Suffering from Writer’s Block?
September 3, 2010 by admin
Filed under Writing for Children
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
Every writer suffers from Writer’s Block from time to time.
Get the help you need to eliminate Writer’s Block and a host of other ailments that plague writers when you subscribe to The Morning Nudge!
Teleclasses for Children’s Writers
September 3, 2010 by admin
Filed under Writing for Children
Every week, the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club sponsors a special teleclass that covers some aspect of writing and publishing for children.
And now, the teleclasses are also available to non-club members at a special price that includes a CD of the recorded teleclass.
For just $5.97, you get to attend the LIVE teleclass, where you can ask questions, make comments, and interact with the instructor and the other participants. PLUS, you get a CD via regular mail a few days after the recorded teleclass.
Find out more about our teleclasses here.
Tips for Grandparents Who Want to Write Children’s Books
September 1, 2010 by admin
Filed under Writing for Children
If you’re a grandparent, chances are your darling grandchildren have inspired you to write many cute little stories related to some of the wonderful times you’ve had together. And, at some point, you’ll probably consider turning these stories into published books and you’ll hope to sell them to a children’s book publisher. That’s a wonderful idea! But there are a few common mistakes to avoid if you’re a grandparent who hasn’t taken classes for children’s writers, yet you hope to publish your stories for kids. You probably aren’t familiar with some of the “tricks of the trade” – the elements children’s publishers look for in the manuscripts they tend to purchase.
Here are some tips to help you have the best chance of finding a publisher for your stories:
1. Although your story may include you, the grandparent, be sure the story is told from your grandchild’s point of view.
2. Give your grandchild a problem right at the start of the story. But beware – do NOT have your grandchild simply ask you (or any other well-meaning person in the story) what to do to solve this problem. Your grandchild needs to figure out what to do himself and then go try to do it.
3. Beware of featuring too many adults in your story. If you – the grandparent – play a major role in the story, don’t include many other adults in your tale, too. Avoid the tendency to also have mom or dad show up in the story to offer even more well-meaning advice to your grandchild.
Follow these 3 tips and the delightful story you write, based on your real live grandchildren, will have a much better chance of being accepted by a traditional children’s publisher and turned into a charming picture book you can proudly present to your grandchildren and also see in bookstores across the country.
Learn to Prepare the Perfect Pitch!
February 23, 2010 by admin
Filed under Writing for Children
Learn how to sell YOUR ideas for books, articles, and work-for-hire projects through a perfect pitch!
Call in to this special teleclass on Thursday, February 25, 2010, at noon CST when Nancy I. Sanders will present Preparing a Perfect Pitch. Nancy has written over 75 published books, and she received contracts for many of these books simply because she had the perfect pitch!
In this 55-minute teleclass Nancy will cover:
# Building the confidence to pitch
# Pitching a book idea
# Pitching a work-for-hire project
# Pitching a magazine article
# Answers to your questions about pitching ideas
Click here to register now!
Author Interviews at Claudsy’s Blog
January 29, 2010 by admin
Filed under Writing for Children
For interesting author interviews, visit Claudsy’s Blog!
I was recently interviewed for this site and the interview is today’s post. I hope you’ll read and enjoy it!
American Library Association Announces Literary Award Winners
January 19, 2010 by admin
Filed under Writing for Children
BOSTON – The American Library Association (ALA) today announced the top books, audiobooks and video for children and young adults – including the Caldecott, King, Newbery and Printz awards – at its Midwinter Meeting in Boston.
A list of all the 2010 literary award winners follows:
John Newbery Medal for most outstanding contribution to children’s literature
“When You Reach Me,” written by Rebecca Stead, is the 2010 Newbery Medal winner. The book is published by Wendy Lamb Books, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books.
Four Newbery Honor Books also were named:
“Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice” by Phillip Hoose and published by Melanie Kroupa Books/Farrar Straus Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
“The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate” by Jacqueline Kelly and published by Henry Holt and Company
“Where the Mountain Meets the Moon” by Grace Lin and published by Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers
“The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg” by Rodman Philbrick and published by The Blue Sky Press, An Imprint of Scholastic Inc.
Randolph Caldecott Medal for most distinguished American picture book for children
“The Lion & the Mouse,” illustrated and written by Jerry Pinkney, is the 2010 Caldecott Medal winner. The book was published by Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers.
Two Caldecott Honor Books also were named:
“All the World,” illustrated by Marla Frazee, written by Liz Garton Scanlon and published by Beach Lane Books
“Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors,” illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski, written by Joyce Sidman and published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults
“Going Bovine,” written by Libba Bray, is the 2010 Printz Award winner. The book is published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Random House.
Four Printz Honor Books also were named:
“Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith” by Deborah Heiligman, published by Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
“The Monstrumologist” by Rick Yancey, published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Group
“Punkzilla” by Adam Rapp, published by Candlewick Press
“Tales of the Madman Underground: An Historical Romance, 1973” by John Barnes, published by Viking Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group.
Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults
“Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal,” written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, is the King Author Book winner. The book is illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, published by Carolrhoda Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.
One King Author Honor Book was selected
“Mare’s War” by tanita s. davis and published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Random House, Inc.
Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award
“My People,” illustrated by Charles R. Smith Jr., is the King Illustrator Book winner. The book was written by Langston Hughes and published by ginee seo books, Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
One King Illustrator Honor Book was selected
“The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” illustrated by E. B. Lewis, written by Langston Hughes and published by Disney – Jump at the Sun Books, an imprint of Disney Book Group.
Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award
“The Rock and the River,” written by kekla magoon, is the Steptoe winner. The book is published by Aladdin, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.
Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement
Walter Dean Myers is the winner of this first-ever Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award pays tribute to the quality and magnitude of beloved children’s author Virginia Hamilton. Myers’ books include: “Amiri & Odette: A Love Story,” published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic; “Fallen Angels,” published by Scholastic Press; “Monster,” published by Amistad and HarperTeen, imprints of HarperCollins Publishers; and “Sunrise Over Fallujah,” published by Scholastic Press.
Pura Belpré (Illustrator) Award honoring a Latino writer and illustrator whose children’s books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience
“Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children’s Day/Book Day; Celebremos El día de los niños/El día de los libros,” illustrated by Rafael López, is the Belpré Illustrator Award winner. The book was written by Pat Mora and published by Rayo, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
Three Belpré Illustrator Honor Books were selected:
“Diego: Bigger Than Life,” illustrated by David Diaz, written by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand and published by Marshall Cavendish Children
“My Abuelita,” illustrated by Yuyi Morales, written by Tony Johnston and published by Harcourt Children’s Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
“Gracias Thanks,” illustrated by John Parra, written by Pat Mora and published by Lee & Low Books Inc.
Pura Belpré (Author) Award
“Return to Sender,” written by Julia Alvarez, is the Belpré Author Award winner. The book is published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books.
Two Belpré Author Honor Books were named:
“Diego: Bigger Than Life,” written by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, illustrated by David Diaz and published by Marshall Cavendish Children
“Federico García Lorca,” written by Georgina Lázaro, illustrated by Enrique S. Moreiro and published by Lectorum Publications Inc.
Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience
“Django” written and illustrated by Bonnie Christensen and published by Neal Porter Book, Roaring Brook Press, wins the award for best young children ages 0 to 10.
“Anything but Typical” written by Nora Raleigh Baskin and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, is the winner for middle grades (ages 11-13).
The teen (ages 13-18) award winner is “Marcelo in the Real World,” written by Francisco X. Stork and published by Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.
William C. Morris Award honors a book written by a first-time author for young adults
“Flash Burnout,” written by L.K. Madigan, is the Morris Award winner. The book is published by Houghton Mifflin, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Odyssey Award for excellence in audiobook production
Live Oak Media, producer of the audiobook “Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken” is the winner of the Odyssey Award. The book was written by Kate DiCamillo and narrated by Barbara Rosenblat.
Three Odyssey Honor Audiobooks were named:
“In the Belly of the Bloodhound: Being an Account of a Particularly Peculiar Adventure in the Life of Jacky Faber,” produced by Listen & Live Audio, Inc., written by L. A. Meyer and narrated by Katherine Kellgren
“Peace, Locomotion,” produced by Brilliance Audio, written by Jacqueline Woodson and narrated by Dion Graham
“We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball,” produced by Brilliance Audio, written by Kadir Nelson and narrated by Dion Graham.
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for most distinguished beginning reader book
“Benny and Penny in the Big No-No!,” written and illustrated by Geoffrey Hayes is the Geisel Award winner. The book is published by TOON BOOKS, a division of RAW Junior, LLC.
Four Geisel Honor Books were named:
“I Spy Fly Guy!” written and illustrated by Tedd Arnold and published by Scholastic
“Little Mouse Gets Ready,” written and illustrated by Jeff Smith and published by TOON BOOKS, a division of RAW Junior, LLC
“Mouse and Mole: Fine Feathered Friends,” written and illustrated by Wong Herbert Yee and published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
“Pearl and Wagner: One Funny Day,” written by Kate McMullan, illustrated by R. W. Alley and published by Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group.
Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults
Jim Murphy is the 2010 Edwards Award winner. His books include: “An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793,” published by Clarion Books; “Blizzard! The Storm That Changed America,” published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic; “The Great Fire,” published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic; “The Long Road to Gettysburg,” published by Clarion Books; and “A Young Patriot: The American Revolution as Experienced by One Boy,” published by Clarion Books.
Robert F. Sibert Medal for most distinguished informational book for children
“Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream,” written by Tanya Lee Stone, is the Sibert Award winner. The book is published by Candlewick Press.
Three Sibert Honor Books were named:
“The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors,” written by Chris Barton, illustrated by Tony Persiani and published by Charlesbridge
“Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11,” written and illustrated by Brian Floca, and published by Richard Jackson/Atheneum Books for Young Readers
“Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice,” written by Phillip Hoose and published by Melanie Kroupa/Farrar Straus Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.
YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award
“Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith,” written by Deborah Heiligman, is the winner of the first-ever YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award. The book is published by Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.
Andrew Carnegie Medal for excellence in children’s video
Paul R. Gagne and Mo Willems of Weston Woods, producers of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!,” are the Carnegie Medal winners. The video is based on the book of the same name written and illustrated by Willems; it was narrated by Willems and Jon Scieszka with animation by Pete List.
Mildred L. Batchelder Award for an outstanding children’s book translated from a foreign language and subsequently published in the United States
“A Faraway Island” is the 2010 Batchelder Award winner. Originally published in Swedish in 1996 as “En ö i havet,” the book was written by Annika Thor, translated by Linda Schenck, and published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books.
Three Batchelder Honor Books also were selected:
“Big Wolf and Little Wolf,” written by Nadine Brun-Cosme, illustrated by Olivier Tallec, translated by Claudia Bedrick and published by Enchanted Lion Books
“Eidi,” written by Bodil Bredsdorff, translated by Kathryn Mahaffy and published by Farrar Straus Giroux
“Moribito II: Guardian of the Darkness,” written by Nahoko Uehashi, illustrated by Yuko Shimizu, translated by Cathy Hirano and published by Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.
Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences
“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope” by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, published by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
“The Bride’s Farewell” by Meg Rosoff, published by Viking Penguin, a member of Penguin Group
“Everything Matters!” by Ron Currie, Jr., published by Viking Penguin, a member of Penguin Group
“The Good Soldiers” by David Finkel, published by Sarah Crichton Books, an imprint of Farrar, Straus and Giroux
“The Kids Are All Right: A Memoir” by Diana Welch and Liz Welch with Amanda Welch and Dan Welch, published by Harmony Books, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House
“The Magicians,” by Lev Grossman, published by Viking Penguin, a member of Penguin Group
“My Abandonment” by Peter Rock, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
“Soulless: An Alexia Tarabotti Novel,” by Gail Carriger, published by Orbit, an imprint of Hachette Book Group
“Stitches: A Memoir” by David Small, published by W.W. Norton & Company
“Tunneling to the Center of the Earth” by Kevin Wilson, published by Harper Perennial, an imprint of HarperCollins
May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award recognizing an author, critic, librarian, historian or teacher of children’s literature, who then presents a lecture at a winning host site
Lois Lowry will deliver the 2011 lecture. The internationally acclaimed author’s career spans more than 30 years. She is a two-time recipient of the Newbery Medal, in 1990 for “Number the Stars,” set in Denmark during World War II, and in 1994 for the eerily dystopian “The Giver.” Both books are published by Houghton Mifflin.
Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, ALA awards guide parents, educators, librarians and others in selecting the best materials for youth. Selected by judging committees of librarians and other children’s experts, the awards encourage original and creative work. For more information on the ALA youth media awards and notables, please visit the ALA Web site at www.ala.org.
Tools of the Trade: The Best Reference Books for Writers’ Libraries
December 10, 2009 by admin
Filed under Writing for Children
A big “thank you” to fellow children’s writers who helped me with source material for my article that’s in the current (December) issue of Children’s Writer – the newsletter of writing and publishing trends. The article is called Tools of the Trade: The Best Reference Books for Writers’ Libraries.
After over 8 years of writing for this publication and teaching for the Institute of Children’s Literature, this is the 1st time they’ve gotten my byline incorrect. It says “Susan Lieurance.” Oh, well…
If you don’t subscribe to Children’s Writer, click here to get a FREE issue and find out more about subscribing.
Two Teleclasses for Children’s Writers This Week
December 9, 2009 by admin
Filed under Writing for Children
The Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club is offering two teleclasses for children’s writers this week. And, no, you don’t have to be a member of the club to register for either or both of these teleclasses.
The first teleclass this week takes place this afternoon – Wednesday, December 9, 2009 – at 3:00 CST. Margot Finke will present Writing for the Middle Grades and Young Adults.
Simon Rose will present our second teleclass this week tomorrow night – Thursday, December 10, 2009 – at 8:00 CST. He’ll talk about Writing in the Holiday Season.
To learn more about these and other fun and informative teleclasses for children’s writers, go to www.getrealresources.com
Tricks of the Trade: Learn to Write for Children in Just 6 Weeks
November 14, 2009 by admin
Filed under Writing for Children
If you’ve been struggling to become a published children’s writer with little or no success, chances are you haven’t spent the time, money, and effort required to first learn the “business” of writing for children.
And writing and publishing for children IS a business.
Creating a marketable manuscript for children means more than simply writing a cute little story with kids as the main characters. Writers also need to know the business of writing for children, which includes many tricks of the trade.
You’ll learn all those tricks of the trade, plus much more, in my new 6-week e-course for aspiring children’s writers.
Teleclasses to Help Build YOUR Writing Career
November 14, 2009 by admin
Filed under Writing for Children
If you’re trying to build your own career as a children’s writer, you’ll want to check out the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club AND see the list of fun and informative LIVE teleclasses we’ve been offering every week.
Go to www.getrealresources.com to see the list of teleclasses!
