I worked a table at a homeschool conference in Omaha last weekend, greeting conferees and selling my books. This was the first homeschool conference I’ve attended. It was an eye opener.

Home educators have a vast network of resources available to them. I met one woman who runs a homeschool library. Any homeschooler can check out books from the library, which is stationed at whatever church willing to provide free space for a year. The library is manned by volunteers and uses the old-style pocket and card at the front of books. Patrons sign the card, and the pocket is stamped with the due date. It’s been years since I’ve seen a library using that method of checking out books, but I remember liking it as a child. I could get a notion of whether I might like a book by checking out the names of other students who had checked out the book in the past. I remember coming across my sister’s name quite often, and then I could ask her what she thought of a book before checking it out myself. The woman who runs this homeschool library purchased my middle-grades mystery, The Glass Inheritance, for the library. She said most of her patrons fall into the same age range (8 to 12) the book is intended for.

I also had a couple of bookstore managers ask me about doing a signing or talk at their stores later this year, and a couple of conferees enquired about workshops/presentations I lead for groups of children.

My biggest impression of homeschooling from this conference is that it’s a growing movement, here to stay. About 15 years ago, I read in a Kansas City newspaper that one-quarter of school-aged children in that city no longer attended public schools. Most of the “gone” children attended private schools, but a healthy percentage attended home schools. Most of the private schools I knew of were religious-based, and all of the homeschoolers I knew were Christians. I worried about sending my children to public schools when so many children from families of faith had already been siphoned from them. Would my children find any friends with similar values? My husband and I ended up choosing private school for our children and have had positive experiences with it. After going to this conference, though, I see how possible homeschooling is and why so many choose it.

About fifty children attended the conference along with their teachers (parents), and they appeared happy, well-mannered, and sociable. Homeschooling gets good results. I expect it to continue growing. As an author, I already target this group and plan to include more homeschooled children in my stories.

My husband took me to the “Eclipse” movie the other day. (Not without him dragging his feet, mind you, but it was my birthday.) I’m interested in the Twilight phenomenon because I also write for teens and have dabbled in romance. I keep puzzling why the series has become so huge.

I read the first two books and enjoyed them and the third movie. Some writers fault Stephanie Meyer on her writing style and mechanics, and other people (or maybe the same people) fault the Edward-Bella relationship as obsessive, controlling, and just plain dysfunctional (among other things). Personally, I have to wonder how much of this is sour grapes. I see faults in Meyer’s writing, but she has to be doing something right or she wouldn’t have any readers.

Where I think Meyer does a terrific job is capturing the feeling of first love, when every touch and glance matters. I think she also does well at tapping into the female psyche and ideas of passion. Edward desires Bella like no other woman and has to struggle to reign in his desires. What woman doesn’t want the man of her dreams to find her hard to resist? Every woman wants to be desired, and for more than physical beauty. Edward is attracted to the smell of Bella’s blood, the very essence of her. I think most women would like a man to be driven to distraction by the total package they present, to be that special to a man that no other woman will do. I get that.

I am puzzled why the series has become so popular when Edward is opposed to premarital sex and insists on waiting until marriage to “do it.” As a Christian, I share this value, but with half of U.S. children now being born out of wedlock, I wouldn’t guess that a lot of other people share it. Yet this is one of Edward’s strongest traits, one that (so far as I’ve seen without reading the last book) he is unwilling to compromise for Bella. How did he become the quintessential romance hero to so many American women?

Just yesterday I was shopping the summer clearance racks in a department store, and two middle-aged women and two teen girls came across a T-shirt with a photo of Edward and the words, “I’m in love with a vampire.” The four shoppers oohed and aahed over the T-shirt and ended up in a squabble over who was going to have it. I’m watching them, thinking, Really? What is going on here?

It reminds me of the McDonald’s incident from years ago when an elderly woman sued the restaurant after being burnt by their coffee. She won hundreds of thousands of dollars in the settlement (http://www.caoc.com/CA/index.cfm?event=showPage&pg=facts).  At the time, I would have never dreamed that McDonald’s would one day expand their coffee sales with a new line of coffees. It just wasn’t what I would logically expect. Similarly, I wouldn’t have expected chaste Edward to become a hero in a nation that, for the most part, doesn’t seem to value chastity.

But I’m enjoying the books and the coffee. Kudos to Meyer and McDonald’s.

I read today that the market for series and the market for picture books have gone soft. Then I picked up my mail and received my royalty check from Royal Fireworks Press. I was pleased to see my Kirsten Hart Series for MG (middle grades) and YA (young adult) readers has been selling better than I expected.

Even more surprising, my tween mystery, The Glass Inheritance, increased sales in 2009 over the previous three years. This, for a nine-year-old book. The reason for the uptick may be that The Glass Inheritance is still sold on Amazon.com while my Kirsten Hart books, A Shadow in the Dark and Living It Up to Live It Down, can only be purchased through the publisher (online, by phone, or by mail), some bookstores, or myself. People who heard about me or my books may have found it easier to order a copy of The Glass Inheritance than the other two books. In addition, when a series comes out, an author’s earlier books will often pick up sales too.

As might be expected, the first book in my series, A Shadow in the Dark, sold more copies than the second book, Living It Up to Live It Down. Children who read the first book in a series may not go on to read other books in the series, but if they read a later book in the series and like it, they will frequently back up to the first book and read that. Typically, the first book is the bestselling.

Publishers like series because, if a series catches on, sales are almost self-perpetuating. Some children make it their goal to read every book in a series. I know because I was one of them. I read most of the Nancy Drew and Phyllis Whitney mysteries and all the Trixie Belden, Donna Parker, Meg, and Kim Aldrich mysteries, besides others.

Writers interested in selling a series now should make sure it has a strong hook (something that will pull readers in) and be willing to sell the first book alone. Even though publishers like series, most publishers have been struggling with down sales and are now less willing to take risks on an entire series (especially if it’s written by an unknown author). If a book sells well, though, they may then be willing to talk series, or at least sequel.

I occasionally receive writing opportunities through networking. This happened a couple of weeks ago when I befriended a woman at a baseball game of one of my sons. She works at Back to the Bible, read some of my writing, and offered me the chance to write a Christmas script. I would be writing on spec, but if Back to the Bible chose my script, they would air it nationwide on the radio and churches might enact it during services or programs. I would be paid for my effort regardless but would be paid more if my script was chosen. Only one other writer would be competing with me for the contract.

I saw the type of gleaming CD that would go to radio stations and churches with my name on it, and I was entranced. But, who was I kidding? I don’t write poetry or plays. Just no interest. Still, I agreed to try to my hand at the Christmas script.

I was working for the Secretary of State during the week, so I had little time to work on the script then. When the weekend came, I felt no enthusiasm for the project. And I kept remembering a woman from one of my writing groups years ago who loved writing Christian plays and skits and had won several awards and contests for her work. Every time I picked up the CD, I pictured her face. I prayed about what God would have me do. I hadn’t spoken to the woman in probably ten years, but I decided if I could find her phone number, I would call her and see if she would be interested in the project. I had no trouble locating her and was talking to her within five minutes. She was so excited and enthusiastic about the work. I told her I would pass along her information to my friend at Back to the Bible (and I did). This woman now owns her own playwright business and, remembering I copy edit for corporations as well as write for children, she requested my copy editing rates for her own use and other companies she works with. I don’t know if I’ll ever receive any work through this contact, and I know I passed along a tremendous opportunity rather than taking it myself. But I think I did the right thing. I’m looking forward to hearing this script at Christmastime.

The editor who recently asked me to revise a picture book ultimately rejected it. She said my book was too “quiet.”

Just a few months ago, I read an explanation of what editors mean when they say a book is “quiet.” I tried to find that explanation on the Internet again and couldn’t. I did find an interview with literary agent Betsy Amster at the Women On Writing site, and she said that in quiet novels “the texture of the writing overshadows the plot.”

I wrote a picture book, not highbrow literature, so I doubt the texture of my writing overshadowed the plot. I think instead the editor meant my book lacked the kind of action, plotting, or conflict needed to stand out on a crowded shelf. The picture book market is stagnant right now, and to be saleable, picture books need to catch and hold the attention of young readers and listeners. They need to be loud. Picture book authors need to use their outside voices.

At least that’s my take. Anybody else have any insights on this?

Now working full-time in the business world, I can better appreciate writers who write and sell books while holding down full-time jobs. I used to deem writing while staying home with children difficult, but this is even more so.

A group of us writers chatted about this online. One woman had several novels traditionally published while working full-time, homeschooling her children, and volunteering at her church. Talk about multitasking! Another writer asked how she managed to do it all. Her reply? “I only sleep four hours a night.” Guess I can add that to my arsenal of writerly advice:  Just give up sleeping!

I’ve found it possible, though, to achieve a measure of writing success while working full-time and sleeping almost eight hours a night. A major publisher recently requested a rewrite on a picture book I sent them, an agent requested a revision on a different picture book, and Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse magazine purchased a story from me for the Christmas issue. Judging from this, I should have reentered the workforce sooner.

I took my sons to a library today to pick books for summer reading. We asked a librarian for funny books for my younger son and action-packed books and books involving battle strategy for my older son. The librarian recommended several action-packed books but had a more difficult time finding funny books.

She and I talked  about authors, and she said she thinks most are “egomaniacs” who “spend too much time in front of the computer by themselves.” Hmm.  At that point, I chose not to reveal that I’m an author. I write under a pseudonym, so my library card doesn’t reveal my author name either.

Interesting perspective, though, from a librarian who has come into contact with many authors. Most authors I’ve met (and I’ve met a hundred or so) don’t strike me as egomaniacs. A few are prima donnas. And probably all writers need confidence in their abilities to weather the rejections and ultimately succeed.

What I suspect is that this librarian has seen a lot of authors present at the library, mainly talking about themselves and their books. It’s hard not to come off as an egomaniac in a presentation like that. It’s one reason I’ve switched to presentations that involve audience members in exploring their own creativity and writing skill. No matter how famous I become, I want to be known for my books, not my ego.

A new publisher of anthologies, Dream of Things, chose one of my stories for publication and for use as a sample story on its Web site. This publisher plans to pay authors a prorated royalty based on the word count of their stories in comparison with the whole book. Dream of Things would like stories on topics such as Coffee Shop Stories, Internet Dating Stories, Stories of Forgiveness, and the Holiday Season. My story featured on the site falls in the “Stories About Great Teachers” category. You can read it here:

http://dreamofthings.com/teacher-and-the-birthday-cake

If you’re a writer interested in writing for anthologies, you might consider submitting to Dream of Things. You can find more information at the site:

http://dreamofthings.com/

I received a copy of my latest story published in Encounter teen magazine today. I’ve written for children’s magazines for years, and every time I see one of my stories in print, I experience the same rush of excitement. It never gets old.

Writing for children’s magazines continues to grow increasingly challenging as more print publications shut their doors. Writers for children’s magazines also face the challenge of providing accurate information while protecting the identity and safety of minors. When I started writing for magazines, most still published the full name and location of children interviewed. Not so any more.

I like to add a measure of safety by including parents in the room whenever I interview a child. I also secure their written permission for photographs used.

Probably my biggest challenge, though, is one most children’s writers have faced for years: finding children with stories to tell. When I do find a child with a story, usually he or she is as happy as I am to see it in print. Joy compounded!

As an author of children’s books and stories, I’ve found Children’s Book Insider to be one of  the most helpful publications out there. I’ve maintained a subscription for years and made good use of the CBI Clubhouse, an online site where the newsletter owners provide podcasts and videos. So, I was thrilled when publisher Laura Backes said she’d like to interview me on the Clubhouse.

We talked mainly about writing for tweens and the inspirational market and about the promotional work I’ve done to get my latest books in the hands of readers. Laura has been in the publishing industry for years but said she’d never heard of anyone doing the kind of presentation I’ve been doing for kindergartners and first graders in schools (with the “You Be the Artist!” activity). She said she thought this was a great idea.

If you’re interested in listening to the podcast, I’ve copied the link below. Normally, you would need to be a paid subscriber to listen, but Laura and her husband, Jon Bard (co-owner at CBI), are providing this free to my readers.  Enjoy!

http://cbiclubhouse.com/2010/04/author-ronica-stromberg-on-writing-for-tweens-the-inspirational-market-blogging-and-more/

My oldest sister recently told me about a good book she’d read, Me & Emma, by Elizabeth Flock. I read it and liked it, too, but a few scenes puzzled me. The back of the book listed an e-mail address for the author, so I sent her my questions. She responded promptly with a letter of explanation. This, from a New York Times bestselling author.

“That was really nice,” my sister said. “I’m surprised she’d take the time to do that.”

I appreciated the time Elizabeth Flock took to respond but wasn’t overly surprised. Authors are more accessible than they’ve ever been. Even the most famous allow for direct reader contact through their Web sites or social networks. 

I sometimes wonder if all of this accessibility builds an artist’s fame or limits it. I think about Elvis Presley and how carefully Colonel Tom Parker controlled his public image and access.  So few people saw into Elvis’s day-to-day life.  Would so many fans have been clamoring at the gates of Graceland had they been able to e-mail Elvis or chat with him on Facebook?

I have to believe the old saying “Familiarity breeds contempt” bears some truth. Inaccessibility can add to the allure and mystique of a person. It’s easy to be awed by people whose foibles you never see. And you’re less likely to see those foibles the less direct contact you have with them.

I may be in the minority, but I still haven’t signed up to receive tweets from Ashton Kutcher or President Obama. I’d really like to keep it a mystery what they ate for dinner.

But, as an author, I would like to know the effect increased accessibility has on fame. What do you think?

I visit a lot of schools, and interest in the old-style author visit (with an author speaking to an auditorium full of children) seems to be flagging. These visits typically consist of an author or authors speaking about overcoming obstacles such as rejection to reach their dreams. The authors intend to motivate students and might spice up their speech by singing, dancing, playing a musical instrument, or using whatever other talents they possess.

With the No Child Left Behind Act and other legislation, I’m finding teachers would rather have author visits that directly apply to or complement instruction in the classroom. Schools are under pressure to attain high test scores, and teachers view all instruction time as precious.  If an author can teach children to write better, that’s more valuable than discussing the road to authordom.

This is fortuitous for me. I’ve never enjoyed being “on stage,” speaking to large groups primarily as an entertainer. I enjoy a smaller audience I can interact with. The two presentations I conduct most in classrooms might be more accurately called “workshops.” In my “You Be the Artist!” presentation, I speak to younger children (usually kindergartners through second graders) about the process of publication and they take part in illustrating a page for a book. In my “Great Aunt Mabel’s Sweater” presentation, I speak to older children (usually middle schoolers) about descriptive writing and they perform two writing exercises and volunteer to read their work in “share time.”

I led both of these workshops at a public school last week, and a teacher said to me, “This is what we need. The kids were more interested than they usually are in author visits, and they learned more.”

I’m going to pass this along to my author friends. Some despair about visiting schools because they “have no talent but writing.” But writing talent is precisely what many teachers and schools hope authors can spark in students. Increasingly, schools are looking at authors more as mentors for students than as entertainers.

Boys don’t read. I heard that countless times, but as an author and a mother of two sons, I expected my boys to be different. I nearly cleaned out my library’s picture book shelves by reading to my oldest son. He always seemed eager to curl up with me and a book. But he’s in middle school now and rarely reads for pleasure. Same with my son in elementary school. They text and e-mail friends and read snippets from magazines such as Sports Illustrated for Kids, Boys’ Life, and National Geographic Kids. I’m glad they read magazines and read and write text or e-mail messages, but I’d like to get them more interested in books.

And I think I’ve discovered a mistake I’ve made over the years. I supplied my boys with a wide range of fiction, including nearly all the Newbery Award winners. My boys turned up their noses or expressed a dislike for these books, even calling the award winners “boring.” Then I noticed the books my youngest son chose from the school library:  Guiness World Records, biographies, and nonfiction of all sorts. I had generously supplied my boys with fiction–the types of books I like to read–but little nonfiction.

I should have gotten a clue from the magazines they were reading, all nonfiction. And, as a writer, I knew that boys tend to gravitate toward nonfiction and genres of fiction like sports, adventure, science fiction, and westerns. Still, I slipped into my own reading habits when purchasing books for them.

So, these past two months, I’ve allowed my sons to order whatever books they want from the book clubs at school (Scholastic, Troll, and the like). My oldest son has yet to order one, but my youngest son has ordered two. Both books are full-color, highly illustrated books about athletes and their accomplishments. Snore city, I’d say.

Only I’ve caught my son reading them in bed at night.

Jen Wardrip interviewed me at “Authors Unleashed” yesterday, and tomorrow Margo Dill will interview me at “Read These Books and Use Them.”

The Authors Unleashed site interests me because Jen asks the same questions of all authors she interviews. I didn’t realize this beforehand, but when I went to the site after interviewing, I saw how some of the big names in children’s writing (like Gary Paulsen, author of Hatchet, and Lois Duncan, author of I Know What You Did Last Summer and Killing Mr. Griffin) answered the same questions. I was glad I hadn’t read their interviews beforehand, so no one’s answers influenced mine. The interviews are insightful, though. I especially enjoyed the answers to Jen’s question, “Which cartoon character is most like you?” You can read my interview at:

http://authorsunleashed.blogspot.com/2010/02/interview-with-ronica-stromberg.htm

A Shadow in the Dark

Margo Dill reviewed A Shadow in the Dark on her site, ”Read These Books and Use Them.” This is a great site for teachers and homeschoolers. A former writing teacher, Margo reads fiction books and gives teachers and parents ideas of how to use the books to build their children’s academic skills. She suggested specific ways to use my book to prompt journal writing.

You can read the review and enter a contest for a free copy of the book at:

http://margodill.com/blog/2010/02/23/tuesday-tales-a-shadow-in-the-dark-by-ronica-stromberg-book-giveaway-contest/

She’ll post an interview of me on the same site tomorrow.

Today I’m entering a contest held by the Guide to Literary Agents for children’s writers. The main prize is an agent critique of the first twenty-five pages of a novel. I have four published children’s novels and still no agent. I could use the feedback.

If you want to enter, too, here’s the link: http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/Dear+Lucky+Agent+Contest+Middle+Grade+And+Young+Adult.aspx