Getting Started

Recently my daughter and I took a trip to the Indianapolis Children's Museum (go if you can, it's a great place). In the midst of the excitement, noise, and exhibits, I heard someone call my name.

"Katie? Is that you? Do you remember me?"

I turned around and there was Lori B., a college friend from IUSB. Of course I remembered her! Although we hadn't seen each other in years, we quickly caught up and realized there were some eerie similarities in our lives.

Once we discussed our current jobs, Lori asked me a question that I think lots of writers get asked (I know I get this question a lot)... How did you get started writing? I sent her a detailed email with how I got started, but here's a shorter synopsis for anyone truly interested in writing for children.

Take a class or two. I'm not going to post the name of the class I took, because I'm not sure I would recommend it. The class worked for me, but I can see how it might not work for everyone. Knowing what I know now (7 years since I started writing full time) I would probably take a class from the Institute of Children's Literature. Everyone I personally know that has taken a class with them has been happy with it.

Join organizations. I recommend the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. SCBWI has great information available to authors and illustrators. They have a helpful website, offer support and grants, and put on wonderful conferences, among other things.

Attend conferences. Immerse yourself in what you want to do. Attend conferences about writing and children's literature. Learning the ropes of the business and staying on top of market information is key.

Read books (for writers). The Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market is a great book to find all the market information you need for any kind of publisher out there. It is packed with conference and award information, grant and scholarship information, and articles on writing.

Read books (for children). Know your audience. If you want to write for children, make sure you read the books your audience reads, whether it may be picture books, middle grade novels, or YA. Take note of what you like, how authors make characters come alive and grab your attention, story arcs, etc.

Write, write, write! Most important, just start writing.

Being a children's author takes dedication, persistence, and a really thick skin. But it is so fulfilling to see your work in print and watch a child read and enjoy what you wrote!

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Brunch & Bookfair in Carmel, IN

I've been a member of a magnificent organization for 5 years now, the Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators. SCBWI is a national organization, but the great part is, all the states in the U.S. have different chapters and my chapter, Indiana SCBWI, is very active. Every year we have several conferences and events which bring publishers, writing professionals, and the latest market information to a location close by for a reasonable cost.

This Saturday is something new though. IN-SCBWI is hosting a Brunch & Bookfair in Carmel, Indiana to celebrate the recently published books of 15 Indiana authors. At the brunch, Saundra Mitchell is going to speak about online marketing and then the bookfair is held in town at Barnes & Noble. You don't have to register for the bookfair, so if you're in the area, check out the talented Indiana authors and illustrators, get a book signed, and hear the short presentations that are going on from 12:00 - 2:00.

Thanks for stopping by,

Katie

Website additions

I added a new feature to my blog. Links to my writing friends' blogs can be found on the right side of my page. Check them out to see what my fellow writers are working on. Here is a little bit about each of the links you'll visit.

John Robert McFarland and I met in 2008 (has it been three years already?!) at the Midwest Writers Retreat, after both of our novels were selected for fellowship positions. We worked together in a group on revising our novels, and I felt an instant connection to John and his work. He is an exquisite writer. His use of words draws the reader in instantly and his novel has stayed with me all these years. Check out Periwinkle Chronicles at http://periwinklechronicles.blogspot.com/

Peggy Reiff Miller is a fellow Indiana writer. We belong to a writing group that meets every other month in Michigan City. Peggy saved a piece of history when she created A Tribute to the Seagoing Cowboys, a DVD documentary, which took her many years to research and compile. Her YA novel, on the same subject, has turned into quite a masterpiece. Every time she sends me chapters for revision, I cannot wait to read more. Her story is powerfully captivating and hopeful. Visit Peggy's site at http://www.peggyreiffmiller.com/index.html

Peggy Archer, another fellow writer from my Michigan City group, is an established picture book author and has made the New York Times bestseller list, among many other accomplishments. Peggy's use of words and rhyme always makes me smile. My daughter is crazy about her books, and has Name that Dog! and Turkey Surprise memorized!! Learn more about Peggy A. and her work at http://www.peggyarcher.com/

As I add more links, I'll post a little info about my writing friend and the work he/she does.
Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Back to blogging

Wowie wow wow! I haven't blogged in forever. Good excuse this time, my daughter's teacher had surgery and I took over the class for awhile. My schedule was a little wacko, working the teaching job by day and my editing job in the early morning and late night hours. Things are back to normal (whatever that is) for the moment.

Going back to the classroom reminded me of several things. First, kids are full of great ideas and they are such an inspiration to a writer. I don't care if it's a first grade or a fifth grade classroom, kids are funny and clever and smart. This latest teaching gig turned up at the right time to renew my writing spirit.

Second, I am reminded that classrooms are full of germs! Again, doesn't matter what the age (although younger students tend to hug and touch more), the sneezing, coughing, nose picking, etc. leads to lots of sickness. I felt like I was back in my first year of teaching after all the colds/flu I brought home.

It's good to be back blogging. Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Power Point Presentations

I am getting a power point presentation ready for an author visit this coming Wednesday. Whew... it's time consuming! All of my pictures are scattered everywhere on my computer, in no particular order. I have not logically labeled any pictures, and some are saved on disks which are buried in the bottom of my storage stool (yes, you read that right!). The moral of this story... be more organized.

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Networking & Peanut Butter Sandwiches

Networking happens in the oddest of places. I was standing in line with my family at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago a few days ago, waiting... waiting... waiting to get in. Since I'm not one to keep quiet (especially when bored), I struck up a conversation with the woman in front of me, only to find out she is the principal at a very cool school in Indianapolis. We got to talking about our jobs, and I received her business card and an invitation to contact her about speaking at her school.

What does this story prove? You just never know. You never know when you will make a connection, or how it will affect you. Which is why you should never completely empty your purse of all items, including business cards (and instead fill it with snacks and peanut butter sandwiches for your trip) because who knows when those business cards will come in handy?!

Anyway, this is a shout out to my new friends, the James' family from Indy. I hope their boys had a super first experience in Chicago, and I hope to come to Key Learning Community sometime soon and share my life as a writer with the children in IPS!

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Taking After Mom

I love books. I always have. As a kid, you could generally find me with a book, either making my own out of cardboard and construction paper, or reading one. I read whenever I have time now. When I taught school, reading and writing were my favorite subjects to teach. And I make a living by reading and writing. Oh, and I also volunteer two days a week at my daughter's school to help with literacy groups. As you can see, I love reading and everything that goes with it.

Which is why it is so much fun to watch my daughter's love of books develop just like mine did. Wherever she is, you can generally find her creating her own book (or reading one). She makes the best books. It's amazing that at six years old, her characters have personalities and she carries the personality traits through her whole story. She comes up with a plot and follows it to the end. And she even adds some humor and extra detail along the way. I can't wait to see how her books grow as she does.

She also just finished reading her first chapter book last Friday. She calls them 'gray books', since they aren't beautiful like picture books (this is what she tells me). Well, she picked up a 'gray book' and started reading it early last week and she loved it. She finished quickly and is ready to start her next one. So much for never wanting to read those gray books like Mom does!

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie