NJ SCBWI Conference and Industry Report

As always, the June NJ SCBWI conference was FANTASTIC! Kathy Temean, Laurie Wallmark and the gang do a terrific job. The days are full of interesting workshops, a great line-up of editors/agents, brainstorming, the chance to catch up with old friends, and meet new ones. Each year, David Carumba presents an industry report. This year, Kathy Temean has graciously provided an overview of David's report on her blog.

A quick look at the questions asked of 30 editors and agents:

* what are editors buying?
* the current trend? new trends?
* the impact and crossover appeal of YA?
* how does the bankruptcy of Borders affect the market?

Check out Kathy's blog for the details.

Happy July!

Is Your Picture Book Character Flawed?

Rob Sanders writes a terrific blog on the art of picture books. In this post, he describes the necessity of a flawed character who makes a reader feel connected. The interview with Tammi Sauer (who has 5 picture books debuting just in 2012!) describes the three characteristics http://robsanderswrites.blogspot.com/ that Tammi thinks are essential to picture book characters: active, relatable and flawed. Check out the post and take the quiz. Have you perfected the imperfect?

Highlights Gallant Kid: June Issue

I'm happy to announce that my article, Gallant Kid: Katie Stagliano appears in the June issue of Highlights Magazine. Katie is AMAZING! It all started with one seedling. Katie planted the cabbage seed as part of a school program - that one seedling grew into a 40 lb. cabbage! She donated the cabbage to a homeless shelter, and launched her dream of Katie's Krops. Katie now has seven gardens and has donated over 5,000 pounds of vegetables to shelters and soup kitchens. A team of volunteers assists in watering, weeding and finding land for more gardens. Check out her website http://www.katieskrops.com/ for a good dose of inspiration. As Katie said, "We can make a huge difference in the fight against hunger."

Tonight You Are My Baby and Scholastic Books!

I'm thrilled to announce that Scholastic Books will now offer my book, Tonight You Are My Baby: Mary's Christmas Gift (HarperCollins Publishers) in their catalog and school book fairs. Scholastic provides a wonderful opportunity for kids to have books in their schools, and I'm delighted that Tonight You Are My Baby has been chosen as a holiday offering. Look for the book at a school near you !

What Makes A Successful Picture Book?

Check out this post on 9 factors that can add dazzle (and sales) to your picture book manuscript.

You may want to hang this next to your favorite writing spot for inspiration!

Highlights Foundation: Writing for Middle-Graders Workshop

The Highlights Foundation always offers terrific workshops and this is perfect timing. Publishers are looking for middle-grade books. Rich Wallace, author of the popular The Winning Season series, will lead the workshop, and give tips on voice, age-appropriate dialogue and action. I know many writers currently hard at work on their middle-grade novels. Check out the workshop and bring your manuscript!

Agent Offers Critique Every Month

I'm always intriqued by people who offer their talents to advance a cause near and dear to their hearts. And literary agent Irene Goodman is doing just that. Hats off to Irene. Each month, Irene auctions a critique. Each month! This is a win-win situation as you can receive a critique from a well-known agent and proceeds are donated to Hope For Vision and Foundation Fighting Blindness. This is a unique and clever way to raise money for these important causes. As my family runs a foundation, At Least Kids, to advance research into pediatric brain tumors, I appreciate Irene's fund-raising skills. When I do school visits, I ask each school for a donation to At Least Kids. I also donate part of the proceeds from my book to the foundation. The possibilites are endless with how writers can help others. So if you are looking for a critique from a experienced industry professional. check out Irene's auction page. You may even land an agent while helping a great cause.