e-lerts

SCBWI-NM eLERT January 24, 2011

posted Jan 24, 2011, 4:51 PM by administrator scbwi

LOS ALAMOS WRITERS GROUP

Want to Ride (or Write) on the Orient Express?

Come to the next LAWG meeting, and Christel Hanson will tell you when and how.
She will present a program on literary journeys and retreats of interest to writers.
There will be a bit of literary trivia fun, too.

(Advance notice: Facilitators for February meetings are Michael Thompson (10th-critique)
and Angie Chipera (24th))

Thursday, January 27
7:00 p.m.
Morning Glory Baking Company
1377 Diamond Drive
Los Alamos

*****************************************************
WRITING for CHILDREN CLASSES

SCBWI-NM Regional Advisor Chris Eboch is teaching two classes through SouthWest Writers.

Chris Eboch is the author of 12 books for young people. Her Haunted series includes THE GHOST
ON THE STAIRS, THE RIVERBOAT PHANTOM, and THE KNIGHT IN THE PHANTOM, which won
the 2010 New Mexico Book Award for Juvenile Book. Her other books include THE WELL OF
SACRIFICE, plus inspirational biographies and nonfiction for elementary through high school students.
She has published two stories in Highlights for Children and dozens of articles in Children’s Writer.
Visit Chris at www.chriseboch.com or http://chriseboch.blogspot.com.

Introduction To Writing For Children

When you write for children, you have the most appreciative audience in the world.
But to reach that audience, you need to understand the craft and business of writing
for children. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore the children’s book markets, discuss
the elements of writing for kids, and develop appropriate ideas. Then we’ll look at the
essential elements of writing for children, and each participant will work on a story. Expect
to leave this workshop with a draft of an article or story, and a list of ideas for future development.

Wednesday afternoons
February 2, 9, 16 and 23
2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Introduction To Writing For Middle Grade Kids

From Harry Potter to Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Middle Grade novels are a popular and
entertaining genre that can include realistic fiction, adventure, historical fiction, fantasy,
science fiction, humor and more. If you’d like to write for this appealing age group,
this class will get you on your way. We’ll review the genres and special requirements,
work on developing characters and planning a plot, and start writing!

Wednesday evenings
February 2, 9, 16 and 23
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Each class is $120 for SouthWest Writers members;
$150 non-members (with a 6-month SWW membership)

Both classes meet at the
SouthWest Writers Conference Room
3721 Morris NE, Ste A
(northwest corner of Comanche and Morris)

Classes are limited to 14 Students. Enrollment ends 1/25.
Sign up online at http://southwestwriters.com/classes.php or register by calling SWW at (505) 265-9485.

*****************************************************
SCBWI-AZ RETREAT
Michelle Parker-Rock
Regional Advisor SCBWI AZ
http://www.scbwi-az.org
RegionalAdvisor@scbwi-az.org

Rediscover, Replenish, Re-Vision:
Friday, May 20, 2011 - Sunday, May 22, 2011
COD Ranch, north of Tucson

A Writers’ Retreat with a Holistic Approach to help you thrive in your writing endeavors
through a blending of craft and life coaching techniques that merge left brain with right
brain, combine practical information with intuitive insight, and mesh creativity with
analytical elements.

An opportunity for seasoned, advanced and published writers of middle grade and YA
novels to escape the routines and demands of everyday life and concentrate on nurturing
and empowering their inner writer while reconnecting with their works-in-progress.

Writers who are interested in this retreat will need to submit the first 5000 words
(or the first 20 pages) of a professionally formatted manuscript of a work-in-progress
and an addendum including the following: an abbreviated single-spaced, one-paragraph
synopsis, a brief summary of prior writing related experiences (published titles with
publishers names and dates; conferences; workshops; classes; etc.) and a statement
of what they hope to gain from this retreat.

Retreat Leaders:
*Kendra Levin
Editor Viking Children’s Books
*Kirby Larson
Recipient of the 2007 Newbery Honor
and the 2009 Christopher Award

Registration includes all retreat activities, food, and lodging.
For more details and registration information, go to
http://scbwi-az.org/Events.html

*****************************************************
BOOK CO-OP MEETING
Paul Rhetts

This month's meeting will feature Barbe Awalt's & Paul Rhetts's presentation, The 2010
New Mexico Book Awards – What We Learned. Also in attendance will be Don James
(tied for Best New Mexico Book) and James McGrath Morris (Best Book) talking about
their books. The honorees for Friends of New Mexico Books and Authors will be announced.

The 2011 New Mexico Book Awards will be opened, and there are two new categories and a
special surprise announcement that everyone with 2010 and newly-released 2011 books
will want to hear!

Friday, January 28
Golden Corral ( Alameda & Coors ).
Meeting starts at noon but people come to eat and network at 11am
Lunch, tip, and tax about $10

*****************************************************
ARE YOUR EARS BURNING?

If so, it may be because someone is talking about you on the Web. Find out who it is
by going to Webmii.com, a collection of media mentions. The site will bring up links
to websites, blogs, videos, social networking sites and news about you and your books.
The site is free.

*****************************************************
HIGHLIGHTS CHAUTAUQUA CONFERENCE
Highlights Foundation, Inc.
www.highlightsfoundation.org

For twenty-six years, the Highlights Foundation has been helping children's writers and illustrators
reach their goals. We invite you to join us this summer, July 16-23.

The intensive, week-long conference at Chautauqua, NY is designed for individuals at all levels of experience,
from beginning to published, seminars, small-group workshops, and one-on-one sessions with some of the
most accomplished and prominent authors, illustrators, editors, critics, and publishers.

For more information, visit our http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/pages/current/chautauqua_top.html
or contact Jo Lloyd, toll free, at 1-877-512-8365.

*****************************************************
MYSTERIOUS NOMINATIONS

The Mystery Writers of America announced the 2011 nominations for the annual
Edgar Award. Winners will be announced April 28 in New York. Nominations in
children's literature:

Best Juvenile
"Zora and Me" by Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon (Candlewick Press)
"The Buddy Files: The Case of the Lost Boy" by Dori Hillestad Butler (Albert Whitman & Co.)
"The Haunting of Charles Dickens" by Lewis Buzbee (Feiwel & Friends)
"Griff Carver: Hallway Patrol" by Jim Krieg (Penguin Young Readers Group - Razorbill)
"The Secret Life of Ms. Finkleman" by Ben H. Winters (HarperCollins Children’s Books)

Best YA
"The River" by Mary Jane Beaufrand (Little Brown Books for Young Readers)
"Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King (Random House Children's Books – Alfred A. Knopf)
"7 Souls" by Barnabas Miller and Jordan Orlando (Random House Children's Books – Delacorte Press)
"The Interrogation of Gabriel James" by Charlie Price (Farrar, Straus, Giroux Books for Young Readers)
"Dust City" by Robert Paul Weston (Penguin Young Readers Group - Razorbill)

*****************************************************
AFTER WORDS

"Easy reading is damned hard writing."
Nathaniel Hawthorne

*****************************************************

******************************************************
CONTACT US

SCBWI-New Mexico
Chris Eboch, Regional Advisor
ra@scbwi-nm.org

SCBWI-New Mexico
Lois Bradley, Assistant Regional Advisor
ara@scbwi-nm.org

News Messenger Newsletter
Melinda Beavers, Editor
newsmessenger@scbwi-nm.org

Schmoozes (ABQ)
Brian Herrera, Coordinator
schmooze@scbwi-nm.org

Illustrator Saturdays
Laurette Luff, Coordinator
illustrators@scbwi-nm.org

Saturday Critique
Linda Tripp/Kate Harrington, Facilitators
saturdaycritique@scbwi-nm.org

Santa Fe Critique Group
Anji Estrellas, Facilitator
SantaFeCritique@scbwi-nm.org

Hummingbird Fall Retreat
Chris Eboch, Coordinator
fallretreat@scbwi-nm.org

HandSprings Conference
Lois Bradley, Coordinator
handsprings@scbwi-nm.org

eLERTs
Stephanie Farrow, Editor
elerts@scbwi-nm.org

SCBWI-NM Web site
www.scbwi-nm.org

Webmaster
David Rogers
webmaster@scbwi-nm.org

*****************************************************
GOT NEWS?

We'd like to know about it!

Send in news, announcements, recommendations, and
requests. Let us know about personal triumphs, meetings,
learning opportunities, or words of wisdom. We'd all like to
know about it. Make sure to get your info to elerts@scbwi-nm.org
by Sunday afternoon.

The fine print: The eLERT is a free service for our SCBWI-NM
members. We do our best to make sure that the information
is accurate, but mistakes do happen. Sometimes the information
submitted to us contains errors, which we inadvertently reproduce;
sometimes the goof is ours. Please double-check! If you'd like
more info about a particular announcement, go directly to the source.

Not all information is from official SCBWI sources or involves SCBWI
members. SCBWI-NM cannot be responsible for any interactions or
outcomes, good or bad, of your following up on these items. ++++

SCBWI-NM eLERT January 17, 2011

posted Jan 23, 2011, 9:28 AM by administrator scbwi

SCBWI MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

Note on P.A.L. Membership
This information from the Los Angeles office applies to members who are published.
If you'd the complete instructions on how to update your member profile to include
your publications, scroll down to the end of this e-lert. They're quite long. (sf)

Membership in the SCBWI is open to anyone with an active interest in children’s literature
or media. We welcome aspiring and published writers and illustrators, librarians, educators,
artists, students, dramatists, musicians, filmmakers, and others. A passion for children’s
literature is our #1 criterion.

P.A.L. stands for "Published and Listed." This level of membership is open to those whose
books, articles, poems, stories, illustrations, photographs, films, television or electronic
media for children have been commercially published by one of the traditional publishers
listed in the SCBWI Market Surveys. P.A.L. members may have a speaker's listing in the
"Find A Speaker" area of the site. They are also able to sell books at certain regional events
where such sales are organized and sponsored by the regional chapter.
See: http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/Levels-of-Membership

Crystal Kite Member Choice Awards
The Crystal Kite Member Choice Awards will be given annually for best book as chosen
by the members of each SCBWI Regional Division beginning in 2011 for books published
during the 2010 calendar year. To be eligible be sure to update your member profile with
the publication information about your book published in 2010 by a P.A.L. publisher.
See: http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/Crystal-Kite-Member-Choice-Awards

******************************************************
SOUTHWEST WRITERS MEETING TALK

SCBWI-NM member Betsy James will offer Refusing to Live Only One Life:
Inviting Vivid Characters at the next SWW meeting.

Much has been written about "character development" as an act, like auto mechanics,
over which the writer exerts conscious control. A more organic approach is to create
an environment in which characters present and develop themselves; for they are,
after all, multifaceted aspects of the writer’s self. Join novelist Betsy James in a
conversation about how to help characters emerge, evolve, and carry the story as they grow.

Betsy James is the author-illustrator of sixteen books for young adults and children. Her most
recent book, LISTENING AT THE GATE, was a Tiptree Honor Book and a New York Public
Library Best Book for Teens.

Tuesday, January 18
7 to 9 p.m.
New Life Presbyterian Church
5540 Eubank NE
www.southwestwriters.com

Free and open to the public.

******************************************************
WRITING for CHILDREN CLASSES

SCBWI-NM Regional Advisor Chris Eboch is teaching two classes through SouthWest Writers.

Chris Eboch is the author of 12 books for young people. Her Haunted series includes THE GHOST
ON THE STAIRS, THE RIVERBOAT PHANTOM, and THE KNIGHT IN THE PHANTOM, which won
the 2010 New Mexico Book Award for Juvenile Book. Her other books include THE WELL OF
SACRIFICE, a middle grade Mayan adventure, used in many schools, plus inspirational biographies
and nonfiction for elementary through high school students. She has published two stories in
Highlights for Children and dozens of articles in Children’s Writer. Read book excerpts or learn more
about Chris at www.chriseboch.com or visit her “Write Like a Pro! A Free Online Writing Workshop”
blog at http://chriseboch.blogspot.com.

Introduction To Writing For Children

When you write for children, you have the most appreciative audience in the world.
But to reach that audience, you need to understand the craft and business of writing
for children. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore the children’s book markets, discuss
the elements of writing for kids, and develop appropriate ideas. Then we’ll look at the
essential elements of writing for children, and each participant will work on a story. Expect
to leave this workshop with a draft of an article or story, and a list of ideas for future development.

Wednesday afternoons
   February 2, 9, 16 and 23
2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Introduction To Writing For Middle Grade Kids

From Harry Potter to Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Middle Grade novels are a popular and
entertaining genre that can include realistic fiction, adventure, historical fiction, fantasy,
science fiction, humor and more. If you’d like to write for this appealing age group,
this class will get you on your way. We’ll review the genres and special requirements,
work on developing characters and planning a plot, and start writing!

Wednesday evenings
   February 2, 9, 16 and 23
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Each class is $120 for SouthWest Writers members;
$150 non-members (with a 6-month SWW membership)

Both classes meet at the
SouthWest Writers Conference Room
3721 Morris NE, Ste A
(northwest corner of Comanche and Morris)

Classes are limited to 14 Students. Enrollment ends 1/25.
Sign up online at http://southwestwriters.com/classes.php or register by calling SWW at (505) 265-9485.

******************************************************
MEET NM BOOK AWARD WINNERS

Several SCBWI-NM members won or placed in the 2010 New Mexico Book Awards.
You can meet and greet them this coming weekend. Come talk with them, get a signed book,
and see why the judges liked their book. It's a fine opportunity to support NM authors.
This event is free. Parking is free in the parking structure across from the library.

Saturday, January 22
11am to 2 pm
Albuquerque Public Library-Main Branch
501 Copper NW
http://www.cabq.gov/library/branches.html

******************************************************
PICTURE BOOK MARATHON
Jean Reagan and Lora Koehler
Utah SCBWI

The second annual Picture Book Marathon starts soon on February 1st!
Basically, this is a Nanowrimo for picture book writers. (After all,
we don't want those novel-writers to have all the fun, right?)

We'll each write 26 picture books during the month, essentially one
per day. Since February has 28 days, this leaves you two well-deserved
rest days.

Visit our website for more details and to sign up. The deadline to
join is January 30. www.picturebookmarathon.org.

Marathon "training" emails will start in mid-January for folks who
sign up. This year illustrator Nathan Hale is creating a logo for the
marathon (soon to be available on t-shirts.)

There is no cost to join, we won't release your email to anyone, and
you don't post your work. The marathon is designed as a motivational
tool to jumpstart your writing.

Looking forward to a creative February!

******************************************************
DISSING the WINNERS

Children's book writers, illustrators and readers have been celebrating the announcements
at this year's ALA Youth Media awards, including the Newbery and Caldecott Medal winners.
In years past, the top winners have been interviewed live on the NBC Today Show. This year,
the stars of children's literature were bumped in favor of another "author," reality star Snooki.

You can read Publisher's Weekly story abaout it at *http://tinyurl.com/6fcgl6k*

******************************************************
SCBWI RESPONSE to TODAY SHOW

SCBWI Executive Director Lin Oliver shared a copy of the letter she mailed to
the producers of The Today Show about the Newbery Caldecott debacle.She also wrote
a letter on behalf of SCBWI to the NY Times and the LA Times. Lin says, "I encourage
you all to write to your local papers. Feel free to use what I wrote as a model."

Jim Bell, Executive Producer, Today Show
Noah Kotch, Senior Producer, Today Show
379 E-1, 30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112

Dear Mr. Bell and Mr. Kotch:

I am the Executive Director of the Society of Children’s Book Writers
and Illustrators, a non-profit international organization of 24,000
professional children’s book writers, illustrators, publishers,
editors and agents. We are, if you will, the equivalent of the
Writers Guild for children’s book authors and illustrators. On behalf
of all our members, I have to express dismay at your decision this
week not to run the traditional interviews with the winners of the
Newbery and Caldecott Medals. The books that are granted these
prestigious awards represent the best of what we have to offer
children---great storytelling, strong values, a legacy of literature
and hope and high-minded ideals. What you elected to run in that
spot, an interview with reality star Snooki, represents the exact
opposite.

Of course, we understand the need to attract audiences and maintain
ratings, but we feel broadcasting should also serve the needs of
citizens who are looking to inspire their children, to raise up their
sights.   The exposure that your show has always offered to the best
in children’s literature is admirable. Why stop now?   In choosing
not to run the interviews with Clare Vanderpool and Erin Stead, we
feel that you underestimated the intelligence of your audience.
Parents are dying to get their hands on good books for their kids.
Booksellers are eager to sell and promote good books for kids. In
fact, the children’s book segment of publishing is the only sector
that has not declined during the recession. It’s good business, good
broadcasting and good ethics to use some of your program time to honor
the best books for children.

On behalf of our industry, we sincerely hope you can find a way to
remedy your decision.   Looking forward to hearing from you.

Lin Oliver
Executive Director, SCBWI
Stephen Mooser
President, SCBWI

******************************************************
CREATIVE RESPONSE
James Kennedy, Illinois Author

It's Newbery season! Big surprises: a dark horse Newbery medalist.
Passionate outrage: the "Today" show won't cover it. What's an SCBWI-er to do?

Well, check this out: today Betsy Bird and I kicked off a video contest called
"The 90-Second Newbery." The challenge? Make a video that compresses the story
of a Newbery award-winning book into 90 seconds or less. Anyone can enter!

Here's the first one: Madeleine L'Engle's 1963 Newbery winner, "A Wrinkle in Time,"
amusingly abbreviated into 90 seconds.

But wait, there's more! Betsy Bird and I are also planning a star-studded "90-Second Newbery"
Film Festival at the New York Public Library in Fall of 2011.

Please spread the word to everyone you can in the children's literature community --
and of course, I'm hoping to see some entries from SCBWI-ers, too! I'm looking forward
to seeing a lot of crazy, hilarious videos.

The website for the contest is http://www.90secondnewbery.com . Check it out for details!

******************************************************
MORE WINNERS

The 2011 Sydney Taylor Book Awards have been announced by the Association of Jewish Libraries.

The winners are:
For younger readers: Gathering Sparks by Howard Schwartz, illustrated by Kristina Swarner (Roaring Brook)
For older readers, Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword by Barry Deutsch (Amulet Books)
For teen readers, The Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt (Random/Lamb).
For more information and to see the honor books, go to the January 10 post at  http://jewishlibraries.org/blog/.

The NCTE has announced the 2011 Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children winner:
Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan, illustrated by Brian Floca (Roaring Brook/Porter).
There are five honor books and eight recommended books. See the list at http://www.ncte.org/awards/orbispictus

******************************************************
PUBLISHING PEOPLE

Razorbill Books

Laura Arnold has joined Razorbill as senior editor.
Anne Heltzel has rejoined Razorbill as associate editor.

******************************************************
STEPHEN ROXBURGH on PLOT
Highlights Foundation, Inc.
Phone: (570) 251-4500
E-mail: contact@highlightsfoundation.org
www.highlightsfoundation.org

What do Roald Dahl, Felicia Bond, Marilyn Nelson, Madeline L'Engle, and Uri Shulevitz
have in common? Stephen Roxburgh. During his thirty-six-plus years in children's publishing,
Roxburgh has edited these successful children's authors and many more.

The mini-interview below offers a glimpse into Roxburgh's deep knowledge of the part plot
plays in a well-crafted novel.

Highlights Foundation: How critical is a strong plot to the sale of a novel? Won't a
great idea or a strong hero carry the day?

Roxburgh: Great ideas are a dime a dozen and overpriced at that: execution is
what matters. A strong protagonist won't exist without a coherent plot: what happens
and why it happens (i.e., the plot) makes the protagonist strong. Plot is the crucible
in which character is formed.

Highlights Foundation: Why is it important to have a complete draft of a novel when you evaluate its plot?

Roxburgh: You can't know where a plot begins unless you know where it ends, and
unless you know the beginning and ending, you can't know what must come in between.
Writers often think that where they started is the beginning and where they stopped is the end.
Often that is not true.

Highlights Foundation: What part does revision play in novel writing? Isn't perfecting a novel the editor's job?

Roxburgh: Revision means "re-vision," seeing what you have written in a new way.
It is the essence of writing. Perfecting a novel is refining your vision. It is not the editor's job;
it is the author's. An editor collaborates in the process.

From March 6-9, the Highlights Foundation will present Plotting Your Novel with Stephen Roxburgh.
During this intimate workshop, six writers will explore the elements of plot and apply those
elements to their work under the guidance of this master editor. The January 31 deadline is fast approaching.
To apply, or for more information, contact Jo Lloyd at 570-253-1192, e-mail jo.lloyd@highlightsfoundation.org,
or request an application online.

*****************************************************
MANAGE MY PROFILE PAGE - SCBWI MEMBERS
Christopher Cheng, Co-Regional Advisor
Australia & New Zealand the blog: http://chrischengauthor.blogspot.com

There have been changes to the Manage My Profile page at SCBWI.org. We can enter multiple titles
into our profiles and have all of these displaying on our Profile page.
Here's an example: http://www.scbwi.org/MemberProfile.aspx?u=151848127602459

To update your profile page, go to the www.scbwi.org page.

1. Click on Members login ... top right hand of page.
2. Enter password ... remember it is case specific and it is the password that you have always had.
If you have forgotten your password then click on the forgotten password link and continue this later
when you have reset your password. Instructions will be emailed to you.
3. This now opens to a page that says Welcome Your Name
4. Click on Manage Profile (left hand side navigation bar) OR the Manage My Profile
graphic below the Welcome message. There are now 4 tabs below the Manage My Profile bar.
If you have previously built a profile, the previous data has been migrated across to this NEW layout.
5. Personal information (this one should be highlighted when you access the page) is
displayed as held by the Main Office computer. Adjust this accordingly and then click
on the button. Note that on this page you can also tick the check box that will send your next
SCBWI Bulletin straight to your email inbox rather than receiving it through the post.
6. Tab 2 is for Professional Information. Complete that as appropriate and then click
on the button. Don’t forget to highlight the check box for speaking engagements if you
want to be entered into the database for the Speakers Listings on the SCBWI.org site.
7. Tab 3 is the Biography box. Fill that in and then click on the button. This is the
information that will appear on the Member Profile page that people will see when they
search for you.
8. Tab 4 is NEW. This is the PUBLICATIONS tab and from which titles will be drawn
for the Crystal Kite Members’ Choice Awards and also will appear on your Profile page
that people can see when they search for you. Fill in details as applicable beginning with
Published Title, Published Year. In the Name of Publisher field you will need one of these
publishers included to obtain your PAL membership level. If your publisher is missing
then complete the appropriate box. Don’t forget to include the ISBN, Synopsis details and
then at Upload a picture you can insert a cover image (this can always be replaced through
the Edit link later on). Finally click on the button. Once that is done your title that you have
inserted should appear directly below.

Use the Edit link at any time to adjust details of your published titles (add a cover when it arrives, etc.)

Once your profile has been updated, your books are entered into the database and
should appear under your own Member Profile page of the SCBWI.org site.

Note that if you have a 2010 title eligible for the Crystal Kite Members Choice Awards
the OPT‐IN button will appear after the Name of Publisher field. If the title is not eligible
this button will NOT appear.

Note: the information that was included as part of the original instructions for updating
details for the MY PHOTO remains the same.

*****************************************************

AFTER WORDS

"A book, being a physical object, engenders a certain respect that zipping electrons cannot. ...
It’s not just the content, but the physical being of a book that is there for you always and unconditionally."
Mo Willems

*****************************************************

1-2 of 2