBf4X4XbSikiGpe41p8PyUhfJQh7eTV8Maqmjt4k4A6q09IxwVkXFES9KAyRvmTRnnJ0YoYL9wePnPsjVJpsRFCFH2FpWuNM7bobjqNtNWrHjRx7hyPyqoiqdjYhfMjXHtuWcv/s1600-h/Monday+Moments.jpg"><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 85%;"><em><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394165995442064690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_5HCR_HBf4X4XbSikiGpe41p8PyUhfJQh7eTV8Maqmjt4k4A6q09IxwVkXFES9KAyRvmTRnnJ0YoYL9wePnPsjVJpsRFCFH2FpWuNM7bobjqNtNWrHjRx7hyPyqoiqdjYhfMjXHtuWcv/s200/Monday+Moments.jpg" style="float: right; height: 146px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></em></span></a><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 85%;"><em>(If you’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span></span> already read this then skip past all the italicized blah-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">di</span></span>-blah and start writing.) Monday Moments are writing prompts for your work-in-progress. They are questions that come from my experiences and are my favorite way to find out more about my characters. I find I learn a lot. Some of it I use. Some of it I don’t. But I always, <strong>always</strong> get to know my characters better just by answering the question. I hope you do too.)</em></span><br />
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SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER! (sing it with me) <br />
SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!<br />
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But, oh man... I already miss school. I miss it in several ways. <br />
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I miss it as a teacher. I'm not a regular classroom teacher any longer, but I have been working weekly with a group of home-schooled students. I miss that. I wish I could keep working with them all year long. <br />
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Then there's the things I miss as a mom. I miss the routine the school year brings. You know, there's that magical time when the kids are at school and time belongs to me and not to the kids. Call me selfish, but I find that time rather lovely.Then there's just the regularity bedtime, and other schedules. Not that there's no longer a bedtime, it's just different. <br />
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Now, don't get me wrong, I love the warmer weather (the VERY little we've had of it) and additional time with the girlies, but...well, you know. I mean really, on day one they were ALREADY saying, "I'm bored." <br />
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Seriously!?!<br />
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I have to believe, that even for the kids, there is something about school that the they miss once summer hits. I'm sure it's different for each kid, but there's something.<br />
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<strong>What does your character miss about school over summer break?</strong>Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1594040799707431375.post-8846054285095685392011-06-23T10:09:00.000-07:002011-06-23T10:09:48.891-07:00SCBWI Team Blog: First-time Attendee Pre-conference InterviewAs part of our Team Blog interviews, I'll be chatting with several people (published and not) who will be attending an international <a href="http://www.scbwi.org/default.aspx">SCBWI</a> conference for the first time this summer. Those of us who have attended before know it can be both exciting and overwhelming. <br />
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This year SCBWI will be offering an opportunity to attended a First-time Attendee Orientation just prior to the open of the conference on August 4. The 45 minute session will provide a bit a of peek into the weekend and offer some insight on how to make the most of conference. If you're already registered, watch your email for more details.<br />
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When I inquired on Twitter about who was attending for the first time, <a href="http://pattigabrielson.com/">Patti Gabrielson</a> was the first to raise her virtual hand, and it was my pleasure to invite her here for a quick chat.<br />
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<strong>Welcome to Cuppa Jolie, Patti. This will be the first time I've interviewed a first-time conference attendee here. So, thank you for taking the plunge with me. I certainly wish we were in my living room so I could share a true cuppa with you.</strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZE8pmCxoxExmtxx3m3kXSnn8slwsPu7TPA8C3OCvpo84hJjtx3guQO5KG7cAcf1oDUYNRbJxslzjEvksrxZ5iwtQhRyG5YFB-uSizUehq_0pbw3QaUfchncrtmi0e-hqnW21Ql5oRbAlH/s1600/Hey-You-v3-sm.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZE8pmCxoxExmtxx3m3kXSnn8slwsPu7TPA8C3OCvpo84hJjtx3guQO5KG7cAcf1oDUYNRbJxslzjEvksrxZ5iwtQhRyG5YFB-uSizUehq_0pbw3QaUfchncrtmi0e-hqnW21Ql5oRbAlH/s200/Hey-You-v3-sm.gif" width="200px" /></a></div><strong>Can you share with us a little bit about yourself?</strong><br />
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I am attempting to get into illustrating children's books. I started this journey about seven years ago. Like a silly rookie, I had an idea for a children's book when my daughter was about 2 yrs old. I thought I'd write it, draw some pictures and boom. . . "they'd" start calling me, wanting to give me millions of dollars.<br />
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About two years ago my journey became more realistic. That's when I joined the San Diego chapter of SCBWI. I am now on a much more realistic path. I have a better understanding of the steps to take and how to take them. My portfolio isn't quite ready, but I'm planning on showing it at the L.A. Conference, along with a book dummy of that idea I had seven or more years ago.<br />
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<strong>Sounds as though the <a href="http://www.sandiego-scbwi.org/">San Diego Chapter</a> has already been of great benefit to you. I'm guessing then that you've attended regional conferences and events.</strong><br />
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Our monthly meetings have been both inspirational and informative. We've had speakers such as Literary Agent, Kelly Sonnack with the Angela Brown Literary Agency talk about contracts. . . before you sign. A panel of some of our self published authors discussed the pro's and cons of self publishing (which runs through many of our minds). Author/Illustrator D.J. MacHale gave a very entertaining presentation at a meeting. Joy Chu of <a href="http://www.gotstorycountdown.com/">http://www.gotstorycountdown.com/</a> attends all of our meetings and gives us fantastic advice on a monthly basis. And author, Nancy Sanders, was an amazing speaker at one of our meetings. The chapter meetings offer all of this plus so much more.<br />
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If all of that doesn't get you excited to write or draw, we also had a one-day conference with literary agents and editors that filled our day with advice, information and insight to the publishing world. And for the illustrators, award winning artist, David Diaz, provided portfolio reviews, more information and humor.<br />
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And then there was a workshop this past weekend. We (illustrators) got to spend four fabulous hours with Priscilla Burris as she, and Joy Chu, went over portfolio standards for submission and advice for the L.A. conference. It was so cool!<br />
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What I have a hard time believing is that everyone in the world of children's books is so willing to help each other. SCBWI seems like such a well oiled wheel. Everybody is so kind, happy and energetic. As I told my husband, "I've found my peeps".<br />
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<strong>You have great things happening there in the San Diego Chapter! And I agree, there are no better people than those in children's books and SCBWI. It's a huge reason I LOVE to go the the international conferences, especially the summer conference which is quite social.</strong><br />
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<strong>What made you decide to go to this summer's conference in L.A.? (It's the 40th anniversary, too. Lots in store!)</strong><br />
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I reached the point where I had to stop procrastinating and just go for it. We had just finished our one day conference in February. I was still jumping with excitement, when I decided that I needed to take the next step. The point of no return. (Oh, what have I done!)<br />
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<strong>You've signed yourself up for a great time, loads of new friends, and a wonderful learning experience plus a super dose of inspiration.</strong><br />
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<strong>Is there a particular session or part of the conference you are most looking forward to?</strong><br />
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Oh my gosh, to pick just one? Many artists have his/her styles well developed. But it's been years since I've drawn on a regular basis. So Monday's Illustrators Intensive is going to be very cool for me. To watch these incredible artists do their thing will be so fun.<br />
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I'm also so excited to find out all that I can about e-books and apps. I work digitally and I'm ready to jump into the new digital horizons.<br />
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<strong>I'm glad you mentioned the Intensives, as this is a new format to the summer conference. And, in case you missed it, Team Blog member <a href="http://www.cocoastomp.blogspot.com/">Jaime Temairik</a> posted details about the <a href="http://cocoastomp.blogspot.com/2011/06/scbwi-team-blog-exclusive-details-about.html">Illustrator Intensive</a> and she also has several great interviews with the faculty. Check 'em out. </strong><br />
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<strong>But here's the big question: Do you have your pajamas picked out for the 40 Winks Ball?</strong><br />
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It's odd, but none of the stores seem to have a pajama section of big, bright, slightly obnoxious pj's. Go figure. But if I can find it, I'll be the one wearing orange and white polka-dot jammies.<br />
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<strong>Ah, orange and white polka-dot jammies. Appropriate for you! (Check out Patti's </strong><a href="http://pattigabrielson.com/"><strong>website</strong></a><strong> and you'll know why.) </strong><strong>I'm so glad to hear you'll be there! It's an event not to be missed. </strong><br />
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<strong>Do you have one main worry or question about being at the conference for the first time?</strong><br />
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ONE? I'd say I have about one hundred. There will be so many attendees that have been doing this for a while, with such great talent. I guess my main worry is that my work will look so lame next to theirs. But I know that's just part of the game!<br />
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<strong>Not lame, just different. And who would their work to look like another illustrator's. Only you can do Patti! </strong><br />
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<strong>Thank you so much for chatting with me, Patti. You already have a new friend from the conference and it hasn't even happened yet. I look forward to meeting you in person, and seeing your work.</strong><br />
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<strong>Let's have a cuppa something together while in L.A.!</strong><br />
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If you haven't registered for the conference here's where you need to <a href="http://www.scbwi.org/Conference.aspx?Con=8">GO</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilisz5u1dDGTQGMbVsqweiaOtNHsF-LrNEcd7x5Zgz5_WW42S6LxdT5cT9fwxZxcwgAE3bWG7IQWJBTxLAMkvCVx5IIkwSeQEj3NS-DXWRAst-J4bNYjunHhlh-XhLvlnUZPEcVJOW93Fq/s1600/LA2011-SCBWI_blog_widget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilisz5u1dDGTQGMbVsqweiaOtNHsF-LrNEcd7x5Zgz5_WW42S6LxdT5cT9fwxZxcwgAE3bWG7IQWJBTxLAMkvCVx5IIkwSeQEj3NS-DXWRAst-J4bNYjunHhlh-XhLvlnUZPEcVJOW93Fq/s1600/LA2011-SCBWI_blog_widget.jpg" /></a></div>Cuppa Joliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15917576466379786147noreply@blogger.com9