Busy, Busy, Busy: A Round Up Between Bursts of Busy

It's Friday--which means it is round up time and there is much going on in the kid lit scene one must read about.

In Awesome Austin

The Austin SCBWI hosts Storytelling in the Digital Age tomorrow at St. Edwards. The event itself, and author/speaker Lindsey Lane, got some wonderful coverage in the Austin Statesman, in their article, "Storybook apps for kids a major topic among children's book writer's and artists."  

"It astounds me the possibilities of what you could do with a story and touching the screen, opening up different worlds for kids," Lane said.

If wanting to register, see here. 


The Austin Teen Book Festival
I was one of the 25,000 attendees at The Austin Teen Book Festival at the Palmer Center last weekend. I snapped many a picture, chatted with many a fellow author, and was overwhelmed at the excitement in the air. The teens came out in full force to see a line up of stellar YA writing rock stars. Check out today's coverage from Publisher's Weekly, including a fabulous quote from Varian Johnson, Austin author of Saving Maddie.

 

 

A young fan of author Jennifer Ziegler

An attendee in full steampunk regalia. 

 

 

Authors Jennifer Ziegler, Christina Mandelski, Stephanie Perkins and Simone Elkeles

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more photos of the outstanding event, see Cynsations Event Report by Austin Teen Book Festival featured author Cynthia Leitich Smith, whose Tantalize series drew in plenty of fans. And, see also Greg Leitich Smith, whose new novel Chronal Engine is coming soon!


The Writers' League of Texas

As usual, much is going on at the Writers' League of Texas, including a fundraiser for the WLT this Sunday evening. Check out information for the Raise the Roof Party Here.

The Texas Book Festival

I am up to my ears in books for this year's TBF. Please join me on Saturday at 2pm, Oct. 22nd for:

Zombies, Odd Girls, and My Other Middle School Classmates

with Mac Barnett, K.A. Holt, René Saldaña Jr., and Jo Whittemore

Date: Saturday, October 22, 2011
Time: 2:00 - 3:00
Location: Family Life Center (1300 Lavaca)

In middle school, most kids are afraid to be themselves. So we want to celebrate those daring middle schoolers who are proudly unique - the sullen odd girl in Jo Whittmore's Odd Girl In, the brain-eating zombies in K. A. Holt's Brains for Lunch, and the crime-solving detectives in Mac Barnett's It Happened On a Train and René Saldaña Jr.’s The Lemon Tree Caper. Because if you can't be yourself, you might as well be (un)dead.

Moderator Bethany Hegedus is the author of Between Us Baxters and Truth with a Capital T, both of which were named to the Best Books list by the Bank Street Awards Committee. Forthcoming is the picture book Grandfather Gandhi, co-authored with Arun Gandhi, grandson to the Mahatma. Bethany serves as the Young Adult & Children's editor for the literary journal Hunger Mountain.


Authors: Jo Whittemore
René Saldaña, Jr.
K.A. Holt
Mac Barnett




At the Writing Barn


Please join us for The Writing Barn's first event, October 16th, 2-4 pm. 

Please join Jeff Crosby & Shelley Jackson to celebrate the release of their newest children's picture book, HARNESS HORSES, BUCKING BRONCOS & PIT PONIES: A HISTORY OF HORSE BREEDS!

Minis and Friends, a charitable organization that benefits disabled children, will be at the event with live miniature horses to pet. Original art from the book will be on display, prints will be for sale, and copies of HARNESS HORSES will be available for purchase and to get autographed. We'll also have snacks, horsey games and more!
  

This event is open to the public. The Writing Barn is located at 10202 Wommack Road in Austin. Parking will be available inside the property and overflow parking is available on Riddle Road and Wommack Road.

 

It's sure to be a fun event for horse lovers, book lovers, and art lovers of all ages!

Happy Friday!

Inside the Writer's Studio with Varsha Bajaj

Today for Inside the Writer’s Studio we have an author whose friendship I found in the oddest place: the ladies room at the Austin 2010 SCBWI Conference. Varsha Bajaj and I were on an Austin list serve together where I had been sharing about revising a picture book manuscript that I had co-written with Arun Gandhi (the forthcoming Grandfather Gandhi, with Atheneum) but Varsha lives in Houston and we had never met in person. “Bethany?” she said, upon me wandering in. “Tell me more about the Gandhi book.” Varsha then smiled, and the bad fluorescent bathroom lighting disappeared and I stood basking in the grace of this gorgeous woman. I told her a bit of how the Gandhi book came to be and then she shared about the book, T for Taj Mahal, that she is here sharing about today.

A bit more about the book, from the publisher:

From the quiet grandeur of the Himalaya Mountains to the urban city of Calcutta, T is for Taj Mahal: An India Alphabet showcases India’s exotic treasures.

Visit the haunting Taj Mahal, a tribute from an emperor to his dead wife. Traverse the bustling streets of Mumbai, the second most populated city in the world. Sample a traditional meal fragrant with garam masala spices, or attend a cricket match where some games have lasted up to five days!

Welcome,  Varsha.  Now on to the interview…

Is there a story behind the story that you wish to share?

I met Amy Lennex (editor, Sleeping Bear Press) at the Houston SCBWI Editor’s Day in 2009. We shared a table at a Mexican restaurant at the end of the day. I had never considered writing nonfiction and hadn’t researched Sleeping Bear Press or Amy Lennex. Ignorant me! The conversation meandered to the bombings at the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai over Thanksgiving 2008 and how shaken I was by them, having grown up in Mumbai. We said our goodbyes that evening and I didn’t imagine our paths crossing again. A few months later Amy called and asked if I would be interested in doing an alphabet book on India. Would I like to submit three sample letters? I said Yes!

Is there a favorite quote you turn to when the rejection blues get to you?

I have collected quotes to help me get through disappointment. I also remind myself that even Dr. Seuss was rejected many times so how can little old me expect any different.

My favorite quotes:  “Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal; it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it.” Eliza Tabor

“Ones best success comes after their greatest disappointments.”  Henry Ward Beecher

What were some of the challenges you encountered when working on this picture book? How did you overcome those challenges? The biggest challenge was deciding on the topic that each letter would represent. I was very intimidated by the fact  that I had a lot  of ground to cover given India’s diversity and history. I also had to make sure hat I covered topics that would be of interest to children. How has your life changed since becoming a published author? Has it? What lessons have you learned that you’d care to share since becoming published? Being a published author is better than being an unpublished writer! Seriously though, I love the flexible schedule and the luxury of having been able to spend time with my children over the years.  I don’t think the non writing public realizes how difficult it is get published. I sometimes tell people that selling a project feels like winning the lottery. I guard my writing time zealously, and at times it is difficult to do because people don’t equate “writing” with “working.” Writers love books, we love reading. What book do you turn to over and over again and why do you love it? I love Because of Winn Dixie by Kate Dicamillo, and the Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Both books have a gut wrenching emotional intensity which leaves the reader changed.  Millicent Min, Girl Genius by Lisa Yee for its humor and warmth and for making Millicent and her innocent desire to have friends so real. I was amazed by the quite craftsmenship of the The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly. There are so many books that I love. I could go on and on. There’s Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot …. I love Dorren Cronin’s picture books especially Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type, illustrated by Betsy Lewin.  Lisa Wheeler’s humor and pitch perfect rhythm and rhyme are a source of delight. Especially in One Dark Night, illustrated by Ivan Bates and Sixteen Cows illustrated by Kurt Cyrus.

Inspired by the Actor’s Studio, what sound do you love? What sound do you hate?

I love the sound of a sitar being tuned. I hate the sound of a baby crying.

Be Brave. Share a bit from a WIP.

Here is a snippet from my middle grade novel, Truth, Lies and Me.

“I want to sing on Broadway, someday,” I declared to Mom, still on a high, on our return flight to Houston.

“It’s not for us Mona. Did you see how pretty all those actors were?” said Mom.

I knew I was no model but so what?

“I want to sing on Broadway, when I grow up,” I told Dad when I returned to Houston.

“How many Indians did you see on the Broadway stage?” he scoffed running his hand through his sparse comb over, “You would do better going to medical or business school. Your Aunt is foolish to have spent all that money.”

Rahul, my high school junior brother, said, “Seriously?”

Gandhi, yep Mahatma Gandhi, looked down from the wall in the living room and smiled, Find your truth.

In India, Gandhi is affectionately called “Bapu,” or father. To me he was a grandfather.

Dad and Mom were devoted Gandhian groupies and he was part of the family. We were friends, Gandhi and I.

That night I found my place, I found my dream, and no one could discourage me.

In ode to Maebelle, the main character in my new book Truth with a Capital T, who keeps a book of little known facts about just about everything, please share a wacky piece of trivia that has stuck with you or please share a little known fact about YOU.

Little known fact about me: My grandfather was a perfumer, my father and brother are perfumers, and I couldn’t use perfume because of lousy allergies!

Thanks Varsha for dropping by! It’s been a total treat. For more with Varsha, be sure to hop over to Cynsations and see her guest post.

Inside the Writer's Studio with Liz Garton Scanlon

Today for Inside the Writer’s Studio we get to have a conversation with one of the warmest writers—on the page—and in life. Liz Garton Scanlon is the author of such picture books as A Sock is a Pocket For Your Toes, the Caldecott honor book All the World illustrated by Marla Frazee, and now Noodle and Lou. Living in NYC, I was a fan of Liz’s work and when I moved to Austin one of the first events I attended was a “writer salon” held at Liz’s home. There were an array of coffee mugs, different colors, some chipped, some not—her girls and husband were nowhere to be found but there were drawings and books and signs of their life everywhere and there by Liz’a side was her steadfast dog. (The two cats—like the girls may have been hiding.) Liz contains inside her a bundle of energy and a sense of serene calm. She is like a rough draft and a finished polished draft melded into one unique woman. She is both a woman and a writer I admire.  Let us welcome, Liz. 

Here are some  glowing reviews for Noodle & Lou.

"Odds are good that even the littlest listeners can recognize how much having a good buddy can improve a bad mood, but it seems likely that adults will pick this up for the message while kids will prefer to pore over the pictures. Chirpy, instructive and fun."--Kirkus Reviews

"The healing properties of friendship are on child-friendly display here...Every kid should have a friend like Lou, and Noodle and Lou’s story shows just how it can be done."--Booklist

How do you stay inspired to face the dreaded blank page? Is it something you dread? Look forward to? Share a bit about your writing process.

A student asked me recently if I’d lose my job if I didn’t come up with any more good ideas. I laughed at the time, but really, that’s the secret fear in all of our hearts, isn’t it?

I really do dread the blank page. I’m a writer who works, initially, more by muse than by method. So, if ideas aren’t waking me up in the middle of night or striking me like lightning, I flounder. When that happens, I work on revisions. Or sometimes I use a writing prompt to try to jump-start my process. Or sometimes I just forgive myself and my muse and go for a walk.

How important is community in keeping you inspired? What authors are a part of your virtual and/or hometown community? How do they keep you inspired? How do you inspire them?

All the World's Marla and Liz

Community is central to my work and my wellness. Since the task at hand is truly solitary and often scary, I find that I need (I think we all need!) human touchstones to provide reassurance and encouragement; insight and criticism; perspective and humor; collaboration; wisdom, and advice.

I’ve been crazy-lucky in the lottery for creative communities. I am surrounded by the deep pool of authorial awesomeness that is Austin, Texas (including you, Bethany!); I have both in-person and online critique groups; I write and explore poetry with a group of blogger buddies (the self-proclaimed Poetry Princesses); and there is a brilliant listserv for the folks my agent represents. Also, I have a long-standing women’s group – made up of artist-mother types – that serves as a solid platform under everything I do. 

What I get from any one of these groups is so much more than I give, it’s kind of overwhelming sometimes.

Name a writer whose work and/or career you admire. And why do you admire them?

Too many to list, of course, but I look often at the picture books of Cynthia Rylant and Mem Fox because of how well they both combine craft with heart.

Theme can be seen as a dirty word but as writers I believe we all have something to say, something we want to share with the world. What is that something for you? 

If you’d asked me a few years back, I’d have said, “Ha! I don’t write to a theme. I’m all over the map!” But now that I’ve been doing this for a good long while, I realize I do have a “something” – maybe even a few somethings – that I revolve around again and again.

I love connections – surprising metaphoric connections (A Sock is a Pocket for Your Toes), and the connections between words and images and objects (All the World), and the connections between friends (Noodle & Lou). And I really, really like connections over meals. I have many a manuscript that features food, friends, and a dinner table. Actually, many a manuscript, and many a real day, too.

What were some of the challenges you encountered when working on this novel/picture book? How did you overcome those challenges?

I first sent Noodle & Lou to Allyn Johnston, my editor at Beach Lane Books, in October 2008. But, it was March 2009 before she offered to buy it because I could not figure out the ending. So she didn’t say yes, but she didn’t say no, either, and I’m a little relentless if I think there’s a chance.

I came up with countless options – most of them really lousy – before finally settling into this idea that it’s another person’s perspective – a good buddy’s perspective – that can help us to recognize our best selves.  

What do you feel is your strength as a craftsperson? How do you turn your weaknesses into strengths?

My weakness is plotting. I don’t understand why something always has to happen! (Call off the hounds. Of course I really do understand but dang, putting it into words stumps me.) And as for my strengths? Hard to say, but I do know what I love. A good rhyme, a surprising image, the turn of a phrase, a moment. I’m learning, little by little, to string those things together into a plot.

Quickly name 5 favorite stories—could be books or movies even. Do these stories have anything in common with one another? Do they have anything in common with your own work? What comparisons can you make in terms of what matters to you in your own work and what you like to read/experience?

So, I’ve sort of free-associated a random collection of books here:

The Old Woman Who Named Things by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Kathryn Brown (Sandpiper, 2000).

Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman, illustrated by Marla Frazee (Sandpiper, 2000).

Owen by Kevin Henkes (Greenwillow, 1993).

The Underneath by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by David Small (Atheneum, 2008).

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall (Knopf, 2005).

All of these stories speak to me because they’re filled with real, complicated, messy human beings (or, ok, mice, if you’re going to be picky) and the authors revealed their foibles, their shadow sides, even, with tenderness. I mean, even Gar Face (from The Underneath) – the closest I ever want to get to cruel and evil – has a history, an ache. And there’s so much humor in so many of these – that’s one thing I would like to learn to do – strike that impeccable balance between laughter and tears.

In ode to Maebelle, the main character in my new book Truth with a Capital T, who keeps a book of little known facts about just about everything, please share a wacky piece of trivia that has stuck with you or please share a little known fact about YOU.

The little piece of trivia that amazes and perplexes me? That our forearms are about the length of our feet. I just don’t understand how that can always be true, even for the less mathematically-inclined like me…

And a wacky fact about me? I once got a perm. I mean, I know it was the 70s. Everybody got perms. But honestly. Have you seen my hair?

Thank you, Bethany, for hosting me here today!

I’m honored…

See? Liz is kind and gracious and I am grateful for her work and her friendship. Thanks, Liz for dropping by. Come back anytime, ya hear? For more on Liz and Noodle & Lou hop on over to readerkidZ.com where she is a featured author this month. Also, look for Liz to write the In Response feature for Hunger Mountain, in response to The Passion for the Picture Book Piece.

Week in Review: The Good, The Bad, and The Bruised

Ah, I spent half the week laid up in bed (or on the floor) with a back injury after I took a tumble while cleaning. Perhaps there is a reason no one ever called me graceful. (And why there was no Wednesday Inside the Writer’s Studio…be sure to check in next week for author Michelle Knudson, and her new picture book Argus.) However, as time ground to a halt for me there was much happening in cyberland and all over Austin this week.


The oh-so-witty K.A. Holt was featured over at the Daily Texan and I now know where the source of her haiku brain stems from. Getting back at the man! The article states,


To pass the time at her nine-to-five, and perhaps to channel her unused imagination, she began writing snarky haiku poems on the community dry erase board, typically targeting company management.

“Who are you to judge?/ A messy desk shows genius/ And a lack of drawers,” Roy wrote at work. “A messy desk ode/ Can an ode be a haiku?/ Messy haiku, too.”


And over at the Horn Book, Chris Barton, author of the forthcoming Can I See Your ID has a tip for all authors of nonfiction in his piece, Your Mother Should Know.


Dear Teen Me, one of my favorite spots to stop and reconnect with my youth (and I am sure teens everywhere are reading. Is yours?), featured my friend Lindsey Lane this week. I love Lindsey’s letter and so wish I had read this when I was a girl, and sexuality, and how to use it, how to acknowledge its power (over me and others) was such a new discovery. Sex and sexuality is never easy to discuss for some reason, but Lindsey is frank, forthright, and even funny! Cheers to her and DTM for the groundbreaking posts!

And, along with all the articles and blogs, a bevy of unveilings were going on. Greg Leitich Smith unveiled the cover art of all the Austin 2011 books from the community, and PJ Hoover featured one in particular—Callie—the fall release by Texas Sweetheart, Jessica Lee Anderson. I had the pleasure of reading Callie in almost final form and it is taught with tension and explores the crisscrossing of friendship, sisterhood (foster sisterhood but sisterhood, nonetheless) and family. Jessica always writes “real” and this is another stellar addition to the books under her belt.

The grace and good humor-filled Liz Garton Scanlon welcomed a new book into the world this week, Noodle and Lou (illustrated by Arthur Howard) is her follow up to the award winning All the World. Where All the World was big and all encompassing, Noodle and Lou is a small scale story but is big in the way that meaningful friendships are. What is bigger and more meaningful than a best friend?

Noodle and Lou join a bevy of picture book best friends, who should not be friends (Can a bird and a worm be friends? Buy the book and also hop on over to my previous blog post on the Dynamics of Picture Book Pairs…) and add to the canon of great kid lit. 

Previous Austin author and still friend to oh-so-many-of-us, Dorothy Love, debuted her new website this last week. Who is her designer? None other than Erik Kuntz, Austin SCBWI Volunteer of the Year.


I also got a wonderful surprise this last week—a stack of thank-you letters from the kids at Travis Heights Elementary. The day of the visit the kids were great but you never know if you made a lasting impact or not. The letters brought their smiling faces back front and center as I soaked up their words and feasted on their drawings. There were many references to, who lots of kids, dubbed Mr. French Fry Guy in their character sketches. Here are two of my favorite letters.

"Dear Bethany,
Thank you for teaching us how to sketch a person using words. My favorite part was when we got to sketch using words. I also liked the book you read to us. Do you think you can do it next year? I really enjoyed it.
From, Dexter.


And another…


“Dear Bethany Hegedus,
It was nice to work with you I hope you can come again next year. P.S. I came with another name for the boy, it’s super French fris eater.
Senserly your friend,
Jose”

Man, you gotta love the fruits of school visits. Does it get any better than that?


Goings on in Austin

And, as usual there is a ton going on at the WLT and SCBWI. This weekend, Jeanette Larson, is the SCBWI speaker at BookPeople. She will be speaking about Love the Librarian (and Texas librarians do so much, we need to rally and show them our love!)

And after her talk, it’s party time. Jeannette will be celebrating the release of Hummingbirds, illustrated by Adrienne Yorinks. I’ve been waiting to get my hands on a copy, as she keeps selling out at other events I’ve attended where the book is for sale. I’ll need to nab my copy on the way in. Congrats, Jeannette for a gorgeously written (and fact filled) book. 

Over at the WLT, we have a treat in store for kid lit writers---both novelists and picture bookers. Kirsten Cappy, book publicist and creator of Curious City is coming to town. She will teach a class on Creating Your Independent Marketing Plan (Sat, April 2nd) and is also doing special one-on-ones with picture book authors and illustrators (Fri- April 1st.) Lisa Jahn Clough introduced me to Kirsten many years ago and I always look forward to spotting her at the big book events, BEA, ALA, etc. She is whip smart, thinks outside the box and is the marketing brain behind such books as Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice, and The Accidental Adventures of India McAllister. To register for either the class or the limited one-on-one appointments, go here.


And, the YA A to Z Conference welcomes Random House/Delacorte Press editor Francois Bui to the line-up. Be sure not to miss the first ever conference dedicated to the YA (books considered upper MG, tween, etc.) field. Tim Wynne-Jones will be the Keynote Breakfast speaker. Tim will be speaking about how to find and appreciate your own genius. If you're looking for the perfect boost to inspire you as a writer, you'll want to be sure to catch this talk! To learn more and/or register for the conference, go here.


Coming Up for Me (and Truth with a Capital T)

The kind folks at the Brazos Valley SCBWI are hosting me for a workshop titled “Creating Your Own Canon” on March 26^th from 10am to 1pm. If in the College Station area or willing to head down that way, click here for the workshop registration materials.

Don’t forget the YA Diversity in Fiction Tour is making an Austin stop. Authors Jo Whittemore,Varian Johnson and I join Cindy Pon and Malinda Lo. Check the YA Diversity Tour website for more information



See ya’ll next week!

SCBWI Books, Boots, and Buckskin Wrap-Up

(Note: written on Sunday and posted today.)

I am bleary-eyed and sipping coffee at Dominican Joe’s and waiting to pick up my friend, K. A. Nuzum, for one last lunch, before my SCBWI Austin Conference festivities officially end.  What a weekend. Debbie Gonzales, Carmen Oliver, Mark Mitchell and so many others organized a heck (*wink to Elizabeth Law) of a conference.

 
This year’s conference was held on the St. Edward’s campus at the Ragsdale Center. We were welcomed by the St. Edward’s President, who revealed, in the future the college known for its fabulous liberal arts programs hopes to add a concentration in Writing for Children and Young Adults. How wonderful that would be! And, then came the readings. What a treat! Since graduating VCFA I’ve missed hearing authors read as most book parties only have brief readings when a book release is being celebrated. The lights were turned low and Kimberly Willis Holt was the first to read from The Water Seeker. (And she had an enormously gracious introduction by Liz Garton Scanlon. The intro’s at the conference were works of art in and of themselves.) Kimberly’s red hair obscured some of her face as she read—causing a fan to gush at me in the ladies room on Saturday a.m. “I loved your reading last night.” I told her I loved last night’s reading too but had to disappoint her that I wasn’t Kimberly. Ah, but to be confused even for a moment was a thrill and an even bigger thrill came when I was asked to sign a copy of Between Us Baxters for the Holt family.

Next up to read was Carolyn Coman who read and showcased the incredible art by Rob Shepperson, the illustrator in her new novel, The Memory Bank, published by another event attendee Arthur A. Levine. I adore Carolyn, her words, her work, and the way both wrap me in a spell I never want to leave. It’s no surprise that after her reading The Memory Bank flew off the BookPeople table upstairs.

After Carolyn, Arthur A. Levine put on his author hat and read from his new picture book Monday is One Day, illustrated by Julian Hector, who was also in attendance and stood at the projector flipping the book’s pages so we could all admire the art. (I was thrilled to learn the book is dedicated to the editor of my forthcoming picture book Grandfather Gandhi, Namrata Tripathi, who Julian told me  Nami discovered him when he was at Parsons.)

The evening ended with wine and cheese and bids at the silent auction. A group of VCFA folks and friends headed down to Pollvo’s and ate to our bellies were full.

***

David Diaz in a photo project by Amy Rose Capetta

The full festivities began on Saturday a.m.  I had six ten-minute critique sessions with writers from Austin and other parts. For a number of my critique-es this was their first conference. I admire their bravery in showing their work, taking in the feedback and remember sitting on their side of the table receiving feedback in a semi-public  situation. Kudos to them and I wish them all luck on their writerly journey.

After the whirlwind sessions (speed-editing, anyone?) I was able to join most of the events in Jones Hall. I got to see David Diaz paint on the spot as Carmen Oliver read a bit from a picture book WIP. David answered questions and kept inspiration high.

Elizabeth Law, Publisher of Egmont Books, U.S.A. was given a fabulous intro by talented Austinite P. J. Hoover. Elizabeth never fails to inform her audiences and also entertain them. She is spontaneous, hysterically funny and cares about books, authors, and our industry even over her other passions Farmville and Twilight.

At lunch everyone mingled and strangely enough I found myself back to back with my editor Michelle Poploff (the editor behind this year’s Newbery winning book, Moon Over Manifest.), which is how we ended up meeting for the very first time at an SCBWI NJ Conference held at Princeton. We chatted over our shoulders and I revealed that later in the day at the panel I was to moderate with she and stellar agent, Emily van Beek of Folio Lit., I was going to ask both a little-known-fact about themselves in ode to my last question on my weekly Inside the Writer’s Studio interviews. (Plus, Michelle is directly responsible as she pushed me to find an emotionally resonant little-known-fact to open each chapter of Truth with a Capital T.)

Later that day, it was panel time. I titled my talk with Emily and Michelle “The Ins and Outs of Acquisitions” and much information not usually covered was discussed: the pros and cons of editorial agents, what may be a deciding factor when more than one offer comes in on a project, how acquisitions works at Delacorte,  and some other juicy tidbits that you had to be in the room to hear. 

Folio Literary Agent, Emily Van Beek and her 3 words. 

Moi with my 3 words in ode to the Memory Bank, our Acquisitions panel discussion and David Diaz's transformation of the verb fly in his picture book, Frida.

The last session of the day assembled all of the visiting agents and editors for a big, informative, and funny (how can it not be with Elizabeth Law and Arthur A. Levine on the panel. Let’s just say, the sexiness of sea mollusks were spoken of as the next big trend.) panel moderated by Julie Lake with individual and stellar introductions given by Carmen Oliver.

The day ended with a slide show of the roaming photographer’s pictures capturing the spirit and energy of the conference. More wine, cheese, and book talk occurred. I spoke briefly with Arthur A. Levine about my mentor, Norma Fox Mazer, who passed away last year. Arthur launched his own imprint with my favorite of Norma’s tough/tender stories, When She Was Good.  Silent auction item winners were announced, illustrator portfolio winners too and one by one everyone trickled out of the Mabee Ballroom.

Debbie Gonzales organized an after conference party at the Wyndham for the conference faculty, area authors, and other book professionals. The Delacorte Dames and Dude gathered ye round Delacort editor Michelle Poploff for a group picture. Some funny. Some serious. Some with our own version of jazz hands. And, again, as the night wound down and after the quesadilla bar shut down, we made our way back to our homes and hotel rooms, tired, content, and ready to write again.


And for some other Awesome Austin Conference Write-Ups visit:

Donna Bowman Bratton, editor and author, Arthur A. Levine on Community, PJ Hoover and for more fabulous 3 Word Project pics by Amy Rose Capetta visit the Austin SCBWI Page,  illustrator and portfolio critique winner Marsha Riti with I am sure more write-ups to come!

Frigid Friday: Round Up

It's frigid in Austin and the ground this morning is covered with some flaky white stuff  which is a welcome site to see but I understand the weariness of my Northeastern and Midwestern friends. This is one winter I am glad I am not in NYC traipsing in the white stuff (turned icky slushy salt melted and refrozen treacherous sidewalk fare) but I do like the cozy days--rushing to where I am going, slipping on some cozy socks and enjoying a cup of tea. I wrote earlier this week with my friend Amy Rose and it was delightful to be back at the page--her snuggled on my love seat under a blanket and me groaning at the chapter I was working to reshape. It felt like February--and February it is.

But things haven't slowed down on the Kid Lit scene. Last Saturday at BookPeople the Cynsational Cynthia Leitich Smith and the marvelous Mari Mancusi celebrated their new releases, Blessed and Night School.

I worked the cake/and drink station and laughed my most vampirish laugh from time to time. There were
cookies galore--a delish feast for all.

 

And the most delicious part of the event--aside from the bat cookies and laughs--were getting out hands on copies of Blessed and Night School. Check out the signing line!

Oh, and don't forget even though the temps are low and the snow is high, Cynthia Leitich Smith's Blessed Tour is going on! Turn out and see her if in any of the following cities.

Sunday, 2/6/11

1 p.m. to 3 p.m. - Books of Wonder - reading/Q&A/signing to public with Another Pan author Daniel Nayeri (PUBLIC EVENT)

18 W. 18th St., New York, N.Y.

Monday, 2/7/11

10 a.m. to 11:34 a.m. Francis Lewis High School

6 p.m. Borders Bookstore - reading/signing (PUBLIC EVENT)

Borders Columbus Circle
10 Columbus Circle, New York, N.Y.

Tuesday, 2/8/11

4 p.m. to 5 p.m. New Brunswick Free Public Library - reading/Q&A/signing (PUBLIC EVENT)

6:20 p.m. to 9 p.m. Rutgers University -- guest lecture, "Materials for Young Adults" -- room 203

School of Communication and Information -- 4 Huntington St., New Brunswick, N.J.

Wednesday, 2/9/11

10 a.m. NYPL Mulberry Branch - visit with schools

10 Jersey Street (Between Lafayette & Mulberry Streets) New York, N.Y.

8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. New School Creative Writing Graduate Class - guest lecture

66 West 12th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues

Thursday, 2/10/11

11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Brooklyn Public Library - Professional Development Day

Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza

4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Brooklyn Public Library - Will You Be My Paranormal Valentine Party (with teens)(PUBLIC EVENT)

Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza

Friday, 2/11/11

2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin High School Visit

Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin HS, LREI

272 Sixth Avenue, New York, N.Y.

7 p.m. The Voracious Reader - "Will You Be My Paranormal Valentine?" event with Another Pan author Daniel Nayeri (PUBLIC EVENT)

1997 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont, N.Y.

Saturday, 2/12/11

1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mercer County Library Event -- West Windsor Branch (PUBLIC EVENT)

333 North Post Road, Princeton Junction, N.J.

6:30 p.m. Barnes & Noble, Cherry Hill, N.J. (Greater Philly area)(PUBLIC EVENT)

911 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, N.J.

More Awesome Austin News 

There is much buzz about library love--threaten the librarian's livelihoods and act like they are not need and necessary and all us book people get upset. Liz in Ink has been showing the librarians some love, so as Lindsey Lane, and Donna Bowman Bratton. Donna's interview with Jeanette Larson is a must read.  Librarians are so important. They serve a community and their work is not profit oriented--but it can be measured. We all know a librarian that pointed us towards the right book, that patiently answered our research questions, that taught us to think, to peruse at our leisure, and to be responsible by getting those books in on time!

I fell in love with books going to the Fountindale Public Library as a child. I loved the library so much that when I hurt myself on a nearby playground it was the library--not home--I went running to. (The library was closer and I had split my lip and my face was all bloody.) The library wasn't open yet but the librarian was there. She took me inside, called my parents, and got me my favorite Ramona book to sit with while waiting for my parents to arrive.) So, let's all raise our voices, stomp our feet, and join the chorus of Leave the Libraries Alone that Phillip Pullman eloquently delivers here.


Coming Conferences

I am getting excited for the Boots and Buckskin Austin SCBWI conference. I've gotten in several pieces to critique, I will get to see my Delacorte editor, and I will get to give back to an organization I love so well.

And, then there is the WLT YA A -Z Conference. My mentor, Tim Wynne-Jones is on the lineup for the April conference and his about to be released new novel, Blink & Caution is racking up the accolades.

"Two teenagers hurt by life “with its never-ending snares and pitfalls and dire consequences” come together in this elegantly constructed noir mystery and love story…Wynne-Jones’ finest, most beautifully written novel yet, one more in a career full of distinguished works. "starred review    Kirkus
"Wynne-Jones (The Uninvited) delivers a dazzling crime novel that evokes the taut writing and tropes of hard-boiled fiction while interweaving social justice themes and a solid sense of realism." starred review   PW


Tim is a warm and generous teacher, a spirited perfectionist, and a man of many talents. I can't wait to have him in town and here him speak. So, Texans what are you waiting for? Register Now.

Outside Awesome Austin

Congrats to friend and fellow WestSide author, Selene Castrovilla, for the sale of her 6th book. This one is titled Melt and comes out later this year. Selene's writing is raw, realistic, powerful and profound. Congrats!
As we wait for Melt, check out The Girl Next Door, if you haven't already.