Angela Peña Dahle: A Pen In Neverland

This Blog Has Moved!

2012-01-23T10:59:00.002-05:00

I have created a blog over at wordpress! Apparently this one is too slow for many of you to be able to enjoy it, hence the move. I'm still tweaking the pages, but all of my posts and comments from blogger have been imported to the new blog so that you can read them there.You now have the option of following via e-mail or by RSS feed! I hope you will all follow at the new location! The new blog could really use some love!

I will also be unveiling a new banner on my blog! I'm so excited about the whole thing. The lovely and very talented Sara Palacios sent me the sketch for it the other day and I am absolutely in love with it! I hope you are just as excited as I am to see it! I will be interviewing her so I hope you read the interview too.

So, have at it! Here's the link to the new blog (just click on my name below):

Angela Peña Dahle
AKA: A Pen In Neverland

So Many Ideas...And A Turkey!

2011-11-25T11:18:00.006-05:00

What a month this has been so far and it wouldn't have been so without PiBoIdMo! I mean, last year was tons of fun, but this year is even better! More ideas, wonderful posts, and fantastic people....just fantastic! I am amazed at the level of creativity I see each year that I participate. I love the support that this community shows for one another, and the encouragement I receive from them to keep going, going, going. The holiday season wouldn't be quite so great without PiBoIdMo. This much I know is true. It is a great feeling to be united in the same goal: one picture book idea a day, every day, for one whole month! The thing I love about it is that it is not overwhelming at all (unless you are doing NanoWriMo too, which is a WHOLE other story for another time).

It's doable. Doable! As doable as a stuffed belly at a Thanksgiving meal: scrumdiddlyumptios portions of WOW moments for the mind. AND you can be sure I'm partaking of those portions again next year! So here's to PiBoIdMo and the grand EVERYTHING that goes with it! I ♥ you PiBoIdMo for everything that you are and ever will be. My hat's off to you and everyone who makes it possible. My heart is full of gratitude for all of you. So no slacking yet. Keep coming up with those ideas, even if they are few, many, or right on the mark. Participate to your hearts content because it only comes once a year! Thank you Tara Lazar for putting it all together!

My progress by day thirty: forty-nine ideas, four rough drafts, and a whole lotta fun!

What's yours?

PiBoIdMo 2011 on facebook

Triumph over Rejection(s)

2011-11-03T09:56:00.000-04:00

Getting rejections is NEVER easy, but fight through it you must. I found this piece of inspiration just now (after a rough night of doubt) and it is brilliant! I'll never forget it because it is helping me push through at this very moment. It is helping me fight the doubt. It is reminding me to never give up. I'll find that special agent. I'll find that publisher. I'll find that magical moment where I've worked through the muck and the dirt--all the hard work--to find that my writing has reached an "aha!" moment. Go on...click the link below...it will do loads of good...

"...and your work will be as good as your AMBITIONS."

Go on!

Picture Book Month!

2011-11-01T17:12:00.002-04:00

If you don't know by now that it is Picture Book Month, well, get busy! There is so much you can do to celebrate it! Read your favorite picture books to a child. Read a child's favorite picture book to them. Buy picture books and gift them to someone or to an organization: a loved one, a family member, a school, a library, etc. There are many ways you can share picture books! Be involved. Be proactive about it!

Here is a website dedicated to Picture Book Month! You will find different ways you can celebrate throughout the month. You will also find fun stuff, educator freebies, and book activities offered/suggested by authors. Take a peek and join the adventure! I know you'll have tons of fun!

I Totally Agree!

2011-10-26T09:04:00.002-04:00

I came across this on Facebook via Elizabeth O. Dulemba's wall:

Proclamation!

It's about time something like this is passed around. I totally agree with it!

Oh, the Places you'll Go!

2011-10-25T12:24:00.001-04:00

Today my focus is on motivation. Why? I'm currently stuck in that line of thought where I feel like I'm in l-i-m-b-o. Yes, I really MUST spell it out for fear I'll believe it. I really don't want to admit it. This is the uncharted stage of a writer's career where she/he visits The Waiting Place. Dr. Seuss explained it rather well.

"You can get so confused that you'll start in to race down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space, headed, I fear, toward a most useless place."

When will Fabulous Agent respond back? Did they like my manuscript? Should I keep my nose to the grindstone? Where did my focus go? That WIP is calling my name again. Should I check out other agents...get ready for another round of queries? Am I good enough? What if I had a typo in my query letter? Was that title catchy enough? Surely my inbox must have something in it by now. Just one more peek. What can it hurt? Like I said...LIMBO.

I am reminded of something my sister mentioned years back. I don't even remember if these are her words or someone else's. It doesn't matter, because these words are brilliant!

"Doubt is the dark room where negatives are developed."

So where ever you are, STOP the doubt. Your career depends on it! If you ever want to witness your book published, cut out the doubt. Your happiness depends on it...along with your sanity!

In fact here are a few other things you should never say or do:

Phrases You Should Never Use

So as hard as it may be, don't wait around "for a Yes or No," or for "the fish to bite," or for a "better break...NO! That's not for you!"

Keep writing. Find new things to do. Read more books. Network. Blog. Do anything, anything to escape The Waiting Place.

You'll thank yourself later.

Anyone else in l-i-m-b-o? Chin up. Why not tell us about it.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

2011-09-22T09:54:00.004-04:00

September 15-October 15, 2011

That's right everyone, it's here! Now I'm a little late on posting about it, but that's because my computer has been acting up. This laptop I'm working on should do the trick for now.

I hope you are all geared up for this month because it is full of colorful characters, and not just the kind in literature. I have been reading everything I can find on the indigenous people of Mexico, so yes, that includes the Aztecs and all the other groups that have roots there, let's not forget the Spanish conquistadors either. After all where would I be without all of them right? I have roots that stem from both sides.

With that said, I'd like to know what you are doing to honor National Hispanic Heritage month.

Are you reading your favorite books by hispanic authors/illustrators. I know am!

If you are having a bit of trouble finding some of them, here are a few to get you started:

I'm including authors/illustrators who may not have hispanic heritage but that have written books about the culture, etc. Feel free to add to the list in the comments section!

Yuyi Morales
Pat Mora
Carmen Tafolla
Monica Brown
Bettina Restrepo
Arlene Williams
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Jennifer Cervantes
Judith Byron Schachner
David Diaz
Julia Alvarez
Carmen Agra Deedy
Gary Soto
Beatriz Vidal
Christina Diaz Gonzalez
Matt de la Peña
Antonio Sacre
Angela Dominguez
Magaly Morales
Alma Flor Ada
F. Isabel Campoy
Karen Katz
Omar S. Castaneda
Enrique O. Sanchez
Elizabeth O. Dulemba
Samantha R. Vamos
Rudolfo Anaya

There are so many that I love! And here is a link from author Pat Mora's site that has a few more not on this list:

More Hispanic Authors/Illustrators

Enjoy! Don't forget to tell us what you are reading or what you are doing to honor Hispanic Heritage Month!

Computer Crashing

2011-09-15T09:50:00.000-04:00

This has been my worst nightmare for quite some time and it finally happened to me. Thank goodness I had my writing backed up. I won't be writing any blog posts while my computer keeps crashing. So please be patient while I figure out what to do to fix the problem. I'll update you when I can. Thanks for understanding!

Character Driven or Action Driven

2011-09-01T21:30:00.000-04:00

And the one million dollar question is...

are you a right brained writer or a lefty? That is the question! It may seem to you that it matters not what you are, but I say it does! Take the time to find out what drives your writing. It could help you figure out why your plot lines are lacking or why your characters seem flat or boring.

Here is the article (along with tips) that set me on fire today:

Character Driven of Action Driven

Say who?

2011-08-09T16:40:00.002-04:00

So who are you, author? Eh? We'd sure like to know, but what is the best way to go about doing it? Here it is! I mean this one really breaks it down and simplifies it for all. Gotta love it! If you don't read it you are doing yourself a major disservice. Hee hee. Just sayin'.

The best platform building advice...ever:

Author Websites: The Basics

Kathleen Ortiz needs a pat on the back for this one.

Kindlegraph

2011-07-26T14:05:00.004-04:00

I find the kindlegraph an interesting item, who wouldn't? I love the idea of an author being able to send a personal message and electronic signature to a reader for an e-book they have purchased, BUT there is nothing like the real thing...waiting in line to meet an author and receiving a physical John Hancock and not some digital copy sort of thing. Somehow the experience won't feel as magical to me. There is something about watching an author whip up a pen, gently press pen to paper, and allow their signature to flourish the pages you have read.

Technology continues to amaze me by creeping its way into our lives, forever changing the the publishing world, changing the way we view books...it is endless really. As much as I like having the technology available for when I want to take my books on trips and vacations--bringing books along on a kindle is much easier than packing books in a suitcase or sack I'm sure--I can't help but wonder what will happen to the disappearing medium of a physical hard copy of a book.

I love feeling and turning the pages of a book. I love the smell of books. Will my future grandchildren (goodness this is a long ways away, ages) relate to books as I do? Must all good things come to an end? Really must they? I feel like...with many Borders bookstores closing, which bookstore will be next? Will smaller independant bookstores crop up as many speculate they will? What if they don't? Will libraries become more popular or less popular?

Are we all just becoming a bunch of fear mongers over the whole thing? I'm not sure what to think, other than: I want my own library! At least if I have my own library I can keep books alive for myself and for generations of family who may never know the delight of holding a REAL book in their hands.

What do you think? What are your thoughts on the whole thing?

Critique: Never An Amateur Move.

2011-07-21T23:25:00.001-04:00

No, I didn't jump off the edge of the Earth...

Or go on a fancy schmancy vacation or one of those fabulous writer's retreats. I wish!

And... *cue the orchestra*

I have NOT forgotten about my poor poor neglected blog...

Okay maybe a little. Okay...

A. LOT. *pause for acceptance*

BUT...

I was going through a p-h-a-s-e. (yes writers have these)

I didn't make a run for that fabulous job I was so excited about. I never made it off the runway. I saw a detour and I took it! Pitiful I know...unless I can get you on my side of the fence. It will only take a few minutes of your time. Really!

So in fact, I've spent gobs, an insane amount of time, with a wonderful group of ladies...they really make my day. I'm lucky I don't have a hemorrhoid from the time spent, butt in chair, over critiques and exchanges during the last several months. *happy dance*

My Inbox has never been happier...and what do I need a runway for when I have this group of women to back me up and cheer me on? I'm giddy just sayin' so!

I ♥ my critique group! I feel like I know these ladies well by now. I'm loving their feedback and can't get enough of them! They are AWESOME!

I have been popping out revisions like crazy! I'm so amazed at my own progress.

So when I came across Writer's Relief and their post here:

http://www.writersrelief.com/blog/2008/04/how-to-get-your-work-noticed-writing-that-screams-amateur/

I realized how incredulously lucky I REALLY am to have a group that already functions as a checklist for these hilarious mistakes...AND so much more! Heaven forbid I EVER make those amateur mistakes!

It is rockin' fabulous to have the support that I have from this group! 'Nuff said? Not quite yet!

So if you are lucky enough to have a critique group like this, one that goes above and beyond the call of duty, please SHOUT IT OUT! They deserve the praise.

Yours Truley,

One VERY grateful writer clearly addicted to her, AHEM, fabulous critique group

The Gig.

2011-03-01T17:14:00.002-05:00

I'm going for a gig. A paying gig. First I need to secure employment there. So I'll start with a resume. Don't worry it's a writing gig! I'm dipping my toes in freelance.

I will never think I've got it bad until...

2011-02-12T22:26:00.000-05:00

I find one of these in my mail box/inbox:

Best Rejection Ever

If you are interested how I came across the letter,well I was browsing here:

Write For Your Life

I like to wander! Just a little evening blog fling won't hurt anyone...but that letter might. Right. Yeah. Um. I'm going now. Ciao!

A Little First Draft Fun

2011-02-12T00:40:00.005-05:00

This one was just to get the Juice flowing. I'm just scribbling. Gosh!

One serving of Juice:

My mother stood at the counter with a salad bowl in one hand and a towel in the other as she danced to her favorite Salsa music. She set the towel down and tossed the salad with her hands as she danced. Tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, avacado. Delicious.

“Mamita!” She spun to face me. Our salad was already up in the air. “I think you are confused. I'm pretty sure that lettuce isn't a bowl of mardi gras beads you can toss to the crowd.”

“Hija! I'm not tossing beads! I'm...uh, well what does it matter. She wiped her hands and shook the stray lettuce out of her hair. Anything new today? Where's your sister? I know she's not really study partners with that boy.” She gave me the look. I may as well have been el diablo the way she was looking at me.

I glanced at the salad on the floor and began to step away. She gave me a playful pinch on the shoulder.

“Ouch!” I quickly dodged the next one.

“You can't hide it from me forever hija. It all comes out with the wash.” I knew she was right. She always was. That's the last time I kept a secret from my mother, or maybe it was the last time I kept one for Angela. It didn't matter. It was the last time. I was waiting for it to come out in the wash. Better to wait.

So what is this first draft? Let's look at the recipe first. It is a sprig of horrible. A dash of frustration. A life jacket labeled, "I hope you can do it," with all that comes the magic of jumping into revisions...but not yet. First comes pity, self loathing...and eventually a Puño of "Aha I know how to fix it!"

First drafts are all about love. Let the mess begin...

Happy writing over the weekend friends!

A Guru or Two Up My Sleeve

2011-02-09T17:10:00.001-05:00

"Creating and analyzing are two different processes. Don't try to do them both at the same time or you'll hurt yourself."-- I couldn't tell you who said this. I'm still searching for them.

Today I'm reading Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul. I'll be cutting and pasting and doing all kinds of creative activities that are suggested in the book, activities that are all geared towards making me my own best critic, one that will give me a handle on my (picture book) writing.

Next I'll be reading The Art and Craft of Writing Historical Fiction which is written by James Alexander Thom. I chose this one for obvious reasons. Yup! I have a historical YA fiction on the back burner and it needs to come off. So if you haven't read these two books. I've heard great things about them from writing buddies and blogging friends alike! So far I'm satisfied with the reading and I'm enjoying that I'm in charge of my own lesson plans and course of study.

So I can't take leave off my holiday yet, but I wanted to update you on my progress. After all it is Woeful Workshop Wednesday today.

P.S.- If you are looking for a new adventure, check out the new links I posted on the Write! tab above!

Carpe Diem! Carpe PM! But please pick one or the other. Trying to accomplish both will leave you exhausted!

Who's your guru and why such a big crush on them? Hee hee!

Eat Pray Love and Write...

2011-02-01T10:26:00.001-05:00

I feel like that woman in Eat Pray Love. I'm restless.This year needs to be about finding my balance in writing and just being sure I know where I stand with those little pesky commas, semi-colons, and heck the whole infrastructure of my writing! I feel like it has been raining doubt for weeks with no sunshine. I need a peep hole (I got a glimpse from Lee and Low books the other day and I feel so close, I just might be a breath away) so I can peek through and see the sandy beaches (yeah the ones with the crystal clear water, the one's mermaids just might inhabit), those far away places that seem so fun and magical from a distance if we would only get on a boat, ship, or airplane and just take the leap and explore them.

This year I'm an explorer. I'm a traveler. I'm Don Quixote, circa first expedition only. I'm Columbus...Amerigo Vespucci. I'm Ten Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and swimming for the surface. I've been cooking like crazy and loving it. Now that I've been so sincere I'm not afraid to say that I believe Don Juan has entered our bedroom several times this month, oh wait that would be my loving husband. TMI I know, but I can't let you get away with thinking I haven't got the "love" part covered. I've been a character all to herself. In my own world. Let an awakening begin.

My blog will drown a little bit...okay a lot, but all in the name of discovery and preservation (not just for my writing). Before I head out though. I promised I'd let you know who the winner from December's challenge is.....

Congrats go to Melissa from Through the Looking Glass! She is splenderific. ;) I always smile after reading one of her charming, sometimes silly blog posts. So Melissa, please e-mail me your address and I will ship to you your prize. In fact, you get to pick the book! You can pick anything that is listed from December's Author Birthday Reading Challenge list.

Author Birthday Reading Callenge: Rules

2011-01-03T10:23:00.011-05:00

This challenge is closed to all for now and may or may not be introduced again for the year2012.

So here's how you get points to earn the prize:

1. Follow this blog: +3 pts AND...
2. Read at least one book from the list of author birthdays for the month specified (in this case starting Feb 2011) The more you read, the more points you get! For every book you read you will get +3 pts and +5 pts for answering a question about the book (these will be listed below also but not all books will have a question).
3. Spread the word: blog about this challenge, tweet about it, put the banner on the sidebar of your blog, or link back to this post through facebook. Comment and give a talley on this post of your points. Please also list the link(s) to your blog, tweet, or Facebook page that cover the challenge/contest. Follow this step closelyand it will get you a good +5 pts.
5. Be sure your kid gets that special book he/she has been wanting to read.Obviously it has to be an author from one of the lists. +8 pts if you post a picture on your blog of your kiddo reading it and comment with the link to the photo!
6. +10 points for donating a book (Spanish or English) to the book drive I'm organizing. It's ongoing just in case you are wondering.

If you happen to read at least one book from each list I'll enter your name into a drawing for a special prize which will be ready for you at the end of the 2011! So keep tabs on the books you read so you can send me a list of the ones you have read by December 2011.

***contest is for USA, Canada, and Mexico only***

Thats it! Whoever has the most points wins! If there happens to be a tie, well then I'll have to do a raffle.

The winner will get a book or a few books from the authors listed below!!!! Once the winner is selected I will contact them to get shipping information in order to send out the prize.

Here is the official banner to add to your blog ! So spread the word on the challenge:

Not every month will have a winner, it all depends on participation.

There was no winner for January. Here is the February Author Birthday List:
** Dicken's children's stories only for this contest.
Meg Cabot - February 1, 1967

Jerry Spinelli - February 1, 1941

Judith Viorst - February 2, 1931

Russell Hoban - February 4, 1925

David Wiesner - February 5, 1957

**Charles Dickens - February 7, 1812

Laura Ingalls Wilder - February 7, 1867

Barbara Joosse - February 8, 1949

Donna Jo Napoli - February 8, 1948

Lucy Cousins - February 10, 1964

E.L. Konigsburg - February 10, 1930

Mark Teague - February 10, 1963

Jane Yolen - February 11, 1939

Judy Blume - February 12, 1938

David Small - February 12, 1945

Jacqueline Woodson - February 12, 1964

Janet Taylor Lisle - February 13, 1947

Simms Taback - February 13, 1932

Paul O. Zelinsky - February 14, 1953

Norman Birdwell - February 15, 1928

Jan Spivey Gilchrist - February 15, 1949

Walter Wick - February 23, 1953

Wilhelm Carl Grimm - February 24, 1786

Cynthia Voigt - February 25, 1942

Uri Shulevitz - February 27, 1935

Megan McDonald - February 28, 1959

John Tenniel - February 28, 1820

Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket) - February 28, 1970

Mo' Spit!

2011-01-03T10:17:00.006-05:00

With all the holiday mayhem, fun, and delight I find myself a bit frazzled. What next, right? Which of my high aspirations can I (will I) embrace completely this year? Can all my goals be accomplished? For my sake and sanity, I hope so! It is never a fun thing to come to the close of the year and realize I left one thing undone, unfinished, or incomplete. So to the new year I say, "Mo Spit!" I'm going to make this year shine just a bit more than the last one, and that's going to take a bit more spit than usual! I'm sticking by that statement and I'm here to encourage you all to do the same! Carpe diem, c'est la vie, que sera sera...whatever your encouragement or motto may be, stick with it!

**rolling up my sleeves**

Here are some quotes I found on other blogs,etc that I'd like to start my year off with, because sheesh I'm gonna need them...

(click the link to read more)

"Attend to lightness. Shoot for moonlight."

"Write against patterns. Go against the devils. Write what you never write. Lie. Validate what you don't validate. Indulge what you don't like. Wallow in it. Write the opposite of what you always write, think, speak. Do everything against the grain!"-- Deena Metzger

I must say that likewise, along with the above quote, that one should also follow as many rules as they can. Balance, I believe, will find success far sooner than anything when it comes to the task of writing and accomplishing publication. Just sayin', don't make yourself weary with a surplus of expectations. Find those that work for you alone.

"A mighty flame followeth a tiny spark"--Dante Alighieri

Find that tiny spark. Go forth and be the mighty flame! Sparkle all you can!

"A great deal of talent is lost to the world for want of a little courage."--Sidney Smith

Don't let this person be you. Muster all your strength to feed Courage. You are going to need it! Let gumption be your close friend and confidant. Courage is hardly any good and won't get you very far without strength to keep it alive.

You can easily find more words of encouragement and hope to last you the year here:

Extracto Literarium

Books I started my new year off with:

Doggone Dogs, by Karen Beaumont--part of the reason I have not been blogging as much is that we have a dog that reminds me of Karen Beaumont's Doggone Dogs! This book reminds me of our puppy Osito. I had to laugh! What a heap of work it is to train a puppy! I hope you understand my absence. While I cannot post as much this year I wish you will remain interested in the children's book drive I am organizing, and the fantastic Author Birthday Reading Challenge. I've decided to continue both through the year 2011! Keep in mind there are prizes to be had! Keep reading! It's not over yet! And while I may be busy with a puppy, you can still look forward to two or three posts a week this year, as my goals will be focused more on writing and submitting than on my blog posts. I'll keep you posted if anything changes!

Dinosaurs Love Underpants by, Claire Freedman and Ben Cort--can you tell I have a son yet? I must say my daughter likes dinosaurs just as much as my son, all because her brother adores them! So while I can't decide the exact origins of underwear in relation to dinosaurs I have come to the conclusion that I will be sure to remember I'm wearing my undies at all times. No doubt about that!

Ten Queens: Portraits of Women of Power by, Milton Meltzer--this one just makes me feel like I can accomplish anything. We all need books like this one to remind us that within us all is an unknown power to rule. Rule your dreams. Rule yourself. Leave a mark in the world for yourself or others.

Children's Book Drive!

2010-12-10T15:21:00.001-05:00

BOOK DRIVE RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS NOW!

I'm organizing a book drive and am currently recruiting volunteers in order to make it all possible. If you would like to help out in anyway please contact me at wordrendezvous (at) gmail (dot) com.You may also leave a message here in the comment section on the blog Never Ending Stories For Children

We will need books (new or gently used) in English and in Spanish. Where the books go will depend on the response I receive from all of you. If we receive enough books we will be able to send some to Mexico and others to book charities all over the USA.

If you are someone who reviews books and have ARC's that you would like to donate books, please contact me. If you would like to spread the word on your blog about it, go ahead and post about it! Above all else: tweet about the book drive like crazy and share this post on facebook. I'm counting on all of you!

Fanatic Friday

2010-12-03T09:12:00.000-05:00

Today is all about what I like! Yea!

I have to mention a great lady today! An Author from Aurstralia, who I will be bold enough to call friend even though I hardly know her, has reached magnificent-reach-the-stars status. I first met her at the online conference writoncon and discovered she is one of the hosts of pblitchat! Since then I have been amazed with her and her publication success. I'm so happy that Samuel's Kisses is now in print!! Go Karen Collum! You Rock! Join her as she spreads the word about her book! Who doesn't like to help out a fellow author anyhow? I'd love to do an interview with her! I'll just have to see what she says about that!

I came across this fantastic list today. One that should be near and dear to authors everywhere, even if you don't know about it yet. The author of the blog Playing by the Book has divulged information on Book Charities! What fun! I'm all over it! I just may use this fantastic list someday when I have books or money to donate, etc. The list is being updated so if you know of a charity currently not on the list, contact the blog author. I wonder if there are book charites in Mexico! I'm sure there are. It is just a matter of looking. How's that for a nice little treasure hunt over the weekend?

Reminders:

Tomorrow, December 4, 2010 is Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day. Click the banner to the right for locations! If you can't find a participating bookstore, well who says you can't take your kiddo to the bookstore! I say go for it!

Also, don't forget about my Author Birthday Reading Challenge for the month of December! Read books and earn prizes! Spread the word!

Tis the Season. It begins with a C.

2010-12-02T11:06:00.005-05:00

Certainly!

This month is all about Christmas! There are so many things I could say about the holiday season, but because this blog is centered around kidlit, I'd like to mention something from the literary world that pertains to December.

This month I'm reminded of one special guy. He begins with a C and ends with a...

...minus the child of course. I'd also like to replace the teddy bear with a book. Can I do that? There that's better! There's nothing the imagination cannot remedy.

I'm reminded of Mr. Caldecott due to one fact:

"Children eagerly awaited the two books illustrated by him, priced at a shilling each, which came out each Christmas for eight years."--TTLG blog Yeah it's that time of year.

Okay two facts:

I find it interesting that despite, and against his fathers wishes, he found a career in illustration. He followed his dreams. That is BIG folks! He broke away from the norm. He broke away to reach his aspirations and meet HIS expectations of success. Mr. Caldecott, you are one of my heroes!

I suppose you could say he is the Santa Clause of the literary world for Illustrators. I suppose those who hope to be worthy of the award must seem like the children who traverse about the Christmas tree with glee in their eye as they wait to open gifts. I suppose an illustrator must feel like a giddy child just before Christmas with eyes all aglow in the event they have the opportunity to accept such an offer as The Caldecott. But, Oh, what an honor to have your name given as an award to others for all their hard work and bloomability! I can't imagine what that must feel like! The Caldecott Award is an illustrators dream come true. I'd say it takes a lot of bloomablity to get to that point in an illustrators career. Hard work it is, and without illustrators we authors wouldn't have a chance at picture books (unless you like stick figures that is) now would we. So this is a hats off and a "hip hip hurray" to Illustrators everywhere!

If you could pick the books who win the award, which ones would you find worthy? Yes, today you get to be our literary Santa Clause. I'll reveal my picks later in the day. I want to see if I agree with yours first. Ha ha! I like to spin things like that.

Also don't forget the Author Birthday Reading Challenge! Spread the word! There are prizes to be had!

Awards and a Fun Contest and Challenge

2010-12-01T16:46:00.071-05:00

Read all the way to the end for information on the contest challenge!!

I have several things to do today. First I have AWARDS to give out! I know how you lost boys and girls love awards! I have been thinking on this one for some time and it seems there are many fellow bloggers I could give this award to but I believe there are two that stand out

These three ladies are wonderful at motivating me and sharing their thoughts after many of my posts. They always have great insight into whatever I may write! Thanks gals for all your support and comments! Congrats! Come claim your award! Here it is:

The three lovely ladies are:

LTM!!!
You really must visit her blog That's Write. She has so many colorful opinions. She does reviews of books from time to time and is also an aspiring author and an editor. Who would have thought! Go Leigh! You won't want to miss out. She is full of surprises.

Adina West!!!
A fellow Crusader and lovely lady on a wonderful journey towards publication! Please step on up and over to her blog Stairways and Landings

Melissa!!!
This gal shares my love for none other than Alice in Wonderland, or at least her blog title Through the Looking Glass would suggest so. Either way she is one fun blogger! So waste no time. Hop on over for a very important date with her blog!

I also promised a bit of fun was on the way for those of you who read or follow my blog!! I wasn't joshing you! It's coming! I'll reveal the challenge now so that everyone can sign up but you will just have to wait until after Santa comes to receive the prize. I want to be sure everyone hears about this one!

So here's how you get points to earn the prize:

1. Follow this blog: +3 pts
2. Read at least one book from the list of author birthdays for the month specified (in this case December 2010) The more you read, the more points you get! For every book you read you will get +3 pts and/or +5 pts for answering a question about the book (these will be listed below also but not all books will have a question).
3. Spread the word: blog about this challenge, tweet about it, put the banner on the sidebar of your blog, or link back to this post through facebook. Comment and give a talley on this post of your points. Please also list the link(s) to your blog, tweet, or Facebook page that cover the challenge/contest. Follow this step closely and it will get you a good +5 pts.
5. Be sure your kid gets that special book he/she has been wanting to read (from good ol' St Nick of course). +8 pts if you post a picture on your blog of your kiddo reading it and comment with the link!

***contest is for USA, Canada, and Mexico only***

Authors with birthdays in December are being listed below! Happy Birthday!! Read as many books as you can as not all books by the author(s) will be listed. I'll be adding to the list as I find more so keep making your own list and checking it twice so you know what you have read! You will feel quite like Santa Clause before the month is over!

1. Jan Brett --the perfect author for this month as she has written many winter and Christmas themed books such as: Christmas Trolls, The Mitten, The Hat, The Twelve Days of Christmas, and Gingerbread Baby! Her Birthday falls on December 1, 1949.
2. David Macaulay : the guy who knows it all! His birthday falls on December 2, 1946.
3. Andrea Zimmerman is the author of Trashy Town. Her birthday is December 2nd.
3. Monro Leaf was born December 4, and is the author of The Story of Ferdinand.
4. James Thurber born December 8, 1894. Author of Many Moons and The 13 Clocks, among others.
5. Joel Chandler Harris is the author of the fictional character Uncle Remus who narrates several African American folktales such as (compiled by Joel Chandler Harris).

Fun fact:
"Beatrix Potter illustrated eight scenes from the Uncle Remus stories between 1893 and 1896, coinciding with the first drawings of Peter Rabbit. Potter's family had favored the Uncle Remus stories during her youth, and she was particularly impressed by the way Harris turned "the ordinary into the extraordinary."

6.Jean de Brunhoff is the author of the adored Babar books. His birthday falls on December 9, 1899.
7. Rumer Godden who wrote Little Plum and other books. Her birthday falls on December 10, 1907.
8. George MacDonald is the author of The Princess and the Goblin he was born in 1824 on December 10th.
9. Mary Norton is the author of The Borrowers books, The Magic Bedknob, and Bonfires and Broomsticks. She was born December 10, 1903.
10. William Joyce was born December 11, 1957 and is the author of George Shrinks.
11. Tamora Pierce born December 13, 1954. She is the author of the Song of the Lioness books.
12. For YA readers: Jane Austin was born December 16, 1775 and is the author of Pride and Prejudice, and Sense and Sensibility.
13. Mick Inkpen Was born December 21, 1952 and is the author of the Kipper the Dog books, Wibbly Pig, Threadbear, and Lullabyhullaballoo.
14. Jarrett J. Krosoczka is the author of Punk Farm, Baghead, Bubblebath Pirates, and a few other books, including some graphic novels. He was born December 22, 1977.
15. John Gruelle born December 24, 1880 is probably most famous for his stories of Raggedy Ann and Andy.
16. Jean Van Leeuwen December 26, 1937. She has several books so take a peek here.
17. Carol Ryrie Brink was born on December 28, 1895 and is best known for her book Caddie Woodlawn.
18. Cynthia DeFelice is the author of One Potato, Two Potato; Clever Crow; The Dancing Skeleton; Mule Eggs; The Real Dulcie Campbell; Three Perfect Peaches; and a few other books. She was born December 28, 1951.
19. Richard Atwater was born December 29, 1892 and is the author of Mr Popper's Penguins.
20. Molly Garrett Bang is the author of The Grey Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher and many other books. She was born December 29, 1943.
21.Rudyard Kipling is the author of The Jungle Book. His birthday is December 30, 1865.
22. Mercer Mayer was born December 30, and is the author of the popular Little Critter books.
23.Cynthia Leitich Smith born December 31, she is the author of Holler Loudly, and many other fabulous books. Visit her blog Cynsations.
24. Gerald McDermott born, December 31, 1941, is the author of Arrow to the Sun and Creation.

Questions: TBA

1. Which of Jan Brett's books is similar to the story of the Three Little Pigs?

What's Up Prima?

2010-11-29T13:35:00.005-05:00

While watching Snow White the other day, my little one looks over and says to me:

"Mommy, the queen from Snow White looks like Maleficent, they must be cousins."

I had to chuckle. Then I got to thinking about...nothing else other than literary cousins (AKA the primo/prima of written word). Now what makes something a literary cousin so to speak? I figure they have to have some similarities. Right? Right. This is the kind of thing we authors wonder about. Is it appropriate to mention in a query that our book is similar to another? I mean does a literary agent or editor really want to hear all that? Besides what makes a book so fantastic if it is considered to be a literary prima to another book already out there?

So while looking out for ourselves we search titles on Amazon. We then Google similar titles all for the sake of originality. Then that dreaded moment comes when we discover how unoriginal we really are--"Wo is me! Aye me. Little me. Our book is drowning," you say to your muse. You are perfectly still. Then it dawns on you that lemons don't make juicy lemonade without a twist of the fruit and a little sugar, and running shoes aren't much aid to a runner without that special double knot in them to keep them secure on the feet. So you take a conference call with your manuscript, and why not, you have worked so hard on it? Does it have a similar voice, plot, setting, character(s)? You nail down the similarities and you chip away at the pieces that you fear have any slight echo. I'm not talking plagiarism. That little devil is a whole other story. Your creation just had to be a bit similar. How could you have known, you were too busy creating it! Slowly you realize something else. Aha! There it is! A hybrid. Your hybrid.

Finally you pick yourself up from the nitty gritty dirt. You wipe your face. You tinker away until the sun goes down...and voila you are back in the game! Enough said. You are having a blast!

You will find that there are sure to be ridiculous (shall I say hefty) amounts of literature similar to your own (even if but a smidge, a smudge, a little pinch even) if you are a writer. Somewhere out there every writer has at least one rockin' prima. The great thing about literature is that everything no matter how similar it is, has a spin or a twist on it. If it didn't, you wouldn't get a kick out of these Literary Prima's that may have caught your fancy, maybe you even found that they glimmer equal amounts--to your delight:

AND

and just when you think you have had enough, here is a link to introduce you to MORE spin-offs of classics!

AND

So similar and yet so different! Both a lot of fun to read before bed!

AND

...both very adventurous bears who are more worried more about their tummies than the conflict at hand. Do I need to mention Corduroy too?

And what about all those stories about witches who don't quite fit the norm, like:

AND

..too many to post here! If you recall any others feel free to mention them by commenting.

I could go on, but instead I have some insight for you...

Upon further research on this topic I found this bit of information in an article* by author Maria Nikolajeva:

"Harold Bloom discusses in his widely known study The Anxiety of Influence (1973) a pattern of literary evolution in which every writer has a model, The Great Literary Father, from whose influence he (writers are by definition male in Bloom's theory) must liberate himself. A true writer will, according to Bloom, achieve at least some degree of freedom from the model, both by absorbing and transforming his strength."

I found this quite interesting. I feel it is true we all have a model or model(s) that we pattern our writing after simply because we have read them and enjoyed them so much. This does not go to say that we do not struggle or fail to find our own voice in our writing aside from what we have come to enjoy in other works of literature.

Reading further on into the article*, Nikolajeva states that "...the anxiety of not being able to compete with the Master is an inevitable part of the creative process." Without the feat of overcoming that fear, no author ever proceeds onward toward the high aspiration of publication. Or possibly the fear spurs the author on instead. What do you think?

I have to agree that this is something we all hope and aspire to--to be able to measure ourselves apart from the literary "master(s)" who came before us--to be able to measure our success and define our writing for what it truly is when our words come face to face with the critic or more importantly the author themselves.

Those who paved that great literary path so that we too can lay our own brick down on the path--I hold my pen upward to them!

*Article from: Papers: Explorations into Children's Literature Article date: May 1, 2008 Author: Nikolajeva, Maria

The article mentioned above is really very interesting. If you wish to read further (although this link does not give the full article only more than I have shared with you) you can click here to read more.

Your thoughts are as usual welcome in the comments!! What say you?

Leave Nothing But Tracks: Social Media Suicide

2010-11-03T10:36:00.006-04:00

As a writer/reader I find that there are certain passages that leave a mark on me, in my writing, or in another's writing. It could be a mark for the better, one that helps define my writing style or one that helps me to break out of my shell--even if moving onward toward success is something I'd like to do on my terms--but being a writer makes that almost impossible with all the elements of social media available at my fingertips. So, unlike the mysterious, unseen, Sasquatch, I feel I have to believe that I'm following the motto, "leave nothing but tracks!" Because let's face it, if you don't put yourself out there, you might as well be invisible, and for an aspiring author....well, that is practically career suicide. Anyone else feel the same?

The beautiful thing about blogging and the blogosphere is that there is support to be found in it. So don't shy away from all of it. Take a peek and dive into it, just remember to set your priorities straight first--moderation is key!

Below is a song that sums up my feelings about the whole balance between, "promote the book/author with social media" versus "make your writing the best out there" versus "use all the mediums/innovations for your book in order to reach a huge audience." There are so many innovations cropping up in the writing world...and I feel this song grasps the attitude of focus that it all requires and yet is a reminder to keep things real and fun! It also sums up the world of "aspiring" for me. What do you think?

As you listen keep in mind that where it says "music/song/lyrics" in the song, you need to be thinking "writing/words/book/novel, etc" in order for me to get the point across. Where it says " music for the television" be thinking "e-book/nookbook for the kindle/nook, etc". "record label, would be "publishing world" You get the idea, I hope. In no way am I bashing anyone or their efforts here--just saying it's a tough world, but that one can make it out there and hit success, but only if they are willing to "leave nothing but tracks."

Any opinions? Don't be a Sasquatch...let's leave tracks all within moderation of course. I want to hear all about your hard work! Project Mayhem has something to say about it. Here is the link.