School Visits. This week I had the pleasure of doing two school visits in Austin. One was sponsored by Project WISE (Writers in Schools for Enrichment) at Uphaus Early Childhood Center and the other one was a regular reading/presentation/writing workshop at Bernice Hart Elementary. I did some of the readings both in English and Spanish since many students were bilingual. I always get inspired and energized by the enthusiasm of the students. That is why I write. My objective is that they will become lifelong readers.

Mountain Press is accepting submissions. According to their website: MOUNTAIN PRESS publishes nonfiction trade books for general audiences, both adults and children. We will consider proposals for projects in natural history (including field guides for birds, wildlife, plants, etc.), western U.S. history, and earth science. Visit their website above for specific guidelines.

The Institute of Children’s Literature is sponsoring another writing contest. This time the topic is a middle-grade-adventure fictional story. Remember, I entered their contest in 2015 and won the grand prize! Take a leap of faith and go for it!

A hook works because it creates a strong emotional bond between the readers and the central character. – The Writer’s Digest Writing Clinic

Writing Tips for Picture Books. Here’s the next interesting post on, “Editors at the top – Beach Lane’s Allyn Johnston,” on the Picture Book Builders blog. The interview was conducted by Barb Rosenstock. This is one of a four-part series interviewing editors that run their own imprints. Great article. Enjoy.

For Picture Book writers, listen up. The Josh Funk Books blog offers great tips (12 lessons) on how to delve into that genre. From “So you wrote a book, so what?” to “Story Arc Components.” A must read for picture book writers.

I’ve been doing research on a picture book myself. I was lucky enough to find primary sources for my story. After a year of searching, I finally came across some real-life people who added perspective and valuable details to the story I am writing. Awesome!

Writing is a way of talking without being interrupted. – Jules Renard (From the book, The Writer’s Daily Companion).

2017 Poetry Winner. Great way to start the New Year. I submitted a short poem in the middle of December 2015 to the 8^th annual “Poetry on the Move” contest in San Antonio. Out of 266 entries, my poem was one of 12 selected. My poem and that of the other winners will be printed on interior cards that will be placed in all our city buses and vans for the month of April 2017 for passengers to enjoy. An artist will interpret each poem that will be displayed on the buses. Isn’t that cool? Take a leap of faith and enter either a writing contest or a poetry contest. You never know.

Chautauqua

Here’s an interesting post, “Editors at the top – 7 sentences with Anne Schwartz,” on the Picture Book Builders blog. This one of a four-part series interviewing editors that run their own imprints. The second one is with Neal Porter, founder of Neal Porter Books, an imprint of Roaring Brook (Macmillan). Enjoy.

Wishing you a Happy New Year and success in your writing!

Words have weight, sound and appearance; it is only by considering these that you can write a sentence that is good to look at and good to listen to. – W. Somerset Maugham