Jacket Flap

My first post of the new year... so much for posting those intended 'resolutions' and being a better blogger!

If you haven't heard of Jacket Flap, it's a website that connects authors, illustrators and publishers in the children's writing community. I've been a member since 2006, but thanks to some friendly encouragement from one of my writing group members, I finally updated info on there. So, check me out at Jacket Flap, and you can also link back to this site from there, too.

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Humpty Dumpty

I knew the title of this post would catch your attention. No, I'm not talking about the egg who sat on the wall. I'm talking about the magazine that I sold a story to. Actually it was a build a book manuscript that was purchased. It should be out in the March/April 2010 issue. It' funny, but you just never know what an editor will like. I met Terry Harshman, the editor, at IN-SCBWI's fall picture book conference. Since she said she was in need of these particular manuscripts, I got three together and sent them off. I wasn't as fond of the one I sold as the other two I sent. But a sale is a sale, and I'll take it!

My blogging (and writing for that matter) has been slow lately, because of my editing job. It seems that lately all I do is edit. But, that is a guaranteed paycheck, and when the bills come in, well, you do what you have to do. My intentions for the new year (I hate to say resolution because I've resolved to do this before) include being a better blogger. Hey, maybe I'll make it my intention to post a blog about my intentions for the new year!

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Sara Grant Conference

Just over a week ago I had the chance to listen to Sara Grant speak at a small conference in Carmel, Indiana. I must say, out of all the conferences I have been to, large and small, this was one of the most informative ever! Sara provided us with a plethora of information on ghost writing and Working Partners. She gave tips, advice, and solid information we could use. But, she didn't stop there. She then went into novel revision, and used her work to show concrete examples of how she tackles major problems in the revision process. The abundance of information was so valuable. I can't think of a better way to spend $35 and learn so much.

Plus, I got to eat a fabulous lunch at Ted's Montana Grill. If you've never been there and ever have the chance, you must try it. I had a bison burger that was so juicy and fresh. Everything they serve is made daily and the homemade pickles were out of this world! The best part of the restaurant is the mentality behind it - everything, from the paper straws to the butcher paper tablecloths, is recyclable. This was quite an experience. I dined with my fabulous writer friend, Peggy Archer. She was great company and took many pictures, which I will have her send me. Once I get them, I'll post a few so you can enjoy them too.

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Writerly Thoughts

I've been editing my manuscript all day, readying it to be passed along to a fellow author who is going to critique the entire story as a whole. I haven't done this yet, since my writing group has critiqued it in bits and pieces. It's exciting and nerve-racking at the same time, sort of like sending your child off to kindergarten her first day (which I just did a few weeks ago!).

Above you'll find a current picture of my writing group. Earlier this month, Peggy Reiff-Miller offered to let us have a writing retreat of sorts at her house. We spent the day enjoying great food, editing compelling stories, and discussing current market info. Thanks to Peggy for opening up her home and showing us such a nice time.

IN SCBWI Schmooze

Obviously, pictures add more interest in a blog (see Cat in the Hat below!). But, since I didn't have my camera with me last Saturday, I don't have any cool pictures to accompany my description of the Schmooze. The event went well; a huge turnout compared to usual Indiana events. Generally, the big Indiana conferences are well-attended, but the smaller events entice only five or six people. This time, about 25 people came. Congrats to Peggy Archer, the assistant RA for our chapter. She did a splendid job passing the news along about the event. Hurrah for Peggy A!

To all of the new Indiana writers I met, what a pleasure it was to hear your backgrounds and stories. Everyone had a tale, and one lady in particular still sticks out in my mind, just because her current situation is so similar to mine (unemployed spouse, scrape money together for kid's tuition, etc.) Actually though, she has four children, so her saga beats ours!

Three members gave small presentations. Peggy A. spoke about trade publishers because she's worked with Dial and Candlewick, Judy Roth discussed small presses because that is who she published with, and Karen Kulinski spoke about the relationship between writer and agent. Afterward, we had a lively Q & A, and returned to the snack area before wrapping it up. It was a delightful afternoon.

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

ALA 2009

Oooh... I returned from the ALA annual conference on Monday night. What a treat! The Cat in the Hat happened to be in attendance, hula dancers swayed to island music, and books greeted my eyes everywhere I looked. I went with a fellow writer from my critique group, and we attended the Poetry Blast in the evening. Eleven different authors read from their books, and Jon Scieszka was absolutely hilarious. It turned out to be a great trip, definitely worth the train ride and the conference fee. If you ever get the chance to go, take it!

IN-SCBWI Summer Schmooze

If you are a children's writer or illustrator living in Northwest Indiana, leave Saturday, July 18 open. Our Indiana SCBWI is having a 'Summer Schmooze' at the Michigan City library. This will be a meet and greet type of get-together, complete with snacks and an informal Q and A discussion about agents, editors, etc. The cost is minimal ($3 for members, $5 for non-members) and it is a great opportunity to meet people in the business. The event runs from 12:00 to 3:30 CST. Try and make it!

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie