Your Children's Book is Finished - Now What?

Books do not sell themselves. Wouldn’t that be nice? It doesn’t matter if you self-publish or go the traditional route; marketing techniques are the most important part of writing. Read Suzanne Lieurance’s article:

A Dozen Ways to Market Your Book if You’re a Children’s Book Author

Whether you self-publish your books for children or you go with a traditional publisher, most of the marketing for your books will be left up to you, the author. Here are a dozen ways to market your books for kids:

1. Set up a website for your writing and include an opt-in box on the site so people can sign up for your mailing list. Sell your books directly from your site and offer a bonus when they buy the book directly from you. An autographed copy of the book is a GREAT bonus, for example. If you don't wish to keep copies of the book on hand to sell and mail yourself, then include a link from yourself to your publisher's site or other online bookstores that carry your book. But offer to mail anyone who buys your book an autographed bookplate.

2. Try to find some way to relate your book to the school curriculum. Then, create lesson plans, study guides, or discussion questions for your book. Turn these guides into simple .pdf files that teachers, librarians, and parents can download FREE from your site to use with your book. Also, write a press release that tells about your free lesson plans or study guides and how your book that has recently been released is now available to help classroom teachers get specific content across to their students. Submit this press release to online sites that will distribute it to a variety of online sources free.

3. If possible, form a partnership with some large organization that relates to the topic of your book. For example, if you've written a book about exotic animals, offer to partner with your local zoo. When they have special events, offer to be part of these events and show up to sell and sign your book. Incorporate information about the zoo into your promotional literature and in your local presentations.

4. Take part in local events that will give you the chance to sell your book and let people know you're a hometown author. I'm not talking about ONLY book signings at bookstores. Your community probably has some sort of street fair or community event in the fall or spring, where members of the local business association, or just local business owners, can purchase booth (or tent) space to promote their business. You can purchase space at one of these events to sell and sign your book.

5. Create a book trailer or have one created for you to generate more interest in your book. Put this trailer up at your site, of course. Also, get it on youtube.com and teachertube.com and other places online where your readers (and potential readers) are likely to see it. You can also have other friends and associates put the trailer on their websites with a link back to your site for more information about you and your other books.

6. Set up your own local book tour. Co-op with other local authors to do this.
Contact your local SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Authors and Illustrators) if you don't know any other local children's authors. Get in touch with a few of these authors and suggest you contact local bookstores to do a Children's Book Day or other event where you can all set up your books at a big table in the store and sell and sign your books. The bookstores might not be as receptive to having one author do a book signings if this is your first book, so no one knows you as an author yet. But, if several children's book authors can be present in the store for a signing - and all are seated at one big table - this will attract attention to people in the store. It will also give the store something to announce ahead of time in their newsletter or at their website. And, with several authors taking part in this, each author's readership (or just family and friends) will draw a crowd to the store, which will interest the person in charge of special events at the bookstore.

7. Take part in virtual book tours through blogs and podcasts. Again, contact members of your local SCBWI chapter. Many of these writers will have websites or blogs and they'd be happy to have you as a "guest blogger" for the day. Line up 5 of these sites to be a "guest blogger" and you've got a week long virtual blog tour!

8. Be sure you offer school visits as part of your marketing efforts. But expand your presentations to include local libraries, recreation or community centers, and even summer camps and after school programs.

9. Write and distribute a press release about your book if your publisher has not already done this. If you have never written a press release, though, hire a professional PR service (or freelance press release writer) to write the release for you and then submit the release to local publications, but also have it sent out by an online PR distribution service.

10. Scout around online and find as many appropriate internet radio shows as you can, then email the person who schedules guests for these shows and offer to be a guest. Start with Book Bites for Kids, of course.

11. Teach workshops about some aspect of writing for children and use your book as part of the class materials. Be sure the cost of the workshop includes the cost of your book.

12. Make article marketing part of your overall plan for selling your book. Find out how to write short articles and submit them to article directories in order to drive traffic to your website or blog.

There are all sorts of ways to market your book. You're only limited by your own creativity and imagination. Listen to Book Bites for Kids every weekday afternoon at 2:00 central time at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bookbitesforkids for more marketing tips from other children's book authors.

And, when your pen won't budge, read The Morning Nudge. Find out more about The Morning Nudge at http://www.morningnudge.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzanne_Lieurance

Can You Write for Children?

Do you want to write for children? Read this article to determine if you CAN write for children. Go to The Writing for Children Resource Site then scroll down to sub heading "Where should I start?" and click on "Can I Write for Children?"

How does one get started writing for children? Do I need an agent? What are multiple submissions? Have you ever asked yourself these questions and more? I found a website where you can find out answers to these questions and more questions you may not have thought of yet. Bethany Roberts’ Writing for Children Workshop.

The Bethany Roberts Workshop is a place to learn tips that motivate and it will direct you to other helpful links. Do you want to know how to prepare for doing story telling at a library? Read the response here.

Another favorite bookmark of mine is The Purple Crayon. It’s about writing and publishing children’s books. You can also find articles about publishing and submitting etc. For example here is a great article titled Getting Out of the Slush Pile. In piles of hundreds of manuscripts how can you be sure that yours will be noticed? Harold Underdown breaks down some common concerns for writers. This article is about 1) the beginning, 2) overworked story types, 3) What to include 4) Recommended approaches.

Last but by all means First. How to Write a Successful Query There are tons of articles about query submission and from what I hear, the query letter may soon be the only way to break into some of the best markets. This article is one of the better ones.

Write it down,

Carma

Monday Links: Children's Writer's Resources and More!

Welcome to Monday Links at Carma’s Window. I brought you three today and they are full of rich information. It may take days to sort through it all. However, you can do what I do. Bookmark these links and go back to them later. Please do a brief read through.

Carol Hurst’s Children’s Literature site is a collection of reviews of great books for kids, ideas of ways to use them in the classroom and more. This website is beneficial to writers, teachers and parents. My favorite section of the site is the Featured Children’s Books because it gives you a list of activities to do at home and in class with children and links to other sources.

Jane Yolen's site for childrens writers is full of good tips, humor and practical axioms. Her long list of FAQ’s is worth the visit. Here is a sample:

Question: "Can I publish on the Internet?"

Answer: "Of course you can. The word "publish" simply means to make public. And by putting it there, you will be published. But will you be edited? Will you be read? Will you get paid for your work? No, possibly, and not much. Also, once something is on the Internet, the piece may not be of interest to a print publisher. So the decision is yours."

I highly recommend this site. One of Yolen's random thoughts on writing and childrens books is:

Now, I am one of those people who makes a distinction between being a writer and being an author. A writer puts words on a page. An author lives in story. A writer is conversant with the keyboard, the author with character. Roland Barthes has said: "The author performs a function; the writer an activity." We are talking here about the difference between desire and obsession; between hobby and life. But in either case, I suggest you learn to write not with blood and fear, but with joy.

The Word Pool another great resource with all kinds of Q & A’s sections and writing resource materials.

Write it down,

Carma

Book Review: The Higher Power of Lucky/ Newbery Medal Winner 2007

Title: The Higher Power of Lucky

Author: Susan Patron

Hardcover: 134 pages

Ages: 8 to 12 years

Illustrated by: Matt Phelan

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

An Imprint of Simon & Schuster

ISBN: 13: 978-1-4169-0194-5

ISBN: 10: 1-4169-01949-9

Lucky Trimble is ten years old and lives in the desert town of Hard Pan. CA (pop 43) with her dog, HMS Beagle and her French guardian, Brigitte. Lucky spends her spare time eavesdropping on twelve-step programs like Alcoholic Anonymous and smokers anonymous where she learns about a higher power that helps people when they hit rock-bottom.

Lucky yearns to find her own higher power that will help her stop Brigitte from going back to France and putting her into an orphanage. At least that is the conclusion Lucky has jumped too. Lucky is tenacious and vulnerable and has a tendency to jump to conclusions. But first she needs to find her higher power because she knows her rock-bottom will be here soon.

Lucky is suspicious that Brigitte is tired of taking care of her and wants to leave Hard Pan and go back to France. Lucky begins to pile up evidence that Brigitte will leave any day now. This gives Lucky a sense of urgency to hurry and run away before Brigitte has a chance to leave. Even the warnings of an approaching dust storm will not deter Lucky from her destiny with her higher power.

This is a complex story with a lot of back story but Patron makes her characters charming. The young characters seem to be older but they are all dealing with unusual conditions forcing them to accept the harshness of life earlier than most. Lucky’s best friend Lincoln Clinton Carter Kennedy has a knot tying fetish and five year old Miles who lives down the street is an orphan addicted to cookies and Lucky has not yet come to terms with the death of her mother or abandonment by her father.

About the Author:Susan Patron is also the author of Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe (an ALA Notable Book, a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, 1993 Parent’s Choice Award and a New York Public Library Children's Book List selection) and four picture books. She has spent most of her life at the Los Angeles Public Library, both as a child and an adult. She is currently their Juvenile Materials Collection Development Manager.

Write it down,

Carma

6 Reasons to Hire a Writing Coach and Achieve Success

A writer needs a coach for the same reason an athlete does. Consider Joe Blanton, pitcher for the Oakland A’s. He tied an Oakland rookie record of twelve wins in 2005 and threw his first shutout against the Royals on May 31, 2006, all under the guidance of a coach. Success and coaching go hand in hand.

Following are six reasons to hire a writing coach:



1. Increase productivity. Free up more time for writing. Work like cooking, washing dishes or cleaning house is unproductive for writers. This type of work can be delegated to other family members or if your budget allows it, hire someone else to do it.
2. Earn more money. Your writing coach will teach you how write top notch query and cover letters leading to great writing jobs. Also, a writing coach will show you where to look for jobs.
3. Generate desired results. You are your own worst critics. A coach can be objective and open your eyes to your positive attributes.
4. Learn to use S.M.A.R.T. Goals (specific, measurable, attainable, and timely) T can also stand for tangible. A goal is tangible when you can experience it with one of your senses. For instance when you see your first novel on a shelf in Barnes and Noble.
5. Receive self-esteem support. It is easy to feel depressed when creativity seems to get stuck. You may feel inadequate and the knee-jerk reaction is to beat your self up. A coach can show you how to combat against writing blocks.
6. Shatter Procrastination. All the planning and goal setting in the world will not help you become a best selling author unless you apply action. A writing coach is there for you every inch of the way. Each time you cry out “It’s too hard”, your coach will tell you yes it is hard but you can do it!

In conclusion:

A writing coach gives support, listens and teaches. Furthermore, the objectivity they provide is incredible because they are not so embedded in your trees that they can’t see your forest.

Join the Children's Writer's Coaching Club and unite with other children’s writers and aspiring authors. Under the guidance and expertise of writing coach and founder of The National Writing for Children Center, Suzanne Lieurance, you will be on your way to becoming a published children’s writer.

Write it down,

Carma

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! It's Children's Book Week!

May 12 through May 18.

Hosted by the Children's Book Council. Go visit their website to learn all about it. Also, check with your local library. I am sure they have some wonderful things in store to celebrate.

Web Links and Children's List Links

While writing my book review of Sharon Creech’s Walk Two Moons, I ran across a great website. BloomsburyUSA. This site was launched in 1998 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. An England based publishing company and independent publisher. Its USA children’s list was launched in 2001.

I love looking through their children’s catalog. I have been told by many professionals that it is wise to read publishers catalogs before sending out queries. Reading publishing catalogs will give you a sense of the type of books they are interested in.

Also click here for free online data of reference books.

Write it down,

Carma

Out of the Dust Bowl: Book Review

Title: Out of the Dust
Author: Karen Hesse
Hardcover: 227 pages
Ages: 9 and older
Publisher: Scholastic Press
ISBN:0-590-36080-9
First Edition: October 1997




Out of the Dust is a riveting, evocative and mournful story of depression. Karen Hesse’s novel narrows the focus of the catastrophic Dust Bowl in the Southwest during the 1930’s to a single family living in Oklahoma. Through a series of free verse poems the forlorn voice of fourteen-year-old Billie Jo Kelby takes the reader through grim domestic realities and constant dust storms. However Billie Jo still has dreams of a future.

On the Road with Arley

Here’s the way I figure it.
My place in the world is at the piano.
I’m earning a little money playing,
thanks to Arley Wanderdale.
……And every little crowd
is grateful to hear a rag or two played
on the piano
by a long-legged, red-haired girl,
even when the piano has a few keys soured by dust.

The starkness of Billie Jo’s circumstances immerses the reader deep into a first hand account of the Depression. On each page you will find yourself completely absorbed in the daily struggle for survival. Hesse's voice espouses realism on every page and you can almost taste the grit and dust in your own teeth.

Rules of Dining

We shake out our napkins,
spread them on our laps,
and flip over our glasses and plates,
exposing neat circles,
round comments
on what life would be without dust.

This book does not provide background or history on any of the characters or events like straight prose might require. Therefore some middle grade children may have trouble understanding the depth and meaning of some of the verses. However, Hesse’s words are so powerful that you can see and feel the history and in some cases desperation in words like;

“As summer wheat came ripe,
so did I,
born on the kitchen floor. Ma crouched,
barefoot, bare bottomed
over the swept boards
because that is where daddy said it’d be best.”

You meet families migrating to California only to find things are just as bad there. Not enough jobs. The amount of dust that Billie Jo and her family endure on a daily basis is overwhelming and mind boggling. Dust clogs the tractor motor, ruins the wheat crop, creeps into the bed sheets and ruins Billie Jo’s precious piano. It rings true that Billie Joe and her family eats sleeps and drinks dust.

Blankets of Black

We watched as the storm swallowed the light.
The sky turned from blue
to black,
night descended in an instant
and the dust was on us

I was moved emotionally by Hesse’s free standing verse. Each poem is a work of art giving the people of Billie Jo's small Oklahoma town depth and purpose.

Karen Hesse won the 1998 Newbery Award for this elegantly crafted and powerfully effective novel. She is also the Newbery Medal winning author of ten books for children. Among them is The Music of Dolphins, which was named a Best Book of 1996.


Write it down,

Carma

Voices from The Newbery Medal Past

In case you haven’t heard the news yet, Laura Amy Schlitzs’ work for Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! has been awarded the 2008 Newbery Medal for children’s literature. Click here to read the full article in The Baltimore Sun.

According to Candlewick editor, Mary Lee Donovan, Schlitz’s book Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! was the most exciting submission she has had in her 23-year career. Congratulations to Laura Amy Schlitz!

Take note: It was an editorial assistant who plucked Laura Schlitz’s manuscript from the dreaded slush pile, (which is the first stop for All manuscripts.) This is encouraging, to me at least, because it means hope is alive for every writer who sends a piece of their soul to unknown hands.

Newbery Medal winners are selected for their distinguished contribution to American Literature for children. I have selected four past Newbery Medal winners to read and will be posting book reviews on them in the coming weeks. The subject matter of each book is timeless because they deal with a specific period of time in our history.

Past Newbery winners are: Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse (ages 12 to 14, awarded 1998)

Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George (ages 10 and up, awarded 1973)

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech (ages 8 – 12, awarded 1994)

Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski (mid-grade, awarded 1946) .

Stay Tuned.

Carma

Book Review - The Magic Kerchief

Title: The Magic Kerchief

Author: Kirby Larson

Illustrator: Rosanne Litzinger

Hard Cover: 32 pages

Ages: 4 to 8

Publisher: Holiday House - First edition (September 2000)

ISBN-10: 0823414736

ISBN-13: 978-0823414734

Kirby Larson has written a captivating original folktale with a message everyone can relate to. The story may be set in the past but is all too timely for today. The protagonist, Griselda, the town "grouch", reluctantly offers a stranger a place to stay after she mysteriously appears at Griselda’s door. In fact, Griselda was quite snappy with the visitor and was ready to have her sleep on the floor by the fire but the visitor fell asleep in Griselda’s bed. The next morning, the kind visitor insisted on repaying for Griselda’s kindness with a magical scarf, promising it held great riches.

Crabby Griselda did not believe, but the scarf was nevertheless charming so Griselda tied it on and went to market. The phenomenon that happened at market was truly miraculous. Griselda lost the sting of her tongue when she shopped at the bakery and when she passed by the Lord Mayor. The only words she usually muttered to the Lord Mayor were “Paah, a donkey on two legs is still a donkey.” Instead, wearing the special kerchief, she greeted the Lord Mayor with “My aches and pains vanish when I greet an old friend.” No one was used to Griselda saying nice words. Everyone was surprised. Griselda learned through the kindness of a stranger that to have a friend you must be a friend.

The charming folk-art illustrations are done in soothing pastels and all the characters are rounded like stuffed pillows, which lends to the humorous flavor of Larson’s words. The art dominates each page and depicts an original scene with bright back ground color. This book is worth owning yourself and for gift giving.

About the author: Kirby Larson is the acclaimed author of the 2007 Newberry Honor Book, Hattie Big Sky, a young adult novel she wrote inspired by her great-grandmother, Hattie Inez Brooks Wright, who homesteaded by herself in eastern Montana as a young woman. In addition, Kirby has written three books for children, including the award-winning picture book, The Magic Kerchief. A frequent speaker, Kirby has presented at more than 200 schools, workshops, and seminars.

Write it down,

Carma

Get in the Spirit with SCBWI

SCBWI-NORCAL (Northern California) held its Spring Spirit IV in Davis, California April 5. This was my first writers conference and it will not be my last. You know the commercial where the announcer gives a price for a variety of items but one is always priceless? Information garnered at this conference---Priceless.

SCBWI is a strong global voice for professional writers and illustrators.

I highly recommend that all children's writers and illustrators bite the bullet and join this important group. You can find out how to join by clicking HERE

Author of Hattie Big Sky, Kirby Larson opened the event with a heart warming and entertaining presentation.

Victoria Rock, Editor-at-large at Chronicle Books in San Francisco.... Pamela Bobowicz of Delacorte Press (an imprint of Random House Children's Books), New York........and Heidi Kilgras, Editorial Director at Random House Children's Books in New York were able to convey why editors do what they do. They love their jobs and they want the best for their readers.

Always take an extra notebook and maybe a small fold up camping seat to place in front of you to put your laptop or folders on instead of having just your lap available.

Requirements from editors and publishing houses may vary. For example Random House prefers picture books to be about 450 words in length. A key point: "Is it re-readable?" In other words how many times is your little one going to want to "read it again"?

Delacourte Press accepts Middle Grade 8 to 12 and YA Novels 12 and up but does not accept picture books and Chronicle Books will accept all children's genres at this point.

This is just a couple of gems that were thrown out there this weekend.

Write it down,

Carma

Three Book Choices for Middle School Boys

It is important to introduce young people to quality writing and good story telling. I have reprinted the following article Three Book Choices for Middle School Boys by Rebekah Kogelschatz. Good stories encourage children to read. As a children’s writer, promoting reading is what I desire to achieve. Enjoy the article.

As a middle school teacher of students in advanced academics programs, I had the opportunity to read a selection of books for middle grade readers that were published in 2007. The books were selected because of their potential to be Newberry contenders. Although none of them were awarded the highest honor, they are well worth the time for your middle school student to read. These three selections may be of particular interest to boys, but also would be great for any girls to read also.

Leepike Ridge by N.D. Wilson (Random House): Leepike Ridge is an exciting adventure of Tom and his quest to survive. After hearing the potential wedding plans of his mother and her boyfriend, Tom leaves his home to escape the thought of the marriage. He chooses to float down the nearby stream to clear his head. After a brief sleep, he finds himself slipping into an underground cavern in complete darkness. The story continues with Tom's determination to get out of the cavern alive and the many obstacles he encounters along the way. This story is a page turner with one exciting event after another.

The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt (Clarion Books): The Wednesday Wars was a Newberry Honor book for 2007. Based in 60's, a 7th grade boy, Holling Hoodhood, is sentenced to Wednesday afternoons with his teacher while the other students attend religious training. At first, what seems like a curse of a unlikable teacher turns into a loving friendship and a great amount of learning about life and education. Holling's antics and situations will make any child laugh. With talk of baseball greats and rats running rampant through the school, any boy is certain to enjoy this story.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Carson Ellis (Little, Brown, and Company): The Mysterious Benedict Society is a longer book, but well worth reading all the way to the end. It follows a group of extremely gifted students that are hand selected to save the world from an evil man trying to control the minds of everyone in the world. The children have to go undercover in a boarding school to discover and foil the plans of Mr. Curtain with the assistance of Mr. Benedict. While trying to be selected to the coveted Messenger position, Kate, Constance, Stickie, and Reynie discover the world is not as easy to figure out even with the highest of intelligence. There are many plot changes and surprises throughout the book that makes the ending even better.

Encouraging boys to read is easy with a great book. Try one of these with your middle school boy or girl and be prepared for some excitement about reading.

Rebekah Kogelschatz is a gifted education teacher. She has taught all grades from pre-school to 8th grade in all subject areas. She is a co-founder of the site http://www.smartmoms-smartbusiness.com/ and the founder of a preschool resource site http://www.preschool-activities-everyday.com/ You can learn more about Rebekah by visiting her blog, http://the-day-of-a-mom.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebekah_Kogelschatz

Write it down,

Carma

Interview with Children's Author Claudia Mills

I am so excited to introduce children's author Claudia Mills. She has graciously consented to partake in this on-line interview. Thank you Claudia.

Claudia Mills received her B.A. degree from Wellesley College, her M.A. degree from Princeton University, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Princeton University. She also received an M.L.S. degree from the University of Maryland, with a concentration in children's literature. She worked as an editorial assistant at Four Winds Press (Scholastic) and as an editor at the Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy at the University of Maryland. Since 1991 she has taught philosophy, first as an assistant professor at the University of Maryland at Baltimore County, then as an assistant professor and now as an associate professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder. She has two children, Christopher Wahl and Gregory Wahl.

When did you decide to be a writer, or did it just happen?

I always knew I wanted to be a writer. My mother brought me up to be a writer: when I was in first grade, she gave me a marble-covered composition book and told me it was to be my poetry book, so I started writing poetry to put in it. I wrote incessantly as a child – I still have a box stuffed full of poetry written on Kleenex, on paper napkins, on the margins of my math assignments. It was the only thing I ever wanted to be.

When did your professional writing career begin?

I worked for Four Winds Press/Scholastic in the late 1970s, and that was my entry into the wonderful world of children’s book publishing. I began trying to write my own manuscripts, submitting them to various New York publishers and receiving uniform rejections. Then I hit upon the brilliant plan of sending one of my own stories to Four Winds Press, using a pseudonym to escape detection. The story, like all my others, was rejected – and I had to type my own rejection letter! A second story suffered a similar fate. But then when I submitted my third story to Four Winds Press, my boss there, Barbara Lalicki, asked me to write an editorial critique of it for her. I did – and surprised myself by finding plenty in my own story to criticize. Barbara then wrote the author (me) a letter, which her secretary (me) typed, asking if I would be willing to revise the story according to the suggestions in my own critique. I complied with all the excellent advice I had received (!), and Four Winds ended up publishing the book, under the title At the Back of the Woods.

What role, if any, have writing groups played in your career?

I don’t think I could be a writer without my writing group. When I lived in Maryland I was a member of a writing group called The Soup Group; here in Colorado, I’m a member of a writing group that has no name (well, we do refer ourselves as the Belles and the Beauties, but that’s not our official title). I rely on my writing group for the first critique of every one of my manuscripts, as well as invaluable support and encouragement when the going gets tough.

Who or what inspires your ideas?

All my ideas have been inspired by my own childhood experiences, or by things that have happened to my two boys, who are now 19 and 16. Lately I draw a lot of inspiration just from the ever-fascinating elementary school curriculum. For example, in my most recent book, The Totally Made-Up Civil War Diary of Amanda MacLeish, Amanda has a school assignment to keep a diary pretending she is a Civil War character, Polly Mason, who has one brother fighting for the North and one for the South. At the same time, Amanda is dealing with the “Civil War” within her own home: her parents’ separation. The book alternates between chapters of Amanda’s life and chapters of the diary she writes as Polly Mason. My book Being Teddy Roosevelt was inspired by the “biography tea” in which both my boys participated: each child had to read a biography and then come to school dressed up as the subject of the biography and impersonate that noted individual at a fancy tea party. And my book Trading Places draws on the popular Mini-Society curriculum, in which children create their own classroom society, with its own rules, flag, currency, and economy.

Does being a philosophy professor give you an added advantage when writing your children’s books?

It does make me more sensitive to the importance of theme in a book: what is this story all about? What is the small kernel of truth that it is trying to disclose?

Did you have an agent for your first published book?

I’ve never had an agent for any of my books.

What advice would you give a beginning author?

Well, of course, read, read, read, and write, write, write. Join SCBWI (the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and attend their conferences. And find yourself a writing group.

What is your favorite genre?

As a child I loved fantasy, but now I write only realistic fiction, about real-life children at home and at school. I want to write (and love to read) the kind of story where the reader both laughs and cries, hopefully at the same time.

Do you have a favorite age group to write for?

It used to be grades 4-6, the age group for the middle-grade novel, but lately I’ve fallen in love with writing chapter books targeted at third graders. I love the brisker pacing. And I love writing about the small but painful challenges of children: mastering those pesky times tables! trying to convince your mom to let you do instrumental music. . .

What is the origin of your famous Ape Dance?

This is a dance I used to do in junior high school – and even on into high school (my high school yearbook features a picture of me doing the ape dance as a graduating senior). Because of the ape dance I was given (or gave myself?) the nickname of Tarzan, Queen of the Apes. So my first book-length manuscript was an autobiographical collection of stories about my 8th grade year, written when I was in 8th grade, called T Is for Tarzan. I usually close my school visits with a performance of the ape dance. So now you know!

Visit Claudia's website at http://www.claudiamillsauthor.com/

Write it down,

Carma

How Not To Get Published

Editorial Anonymous (A blog of a children’s book editor) is an astonishing blog. It is written with truth, a bit of bawdiness and most of all some real good information laced with humor.

While surfing I found reference to two outstanding and outrageous posts. I highly recommend the read and if you aren’t wiping tears from your eyes then you aren’t reading it.

The Biggest Mistake Would Be Writers Make

And

How Not To Get Published

Write it down,

Carma

Trading Places by Claudia Mills - Book Review

Trading Places
Author: Claudia Mills
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
Reading Level: Ages 9 - 12
ISBN: 13:978-0-374-31798-0
ISBN:10:0-374-31798-4
Hardcover: 138 pages

Amy and Todd Davidson learn that things in life rarely turn out perfectly and that labels don’t always fit. Amy and Todd are fraternal twins who get along as well as any other brother or sister except they share the same birthday and the same classroom. This is where the similarity stops. Amy is the poet, sentimental and a bookworm while Todd is the engineer, super organized and an over achiever.

As the twins begin their Mini-Society school project things get flipped upside down at home. Their father loses his engineering job and their mother takes a job at the local craft store. The father becomes depressed and hangs around the house in his pajamas all day. This turns out to be an embarrassing situation for Amy when her best friends come home with her after school. Learning how to cope with change becomes a daily experience.

Through the alternating view points of Amy and Todd, Trading Places shows how acceptance of non-traditional roles can open minds to change. Claudia Mills has artfully written about a common problem for many families in today’s changing economy. Her easy going prose presents a realistic solution to a difficult situation in words for the “tween” years.

The fundamental message is about how change can affect everyone in the family, even Wiggles the dog. Amy and Todd learn that change can be good and they learn that opportunities in life pop up when you least expect them too.

This story has all the characters that you would expect to find in a regular classroom. The super shy girl with no friends, the clumsy kid who is a walking accident, the class show off and several more. This is an attention-grabbing read for middle graders.

Write it down,
Carma

Publisher Seeks Fiction, NonFiction for Children with a "Hook"

Do you write fiction and nonfiction picture books and books for middle grade readers? Then this information is for you.

Pelican Publishing Company primarily publishes fiction and nonfiction picture books and books for middle grade readers. They have a wide variety of categories such as; folktales, history, multicultural, stories related to the South and holiday stories.

All books should have that special “hook” that appeals to a specific audience which will set them apart from general fiction. Pelican Publishing Company is also interested in books that can grow into a series. However, they do not want any anthropomorphic stories, pet stories, fantasy, poetry, science fiction or romance. Picture books (ages 5-8) should not exceed 1100 words. Middle grade books (ages 8-12) should be at least 25,000 words.

Pelican Publishing Company does not accept unsolicited manuscripts.

All writers should send a query letter and SASE, describing the project briefly and concisely.

The book’s title must be clearly stated at the top of the query letter or in the first sentence.

The letter should then discuss the following: the book’s content, its anticipated length (in double spaced pages or in words), its intended audience, the author’s writing and professional background and any promotional ideas and contacts the author may have.

If an author has been published by another firm please indicate why a change is sought.

A formal synopsis, chapter outline, and/or one or two sample chapters may be sent with a query letter, but these are not required. If absolutely necessary, very short manuscripts (four pages or less) may be sent in their entirety.

Pelican responds to queries in one month. If Pelican requests the manuscript, it must be submitted exclusively.

Submit all queries with a SASE to Editorial Department, Pelican Publishing. Co., 1000 Burmaster St., Gretna, LA 70053.

For more information visit their web site at http://www.pelicanpub.com/

Write it down,

Carma

Audio Books for Kids

Children love ipods and mp3 players. Instead of filling their ears with junk, buy audio books and your child will be entertained and filled with a love of learning at the same time. Check out this article by Toni Grundstrom

AUDIO BOOKS ARE BENEFICIAL FOR KIDS

Parents everywhere can attest to the fact that small, enclosed spaces for long periods of time do not always work with children. They get bored watching out the window of your vehicle and want something to occupy the time. What is a great solution and can help keep your sanity while driving? Listen to children audio books available in many genres and for all ages.

The fabulous aspect of children audio books is the fact that everyone can be entertained. Audio books are very common for business travelers because it offers more diversity than just switching on the radio. Children audio books are no different. Audio books for children are available from many of their favorite authors.

Audio books are created when an actor, actress or someone paid to read, reads from the book. Some offer embellished accents for certain lines and conversations. A common misconception is that the listener will become lost in the monotonous drone of children audio books and not pay attention to the actual story. The abilities of the reader are far more advanced than fourth grade reading groups where one child read aloud as others followed along with the book.

It is increasingly common for most popular children's books to become children audio books. Parenting groups recommend reading to a child from an early age. Children audio books accomplish this when the space or time frame does not allow for reading aloud, especially while driving.

Audiobooks are used in schools by teachers of second-language learners, learning-disabled students, and struggling readers or nonreaders. Audiobooks have proven successful in providing a way for these students to access literature and enjoy books. Audio books can be beneficial for all children when they are used to introduce new vocabulary or difficult proper names or locales, provide a read-aloud model, or provide a bridge to important topics of discussion for parents and children who can listen together while commuting to sporting events, music lessons, or on vacations. (Benefits of Audiobooks for All Readers, Denise Johnson)

Whatever the child is interested in; there are children audio books in public libraries available at the cost of a library card. These free audio books can be checked out and listened to anywhere. If you don't have the time to stop at the library you can instantly download one from an online store and have it available for an Ipod, MP3 player or put on a CD. Bring them to parks, picnics, games, or traveling since these can all be times to listen to a good book. The audio books help develop the child and can begin a life-long love of reading.

Toni Grundstrom is a Freelance Writer. When you or your child do not have time to sit down and read, listen to a good book on the run. Check out the new audio bookstore, with thousands of titles to choose from. You're sure to find one you like. Click here to open up an entirely new way of enjoying a book.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Toni_Grundstrom

Write it down,

Carma

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse - Book Review

An amusing little human-like mouse named Lilly learns about conflict and listening to her teacher.

Age group is 7 to 10

32 page Picture book.

Published by: Greenwillow Books - from Harper Collins

Author and Illustrator: Kevin Henkes

Lilly loves life and her teacher Mr. Slinger. He wears cool shirts with crazy ties. He also provides yummy snacks for all his students and Lilly wants to be a teacher just like him. One day Lilly brings her new purple plastic purse that plays music to school. She irritates everyone and noisily displays it inappropriately. Mr. Slinger takes the purple purse away from Lilly until the end of the day and Lilly draws a mean portrait of her teacher.

At the end of the school day when Lilly gets outside and opens her purse she discovers a nice note from Mr. Slinger “…Today was difficult. Tomorrow will be a better day” and some tasty snacks. Lilly is overcome with guilt and decides to make up with her teacher the next day.

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse teaches a lesson about discipline and anger management. The book demonstrates that discipline is not punishment when Mr. Slinger shows understanding and compassion to Lilly. Learning to question and respect authority is a very delicate balance and an important lesson for children to learn. This is reinforced in Lilly’s home by her loving parents. Unfortunately, many children grow up thinking discipline is all about punishment when in fact it is teaching character.

Write it down,

Carma

Learn to Write Picture Books with Margot Finke

Join the Children's Writer's Coaching Club at the National Writing for Children Center and you'll have access to FOUR 55-minute teleclasses each and every month.

If you've ever wanted to write a picture book for children but just didn't know how to go about it, you won't want to miss this week's fun and informative teleclass with children's picture book author Margot Finke.

Just look at all Margot will cover in this class:

PICTURE (BOOK) PERFECT

*Good grammar and punctuation
* Tight writing — use a few carefully chosen words to write a "big" story.
* The benefit of bringing powerful verbs into play.
* How to paint word pictures that will stick in a child’s head.
* How to write active paragraphs that easily translate into illustrations
* How to FOCUS on what is important to the story — and cut the rest.
* The art of crafting characters kids will identify with and root for.
* Develop a writing "voice" that is unique.

This LIVE teleclass will take place on Wednesday, February 13, 2008, at 4:00 pacific time.

To receive an email invitation to this event, along with any handouts needed for the class, join the Children's Writers' Coaching Club at:


The Children's Writers
Coaching Club

I hope to meet you in class this Wednesday evening. But, if you can't attend the LIVE teleclass, as a coaching club member you will also receive a link to the recording of this class on Thursday, so you can listen to the class at any time. Have a great writing day!

Carma

The Diary of a Worm

Written by: Doreen Cronin
Illustrated by: Harry Bliss
Hardback: 32 pages
Published by: Joanna Cotler Books
An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Ages: 6 and older
ISBN 0-06-000150-X
Published: 2003

The theme of Diary of a Worm is set right away with the title and then each event is dated by month and number. This delightful humorous picture book by Doreen Cronin is about a loveable worm who finds out that there are some good things in life and not so good things.

His mom tells him there are three things he should always remember: 1. The earth gives us everything we need. 2. When we dig tunnels, we help take care of the earth. 3. Never bother Daddy when he’s eating the newspaper.

And there are three good things about being a worm. 1. I never have to go to the dentist. 2. I never get in trouble for tracking mud through the house. 3. I never have to take a bath.

The illustrations by Harry Bliss are really the highlight of this book and the cartoon images on the inside of the book cover are meant to look like family photos of the little worm. In addition the protagonist tries to teach his spider friend how to dig but the spider gets all his legs stuck in dirt and in turn the spider tries to teach the worm how to walk upside down, only to discover that worms cannot walk upside down. All ages can relate to the humor in this book.

Adults and children can share a fun read together. I observed my seven year old granddaughter as she read Diary of a Worm to me. She carefully studied the pictures on both pages before reading. Although the words were for her grade level, the pictures enhanced her confidence with her reading.

Write it down,

Carma