The Writers’ League of Texas has expanded the eligible catagories in its Annual Novel Contest to include children’s and YA (both long works only, such as novels, memoirs, etc.). Entries must be postmarked by March 1 (or dropped off at the league office by 6 p.m. that day); the “winner in each category will meet individually with an agent at the Writers’
Category: General
The Goddess of YA Literature
If you have not already done so, bookmark The Goddess of YA Literature AKA Teri Lesesne’s blog. It’s jam-packed with info and insights from Mount Olympus, and–on a personal note–mentions Greg‘s Tofu And T.Rex (Little Brown, 2005) as “a terrific follow-up to his first novel.” She also calls T&T “humorous”
One Mitten Imagination Challenge
Author Kristine O’Connell George is sponsoring the “One Mitten Imagination Challenge” for students in grades K to 3. Features prizes, curriculum info, and more. Classes, libraries, bookstores, and homeschoolers are welcome. The deadline is March 19, 2005.
Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson
Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson (Viking, 2005). Ashley Hannigan isn’t nearly as into the upcoming prom as her pals, including her best friend (and head of the prom committee) Natalia. But then the faculty advisor swipes the prom money and Natalia is temporary out of commission. Despite an unforgiving school administration (and, okay, a few detentions), can Ashley pull together the perfect night after all?
Critique: Giving & Receiving
I was just reading illustrator Don Tate’s recent blog post, “a critique: there’s room for growth.”*
Right now, in my “in” e-box, there are two thank you notes from writers whose manuscripts I’ve read of late. Both are gracious. One mentions having climbed off the bridge first (I’m positive she’s kidding) and the other calls me “incredibly helpful,”
MFA in Writing for Children or Teenagers
I received a note yesterday, letting me know about another low-residency master’s program, this one in “Writing Popular Fiction” (including “children’s fiction”) at Seton Hill University. The director is Dr. Lee Tobin McClain. Those master’s programs I was already familiar with include the ones at Vermont College, where I’ll be guest teaching this summer,
“Islamic Etiquette & The Shaking Of Hands”
Children’s book author Rukhsana Khan offers an article on cross-cultural etiquette on her Web site. Read “Islamic Etiquette & The Shaking of Hands.” Rukhsana is the author of numerous titles for young readers, including Muslim Child, Ruler Of The Courtyard, and King Of The Skies. Her forthcoming titles include Silly Chicken and The Big Red Lollipop.
Continue Reading “Islamic Etiquette & The Shaking Of Hands” »
Novel Critique and Revision Questions
While each manuscript is different, this is a list of questions/thoughts I’ve developed in response to common critique/revision issues for what I’ll call “advanced beginners” and, for that matter, everyone else. They’re not all the important concerns in novel writing, just those that seem the prickliest.
(1) Are the main characters fresh, three-dimensional, and memorable? Does the writer avoid stereotypes (not just regional or racial,
Little Simon Inspirations; Quill Awards
According to PW Newsline, Reed Business Information (PW’s parent company) and NBC TV are launching the Quill Awards. These will honor books in 15 categories including “children’s” and “graphic novels.” NBC also will air the awards ceremony.
In addition, Simon & Schuster is launching Little Simon Inspirations, which will feature faith-themed titles with a “lighter” touch.
My Thoughts
It’s exciting that books are “hot,”
Librarian of Basra: A True Story From Iraq
On Tuesday, Jeanette Winter, author of The Librarian of Basra: A True Story From Iraq (Harcourt, 2005), was interviewed on NPR’s “All Things Considered,” and you can listen to the program online.
For those wanting to learn more (and/or don’t have an audio player on the computer), an online text interview with Jeanette is also available from BookPage.
Continue Reading Librarian of Basra: A True Story From Iraq »