Book Events

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Just had a jammed-packed two weekends of book events. First, I participated in the Education Services Center (ESC) Roundup in San Antonio on September 23. There were hundreds of librarians from the local and surrounding areas. I was on a panel with several other writers and illustrators who came from all over Texas. Between signings, we discussed our latest works and upcoming events.
Then on September 30, I was in the Rio Grande Valley at another ESC book event, this time at Region One in McAllen. Again, I was on a panel and met different writers and illustrators who were all enthused to be there.
Come Saturday, October 1, we all headed to the Harlingen Public Library where a book festival was the event of the day. The library is beautiful with a gorgeous courtyard where I did a reading of my book, The Battle of the Snow Cones. Then some of us were on a panel answering questions about the writing and illustrating process.
Courtyard – Harlingen Public Library
It was an exhaustive but fun time. Networking and socializing with teachers, librarians, writers, illustrators, parents of young school children, and of course, the children themselves was a super rewarding experience. Cannot wait until next time. 
Mark Twain and Author

 “To do without tales and stories and books is to lose humanity’s past, is to have no star map for our future.” – Jane Yolen

First scenes in MG and YA fiction

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First scenes in middle grade and young adult fiction from editor’s comments at the SCBWI SW-TX conference.     

§  The goal of a first scene is to grab your reader’s attention and make them want to read your second scene.

§  Example of a first sentence in a scene: “I stole a body.”           

§  Example of a first sentence in a scene: “The house did not want her there.” 

§  Intrigue the heck out of the reader with your first scene.  

§  A great first scene starts the story in the right place. Otherwise, you can confuse your reader.  

§  A scene only matters within the context of its plot. 

§  Think about the promise that you made to your reader and keep that promise throughout the scene that you write. 

§  It’s like a puzzle: every scene has to be in its place in order for the plot to be complete. 

§  Every scene needs a goal and every scene advances your story. 

§  Do not start with back story. Give the reader only what they absolutely need. No info dump. Integrate this throughout the novel instead. 

§  Your first scene is not about a lot of details about your character. You don’t have to introduce ALL of your characters. You will bog down the reader with too many details. 

§  Your story needs to have momentum and tension from the very first scene.
More on scenes to come.
Old-fashioned stove in Albuquerque

“No matter how much formal education you’ve had, it’s best to read as many classics as possible and keep abreast of today’s popular reading, especially in the area to which you hope to contribute.” — Writing Tip from Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner

Writing tips for picture books

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A success! We just had our annual SCBWI-SWTX (San Antonio Chapter) conference in our lovely city of San Antonio. Attendance was good and everyone seemed to have gotten something out of the conference and critiques by editors and agents from New York and California. Some comments from the editors on picture books:

                  §  A book has to mean something to a child.

§  Voice – Story has to be told in a way that feels new and original. Unique voice.

§  Use clever, evocative language.

§  Narrative arc – what’s going to happen next?

§  Not all books have narrative arc, i.e., concept books.

§  Pacing – what keeps the reader turning the pages.

§  Are characters memorable and relatable?

§  Word count should be around 250 – 1000 words.
Captive audience
Conference Luncheon
River Walk
If you’re a writer or illustrator and wish to join the local San Antonio SCBWI chapter, contact our Regional Advisor for details.
Next time: First scenes in middle grade and young adult fiction. 
“Membership in a national professional writing group or organization can help you establish a professional image as it increases your visibility.” — Writing Tip from Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner 

Book Illustrations

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For illustrators and writers alike, you might want to see the gorgeous book illustrations in  Elizabeth Bluemle’s post, “Overlooked by the Caldecott,” published in the Publishers Weekly, Shelf Talker blog. 
What is the Caldecott? According to the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), “The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.” 
To learn about the history behind this medal and the criteria for awarding the Caldecott, visit the Randolph Caldecott Medal ALSC link. 
In the meantime, enjoy the beautiful art of those illustrators mentioned in Bluemle’s article.

Fredericksburg
“Know yourself. Listen to a lot of music. Don’t whine. Maintain your sense of humor; indulge your sense of play. Persist, persist, persist.” – Kathleen Krull

Traditional versus vanity presses

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Have you ever thought about self publishing your book? These days, more and more writers are thinking about it. What are the risks? What are the pros and cons? How much does it cost? The questions go on and on. Harold Underdown addresses this issue in his article, “Between Publishers and Vanity Presses: Opportunities and Dangers in the Twilight Zone.” He lists the options you, as a writer, have. He points out the difference in publishing with traditional presses and vanity presses. He doesn’t condemn or endorse either one, but leaves the decision up to the writer. What he does offer are the options that are available. Interesting read.  

The Texas Book Festival (Austin, Texas)  is coming up on October 22-23, 2011. For a preview of the author lineup, visit the link above. I’ve been a featured author there twice and have really enjoyed the event. Attend if you can. Well worth it.

“I want to write a book that will be read from beginning to end with a mounting sense of anticipation and discovery–read willingly, with a feeling of genuine pleasure.” — Russell Freedman

Audio recordings of books

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If you enjoy listening to authors and illustrators discuss the creative process in bringing their books to life, I recommend the Teaching Books link. The nine books on this list (link) are award-winning books, i.e., 2011 Newbery Medal winner, Moon over Manifest, by Clare Vanderpool. I read this book when it came out and loved it. Of course, I am partial to historical fiction. Another book on the list, is 2011 Pura Belpré Award winner, The Dreamer, by Pam Muñoz Ryan, one of my favorite authors. The audio recordings include excerpts from the books read by the authors themselves. Enjoy.

It’s nice to walk into a bookstore and see your books on display!

“If you doodle enough, the characters begin to take over themselves–after a year and a half or so.” — Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss)

Editing Symbols

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Do you know some of the editing symbols that go with the territory? For instance, if an editor or someone in your critique group goes over your manuscript and scribbles all those strange-looking squiggles all over your pages, would you know what they meant for your editing process? Most writers know, but just in case you don’t, this post, How to Revise Your Work (& Awesome Editing Symbols You Should Know), by Brian A. Klems on the Writer’s Digest blog is informative but also a fun read because he adds some of his own editing symbols to the well-known ones. Have fun.

Out in the Hill Country

“No matter what your writing life brings, believe in yourself and keep moving forward. Most writers cycle between periods of self-doubt and periods of confidence.” –Writing Tip from Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner

First Pages

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One of the sessions I attended at SCBWI-LA was on “First Pages,” or what some of us call, “the hook.” Three YA books were recommended as examples of great first 500 words: 

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Chime by Franny Billingsley

I’ll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan 

Los Angeles

Author Nathan Branford’s blog, “Five openings to avoid,” offers tips on how not to start your first pages. On his post, he writes: “I am saying that you should think once, twice, and five thousand times about using these.” So take a look.

Here’s a treat if you want to take a peek at the Spring 2012 children’s books posted by Publishers Weekly.

“Search through your childhood memories and rediscover what it felt like to live in the world of a child; the joys, the fears, and the dreams.” — Audrey Wood

More SCBWI-LA

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More notes from the SCBWI-LA conference. Bruce Colville was one of the keynote speakers. He’s written so many books I can’t even list them. Go to his website to find out. Notes I took during his speech:

  • Take your art and yourself seriously as a business person.
  • Pay attention to contracts. 
  • Pay attention to your royalty statements. Learn to negotiate. Provide for your retirement and insurance.
  • Never throw anything away, i.e., drafts, half-finished manuscripts, ideas, notes, etc.
  • Scare yourself. Take on assignments that challenge and scare you. Take risks. Go further.Make your own rules. (There’s no right way – each path is different for each book).
  • Don’t be afraid to show your heart. Put it in your writing. Explore the unfinished cord. Give kids something they can’t stop thinking about. An image you cannot forget.
  • Our words have an effect that ripples on. You don’t know what effect your words will have. Don’t start with a message. Start with your own heart. Start with a great character.
  • Polish those pebbles until they shine.
  • Unlock the heart and free the spirit.

 Pretty good advice, don’t you think?

Richard Peck and Lupe Ruiz-Flores

Newbery Medal winner (A Year Down Yonder – 2001)  Richard Peck was also a keynote speaker. His talk is always inspirational. I love his books and I bought his latest one, Three Quarters Dead, and had it autographed.

Booksigning lines
 “A writer who isn’t ‘serious’ isn’t a writer at all.” – E.B. White

My pic with Judy Blume at SCBWI

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I consider myself very lucky to have attended the SCBWI’s 40th anniversary conference. The speakers were inspirational, accessible, and offered great advice on the writing and publishing process. Wendy Werris summarized it well on the Publishers Weekly blog. Take a peek at her article covering the SCBWI-LA conference. Enjoy. By the way, I was thrilled to have taken a picture with none other than the great, famous author, the surprise guest speaker, Judy Blume of numerous books including Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. I also met and took a picture with actor/author Henry Winkler (The Fonz!)

Judy Blume & Lupe Ruiz-Flores
 “We start writing books on the day something different happens.” — Judy Blume at the SCBWI-LA Conference

Lin Oliver (Co-founder of SCBWI), Lupe Ruiz-Flores, Henry Winkler

Special 40th Anniversary Dessert