SCBWI Winter Conference 2012

Conference.

If you live on the East Coast or can afford to get there and are a serious children’s, middle grade, or young adult author/illustrator, this is a wonderful opportunity!

I won’t be able to attend this winter conference due to time off and expenses, but I made it to the summer conference in Los Angeles and it was an incredible experience.  It was inspirational to listen to some of the most respected names in children’s literature speak, but it was also a valuable opportunity to network.

At the New York conference, an entire day is dedicated to “intensives,” one of which allows new authors who have a full manuscript ready for submission to share the first 500 words of their work with a table of other authors, editors, and agents.  What a wonderful, rare opportunity to share your work with potential buyers, receive feedback, and interact with possible future colleagues!

Check out the SCBWI site for more information.  If the conference is anything like the summer one, it will be an unforgettable experience.

The Things I Learned at the Vegas Valley Book Festival

The Vegas Valley Book Festival was this past weekend and while the weather was chilly, I still managed to have a good time.

I attended two young adult panels – one on paranormal fiction and the other on contemporary fiction, and waited around for autographs in the afternoon.  (James Dashner and Jay Asher are really nice guys!)

It’s so interesting to me to hear from published authors about their creative process, their typical writing day, their inspiration, and their path to publication.

Here are some of the things I took away from the experience:

1)   There is no ONE way to write.

For example, some of the authors create their characters by making soundtracks or thinking about the types of foods their characters would eat, while others let the characters come to life as they write.  Some use outlines, some don’t.

Some of the authors wrote freely, withholding all revision until the first draft was finished.  Other authors revised after every few pages or paragraphs (I fall into this category).

Although there are a ton of books out there on the proper way to write a novel, it is freeing to realize that there is NO proper way to write a novel.

2)   There is no ONE route to publication.

Each author had a different story to tell.  For some, it wasn’t until the tenth manuscript that they were published (I know, disheartening!  But they persevered).  For others, they were at the right place at the right time.

Having said that, they stressed the importance of getting involved in a writing organization.  They mentioned RWA  (Romance Writers of America) as an invaluable resource – even if you don’t write romance (this is something I need to look into).  And, as I spoke one on one with Jay Asher and James Dashner, they mentioned SCBWI.  Asher said that he attends the SCBWI Conference every year because it is so inspirational.  I attended it this year as well and completely agree.  It is also a fantastic way to make connections.  I hope to make it a regular event myself!

3)   Their typical writing days were very atypical – varying by person and even on a day-to-day basis.

Most mentioned not being as disciplined as they would like to be.  Many talked about finding the time to write with small children.  Since I work full-time, I wondered about whether any of them did too, but at this point in their careers, I guess they don’t need to.  Or some of them decided to do the daring thing and give it a shot, knowing the money wouldn’t be there for a while (this is where, I imagine, a spouse comes in handy).

A couple of them used to be English teachers like me, which was interesting.  Although one said that she had to get out of teaching because it was “sucking out her soul.”  Ha!  I think every teacher can relate to feeling that way once in a while.

4)   They ignore their families when they write.

This was what my husband most took away from it. He was hoping I’d outgrow this habit of cutting off the world when I write, but nope.  It made me feel better knowing that it isn’t just me.  It made him feel worse because now he knows it’s permanent. J

5)   Even if you are lucky enough to get an agent and get published, it does not mean your book will sell.

One author – who is now quite popular – is on her third pen name because her books before her current series did not sell.

The stress does not go away once you’re published.  You have to keep working, selling yourself, and starting new projects.

6)   While a few of them mentioned wanting to be spies for the government at one time (and seriously applied for the CIA and FBI!), they made it clear that being an author is their ideal job.  They really wouldn’t want to do anything else.

Overall, I learned a lot.  It only adds fuel to the fire of my desire to become a published writer.

Good luck to each of you in your writing pursuits!  Don’t give up.  These writers didn’t.

Free Upcoming Las Vegas Event for Book Lovers!

Cover via Amazon

First of all, let me make this clear:  IT’S FREE!!!!!!!

THE MAIN FESTIVAL

The Vegas Valley Book Festival will be held in downtown Las Vegas from November 3rd – 6th this year.  Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, there will be 100 writers/authors attending, many of them from the Nevada region.  The keynote speakers will be Max Brooks, author of The Zombie Survival Guide and Jane Smiley, author of A Thousand Acres.

Max Brooks kicks things off Thursday, November 3rd, at the Clark Country Library Main Theatre.

Friday events focus on poetry with poet Martin Espada.

Saturday marks the beginning of the Children’s and Young Adult Book Festivals, and also offers workshops on everything from short fiction to sci-fi/fantasy writing.  There is something for everyone!

Sunday’s focus is food!  So this is a perfect day for all of us foodies to attend and enjoy great food!

THE CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL

It is the 6th anniversary of the Children’s Book Festival, which will be held at the historic Fifth Street School on November 5th and will feature award-winning authors/illustrators, such as Loren Long who illustrated Of Thee I Sing: a letter to my daughters by Barack Obama and Anna Dewdney, author of the Llama, Llama series.  There will be arts and crafts, live theatre, storytelling, book signings, book sales, and much more!

THE YOUNG ADULT BOOK FESTIVAL

I’m thrilled to announce that for the first time, the festival will feature a Young Adult day!  Also on November 5th at the Fifth Street School, the well-known, award-winning authors will be hosted at the YA Festival Plaza (under the Big Top Festival Tent) at 10 a.m. and continue in the auditorium for the Paranormal Ball (the ONLY part of the festival that is not free – $10 tickets to attend).

10:15 a.m.

Authors for teen fantasy and paranormal fiction will read excerpts from their work.  James Dashner of the Maze Runner triology (my husband LOVES his books and I can’t wait to get my hands on them to read now, too!), Becca Fitzpatrick of the Hush, Hush trilogy (I’ve read the first and I know one of my student’s is reading the series right now), Rachel Caine of the Morganville Vampire series, and many more will be in attendance!

11:25 a.m.

Authors of contemporary teen fiction (I LOVE Jay Asher and his book 13 Reasons Why) will discuss their novels and how important realistic teen fiction is for young adults.  Other authors:  Liz Gallagher, Stephanie Perkins, Emily Wing Smith, and Lisa Schroeder.

12:25 

Authors will discuss how the lines of fiction and fantasy can be blurred to create stories that still resonate with teens and reflect real issues, but give them something fantastical and imaginative to read. Authors include:  Jay Asher, Heather Davis, Cat Patrick, and more!

THE COMIC BOOK FESTIVAL

The Comic Book Festival will be held on Saturday, November 4th, at the Clark County Library on East Flamingo Road.  There will be an “Artist Alley”, special guests, panel discussions, film viewings, and much more.

As I’ve already said, there is something for everyone at this festival.  Please, come out and support the arts, literacy, and just enjoy yourself.  It’s free!  (I LOVE free stuff.)

For more information:  http://www.vegasvalleybookfestival.org/

 

 

Recommendations for Great Reads (from SCBWI conference)

Cover of An Abundance of Katherines

CHILDREN’S,

MIDDLE GRADE,

 and YOUNG ADULT 

RECOMMENDATIONS

Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma

http://novaren.com/ 

 

Hold Still by Nina LaCour

The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour (to be released spring of 2012)

http://ninalacour.com/ 

 

Dreamland Social Club by Tara Altebrando

http://www.taraaltebrando.com/

 

Lovesick by Jake Coburn

http://www.jakecoburn.com/ 

 

Leverage by Joshua C. Cohen

http://www.leveragethebook.com/ 

 

Guitar Girl by Sarra Manning

http://www.sarramanning.co.uk/index.php/category/blog/

 

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

http://stephanieperkins.com/

 

 

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

http://www.adamgidwitz.com/

 

Lauren Myracle’s series

http://www.laurenmyracle.com/ 

 

Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone by Kat Rosenfield (to be released in spring 2012)

 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

Looking for Alaska by John Green

http://johngreenbooks.com/ 

 

I’ll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan

http://www.hollygoldbergsloan.com/ 

 

All the Earth, Thrown to the Sky by Joe R. Lansdale (September release)

http://www.joerlansdale.com/ 

 

Ghost Buddy Series by Lin Oliver and Henry Winkler (upcoming)

http://www.linoliverproductions.com/ 

http://www.hankzipzer.com/ 

 

Alligator Bayou by Donna Jo Napoli

Song for Magdalene by Donna Jo Napoli

http://www.donnajonapoli.com/

 

Stitches by David Small

http://davidsmallbooks.com/

 

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

http://www.rebeccasteadbooks.com/

 

The Stinky Cheese Man by Jon Scieszka

SPACEHEADZ by Jon Scieszka

http://www.jsworldwide.com/ 

 

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

http://www.clarevanderpool.com/ 

 

Winter Dancer by Gary Paulsen

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

The Winter Room by Gary Paulsen

http://www.randomhouse.com/features/garypaulsen/ 

 

Laurie Halse Anderson

http://madwomanintheforest.com/ 

 

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

http://www.thirteenreasonswhy.com/ 

 

Update SCBWI 40th Annual Summer Conference: Saturday, August 6th, 2011

Saturday’s keynote speakers blew me away.  After each one, I kept thinking it couldn’t get better than that speech.  But each speaker was unique and engaging.  In fact, I found myself on the verge of tears through each one.  Pathetic, maybe.  But I was moved and inspired.

 

Donna Jo Napoli could make anyone feel like a slacker.  With 5 kids (I believe), a Ph.D, and countless books published, I really have no excuse not to find time to write.  She spoke on censorship and the necessity of writing about hard topics, especially for young people.  She was eloquent and insightful.

 

Author/Illustrator David Small‘s presentation was powerful.  He began with a visual presentation of excerpts from his memoir, Stitches – a graphic novel, and it gave me chills.  The work is powerful.  I have never read a graphic novel and was surprised at how gripping and achingly honest the emotions come across to readers.  He ended with another visual presentation on the typical life of a newly published illustrator.  It lightened the mood considerably.  I went from being stunned and haunted by his first presentation to being amused and delighted.  He showed two very different sides of himself and it was compelling.

 

David Smalls – his book Stitches was sold out, but I couldn’t resist his cute tale of a girl who believes she is a princess and has to say good-night and go to bed.

 

 

Judy Blume was a surprise guest speaker.  Judy Blume!  Queen of YA fiction!  That was some surprise.  She spoke on her writing process and how it has changed over the years – from a typewriter and 5 drafts to a computer and 21 drafts.  But people, she emphasized, people never change.  Teenagers still have the same fears and insecurities.  She has a way of touching people that is a true gift.

 

After her presentation and the other incredible presentations from the morning, I called my husband to check in.  He asked me how the conference was going and I could only blubber, fighting back tears, because I had just been in the presence of and learned from extraordinary people.  I’ve never felt anything like it.

 

Jon Scieszka was the afternoon keynote speaker and he was hilarious!  I don’t believe I stopped laughing the entire time.  Originally a school teacher, he is really able to connect with young people and get into their mindset.  I can easily understand why young readers love him.

 

Jon Scieszka and his book The Stinky Cheese Man

 

Jay Asher – author of 13 Reasons Why.  I LOVE that book!

 

The evening ended with a pajama party.  I was hesitant to wear pjs in the very fancy Hyatt Regency at Century Plaza, but once I saw the outfits of some of the other attendees, I knew my ensemble was tame.  The dance party ROCKED.  I thought teachers partied hard.  No, children’s book writers and illustrators party HARD.  I totally got my groove on in my plaid pjs.  The djs were awesome.  I think it’s safe to say that EVERYONE – all 1,300 of us – had a blast.  (It made getting up early for the last day of the conference a little difficult, but was worth it!)

 

My flannel pajamas – my attire for the evening!

 

The SCBWI members get down, get down, get down tonight!

Carly and I represent Las Vegas at the conference. What happens at the SCBWI pajama party, stays at the SCBWI pajama party! 😉

 

SCBWI 40th Annual Conference – Friday’s Pics!

Libba Bray (keynote speaker) – YA author of the Gemma Doyle trilogy, Beauty Queens, and Going  Bovine

Bruce Coville (keynote speaker) – author of middle grade fiction: The Magic Book series, My Teacher is an Alien series,  The Unicorn Chronicles, and many more!

 

Lin Oliver and Henry Winkler – MG authors of the Henry Zipzer series and soon to be released Ghost Buddy series.

 

Laurie Halse Anderson – YA author of best-selling book Speak, award-wining Chains and Fever 1793, Catalyst, and Wintergirls.

Update from the SCBWI Summer Conference

I’m here in Los Angeles for the first day of SCBWI‘s 40th Annual Summer Conference and man, am I tired!  It has been an exciting, eventful day.  I left the house (thanks, Dana, for letting me crash at your place!) at 7:15 a.m. and just got home at 10 p.m.

 

While I feel exhausted, I also feel inspired, motivated, and rejuvenated as a writer. In fact, if I had more energy, I’d start working on revisions of my book right now.

 

Bruce Coville commenced the conference with a great keynote speech, listing 13 pieces of advice for writers.  I took notes.  I think I’ll type them up and post them to the wall for motivation.  Of course, I’ve already messed up his first piece of advice:  Marry rich.  But I’ll keep it in mind for my second husband (kidding, honey!).

 

Publishers gave us a sense of the writing industry right now for children’s writers and as expected, there is a lot of change happening due to the surge in ebook sales and self-publishing.  However, middle grade and young adult books seem to be holding steady in regular book sales – at least compared to adult literature, which is reassuring (at least, for now).

 

I’ve written down the names of upcoming books that editors/publishers are excited about and can’t wait to read them as they come out in the next year.  Some mentioned were:  A Fault in Our Stars by John Green, The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour (her already released book Hold Still got a shout-out, too), All the Earth, Thrown to the Sky by Joe R. Lansdale, and the upcoming Ghost Buddy series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver (the Fonz is rumored to be a character!).

 

Libba Bray‘s presentation was a survival guide to writing.  She was AWESOME!  She is an incredibly dynamic, funny, and inspirational speaker.  And I was lucky enough to get a picture with her! (Pics of me with her and other authors to follow soon).  If you are not familiar with her name, she wrote the Gemma Doyle trilogy (really good!), Going Bovine (which I just purchased and had autographed today), and Beauty Queens (which I am currently reading).  She reminded us that everyone – EVERYONE – can write badly sometimes.  That’s why they’re called drafts.  It’s okay to “suck,” as long as we work to make things better.  It is good to know that even famous authors struggle with the same writing dilemmas that the rest of the world face.

 

Her speech was the last I heard before going into my dreaded, yet anticipated manuscript critique.  She helped me laugh my nerves away.  Bless you, Libba!

 

My critique was with the vice president of a publishing house.  I couldn’t have had a better mentor.  She knows the business and her comments, advice, questions, and suggestions gave me a sense of relief and new direction and motivation.  I know my book has the makings of something good, and she helped clarify to me the ways I need to get there.  In a few sentences, she was able to simplify issues that I have been tackling for months.  I’m so grateful!  She also said that I am in the “strike zone,” which I guess means that as long as I keep my novel moving in the direction she thinks it is – with strong characterization and a unique plot and setting – that I have what publishers are looking for.  I just need to do it.  This means, lots and lots of revisions, but I’m ready for it!  Bring it! 😉

 

Armed with a huge load of newly purchased books (Garrett, please don’t kill me – it’s a sickness!  Book addiction!), I entered the autograph room and got autographs and pictures with Laurie Halse Anderson, Libba Bray, Bruce Coville, Denise Fleming, Esther Hershenhorn, Lin Oliver, and Henry Winkler.

 

The published members of SCBWI had a cocktail reception at the end of the evening, which I also attended.  I would have really liked to browse more of the books being showcased, but I ran out of time and frankly, my feet were killing me.  It’s been a long time since I’ve worn heels for any length of time!

 

To end the night, my friend and writing colleague from Las Vegas, Carly, and I had dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.  It was the first time we’d relaxed all day.

 

Tomorrow, the fun begins again and the night will end with a pajama party (although, I am really hesitant about wearing pjs in public!)  Now, it’s time for bed.

 

If  you’re interested in more details about the day, check out SCBWI’s blog:

http://scbwiconference.blogspot.com/