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After months of all work-no play, I dragged myself to the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators LA Conference, Aug 1-4, 2008. I came back feeling renewed, refreshed and rarin’ to go!

Here are some conference notes and impressions, from A to Z:

Aspire. Aspire to reach your goals and dreams in kid lit. In her closing speech, Newbery-winning author, Susan Patron, recalled what it was like to sit in the audience. She attended conferences as a “writer disguised as a librarian.” She had me thinking: What are my true aspirations? We’re served heaps of wisdom during the conference, but certain words and phrases stick with us, help us turn a corner. Susan gave a quote about “the clear-eyed truth”: Writing can be compared to “hanging by a thread sprung out of your own guts.” Wow. To which she added: “If you use your very guts to spit out the very finest book you can, call Sue Patron.” It’s a deal.

Books. Read a lot of Books. Read Books in the genre(s) you write. I steered clear of the SCBWI bookstore until the third day of the conference. When I got there, I was like a chocaholic at a chocolate factory! I ended up shlepping a fair number of books home but that’s okay. I have enough books to keep me happily reading through fall. (I need another book shelf though.)

Craft. Workshops focused on the craft of writing in all genres–humor, mass market, graphic novels and more. From Mac McCool, I learned about France’s long-standing tradition in “Comix Albums.” I also heard that Japanese manga is quickly turned-around because it is produced by whole studios of artists. Graphic novel works by individuals take longer. Maus by Art Speigelman took 10 years to produce. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi took 5 years.

Dig. As in “Dig in.” Best-selling author Margaret Peterson Haddix’s words. Margaret shared her journey as a writer, signifying the importance of focus.

Editors. Editors have similar concerns as writers, according to a panel of editors at the Pro-Track Luncheon. They worry about how their email sounds–whether they’ve offended an author, etc. Sure. Rolling up your sleeves and meeting deadlines is important. But prompt, friendly emails will earn you extra points.

Fresh. Fresh take on topics. Fresh illustration styles. What editors and agents want.

Gala, Golden Kite Awards & Giggles.

Paint-the-Town-Red Gala… What a Blast! SCBWI sure knows how to throw a party! Plenty of food and drink, great DJ, dancing, plus a costume contest! I dressed in red as an “Artist.” (I got carried away with the red make-up!). I ran into fun-loving fellow Blueboarders, Cindy and Christy…

I met my statuesque crit friend, Laura, from the Poet’s Garage.

For my “outfit,” I fashioned a fake bag with two reddish paintings of “LA town.” Each side featured an LA image–the “Hollywood letters” and the palm trees of Sunset Blvd. I included the SCBWI kite, of course.

Golden Kite Awards presentations and luncheon. Enjoyed the conversation and camaraderie. Heard some wonderful speeches by the winners. I loved Bay Area author/illustrator Yuyi Morales‘ animated finale. Here’s a photo snapped with her after she signed her Golden Kite Award-winning picture book, Little Night.

Now about the Giggles… Executive Director of SCBWI, Lin Oliver, is a sharp, funny and cool-headed MC. She co-writes the humorous Hank Zipzer series with Henry Winkler. So, we had no idea Lin had a “problem” with giggling, until she told us (and even better–demonstrated). Lin’s teachers would actually send her out of the classroom for giggling (!)

This happened during the last conference session: A woman interrupts Lin at the podium. The lady has something important to say, so she walks up to Lin, chitchats and returns to her seat. Lin says into the mic: “You want me to announce what?!” Turns out the woman lost a shoe ornament! Lin asks the lady stand. The lady’s face is beet red and I’m thinking: All this for a shoe ornament? Well, I’m not alone. Lin starts to…

Giggle. The crowd giggles. Even Steve Mooser, President of the SCBWI, is wiping his eyes and giggling. It was pure fun watching Lin Oliver’s giggling girl in action. So glad the giggling girl made it to the conference.

Lin Oliver signs a copy of her Hank Zipzer book :-).

Heroes. “Kids need heroes,” said prolific author, Bruce Coville, in his opening talk, “That’s how they create themselves.” Indeed, the writer creates heroes through story. How’s that for noble responsiblity?

Inspiration. This was freely distributed in large doses for four days straight.

Jobs. Aside from performing the self-imposed job of writing, having a “daytime job” and interests beyond writing is a plus, according to editors and agents. Being well-rounded is good. Of course, having a job also helps pay the bills!

Knowledge. Top reason for attending the conference, right? You go for the knowledge, but stay for the motivation. This conference didn’t disappoint.

Love. Beyond the love of writing and love of books. In her Golden Kite acceptance speech, Sara Pennypacker quoted E.B. White: “Each book is a love letter to humanity,” with which she asked, “So, if it’s written in love, then why hold back?”

Marketing & Media. Industry pros shared thoughts and insights on media and market trends that might impact children’s publishing. There was mention of cross-platform publishing, purchase of “properties” as opposed to manuscripts, Kindle and e-books. Note to Self: Learn more about the new media proposals and deals. Keep informed.

Network. The conference offers a chance to meet industry pros and make connections. Meeting fellow writers and illustrators is always a joy. Be it new friends, old friends. Here are Christa, Laura, Stephanie and Cooper–having fun at the Gala.

I also ran into a few folks from the Blueboards, the children’s lit message board at www.VerlaKay.com : Cynthea Liu (with her cute baby girl), Jay (who signed his book!), Linda Joy Singleton, Stephblake24, AngelaF (congrats on winning the costume contest!) and the incomparable Verla Kay, herself!

Open. As in having an Open Mind. Judging from the panel discussions on career and market trends, the value of keeping an open mind while staying true to one’s aspirations cannot be over-emphasized. Learn. Watch trends. Respond to editorial feedback. Agent and editors alike say, “Keep open.”

Plan. Agent, Micheal Bournet of Dystel and Goderich Literary Management, uttered this word to a room full of right-brainers. Michael advises that we create a plan (using our left brain!) and follow that plan to success. His workshop, titled “Building a Career for the Long Haul,” offered a lot of practical gems.

Quirky. Quirky is hot. “Emerging” author & quirky illustrator, Adam Rex, gave an entertaining and informative presentation. Several agents and editors expressed interest in quirky themes or styles. But here’s a caveat: Quirky ought to be your style. (See Voice.) Be yourself. That’s the underlying message. The marketplace caters to a variety of perspectives. Find an agent, editor or house that matches your style.

Remembrance. The 2008 SCBWI Summer Conference is dedicated to the memory of author, Sue Alexander (1934-2008). Her influence, talent and dedication, as the first member helped grow SCBWI into the world-wide organization it is today.

Senses. Bruce Coville, in his opening speech, said: “Bring the reader inside the story through the senses.” He suggested that we note how many senses we’re engaging in our MS.

Today. Today’s stories for today’s kids. What tickles their interest? What worries or concerns them? Today’s market: Brush up on market trends but also look deeper. This message echoed throughout the speeches and talks.

Universal. As in Universal theme. My goal with a certain MS based on a personal story. My conference consultation was just what I wanted: an honest evaluation of my piece. My author consultant gave helpful feedback. I was so pleased to get affirmation of the Universal theme(s) in my story. Yay! Now, on to revision no. 99! (just kidding…I mean no. 98. )

Voice. Veteran editor, Krista Marino moderated a panel of emerging editors and said that every editor has their own Voice. Something to keep in mind. Lin Oliver had this question for the panelists: “Plot or Voice?” All agreed that Voice was the “correct” or “best” answer. Gretchen Hirsch said she wanted “page turners.” However, Nancy Consecu maintained that while she can help a writer improve Plot, she can’t “make” a writer have Voice.

Write. Write up to kids. In her closing speech, Susan Patron quoted E.B. White (he was quoted a lot): “Anyone who writes down to children is simply wasting his [or her] time. You have to write up, not down. Children are demanding…”

Xtras. (This spelling is a stretch but…) “Xtras” can’t be beat! The Century Plaza Hyatt was great and close to a mall with a first-rate food court, grocery store and great selection of restaurants. On Sunday, Brazilian eatery had samba dancing (for everyone) just outside its doors. My writing pal and I couldn’t resist. We danced a bit of samba, working up an appetite for Pan Asian food at the newly opened restaurant, Rock Sugar.

Samba on a Sunday! Photo by Laura Elliott.

YOUth. We were reminded to keep in touch our youthful audience, as well as, listen to our own “inner youth”!

Zest. Zesty! My mind was fed. Now, my heart is aflutter with renewed Zest for kid lit. Happy writing! Happy illustrating!

I did. Take a look!

Here’s the Front:

And the Back:

I made these hearts for an online contest to win an ARC (advanced reading copy) of David Macinnis Gill’s upcoming YA book, SOUL ENCHILADA. (Crossing my fingers for the ARC and mystery gift!)

If you want to join the contest, you have until July 31st.

Here are David’s instructions for entering:

———–

1. Create your own candy heart at http://www.cryptogram.com/hearts/. Your heart can say anything you’d like. You are not limited to phrases from the ARC (since you haven’t read it).

2. Copy and paste this entire post–as well as the image of your candy heart–on your blog, Facebook, MySpace, website, etc.

3. Once you’ve completed #3, email me at davidmacinnisgill AT gmail.com with the link to your post. Voila! You’re entered in the giveaway.

4. The contest will be judged by three teen readers based on the criteria of originality, design, and message. The contest closes July 31st.

5. The prize is a personalized, signed ARC and a special gift, TDB by the judges. The winner will be contacted via email. Her/his name and winning entry candy heart will be posted on my lj blog, as well as my home site DavidMacinnisGill.com

————

Fun contest… and clever promo!

June almost slipped by without mention. Yes, it’s been a crazy busy month, however… I. Must. Blog. Especially since San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival’s 30th Anniversary was so fabulous. Read all about it here…um, one month later!

Na Lei Hulu (the group I dance with) joined a stellar line-up of Bay Area dance companies on opening weekend. We performed a world premiere production co-created and choreographed by Kumu Patrick Makuakane called Maui Turning Back the Sky. Check out critical reviews of the festival here and here.

While reviews offer insight into the audience experience, backstage is where you’ll find the pulse of the festival. Witness a vibrant community of dancers standing in the wings, clustering around a monitor and watching each other perform. Every fifteen minutes or so, they’ll rise to their feet, shaking hands in the air, in the sign language gesture of applause, as performers who’ve just completed their stint onstage, glide past. The buzz of opening weekend is a palpable mixture of excitement and nerves set to music. All flavors will be heard–voice, drums, strings, foot stomping, toe-tapping and more.

Minutes before final bow we posed with members of Abinaya Dance Company, Raices De Mi Tierra and Charya Burt Cambodian Dance Company (above photo). After the show, Ong Dance Company musicians and dancers, along with other groups, drummed up some impromptu fun (photo below).

Got this in from Penguin today:

Check out an Audrey, Wait! contest on Votigo (http://www.votigo.com/audreywait/) where readers can submit their own lyrics and video performance. The prize is awesome: a $1000 American Express gift card and $250 Best Buy gift card!!

Happy spring! I have LOTS to share. Here’s some stuff (and it’s only Tuesday!):

Nowadays, I’m painting away in my studio for a picture book project. It’s a whimsical, Hawaiiana picture book written by another author. The above image is a reference photo of a black spiny sea urchin shown in the picture book. This cool looking creature lives in tide pools and coral reefs around the Hawaiian islands. Another illos project I’m working on calls for humorous line-art for a niche market book written by a doctor in NYC. More about these projects when they’re done :-)!

Spring cleaning. Whether or not you’re currently obsessing or soon-to-be obsessing with stuff from spring cleaning, watch this eye-opening film: The Story of Stuff. This animated film introduces a whole new paradigm shift on “stuff”–how we deal with it in our daily lives, locally and globally. Ever wonder where all the stuff we use comes from? Where does it go? Think you have a good idea? Watch the film. The story is told in a humorous, educational way. I highly recommend it. Check out a few teasers here and here.

While the film depicts some brute, and perhaps shocking, realities of modern living, it offers a message of hope (thankfully) by the end of the film. The Story of Stuff site suggests how we can make a difference, listing action steps, resources and organizations.

After May Day, then what? Asian Pacific Heritage Month that’s what! So…it’s only fitting that PBS is showing the award-winning film, Na Kamalei, The Men of Hula, directed by my hula sister, Lisette Marie Flannery, under her film production company, Lehua Films.

The film documents Halau Na Kamalei, under the direction of Kumu Hula, Robert Cazimero, as they practice and compete in the premiere hula competition, The Merrie Monarch. FWIW, Na Lei Hulu is hula cousins of sorts with Na Kamalei. My kumu studied hula under Kumu Robert for many years, competing and performing with the group at wide range of venues, including Merrie Monarch and Madison Square Gardens in NY.

Also check PBS for info about the filmmaker, the film and show times in your area. In the Bay Area, the film is running today, Tuesday, May 6 and Saturday, May 10 on KQED, channel 9.

Stay tuned for more stuff as the week unfolds. Thanks for visiting!

This major doodad consists of a bunch of little doodads. That’s about all I know of this so-called Victorian Strobe. I found it on a 2007 holiday gift blog. Go there and discover exactly how useless this doodad is or stay here, prop your feet up and peruse my happenings…

Group Show at MOCHA
Children’s Book Illustrators Then and Now at Museum of Children’s Art (MOCHA) will show from April 5 to May 31. View an original image from my book, THE SLEEPING GIANT, and a self-portrait I created when I was a teen.

Meet the Artists on Saturday, April 5, 2-4 PM. Come on down to Oaktown!

From the City of Oakland’s Calendar: Popular annual exhibit features the current work of children’s book illustrators alongside works created by the artists when they were children. See stories illuminated by some of today’s most innovative and exciting illustrators – and see what they were creating way back when!

Wicked Lovely Art Contest
Wicked Lovely author, Melissa Marr, held an art contest. The deadline for submissions was set for Winter Solstice when I submitted my illustration of characters, Sasha and Donia. I’m not sure of the status of winners but a selection of art from the contest can be viewed at Melissa’s site. Lots of teen talent there! Scroll down to peek at adult artwork, including mine.

I’ve Been Listed…
…by author, Kim Norman. on her new Visiting Authors by State site. Now, if you or your nearest school want an author/illustrator to visit with the students for the day (wink, wink), you can search from a list of CA authors. Thanks, Kim!

Soup’s On!
Last month, I was fortunate to be interviewed by children’s book author Jama Rattigan on her blog, Alphabet Soup. Jama asked a lot of good questions, posted a ton of pics and she even squeezed in my mom’s recipe for lumpia. Check out the fun here.

This weekend an “earth-shaking” literature event is taking place: Reading the World X, a conference dedicated to multicultural literature education, held in San Francisco, CA at USF. I say earth-shaking because my lovely neighboring city of San Francisco, is rumbling with the footsteps of attendees from all over CA and other states, who have gathered together to celebrate, educate and share with one another—a wealth of voices in multicultural literature. Guest speakers include: Ashley Bryan, Naomi Shihab Nye, Alma Flor Ada, Leslie Tryon, Laurence Yep, Sarah Ellis, Peter Sís, Rita Williams Garcia, Jack Zipes and Doris Orgel.

I’m honored to participate as a presenter my first year at this event. Today, I’m putting on a workshop titled From Hawaiian Talk Story to Printed Page. I’ll be leaving shortly and will update this post with stories, updates and hopefully, pictures. Stay tuned…

The above image is from the picture book, Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei by Peter Sís, which graced this year’s Reading the World X posters and promotional materials.

Teaching kids to write is
equivalent to teaching
kids to think; giving kids
the tools to write is giving
them the resources
to be successful in life.

Combining all of this
with soccer is like putting
peanut butter with chocolate.

I am surprised every public
school hasn’t adopted a
SCORES program.”

- Best Selling Author, Stephen King

Picture this: A smooth wall-pass to the Center Midfielder, who passes it up the line to the Right Winger, who boots a magnificent cross to the Striker, who heads the ball like a laser beam, into the upper right corner of the net, just inches from the Keeper’s reach and…Ta Da! Goal! That’s The Beautiful Game, also known as, Soccer.

Who thought of combining The Beautiful Game with poetry? America SCORES, that’s who. SCORES is an after-school program for urban public schools, bringing kids a weekly dose of soccer and poetry. As a SCORES Poetry Coach last fall, I had the pleasure of working with students at the Oakland school, Think College Now (TCN). They played soccer twice a week and then they joined me in “playing” with poetry the other two days a week.

My team consisted of a dozen or so high-energy 3rd through 5th grade girls. They were mainly there for soccer, but since poetry is a requirement under SCORES, they had to take my class, too. I knew I had a big task ahead of me.

Week-by-week, we explored the basics of poetry, experimenting with various forms. I tried to keep it fun–mixing activities between music, word games, stories and journal-writing. But these girls loved to talk and tease each other. Plus, they had cliques. I’ll spare you the details. Rather, I’ll just say some of them had a flair for drama.

When I started to doubt their progress, their journals and experimental poetry turned up gems. I watched them come out of their shells, embracing poetry as a vehicle for expression. They wrote about friendship, family, love, hate and crushes. They surprised me by their eagerness to read their poems out loud. Could it get any better than that?

Our final project was to perform a group poem at the annual East Bay SCORES Poetry Slam! at Dunsmuir Estate. The girls took pride in composing their own lines. I also let them choreograph some movements. However, the rainy day weather affected our practice sessions. I found myself managing their behavior more than coaching. I strived to keep the girls focused and busy. I also crossed my fingers a lot.

Performance night brought us together with hundreds of other SCORES kids. We were second on the program. I tried to shrug off the girls’ collective “deer-in-the-headlights” expressions–however, I grew concerned. A few of the girls had stage-fright. I hoped it wouldn’t spread.

My team sat, stiff with fear, as the first group performed their poem. I held my breath as the MC called us up. Thankfully, all my girls stood up and followed me to the front of the auditorium. I watched them file on stage, just as we had practiced.

I remained close by to cue and cheer them on. But once they got going, they were fine. Every girl remembered her line. If someone forgot to recite the group lines then other girls filled in, projecting their voices and filling in gaps. They wowed us with their performance of “All the Colors of the World.”

The poetry slam reminded me of a good soccer match. As a veteran soccer coach, I recalled the planning, scrimmages and drills, mess, mud and grime of the field, ebb and flow of the game, perfect passes, interceptions and hard-earned goals. A coach organizes practices, but the game, itself, is in the players’ hands (and feet).

The judging panel awarded my team: “Most Visionary” and “Rhythm & Rhyme.” Perhaps they, too, were reminded of The Beautiful Game?

(This post is part of Kaza Kingsley's January Blog Tour promoting her latest Eric Rex book).

Thanks so much for hosting me on your great blog! It's a fantastic way to end this blog tour, with fun, relaxing questions. Hope you and your readers enjoy!
Luv,
Kaza
Here's a picture of Kaza in Paris with a waiter who mysteriously keeps popping up in all the pictures...hey, at least he's cute!

I figured Kaza'd had a bunch of "regular" interview questions thrown at her during her blog tour, so I thought I'd give her a "first and last" interview instead.

The first song you slow-danced to?
Ummm..... I don't know!

The last CD you listed to?
Jack Johnson, "On and On," my favorite!

The first place you took a real vacation to?
San Francisco with my family growing up!

The last trip you took?
Ha! San Francisco! Actually all over California for the second part of my recent book tours. The first part was the East coast...

The first book you read over and over again?
I was such a slow reader I never read a book over and over! I read a lot faster now, but I still tend to read new books instead of re-reading. There are so many I want to read! Except for series books - I do reread or at least skim them before I go on to the next in the series...

The last book you bought?
Blink, by Malcolm Gladwell

The first line of your book?
Book Three's first line, as of now, is, just for your readers:
(trumpet's playing in the distance)
"It had to have been a dream."

The last line of your book?
It's not written yet! But the last line that I've just written is:
"He hoped so."

The first movie you saw in a theater?
It had to have been a Disney flick!

The last movie you really enjoyed?
Just saw Mad Money, and it was light but it made me laugh. I also liked Charlie Wilson's War - totally different!

Find out more on Kaza's blog: The Memory Mogul or more about the Eric Rex books.

Peter Sís tells an evoctive, multi-layered tale of growing up behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia in his picture book, The Wall. I couldn’t put this book down even after it turned dark and I had to read with just the inside car lights on. (I brought the picture book along on an errand, hoping to squeeze it into my day–which I did!)

In the car’s dim lighting, I learned how the seemingly innocuous, yet twisted schooling of the boy, mounted up to a lifestyle of paranoia and fear. He hears of a relative being thrown into prison for planning to defect to the West. His parents no longer speak freely in front of him and his sister for fear of being ratted on by them. However, the boy’s internal walls, erected and reinforced by Soviet society, begin to crumble long before the Berlin wall does, thanks to his love of drawing and hunger for artistic expression.

Sís captures the flavor of youth’s innocence amid sordid world views through stunning pen and ink illustrations, graced with sensitive, carefully-placed color washes. Read this book and relish the visuals, but take time to read the timelines at the beginning and end of the book. Much more than a memoir, it summons a fresh take on Communism and the Cold War. Other reviews on The Wall can be found here (must sign into the NY Times) and here.

I look forward to hearing Mr. Sís speak, along with other children’s literature luminaries, at Reading The World X, a multicultural literature conference held next month at USF–it promises to be an enriching event. I’ll be an attendee, as well as, presenting insights on Hawaiian storytelling. Stay tuned!

I'm playing in a "paying it forward" game on my personal blog, if anyone wants to play along.

Thanks to Shaken & Stirred, I discovered this amazing sculpture of The Battle of Pelennor Fields from The Return of the King, made entirely out of candy! My favorite part is Grond, the battering ram, made from red licorice ropes. Pure awesomeness!

Click here to see it

Edited to add:

There's a Kid safe edition for those who don't like the bad language

Meet my sidekick: AlphaSmart Dana. I lug it around in a backpack, tote or plastic accordion folder. Light-weight, yet rugged, it’s perfect for use in a car, at the cafe, and even outdoors. Here we are at the local beach, ready to write.

Sloppy first drafts are a breeze on the Dana. As someone with “edititis” (obssesive editing syndrome), the Dana’s short, wide-screen display dissuades me from proofing as I type. I’m never tempted to surf the net because there is no net. But don’t let its simple design fool you. The Dana is a hybrid laptop-PDA offering techie-pleasing input/output options, sophisticated viewing choices and more.

The Palm Pilot OS system runs oodles of applications. I have the option to activate WiFi wireless, a plus for future jet-setting. But my greatest joy is tapping away on the full-fledged keyboard.

I took my Dana on an eastbound red-eye flight with two stop overs and I knocked out work at several airports and planes thanks to the unit’s long-lasting battery charge. I saw laptop owners at PHL airport scrambling for power outlets to juice up their sluggish laptops. I spared the smirk, kept my head down and typed away on my trusty Dana. I didn’t have to recharge the battery until two days later.

Major smilies go out to AlphaSmart for their primo customer service. The first unit I received was defective but the folks at AlphaSmart promptly sent a replacement Dana and covered the cost of returning the bad one.

Not a perfect start for me and my Dana, but what great loves aren’t without a challenge? The new unit functions superbly.

Sometimes it’s just me and my Dana, typing away at places like this:

When my son was a toddler, he’d get super excited when we included peas in his meal. He called them “balls” and he’d throw them around the kitchen. He would also shake, rattle and roll–practically blast off–in his high chair whenever he played with…I mean ate…his food. This illo (a mix of ink and colored pencil) was a drawn a while ago when he was 1.5 years old. He is now 15. You do the math.

Cheers! May you soar with your dreams (and soar in your dreams) in 2008!

Nope, I didn’t spell “word” wrong. The new spelling hails from a brand-spanking new site dedicated to coining creative new words…er, I mean werds.

I found out about Addictionary through the SCBWI discussion forum. Their recent holiday contest garnered some hilarious results. Here they are, compliments of SCBWI poster, WriterKat. Fun stuff!

“The Addictionary wrapped its Holidaze 2007 Lingo Contest. The winner got an Apple iPhone. Pretty good deal for a bit of werd-smithing! What’s your werd?

There were a bunch (see them all here); but the top 10 Addictionary.org Holidaze 2007 werds are:

10. Jinglebills (n) – The large credit card bills that come in right after the Christmas shopping season

9. Santa cause (n) – A Christmas gift in which a donation to a charitable cause is given in the recipient’s name

8. eggsnog (n) – A person who has had too much eggnog and wants to kiss anyone and everyone

7. wrapalanche (n) – The mountain of discarded wrapping paper and ribbons on Christmas morning

6. mistleshmoe (n) – The office drone who lurks in the doorway at holiday parties looking to get lucky

5. sprawlidays (n) – The festive occasion when the male members of a family become one with the living room couch

4. Clicksmas (n) – The act of doing all holiday planning, shopping and/or socializing online

3. Excessmas (n) – 1) The act of striving to achieve that “special holiday feeling” through excessive holiday spending 3) Too much holiday decoration. 4) Too much holiday celebration with food and/or adult beverages

2. tannenbomb (n) – The explosion of lights and ornaments hitting the floor after the cat attempts to climb the Christmas tree

And the winner of The Addictionary Holidaze’07 Lingo contest, submitted by New Yorker, Walter Quinn:

1. Auld Lanxiety (n) – The angst one feels every December 31 upon the realization that one didn’t keep any of last year’s resolutions.

If a better or funnier alternative definition occurs to you, you can go to the werd and submit it. “

Far away from Hundred Acre Woods, amidst all the revel and holiday parties, there was a little gathering. This surprise performance stands out as a highlight for us. Kai, my very shy daughter, came out of her shell just long enough to sing a cute holiday song.

DJ Ronnie of Kings & Queens Entertainment rewarded her with a Winnie-the-Pooh bear. Bay Area peeps, take note. Ronnie’s new dj and karaoke service is top notch!

These blurry, highly-pixalated images are movie stills snagged off a homespun DVD (I bumped up their size in photoshop)–so please pardon the quality. You can actually see and hear the action online through quicktime. Check out the fun here. Happy holidays!

Hey, I made a virtual snowflake! I went to one of the best online artsy crafty sites around–it’s fun and relaxing, sophisticated yet simple to use. It allows redo’s, previews, downloading and saving as a photoshop or .eps file. My snowflake was modified in photoshop using the gradient tool (in the background layer) which I tweaked with the sponge filter.

Create your own snowflake here.

Love things that sparkle? I know I’m not the only one who does. The holidays bring out the sparkle bug in all of us. Think of all the people who flock to view those overly-decorated blinking homes on display during the holidays. On a recent trip to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, we (my family and I) saw a gigantic whirligig sculpture from a distance–a landmark for The American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM).

Trekking toward the whirligig, we came upon a mirrored tree marvel (top photo). It was comprised of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of mosaic mirrors with colored plastic and glass embellishments along its trunk, base and “branches.” Hanging delicately off the tree branches were dangly mirrors of assorted shapes and sizes which caught the afternoon sun at the perfect angle, setting off a mini light show that bounced and danced off the sidewalk, the street and us!

We entered the museum, turbo-charged for more delightful discoveries. (AVAM is incredible. A must-see next time you’re in the Baltimore-Washington DC area.)

Check out the cool up-close, lovely details. The name of the sculptor TBA (as soon as I find out).

Here’s to home-grown shiny and festive. Promise not to send PETA after my father-in-law? Paul grew up hunting the wilds of Chesapeake Bay (pre-suburbia) and this deer head, a gift from his brother, hangs in the family room. Paul’s decorating-diva spirit definitely got the best of the deer–the lights, beer cans and a blinking doodad on its nose–so not Martha Stewart!

Paul strung up even more colored lights along with his hand-crafted contraption of pine cones and beer cans placed on a retro beer-tab chain hung along the walls and ceilings of the room. Can you imagine him on reality TV: Straight Former Hunter-Chemist with a “Queer Eye?” Not! Well, at least, he can express bright, shiny and festive!

I get a lot of queries (and some demands) for advice on how to get published from various people. Today I finally got around to writing up a page of hints and tips...so check out "So, you wanna be a published author?" Keep in mind, of course, that this is just one person's opinion. :-)

Our very own Amber (the 2007 YABC Official Teen Reviewer/Demi-Goddess) is a finalist in the Seventeen Magazine Reader Model Contest! Woot! Amber was selected as one of the 17 finalists out of thousands of applicants and she's always wanted to be a model. If she wins, she'll be up for a $10,000 modeling contract with Ford Models and will appear in an editorial fashion shoot in Seventeen Magazine!!

You can check out all of the finalists or Amber's profile page. When you're ready to vote, go to this form and just select Amber from the drop down list. You'll also be entered to win a Francesca Dress from Single, so that's a bonus. Voting is limited to once per day and you have to be between the ages of 13 to 27. So go forth and vote (every day, if you can)! Voting ends on December 3rd.

Good luck, Amber!!

Yep, it's that time of year again. This year's Teen Demi-Goddess (Amber) has done a spectacular job (just like last year's Dominique). But it is just about time for the changing of the guard.

If you are interested in being the next YABC Demi-God or Demi-Goddess, please check out the offical application form. Applicants must be between 13 - 19 during the calendar year 2008.

Application deadline is December 15th this year. Good luck, everyone!

I’m doing NaNoWriMo! November is National Novel Writing Month. I signed up October 31st and started off with a new Alphasmart at my doorstep and a story on my fingertips.

However, there’s a few obstacles. The Alphasmart model I received was defective. After several email and phone conversations, the helpful folks at Renaissance Learning are sending another one on the way. Also, the Nano site is extremely slow and has glitches in the widget word count program. Certain parts of my nano site are off limits for a few days.

This less than perfect start hasn’t deterred me from writing though. I’ve carved out time for my story and am currently at 4563 words in my YA novel. Writing YA is definitely not the norm for me. I tend to write short pieces like poetry and PB’s. In 2005, I decided to particpate in Nano one-third of the way into it and I proudly reached 35k words. I know I’ll need to pick up my pace in order to reach 50k by November 30th. I want a Nano medal this go round. If I get a decent story from this, even better.

The above image is from the Nano store. I will buy myself one when I reach 25k words—half-way to the finish for a shiny, new red mug!

Hey, here’s a treat for all you blog visitors: You get to “carve” your own pumpkin here! There’s no hassle, no mess. Just draw with your mouse. Who says you have to make a traditional pumpkin face? I made a jack-o-lion. So, go on… make a face! And have a safe and happy halloween…

Create a mnemonic or slogan to help kids (and adults!) remember the order of the planetsin our new solar system—which includes dwarf planets Ceres, Pluto, and Eris.

The firstletter of each word stands for one of the planets. The order of the planets is: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Ceres, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, Eris.

For example: My Very Excellent Mother Can Jump Slowly Under Nelly’s Plastic Elephant.

Prizes:The winner’s name and slogan will be featured in an upcoming National Geographic book about the planets, 11 Planets: A New View of the Solar System by David Aguilar, and the winner will receive a tote bag filled with books, a National Geographic tee shirt and hat, toys and other merchandise! Schools across the country will use the winning slogan to teach kids about the solar system!

Enter the contest!