>>> U and I Express <<<

A regional newsletter for members of the

Utah/Southern Idaho SCBWI chapter

 

April 2011 Issue

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

From Your RA

 

Lately I’ve been wondering if I’ll soon be a Content Creator instead of an author, or if I’ll be sending my future grandchildren apps instead of picture books… So I’m excited to bring you the opportunity to hear Scholastics’ new publisher’s perspective on our changing industry at the upcoming Boise conference. And I’m thrilled to give you the pleasure of hearing our industry’s lauded historian, Leonard Marcus, speak in Salt Lake at the end of the month. Hope to see many of you this month—either learning about the future or celebrating the past!   --Sydney

 

Mark Your Calendar

 

In Idaho:

 

Monthly SCBWI Meeting, April 4, 2011. 6:30 p.m. at Rediscovered Bookshop. Contact Neysa Jensen at neysajensen@msn.com for more information.

 

Regional Conference, April 16, 2011 at Boise State University, 8:30 to 5:00 p.m. Speakers include agent Jen Rofe (Andrea Brown Literary), VP & Publisher Lori Benton (Scholastic Trade Publishing), author Carol Lynch Williams (Glimpse), author Judy Cox (Nora and the Texas Terror), author Sydney Salter (Jungle Crossing), librarian Linda Kerber, and literacy professor Maggie Chase. Cost is $110 for SCBWI members, $130 for nonmembers; $65 for BSU students. A limited number of manuscript critiques will be available for $45. Please see http://www.scbwi.org/Regional-Chapters.aspx?R=49&sec=Conf for registration details or contact Sydney at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com

 

 

In Utah: 

 

Monthly SCBWI Meeting, April 6, 2011 at the City Library (210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City). 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Kimberley Heuston Sorenson (The Shakeress) will present “The Art and Craft of Great Dialogue.” Questions? Contact Sydney at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com  (free event)

 

Next Meetings:  May 4^th 

 

 

 

Special Event! April 29, 2011, 7:00 p.m. (Location TBA). Children’s Publishing Historian, Leonard Marcus will present “Let The Wild Rumpus Start: Ursula Nordstrom And The Making Of The Modern Picture Book. (free event)

 

 

Non-SCBWI Events:

 

Writing For Young Readers, June 13-17, 2011 at The Waterford School in Sandy. Enjoy twenty hours of classroom critique, afternoon classes on craft, and plenary sessions by New York editors and an agent. For more information, and to register, go to www.wifyr.com Questions? writingforyoungreaders@gmail.com

 

On Craft:

 

Controlling What Readers Know & Expect:

The Author-guided Story

by Lisa Hale

Not too many minutes into the film, Before the Rains, the enterprising British spice baron presents his right-hand man with a gift: a pistol.

 

“Oh no!” I exclaimed. (Admittedly, I’m not the best to watch movies with, as I am prone to sudden outbursts of commentary.) “Something’s going to happen with that gun,” I said. “Either he’s going to have to shoot someone or . . . Something bad’s going to happen.”

 

It’s Chekhov’s rule after all: “If you say in the first chapter that there is a rifle hanging on the wall, in the second or third chapter it absolutely must go off. If it's not going to be fired, it shouldn't be hanging there."

 

Later, the film cut away from an important scene to two boys ambling through the woods. “They’re going to see what’s happening!” I said. “They’re going to tell the village.”

 

The boys did tell, though we never saw them do so. And the gun did go off, but not in the way I had anticipated it would. It was worse. Much worse.

 

 

Good stories are built, in part, by setting up reader-expectations and by satisfying those expectations in unexpected ways. If readers can’t anticipate what might happen in the story, if every detail and action is thrown in last minute or as it is needed, then the experience is chaotic, disorienting, and piecemeal. At the same time, if readers pick up on certain details and form expectations and those expectations come true in almost exactly the way the readers had envisioned, then the experience is predictable and boring.

 

Good stories surprise readers by providing them with the footing and expectations to believe what is happening but not to predict it entirely. As writers, it’s our job to control the details to create this kind of dynamic story-experience.

 

Recently, I read a student-written story about a dad torn between his college homework and trying to keep his children from waking his napping wife. The details clearly convey a frazzled dad, straining to keep restless kids from barging in on their sleeping mother. When the tension is too much, the young father gives up and lets the kids open the bedroom door.

 

The penultimate paragraph of the story goes like this: “By the time the door was wide enough to see, Mom was already sitting up, awake and smiling sheepishly—a cup in one hand and a familiar device in the other revealing an unmistakable plus sign. Dad’s eyes filled with joyous tears as he leaned over to give the proud mother a congratulatory kiss.”

 

I was confused by the ending. In the reader-mode the story had created for me, I couldn’t process that the “cup in one hand” was a cup of urine and that the “familiar device in the other revealing an unmistakeable plus sign” was a pregnancy test.

 

Now, chances are, in the absence of the rest of the story, you could decode the paragraph better than I could. But as a reader created by the story-world, I had been led to believe that the mom was taking a desperately needed nap. When I read that she was “sheepish,” I figured she had been awake for a while but lingering in her room. The cup she was holding had to be something refreshing like herbal tea. And the “device” with the “unmistakable plus sign”? I ignored that detail completely. It didn’t make sense within this story-world that had been created for me, so I discarded it. (This was further supported by pure logic: who carries a cup of urine and a pregnancy test back into her bedroom?)

 

Readers don’t read each detail on the page and process it literally. Instead, they process the whole story-experience and anticipate accordingly. When the author and I discussed his intent and my reader response, the needed revision was quite clear--change where the final scene happens.

 

Readers crave stories that hold together, stories that surprise, stories that work. That’s what we aim to create.

 

____

“Chekhov’s Gun” as referenced in Wikipedia; student-written story used by permission.

 

Two of the many children’s books that create and control reader expectation effectively are A Single Shard and Holes.

 

 

Critique Group Wanted:

 

Caitlin Ownby is looking for either an online or an in-person critique group (or a mix!) that meets in Salt Lake or nearby. She writes middle grade fantasy/humor and could best provide feedback to other authors working on middle grade and young adult. If you have space in your group, or would like to form a new group, please contact Caitlin at: caitlin.ownby@gmail.com

 

Submissions Wanted:

 

Stories For Children needs poetry and craft submissions for the May, Summer and Back-to-School issues. They’re also looking for submissions from youth authors ages 17 and under. If you have any wonderful ideas you would like to share with us or know of a talented writer who might be interested, please pass this email on. The Stories for Children Magazine guidelines can be found at http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org/Guidelines.aspx.

 

Crystal Kite Awards: Vote Now!

 

Congratulations to our members on the finalist list for the 2011 Crystal Kite Member Choice Awards! Log in to www.SCBWI.org to vote for the finalists.

 

All votes should be based on personal opinion—please do not “campaign” for any particular book or author, since that can result in disqualification. Winners will be announced April 30 and will receive a crystal kite trophy. Winning books will also have a crystal kite sticker placed on the cover.

 

 

 

 

  

>>> U and I Express <<<

A regional newsletter for members of the

Utah/Southern Idaho SCBWI chapter

 

March 2011 Issue

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

From Your RA

 

I’ve been enjoying a bit of a break between writing and revising my WIP. I love everything about the writing process, but it’s sure been nice to have a few lazy days of reading for pleasure! Now it’s time to get busy again—because we have so many fun learning opportunities in our region!  --Sydney

 

Mark Your Calendar

 

In Idaho:

 

Writing Intensive, March 2, 2011, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Log Cabin. Terri Farley, author of the Phantom Stallion series, will present a three-hour intensive on numerous aspects of writing and revision. A dynamic speaker, Terri will share her techniques for brainstorming, outlining, and moving plot forward. You don't want to miss this. You will be inspired and recharged to get to work on your latest WIP. Space is limited to 25 participants, so sign up early. Cost is $30 per person, payable to SCBWI. Contact Neysa Jensen at neysajensen@msn.com for details.

 

Monthly SCBWI Meeting, March 7, 2011. 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Rediscovered Bookshop in downtown Boise, at 180 N. 8th St. Contact Neysa Jensen at neysajensen@msn.com for more information.

 

Regional Conference, April 16, 2011 at Boise State University, 8:30 to 5:00 p.m. Speakers include agent Jen Rofe (Andrea Brown Literary), VP & Publisher Lori Benton (Scholastic Trade Publishing), author Carol Lynch Williams (Glimpse), author Judy Cox (Nora and the Texas Terror), author Sydney Salter (Jungle Crossing), librarian Linda Kerber, and literacy professor Maggie Chase. Cost is $110 for SCBWI members, $130 for nonmembers; $65 for BSU students. A limited number of manuscript critiques will be available for $45. Please see http://www.scbwi.org/Regional-Chapters.aspx?R=49&sec=Conf for registration details or contact Sydney at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com

 

 

In Utah: 

 

Monthly SCBWI Meeting, March 2, 2011 at the City Library (210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City). 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Kim Justesen (My Brother The Dog) will discuss strategies to overcome writer’s block. Questions? Contact Sydney at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com  (free event) **

 

Next Meetings:  April 6^th, May 4^th 

 

Non-SCBWI Events:

 

Writing For Young Readers, June 13-17, 2011 at The Waterford School in Sandy. Enjoy twenty  Enjoy twenty hours of classroom critique, afternoon classes on craft, and plenary sessions by New York editors and an agent. For more information, and to register, go to www.wifyr.com Questions? writingforyoungreaders@gmail.com

 

On Craft:

 

Creating the All-Important First Line

by Lisa Hale

 

A few years after I graduated from college, my friend Tammy was killed in a collision on I-15. Her car hit a semi-truck, and she died instantly.

 

My mind reeled when I heard about the accident, and like all events that shouldn't happen but do, I was plunged into an alternate-universe where the rules no longer made sense.

 

The local news station reported Tammy's death: A 25-year-old woman was killed today . . .  That's all they said. No name. No details about how she was commuting to her first teaching job or how she was newly married or how she had been the roommate who never entered into arguments over who had consumed whose milk. Just her age, gender, and the tragic event.

 

I've been to many writing conferences where writers and editors both point out the importance of a story's first line. "It needs to be compelling." "It must pull me into the story." "It's got to have voice.

 

Sometimes, we, as writers, think so much about the all-important first line that we push it into the realm of the dramatic, forgetting that it's the relationship between character, setting, and situation that forms the most compelling stories.

 

I asked my creative writing students to draft some attention-grabbing first lines that would actually make terrible story openers. Here's a sampling of what they came up with:

 

            It was the beginning of the end of the world.

 

            She turned the corner, out of breath, and then the world went black.

 

            She shimmered into view and fixed him with a cold-blooded stare.

 

            He realized that he loved her when he saw her at the funeral--in her coffin.

 

Even the casual reader will notice that most of these lines deal with death or a dramatic event, like fixing someone with a cold-blooded stare. So what's the problem with them? Fiction, after all, is about tension, right?

 

Tension is what keeps us page-turning. It's what makes our hearts pump harder and our eyes tear up. Tension is a large part of how we experience story.

 

But how can we be terrified by a cold-blooded stare, if we don't know who's doing the staring or the person whose life is threatened? How does a story that starts with a coffin-side realization ever move forward? And why does it matter if the girl's world went black, if she's an anonymous character in a nondescript place being chased by anyone or thing.

 

In order for readers to connect to the story's tension, they must know and care about authentic characters who exist in realistic settings and encounter realistic situations.

This authenticity is what readers often describe as voice, although it is much deeper and richer than that.

 

The most effective first lines create a natural tension by introducing all three story elements--character, setting, and situation--through carefully chosen diction. The first line of Louise Erdrich's short story, "Sister Godzilla," illustrates this natural union well: "The door banged shut, and then the children were alone with their sixth-grade teacher."

 

Erdrich conjures an identifiable setting (sixth-grade classroom), recognizable characters (students and their teacher) and a subtle but palpable tension with the "door banged shut" and the "children were alone with their . . . teacher." The students are trapped. Something is going on with the teacher. That's what we feel when we read the story's first line.

 

Erdrich doesn't tell us, not yet, that the teacher has a prognathic jaw or that one of her students calls her Godzilla. After all, as a master-storyteller, Erdrich knows that she has to leave the story someplace to go.

 

In stories, as in life, we care most about what happens to those we love and know well. My friend Tammy was always up earlier than the rest of us and always went to bed later because it took her longer to learn the material. Part of what I felt at Tammy's passing was the loss of that tenacity and optimism.

 

When we build our character from the very first line of the story, reserving the dramatic tension for a little later on, we allow our readers to really connect to and care about what they're reading.

 

-----

Erdrich, Louise. "Sister Godzilla": http://www.theatlantic.com/past/docs/issues/2001/02/erdrich.htm

 

 

Critique Group Wanted:

 

CRITIQUE GROUP TO FORM IN EASTERN IDAHO

And you don’t have to be present to participate

 

Hello published authors and all those, such as myself, that are ready to get published – just need that extra push. Could that extra push be having my work critiqued? I think so.

 

SOOOO – if you are presently doing a re-write of a script or have a work that you are pledging to dust off in 2011 – consider having your work critiqued by fellow writers. Contacting Nicole Stoddard, Eastern Idaho SCBWI Member at Nicole@playgroundhound.com

 

I have 4 children’s storybooks that need feedback before I push them onto another agents desk. I’m confident that having them looked at by LOTS of others will help me polish them up in ways I can’t do by myself.

 

AND – my teen-age daughter taught me how to use a nifty computer tool calls SKYPE – so even if we can’t all meet in the SAME LOACTION – we can meet at the SAME TIME.

 

THANKS,

 

Nicole Stoddard, Ashton, ID

 

Submissions Wanted:

 

Stories For Children needs poetry and craft submissions for the May, Summer and Back-to-School issues. They’re also looking for submissions from youth authors ages 17 and under. If you have any wonderful ideas you would like to share with us or know of a talented writer who might be interested, please pass this email on. The Stories for Children Magazine guidelines can be found at http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org/Guidelines.aspx.

 

Crystal Kite Awards: Vote Now!

 

You now have a chance to vote for your favorite book/author for the 2011 Crystal Kite Member Choice Awards for books published in 2010. Log in to www.SCBWI.org to browse the list of books that are currently nominated and vote for your favorite.

 

Note:  Voting was suspended on February 4 to give members more time to nominate their books. If you had already voted, you'll need to log in to www.SCBWI.org and go back to the Crystal Kite Awards tab of your Regional Home Page to vote again.

 

All votes should be based on personal opinion—please do not “campaign” for any particular book or author, since that can result in disqualification. Winners will be announced April 30 and will receive a crystal kite trophy. Winning books will also have a crystal kite sticker placed on the cover.

 

Voting is open from now through March 15, 2011.

 

SUBSCRIBING TO OUR NEWSLETTER

 

Subscribing to the e-mail version is easy: just send e-mail with your e-mail address and request to Sydney Husseman, Regional Advisor at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com

 

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

8271 Beverly Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90048   www.scbwi.org

 

 

 

 

  

>>> U and I Express <<<

A regional newsletter for members of the

Utah/Southern Idaho SCBWI chapter

 

February 2011 Issue

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

From Your RA

 

I’m going to make this quick—I’m only two and a half chapters from finishing the fist draft of my WIP. And if I don’t get back to writing, I won’t be able the eat the celebratory chocolates scheduled to arrive on Tuesday!

 

So I’ll just say this—I hope 2011 is proving productive & that you’re doing better with your New Year’s Resolutions than I am J  --Sydney

 

Mark Your Calendar

 

In Idaho:

 

Monthly SCBWI Meeting, January 31, 2011. 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Rediscovered Bookshop in downtown Boise, at 180 N. 8th St. Contact Neysa Jensen at neysajensen@msn.com for more information.

 

Regional Conference, April 16, 2011 at Boise State University, 8:30 to 5:00 p.m. More details coming soon!

 

In Utah: 

 

Monthly SCBWI Meeting, February 2, 2011 at the City Library (210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City). 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dene Low (Petronella Saves Nearly Everyone) will discuss using grammatical strategies to create effects in prose and poetry. Questions? Contact Sydney at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com  (free event) **

 

Next Meetings: March 2^nd, April 6^th, May 4^th 

 

** One of our members who lives in the Olympus Cove area needs a ride to our monthly meetings. If you can help out, please contact Sydney. Thanks!!!

 

Poor Man's Illustration Conference/Workshop, February 5th, 2011 at Sherry Meidell’s house in West Bountiful. 8:30 to 3:30 p.m. Topics include Finding Characters, Breaking into the Illustration Market, Turning Sketches into Characters, as well as a live sketching session, and critiques. Cost is $30 and lunch is included. To register contact Sydney at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com

 

Other Events:

 

The second annual PICTURE BOOK MARATHON starts soon--February 1st! 

 

Basically this is a Nanowrimo for picture book writers.  (After all, we don't want those novel-writers to have all the fun, right?)

 

We'll each write 26 picture books during the month, essentially one per day. Since February has 28 days, this leaves you two well-deserved rest days.

 

Visit our website for more details and to sign up.  The deadline to join is January 30.

 

www.picturebookmarathon.org.

 

 

Marathon "training" emails will start in mid-January for folks who sign up.  This year illustrator Nathan Hale is creating a logo for the marathon (soon to be available on t-shirts). 

 

There is no cost to join, we won’t release your email to anyone, and you don't post your work. The marathon is designed as a motivational tool to jumpstart your writing.

 

Looking forward to a creative February! 

 

Jean Reagan and Lora Koehler

 

Critique Group Wanted:

 

CRITIQUE GROUP TO FORM IN EASTERN IDAHO

And you don’t have to be present to participate

 

Hello published authors and all those, such as myself, that are ready to get published – just need that extra push. Could that extra push be having my work critiqued? I think so.

 

SOOOO – if you are presently doing a re-write of a script or have a work that you are pledging to dust off in 2011 – consider having your work critiqued by fellow writers. Contacting Nicole Stoddard, Eastern Idaho SCBWI Member at Nicole@playgroundhound.com

 

I have 4 children’s storybooks that need feedback before I push them onto another agents desk. I’m confident that having them looked at by LOTS of others will help me polish them up in ways I can’t do by myself.

 

AND – my teen-age daughter taught me how to use a nifty computer tool calls SKYPE – so even if we can’t all meet in the SAME LOACTION – we can meet at the SAME TIME.

 

THANKS,

 

Nicole Stoddard, Ashton, ID

 

Submissions Wanted:

 

Call for Submissions:

Imagine. Envision. Write. Revise. Submit.YARN, the Young Adult Review Network (www.yareview.net) is taking submissions of original short stories, poems, and creative essays for a YA audience.  Submissions can by written by authors of any age, as long as the subject matter is of interest to readers 14-18 years of age.  We take a special interest in teen writers.  Be published alongside the YA writers you admire, like Tina Ferraro, Terra Elan McVoy, Barry Lyga, and Mitali Perkins.  YARN reads submissions year round, and also takes submissions of photography to accompany our writing.  Please see our submission guidelines for more details.  What’s your YARN?

 

Industry News:

 

New Literary Agency:

 

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY reports that Marcia Wernick and Linda Pratt have left 

the Sheldon Fogelman Agency to start their own firm, Wernick & Pratt. 

They will represent children's authors and illustrators working on books 

for every age level.

 

The new agency's website (domain name registered 20 Decemeber):

<<http://www.wernickpratt.com/>>

Having been in the business for over two decades, each partner probably 

has a lot of clients already, but they say they're interested in new 

talent.

 

This leaves Sheldon Fogelman and Sean McCarthy as the agents at the 

Fogelman firm:

<<http://www.sheldonfogelmanagency.com/agents.htm>>

 

Changes at Penguin:

 

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY tweets, Publishers Marketplace, and Harold Underdown's 

website have reported various details of changes within Penguin.

 

Since 2008 Lauri Hornik has overseen both the Dial and Dutton divisions 

as President and Publisher. She will continue to be in charge of Dial, 

publishing 50-75 titles per year. Some of those titles and authors 

started out linked to Dutton.

 

Dutton will become a "boutique imprint focusing on MG and YA," with 

Julie Strauss-Gabel in charge as Vice President and Publisher. It will 

publish 10-15 titles a year. Strauss-Gabel was previously Associate 

Publisher, working under Hornik. In sum, bigger fish, smaller pond, and 

a chance to exercise what she's learned from Hornik.

 

 

Of Interest to Published & Listed (PAL) Members:

 

Just a reminder that you need to nominate their titles for the Crystal Kite Awards by January 31.

 

See http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/Crystal-Kite-Member-Choice-Awards or page 20 of the Nov-Dec Bulletin 

 

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

SUBSCRIBING TO OUR NEWSLETTER

 

Subscribing to the e-mail version is easy: just send e-mail with your e-mail address and request to Sydney Husseman, Regional Advisor at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com

 

Please  make sure we are contacted with any changes in your email addresses.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

”U and I Express” is a quarterly publication of the Utah/Southern Idaho chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a professional organization for writers and illustrators of children’s literature. All contents copyright. No material may be reproduced without express written consent of the authors themselves.

 

”U and I Express” welcomes submissions of articles of interest to our illustrator and writer members. No payment is available, but a full byline and credit will be made in the issue.

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

8271 Beverly Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90048   www.scbwi.org

 

 

 

 

  

>>> U and I Express <<<

A regional newsletter for members of the

Utah/Southern Idaho SCBWI chapter

 

November 2010 Issue

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

From Your RA

 

I love November because it always reminds me of writing, writing, and writing National Novel Writing Month style. While I’m not participating this month (I’m in that middle place in my WIP), I am hoping to add nice chunks of word count this month. And, of course, we also have our annual Salt Lake conference. Happy writing everyone! --Sydney

 

Mark Your Calendar

 

In Idaho:

 

Watch for details about our upcoming spring conference in Boise, Idaho.

 

In Utah: 

 

Monthly SCBWI Meeting, November 3, 2010 at the City Library (210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City). 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Jen Nielsen (Elliot And The Goblin War) will talk about character development using psychological techniques. Questions? Contact Sydney at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com  (free event)

 

Next Meetings:

 

Annual Conference, November 13, 2010 at the City Library (210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City), 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Speakers include Editor Chelsea Eberly (Random House), Steven Chudney (The Chudney Agency), Author/Illustrator & Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI Priscilla Burris (Daddy All Day Long), Author Matthew Kirby (The Clockwork Three), Author AE Cannon (The Loser’s Guide to Life and Love), Author Kristen Landon (The Limit), and Author Tess Hilmo (With A Name Like Love). Cost: $105 for members, $125 for non-members, Critiques spots are filled, but we still have a few Portfolio reviews available for an additional $45. Lunch is provided. Discounted rooms at The Hampton Inn are available.

 

To register go to: http://www.scbwi.org/Regional-Chapters.aspx?R=49&sec=Conf  or email Sydney at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com for the registration form.

 

Outside Utah:

 

International Conference, January  29-30, 2011. Speakers include Lois Lowry, RL Stine, Linda Sue Park, Jules Feiffer, Mo Willems, Jane Yolen, and our own Sara Zarr! Plus, editors and agents galore. Registration opens on October 6^th!

 

Regional Listserv:

 

Last month our listserv members formed critique groups, received info about agents, and other good stuff. Please join us! Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/utah_idaho_scbwi/ and click on “Join This Group.”

 

 

Industry News:

 

Submissions Wanted:

 

For Magazine Writers:

 

I’m writing to you from the Cricket Magazine Group and Cobblestone Publishing.

We are actively looking for contributors to our award-winning magazines for children from toddlers to teens.  Will you consider posting a link to our Submission Guidelines page, or placing the announcement in your next communication with members (blog, email, newsletter, etc.)?  Some sample copy is below, although you are welcome to edit it or use a standard announcement template if you have one.

Cricket Magazine Group and Cobblestone Publishing are looking for writers of every level of experience!  The "bug " line (LADYBUG, CRICKET, SPIDER, BABYBUG, and CICADA) accepts unsolicited manuscripts; the history and cultures group (COBBLESTONE, ODYSSEY, FACES, CALLIOPE, DIG, and APPLESEEDS) selects articles by detailed query letter and is also interested in illustrator submissions; the science and ideas titles (CLICK, ASK, and MUSE) seek writers with subject expertise and request a resume and several writing samples.  For details, please visit www.cricketmag.com/guidelines.  Join the Facebook pages for updates:  www.facebook.com/cobblestone.publishing and www.facebook.com/cricketmag.

Please feel free to contact me if you need any additional information!

Thank you in advance,

   ~Amy?Amy L. Reisinger?Marketing Director

 

For YA Writers:

 

Get in Front of Top YA Editors and Agents with

ONLY the First 250 Words of Your YA Novel!

 

Have a young adult novel—or a YA novel idea—tucked away for a rainy day? Are you putting off pitching your idea simply because you’re not sure how to pitch an agent? No problem! All you have to do is submit the first 250 words of your novel and you can win both exposure to editors, and a reading of your manuscript from one of New York’s TOP literary agents Regina Brooks.

 

Regina Brooks is the founder of Serendipity Literary Agency and the author of Writing Great Books for Young Adults. Brooks has been instrumental at establishing and building the careers of many YA writers, including three-time National Book Award Honoree and Michael Printz Honoree Marilyn Nelson, as well as Sundee Frazier—a Coretta Scott King Award winner, an Oprah Book Pick and an Al Roker book club selection. As an agent, she is known for her ability to turn raw talent into successful authors.

 

ADDITIONALLY: The top 20 submissions will all be read by a panel of five judges comprised of top YA editors at Random House, Scholastic, Candlewick,  Harlequin, Sourcebooks and Penguin. The first 100 will receive free autographed copies of Writing Great Books for Young Adults by Regina Brooks. Of the 20, they will pick the top five submissions and provide each author with commentary. These five winners will also receive a free ONE YEAR subscription to The Writer magazine. ONE Grand Prize Winner will win a full manuscript reading and editorial consultation from Regina Brooks and free 10-week writing course courtesy of the Gotham Writer’s Workshop.

 

Please submit all entries via the contest website at WritingClasses.com/YAPitch. One entry per person; anyone age 13+ can apply. Open to the U.S. & Canada (void where prohibited). Entries for the YA Novel Discovery Contest will be accepted from 12:01am (ET) November 1 until 11:59pm (ET), November 30th

 

NOVEMBER IS NaNoWriMo

In honor of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo.org)—an international event where aspiring novelists are encouraged to write an entire novel in 30 days—this contest is meant to encourage the aspiring YA author to get started on that novel by offering an incentive for completing the first 250 words.

 

So apply now! http://bit.ly/YAContest

 

 

GREAT PRIZES?The Grand Prize Winner will have the opportunity to submit an entire manuscript to YA literary agent Regina Brooks AND receive a free, 10-week writing course, courtesy of Gotham Writers' Workshop. ??The Top Five Entrants (including the Grand Prize winner) will receive a 15-minute, one-on-one pitch session with Regina Brooks, one of New York’s premier literary agents for young adult books. They will also receive commentary on their submissions by editors at HarperCollins, Penguin, Harlequin, Random House, and Sourcebooks. In addition, they will receive a year’s subscription to The Writer magazine! ??The Top 20 Entrants will receive autographed copies of Writing Great Books for Young Adults by Regina Brooks.

 

JUDGING

YA literary agent Regina Brooks and her team , will read all of the entries and determine the top 20 submissions. These submissions will then be read by Nancy Mercado, Executive Editor at Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan); Nicole Raymond, Editor at Candlewick; Cheryl Klein, Senior Editor at Arthur Levine Books (Scholastic); Leila Sales, Editor Viking (Penguin) Evette Porter, Editor at Harlequin and Leah Hultenschmidt, Executive Editor at Sourcebooks. These judges will whittle the top 20 down to five, and each of the five winners will be provided commentary on their submissions

 

Blogging Opportunity:

 

Fellow writers,

 

BookshopTalk.com is a new site that launched the first of October. The central concept is to provide a place where anyone from casual readers to bestselling authors can tell the world about their all-time favorite books, no matter how long ago they were published. We also post interviews with industry insiders (authors, editors, agents, librarians, booksellers, educators), announce the launch of new titles, author appearances, and other literary events, and have book giveaways.

 

We would like to involve a large group of writers and published authors for these reasons:

 

1) We need a strong base of reviewers who are passionate about literature, and writers are of course a great place to start. But writers also know a lot of editors, agents, educators, booksellers, and librarians, too, and we would love to involve these groups as well.

 

2) The quality of marketing provided to authors by their publishers varies in great degrees, and more and more, seems to be based on a "commercial hook" rather than the actual quality of the book. We want to do all we can to promote authors who produce quality literature, no matter how low or high their first print number was. So for any nationally published author who submits a review to Bookshop Talk, we will provide a link to their own books at the end of each review they contribute, as well as a permanent link to their author site on our sidebar. And we'll also announce any new book publications or appearances that you provide information for.

 

3) We already have a significant number of editors and agents "following" this site, so who knows, maybe for unpublished writers, this is also a chance for you to show off your "voice" and skill :) If you're an aspiring YA writer, or whatever, be sure to let us know and we'll put that next to your name in the book review you submit.

 

Please read our "review policy" which you can find by clicking on the Contact link at the top of BookshopTalk.com, then let us know if you would like to contribute a review of a favorite book (again, it doesn't matter when it was published, as long as it can still be found at a reasonable price). Please submit your reviews or any questions to BookshopTalk@gmail.com.

 

For nationally published authors, we would also like to consider you for an interview, usually to coincide with a new book launch. These are the interviews we already have lined up:

 

Sara Zarr, National Book Award Finalist (already posted)

Leisa Sales, debut author and Editor (already posted)

James Dashner, NYT Bestselling author of The Maze Runner

Elizabeth Law, Publisher at Egmont

Jessica Day George, award-winning YA and MG Author

Sarah Beth Durst, award-winning author of Into the Wild

Claudia Gabel, author and Editor at HarperCollins

Gail Carriger, NYT Bestselling author of Soulless

Ally Condie, author of the upcoming Dutton title, Matched

Joy Peskin, Executive Editor at Viking

Amy Efaw, award-winning author of After

 

 

If for no other reason, we hope you'll join us on BookshopTalk.com to find a new book to read! You can "follow" the site to get updates on new reviews and interviews through:

 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bookshop-Talk/147535281942351

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bookshop_Talk

RSS and Google Friend Connect links can be found on the site.

 

Thanks! We hope to see you soon on BookshopTalk.com!

Amy Finnegan & Jessica Day George

 

 

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

SUBSCRIBING TO OUR NEWSLETTER

 

Subscribing to the e-mail version is easy: just send e-mail with your e-mail address and request to Sydney Husseman, Regional Advisor at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com

 

Please  make sure we are contacted with any changes in your email addresses.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

”U and I Express” is a quarterly publication of the Utah/Southern Idaho chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a professional organization for writers and illustrators of children’s literature. All contents copyright. No material may be reproduced without express written consent of the authors themselves.

 

”U and I Express” welcomes submissions of articles of interest to our illustrator and writer members. No payment is available, but a full byline and credit will be made in the issue.

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

8271 Beverly Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90048   www.scbwi.org

 

 

 

 

  

>>> U and I Express <<<

A regional newsletter for members of the

Utah/Southern Idaho SCBWI chapter

 

October 2010 Issue

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

From Your RA

 

I just clicked send! YAY! I spent almost every day of August and September working on a novel revision—one that took me three weeks longer than I expected. Sigh. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned about writing it’s this: revision, no matter how arduous, is worth it. You cannot sneak flat characters, bland dialogue, or silly plot points past the publishing pros. And readers are even more unforgiving!

 

Not sure how to make your WIP shine? We’ve got plenty of events coming this fall to help you improve your craft. I can’t wait to learn from everyone, but this weekend, I can’t wait to read beautifully edited, beautifully revised novels by other people! --Sydney

 

Mark Your Calendar

 

In Idaho:

 

Thanks to my ARA Neysa Jensen and Docena Holm for making our Boise conference a success! Watch for great events coming this spring—and another retreat in 2011.

 

In Utah: 

 

Monthly SCBWI Meeting, October 6, 2010 at the City Library (210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City). 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Kristyn Crow (Cool Daddy Rat, Middle Child Blues, Bedtime In The Swamp) will talk about adding action to picture book manuscripts. Questions? Contact Sydney at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com  (free event)

 

Next Meetings: November 3^rd

 

Annual Conference, November 13, 2010 at the City Library (210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City), 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Speakers include Editor Chelsea Eberly (Random House), Steven Chudney (The Chudney Agency), Author/Illustrator & Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI Priscilla Burris (Daddy All Day Long), Author Matthew Kirby (The Clockwork Three), Author AE Cannon (The Loser’s Guide to Life and Love), Author Kristen Landon (The Limit), and Author Tess Hilmo (With A Name Like Love). Cost: $105 for members, $125 for non-members, Critiques and Portfolio reviews will be an additional $45 (these are filling up fast). Lunch is provided. Discounted rooms at The Hampton Inn are available.

 

To register go to: http://www.scbwi.org/Regional-Chapters.aspx?R=49&sec=Conf  or email Sydney at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com for the registration form.

 

Outside Utah:

 

International Conference, January  29-30, 2011. Speakers include Lois Lowry, RL Stine, Linda Sue Park, Jules Feiffer, Mo Willems, Jane Yolen, and our own Sara Zarr! Plus, editors and agents galore. Registration opens on October 6^th!

 

Non-SCBWI Events:

 

October 19, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. The Davis County Library will host Jan Brett, world renown children's author and illustrator at Woods Cross High School 600 West 2200 South Woods Cross, Utah. Jan will discuss her career as a children's author and illustrator and present her new book The 3 Little Dassies. This event is free and we encourage adults, teens and children to attend what is sure to be a fun and entertaining evening. After the program Jan will be available to sign books and visit. The King's English will provide books for sale at the event.

 

Regional Listserv:

 

Last month our listserv members formed critique groups, received info about agents, and other good stuff. Please join us! Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/utah_idaho_scbwi/ and click on “Join This Group.”

 

Critique Group Wanted:

 

I'm Carol Nicolas, married with 5 kids, (1 in high school, 2 looking for work, one at BYU, and 1 married and in medical school.)  I'm interested in quilting, genealogy, art (painting), reading, and writing.  We recently moved here (to Fruit Heights, UT) from Southern California. I have written 7 novels - fantasy/romance/mystery for YA, 6 of which are still in the first draft stage.  I sent one novel out to publishers in June, but I haven't heard back yet.  I attended the BYU Writers Conference in June 09, and learned a tremendous amount about writing. What I am looking for is a group of writers who would be willing to read my works in progress, comment on them, and help me to become a better writer.  I will do the same with them.  Meeting weekly or every other week would be most helpful.  My goal is to get published, but also to become a good writer.  I also would like to make friends here with people who love books and writing as much as I do. Thanks. Please contact me at: ccdavinci@yahoo.com

 

Artist Wanted:

 

I have been looking for an Artist to work with me, my progress on new books has too slow. The previous books may be view at www.ralphandelmer.com

 

The new book add a new character, a cat....whatever reason the current artist has a issue with cats. If you’re interested, please contact Albert Strickland at: strialbe@hotmail.com

 

Industry News:

 

New Agent:

 

Joan Slattery will join Pippin Properties as literary agent and contracts manager, as of November 1. She has spent nearly 20 years at Random House, most recently as senior executive editor at Knopf Books for Young Readers. Among the authors Slattery has worked with are Jerry Spinelli, Philip Pullman, Cynthia Voigt, Adele Griffin, and Jane Smiley.

“I’ve been so lucky to have had such a long and varied career at Random House—and now more good fortune,” Slattery said. “I'm thrilled to join Pippin, an agency I've admired for years, and to work with authors from this new vantage point.”

Holly McGhee, president of Pippin Properties, said, “Joan will be a wonderful complement to Pippin. Throughout her career, she has published classic literature in every genre, and we are so excited to have her on our team.”

 

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

SUBSCRIBING TO OUR NEWSLETTER

 

Subscribing to the e-mail version is easy: just send e-mail with your e-mail address and request to Sydney Husseman, Regional Advisor at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com

 

Please  make sure we are contacted with any changes in your email addresses.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

”U and I Express” is a quarterly publication of the Utah/Southern Idaho chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a professional organization for writers and illustrators of children’s literature. All contents copyright. No material may be reproduced without express written consent of the authors themselves.

 

”U and I Express” welcomes submissions of articles of interest to our illustrator and writer members. No payment is available, but a full byline and credit will be made in the issue.

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

8271 Beverly Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90048   www.scbwi.org

 

 

 

 

  

>>> U and I Express <<<

A regional newsletter for members of the

Utah/Southern Idaho SCBWI chapter

 

September 2010 Issue

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

From Your RA

 

Autumn is my favorite season. I love the slight chill in the air, the turning leaves, and the fact that my children have started school again. YAY!!! I’m ready to buckle down and write, write, write. I hope you’re feeling the same because we have a great lineup of conferences and monthly meetings scheduled. Hope to see you soon! --Sydney

 

Mark Your Calendar

 

In Idaho:

 

Annual Conference: Writing With The Stars, September 11, 2010 at Boise State University, 1910 University Dr., ?Boise, ID 83725, ?Student Union Building, Jordan C Ballroom?, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm?. Speakers include: Editor Cheryl Klein (Scholastic), Agent Jill Corcoran (Herman Agency), Author Chris Crutcher (Running Loose, The Sledding Hill, Whale Talk), Author Kelly Milner Halls (Dinosaur Parade), Author Amy Allegeyer Cook (The Invisible Sister), Author/RA Sydney Salter (Swoon At Your Own Risk), Author Laura Bingham (Alvor), Author Sarah Tregay (Love and Leftovers). Cost: $105 for SCBWI Members, $125 for nonmembers. Please see www.scbwi.org for registration details.

 

In Utah: 

 

Monthly SCBWI Meeting, September 1, 2010 at the City Library (210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City). 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. We’ll talk about how to add telling details to your WIP. Please bring paper and pen. Questions? Contact Sydney at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com  (free event)

 

Next Meetings: October 6^th, November 3^rd

 

Annual Conference, November 13, 2010 at the City Library (210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City), 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Speakers include Editor Chelsea Eberly (Random House), Steven Chudney (The Chudney Agency), Author/Illustrator & Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI Priscilla Burris (Daddy All Day Long), Author Matthew Kirby (The Clockwork Three), Author AE Cannon (The Loser’s Guide to Life and Love), Author Kristen Landon (The Limit), and Author Tess Hilmo.

 

Registration will begin September 15, 2010. See www.scbwi.org for details at that time.

 

SCBWI Going Virtual:

 

Catch up with our region online!

 

Join our new regional listserv—we’ll talk books, writing, publishing, share the good news and the bad, and connect with fellow writers and illustrators throughout our entire region. Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/utah_idaho_scbwi/ and click on “Join This Group.” I will be sending an invitation to all current SCBWI members via the main website.

 

We’re also now on Twitter. You can follow our region: SCBWIUtahIdaho at www.twitter.com. I promise not to tweet about what I eat (if you must know, email me privately). But I will let you know about upcoming events and breaking news.

 

Please remember to check out our region’s page on www.scbwi.org for back issues of the newsletter, upcoming events, and announcements. We will be phasing out our separate website to keep things simple and in one place.

 

PAL Members:

 

Need to Update Your Member Status to Become a P.A.L. Member?

P.A.L. stands for "Published and Listed" meaning that your publisher is listed on one of the SCBWI Market Surveys. P.A.L. membership affords you all of the great new opportunities and features above, and many more. We're working on expanded benefits and and discounts for P.A.L. members every day. 

 

If you aren't currently listed as a P.A.L. member it's easy to fix!

 

ONLINE

Simply log in at SCBWI.org, enter your payment information to renew your membership, then do the following: 

1. Click on Manage Profile

2. Choose your publisher from the drop-down menu under "Publication Information."

3. Make sure there's nothing in the field labelled "If you cannot find your publisher in any of the lists above, please enter your publisher here."

4. Scroll down and click "Continue." 

BY PHONE

Call us at (323) 782-1010 anytime between 9:30 AM and 5 PM PST Monday - Friday, and ask for Liz Brown. She'll be happy to help you renew your membership and change your PAL status over the phone.

 

Silver Kite Awards Coming!

 

In 2011 the SCBWI is initiating our inaugural peer voted book awards to be known as the Silver Kite Peer Awards. The Silver Kite Peer Award will be presented to one title from each of the designated divisions chosen by the members of that division. Voting, which will take place early in the year, will be in two rounds ... one to choose the shortlist and then one to chose the divisional winner. The winner will receive their award, a silver/glass kite engraved with the award title and year of presentation, at a regional meeting or conference. Each of these winners will also be eligible to compete for a faculty spot at the annual Los Angeles summer conference. All voting will take place on a new page on the SCBWI.org site. It is up to individual SCBWI members to make sure that all their PAL titles are submitted for the preceding calendar year, and members will be able to input multiple titles published for the year!

 

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

SUBSCRIBING TO OUR NEWSLETTER

 

Subscribing to the e-mail version is easy: just send e-mail with your e-mail address and request to Sydney Husseman, Regional Advisor at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com

 

Please  make sure we are contacted with any changes in your email addresses.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

”U and I Express” is a quarterly publication of the Utah/Southern Idaho chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a professional organization for writers and illustrators of children’s literature. All contents copyright. No material may be reproduced without express written consent of the authors themselves.

 

”U and I Express” welcomes submissions of articles of interest to our illustrator and writer members. No payment is available, but a full byline and credit will be made in the issue.

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

8271 Beverly Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90048   www.scbwi.org

 

 

 

 

A regional newsletter for members of the

Utah/Southern Idaho SCBWI chapter 

April 2010 Issue

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

From Your RA

Research is one of my favorite aspects of the writing process. Figuring out characters, learning about historical events, foreign cultures, etc. comforts me and gives me a bit of a security blanket before I approach that scary blank page. I love reading obscure books, trolling for tidbits online, and sometimes—if I’m lucky—traveling to experience things first-hand. But until recently (last week), I’d avoided one aspect of research: the personal interview. 

Who was I to ask someone to spare precious time for a hack like me? Plus, I didn’t know how to ask questions; I’m not a reporter, I just make stuff up. But my new WIP demanded more research than I could find online or in books—I had to talk to an expert. So I conducted my first ever interview—and guess what? I got great information and had a lot of fun too. Turns out that people love to talk about their passions.

If you’re interested in learning more about interviewing, please attend our monthly meeting on April 7^th in Salt Lake City. Kelley J. Lindberg will give you all the info to make you feel confident as you approach an interviewee.   --Sydney

Mark Your Calendar

In Idaho:

2010 Novel Revision Retreat with Darcy Pattison, April 30-May 1, 2010 at the Stonefly Lodge in Ashton, Idaho. Sold out!

In Utah:  

Monthly SCBWI Meeting, April 7, 2010 at the City Library (210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City). 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Kelley JP Lindberg will talk about conducting interviews for fiction and nonfiction. Questions? Contact Sydney at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com  (free event)

Next Meetings: May 5th, June 2nd

Regional SCBWI Events:

The 2010/2011 Nevada Chapter Mentor Program is now open and accepting applications. This is an intermediate to advanced program for pre-published and lightly published (see website for definition) SCBWI MEMBERS. Mentors this year are: Emma Dryden, freelance editor and consultant, Drydenbks; Priscilla Burris, illustrator, author/illustrator, and SCBWI Illustrator Coordinator; Harold Underdown, publishing consultant and founder of The Purple Crayon website; Teri Sloat, award winning and multi-published author/illustrator. And from Nevada and environs – our own Ellen Hopkins, best selling verse novelist and Co-RA NV SCBWI; Terri Farley, Middle Grade series author and YA author; Susan Hart Lindquist, Middle Grade author, Suzanne Morgan Williams, MG and nonfiction author and Co-RA Nevada SCBWI. Go to www.nevadascbwi.org and click on Mentor Applications on left of home page for all the info and a printable application. Applications are due June 1.  Applicants will be notified of selections August 1.

Non-SCBWI Events:

Writing For Young Readers, June 14-18, 2010 at The Waterford School in Sandy, Utah. For more information about the schedule and presenters see: http:\\foryoungreaders.com

Heart of the West Utah Romance Writers of America

Bob Mayer’s All-day Workshop for Writers, June 5, 2010, 9:00 am to 5:00 PM, Salt Lake City Airport Hilton. New York Times bestselling author Bob Mayer has published 39 books ranging from military techno-thriller to political thriller to non-fiction to science fiction to romantic suspense. He has over three million books in print. Registration URWA Members $20.00, Non-URWA members $35.00. For registration form and more information visit http://www.utahrwa.com

Pacific Coast Children’s Writers Workshop, August 20-22, 2010 at Pajaro Dunes’ private beachfront facilities near Santa Cruz, CA.

Congenial, team-taught seminar for 30 savvy and/or published writers of character-driven youth novels, "active observers," and teen readers and writers. • FACULTY: KATE HARRISON (senior editor, Dial Books/Penguin); TED MALAWER (agent, Upstart Crow Literary Agency); and author-consultant LAURA BACKES, publisher of Children’s Book Insider. • WEEKEND THEME is "A Novelist’s Toolkit: Architecture, Archetypes, and Arcs." Focus on craft as a marketing tool; 90 percent hands-on. Open critique clinics, aka master classes, are enhanced by interactive pre-workshop assignments. • DEADLINES: For the most critique options and lowest fees, apply by April 10 or asap. Limited enrollment may be open through July. For more info, or to apply to work in the teen program, contact Director Nancy Sondel: www.childrenswritersworkshop.com.

Contests:

Utah Original Writing Competition. Manuscripts accepted the first week of May through June. For more information: http://arts.utah.gov/funding/competitions/writing.html

Industry News:

From Lee & Low: We have some very exciting news to share: we have acquired Tu

Publishing, an independent press focusing on diverse fantasy and

science fiction for children and young adults!

Here's a link to the press release: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3699034.htm

Here's a link to the Tu section on our Web site: http://www.leeandlow.com/p/tu.mhtml

Of Interest to Published & Listed (PAL) Members:

Market Your Debut Novel:

Following in the footsteps of the 2009 Debutantes and Tenners:  http://community.livejournal.com/2011debuts/

Marketing Collective of Indie Published Authors:

Inde-Debut is open to anyone who has a book coming out in 2K10 with a small or CWIM-unlisted press. Publishers just need to be members of Independent Book Publishers of America, Small Publishers Association of North America or listed in the Small Press section on SCBWI's PAL application form. We hope to gather about twenty to thirty authors to help each other with publicity in their areas, through blog tours, virtual book launches, tweets, Facebook posts, etc. Plus, it never hurts to have new author friends!!

If you're interested, please email me with your publisher, title and release date. I'll send you an invitation to the group if your publisher meets the criteria listed above. My addy is amyacook@live.com  Thanks!!

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

SUBSCRIBING TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribing to the e-mail version is easy: just send e-mail with your e-mail address and request to Sydney Husseman, Regional Advisor at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com

Please  make sure we are contacted with any changes in your email addresses.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

”U and I Express” is a quarterly publication of the Utah/Southern Idaho chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a professional organization for writers and illustrators of children’s literature. All contents copyright. No material may be reproduced without express written consent of the authors themselves.

”U and I Express” welcomes submissions of articles of interest to our illustrator and writer members. No payment is available, but a full byline and credit will be made in the issue.

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

8271 Beverly Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90048   www.scbwi.org

 

 

 

 

  

>>> U and I Express <<<

A regional newsletter for members of the

Utah/Southern Idaho SCBWI chapter

 

February 2010 Issue

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

From Your RA

 

I’ve just emerged from the murky waters of novel revision. My eyes are bleary, my email in-box is full, and my house, well, it’s a mess. Okay, it’s pretty much always a mess, but I feel better about it right now.

 

It took me years to appreciate the power—and necessity of revision. I just wanted to be finished and published! Now I know that the biggest part of the writing process is revision. So I’m going to enjoy this brief break, before I’ll be back at revising my manuscript again.   --Sydney

 

Mark Your Calendar

 

In Idaho:

 

2010 Novel Revision Retreat with Darcy Pattison, April 30-May 1, 2010 at the Stonefly Lodge in Ashton, Idaho. We’re just about full, but if you contact Neysa Jensen at neysajensen@msn.com you might be able to sneak in! You can find the details at www.scbwi.org under our regional events.

 

In Utah: 

 

Monthly SCBWI Meeting, March 3, 2010 at the City Library (210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City). 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. We’re going to talk about how to write a synopsis. Questions? Contact Sydney at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com  (free event)

 

Next Meetings: April 7th, May 5th, June 2nd

 

Other Events:

 

Writing For Young Readers, June 14-18, 2010 at The Waterford School in Sandy, Utah. For more information about the schedule and presenters see: http:\foryoungreaders.com

 

Pacific Coast Children’s Writers Workshop, August 20-22, 2010 at Pajaro Dunes’ private beachfront facilities near Santa Cruz, CA.

Congenial, team-taught seminar for 30 savvy and/or published writers of character-driven youth novels, "active observers," and teen readers and writers. • FACULTY: KATE HARRISON (senior editor, Dial Books/Penguin); TED MALAWER (agent, Upstart Crow Literary Agency); and author-consultant LAURA BACKES, publisher of Children’s Book Insider. • WEEKEND THEME is "A Novelist’s Toolkit: Architecture, Archetypes, and Arcs." Focus on craft as a marketing tool; 90 percent hands-on. Open critique clinics, aka master classes, are enhanced by interactive pre-workshop assignments. • DEADLINES: For the most critique options and lowest fees, apply by April 10 or asap. Limited enrollment may be open through July. For more info, or to apply to work in the teen program, contact Director Nancy Sondel: www.childrenswritersworkshop.com.

 

Contests:

 

The Guide to Literary Agent’s blog  “Dear Lucky Agent” contest for paranormal/fantasy writers—great opportunity!

http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/Dear+Lucky+Agent+Contest+Urban+Fantasy+And+Paranormal+Romance+For+Both+Teens+And+Adults.aspx

 

Industry News:

 

New Literary Agent:

 

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY reports that Mandy Hubbard, author of the teen novel

PRADA AND PREJUDICE, is joining the D4EO Literary Agency, where she will 

focus on on YA and middle-grade fiction.

 

D4EO was founded by Bob Diforio; it's a small outfit, but it's been 

around for a long time. The domain name forwards to its Publishers 

Marketplace listing:

<<http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/d4eo/>>

 

Hubbard's blog states her current submissions guidelines:

<<http://mandyhubbard.livejournal.com/216998.html>>

"Mandy is interested in a broad range of YA/MG, whether they be 

contemporary or historical, fantasy/paranormal or realistic. She loves 

books with a heavy focus on romance, as well as 'issue books' with a 

strong voice. If your book has a high concept or a big hook, she wants 

to see it.

 

"If your story includes portals to fantasy worlds, wizards or dragons, 

it’s probably not for her. Please, no chapter books, pictures [sic] 

books, poetry, non-fiction, or books for the adult market."

 

Hubbard's website as an author:

<<http://www.mandyhubbard.com/>>>>

 

Of Interest to Published & Listed (PAL) Members:

 

Promotion Opportunity:

 

All published SCBWI members are invited to feature their recent work in Kids’ Book Author of the Week, a regular feature for Grand (as in grandparents) e-zine.

 

To participate, send a blurb about the book, your bio, a cover image, author photo and list of other books to Jim Whiting at jimruns3@gmail.com. For the book itself, include the name, publisher and pub date, genre, number of pages, recommended ages and price. You can also provide links to a sample chapter, reviews and/or your website. Perhaps the most important element is the hook: Why would grandparents want to buy your book for their grandkids? To whom would the book especially appeal?

 

Check out the feature at www.grandmagazine.com. Submissions are posted in the order in which they are received. 

 

Market Your Debut Novel:

 

Following in the footsteps of the 2009 Debutantes and Tenners:  http://community.livejournal.com/2011debuts/

 

Marketing Collective of Indie Published Authors:

Inde-Debut is open to anyone who has a book coming out in 2K10 with a small or CWIM-unlisted press. Publishers just need to be members of Independent Book Publishers of America, Small Publishers Association of North America or listed in the Small Press section on SCBWI's PAL application form. We hope to gather about twenty to thirty authors to help each other with publicity in their areas, through blog tours, virtual book launches, tweets, Facebook posts, etc. Plus, it never hurts to have new author friends!!

 

If you're interested, please email me with your publisher, title and release date. I'll send you an invitation to the group if your publisher meets the criteria listed above. My addy is amyacook@live.com  Thanks!!

 

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SUBSCRIBING TO OUR NEWSLETTER

 

Subscribing to the e-mail version is easy: just send e-mail with your e-mail address and request to Sydney Husseman, Regional Advisor at u.i.scbwi@mindspring.com

 

Please  make sure we are contacted with any changes in your email addresses.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

”U and I Express” is a quarterly publication of the Utah/Southern Idaho chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a professional organization for writers and illustrators of children’s literature. All contents copyright. No material may be reproduced without express written consent of the authors themselves.

 

”U and I Express” welcomes submissions of articles of interest to our illustrator and writer members. No payment is available, but a full byline and credit will be made in the issue.

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

8271 Beverly Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90048   www.scbwi.org

 

 

 

 

Hi from your assistant regional advisor.

I hope you all attended the Salt Lake City conference this past weekend. It was fabulous. Elizabeth Law from Egmont gave us many tidbits of advice and got us excited about several of Egmont's forthcoming books, including Utah's own:  Bree Dispain's The Dark Divine.

Laurent Lin  from Simon and Schuster captivated us with his visual tour of how picture books are printed and some of the books he's worked on.

Agent Kendra Marcus gave several authors first page critiques which were exceedingly helpful.

Nevada author Terri Farley shared her love of horses as she gave us techniques for creating a synopsis. In her intensive workshop on Friday she shared several useful ways to mesh the right brain and the left brain so we can best utilize both hemispheres are we write.

There was lots more. If you missed it, please plan to attend other regional events.


BOISE NEWS: Up here in Boise, where more and more writers are securing agents and book contracts, we have some special new ideas. One is to have a social event where we critique queries and then use those queries to instigate manuscript exchanges. Stay tuned for the date. Also, we have some interest in starting a writers as readers book club, so more on that will be coming down the pike. And finally, there are new critique groups forming as interest dictates. So if you want to be in one, don't be shy.

See you soon,

Neysa Jensen
ARA