A Totally Random Romp

TOO PRINCESSY! PICTURE BOOK PEEK February 6th!

2012-01-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

TOO PRINCESSY! is out and "pinking up" bookstore and library shelves everywhere.

"Bright colors and high visual energy match the quick verse ... observers will be tickled that as hard as this girl clings to her indefatigable determination to be bored, she’s actually having a quite a romp ... and kids will want re-reads." Kirkus

Now that's something to celebrate!

So I'm holding a

TOO PRINCESSY! PICTURE BOOK PEEK
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH

Win a free critique of a selected picture book manuscript.

Here's how it works:

Sign up for a critique by entering your picture book WORKING TITLE in the comment section of this blog post anytime (midnight to midnight Mountain Time) on February 6th. Titles submitted before or after February 6th will not be considered.

I'll throw all titles into a hat and pick 1 for critique.

Keep in mind:
* Manuscripts must be 1000 words or less.

* I accept only fiction.

* Please understand that I'm not an editor and will not be providing line-editing of your work. My critique will be comprised of suggestions for improving your manuscript. So please send me your most polished piece.

* The critique winner must e-mail me his/her manuscript as a Word attachment within 48 hours of the announcement . Manuscripts will be kept completely confidential. When I receive the manuscript, I'll let the author know when they can expect my critique.

* As with any art form, likes and dislikes are entirely subjective. Please understand that my critiques are only one reader's/writer's opinion. It's always wise to seek feedback from a few different readers. If my ideas resonate with you, they're yours to use. If you disagree, I encourage you to compare my comments with those of other readers. But in the end, it's your book. Stay true to your vision.

I look forward to reading your work.
Jean

P.S. And don't forget to check out TOO PRINCESSY! right here!

"Jean's critique played a direct role in getting me an agent. What more can I say? She's an invaluable resource for kidlit writers."

Tara Lazar, author of THE MONSTORE
coming soon from Aladdin/Simon & Schuster 2013

What's Happening With the Princess?

2012-01-20T08:29:00.002-07:00

TOO PRINCESSY! is now available! And we've been celebrating all week. Wanna join the party? Here's how:

* I'm giving away an autographed copy on Goodreads. Just a click to enter. What could be easier?The giveaway ends on 1/31. So don't delay. Enter today!

* The TOO PRINCESSY Boredom Buster Blog is up and running. Stop on by for a dose of cabin fever creativity. Or even better, send me your ideas for a chance to win some terrific prizes.

* The Princess has her very own hashtag. And you can follow all her antics or add your own comments using #tiarafail on Twitter.

* Check out these great early reviews for TOO PRINCESSY! HOORAY!

* Are you attending ALA Midwinter this week? Stop by Bloomsbury Walker Booth #1506 for a possible Princess siting.You never know where she'll turn up.

* I'll be presenting at the CCIRA conference on literacy in Colorado and signing books at the RMC-SCBWI Booth. Sign up for session #410 (THINK DOOR PRIZES!!!) on 2/3 from 1:30-2:30 or stop by the RMC-SCBWI booth #73 from 2:30-4:30. I'd love to meet you.

* Scholastic Book Clubs will be carrying TOO PRINCESSY! discounted and in paperback in their Fall 2012 line up. So now all school kids will have an opportunity to own a copy.

* Do you need autographed bookplates? E-mail me and I'll be happy to put those in the mail.

* I'm hosting a PRINCESSY PICTURE BOOK PEEK (That's # 13) right here on this blog on February 6th. The details will be coming soon. So get those fiction picture books ready. You could win a free critique.

* Teachers, caregivers and parents - you'll love the TOO PRINCESSY! activities/curriculum guide matched to learning standards.

* TOO PRINCESSY! releases in the U.K. in February. We'll have lots more news if Princess Kate picks up a copy!

AND FINALLY ...

* If you don't see TOO PRINCESSY! on the shelf, remember to ask for it. Your bookseller or librarian will be happy to order it for you.

TOO PRINCESSY! Boredom Buster Blog

2012-01-02T07:50:00.002-07:00

It's that cabin-fever time of year. What do you do with your kids when boredom sets in?

In the spirit of the cabin-fevered kid in my latest picture book
TOO PRINCESSY!
I'm hosting a Boredom Buster Blog - chock full of ideas from parents, teachers, caregivers, babysitters and other folks like you.

Send me your best ideas and be entered to win one of
5 wonderful prizes.

Then everyday from January 17th until we run out, I'll post a new idea for you to use and enjoy.

Submit your best boredom busting ideas on my
Boredom Buster Blog Entry Form.
You can submit more than one idea, but please fill out a new form for each.
For every idea you submit before January 15th, you'll be entered 5 times in the drawing for prizes. For every idea submitted after January 15th, you'll be entered once.

Here's what you can win:

1 GRAND PRIZE - TOO PRINCESSY! T-shirt, Bag and 3 Autographed Books (TOO PRINCESSY!, TOO PURPLEY!, TOO PICKLEY!) plus a $100 gift card to the bookseller of your choice (Amazon, B&N, Indiebound)

4 FIRST PRIZES - Autographed copy of TOO PRINCESSY!

Remember, if you'd like to submit an idea, it's easy. Just fill out my

Boredom Buster Blog Entry Form.

That's the only way to be entered into the drawing on February 29th!

So don't let cabin fever drive you crazy, stop by, have fun and remember one of the best boredom busting ideas of all - cuddling up with a great book. When you do, I hope you'll check out
TOO PRINCESSY!
available at your favorite bookstore starting January 17th! If you've already purchased your copy, let me know and I"ll send you FREE autographed bookplates!

Happy Winter!

Jean

Some Happy Holiday News About LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY

2011-12-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

Okay I promised you some really exciting news about LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY and here it is.

We not only met our goal for LIBRARIES FOR LIFE - PEACE CORPS UGANDA but we're joining forces with another Books for Africa Uganda project called MORE THAN PAGES. Together we have the necessary funding to now send a 40 FOOT CONTAINER of books to Uganda. That's right - double what we previously planned. I am overjoyed and as always so, so grateful for the generous support of my family and friends. This certainly is a blessed holiday season!

In the meantime, if you'd like more information on LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY, LIBRARIES FOR LIFE UGANDA, BOOKS FOR AFRICA or MUSANA CHILDREN'S HOME CLICK HERE!

And finally if you'd like to learn more about Light Up the Night, maybe buy a copy and receive an autographed book plate CLICK HERE!

Happy Holidays and I'll see you back here in the New Year!
XXXXXOOOOO
Jean

Light Up the Library a Success ... But We're Not Done Yet!

2011-11-20T17:58:00.001-07:00

As most of you know over the past several months I've been working on a project near and dear to my heart - LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY,

an auction benefiting the library at Musana Children's Home in Iganga, Uganda and celebrating the release of my latest book Light Up the Night.

The auction is now officially closed ...
... and it was amazing. The auction winners have been notified and, as of today, the auction has raised $5800 for libraries and literacy in Uganda. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who donated items, all who bid and all who won. I am so very grateful.

But our work isn't finished. We need to raise approximately $4500 more in order to send that 20 foot container of books to all those kids who need them. The Peace Corps workers there in Uganda, who are partners in this project, are ready and anxious to receive, sort and distribute thousands of books. But they won't be there forever. So if you missed the auction or would like to still make a tax deductible cash donation, here's the link:

Donate directly to Light up the Library!

As you'll see, we take credit cards and checks. It couldn't be easier to help. We're going to fill this library. I just know it. And if you donate, please forward me a copy of your donation receipt, so I can thank you personally!

In the meantime, if you'd like more information on LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY, LIBRARIES FOR LIFE UGANDA or MUSANA CHILDREN'S HOME CLICK HERE!

And finally if you'd like to Learn more about Light Up the Night, maybe buy a copy and receive an autographed book plate CLICK HERE!

With deep gratitude,
Jean

Reading and Signing at the Tattered Cover

2011-11-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

A truly fun morning!

Thank You Booklist and Library Lady for These Stellar Reviews of LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

2011-11-16T21:18:00.002-07:00

This charming bedtime book plays off of the “This Is the House That Jack Built” cumulative classic. A little boy tells of his universe, starting from the farthest point he can imagine and ending up in his bed, just in time for sleep and dreaming. Reidy’s rhymes are so lively and appealing, however, that the child being read to may feel rejuvenated rather than lulled (“This is my continent, far and wide. / It kisses an ocean on either side, / on half the Earth, / which circles the sun, / which hides its face when the day is done”). Likewise, Chodos-Irvine’s illustrations reveal a boy who, after being kissed good night, gets up from his bed and wraps himself in his red-and-white quilt in order to narrate this grand tour. The quilt becomes a jet, a rocket, a flying saucer, and other red-and-white forms of transportation. From the swirling galaxies and the woodcut-style sun to the color-coded map of the U.S. and the retro feel of the boy’s bedroom, it does seem like a wonderful world. Booklist

Simply outstanding. In a cumulative,"house that Jack built" narrative, a young boy folds his blanket around himself and sails out over the Earth, into the stars and then all the way back till finally snuggling down in his own bed, ending each verse with "in my own little piece of the universe".
The concept is lovely and comforting, the rhymes are PERFECT and the art colorful, child friendly and has just the right amount of details. Wonderful at bedtime or any time of the day. The Library Lady

Light Up the Library Auction Items Still Under $25

2011-11-15T08:29:00.001-07:00

As of the date and time of this post, the highest bids on the following items were still under $25. Stop on by to put in YOUR bids on these screamin' deals.

Skype Visit and Autographed Book from Author of WHAT DO YOU SEE?

Signed Print from artist and author Melissa Conroy - "Juliette in the Snow"

THIS TREE COUNTS! Book and Picture Book Critique

Future Sports Star Quilt

You Are the Sunshine of My Life Quilt

College Application Essay Review and Edit from an Expert!

Gorgeous, Handmade, Pink Turquoise Necklace and Earrings

Signed copy of CAN'T SLEEP WITHOUT SHEEP

Autographed Books and Bling from Blubaugh! Fantasy Bundle

TOO PURPLEY! T- Shirt, Bag and Autographed Board Book

Signed Copy of PUNXSUTAWNEY PHYLLIS!

Signed Copy of NOT YET, ROSE!

Autographed copy of Close Encounters of a Third-World Kind by Jennifer J. Stewart

In-Depth Critique of College Application Essay!

Middle Grade Novel Manuscript Critique from Author Mary Bartek

TOO PRINCESSY! Pink Hat and Scarf

Cozy, Cuddly Teddy Bear Quilt

Light Up the Library Auction Items Still Under $15

2011-11-14T17:14:00.001-07:00

As of the date and time of this post, the highest bids on the following items were still under $15. Stop on by to put in YOUR bids on these screamin' deals.

Signed Copy of PUNXSUTAWNEY PHYLLIS!

Signed Copy of NOT YET, ROSE!

Autographed copy of Close Encounters of a Third-World Kind by Jennifer J. Stewart

In-Depth Critique of College Application Essay!

Middle Grade Novel Manuscript Critique from Author Mary Bartek

TOO PRINCESSY! Pink Hat and Scarf

Cozy, Cuddly Teddy Bear Quilt

Do You Need a Critique Group, Writing Buddy or Someone to Help Push Your Story Over the Top? YES!

2011-11-11T07:57:00.006-07:00

We've all been there. Maybe you're new to writing. Or maybe you've been writing for a while but location has made it difficult to find a critique group. Maybe you're in between writing groups or writing buddies because of a move or because the fit just didn't feel right. Writing in a vacuum can be not only ineffective but lonely as well.

Finally, maybe you've been told you're story is "almost there," but lacking the little bit it takes to push it over the top to being "there" instead. A fresh read from someone who is THERE might be just the spark it takes.

With heavy competition and increased selectivity in the industry, a critique group or critique buddy is practically essential to publication these days. And now, with the help of the internet, online critique groups are available too. One of my manuscripts, currently on submission, went through 2 critiques groups (one online and one face-to-face) and one critique buddy, before my agent accepted it. Believe me, you need fresh reads.

So while you're searching for your perfect critique buddies, or if you're trying to push that manuscript over the top, I've got a deal for you.

Manuscript critiques and group critique packages for all genres of children's writers are currently going for bargain prices at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY ONLINE AUCTION. Check these out:

For Picture Book Writers:

Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Editor Tamson Weston http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/picture-book-manuscript-critique-from_1990.html
Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Rob Sanders! http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/picture-book-manuscript-critique-from_05.html
Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Award-winning author Nancy Coffelt! http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/picture-book-manuscript-critique-from.html
Picture Book Critique PLUS Crescent Moon Earrings from PB Star Tara Lazar! http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/picture-book-critique-plus-crescent.html
THIS TREE COUNTS! Book and Picture Book Critique http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/this-tree-counts-book-and-picture-book.html

Or how about 5 PB critiques over the course of a few months? It's like having a built-in critique group of award-winning PB writers for 5 months. Check this out!

Pick a Peck ‘o Picture Book Critiques! http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/pick-peck-o-picture-book-critiques.html

For MG or YA Writers:

A signed copy of BAD TASTE IN BOYS plus a MG or YA critique from Carrie Harris http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/signed-copy-of-bad-taste-in-boys-plus.html
Middle Grade Critique Plus Signed Copy of Scones and Sensibility http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/middle-grade-critique-plus-signed-copy.html
Manuscript Consideration from Bloomsbury USA! http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/manuscript-consideration-from.html
Middle Grade Novel Manuscript Critique from Author Mary Bartek http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/middle-grade-novel-manuscript-critique.html
Middle Grade Novel Critique - First 30 Pages - from Author Mindy Hardwick! http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/middle-grade-novel-critique-first-30.html

And don't miss these incredible novel critique packages. Again, you'd have you're very own award-winning critique group for 5 full months!

Five Critiques, Five Authors! http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/five-critiques-five-authors.html
Critique of the Month Club http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/critique-of-month-club.html

Why turn to friends and family (unless, of course, they happen to be published authors) when you can turn to an expert? And many of these items are still screamin' deals.

To check out all the items and the auction details please visit: http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/

P.S. Oh - did I mention that you'd be helping build a library? What's not to love?

Some Amazing Opportunities for Picture Book Writers!

2011-11-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Since I won't be holding any more PB Peek Weeks during 2011, I wanted to point you to some amazing opportunities for picture book writers over at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY AUCTION. And some are still going for bargain prices. Check these out.

Manuscript Critique from Agent Ammi-Joan Paquette http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/manuscript-critique-from-agent-ammi.html
Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Editor Tamson Weston http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/picture-book-manuscript-critique-from_1990.html
Manuscript Consideration from Bloomsbury USA! http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/manuscript-consideration-from.html
Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Rob Sanders! http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/picture-book-manuscript-critique-from_05.html
Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Award-winning author Nancy Coffelt! http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/picture-book-manuscript-critique-from.html
Picture Book Critique PLUS Crescent Moon Earrings from PB Star Tara Lazar! http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/picture-book-critique-plus-crescent.html
Pick a Peck ‘o Picture Book Critiques! http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/pick-peck-o-picture-book-critiques.html
50 Pages or 5 Picture Books - It's Your Pick With Agent Erin Murphy! http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/50-pages-or-5-picture-books-its-your.html
THIS TREE COUNTS! Book and Picture Book Critique http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/this-tree-counts-book-and-picture-book.html

Whether you're in between critique groups, oh so "close" or just need a read, I've got something for you.
Plus you may be able to do a little Christmas shopping too.
I hope you can stop by, maybe do a little bidding and help a worthy cause.

Thank you!
Jean

Incredible Opportunities for MG and YA Writers!

2011-11-09T08:07:00.001-07:00

Hi all,

I want to point you to some amazing opportunities I have for MG and YA writers at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY ONLINE AUCTION:

Manuscript Critique from Agent Ammi-Joan Paquette http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/manuscript-critique-from-agent-ammi.html
50 Pages or 5 Picture Books - It's Your Pick With Agent Erin Murphy! http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/50-pages-or-5-picture-books-its-your.html
A signed copy of BAD TASTE IN BOYS plus a MG or YA critique from Carrie Harris http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/signed-copy-of-bad-taste-in-boys-plus.html
Middle Grade Critique Plus Signed Copy of Scones and Sensibility http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/middle-grade-critique-plus-signed-copy.html
Manuscript Consideration from Bloomsbury USA! http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/manuscript-consideration-from.html
Middle Grade Novel Manuscript Critique from Author Mary Bartek http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/middle-grade-novel-manuscript-critique.html
Middle Grade Novel Critique - First 30 Pages - from Author Mindy Hardwick! http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/middle-grade-novel-critique-first-30.html

and don't miss these incredible novel mentorship packages ...

Five Critiques, Five Authors! http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/five-critiques-five-authors.html
Critique of the Month Club http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/critique-of-month-club.html

Many of these items are still going for rock-bottom prices.
And you can check out all the items and the auction details at: http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/

I hope you'll consider bidding, picking up some great writer deals and helping this worthy cause.

With gratitude,
Jean

Melissa Conroy Author and Artist and Her Writer's Block Monster

2011-11-08T07:05:00.001-07:00

My guest blogger today is Melissa Conroy (Yes! She has a famous author dad!) whose sweet new book Grandma is an Author releases today. It's an interactive story and journal about creativity and writers' block. But after visiting her amazing website and browsing her many creative endeavors, I have a hard time believing Melissa is ever blocked. And I got a chance to ask her about just that.

JR: How do all your creative endeavors inspire each other - your books, your dolls, your sculpture, your prints, your knits? How do they compete for your time? In other words when you wake in the morning, how do you decide what to do? I'm not necessarily talking about a routine here, but more about discerning which muse is calling to you.

MC: When I made my portfolio website, it was an opportunity to catalog what I had been working on for many years. I know it looks like a huge variety of pursuits, but in real time it has been a slow evolution from one thing to the next. When I had a studio in Brooklyn I could make large sculptures. Now, my life is more suited to making picture books. Ideas come in moments when I am not expecting them. Years ago, the image of a fort of translucent sandbags appeared in my head. It was there to greet me every time I daydreamed. That fort became a mini obsession. I worked on it for six months, piling and securing stiff translucent pillows until it was taller than me. It was a glowing oasis in my studio for about a month before slowly collapsing. If the vision of translucent sandbags came to me today, I would have the inclination to weave it into a story.

The mediums I use go back to when I was a child. I taught myself to sew in second grade to repair stuffed animals. I see a direct connection between my soft sculpture and more recently, my dolls to those early stitches. Drawing was another childhood discovery. The moment I realized I could draw was thrilling. The world began to reveal itself to me through drawing. I began to see details, shapes, colors, relationships and even personality in things that I had never noticed before. When I am feeling stuck I go outside and draw something. Drawing is the medium that is always at my disposal, while other mediums will tap me on the shoulder now and then.

JR: I hear you when you say ideas come when you least expect them. But translucent sandbags? Wow! I would love to see that in a gallery OR a picture book someday. I also love that you sew. And the fact that you repaired stuffed animals is so tender. I think we could have been 2nd grade friends.

With all you do, you can't possibly EVER be without creative inspiration. So what led you to write a kid's book about writer's block? Tell us more about Gus. And tell us more about the journal that comes with the book.

MC: Perhaps doing so many different things can be a symptom of writer’s block. Reach a roadblock with a painting? Take out some needles and knit for a while. Having two options at my disposal helps. I can return to each with fresh eyes. That’s why I enjoy picture books so much. I love shifting from text to drawings and back to text until they are dependent upon each other.

I like to think I have plenty of ideas to work from. But, ideas don’t always equal functioning stories. When I sat down to write Grandma is an Author, every story I started hit a wall after the first page. I felt like there was a writers block ghost floating around in my head, turning my words into mush. At the same time, I found myself helping my daughter create monsters to keep her fears at bay. It started with drawings, then led to monster rugs made from fabric scraps that she put next to the front door. Finally, she took a cardboard box and created a monster. He was like the ancient stone lions placed at the foot of buildings to scare away enemies. She could place him wherever she felt he would be most useful. Then I thought, what about a writer’s block monster? Making a monster that can stand up to writer’s block seemed like a fitting solution and one the main character, Rusty would come up with.

Because Grandma is an Author is about writing, it is designed to look and feel like a composition book. In the back there is a little journal with speech and thought bubble stickers to use. Kids can use the journal to write and draw. But, if they find themselves stuck I highly recommend making a writer’s block monster. I made four monsters while writing the story.

Ha! Four monsters. I think every writer needs at least one. Thank you, Melissa for stopping by!

Now here's your chance to bid on one of Melissa's fun and frolicky autographed prints titled "Juliette in the Snow" and help fill a school library in Uganda. Check it out at:
http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/signed-print-from-artist-and-author.html

And please join Melissa at her other blog tour stops:

November 7, at Audrey Vernick's blog Literary Friendships

November 13, at Tara Lazar's blog Writing for Kids While Raising Them.

And of course, don't forget to check out both of Melissa's fun books
Grandma is an Author
and
Poppy's Pants.

Auction Preview: Middle Grade Critique Plus Signed Copy of Scones and Sensibility

2011-11-04T17:50:00.000-06:00

Donated by: Lindsay Eland

Item Description: Here's your chance for a thoughtful, in-depth critique of the first 20 pages of your middle grade manuscript from a middle grade author herself, Lindsay Eland. Believe me on this - Lindsay's critique will raise your manuscript to a whole new level of wonderful. Along with your critique, you will receive a signed paperback copy of Lindsay's novel Scones and Sensibility! What could be sweeter?

For more information about Lindsay Eland and her books visit: www.lindsayeland.com

Market Value:    30.00

This is only a preview of one of the many amazing items I'll be featuring at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY auction 11/7 - 11/18. And I've got something for everyone. To learn more, please stop by my auction website at http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com.

Get excited!!!

Auction Preview: Picture Book Critique Plus Crescent Moon Earrings from Picture Book Star, Tara Lazar!

2011-11-03T10:42:00.001-06:00

Donated by: Tara Lazar

Item Description: Tara Lazar writes picture books and designs jewelry. I suppose you can say she's always creating something! For this auction, Tara offers a picture book critique (800 words or less) that is redeemable at any time for as long as she's alive! This includes critiques on revisions of the same manuscript, too. She will also provide the winner with a hand-crafted pair of antiqued brass crescent moon earrings with blue-green glass beads. So you can have a polished manuscript and look polished at the same time! This item will ship in time for Christmas!!

To learn more about Tara, her writing and her fun, fun, fun upcoming book The Monstore (2013) please visit: http://taralazar.wordpress.com

This is only a preview of one of the many amazing items I'll be featuring at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY auction 11/7 - 11/18. And I've got something for everyone. To learn more, please stop by my auction website at http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com.

Get excited!!!

Auction Preview: Baby Blanket Crocheted by the World's Dearest Nonna

2011-11-02T18:36:00.000-06:00

Donated by: Catherine Menoni (my mom, to whom Light Up the Night is dedicated!)

Item Description:    "Nonna" is Italian for grandmother. And this 91-year-old Nonna to 20 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren (more on the way), has crafted this 34" X 46" blanket with wee ones in mind. Wrap up your baby in this beautiful, soft, hand-crocheted baby afghan and they'll be cozier than ever, truly embraced in a grandmother's love.

You can visit Catherine on her Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1119014020

Market Value:    Priceless

This is only a preview of one of the many amazing items I'll be featuring at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY auction 11/7 - 11/18. And I've got something for everyone. To learn more, please stop by my auction website at http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com.

Get excited!!!

Auction Preview: The Amazing Buffalo Combo Pack!

2011-11-02T06:43:00.001-06:00

Donated by: Audrey Vernick

Item Description: The lucky winner will strike it rich. Because this prize package includes not only a copy of TEACH YOUR BUFFALO TO PLAY DRUMS personalized and signed by Audrey Vernick, a Buffalo tote bag, and 30 (that's right 30!) Buffalo bookmarks but also ...

a copy of IS YOUR BUFFALO READY FOR KINDERGARTEN? signed by Daniel Jennewein the illustrator (with buffalo sketch) and Audrey Vernick the author.
And it will all ship in time for Christmas.

HOLY BUFFALO!!!

Market Value: Priceless

This is only a preview of one of the many amazing items I'll be featuring at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY auction 11/7 - 11/18. And I've got something for everyone. To learn more, please stop by my auction website at http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com.

Get excited!!!

Auction Preview: Social Media Strategy Package

2011-11-01T16:19:00.000-06:00

Donated by: Tricia Lawrence, Social Media Strategy, EMLA

Item Description: Win a 30-page PDF workbook and 60-minute phone consultation with Erin Murphy Literary Agency's social media strategist, Tricia Lawrence. Wondering how to best use social media to further your author career? Think through your vision, your passion, and your goals and get advice from Tricia about how best to spend your time and energy.

To learn more about Tricia and find out what her social media services can do for you check out: http://www.realbrilliant.com

This is only a preview of one of the many amazing items I'll be featuring at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY auction 11/7 - 11/18. And I've got something for everyone. To learn more, please stop by my auction website at http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com.

Get excited!!!

Auction Preview: 3 Signed Ellie McDoodle Books PLUS Signed Original Art from Author Illustrator Ruth McNally Barshaw!

2011-10-31T17:05:00.000-06:00

Donated by: Ruth McNally Barshaw

Item Description: Everyone loves Ellie McDoodle! And here's your chance to WOW one of your favorite young readers. Author and illustrator Ruth McNally Barshaw is offering three signed paperback books of the popular Ellie McDoodle series with one-of-a-kind doodles added, plus, as a bonus, original art signed by the amazing Ruth herself. Will ship in time for Christmas (U.S. addresses only).

About Ellie McDoodle:

Her real name is Eleanor McDougal. Her friends call her Ellie McDoodle because she's always doodling in her sketchjournals.
She spies on people and carries a sketchjournal EVERYWHERE.

She keeps track of everything including games, crafts, ideas, pranks,
people, animals, nature... you name it, it's in her book and Ellie has an opinion on it.

Would you like to peek inside her sketch diary? Here's your chance! Ellie's the star of some cool books.

To find our more about Ellie and Ruth, please visit www.ruthexpress.com

This is only a preview of one of the many amazing items I'll be featuring at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY auction 11/7 - 11/18. And I've got something for everyone. To learn more, please stop by my auction website at http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com.

Get excited!!!

Auction Preview: Manuscript Critique from Agent Ammi-Joan Paquette

2011-10-30T13:13:00.002-06:00

Donated by: Ammi-Joan Paquette

Prize Details:
My oh my! Don't let this one pass you by. Get that manuscript in tip-top shape then send it in for critique by kidlit agent extraordinaire, Ammi-Joan Paquette with the Erin Murphy Literary Agency. She'll take a look at the first 25 pages of a middle-grade or YA novel, or a full picture book text. What are you waiting for???

About Ammi-Joan Paquette: Joan joined EMLA in spring 2009 and already has placed dozens of manuscripts with editors. She is especially passionate about connecting with and launching the careers of debut authors. As the “East Coast branch” of EMLA, Joan works from her home office in Massachusetts, with long-distance support from the main Flagstaff office. She represents all forms of children's and young adult literature, but is most excited by a strong lyrical voice, tight plotting with surprising twists and turns, and stories told with heart and resonance that will stand the test of time.

This is only a preview of one of the many amazing items I'll be featuring at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY auction 11/7 - 11/18. And I've got something for everyone. To learn more, please stop by my auction website at http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com.

Get excited!!!

Auction Preview: Under My Blanket, White and Red!

2011-10-29T14:43:00.002-06:00

Item Description: Just like our little traveler in LIGHT UP THE NIGHT, any wee one would love to snuggle with this 22" x 34" red and white hand-crocheted blanket -- especially with an autographed copy of the book to go with it. This item will ship in time for Christmas!

This is only a preview of one of the many amazing items I'll be featuring at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY auction 11/7 - 11/18. And I've got something for everyone. To learn more, please stop by my auction website at http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com.

Get excited!!!

Auction Preview: Manuscript Consideration from Bloomsbury USA!

2011-10-26T18:18:00.003-06:00

Donated by: The Editors at Bloomsbury

Item Description: Have you written a children's book? For tots or teens or anyone in between? Is it ready for publication? An editor at Bloomsbury will be delighted to give your story careful consideration and let you know if it might earn a spot on their list. Kidlit writers - don't miss this amazing opportunity!!

Want to know more about this award-winning publishing house? Visit http://www.bloomsburykids.com/

This is only a preview of one of the many amazing items I'll be featuring at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY auction 11/7 - 11/18. And I've got something for everyone. To learn more, please stop by my auction website at http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com.

Get excited!!!

Auction Preview: Handmade Ugandan Beads and Bags from Musana!

2011-10-25T17:52:00.001-06:00

Donated by: Musana Children's Home

Item Description: Straight from Musana Children's Home in Iganga Uganda, we have a beautiful selection of 5 necklaces handcrafted from a local women's group of the Bwongo village. In this craft package we also have 2 beautiful African fabric patchwork bags and a laptop case that all make great gifts for Christmas!

Market Value: $100

This is only a preview of one of the many amazing items I'll be featuring at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY auction 11/7 - 11/18. And I've got something for everyone. To learn more, please stop by my auction website at http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com.

Get excited!!!

Auction Preview: Critique of the Month Club

2011-10-19T20:13:00.000-06:00

Item Description: If two heads are better than one, how about five heads providing feedback on your writing? That’s right, five clients from the Erin Murphy Literary Agency, one of the top-selling U.S. literary agencies representing children’s books, will each provide a critique of your work. Each month, over the course of five months, one of each of these EMLA writers (Jennifer Nielsen, Kristin Wolden Nitz, Jeanne Ryan, Peter Adam Salomon and Carrie Gordon Watson) will critique up to twenty pages of your YA or MG manuscript. How you divvy up those critiques is up to you! For example, you can choose to work sequentially through the first hundred pages of a manuscript (providing a brief recap of prior scenes to each subsequent reviewer), keep reworking your opening pages until they’re polished to a high gloss, or use the critiques to focus on “problem” scenes that could use a fresh set of eyes. Our collective work covers a broad range of genres (fantasy, mystery, contemporary, suspense) and includes published and soon-to-be-published YA and MG novels.The winning bidder may schedule their first critique between December 2011 and April 2012, and then will proceed with the remaining critiques monthly from that time on.

Their Amazing Author Bios:

Jennifer Nielsen is the award-winning author of THE UNDERWORLD CHRONICLES, beginning with Elliot and the Goblin War (Sourcebooks, Oct 2010), and the ASCENDANCE trilogy, beginning with THE FALSE PRINCE (Scholastic, Apr 2012). She is a member of SCBWI and a former theater and debate teacher. Her website is www.jennielsen.com

Kristin Wolden Nitz has written a lower middle grade fantasy, an upper middle grade sports novel and a young adult mystery because she tends to write what she likes to read. Her SAVING THE GRIFFIN was nominated to statewide readers' choice lists for middle grade readers in Georgia and Kentucky. Her YA mystery SUSPECT was a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults nominee. You can visit her website at www.kwnitz.com.

Jeanne Ryan decided to become a writer at age eleven, but her career path took a few huge detours along the way, from controlling war game simulations in Germany, to working as a researcher in the area of delinquency prevention. Naturally, the next step was to write commercial fiction. Her debut, NERVE, a young adult suspense, will be published by Dial/Penguin, and her website is www.jeanneryan.com.

Peter Adam Salomon is the author of THE MEMORY OF HENRY FRANKS, a YA suspense-thriller scheduled for publication in Sept. 2012 by Flux. He is a member of SCBWI and blogs at www.peteradamsalomon.com.

Carrie Gordon Watson is a young adult author, high school teacher, conflict resolution trainer, and former performing songwriter. Her award-winning debut novel, QUAD, was published by Razorbill/Penguin in 2007.

This is only a preview of one of the many amazing items I'll be featuring at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY auction 11/7 - 11/18. And I've got something for everyone. To learn more, please stop by my auction website at http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com.

Get excited!!!

Auction Preview: Signed copy of WE'VE GOT A JOB: THE 1963 BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S MARCH

2011-10-19T08:45:00.001-06:00

Item Details: Cherish this important story in recent U.S. history. This signed copy of WE'VE GOT A JOB: THE 1963 BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S MARCH is Cynthia's debut book (you heard me - you'll be in on the beginning of what's sure to be her amazing author career) about the role children played in desegregating the most racially violent city in the country. ITEM NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL JANUARY 2012.

From the book:
On Thursday morning, May 2, 1963, nine-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks woke up with freedom on her mind. But, before she could be free, she knew she had to go to jail.

“I want to go to jail,” Audrey told her mother.

Since Mr. and Mrs. Hendricks thought that was a good idea, they helped her get ready. First, her father bought her a game she’d been eyeing. She imagined that Operation, in which you take the bones out of a plastic figure and put them back together, would entertain her if she got bored during her week on a cellblock.

Then, her mother took her to Center Street Elementary so she could tell her third-grade teacher why she’d be absent. Miss Wills cried. Audrey knew she was proud of her.

Read more about Cynthia and her books at www.cynthia.levinson.com.

This is only a preview of one of the many amazing items I'll be featuring at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY auction 11/7 - 11/18. And I've got something for everyone. To learn more, please stop by my auction website at http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com.

Get excited!!!

Auction Preview: ACT Test Prep in Greenwood Village

2011-10-18T09:36:00.003-06:00

Donated by: Elite Academics, Inc.

Item Description: One full ACT Prep Course run by Elite Academics, Inc. The 6-7 classes and 3 practice tests are held on Saturdays from 10:00 - 3:00 (8-12 weeks before the actual test) at 5500 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Ste. 200, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. Winner may choose any course within one year from date purchased.

From the Elite Academics Website: A college education is more critical than ever and earning acceptance has become more competitive. Top ACT scores are necessary for students to get into a college of their choice.

Elite Academics can assist in preparing you or your child for these tests through our 30-hour course. Facilitator led, this class will guide you through the entire curriculum, which includes pre-assessments and continued testing throughout the class to monitor individual progress. The right amount of focus is placed in each area to assist where the greatest need is required.

Students who have completed the ACT prep course have shown an average improvement of 2 to 5 points. These points may seem small, but it can be the difference between getting into better colleges and the ability to earn scholarships.

For more information visit: www.eliteacademicsdenver.com

Market Value: 1,500.00

This is only a preview of one of the many amazing items I'll be featuring at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY auction 11/7 - 11/18. And I've got something for everyone. To learn more, please stop by my auction website at http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com.

Get excited!!!

Auction Preview: 50 Pages or 5 Picture Books - It's Your Pick - Critique from Agent Erin Murphy!

2011-10-17T08:40:00.003-06:00

Donated by: Erin Murphy (Erin Murphy Literary Agency)

Item Description: For all those writers with polished manuscripts wondering "How do I get this in front of an agent?" here's your chance. Erin Murphy, a leading children's book agent who no longer does conference critiques is offering this rare opportunity -- a critique of the first 50 pages of a middle-grade or YA novel, OR up to 5 different picture book manuscripts. Erin will provide gentle and specific feedback and suggestions and follow-up interaction if needed. All to be completed by January 31, 2012.

For more information on Erin Murphy Literary Agency please visit: emliterary.com

This is only a preview of one of the many amazing items I'll be featuring at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY auction 11/7 - 11/18. And I've got something for everyone. To learn more, please stop by my auction website at http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com.

Get excited!!!

Auction Preview: Autographed Cap and Suit from Olympic Hopeful Missy Franklin!!

2011-10-16T11:35:00.000-06:00

Item Description: At the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai, 16-year-old Missy Franklin came home with 5 medals (3 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze). She won her first Individual World Championship in the 200 Back with an American Record, narrowly missing the World Record. Missy is donating her official autographed USA swim cap and competition swim suit for this wonderful cause. Plus, this item will ship in time for Christmas!!

WOW!

This is only a preview of one of the many amazing items I'll be featuring at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY auction 11/7 - 11/18. And I've got something for everyone. To learn more, please stop by my auction website at http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com.

Get excited!!!

Auction Preview: Pick a Peck o' Picture Book Critiques

2011-10-15T11:33:00.002-06:00

Item Description: Five clients of the Erin Murphy Literary Agency, one of the top-selling U.S. literary agencies representing children’s books, will each provide a critique of your work. Each month, over the course of five months, one of each of these EMLA authors (Liz Garton Scanlon, Tamara Ellis Smith, Laurie Thompson, Deborah Underwood and Audrey Vernick) will critique a Picture Book manuscript of up to 1000 words. How you divvy up those critiques is up to you! For example, you could submit the same picture book as it progresses through revisions, or submit five different manuscripts. The authors' collective work has garnered many awards and covers a wide variety of topics.

And here are their amazing author bios:

Liz Garton Scanlon the author of the highly-acclaimed, Caldecott-honored picture book All the World, illustrated by Marla Frazee, as well as Noodle & Lou, illustrated by Arthur Howard, and A Sock is a Pocket for Your Toes, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. Forthcoming books include Think Big, illustrated by Vanessa Newton; Happy Birthday, Baby, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin; and others. Ms. Scanlon is assistant professor of creative writing at Austin Community College and a frequent & popular presenter at schools, libraries and conferences. To learn more, visit her web site at www.LizGartonScanlon.com

Tamara Ellis Smith has written a middle grade novel and several picture books, all pre-published. Her middle grade novel won an honorable mention in the 2008 PEN New England Discovery Awards and was a runner up for the 2008 SCBWI Works-In-Progress grant. Tamara is represented by Erin Murphy of Erin Murphy Literary Agency. She makes her home in Richmond, Vermont. You can learn more about her at www.tamaraellissmith.com and visit her blog about writing and landscape at www.smithwright.blogspot.com.

Laurie Thompson writes fiction and nonfiction for children of all ages. Her book manuscripts have been nominated for the Sue Alexander Award at the SCBWI Annual Summer Conference in 2008 and received the “Outstanding Work-in-Progress Award” at SCBWI Western Washington’s Writing and Illustrating for Children Conference in 2009 and 2010. Her articles have appeared in Faces, Odyssey, Know, and more. She has been a co-regional advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Western Washington region since the beginning of 2009. For more information, please visit http://lauriethompson.com

Deborah Underwood's picture books include The Quiet Book and The Loud Book, both illustrated by Renata Liwska; A Balloon for Isabel, illustrated by Laura Rankin; and Granny Gomez & Jigsaw, illustrated by Scott Magoon. The Christmas Quiet Book will be published in 2012, and Part-Time Princess in 2013. Deborah co-writes the Sugar Plum Ballerina chapter book series with Whoopi Goldberg, and she is the author of the easy reader Pirate Mom. She has also written more than 25 nonfiction books for kids. For more information, please visit: http://www.deborahunderwoodbooks.com/

Audrey Vernick is the author of Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? (an IRA/CBC Children's Choice Book) and Teach Your Buffalo to Play Drums, both illustrated by Daniel Jennewein; and She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story (one of Bank Street College's Best Children's Books of the Year), illustrated by Don Tate. She also wrote the middle-grade novel Water Balloon. Her website is www.audreyvernick.com; she blogs at http://literaryfriendships.wordpress.com.

Market Value: $200

This is only a preview of one of the many amazing items I'll be featuring at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY auction 11/7 - 11/18. And I've got something for everyone. To learn more, please stop by my auction website at http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com.

Get excited!!!

Auction Item Previews Coming Soon!

2011-10-14T11:19:00.001-06:00

As you've probably heard by now, on 11/7 - 11/18 I'm holding an online auction to benefit the library at Musana Children's Home in Iganga, Uganda. The auction website is: http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/ but I'll be previewing some of my amazing auction items here on this blog. I've got lots of cool stuff for just about everyone - especially some fabulous items for writers and readers.

Get excited!!!

Lighting Up the Night Across the Pond: A Pub Release-- I mean -- A Dublin Release Party!

2011-10-11T17:04:00.003-06:00

CHEERS!

Thanks, Catherine, for spreading the word.

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT Mini Blog Tour Schedule

2011-10-04T11:38:00.018-06:00

Hi friends,
I'm getting so excited for my October 11th release of LIGHT UP THE NIGHT. And over the next few weeks, I'll be chatting with some awesome folks online. I hope you can join me at one or more of my blog tour stops.

October 10 - 14 (THE WHOLE WEEK) - Picture This! http://robsanderswrites.blogspot.com/ Rob Sanders

October 11 - Sharing Our Notebooks http://www.sharingournotebooks.amylv.com/2011/10/jean-reidy-perfect-word-yes.html Amy Ludwig VanDerwater

October 12 - Tamson Weston Books http://tamsonweston.com/blog/light-up-the-night-by-jean-reidy/ Tamson Weston

October 13 - Literary Friendships http://literaryfriendships.wordpress.com/2011/10/13/jean-reidy-on-cozy-places-cumulative-verses-and-the-library-she-loves/ Audrey Vernick

October 14 - Write Up My Life http://writeupmylife.com/2011/10/14/how-i-got-my-agent-jean-reidy-2/ Julie Hedlund

October 26 - Keyboard and Camera http://www.peteradamsalomon.com/blog/?p=1302 Peter Salomon

November 4 - Writing for Kids While Raising Them PiBoIdMo http://taralazar.wordpress.com/2011/11/03/piboidmo-day-4-jean-reidys-5-unusual-places-to-find-inspiration/ Tara Lazar

November 7 - Mindy's Musings on Writing http://mindyhardwick.wordpress.com/ Mindy Hardwick

What can you do with a board book?

2011-10-01T14:35:00.000-06:00

Well, you can read it ...

... and so much more!

What are your favorite board books???

What Would You Have In Your Dream Writing Space? I Need Your Advice.

2011-09-29T11:22:00.002-06:00

A personal massage therapist to work out all those keyboarding kinks? Ahhhh, of course.

So I'm taking my new-found empty-nest-hood rather seriously and refurbishing my kids' computer room to be my home office (the kitchen table just isn't cutting it). Other than lots and lots of shelves, some workhorse filing cabinets and a wide surface desk, I'm trying to imagine what else I should squeeze in.

Those metal magnet boards and wire clothes lines are so nifty. But are they useful?

What's your advice? What are the tools you can't live without? What are the organization features that make your life easier? What are the furnishings that make you most productive AND comfortable? What are the aesthetics that inspire you?

Oh, and feel free to go into detail - I'm talking links, specs, whatever.

I look forward to hearing your ideas.

Win a Signed Copy of LIGHT UP THE NIGHT on Goodreads.

2011-09-28T07:38:00.000-06:00

This is my first giveaway for LIGHT UP THE NIGHT. And all you have to do is "click" to enter. What could be easier? Here's the Goodreads Giveaway link.

I hope you win!!

A Heartfelt Thanks to Publishers Weekly for this Lovely Review!

2011-09-27T11:16:00.003-06:00

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
"A boy celebrates his place in the world in Reidy’s (Too Pickley!) soothing bedtime story. Removing the red-and-white quilt from his bed, the narrator fashions it into an open-cockpit jet and blasts into outer space: “These are my galaxy stars so bright—/ they light up the heavens late at night/ in my own little piece of the universe.” The cumulative verse follows the boy’s journey as he eventually zeroes in on Earth, where, after he pays tribute to his continent, country, town, and street, he returns to his house, bedroom, and cozy bed. Caldecott Honor artist Chodos-Irvine’s (Ella Sarah Gets Dressed) brightly colored matte prints portray the universe as a welcoming place, abuzz with activity, with swirling, starlit skies and friendly constellations, astronauts, and aliens. Acting as a confident tour guide, the boy remains literally in the driver’s seat, as his quilt-patterned vehicle transforms into a spaceship, prop plane, train, truck, and skateboard before reverting to its original form. The collaborators are entirely in sync as they remind readers that the universe and its wonders are theirs to revel in. "

Ages 4–8. (Oct.) Publishers Weekly

Upcoming Events and Appearances

2011-09-21T16:47:00.001-06:00

September 22, 2011 - Skype visit with Monroe Catholic School in Fairbanks, Alaska.

October 11, 2011 - LIGHT UP THE NIGHT release. YIPPEEEE!!

October - November 2011 - LIGHT UP THE NIGHT blog tour. Stay tuned for links.

November 7-18, 2011 - LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY auction to benefit the library at Musana Children's Home in Iganga, Uganda.

November 12, 2011 - LIGHT UP THE NIGHT reading and signing at the Tattered Cover in Highlands Ranch, CO 10:30 A.M.

February 1-4, 2012 presenting at the CCIRA Conference on Literacy.

Light Up the Library Auction coming this November!

2011-09-10T09:46:00.005-06:00

Dear Friends,

As some of you know, my third picture book LIGHT UP THE NIGHT, comes out October 11, 2011. What you probably don't know is that the story - while visibly very American - was inspired by the children of Uganda, many of whom are orphaned by AIDS while others have been displaced due to past civil war. My family has developed strong connections to that country and its children over the past 6 years.

To celebrate the release of the book and those beautiful children, I'm holding an online auction November 7-18 to benefit literacy in Africa and a library at Musana Children's Home in Iganga, Uganda where I worked last summer. The auction will be called LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY.

I'm coordinating this with the volunteers for an amazing Peace Corps project called Libraries for Life - which is providing books for libraries in designated Ugandan schools. The project is being administered by, not only the Peace Corps, but also the Books for Africa organization. And Musana has been designated as one of the recipient libraries.

Please know that each and every day I continue to support public libraries, school libraries and literacy programs here in the U.S. But this auction will reach across the ocean to benefit efforts abroad.

I know all of you, as caring and generous as you are, have your own special passions and causes. So I don't want you to feel any pressure here, especially during such difficult economic times. But if, by chance, this project of mine touches you in any way, and if you have something you might like to donate to the auction, you can do so via my Auction Donor Form.

I'm open to any and all possibilities. Some of the items on my wish list include:

Manuscript critiques
Writing mentorships
Autographed books
Author Twitter Chats
School visits
Author Skype Visits
Marketing Consultations
Social Networking Consultations
Book trailers
Blog designs
Blog header designs
Web designs
Personalized Sketches, Caricatures or Watercolors for Blogs or Websites
Business Card Designs
Real Estate Sales Consultations
Home Staging or Design Consultations
Night Time Baby Items or Crib Items
Baby Afghans
Baby Quilts
Telescopes
Original artwork
Handy Man Services

Hand-crafted Jewelry and Bags
Sports Memorabilia
Tutoring or Standardized Test Prep
College Essay Critiques
College Care Packages

Other Services such as Massages, Manicures, Etc.

Thanks so much for considering my request. Please feel free to share this with anyone who may be interested.
Have a wonderful September.

Jean
P.S. If you're so excited and you simply can't wait for the auction, you can make your cash donation today RIGHT HERE.

Library People B&N Event for Colorado Libraries

2011-09-01T11:23:00.002-06:00

Received this in my e-mail inbox today:

Library People—Friends of Colorado Libraries, is having a fundraiser with Barnes & Noble. This is being held on International Literacy Day, September 8, at two main stores:

The Loveland Centerra Barnes & Noble, 5835 Sky Pond Drive
And the South Colorado Barnes & Noble, 960 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, noon to 8 p.m. Special appearance by author Dick Kreck (The Smaldones)at this store at 5 p.m.

The offer also will be honored at ANY Barnes & Noble store in the state from September 8 through the 13^th.

For every eligible item that is purchased at Barnes & Noble and identified as part of the Library People—Friends of Colorado Libraries bookfair, Barnes & Noble contributes up to 12% of the purchase price to my organization. More details are included on the website, www.barnesandnoble.com/bookfairs

Please consider visiting a Barnes & Noble store OR the website and making a purchase on behalf of libraries. Barnes & Noble offers books, music, DVDs, educational toys and games, gift products and so much more.

In addition, online purchases are eligible for the offer. Visit www.bn.com/bookfairs

to start shopping. Please ensure you enter our organization’s bookfair ID (Bookfair ID: 10508869) on the payment page to ensure we receive credit.

To learn more about Library People, a statewide nonprofit that works toward quality library service for Colorado residents by providing advocacy, support, and coordination of service projects, visit www.librarypeople.org

Certainly if you have other people who might be interested in this offer, feel free to forward this message. Thanks for your help!

Thoughts from Picture Book Peeks: The PB Pitch

2011-08-08T12:51:00.001-06:00

What is your book about?

It's probably the most asked question - second only to "Where can I buy it?" - of writers. But how often do your take your answer seriously? Can you sum up your story before the elevator door slams in your face? We hear a lot about pitches and one-sentence summaries in novel writing workshops. But what about pitches for picture books?

Well, I'm here to tell you that a one-sentence summary is just as important for picture books. Why?

1. It helps you assess your premise for market strength and saleability - I often run my pitches past my critique group and my agent before I begin writing and revising. This practice saves me from wasting time on a story that's overdone, unfocused, unsaleable or simply unappealing. On the other hand, when my agent likes an idea, she may use my summary to get early feedback from editors. I know, then, which projects are worthy of my efforts.

1. It helps you focus your writing - As you revise and revise and revise and brainstorm and revise some more, story lines can muddy and lose focus. Suddenly, several drafts in, you have to really wonder what your story is about. Keeping your one-sentence summary in front of you through your drafts helps you steer clear of plot detours.

2. It helps to streamline the selling process - From the moment you finish revising your manuscript the selling begins. First, you pitch your story to your agent. If she likes it, she pitches it to editors. If they like it, they pitch it to their editorial team and then to their acquisitions team, then to their marketing and sales team and then ... ultimately your book is pitched to booksellers and librarians and readers everywhere. A dynamite one-sentence summary sees to it that your books travels quickly and happily through all these publishing layers.

So if you find yourself saying something like, "Well my book is sort of about a little girl and her grandmother and they're on a beach and the grandmother can't remember the girl's name and they take a walk and ..." you may want to focus your story by taking the time to draft your one-sentence summary. Your picture book writing life will be whole lot easier - guaranteed.

Lovely First Reviews for LIGHT UP THE NIGHT!

2011-08-01T10:57:00.006-06:00

Swooning!

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT [KIRKUS STARRED REVIEW!]
By Jean Reidy; illus. by Margaret Chodos-Irvine

The coziest of quilts becomes a rocket ship in this gorgeous, mesmerizingly rhythmic read-aloud that explores a boy’s small place in a vast world. Sporting star-spangled pajamas, the not-too-sleepy astronaut wraps his red-and-white quilt around his shoulders and zooms off into outer space. The slow-building rhyme echoes the cumulative structure of “The House That Jack Built”: “These are the planets that circle the sun, / which hides its face when the day is done, / while stars glow bright / and light up the night, / in my own little piece of the universe.” The soothing rhythms and comforting refrain are just right for very young ears, and the geographical terms will stretch young minds. During the boy’s fanciful flight, his aerial view of Earth includes hemispheres, continents and countries—eventually zeroing in on his own town, house, street and bed. Caldecott Honor–winner Chodos-Irvine’s colorful illustrations are fun and friendly, from the retro linocut spot art of the boy in his bedroom (“This is me”)—to dramatic full-bleed spreads that capture the expansive galaxies, complete with a smiling moon, animal constellations, planets and four-eyed aliens. The richly textured mixed-media artwork—incorporating various printmaking techniques and what looks like cut-paper collage—offers many clever self-referential moments and something new to discover with each reading. A dreamy-yet-instructive ode to the universe. (Picture book. 2-6)

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT [HORN BOOK REVIEW]

by Jean Reidy; illus. by Margaret Chodos-Irvine

Before bedtime, a young boy plays with his toys—vehicles of all kinds, from a truck to a spaceship. He quietly identifies himself by saying, “This is me,” captioning a small spot art illustration surrounded by white space. Why so small? Because, as listeners soon discover, he’s part of something big. His mother tucks him in, but he doesn’t go straight to sleep. Instead, he takes his blanket, transforms it into a rocket ship, and soars off into the vastness of the heavens. Thus begins a cumulative tale that takes him out of this world (“These are my galaxy stars so bright— / they light up the heavens late at night”) and back again to his “own little piece of the universe”: “This is my room, with my name on the door, and my dinosaur lamp, and my rug on the floor.” Soft assonant sounds soothe the cumulative rhyme that parallels nighttime routines through its repetition and structure. Visually, the most important object in the book is the boy’s best bedtime companion: his blanket. Reproduced on the endpapers, the blanket first swaddles the book and then the boy as pieces of it morph into the vehicles that transport him. Double-page spreads of bright but not overpowering collages depict his journey, while the opening and closing actions (of going to bed and going to sleep) are shown in smaller wordless panels, bringing the story full circle. Betty Carter

Is it November Yet? Prewriting for National Novel Writing Month

2011-07-28T12:34:00.005-06:00

This past month, when I had three other writing projects going, a new story idea sprang to life. Not only that, it roared and flailed and gnashed until it forced me to jot down ideas - which I did, in submission, in a notebook.

These scenes, bits of dialog, and possible themes continue to flow and I face the common writer's temptation - do I ditch my old, "stale" projects and follow this new muse? And if I don't go with it now, when will I ever have that momentum back?

The answer: National Novel Writing Month

In my view, you can either approach the month of November with a blank slate and a dose of dread, then squeak out a daily word count in misery. OR you can let a current idea simmer until then. Simmer while characters reveal themselves, subplots present themselves and true stories rise to the surface of a pot of bubbling ideas that you season and stir (please pardon the mixed metaphor - imagine the flailing gnashing beast in the boiling pot, if you will) without the 30-day pressure AND without the pain of having ditched a current project for a new love.

Without that pressure, my mind and story are free to take twists and turns and detours I might feel less compelled to explore with a daily word count looming. But here's the real kicker, without engaging in the actual writing of the novel, I'm keeping that energy, that honeymoon with my idea, fresh long enough to LOVE fleshing it out. Creativity can't always blossom in a pressure cooker. But it can when I'm in my "I can't wait 'til November" state of mind.

So if you have an idea that just can't wait - you might just want to make it wait, until November. And in the meantime, let it roar and snarl and gnash itself out of captivity right into a notebook. Make your idea work for November. When then, it will get the attention it deserves.

TOO PRINCESSY! has a cover!

2011-07-21T17:28:00.000-06:00

And it's oh so pink.

TOO PRINCESSY! comes out in January 2012 from Bloomsbury and you can preorder it here. Find out more at http://www.jeanreidy.com/TOO_PRINCESSY.html.

PB Peek Winner and Night of the Giving Dead

2011-07-20T08:02:00.002-06:00

Thanks to all those who so kindly wished me a happy board book birthday. The best part about this birthday - I didn't get any older. And with the TOO PURPLEY! board book out in the world, I'm still smiling.

Thanks also to everyone who entered PB Peek #12. If you have a minute, read through the fun and funny titles. I can just see the picture books behind those covers. I wish I could pick more than one. Please watch my blog for another PB Peek later this year.

If you didn't win today, I have another exciting way for you to win a critique.

Carrie Harris is celebrating the release of her new zombie book BAD TASTE IN BOYS and she's holding an auction to benefit the Giving Library at the University of Michigan C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital. Well guess who donated a critique!! So if that PB of yours is itching for a read. Here's the link:

http://nightofthegivingdead.blogspot.com/2011/06 /picture-book-critique-by-author-jean.html

Also, being auctioned off are signed copies of TOO PURPLEY! and TOO PICKLEY! You can bid on those here:

http://nightofthegivingdead.blogspot.com/2011/06/signed-copies-of-too-purpley-and-too.html

Carrie has loads of other items and it's a terrific cause, so please bid high and bid often. Here's the general auction link:

http://carrieharrisbooks.com/night-of-the-giving-dead

Now back to business. I've kept you guessing long enough. So without any more delay, the winner of PB Peek #12 is ....

HOME By Joy Moore

Please send your manuscript within 48 hours as a word attachment to reidy(dot)jean(at)gmail.com.

Congratulations!!!!

Picture Book Peek Week #12 - A TOO PURPLEY! Board Book Birthday

2011-07-12T07:19:00.001-06:00

TOO PURPLEY! comes out in board book format on July 19th. It's purple. It's adorable. AND it's virtually indestructible. Now that's something to celebrate!

So in honor of its board book birthday I'm holding a

TOO PURPLEY! Board Book Birthday Peek
July 19th!!

Win a free critique of a selected picture book manuscript. WHEEEEE!

Here's how it works:

Sign up for a critique by entering your picture book WORKING TITLE in the comment section of this blog post anytime (midnight to midnight Mountain Time) on July 19th. Titles submitted before or after July 19th will not be considered.

I'll throw all titles into a hat and pick 1 for critique.

Keep in mind:
* Manuscripts must be 1000 words or less.

* I accept only fiction.

* Level of detail in the critique will vary based on my impression of the caliber of the writing.

* Please understand that I'm not an editor and will not be providing line-editing of your work. My critique will be comprised of suggestions for improving your manuscript. So please send me your most polished piece.

* The critique winner must e-mail me his/her manuscript as a Word attachment within 48 hours of the announcement . Manuscripts will be kept completely confidential. When I receive the manuscript, I'll let the author know when they can expect my critique.

* As with any art form, likes and dislikes are entirely subjective. Please understand that my critiques are only one reader's/writer's opinion. It's always wise to seek feedback from a few different readers. If my ideas resonate with you, they're yours to use. If you disagree, I encourage you to compare my comments with those of other readers. But in the end, it's your book. Stay true to your vision.

"Jean's critique played a direct role in getting me an agent. What more can I say? She's an invaluable resource for kidlit writers."

Tara Lazar, author of THE MONSTORE coming soon from Aladdin/Simon & Schuster 2013

I look forward to reading your work.
Jean

P.S. And don't forget to check out the TOO PURPLEY! board book. Perfect for little hands (and teeth!). You can order it here.

P.S.S And while you're at it, enter to win an autographed TOO PURPLEY! board book on Goodreads. Here's the giveaway page.

Win an TOO PURPLEY! Board Book on Goodreads!

2011-07-12T06:53:00.005-06:00

To celebrate the release of the TOO PURPLEY! Board Book, I'm giving away a free autographed copy on Goodreads. Check it out!

Totally Awesome Takeaways from Mary Kole's Beginnings Workshop

2011-07-08T11:49:00.002-06:00

Literary agent, Mary Kole, who specializes in children's literature at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, recently completed her 5-part Novel Beginnings Workshop. Her thoughtful critiques of 5 submitted novel openers are brimming with tips on writing beginnings that hook your readers. Stop by her blog to read these detailed critiques AND to have a look at her agent wish list.

For a sneak peek from the workshops, here are my top takeaways. Thanks, Mary!

Workshop 1: Interiority and characterizing details reveal the main character as a person. Make sure your writing is mimetic.

Workshop 2: Opening paragraphs ground readers in time and place. Your narrator's voice must match the time period and vantage point of your story - which is especially important in historical novels.

Workshop 3: Beware of play-by-play narration that is incidental to the story. It's more important for your reader to understand the context of the action. Voice is critical, in children's literature especially. We need to know what's in our main character's head in the opening scene and not allow our adult point of view to slip in. And as an addendum from Workshop 4 - if you can't change your voice, change your character to fit your voice.

Workshop 4: Beware of jarring or dialog heavy beginnings that don't ground the reader. Improper grounding leads to confusion which leads to distraction. Openings should fully engage your readers rather than causing them to step outside the story to rethink what they just read. When readers need to step outside the story, the stakes diminish. See also Workshop 3.

Workshop 5: Readers need to be emotionally involved with the main character right from the start. What might prevent readers from bonding with your main character? Dry adult language, dense writing, invisible stakes or unclear motivation.

To read the submissions in full and Mary Kole's workshops in their entirety check out http://kidlit.com/ .

Audrey Vernick on Brainstorming and The Bufflalo's Bucket List

2011-06-22T06:52:00.003-06:00

Last summer when I traveled to Uganda I was quite picky about my traveling companions. They had to be fun, hardy and have a LOT of heart. That's why Audrey Vernick's buffalo made the cut.

After all, if he could handle kindergarten, he could handle most anything. Sure enough, I found that this treasure of a picture book, Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? delights kids everywhere.

Now, in Audrey's latest book, in bookstores June 28th, our favorite buffalo has got the beat. He's learning to play the drums! YES! And he's sure to leave his mark, not only on the music world but on the children's literary world as well. WOOHOO! Check it out!

Of course, this news begs the question "What will he do next?"

Well that's precisely what I asked my friend, fellow picture book author, and buffalo lover, Audrey Vernick. So I'm bubbling over with pride at presenting Audrey's thoughts on brainstorming and her hilarious Buffalo Bucket List. Go, Audrey!

Brainstorming for buffalo ideas has everything to do with Daniel Jennewein, the illustrator of IS YOUR BUFFALO READY FOR KINDERGARTEN? and TEACH YOUR BUFFALO TO PLAY DRUMS. The buffalo I first wrote about was just this idea of a buffalo until Daniel brought him to life. The ideas I envision now are very closely tied to the images he created; there's no way to separate them.

I cannot resist the impulse to put my buffalo in costumes and give him props, which is why both the Winter and Summer Olympics really call me. I would love to see the buffalo go for gold. The publishing reality of that, of course, is a pretty tiny sales/marketing window, and so I'm sure it won't happen, but just envision: Speedo/goggle-clad Buffalo in the 400-meter medley, competitive trampoline, fencing, canoe. For the winter sports--bobsled, ski jump, curling, figure skating (pairs).

All I have to do is think it and I can see what Daniel would come up with, and well, that's a party in my head. When I think about brainstorming in general, as requested by my lovely host, I stumbled upon a surprising reality: I don't really brainstorm. (How's that for an engaging guest blog post?) An idea comes to me--via something I say or think--and I weigh it for story potential.

I am at my least creative when actively seeking ideas, a true brainstormer's worst nightmare. But because my buffalo already exists, he's an exception. I stink at brainstorming from scratch, but I had one heck of a good time coming up with this bucket list for my buffalo.

And now (drum roll) ....

THE BUFFALO'S BUCKET LIST:

Make a cameo appearance on Sesame Street
Hang out with this buffalo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vQFvsr59kw
Throw a set of earthenware mugs on a potter's wheel
Spend a day in the Bronx with select Yankees including but not limited to Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, CC Sabathia and Mariano Rivera (odd request: he wants his author with him)
Work as a lifeguard at the beach (assuming giant buffalo-supporting chair can be procured)
Be asked to serve as spokesperson for the American Bison Society
Direct a hilarious character-driven film with heart
Create his own foundation to help assimilate cud-chewing ruminants into the public school system
Water ski
Attend first grade.

Jean, thank you for giving me the opportunity to answer one of the best questions I've ever been asked. Buffalo's Bucket List. That, my friend, is an award winner.

Audrey! I love it. So the Buffalo is a Yankees fan? Who would have guessed? And don't be surprised if some seamstress fan doesn't fashion that buffalo Speedo for him in time for London 2012. Thanks so much Audrey for stopping by. We can't wait until June 28th!

For these and Audrey's other award-winning books visit her website at http://www.audreyvernick.com/index.html.

And don't forget to keep up with Audrey and her drum-playing sidekick at these other blog tour stops:
June 29th with Peter Salomon at http://www.peteradamsalomon.com/blog/
July 6th with Ruth McNally Barshaw at http://elliemcdoodle.blogspot.com
July 13th with Laurie Thompson at http://lauriethompson.com

Now let's open it up. Do any of you buffalo fans have "to dos" to add to his list? Let Audrey know in the comments section below.

A Very Special Picture Book Peek Week ...

2011-06-17T07:17:00.002-06:00

... is coming this July. Watch for it!

(What is a Picture Book Peek Week? Find out here.)

LitWorld: Spark a LitSummer

2011-06-15T10:00:00.004-06:00

LitWorld is such a terrific organization. You might remember, they sponsored World Read Aloud Day. Here are easy ways to help with their summer endeavor.

LitWorld is spreading the power of story from Kenya to Harlem and we need your help sparking our LitSummer! We are calling out to our community to donate books and school supplies as we embark on summer projects to benefit young people across hemispheres, including our first ever Story Power Camp at the Polo Grounds in Harlem and our LitWeek initiative in Kibera, Kenya.

WHAT WE NEED:

Paperback Picture Books (New or Excellent Condition)
Clickable Pens and Mechanical Pencils
Small, Lightweight Notebooks
Crayons
Markers
Chalk

Visit LitWorld here and contribute to LitSummer drive by June 30th!

Revising Beyond the Critique

2011-06-13T17:28:00.005-06:00

Last week I brought a new picture book manuscript to my critique group. They loved it (YIPPEE!) with the exception of one minor detail - the opening line. Unanimously it "didn't work" for them which is critique-speak for "we hated it and we didn't know how to fix it."

My mission: Rewrite the opening line. Six words. No problem.

La dee dah. Think. Daydream. Brainstorm. Fix one line and then e-mail this little baby to my agent. La dee dah. Think. Daydream. Brainstorm. A different word here. New punctuation there. Cut the opening clause. Hmmm.

This went on for days. Nothing worked. Alas surfaced the problem with rewriting that line. Not only did I love it, I titled the book after it AND it was the premise of my whole dang story. Every time I changed it - and believe me, I found plenty of words that fit the space - the story logic or voice changed. I had to wonder - if voice, logic and premise all hinged on my opening line and my opening line "didn't work," how in the world could my story work? Did anyone really like the story?

I reexamined the premise. I still loved it. And so did my critique group. So I vowed, for the time being, that I'd leave the premise alone.

Then I set about digging deeper into the question "What was wrong with my opening line?" Was it really about word choice? Or was it voice? Or was it point of view? What was it?

I interviewed my critique buddies individually and got them to explore what they were feeling when they read the line. While their comments varied, they had a common theme - the line feels too heavy coming from a kid - clearly not good for a humorous picture book. But all agreed that the line also set up the story logically. They were words that needed to be spoken - just not by a kid.

Ahah! I needed a narrator that wasn't my kid. I needed a third person narrator who could humorously tell my kid's story and most importantly, deliver that opening line. I needed to rewrite my picture book from a different point of view. So that's what I did.

And once I switched to third person, I was able to fire up the wit, the humor and the story logic ... and even give my main character a name. The manuscript was infinitely better. And my critique group agreed.

Mirroring the example above, are the many times I've completely rewritten a chapter when all that was needed was a word change.

Lessons learned.

Before you jump into revisions, you need to fully understand your critique comments. Question your readers. It's not about getting defensive, it's about exploring what's at the root of their concerns. By digging deeply into the true meaning of a critique comment before digging into your revisions, you'll save yourself time, frustration and elevate your story to a much higher level.

You may even get to name your main character.

Points From PB Peeks: What Happens Right Before Your Ending?

2011-06-01T08:11:00.005-06:00

In one of my previous posts, I mentioned Allyn Johnston's and Marla Frazee's wise words about picture book endings. Yes, endings should disarm us. They must have a touch of mystery, a touch of magic and space for the reader to fill in or ponder.

But let me offer this:

Equally as important is what happens right before the ending. It's that scene reaching a crescendo, that then allows for the satisfaction felt at the sublime ending.

Take, for example, the "Too Pee-Yooey" page in Too Pickley! This two-page spread, the octopus soup and the child's screwed up face all allow the reader/listener to conclude that enough is enough. We've reached an epicurean climax and we're ready for the relief of "So yummy. All done."

Let's look at a few other picture books to see what happens right before the end.

Knuffle Bunny Free - Trixie finds Knuffle Bunny in the seat pocket of the plane. On a two page spread Trixie shouts, "KNUFFLE BUNNY!!!" Clearly at this point the reader/listener is just as thrilled and relieved as Trixie - which sets us up for the complete poignancy of Trixie's gift and the perfect ending to the series.

All the World - The poem has built to a crescendo incorporating the grand notions of "Hope and peace and love and trust" on a two-page spread showing a majestic sky and darkened landscape, before bringing the story back to the tender and very personal ending of "All the world is all of us" and the illustration of a single child with a mystery in her hands.

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse - Lily gives cookies and an note of apology to Mr. Slinger. She also tells him she's really, really, really sorry. Mr. Slinger asks Lily what he should do with her original horrid note. Yes, a few pages back Lily opens her purse and sees the kind note from Mr. Slinger which triggers her remorse. But the ultimate confrontation - especially for a kid - is to own up to what they've done in front of the person they've hurt. This apology is an emotional crescendo for any child reader/listener and perfectly sets up Mr. Slinger's totally awesome teacher behavior and Lily's resolve to be a teacher - making both that much sweeter.

So take a look at other picture book arcs. The scene right before the ending might reveal the ultimate trouble, the ultimate mess, the ultimate confrontation - very much like the climax in a novel or the final showdown.

If this crescendo occurs too soon, the story might feel like it's going on too long as you wrap things up. And if it occurs right at the end, your reader might feel cheated out of a satisfying full circle of emotions. But if you reach that high point right before your perfect ending your readers will then parachute into the sublime satisfaction of that final page.

Writing Book Review: Second Sight

2011-05-09T15:20:00.011-06:00

Second Sight: An Editor's Talks on Writing, Revising and Publishing Books for Children and Young Adults
by Cheryl B. Klein

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Asterisk Books (March 9, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0615420826

When I received the request to support Scholastic (Arthur A. Levine Books) editor, Cheryl Klein, in her endeavor to publish this book, I knew I had to have it. I was already a huge fan of Klein's wise and wonderful editor's eye-view talks. I did worry, somewhat, that the content was already available on line in her rich and widely-read website. But even if that WAS the case, I looked forward to having that content, primarily from her talks, bound in an organized fashion for my library.

What I found was that, yes, quite a bit of the material was lifted directly from Klein's site, and yes, it was well-organized in the book. But I also found that it was that organization - as well as a wealth of additional information - that took the web content to a whole new level.

(Prereading Tip: Read the novels Klein uses in her examples throughout. It elevates understanding immensely.)

So here's my recap.

Who's it for: Primarily for middle grade and young adult novelists who have completed a first draft. One special chapter is devoted to picture book writing.

Picture book writing advice that most resonated with me: All good picture books - like novels - must have an action plot AND an emotional plot.

Novel writing tip that most resonated with me: In one sentence answer the question "What is this book about?" - this is what you most want to communicate to your readers - then build the story around that.

Favorite quote: Good plots "provide a structure and events through which your protagonist has painful experiences, learns from them, grows from them and triumphs in a way that conveys the BIG IDEA the author has in mind."

Favorite example: While it's tempting to site Klein's chapter-long Harry Potter example here, for everything that's done right in a novel, I learned even more from her editorial walk-through of So Totally Emily Ebers, which focused more on figuring out what's not working in a novel and suggesting appropriate fixes. Both examples were available on her website but it was helpful to go through them again. By the way - Emily Ebers may be my favorite of Yee's books.

Favorite exercise: Write the flap copy for your book - about 2-3 paragraphs for a total of about 250 words. Make it as interesting as possible leaving the reader with no choice but to buy the book. But here's the catch. Don't write what should, or might, or you wish would happen in your book. You need to stick with what DOES happen. Then ask yourself, "Would I buy this book?"

Favorite revision technique: Make a bookmap of your novel. I already do this on a spreadsheet where I can add chapter titles, summaries and character appearances. I can also color code plot lines if need be. The bookmap also serves as a time-saving table of contents while revising.

Something I will be wary of in my own writing: Whiny protagonists without charm or truth.

Star sighting: Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, my agency mate, whose editor-winning query for Eighth-Grade Superzero was lauded and examined in the book.

Best lesson learned: Write with emotional truth. Klein says, "The stronger the successful emotional reaction, the more likely the reader is to think that book good."

Recommendation: Without a doubt, if you're a children's writer, add this book to your library. Klein's view from the other side of the desk is a great one. And you can buy it right here.

Children's Author Chris Barton Takes on a New Identity

2011-05-02T06:45:00.003-06:00

Bestselling children's author, Chris Barton, is known for his award-winning picture books The Day Glo Brothers and Shark Vs. Train. But these days, he's donning a new disguise - or genre, if you will.

His young-adult book Can I See Your I.D.? True Stories of False Identities recently hit bookstore shelves with rave reviews. Publisher's Weekly says "Barton's prose captures the daring, ingenuity, and quick thinking required of each imposter."

So I had a chance to ask Chris, "If you could assume the identity of any literary figures who would make it to your top 5?"

I was positive that his #1 would be the Shark from Shark Vs. Train. However, being the creative and completely noble guy that he is, his answer took a surprising twist.

Here's what Chris had to say:

"Over the years, I did a long series of blog posts (http://chrisbarton.info/blog/labels/us_history_reading) about children's books covering various periods of U.S. history, and I can think of *lots* of real-life figures from those books that I would like to be:

• Cesar Chavez: Because of the courage he managed to summon and the way he transformed the lives of so many people taken for granted.

• Madam C.J. Walker: So few people can say they've done something no one else before them has done. When you're the first African-American woman millionaire, it's a different story.

• Charles Ives: He heard unusual sounds in his head and brought them into this world in dynamic fashion, all while keeping his day job.

• Lt. Gail S. Halvorsen: Adored, even revered, by the former children of East Berlin to this day, more than six decades after the Berlin airlift.

• Joe Switzer: His brother Bob left behind an extensive first-person account of how the two of them worked together to, among other things, invent Day-Glo. I'd love to know Joe's perspective firsthand."

Wow! What a guy! WHAT A GUY! Now I get why the Shark didn't make the list.

Get to know Chris and his fabulous new book at his other blog tour stops:

On Peter Salomon's blog - http://tinyurl.com/3e8tet9

On Penny Blubaugh's blog Wednesday, May 4 - http://penblue.wordpress.com/
On Ruth McNally Barshaw's blog, Saturday May 7 - http://elliemcdoodle.blogspot.com/

On Jenny Ziegler's blog in June - http://jenniferziegler.livejournal.com/

You can also follow Chris and his amazing kid lit adventures at:

http://www.chrisbarton.info/

http://www.chrisbarton.info/blog/index.php

And don't forget to check out Can I See Your I.D?

A Lovely Acrostic Thank You ...

2011-04-26T14:43:00.005-06:00

... from the kids at Pembroke Hill & Village Schools in Pembroke, NH and their wonderful librarian, Sue Demanche.

Picture Book Peek Week #11 Begins April 25th!!

2011-04-17T10:31:00.002-06:00

Spring Has Sprung - Peek Week #11 - April 25th!

It's a Petunia Popping Picture Book Peek Week -

Free critique of a selected picture book manuscript

It begins April 25th!
Here's how it works:

Sign up for a critique by entering your picture book WORKING TITLE in the comment section of this blog post anytime (midnight to midnight Mountain Time) on April 25th. Titles submitted before or after April 25th will not be considered.

I'll throw all titles into a hat and pick 1 for critique.
Keep in mind:

* Manuscripts must be 1000 words or less.

* I accept only fiction.

* Level of detail in the critique will vary based on my impression of the caliber of the writing.

* Please understand that I'm not an editor and will not be providing line-editing of your work. My critique will be comprised of suggestions for improving your manuscript. So please send me your most polished piece.

* The critique winner must e-mail me his/her manuscript as a Word attachment within 48 hours of the announcement . Manuscripts will be kept completely confidential. When I receive the manuscript, I'll let the author know when they can expect my critique.

* As with any art form, likes and dislikes are entirely subjective. Please understand that my critiques are only one reader's/writer's opinion. It's always wise to seek feedback from a few different readers. If my ideas resonate with you, they're yours to use. If you disagree, I encourage you to compare my comments with those of other readers. But in the end, it's your book. Stay true to your vision.

"Jean's critique played a direct role in getting me an agent. What more can I say? She's an invaluable resource for kidlit writers."

Tara Lazar, author of THE MONSTORE coming soon from Aladdin/Simon & Schuster 2013

I look forward to reading your work.

Jean

Writing the Breakdown Novel

2011-04-14T08:06:00.004-06:00

I'm getting ready to read Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need in yet another attempt to understand novel structure. Then I'll add it to my library of books that has had me trudging along The Hero's Journey, climbing Freytag's Triangle, breaking out in hives with my breakout novel, squeezing seven acts into a three-act structure and posturing with Plato's Poetics. And, just yesterday, I read the article "Story Trumps Structure" by Steven James in the February 2011 Writer's Digest (yes, I'm a little behind) which made me question everything that's gone before.

If nothing else, all this reading (and a few bloody critiques) has clarified (like raw sewage) what not to do in my novels. So, if you want your novel to break down and burn like a Ford Pinto, I'll share my "not to dos" with you.

Jean Reidy's Writing the *Breakdown* Novel:

1. Think of every possible funny, sad or serious event from your life or imagination that might remotely relate to your premise. Then crowbar them ALL into your story, such that your trajectory is masked by a plethora of overwritten scenes serving no semblance of a plot.

2. Next, study trajectory and raising the stakes. Then create a new torpedo of a story that layers crisis after crisis and races to the finish with no emotional or logical resonance.

3. Then, read about turning a story on its head. Do so with your next novel so much so that you create a completely loathsome main character and a story so flush with subplots that the theme evolves into something about ice skating and Moonies.

4. Finally, try a retelling of a classic story, following a mapped out structure. But make sure that in your effort to inform the old story, you crowbar in events from imagination and life, create overwrought crises that your loathsome characters can not recover from and rocket right to a predictable finish all while losing (and perhaps insulting) the original framework of a beloved classic tale.

So there you have it.
I'm hoping Save the Cat! can save me.

Experiencing serious cover love!

2011-04-06T13:13:00.004-06:00

Thank you, Margaret Chodos Irvine.
Light Up the Night comes out this October from Disney Hyperion

Writing Book Review: Between the Lines by Jessica Page Morrell

2011-03-19T16:04:00.001-06:00

Between the Lines: Master the Subtle Elements of Fiction Writing by Jessica Page Morrell

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Writers Digest Books (April 25, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 158297392X
Buy it here!

I didn't remember the subtitle of Jessica Page Morrell's book until I looked at the cover again to write this review. I was ready to say that Morrell explores the subtle necessities of fiction writing. "Subtle" because they often take a back seat to grammar and usage. "Necessities" because without them, writing falls flat.

Now don't confuse "subtle" with invisible or unimportant. Instead, these are the elements that leave you scratching your head at the end of a truly great read and saying, "Now that was satisfying, because, because ..."

Think of these elements as the little trade secrets that separate "okay" writing from "wow" writing. And those secrets are all laid out neatly in this book.

Who's this for: Writers ready to take their novels to the next literary level.

Organization: As this is not a "write a novel" guide, the book doesn't walk through a menu or chronological how-to. Instead, it serves as a reference for the tools available to enrich your prose. While I can see referring to chapters on "backstory" or "prologues" or "imagery" individually, I can also see the benefit of rereading the book start to finish from time to time as a reminder of tools available.

Use of examples: Some writers on writing seem to go out of their way to cite literature that is not only inaccessible but also, little known. Readers, then, have to work too hard to place the concept in the familiar. Morrell uses popular fiction and even movies from time to time in crystal clear examples. It's like comparing someone to your best friend - you get it easily.

Favorite chapter: "Chapter 5 - Epiphanies & Revelations." The chapter includes a brief discussion of the difference between the two, the components of a strong epiphany and exercises for using revelations to enhance pacing and suspense.

Biggest myth debunked: Backstory is a novel's nemesis. In fact, backstory used and placed wisely, can layer and enrich a shallow story. Morrell illustrates multiple techniques for doing so.

Resonated most: The discussion of prologues in frame stories. I used this technique in a historical novel I've written. The manuscript is now resting for a while. But when I return to it, I hope to keep the frame story in place because my prologue provides an eerie set-up to the extended flashback of the main story.

Best lesson: Create settings that multitask. As a children's author I don't always pay close enough attention to setting. I create one - often fresh and fun. I introduce it. And then I forget about it. Morrell encourages writers to delve into their settings to make them work harder for the story - even, perhaps, to suggest themes.

Best exercise: In the section on imagery and metaphor, Morrell suggests constantly brainstorming this question as you write - "What does this remind me of?" Avoid the first thing that comes to mind as it will likely be a cliche. A lengthy list will eventually reveal fresh imagery. As Morrell says "Comparisons, especially similes, should jolt the reader just a little. He should feel pleasure and recognition upon reading."

Oldie but Goodie: Reminder that a "ticking clock" is a great device for raising the stakes.

Something I hadn't thought of: Use of multiple tools for foreshadowing and its importance.

Should have been the last chapter: "Chapter 14 - Subtlety" - Morrell's discussion of subtext and "Tips for Writing with Subtlety" beautifully gel the ideas that make this book different than any other craft book for me. Taking writing to the next level is often more about paring down than bulking up. It's about taking more time, more thought and more care without necessarily putting more words on the page - just the perfect words.

Random Read Alouds - "Books and Blankets"

2011-03-07T22:02:00.004-07:00

This Wednesday March 9th is World Read Aloud Day. You can read more about that here.

In the morning I'll be doing Skype Read Alouds with the following schools:

Early Childhood School, Frisco, TX
Pembroke Hill & Village Schools, Pembroke, NH

Bellerose Avenue Elementary, Northport, NY

But for the afternoon, I'm thinking about a random read aloud idea called "Books and Blankets."

Actually, I've been considering this for a few weeks now, in and out of the sphere of World Read Aloud Day.

My idea is a simple one.

Go to a local library and check out a full bag of great read aloud picture books OR fill a bag from your home library.
Pack up a blanket or two or three and head to an inner-city park or rec center, a soup kitchen, a homeless shelter - anyplace where you can find kids who might not have someone reading to them on a regular basis. (I know access might be an issue here. I also know my favorite soup kitchen is limited in space, but I'm not letting go of the idea.)
Set yourself up on a blanket. Spread a few more blankets out for your listeners. And read. Read. Read. Read. Read out loud, that is, and see who joins you.

Would anyone care to try "Books and Blankets" with me? Crazy you say? Probably. But here's my alternate challenge.

Find someone, anyone, and treat them to a random read aloud on 3/9. Perhaps it's an unsuspecting grandchild or student or friend. It can be anyone, anywhere. Then stop back by and tell us about it. How did you feel about it? How did your listeners react?

And, of course, if anyone wants to chime in on my "Books and Blankets" idea, please do. I'd love to hear from you.

The Necessary Work of Downtime

2011-03-06T13:22:00.002-07:00

How many of you meditate? Take a daily walk? Go for a run without your iPod?

If no downtime is built into your day, you may consider it too much of a luxury in an already over-scheduled life. But, in fact, practices like meditation or quiet walks are a necessary part of your writing work day.

My downtime (running, walking, meditating) has helped me:

Solve character problems
Flesh out scenes
Reveal new themes
Talk out dialog
Play around with rhythm
Break through a block
Ease back into an old project
Brainstorm a new project
Discover an epiphany

This is no small stuff. It's huge, important stuff. And I'd call that work, right?

How do you practice downtime? What has it done for your writing?

Strong Feelings from Light Hearted Article

2011-03-02T13:14:00.006-07:00

When I wrote my article Preschool Wardrobe Wars which appeared Monday in the New York Times Motherlode blog, I knew the topic was universal. After all, that's why I wrote TOO PURPLEY! But I didn't expect so much emotion to surround what I considered a humorous and mostly harmless issue. Based on the growing list of comments, I was wrong. Check them out and post your own - if you dare.

Or better yet, tell me your favorite "kids clothes" story.

Write When You Least Expect It

2011-02-28T08:43:00.005-07:00

I do very few things well under pressure. So when I sit down to work on a book, especially a novel, I usually make sure I've set aside a large block of time, giving myself a chance to get back into the story, set up achievable goals for words on the page and then actually write those words.

But lately, those blocks of time have become smaller and smaller. I won't bore you with the details of my busy life - we're all wishing for 40-hour days these days, right? - but I do know that my time will free up a bit later this year. And I've been tempted to say "Well that's when I'll work on this novel."

But I grew impatient. I was anxious to get back into this exciting project.

So for the past two days, I've been squeezing in some unexpected writing time. I'll admit, I was set up pretty well for this experiment with ten pages of my own handwritten revision notes and a marked up manuscript.

One might expect that with a wee bit of time, I'd opt for wee revisions. But honestly, by the time I open up my 150-page manuscript and jump around finding just the right spots for those adjustments, and skip from revision note to revision note, I could have written an entire scene.

So that's just what I did.

And there was something terribly freeing about opening up a brand new document labeled with a scene title and jumping right in.

I had no sense of foreboding about the task at hand because my expectations were low - I'll just jot down some thoughts related to this scene. After all, I only have a few minutes. But then my fingers were flying across the keyboard as dialog and setting and metaphors (some were quite dastardly, I'll admit) flowed with ease. And the delight of getting some work done when I expected to get none, actually inspired me to go beyond the stale scribbles of pressured revisions and take risks with the story. I wrote an entire scene. And just like with my golf game - when my expectations are low I play my best - the writing was surprisingly good.

So try it sometime. Write when you least expect it. The quantity and quality of what hits the page might pleasantly surprise you.

Have you had random writing moments? Tell me about them.

World Read Aloud Day - March 9th!! - Where Will You Be Reading?

2011-02-25T07:47:00.001-07:00

World Read Aloud Day (WRAD), an international event being held by LitWorld, a global literacy organization based in NYC, is being celebrated on March 9^th. And you can be part of the movement.

WRAD’s mission is not only to celebrate the power of words and stories, but to rally together and stand up for the 774 million people in the world who cannot read or write. WRAD is on a mission to raise a collective 774 million minutes of time spent reading aloud with participants and literacy leaders throughout the world on World Read Aloud Day.

Here's what LitWorld has to say:

What would you miss most if you could not read or write? Imagine your world without words. Let's join together and read aloud for a collective 774 million minutes in support of the 774 million people worldwide who cannot read or write. With this global rally we show the world that the right to read and write belongs to all people and we lend all our voices to the Global Literacy Movement. Let the children of the world know we believe in the power of words and stories to change their lives.

“I know the day is coming when global literacy isn’t fiction. I don’t know how long it will take, but I know that day will come.”

- 10 year-old World Read Aloud Day Participant

Visit litworld.org to participate in World Read Aloud Day and to "Read it Forward" and donate to LitWorld's mission to change the world with the power of words.

For more information on Read Aloud Day see:

http://www.litworld.org/worldreadaloudday

I'll be reading aloud via Skype to schools around the country. Please e-mail me if you'd like to schedule a Skype read aloud with your school or library.

Check my website for my most up-to-date read aloud schedule. www.jeanreidy.com.

Where will you be reading?

Don't Play it Safe in Picture Books

2011-02-18T17:02:00.001-07:00

So often, as I critique picture book manuscripts, I'm drawn into a story that has a fabulous premise which as carried out is "nice." But "nice" is usually not good enough for a picture book to be competitive in today's market.

In novel writing we talk about "raising the stakes" or "tension on every page." And a similar notion holds true in picture book writing. We need a payoff in every page turn and often that payoff comes from an elevation of surprise or humor or emotion or trouble.

In a picture book story, the payoffs build if the story builds in some dramatic or emotional way - for example, if the picture book situation grows more and more outrageous or our main character gets into deeper and deeper trouble. But as writers, we have a tendency to play it safe in our stories.

Maybe it's because when we take risks, the story starts feeling illogical in our adult minds. But we need to trust the fluid mind of a child to fill in that logic.

Maybe it's because the story feels good as it is and we want kids to feel good. Well apart from bedtime books and concept books for the very young, we don't want to put our reader/listeners to sleep either.

Maybe it's because of our own writer's fear of taking our main character to a point of no return. I have this trouble myself. I often ask, "If I keep raising the stakes, how will I get my character out of the trouble I've created?" Well, no one said this job was easy.

Let that be your challenge. Rocket your story to the highest level of hilarity, trouble or emotion. Take some risks with your writing. Your readers will be safely buckled in for a wild ride they're sure to enjoy.

I Heart Picture Books - Peek Week #10 - February 14th!

2011-02-03T20:08:00.012-07:00

It's a Valentine's Day Picture Book Peek Week

Free critique of a selected picture book manuscript

It begins February 14th!
Here's how it works:

Sign up for a critique by entering your picture book WORKING TITLE in the comment section of this blog post anytime (midnight to midnight Mountain Time) on February 14th. Titles submitted before or after February 14th will not be considered.

I'll throw all titles into a hat and pick 1 for critique.
Keep in mind:

* Manuscripts must be 1000 words or less.

* I accept only fiction.

* Level of detail in the critique will vary based on my impression of the caliber of the writing.

* Please understand that I'm not an editor and will not be providing line-editing of your work. My critique will be comprised of suggestions for improving your manuscript. So please send me your most polished piece.

* The critique winner must e-mail me his/her manuscript as a Word attachment within 72 hours of the announcement . Manuscripts will be kept completely confidential. When I receive the manuscript, I'll let the author know when they can expect my critique.

* As with any art form, likes and dislikes are entirely subjective. Please understand that my critiques are only one reader's/writer's opinion. It's always wise to seek feedback from a few different readers. If my ideas resonate with you, they're yours to use. If you disagree, I encourage you to compare my comments with those of other readers. But in the end, it's your book. Stay true to your vision.

I look forward to reading your work.

Jean

"Jean's critique played a direct role in getting me an agent. What more can I say? She's an invaluable resource for kidlit writers."

Tara Lazar, author of THE MONSTORE coming soon from Aladdin/Simon & Schuster 2013

Examine Your Scene Arcs with Chapter Titles

2011-01-27T15:40:00.011-07:00

I'm currently revising my latest middle grade novel and going through the exercise of dropping the chapters into a spreadsheet with columns labeled for chapter numbers, chapter description, setting, and a column for each major character where I place an "x" if the character appears in the chapter. This helps me find scenes more easily as I rewrite, relocate and restructure the chapters.

In some of my novels I title the chapters, but I hadn't planned to in this one. Yet, for purposes of this exercise I thought it would further help me identify scenes more easily later on.

I'm realizing that when I'm forced to write a pithy title for each of my chapters, I'm creating a sound bite for a mini-story with a built in climax, cliff hanger and sequel. If I'm unable to focus the chapter title, it's usually because my chapter strays too much from it's purpose. If I can't imagine a title, it's perhaps because my chapter has no point or perhaps my scene has no internal climax. And finally, if my title is as dry as the description, perhaps the scene has no hook. When the title comes easily, I'm finding the scene has strength on its own.

I may keep the titles in the novel. I may not. But for now the exercise of titling is pointing me to chapters that need further work.

Give it a try!

Pay it Forward Friday: Minute Mentoring for Writers

2011-01-24T10:15:00.004-07:00

Today I'm participating in a Speed Mentoring program at a local high school. I'm one of 30 mentors giving kids my best 3 minutes of advice, rotating through five groups of 10 kids each. So essentially I'll be imparting "wisdom" on 50 kids. Wow! Talk about the weight of responsibility.

But as I honed that nugget of wisdom for teens, I thought about what speed mentoring might look like for writers. As I mull over what I might consider my best writing sound bite, I'm wondering what yours would be.

So take a look at this "Minute Mentoring" video, then post your best snippet of writing advice in the comments below.

MOCKINGBIRD and "Showing" Emotion

2011-01-20T07:38:00.001-07:00

So I pulled MOCKINGBIRD from the shelf because I'd been aware but not completely in touch with the praise it's received. I hadn't read the reviews. I didn't even know what it was about. I just knew that people - a lot of people - thought it was good - really good.

But I'm not always swept away by books that have other readers swooning. This time I was.

Kaitlin our MC - who admits to failing at "emotion" and is struggling with "finesse," stuffed-animaled me into a deep aching and longing and she did it with such finesse, I only felt and felt deeply.

I was never told to feel. Because after all, that's not what Kaitlin does. She repels being told what to feel and how she should feel and how others feel. And it's her emotional vacuum juxtaposed with her family tragedy, her new friendships, her father's anguish - and those surprising glimpses of her heart that took my heart to a place it's never been before in a book.

This book took my heart and twisted it out of my chest and chewed it up and spat it out. And that's a good thing. Because I think feeling is a gift - whether overly sensitive or insensitive or somewhere in between. I'm in awe of Erskine who took me there with only character, low action and unadorned dialog. And it proved to me that emotion is the heart of a truly great story.

Amazingly, Erskine took me there via a first person who was allowed only her dispassionate observations, conversations and actions. The story is a brilliant lesson in "show don't tell." Erskine so gets us to feel without telling us how to feel.

Have you read the book? How does Erskine do it? What other books have finessed you on an emotional journey with a delicate hand and high impact?

Books Change Lives: LitWorld Holiday Book Drive

2010-12-02T09:24:00.008-07:00

Just one book can change a life. Imagine what a difference that one book would make if it were put in the hands of a little girl or boy who had never before held a picture book, let alone had one for their very own.

You can make that possible through LitWorld’s annual Holiday Book Drive (Dec 1 to Dec 31.

LitWorld is a non-profit organization that advocates for global literacy. LitWorld believes stories are life-changing and sharing stories will create connections that have the power to change the world.

LitWorld works closely with teachers all over Liberia, providing professional development around reading and writing. We also provide schools with much needed books, supplies and school materials. Currently the ratio of children to books is 75:1. Our dream is to change that to 1:1!

The International Book Bank is an organization that has been delivering free books and educational materials to developing countries since 1987, with the goal of increasing literacy and advancing education.

As you may know, thousands of people were killed in Liberia's 16-year civil war, leaving the nation in economic ruin. Many places are still without electricity and running water. Unemployment and illiteracy continue to be endemic. The country is attempting to rebuild and recover from this long and arduous war. A large part of this effort is rebuilding the educational system. In order for that to be successful they need an increased supply of books and materials.

Though Sierra Leone is well known for its diamond industry, it was ranked as the poorest country in the world in 1998. The dispute over the control of the diamond mines erupted in an 11-year civil war, which began in 1991 and ended in 2002. Sierra Leone faces the intense challenges of reconstruction, with poverty and unemployment leading the major issues. The Civil War deconstructed 1,270 schools, leaving 67% of children in 2001 without an education. Today, two thirds of the adult population in Sierra Leone are illiterate.

The book drive is simple. Donate children’s picture books, sending or bringing them to one of three drop-off points in New York. LitWorld, in partnership with The International Book Bank, will fill a 20ft container with the books (around 3,000 are needed) and ship them to Liberia and Sierra Leone. There, the books will be put straight into the hands of children (see picture above of LitWorld Ambassador Kimmie Weeks reading aloud from book donations). Some of these children will never have seen a picture book before; the majority are used to sharing what they do have: one book is shared among 75 children, on average.

WHERE TO MAIL OR BRING BOOKS - find out here!

CONNECT WITH LITWORLD!

litworld.org

facebook.com/litworld

twitter.com/litworldsays

So you want to write a novel...

2010-11-28T13:40:00.001-07:00

Thank you Jennifer Nielsen for bringing this to my attention:

Perfect School Visits

2010-11-17T18:23:00.003-07:00

I recently got back from two school visits in San Antonio, Texas. I spent Friday morning at Keystone School and the afternoon at St. Anthony School, just blocks away. Four presentations and a full day's worth of activities later, I headed back to Denver tired but sad it was over. I found out, on this rewarding trip, that what makes for a perfect school visit has very little to do with me

So what made the visits so special?

1. Passionate, prepared librarians and teachers - who love kids, love reading and love to get kids excited about reading. Who create t-shirts and illustrated books with their classes, not to honor me the author, but to honor the books and find joyful connections to the words on the page. Who hold literary costume parades in which you'll see the likes of Allie Finkle, Bunnicula or Miss Frizzle. Who make kids rabid for reading, book boosters as spirited as any Texas high school football fans. Who enthusiastically welcome everything an author offers - from teacher's guides to bookmarks.

2. Great kids - from the tiny sweetheart who's won 3 - you heard me 3 - regional writing competitions to the 4th grade certified whoopee cushion operator to the young graphic novelist, who was slightly embarrassed to tell me he likes to write "books like comics" and was so proud to hear that his work was part of a hip new genre.

3. Awesome support staff - like the tech teachers who made sure that my Power Point was loaded and ready to go and that the screen was perfectly placed. Or the custodial crew who mopped the cafeteria floor and stowed the cafeteria tables pronto so that the shared space was ready when my audience scampered in shortly after lunch.

4. Parents who care - who arranged a lovely meet and greet continental breakfast on the beautiful front porch - allowing me to meet the kids and their parents as they were dropped off at school. Who penned thoughtful personalizations that I added to my autographs - making their purchased books extra special. Who understand the importance of books in the lives of kids.

So today I'm sending my most heartfelt thank yous to Jeanette Vilagi at the Keystone School and Laurie Packard at St. Anthony School for putting together that perfect visit.

What do you think makes for a great author visit? Let's chat about it.

When You Read This ...

2010-11-16T19:57:00.003-07:00

I just finished reading WHEN YOU REACH ME - winner of the 2010 John Newbery Medal and wow! I'm not always the biggest fan of story-within-a-story books, but by weaving bits of A WRINKLE IN TIME into the 1979 setting, Rebecca Stead hints at elements of time-travel without the book slipping fully into science fiction or fantasy. I truly loved this book. And while I didn't see the ending coming - and I'm usually very good at predicting endings - it didn't throw me either. It provided a completely satisfying surprise.

The Wheels on This Bus ...

2010-11-13T08:03:00.003-07:00

Ha ha ha. For some strange age-induced, hard-drive-overload, blocked-childhood reason, it never occurred to me that the title of my latest picture book is the repeating stanza of the song I sang to my kids endlessly. YIKES!

Here's the PM announcement:

Author of TOO PURPLEY! and TOO PICKLEY! Jean Reidy's ALL THROUGH THE TOWN, with WHO IS DRIVING? illustrator Leo Timmers illustrating, giving a child's-eye-view of community with a soothing rhythmic verse, again to Michelle Nagler at Bloomsbury Children's, by Erin Murphy of Erin Murphy Literary Agency (world).

I'm so excited to be working with Michelle again. And while I know you're all crazy busy - especially you NANOWRIMONITES - I'd love for you to check out the illustrator Leo Timmers at http://www.leotimmers.com/. Oh man, his driving critters crack me up.

So happy to be celebrating this latest sale with all of you!!

Jean

Picture Book Peek: Critique and Copies for a Cause!!!

2010-11-05T16:07:00.007-06:00

Bridget Zinn's family and friends are stepping up again with another auction to help Bridget in her battle with cancer.

My Thanksgiving Picture Book Peek Week will be a part of this auction. I'll be donating one fiction picture book (up to 1000 words) manuscript critique as well as signed copies of TOO PURPLEY! and TOO PICKLEY!

Here are the details:

Season of Love and Hope

Starts: November 22, 2010 08:00 AM CST

Ends: December 04, 2010 09:00 PM CST

Description:

All proceeds from this auction will go to Bridget Zinn and Barrett Dowell. Bridget was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in February 2009. After receiving treatment in Portland for 18 months, Bridget and her husband Barrett are now traveling to Phoenix for one week every month for innovative treatment at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Not all of their costs for this promising treatment are covered by insurance. Bridget & Barrett's friends and family are rallying to help them pay the bills so that they can focus on Bridget's health and kick cancer. Artists, authors, and other friends and acquaintances have donated items in the spirit of love and hope.

Check out all the auction items and bid at THE SEASON OF LOVE AND HOPE.

2010 National Book Award Finalists

2010-10-14T09:44:00.002-06:00

FINALISTS FOR 2010 NATIONAL BOOK AWARDS

Fiction

Peter Carey, Parrot and Olivier in America (Alfred A. Knopf)

Jaimy Gordon, Lord of Misrule (McPherson & Co.)

Nicole Krauss, Great House (W.W. Norton & Co.)

Lionel Shriver, So Much for That (Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)

Karen Tei Yamashita, I Hotel (Coffee House Press)

Nonfiction

Barbara Demick, Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea
(Spiegel & Grau, an imprint of The Random House Publishing Group)

John W. Dower, Cultures of War: Pearl Harbor, Hiroshima, 9-11, Iraq

(W.W. Norton & Co.)

Patti Smith, Just Kids (Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)

Justin Spring, Secret Historian: The Life and Times of Samuel Steward (Farrar, Straus & Giroux)

Megan K. Stack, Every Man in This Village Is a Liar: An Education in War (Doubleday)

Poetry

Kathleen Graber, The Eternal City (Princeton University Press)

Terrance Hayes, Lighthead (Viking Penguin)

James Richardson, By the Numbers (Copper Canyon Press)

C.D. Wright, One with Others (Copper Canyon Press)

Monica Youn, Ignatz (Four Way Books)

Young People's Literature

Paolo Bacigalupi, Ship Breaker (Little, Brown & Co.)

Kathryn Erskine, Mockingbird (Philomel Books, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group)

Laura McNeal, Dark Water (Alfred A. Knopf)

Walter Dean Myers, Lockdown (Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)

Rita Williams-Garcia, One Crazy Summer (Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)

My Thoughts and Actions After Manuscript Submissions

2010-10-13T17:09:00.006-06:00

Perfect.
(Hit send)
(Immediately check inbox)
Editor is reading it right now.
Editor is pumping her fist mouthing "You nailed it, Jean."
(Check inbox)
Editor is calling Caldecott Honor illustrator and saying, "Your other projects will have to wait."
(Check inbox)
Editor is reading it to her staff and they're toasting me.
(Check inbox)
Editor is waiting to read it over her lunch break.
(Check inbox)
Editor is thinking it's sweet.
Editor is thinking it's good.
Editor is thinking it's okay.
(Check inbox)
Editor is thinking blah, blah, blah.
She's wondering, "What was Jean thinking?"
She's wondering, "What was Jean drinking?"
(Check inbox)
Editor is losing her lunch.
(Check inbox)
Editor is telling her staff, "Those were 2 minutes of my life I'll never get back."
She is telling her mom, "I just saved the world from another awful picture book."
(Check inbox)
She's asking for matches.
She's taking up smoking.
She's holding a match to my manuscript.
(Curse inbox)
(Ping)
I've got mail.
"Dear Jean,"
(to be continued...)

The Temptation to Teach a Lesson

2010-09-27T11:17:00.008-06:00

I recently autographed dozens of bookplates for TOO PICKLEY! with personalizations for children, but requested primarily by adults. In many of the requests, I was instructed to inscribe mini-warnings like "Remember to eat your veggies" or "Fruits come first." I find it interesting that, as adults, we can't seem to let go of those "teachable moments."

It can be difficult to write picture books and forget that we are responsible, mature adults. But in fact, this is what we're called to do. We need to take off our mommy hats or teacher hats or librarian hats or simply, our adult hats, to write for children. Because even the most creatively camouflaged lessons or messages can be sniffed out by a kid.

That's not to say that picture books lack depth. For most, a delectable thread runs behind and beyond the words on the page. With repeated readings, a book opens itself up, subtly allowing children to discover - on their own - hidden surprises or stories behind and beyond the story or even (gulp!) messages, without the author or adult imposing them on the child. But discoveries don't stand a chance if the child isn't first entertained.

The same holds true in chapter books and novels - which brings up Junie B. Jones. Some adult readers have banned Junie because of her imperfect grammar and behavior. Junie was my youngest daughter's first read-alone series. She collected the books. She was the expert on Junie. Most importantly she loved reading them. And I loved them too. And we read them together.

Do Junie haters truly believe that young readers are learning "grammar lessons" from our little heroine? Aren't readers more likely to laugh at Junie's harmless antics and monologues rather than mimic them? Must we always succumb to the temptation of teachable moments OR can we give kids opportunities to rediscover and apply their own lessons and life experiences in the comfort and safety of stories they love?

What do you think?

Pay it Forward Friday: Getting Over Your Perspective

2010-09-10T08:55:00.003-06:00

I got a chance to share one of my favorite writing exercises on My Word Playground. If you haven't visited Lynne Marie's blog yet, check it out. It's full of thoughtful prompts, exercises and general advice for children's writers.

While our lives and experiences provide inspiration for a playground full of stories, our perspective can get us into trouble when writing for children. We have to clearly understand our perspective before we can rein it in. This fun exercise will help you do just that.

Happy Friday!!
Jean

Upcoming Appearances!

2010-09-08T13:08:00.010-06:00

Here's where I'll be in the next few months!

September 18-19, 2010 - RMCSCBWI Conference Presenter, Denver CO

October 2, 2010 - Koelbel Public Library 2-3 P.M.

October 18, 2010 - Davies Public Library 1-2 P.M.

October 23, 2010 - Castlewood Public Library 10:30-11:30

November 3, 2010 - National Association for the Education of Young Children Panel, Anaheim, CA

November 12, 2010 - St. Anthony School and The Keystone School, San Antonio, TX.

My Writing Space

2010-09-03T09:59:00.007-06:00

A listserv question prompted me to talk about my writing space today.

I have plenty of possible "offices" in my house, but I've always been a kitchen table kind of girl.

I remember doing high school geometry across my family's kitchen table from my "Nonna" who lived with us.

She would ask me, in Italian. "What are you working on now, Jeanie?" And I would do my best to explain triangles to this magnificently smart woman who boasted only a 3rd grade education. She died when I was just out of college.

I'm still drawn to my kitchen table - albeit a different one - surrounded by activity and FOOD ...

and often a sweet Italian angel voice saying "What are you working on now, Jeanie?"

Happy Friday!
Jean

P.S. Above is a picture of my writing space today!!

It's never too late for TOO PICKLEY!

2010-09-01T11:14:00.011-06:00

Thanks to all who attended the TOO PICKLEY! PARTY!!
But if you missed it OR you just want to keep on partying, the fun continues.

Request autographed bookplates.
Explore fun activities at home or school with the free TOO PICKLEY! TEACHER'S GUIDE.
Solve the TOO PICKLEY! WORD SEARCH PUZZLE.
Watch the wacky TOO PICKLEY! VIDEO featuring Frank of TOO PICKLEY! dedication fame.
And finally, order TOO PICKLEY! Remember that a portion of my author proceeds benefits The Children's Hospital.

Congratulations to all the TOO PICKLEY PARTY winners!

2010-08-29T13:08:00.005-06:00

The TOO PICKLEY PARTY was so much fun! Congratulations to all the prize winners.

Monday's Door Prize, TOO PICKLEY! T-shirt and signed softcover book - Amy Dixon
Tuesday's Door Prize, Bloomsbury Picture Book Pack - Denise Schurr
Wednesday's Door Prize, Bloomsbury Picture Book Pack - Brigette Brankin
Thursday's Door Prize, copies of TOO PURPLEY! and TOO PICKLEY! - Crissy Medley
Friday's Door Prize, TOO PICKLEY T-shirt and signed book - Alexa Kaufhold
Saturday's Door Prize, Bloomsbury Picture Book Pack - Lisa Perez

Picture Book Manuscript Critique - Susanne Drazic

30-Minute Skype Visit - Paul Hankins

TOO PICKLEY! Grand Prize Package - Janice Ostrander

Thank you to all who attended!

TOO PICKLEY! PARTY STARTS 8/23/2010!!

2010-08-20T10:05:00.002-06:00

Please help me celebrate the release of my picture book

TOO PICKLEY!
(Bloomsbury)
It's an online party with door prizes, party favors and more.

Kids, Parents, Grandparents, Readers - Come join the fun and win prizes.
Writers - Win a Picture Book Peek critique.
Teachers/Librarians - Win a Skype visit or the
Grand Prize TOO PICKLEY! Package.

Where: www.jeanreidy.com
When: August 23-28, 2010 (Midnight to Midnight Mountain Time)
We'll be partying all week long.

A portion of my author proceeds from the sale of
TOO PICKLEY!
will benefit
The Children's Hospital

Spread the word. Invite your friends.
No R.S.V.P. necessary.
I hope you can drop on by.

Title of My Next "Too" Book Contest has a WINNER!

2010-08-20T08:52:00.004-06:00

I have to run title contests more often. There were loads of entries - and a little snark on the side. Among the incorrect - but very entertaining - titles were:

TOO CASTLEY! (great guess)
TOO PURRY!
TOO PRICKLY!
TOO PASTY!
TOO PHONY! (about politicians - see what I mean about snark)
TOO WAVY!
TOO CURLY!
TOO GIRLY!
TOO WORDY!
TOO BARKY!
TOO SCARY!
TOO QUEENIE! (getting warmer)
TOO PILLOWY!
TOO PANICKY!
TOO PUTRIDY! (um, what?)
TOO PRINCELY! (almost)
TOO PRINCESSLY! (couldn't get any closer)
TOO PIMPLY!
TOO POMPOUSLY!
TOO PERPLEXINGLY! (does this have a Latin derivation?)
TOO POLKA-DOTTY!
TOO PEPPERY!
TOO PERFECTLY!

And while there are several "winning" titles on the list the only correct title is

TOO PRINCESSY!

Here's the announcement in Publishers' Marketplace:

Children's: Picture book
TOO PURPLEY! and TOO PICKLEY! author Jean Reidy and illustrator Genevieve Leloup's TOO PRINCESSY!, with a fussy toddler searching for the just-right playtime option, to Michelle Nagler of Bloomsbury Children's, by Erin Murphy at Erin Murphy Literary Agency for Reidy and Michele Manasse for Leloup (World).

And many of you guessed exactly that. But alas there's only one winner. So by random drawing ... (drumroll)... the winner is

TERRY HUNT!!

Congratulations Terry! You'll be receiving a signed copy of TOO PICKLEY!

Thank you to all contestants. And don't forget the TOO PICKLEY! ONLINE PARTY starts this Monday 8/23/10 and runs through Saturday 8/28/2010. Log in to www.jeanreidy.com for activities, prizes, party favors and more!

Guess the Title of My Next "Too" Book and Win!

2010-08-17T16:47:00.005-06:00

I just sold another book to Bloomsbury as part of the TOO PURPLEY! and TOO PICKLEY! series. YIPPEE!!

Guess the title of this new book at reidy(dot)jean(at)gmail(dot)com subject line "TOO BOOK TITLE" and you'll be entered to win an autographed copy of TOO PICKLEY!

You're Invited to a TOO PICKLEY! Party!!

2010-08-10T17:37:00.008-06:00

Please help me celebrate the release of my picture book

TOO PICKLEY! Release and a Favor to Ask

2010-07-01T12:41:00.008-06:00

Next week on 7/6/2010 TOO PICKLEY! hits bookstore shelves. If you've been following my blog, you already know that on release day I'll be at Musana Children's Home in Iganga, Uganda, mending mosquito nets, tutoring, playing, singing, dancing, reading and helping the kids there tell stories.

While I plan to hold a TOO PICKLEY! ONLINE LAUNCH PARTY in early August, I'd love a bit of buzz next week. Unfortunately I can't do it myself since I'll have very limited internet access at Musana.

So if you have an extra minute, I'd so appreciate a tweet, post or message about TOO PICKLEY! It should be on sale at all major bookstores including Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

And remember, a portion of my author proceeds benefits The Children's Hospital in Denver.

Thanks so much, friends. Looking forward to reconnecting on my return.

Congratulations to all the Colorado Book Awards Winners!

2010-06-30T17:02:00.003-06:00

ASPEN, CO – A standing-room-only crowd, including Aspen Mayor Mick Ireland and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, celebrated the 19th Annual Colorado Book Awards on Friday, June 25, 2010 at the Doerr-Hosier Center in Aspen. Hickenlooper, a long-time collaborator with Colorado Humanities and Colorado Center for the Book, spoke to the 200 attendees about taking the One Book, One Denver program statewide, and about the importance of the writing community in Colorado, which Hickenlooper said creates a momentum for literacy.

The Colorado Book Awards, one of the oldest state book award programs in the country, recognizes outstanding contributions by Colorado authors, editors, illustrators, and photographers. Vectra Bank representatives Tom Griffiths and Rick Sullivan and Outskirts Press CEO Brent Sampson joined Colorado Humanities Executive Director Margaret Coval and Board Chair Judy Casey to announce the winners.

The winners of the 2010 Colorado Book awards are:

Anthology/Collection
a Dozen on Denver: Stories, Rocky Mountain News (editor), Fulcrum Publishing

Biography

Rosalie Edge, Hawk of Mercy: The Activist Who Saved Nature from the Conservationists, by Dyana Z. Furmansky, The University of Georgia Press

Children’s Literature

Grandmother, Have the Angels Come? by Denise Vega, illustrated by Erin Eitter Kono, Little, Brown and Company

Creative Nonfiction

Just Like Us: The True Story of Four Mexican Girls Coming of Age in America by Helen Thorpe, Scribner

General Nonfiction

Voices of the American West by Corinne Platt and Meredith Ogilby, Fulcrum Publishing

Genre Fiction - Historical & Romance

A Land Beyond Ravens: Book 4 of the Macsen’s Treasure Series by Kathleen Cunningham Guler, Bardsong Press

Genre Fiction - Mystery/Thriller & Science Fiction/Fantasy

The Radio Magician and Other Stories by James Van Pelt, Fairwood Press

History

First Kill Your Family: Child Soldiers of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army by Peter Eichstaedt, Lawrence Hill Books

Juvenile Literature

Artsy-Fartsy: An Aldo Zelnick Comic Novel by Karla Oceanak, illustrated by Kendra Spanjer, Bailiwick Press

Literary Fiction

Spoon by Robert Greer, Fulcrum Publishing

Pictorial

Phlogs: Journey to the heart of the human predicament by George Stranahan and Nicole Beinstein Strait, People’s Press

Poetry

Theory of Mind: New & Selected Poems by Bin Ramke, Omnidawn Publishing

Young Adult Literature

The Indigo Notebook by Laura Resau, Delacorte Press

About Colorado Humanities & Center for the Book
Colorado Humanities supports high-quality literary, cultural and historical programs throughout Colorado in an effort to bring the humanities to life across the state. The mission of Colorado Humanities is to inspire the people of Colorado to explore ideas and to appreciate our diverse cultural heritage. Our programs, including Motheread/Fatheread Coloradoã, Writers in the Schools, Hispanic Heritage Live! and High Plains Chautauqua, encourage and enable people to read, listen and learn in cultural activities, and to participate in civic dialogue. Colorado Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Colorado Center for the Book is a program department of Colorado Humanities, affiliated with the Library of Congress. More information about Colorado Humanities can be found by visiting http://www.coloradohumanities.org. Follow us on twitter http://www.twitter.com/cohumanities or Facebook http://bit.ly/9SJ7JZ

Traveling and storytelling and the right to dream.

2010-06-28T13:49:00.016-06:00

In less than a week, I head off to Iganga, Uganda to spend two weeks with the kids at Musana Children's Home. While I'm there I expect to be doing a little sewing, a little dancing, a little mosquito net mending, a little netball playing, a little tutoring, and a lot of loving those kids.

But one of my projects has me a bit intimidated. Along with my daughter, Molly (a photography hobbyist and fellow kid-lover), a couple of netbooks (long battery life is a must as power is spotty) and a couple of digital cameras, I'll be helping the kids of Musana tell stories. Fiction? Factual? Illustrated? Photographed? I'm not certain. I'm approaching the project with few rules, few expectations, and a very open mind and heart.

I've heard from one of the directors that for some of the kids, their childhood imaginations may be locked away behind the bars of their past tragedies or abuse. It's hard to imagine a child who finds it difficult to dream. Hence, my intimidation.

Dreaming filled a huge space in my childhood. It was part of my learning and loving and life in general. Dreaming is a like a periscope to happiness and, at the very least, a survival skill every kid deserves to master.

I'm taking loads of picture books with me - thanks to all my dear friends who have donated - hoping to do a lot of reading with the kids. It will be fascinating to see how they respond to our mostly American stories. Then we'll chat and we'll play ... and hopefully, with some divine inspiration, we'll dream.

And maybe tell some stories along the way.

I know that "Musana" means "sunshine." And sunshine spells hope.

Looking forward to 14-days of radiant sunshine!!

Let's plan The Year of the Picture Book!

2010-06-17T14:06:00.005-06:00

At a recent meeting of New England Children’s Booksellers Advisory Council, Ken Geist, vice president and editorial director of Orchard Books and Cartwheel Books and author of the picture book The Three Little Fish, pleaded with booksellers to promote picture books. You can read the full article here.

In the ensuing discussion, one bookseller suggested making next year the Year of the Picture Book.

What a great idea!!

My mind is all a twitter with ideas for the Year of the Picture Book and of course at the forefront would have to be our beloved audience - kids.

So even though no one has declared 2011 "the year" yet, let's get the ball rolling and have some fun. Let's plan, right here on this blog, the perfect Year of the Picture Book.

Maybe it will be 2012 or 2013. Or maybe every year should be "the year."
No ideas are too big or too small, so let's hear yours.
And who knows - maybe someone will listen.

Collecting F&Gs and Paperback Picture Books for Orphans of HIV/AIDS

2010-06-11T15:45:00.012-06:00

Dear Fellow Picture Book Authors,

This summer, my daughter Molly and I are traveling to Iganga, Uganda to spend two weeks with the kids at Musana Children's Home.

If you have any doubts that anyone can make a difference, please read the story of how three college-age girls founded this home and school for over one hundred vulnerable children and orphans, most of which have lost parents to HIV/AIDS. Musana gives these children a loving home where they are properly cared for and inspired to pursue a future. In addition to their education, the children at Musana participate in activities such as: arts and crafts, music, income generating activities, agriculture, and spirituality.

Among the donations I'll be taking with me to Musana, I'd love to take books. But with airline baggage weight restrictions, I'm afraid hardback books would tip the scales. So after talking to the folks at Musana, we decided to go for quantity versus quality - softcover books, that is.

(Please be assured I'm only referring to the physical quality of paperback books. I trust the content to be always of the highest quality.)

So, if you have any extra F&Gs or softcover picture books that you'd be willing to donate, please e-mail me at reidy(dot)jean(at)gmail(dot)com and I'll send you my address. I'll be collecting until July 1st. Musana is a 501(c)(3) and all donations are tax deductible.

Thanks for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you ... and possibly reading your book to those beautiful children.
Best,
Jean

Next PB Peek and a Gift to my PB Writer Friends

2010-06-08T12:17:00.005-06:00

Just when I thought life couldn't get crazier, June hit like a Volkswagen of clowns. But not to worry. The end of July and beginning of August will bring not only my TOO PICKLEY! Party but also my next Picture Book Peek Week - a free critique contest for my fellow picture books writers.

I know that feels like a long way off, but consider using the next few weeks to polish up your picture books.

As a gift for your patience, here are 6 Tips for Writing Picture Books from my fellow Colorado author Kathleen Pelley. Kathleen enchants young readers and engages listeners with her lovely Scottish voice. I hope you're inspired by her gentle passion.

Happy writing!

TOO PURPLEY! on T.V.

2010-06-08T08:10:00.003-06:00

I wanted to embed the video, but a link will have to suffice.

So here's TOO PURPLEY! on Parenting Recommended Reading on NY1.

Sorry the Romp's Been Resting

2010-05-22T17:04:00.002-06:00

Well, actually not resting, just blog darn quiet. Had a college grad and now I have a couple of kids home that I don't get to see so much. When they leave, in a few days, I'll be revving up the Romp again. You can't count on it.

A Sweet Little Reader Takes on TOO PURPLEY!

2010-05-11T17:36:00.003-06:00

My editor sent me this link from a fan today!! Could not be cuter!!

Win an autographed F&G of TOO PICKLEY!

2010-05-10T16:37:00.003-06:00

... and your friends will be pickle-green with envy!
Okay, maybe that's going too far but I couldn't resist because -
I'm giving away one autographed F&G of TOO PICKLEY! which doesn't officially hit bookstore shelves until 7/6/10.

It's easy to enter. Just hop on over to Goodreads Book Giveaways.
The deadline in 5/31/10.

Pay It Forward Friday: Do the "Write" Thing for Nashville

2010-05-07T12:59:00.005-06:00

Three generous and talented Nashville authors - Victoria Schwab, Amanda Morgan and Myra McEntire - have joined forces to help flood ravaged Nashville, Tennessee.

In Victoria Schwab's own words:

So if you haven't heard, Nashville, TN is in a MAJOR crisis.

On May 1st and 2nd, Nashville, Tennessee received a record amount of rain—nearly 13.5 inches.

By May 3rd, huge portions of our city were under water, including the The Grand Ole Opry, Opryland, The Nashville Symphony Hall, the downtown area, and countless homes. Families, many of whom did not have flood insurance, have lost everything. One of the hydro plants is flooded, which means we’re running short on water. Many lives have been extinguished and more bodies are being recovered each day.

Essentially, our city is drowning.

Three Nashville authors, myself included, are going to be auctioning off critiques, signed books, and more from authors, agents, editors, and other industry professionals.

I applaud these ladies for stepping up to help their beautiful city and I'll be adding a Picture Book Peek Critique to the list of auction items - so watch for it soon.

In the meantime, bid high and bid often at Do the Write Thing for Nashville and we can rescue our reading and our writing all while we help rescue our lovely sister city, Nashville.

Thank you Victoria, Amanda and Myra.

Bowling and Pigeons and Dead Pets

2010-05-01T09:00:00.008-06:00

Little kids have a lot to say. In fact, during my school visits, I wouldn't need to do much talking at all. I could simply introduce myself and my suitcase of "uncomfy clothes" and the kids would take it from there - most likely talking about neither.

Recently a precocious kindergartner treated me to a complete commentary on Mo Willems, all Mo's books and what makes them special. She was delighted to know that I'm a big Mo fan as well. Never mind, TOO PURPLEY!, TOO PICKLEY! or any other book I've written. We were completely wrapped up in pigeons and stuffed bunnies and the magic of our favorite books.

But my chats with the kids often trail off on unexpected tangents having little to do with books or reading or writing.

During a recent discussion about one of the pictures in TOO PURPLEY! a sweet little boy raised his hand and said, "I've got a lot of bowling stuff." Of course, I had to wonder if that meant this tot actually donned his own bowling shirt with his name stitched on the pocket - after all, we'd been talking about clothes. But I never got a chance to explore the comment because several hands shot up. "I've been bowling." "I bowled a strike once." "I love bowling." And even a bit later when the moderating teacher asked, "Now does anyone have any questions for Miss Jean about her books or about being an author?" one girl shyly raised her hand and said, "One time when I went bowling, I got a pink ball." She hadn't gotten to tell me earlier.

I've heard about pets, living and dead. I've heard about toys, and grandmas and babies. I've heard about The Princess and the Frog and why one little guy loves Tony Hawk. And every once in a while we talk about my books - and it usually comes in the form of advice as to what I should write about. Hmmmm. Maybe my next book should be about bowling.

Maybe it's something in my books or my suitcase or my face (I think that's where the grandmas stories come from) that lights their little light bulbs and rockets their hands high in the air until they can hardly hold in their news. Ideas come to life often from unlikely inspiration.

But no matter what the source of their sparks, I love that these brilliant little ones have so many stories to share - and they feel so comfortable sharing them with me.

Congratulations to all the Colorado Book Awards Finalists

2010-04-20T17:13:00.001-06:00

2010 COLORADO BOOK AWARDS FINALISTS

Anthology/Collection

Broken Links Mended Lives: A selection of short stories by members of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, Janet Lane, Susan Mackay Smith and Jeanne C. Stein, editors, RMFW Press

A Dozen on Denver: Stories, Rocky Mountain News, editor, Fulcrum Publishing

Beats At Naropa: An Anthology, Anne Waldman and Laura Wright, editors, Coffee House Press

Biography

Rosalie Edge, Hawk of Mercy: The Activist Who Saved Nature from the Conservationists, by Dyana Z. Furmansky, The University of Georgia Press

Turbulence Before Takeoff: The Life & Times of Aviation Pioneer Marlon DeWitt Green, by Flint Whitlock, Cable Publishing

Eddie Robinson "...he was the Martin Luther King of football" by Denny Dressman, ComServ Books

Children's Literature

Always My Brother by Jean Reagan, illustrated by Phyllis Pollema-Cahill, Tilbury House Publishers

Grandmother, Have the Angels Come? by Denise Vega, illustrated by Erin Eitter Kono, Little, Brown and Company

Mule Train Mail by Craig Brown, Charlesbridge

The Splatters Learn Some Manners by Marty Mokler Banks, illustrated by Cecilia Rébora, Harvest House Publishers

Creative Nonfiction

Just Like Us: The True Story of Four Mexican Girls Coming of Age in America by Helen Thorpe, Scribner

Power In The Blood: A Family Narrative by Linda Tate, Ohio University Press

A Dragon's Tale by Long Lee, Tate Publishing

General Nonfiction

Voices of the American West by Corinne Platt & Meredith Ogilby, Fulcrum Publishing

Between XX and XY: Intersexuality and the Myth of Two Sexes by Gerald N. Callahan, Ph.D., Chicago Review Press

Going Green: True Tales from Gleaners, Scavengers, and Dumpster Divers, Laura Pritchett, editor, University of Oklahoma Press

Genre Fiction - Historical & Romance

A Land Beyond Ravens: Book 4 of the Macsen's Treasure Series by Kathleen Cunningham Guler, Bardsong Press

Hawkmoon: A Novel by Nancy Williams, Loon in Balloon

Sage Cane's House of Grace & Favor by Christy Hubbard, Five Star

Genre Fiction - Mystery/Thriller & Science Fiction/Fantasy

The Edge of the World: Terra Incognita Book One by Kevin J. Anderson, Orbit

Leaden Skies: A Silver Rush Mystery by Ann Parker, Poisoned Pen Press

The Radio Magician and Other Stories by James Van Pelt, Fairwood Press

Hooray for Holopticon by Carol Van Natta & Ann Harbour, Chavanch Press

History

Someone's Daughter: In Search of Justice for Jane Doe by Silvia Pettem, Taylor Trade Publishing

First Kill Your Family: Child Soldiers of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army by Peter Eichstaedt, Lawrence Hill Books

Heroes, Villains, Dames & Disasters: 150 Years of Front-Page Stories from the Rocky Mountain News by Michael Madigan, Madideas

Juvenile Literature

Artsy-Fartsy: An Aldo Zelnick Comic Novel by Karla Oceanak, illustrated by Kendra Spanjer, Bailiwick Press

How Oliver Olson Changed the World by Claudia Mills, pictures by Heather Maione, Farrar, Straus and Giroux

V for Victory: Home-Front Heroes by Teresa R. Funke, Victory House Press

Literary Fiction

The Year That Follows: A Novel by Scott Lasser, Alfred A. Knopf

Prayers for Sale: A Novel by Sandra Dallas, St. Martin's Press

Spoon by Robert Greer, Fulcrum Publishing

Pictorial

Cup Half full: Life in the Face of Breast Cancer by Katy Tartakoff, K. Tartakoff/Cup Half Full

Colorado Abstract: Paintings and Sculpture by Michael Paglia and Mary Voelz Chandler, Fresco Fine Art Publications

Phlogs: Journey to the heart of the human predicament by George Stranahan & Nicole Beinstein Strait, People's Press

Poetry

Holding Everything Down: Poems by William Notter, Southern Illinois University Press

Thresh & Hold: Poems by Veronica Patterson, Big Pencil Press

Theory of Mind: New & Selected Poems by Bin Ramke, Omnidawn Publishing

This Nest, Swift Passerine: A Poem by Dan Beachy-Quick, Tupelo Press

Swear the Burning Vow: Selected and New Poems by Marilyn Krysl, Ghost Road Press

Young Adult Literature

The Indigo Notebook by Laura Resau, Delacorte Press

After by Amy Efaw, Viking

Rage: A Love Story by Julie Anne Peters, Alfred A. Knopf