23 Wednesday Dec 2015
Posted in Illustrator's Gallery
![MARTA_jckt_1p[2]](https://scbwikitetales.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/marta_jckt_1p2.jpg)
Writing about my busiest day now as an illustrator and author is a little tricky. In the past, it would have included teaching. For almost six years, I have taught at the Academy of Art University while pursuing my publishing career. Teaching is incredible. I’ve learned so much about the process of creating a book by explaining it to eager, enthusiastic students. However, working two full time careers at the same time, like I’m sure many of you know, is both physically and mentally draining.
16 Wednesday Dec 2015
Posted in Volunteer in the Spotlight
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When I joined SCBWI I was still a bit hardened from working the grind as an actor in Hollywood. Though it did have its good moments, acting really wore down my love for storytelling. I was desperate to find it again. I knew it was there. While working at Vroman’s bookstore I finally realized that writing for kids and teens was my medium.
The first SCBWI event I attended was LA Writer’s Day, and the warmth and support I felt from the get go was exactly what I needed (even though I’m pretty sure I didn’t speak to one person and was happy the outfit I chose matched the walls). Not long after that, the opportunity arose to become a co-editor of Kite Tales, the newsletter for the Southern California tri-regions. Continue reading
09 Wednesday Dec 2015
Posted in Illustrator's Perspective
Daniel Howarth
Heidi, my wife and the author of How to Catch a Falling Star, will no doubt argue about the origin of this story and the ‘superstition’ it is based on. But what I do know, is that we have been catching leaves, usually whilst walking the dogs … or kids, since we first met back in 1991. And for those who aren’t familiar with the notion, if you catch a falling leaf before it hits the ground then you are granted a wish. Not as easy as it sounds, even on a blustery day when it appears to be snowing leaves. The last leaf that falls from the tree being the most magical.
02 Wednesday Dec 2015
Posted in Poet's Perspective
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One of the greatest things about writing poetry myself and teaching it to both children and adults is that you are never too young or too old to express your truth. Whether you are experiencing the wild highs and lows of high school dating or marriage, whether you are a child or parent coping with divorce, or whether you are a child or a grandparent eating sticky popsicles in the summertime, through poetry you can capture what it means to love, feel fully alive, and be human.
25 Wednesday Nov 2015
Posted in Industry News
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Before starting this article, I asked my writer friends if they’d heard of Scrivener. Some had, others hadn’t. Several had even purchased it, but then did nothing more. The majority, however, admitted they were intimidated by Scrivener and, prior to my research, I fell into that category. I hope then that this brief introduction, meant to pique your curiosity rather than teach you how to use the software program, will get you over to their website, LiteratureandLatte.com, to see more of what Scrivener can do.
20 Friday Nov 2015
Posted in Agent's Perspective, Writers' Retreat
SCBWI’s interview with agent Jamie Weiss Chilton is filled with industry insight.
CHRISTINE VAN ZANDT: What is an agent’s role at the SCBWI Writers’ Retreat?
JAMIE WEISS CHILTON: Each faculty member at the retreat facilitated several workshop groups (five writers per group). The writers read aloud from a work-in-progress and received feedback on those pages. I was so impressed by the participants’ openness to feedback, and I could see the revision process beginning during the group’s discussions. I enjoy giving feedback and especially love the great group discussions that develop during these workshop sessions. The revisions I heard on the last day, during the First Pages read-aloud session, were fantastic. Writers give each other great advice—it’s evident to me of what a great critique group can do for authors and illustrators, which leads me to your next question . . .
18 Wednesday Nov 2015
Posted in Contests & Grants, SAG, Writers' Retreat
On September 11-13, 2015, writers from all around the globe attended SCBWI’sAnnual Working Writers’ Retreat; this year in a secluded Encino, California, location. As usual, tickets for this event sold out quickly.
I met up with the 2015 Sue Alexander Award winner, Kes Trester, on that Friday. Most retreat attendees share simple rooms with another writer. Kes and I sat together outside her room. In the still-humid LA evening, Kes imparted insight about writing, the retreat, and how writers can apply for this coveted SCBWI award.
11 Wednesday Nov 2015
Posted in Great News!, Toot Your Horn!
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Kite Tales loves to celebrate our SCBWI members. Congratulations to all listed below!
TOOT YOUR OWN HORN!
A Girl Undone by Catherine Linka, St. Martin’s Press, ages 12+, dystopian, ISBN: 978-1-2506-8675, released June 24, 2015
Hotel Transylvania 2 Movie Novel by Stacia Deutsch, Simon Spotlight, ages 3-7, movie tie in, ISBN: 978-1-4814-4819-2, released August 18, 2015
04 Wednesday Nov 2015
Posted in Los Angeles
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LitMingles: Our new name for the Schmoozes. LitMingles are free meetings throughout L.A. County on a variety of topics. To learn more about one in your area, please visit: http://losangeles.scbwi.org/mingle-calendar/
2016 Contests:
Mentor Contest: Win a 6 month Mentorship for a MG or YA Author. Contest opens for entries from March 1-31, 2016. Watch for more information on the Mentor and contest details coming soon. SCBWI-L.A. members only. http://losangeles.scbwi.org/contests/mentor-contest/
28 Wednesday Oct 2015
Posted in LitMingles!
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Change is good, right? Everyone says so. It’s generally thought of as a necessity for growth. Adapt or perish and all that.
As writers and illustrators of material for children, we count on our audience changing, “graduating” from picture books to easy readers and chapter books, and then onward to the ever-expanding and constantly shifting world of novels for young readers and teens.
Similarly, SCBWI has made lots of changes as an organization over the years, and recently they made another one – they decided to rename our Schmoozes. The idea was to switch to something that sounded a bit more professional, and didn’t carry with it the possible negative connotation of gossip.
West Side Schmooze
Kite Tales 