Jeannine Norris - Children's Author: September 2010

September 26, 2010

SCBWI Fall Philly Fantastic

If you missed the SCBWI Fall Philly conference this year, be sure to sign up next year. The 2011 event will be a three-day extravaganza combined with Western PA. I was fortunate to be part of yesterday's speakers. My presentation included YA author Jennifer Hubbard and MG author Nan Marino. The Fall Philly theme was Harvest. Jennifer, Nan and I spoke about our journey as a debut author, the Garden Tools for publication, Soil and Nutrients, Weather, and Selling the Crop. Wendy Mass, also a KidLit Author Club member, did a great job on providing inspiration for all. Theu audience loved her, and we were delighted to hear that one of her (11) books, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, was recently made into a movie. Congrats Wendy! Harold Underdown also spoke of the current state of publishing. He has a huge online presence and it was definitely interesting to hear him speak. Kudos to Fall Philly coordinator Tara Cahill for a wonderful event!

September 23, 2010

7 Habits of Effective Writing

Kristi Holl has an excellent article on the 7 Essential Habits of a Working Writer. It's difficult to say which is my favorite, but I do love #6 Finish and Submit. Manuscripts don't sell unless they are sent to publishers, yet many writers are reluctant to let it go. Perhaps it's the fear of rejection or "just one more revision". All manuscripts must go through multiple revisions, but at some point it's time to send your baby out in the world. My gut usually tells me when it's time - call it mother's intuition (?) - but I also rely on my critique group. How about you? Isn't it time?

September 22, 2010

Get Your Writing Noticed: Enter a Contest!

This Writer's Digest article lists seven writing contests that are sure to get you noticed - and perhaps a contract too. These contests are all free - what do you have to lose?

September 21, 2010

What Picture Book Editors Are Really Looking For

Less words? More illustrative possibilities? A clear market? A special hook? Character development? What exactly do editors want in a picture book? Melanie Hope Greenburg's article Diamond in the Slush: What Picture Book Editors Are Really Looking For has some great nuggets of information from two editors at top publishing houses.

Just a few:

Can you read the story 10 or more times and not tire of it?

Why is your story different?

Can you identify your audience?

Allow white space for the illustrator to create.

Kid appeal but sophisticated enough for adult readers.

Check out the other tips in the article. Thanks to my critique friend Joanne for sending the link my way :)

September 17, 2010

Announcing Tonight You Are My Baby board book edition!

The board book edition of Tonight You Are My Baby will be released on September 28th! This is fantastic news for any author. The board book edition will reach the youngest readers - just their size. Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer, new baby gift or Christmas book for the little ones on your list? The board book will be available at Amazon and bookstores everywhere. Share the miracle!

September 15, 2010

Word Count For Children's Books

Are you wondering if your 1,000 word picture book is too long? Most likely - yes. Check out this article on word length for all categories of children's books - board books through YA.
How can you ever delete that fantastic scene? Or the character who has so much depth? Well, you might have to do it, if you want to give your manuscript a chance with an editor or agent.
http://caseylmccormick.blogspot.com/2010/09/word-counts-for-children-books.html

I Love School Visits! This Is What They Are Saying...

Quick bits ...

To schedule a school visits, please visit my website

http://www.jeanninenorris.com/

What a wonderful way to start the holiday season. Mrs. Jeannine Norris came to our school and introduced the children to her beautiful book, Tonight You are My Baby: Mary’s Christmas Gift. The children were riveted as she read the story and it was projected large than life on the whiteboard. Mrs. Norris kept them engaged in the story all the while sharing her experiences with them. Many of the teachers commented that Mrs. Norris had such a beautiful “way” with the children, just as she has a beautiful way with words. This book and this author are both truly a gift from God. - Patty Welsh, Principal, Our Lady of the Assumption Preschool and Kindergarten

Jeannine told the story in such a beautiful, poetic way....I felt like Mary was talking to me! What a wonderful gift she brought to all of us with her soothing voice, wonderful story and the amazing illustrations. I wish that all children could be as lucky as ours were to "hear" Mary's story! - St. Catherine of Sienna, Reading

"Our students loved your visit and our teachers and staff were so moved by your book. Thank you for taking the time to visit our pre-k, kindergarten, first and second grade classrooms. You could tell by the children's attentiveness that they really enjoyed the story. Such simple, loving words and beautifully
illustrated artwork to tell the story of that Holy Night. What a wonderful way to help us all focus on the true meaning of our Christmas celebration! ~ Peg McBride, PTO Events Coordinator, St. Philip Neri School

"Jeannine Norris' visit to our preschool was a wonderful addition to our curriculum during the month of December. The children are so excited during this time of year ... it was a perfect antedote to have the children sit and listen to Jeannine read a story about that quiet and peaceful night . ..the night the baby Jesus was born. This book is a beautiful way to introduce and re-emphasize the Christmas story to any age child. It is a story of awe and wonder - what we so desperately need to be reminded of. ~ Donna Hepner, Director, Hopewell Christian Preschool

"On December 15th, St. Agnes School in West Chester had a wonderful visit from Jeannine Norris. Students in Preschool through third grade were able to experience a presentation of her Christmas book "Tonight You Are My Baby". Her presentation is very interactive and students loved the story. The second and third grade also had a presentation on writing, which had them thinking about how an author spends their day. Questions were answered and books autographed. The morning ended with Mrs. Norris meeting with our writer's workshop, which is a group of junior high students. They had an informal lunch in the library. It was an enjoyable day for all! ~ St. Agnes School

"What a great presentation you gave to our K-8 students. Your book captured the beautiful story of the birth of Jesus and Mary's love for her son. Your informative and interactive presentation showed students that anyone can be a writer, and how to find ideas. We were thrilled to have you at St. Katharine of Siena School, especially as we prepared for Christmas." ~ St. Katharine of Siena School

"What a gift to have Jeannine share her heart, her faith and her story with our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. All of our hearts were moved as Jeannine shared such touching reflections on being a mother, a daughter, a friend and a writer. Her book gives such a precious look into the Christmas miracle through the eyes of a mother. My family will be blessed to have this in our collection for many years to come!"
~ MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Bethlehem, PA

"The students from St. Joseph School, Downingtown, had a delightful visit from Jeannine Norris as she shared her life as an author and her beautiful book, Tonight You Are My Baby.
Interaction with Mrs. Norris during her presentation was a special feature for the children." ~ St. Joseph School

"What a wonderful presentation to start the Christmas holiday! Jeannine Norris has written a beautiful tale of a mother's love told within the context of the birth of Jesus. The pictures brilliantly capture the spirit of this story. Our school was thrilled to have this wonderful author visit." St. Edmond's Academy

"The book is a gift waiting to be unwrapped and would make a wonderful addition to any family's Christmas collection." Holy Family School

"A wonderful experience for students and teachers! We recommend the book to everyone!" Sacred Heart School

"Our students were so excited to meet a real author! We look forward to future books!" St. Basil's The Great

"Your visit to the school was such a joy. Everyone had such positive things to say about your presentation!" Gwynedd-Mercy Academy

"Our school invited Jeannine to participate in a Christmas program that involved families. Children already love the story of Baby Jesus, but Tonight You Are My Baby drew the parents in a new way." Fairview Christian Academy

"The theme of your book tied in perfectly with our curriculum as we share the birth of Jesus with our preschoolers. We did a couple of your suggested activities to prepare for your visit. Your book is absolutely beautiful!" Providence Christian Preschool

"You truly have a gift for working with children and writing.
On Christmas Eve, our pastor read your book. It was the perfect story as he shared how Mary felt on this special night. Even our seventh grade teacher used the book to show how to write from perspective." St. Mary's School

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