It was so much fun participating in RAOK (Random Acts of Kindness) during the launch of The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. I bought the e-book as soon as it was released, 
I wrote all the names on pink pieces of paper and placed them in a bag. Then, my daughter offered to choose the winner. Actually, she asked if she could put her name in first, then if she chose herself, I could do her homework assignment instead of giving her a critique (and no...I didn't add her name, but tomorrow morning I'm bringing in bagels and special cookies to thank her for helping me).
Here's Sammi holding up the name of the winner.
Congratulations, Sue--you won the critique!
But wait...there's more to the story. Sammi wanted her friend to pick out a name, too. And since she pulled it out of the bag and this celebration encourages random acts of kindness, I decided that I'd critique a picture book or five pages of a chapter book, MG, or YA for another winner. So...
By: Tara Lazar,
on 5/15/2012
Blog: Tara Lazar (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: KidLit, Picture Books, Children's Writing, Writing for Children, Critique, RAOK, Picture Book Critique, Add a tag
Holy Charlie Buckets, everyone! There were 90 entries in the picture book critique giveaway. What an enthusiastic response!
Random.org picked #57…and that means…
ROSE MARSH
…is the winner!
Rose, be on the lookout for an email from me.
Thanks to everyone who entered! I’ll be sure to host another critique giveaway soon, so be sure to subscribe if you haven’t already.
And now the consolation prize: a little chuckle. I think my daughter drew me so well for her Mother’s Day Gazette—a striking resemblance, don’tchathink? (OK, this is a terrible consolation prize. But since this blog is “Writing for Kids (While Raising Them)” I gotta stuff some kiddo stuff in every once in a while.)
By: Tara Lazar,
on 5/14/2012
Blog: Tara Lazar (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Children's Books, Picture Books, Children's Writing, Writing for Children, Giveaway, RAOK, Add a tag
Today is the release day for THE EMOTION THESAURUS, and as part of the launch, Becca and Angela from the Bookshelf Muse are hosting Random Acts of Kindness Towards Writers!
Move over, I’m jumping on the bandwagon! (Yes, it’s a Radio Flyer. And the band is Maroon 5. And I have to smoosh in close to Adam Levine.)
Think about your fellow writers today and how they have helped you to achieve your literary goals. I have critique partners, blog followers, other bloggers, plus published authors and illustrators to thank. All those who have befriended me on the path to publication–people I didn’t know who offered that boost of encouragement when I most needed it. (And boy, do I need it A LOT! Why are we always so hard on ourselves?)
Come on, what other professional community is so awesome?
So as part of the kindapalooza today, I’m giving away a picture book critique. Just comment below to be entered; one entry per person by midnight tonight, but you can claim the prize at any time. It’s my way of giving back today.
And if there were any way I could shove a chocolate lava cake through the ether, you know I’d be giving that away, too. You’re just that incredible, writers!
Blog: Paranormal Point of View (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Emotion Thesaurus, RAOK, Add a tag
A smile. An encouraging word. A thoughtful gesture. Each day people interact with us, help, and make our day a bit brighter and full. This is especially true in the Writing Community.
Take a second to think about writers you know, like the critique partner who works with you to improve your manuscript. The writing friend who listens, supports and keeps you strong when times are tough. The author who generously offers council, advice and inspiration when asked.
So many people take the time to make us feel special, don't they? They comment on our blogs, re-tweet our posts, chat with us on forums and wish us Happy Birthday on Facebook.
Kindness ROCKS!
To commemorate the release of their book The Emotion Thesaurus, Becca and Angela at The Bookshelf Muse are hosting a TITANIC Random Act Of Kindness BLITZ. And because I think KINDNESS is contagious, I'm participating too!
So many of you out there are incredibly supportive and deserving. So I've decided to do more than one thing. First of all, I'm going to donate a new MG book to my son's school library. Why? Because librarians are AWESOME. My mom was one and she's the first one to encourage me to follow my dream and become a writer. Second, I want to honor Jemi Fraser because she's been supportive and sweet from the very beginning. Jemi, I'm offering you a first chapter critique, which I hope helps out! I hope you all visit Jemi. She's one of those people that you just want to reach through the computer and hug. I feel like there are so many more of you that deserve honoring. I wish I had unlimited time! So in representation of that, I'm also offering a first chapter critique to one of you. Just comment and leave me a way to get a hold of you.
Do you know someone special that you'd like to randomly acknowledge? Don't be shy--come join us and celebrate! Send them an email, give them a shout out, or show your appreciation in another way. Kindness makes the world go round. :)
Becca and Angela have a special RAOK gift
Congrats Rose! It must have been the Nutella that made you so lucky and sweet!
Wow thank you!! I’m very excited about the critique…maybe it was the lucky Nutella (mmm – will have to resolve to eat lots more!)
Congratulations, Rose!
I think the consolation prize is fantastic! I didn’t quite get around to entering this time, but I still get to share the chuckle.
Tara – your post about random acts of kindness have made me notice and feel much more grateful for all the advice, encouragement and inspiration I get from authors who are further down the track than me. Thank you!
That likeness is uncanny Tara! I’m so in next time you do this. Congrats to Rose!
Congratulations Rose! Thank you Tara for your many random acts of kindness
Congrats Rose!
Tara, your lipstick smile had me in stitches… a perfect likeness.
i’ll take the chuckle any day…if i don’t win something. nice budding artiste you have there, hmmm?
Congratulations, Rose! Tara, LOVE the picture. Thanks again for the offer.
congrats Rose. Love the drawing, a budding artist for sure!
Lucky Rose…Congratulations to you!