Dallas Children’s Book Fair

Posted on April 10, 2009 by Lupe Ruiz-Flores

I will be participating in the upcoming Dallas Children’s Book Fair and Literary Festival on April 17-18, 2009, along with several other children’s book authors and illustrators. This literary festival held to promote literacy is sponsored by the African-American Museum of Dallas. It is held at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library. It is free and open to the public.

Posted on April 4, 2009 by Lupe Ruiz-Flores

Sometimes when you’re struggling with a certain piece of writing, it’s a good idea to do something else to clear your mind. A while back, I was having all kinds of problems with a YA novel I was writing. It just wasn’t working. For weeks, I edited, revised, rewrote, etc. I finally put it aside and started working on a picture book that I had started and never finished. It was a whimsical piece that was fun. Turns out that picture book is due to be published sometime next year. And the YA novel? I finally finished it and submitted it to a publisher. I am keeping my fingers crossed on this. Hope it is accepted and finds its way into print. Try it. It might just work for you too.

The picture of the flowing creek was taken at a writer’s workshop I attended a couple of years ago in Honesdale, Pa.

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Lupe Ruiz-Flores

Every year around this time, we get warnings about computer viruses. This year was no different. Although I already have anti-virus software installed on my PC, I still worried. What to do? I backed up my files, just in case. I’ve worked too hard on developing the characters in my stories, working on setting, plot, character emotion, etc., to lose it all. It just makes sense to backup your files on a regular basis not just when there are computer virus warnings. Happy Writing!

The kites in the picture were created by students of Jose Escandon Elementary, Mission, Texas, during one of my school visits. My book, Lupita’s Papalote, is about a little girl and her magic kite.

Reading Rock Stars

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Lupe Ruiz-Flores

I’m back from the Reading Rock Stars school visits in the Rio Grande Valley. It was a great experience sponsored by the Texas Book Festival, Region One, and the University of Texas Pan Am (UTPA). The children enjoyed the story about The Woodcutter’s Gift and asked really good questions at the end. They always want to know where a writer gets the idea for the book, how the process works, how long does it take for a book to be published, etc.

I tell my audience that a writer is a storyteller. Everyone has a story. A writer just writes it down so that others may enjoy it. During my Power Point presentation, I showed them where I got the idea for the book, the writing process from idea to final product (publication), and what I used to do before I became a writer. Events such as these rejuvenate my spirit and make me glad I am a writer. I not only enjoyed the children and the school visits, but I met other writers as well. One came from as far away as Puerto Rico.

Writing Contests

Posted on March 22, 2009 by Lupe Ruiz-Flores

My hard copy of the Children’s Book Insider newsletter mentions the author, Jay Asher, and how he “entered his manuscript in as many contests” as he could. He’s now written a very successful YA novel, Thirteen Reasons Why.

If you want to test the waters like I did a few years ago, entering writing contests is a good way to start. You learn about guidelines, word count, deadlines, theme, etc., while you’re polishing your story for entry. Google or browse through some of your favorite magazines for writing contests. Writing contests are a wonderful opportunity for aspiring writers. Go ahead. Do it!

Blogger Tips

Posted on March 18, 2009 by Lupe Ruiz-Flores

If you’re a new blogger like me, you might be interested in an article published by blogger Alice Pope, Children’s Writer & Illustrator Market. It’s an interview with Children’s Author Donna McDine. The title of the article is “Write What Inspires You.”

Posted on March 16, 2009 by Lupe Ruiz-Flores

Write with passion. Immerse yourself in the writing process and all that it entails. Believe in yourself and never give up. A while back, I did an interview with author and blogger Cynthia Leitich Smith. You might find it interesting.

Author of Children’s Books

Posted on March 12, 2009 by Lupe Ruiz-Flores

I consider myself a late bloomer. Before my second career as a writer, I was an aerospace engineering technician. I loved my job; however, the only writing I did then was technical writing. Now I belong to a writer’s critique group, which is an excellent way to receive constructive feedback on your writing. These sessions can help in honing one’s writing skills. If a writer can find excellent critique partners like mine, thank your lucky stars. Joining writers’ clubs and attending writers’ conferences also opens up a whole new world for writers. Not only can you network, but you find lasting friends that share your passion for writing.

I live in Texas, and in a couple of weeks, I am going down to the Rio Grande Valley, which is close to the Mexican border to promote literacy through an annual event sponsored by the Festival of International Books & Arts (FESTIBA). My school visits are part of the Reading Rock Stars program sponsored by Texas Book Festival, which is an aspect of the FESTIBA literary event. I will keep you posted.