How to use this Page

It's a real thrill (but rare) to see my books in an actual, physical bookstore, so I take my kicks where I can get them. I saw an ad for the Children's Bookstore and their online book fairs in SLJ, and clicked on the link. I scrolled down the list of authors, which was short, and I wasn't there. Maybe this was a small operation working with select authors, I thought. I typed in Farmer George, and it popped up along with four of my other titles. Yippee!

If you're books are in their catalog, they welcome a short (250 word) author's note that they will add to the book listing.  In their instructions they ask that the note be original, "not the usual marketing blurb or cut and pasted information from your website." They'll check!  They recommend a short description about why you wrote the book, or how the book can be used in the classroom, or what expertise you bring to the subject.  I asked about being added to the author's roster, but haven't heard back yet. I will also add their link on my website to give them a bit of traffic.

So, for all of you who are always looking for ways to help promote your books, check out the Children's Bookstore.  You might be there.  

What am I reading now? The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
 
I’ve always had this desire to work at a children’s bookstore. A desire that stems from my passion for children’s literature. I’m happy to report that now I actually do. The Flying Dragon Bookshop is a dream come true. It’s everything I imagined and more.

I describe The Flying Dragon Bookshop as a treasure chest. Those who venture through its door are fortunate enough to behold the jewels that lie within. And let me tell you, there are many. I’m not only talking about the books but also the people.

At the helm, you’ll find a trio of bona fide experts — Cathy Francis, Nina McCreath and Vikki VanSickle. If you’ve got a book related question, you can be sure they’ve got the answer. They encompass a wealth of knowledge that is revered by many, including me. But the speciality of The Flying Dragon Bookshop doesn’t end there.

The tight-knit group that works there is a family. They desire nothing more then to see each other thrive. The same holds true for the patrons that frequent the bookshop religiously. They aren’t just customers, they’re friends.

Being able to match the perfect book with the perfect person at the perfect moment is a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it. I’m glad that somebody is me.

“The Flying Dragon Bookshop on the wings of a child’s imagination.”

Catching up on some of my blog reading today, I found a great YouTube video (I can’t display it on here, but check it out at Beth Revis’ Writing It Out blog, it’s worth it) with Looking For Alaska author John Green telling us what NaNoWriMo does:

1. teaches us discipline because you need that if you’re going to write 50,000 words in a month (Note from me, especially in November. Seriously, NaNoWriMo creators, why did you choose November, which has Thanksgiving and the beginning of holiday shopping?), and
2. it’s ok to suck in the first draft.

And for all writers who hate to revise, Green says that in all his books, he has cut 90% of the first draft in revisions, and some of the best parts of his book were written in revision. I saw Green talk at the SCBWI summer conference a few years ago, and, funnily enough, he was talking about revision then. So, he obviously really believes in it. And hey, if it works for him and he’s so successful, might be something in that.

Now for some other cool links:

This one is from January but for some strange reason popped up in my Google Reader today. Publishers Weekly has an article on Penguin’s hopes for the U.S. debut of Catherine Fisher’s Incarceron, and it looks like it’s one of those books children’s book writers should put on their must-read list. I’ve added it to mine.

Guide to Literary Agents has an interview with Tamar Rydzinski of the Laura Dail Literary Agency, and Tamar takes books from middle-grade older and she really likes fantasy. She looks like a good one to check out.

And here’s a nice bit of economic news, with a great showing of how wonderful the children’s book world is. Amid all the reports of bookstores closing, Publishers Weekly reports that Michelle Witte, an associate editor with Gibbs Smith is planning to OPEN a children’s book store in Centerville, Utah. Fire Petal Books is set to open its doors next month thanks to some help from HarperCollins Children’s Books editor Molly O’Neill and author Neil Gaiman, who have both provide