SCBWI's Conference Blog

I stumbled across this blog - the SCBWI conference blog. Though I will not be attending the Summer Conference in LA due to the fact I'm on the East Coast, I have benefited from the conference in New York and local confrences in my home state. If you're an SCBWI member, give this site a visit.

Many of you know I've been adding writing tips to my blog. The biggest tip I can offer you is to attend a conference now and then. Of course, you won't be getting anywhere if you don't write, but the fellowship, networking and learning from other writers at the conferences are definitely a plus.

Check out the blog at http://scbwiconference.blogspot.com/

Keep On Writing

I hit another writer's block. I knew I had something great stuck in my head - but how would I ever get it on paper? The advice that instantly pops into mind is "just write". But that is easily pushed aside by thoughts that say, "Why bother. It won't be any good. This is nothing like the other stories or books out there."

That's why I'm grateful for exercises given by our fellow writers. For example, on Laurie Halse Anderson's Facebook page she is giving writing prompts and a challenge to write continuously for 15 minutes straight all throughout August.

Just one of these prompts are pulling together a story I had in my head for ages. It is amazing what story elements develop as you write. You may not have it all planned out. Maybe you just have a thought or a situation in your head. But if you just write, you'll see elements pull together.

So, if you're stuck on a thought or worried you won't be able to write another word, try checking out exercises like those on Laurie Halse Anderson's page.

Jen's Writing Tip # 10: Join the Conference!

That's right. There's no better way to make contacts, sharpen your skills and learn about the craft than to attend a writer's conference. I know, I know. The cash flow isn't there to attend as many as you'd wish. That's why I've been attending the Muse Online Writer's Conference the past few years. It's perfect for my situation. I can attend it from home and the best part is: it's free!

This year the conference runs from October 12, 2009-October 18, 2009, however the deadline to register is August 1, 2009. The director of the conference made it clear: NO EXCEPTIONS. So, if you'd like to attend the conference, head on over to the Muse Group and sign up - before August 1.

Jen's Writing Tip# 9 How Exciting!

We all know great things happen in our stories and articles. We want our readers to pick up on it. Chances are, if they're following the story, they will pick up on the excitement.

As authors, we are tempted to put in expressive punctuation to emphasize our point. The most over used punctuation mark? The exclamation point. We use exclamation point to show excitement. Something out of the ordinary is happening. Or something wonderful, or scary. It is fine to use these powerful helpers sparingly. In fact, when used in moderation, it can make that line perfect.

However, we should be careful not to over use them. If you have a simple statement like, "Go find the dog," you should end that with a period. Could you imagine your sister or brother saying to you, "Go find the dog!" I have this vision of someone standing in front of me yelling loudly. Do we do that when we talk to each other ?

So how often should you use them? My advice would be one or two per manuscript, depending on the length. For anywhere between 500- 1000 words use one - maybe. Remember, you want that punctuation mark to do its job - show excitement. How exciting can something be if every other sentence ends with an exclamation point?

A Cure for Summer Boredom

My friend Zebee at Laughing Zebra Children's Books has something wonderful in store for you this summer. Pretty soon those of us who have school-age children will find that the novelty of summer vacation is wearing off and boredom sets in. If that's true in your household, consider signing them up for this educational activity. There's something new each week. My friends over at Zebee's was kind enough to send me all the info.

Here's what they told me:

Just In Time to Beat Summer Time Boredom: Zebee’s Summer Zoo Camp is Almost Here!

Sign up today. Keep your child happily busy all summer long.

V Zoo, Cyber Space – July 1, 2009 -- Calling all parents, teachers and caregivers with children between the ages of 5 and 8. Do you need some fun educational activities for your children this summer? Can’t afford to send them off to a zoo camp? We have the answer. Starting July 6, 2009 we are holding a Virtual Summer Zoo Camp. It’s online and it’s totally FREE. All you have to do is sign up.

Eight weeks of Zoo animal fun!

July 6-12 Meerkat Mania

July 13-17 Leaping Lizards

July 20-24 Virtuous Vultures

July 27-31 Fascinating Frogs

August 3-7 Observant Okapis

August 10-14 Playful Penguins

August 17-21 Slithery Snakes

August 24-28 Amazing Antelope

We will be giving away some prizes too, all FREE.

What else will this summer camp have? There will be Games, Animal Trivia, Arts and Crafts and all kinds of Puzzles.

So what are you waiting for? Hop over to Zebee’s Summer Zoo Camp and sign up today.

Permission to Reprint:

Journalists, newsletter publishers, bloggers and others: You may reprint this to help spread the word. We here at Laughing Zebra – Books for Children thank you

So there you have it. Something to do when your child says to you, "I'm boooored." Feel free to post a comment here about your experience once the camp starts.

My Light Magazine Names Non Fiction Editor

MEDIA RELEASE

Media Contact: Jennifer Gladen

Editor, MY LIGHT MAGAZINE

Email: editor@mylightmagazine.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MY LIGHT MAGAZINE NAMES NON-FICTION EDITOR

Pennsylvania (June 15, 2009)– My Light Magazine, a Catholic centered online magazine for children, announces a new member of the My Light Team. Author Tracy Becker accepted the position of Non-Fiction Editor. She will assist in reviewing and editing non-fiction submissions including Bible stories, articles, profiles on saints and activities. Be sure to catch her monthly column titled “Year of the Priest”.

“If you’re thinking of submitting, please be sure to include a bibliography,” says Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Gladen. “One important duty Tracy Becker will have is to verify the bibliographies.”

Tracy Becker received her education from the Institute of Children's Literature and is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators. She has been writing for all ages for almost 15 years. Her work has appeared in Religion Teacher's Journal, Maryfaithful, and the Una Voce Columbus newsletter. She is currently working on 2 adult books and a children's Christmas activity book.

When asked how she felt about joining My Light, Tracy responded, “I am happy to be on the My Light Team!”

Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Gladen is also excited about My Light’s new addition. “Tracy has some great ideas for the magazine. We can’t wait to share them with everyone.”

The My Light Team looks forward to working with Tracy Becker. Non-fiction submissions can be sent to tracybecker@mylightmagazine.com with a bibliography.

Jennifer Gladen, Editor-in-Chief: editor@mylightmagazine.com

Jaclyn Morales, Assistant Editor: jaclynmorales@mylightmagazine.com

Carol Brook, Illustrator Coordinator: Carolbrooke@mylightmagazine.com

Diane Smit, Poetry Editor: Dianesmit@mylightmagazine.com

Website: http://mylightmagazine.com

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END OF THE TOUR

The Bounding for Books Blog Tour is over. Thanks to all the authors and illustrators who stopped by the blog. And thanks to all who left comments. This has been a fun tour and I hope you all learned something about these talented guests I've had here. Some have added nice writing tips which will get you far in the writing world. The most important thing to remember is be persistent. Read, revise....revise again (and again) and then find that MS a home.