My writing life includes a daily ritual in no particular order: caffeine infusion (coffee and/or chocolate), my girl powered playlist, searching out content for my Aspiring Author Daily e-newsletter, some encouragement from my Twitter tribe, and of course, writing. Today during my search for content, I came across a fascinating giveaway and two interesting book promotions that reminded me that attention must be paid to our digital selves, and that our arsenal must be plentiful.

The Domain Name Giveaway
K.M. Weiland is an accomplished author who shares principles of the writing craft on the Helping Writers Become Authors blog. Last week, she posted a giveaway that is insanely practical, but often overlooked by writers aspiring to become published authors. The prize: three free domain names.

Domain names help readers find you, and you in turn expand your reach by exposing your work to more readers. Here are a couple of sites that can help with domain names:

• Namecheap.com (sponsor of the giveaway)
• Godaddy.com
• networksolutions.com

And, just for fun, here a couple of writers' websites that I stalk/envy/love:
www.jamesmcbride.com (Literary Fiction)

The world of publishing has evolved, and digital platforms are key to publishing success. Digital is no longer a niche, but rather a necessity. So, if authors are offering their stories in digital formats, it stands to reason that readers should be able to find them and their books through their digital platforms--websites and social media--and that they should be visually appealing, user friendly, and refreshed accordingly. 

By the way, there's still time to enter for your chance at winning the three free domain names. The winner will be drawn Friday, January 24. Good luck!

Add a Comment

Add a Comment

Add a Comment

In 12 days I'll be on a plane destined to Monterey, California, the recipient of arguably the best gift I've given myself in my journey to becoming a published children's book author. When I started down this path about 18 months ago, I couldn't even comfortably call myself a novice. I was, in fact, simply aspiring.

On September 22, 2010, I posted on this blog about my adventures in Wonderland, comparing my foray into children's book writing and publishing with the enduring popularity of Alice's adventures. I was prompted to craft the Wonderland post by my discovery of an editor. See, as an aspiring author, every step in the process...every discovery...every stumble...every class...every work in progress is wondrous, and can at times feel preposterous. Yet, my sense of wonder has not diminished and continues to burn brilliantly bright with each word that I commit to paper.


In 2011, I discovered a workshop that promised "a hands-on intensive weekend designed to ready [writer's] manuscripts for publication." I was intrigued, but skeptical. Not that anything created in the spirit of Henry Miller could disappoint -- but I was fearful that my work would be an utter disappointment to the cadre of published authors, editors, and agents assembled to guide the work of new writers. That my talent lived only in my imagination and would crumble under scrutiny. So, I watched from the sidelines. I attended the SCBWI annual conference. I took a picture book writing class. I wrote another manuscript and began revisions with an editor. I even wrote a novel (now two). And as I scuttled between adventures in my wonderland, I kept an eye on the Big Sur Writing Workshop.


The decision to submit my work was not easy. Though I've learned a lot in the year since I first discovered Big Sur, there still exists doubt. First, I made money my excuse for not attending. Then I decided that my work in progress needed more revisions and wasn't ready for the light of day. And as the deadline crept closer and closer, my excuses began to fade. I did have the money, if I prioritized. And my work in progress was just that -- a work in progress that might be made better once examined by professionals whose one goal is to help aspiring authors become published. 

0 Comments on Athena's West Coast Wonderland as of 1/1/1900

Add a Comment

In 12 days I'll be on a plane destined to Monterey, California, the recipient of arguably the best gift I've given myself in my journey to becoming a published children's book author. When I started down this path about 18 months ago, I couldn't even comfortably call myself a novice. I was, in fact, simply aspiring.
On September 22, 2010, I posted on this blog about my adventures in Wonderland, comparing my foray into children's book writing and publishing with the enduring popularity of Alice's adventures. I was prompted to craft the Wonderland post by my discovery of an editor. See, as an aspiring author, every step in the process...every discovery...every stumble...every class...every work in progress is wondrous, and can at times feel preposterous. Yet, my sense of wonder has not diminished and continues to burn brilliantly bright with each word that I commit to paper.


The decision to submit my work was not easy. Though I've learned a lot in the year since I first discovered Big Sur, there still exists doubt. First, I made money my excuse for not attending. Then I decided that my work in progress needed more revisions and wasn't ready for the light of day. And as the deadline crept closer and closer, my excuses began to fade. I did have the money, if I prioritized. And my work in progress was just that -- a work in progress that might be made better once examined by professionals whose one goal is to help aspiring authors become published. 

My excuses vanished and I took the plunge. I paid my fees, submitted my sample chapter and query letter on February 10 (the last day to register)...and then I waited...

I checked my personal email account every hour. I re-read my submission countless times. I conjured up scenarios of why my work would be denied. I imagined receiving an email thanking me, denying me, and encouraging me to keep trying. I thought the biggest hurdle was the submission; I discovered that the waiting was far worse.

If you're reading this, then you might be wondering what the big deal is with Big Sur, and why I wanted it so badly. Here's just a few reasons why.

1. Writing is a solitary endeavor that can be equally rewarding and punishing to your spirit. Until your work leaves the confines of your solitary world, you wonder if it's good enough and if it can survive. The best options for learning comes from your peers and those in the industry (writers, editors, and agents). At the Big Sur Writing Workshop, I will have access to some of the most well-respected professionals in the industry:

Agents from the Andrea Brown Literary Agency
Editors from Chronicle Books, Disney-Hyperion, and Viking, and
Authors, as well as special guest, literary manager and producer Brandy Rivers

2. I love the conference format. When it comes to my writing, I can be an introvert and hesitant about sharing (yes, I want to be published but am afraid to let anyone read my work--I know it sounds crazy, but it's true). Usually, I prefer bigger conferences where I can gather information and settle into obscurity. But at Big Sur, I will meet and work with three faculty members throughout the workshop. With a ratio of faculty to writers of five-to-one, the level of attention I will receive is better than any of the many classes I've taken in my more than two decades of education.

Add a Comment

Hello, my Faithful Following Few! Today, the Washington Metropolitan region experienced its biggest earthquake ever AND I received my first manuscript rejection. Symbolic and overly dramatic--yes! And much like the earthquake, my first rejection was big, it registered high, and I survived it. Now it's time to assess the damage and where necessary, rebuild.

On the bright side of this weirdly eerie day is the fact that I just added another anecdotal morsel to the story of "how I first got published."  Won't I have great fun regaling audiences of children and their families about how the earth shook when Beach Lane Books, a Simon & Schuster imprint, graciously declined my cute little story of an adorable little black girl on the first day of school with outrageously uncooperative hair and unattractive shoes. I see that day as clearly as I felt the earth shift beneath my feet today, so I know it's possible.

But until that glorious day comes to pass,  I am just like the structural engineers who are no doubt assessing buildings all along the East Coast: assessing my manuscript, my query, and my choice of publishers. Where I need changes, they'll be made. Where I need advice, I will seek it. And where there was a "no," I will continue to seek out the "yes." Sure, my plans for forward movement look good on paper. But I know the proof is in the execution.

Lucky for me, Beach Lane Books was merciful with my virginal submission and said no quickly, giving me a chance to shop my manuscript in greener publishing pastures. They could have taken weeks and kept me dangling in the wind. They didn't, and I'm grateful. So tonight, I am scouring my Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market bible for my next earthquaking response.

So, what of the rejection correspondence you wonder? For now I am printing and framing my adorable little rejection email as a reminder of my courage to believe I have something to say that children want to hear. And I am clinging to the page I snatched from my President's book that gave me the audacity to capture and live my dream.  

If you're curious about my query and their response, check it out below. And I hope you'll join me in celebrating the fact that an editor at a highly regarded publishing house read my manuscript! I couldn't be more proud...well, maybe a little more ;-).

Always,
Athena

MY QUERY

Add a Comment

Hello, my Faithful Following Few! Today, the Washington Metropolitan region experienced its biggest earthquake ever AND I received my first manuscript rejection. Symbolic and overly dramatic--yes! And much like the earthquake, my first rejection was big, it registered high, and I survived it. Now it's time to assess the damage and where necessary, rebuild.

On the bright side of this weirdly eerie day is the fact that I just added another anecdotal morsel to the story of "how I first got published."  Won't I have great fun regaling audiences of children and their families about how the earth shook when Beach Lane Books, a Simon & Schuster imprint, graciously declined my cute little story of an adorable little black girl on the first day of school with outrageously uncooperative hair and unattractive shoes. I see that day as clearly as I felt the earth shift beneath my feet today, so I know it's possible.

But until that glorious day comes to pass,  I am just like the structural engineers who are no doubt assessing buildings all along the East Coast: assessing my manuscript, my query, and my choice of publishers. Where I need changes, they'll be made. Where I need advice, I will seek it. And where there was a "no," I will continue to seek out the "yes." Sure, my plans for forward movement look good on paper. But I know the proof is in the execution.

Lucky for me, Beach Lane Books was merciful with my virginal submission and said no quickly, giving me a chance to shop my manuscript in greener publishing pastures. They could have taken weeks and kept me dangling in the wind. They didn't, and I'm grateful. So tonight, I am scouring my Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market bible for my next earthquaking response.

So, what of the rejection correspondence you wonder? For now I am printing and framing my adorable little rejection email as a reminder of my courage to believe I have something to say that children want to hear. And I am clinging to the page I snatched from my President's book that gave me the audacity to capture and live my dream.  

If you're curious about my query and their response, check it out below. And I hope you'll join me in celebrating the fact that an editor at a highly regarded publishing house read my manuscript! I couldn't be more proud...well, maybe a little more ;-).

Always,
Athena

MY QUERY



THEIR REJECTION

Add a Comment

I'll keep this short and sweet. Today, I hit the send button on my first picture book submission, PIG TAIL BLUES AND UGLY SHOES. It's the poetically humorous story of a 7-year-old African-American girl, Lulu, who wakes up on the first day of second grade to a hair disaster and the ugliest shoes she's ever seen. Can she live up to the "big girl" hype and get her hair done before her mother threatens to take over? Will she really have to wear those ugly shoes? Did her bed really swallow her barrettes? And will she make it to school on time?

Want to read more? Then start praying for the publishing gods to show mercy on an aspiring author, or Lulu might not see the light of day!

Always,
Athena

Add a Comment

I'll keep this short and sweet. Today, I hit the send button on my first picture book submission, PIG TAIL BLUES AND UGLY SHOES. It's the poetically humorous story of a 7-year-old African-American girl, Lulu, who wakes up on the first day of second grade to a hair disaster and the ugliest shoes she's ever seen. Can she live up to the "big girl" hype and get her hair done before her mother threatens to take over? Will she really have to wear those ugly shoes? Did her bed really swallow her barrettes? And will she make it to school on time?

Want to read more? Then start praying for the publishing gods to show mercy on an aspiring author, or Lulu might not see the light of day!

Always,
Athena

Add a Comment

So, it's been nine long months since my last post. I did complete NaNoWriMo, but who knew that was the easy part (yes, I'm still revising!). I've learned a lot of hard lessons in my time away from my blog, I've faced some difficult personal challenges, but I've remained committed to my writing. Here are the nine things I've learned in 9 months...

1. I AM NOT ALONE
I've just returned from the SCBWI annual conference in Los Angeles, CA. I've said this before and I'll say it again--I've found my tribe. I met the delightfully witty and charming Judy Blume. I spoke to editors and agents about my writing prospects. I pitched a book. I shared meals with other aspiring authors. I travelled across the country and met two African-American YA aspiring authors, also from Virginia. I partied in my pajamas--don't ask, just imagine! And I spoke to the author of "The Phantom Toll Booth." I was awe-struck, inspired, fearless, and overwhelmed. But what I wasn't was out of place. I found solstice with kindred spirits, other souls who also majored in English and wondered what the heck the degree would bring forth. This is my tribe, these are my people, and this is my dream.

2. I AM NOT PERFECT
And I am perfectly content admitting that I'm not perfect. The best that I can do is to commit myself to my craft. That means writing or revising daily. Taking at least one hour of the day (more when I can) for my writing, and forgiving myself when it doesn't happen.

3. I CANNOT WRITE IN THIS BLOG 3X WEEKLY
There are so many avenues to getting published. Creating a digitally connected platform is a step, but not the answer. There are no blueprints, answers, or maps. There is just creativity, diligence, and timing -- and not always in that order. I started this blog to capture my journey towards being published. The idea that I needed to write in this blog three times a week only brought unnecessary pressure and took me away from my craft of WRITING children's stories. This blog is an important tool, along with my website, twitter account, Facebook, and LinkedIn connections. I will nurture them all appropriately because they are stepping stones towards my dream. They keep me connected, informed, and honest.

So, I will write in this blog when there is something worthy to write about. And when I do, my adoring 15 followers will know ;-)...

4. LIFE HAPPENS
I will keep this short and sweet. In the nine months that I've been away, one of my younger sisters died from multiple strokes. The strokes went undetected because she also suffered her entire life from epilepsy. To the untrained eye, she was just having seizures. By the time doctors determined she had suffered from multiple strokes, it was too late. She would have been 30 this November. My heart is still broken, but my spirit rejoices in knowing that she is released from her suffering. Also, my husband's grandfather became terminally ill and took his place in heaven. And one of my other sisters gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, at long last making me an aunt. It's during times like these that I am either scarily creative, detached, or tending to family. In this season, I tended to family and my creativity took a back seat. Such is life...it happens...we cope...we live to tell another story.

5. I HAVE LIMITATIONS
I have a very demanding job as a PR professional for the District of Columbia Lottery. Sometimes I work long hours and come home to my small family drained and nearing insanity. That's when my husband steps in and carries the weight. But he can't work for me and he can't write for me--and unfortunately, sometimes I must choose. I will continue to fight for balance, but I know that I have limitations. I respect them and I move on.

6. I NEED A CRITIQUE GROUP
I have not let anyone read my stories, with the exception of my editor. It's time for me to take the next step and face my tribe. Within the next month, I will find or create a critique group. A little constructive criticism is just wh

Add a Comment

So, it's been nine long months since my last post. I did complete NaNoWriMo, but who knew that was the easy part (yes, I'm still revising!). I've learned a lot of hard lessons in my time away from my blog, I've faced some difficult personal challenges, but I've remained committed to my writing. Here are the nine things I've learned in 9 months...

1. I AM NOT ALONE
I've just returned from the SCBWI annual conference in Los Angeles, CA. I've said this before and I'll say it again--I've found my tribe. I met the delightfully witty and charming Judy Blume. I spoke to editors and agents about my writing prospects. I pitched a book. I shared meals with other aspiring authors. I travelled across the country and met two African-American YA aspiring authors, also from Virginia. I partied in my pajamas--don't ask, just imagine! And I spoke to the author of "The Phantom Toll Booth." I was awe-struck, inspired, fearless, and overwhelmed. But what I wasn't was out of place. I found solstice with kindred spirits, other souls who also majored in English and wondered what the heck the degree would bring forth. This is my tribe, these are my people, and this is my dream.

2. I AM NOT PERFECT
And I am perfectly content admitting that I'm not perfect. The best that I can do is to commit myself to my craft. That means writing or revising daily. Taking at least one hour of the day (more when I can) for my writing, and forgiving myself when it doesn't happen.

3. I CANNOT WRITE IN THIS BLOG 3X WEEKLY
There are so many avenues to getting published. Creating a digitally connected platform is a step, but not the answer. There are no blueprints, answers, or maps. There is just creativity, diligence, and timing -- and not always in that order. I started this blog to capture my journey towards being published. The idea that I needed to write in this blog three times a week only brought unnecessary pressure and took me away from my craft of WRITING children's stories. This blog is an important tool, along with my website, twitter account, Facebook, and LinkedIn connections. I will nurture them all appropriately because they are stepping stones towards my dream. They keep me connected, informed, and honest.

So, I will write in this blog when there is something worthy to write about. And when I do, my adoring 15 followers will know ;-)...

4. LIFE HAPPENS
I will keep this short and sweet. In the nine months that I've been away, one of my younger sisters died from multiple strokes. The strokes went undetected because she also suffered her entire life from epilepsy. To the untrained eye, she was just having seizures. By the time doctors determined she had suffered from multiple strokes, it was too late. She would have been 30 this November. My heart is still broken, but my spirit rejoices in knowing that she is released from her suffering. Also, my husband's grandfather became terminally ill and took his place in heaven. And one of my other sisters gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, at long last making me an aunt. It's during times like these that I am either scarily creative, detached, or tending to family. In this season, I tended to family and my creativity took a back seat. Such is life...it happens...we cope...we live to tell another story.

5. I HAVE LIMITATIONS
I have a very demanding job as a PR professional for the District of Columbia Lottery. Sometimes I work long hours and come home to my small family drained and nearing insanity. That's when my husband steps in and carries the weight. But he can't work for me and he can't write for me--and unfortunately, sometimes I must choose. I will continue to fight for balance, but I know that I have limitations. I respect them and I move on.

6. I NEED A CRITIQUE GROUP
I have not let anyone read my stories, with the exception of my editor. It's time for me to take the next step and face my tribe. Within the next month, I will find or create a critique group. A little constructive criticism is just what the doctor ordered to cure my fear of publishing rejection.

7. I MUST STAY CONNECTED TO OTHER AUTHORS
I met a handful of aspiring authors at SCBWI. We talked about our work, but also how to balance our lives. They understood. My friends don't always understand. My family doesn't always understand. But other aspiring and published authors, they understand. I need their support, and it will serve my spirit well to give them mine.

8. TO PERFECT MY CRAFT, I MUST BE PART OF THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
So, I've been writing my stories based on instinct and instruction from how-to books (some very well written books, I might add). But, it's cowardly and foolish to believe that that's all I need. I have found a few online courses that I am considering, and I have applied for a Master's program at Lesley University. This is progress, and another step towards my goal of becoming a published children's book author.

9. I CAN WRITE PICTURE BOOKS, CHAPTER BOOKS, AND NOVELS
And, I know the difference! I have three complete picture book manuscripts, a middle grade/YA novel that I'm revising, an outline for a chapter book, and several ideas for more stories. I am not limited in my format, and have proven that I can cross genres. Yay for me!

So, that's it in a nutshell. Thanks for sticking around. It's been a wild ride, but I'm in it for the long haul. I hope you'll stay for the ride.

Always,
Athena

Add a Comment

OK, so I'm really going to do this! I am going to write a novel in a month! And isn't it appropriate that the eve of NaNoWriMo would be Halloween--that time of year when we seek out the object of our fears for the fun of it! Very much akin to NaNoWriMo.

So, starting tomorrow, I will join thousands of writers across the world, each on a personal quest to write 50,000 words over 30 days for National Novel Writing Month. That's nearly 1700 words per day!

I am taking this brief opportunity to notify my very small audience of followers that my blog entries will be sporadic at best over the next 30 days. I will attempt to post updates and observations on my experience with NaNoWriMo, as I believe they will be full of folly and fodder. I promise not to bore you, but to instead entertain you through small doses of my escapades in novel writing.

I just took a break from working on my book outline. My first step in that process was to create a "character arc." (see below)

I will refer back to the character arc throughout my writing to make sure my main character is experiencing a sufficient amount of turmoil and drama throughout the story. It's sort of like a roller coaster ride--for the character and me!

For my freakishly observant followers, yes, this version of the character arc is backwards. I took the roller coaster pic using PhotoBooth on my MacBook Air. I know...I think it's cool, too!

And this is my work space -- evidence of the organized chaos I've just welcomed into my world. Can you say glutton for punishment! To do what I do, this space and these tools are my bare essentials; though, their individual order of importance shifts depending on my mood--it's my prerogative.

1. MacBook Air laptop (my electronic love)
2. Journals (yes, multiples)
3. Greta Garbo writing instrument (a reminder to do all things with confidence)
4. Book In A Month guide (my crutch)
5. Writing Children's Books for Dummies (my guide)
6. COFFEE!! (my lifeline)
7. Snacks (see yogurt cup sandwiched between laptop and pens--no explanation necessary)
8. My ceramic baby doll with one lost shoe (my muse)
9. A large supply of post-it notes (say hello to my little friend)
10. Books, books, books, and more books (my inspiration)
11. My new Flip cam for the occasional video posting describing my NaNoWriMo experience. WARNING to potential viewers--it might not be pretty ;-).

I hope you'll stop by during the next month to check my pulse and my caffeine intake, or to just witness

Display Comments Add a Comment

OK, so I'm really going to do this! I am going to write a novel in a month! And isn't it appropriate that the eve of NaNoWriMo would be Halloween--that time of year when we seek out the object of our fears for the fun of it! Very much akin to NaNoWriMo.

So, starting tomorrow, I will join thousands of writers across the world, each on a personal quest to write 50,000 words over 30 days for National Novel Writing Month. That's nearly 1700 words per day!

I am taking this brief opportunity to notify my very small audience of followers that my blog entries will be sporadic at best over the next 30 days. I will attempt to post updates and observations on my experience with NaNoWriMo, as I believe they will be full of folly and fodder. I promise not to bore you, but to instead entertain you through small doses of my escapades in novel writing.

I just took a break from working on my book outline. My first step in that process was to create a "character arc." (see below)

I will refer back to the character arc throughout my writing to make sure my main character is experiencing a sufficient amount of turmoil and drama throughout the story. It's sort of like a roller coaster ride--for the character and me!

For my freakishly observant followers, yes, this version of the character arc is backwards. I took the roller coaster pic using PhotoBooth on my MacBook Air. I know...I think it's cool, too!

And this is my work space -- evidence of the organized chaos I've just welcomed into my world. Can you say glutton for punishment! To do what I do, this space and these tools are my bare essentials; though, their individual order of importance shifts depending on my mood--it's my prerogative.

1. MacBook Air laptop (my electronic love)
2. Journals (yes, multiples)
3. Greta Garbo writing instrument (a reminder to do all things with confidence)
4. Book In A Month guide (my crutch)
5. Writing Children's Books for Dummies (my guide)
6. COFFEE!! (my lifeline)
7. Snacks (see yogurt cup sandwiched between laptop and pens--no explanation necessary)
8. My ceramic baby doll with one lost shoe (my muse)
9. A large supply of post-it notes (say hello to my little friend)
10. Books, books, books, and more books (my inspiration)
11. My new Flip cam for the occasional video posting describing my NaNoWriMo experience. WARNING to potential viewers--it might not be pretty ;-).

I hope you'll stop by during the next month to c

Add a Comment

Last Saturday, I attended my first children's book writers conference in Northern Virginia. I was nervous and exhilarated all at once. There were published authors, self-published authors, aspiring authors, illustrators, publishers, agents, editors, all eager to connect and learn more. My top ten initial observations were as follows:

1. This is clearly an industry dominated by women. Two thumbs up!

5. Of all the attendees, approximately 10 were men; one African-American.
6. Of all the female attendees, approximately 15 were minority women--diversity is craved and welcomed.
7. Many of the participants appeared not to be inclined to join the digital age; many that were joining were "kicking and screaming" their way into it. **Of course, I jumped in head first with a website, Twitter, and a blog--I was the unofficial digital advocate throughout the conference.**
8. Getting a book published doesn't make a lot of economic sense but offers an overdose of profound accomplishment.
9. Once you publish a book, it belongs to the reader.
10. Finding time to write is NOT indulgent; it is the bare essential that nurtures your craft.
BONUS: In the words of author Lisa Yee, "I found my tribe."

Stay tuned for posts on my MS feedback (including a pic with my author/advisor), notes from the funny and insightful keynote speaker, and advice on seeking out an agent--straight from the mouths of agents.

Always, Athena

Display Comments Add a Comment

Last Saturday, I attended my first children's book writers conference in Northern Virginia. I was nervous and exhilarated all at once. There were published authors, self-published authors, aspiring authors, illustrators, publishers, agents, editors, all eager to connect and learn more. My top ten initial observations were as follows:

1. This is clearly an industry dominated by women. Two thumbs up!

5. Of all the attendees, approximately 10 were men; one African-American.
6. Of all the female attendees, approximately 15 were minority women--diversity is craved and welcomed.
7. Many of the participants appeared not to be inclined to join the digital age; many that were joining were "kicking and screaming" their way into it. **Of course, I jumped in head first with a website, Twitter, and a blog--I was the unofficial digital advocate throughout the conference.**
8. Getting a book published doesn't make a lot of economic sense but offers an overdose of profound accomplishment.
9. Once you publish a book, it belongs to the reader.
10. Finding time to write is NOT indulgent; it is the bare essential that nurtures your craft.
BONUS: In the words of author Lisa Yee, "I found my tribe."

Stay tuned for posts on my MS feedback (including a pic with my author/advisor), notes from the funny and insightful keynote speaker, and advice on seeking out an agent--straight from the mouths of agents.

Always, Athena

Add a Comment

Tomorrow I'll join hundreds of children's book authors and aspiring authors for my first writer's conference. I will meet with Mary Quattlebaum, author of 18 award-winning picture books, poetry books, and middle grade novels, and she will give me feedback on my first manuscript, Flower Girl Princess. Needless to say, I am nervous and excited. So, I'm spending the evening crafting my pitch, revising my manuscript (again), and researching the faculty for tomorrow's fall conference. I will be posting a recap of my first conference experience in a couple of days--who I met, what Ms. Quattlebaum advised, and what I learned. Wish me luck...happy reading!

Always, Athena

Add a Comment

Tomorrow I'll join hundreds of children's book authors and aspiring authors for my first writer's conference. I will meet with Mary Quattlebaum, author of 18 award-winning picture books, poetry books, and middle grade novels, and she will give me feedback on my first manuscript, Flower Girl Princess. Needless to say, I am nervous and excited. So, I'm spending the evening crafting my pitch, revising my manuscript (again), and researching the faculty for tomorrow's fall conference. I will be posting a recap of my first conference experience in a couple of days--who I met, what Ms. Quattlebaum advised, and what I learned. Wish me luck...happy reading!

Always, Athena

Add a Comment

What the heck is white mind? Is it the opposite of black soul? Is it a new game? Or maybe a new political affiliation?  No, no, and no.

In the current issue of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Bulletin, there is the final installment of a three-part series in the Illustrator's Perspective column that "...examines what illustrators can do so that all kinds of children can see themselves reflected in our books." Boldly titled "White Mind," I have followed this column and the author's blog, Coloring Between the Lines, with curiosity, some angst, and a thirst for answers. On her blog, Anne Sibley O'Brien, tackles issues of race and culture as they relate to children's literature, and with great precision delves into what she considers white conditioning.

As an African-American woman writing stories for children, characters of various cultural backgrounds are born in my imagination. Admittedly, most of them are children of color. But interestingly, when I begin to write, I envision and treat my characters as "every child." They are not usually identified as "ethnic," just simply as girls or boys. This small fact probably won't surprise O'Brien.

But I cannot help but wonder what editors and publishers will see...what they will assume about my writing and my characters. I wonder, but I don't worry.

One of my goals as an aspiring author is to normalize racial differences and grow the presence of children of color in picture books, early readers, and middle school chapter books. Children of all nationalities should browse the shelves in libraries and open the pages of books to see themselves depicted as princesses or pirates, wizards or witches, mermaids or munchkins, vampires or valedictorians. Yes, I too have a dream.

In the final installment of "White Mind," O'Brien asks, "What if all races of children got auditions for all picture book roles that didn't require particular racial identities to tell the story truly?" Imagine a Cinderalla of Asian descent. A Nigerian Harry Potter. An African-American Little Mermaid. Or Hispanic Hardy Boys. Same characters, same plot, just a different appearance.

I was an adult before I became acutely aware of my racial identity. I had spent my entire life surrounded by faces that looked like mine. Sure, I had the odd teacher or administrator or librarian that was white, but that was the extent of my brush with diversity.

After graduating from college, I became immersed in a professional world where I was the only one that looked like me. Navigating through curious stares, awkward questions about hair, and intellectual discussions about nationality with my white counterparts, we all became both teacher and student.  Our epiphany was our glorious "sameness." We explored our differences and discovered we were more alike than different. Children's literature has the power to do that for young minds; writers and illustrators have the awesome responsibility of being the conduit for that power.

I am grateful to writer/illustrators like O'Brien, who tackle tough issues to make a difference. "White Mind" doesn't just happen in children's literature; it happens in many corners of society. Acknowledging its existence and providing roadmap to the atypical path of diversity is a great start. Thanks, Ms. O'Brien.

Always, Athena

Display Comments Add a Comment

What the heck is white mind? Is it the opposite of black soul? Is it a new game? Or maybe a new political affiliation?  No, no, and no.

In the current issue of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Bulletin, there is the final installment of a three-part series in the Illustrator's Perspective column that "...examines what illustrators can do so that all kinds of children can see themselves reflected in our books." Boldly titled "White Mind," I have followed this column and the author's blog, Coloring Between the Lines, with curiosity, some angst, and a thirst for answers. On her blog, Anne Sibley O'Brien, tackles issues of race and culture as they relate to children's literature, and with great precision delves into what she considers white conditioning.

As an African-American woman writing stories for children, characters of various cultural backgrounds are born in my imagination. Admittedly, most of them are children of color. But interestingly, when I begin to write, I envision and treat my characters as "every child." They are not usually identified as "ethnic," just simply as girls or boys. This small fact probably won't surprise O'Brien.

But I cannot help but wonder what editors and publishers will see...what they will assume about my writing and my characters. I wonder, but I don't worry.

One of my goals as an aspiring author is to normalize racial differences and grow the presence of children of color in picture books, early readers, and middle school chapter books. Children of all nationalities should browse the shelves in libraries and open the pages of books to see themselves depicted as princesses or pirates, wizards or witches, mermaids or munchkins, vampires or valedictorians. Yes, I too have a dream.

In the final installment of "White Mind," O'Brien asks, "What if all races of children got auditions for all picture book roles that didn't require particular racial identities to tell the story truly?" Imagine a Cinderalla of Asian descent. A Nigerian Harry Potter. An African-American Little Mermaid. Or Hispanic Hardy Boys. Same characters, same plot, just a different appearance.

I was an adult before I became acutely aware of my racial identity. I had spent my entire life surrounded by faces that looked like mine. Sure, I had the odd teacher or administrator or librarian that was white, but that was the extent of my brush with diversity.

After graduating from college, I became immersed in a professional world where I was the only one that looked like me. Navigating through curious stares, awkward questions about hair, and intellectual discussions about nationality with my white counterparts, we all became both teacher and student.  Our epiphany was our glorious "sameness." We explored our differences and discovered we were more alike than different. Children's literature has the power to do that for young minds; writers and illustrators have the awesome responsibility of being the conduit for that power.

I am grateful to writer/illustrators like O'Brien, who tackle tough issues to make a difference. "White Mind" doesn't just happen in children's literature; it happens in many corners of society. Acknowledging its existence and providing roadmap to the atypical path of diversity is a great start. Thanks, Ms. O'Brien.

Always, Athena

0 Comments on Tackling White Mind as of 1/1/1900