Miriam Hees, publisher of Blooming Tree Press, debut author P. J. Hoover, and her editor Madeline Smoot show off the cover to P. J.’s upcoming novel The Emerald Tablet (Blooming Tree, October 2008).

P. J. spoke last Saturday to a full house at Austin SCBWI‘s monthly meeting. Her topic was “Create Your Own Future with Goals and Time Management.”

P. J. emphasized identifying goals, focusing on goals, implementing steps to achieve them, and making the most out of your time.

What I appreciated most about her presentation was the personal-responsibility theme. She emphasized owning what you can do to facilitate your success, both professionally and more broadly as a well-rounded person. Of course we have important partners–critique groups, agents, publishers, booksellers, teachers, and librarians–but as youth literature creators, ultimately we are accountable to our art and our readers.

She also cheered the power of positive thinking. That got me thinking…

Over the years, I’ve met a lot of folks in the youth writing community, and hands-down, those who were forward-thinking, upbeat, and had the strongest, most cheerful work ethic have been the most successful by any measure.

I also must mention P. J.’s innovative book giveaway, a Fruit Roll up that creates a tongue-tattoo. What will authors think of next? Note: the tattoos were both effective and tasty.

Don’t miss: P. J.’s report, I’m Ready to Set My Goals; Carmen Oliver‘s report, Goal Setting and Time Management; and Alison Dellenbaugh’s report Time management, tongue tattoos, and video. Check out Roots in Myth, P. J.’s blog. Read a Cynsations interview with Miriam.

In other news, author Lila Guzman is celebrating the release of George Lopez: Latino King of Comedy (Enslow, 2008)! Read a Cynsations interview with Lila.

As usual, it was a great turn out for the meeting. Local luminaries included authors Brian Anderson, Anne Bustard, Jane Ann Peddicord, and author-illustrator Mark G. Mitchell.

I’d like to send out a special welcome to first-timer LaShun Gaines! (I hope to see you again soon!).

More Personally

“The ALAN Book Chat is pleased to feature Cynthia Leitich Smith and her novel Tantalize (Candlewick, 2007)[now available in paperback, 2008] in the July book chat.

“The live chat to discuss Tantalize will be held at 9 p.m. Eastern, 8 p.m. Central on July 23. The live chat with Cynthia Leitich Smith will be held one week later, July 30th at 9 p.m. Eastern, 8 p.m. Central.

“You do not have to be a member of ALAN to participate in the Book Chat. To join the conversation, click on this link. ” Check out the readers’ guide to Tantalize.