Illustrator’s Perspective by Daniel Howarth

09 Wednesday Dec 2015

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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.

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Poet’s Perspective: How to Become a Poet by Alexander Trivas

02 Wednesday Dec 2015

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alex 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.

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News from the Internet: Scrivener by Ronna Mandel

25 Wednesday Nov 2015

Posted by 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.

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Agent Jamie Weiss Chilton talks about SCBWI’s Writers’ Retreat

20 Friday Nov 2015

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SCBWI’s interview with agent Jamie Weiss Chilton is filled with industry insight.JamieWeissChilton_by_Roxyanne_Young

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 . . .

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SCBWI’s Working Writers’ Retreat: Kes Trester Interview (Sue Alexander Award Winner); and Insider View from Writer Sara Bayles

18 Wednesday Nov 2015

Posted by in Contests & Grants, SAG, Writers' Retreat

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Kes TresterOn 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.

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Toot Your Horn and Great News!

11 Wednesday Nov 2015

Posted by 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

Undone

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

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Los Angeles Regional News

04 Wednesday Nov 2015

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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/

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A Farewell to Schmoozes by Karol Ruth Silverstein

28 Wednesday Oct 2015

Posted by 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.

SchmoozeGroup

West Side Schmooze

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Before & After with Matthew Rivera: Our Mentorship Program in Action

21 Wednesday Oct 2015

Posted by in Contests & Grants, Mentorship Contest

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The best advice aspiring author-illustrator Matthew Rivera received during the mentorship he won from SCBWI-L.A. was to wear a short tie. That’s because he’s working on a story about a dapper, yet fussy giraffe who finds a tie he really likes, but it’s too short for his long neck. Mentor Deborah Nourse Lattimore suggested that Matthew wear a short tie and, as he went about his day, ask himself questions: “How do I feel when I see myself in the mirror? Do I feel self-conscious in public? How do people look at me?” The exercise proved tremendously helpful for putting Matthew into the mind of his main character in order to better illustrate personality.

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From The Dapper Giraffe, a work-in-progress by Matthew Rivera

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Talking with Chuck Sambuchino about Reference Guides, Query Letters, Agents, Writing a Synopsis, Word Count—and Clown Attacks

16 Friday Oct 2015

Posted by in Author's Perspective, Editor's Perspective

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GIVEAWAY: We’re giving away one copy of the newly-released Writers Digest 2016 Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market. We enjoy reading your comments! Therefore, on October 30, 2015, one person who has commented (left a reply) attached to this post will randomly be selected for this fabulous prize.

I met up with Chuck Sambuchino on October 10th at the Writing Conference of Los Angeles, where he was the featured speaker. With humor and enthusiasm, Chuck SambuchinoChuck provided current marketplace insight and information. The breadth and depth of his presentations clearly revealed his expertise as a successful writer and editor for Writer’s Digest publications and as an author of his own two books. Read on for Chuck’s tips on reference guides, query letters, agents, writing a synopsis, word count—and clown attacks.

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