Write It Now! Competitions
For Teachers and Librarians
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SWJ - July 2007
In This Issue
Sneak a Peek at ALA 2007 via Blogs by Kelly Milner Halls
Summer Sass for Young Readers by Kelly Milner Halls
I've Got an Idea - Now What? by Bruce Hale
The Writing Social Animal by C. Hope Clark
The W.I.N. results are coming! In a show of just how great our judges are, four of the six have been traveling and signing books at ALA, BEA, and a couple of other conferences around the country. They're working professionals and I'm very grateful for their participation in our competition, so I'm patiently waiting on two more categories to report in, then I'll post the results on the 2007 W.I.N. page. Smart Writers Journal subscribers will get the list first, so if you haven't already signed up, then do so now. And thank you for your patience!
- Roxyanne Young
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Sneak a Peek at ALA 2007 via Blogs
by Kelly Milner Halls
Did you get to the American Library Association conference in Washington,
DC late last month? Me either. And that means I had to miss HarperCollins'
special event, "In the Clubhouse with...Crutcher, Lipsyte, Myers, Oppel and
Trueman" -- two hours of spontaneous conversation between five of the finest YA
authors on the planet, as featured in the picture to the right. Talk about
frustration.
If you're like me and had to miss the big show, take heart. Blogs are an
absentee's best friends. Librarians, authors, booksellers and other lovers of
kid lit who WERE able to attend can be like part-time historian. So check out
these blog one-liners and the links that go with them.
And start making plans to attend in 2008 -- see you in Anaheim!
June 23, 2007
Sins of YA Literature pre-conference extravaganza.
DAVE'S BLOG
Monday, June 25, 2007
"I guess you could say that today was gay day for me at the ALA
Conference."
HELEN BLOWERS LIBRARY BYTES
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Best Conference "Bling"
THE SEARCHING LIBRARIAN
June 27, 2007
Graphic Novels Here to Stay
CHRONICLES OF BEAN
June 28, 2007
ALA in a nutsell
DEWEY DIVAS AND THE DUDES
June 29, 2007
Washington Round up and Julie Andrews
FEDERAL INFO PRO
June 2007
Book Truck Drill Teams
Photo Courtesy of Terry Trueman.
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SUMMER SASS FOR YOUNG READERS
by Kelly Milner Halls
FICTION
The Discovery of Dragons, New Research Revealed
by Graeme Base
Abram Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 139780810959675
$19.95
Though the title sounds like nonfiction, this is a fictional look at the
search for and discovery of dragons, through the exotic "serpentology" letters
of Bjorn of Bromme, Soong Mei Ying, Dr. E. F. Liebermann, Francisco de Nuevo --
each experts in their own geographic regions. A whimsical look at a topic kids
never seem to tire of with lush, full color, full page illustrations. A little
pricey, but not to be missed.
The Witch's Child
by Arthur Yorinks
Illustrated by Jos A. Smith 
Abrams Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 139780810993495
$16.95
Beautifully written in near perfect prose, the story of the Witch's Child
is fairy tale storytelling of an old school fashion. The bitter witch Rosina
longs for a child but cannot force her straw daughter Rosalina to come to life
-- not through magic or urgency. In a bitter rage, she turns other people's
real children into thorny bushes. One child who escapes the tranformation fall
sin love with the straw doll, making the witch jealous. Just as she's about to
cook the loving new girl, the child of straw comes to life and trick's the witch
into the fire. Lovely illustrations and an old fashioned scary story to go with
them.
 The Library Mouse
by Daniel Kirk
Abrams Books for Young Readers
ISBN 139780810993463
$15.95
Library mouse Sam slept by day and read by night in his home in the
children's department. Book after book took him to other worlds until, one
night, he was inspired. By morning, Sam had tucked his own book in among the
others, and the children who found it were delighted. Three books later, the
librarian asked Sam to meet the kids at an author day. But when they peeked
into the box marked, "Meet the Author," they didn't see Sam. They saw a
mirror. This time, Sam was the inspiration, as each young reader followed his
lead and wrote a book of his or her own. Precious book, precious illustrations,
precious opportunity to remind all kids they have stories to share.
NONFICTION
 Cave Detectives
by David L. Harrison
Illustrated by Ashley Mims
Chronicle Books
ISBN: 100811850064
$15.95
Have a budding scientist in your family? A reader intrigued by the
exploration of mysterious places past and present? Don't overlook this terrific
nonfiction reader by nonfiction mainstay David Harrison. Focusing on North
America's oldest Ice Age caver in Missouri, Harrison touches upon every aspect
of gathering ancient evidience to piece together a modern look at prehistoric
life. A wonderful, balanced book for reluctant readers and more.
 Buzz
by Caroline Bingham, Beth Morgan and Matthew Robertson
DK Publishing
$19.99
If you only have $20,00 to spend on your nonfiction budget, ear mark it for
this luxurious, robust encyclopedia of insects and insect trivia. It's a
spectacular -- and spectacularly fun -- review of every llittle thing you could
want to know or ignore about just about every creepy crawly thing around the
world. Photo rich with short bursts of text, this is an ideal option for kids
who don't know they love to read yet. But it will also be impossible for
willing readers to resist. This is a WINNER with a capital W. I only wish I'd
written it myself.
Editorial note from Roxyanne Young: I'd like to add the following review of Kelly's own book...
 Mysteries of the Mummy Kids
by Kelly Milner Halls
Darby Creek
ISBN:158196059X
$18.95
In keeping with her gift for telling the creepy, eerie, incredibly cool stories her young readers want to read with honesty, sensitivity, and enthusiasm, Halls presents her latest from Darby Creek, Mysteries of the Mummy Kids. She features stories about child mummies from all over the world - some you've heard of, like King Tut and the mummies from the Nazca plains, and from the Incan children fromthe snowy mountaintop in Peru - and others you've probably never heard of, like the Civil War-era teenager from just outside Washington, D. C.
Readers are treated to some really amazing, sometimes breathtaking photography and interviews with all kinds of experts in the field from the scientists who examine the mummies to the adventurers who go out and hunt them. All of the stories are told with honesty and sensitivity to her young readers' interests and maturity levels. Nothing here is gross or inappropriate, but it's all thought-provoking and sure to lead to some great classroom discussions on how different cultures through history have treated their dead. Highly recommended for ages 8+.
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 “I’ve Got a Great Idea! Now What?”
by Bruce Hale
I can’t count the number of times someone has buttonholed me at a party and said, “So you write children’s books? I’ve got a great idea for a book.” Sometimes it really is a great idea; sometimes it’s the kind that makes you grimace politely and dive for the punchbowl.
If having a great idea were all it took to become a published author, every other actor and pop singer would have a children’s book. (Oh, wait; they do? Bad example.)
For those of us without worldwide name recognition, it helps to understand how to develop our initial brainstorm into a full-grown story. Although this is a big topic, here some quick tips to get you started.
Question yourself
The seed of a story can sprout up from almost anything. Sometimes the character comes first, sometimes the concept, and sometimes the setting. Sometimes all you’ve got is a visual image.
Expand that initial notion by asking yourself questions like:
What if? This is one of the best idea starters around. “What if an orphan boy discovered he was a powerful wizard?” “What if a girl from Kansas got swept up in a hurricane and landed in a strange land?” Then keep asking, “and what would that lead to?”
Who cares? Who in your story would care most passionately about the central issue? (This helps you identify both protagonist and antagonist, as the central issue should matter to both.)
Whose eyes? Which point-of-view (POV) will provide the most compelling way to tell the story? Do you want a first-person POV – more immediate, but limited? Or do you want an omniscient POV – more distant, but limitless? Which character will carry the reader through your tale?
Where’s the beef? After you’ve got your main character sorted out, consider the conflict. Who will thwart the main character? What internal conflicts will your hero have to face?
Your initial questions will lead to more questions and more ideas, and before you know it, you’re on your way to crafting a story.
Bruce Hale is the bestselling author of over 20 books for children, including the Edgar-nominated Chet Gecko Mysteries. A popular speaker, he has presented at schools, universities, and writers’ conferences across the country, including the SCBWI National Conference and the prestigious Maui Writers Conference. Experience his engaging, info-packed talks without leaving your home via Bruce’s new series of teleseminars. Topics will include turning your idea into a story, secrets of suspenseful writing, how to market your book, promotion tips, and more. The first teleseminar, “I’ve Got a Great Idea! Now What?” took place on April 24, the second on June 5, and recordings are available for both. Visit his website at www.brucetalks.com for more information.
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| Click the cover to order The Shy Writer by C. Hope Clark! |
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THE WRITING SOCIAL ANIMAL
(excerpt from The Shy Writer: An Introvert’s Guide to Writing Success)
By C. Hope Clark
Ever seen those character quizzes in newsstand magazines? The ones that ask how “social” you are like there is something wrong with not being a party animal? The participant feels like a loser if she does not crave communal activity. These quizzes list questions like:
- Do you look forward to or dread crowded parties?
- At a party do you work a room or find a corner?
- After a party do you feel exhausted or exhilarated?
Well, I’m the girl who abhors parties, wants the chair in the corner and goes home feeling like she just ran a marathon. I have never wanted to change that. I know what unnerves me and what does not. I know what settings I can function within and which ones I cannot. I understand that sacrifices are made and alternatives required when I do not follow the “norm” of social behavior. While I disagree with society’s definition of “norm,” I still live within those walls. But I am also one of the most confident people in the room. I know who I am.
When confronted with a public setting, I consciously weigh the need versus the want, the sacrifice versus the luxury, the requirement versus the option. When I am expected at a function and cannot justify my absence with anything other than “I don’t feel like it,” I attend and do the right thing. If I cannot justify attendance by an actual need like high volume sales or support for a friend or family member, I decline.
On occasion I have a grand time at public gatherings and I hate to leave, but rarely do I stay for an entire event. In my forties, I still have a negative comfort level with public appearances. I recognize the problem, do not discount it, and work to weave my personality (no, it’s not a flaw) into my work with a proper balance to benefit the customers, readers, editors, publishers and myself. And I achieve this balance through self-appreciation and regular analysis of uncomfortable events. In other words, I habitually run a check of the pros and cons of my shyness versus the need for public appearance as each situation arises.
For example, a writer friend of mine has a beautiful garden book. Suzanne Pickett Martinson is young, fresh, appealing and just came off a book tour for Outdoor Style: The Essence of Southwest Living, Northland Press. I listened to her tales of book signing events where one person showed and others where she sold a mere half dozen copies. She did radio and television shows. She managed a baby throughout the ordeal and enjoyed the entire trek. I got tired and tense listening to her. I asked her why she attended so many appearances considering the cost per hour and the expended time, and as I launched into my spin on other options, she stopped me and said she learned so much along the way. She met wonderful people, understood how bookstores managed events and saw what captured readers’ attention. She came home kinetically charged and routed that energy back into her writing, sales, and home life. Sure she got nervous, even shy when interviewed, but she quickly weighed her options and stepped forward opting for the public electricity she obviously enjoys.
You can decline events. You can attend occasions and leave early. Options – that’s what this book brings to you. As a shy writer, you analyze what best works in your favor. If the stress of a book tour gives you headaches and keeps you awake at night, forego it for other promotional tactics. If you can talk yourself into public settings knowing that once you step out you do fine, your shyness is not limiting, just charming. And if you can strut out in the open and welcome the world with a big hug, that’s great, too. What I hope you glean from this book is the fact that you are not a lesser person because you are not gregarious. Your shyness is an essential part of your personality. Recognize it, deal with it, and weave it into your writing world, learning to weigh when it helps, when it hurts and when there are options other than making yourself sick “getting over it.”
“The successfully shy don’t change who they are. They change the way they think and the actions they make. There is nothing wrong with being shy. In fact, I have come to believe that what our society needs is not less shyness but a little more.”
~Bernardo J. Carducci, PhD
Director, Shyness Research Institute
Indiana University Southeast
The above is an excerpt from The Shy Writer: An Introvert’s Guide to Writing Success, by C. Hope Clark, author and editor of FundsforWriters.com. The Shy Writer is available through www.Booklocker.com, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble online, and www.theshywriter.com
Click here to view all of Hope Clark's books for writers.
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The Whidbey Writers Workshop low-residency MFA Program is the first to be offered not by a college or university, but by an organization of writers. This program has been designed for writers by writers. Applications are currently being accepted in the four areas of Children's Literature, Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, and Poetry. Because we offer individual 5-credit courses rather than 15-credit "blocks," ours is a flexible program allowing from one to six years for completion,. We offer a mix of online workshops and individual mentoring, with courses in craft and directed readings in specific genres. Each semester of online classes is preceded by ten days of intensive Residency on beautiful Whidbey Island, Washington.
For complete information visit our web site. www.writeonwhidbey.org/mfa.
E-mail:
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
. Through
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New Sponsor! expectantSee (TM)
If you're expecting, or know someone who is, you've got to see this screensaver from expectantSee (TM) that allows you to follow the progress of that little life growing inside with daily progress reports on its development, and moving pictures that offer a little window on the miracle happening inside you. There's a free Flash tour that's really worth seeing.
So many children's writers are mothers, I thought this would be a great addition to our sponsors list. I hope you agree. Enjoy the view!
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| Click here to learn more about expectantSee (tm). |
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The MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults announces 2008 application deadline
ST.
PAUL, Minn. (May 15, 2007) – Hamline University’s Graduate School of Liberal
Studies has announced it will accept applications for the 2008 program year
until September 1, 2007.
The program will begin with an on-campus
residency in January of 2008, featuring faculty who are experts in all reading
levels and genres of children’s literature: picture book, middle grade and young
adult fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The program focuses both on exploration
and development of the writers’ craft and on deepening students’ knowledge of
the history, tradition, and criticism of children’s literature and the
contemporary issues that surround it. Creative and critical writing requirements
and a comprehensive reading list mean that participants practice both
scholarship and craft development in equal measure. The program thrives in a
literary community with strong collegial relationships; students visit the famed
Kerlan Collection at the University of Minnesota to view original manuscripts and
artwork. Visiting editors from major publishers bring students real-world
knowledge of the competitive marketplace. Program faculty (a distinguished group
that includes Carolyn Coman,
Kate DiCamillo, Ron Koertge, and
Alison McGhee, among others) are
award-winning authors who understand the process through which a nascent idea
becomes a published book.
More information is available on the
program website at: http://www.hamline.edu/mfa-children
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STUDY CREATIVE WRITING at a degree-granting university through the brief-residency Master of Fine Arts in Writing Program at Spalding University in Louisville, KY.
Request brochure FA95: 800-896-8941x2105;
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
; www.spalding.edu/graduate/MFAinWriting
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Poems for the Seer Writing Competition for Ages 10 - 19, sponsored by Linda Joy Singleton, author of The Seer series. The contest runs from April 1 - August 1, and Linda Joy is offering $100 in prizes! Find details at her Website, www.LindaJoySingleton.com , and check out her very cool writing blog at www.LiveJournal.com/users/LindaJSingleton .
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