Eastern PA #SCBWI workshop March 7, 2015

     I often blog about writing workshops I’ve attended.

     This time I’m looking forward -- to March 7^th.

     I belong to a local critique group with other eastern-PA SCBWI members, and when our RA’s sent out a call for people to host “intimate” workshops (smaller than the 75-150 that show up for the big conferences) we answered. 

     On March 7^th you are invited to "Spring into Writing!"

     From 9AM-12:30 at the historic Moland House in Hartsville, PA you can ask ANY question about kidlit to prolific local authors Debbie Dadey and Kay Winters, and agent Marie Lamba. There will be a first page session (get those pages in by Feb 22!), a presentation about what to do and not do, and open informal question time.

     Oh, and you’ll get to talk to me AND have a snack.

     I hope to meet you there! (may the weather be in our favor)

     For more information: ‪ check the SCBWI calendar of events for March 7 or just click here.https://epa.scbwi.org/events/spring-into-writing/.

Handling an Author's Appearance - Debbie Dadey

On Saturday, January 27^th, I went to an author appearance at the Doylestown Library. The library’s presentations often focus on authors of books for adults. I wanted to attend because Debbie Dadey is an amazing writer for children. She has authored 154 books, and counting!

I also wanted to attend to see how a seasoned children’s author handled a non-school audience. There were no sign-ups for the event, so there was no way to know who would show up. Here’s the low down—

When I got there the Pearl Buck Room was set up with about thirty chairs in a semi-circle. In the center of the circle was Debbie and her four-foot-long radio controlled inflated flying shark. As kids came in, Debbie offered each of them the chance to “drive” (fly? swim?) the shark. Talk about a kid pleaser!

Before long the organizers had to set up another row of chairs. Then another. By the time Debbie’s presentation began, there was a crowd of approximately seventy in attendance. It was about half adults and half children. I was surprised to see that of the children, about half were boys. 

I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. Although Debbie’s newest publication (released earlier this week) is part of her Mermaid Tales series for Simon & Schuster, she is perhaps best known as co-author of The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids series, a series with loads of boy appeal.

Debbie talked about her path to publication-including her “never give up” message for adults and children. Then she talked about her newest book, Danger in the Deep Blue Sea. 

Debbie asked the kids to guess what a mermaid’s worse enemy is. Apparently, sharks are the mermaids’ worst enemies. Humans are the mermaids’ second. She explained that this is why mermaids live at the very bottom of the deepest parts of the sea. Sharks swim nearer the surface and mermaids want to stay away from them. Who knew? 

The Friends of the Library made sea-themed cookies!

She was very convincing. 

Next, the kids were enthusiastic participants during Debbie’s shark trivia session. Then, as the noise level grew, Debbie turned to a short reading from her book. Finally, she turned them loose on the remaining refreshments and a cute craft (making an open shark’s mouth from a folded paper plate). She had talked for about twenty-five minutes.

Some of the kids made the craft, some left, and others got in line for the book signing. Along with a sampling of some of her older books, Debbie was fortunate to get her newest book from the publisher two days before its official release. I waited my turn and got my copy after the kids. :))

Last week, Cynthia Leitich Smith also posted about a book launch event with author appearances by one picture book and one YA author. Refreshments apparently are key!
If you have any tips for a great author appearance, please share them in the comments!

The Lost Princess author answers your questions-book giveaway!

      Last Tuesday I invited blog readers to submit questions for children's book author, Debbie Dadey. I said I would post the answers today, so after hesitating in light of yesterday's events in Boston, I decided to go ahead with the post. Debbie is all about bringing joy into the world to help raise strong, happy kids and I hope getting to know her brings a bit of comfort to everyone's day.

      Debbie is the author and co-author of 158 books, including The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids series from Scholastic and Mermaid Tales from Simon and Schuster.  Set for a May 7 release, her newest book (#159!) The Lost Princess, continues the Mermaid Tales series, bringing ocean ecology and marine life into fantasy stories.  A former first grade teacher and librarian, Debbie lives in Bucks County with her three children, three dogs, and handsome husband. She says that she loves visiting elementary schools and speaking with groups about writing.  Her passion is helping reluctant readers.   http://www.debbiedadey.com    LinkedIn   Twitter   Facebook.com/debbiedadey

     

      To celebrate the new book, Debbie is giving away one copy of The Lost Princess to a lucky reader of my blog!

     First, I need to give you Debbie's answers to your questions. So here's Debbie!

1. From a YA writer attempting her first work for younger folk. What do you think sets writing for elementary school kids apart from writing for older audiences (even older middle graders?) 

            Hi Katia, I think YA has filtered down even to fifth and sixth graders, so that’s important to keep in mind.  Many high schoolers don’t read YA; they read adult books.  Of course, that being said, there are some adults who enjoy YA.  So, it’s definitely a mixed bag of readers.  Young adult stories can use harder words (but not just for the sake of being harder) and tougher concepts.  Some YA books are very raw (think Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson) and some just a step above a middle grade (perhaps with the only difference being length-think the first Twilight book which was relatively tame).  For instance, a middle grade book would never have a sexual encounter and rarely ever profanity.  In YA books, this sort of thing isn’t uncommon.  The thing to keep in mind is the audience and how they relate to one another.  You want to keep the plot realistic and your characters and how they interact ‘real’ as well.  Good luck, Katia!

2. What is your secret to your immense productivity? (related question: When did you publish your first book?) 

My first book, Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots, came out in 1990.   It turned into a series called The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids.   I was lucky to co-author that, as well as several other series, with the very talented Marcia Thornton Jones.  She taught me that there is no such thing as writer’s block.  There may be a day when you don’t write well, but you can always write-even if it’s “I don’t know what to write” over and over.  Pretty soon that gets boring and you write, “I guess I could write about this….”   I also brainstorm, do a rough outline, and try to write every day.  I believe in working hard, but I’ve been very lucky and blessed.  My newest book will come out in May, The Lost Princess, which is #5 in the Mermaid Tales series.  I am having such fun with the underwater world and I think that makes me want to write more.  

3. Carrie wants to know: how did you approach the agent vs. publisher debate when you first started submitting? Has that changed over time?

You can win me!

My first 90 books were without an agent.  I started writing at a time when children’s authors didn’t really need an agent.  I feel that may have changed as many houses only accept agented work.  It hasn’t always been easy working with an agent, but it is wonderful to have someone ‘in my corner.’  I would definitely work to get an agent if I didn’t have one.  I am currently with Writer’s House.

4. Sue asks: What’s the secret to holding a chapter book series together?

I think strong characters are very important to a chapter book series.  But a fast-paced, action-filled plot is just as important.  I also feel that kids must be able to relate to the characters in some way, even if the series is fantasy.  Somehow the story must be grounded.  For each of my series, I have a big binder.  In it are maps, charts, character sketches, and notes about the world I’ve built.  For instance, in my new Mermaid Tales series, I have a tail chart.  Since my mermaids and merboys (and their teachers and families) have different color tails I needed to keep it straight!

5. Why are chapter books important? Can’t kids go right from picture books to middle grade novels?

They probably could if all kids were fabulous readers, but in the real world that isn’t necessarily the case.  Some kids, even as young as kindergarten and first grade, want to read a chapter book.  They don’t want a baby book (picture book). Take it from this former librarian; it’s a big deal to read a book with chapters.  Not only is a middle grade novel often overwhelming just in its length for a second grader, it is often more difficult for them to comprehend.  So, that’s where chapter books come in.  They are books that are developmentally appropriate (in what a second and third grader is interested in) and with a vocabulary that is on target.  

Did you see that beautiful cover? If you missed the synopsis last week, here it is again:

In this Mermaid Tales adventure, Shelly’s not sure she’s ready to be royalty.
Not one of the merkids in Shelly Siren’s third grade class can believe the shell-shattering news: Shelly is a princess! A real princess! It’s been a deep, dark secret in Trident City, but now everyone knows—and Shelly doesn’t know how to act. Should she start wearing a glittery crown? Or move to a grand undersea palace? Will her friends have to call her Princess Shelly? She knows it’s an exciting turn of events, but Shelly’s not sure she can truly fit the royal part. Can she find a way to be a princess and stay herself?

Volume 1 of the series

Now that you've read this far, it's time for the giveaway! Debbie is giving away one copy of The Lost Princess to a lucky reader of my blog! If you are 18 years of age or older and a resident of the U.S. all you have to do is leave a comment in this post to be eligible. If you share the post to Facebook or tweet about it, let us know and you'll get another entry. The winning name will be pulled May 5 (just in time for the May 7 release!)

So, what are you waiting for?

Ask the author of The Lost Princess + book giveaway news!

     Next week, I have the pleasure to host my first author interview.
     I am privileged to know the author, and have spoken with her many times. So, rather than just asking MY questions, I thought it would be interesting to whet your appetite this week with a little information about the author, and find out the questions YOU want answered by a children's book expert.
     How do I know she's an expert? The author is no newbie. She has authored or co-authored 158 books and counting!
     Without further introduction, meet Debbie Dadey:

 
     Debbie Dadey is the author and co-author of 158 books, including The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids series from Scholastic and Mermaid Tales from Simon and Schuster.  
     Her newest book scheduled for a May 7 release date, The Lost Princess, brings ocean ecology and marine life into a fantasy story.  A former first grade teacher and librarian, Dadey lives in Bucks County with her three children, three dogs, and handsome husband.   She loves visiting elementary schools and speaking with groups about writing.  Her passion is helping reluctant readers. You can like Debbie on Facebook here.https://www.facebook.com/debbiedadey.

  
As part of Debbie's author interview next week, I will be holding a book giveaway for The Lost Princess.  It gets me all twitchy happy just thinking about it!

     Now the big surprise! You won't find this on Goodreads yet.
    With Debbie's permission I am giving you a sneak peek at the cover for The Lost Princess. This book is the next release in Debbie's "Mermaid Tales" series with Simon & Schuster. 
     Mermaid Tales is a series of chapter books aimed at elementary school readers.  Yes, the cover is shimmery, shiny fun.
     Now don't you want a copy!?
    

      If you leave a question for Debbie in the comments following this post, I'll forward them to Debbie. Next Tuesday, come back for the answers. Depending on how many questions there are, she may not be able to answer them all, but she will read them all and select from them. This is your chance to ask the author of 158 books anything you want to know about her writing process, books, inspiration....

     C'mon folks! What have you always wanted to know?

    

Chris Cheng's Picture Book Workshop--Learning from Experience

Chris Cheng and Eastern PA SCBWI RA Marilyn Hershey

On Sunday, January 27, 2013 the dynamic Chris Cheng was the workshop leader for the Eastern Pennsylvania’s SCBWI chapter picture book event. It was a frigid day in Philadelphia, but despite the weather approximately thirty people turned out for the event.

If you haven’t “met” Chris, I suggest you visit his website. Chris has a fascinating background, teaching at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia and working as a bookseller. Now, Chris is a full-time author, with more than twenty years of experience in the business. If you have a question, Chris probably knows the answer. Chris just asked that people from the workshop wait two weeks to contact him as he is quite busy in the U.S. until then. The U.S. version of his picture book Python, is being released later this week.

Some of the big “take home” messages from Chris’ presentation.

1.                          If there is a single thing you aren’t sure about in your manuscript. A single thing you might change—don’t send it off. “You only get one bite at the cherry!” Chris worked ten years on one poem before he submitted the manuscript that became his book Spooky Sounds. That is not a typo—he worked ten years on one poem BEFORE he submitted.

2.                          Be part of the writing community. Chris is RA for the Australian/new Zealand SCBWI and believes that workshops and the exchange of ideas between writers will make your work better. (this puts the 12x picture book group in good stead :))

3.                          Write a good story. Chris spent time talking about book trailers and digital publishing. But he kept reminding us that this part of the writer’s journey isn’t important until we have written a good story --a story that avoids being preachy or message driven. Even for author/illustrators, finish story-boarding the story before you submit. It’s all about the story.

Chris started his career submitting without an agent. He did recommend that if a writer is lucky enough to sell to a publisher, then contact an agent right away (Use the SCBWI’s "THE BOOK"). Chris uses an agent now.

Interestingly, Chris doesn’t use a critique group for his own work. He works on it, solo, until he believes it is the best it can be and then he submits it to his agent. 

One key message I got from my day with Chris is to be hard on ourselves. Be professional. Be tough with our work. Don’t put out bad products, written or digital. When you dip your toes into the big pond that is the writing industry you are building a reputation. Spend the time. Put in the work. Be sure that your work is the best it can be.

If you have the chance to attend an upcoming workshop with Chris, I recommend you sign-up.
Chris took a great photo of our group--I'm in the second row! In the pink, as the saying goes.

Yesterday, Marcie Colleen (one of the 12x picture book group) had a post about combining passion and mastery. If you didn't have a chance to read her post and if I haven't inspired you to sign up for a workshop yet, she will! She's inspired me to look for another.

I also had the pleasure of attending a friend and fellow writer’s author appearance at the Doylestown Library last weekend. My post about that event with children's author Debbie Dadey will be forthcoming.

Perfect Picture Book Friday-Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

          Last week I treated myself to three new picture books. New to me anyway. I keep a list of books I want to read, and when I go to the library I look for them. If the library doesn't have them, sometimes I make a request. 
          Except when it's for picture books.
          I can't help feeling guilty about putting a hold on the picture books. If they're not there, it's because some kids have taken them out and are, hopefully, enjoying them. That's what they're in the library for, after all. So, I went to the local bookstore.

          When I get a chance, I'll share all three books. But today I thought I'd start with the recent Charlotte Zolotow award winner. This year's winner (for books published in 2012) was Each Kindness by the Newbery Honor-winning author Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Caldecott Honor-winning E. B. Lewis (Nancy Paulsen Books, 2012).
          One of my prize possessions is a copy of The Other Side by this same writing and illustrating team, autographed by Mr. Lewis when I met him at an Eastern PA SCBWI event. I was anxious to see their new collaboration, and tired of waiting for it at the library.

           In Each Kindness, Maya the new girl tries to make friends with Chloe. Maya wears thrift store clothes and never penetrates Chloe's circle of friends. Chloe is never physically or outwardly cruel, just dismissive. By the time Chloe recognizes the importance of small acts of kindness, Maya is gone.

           As someone who grew up wearing hand-me downs, the story struck a chord. 
           As a writer, one of the first things I did was a word count. 

           The editors at recent writing conferences have talked about their desire for picture texts under 500 words. Ms. Woodson's poignant text is 869 words (give or take--I counted twice, but disclaim any errors in this regard). 
          Despite the call for shorter and shorter picture book texts, I think an adage I have heard several times is true. A writer should use as many words as necessary to tell the story. No less, no more. Sometimes this may be 100 words, sometimes it may be 1000. 

          Another story element that I found particularly interesting is the ending. The story arc is complete, with the lesson if not yet learned, at least recognized. But Chloe isn't happy. The lesson is a hard one, and as a reader I was left with a strong sense of Chloe's regret.Woodson leaves us haunted with the message of missed opportunity, rather than allowing Chloe to find complete redemption.

          My favorites of Mr. Lewis' paintings are the final two page spread, the reverse image of which is also used for the cover (for its color) and a painting of the main character, Chloe, holding a rock, not being able to think of a single nice thing she had done (for capturing a moment, the hint of a frown and uncertainty).
          If you haven't had the chance to read Each Kindness yet, don't wait at the library. Go out and get it. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this book.
        

This weekend I'm headed to my friend Debbie Dadey's author appearance at the Doylestown Public Library and Chris Cheng's picture book workshop held by my local Eastern Pennsylvania SCBWI. Find out what I learned, next week.