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It has been 15 month, and the time has finally come for Critter's auction! Along with Critter in all his autographed glory, I also made a nice little 20 page scrapbook documenting his travels. you can see the details of the scrapbook by clicking here
http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/projectshareewelcome/l=2376313028/p=345131292260621756/g=1555904028/cobrandOid=1000/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/otsc=SYE/otsi=SPBKlink/
this is a picture of what artist,Robert Bateman wrote on Critter's backside.
Are you just finding out about Critter right now? Who is Critter?
Good question.
For over 14 months Critter has traveled the world visiting talented writers, artists, and authors: while exploring their world. Christy Evers sent out Critter after an interactive art project, directed by the cutting edge artist, Ian Sands.
Critter has visited (and was signed) by PJ Hoover (author of the Forgotten Worlds trilogy) and the Texas Sweethearts, in Texas. Beth Revis in North Carolina (whose debut novel, Across the Universe, coming out in January 2011, is expected to be a HUGE success!). Christina Farley in Korea, New England with Nandini Bajpai, Illinois with Kelly Polark, (who is frequented in Highlights magazine), MG Higgins in California, Rena Jones (author of multiple picture books) in Montana, Cynthia Leitich Smith (NY Times best-selling author) in Texas, Bish Denham in the Virgin Islands, Jacqui Robbins (author of “The New Kid and Me”, and “Two of a Kind”) in Michigan, Tina Ferraro, (author of “How to Hook a Hottie, Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress, and The ABC’s of Kissing Boys) in California, Cynthia Chapman Willis, (Picture book author of “Dog Gone” and “Buck Fever”) in New Jersey, Jill S. Alexander, (YA author of “The Sweetheart of Prosper County”) in Texas, Ellen Oh in Virginia, Alberta, Canada with Angela Ackerman (the blog-genius behind the “Writing Thesaurus”. The World-famous artist, Robert Bateman, also signed Critter (on his backside) as an honorary host.
Kidlit Critterpalooza!
by Angela Ackerman (The Bookshelf Muse)
For over a year now, CRITTER, the creation of artist Ian Sands, has been travelling the world, meeting talented writers and authors and exploring where they live. At each stop he learns more and more about KIDLIT and the importance of literacy and creativity. This journey was the brainchild of Christy Evers, (Thats me! Thanks Angela!) who got her hands on Critter after an interactive art project of Ian’s, where 500 Critters were hidden all over her city for people to find.
Critter has visited PJ Hoover (and the Texas Sweethearts!) in Texas, Beth Revis
8 Comments on Critterpalloza = lots of prizes!!! share the wealth!, last added: 11/18/2010
I did NaNo WriMo (for those of you not familiar with the term NaNo WriMo stands for National Novel Writing month) about two years ago. It was fun, but the story ended up being a flop. That was a huge disappointment. I may try it again another year. For now, I'm just trying to figure out how to fit "writing" into my schedule. I miss it. It's my "ME" time. My "therapy" time. My FuN time. Plus, I HAVE to write. If I get out of story writing for too long it makes me feel all wOnKy.
So . . . instead of diving into writing a whole new novel this November, I decided to set a goal that was more doable for my current situation. I'm taking 2 hours 3 mornings a week where I wrap myself up in my cozy local coffee shop while the kids are at school in order to dedicate time to finish my current novel. Hopefully it will become a habit and I can keep it up beyond November.
I only have about 5 more chapters left in my current novel, but it feels like much more. Wish me luck in trying to tackle that goal and being able to stay true to my scheduled writing times. It has felt so good to get out and write (and drink coffee) again.
So, how about you? Are you doing NaNo or another variation of it? Or, has the craziness inspired you to set another type of goal?
In other Critter news, you HAVE to HAVE to HAVE to
read Angela's blog re: Critter's Halloween. He got to try on all kinds of costumes. It's Adora-sterical! (I just made that word up. I think I like it.)
Hello! From my world of chaos to yours. I'm coming out of hiding for a long overdue post and book giveaway. Critter has recently been to visit Jill S. Alexander in Texas. You may remember my post about Jill and our serendipitous first meeting. You can visit Jill's blog to read about his visit by clicking HERE.
In honor of Jill's Critter Hosting awesomeness I'm giving away a signed copy of her fabulous book THE SWEETHEART OF PROSEPER COUNTY. It has heart, humor and a strong character voice.
Let me tell you. . . this book is a gem. I stayed up late; laughing, crying . . . copying down snippets of her writing in my little "favorite-quote-collection-book." Most books I read will only have one or two quotes that I decide to write in my little collection book. Jill's book took up 3 pages! Her writing is just that good!
Let me give you an example: Here's a brilliant passage where the main character is describing the town Mayor. It's brilliant because she describes him by describing the people around him. You get a sense of who he is by learning about his relationships with others.
"In addition to his swanky ride, Mayor Nesmith had a money-blowing wife, four whiney rugrats, and the hots for my momma. She avoided him like poison ivy."
Let me say it again . . . Brilliant. And entertaining to boot!
You have to read the book! I believe it so much that I bought 2 copies. One for me and one for a lucky winner.
Leave a comment below for a chance to win. You can gain extra entry points for commenting on Jill's blog, linking this contest to your blog, twitter, facebook or any other sort of social media and becoming (or being) a fan of Critter on Facebook. It will be a big help if you tell me, in the comments, which of these things you have done.
The winner will be announced on Tuesday. Good luck!
Critter at the Heart and Soul Ball, SCBWI LAOK, I know Critter has had the majority of my blog time. But it's well deserved, don't cha think?
For those of you just tuning in . . . Critter is the bad-butt (family friendly word choice aptly chosen) flat-Stanley of children's literature blogs. He has been traveling since the fall of 2009 and is currently on his final leg of his travels. When his travels are complete, he will be auctioned off for the children of
St. Jude.
Just an FYI,
St. Jude runs on an operating budge of 1.5 million dollars a day, funded mostly by donations. ~gasp~ Yep. Makes me feel guilty ordering my daily Starbucks. I'm hoping Critter will be able to make a good dent in at least one day of operations. I need you to help me.
So . . . I figure . . . even if you don't have a ton of money to bid on such a fabulous piece of art, we are in a era of Twitter, Face book and blogs. If you help me get the word out re: Critter and his cause perhaps we, together, can find the people/groups who have the available funds and big-heartedness to make a generous donation to Critter's cause.
So . . . please, if you've got the time please follow Critter on his destination and let others know about his cause well. You can also leave comments on the blogs of people who are hosting Critter to show your support.
Currently Critter is with
Cynthia Chapman Willlis in NJ. Next he will visit
Jill S. Alexander in TexasFrom there he will go to
Ellen Oh in DCThe Grand Finale will be in good ol' Canada with
Angela Ackerman.(insert Rocky theme song here)
then the auction.
I want to thank everyone who has supported Critter thus far. Be sure to visit my side bar to see where Critter has been in the last year. Not to mention his brilliant creator,
Ian Sands and his interview with the
Texas Sweethearts.You can also become a fan of
Critter on Facebook by clicking here and then clicking on the "become a fan" button.
Kids lit peopel RaWk!!!!!!
Critter says he loves you! He thinks that you're all RaWk Stars.
In order to show my appreciation for those willing to help me get the word out, I'm holding a giveaway for 2 . . . that's right TWO copies of the last book of The Hunger Games Trilogy. The recently released
This has been a fun blog week! Fist it started out by lil ol' me winning an ARC giveaway on PJ Hoover's blog for the book "Girl Parts" YaY! I love winning books.
And starting today . . . . Author Tina Ferraro is offering a Critter-inspired giveaway!!!
Tina is the author of "Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress," "How to Hook a Hottie," and "ABC's of Kissing Boys" Not to mention, she's also a sweet-cutie-patootie as well.
Go on over to Tina's blog to show some luv for Tina, Critter and St. Jude, and win a chance for a free book or a 1st chapter critique from a fabulous author on top of it all!
Don't forget to become of Critter on Facebook! Click here to go to his FB fan page.
Remember my crazy-canceled/delayed flight from DFW to LAX? ( previous post) Well . . . there's more.
You see, at first, when I got on the original (canceled flight) I was supposed to have a window seat. I ADORE window seats (despite the bathroom dilemma) I like the view and I like having a surface to lay my head and snooze. What can I say? A moving plane is like a rocking cradle to me.
Anyway . . .
I approached my coveted window seat. I saw a man, a woman then and baby. A cute, friggin' baby sucking on a pacifier (in my seat). uggggghhhhh!!!!
"Would you mind switching seats with me?" said the man.
Crap! Now I'll be sitting in the Hell-of-all-middle-seats! "Of course. It's no problem." If only I was the angel in my thoughts like I was the angel of my words.
I would've been a heartless soul to refuse. I couldn't. The angel of words won. The angel of thoughts repeatedly stabbed the back of my eyeballs.
So. I settled in between a nice woman and a young lad several rows back. (in the middle seat)
I blew up my inflatable travel pillow. Adjusted my i-pod. (in the middle seat) Did I mention middle seat?
The nice woman next to me snapped her head in my general direction and said, "Stop it!"
Stop it?
OK. So, I wondered if maybe Critter was up to some of his Critter-tricks. He's a bit ornery, you know.
But then she says (in the most adorable Texas twang) "I'm so sorry, hon. I'm not talkin' to you. My son is traveling with me and he's pokin' me from behind."
awwwwww! She was so adorable! I wanted to pinch her cheeks! But I didn't. I have some self control, don't cha'know.
"That's funny stuff." I replied. Truly relieved that I wasn't sitting next to a stuffity'uppity window-seater, and thankful for the comedy relief. I liked this woman from the very start.
But then, the flight was canceled.
We reboarded 3 (or more) hours later.
I sat next to the nice lady with the Texas Twang once more. But that was OK, because I already liked her.
We giggled at the loud-mouth braggard sitting in the row in front of us. What can I say? We were loopy from the plane delays and flight changes. We must've been easily amused.
I liked her, even though I didn't know her. We talked, but about nothing in particular. Simply pleasant company.
Fast forward to the hotel. . . .
I'm standing in line to check into my room for the SCBWI LA conference and who do I see? It's the nice lady with the twang from the plane.
"Oh!" She said, "If I had known you were coming here, you could've shared a cab with me and my son!"
Nice! Such a nice lady. Wow! We were at the same conference. How amazing. What a small world.
Fast forward once more to the next morning:
. . . I'm sitting in the opening session of the conference. The faculty of SCBWI is introducing themselves on stage.
Who do I see introduce herself as one of the faculty authors? You guessed it!!!! The nice lady with the twang, the one who sat next to me on the plane and whispered "stop it!" in my general direction (although not directed to me)
We spoke several times throughout the conference. Her name is Jill S. Alexander (BTW) She's sweet as pie. I swear, children's literature people are the nicest people on the whole entire earth!
Consequently, I bought her book, The Sweetheart of Prospect County, and I read it in 2 nights. That's a big deal, seeing that I read it during the conference. They keep you going at conferences like this, so it was no easy feat to stay up in order to read a book. However, I read Jill's book. I laughed. I cried. I stayed up way later than I should have. As a matter of fact, I bought a book for myself and I bought an extra to use as a book giveaway, here! On my blog! Might I dub Jill as the Swe
Our flight was early. Critter is coffee-mad. Can you imagine drinking a cup full of coffee that is 98% of your height? But critter did it. And it paid off. (Critter likes mocha) We had no idea what was ahead that was about to challenge Critter's energy level.
Our connection in Dallas was delayed as a result of mechanical difficulties. Annoying and yet, I prefer delays over crashing. Crazy. I know. I'm weird that way.
Three hours, two cups of coffee, 8 1/4 cranky employees, two tram rides and three gate changes later . . . we were on our way to LA. Seriously . . . picture 150 people being herded through an airport, parting escalators Exodus-like, complaining that our time was being inconvenienced as opposed to risking our lives in a plane crash.
You might think people would be cranky during a circumstance such as that. No need to worry. Critter saved the day. He pulled his guitar out of his backpack and led the entire flight in rounds of campfire songs and bad 80's ballads and supervised line-dances.
Everyone agreed. It was the best flight they had ever taken. Some airline employees were ready to quit their jobs and join a circus. But Critter's enthusiasm reminded them of what was really important in life and dubbed it as the best work-day EVER!!!!
Yay, Critter saved the day!
Foam board is truly amazing. Isn't it?
Critter was pretty tuckered out after all of that rabble-rousing. He needed to kick back when we finally checked in. Here's a picture of Critter chillin' with his i-pod. (He likes Toby Mac)
This is Critter chillin' on our balcony.
More Critter in LA stories to come . . . .
Bish has posted pictures of Critter's last days in the Virgin Islands. Go on over to her blog and check him out by clicking here! He even got to drive a boat!
I had Bish send Critter back to me because I'm taking him to SCBWI LA next week to be my date. (shhhh! don't tell my husband.) More updates to come!
First of all . . . we must have our priorities. Critter is in the Virgin Islands. He's traveling for the sake of St. Jude, so please follow him during his travels and let others know about Critter's cause. He'll be auctioned for St. Jude when his adventures are complete. Did you know that St. Jude operates mostly on donations alone. And that their DAILY operating costs are 1.5 million dollars per day!!!!! Yowza Yikesers!!!! So . . . spread the word about Critter and his cause so that we may be more likely to reach those who have the heart plus the resources to help the children of St. Jude.
In other writerly news . . . this is an awesome blog re: what to include in a query if you lack credentials. http://askaliteraryagent.blogspot.com/
Critter was interviews by authors PJ Hoover, Jo Whittemore and Jessica Lee Anderson on the Texas Sweethearts blog. Go, Critter, Go!
He was also featured over at Cynsations, on Cynthia Leitich Smith's blog.
In other news, I haven't been blogging much or visiting blogs much for a really really good reason. I've had a request for a full manuscript and I've been working hard at tightening it up once more before sending it out. Wish me luck! :0)
Critter is going to the Land of Critters to visit the Queen of Critters. Who is that and where is that? You ask. Why. . . None other the the Montana to visit the home and blog of Rena Jones the author of Lemur Troops and Critter groups.
Critter is going to have sooooo much fun!
Thanks again to MG for being a fabulous Critter host.
It is now time for Critter to find a new home. Go on over to MG Higgins blog to have a chance for Critter to visit. You. There are still 8 more slots open for Critter's adventures. I can't wait to see where he goes next! :0)
P.S. Today is MG's Birthday, and Critter made her a cake. Isn't he a sweetie? Be sure to give her some B-day wishes.
He saw the coast, visited the site of a Jurassic Park stampede. Has an awesome valise! 
MG Higgins has been showing Critter a the good life in CA!
Please keep following Critter and let his travels be known, because it's in the works that he'll be traveling for a good cause. The more people know about him, the more valuable he'll be for his end purpose.
Go Critter Go! Even though you're a tad bit precocious.
It looks like Critter is on his way to sunny California. I wish I could go with him! He'll visit with MG Higgins! I can't wait to see what they'll be up to! :0)
It's time for Critter to move from Illinois to somewhere new. Critter has all kinds of interests. Rural farms, City life . . . he loves it all! United States, International . . . All he really wants is for someone to want him, take pictures and blog. (he's a bit co-dependant. Love is all he needs. He's a Beatles fan. What can I say). He will love anywhere that he can travel. Vistit Kelly's blog, where Critter rocked back stage with a band, went sledding and fate saved him from hungry dinosaurs and Critter eating spiders by the skin of his fangs!
We're also working a possible humanitarian efforts for Critter upon his return. If this works out . . . we'll need the help of every possible Children's lit bloggers that we can whip up.
For now; blog, twitter and facebook about Critter's travels. Eventually, he'll be up to a greater good (possibly auctioned for) Saint Jude, Haiti, homeless?. The more that know about him, the better. We just have to work it out the final details.
More to come!
I'm an Illinois girl born and bred, not to mentioin, Kelly has been following Critter and Cheering him on since the very beginning, so I'm thrilled that Kelly and her family will get to be Critter's sweet Valentine. :0) Knowing Kelly, there may even be some sort of a concert involved. He may also return with his toe nails painted black. :0)
Don't give up on a Critter visit. He still has 9 more locations to visit before he returns to me. I'd love for him to visit places like Australia, Montana, Michigan, California, heck, Anywhere! I love seeing where all the bloggers are from and where they take Critter.
And a great big THANKS once again to Nandini, for being such a fabulous host for Critter!
Critter Traveling for a Cause?
But here's something I would like some feedback on. You see, Critter has had tons of fun on his journey, and yet his eyes have been opened as well. He's become a more aware and enlightened Critter. At first, Critter expected to return to me from his journey, only to reture as my office mascot. However, since the Haiti disaster, he has realized that perhaps his travels might be put to a better use. He's wondering if, perhaps, when he returns to me, that I should auction him off to give to a charity to be determined (such as Haiti relief, or whatever might be more pressing at the time.) His travels could be like an awareness campaign and then when he returns, I can auction him off and the highest bid would be made to the American Red Cross or some other reputable institution for whatever cause we decide on.
I've never done anything like this before. It may take Critter a year to return, so there's time to decide. I would need help from all my blogger and Childrens Lit. friend to spread the word about Critter and his humanitarian efforts and build up awareness for potential bidders. What do you think? Any thoughts, ideas? advice?
Critter is living the writers life. Going places, meeting other writers and authors . . . .I hope that when he returns to me, he'll share all of his fabulous stories and inspire me to write some amazing stories!
Check out Nandini's blog to see more pictures.
Also, lets not forget Critter's creator, Ian Sands and his art students. If it weren't for them I wouldn't have been inspired by their interactive art projects and there wouldn't be a Critter traveling through blogland. :0)
It's time for Critter to leave Korea. Would you like him to come visit you? Christina Farley will be choosing a new location for Critter on Wed. so head on over to her blog, leave a message and maybe Critter will come to visit you next!
Good luck!
I've got to give a bug "hurrah" to
Beth Revis. When I started this Critter in Blogland thing, I had small hopes that Critter would go international. If he did, I thought the furthest would be Canada. But Beth is willing to flip the bill for Critter's trip to to Korea.
Gam-sa Ham-nee-da, Beth. That will be Critter's new way of saying "Thank-you" when he gets home from his oversea's travels. This is so cool! His host is Korea is
Christina Farley. I can't wait to see where he'll get to go!
I also want to give a great big shout out to PJ Hoover. Her latest book, The Navel of The World, is now out! Go out and buy a copy! I'm sure you'll be glad you did. I can't wait to get mine!
Head on over to Beth's blog. See some great pictures of Critter at the Biltmore Castle and tell Beth where you would take Critter if he came to see you.
There's some great pictures of Critter over at Beth blog! You've got to go see what he's been up to!
PJ's blog is calling for all those who would like Critter to come visit them. Go see PJ and leave her a comment for a chance for Critter to come visit you! Critter has all sorts of great offers so far. People want to take him to Castles, Space Needles, Mylie Cyris concerts, airplane rides, woodland hikes, and costco! This is one luck critter!
Don't forget to check out critters creator and artistic genius extrodinaire, Ian Sands.
I'm so happy to see Critter's culminate in an amazing celebration like this, Christy!!!
What a wonderful idea!!!!
I loved hosting Critter and I'm thrilled to be a small part of this creative (and now philanthropic!) effort. Doesn't get any better than this, Christy!
So much fun! Critter has been one busy lil' guy!
Many, many thanks to you, Christy, for bringing CRITTER and this wonderful cause to the attention of so many!
Thanks for all of your Critter luv and support guys! :0)
This whole adventure that Critter has been on is truly amazing. Yeah for Critter.
Thank you for supporting such a great cause!
Becca
The Bookshelf Muse
Hi Christina! I'm so giddy about how this whole Critter thing has turned out. Thanks for your help!
Hi Becca! It's good to see you here! Thnx for sharing your blog with Critter for a while!