Why Novels Matter

“Novels offer us not just a map of the human mind but a way to understand how the individual human mind interacts with the world outside.”

For your Friday enjoyment and thought.

How has technology changed plot and theme? How can we have "distance and delay" in a story when we are so connected.? Chime in here.

Have a wonderful weekend. 

The Picture Book Writing Post in Which I Cheat and Simply Link to Another Post

Here it is! This post from Hélène Boudreau and Debi Ohi is just too good to pass up.

If you are an aspiring picture book writer, I dare you not to read this:

http://inkygirl.com/inkygirl-main/2013/6/10/picture-book-writing-process-how-helene-boudreau-wrote-i-dar.html

Making off like a bandit, here!

Jean

IRA San Antonio 2013 - Finally!

Oh yes! IRA 2013 was back in April. And I am guilty of blog neglect. While I plan to post with some textual substance soon, I did want to share photos of one of the most delightful, "working" weekends I've ever had.

With fellow authors and agency mates Liz Garton Scanlon and Kari Anne Holt.

With fellow authors and agency mates Liz Garton Scanlon and Kari Anne Holt.

Spotted on my walk to the Convention Center.

In the bagel shop across the street - A Little Free Library!

With the lovely and talented Salina Yoon at the Bloomsbury booth.

Did I mention that Salina is super-funny too?

Salina and me with the Bloomsbury team. Left to right: Caroline Abbey, Beth Eller, Linette Kim.

Signing at the Bloomsbury Booth - you can see little me in the back to the right of the ALL THROUGH MY TOWN poster.

Signing at the Bloomsbury Booth!

Signing at the Bloomsbury Booth!

In addition to the signing, I met up with many friends, did a podcast and video interview, had a wonderful dinner with the Bloomsbury team, teachers, booksellers and librarians, did a panel presentation with Salina, Michael Hall, and Kirby Larsen and signed at Anderson's Bookstore.

Everyone was so gracious, enthusiastic and kind. The world of literacy is in GREAT hands.

You'd think that packing SOOOO much into 3 days would be exhausting. But noooo - it was inspiring - inspiring me to write more books ... which is what I've been doing the last month and a half.

Happy June!
Jean

Sweet Little Book Cover Video Created in 15-Minutes for FREE!

I'm enrolled in Katie Davis's Video Idiot Boot Camp. And while I haven't had time to dive into a larger project, I've had a little fun with some quick and easy tools introduced in her class.

Here's a little Animoto gem created in about 15 minutes for FREE.

For more information on Katie's fabulous online Video Idiot Boot Camp, check out
http://videoidiotbootcamp.com/

The "Buddies" Skype Author Visit

Here's yet another way I've used Skype to connect to classrooms - chatting with 1st graders and their 6th grade buddies who've read my books together.

Another Idea for Author Spots Bookfair Videos

I'm signing at a Barnes & Noble School Bookfair next week, but I'm not able to visit the school prior to the fair. So, instead, I offered the school an Author Spot. Here's the Spot they're showing during the week before their fair.

I've already received feedback from the librarian that the kids love it!

For more information on Author Spots or to invite an author to record one for you school, see
http://jeanreidy.blogspot.com/2012/10/author-spots-for-schools.html

Picture Book Critiques Auction for One Fund Boston

Today, I heard about a young, self-employed carpenter whose hands were incinerated in the blast at the Boston Marathon. So many lives were greatly touched by this tragedy. How can we not help?

I've already donated to One Fund Boston. But now I'm challenging you to do the same. And as my way of saying thanks, I'm giving away a picture book manuscript critique.

GREAT NEWS! The amazingly talented Tara Lazar and Tammi Sauer are "in the house." They are also offering fiction picture book critiques. NOW YOU CAN WIN ONE OF 3 CRITIQUES!

So please, read about One Fund Boston below. Then enter your donation pledge (in $) and your camouflaged e-mail address in the comment section of this post from now until 4/30/13. For each $5 you pledge, you'll get an entry into the drawing. So, for example, if you pledge $50, you'll get 10 chances to win. Then on 5/1/13 (midnight Mountain Time) I'll draw 3 random entries to each win one of 3 fiction picture book manuscript critiques. The winning donations will be verified by your One Fund Boston Paypal receipt at the end of the auction. Critique pairings will be made by random drawing.

And even if you're not a critique winner, I hope you'll still consider donating. Because after all, we are Americans. We may be bruised, but we're never broken.

Peace,
Jean

One Fund Boston: 2013
 Our hearts continue to go out to those affected by the tragedy in Boston. In the immediate aftermath of the devastation and days since, we've witnessed incredible acts of humanity from a community that we are so proud to serve.

In light of this event, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino recently announced the formation of The One Fund Boston. This fund has been established to help the individuals and families most affected.

Please join us and our partners in support of the victims of this tragedy.

To learn more about how you can help, please visit: http://onefundboston.org/