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November 02, 2012
In completely unrelated news, I dressed as Buddy the Elf on Halloween and sat on the porch to pass out candy. Maybe I actually do look good in tights...
Friday night, Oct. 26 and all day Saturday, Oct. 27
Friday night was a social night but also the time for one-one-one manuscript critiques with agents or publishers. I had one of these but I really didn’t get any specific critique on my writing. Mostly the publisher talked about how I need to focus on figuring out an appropriate market for my short stories. I know it’s mostly only magazines and awesome websites like knowonder! that buy 1000-2000 word stories. But I believe in reviving the concept of richly-illustrated, longer picture books and I’m going to bark up that tree for a while longer. I just know I’ll write the next “Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs”.
Note to self: that’s a pretty lofty goal.
Saturday had none of the anticipation and worry of the one-on-one critique so was only about fun, making connections and listening to presentations.
The day began with Mike Jung speaking about the publication journey which led to the sale of his debut novel, “Geeks, Girls and Secret Identities”. Mike was fabulous and I thoroughly enjoyed his presentation. It featured two live singing performances plus some ukulele playing. Mike had great interaction with his publisher who appeared on stage with him to sing, dance and further discuss the book. Perhaps the most fascinating fact was 'being funny on facebook' was the way Mike connected with this publisher who ultimately ended up contracting his book! In short, Mr. Jung and Mr. Arthur Levine had a mutual friend on facebook and Mike was in the habit of commenting on this other writer’s wall. After a time, Mr. Levine directly contacted Mike, told him he enjoyed his witty comments, and asked to read his manuscript. Mike had been working hard on the book for many years and would surely have broken through at some point. But the way it finally happened was definitely a unique and inspirational story. However it also may ultimately be detrimental to writers because the more time one spends on FB and twitter and blogs and such, the less time one spends writing. Much like what I’m doing right now…
Next, I listened to separate presentations from Ms. Mary Kole and Ms. Susan Hawk about what agents can do for a writer’s career. Both of these ladies are literary agents, by the way. And both were extremely personable, professional, sharp and likeable. I would recommend following the correct channels to submit to either one or both. You would surely be pleased to win either’s representation. Additionally, Ms. Susan Hawk wore a pair of cool green shoes.
Jay Asher closed out the day with a presentation about the publication of his book, “13 Reasons Why”. His journey lasted 12 YEARS before he finally secured a contract for his book. Like Mike Jung, Mr. Asher was also extremely charismatic, funny and endearing. “13 Reasons Why” is about bullying and suicide, so pretty heavy stuff. But also important and topical so he is very busy with school appearances these days. I purchased Jay’s second book called “The Future of Us” because I liked him and wanted to support him. I’m also kind of a sissy and am apprehensive about reading his deeply profound first novel. I may have just revealed too much about myself.
In addition to having Mr. Asher sign a book for me, I got an autograph from Mike Jung in his “Geeks…” book. While that was happening, I surprised myself by getting brave and giving Mike a copy of my “Chomp! Chomp! Chomp!” picture book. I did it because in his presentation, he’d mentioned his son was turning two on Monday, Oct. 29th. I honestly found Mike to be a sincere and inspirational writer and I wanted him to have my book to give to his boy.
I also gave copies of my book to two writer friends I have connected with through knowonder! and to a few illustrators I met. Those were promotional decisions – but also because these are neat, talented people and I am a generous person. Though you should never ask for a sip of my coffee. Never do that.
All in all, it was an exceptional first writing conference experience. Best part - my writer friends had me autograph the Chomp! copies I gave them so I must say, I felt pretty special signing copies of my book while sitting in a room with a bunch of other authors!
Huge thanks to Lisha Cauthen, Jenn Bailey, Colleen Ryckert Cook, Sue Gallion and all the SCBWI staff and volunteers for a memorable event. Next year, I think I will wear a custom made Crocodragonosaur suit. Unless I’ve written a book about something else - but hopefully not fairies or princesses. Though I’ve worn them many times (speaking of revealing too much of myself), I’m quite positive tights are not my thing.
Friday night was a social night but also the time for one-one-one manuscript critiques with agents or publishers. I had one of these but I really didn’t get any specific critique on my writing. Mostly the publisher talked about how I need to focus on figuring out an appropriate market for my short stories. I know it’s mostly only magazines and awesome websites like knowonder! that buy 1000-2000 word stories. But I believe in reviving the concept of richly-illustrated, longer picture books and I’m going to bark up that tree for a while longer. I just know I’ll write the next “Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs”.
Note to self: that’s a pretty lofty goal.
Saturday had none of the anticipation and worry of the one-on-one critique so was only about fun, making connections and listening to presentations.
The day began with Mike Jung speaking about the publication journey which led to the sale of his debut novel, “Geeks, Girls and Secret Identities”. Mike was fabulous and I thoroughly enjoyed his presentation. It featured two live singing performances plus some ukulele playing. Mike had great interaction with his publisher who appeared on stage with him to sing, dance and further discuss the book. Perhaps the most fascinating fact was 'being funny on facebook' was the way Mike connected with this publisher who ultimately ended up contracting his book! In short, Mr. Jung and Mr. Arthur Levine had a mutual friend on facebook and Mike was in the habit of commenting on this other writer’s wall. After a time, Mr. Levine directly contacted Mike, told him he enjoyed his witty comments, and asked to read his manuscript. Mike had been working hard on the book for many years and would surely have broken through at some point. But the way it finally happened was definitely a unique and inspirational story. However it also may ultimately be detrimental to writers because the more time one spends on FB and twitter and blogs and such, the less time one spends writing. Much like what I’m doing right now…
Next, I listened to separate presentations from Ms. Mary Kole and Ms. Susan Hawk about what agents can do for a writer’s career. Both of these ladies are literary agents, by the way. And both were extremely personable, professional, sharp and likeable. I would recommend following the correct channels to submit to either one or both. You would surely be pleased to win either’s representation. Additionally, Ms. Susan Hawk wore a pair of cool green shoes.
Jay Asher closed out the day with a presentation about the publication of his book, “13 Reasons Why”. His journey lasted 12 YEARS before he finally secured a contract for his book. Like Mike Jung, Mr. Asher was also extremely charismatic, funny and endearing. “13 Reasons Why” is about bullying and suicide, so pretty heavy stuff. But also important and topical so he is very busy with school appearances these days. I purchased Jay’s second book called “The Future of Us” because I liked him and wanted to support him. I’m also kind of a sissy and am apprehensive about reading his deeply profound first novel. I may have just revealed too much about myself.
In addition to having Mr. Asher sign a book for me, I got an autograph from Mike Jung in his “Geeks…” book. While that was happening, I surprised myself by getting brave and giving Mike a copy of my “Chomp! Chomp! Chomp!” picture book. I did it because in his presentation, he’d mentioned his son was turning two on Monday, Oct. 29th. I honestly found Mike to be a sincere and inspirational writer and I wanted him to have my book to give to his boy.
I also gave copies of my book to two writer friends I have connected with through knowonder! and to a few illustrators I met. Those were promotional decisions – but also because these are neat, talented people and I am a generous person. Though you should never ask for a sip of my coffee. Never do that.
All in all, it was an exceptional first writing conference experience. Best part - my writer friends had me autograph the Chomp! copies I gave them so I must say, I felt pretty special signing copies of my book while sitting in a room with a bunch of other authors!
Huge thanks to Lisha Cauthen, Jenn Bailey, Colleen Ryckert Cook, Sue Gallion and all the SCBWI staff and volunteers for a memorable event. Next year, I think I will wear a custom made Crocodragonosaur suit. Unless I’ve written a book about something else - but hopefully not fairies or princesses. Though I’ve worn them many times (speaking of revealing too much of myself), I’m quite positive tights are not my thing.