I thought I'd write about some authorly stuff because it seems like this part of my life has been very active this month. (This is a picture of Lifted's page in the summer 2010 Simon & Schuster catalog. Looks great, huh?)
About a week and a half ago, I was invited to participate in an editor's retreat at a professor's home in Orem, Utah. What was different about this gathering was you had to be a nationally published children's book author or illustrator to attend. Ruth Katcher from Egmont USA came from NYC to talk about the children's book publishing industry and after mini-presentations by Utah authors
Mette Ivie Harrison,
Kristyn Crow, and
Carol Lynch Williams, Ruth let us know what she thought about the first few pages of our works in progress. It was really exciting to get a sneak peek at the manuscripts such talented authors were working on, and everybody's feedback--whether from an experienced editor or an experienced writer--on the pages I shared was priceless.
Soon after, I heard back from my literary agent on the 3 book proposal ideas I'd sent her earlier in March. She thought my paranormal romance (YA) was most promising and had some great ideas for it. So, as you can imagine, I'm busy reworking the synopsis and writing those first couple of make it or break it chapters.
I've also been busy presenting lately. My sons' elementary school invited me to present an inspirational and humorous talk I call "Imagine the Possibilities!" Shortly after, I was invited to participate in a Salt Lake City charter school's literacy night, which was especially fun because I bumped into a couple of old friends who now have children who go to that school. Then I was supposed to present "The Path to Publication" at a university's writers' conference, but due to some strange conflicts, they canceled. Oh well, now I have a great presentation just waiting to be delivered elsewhere! Next I had another unexpected phone call. Each year, the sixth graders at Valley Elementary put on a Serve to Save dinner, where they raise an average of $6,000 for local, national, and international charities. Their keynote speaker canceled last minute, so they wondered if I could step in. So I did. On Thursday night, I spoke about the importance of service, and I have no idea how it went, but I was honored to have been asked. Then, yesterday I also had a speaking engagement, this time at the League of Utah Writer's spring conference. I did a workshop on pitches and since people were taking notes and participating, I think it went pretty well.
In addition to going to a retreat, working hard on a proposal, and having various speaking engagements, one of the first interviews for my upcoming YA novel,
LIFTED, was just posted by Bee (from India) on her wonderful Dreamcatcher's Lair blog. Check it out
here.
By Kristyn Crow and illustrated by David Catrow
Putnam Juvenile, 2009
$16.99, ages 4-8, 32 pages
If you have a middle child, you are a middle child or you just want to read the best new rhyme around, this book is for you.
Crow and Catrow pay tribute to all of those who feel "in-between," "hardly noticed," "hardly seen," with text and pictures that will make you laugh as they inspire those of us with more than two children to think about how we raise our middle child.
Lee, the middle child of three, has the forgotten and confused middle-child blues. He sees his little sister Kate getting out of responsibility and his older brother Ray getting more privilege. "Ray can order a 'Big Bun,' / and Kate's meal has a toy. / I get a plain cheeseburger / since I'm just the middle boy."
And later, in the quintessential comparison that many children do, he relates his place in the family to a train. "I'm not the shiny engine / or the little red caboose. / I'm just a boring boxcar, / so I wonder, what's the use?"
But even though Lee has this "curse I didn't choose," he finds an outlet for his frustration and puts his woes to lyrics, wooing a crowd of middle children who share his blues.
Soon TV crews show up and just as he swoons that he wishes his folks had a clue, his parents join the singing and proclaim that they are middle children too. "We just forgot for a while." To which, Lee replies, "I pluck my guitar and smile," before strutting off stage to the middle of his car for a middle-child snooze.
Crow's insights into being a middle child are spot-on (she has three middle children of her own to learn from) and her text combines a perfect rhythm with an irresistible beat, while Catrow's wild and crazy illustrations match Lee's rocking-out personality.
If you're like me, you might find yourself singing as you read and imagine the deep twang of a bass guitar as the book begins.
.jpeg?picon=3300)
.jpeg?picon=3103)
Wendy, you've been quite the busy bee! Great catching up with you, and looking forward to the release of LIFTED!
This is amazing- and you are busier this summer. I cherish our time together, sharng tea and stories- BUT I never want to take away from your time with all your boys and story time with M. You are amazing. ILY, ur anna
"Shoplifting in a Bible-belt town makes for a sinfully sweet read" - <3 that line from the catalogue!
Looks like you're on a ride. G'luck with your work :D
And thanks for providing the link :))
Thanks, Tina! This kind of busy is actually fun.
Yes, Anna it's only going to get busier and "hanging" with you is a diversion I always look forward to.
Bee, it's such an honor to be featured on your lovely blog, so thank you! And I love that line from the catalogue too.
Wow - you are so busy, Wendy! Sounds like you are getting some valuable experience and imparting some wisdom along the way. Way to go!
Heather