Critique Group Meeting

I'm meeting with my critique group this weekend. Can't wait. The other three members have been working and critiquing together for a while, but this will be my first meeting with them. I will post a glimpse into our critique process early next week. Stay tuned!

The Picnic Basket...

Is a new way for teachers and librarians to review new and forthcoming titles of children's literature. Anything from picture books to easy reader to YA.  The steps are simple: 

1. Click on the link to request a copy of a featured title from the publisher.

2. Receive book in the mail and READ it!

3. Write a short review and post in comments section of The Picnic Basket website.

As a writer for young people, I can't think of a better way to stay in tune with children's literature. Part of the game is knowing what is currently being published and what is flying off the shelves and what is not.  If you're a school or library professional, take advantage of this new literature highway built by Deborah Sloan!

Thanks, Deborah!   

A Successful Writing Career

I can't help but post this link to Lois Lowry's blog. She is one of the best storytellers ever. What an opportunity to read about her life and daily happenings as she makes her living as a successful author. She includes many photos. Check out the ones from her place in Maine. What a writer's retreat!

Lois Lowry:  http://loislowry.typepad.com/lowry_updates/

SCBWI Summer Conference

While I did not attend the conference this year, I certainly heard about it from my critique group members and the online community. Here is Alice Pope's blog link to catch you up to speed on this past weekend's SCBWI extravaganza of learning, networking, and schmoozing! Included are posts about workshops and sessions, and she even included photos!  Thanks, Alice!

http://www.cwim.blogspot.com/

Further Summer Reading

Year of the Dog, by Grace Lin

The Year of the Rat, by Grace Lin

Can't wait to read these two books. I know that Year of the Dog came out a while ago, but I never got to it. Time to get to it!

Grace Lin's website:  www.gracelin.com/

Meeting My Critique Group

Last night I met with my potential critique group. I say potential because I haven't been officially accepted as part of the group yet. It was my first time meeting two of the ladies and the other one I already knew. We met at a restaurant close to the Hyatt in LA, the site of the Annual SCBWI Summer Conference. Overall, it was a nice evening of conversation about anything from the current state of education to writing for children. 

The three ladies are attending the SCBWI conference. I'm not because I didn't get my act together in time. But I've committed to myself on going next year. I deserve it. 

I'm excited about being part of a critique group. With one MG novel complete, getting quality feedback from a set of peers has become a necessity for me. The three ladies are cordial, professional, and have zero egos, which is the most important thing for me. If it's one thing I can't stand, it's a writer with an ego.  I've already received one set of notes from the member I know. The 9 pages of notes were fantastically constructive and positive. Hopefully they are willing to accept me as a member in their group and this is the beginning of a long professional relationship that benefits everyone involved. 

The three of them did rave about Bruce Coville's opening remarks at the SCBWI conference. They said he was funny and inspiring and that I should really make an effort to hear him speak. Darn it!  Why didn't I go this year.