Focus on the Novel

I haven't posted in quite some time. I was working on finishing up a picture book manuscript that needed to go out by May 7th. Which is exactly when it was postmarked. At least I made it.

Now I'm gearing up for our Indiana SCBWI conference this weekend, Focus on the Novel. Stephen Roxburgh, the president and founder of namelos, will be speaking Friday and Saturday. He also worked at Front Street Books and Boyds Mills Press as a publisher. His information will not only be beneficial, but I'm hoping motivational, since I really need a creative boost to get this most recent edit of my novel done. My main character has been stuck in a tumultuous situation for the longest time now...he really wants me to write his way out of it. I just need a little creative boost to get that done.

Lisa Graff, a former editor for FSG Books for Young Readers, will talk on Saturday about writing first chapters for middle grade and young adult novels. That is now her speciality and I'm sure her information will be valuable.

Helen Frost, another award-winning author, will be joining the panel for discussion at the end of the conference. I do believe she is doing critiques too.

This should be a fantastic weekend and I look forward to seeing lots of writing friends that I haven't seen since this past fall (at our last conference). Almost all the members of my critique group are coming as well, which makes it even better. Now, if I can just get there without getting lost....


Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Cressida Cowell

I was going to title this post How to Train Your Dragon, but in reality, this post is going to be much more about the author of the story, Cressida Cowell.

First of all, let me say, WOW! Dreamworks did a fantastic, no... more like phenomenal job portraying this movie. I say that, but I have never read the book, so I hope I feel the same after I read it. What the movie portrayed to me was the author's imagination.

I didn't know Cressida Cowell wrote this story until I came home and googled her. But I sat the whole time in the theater, transfixed and in awe, thinking what a wonderful imagination the author who wrote this story must have. She had to know her characters inside and out, to give such life and personality to Toothless and Hiccup. I fell in love with these characters and I cannot wait to go to my library tomorrow and pick up Cressida's other stories about them.

And after reading her bio on her website, I think Cressida is pretty cool, too. Spending every summer and time from every spring on a deserted island with no electricity... that is amazing. Listening to the stories her father told of the Vikings and Dragons, and then spinning those into this fabulous book series...that is writing at its best!

Very, very cool, Cressida Cowell.

Managing Time

I have found that managing my time as a writer is no small task. Not only is there the whole writing and editing part of the gig, but I need time to research, hit the library, keep up the blog, plan speaking event programs, apply for grants and scholarships, meet with my critique group, and submit to editors. Oh, and of course, fit in my day job and all the other parts of life.

This isn't a blog of complaints though, rather it's quite the opposite. If I didn't have to do all these things, it would mean I wasn't getting anywhere or succeeding in writing, and that's simply not true. One small step at a time, I am getting somewhere. But as a children's writer, or any writer for that matter, one must be committed entirely or the whole program falls apart!

My time commitments for today include putting the finishing touches on my presentation for this Saturday, March 6, at the Starke County Young Artists Conference. I've been invited back for the third year in a row, and this year I have the opportunity to speak with first and second graders about writing. This isn't only fun for the children, but also for me. I taught elementary school for quite some time and I always love working with kids. I'll bring the camera along and post pictures soon!


Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

Shelter Dogs

This topic isn't necessarily about writing, unless of course I relate it back to the book Marley and Me. But my version would be called Toby and Me. Because my yellow lab, Toby, is just as destructive and wild as Marley, and yet he worms his way into your heart, too.

I'm a 'shelter dog' person. Daisy, a Dalmatian mix has been with us for six years, so she knows the routine. Toby, the yellow lab mix, doesn't quite get it yet. He's only been here for six months. Even though we've already hit obedience training, following commands isn't his strength. His strengths involve chewing toys, sneaking food, and digging up trees. Yes, entire trees. He doesn't go for broken limbs on the ground, he just brings us the whole darn tree. Yet, when I'm as mad as can be at this dog, he looks up at me with those crazy eyes, flops down on his belly, and begs to have his tummy rubbed. He plays with our daughter and runs to meet her when she gets home from school. He loves us. I think I decided to blog about this so I have a place to refer back to, so when I'm mad at the dog, I can remember why we keep him.

Right now I need to go. I hear destructive noises coming from my daughter's room... and it's not her because she's still asleep. Toby.....

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