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To keep on writing, illustrating, getting published, promoting reading AND be the best mom, wife, friend, colleague, human being I can be, while staying sane in the brain.
Statistics for One Happy Writer
Number of Readers that added this blog to their MyJacketFlap: 1
PLEASE READ THIS: I'm moving to Wordpress and I would love to take you with me. Thank you for reading my posts, for sticking around through thick and thin stories, for your comments and support. I've tried to send you all a personal message, but somehow the system (Google Friend Connect & partners) wouldn't allow me to contact you directly. I also tried to move my 'Google Friend Connect' widget to WP, but it didn't work, so now I'm inviting you personally to visit my new WIP (Work In Progress) Site:One Happy writer
Feel free to comment. Let me know what you think (of Hot Pink!) Ask me something, anything. Maybe you have a suggestion? Just browsing? Hey, I'm THERE for you, whenever you want to drop in. Come on over and let's get this party moviiiiing! See you soon...
Sunny regards,Liliana Ps. If for some reason, I get lost in blog-transition, Google Me! :) I must be somewhere.
I've been a SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) member since 2009 and this year I'm going to experience the full benefits of this. Finally! It's not easy to pay full membership and not being able to attend any conference, because you live so far, far away, on an island somewhere in the Caribbean Sea, while nobody knows you're there. Okay, that's not true. A lot of people know where Aruba is nowadays (thanks to Joran van der Sloot). And besides, I can take a plane to anywhere I want, IF I had the money. Oh, and IF I had that money, I would go to everywhere, I would take the first rocket plane into space. But, let's stick to short-term for this post. SCBWI Summer Conference 2011. That's just a few weeks from now, 6 to be exact. I'm excited, and nervous, but most of all grateful. Yes, very grateful. I could never have pulled this off without the support of my family. Do you have any idea what an air ticket Aruba - Los Angeles costs? 1/2 new kitchen? One full family vacation. Those singing classes for my... Never mind. I won't make myself crazy anymore, I've made up my mind and I can't go back. The ticket is right here, staring at me and reminding me that I'm investing two book advances in a better chance to succeed as a writer. And because I believe in what I'm doing, I can soothe myself with the idea that no matter what happens in L.A., it won't stay in L.A., nope. I'll bring as much as I can back with me. I owe it to the ones I love, the ones who believe in me; to my husband (who will be celebrating his birthday on August 6th - while I'm having a Winks Ball in pajamas!), my eight year old daughter and nine year old son, who will have to miss me for a whole summer vacation week... I owe this to myself, for all those years of not giving up on dreaming while enjoying the process of writing. Okay, ta basta! I don't want to get all mushy now. I'm almost ready: early registration CHECK, airplane ticket CHECK, hotel reservations CHECK, writer intensive registration CHECK, manuscript consultation submission CHECK, business cards by MOO.com CHECK... But, will I be mentally prepared for the unknown? Will I be able to absorb it all and digest it properly? Will I be able to translate my words fast enough to impress my dream publisher? Will I meet him at all? Or, will I stay on that waiting list forever? I don't know. While reading all those 'What to do' and 'How to prepare for SCBWI Summer Conference' posts, watching important interviews with Keynote guests, following members... I still don't know what to expect. I only hope I have a lot of wonderful experiences to share with you when I return from this adventure. So stay put, and wish me luck! Tweet
0 Comments on Preparing for SCBWI's Summer Conference 2011 as of 1/1/1900
Shout it out! Or is it 'shut up'? Should I wait till the signed book contract is returned? Or, till the hard copy rests in my hands? Am I allowed to cheer aloud when my newest creation is in the bookstores? Or, should I wait for the reviews first? When is the right time to celebrate your publishing news publicly?
Maybe there are writers out there who don't really care about this issue, because: 1. they're very famous and tired of shouting out their triumphs (they have agents for that) 2. they don't write to be read, but for themselves (they call this 'pure joy') 3. they never thought about celebrating their publications, till they read this post 4. they don't know how to celebrate? Anything? 5. they just don't think it's relevant
I'm part of the other group. The ones who are trying to find a place to belong. Not that I'm lost or anything. I've published, I have a voice, I'm on the map, but I'm in the process of making it all work; for myself, for my readers, for my publishers. I know I'm immenseley happy when one of manuscripts is accepted. Overjoyed when a new contract is signed. Ecstatic when I open the mailbox and a package filled with gorgeous copies of my story is waiting for me. I get goose bumps when I receive a great review on my work, and get all choked up when a very young reader knows my poems by heart, or asks me 'can I be a writer, too?'. But, when a manuscript is rejected, a contract never came, publishers are cutting costs, a successful book is not reprinted, a mother won't buy books because according to her, they're too expensive (but she'll buy a computer game that's double the price instead), a bad pedicure is causing one's toes to throb driving that same person mad and causing an acute writer's block... Wouldn't it be a relief to blow off some steam? Maybe even learn a few tricks of the trade in the process. For better and for worse, right? RIGHT?
So, here's the better part: I've just mailed the signed book contract to my (potential) new publisher and I'm waiting for a copy, the official publishing date for my first children's thriller for reluctant readers called 'De Knijpkat' ('The Pinch-cat'(literally), meaning 'The Dynamo Lamp'). Am I immenseley happy? Absolutamente! And well aware of the dangers lurking in Publishing Land. Nevertheless, I feel like celebrating, even if I haven't seen a hard copy yet and have no idea what the reviews will be like, or if this book will sell like hot buns fresh out of the oven. We'll see what happens. One thing I know for sure, whatever happens, cheering aloud feels grrreat! Let's shout it out, peeps! WOOT! WOOT! Tweet
0 Comments on Manuscript Ready? Contract Signed? GO! as of 1/1/1900
Shout it out! Or is it 'shut up'? Should I wait till the signed book contract is returned? Or, till the hard copy rests in my hands? Am I allowed to cheer aloud when my newest creation is in the bookstores? Or, should I wait for the reviews first? When is the right time to celebrate your publishing news publicly?
Maybe there are writers out there who don't really care about this issue, because:
1. they're very famous and tired of shouting out their triumphs (they have agents for that)
2. they don't write to be read, but for themselves (they call this 'pure joy')
3. they never thought about celebrating their publications, till they read this post
4. they don't know how to celebrate? Anything?
5. they just don't think it's relevant
I'm part of the other group. The ones who are trying to find a place to belong. Not that I'm lost or anything. I've published, I have a voice, I'm on the map, but I'm in the process of making it all work; for myself, for my readers, for my publishers. I know I'm immenseley happy when one of manuscripts is accepted. Overjoyed when a new contract is signed. Ecstatic when I open the mailbox and a package filled with gorgeous copies of my story is waiting for me. I get goose bumps when I receive a great review on my work, and get all choked up when a very young reader knows my poems by heart, or asks me 'can I be a writer, too?'.
But, when a manuscript is rejected, a contract never came, publishers are cutting costs, a successful book is not reprinted, a mother won't buy books because according to her, they're too expensive (but she'll buy a computer game that's double the price instead), a bad pedicure is causing one's toes to throb driving that same person mad and causing an acute writer's block...
Wouldn't it be a relief to blow off some steam? Maybe even learn a few tricks of the trade in the process. For better and for worse, right? RIGHT?
So, here's the better part: I've just mailed the signed book contract to my (potential) new publisher and I'm waiting for a copy, the official publishing date for my first children's thriller for reluctant readers called 'De Knijpkat' ('The Pinch-cat'(literally), meaning 'The Dynamo Lamp'). Am I immenseley happy? Absolutamente! And well aware of the dangers lurking in Publishing Land. Nevertheless, I feel like celebrating, even if I haven't seen a hard copy yet and have no idea what the reviews will be like, or if this book will sell like hot buns fresh out of the oven. We'll see what happens. One thing I know for sure, whatever happens, cheering aloud feels grrreat! Let's shout it out, peeps! WOOT! WOOT! Tweet
Shout it out! Or is it 'shut up'? Should I wait till the signed book contract is returned? Or, till the hard copy rests in my hands? Am I allowed to cheer aloud when my newest creation is in the bookstores? Or, should I wait for the reviews first? When is the right time to celebrate your publishing news publicly?
Maybe there are writers out there who don't really care about this issue, because:
1. they're very famous and tired of shouting out their triumphs (they have agents for that)
2. they don't write to be read, but for themselves (they call this 'pure joy')
3. they never thought about celebrating their publications, till they read this post
4. they don't know how to celebrate? Anything?
5. they just don't think it's relevant
I'm part of the other group. The ones who are trying to find a place to belong. Not that I'm lost or anything. I've published, I have a voice, I'm on the map, but I'm in the process of making it all work; for myself, for my readers, for my publishers. I know I'm immenseley happy when one of manuscripts is accepted. Overjoyed when a new contract is signed. Ecstatic when I open the mailbox and a package filled with gorgeous copies of my story is waiting for me. I get goose bumps when I receive a great review on my work, and get all choked up when a very young reader knows my poems by heart, or asks me 'can I be a writer, too?'.
But, when a manuscript is rejected, a contract never came, publishers are cutting costs, a successful book is not reprinted, a mother won't buy books because according to her, they're too expensive (but she'll buy a computer game that's double the price instead), a bad pedicure is causing one's toes to throb driving that same person mad and causing an acute writer's block...
Wouldn't it be a relief to blow off some steam? Maybe even learn a few tricks of the trade in the process. For better and for worse, right? RIGHT?
So, here's the better part: I've just mailed the signed book contract to my (potential) new publisher and I'm waiting for a copy, the official publishing date for my first children's thriller for reluctant readers called 'De Knijpkat' ('The Pinch-cat'(literally), meaning 'The Dynamo Lamp'). Am I immenseley happy? Absolutamente! And well aware of the dangers lurking in Publishing Land. Nevertheless, I feel like celebrating, even if I haven't seen a hard copy yet and have no idea what the reviews will be like, or if this book will sell like hot buns fresh out of the oven. We'll see what happens. One thing I know for sure, whatever happens, cheering aloud feels grrreat! Let's shout it out, peeps! WOOT! WOOT! Tweet
This year, the Ministry of Culture in Aruba presented a new award for local artists: the Premio J.C. Lampe. Juan C. Lampe, better known as "Padu Del caribe" or "Padu" is the multi-talented composer of our National Anthem: Aruba Dushi Tera. This new national prize, named after him, is instituted to stimulate our musicians, writers, dancers, all our creative people to create art and enrich the Aruban culture. From the 200 submissions the judges finally selected 5 nominees: * Michael Lampe (musician, leader of Datapanik) * Ryan Oduber (visual art artist and painter) * Janice and Oslin Boekhoudt (dancers and dance teachers at Scol di Baile Pachanga) * Armand Simon (concert pianist and piano teacher) * Me (you know me!) I've never been nominated before in my own country. Definitely not with a chance to win 10,000 Aruban Florins (almost US$6000) to invest in a WIP (work-In-Progress)! And it's not that Aruba doesn't have awards for artists or other happily-struggling people. I believe there are some honorary prizes, but from what I can remember, these prizes are more symbolic. Like a glass trophy in the shape of a cactus, or a huge check of 100 Aruban Florins and a dinner-for-two. Hey, everything given is wonderful, I'm not complaining. I wouldn't mind receiving a glass cactus, if it meant appreciation for what I do. But, let's focus on the topic: 'What to do with a nomination?' Cause I know what to do with a first prize, trust me. I had a list of possibilities: take that great writing course at Gotham Writers, or go to that SCBWI Conference in LA, or should I just go for that book-project together with my son's soccer team? I can go on, and on and on. One life is not long enough for all my plans.
And I know, I just know, you're not going to believe what I'm about to say. Cause, I did not win! No, I didn't mean you wouldn't believe that I lost. What I want to tell you is, I did not win and I'm not sore about it. Yes, really. That's the great advantage of doing what you love and feeling not only nominated every time one of your readers tell you that one of your books is his or her favorite. But, it's a grand first prize to be able to do what you're passionate about. For me that's writing. For the winner who received an extra compensation for his passion, it's visual arts and painting, and for all the other winners who got nominated or who participated, it's no different, I hope. Because, if you NEED a prize, or a recognition to do what you want most in life, than I wish you Good Luck!
But, there are more reasons why I'm a Happy Nominee and it's all been said in my 3- minute speech:
"When I heard I was nominated for the J.C. Lampe Award, - a prize I've never heard of, that's how new it is - The Father of Our Culture Award, I went mad. I'm glad none of you were present when I was jumping around in my house.
For me, I've already won.
The fact that this award exists, is already pure profit for us - for me, for you, for all t
0 Comments on What to do with a nomination? as of 1/1/1900
This year, the Ministry of Culture in Aruba presented a new award for local artists: the Premio J.C. Lampe. Juan C. Lampe, better known as "Padu Del caribe" or "Padu" is the multi-talented composer of our National Anthem: Aruba Dushi Tera. This new national prize, named after him, is instituted to stimulate our musicians, writers, dancers, all our creative people to create art and enrich the Aruban culture. From the 200 submissions the judges finally selected 5 nominees:
* Michael Lampe (musician, leader of Datapanik)
* Ryan Oduber (visual art artist and painter)
* Janice and Oslin Boekhoudt (dancers and dance teachers at Scol di Baile Pachanga)
* Armand Simon (concert pianist and piano teacher)
* Me (you know me!)
I've never been nominated before in my own country. Definitely not with a chance to win 10,000 Aruban Florins (almost US$6000) to invest in a WIP (work-In-Progress)! And it's not that Aruba doesn't have awards for artists or other happily-struggling people. I believe there are some honorary prizes, but from what I can remember, these prizes are more symbolic. Like a glass trophy in the shape of a cactus, or a huge check of 100 Aruban Florins and a dinner-for-two. Hey, everything given is wonderful, I'm not complaining. I wouldn't mind receiving a glass cactus, if it meant appreciation for what I do. But, let's focus on the topic: 'What to do with a nomination?' Cause I know what to do with a first prize, trust me. I had a list of possibilities: take that great writing course at Gotham Writers, or go to that SCBWI Conference in LA, or should I just go for that book-project together with my son's soccer team? I can go on, and on and on. One life is not long enough for all my plans.
And I know, I just know, you're not going to believe what I'm about to say. Cause, I did not win! No, I didn't mean you wouldn't believe that I lost. What I want to tell you is, I did not win and I'm not sore about it. Yes, really. That's the great advantage of doing what you love and feeling not only nominated every time one of your readers tell you that one of your books is his or her favorite. But, it's a grand first prize to be able to do what you're passionate about. For me that's writing. For the winner who received an extra compensation for his passion, it's visual arts and painting, and for all the other winners who got nominated or who participated, it's no different, I hope. Because, if you NEED a prize, or a recognition to do what you want most in life, than I wish you Good Luck!
But, there are more reasons why I'm a Happy Nominee and it's all been said in my 3- minute speech:
"When I heard I was nominated for the J.C. Lampe Award, - a prize I've never heard of, that's how new it is - The Father of Our Culture Award, I went mad. I'm glad none of you were present when I was jumping around in my house.
For me, I've already won.
The fact that this award exists, is already pure profit f
0 Comments on What to do with a nomination? as of 1/1/1900
This year, the Ministry of Culture in Aruba presented a new award for local artists: the Premio J.C. Lampe. Juan C. Lampe, better known as "Padu Del caribe" or "Padu" is the multi-talented composer of our National Anthem: Aruba Dushi Tera. This new national prize, named after him, is instituted to stimulate our musicians, writers, dancers, all our creative people to create art and enrich the Aruban culture. From the 200 submissions the judges finally selected 5 nominees:
* Michael Lampe (musician, leader of Datapanik)
* Ryan Oduber (visual art artist and painter)
* Janice and Oslin Boekhoudt (dancers and dance teachers at Scol di Baile Pachanga)
* Armand Simon (concert pianist and piano teacher)
* Me (you know me!)
I've never been nominated before in my own country. Definitely not with a chance to win 10,000 Aruban Florins (almost US$6000) to invest in a WIP (work-In-Progress)! And it's not that Aruba doesn't have awards for artists or other happily-struggling people. I believe there are some honorary prizes, but from what I can remember, these prizes are more symbolic. Like a glass trophy in the shape of a cactus, or a huge check of 100 Aruban Florins and a dinner-for-two. Hey, everything given is wonderful, I'm not complaining. I wouldn't mind receiving a glass cactus, if it meant appreciation for what I do. But, let's focus on the topic: 'What to do with a nomination?' Cause I know what to do with a first prize, trust me. I had a list of possibilities: take that great writing course at Gotham Writers, or go to that SCBWI Conference in LA, or should I just go for that book-project together with my son's soccer team? I can go on, and on and on. One life is not long enough for all my plans.
And I know, I just know, you're not going to believe what I'm about to say. Cause, I did not win! No, I didn't mean you wouldn't believe that I lost. What I want to tell you is, I did not win and I'm not sore about it. Yes, really. That's the great advantage of doing what you love and feeling not only nominated every time one of your readers tell you that one of your books is his or her favorite. But, it's a grand first prize to be able to do what you're passionate about. For me that's writing. For the winner who received an extra compensation for his passion, it's visual arts and painting, and for all the other winners who got nominated or who participated, it's no different, I hope. Because, if you NEED a prize, or a recognition to do what you want most in life, than I wish you Good Luck!
But, there are more reasons why I'm a Happy Nominee and it's all been said in my 3- minute speech:
"When I heard I was nominated for the J.C. Lampe Award, - a prize I've never heard of, that's how new it is - The Father of Our Culture Award, I went mad. I'm glad none of you were present when I was jumping around in my house.
For me, I've already won.
The fact that this award exists, is already pure profit f
0 Comments on What to do with a nomination? as of 1/1/1900
What do newborn kittens have to do with writing? More than you think. A few days ago - four to be exact - my husband found a nest of newborn kittens in an old box on top of our storage cupboard. He heard meowing and went on a seeking quest till he discovered five really tiny kitties - eyes still closed, all alone, shivery - boxed underneath the metal curls of our rusty pendant lamp. He called me immediately, of course. I'm the mommy, the one who should know how to deal with anything miniature and frail.
Many thoughts came to our minds - since we were dog people, never had cats, have never seen a nest of newborn anythings, except for our own little bundles of joy. We surfed, twittered, called friends and vets, and in the end we had one choice: to be or not to be the parents. Let nature take its course or take matter into our own hands alias 'let them die or try to save them'.
Many things can be accomplished if one is willing to sacrifice one's fear of failure. If I can save these helpless creatures regardless of my lack of time and expertise, my cat allergies, my clumsiness... Maybe (because life has no guarantees) they will survive, maybe a few, maybe just one, but at least I've done all what's in my power, with strong and sincere determination, to achieve total success. If I fail and all die, I still have to keep on living until I become the one who cannot be saved anymore.
So when you write: save as many of your darlings as you can. Even if there are no guarantees that they will see the light of day. Store them safely in a box, on top of your storage cupboard, you never know if they will ever, or when they will be ready to, be revived.
What do newborn kittens have to do with writing? More than you think.
A few days ago - four to be exact - my husband found a nest of newborn kittens in an old box on top of our storage cupboard. He heard meowing and went on a seeking quest till he discovered five really tiny kitties - eyes still closed, all alone, shivery - boxed underneath the metal curls of our rusty pendant lamp. He called me immediately, of course. I'm the mommy, the one who should know how to deal with anything miniature and frail.
Many thoughts came to our minds - since we were dog people, never had cats, have never seen a nest of newborn anythings, except for our own little bundles of joy. We surfed, twittered, called friends and vets, and in the end we had one choice: to be or not to be the parents. Let nature take its course or take matter into our own hands alias 'let them die or try to save them'.
Many things can be accomplished if one is willing to sacrifice one's fear of failure. If I can save these helpless creatures regardless of my lack of time and expertise, my cat allergies, my clumsiness... Maybe (because life has no guarantees) they will survive, maybe a few, maybe just one, but at least I've done all what's in my power, with strong and sincere determination, to achieve total success. If I fail and all die, I still have to keep on living until I become the one who cannot be saved anymore.
So when you write: save as many of your darlings as you can. Even if there are no guarantees that they will see the light of day. Store them safely in a box, on top of your storage cupboard, you never know if they will ever, or when they will be ready to, be revived.
What do newborn kittens have to do with writing? More than you think.
A few days ago - four to be exact - my husband found a nest of newborn kittens in an old box on top of our storage cupboard. He heard meowing and went on a seeking quest till he discovered five really tiny kitties - eyes still closed, all alone, shivery - boxed underneath the metal curls of our rusty pendant lamp. He called me immediately, of course. I'm the mommy, the one who should know how to deal with anything miniature and frail.
Many thoughts came to our minds - since we were dog people, never had cats, have never seen a nest of newborn anythings, except for our own little bundles of joy. We surfed, twittered, called friends and vets, and in the end we had one choice: to be or not to be the parents. Let nature take its course or take matter into our own hands alias 'let them die or try to save them'.
Many things can be accomplished if one is willing to sacrifice one's fear of failure. If I can save these helpless creatures regardless of my lack of time and expertise, my cat allergies, my clumsiness... Maybe (because life has no guarantees) they will survive, maybe a few, maybe just one, but at least I've done all what's in my power, with strong and sincere determination, to achieve total success. If I fail and all die, I still have to keep on living until I become the one who cannot be saved anymore.
So when you write: save as many of your darlings as you can. Even if there are no guarantees that they will see the light of day. Store them safely in a box, on top of your storage cupboard, you never know if they will ever, or when they will be ready to, be revived.
One month. One chapter a day. One writer and her coach. This post is about my first YA (Young Adult) Novel in the making. And I'm going to share this wonderful experience with all of you. To start this series of posts called 'The Writer and The Coach', I'm going to translate a press release by Ariën Rasmijn, published in Dutch in the Amigoe di Aruba newspaper on February 23rd 2011. You can read the original interview in Dutch here: De Schrijver en de coach.
The writer and the coach
Oranjestad - The Aruban writer Liliana Braamskamp-Erasmus is working on her first full-fledged novel for young readers. She's being coached by Dutch children's book author Sjoerd Kuyper. Erasmus (36) is a full-time writer and involved with the Papiamente Foundation, that focuses on the promotion of reading habits of children. After writing several stories for younger children in Papiamento and Dutch it was time for her to develop an adventure novel for the youth of twelve and up. She doesn't want to reveal much of the story itself, except that it's about the first gold diggers on the island. "It's a project I've been working on for a couple of years. I've done a lot of research and I still am." Regarding the gold industry on the island at the beginning of the last century the necessary documentation is present, but Erasmus takes it on thoroughly and visited several spots in National Park Arikok, where the first gold nuggets were discovered. The book will not be a history book. Erasmus wants to make children curious with this book and read more. "When a kid tells me, over a couple of years, that there are certain things in the book that don't match with the actual story of the gold diggers, then I know that this kid went out to explore and my task is accomplished."
Funding for the coaches To get the story perfect on paper, she powered up with Dutch children's book writer Sjoerd Kuyper (57) via the Nederlandse Fonds voor de Letteren. The program of this foundation to connect established writers to coach beginning authors is fairly new and Erasmus is the first in the Caribbean region to make use of this. Kuyper, known for children's books like 'Het Zakmes' (The Pocket Knife) and 'Robin', flew together with his wife to Aruba. "It's certainly no punishment to be allowed to be here." The contact with Erasmus goes way back, he says. "I've known Liliana for some years now, because I've been in Aruba before to participate in the Children's Book Week. I've also given workshops on writing for children here, where she was involved, too. She was already busy with her book, but it turned out to be such a big project that she needed some help with it. It's more difficult to write than a short story." The two writers have been busy for a week and a half in the meantime. "The first couple of days, we only talked, without paper. What is the book about, what's philosophy behind it and what will she be telling the kids. Then we worked on the arrangement of the book. You want the composition to be thrilling. Afterwards we checked out the first chapters she already had. We changed t
0 Comments on The Writer and The Coach as of 1/1/1900
One month. One chapter a day. One writer and her coach. This post is about my first YA (Young Adult) Novel in the making. And I'm going to share this wonderful experience with all of you. To start this series of posts called 'The Writer and The Coach', I'm going to translate a press release by Ariën Rasmijn, published in Dutch in the Amigoe di Aruba newspaper on February 23rd 2011. You can read the original interview in Dutch here: De schrijver en de coach.
The writer and the coach
Oranjestad - The Aruban writer Liliana Braamskamp-Erasmus is working on her first full-fledged novel for young readers. She's being coached by Dutch children's book author Sjoerd Kuyper.
Erasmus (36) is a full-time writer and involved with the Papiamente Foundation, that focuses on the promotion of reading habits of children. After writing several stories for younger children in Papiamento and Dutch it was time for her to develop an adventure novel for the youth of twelve and up. She doesn't want to reveal much of the story, except that it's about the first gold diggers on the island. "It's a project I've been working on for a couple of years. I've done a lot of research and I still am." Regarding the gold industry on the island at the beginning of the last century the necessary documentation is present, but Erasmus takes it on thoroughly and visited several spots in National Park Arikok, where the first gold nuggets were discovered.
The book will not be a history book. Erasmus wants to make children curious with this book and for them to read more. "When a kid tells me, over a couple of years, that there are certain things in the book that don't match with the actual story of the gold diggers, then I know, this kid went out to explore and my task is accomplished."
Funding for the coaches
To get the story perfect on paper, she powered up with Dutch children's book writer Sjoerd Kuyper (57) via the Nederlandse Fonds voor de Letteren. The program of this foundation to connect established writers to coach beginning authors is fairly new and Erasmus is the first in the Caribbean region to make use of this. Kuyper, known for children's books like 'Het Zakmes' (The Pocket Knife) and 'Robin', flew together with his wife to Aruba. "It's certainly no punishment to be allowed to be here." The contact with Erasmus goes way back, he says. "I've known Liliana for some years now, because I've been in Aruba before to participate in the Children's Book Week. I've given workshops on writing for children here, too, where she also was involved. She was already busy with her book, but it turned out to be such a big project that she needed some help with it. It's more difficult to write than a short story." The two writers have been busy for a week and a half, in the meantime. "The first couple of days, we only talked, without paper. What is the book
0 Comments on The Writer and The Coach as of 1/1/1900
One month. One chapter a day. One writer and her coach. This post is about my first YA (Young Adult) Novel in the making. And I'm going to share this wonderful experience with all of you. To start this series of posts called 'The Writer and The Coach', I'm going to translate a press release by Ariën Rasmijn, published in Dutch in the Amigoe di Aruba newspaper on February 23rd 2011. You can read the original interview in Dutch here: De schrijver en de coach.
The writer and the coach
Oranjestad - The Aruban writer Liliana Braamskamp-Erasmus is working on her first full-fledged novel for young readers. She's being coached by Dutch children's book author Sjoerd Kuyper.
Erasmus (36) is a full-time writer and involved with the Papiamente Foundation, that focuses on the promotion of reading habits of children. After writing several stories for younger children in Papiamento and Dutch it was time for her to develop an adventure novel for the youth of twelve and up. She doesn't want to reveal much of the story, except that it's about the first gold diggers on the island. "It's a project I've been working on for a couple of years. I've done a lot of research and I still am." Regarding the gold industry on the island at the beginning of the last century the necessary documentation is present, but Erasmus takes it on thoroughly and visited several spots in National Park Arikok, where the first gold nuggets were discovered.
The book will not be a history book. Erasmus wants to make children curious with this book and for them to read more. "When a kid tells me, over a couple of years, that there are certain things in the book that don't match with the actual story of the gold diggers, then I know, this kid went out to explore and my task is accomplished."
Funding for the coaches
To get the story perfect on paper, she powered up with Dutch children's book writer Sjoerd Kuyper (57) via the Nederlandse Fonds voor de Letteren. The program of this foundation to connect established writers to coach beginning authors is fairly new and Erasmus is the first in the Caribbean region to make use of this. Kuyper, known for children's books like 'Het Zakmes' (The Pocket Knife) and 'Robin', flew together with his wife to Aruba. "It's certainly no punishment to be allowed to be here." The contact with Erasmus goes way back, he says. "I've known Liliana for some years now, because I've been in Aruba before to participate in the Children's Book Week. I've given workshops on writing for children here, too, where she also was involved. She was already busy with her book, but it turned out to be such a big project that she needed some help with it. It's more difficult to write than a short story." The two writers have been busy for a week and a half, in the meantime. "The first couple of days, we only talked, without paper. What is the book about, what's the philosophy
0 Comments on The Writer and The Coach as of 1/1/1900
A very special thanks to you, my 25 faithful followers, for sticking with me through short, long and no posts at all. Here we are in the first week of a new year filled with resolutions, positive perspectives, dreams, hope... isn't it a wonderful place to be? A new start! :D I'm curious to learn about your 2011 expectations. Please, feel free to share your thoughts, goals, whatever you have in the planning for this year, or what you didn't accomplish last year, but will definitely round up during the 12 months to come. I know I have a list and I'd love to share some of it with all of you (not in particular order): * more blog posts (I'll try to go for at least one a month) & followers! * to finalize my first YA (Young Adult) novel - I'm already working on it at this very moment. (Writing this post is my break, and not procrastination) * to publish my first MG (Middle Grade) novel this year - doing final adjustments! * to participate in Dutch Children's Book Festival 2011 (this year's theme "Superheroes! About daring to be brave" - got an invitation from the organization, but I need enough school and library requests to cover my airplane ticket from Aruba to Amsterdam and back -> any Dutch teachers or librarians around here? * to write and publish a new children's book in Papiamento for the kids in Aruba this year * to work (maybe publish) a new iPad app or digital project. BTW I'm already committed to this new challenge, please take look here: www.ilearn4free.org * to continue promoting the pleasure of reading in Aruba with our foundation's project Buki Bum: www.fundacionpapiamente.com * to keep on being a decent mom, friend, daughter, sister, aunt, citizen...etc * to improve as a human being (still a lot of work to be done here) * to explore my inner truth (discovered I had one after reading Brenda Ueland) * to read more * to go away from Aruba for a couple of days, or weeks (or to discover other places in the world, sounds better?) - traveling is very important when living on a small island, even if it's a happy one. (do I have characters left?) * to be courageous in order to live fully * to be idle every now and then, to find inner peace... * to simply be
Happy New Year to You, dear Reader, Follower, Mother or Father, Friend or Stranger, Blogger? Twitterer? Facebooker? Earthling or Alien (who knows?), but a Being for sure. So Be you, the best of you.
0 Comments on Happy New Beginnings to All as of 1/5/2011 5:42:00 PM
A very special thanks to you, my 25 faithful followers, for sticking with me through short, long and no posts at all. Here we are in the first week of a new year filled with resolutions, positive perspectives, dreams, hope... isn't it a wonderful place to be? A new start! :D
I'm curious to learn about your 2011 expectations. Please, feel free to share your thoughts, goals, whatever you have in the planning for this year, or what you didn't accomplish last year, but will definitely round up during the 12 months to come.
I know I have a list and I'd love to share some of it with all of you (not in particular order):
* more blog posts (I'll try to go for at least one a month) & followers!
* to finalize my first YA (Young Adult) novel - I'm already working on it at this very moment. (Writing this post is my break, and not procrastination)
* to publish my first MG (Middle Grade) novel this year - doing final adjustments!
* to participate in Dutch Children's Book Festival 2011 (this year's theme "Superheroes! About daring to be brave" - got an invitation from the organization, but I need enough school and library requests to cover my airplane ticket from Aruba to Amsterdam and back -> any Dutch teachers or librarians around here?
* to write and publish a new children's book in Papiamento for the kids in Aruba this year
* to work (maybe publish) a new iPad app or digital project. BTW I'm already committed to this new challenge, please take look here: www.ilearn4free.org
* to continue promoting the pleasure of reading in Aruba with our foundation's project Buki Bum: www.fundacionpapiamente.com
* to keep on being a decent mom, friend, daughter, sister, aunt, citizen...etc
* to improve as a human being (still a lot of work to be done here)
* to explore my inner truth (discovered I had one after reading Brenda Ueland)
* to read more
* to go away from Aruba for a couple of days, or weeks (or to discover other places in the world, sounds better?) - traveling is very important when living on a small island, even if it's a happy one.
(do I have characters left?)
* to be courageous in order to live fully
* to be idle every now and then, to find inner peace...
* to simply be
Happy New Year to You, dear Reader, Follower, Mother or Father, Friend or Stranger, Blogger? Twitterer? Facebooker? Earthling or Alien (who knows?), but a Being for sure. So Be you, the best of you.
A very special thanks to you, my 25 faithful followers, for sticking with me through short, long and no posts at all. Here we are in the first week of a new year filled with resolutions, positive perspectives, dreams, hope... isn't it a wonderful place to be? A new start! :D
I'm curious to learn about your 2011 expectations. Please, feel free to share your thoughts, goals, whatever you have in the planning for this year, or what you didn't accomplish last year, but will definitely round up during the 12 months to come.
I know I have a list and I'd love to share some of it with all of you (not in particular order):
* more blog posts (I'll try to go for at least one a month) & followers!
* to finalize my first YA (Young Adult) novel - I'm already working on it at this very moment. (Writing this post is my break, and not procrastination)
* to publish my first MG (Middle Grade) novel this year - doing final adjustments!
* to participate in Dutch Children's Book Festival 2011 (this year's theme "Superheroes! About daring to be brave" - got an invitation from the organization, but I need enough school and library requests to cover my airplane ticket from Aruba to Amsterdam and back -> any Dutch teachers or librarians around here?
* to write and publish a new children's book in Papiamento for the kids in Aruba this year
* to work (maybe publish) a new iPad app or digital project. BTW I'm already committed to this new challenge, please take look here: www.ilearn4free.org
* to continue promoting the pleasure of reading in Aruba with our foundation's project Buki Bum: www.fundacionpapiamente.com
* to keep on being a decent mom, friend, daughter, sister, aunt, citizen...etc
* to improve as a human being (still a lot of work to be done here)
* to explore my inner truth (discovered I had one after reading Brenda Ueland)
* to read more
* to go away from Aruba for a couple of days, or weeks (or to discover other places in the world, sounds better?) - traveling is very important when living on a small island, even if it's a happy one.
(do I have characters left?)
* to be courageous in order to live fully
* to be idle every now and then, to find inner peace...
* to simply be
Happy New Year to You, dear Reader, Follower, Mother or Father, Friend or Stranger, Blogger? Twitterer? Facebooker? Earthling or Alien (who knows?), but a Being for sure. So Be you, the best of you.
Listen, talk, care and share Give your child the love of books
Yes, it's November! The month of books and children and families and the pleasure of reading... and Buki Bum! This Sunday, November 7th, Aruba will be BUMbarded again with lots of books... for freeeeeee! And this reading frenzy will go on this whole month :D How?
Families with children aged 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and/or 5 years will receive a wonderful bag of books plus lots of surprises, IF they participate with the workshop "How to read books aloud to my child?" Easy, right? Not quite.
In 2009 the island of Aruba was introduced to the pilot version of Bookstart: Buki Bum. Our foundation, Fundacion Papiamente, would give thousands of books away to families with children born in 2006! The only requirement was their participation in a workshop (no longer than 45 minutes) about the importance of reading to small children before they start school, to inspire, stimulate and create a love of reading that will give these kids a flying start in life. But most of all to show that books are fun, especially when read aloud together. We (the most dynamic and positive team ever) expected a tsunami of enthusiastic parents on that very first Buki Bum event on Sunday - parents had to work during the rest of the week. We had it all figured out: babysitters and beverages and the perfect location with enough chairs for every eligible parent present. We were wondering - hours before the big start - how we would cope with the massiveness of the crowd. Plan B and C and if we couldn't handle it all, what then?
The first Buki Bum workshop was a real moment of truth, of 'could-we-be-so-wrong-or-did-aliens-abduct-all-those-overly-excited-parents'? We would soon (very soon) discover that a nationwide promotional campaign, including newspapers, radio, tv -you name it! - wasn't enough to convince a reluctant crowd. Because, we never thought about the 'too good to be true' factor! And the only remedy to cure this symptom, was the old-fashioned 'word of mouth' (plus expansion of the age group from three-year olds to the 0 up to five-year olds) If it worked?
Listen, talk, care and share Give your child the love of books
Yes, it's November! The month of books and children and families and the pleasure of reading... and Buki Bum! This Sunday, November 7th, Aruba will be BUMbarded again with lots of books... for freeeeeee! And this reading frenzy will go on this whole month :D How?
Families with children aged 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and/or 5 years will receive a wonderful bag of books plus lots of surprises, IF they participate with the workshop "How to read books aloud to my child?"
Easy, right? Not quite.
In 2009 the island of Aruba was introduced to the pilot version of Bookstart: Buki Bum. Our foundation, Fundacion Papiamente, would give thousands of books away to families with children born in 2006! The only requirement was their participation in a workshop (no longer than 45 minutes) about the importance of reading to small children before they start school, to inspire, stimulate and create a love of reading that will give these kids a flying start in life. But most of all to show that books are fun, especially when read aloud together.
We (the most dynamic and positive team ever) expected a tsunami of enthusiastic parents on that very first Buki Bum event on Sunday - parents had to work during the rest of the week. We had it all figured out: babysitters and beverages and the perfect location with enough chairs for every eligible parent present. We were wondering - hours before the big start - how we would cope with the massiveness of the crowd. Plan B and C and if we couldn't handle it all, what then?
The first Buki Bum workshop was a real moment of truth, of 'could-we-be-so-wrong-or-did-aliens-abduct-all-those-overly-excited-parents'? We would soon (very soon) discover that a nationwide promotional campaign, including newspapers, radio, tv -you name it! - wasn't enough to convince a reluctant crowd. Because, we never thought about the 'too good to be true' factor! And the only remedy to cure this symptom, was the old-fashioned 'word of mouth' (plus expansion of the age group from three-year olds to the 0 up to five-year olds) If it worked?
Listen, talk, care and share Give your child the love of books
Yes, it's November! The month of books and children and families and the pleasure of reading... and Buki Bum! This Sunday, November 7th, Aruba will be BUMbarded again with lots of books... for freeeeeee! And this reading frenzy will go on this whole month :D How?
Families with children aged 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and/or 5 years will receive a wonderful bag of books plus lots of surprises, IF they participate with the workshop "How to read books aloud to my child?"
Easy, right? Not quite.
In 2009 the island of Aruba was introduced to the pilot version of Bookstart: Buki Bum. Our foundation, Fundacion Papiamente, would give thousands of books away to families with children born in 2006! The only requirement was their participation in a workshop (no longer than 45 minutes) about the importance of reading to small children before they start school, to inspire, stimulate and create a love of reading that will give these kids a flying start in life. But most of all to show that books are fun, especially when read aloud together.
We (the most dynamic and positive team ever) expected a tsunami of enthusiastic parents on that very first Buki Bum event on Sunday - parents had to work during the rest of the week. We had it all figured out: babysitters and beverages and the perfect location with enough chairs for every eligible parent present. We were wondering - hours before the big start - how we would cope with the massiveness of the crowd. Plan B and C and if we couldn't handle it all, what then?
The first Buki Bum workshop was a real moment of truth, of 'could-we-be-so-wrong-or-did-aliens-abduct-all-those-overly-excited-parents'? We would soon (very soon) discover that a nationwide promotional campaign, including newspapers, radio, tv -you name it! - wasn't enough to convince a reluctant crowd. Because, we never thought about the 'too good to be true' factor! And the only remedy to cure this symptom, was the old-fashioned 'word of mouth' (plus expansion of the age group from three-year olds to the 0 up to five-year olds) If it worked?
This will be my first blog post with video! YAY :D Why? Because I only had a video camera with me on this memorable day. Warning: it's not HD, but I think the content is important enough to share with friends, colleagues and especially families dealing with children with Autism. So, if you're wondering what the iPad is and what it can do for children with different forms of autism, or how to present the iPad to a group of kids with Autism... watch this:
A special thanks to Monique Kuiperi, co-founder and president of FAA (Aruba Autism Foundation), Natasha Richardson, social worker at FAA, Thaisse Erasmus, office manager at FAA and the best crowd ever: Amanda, Sergio, Dorothée, Fredor, Sarrah, Sam, Vince, Alyza, Enric and their wonderful parents!
For more information about FAA (Aruba Autism Foundation), please visit their website.
For information about Hopus or if you want to make a donation to FAA by purchasing this iPad Book App, please go to the iTunes App Store.
0 Comments on The Hopus Book & iPad App Presentation For Kids With Autism as of 1/1/1900
This will be my first blog post with video! YAY :D Why? Because I only had a video camera with me on this memorable day. Warning: it's not HD, but I think the content is important enough to share with friends, colleagues and especially families dealing with children with Autism. So, if you're wondering what the iPad is and what it can do for children with different forms of autism, or how to present the iPad to a group of kids with Autism... watch this:
A special thanks to Monique Kuiperi, co-founder and president of FAA (Aruba Autism Foundation), Natasha Richardson, social worker at FAA, Thaisse Erasmus, office manager at FAA and the best crowd ever: Amanda, Sergio, Dorothée, Fredor, Sarrah, Sam, Vince, Alyza, Enric and their wonderful parents!
For more information about FAA (Aruba Autism Foundation), please visit their website.
For information about Hopus or if you want to make a donation to FAA by purchasing this iPad Book App, please go to the iTunes App Store.
0 Comments on The Hopus Book & iPad App Presentation For Kids With Autism as of 1/1/1900
This will be my first blog post with video! YAY :D Why? Because I only had a video camera with me on this memorable day. Warning: it's not HD, but I think the content is important enough to share with friends, colleagues and especially families dealing with children with Autism. So, if you're wondering what the iPad is and what it can do for children with different forms of autism, or how to present the iPad to a group of kids with Autism... watch this:
A special thanks to Monique Kuiperi, co-founder and president of FAA (Aruba Autism Foundation), Natasha Richardson, social worker at FAA, Thaisse Erasmus, office manager at FAA and the best crowd ever: Amanda, Sergio, Dorothée, Fredor, Sarrah, Sam, Vince, Alyza, Enric and their wonderful parents!
For more information about FAA (Aruba Autism Foundation), please visit their website.
For information about Hopus or if you want to make a donation to FAA by purchasing this iPad Book App, please go to the iTunes App Store.
0 Comments on The Hopus Book & iPad App Presentation For Kids With Autism as of 1/1/1900
I'm not supposed to blog or tweet about this yet, but... I can't help myself!! I'm a blabbermouth, there you have it! And here is the big news, dear Followers: Finally, after months of hard work and intensive communication with this fantastic team of iPad app developers from all over the globe called 'Apps of All Nations', I can spill the beans... My baby, my joy and pride, my very first iPad app 'Hopus' is purchasable on iTunes by my great new app publisher iStoryapps So I can't post a youtube video of the Hopus app yet (because I was too eager to share this news and unable to wait till the whole package was ready for promotion ;p), but if you have an iPad tablet and you're dying to see what I'm blogging about, and you don't care to see what the youtube video looks like, because you trust me anyway, please visit the iTunes Store right away, buy the Hopus app and let me know what you think. Not convinced yet? Okay, this is the best part: Buy the Hopus app today and you will not only make ME & THE HOPUS TEAM very, very happy because the app is being sold. THERE IS EVEN MORE! Buy this app today and you will be supporting the Aruba Autism Foundation (FAA) by giving the families in Aruba that are affected by Autism a better chance of receiving qualified professional guidance and medical benefits. Masha, masha danki! (Thank you very much!)
3 Comments on My iPad Adventures (Part 3), last added: 10/9/2010
I'm not supposed to blog or tweet about this yet, but... I can't help myself!! I'm a blabbermouth, there you have it! And here is the big news, dear Followers:
Finally, after months of hard work and intensive communication with this fantastic team of iPad app developers from all over the globe called 'Apps of All Nations', I can spill the beans...
My baby, my joy and pride, my very first iPad app 'Hopus' is purchasable on iTunes by my great new app publisher iStoryapps
So I can't post a youtube video of the Hopus app yet (because I was too eager to share this news and unable to wait till the whole package was ready for promotion ;p), but if you have an iPad tablet and you're dying to see what I'm blogging about, and you don't care to see what the youtube video looks like, because you trust me anyway, please visit the iTunes Store right away, buy the Hopus app and let me know what you think.
Not convinced yet? Okay, this is the best part:
Buy the Hopus app today and you will not only make ME & THE HOPUS TEAM very, very happy because the app is being sold. THERE IS EVEN MORE! Buy this app today and you will be supporting the Aruba Autism Foundation (FAA) by giving the families in Aruba that are affected by Autism a better chance of receiving qualified professional guidance and medical benefits. Masha, masha danki! (Thank you very much!)
0 Comments on My iPad Adventures (Part 3) as of 1/1/1900
Compliments for your blog and pictures included, I invite you to see the photo blog,
CLICK PHOTOSPHERA
Each week released a new album
Greetings from Italy
Marlow
Thank you, Ivo & friends! Your photoblog is amazing: beautiful pictures! >> I'm following you :D
Sunny regards from Aruba, L.
Thank you for the visit,
A hug