The wonderful that is SCBWI

It's my pub day and I'll cry if I want to...

Nothing changes just because Amazon starts fulfilling orders. Your book may not be on local store shelves yet. The world doesn't stop spinning on its axis. Pub day can be a blue day--not just a beginning but an ending. The book is out in the world and entirely out of my control. I'm talking more about the journey of a writer and her book over at G READS today.

Luckily, I have a plan. I am going to attend my local Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators chapter meeting. I honestly don't think I'd be a published author now without the guidance and support of SCBWI and many of its wonderful members, who I now count as friends. We start meetings with "good news" so I'll stand with a copy of my book and celebrate with people who know how bittersweet this journey is--who totally get it. Then, we'll have cookies and learn stuff about writing. If you're anywhere along this writing-publishing journey, you will be heartily welcomed by SCBWI. I encourage you to join.

BUT FIRST, cheer me up by clicking over to G READS BOOKS for fun insights about THE SOUND OF LETTING GO...and prizes!

You Are Invited to SCBWI INSIDE STORY - SUNDAY in Seattle!

I'd be delighted if you'd join me at...
 

 

Local Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators share the "stories behind the stories" of new and upcoming books! 4:00 PM on Sunday, November 3, at Mockingbird Books (7220 Woodlawn Ave, NE, Seattle).  Librarians, teachers, writers, bloggers & book fans are all welcome! Presenters include Dana Sullivan, Karen Lewis, Patrick Flores-Scott, Jaime Temairik, Roy Kindelberger, Elizabeth Rose Stanton, Nina Laden, Kathryn O. Galbraith, Dia Calhoun, Craig Orback, Brenda Z. Guiberson, Suzanne Williams, Richard Jesse Watson, Samantha R. Vamos, Stasia Ward Kehoe, Lorie Ann Grover, & Matthew Porter.

 If possible, please RSVP to info@mockingbirdbooksgl.com

Singing the Praises of SCBWI - Part II

Nearly a decade ago I attended my first SCBWI regional conference. It was in Seattle, Washington. I’d recently moved to the west coast, leaving behind my beloved critique group, all of my family, my neighborhood, and pretty much all the familiar.

SCBWI was a revelation. There I found a roomful of amazing, like-minded people dreaming my dream, loving what I loved. A decade later, and with no little thanks to SCBWI, I am a published writer.

But SCBWI isn’t a monolithic entity. It is a community of people. And I remember meeting one particular person at that first conference. It was during a break and we’d both chosen to escape outside to a little brick courtyard. Somehow, we got to talking about publishing, agent issues, goals, family life. We’ve been talking ever since.

Just recently, we chatted about writers block. Deb’s comment about that fraught-with-peril phrase:

“If you label it, then you don’t have to really look into it—to deal with the underlying issues.”

I thought that was pretty insightful. But to hear it, I had to meet Deb first. You know, at an SCBWI conference.

Deb can teach you more, too. Go visit her at www.deblund.com/blog.

 

Leavin' on a jet plane...

Okay, I actually left yesterday but thanks to the magic of Blogger's posting options, I'm telling you now.  I'm in...

And, though Rodeo Drive is in the pic above, my trip is all about SCBWI's HUGE LA conference.  I'm so excited to meet up with bloggy friends, agent buddies, and former Washingtonians who now write and illustrate in other parts of the world.  And, oh yeah, there'll be keynotes and lectures and all kinds of neat stuff to learn.  Tell you all about it next week!

Back to Business Monday: SCBWI. Seriously.

Okay, when I make up imaginary award-acceptance speeches in my head (oh, admit it, you do it, too), at or near the top of my THANK YOU list is SCBWI.  Seriously.  Always.

How come?  Because I've learned more about the art, craft and business of developing my own writing career from SCBWI than I have even from my day job in publishing.  Woking to get your own novel published is a very difficult personal journey that, for me, wouldn't have happened without SCBWI.

A few bullet points to elucidate...

• Got encouragement for my w-i-p at SCBWI Western WA's annual Great Critique.
• Attended SCBWI NYC Author Intensive last year where I met an editor who requested my ms.
• Presented at SCBWI Western WA 2010 conference where I met the awesome agent Michael Bourret who gave me a proverbial "kick-in-the-pants" and told me to start submitting my stuff.
• Received several offers of agency representation and turned to fellow SCBWI-ers for decision-making advice.
• Found my new critique group through SCBWI and am now at work on a new novel with their wonderful support.

So, seriously, if you don't belong to SCBWI join--both SCBWI International and your local chapter.  And if you live in the PacNW, come to the SCBWI-WWA annual conference on April 16 & 17.  You will not regret it.  Here's the link to the SCBWI Western Washington 2011 Conference.

COOL TUESDAY: I'm Guest Posting at YA MUSES!

I'm thrilled to be guest posting about the SCBWI NY Conference at YA MUSES. The Muses are a great group of YA writers.  Hope you check out their blog.

And, while you're blog hopping, be sure to stop by YA Highway where you can enter to win their "Super Shiny ALA Arc Giveaway" -- amazing swag!

Back to Business Monday: Home from NYC - SCBWI Conference, Viking & more!

I got in late last night from a whirlwind four days in NYC.  Met up with friends and colleagues at Simon & Schuster and Tor Books, as usual.  Enjoyed my third trip to the SCBWI Winter Conference.  Most exciting of all was spending time with my editor and other folks at Viking.  Full recap and some fun play-by-plays to come when I'm better rested but, for now, I'll leave you with my three favorite reasons for attending writing conferences (in ascending order).

3. To BUILD your list of things to-read, to-write, to-blog, to-share.

2. To FORM & STRENGTHEN FRIENDSHIPS with the people in your writing community.

1. To LEARN from editors, agents, industry professionals and, especially, fellow-writers.

Notice that "to sell your manuscript" is NOT on this list.  If you concentrate on goals such as the ones above, instead of spending your conference time in frantic sell-mode, you may just find that a path to publication opens up for you.  I've certainly attended conferences both the "right way" and the "wrong way" and, for me, the best insights and opportunities have come when I've had confidence in my writing and not worried so much about what other people think (or want).
 
So, next time you find yourself headed for a conference... Relax (as best you can).  Reflect on your w-i-p and how you can employ comments from conference presenters and attendees to improve the manuscript.  And remember that these are just a few days in what has probably been a years-long, if not lifetime journey.  No matter what happens, if you believe in yourself, the conference will end with your dreams still intact and your hopes high!

Wordy Wednesday: A WONDERFUL WEEKEND

This past weekend was spent gearing up for another revision pass at my new manuscript.  No, not by eating too much chocolate and complaining about the evanescence of time.  I attended an SCBWI Western Washington writing retreat coordinated by the amazing Jolie Stekly. 

This year, Jill Santopolo, executive editor at Penguin’s Philomel Books imprint, and Nancy Mercado, executive editor at Roaring Brook Press, (both pictured below) led workshops focusing on everything from plot development to finding inspiration to using acting exercises to develop a thorough understanding of your characters.  Oh, they were also fun and occasionally pretty darn hilarious!

Other great elements of this year's retreat were the intensive, small-group peer critiques; the fun of chatting with friends old and new at KidLit Drink Night; and, of course, the yummy meals.

Along with a couple of extra pounds, I took away two important notions from the weekend:

1-It is essential to have a deep and thorough understanding of your character and, as you review your manuscript, to make sure that every plot move is honestly motivated by what that character would do (and not by where you want the story to go).

2. Even the best character development wears thin if the story--the character's WANT--isn't introduced in a timely manner.  Here is where classic plotting structure and pacing must be examined even if you consider yourself a character-driven novelist.

Now, in all honesty, these are not things I didn't already know at some level.  But it was extremely helpful to hear intelligent, thoughtful editors revisit these critical notions.  I eagerly tried all the exercises and techniques they suggested to hone these elements of my novel and was so grateful for their fresh perpectives.

A truly wonderful weekend.

Fiction Friday: RETREAT, WRITER!

As you read this post, I'm likely en route to (or already at) an SCBWI weekend writing retreat. I am very excited to spend the weekend with fellow writers (and psyched to be rooming with one of my critique group pals). Honestly, having sold my first novel, I feel that it's more important than ever to keep honing my craft, to keep learning, to keep pushing to get better and better.

Hope you have a weekend full of writing inspiration.

BACK-TO-BUSINESS MONDAY: Upcoming Conferences and a Celebration

The 39th Annual SCBWI Summer Conference is just days away. But, alas, I cannot go (sniff). I am buried under deadlines and family commitments. If you're lucky enough to be heading to LA this week and BLOG ABOUT IT, please let me know so I can link back to you and we can all have some vicarious SCBWI fun.

And, for those of you sweltering (or freezing, I suppose) alone at computers around the globe, you can still make it to WRITE ON CON, the free, online conference coming up August 10-12. I'll be attending--and presenting. In fact, today I am putting the finishing touches on my vlog lecture. My topic is DON'T WAIT FOR PUBLICATION TO REACH OUT TO SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES: Tips for pre-published (and already published) authors to get the most from school and library appearances. And, look right! I've officially added the countdown widget to the blog.

On a lighter note, I had the pleasure of attending Holly Cupala's launch for TELL ME A SECRET last night. All I can say is, that girl sure knows how to throw a party! Here's a snap of me and some writer friends with our copies of Holly's book.

THESE ROSES WERE NOT FOR MOTHER'S DAY or A BOOK DEAL--HOORAY!

As you've probably guessed from the title, my husband brought home these roses on Friday in celebration of my BOOK DEAL. (Happy to report there were also chocolates and dinner out with the kids for Mother's Day.)


So, here's the short form (and it really is short). After signing with my agent, the amazing Catherine Drayton about ten days ago, she turned around and sold my YA verse novel, AUDITION, not just to a fantastic imprint, Viking, but to an editor with whom I am incredibly excited to work. It was pretty hilarious really, since she called to discuss the good news while I was chaperoning a third grade field trip and I could barely make out every other word through the school-bus-chatter din. I must also mention here that she lives in Australia so I can't even imagine what time of day or night she was working on my behalf but I will say to those of you on the fence about signing with a great agent just because they aren't in NYC that this does not appear to be a problem :) 

I've got to admit, I feel a bit like Cinderella. I'm not sure I've really processed it all yet (totally get how Cinderella could have lost that slipper--in the past week I've lost my car keys at least once a day). But, at this point, I am just thrilled to have met some of Catherine's other clients: The dynamic duo of Lisa and Laura Roecker and the delightful Becca Fitzpatrick who were instantly supportive and encouraging. I have become even more grateful for the generosity and support of my SCBWI Western Washington friends and colleagues (some of them AUDITION beta readers) as I struggled to find the courage to submit my manuscript and then to choose my agent--honestly, SCBWI rocks!

The very best thing about selling my manuscript, though, is it feels like I have a new license to write. All of those stolen writer-on-the-side hours creating this manuscript can be remembered with a little less guilt. And I just want to write more and more and more.

Making School & Library Appearances a Strong Part of Your Promotional Platform, Part I

Thanks to all who have asked for information from my April 11 presentation at SCBWI Western Washington. As I began editing my notes into manageable form, I came to the conclusion that the easiest way to convey this information is by posting it here at the blog in a few parts. So, let's begin with two ways to consider school & library appearances:

1. From a book promotion perspective, school & library appearances should satisfy one primary goal: To drive readers to your current books, past and future books, and to you as an author.

2. However, many authors have another important goal for School & Library Appearances: Income. For some authors, school visit honoraria payments make a significant impact on their balance sheets.

This is an important difference to realize as you make decisions about many elements of your promotional platform, including School & Library appearances. While not mutually exclusive, it may be useful to decide whether you are doing appearances primarily to generate maximum income OR for optimal book promotion and to lay groundwork for future books.  Though the nuances can be different, for both of these objectives, most authors and illustrators with whom I discuss this question have 3 concerns:

1. VOLUME: Scheduling more appearances and/or getting the right type of appearances (more, better "gigs").

2. QUALITY: Making scheduled appearances worthwhile for school or library host, students, and themselves and moving books and/or generating interest in future appearances (e.g., an enjoyable, mutually beneficial experience that does not end when the author leaves the assembly hall).

3. BALANCE: Maintaining a balance between handling self-promotion efforts, maintaining publicity commitments for your publisher, and managing editorial deadlines & new writing projects (having a writing life--and a life!).

These concerns are inter-related. By optimizing quality, for example, you can increase volume. By setting some parameters to create balance in your promotion-writing-living life, you are able to narrow marketing targets and more efficiently increase volume. And, an established, quality appearance program tends to organically generate interest and additional requests, diminishing the need to work on the issue of volume and helping the writer maintain balance.

Friday's post will cover concern #1: VOLUME.

Meanwhile, just finished reading the arc of Holly Black's WHITE CAT, due out next month. This is an amazing story about a teenage boy, Cassel Sharpe, his clan of conning "curse workers," and the complex relationships between memory, truth and dreams. Working his way through the twisting magical-mystery plot and settings ranging from an elite prep school to a pack-rat's chaotic house to Atlantic City, Cassel is a fascinating unreliable narrator--a liar who loves to lie yet at the same time may not realize the truth of his own identity. Keep your eye out for this one in bookstores May 4th!

Highlights of SCBWI New York Conference

1. The absolute charm and energy of Francesco Sedita, and the uncanny perspective and incisive intelligence of Julie Strauss-Gabel at the Friday writers' intensive.

2. Libba Bray's awesome keynote. Woke up this morning and promised myself to be a giraffe unafraid to jump off a cliff and then try to grow wings (that's a picture, huh?). Want to know what I'm talking about? Check out the SCBWI Team Blog.

3. Alvina Ling's eloquent and thoughtful presentation on the literary novel. And Tina Wexler's heartfelt enthusiasm and hope for writers and books in these chaotic days of publishing.

4. The astonishing number of Washington writers represented in NYC this past weekend! I was repeatedly amazed by the folks from the Western Washington chapter of SCBWI and feel extraordinarily grateful for all that they do for children's book writers in our rainy, coffee-addicted corner of the world. Seriously. Joni, Laurie and Kim (and Jolie and Jaime, and all the rest of you adcom superheros)--you are amazing!

5. Wonderful conversations with friends old and new. Thanks, Dawn, Jennifer, Nancy, Kathleen, Leah, Jim, Michelle, Angelina, Susan, Barb...

I return to my computer overwhelmed, frightened, challenged and excited but most of all more determined than ever to write my best and tell my own stories.