No Time To Write? Stop Blogging!

Another gem from Laurie Halse Anderson, and she makes a very good point. She dares us to stop blogging, Facebook, etc. for the month of February. I would have to agree that we will find ourselves with much more time to write. The newsletter from the Institute of Children's Literature relays a quote from Laurie that I think is fabulous. "Reading blogs will not turn you into a published author. Writing blogs won't either. Writing books will. You have precious little time after your other responsibilities and if the goal is to write a book, well, then . . . write it." That's it, folks - I'm signing off. Not sure I can do the month of February, but the longer I write this note, the less time I'm writing my book!

Top 10 Influential YA Authors

Amazon recently announced who they consider to be the Top 8 Influential YA Authors of the decade. I picked up this link from the blog of Laurie Halse Anderson, who I think is a terrific author, and is included in the list. Other noteworthy authors are Meg Cabot (Princess Diaries), Stephenie Meyers (Twilight) and Christopher Paolini (Eragon). Check it out.

Book Proposals

Literary agent, Rachelle Gardner, has a terrific blog post on how to write a non-fiction book proposal. She also lists several books that will help you in this endeavor. This is really valuable information folks. "What's the big deal?" you say. "I just write a few sentences about my book and how it will be a hit on Oprah." Actually, a book proposal is a big deal. Details include: who is your audience? What books are similar? How is your book different? What is your platform? Why are you qualified to write the book? Include Table of Contents and several chapters. When will the book be completed? What is your publishing history? This comes at a good time for me, as I embark on a proposal. Hope you all find it helpful too. Thanks to Rachelle Gardner. . .

List of Editors - What Do They Want?

Author Ellen Jackson has written a terrific list of editors and what they are interested in publishing. She cautions to read the list carefully, and also check the publisher's websites. Not all houses are open to submissions. This list is a great tool for writers. Check back to Ellen's website for updates.

Highlights Workshop Scholarships

Did you know that Highlights Foundation offers scholarships for their writer's workshops? In these tough economic times, many of us could use financial help in perfecting our craft. Highlights offers fabulous worshops, with a varying focus, and some of the top names in the writing field. Check out this link to learn what opportunities may await you in 2010!

Thanks to the Schools!

In this wonderful new year, I'd like to thank the schools for hosting my author visits. It was a busy December, as every day was booked. Without exception, each school was gracious, organized and informed. The kids had fantastic questions and I certainly noticed some budding authors. I am particularly thankful for the generous donations that each school gave to our foundation, At Least Kids, to support pediatric brain tumor research. Truly, these are kids helping kids. The school donations totaled approximately $1,500. May you all be blessed with peace, joy and health in the new year.

St. Anastasia School

St. Patrick School

Mother of Divine Providence

St. Joseph's School

St. John the Baptist

Ursuline Academy

Pope John Paul Elementary

St. Edmond's School

St. Maximillian Kolbe School

St. Elizabeth School

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Highlights 2010 Fiction Contest

Do you have a terrific story from your childhood lurking in your head? Well, this is your chance to be published in Highlights Magazine and win $1,000! Highlights is offering three $1,000 prizes (or a scholarship to their fabulous workshops) to the top winners in this contest. Submissions must be true stories from your family, maximum 750 words and postmarked between Jan.1-Jan.31, 2010. Need a writing resolution for 2010? Here it is! Check out details on the Highlights web page. Good luck to all!