Last week, I spent several days at The Texas Library Association conference in Austin, Texas. I sat in on sessions about science in kids’ books, picture books, and the like. I schmoozed with authors, illustrators, and some of the nicest librarians in the state. Then I opened more book covers than you can imagine. Among… Read more »
Standing on the threshold of publication is nerve-racking. I am teetering at this moment, waiting for that gentle nudge that is but a wisp away-fully at the mercy of market conditions and business decisions that are out of my control. I know my time is coming. I can feel that breeze of hope slipping… Read more »
2011 First, beware. This isn’t your typical testimonial to the benefits of public libraries. By reading my blog, you are most likely a writer or illustrator, so I’m preaching to the choir by reminding you how important libraries are to a community. Today, as libraries face paramount transitions caused by budget cuts, and a move… Read more »
I created this document last year to help new critique groups, organized through our local SCBWI chapter. Interest in our critique groups is exploding, so it seems appropriate to post this again. Critique with the sandwich method. Positive comments at the beginning. Positive comments at the end. Meaty feedback in the middle. Beware of overpowering… Read more »
Wow! That’s pretty much how everyone summed up the 2011 Austin SCBWI conference. My only regret was that I couldn’t clone myself, allowing me to attend every session with our amazing presenters. Unfortunately, this post will only address the sessions I was able to attend. Featured presenter, Arthur Levine, head of his own Scholastic imprint… Read more »
Writers conferences can be fantastic for writers of all experience levels. A little pre-conference planning is a great idea. Most importantly, consider your choice of conferences carefully. Some are geared more toward craft while others focus on the business and marketing side. The best choice for you will depend on where you are in your… Read more »
Jeanette Larson, Mark G. Mitchell, Julie Lake Chris Barton, Tricia Hoover, Jessica Lee Anderson, Donna Bowman Bratton Found only in the Americas, hummingbirds weigh no more than two sheets of paper, yet they have held the the fascination of people for centuries. HUMMINGBIRDS: FACTS AND FOLKLORE FROM THE AMERICAS (Charlesbridge, February 2011,)… Read more »
February is Black History Month in recognition of the invaluable contributions that the African American community has made to the culture and history of our nation. I’m delighted to post 15 picture book (and one early reader) titles from my personal “Favorites” list. We truly cannot know where we are going if we do not… Read more »
Jeanette Larson on the Who, What, Why of Public Libraries A former Librarian of the year and Siddie Joe Johnson award winner, Jeanette Larson’s twenty-five career with public library systems across the country has made her a library expert. Now, Jeanette is busy consulting, teaching, leading workshops and writing. Visit her Larson Library website to… Read more »
I was recently asked by Mary Bowman Kruhm to contribute to an article she was writing for the December 2010 issue of Children’s Book Insider. My short blurb about how blogging serves my writing career got me thinking about how my humble corner of blogosphere has evolved in the last year. And how it reflects… Read more »
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