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Chiming in with humility and grace

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From my heart to yours… May your year be glorious and may you find where you belong May your steps all have a spring and may your lips be laced with song May you always see the good and may your days be filled with grace May your love be overflowing… as you seek the…

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Hi folks, I'm ending the year with Gifts. This has been one of my most challenging years as a writer. I've struggled more professionally than at any other time in my life. My book PLUMB CRAZY is soon to go out of eprint. The paperback is cancelled. The book after it is cancelled. The small publisher has decided to go in a different direction. I put a lot of myself in that book and this wasn't the news I wanted. I turned 50 this year. I have the most mundane part-time job on the planet. I've slipped into depression, the real kind that takes some support. This week, to add insult injury, I came down with a skin infection that has left me soo tired. A bumpy part of this road of life, but I'm determined to find the silver lining.

So what gift do I have for you? Here goes. The Grace of Kindness.

I'm a person people tell secrets to. Some are small. Some are mighty. Some people I know, some I don't know. Sometimes in the grocery store or when I'm buying gas. Sometimes over coffee or on a walk.  I try to do little things every day that will help somebody. I build some margins into my life so that I can have time to listen and help whoever gets in my path .I'm nothing spectacular. I'm a small time kindness operator, but small kindnesses are as natural to me as breathing.

Kindness has been a part of me since I was very young child. Just like my flaws of a hot temper and my whining tendency (Hope I didn't whine too much above! Working on it.), I've had the grace of kindness. It's hardwired. I'm not perfect. My faults have spectacularly let some down when then really needed my grace. Still, in spite of me, the grace of kindness has generally reached out to others. And like all good grace has lifted me up in process and given me a sense of meaning when almost everything else has failed me.

I believe every person has some grace.  Some sing like angels. Some are the most long suffering folks that have ever lived. Some have the gift of gab and can say a perfect word at a perfect time. To me, grace means unmerited favor. Something in you that is just in you. It's hardwired like breathing. Sometimes in our life the things we've worked for get stripped from us. We lose our job. A relationship doesn't work out. Our dignity is taken away. We suffer great injustice. What should we do?

For me, I lean into grace in my life during these times. I'm a storyteller. I forge on.  I'm an organizer. I find something to organize. I'm kind. I find a place to pour that kindness.

Be aware of the grace in your life. For me all grace is a bit of the light of the divine, tucked away in the most flawed earthen vessel, I continue my journey to let it shine.

I will be back next week with more gifts.

Here is the doodle: The sun, moon, and the stars.

And a quote for your pocket.

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

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In a world where complains about overly idealized heroines are common, Faith, a member of Valiant’s Harbinger teen superhero group is a nice break: a normal young woman who is learning to deal with her powers just like every other superbeing. And now she’s getting her own one shot by Joshua Dysart and Robert Gill, with variant covers by Joe Quinones, Lucy KNisley and Brian Level. Valiant continues to branch out with their superhero line — because it’s a more diverse world and comics market out there.

 

 

Valiant is proud to announce HARBINGER: FAITH #0 – a brand new one-shot exploration of Valiant’s high-flying teenage Renegade and Unity’s newest team member!

Coming in December from New York Times best-selling writer Joshua Dysart (Harbinger, Harbinger Wars) and rising star Robert Gill (Armor Hunters: Harbinger), start reading here to discover how Harbinger’s high-spirited teenage fangirl went from the heart and soul of Peter Stanchek’s teenage Renegades to the newest member of the world’s most elite super-team – UNITY!

As Faith recuperates from the events of Armor Hunters: Harbinger, jump on board and discover the complete, never-before-revealed tale of her origin – just as she steps into the limelight for a brand new story arc beginning in November’s UNITY #12!

Her first and only boyfriend to date is a little bit of a douche, her friends are all gone, and, after her insane adventure in Mexico City, Faith Hebert is feeling a little frustrated with the direction of her life. She’s just a normal super-powered young woman in an increasingly crazy world. Here’s the story of a true innocent and a kind heart in a hard world. From the comic shop of her youth to the moment she found out that she was actually light as feather, Zephyr is the western wind. Warm and kind, she blows across us all. 

“She may not be physically strong, or brilliantly tactical, but her emotional intelligence and psychological strength are unparalleled among the other Renegades,” writer Joshua Dysart told Multiversity Comics. “I think some part of her understands that her light is needed even more in a world where you can lose your friends and face down horrible swarming alien insects. I think she sees a dark and violent world all around her and instead of that corrupting her, it reinforces her. Again, there’s a hint of that in this issue, but it’s also about a question we all ask ourselves, where do we go from here?”

This is HARBINGER: FAITH #0! Featuring covers by all-star artists Joe Quinones (Wednesday Comics), Lucy Knisley (Harbinger #25), and Brian Level (Lazarus), be here this December as one of the most unique, most sincere super-heroines anywhere in comics today takes on her very first solo adventure!

And don’t miss UNITY #12 by New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt and red-hot artist CAFU – the FIRST ISSUE of an all-new story arc recruiting Faith into the ranks of Valiant’s unbreakable all-star superteam, just as they go toe-to-toe with a brand new threat known only as The United!

HARBINGER: FAITH #0 – Cover B by Lucy Knisley

HARBINGER: FAITH #0 – Variant Cover by Brian Level

UNITY #12 – Cover by Brian Level

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Hi folks, welcome to the end of this series. I've been celebrating the happy news, that the ebook version of PLUMB CRAZY from Swoon Romance has found its way onto the virtual shelves of booksellers worldwide. Try here for a copy from Amazon US. Here is Amazon UK. Here is Amazon Australia. Here is Amazon Canada. Try here for a copy for your B&N Nook . It will be available in paper in a few weeks. I hope you consider giving it a look.Currently it's only available as an ebook but for sure paper copies will be available soon.

Gorgeous sunshine calls me outside, and I want to soak some of it in. This week I 'm going to keep it short. Today I want to chat about my view of grace. It's a big universe out there and I'm sure that there are folks with a wider view. This will be about what I see in my little corner.

I have read many books that have never been published. Some of my favorite books are in this state. For whatever reason, these wonderful stories have not found their way into the hands of publishers. I have a number of manuscripts that are tucked in folders too. You put some pieces of your soul on the page when write a book. Publishing one is like your soul sprouting wings and taking off for far green pastures.

So today, I'm feeling the grace, not of movement, but of privilege. I wrote my novel because there was this ticklish feeling right under my heart that others might want to know this. Maybe it will help them along in their journey, I thought. Now my words are out there. With this dove on my shoulder, I'm feeling winds of thankfulness inside. Journey well! Huzzah!

I hope you see the privileges in your life this week and let the winds come. Come back next week for more of Seize the day.


Here is the doodle.  Clover Poof.

Here is a quote I keep tucked in my pocket. I hope you tuck it in yours.

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As soon as God gave me a theme, He gave me 2 Corinthians 5:17, more specifically, the last part of the verse: the old has gone, the new has come.

2012 was an awesome year for me. I did things I only dreamed of doing, went to places I only dreamed of going, and met and befriended some wonderful people. I stepped out of my comfort zone and survived. 2012 also brought challenges that took a lot out of me. Looking back, there are things I would've done differently. 

It's ok for me to reflect upon 2012; to remember the blessings as well as the challenges. Both the excitement and challenges of 2012 has helped mold me. But it's NOT ok for me to stay there. The old has gone (2012); the new has come (2013).
I'm so glad I serve a God of new-ness. I know "new-ness" isn't a word, but I'm practicing my creative license and making it one. Haha!

He doesn't leave me stuck with the old stuff. Once I became His, my old life passed away & I became a new creature. No longer am I the dirty sinner, doomed to spend eternity in hell. I am now a blood-washed believer, destined to spend eternity in heaven. Yes, I still sin. Yes, I still make mistakes. But, once I've asked for forgiveness, God casts those sins in the sea of forgetfulness, never to be seen or heard of again.

And what about His new mercies and grace? Do you know what God's grace and mercy are? His grace is giving to us that which we do not deserve. We don't deserve His love, but He gives it to us anyway. We don't deserve his forgiveness, but He gives it to us anyway. We don't deserve His blessings, but He gives it to us anyway. God's mercy is Him withholding that which we do deserve. Because of sin, we deserve to spend eternity in hell. But He gives us the chance to spend eternity with Him in heaven. This year, I'm bound to disappoint God at some time or other. That's a part of being human. But with every new day, comes God's new mercies and grace. And He's got enough to go around for all His children, 365 days.

2012, I didn't do all the things He'd asked me to do, I'm ashamed to admit. I'm not going to make excuses. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that I didn't do them. BUT, thank God this is the year of new chances. He's giving me more time to get things done. He's telling me to keep going. I'm disappointed you didn't do them last year, but I'm giving you another year to get it right. He's a God of second (and third, fourth, fifth, etc) chances. To me, this means He hasn't given up on me (even though sometimes, I want to give up on myself). Here's a new year, Rae. What are you going to do with what I gave you?

My God is good.

So, while I enjoyed 2012 and wish I could've done certain things differently, I choose not to dwell on the past. I plan to learn from it and move on. I'm excited about all that God has planned for me this year...the new adventures, relationships, assignments. I'm excited about experiencing God's new-ness.

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Writing friends, I just gave up. Completely surrendered.

Again.

And you know what? It felt great. I’ll probably do it again tomorrow. And the next day, too.

I see the confusion on your face. Surrender?? Gave up on what???

Stuff I have no control over. Factors outside my influence. The immoveable metric ton of tricksy particulars I keep trying to shoulder. Pesky things like:

–the economy

–market and genre trends

–shifting state of the publishing industry

–today’s seven figure deal for the latest self-published/YA/fanfic/erotica/BDSM/OCD/PTSD/STFU phenom

–three day auctions

–past failures

–past revisions

–past mistakes
–present learning curve

–rejection

–silence

–editorial taste

–editorial lists

–acquisitions meetings

–editorial boards

–the submission process

–submission response times

–NYC weather

–THE SPEED OF LIGHT

Maybe your list is different. Maybe you’re querying agents or staring at your debut’s book cover or sobbing over your last royalty statement. But I bet you have a list. Take a good hard look at it, and ask yourself if you’re like me, a writer who needs to put her hands up and say…

I am not psychic. I am not a special snowflake. I am not superman, yet I am not immune to kryptonite. I am just a girl, sitting in a red chair, typing some words. I am just trying to tell a story, the best way that I can. I can control the words. I can’t control the rest. The rest will not cripple or paralyze or smother the joy I find in words. Yesterday and today and tomorrow.  Amen.

Surrender is sweet. I highly recommend it.

Filed under: Writing Tagged: control issues, encouragement, grace, publishing, rejection, self-doubt, Writing

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Emma Turner loves to read and write. And more than anything, she’d like a real, store-bought book of her own.

But her family doesn’t have money for extras. They move from place to place picking crops. There is a collection of coins in a hard-times jar, but it’s only for when the family runs out of something before payday.  

So Emma writers her own stories on brown paper and helps her family pick apples — hoping that one day there will be enough for her to buy a book.

The Hard-Times Jar (Frances Foster Books, 2003) by Ethel Footman Smothers and John Holyfield shares how Emma discovers a treasure trove of books when she goes to school and sees the library. But the books are so tempting she brings a few home, even though her teacher said they needed to stay at school.

What happens to Emma when her mother and the teacher find out?

Let’s ask today’s guest reviewer, Grace.

———————-

Our reviewer: Grace

Age: 8

Things I like to do: Ride my bike and swim.

This book was about: A girl who had a hard-times jar. Her mom said she couldn’t pick apples any more, and her mom said she had to go to school. And she felt squiggly. Her new teacher showed her around. Everyone was a different color than her, but there were books. She broke the rules and took some books home even though the teacher said not to. She was reading them and her mom found the books. She made her bring them back and tell the teacher, and she did. When she got home, her mom said she was proud of her and gave her quarters from the hard-times jar.

The best part was when: She got the quarters from the hard-times jar.

I smiled when: She was checking on her little sister, and she was all cuddled up in the box. I also smiled when she wrote the story about the lizard.

I was surprised when: She took the books home from the library. She hid them in her sweater.

This book taught me: To not take stuff home when the teacher says to keep it at school.

Three phrases that best describe this book are: “Hard-times jar.” “Apple orchard.” “Creamy buttermilk skin.”

My favorite picture in this book is: When they are all looking at the hard-times jar.

You should read this book because: You can learn to not just take stuff. And that it’s good to be honest with each other.

———————-

Thank you, Grace! (By the way, Grace says that if she came into some extra cash, she would buy chapter books.)

 If you’d like to learn more about the author, check out Ethel Footman Smothers’ biography.

If you’d like to learn more about the illustrator, check out John Holyfield’s website.

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My father’s next youngest sister epitomizes the term “generosity of spirit.” As a young woman she could have modeled for any top agency in the world, with raven hair, laughing eyes, full mouth, and alabaster skin, all in a tall lithesome frame. She had all of this and more.

With marriage to a kind and playful man came responsibilities of farm, home, and family. Two daughters, each unique and talented, kept her busy and focused. Bickering inside the family was unheard of.

By the time the first grandchild came along, this dark beauty had become a matron, happy in her authentic plantation-style house and space enough for the girls to have enough land of their own to build homes next to the big house. Any threatening clouds to her life were as yet unnoticed. Her life was moving along very well to all appearances.

Months rolled by, minor medical issues came into the household for her, but for the first grandchild, the issues were serious and potentially deadly. She dealt with her fears and uncertainty as she dealt with life in general. She faced them, head-on, one step at a time, and helped wherever she could.

The grandson never grew out of his early medical distress. The situation grew more complicated and disconcerting as time wore on. Soon another child entered the picture, and he, too, suffered from the same disabilities.

Soon, the younger daughter had begun building her own family, living on the other side of Mom and Dad. The brood had expanded with another son-in-law and three more grandkids. Over the years serious medical concerns stalked the branches of that family tree, bringing with them sorrows, fortitude, and making do for the family’s members.

My aunt moved ahead through it all, through her own medical troubles, with frequent hospitalizations, treatments, etc. She did what she’d always done. She took care of her family; cooking, cleaning, soothing feverish children, smiling, praying, and loving.

She did all of this, and if she ever complained about her lot in life, I figure only God witnessed it. She has faced her days with gentle resolve to do the best she can, able to laugh at the foolishness and play of both human and animal, and using her indoor voice most of the time. Getting flustered never gets a task done, so she never bothered to use it.

I remember this lady from the time I was five or six years old. I’ve never known her to exhibit rage, prejudice, or ill-will. I’ve seen her cry, rock a sick child for hours in the middle of the night, and work until her fingers bent with arthritis. I know why her family is the way it is.

Those in her immediate family follow hers and my uncle’s example in their generosity and grace. There are no personal complaints about how life isn’t fair. They recognize that truth and work hard with what they have to make their situation—whatever that might be–the best it can be at that moment. They accept their roles in life, without blaming anyone for them.

Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? Always happiness and light, never raw emotion hanging on the clothesline for all to see, no enemies or troubles coming from the outside.

Like most things in this world, happiness is a relative emotion. These lucky people love and respect each other. They work as a team to make it in the world and to move forward as quickly as they can. Their happiness comes from trusting God and knowing that they are safe in the hands of one another. They support one another in all ways.

Sh

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Before I get into what mine is, I want to give a bit of background to the images you're going to see.

Towards the end of last year I introduced three little angels to you. One named Twilight, one Dusk, and the other Noon. Each one features animals and obviously, a certain time of day. This was the basis/theme for the series. To catch up, here are the two links to those posts:

• http://warriorprincessdream.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-series.html
• http://warriorprincessdream.blogspot.com/2010/10/angel-series-cont.html

Created by Sheila Lygo

Not too long after that, Crafts and Me asked if I would finish the sketches and create line art for digital stamps. And I did, you can find them here:

• Noon - http://www.craftsandme.co.uk/noon-digital-stamp-p-1195.html
• Dusk - http://www.craftsandme.co.uk/dusk-digital-stamp-p-1196.html
• Twilight - http://www.craftsandme.co.uk/twilight-digital-stamp-p-1287.html

Many crafters have used these images and created gorgeous cards with them! It has inspired me not to give up on the images....but I still wasn't motivated on how to use them yet.

I have created many line art works for Crafts and Me, and there is something rewarding seeing all of your paintings and sketches in beautiful, black, and clean lines. I knew this past Monday I had to keep painting. Oceana is finished, and I'm still working on the months and another large WIP, but I believe I can do more. With two shows next year (more on that later), I need to be painting!

Though,  I didn't want to think about composition or the poses. I went through those beautiful line art works and saw the little angels. PERFECT! Now is the time.
But will I stay with the titles and theme? 
Here's what I wanted from these:

1. The focus to be solely on the angel, and the background to be simple enough for licensing.
2. Large enough to make an impact in person, but not so huge I will never get them done.
3. They have to be sitting on something that can be similar in each and again, doesn't take away from the angel.
4. To have a meaning worth sharing, that aligns with my faith, and inspires.

The results? The Three Pillars.

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Here's the deal. We've got a box set of Maggie Stiefvater's The Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy. Hardback. That means:

Shiver 


Linger


Forever

We also have 1,888 likes on Facebook.

I'd like to make that an even 2,000 and get the word out about YABC even further.

So. Once we hit 2,000 likes, we're going to have a drawing for this fantasmo box set below.

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my scrawled notes!

Writing this newest novel has been a rather intensive process. Yesterday,  I told the Sasquatch that I felt like this novel was "squeezing the juice out of me," and I really meant it! Perhaps because it was just the memorial and this book is a companion to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon which meant so much to me, I've been feeling this overpowering desire to make this book "really good."

Which is how I try to be with all my books, of course. The difference with this book is, as I mentioned before, I'm afraid that my ambitions might be greater than my abilities.  But if dogged determination and will power can do it, I might have a shot. I've been in a state of overwhelming, constant, concentration, scrawling notes in my notebook wherever I am--the subway, the bathroom, the grocery line--if I'm not at the computer. When I can't sleep at night, I tell myself if the book is bad, at least it won't be from lack of effort!

One of the things I've been thinking about is my new six, the six things that are important for me to write about in this book. Now, they are:

PEACE
HARMONY
BALANCE
FORGIVENESS
ACCEPTANCE
EMPATHY

Interesting to see how they changed from my original six and I wonder what they'll end up being when the book is done!

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So, I'm in the last stretches of writing the first draft of my upcoming novel and even though I know it needs a lot revision and work (as well as an ending) I'm in the honeymoon stage of writing. It's that temporary high when the writing is going swimmingly and I find myself thinking, "Hey, this is pretty good! I'm a real writer!"

Unfortunately, I know from experience that this stage never lasts and its length is also much too brief. Before long, the euphoria will leave and I'll be full to the brim of doubt and loathing of what moments before had seemed beautiful.

But I'll try to enjoy it while I can!

My theme song (and a sad nod to Amy Winehouse):Download Amy Winehouse Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow (Carole King cover)

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17. i think this deserves the 90 second Newbery Oscar!

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By: Linda S. Wingerter, on 5/19/2011
Blog: Blue Rose Girls (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  grace, 90 second newbery, Add a tag

So, the 90-second Newbery Movies are trickling in...and this one is AMAZING!!!!

Honestly, when I saw this I was speechless. I am completely wowed by the Bookie Woogie Bloggers' creation! Not only are the shadow puppets so beautifully done, the pacing, script and music is great, too. This is the perfect movie to show students before and after they read the book.

Bookie Woogie: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon from Z-Dad on Vimeo.

The Bookie Woogie Bloggers even created a separate blog chronicling how they made the movie. It's great fun to see the sketches, the storyboarding--and very helpful if you want to attempt a movie of your own. After reading it, I'm thinking about making my own 90-second Newbery with my niece.

Anyway, take a look and let the Bookie Woogie creators know what a wonderful job they did!

THANKS SO MUCH, Bookie Woogie Bloggers!!

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18. from the BRG archives: being boring

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By: Linda S. Wingerter, on 4/17/2011
Blog: Blue Rose Girls (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  grace, from the BRG archive, Add a tag

A while ago, a fellow illustrator and I were having a discussion and she said to me, “Don’t you ever want to break out? Don’t you ever want to do something really different?”

The question surprised me. Yet, in a way, looking back, I’m surprised I was surprised. It seems to be fairly par for the course that artists radically change their style, sometimes a different one for each book. Meghan even posted how she felt winners of the Caldecott are oftentimes a well-known illustrator who has changed his/her style.

Because, I think we equate change with progress and courage. “It’s so brave of him/her to change his/her style like that,” someone will say, “and not stick to his/her same old way, the same old things.”

But when I hear this, I always think of the artist Giorgio Morandi, a painter we studied in school. For most of his career he painted bottles and vases. The same objects and shapes over and over again—for years and years. Each painting was beautiful, the sensitivity to light, the placement, the simplicity of his strokes. But you’d think that by, say, painting #10, he’d figure he had still life mastered, be bored and would want to move on. But he didn’t.

And I realize how admirable his dedication was; how much braver it was for him to continue to do what he believed in. Audiences thought his work was boring and mundane, yet he continued. There was something about these still lives that fascinated him. Maybe to him, to feel that he had mastered this subject matter was hubristic. Maybe to him, there was always so much more to discover.

So, even though sometimes I worry that people think I stick to the “same old thing” (as all my books seem similar), I’m reluctant to change just for change’s sake. Right now, I enjoy finding out how much there is to discover in what others might think is a narrow field. I’m not saying that I will do sixty years worth of books on Asian culture; but when my friend asked me, “Don’t you ever want to break out?” I did say, “No.”

Originally published February 21, 2007

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19. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon: Paperback Celebration!

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By: Linda S. Wingerter, on 4/11/2011
Blog: Blue Rose Girls (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  grace, Add a tag

I'm thrilled to announce that the paperback edition of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is NOW available. The interior illustrations are still printed in full color and there is extra-special back matter that show photos from my inspiration trip to China. If the hardcover was just a little too pricey, the paperback is now here!

AND to celebrate the paperback edition of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, I’m giving away a FREE PRINT OF YOUR CHOICE from my etsy shop to 8 random people. To enter, just email [email protected] with the title of your favorite print!
Winners announced next Wednesday on April 20th (so you have more than a whole week to enter).

*please note that if you enter you will most likely end up receiving my monthly e-newsletter in the future but it is very easy to opt out of, if you wish (a click at the bottom of the newsletter)

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Naomi Canale said, on 4/11/2011 9:22:00 AM

Congratulations Grace, how exciting. My son just asked, "Mom is there chocolate in that book?" And I'd have to say your book sure looks like we'll be able to gobble it up...beautiful!! And contests, oh yay :)

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20. Book Flavors!

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By: Linda S. Wingerter, on 3/5/2011
Blog: Blue Rose Girls (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  book flavors, grace, Add a tag

So, I've decided to start a new little series that I'm calling Book Flavors, where I ask children's book author/illustrators,"If your book was an ice cream flavor what would it be and why?"

As I mentioned earlier, I try not to review any books on this blog (I do, however, recommend books on my personal blog) but I'm still interested in highlighting work of my colleagues. So I thought this doing these small, short and silly "interview sprinkles" would be a fun way to do it!

Also, I thought doing this might be a good icebreaker at publishing events. I'm horribly scared of approaching people but this is a good excuse...and hey, if you'd like to be featured in one of my Book Flavors and you see me at a conference or someplace, just ask!

In the meantime, enjoy!


Author: Mary Newell Depalma
Book: The Perfect Gift
Book Flavor: Strawberry

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alvina said, on 3/5/2011 10:27:00 AM

Aww. I love it!

Anna Alter said, on 3/5/2011 11:39:00 AM

So cute!

Diandra Mae said, on 3/5/2011 12:30:00 PM

Such a cute, concept! This going to be a very interesting series, because I think this is a such a unique question!

m gudlewski said, on 3/6/2011 6:31:00 PM

Sweet idea!

sheela chari said, on 3/7/2011 11:32:00 AM

Oh, this was so darling! I love the ice cream truck intro!

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21. dear friends

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By: Linda S. Wingerter, on 1/19/2011
Blog: Blue Rose Girls (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  grace, Add a tag

For those of you who read my blog, you can probably guess that the word "extrovert" would never be used in a description of me. Even though I do a lot of public speaking, it is not something that comes naturally to me. It's taken me quite a while to be able to talk fairly comfortably in front of group and I am only able to do that after preparing and practicing hours ahead of time.

Having this blog does allow me to share and communicate more than I would in person. This is sometimes good, sometimes bad. During Robert's illness and death, I chose to let my personal life and emotions seep into the cyberworld-- even harnessing its power to create a fundraiser.

I know that these are things that I put "out there" and I do acknowledge that I have blurred the lines of public and private. However, those very things that I have chosen to share are difficult for me to discuss in a public forum. Yes, I have moved forward with my life and I live each of my days as fully and with as much happiness as possible. But that doesn't mean I ever forget about Robert or wish with all my heart that he could've lived the life we so desperately wished for him. There is never a day where I do not think of him, that is not tinged with the sorrow of a love lost.

So, dear friends, this is what I ask of you. I'm so honored and touched if you feel connection to my story--real life or fiction--and I am always happy to talk to you. But please do not ask me questions about Robert in a public forum in front of a large group, consider saving it for a one-on-one conversation afterwards. Or if you wish for me to speak about Robert's Snow to a group, please ask me ahead of time so that I can emotionally prepare myself.

And I will sincerely thank you.

2 Comments on dear friends, last added: 1/19/2011

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Anonymous said, on 1/19/2011 11:31:00 AM

Very well put.

And it is a good reminder overall that authors/illustrators doing a talk may feel very sensitive and/or just feel unable to properly address things like complex personal losses during a public work event, even if it is related to published work content . [In my case for instance, I cry very easily, and would hate to start crying while on a stage!]

Libby Koponen said, on 1/19/2011 11:55:00 AM

Well put indeed. It's a perfectly natural request, and I hope everyone honors it.

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22. gathering snow

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By: Linda S. Wingerter, on 1/13/2011
Blog: Blue Rose Girls (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  grace, Add a tag

It's a winter wonderland here in New England and I love it. For traveling and all practical things it is a pain, but the sheer beauty of it is breathtaking.

I guess one of the reasons that I like it is because I've always kind of seen it similar to the writing process. Tiny snowflakes falling everywhere are like the ideas and experiences all around you. And when it comes time to write, you gather the snow and build.

So to me, it seems fitting that the snow is falling now because presently I am in the "gathering snow" phase of my work. Right now I am just trying to experience things that may inspire something in my writing later. Like seeing Cirque Du Soleil's Dralion:

And visiting the Peabody Essex Museum's exhibit on the Forbidden City's Treasures:
Next on my list is a Shen Yun Performance and then the Met's Special Exhibit on Chinese Art (though I have to figure out when I can get down to NYC). I don't know how exactly any these things will help with my work but if they do, I hope they help me create something beautiful.

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Allison said, on 1/13/2011 3:00:00 PM

This reminds me of an article I read about snowflakes and whether they are truly unique. As it turns out, snowflakes start out the same up in the clouds, and become different because of factors they face as they fall towards the ground. I thought this quote was lovely:
“Friends are like snowflakes: more different and more beautiful each time you cross their paths in our common descent.”

Zoe said, on 1/13/2011 11:07:00 PM

How lovely to be be looking for and finding inspiration in so many different places!

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23. Ling and Ting paper dolls for you!

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By: Linda S. Wingerter, on 12/8/2010
Blog: Blue Rose Girls (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  grace, ling and ting, Add a tag

I'm so thrilled there has been so much good news recently for Ling & Ting (as well as a New York Times Best 2010 Notable Children's Book, Ling & Ting is a a recommended holiday gift by the San Francisco Chronicle)! I truly hope this book finds its way into the hands of many young readers for the holidays!

As an added incentive, I've made a special activity to accompany the book. Here are some Ling & Ting Paper Dolls! These paper dolls are ready for you to color and cut and are completely FREE. It is my small holiday gift to you!

Hope you like everyTING and everyLING!

Just:
1. download HERE!
2. print (preferably on a lightweight cardstock)
3. color (any way you want!) & cut
4. dress! fold the clothes flaps over Ling and Ting and let them wear their warm winter booties or their party dresses!

fyi, these paper dolls are for personal enjoyment only and copyright remains with the artist. aka, print and play as much as you want, but print and sell is wrong.

3 Comments on Ling and Ting paper dolls for you!, last added: 12/9/2010

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Wendy Shang said, on 12/8/2010 6:08:00 AM

My 5-year-old daughter LOVES Ling and Ting, and so do I! What a wonderful way to further a child's enjoyment of the book. Thank you!

Anonymous said, on 12/8/2010 8:53:00 AM

Thank you! My daughters love Ling and Ting!

J

Carol Baicker-McKee said, on 12/9/2010 11:45:00 AM

These are so cute! I'm a huge fan of paper dolls too, and I'm glad to see that they seem to have a little bit of resurgent interest from kids.

Thanks for offering these.

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24. midlist

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By: Linda S. Wingerter, on 11/17/2010
Blog: Blue Rose Girls (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  grace, Add a tag

It was interesting to me to read comments on my republished post Ranting on Amy (read the comments from the original posting 4 years ago HERE). As I said in comments, I did write that rant 4 years ago so a lot of things have changed (especially my thoughts on greatness), but it was the inquiries on my label "midlist" that captured my attention this time.

According to Wikipedia: authors who consistently publish acceptable but not bestselling books are referred to as Midlist authors.

Personally, I'm not sure where I am on the hierarchy. Thanks to the Newbery Honor (which I will always be eternally grateful for!), I have one book that broke out of the midlist. I have many that fell way below, but most are solidly in the middle. The hope is that the success of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon has opened a door (or cracked a window) for my future books to sneak through. Of course, that is the Hope with a capital H. As with everything in publishing, you just don't know. That door (or window) can slam shut at anytime.

But, let's just say that is the case (double crossing my fingers I am not jinxing myself), I'll know that what has allowed me to climb up has been my stack of midlist titles. Each one of my non-bestselling books are responsible for my growth as an author and illustrator so that I could write a Newbery Honor book. And each midlist book gained my work more readers. They weren't big numbers, but those small groups started adding up--contributing to the large readership of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. That is to say, if I succeed in breaking out of the midlist, I truly believe it will have been my midlist titles that have gotten me there.

Which is why articles like this worry and sadden me. The first line of the article proclaims, "The midlist is dead!"

I know the PW article is mainly talking about adult books, not children's books, but it's still a disturbing trend. Most authors just don't have a blockbuster bestseller right out of the gates. Some authors need a couple of books to grow and blossom. Someone (I don't remember who) called these writers "slow-burning authors"-- they write books whose fan base is growing but have not hit that peak capacity yet. I have a feeling I am one of them.

Without a midlist, where will they go? Where will we go? The article seems to indicate smaller presses will be the life vest for midlist authors in the future. What do you think?

5 Comments on midlist, last added: 11/17/2010

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Carol Baicker-McKee said, on 11/17/2010 7:46:00 AM

Waah! As a midlist author and illustrator myself, I've been watching this trend unfold and worrying about how it will affect me. But like you, I'm even more fearful for literature generally. If publishers won't take chances on unusual books because they can't predict whether they'll sell well, and innovative writers can't afford to stay in a business that rejects their work, won't literature just slowly die?

We all hear the stories of now well-loved authors whose first books simply did not sell at first - but either gradually gained an audience or were discovered after the author eventually produced a hit. Even mega-classics like Margaret Wise Brown's "Goodnight Moon" took years and years to find an audience (its first year it sold a whopping 1,500 copies - see the Wiki article on it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodnight_Moon).

This trend worries me more than other changes affecting publishing, like the effects of ebooks or social marketing. Perhaps self-publishing will become the only route for the midlist author to break in - and maybe by the time those midlist authors become successful, they'll realize they're doing fine on their own and don't need the services of a big publisher.

Good luck, Grace! I love all your books and am rooting for you to achieve the success you deserve.

Nina Laden said, on 11/17/2010 10:31:00 AM

Mid-list, schmid-list. I know I'm not being pc, but a long time ago I learned a lesson about not caring about the "wake" and concentrating on the journey ahead.

I dreamt of being a children's book author and illustrator from early childhood on. I fantasized about being on stage and reading my Caldecott speech. Over sixteen years ago my first book, "The Night I Followed The Dog" did bust loose and did well... but then I got addicted to the numbers and the hype. (It's been years since I've read my Amazon rankings or reviews.)

Over the years, my dreams became tarnished by so many outside influences and bad experiences... but I have endeavored to persevere. I keep moving forward in the hopes that somehow I can keep refining who I am and what my vision is, and somehow hope that others will like it too...

But publishing is a business after all. A book is a unit to sell. I understand that, but I try to forget it when I am creating. It is the only path to peace that I know. Just keep being who you are, Grace, you are successful and you should be proud.

Jennie said, on 11/17/2010 1:55:00 PM

UGH. It seems like almost everyone's trying to be the next Harry Potter... but the first few HP books were solidly midlist titles. It wasn't until book 3 that it became very popular and it wasn't until the release of book 4 that we started seeing midnight parties and the craziness.

What would publishing today look like if it got dropped after book 2?

Meghan said, on 11/17/2010 3:03:00 PM

That article is about adult books. I would like to know how the majority of picture books sell.

I'm a midlist author according to wikapedia. I guess I always will be. I mean, how am I going to have a bestseller? Anyone know of a nonfiction author achieving that? Who really cares? I guess that's how I see it.

Grace Lin said, on 11/17/2010 4:48:00 PM

Thanks, everyone for your comments.

I completely agree 100% that WHEN authors/illustrators are making their books they shouldn't be thinking about midlists or anything like that.

But the reason I care and am concerned about the midlist is because it seems like (according to the article) publishers don't want one anymore. So authors who are not bestsellers may be slowly phased out and may not be given the chance to publish their 3rd or 4th or even 8th book that is great, amazing literature. And that would be a loss for everyone.

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25. what should we talk about?

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By: Linda S. Wingerter, on 10/27/2010
Blog: Blue Rose Girls (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  grace, blue rose girl conversations, contest, Add a tag

So as you can see (and as Alvina said) we've freshened up here at the Blue Rose Girl blog. As we head into the next decade and our 5th(!) year, we thought we could use a little enlivening. Thank you so much, our faithful readers that have made this blog what it is and helped us keep our conversations going.

One of the reasons we started this blog was to talk to each other, but we want to talk to you too! So one of the new features we are planning are our Blue Rose Girl Conversations. Once a month, we'll tackle and talk about kidlit topics that are causing our brains to work in overdrive--kind of like "Hot Topics" on the View!

But we need your help! What do YOU want us to talk about?

We're open to any and all suggestions! You can go deeper than the usual "how do you promote your books" (though we're happy to talk about that, too)-- you can also suggest the real nitty gritty like "what are the ethics of authors reviewing other books?" to "have you ever thought of leaving the industry?" Everything will be considered! Combined, we have over ten years of struggles, triumphs, failures and successes to talk about, as well as the issues we face everyday. So, what do you want to hear about?

Don't worry, besides our thanks, we are giving away a big thank-you gift! To a commenter (chosen at random) we'll send you a collection of our books (one from each BRG) and some delicious, homemade cookies (made by moi!)

(these aren't the actual cookies I will send you, I promise they will be fresh and extremely yummy)

All YOU have to do is leave a comment that tells us:

1. what you want us to talk about

15 Comments on what should we talk about?, last added: 10/28/2010

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lisakilian said, on 10/27/2010 6:54:00 AM

Yes! First one!

I work as a library assistant for a children's library in Texas. I pass on your posts to the staff all the time! The last one was the post on analyzing artwork which we enjoyed.

I love reading picture books (obviously) and I would love to know more about your work process. How does promoting early literacy come into play during the nascent writing and illustrating period?

Thanks!

d-michiko-f said, on 10/27/2010 8:28:00 AM

Love the new look! I've been a long time fan of BRG!

1. I love to hear about the process - from creating to waiting (to hear from agent/editor) to the sale and so on. The good, the bad, the ugly. I find all of it inspirational!

2. I'm a children's writer. :)

debbi

LjPatton said, on 10/27/2010 8:29:00 AM

1. Something my crit group and I were talking about last night was the fine line between a picturebook with spare text vs one that gets labeled as "slight". I love books like "Shark vs. Train" published by Little Brown or "Show Dog" by Megan McCarthy. What is y'all's take on the fine line of spare vs. slight when it comes to picturebooks? How do you indicate action that occurs in wordless panels in a manuscript? Should you indicate it or just show it in the dummy?


2. Lauren j. Patton - Author/Illustrator www.LjPatton.com I read your blog for insights into the publishing industry from both sides of the editorial desk. Blue Rose Girls is the best blog arround.

Also I like Cookies. :D

Samantha Rowan said, on 10/27/2010 9:07:00 AM

1) I'm working on a YA novel. It's a story about a girl who applies what she learned from Little Women to her modern life. I'm interested in how you have updated these kind of timeless lessons for modern readers.

2) By day I'm a journalist. At night and on weekends I'm an aspiring author.

jpetroroy said, on 10/27/2010 10:01:00 AM

I'd love to hear about the entire process of publishing a book, from the inspiration to the writer's block to the copyedits and publication.

I'm a recent graduate of a library science program who's desperately seeking a job as a librarian. And a YA/MG book blogger.

Julie Hedlund said, on 10/27/2010 10:34:00 AM

One thing that I am very interested in is how to fund research, and I don't mean just for nonfiction writers. Almost every work requires research. Sometimes, it can all be done in a library or online, but what about when it can't?

I've read blogs about authors who discuss their research process - visiting places, people, etc. Who pays for this? Does the writer pay for it him/herself and then hope to get it back out of book sales, or do publishers help front some of it? This aspect of publishing has always stumped me and because I have some ideas that would require more research than others, I'm curious.

Thanks for the opportunity to submit ideas!

Julie Hedlund said, on 10/27/2010 10:38:00 AM

One thing I'm very curious about is how research on children's books gets conducted/funded. I often read about authors who talk about places they visited, events they attended or people the met with and interviewed during the research process.

Almost all books require some kind of research, and not all of it can be done at the local library or online. So where does the money come from to fund the research. Does the writer front it in hopes of getting it back from book sales? Does the publisher help front it? Does it vary? Does it make a difference if the project is fiction or nonfiction (sometimes fiction requires almost as much research as nonfiction these days).

As a writer with ideas that would require more extensive research (but as yet unpublished and without an agent), I'm uncertain how to proceed.

Thanks for the opportunity to give you our ideas!

Julie Hedlund said, on 10/27/2010 10:39:00 AM

oops - sorry my idea came through two times. I thought I'd lost the first one so I re-wrote it. *blushes*

Abigail said, on 10/27/2010 11:30:00 AM

Hot topics I'm interested in -- well, I love process posts, so "breaking through creative barrier" discussions might be of interest. Also, the fearful specter of the looming digital age always seems to get everyone going...though I tend to stick my head in the sand a bit about that one.

I'm a published illustrator and an aspiring writer/illustrator. I've been a BRG reader since day one!

Kristi Valiant said, on 10/27/2010 1:06:00 PM

1. Hot topic - How important do you think it is for picture book authors and illustrators to be aware of the digital picture book potential and to study up on the newest technology?

2. I'm a published illustrator currently working on my own dummies. Love your blog for inspiration - especially the ingenious and creative elements that go into Grace's book release parties!

Jennie said, on 10/27/2010 1:32:00 PM

1. I like silly conversations that offer snippets into your lives. Questions like-- what's the worst job you ever had or what would you do if you couldn't do what you currently do.

You guys (especially Grace and Alvina) talk about food a lot (and are bribing us with cookies! COOKIES!) I actually really like the food posts. MORE FOOD! (With recipes?)

2. I'm a children's librarian and book lover and blogger.

Nikki Shannon Smith said, on 10/27/2010 9:19:00 PM

I'm interested in hearing about how you go about submitting your next work to your editor, and anything else that pertains to getting your next work out there.

I am a teacher, SCBWI volunteer, and in Fall 2011, a published author. (YAY!) I am fulllll of questions. I read this blog because I love the combination of professional insight and fun personal posts.

Alicia Padrón said, on 10/28/2010 4:57:00 AM

One of the things I like the most about your blog is the fact that you all work in the children's book field but in different parts of it. It's refreshing to read posts from different views as an illustrator, editor, librarian or author all together in one place.

I think your posts have been great so far! Here are just a few ideas.

Maybe you can do a week where you all talk about the favorite book that you've worked on. We could all learn from your experience as to why that one book was special among others. Maybe it was the book itself, or perhaps it was the great relationship you have with an editor, Art Director etc..

Another thing you could talk about is "A day in the life of" just describing your typical day so people get an idea of what it is really like to be a children's book author, illustrator, etc..

You could also discuss things like If you could change things about this industry, what would them be and why?

Or talk about the digital age and how it could affect children's books. If you see benefits or disadvantages all coming from your different points of views.

I think any topic that explains what goes behind closed doors is usually exciting for people to read.

Congrats on your 5th year!

Alicia (IIllustrator)

Jeni said, on 10/28/2010 6:03:00 AM

I am an editor of nonfiction, a freelance children's writer, and an aspiring children's book author who found your blog via LiveJournal posts and Twitter. My question is, have you ever had a time when you've had to push past the fear of failure to get through the first draft of a novel (perhaps it wasn't your first novel -- perhaps fear hit you as you worked on your third or fourth instead)? What did you do to get past the fear and enjoy the process again?

Courtney said, on 10/28/2010 4:15:00 PM

I love the process posts, it's so interesting to hear and see all of the steps it takes to get to a finished work. On my desk posts, day in the life of, these are great too! Maybe you could all tackle one burning topic every week, have a blue girls round table discussion on agents, digital publishing, stories of how you got started, etc. Keep up the great work!

Aspiring illustrator, writer/illustrator

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