I have picture book sketches!

Who would have thought that after 2 decades as a YA/MG author, I'm going to have a picture book published?

I can hardly believe it myself. Of course, it's not like I haven't been learning EVERYTHING about picture books for a very long time. Attending SCBWI conferences means listening to many amazing picture book authors and illustrators. I used to tease that I couldn't write a picture book but I'd learned enough to teach someone else how to write one.

And then several years ago, magic happened.

My author BFF Verla Kay and myself were speaking at a school. While I waited for my talk, I sat with kids in the audience and watched her power point presentation. I stared at a photo of Verla as a child building a snow dog. This picture stuck in my mind and the next day it came with words. I scribbled them down on a napkin since I was in a car. (I have learned to always write inspired words when they come--which is usually at night or when I'm driving). I had lots of advice from Verla and other friends as I shaped those words into a picture book. The most insightful advice came from former Tricycle editor, Abi Samoun, who was considering this book until Tricycle closed. She told me I needed to use all four seasons, not just summer and winter. I argued at first -- pointing out there there's a rule of 3 and having 4 main scenes wouldn't work. She assured me it would work.
And she was right.

On June 14, 2012, I had a call from my agent telling me I was now a picture book author. Sweet words!!!

And in March 2014, the book I called SNOW DOG/SAND DOG (title under discussion) will be published by Albert Whitman. YAY!

Live your life is the message of jbknowles amazing writer's post today.

http://jbknowles.livejournal.com/468705.html?view=8541921#t8541921

http://jbknowles.livejournal.com/468705.html?view=8541921#t8541921

The year is almost over, and with my husband retiring early, 2012 has been a wonderful new adventure. We took many trips, near and far, that weren't possible when he had hours of commuting and out of town work. He missed lots of time with our kids and I had to deal with a lot on my own. Now we're enjoying time together -- sometimes not even being in the same room is a joy because we are only a shout away. So my family life is a blessing, and there's not a day that goes by without silent gratitude.

As for my writing, I had terrible and wonderful things this year. Lots of rewriting, waiting, disappointment and joy. My spin-off to THE SEER series, BURIED: A GOTH GIRL MYSTERY, came out in March which was great! But the best moment was the phone call from my agent on June 14th to announce the sale of my picture book, SNOW DOG-SAND DOG, to Whitman Publishing. I still have the voice mail on my phone. I won't ever delete it.

Through the ups and downs, I never stopped writing, plotting, dreaming, hoping. When I started writing at age 8, even then I knew this was something special for me. A calling of words to share with the world. And as the writing world changes, widening its arms for paperless stories, I still personally prefer the paper, but am just grateful for readers who say they love my books. Apparently I have a big fan base in Quebec with my translated books, and it's a special joy to hear from those fans.

So my advice to other writers is to never stop hoping and believing in yourself. If you need encouragement or have a writing question, just email me ([email protected]). Giving back is part of being a writer. So I'm here, if you need a friend.

2012 is turning a new page. Have an amazing 2013.
.

Originally posted by cynleitichsmith at Career Builder & Giveaway: Linda Joy Singleton

By Cynthia Leitich Smith
for Cynsations

Linda Joy Singleton on Linda Joy Singleton: "As a kid, I was always writing. During a two-week school vacation, when I was 14, I challenged myself to write a chapter a day, completing a 200 page manuscript. I kept many of my stories and show them to kids I speak to at school.

"After high school, life detoured me away from writing, until one day I heard a radio announcement about a college writing workshop which led to my joining a writing group in Sacramento.

"Two years later, I sold my first book, Almost Twins, to a small publisher.

"I was thrilled when my dream of being a series author came true when Avon published my first two series: My Sister the Ghost and Cheer Squad. More series followed: Regeneration (Berkley 2000), Strange Encounters (Llewellyn 2004), The Seer (Flux 2004), Dead Girl trilogy (Flux 2008), and my latest book Buried: A Goth Girl Mystery by Linda Joy Singleton (Flux 2012)."

What lessons have you learned from your years as a professional writer?

Linda Joy researches Sword Play

• Writers never stop learning. "Research" is another word for embracing new adventures.
• Another writer will understand you better than your most supportive friends/family. Who else can understand that joy in a "good" rejection?
• Take notes. Once I asked a very wise friend why she was handwriting notes at a conference that was being taped. She said it wasn't because she needed the notes, but that the act of writing words on paper helps focus the connection between listening and learning. Writing down information creates a learning path from ears, eyes, heart to hand. Grasping information in a way you can remember later.
• Read books better than you think you can write. Then you’ll learn to write better.
• Craft in writing is a concept wrapped in layers of details, rhythm, awareness and study; a fine wine of words that ripens with experience.
• When rejection flames into anger, never reply to an editor or agent unprofessionally. Wait until the heat of hurt simmers down. Vent to a trusted friend or write down your feelings then destroy the paper. Anger never heals; it's only another rip in a heart.
• Always say thank you. Gratitude, like a smile, is a gift that keeps on giving. There are no rules. Rules are the figment of someone else's imagination. But there is value in advice, learning and practice. Learn from the wisdom and experiences of others; live by the wisdom and experiences you'll gain along your own journey.
• There are always exceptions. Like the writer who self-publishes a book that editors assured her no one wants to read---then the book goes on to be a bestseller. Or the writer who gets an agent with his first book who enthusiastically predicts a bestseller, and instead receives poor sales or rejection. Throw the dice and roll with your own career, listening and learning and working hard.
• Writing is not an easy job--it's satisfying, grueling, fun, amazing, heart-breaking, heart-warming, the worst job ever and the best job ever.
• Enjoy your writing journey.

What advice do you have for authors experiencing a career stall?

Linda Joy, age 7, with Sandy

• Keep on writing.
• Be willing to put a manuscripts aside when you love it but the market doesn't. (I have retired about seven manuscripts.)
• Listen to advice from your writing friends. Doing this has led to new opportunities for me.
• When rejections hurt, vent in private to your friends, never post it publicly.
• Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. I've been doing a lot of that this year, and my books have improved.
• Be flexible and ready to shift your focus and reinvent yourself when an opportunity arises. Change is scary, but often it's just one door closing so you open a door leading to new exciting places.
• Be grateful for friends, books you love, and for each "Yay!" moment of your career.
• Pay good fortune forward with critiques, encouragement, mentoring or the gift of a book.

Cynsational Notes

Linda Joy Singleton looks forward to the release of Snow Dog/Sand Dog (Albert Whitman).

Find her on facebook and twitter and see her official author site for a link to a free short story.

Attention, teachers & librarians! Linda Joy Singleton will send you free bookmarks if you email her at [email protected] with "Bookmark Request" in the subject line. She'll also offer a free Skype visit to the first teacher (elementary to high school) who emails me.

Enter to win a one-page synopsis consult, plus a copy of Linda Joy Singleton's synopsis template (usually only available at conferences) from Cynsations at Blogger. Enter here.

And enter to win a copy of Buried: A Goth Girl Mystery by Linda Joy Singleton (Flux) from Cynsations at Blogger. Author sponsored. U.S. only. Enter here.

How many readers can say that they've co-written a book with their favorite author?

I can. 

When I was around 8 years old I discovered the delicious mysteries of vintage girl detectives - Nancy Drew, Ginny Gordon, Trixie Belden,  Judy Bolton and many more. My favorites were Nancy Drew and Judy Bolton. When I was 13, I wrote fan letters to both authors, not knowing that Carolyn Keene was a syndicated name and not a real person (I later met Mildred Wirt, the original Carolyn Keene, but that's another story).  So I did not hear back from Nancy Drew's "author." But Margaret Sutton, author of the 38 Judy Bolton mysteries, published from 1932-1967 did write back, a long single-spaced typed letter that I still treasure decades later. I wanted to be a writer and she encouraged me, even showed some of my work to a college class she taught a few years later. She helped me complete my Judy Bolton collection so I was able to read every mystery.

When I was in my 20's, I visited Margaret (she was in her 80's). She told me of other fans who had started a newsletter called The Whispered Watchword, and I enthusically became part of this group. Through serendipity, I was given the opening chapters to a new Judy Bolton mystery, THE TALKING SNOWMAN, which I was told I could finish if I wanted - and I wanted! I wrote 100 pages in less than 3 weeks, and later edited with Margaret's advice. I self-published this book in 1997, just 4 years before Margaret died at 98. 

Next week I'm flying to PA for the annual Judy Bolton Days event in Coudersport, where the books were set; fictionaizing a quaint, lovely mountain town. The real events of the town are featured in each Judy Bolton Mystery, and we will be touring the sites, including a broken dam, private homes and a stately mansion. Margaret's family will be there, too. All of the Judy Bolton books have been reprinted by Applewood Books (they did some Nancy Drews, too). It's now possible to own the entire collection in paperback. A new Judy has been written as a project of Margaret's daughter, one of the co-writers my a dear friend and former sister-inlaw. I have already ordered my copy.  The only Judy Bolton book not reprinted by Applewood is the one I still have copies of in my closet, THE TALKING SNOWMAN. 

We'll get together each evening and share Judy Bolton fun, like a quiz based on the book selected this year, #13 THE NAME ON THE BRACELET, a mystery about switched babies that was published in 1940. Life was much different then, and as I reread this book, I'm struck by how women stayed in the hospital for days after giving birth and the fathers weren't allowed to even see the babies except through glass.  

While Judy Bolton is my favorite mystery series, I love many other vintage girl series books, and I had fun weaving in titles and references in my THE SEER series. 
How many can you find? I can make a contest out of this and award the one who finds the most a free book.  Just email me with your answers. I'll keep it open for a few weeks.

What is your favorite childhood book or series?

A young writer just asked me for writing advice and here's what I wrote back.

* Read a lot of books that you admire and study skills like dialogue, transitions, layering of details in each scene, pacing, etc. Notice whenever you read something that makes you emotional to learn how to touch the hearts of your future readers.

* Don't worry about your writing being perfect, just write a first draft then come back for rewriting. Lots of rewriting. I truly believe in the saying that books aren't written, they're rewritten. My books have gone through zillions of rewrites.

* Don't make the mistake of loving your story so much (like a mother loves her own baby) that you think it's perfect and you rush it out into the world of publishing before its ready. I mean, even exceptional babies take time to learn to walk, talk and sing the ABC song. New writers should take some time to let their words sing and mature into something amazing.

*  Editors are important. Without them my books would have been error-filled and not as strong. Take the time to build your writing style and skills so editors, agents and readers will fall in love with your work.

More writing advice for writers here....

Here's the website: www.LindaJoySingleton.com

From Publisher's Marketplace:.

September 20, 2012
 Children's:
Picture book 
Linda Joy Singleton's SNOW DOG, SAND DOG, in which a a girl's imagination does not stop her from loving a dog, well actually 4 dogs, of her very own, to Kristin Ostby at Albert Whitman, by Jill Corcoran at The Herman Agency (World).


Excuse me while I do a happy dance! Yay! This book was inspired by a photograph of Verla Kay building a snow dog with her sister. The words came quickly, the rewrite slowly and the trip to an offer for publication feels amazing!

I can hardly believe that a talented artist...maybe someone you know...will be drawing wonderful art based on my words. Isn't that the most fabulous thing? I can hardly wait!

Oh, and the book is scheduled for Spring 2014.

SPEAKER NOTES FROM AUGUST 2012  SCBWI CONFERENCE.

This was my 21^st SCBWI LA Conference & and the organization's 41^st

I took my notes on my iPad, which is soooo convenient. Love this device!

 Lin Oliver says there are 1,234 attendees; full conference. 46 states. 15 countries.

 Keynote was ARTHUR LEVINE who is always witty and sincere. He said, “Children's books are a reflection of everything I value most dearly.”.

 Also mentioned quote about anticipation being a better tool than surprise.

He spoke of Harry Potter, saying he won't talk about hype but of the good writing. He made an appearance at a week long Harry Potter camp. Now reading the 2nd book to his own 8 year old son. He published it because of his connection to Harry and how it made him cry when Harry stood in front of the Mirror of Erised.

 TONY DITERLIZZI opened with, "Always have a logjam of ideas...tons of ideas." He showed photo of Albert Einstein, his favorite say, "If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairytales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairytales." The importance of imagination, that's key to me. 

 "Dungeons and Dragons introduced me to a lot of fantasy writing"  He drew lots of fantasy creatures.  SPIDER & FLY was his first NYT bestseller and Caldecott Honor. Asked himself "What would 10 year Tony want that  40 year old Tony can make?" He has a collection of toys from when he was a kid to remind him what it felt like to be a kid. Trying to make books for the kid version of himself.

  SARA SHEPARD opened with, “I'm going to be talking about murders, scandals and lying." Author of PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, book and tv series.

 She was a ghost writer for Alloy, writing books under other names. Wrote about 6 ghosted books. Then she was told to write her own series and created PRETTY LITTLE LIARS. Was sold as 4 books, then another 4. TV show made it go beyond 8 books. Resurrected book with new plotting; reinventing.   

 She has rules about how to keep a mystery series (that's what she consider PLL) going.

You always have to know who your murderer is before you start out.

Always incorporate the "red herring."

Leave a bit to chance.

Be willing to change like when she had new book offers.                                 

Outline. Outline. Outline.

Creates material that will never make it in the scenes (background)                                    
"I definitely had secrets in my family, and used that."

Got book deal at age 28, and when PLL came out it wasn't that successful at first, and she was humbled. Although it was optioned nothing happened at first but then she heard people cast and script written. She was like "OMG" because some of the lines are straight from the book. "Whole experience has been kind of bizarre...suddenly on TV." Monday she is going to the set based on the town she made up. "It's a wonderful thing to see the characters on the scene, and pushes me to create better story lines." Sara Shepard, author of PRETTY LITTLE LIARS

PATRICIA MACLACHLAN opens with, "I'm so sorry I have no scandals or murders...in my books." She added that she’s never written an outline.

She went on to talk about her life as a writer, including stories of her granddaughters and imaginary friends. Humorous, lovely talk! She says, "Even though we look like adults, we're children."

DAN GUTMAN admitted he was a reluctant reader and didn't like classics and wanted to write books for kids like himself. He gave a list of tips, mostly humorous and he seemed very comfortable talking, his humor corny in a cute grown-up-kid way. I liked him.

KAREN CUSHMAN: Pubbed 1st book at age 50. Written 7 books.

 Oens by saying "Use me...stop me in the halls...don't think you're bothering me."

Collects blogs with helpful hints.

Karen says to have no rules.

Be open to surprise. At times stray from our outlines, ask ourselves questions that we don't already know the answers. If you were to respond differently, how would that change the story? When writing our characters we undoubtedly write more than we know.

"I've often been surprised by something I've written." Karen Cushman,

She hadn't noticed her birth metaphors in MIDWIVES until others pointed it out.

Karen says: Read and reread your drafts looking for the surprise...what your story is really about...what you really want to say."

I am not satisfied with lousy first drafts...go over and over, looking for the surprise.

"Inspiration often strikes when I am far from my chair and I have to run home to write."

She reads other writers while writing and she learns a lot (like me!)

"I suggest you read 100 books like the one you want to write. Read what you love and ask yourself why you love it." Karen Cushman

CLARE VANDERPOOL won Newbery for Moon Over Manifest Oct/2010 which I got from library and read. Liked it.

She said: Some highlights in a year and a half, like sitting by Sara Shephard yesterday which impressed her daughter.  Took Clare 16 years to be published.

Then: started writing at 1994, quit job and raised 4 kids. Had no agent and many rejections.

Now: Kids out of school for summer & kids in house with friends.  She sits at the table with headphones on with rain sounds to muffle sounds. Showed video of her daughter singing while she's trying to write. But school will come. Now she has agent and editor and published book soon to come out, plus a nice medal.

RUTA SEPETYS, DIFFERENT SHADES OF GRAY award winning novel.

Amazing talk, like no other I’ve ever heard.                                                                                                          

 Ruta Sepetys who was blond and gorgeous and opened with her work for American Idol, helping the finalists to pick songs. Then she spoke of how she had a wake-up moment when a finalist asked her about herself and she said she was from Lithuania. But she didn't know anymore, so she researched and found out when her grandfather fled before he would have been executed by Stalin's people, his family left behind was punished, 12 of them sent to Siberia and only 2 surviving. She interviewed, traveled and asked more questions. She got emotional and determined to learn what it was like to survive a prison in Siberia. Then she paused and said she'd been encouraged to tell the rest of her story.

 She heard about a group of college kids researching for a documentary. They wanted a real reenactment and were there for only 24 hours, but they couldn't wear them down over time. She wanted to experience this but was refused. So she offered them money and they agreed. She had to sign papers, and did much to her husband's concern. When she got there, there were lined up and suddenly the first men were beaten. She was terrified and it got worse because they came to her and beat her to, so she fell to the ground and they kicked her, rupturing her disk.

 She paused in her talk to wipe off her tears with her wrist then she continued, admitting how she thought she'd be brave but it took only seconds for her to become terrified and a coward, ignoring a man's gesture for help, just wanting to get away, and glad to be put in a box away from the violence. But when she was put back with the others, one guy reached out to her and offered to help, and this gave her courage to help him, too. She didn't say much more, but obviously she got out and used all this for her book which won awards.

 Afterwards we listened to Deborah Halverson talk about the market, which has improvement with picture books, which I knew already with my agent's sales.

Because I promised, here's the next chapter. I don't know how far I'll go with this, so you'll have to let me know if you want more.

CHAPTER THREE

While Jay crosses the street, chillin’ like he’s out for a casual stroll, I’m sweating, slinking into night shadows, staying low as a bug. I only need to pass five houses then cross to the opposite side of the street.  Sounds easy? Not so much. During those seconds when I’m crossing, I’ll be as visible as the red circle on a shooting target. Can I make it without being seen? Not so sure, although I’ll never admit it.

Slipping behind a thick tree trunk, I glance over at Garth, who has finally ended his lip-lock and is strutting away from the house with a cocky swagger like a soccer star who scored the winning goal. His hasn’t noticed Jay yet, who has stopped walking and stands motionless beneath swaying curtains of willow branches.

 I blink, and Jay is gone.

Garth pauses on the sidewalk, digging into his pocket and pulling out a key ring. The keys jangle an emergency warning signal to me—hurry! I have to get into covert position before Garth reaches his car.  I peer over to where I last saw Jay. Still no hint of life behind the willow vines. It’s like Jay is made of invisibility.

A rumbling noise of an engine. Headlights shine down the road--heading my way. If I stand here the beams will mark me like a splash of paint in a paint ball battle. I press up against a tree, waiting for the car to pass and clasping my hands together around the phone like I’m praying. Don’t see me, don’t see me.  I step off the sidewalk close to a tree, crouching down low. Light flashes. A whirl of movement rushes by. I hold my breath and wait the count of ten then peer at the street.

The car is gone but so is Garth.

Where did he go?

I look up and down the street, puzzled because his car is still parked in the same spot. I hear a scraping sound from plastic garbage can in the opposite driveway, and Garth’s head pops up, and I realize he hid from the passing car, too. The cheater afraid of the wrath of a jealous girlfriend.

Then I get serious because I still have to cross the street. I duck behind the bushes. And I can’t think of any way to do this without Garth seeing me. I watch him pass one house then another until he’s almost to his car. And I’m still not behind the bushes.

“Hey, Garth!” I hear J

As requested, I'll add another chapter of the 2nd GOTH GIRL book. This book isn't contracted so may never be published but sometimes it's nice to just write for fun. Besides I'm in a waiting mode, not sure what to start next and hoping for news on a submission close to my heart. So I figure why not share some of Thorn's continuing story with readers who have enjoyed my SEER books.

If there's still interest, I'll post chapter 3 tomorrow. PS - While I self-edit, this hasn't been professionally edited. I really appreciate all the editors I've worked with. No matter how much I reread something, I usually find a mistake later. Be warned (g).

GOTH GIRL MYSTERY #2: REAPER

CHAPTER TWO

            Jay slides down the rope he’s hooked to my balcony and offers to catch me if I fall. But I’m already climbing down, reminding him he’s not the only one with skills. He nods with what I think is respect.

“This way,” he whispers, gesturing for me to follow.

We cross through the backyard, staying close to bushes as we hurry away from the three-story ramshackle farm house my family recently moved into. Brittle leaves crackle on the road, shaken from skeletal autumn-dying trees, and a chilly breath of wind moans along the quiet country road. I love the eerie night in its cozy cloak of darkness. It’s no secret black is my favorite color, which some people think that’s a sign I’m into devil worship or other ridiculous assumptions, but black is the most interesting color; unable to reflect light, independent and mysterious; coloring the night when the world seems most alive.

And I’m feeling more alive than ever, aware of rough pavement beneath my feet, chilly air tingling my face and woodsy smell from burning fireplaces. We travel silently down a road dimly lit by orbs of street lights and a shine of moon through an overcast October sky. I stay close to Jay, my two steps matching each of his longer single strides.

When we reach a dark-brown sedan, more like something grandparents would drive than a car for a rich high school senior, Jay clicks a button on his key ring.

“Entrez s’il vous plait.” With a gentlemanly gesture, he opens the door for me.

As I duck inside the vehicle, his arm brushes my shoulder. Electricity sparks through my body. I glance sharply to read his expression, wondering if he’s jolted too, yet see not even a flicker of emotion. He climbs into the seat, clicking a seat belt and we’re off.

We drive west, away from the rural area of Nevada Bluff, toward brighter lights of the city. Questions slam my thoughts, about where we’re going and what will happen when we get th

Just for fun I started writing a 2nd GOTH GIRL MYSTERY since BURIED came out a few months ago and I'm in a waiting mode for my career right now. So time for fun, huh? If you liked THE SEER's character Thorn, you should enjoy the following opening chapter to a work-in-progress book.

GOTH GIRL 2 – REAPER

              By

 Linda Joy Singleton

 CHAPTER ONE

             I lie in bed, waiting.

Since finding the cryptic note in my locker, I’ve thought of nothing else:

To defend an honor,

Come join me,

Meet at midnight

Balcony.

The smiley face is the mark of the Grin Reaper, a vigilante cloaked in a knit cap instead of a cape. Justice Blankenship the Third (Jay) plays the pretty rich boy at school but after classes he fights for the underdog. I’m the only one at Nevada Bluff High who knows Jay is the Grin Reaper although I don’t know much else about him. What I do know I like. And I’d like to know more.

Nine minutes till midnight.

Ready for Jay, I’m draped in black; the color of night and secrets. My nerves are strung tighter than the strings on the guitar lying beside me. I’ve been strumming, tweaking notes of a bluesy song I’m writing, trying not to focus on the glowing numbers from my alarm clock.

 Dying flames from my burning incense casts eerie shadows around my room, shifting ordinary furniture into unearthly shapes. I’ve drawn back the curtains over the sliding glass door to my balcony, so my room is too dark for prying eyes yet offers me a moonlit view through glass. I can’t relax, wondering w

Years ago I read a thin paperback called TOMORROW, WHEN THE WAR BEGINS by an author I'd never heard of before, John Marsden. Something about this book intrigued me, and I've always loved reading about Australia. So I started reading...and didn't stop, so breathless by the action and captivated by the voice of a heroine who ripped into my heart.

When I finished, it felt like my brain and emotions had run a marathon, and I had to have more books. But I quickly found out these were Australia books and it wasn't easy to get them in the US. After some research, I found all 7 books available in the US through Houghton Mifflin, the  original copyright 1993 and first American printing in 1995. I'm guessing the series was a huge hit in Australia since there are 7 books then 2 addition featuring Ellie after the war.  I didn't discover this series until 2003. The books were expensive in dj hardback, but I had to own them. (And to get the two Ellie ones later took some trading with an Australian friend).

Now I've been a voracious reader since I was 8. So when I say that this series consumed me like no other, that is no small tribute. Each time I started one of the books, I could NOT stop reading till night turned into morning. My heart raced, my hands gripped the book, I forgot this world and lost myself in Ellie's Australia. I felt so fortunate to discover a series when it was completed at 7 (spin-off came later). I was waiting for Harry Potter still, praying that JK Rowling would stay healthy and avoid accidents. So to have all SEVEN books was heaven...and a little bit of hell when I read them and characters died in horrible ways. There's one death in that series that still haunts me.

So imagine my absolute THRILL to hear there was a movie. I checked online and found it only available in Australia. I waited and checked again, and found it in DVD but not certain it would work on US DVD's. More time passed, and I saw it was listed on Netflix. I put it on que and it still hasn't come. I checked online again and it was like $30 to buy a copy, and I really just wanted to watch it, not necessarily own it. So I waited again -- and two nights ago I found it on our movie channel and set my DVR.

Well I just watched the movie of TOMORROW, WHEN THE WAR BEGAN and I can not understand why US kids are not talking about this movie. It's very different than Hunger Games, but it packs a similar intensity, powerful teens and even small doses of humor. The characters seemed very much like how I remember them in the books, too. If it were released some some hype, it could be HUGE! I loved the cast and only hated when it ended and I'd already heard there wasn't a movie sequel. What's with the Australia movie makers -- get busy and film the second movie before those teens become adults.

If you haven't checked out these books and the movie, do it NOW.  Start with the books:
http://www.amazon.com/Tomorrow-When-War-Began/dp/0439829100/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342734149&sr=1-2&keywords=tomorrow+when+the+war+began

Enjoy!

When I go to writing events, the most fun for me is talking to people who love books like I do. At ALA I was able to talk to so many amazing readers.

BEST CONFERENCE MOMENT: While in Marlene Perez's line, I noticed two teens in front of me. The two girls whispered and looked at me then admitted they were SEER fans and loved Dominic, and I handed out bookmarks then offered them my last copy of BURIED. The girls were excited and it felt great to have a signing in a line for someone else's signing. Some librarians recognized my name, too.  Nice.

OTHER BEST MOMENT:  I have a book close to contract that I can't publicly announce yet, but the publisher was at ALA and I stopped by their booth and they recognized who I was and seemed pleased to meet me. I stopped by for a signing of one of their authors later, hoping to be there signing my own book in about 2 years.

BOOKS I PICKED UP TO READ and will review the best of them:
(These books were picked up over 4 days, so it may seem like a lot but I was actually very picky & passed on hundreds and only ARCS were free, any already published books cost between $2 to $10).

Summer of the Mariposes by Guadalupe Garcia McCall (Tu)
Every Day by Levithan
Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
Adventures of Jo Schmo by Greg Trine
Diverse Energies (Tu)
Up, Up and Away by Ginger Wadsworth (paid $5)
Sapphire Blue
Darkwater by Catherine Fischer
Geeks, Girls and Secret Identities by Mike Jung
Scarlet by Melissa Meyer (waited in hour line!)
Summer and Bird by Katherine Catmull
Delusion by Laura L. Sullivan
Theodosia Eyes of Horus (paid $5)
Son by Lois Lowry
Teenboat -- graphic novel
Princess Academy #2
Vodnik by Bryce Moore (Tu)
What we Saw At Night by Jacquelyn Mitchard
The Sweet Dead Life by Joy Preble
Candy Shop #2 by Brandon Mull
The Raven Boys by Stiefvater
The Peculiars by Maureen Doyle McQuerry (bought $5, I think)
Jasper Jones by Silvey
Silver Phoenix by Cindy PonStarry River of the Sky by Grace Lin
The Future We Left Behind by Mike A. Lancaster
Wonder in hardback by R. J. Palacio
The Diviners by Libba Bray
Dead Girl Moon by Charlie Price
The Comet's Curse by Dom Testa
The Boxcar Children Beginning
Vordak by Egmont
Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson - already read this and LOVED IT! Will read again...
Crown Embers #2 by Carson
and my favorite prize: The FIRE CHRONICLE, #2 of Emerald Table
THE HALLOWED ONES BY BICKLE
THE TWINNING PROJECT BY LIPSYTE
ENTICE BY SHIRVINGTON
EVE & ADAM BY GRANT/APPLEGATE
SPLENDORS AND GLOOMS BY LAURA SCHLITZ
CREWEL BY ALIBIN
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT BY CLAYTON
THE ADVENTURES OF A SOUTH POLE PIG BY KURTZ
IRON HEARTED VIOLET BY BURNHILL
THIS TREE COUNTS BY ALISON FORMENTO
ZEKE MEEKS VS THE GRUESOME EIGLR BY D.L. GREEN
THE LAST DRAGONSLAYER BY FFORDE
THE THORY OF EVERYTHING BY JJ JOHNSON
ASHEN WINTER BY MIKE MULLIN
HUNTER MORAN SSAVES THE UNIVERSE BY PATRICIA REILLY GRIFF
THE LAND OF STORIES BY CHRIS COLFER
DEAD IS A KILLER TUNE BY MARLENE PEREZ
SUMMER OF THE MARIPOSAS (TU!) BY MCCALL
MAGISTEERIUM BY JEFF HIRSCH

So I have lots of reading ahead!!!

Linda

Another writer said that LJ has become a ghost town, and that is sadly true. But I will still post here occasionally and go through the posts of my friends. Several years ago I attended a retreat that was amazing because of friendships on LJ. And with Facebook being selective (tricky) about which posts we see, that's not all that reliable either. Twitter is useful and where I seem to get most of the links for articles and blogs on writing, at least Twitter isn't playing games with people like Facebook. And count me in as one of the many who doesn't like the new profile page of Facebook -- just let the posts speak for themselves.

And still I enjoy blogging here on LJ. There's something so personal and interesting, too, and the posts of my friends here. I've followed many of their successes and disappointments, and read many of their books. I love to support books by my friends. We're all in this crazy game together.

As for my game playing lately, I am feeling very encouraged and hopeful. Soon I hope to share more here.

Believe in your writing and keep blogging of hopes and dreams that do come true.

It's true what writers say -- good writing is rewriting. Still when a writer receives a challenging editorial letter, there's some anxiety.  But there's also an exhileration akin to climbing into a amusement ride seat, strapping yourself in tight, then zooming off for a jolting, dizzy, heart-thrilling ride.

I am nearing the end of revisions that have consumed my life for over a month. Revising might seem taunting to some authors, but I was SO excited when I received an amazing 8-page revision letter. The suggestions showed me how to delve deeper into character, theme, plotting and world-building

. My steps for revision have been:

1. Read the letter. Reread the letter. Repeat this often.

2. Jot notes on the letter, write new scenes on the back of the letter, make lists of things to change.

3. Wake up from dreams (usually at 4AM) with new passages streaming through my mind, jot them down then include in story.

4. Begin at chapter 1. Go back to chapter 1. Again. Cut extra words (like that, very) add visual details, revise  dialogue. Repeat.

5. Write morning, night, at camping sites, hotel rooms, lobbies and even a bowling alley, until there are 4 new chapters and I've reached the last page. Then go over it all again. Repeat, until the only step left is to send the book off with cross-fingers.

I am so grateful for this professional insight, and hopeful it leads to some good news. Stay tuned!

SCBWI SPRING SPIRIT CONFERENCE in Rocklin, California 4-21-12

I gave a synopsis-template talk with over 80 people signed up to attend, and it went great! Everyone seemed to love my 4-step template for writing a one-page synopsis. I won't post it online as I hope word-of-mouth spreads and other SCBWI groups invite me to give this workshop. One woman came up a few hours later and said she'd written her synopsis in a short time thanks to my template. Another woman asked if I'd come speak to her group later this year. And Lin Oliver suggested my workshop might make a helpful intensive for a future SCBWI International Conference.

Afterwards, I went to the main room and went on the stage for introductions (always a thrill to be a speaker!),

With my talk over, I relaxed and went to other workshops. Here are some notes I took. I had my iPad and we were encouraged to tweet about the event, so I sent lots of tweets too (under lindajoysinglet). Here are my notes:

First speaker was Queen of SCBWI, Lin Oliver and she gave BEST OF BEST ADVICE over 40 YEARS

Lin Oliver, has new book written with her son and also has Henry Wrinkler series.
Was on Beverly Hillbillies as staff writer as a prize for winning a contest in 70's until quit in 3 months. Got children's book writer job via employment office, and was selected to write a series with Steve Mooser. So picked 10 fave authors and invited them to a conference so they could learn how to write for kids. All 10 famous authors replied, including EB White and Judy Blume, only EB and Dr. Suess who wrote a letter in rhyme why he could't come. 55 people attended, most relatives.

SCBWI began... now 23,000 internationally

Lin Oliver's favorite advice from famous authors and her own advice:
1 From Judy Blume - Write the kind of book you want to read.
2 From Bruce Coville - Follow your weirdness
3 From Susan Patron - Begin on the day that's different
4 Sid Fleishman - Write in scenes
5 Richard Peck - Be a listener
6 Lin's own advice: Read your work out loud
7 Be emotional but not sentimental. Don't reminisce
8  It's not a children's book if a child does not solve the problem
9 Read deeply and develop own cannon (books read)
10 Paula Danziger - Create a char you love. Think what they want and decide what's keeping them from getting it.
11 Sid Fleishman Nothing is ever wasted
12 Shorten it up....Cutting is underrated skill.
13 Keep a journal
14 Know yourself and know what you're good at. Write to your strengths.

Panel with Andrea Tompa Candlewick, Minju Chang & Kendra agents, Bret Duquet Sterling, Elice Lee Random House.

Candlewick pubs about 150 books a year - like Andrea, in suit with purple top she does all genres and likes younger than YA and excited to see younger and contemporary, etc.
Minju loves funny, make her laugh-make her cry.
Brett Duquette, Sterling is owned by BN, 3 part editorial group and he's in trade books, just started Splinter list last year for YA. 3 titles a year, hoping to expand. Likes wacky, weird and he did a zombie-orgami book. NF and poetry,too.  Doesn't want sweet, wants buggers-drool. Need more mg.

Agent Kendra Marcus started in 1984. Looking for honest child's voice.

Elice Lee, RH - Art director mostly mg and YA trends returning to contemporary books - looking for something that causes a reaction.
Q - why so many photo on covers? Following trends of pop culture and tough world developing YA cover, market fickle, and changed some covers several times.

Kendra - Don't give art direction in a pb mss unless different things happening in art.

Andrea -- Shouldn't need to spell out what's happening. Leave it to illustrations. Can address anything in the cover letter.
Don't make your pb i

Anyone used to attend Verla Kay's chats?

Well one night a week they're coming back. Go thru at www.verlakay.com and look for chat link.

Monday nights at 6 Pacific/9 Eastern.

If you remember Kia and Lyra, I especially hope you'll stop by. The room is open to all writers.