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For all you Jerry Spinelli and STARGIRL fans, don’t miss out seeing STARGIRL on stage.

Stargirl

April 20—May 12, 2013

By Y York

Adapted from the novel by Jerry Spinelli

Directed by Samantha Bellomo

When an eccentric homeschooler arrives at Mica Area High School, hallways buzz with texts, whispers fill the air, and 11th grader Leo Borlock’s life is changed forever. Based on the critically-acclaimed young adult novel by Jerry Spinelli, the author of everyone’s favorite Maniac Magee, Stargirl celebrates first love, non-conformity, and the similarities that connect us all.  Best appreciated by ages 12 and up.

Join the actors after every performance to discuss the making of the production.

Meet Author Jerry Spinelli!

Jerry is the author of more than 30 books including Stargirl, Crash, Loser, Milkweed, Knots in My Yo-Yo String, and has recently released a new novel, Hokey Pokey.  In 1991 he received the Newbery Medal for Maniac Magee and was awarded the Newbery Honor in 1998 for Wringer.

Join us for book signings with Jerry Spinelli before these performances of Stargirl:

May 11 at 1pm

There are 5 shows still available from Thursday May 9th – May 12th and Jerry Spinelli will be signing books at 1 pm, before the 2 pm Saturday matinee.

Mother’s Day: The theatre is having a buffet brunch or prix fixe dinner with a performance of Stargirl on Sunday, May 12th! Experience their award-winning gardens and the charming, historic setting of the 18th-century farmhouse. What a nice way to celebrate Mom’s Day. Reserve your table and tickets now!

Calling all Star-people! Only today to work on this:

Enter to win tickets to a performance of Stargirl at People’s Light and Theater, along with a chance to meet Stargirl and receive a copy of the book, signed by Jerry Spinelli!

Simply send us a 250-word essay or link to a 2-min video describing to us the person you are, just like Stargirl does in her “The Person I Am” speech.

Essays and videos can be sent via email to artsdiscovery@peopleslight.org and MUST be received by Monday, May 6th.  Winners will be contacted directly so please be sure to include your name, age, and contact information (email and home phone).

(Note: If any of the pictures in this post or other posts are squished, refresh your screen and it will correct.)

Hope you live close enough to take advantage of this.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Filed under: Author, Contest, Events, opportunity, Young Adult Novel Tagged: book signing, Jerry Spinelli, Malvern PA, Stargirl play, The People's Light Theatre

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It’s finally May—the flowers are pushing through the dirt, the sun is ablaze with warm promises…and, well, it’s time to take a break!

I thought I’d consult with someone who knows vacationing very well. No, not my Aunt Myrna, the Long Island travel agent queen. Salina Yoon’s Penguin!

He’s a cute, chubby fellow with an itch for adventure. Let’s scratch it, shall we?

Penguin, thanks so much for joining me today. Tell me, what’s been happening at home that you decided a vacation was in order?

Hi Ms. Tara! I was just bored of the snow and ice. I can only count to 99, and after I counted my 99th snowball, I didn’t know what else to do.

You could make 33 miniature snowmen, but ya know, I like the vacation idea better.

What did Grandpa say when you packed your bag?

33 miniature snowmen…I never thought of that!

Grandpa always says to me that I should go and explore the world—and I will come back a wiser penguin. I think he is right. Grandpa is very wise, and he has traveled very far. In fact, he has been to the beach once long ago. He gave me his old swim suit for my trip. It fit perfectly.

I hope you sent him a postcard. He probably missed you very much.

I did better than that, Ms. Tara! I met a lovely seagull on the beach, and she had a camera. It went, “click! click! click!” and pretty pictures came out of a box. She took some photos of me and Crab, and Seagull delivered the photos to Grandpa because she can fly! It was very nice of Seagull. It turns out that we are distant relatives!

 

Speaking of Crab, you did some fun things together. What other places did you two visit on your vacation?

Crab took me caving, snorkeling, and even cliff diving on the island! I am a very good swimmer, so it was very fun. But the caves were nothing like the ice caves back at home. It was fun to see and try new things.

What advice do you have for kids heading away on vacation to someplace new and different?

My advice is to make new friends on vacation, because they will know how to have fun there even if you don’t! Also, I would say to be open to trying new things because you can do what you always do and eat the foods you always eat when you get back home. And take sunscreen…if you are going someplace sunny!

Where would you like to vacation next?

I would love to visit the Grand Canyon one day, even though I would have to pack a lot of ice with me to stay comfortable. I would also like to visit Mount Everest and see the world from the highest point on Earth! And then of course, Disneyland!

That sounds perfect. I can hear the television announcer booming, “Penguin, you just had your book published, what are you going to do now?!”

Thanks for waddling by today, Penguin. And thanks for leaving behind your adorable book signed by Salina, plus a beach ball to boot! Or throw. Or float in the pool with. Whatever the winner prefers!

Thank you for inviting me to talk with you, Ms. Tara. And happy vacationing, friends!

Please leave a comment below telling Penguin about your favorite vacation spot.

A winner of the book and ball will be randomly selected in one week!

Good luck!

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THE SOCIETY OF CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS OF THE ANNUAL CRYSTAL KITE MEMBER CHOICE AWARDS

The SCBWI is excited to announce the winners of the 2013 Crystal Kite Member Choice Awards for our fifteen regional divisions: 

Africa

• Neil Malherbe – The      Magyar Conspiracy (Tafelberg Publishers)

Australia

• Meg McKinlay – Ten Tiny Things (Fremantle Press)

California/Hawaii

• Katherine Applegate – The One and Only Ivan (HarperCollins Children’s Books) 

Florida/Georgia/South Carolina/North Carolina/Alabama/Mississippi

• Augusta Scattergood - Glory Be  (Scholastic)

Kansas/Louisiana/Arkansas/Tennessee/Kentucky/Missouri

• Sharon Cameron – The Dark Unwinding (Scholastic)

Middle East/India/Asia

• Benjamin Martin – Samurai Awakening  (Tuttle Publishing)

Minnesota/Iowa/Nebraska/Wisconsin/Illinois/Michigan/Indiana/Ohio

• Aaron Reynolds – Creepy Carrots (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)

Nevada/Arizona/Utah/Colorado/Wyoming/New Mexico

• Jean Reagan – How to Baby Sit A Grandpa      (Alfred A. Knopf (Random House Children’s Books)

New England (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire. Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island)

• Jo Knowles – See You At Harry’s (Candlewick Press)

New York

• Kate Messner – Capture the Flag (Scholastic)

Pennsylvania/Delaware/New Jersey/Wash DC/Virginia/West Virginia/Maryland

• Ame Dyckman – BOY + BOT  (Alfred A. Knopf (Random House Children’s Books)

Texas/Oklahoma

• Lynne Kelly – Chained (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, Inc.)

The Americas (Canada/Mexico/Central & South America)

• Jennifer Lanthier - The Stamp Collector  (Fitzhenry and Whiteside)

UK/Europe

• Dave Cousins – Fifteen Days without a Head  (Oxford University Press)

Washington/Oregon/Alaska/Idaho/Montana/North Dakota/South Dakota

• Kim Baker – Pickle  (Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan Publishers)           

About the Crystal Kite Awards

The Crystal Kite Awards are given by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators to recognize great books from the seventy SCBWI regions around the world.  Along with the SCBWI Golden Kite Awards, the Crystal Kite Awards are chosen by other children’s book writers and illustrators, making them the only peer-given awards in publishing for young readers.

About SCBWI

Founded in 1971, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is one of the largest existing writers’ and illustrators’ organizations, with over 22,000 members worldwide. It is the only organization specifically for those working in the fields of children’s literature, magazines, film, television, and multimedia. The organization was founded by Stephen Mooser (President) and Lin Oliver (Executive Director), both of whom are well-published children’s book authors and leaders in the world of children’s literature.  For more information about the Crystal Kite Award, please visit http://www.scbwi.org, and click “Awards & Grants.”

Congratulations to everyone, but big Kudos to Pennsylvania/Delaware/New Jersey/Wash DC/Virginia/West Virginia/Maryland – my regional winner Ame Dyckman!

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Filed under: authors and illustrators, awards, children writing, Competition, Contest, Kudos Tagged: 2013 Award Winners, Crystalkite Member Choice Awards, SCBWI announces Crystalkite Awards

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See your name in print—and on a dedication page, no less!

William Kowalski, author of three titles in Orca’s Rapid Reads series is running a fantastic new contest through his website. The winner will have Kowalski’s fourth Rapid Read title, Just Gone, dedicated to them.

 

 

 

 

Contest Details (from William Kowalski’s website):

Have you ever wanted to have a book dedicated to you? Not just signed by the author, but actually dedicated to you, with your name in print for all eternity?

Well, your time has come. Your ship has come in. Your Eagle has landed. I’m running a contest for my readers, and the winner will receive this fabulous prize: my fourth Rapid Reads novel, JUST GONE, which is coming out later this year, will be dedicated to them and them alone. By name. Exciting? You betcha.

What’s the contest, then?

Simple:

Take a picture of yourself, reading any one of my novels, in the most unlikely place or situation you can think of. Then, post it on my Facebook author page by May 1.

That’s it. How to define ‘unlikely’ is up to you. (Just be safe, please.) The title of the book must be clearly visible. You may not use Photoshop or any other kind of enhancement or alteration tool. Other than that, the sky’s the limit.

Then, post your picture on my Facebook author page. Tell your friends to come like it and lol at it. The winner will be the submission with the most likes.

Whoever is featured in that picture or owns the rights to it will earn the right to have JUST GONE dedicated to them by name.

I reserve the right to remove any pictures that are cruel or insulting to anyone. I won’t put anything obscene or disrespectful in the dedication. I really want this to be dedicated to YOU, the winner. So, you agree, by entering the contest, that if you win, you have the right to have the book dedicated to you by first and last name, or first name only if you prefer, and perhaps a brief message, such as “To John Smith, the hoopiest frood in England.”

Capiche?

Go forth and photograph yourselves. Have fun. Don’t get hurt. And make us lol.

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HENRY HAZLITT CONTEST FOR BUSINESS FICTION

This contest catch my eye, because it doesn’t cost you to enter and it gives you a cash prizes, plus a chance to get published with an advance and royalties. 

Traditionally, business has been portrayed negatively in most novels. The purpose of this contest is to provide some balance to this situation, and thus provide a publication opportunity to debut novelists with a positive business mindset. 

I hope someone in the audience has a novel that fits.

NO ENTRY FEE
DEADLINE: April 30th, 2013
Unpublished Author
Pro-business theme
MG – Adult

The Henry Hazlitt Contest is a writing competition for the best new novel with a business or economics theme by a debut author.

The winner will receive the 2013 Henry Hazlitt Award for Business Fiction, which includes a cash prize of five hundred dollars ($500)  and an offer of a publishing contract that includes a royalty  advance of $2,000.

You must be an unpublished author, not previously or currently bound by a publishing contract. The novel must have a theme related to business, finance, entrepreneurship or economics. The novel’s theme should be pro-business. The target audience for the novel can be any age from middle-grade to adult.

No picture books. Deadline April 30, 2013.

http://www.fiscalpress.com/writing-contest.html

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Filed under: authors and illustrators, Book Contracts, Contest, opportunity, Places to sumit Tagged: Contract and Advance, Fiscal Press, Henry Hazlitt Award for Business Fiction, Unpublished authors

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Dudes, it’s new Tammi Sauer! YES!!!! *Jersey fist pump*

Ya know Tammi, right? She’s the most prolific picture book author this side of the Atlantic! (And that side, too.)

An annual contributor to Picture Book Idea Month, Tammi has dispensed invaluable picture book pointers about story structure, celebrating the weird stuff in life, and putting a twist on the familiar. She’s also a regular PiBoIdMo participant, and NUGGET AND FANG is her success story from the November 2009 event!

So the unlikely underwater duo are here today to chomp away! (Don’t worry, Tammi’s here, too. Fang didn’t gobble her up.)

Tammi, what about unlikely friendship stories makes them so fun to write?

If two characters are at odds in some big way, that immediately builds in tension and offers real deal conflict. This can provide great opportunities for humor, too. That’s fun stuff! Some unlikely friendships deal with issues such as neatness versus messiness or quiet versus loud. The quandary that my characters face is clear–sharks and minnows aren’t supposed to be friends because everybody knows sharks EAT minnows.

Sharks are popular characters these days! What makes FANG stand out in the world of storybook selachimorpha? (Yes, that is a real word. I looked it up. Honest.)

I love that I have a contender in storybook selachimorpha. It sounds super sophisticated. As for Fang, he stands out among regular sharks because he has a huge heart. Yes, he’s toothy, but, holy mackerel, my guy is irresistible. If I were a minnow, I’d be honored to be his friend.

What are some of your favorite unlikely friendship stories/books?

My Favorite Unlikely Friendship Story of 2012 was BOY + BOT by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. That book is brilliant in 2,465 different ways. Plus, Ame has blue hair. (Tara’s note: sometimes it’s pink or purple, or even rainbow leopard.)

A fun and endearing unlikely friendship story that just came out this past February is WOOBY AND PEEP written by my oh-so-fabulous critique partner Cynthea Liu, illustrated by Mary Peterson. (Hey, WOOBY AND PEEP are coming soon to a blog near you. Umm, this one.)

If NUGGET and FANG could endorse their book personally, what do you think they would say?

Nugget: Holy mackerel! Get your fins on this book. It’s FANG-tastic!

Fang: Sink your teeth into our book. It’s a total NUGGET of awesomeness!

Well, I’ve got a nugget of awesomeness for you, dear blog readers: a “NUGGET AND FAN” (not a typo–you’re a fan already, right?) prize pack, including a signed first edition, a teacher’s poster, and adorable tattoos you can slap on any fin (or bicep). Just leave a comment or question for Tammi to enter and a winner will be chomped up later this month! In the meantime, go visit these seaworthy sidekicks!

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HAPPY EASTER AND PASSOVER!
 

Thought this illustration by freelance illustrator Lena Shiffman was perfect for Easter. Lena has illustrated 16 children’s book. Here is the link to her website: www.lenashiffman.com

Deadline: May 24th

Entry Fee: $25

Ten finalists’ entries will be read and judged by author Rikki Ducornet.

Additionally, Andrea Hurst Literary Management is offering the winning entry a full read/critique (as well as possible representation or referral).  The second and third place winners will also receive agent responses (from Andrea Hurst Literary Management) to their synopses, complete with critique/suggestions.

The names and novel titles to the top ten finalists will be posted on the Whidbey Writers MFA Alumni Association website on June 23, 2013.

The top ten entries will receive two critiques of their entry by members of the Whidbey Writers MFA Alumni Association.

Awards will be given as follows

First Place

• Andrea Hurst Literary Management provides a full read/critique (as well as possible representation or referral)
• One week retreat to a Smoky Mountains cabin (valued at $2,000* – transportation not provided)
• $300 cash prize
• Name/title posted on the Whidbey Writers MFA Alumni Association website

Second Place

• Receives an agent response (from Andrea Hurst Literary Management) to his/her synopses, complete with critique/suggestions
• $200 cash prize
• Name/title posted on the Whidbey Writers MFA Alumni Association website

Third Place

• Receives an agent response (from Andrea Hurst Literary Management) to his/her synopses, complete with critique/suggestions
• $100 cash prize
• Name/title posted on the Whidbey Writers MFA Alumni Association website

Entries must be received between February 15, 2013 and May 24, 2013. Click HERE to submit.

Format Requirements:

• Synopsis – one-two pages (may be single-spaced)
• Manuscript – though your novel should be complete, we are asking for your initial submission to be a maximum length of twenty-five pages; it must be double-spaced (The 25-page limit does not include your one-two page synopsis.)
• The entire entry must be in 12point Times New Roman or Times (Mac)
• Must have 1” margins
• Your manuscript pages must be numbered
• Your name must NOT appear anywhere on the synopsis or the manuscript
• Preferred method of submission of your entry is via Submittable
• Second method of submission, via snail-mail, must include a check or money order. Please email us at: alumniassociation@whidbeymfaalumni.org for specifics on how to enter through the US postal service.

• Synopsis
  • Up to two pages, may be single-spaced. The synopsis page number must be listed with your manuscript entry. Synopsis begins page one. Click here to download materials on writing a synopsis.

• Manuscript
  • Maximum length is twenty-five pages. The 25-page limit does not include your one or two page synopsis; it is strictly the first twenty-five pages of your novel (beginning with either a prologue or chapter one). If you are a finalist, you will be asked to provide a copy of your completed manuscript (minimum 55,000 words, maximum 120,000 words).

• Total Page Count
  • 27 pages, maximum, in total (first and second pages are the synopsis, pages 3-27 are your manuscript). Remember, your name must NOT appear anywhere on the synopsis or manuscript.

• Non Refundable Entry Fee
  • Each entry is $25.00 (USD).
  • You must pay your entry fee through the Submittable website (unless submitting via snail mail, then include check or money order).

Failure to follow instructions will result in disqualification. Should your entry be disqualified, you will receive a letter stating the reason for disqualification and, time permitting, an opportunity to resubmit at no additional charge.

Good Luck!

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Filed under: authors and illustrators, Competition, Contest, opportunity, Places to sumit Tagged: Andrea Hurst Literary Management, Lena Shiffman, Rikki Ducornet, Whidbey Writers MFA Alumni Association

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Enter to win $16,000 in prizes! There’s getting published in style and then there’s getting published in a way destined to make every other author in the world jealous.
Featuring everything an indie author could possibly need to publish, promote, and sell their book, this grand prize is positively packed with goodies. This is our most amazing grand prize package ever!

The Grand Prize includes:

• BookBaby — Premium eBook Publishing Package (A $249 value!)
• BookBaby Print — 300 Books, Deluxe Cover Design, Interior Formatting (A $3,000 value!)
• HostBaby — 12 Months Web Hosting (A $199 value!)
• BEA Trip — BEA Passes, Transportation, Hotel, Book Signing (A $4,000 value!)
• IndieReader.com — Interview & Review (A $500 value!)
• Circle of Seven — Book Trailer Production/Distribution (A $2,000 value!)
• Smith Publicity — Press Release, Media Blast (through Net Galley), Publicity Consultation (A $3,000 value!)
• BookDisplays.com — CityStand Book Stands (A $80 value!)
• JKSCommunications — 15-Date Virtual Book Tour (A $1,750 value!)
• PR Newswire — Web Reach Plus Release Distribution (A $400 value!)
• PR by the Book — Social Media Consultation (A $900 value!)
• Total Prize Value: $16,078

There’s no cost to enter. Hurry! Deadline for entries is April 30, 2013.

Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. Deadline for entries is April 30, 2013. One winner will be chosen at random on May 6, 2013.

Someone has to win, so enter. What do you have to lose?

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Filed under: Contest, earn money, opportunity, Win Tagged: BEA, Book Baby's Sweepstakes, ebook, Print book, self-published book package

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We have been talking about self-publishing for the last few weeks, so I thought you might be interested in reading about this annual contest.  The entry fee is high, but if you have a self-published book you think is good, entering this premier self-published competition could help get your book noticed. It is exclusively for self-published books.

Writer’s Digest hosts the 21st annual self-published competition — the Annual Self-Published Book Awards. This self-published competition spotlights today’s self-published works and honors self-published authors.

Early Bird Deadline: April 1, 2013

Wondering what is in it for you?

• A chance to win $3,000 in cash
• Get national exposure for your work
• Catch the attention of prospective editors and publishers
• A paid trip to the ever-popular Writer’s Digest Conference in New York City!

How to enter: register and pay online or download a printable entry form. (Early Bird Entry fees are $100 for the first entry, and $75 for each additional entry.)

Enter your book into one or more of these categories:

• Mainstream/Literary Fiction
• Genre Fiction
• Nonfiction
• Inspirational (Spiritual, New Age)
• Life Stories (Biographies, Autobiographies, Family Histories, Memoirs)
• Children’s/Picture books
• Middle-Grade/Young Adult books
• Reference Books (Directories, Encyclopedias, Guide Books)
• Poetry

One Grand Prize Winner will receive:

• $3,000 cash and a trip to the Writer’s Digest Conference in New York City
• A priceless endorsement for their book from the Writer’s Digest Editors–10 copies of their book for submission to major publishing review houses.
• A one-year membership for Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), the largest not-for-profit trade association representing more than 3,000 independent book publishers, courtesy of Brian Jud & Book Marketing Works, LLC.
• Guaranteed acceptance in a special sales catalog and national representation through 1,800 salespeople who sell to non-bookstore markets, courtesy of Brian Jud & Book Marketing Works, LLC.
• A one-year membership to Author-U, courtesy of Brian Jud & Book Marketing Works, LLC.
• A copy of Show Me About Book Publishing and consultation with Book Shepherd Judith Briles (valued at $500), courtesy of Brian Jud & Book Marketing Works, LLC.
• A guaranteed review in Midwest Book Review, courtesy of Brian Jud & Book Marketing Works, LLC.

Nine First-Place Winners will receive:

• $1,000 cash and promotion in Writer’s Digest
• A one-year membership to Small Publishers Association of North America (SPAN), courtesy of Brian Jud & Book Marketing Works, LLC.
• A guaranteed review in Midwest Book Review, courtesy of Brian Jud & Book Marketing Works, LLC.
• A one-year membership to Book Central Station where you can find lists of suppliers rated by previous clients, provided by Brian Jud & Book Marketing Works, LLC.
• An ebook titled Beyond the Bookstore by Brian Jud (with CD).

All Grand Prize and First Place winners will:

• Be featured on the Writer’s Digest website
• Receive a copy of The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing, 4th Edition by Tom and Marilyn Ross.
• $100 worth of Writer’s Digest Books

Honorable Mention Winners will receive $50 worth of Writer’s Digest Books and be promoted on www.writersdigest.com.

All other entrants will receive a brief commentary from the judges along with a link to the entrant’s website (only if the URL is accurate) on writersdigest.com.

THE RULES:

1. The competition is open to all English-language self-published books for which the authors have paid the full cost of publication, or the cost of printing has been paid for by a grant or as part of a prize.

2. You may register and pay online for faster service.

3. Entrants must send a printed and bound book. Entries will be evaluated on content, writing quality and overall quality of production and appearance. No handwritten books are accepted.

4. All books published or revised and reprinted between 2008 and 2013 are eligible. (Writer’s Digest may demand proof of eligibility of semifinalists.)

5. All books not registered online must be accompanied by an Official Entry Form. Photocopies of the Official Entry Form are acceptable. You may enter more than one book and/or more than one category; however, you must include a separate book, entry form and the additional fee for each entry.

6. We accept check, money order or credit card payment for the required judging fee. The early bird entry fees are $100 for the first entry, $75 for each additional entry must accompany submissions. For books submitted after the April 1 early bird deadline, the fees are $110 for the first entry, $85 for each additional entry. Payment must accompany submissions.

7. All early bird entries must be postmarked no later than April 1, 2013. Entries submitted for the regular deadline must be postmarked by May 1, 2013. All winners will be notified by October 14, 2013. If you wish to receive confirmation that your entry was received before the deadline, we recommend using certified mail or some other tracking method to send your entry.

8. Judges reserve the right to withhold prizes in any category. Judges reserve the right to re-categorize entries.

9. Books which have previously won awards from Writers Digest are not eligible.

10. Employees of F+W Media, Inc. and Book Marketing Works, LLC and their immediate families are not eligible. Books published by Abbott Press are not eligible to participate.

11. Writer’s Digest is not responsible for the loss, damage or return of any books submitted to the competition.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Filed under: authors and illustrators, awards, Competition, Contest, Marketing a book, opportunity, Publishing Industry, Self-publishing Tagged: Self-Published Book Awards, Writer's Digest

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If you are in grades 3-6, you can enter the BE A SUPER HERO, READ! contest sponsored by Capstone Publishing and DC Comics. All you have to do is write about a super hero in your life--a real one, that is.

Winners get an exclusive tour of DC Entertainment Offices, a tour of Warner Brothers Animation Studio, and a set of Capstone Man of Steel chapter books.

Who is the Wonder Woman or Man in your life? Write about him or her and you may have the chance for some SUPER prizes.

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Since I know everyone who visits this blog is at heart a very creative person, I thought this contest would interest you.  Not only can you win a large amount of money, but it doesn’t cost anything to enter.

The Looking@Democracy challenge is offering a total of $100,000 in prize money for short, provocative media submissions designed to spark a national conversation about how we can all come together to strengthen American democracy.

Here’s how the competition works:

Create and send us short digital media content that either:

(a) Tells a story about why government is important to our lives, or

(b) Tells how we might together strengthen American democracy.

Your submission can come in many formats such as short videos, audio stories, animation, music videos, public service announcements, infographics, blogs, websites, graphic art, even Facebook and iPhone apps. They all just need to be digital so they can be shared electronically– the rest is up to YOU!

We’re looking to hear from independent media makers, investigative reporters, students, graphic designers, artists – anyone with creative ideas to help engage Americans and shift the political discussion in a fresh and engaging way.

Use your creativity to share your vision of how to make government work to improve our nation, our communities, and our lives.

First Place for Best Entry    $25,000  
Second Place for Best Entry    $20,000  
Third Place for Best Entry    $15,000  
People’s Choice Award    $5,000
Emerging Artists  (7)    $5,000  Intended for students, young people, and nonprofessionals.

Entries must be submitted by 3pm Eastern Time on April 30th, 2013, using the application form on this site.Submissions may consist of a short (generally three minutes or less), creative media piece (video, audio, graphic, animation, photo, data visualization, social media or mobile game). Click HERE for more possible ideas to get you started thinking about your submission.

Questions? Contact LookingAtDemocracy@prairie.org

GOOD LUCK!

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Filed under: authors and illustrators, Competition, Contest, opportunity, Places to sumit, video Tagged: $100000 Prize Money, Digital Media Contest, Looking @ Democracy, No fee Contest

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Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan

How can love mend a heart full of hate?

Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers. While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly's life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings.

Fields of Elysium is a suspenseful, romantic tale full of forbidden secrets, unimaginable danger, deception, and the never-ending fight for true love.




PRAISE

"The novel's take on otherworldly travel is a compelling one, and the romantic plot will likely appeal to Twilight fans." - Kirkus Reviews

"I expected a good love story with a paranormal twist. I got so much more. I think you should take the chance and read it. Let this book take you on the adventure, fall in love." - Young Adult and Teen Readers

"Fields of Elysium is a fabulous read. ... Whelan paints her faith into the fabric of her story with deft, light brushstrokes, making her work accessible to all, no matter their spiritual beliefs or background." - Readers Favorite

"I escaped into this fantasy world, author, A.B.Whelan, created and I didn’t want Molly to go. From detailed descriptions, to sweet romance, and to all the twist and turns in the story, it had me captivated from page one." - Mary Ting, author of the Crossroads Saga

"Whelan's writing is very vivid and descriptive. It's more formal than the average YA novel, but I enjoyed the lyrical and mesmerizing quality to it. I thought the overall story read like a fairy tale--very sweet." - Megan Thomason, author of Daynight







Author A.B. Whelan

A.B.Whelan is a Hungarian born, American writer. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Southern California.
While growing up in a wealthy Eastern European family, she had a chance to travel Europe. Later as an adult, she visited Africa and the Middle East and lived in Ecuador and in Crete.

Tour Schedule

$50 Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash plus a gift bag of one signed copy of Fields of Elysium, a scrabble-tile pendant with a butterfly image on a chain necklace, and a fridge magnet.

Ends 3/11/13

Gift Bag open to US only.  If winner is international they will receive only the gift card or paypal cash.
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Poetry author, Ken Nesbitt, is ready to judge the 2013 TIME for Kids Poetry Contest. Write a funny poem and enter it for a chance to win a class visit by the author and also have your poem published at timesforkids.com.

But you must hurry! The deadline for entering is March 1, 2013.

Go to the link above to find out all the details and visit Mr. Nesbitt's website, poetry4kids.com, to find out more about the poems he writes. A good way to discover the types of poems Mr. Nesbitt likes would be to check out one of his poetry books from your school or public library. But if you can't do that, here is one from his website you can read--Learning to Fly. 

Good luck!

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THE FOURTH ANNUAL NORMAL PRIZE

IN FICTION, NONFICTION, & POETRY

It’s that time of the year: The Normal School is accepting entries for the 2013 Normal Prize until 3/15/13. We can’t wait to spend our winters, holed up in our caves, reading submissions. Every entrant gets a free two year subscription to The Normal School so, why not? Read on for our full contest guidelines, and send us your best.

Fiction Prize: $1000 & Publication in magazine

Nonfiction Prize: $1000 & Publication in magazine

Poetry Prize: $1000 & Publication in magazine

Final Judges

Fiction: PABLO MEDINA

Nonfiction: DINTY W. MOORE

Poetry: AIMEE NEZHUKUMATATHIL

GUIDELINES

• All fiction and nonfiction submissions must be 10,087 words or less, double-spaced, 12 pt. font. Poetry submissions should not exceed five pages or five poems total. No identifying information on the manuscript.
• All submissions must be previously unpublished (print or electronic media).
• Simultaneous submissions are allowed as long as you notify editors should your piece be accepted elsewhere. Multiple submissions ARE allowed.

HOW TO SUBMIT

• All submissions must be uploaded through our online submissions manager found here.
• $20 per submission, paid through PayPal only. One story or essay, or up to five poems per entry fee.
• You will receive a confirmation email once your submission has been uploaded.
• Submissions will be read between 12/15/2012 and 3/15/2013.
• Winners will be announced Spring/Summer, 2013.

Note: Remember that you should always check out a magazine or publisher to see what type of things they like and publish. That will help you save money and give you a better chance to win.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Filed under: authors and illustrators, Contest, magazine, opportunity, Places to sumit, submissions, writing Tagged: Get Published, Literary Magazine, The Normal School

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Gain Exposure For Your Self-Published Book!

You’ve put countless hours into writing your book and perfecting it for publication. You did your homework, and found the right self-publisher for you. Now, give your book the exposure and accolades it deserves – enter the Writer’s Digest 21st Annual Self-Published Book Awards!

You could win:

•Up to $3000 in cash
•National exposure for your work
•The attention of prospective editors and publishers
•A paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Conference in New York City!

Early Bird Deadline: April 1, 2013

Enter Now!

How to enter: register and pay online or download a printable entry form. (Early Bird Entry fees are $100 for the first entry, and $75 for each additional entry.)

Enter your book into one or more of these categories:
•Mainstream/Literary Fiction
•Genre Fiction
•Nonfiction
•Inspirational (Spiritual, New Age)
•Life Stories (Biographies, Autobiographies, Family Histories, Memoirs)
•Children’s/Picture books
•Middle-Grade/Young Adult books
•Reference Books (Directories, Encyclopedias, Guide Books)
•Poetry

Read the rules and get the details: Writer’s Digest Self-Published Awards

One Grand Prize Winner will receive:

• $3,000 cash and a trip to the Writer’s Digest Conference in New York City
• A priceless endorsement for their book from the Writer’s Digest Editors–10 copies of their book for submission to major publishing review houses
• A one-year membership for Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), the largest not-for-profit trade association representing more than 3,000 independent book publishers, courtesy of Brian Jud & Book Marketing Works, LLC
• Guaranteed acceptance in a special sales catalog and national representation through 1,800 salespeople who sell to non-bookstore markets
• A one-year membership to Author-U
• A copy of Show Me About Book Publishing and consultation with Book Shepherd Judith Briles (valued at $500)
• A guaranteed review in Midwest Book Review

Nine First-Place Winners will receive:

• $1,000 cash and promotion in Writer’s Digest
• A one-year membership to Small Publishers Association of North America (SPAN)
• A guaranteed review in Midwest Book Review
• A one-year membership to Book Central Station where you can find lists of suppliers rated by previous clients, provided by Brian Jud & Book Marketing Works, LLC
• An ebook titled Beyond the Bookstore by Brian Jud (with CD).

All Grand Prize and First Place winners will:

• Be featured on the Writer’s Digest website
• Receive a copy of The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing, 4th Edition by Tom and Marilyn Ross
• $100 worth of Writer’s Digest Books

Honorable Mention Winners will receive $50 worth of Writer’s Digest Books and be promoted on www.writersdigest.com.

All other entrants will receive a brief commentary from the judges along with a link to the entrant’s website (only if the URL is accurate) on writersdigest.com.

THE RULES:

1. The competition is open to all English-language self-published books for which the authors have paid the full cost of publication, or the cost of printing has been paid for by a grant or as part of a prize.

2. You may register and pay online for faster service.

3. Entrants must send a printed and bound book. Entries will be evaluated on content, writing quality and overall quality of production and appearance. No handwritten books are accepted.

4. All books published or revised and reprinted between 2008 and 2013 are eligible. (Writer’s Digest may demand proof of eligibility of semifinalists.)

5. All books not registered online must be accompanied by an Official Entry Form. Photocopies of the Official Entry Form are acceptable. You may enter more than one book and/or more than one category; however, you must include a separate book, entry form and the additional fee for each entry.

6. We accept check, money order or credit card payment for the required judging fee. The early bird entry fees are $100 for the first entry, $75 for each additional entry must accompany submissions. For books submitted after the April 1 early bird deadline, the fees are $110 for the first entry, $85 for each additional entry. Payment must accompany submissions.

7. All early bird entries must be postmarked no later than April 1, 2013. Entries submitted for the regular deadline must be postmarked by May 1, 2013. All winners will be notified by October 14, 2013. If you wish to receive confirmation that your entry was received before the deadline, we recommend using certified mail or some other tracking method to send your entry.

8. Judges reserve the right to withhold prizes in any category. Judges reserve the right to re-categorize entries.

9. Books which have previously won awards from Writers Digest are not eligible.

10. Employees of F+W Media, Inc. and Book Marketing Works, LLC and their immediate families are not eligible. Books published by Abbott Press are not eligible to participate.

11. Writer’s Digest is not responsible for the loss, damage or return of any books submitted to the competition.

Talk soon,

Kathy

Filed under: authors and illustrators, Contest, opportunity, writing Tagged: Midwest Book Review, Self-Published Book, three thousand dollars, Writer's Digest Contest

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What happens when the great minds of Tumblr and Chronicle Books unite? A unicorn is born! Wait, no. Awesome Tumblrs like F*ck! I’m in My Twenties and Dads Are the Original Hipsters become hilarious books.

And now, it could be your turn.

We’re looking for the next big humor book idea. This is your chance to get your idea in front of our editors.

Here’s how it works. Pitch us your laugh-out-loud funny book idea using Tumblr. You can use text, photos, animated gifs, artwork, videos—just get our attention. Then our editors will judge the entries and choose a grand-prize winner whose idea will be considered for publication. You may use an existing Tumblr or create a new Tumblr to illustrate your book idea. Just remember: we’re looking for humor.

To enter, tag a post “Tumblr Book Search” and include:

1)      The title of your humor book

2)      A written synopsis of  your idea (200 words or less)

3)      Examples of the book’s concept (can be photos, animated gifs, artwork, video, text, or any media supported by Tumblr)

Then, hop over here to give us your basic contact information and the link to your post.

Hurry, the contest ends 2/28/2013. Read the official rules and submit your Tumblr entry now!

1 Grand Prize:

• Book idea considered for publication
• $300 of Chronicle books
• Your Tumblr featured on Tumblr Tuesday
• Feedback session with a Chronicle Books editor
• Feedback session with Rachel Fershleiser, Tumblr’s Director of Literary Outreach and co-creator of the New York Times Bestselling Six-Word Memoir Book Series
• And more!

3 Runners-Up:

• $100 of Chronicle books
• Written critique from Chronicle Books editors
• Feedback session with Rachel Fershleiser

Questions? Email contests@chroniclebooks.com

Talk soon,

Kathy

Filed under: Competition, Contest, opportunity, Places to sumit, publishers, submissions Tagged: Chronicle Books, Get Published, Humor, Submit Book idea, Tumblr

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The official word from my publisher, Helping Hands Press:

We hope that you are ready for a contest; we would like you to have fun with it.

How do you participate and what are the prizes?

Here are a few things you can do:

-Go to the Helping Hands Press website and sign up for our mailing list. CLICK HERE

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In 2011 we lost one of our own—Bridget Zinn. At 33, Bridget had just sold her first book to Disney/Hyperion, and she was also bravely fighting cancer. I was lucky enough to be friends with Bridget, but we all feel her loss. Her agent Michael Stearns had a beautiful post about her passing, along with a video that really captures her beautiful spirit HERE.

Bridget and her husband, Barrett Dowell

(left to right) Cyndi Koon, Suzanne Young, and Bridget at their "rockstar lunch."

But now is the time to celebrate for Bridget. Her first book, POISON, is due out from Disney/Hyperion on March 12th, and we invite you to help us spread the word. From now until Monday night we are running a contest for you to win Bridget's book! But first, here's the description:




So now for your part: When you share this blogpost, write your own, or tweet the hashtag #poison—come back and comment on this post. On Monday at midnight, we'll select one lucky winner to receive an ARC of Bridget's amazing book POISON!

I hope you take the time to help spread the word and support our dear friend, an amazing spirit, and our fellow writer--Bridget Zinn. Thank you.

Pre-order POISON:
IndieBound
B&N
Amazon
Powell's Books

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With Valentine’s Day coming up next week.  I thought I would remind you of Betsy Synder’s new book, I HAIKU YOU and give you a chance to win a copy of her book.  It is simple.  Just Tweet and link to this post and leave a comment letting me know.  All names will be placed in a box and a name announced on Feb. 14th.  Random House will send the winner I HAIKU BABY directly to your address.

Betsy is and author and illustrator, who was featured on Illustrator Saturday December 1st.  You can click her to see her books and illustrations, but today I have asked Betsy some questions about I HAIKU YOU and the road the book has taken her down.

Back in December Betsy told us that all four of the books she has written so far have been with Random House.  She had the idea for “Haiku Baby” floating around in her head for quite a while when her agent told her of an opportunity at Random House.  She jumped on that opportunity and took the time she needed to get it on paper and sent it to an editor at Random House. She worked up some additional book ideas at the same time, which turned her first writing venture into a 3-book (now 5-book) contract with Random House.

What did you do to help launch I Haiku You when it came out on December 26th?

Books that are marketed for Valentine’s Day come out right after Christmas so stores can start promoting them right away. I shared news of the Dec. 26 book release with Twitter, Facebook and blog followers, but most people aren’t ready to think about Valentine’s Day in late December. For this reason, it worked better to time “I Haiku you” book launch events closer to Valentine’s Day. The big push has just begun for my promotion efforts and will continue through mid-February.

Did you make a plan for how to market the book before it hit the book shelves?

Yes, I worked with my publicist at Random House to determine what our joint efforts would be. One thing we decided on was a week-long blog tour in early February. My publicist helped coordinate all the blog stops and arrange a schedule for me. And since “I Haiku You” is a good book for any time of year, not JUST Valentine’s Day, we’re also planning to do another wave of promotion in April for poetry month. Stay tuned!

What types of things have you done since?

For my local book launch party, I teamed up with my friend Susan Reagan, who has a new Valentine’s book out called “Tweet Hearts” (also Random House). We held a special “Valentine Story Time” for both our books at a friend’s flower and gift shop called the Urban Orchid. We had fun crafts and sweet treats—I even made my own haiku fortune cookies as party favors! Susan and I will also be signing books together at a Cleveland-area boutique called Banyon Tree for the Tremont Art Walk this Fri., Feb. 8. And all this week I’m doing a multi-stop blog tour with all kinds of Q/A’s, guest posts and even some book giveaways—this is my second stop on the tour route!

I see you have a book trailer. How did you come up with how the trailer would be laid out?

Fortunately my husband is a motion graphics artist, so he was able to help. Jeff and I brainstormed ideas together and discussed the best approach. I chose the music and prepared the art files, and Jeff did the animation. My niece Ava even did the “Who do YOU haiku?” voice-over at the end. It was a true family effort!

What other blogs are on your book tour?

www.thechildrensbookreview.com

www.uskidsmags.com

www.twowritingteachers.wordpress.com

www.nerdybookclub.wordpress.com

www.mrschureads.blogspot.com (Watch. Connect. Read.)

www.sharpread.wordpress.com 

(sorry if I’m leaving anyone out, but that’s the most current list I have)

Have you set up any school visits to help promote the book?  If so, how did you start and plan this process?

I do have a school visit this May that is part of a special book event called Claire’s Day. You can read all about it at www.clairesday.org. I initially made a contact for this event while I was a presenter at an annual SCBWI conference (Northern Ohio).

Balancing time for making new books with promoting my existing titles is always a challenge, so I haven’t been able to organize more school visits yet. But that is something I would love to find more time for in the future. Connecting with kids, teachers and parents is one of the best parts of my job—I learn so much with every experience.

Do you have any stats on how the book is selling?

I’ve been having so much fun promoting the new book that I haven’t even checked yet!

Betsy, wishing you the best of luck with your new book and thanks for making it so much fun by letting me give-a-way a book.

Don’t miss out on leaving a comment and having a chance to win a copy of I Haiku You.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Filed under: authors and illustrators, Book Tour, Contest, opportunity, Picture Book Tagged: Betsy Snyder, Blog Book Tour, I Haiku You, Random House

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The National Reading Campaign’s “What Did You Read Today?” contest winners have been chosen! Read on for the message shared with us today from the National Reading Campaign.

What did you read today? Public Campaign

Congratulations to the 10 winners of the contest for the general public: Josh Siemens, Waldheim, SK; Kathy Whelan McNiff, London, ON; Jill Dean, Saskatoon, SK; Mark Young, London, ON; Charlotte Brotschi, Toronto, ON; Margaret MacDonald, Lethbridge, AB; Michael Donnelly, Toronto, ON; Natalie Brea Van Apeldorn, Vancouver, BC; and Dave Binsette, Tecumseh, ON.   They had been invited to tweet their answer to #whatdidyoureadtoday? for a chance to win a Glo e-reader, generously provided by Kobo. In recognition of the thousands of enthusiastic entries, Kobo donated an additional $10,000 to the National Reading Campaign.

The contest for children involved thousands of kids from Nanaimo to Halifax. The winning schools & libraries are: Taylor Evans Public School in Guelph, ON; Woodhaven Middle School, Spruce Grove, AB; Vancouver Island Regional Library (Nanaimo Harbourfront Branch), Nanaimo, BC; Cardiff Elementary School, Cardiff, ON; Maple Leaf School, Winnipeg, MB; Torquay Elementary School, Victoria, BC; James McQueen Public School, Ajax, ON; Shediac Library, Shediac, NB; Montreal Children’s Library (Jean Rivard Branch), Montreal, PQ; and Lord Elgin Public School, Fergus, ON.

Each winner will receive $1000 worth of Canadian books for their school or library. The National Reading Campaign is grateful to the following publishers for contributing prizes: Annick Press, Cormorant Books, Fitzhenry & Whiteside Publishers, Groundwood Books, Hachette Canada, Harper Collins Canada, Kids Can Press, Nimbus Publishing, Orca Book Publishers, Pajama Press, Penguin Canada, Scholastic, Second Story Press, Simon & Schuster, and Tradewind Books. We’re working on the public campaign, and will launch the advertising element in the fall.

The #whatdidyoureadtoday? contest may be over, but the National Reading Campaign is just beginning!!

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