Good News for the week:
I am 95% finished with revisions to my latest nonfiction book project which means that I’ll make my self-imposed April 30th deadline. YAY! Wish me luck!
Before I go on, I have to admit that I’ve been rather pre-occupied lately and have failed to make note of specific details related to some upcoming events for local authors. My apologies. If your signing event or recent good news is not listed, please contact me so that I may include it in my next blog post.
1.)Congratulations to Cynthia Leitich Smith! Her latest young adult novel, Tantalize (Candlewick 2009), is a nominee for the 2009 YALSA Teen’s Top Ten List! “Nominations are posted in April during National Library Week, and teens across the country vote on their favorite titles each year during Teen Read Week (Oct. 18 to Oct. 24). Readers aged 12 to 18 can vote right here, online, anytime that week.” There is no better compliment for a writer than to be praised by their readers.
By the way, if you haven’t been to Cynthia’s website, you are missing out on the absolutely best site in the world for children’s writers. School Library says of www.cynthialeitichsmith.com , “If you’re going to read only one blog, this is it!” Be sure to follow Cynthia’s blogs, including the ever popular www.cynsations.blogspot.com
2.)News from VCFA instructor, Cynthia Leitich Smith (see how many hats she wears?): Vermont College of Fine Arts has announced the inaugural Katherine Paterson Prize for Young Adult (YA) and Children’s Writing.
Source: Hunger Mountain editors.
Calling all YA and children’s writers! We are thrilled to present the inaugural Katherine Paterson Prize for Young Adult (YA) and Children’s Writing in Hunger Mountain.
Hunger Mountain, the arts journal of Vermont College of Fine Arts, will launch our new online arts journal early this summer.
Our new site will include YA and Children’s Literature. We’ll feature articles on hot topics and trends in YA and children’s literature, interviews with publishing industry insiders, and fiction selections by well-known and up-and-coming YA and children’s authors.
Upcoming issues will feature pieces by Katherine Paterson, Carrie Jones, Cynthia Leitich Smith, K.A. Nuzum, Rita Williams-Garcia, Sara Zarr, and many others!
Writers of young adult fiction, middle grade fiction, and picture books are encouraged to enter the Katherine Paterson Prize for YA and Children’s Writing for a piece of fiction not yet under contract or under consideration by a publisher.
Newbery Award-winning author Katherine Paterson will judge.
One winner will receive $1000.00 and publication in Hunger Mountain online, and two honorable mentions will receive $100.00 each.
3.) Chris Barton anxiously awaits the release of his first book, The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors (Charlesbridge 2009). A book release party and signing event is planned for Saturday, July 11, at 1 p.m. at BookPeople in Austin, TX. See Chris’ website to learn more about him and his work, including the two other books that will soon be released. http://www.chrisbarton.info/and follow his blog at a http://www.chrisbarton.info/blog/index.php
4. Jessica Lee Anderson (my Chautauqua chum)is anticipating the release of her second novel, Border Crossings (Milkweed Editions, tentatively- Fall 2009)Check out Jessica’s website for more information. www.jessicaleeanderson.com/
5.) Kudos to the writers who have recently completed a manuscript, begun a manuscript, submitted a manuscript, signed with an agent, or found inspiration. You know who you are!
Quote for the day: Inspiration- “Stung by the splendour of a sudden thought.” —Robert Browning (1812-1889) English Poet
