McAllen Book Festival. I just returned from the McAllen Book Festival in McAllen, Texas. There were about 7,000 people attending and numerous authors, illustrators, and poets were part of the program as well. The festival is growing each year. There were author panels, illustrators sketching, author readings, and book sales. The weather cooperated, and the children not only enjoyed the authors’ readings, but also the carnival atmosphere on the grounds. The librarians and volunteers who made all this possible are to be commended. Great job!!

Author Lupe Ruiz-Flores at McAllen Book Festival

Author Lineup at McAllen Book Festival

These last couple of days I have spent reading and writing in my journal. As I read, I also come up with ideas for stories or poems. I am looking forward to a poetry workshop conducted by the famous poet, Naomi Shihab Nye. Going back over this year’s journaling, I find nuggets that inspire stories and poems. I don’t write in it everyday, but I do make entries regularly. Do you keep a journal?

Here is a wonderful blog on the Published To Death website listing children’s book publishers who are accepting unagented authors.

And if you’re like me, I’m always looking for books on writing and must-read books. The blog, “100 Must-Read, Best Books on Writing and the Writer’s Life, on the BookRiot website, is an excellent source.

Having trouble writing a query letter? Here is a basic breakdown of the query on the Sub It Club blog. Good stuff here.

Keep writing and Happy Thanksgiving!