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2015-02-13T05:48:00.001-08:00

Hello friends.

Just a reminder that I'm not blogging here any more. I have a new home on my website michellecusolito.com.

Many of you are still subscribed to the feed for this blog (meaning you get it via email).

If you haven't done so already, please subscribe at my new address:

http://www.michellecusolito.com/blog/

It's easy! Just enter your email address in the box to the right of the posts that says, "Get Blog Updates via Email."

Thanks for reading. Hope to "see" you over there.

New Blog and Website are Live

2015-01-06T17:30:00.001-08:00

Hello Readers!

I've officially launched my new website and blog. I still have lots of work to do, adding more content, etc. but it's live. I'm building it myself (with help from my husband) but I'm not a web designer so my learning curve is steep.

At several points along the way, I almost gave up and stuck with blogger because I know my way around it. But in the end, I wanted a sleeker, more personalized site, so a change made sense.

Today I posted my first blog post on my new blog.

I hope you'll click the link above and hop over to read it. If you're already subscribed here, you'll need to enter a new subscription there. (Look for the "subscribe" box on the right side bar).

If you're not already a subscriber, please consider signing up. (Over on my new blog, of course).

Thanks for reading. Hope to see you on my new site.

Ciao!
Michelle

New Website Under Construction

2014-11-06T08:40:00.001-08:00

I will be launching a new and improved website soon. My new, sleeker site will reflect the professional changes in my life.

I'll post the details as soon as it's ready.

Waiting for Spring

2014-03-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

It's been a long hard winter for my family for many reasons. The hardest part was the illnesses, hospitalizations, and loved ones lost. But there was also a polar vortex that kept us buried under snow with temperatures in the single digits for far too many days at a time. I knew my family had had enough when my 8 year-old daughter told me she was sick of snow. That, my friends, is a sure tip-off that winter is no longer welcome!

My calendar tells me that wood frog migration should be any day now. So do my daffodils:

Alas, my observations tell me that is not likely...

Much of the ground is still covered with snow.

The lake out back it totally frozen. (So is the "frog pond" where they mate)

Yes, the temperature the last two days has gotten into the 50's, but snow is predicted for tonight.

I'm hanging in for spring and hoping that I'll see those wood frogs soon!

How's the weather where you are?

Blogging Hiatus

2014-02-11T18:20:00.000-08:00

I've been absent for quite some time and decided I should post an update.

My family has had a challenging 6 months for many personal reasons I don't wish to share on the internet. I haven't had time for blogging because my focus has been on my family. Any time I've had for writing has been spent on my stories for children, which is the writing that is most important to me.

To help keep me focused, I participated in the Start the Year off Write challenge which provided daily writing prompts for 21 days. I'm also signed up for Julie Hedlund's 12x12 Picture Book Challenge which is pushing me to write 12 picture book manuscripts in 12 months. I will also revise and submit as many manuscripts as I can during that time. And yes, I'm still plugging away at that YA novel I mentioned once or twice.

Part of what kept me from blogging an update was the feeling that I should set a new schedule and stick to it. The problem is, I just don't know what schedule I can manage. So for now, I'll leave this post here to keep readers informed and I'll return to blogging when it feels manageable.

KidLit for the Philippines: The Fundraising Continues!

2013-12-11T17:56:00.000-08:00

I've been hard at work tallying up our final numbers and making sure all of the pledged donations have been paid directly to UNICEF and Mercy Corps. There are a few high bids that still need to be paid, but I'm hopeful those folks will take care of their donations in the next day or so.

(If you are a donor and have not heard from me about delivery of your service or item, that means the highest bidder has not yet made the pledged donation. Please do not make arrangements outside of the auction to deliver the items. I know it's easy to communicate these days with Facebook, Twitter and other places on-line).

Drumroll please....

The final auction total is $4627!

But that's not the end! Katie Davis has made an amazing offer. For every full price Video Idiot Boot Camp course she sells, she'll donate HALF of the cost to #KidLitPhil. So far she raised an additional $742.50!

So the current total is: $5369.50! YAY! We broke $5000!!

Learn about Katie's offer below. And please help spread the word! Let's see how high we can get the grand total.

A few housekeeping details:

Emails have been sent to everyone who was a "highest bidder" and submitted proof of donation to me. If you sent your proof and have not heard from me, please email me ASAP and I'll connect you with the donor of your item. michelle(at)michellecusolito(dot)com
In case you're someone who likes to add up totals... you'll notice that the published highest bids do not equal the total at the top of this page. That is for 2 reasons: Some people donated more than their winning bid; other people made a straight donation and submitted a receipt to me so the donation would count toward #KidLitPhil.
Which brings me to this: If you just heard about #KidLitPhil and don't want to take Katie's course, you can still help. Make a donation to UNICEF or Mercy Corps and send me a copy of your receipt (michelle at michellecusolito dot com) and I'll add it to our total.

Finally, THANK YOU so much to everyone who donated, bid, tweeted, emailed and otherwise shared news of the auction. You really cannot understand how much it all means to me.

With that, I'm signing off from blogging until the new year. I'll post donation updates on our Facebook page. If you're interested in seeing them, please "like" the page. Come January, I'll publish the final number here on the blog.

Until then, Happy New Year everyone!

With Sincerest Thanks,

Michelle

KidLit for the Philippines: An On-Line Auction to Benefit Typhoon Survivors

2013-12-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

KidLit for the Philippines is an on-line auction to benefit survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. The KidLit community (folks involved in the creation of books for children- authors, illustrators, agents, editors, etc.) has a history of generously supporting others in times of need.

(Two recent examples are KidLit4Japan and Kid-Lit Cares. Greg Fishbone and Kate Messner shared their expertise gleaned from organizing each of those fundraisers and granted me permission to use their guidelines here. Thank you Kate and Greg!)

What exactly is KidLit for the Philippines?

It’s an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

The full list of current auction items is below (new items will appear each day). You can click on any item to see all the details, and bidding happens in the comments. To bid on an item, check the current high bid in the comments, and place a higher bid by leaving your name and bid amount in a new comment, along with some way to contact you.

What happens if I win?

Winners will be notified when the auction ends and should be prepared to make an online donation directly to Mercy Corps or UNICEF in the amount of the high bid at that time. After you’ve made your donation, you’ll forward your receipt to me, and I’ll put you in touch with the person who donated the service you won so that the two of you can work out the details about how and when. All services will be provided at the convenience of both the person making the donation and the auction winner, but this should happen within three months of the auction’s end unless something else is agreed upon by both parties. Exceptions are noted on some auction pages.

Who is Michelle Cusolito and why is the auction on her blog?

Well, I'm the organizer of this auction. I'm a "pre-published" children's author. (That's a nice way of saying I'm not published, YET). I have benefited from the support and guidance of many, many people in the KidLit community and have been continually impressed by their generosity.

I was also a Rotary exchange student in the Philippines when I was in high school. From the time I arrived, I was welcomed, loved and supported by my host families, school mates, the Rotary and practically every person I interacted with. I still have many friends and "family" there. Some of them lost family members or were otherwise impacted by the typhoon.

I hope you'll find items here that you can't live without and you donate lots of money to the relief effort. I also hope you'll support the amazing folks who donated their time, services, books, artwork, etc. Buy their books. Visit their websites. Send them a thank you Tweet.

Even if you choose not to bid, I hope you'll spread the word far and wide to others who might bid. Thank you.

Without further ado...here are the items open for bids right now:

(You can click to jump to individual items from here or scroll down)

Auction Item # 1: The Writing & Critique Group Survival Guide/Critique from Becky Levine CLOSED

Auction Item #2: Portfolio Critique by Hazel Mitchell CLOSED

Auction #3: Mermaid Tales Sparkling Collection from Author Debbie Dadey CLOSED

Auction #4: Reading Time (Original artwork) from Russ Cox (CLOSED)

Auction #5: Skype visit with Leslie Bulion (CLOSED)

Auction #6: Manuscript Critique by Sarah Tuttle (CLOSED)

Auction #7: Website design consultation with Greg R.Fishbone (CLOSED)

Auction #8: Manuscript Critique by Adah Megged Nuchi (CLOSED)

Auction #9: Books & Skype from Ellen Booraem (CLOSED)

Auction #10: Monster&Me from Paul Czajak (CLOSED)

Auction #11: "Tea and Mice on the Moon" from Laura-Susan Thomas (CLOSED)

Auction #12: Picture Book Critique from Tara Lazar (CLOSED)

Auction #13: Query Critique by Emma Walton Hamilton (CLOSED)

Auction #14: Picture Book Critique & Jump-the-Slush-Pile Invitation! From Kate Messner (CLOSED)

Auction #15: A Complete Newbies Guide to Twitter from Nancy Tandon (CLOSED)

Auction #16: School Visit by Carol Gordon Ekster (CLOSED)

Auction #17: Autographed Copies of I Took the Moon for a Walk from Carolyn Curtis (CLOSED)

Auction #18: Young Adult manuscript critique from Scott Blagden (CLOSED)

Auction #19: Critique + book from Donna Earnhardt (CLOSED)

Auction #20: Portfolio Review from Russ Cox (CLOSED)

Auction #21: First Three Chapter Critique from NicoleZoltack (CLOSED)

Auction #22: Developmental Editing from Marlo Garnsworthy (CLOSED)

Auction #23: DIG IN! to Signed Board Books With Moving Parts! from April Jones Prince (CLOSED)

Auction #24: 30 minute Skype Visit with Jennifer Fossberry (CLOSED)

Auction #25: picture book ms. or dummy critique from Vicky Rubin (CLOSED)

Auction #26: Signed copy of Dear Life, You Suck and t-shirt from Scott Blagden (CLOSED)

Auction #27: Agent query critique + 15pp author critique from I.W. Gregorio & Jessica Regel (CLOSED)

Auction #28: Author/illustrator school visit from Diane Allison (CLOSED)

Auction #29: Early Reading (sketch of a little girl deeply involved in a picturebook) from Paul Weiner (CLOSED)

Auction #30: The Quirks, Welcome to Normal print. Signed by the Artist, Kelly Light (CLOSED)

Auction #31: Sticks and Stones Poster Signed by theArtist, Eleanor Rubin (CLOSED)

Auction #32: Video Idiot Boot Camp (course) from KatieDavis (CLOSED)

Auction #33: School Visit from Paul Czajak (CLOSED)

#KidLitPhil Auction item 33 from Paul Czajak

2013-12-02T04:59:00.000-08:00

KidLit for the Philippines is an online talent auction to benefit Mercy Corps and UNICEF relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda). Agents, editors, authors, and illustrators have donated various services and items to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with donations being made directly to Mercy Corps and UNICEF.

Auction #33: School Visit based on the Monster&Me Series

Description: A 30 -45 minute visit for a daycare or classroom (grade preschool to second grade) within 45 miles of Danvers, MA. Paul will work out the specifics of the visit with the highest bidder.

Estimated Value: $150

Minimum Bid: $50

Auction Ends: 12/8/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Paul Czajak got an ‘F’ with the words “get a tutor” on his college writing paper and after that, never thought he’d become a writer. But after spending twenty years as a chemist, he knew his creativity could no longer be contained. His recently published picture book, Monster Needs a Costume through Scarletta Kids, is the first in the series titled Monster & Me. The second title, Monster Needs his Sleep, is due out in April 2014.

Donor Paul Czajak’s Website: PaulCzajak.com

Auction Instructions:

* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.

* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.

* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.

* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.

* A note about last-minute bidding: If you are used to online auctions that end at an exact, given second, please know that the KidLitPhil auctions don’t work quite that way. Each auction ends when I post the “Auction closed” comment. I do that when my computer turns to 10pm EST, but because I have multiple auctions to close at that time (also because I am human) it will not be precisely at 10pm EST. At any rate, the winning bid is the high bid before the Auction Closed comment, even if the time on your computer reads slightly after 10:00. Thanks for understanding!

* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 32 from Katie Davis

2013-12-02T04:57:00.000-08:00

Auction #32: Video Idiot Boot Camp (on-line course)

Description: A course for people who think videos are hard to create. Learn more here: http://videoidiotbootcamp.com/ (Note from Michelle: I haven't taken this on-line course but I did take Katie's face-to-face intro workshop at the Spring NE-SCBWI conference. It was terrific! I'm confident this course will be fantastic.)

Estimated Value: $297

Minimum Bid: $197

Auction Ends: 12/8/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Children’s author/illustrator Katie Davis has published nine books and appears monthly on the ABC affiliate show, Good Morning Connecticut, recommending great books for kids. She produces Brain Burps About Books, a podcast about kidlit, a blog and regular newsletter. Katie has volunteered in a maximum-security prison teaching Writing for Children and over the last dozen years has presented at schools and writing conferences. She’s a 2010 Cybils judge and has also judged the Golden Kite, smartwriters.com, and Frontiers in Writing awards. Recently Katie was selected to be on the Honorary Advisory Board for the Brooke Jackman Foundation, a literacy-based charity.

Donor Katie Davis’s website: http://katiedavis.com/

Auction Instructions:

* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.

* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.

* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.

* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.

* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 31 from Eleanor Rubin

2013-12-02T04:56:00.000-08:00

Auction #31: Sticks and Stones Poster Signed by the Artist

Description: My poster "Sticks and Stones" was created to increase tolerance and to help stop bullying. It is colorful and appealing created originally with watercolor and torn paper. It has been available continuously from 1978. Human Policy Press adapted the Sticks and Stones poster for the Office of Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education in the fall of 1992, and the Office of Civil Rights distributed 5,400 posters to elementary schools, high schools as well as college campuses. This poster is no longer available.

Estimated Value: At least $100 (Note from Michelle: several years ago it was valued at $100 but there are so few left, it's probably worth more).

Minimum Bid: $60

Auction Ends: 12/8/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: I am a printmaker whose artwork is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. My work is currently on view at Boston University in the Biennial exhibit of the Boston Printmakers. I am working on a non-fiction picture book biography described at Beyond the Margins

Donor Eleanor Rubin’s website: http://ellyrubinjournal.typepad.com

Auction Instructions:

* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.

* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.

* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.

* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.

* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 30 from Kelly Light

2013-12-02T04:55:00.000-08:00

Auction #30: The Quirks, Welcome to Normal print, Signed by the Artist

Description: 8x10" framed print (Chapter 11) from the 2013 release "The Quirks, Welcome to Normal" - by Erin Soderberg, Illustrated by Kelly Light - Bloomsbury

Estimated Value: $200

Minimum Bid: $25

Auction Ends: 12/8/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Kelly Light was born off exit 149 on the Garden State Parkway. She grew up down the shore surrounded by giant roadside dinosaurs, cotton candy colors and skee ball sounds. Schooled on Saturday morning cartoons and Sunday Funny pages, she picked up a pencil and started drawing and never stopped. She spent quite a chunk of time drawing all of your favorite cartoon characters for companies like Disney, Warner Bros, Nickelodeon, Henson Productions, King Features and Hanna Barbara. These days, she gets to create her own characters for children's books. She has illustrated the chapter books series "Elvis and The Underdogs" and "The Quirks.". Fall 2014 ,"Louise Loves Art" comes out - her first picture book as author illustrator. More Louise books will follow, as well as "Don't Blink" by Amy Krauss Rosenthal in 2015 and in 2016, "Just Add Glitter" by Angela DiTerlizzi.

Donor Kelly Light’s website: www.kellylight.com

Auction Instructions:

* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.

* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.

* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.

* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.

* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 29 from Paul Weiner

2013-12-01T04:57:00.000-08:00

Auction #29: Early Reading

Description: Small sketch of a little girl deeply involved in a picturebook. The little girl loves to read when she isn't playing.This is one of a series of little girls created for the children's publishing market. A 7.5" X 11" digital pencil sketch duotone copy on white Bristol board.

Estimated Value: $20

Minimum Bid: $10

Auction Ends: 12/7/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Paul discovered his inner creativity as a young child. He was continuously drawing when he had the chance; even when he shouldn't have. His favorite spot was his parents' livingroom walls. They didn't appreciate this. He gradually learned discipline and tempered his drawing to his drawing pads and sketchbooks. His parents appreciated this.

While in high school he loved to dissect frogs and thought he would become a famous surgeon. His hopes were dashed when he barely passed biology (to his teacher's relief).  Paul didn't care much for math and always avoided difficult problems. After graduating from high school he applied to several schools and decided Massachusetts College of Art would be fun.

After graduating Paul started commissioned illustration assignments for magazines, design studios and educational publishers. He has experience as a digital instructor at Montserrat College of Art and Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.

He loves to relax and play music with the Harmony Gritz band. He is quite sure his harmonica playing is scaring the neighbors' cats and dogs.

Donor Paul Weiner’s website: www.paulweiner.com

Auction Instructions:

* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.

* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.

* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.

* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.

* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 28 from Diane Allison

2013-12-01T04:56:00.000-08:00

Auction #28: Author/illustrator school visit

Description: I have done school programs all over the country, incorporating my story-telling/performance skills with my teaching experience to give children a rich understanding of the joys of writing and illustrating stories. I ask the question, where do books come from? And the answer, IDEAS! help the child realize that they have all the resources inside them to do great work. I use original artwork, dummies, reference material and finished books as teaching tools. We have a wonderful time.

I will do three 30 minute sessions for groups of up to 60 students, ages from kindergarten to high school. (Older students are taught seminar-style).

If the school is over an hour outside of Brooklyn, transportation and lunch costs must be paid by the school.

Estimated Value: $500

Minimum Bid: $100

Auction Ends: 12/7/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Diane is an author/illustrator/performer trained in Montessori teaching. She lives in paradise, aka Brooklyn, a bike ride from Prospect Park, the Botanic Garden, an art museum, zoo, and BAM, and she often bikes over the Brooklyn Bridge and back to work at her favorite book stores. If she's not working there, or writing poems or songs, or honing her drawings and dummy books, she may be performing one person, one act, one (life-size) puppet play, MIRIAM, or helping her husband with campaigns for UNICEF.

Donor Diane Allison’s website: dianewallison.com

Auction Instructions:

* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.

* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.

* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.

* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.

* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 27 from I.W. Gregorio

2013-12-01T04:55:00.000-08:00

Auction #27: Agent query critique + 15pp author critique

Description: Get two query critiques and a critique of your first 15 pages!

First I.W. Gregorio will critique your query + first 15 pages of your manuscript. Then, after you revise if you so desire, agent Jessica Regel of Foundry + Media will critique your query.

Estimated Value: $100

Minimum Bid: $30

Auction Ends: 12/7/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: I. W. Gregorio is a practicing surgeon by day, masked avenging YA writer by night. A graduate of the Yale School of Medicine, she studied creative writing at the University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins University. Her debut YA novel, NONE OF THE ABOVE (Balzer & Bray / HarperCollins, Fall of 2015), is MIDDLESEX meets MEAN GIRLS. She is represented by Jessica Regel of Foundry + Media.

Donor I.W. Gregorio’s website: http://iwgregorio.wordpress.com

Auction Instructions:

* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.

* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.

* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.

* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.

* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 26 from Scott Blagden

2013-11-30T04:57:00.000-08:00

Auction #26: Signed copy of Dear Life, You Suck and t-shirt

Description: Signed copy of the young adult novel Dear Life, You Suck by Scott Blagden and a Dear Life, You Suck t-shirt - Dear Life is printed on the front and You Suck is printed on the back. Dear Life, You Suck has been nominated to YALSA’s 2014 Best Fiction for Young Adults list, the 2014 Texas Library Association TAYSHAS reading list, and the New Jersey Association of School Librarians Annual Best Books for Young Adults.

Estimated Value: $40

Minimum Bid: $20

Auction Ends: 12/6/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Author of Dear Life, You Suck, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013

Donor Scott Blagden’s website: www.scottblagden.com

Auction Instructions:

* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.

* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.

* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.

* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.

* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 25 from Vicky Rubin

2013-11-30T04:56:00.000-08:00

Auction #25: picture book ms. or dummy critique

Description: An in-depth critique of a picture book manuscript or dummy, plus, if the writer would like, two additional rounds of critique after revisions. Topics will include, among other things, character development, structure, pacing, plot, and the takeaway.

Estimated Value: $75

Minimum Bid: $20

Auction Ends: 12/6/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Vicky is the author and illustrator of Ralphie and the Swamp Baby, a Bank St. Best Book Selection, and author of The Three Swingin' Pigs, which was illustrated by Rhode Montijo and received a Kirkus starred review. Her poems have appeared in Cricket and Spider magazines. She has illustrated activity books and children's stories in Alpacas magazine. She has worked as a writer, copyeditor, teacher, and hand model. She's a member of SCBWI and CBIG (Children's Book Illustrators Group, http://cbig-nyc.com).

Donor Vicky Rubin’s website: http://doodlesoop.com

Auction Instructions:

* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.

* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.

* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.

* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.

* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 24 from Jennifer Fosberry

2013-11-30T04:55:00.000-08:00

Auction #24: 30 minute Skype Visit

Description: Jennifer Fosberry will Skype with a classroom about Isabella Star of the Story, writing and imagination!

Estimated Value: $150

Minimum Bid: $25

Auction Ends: 12/6/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Jennifer Fosberry is a science geek turned children' book writer. Since receiving her very first library card, Jennifer has had a love affair with books. She is the New York Times Bestselling author of My Name is Not Isabella (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky 2010), My Name is Not Alexander (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky 2011), Isabella Girl on the Go (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky 2012), and Isabella Star of the Story (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky 2013).

After working in the high tech industry in Silicon Valley and running away to Costa Rica for a few years, she returned to the San Francisco Bay area to read, write, and try to get out of housework. She lives with her supportive husband, her three darling children and her little dog, too.

She blogs: http://jfosberry.com/blog/

Tweets: https://twitter.com/jenfos

And wastes time on Facebook: Jennifer Fosberry

Donor Jennifer Fosberry’s website: http://jfosberry.com/blog/

Auction Instructions:

* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.

* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.

* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.

* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.

* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 23 from April Jones Prince

2013-11-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

Auction #23: DIG IN! to Signed Board Books With Moving Parts!

Description: Dig In! and Dive In! are newly published board books from Abrams Appleseed. Both feature "diggers" and big machines, a surprise ending, and moving parts that are just right for little hands. Your copies will be signed by illustrator Michelle Berg and signed/personalized by author April Jones Prince. Both books are Amazon Best Books of the Year and Parents' Choice Fun Stuff Award Winners. Dive in and bid!

Estimated Value: $16

Minimum Bid: $10

Auction Ends: 12/5/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: April Jones Prince is a children’s book author and freelance editor. She has worked in the editorial departments of William Morrow and HarperCollins Children’s Books, and has also been a children’s bookseller. Currently, she works at Studio Goodwin Sturges, an illustrator’s agency in Providence that represents nearly 40 children’s book authors and illustrators. April is the author of eight books for young readers, including the award-winning Twenty-One Elephants and Still Standing and What Do Wheels Do All Day? She especially loves history, biography, and all kinds of picture books.

Donor April Jones Prince’s website: www.apriljonesprince.com

Auction Instructions:

* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.

* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.

* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.

* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.

* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 22 from Marlo Garnsworthy

2013-11-29T04:58:00.000-08:00

Auction #22: Developmental Editing

Description: Developmental editing (with comments embedded in your MS), plus copyediting, proofreading, and, formatting (for submission) of one picture book manuscript, or one chapter of a novel, and/or your query letter.

Estimated Value: $180-$300

Minimum Bid: $50

Auction Ends: 12/5/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: I have been editing books and teaching writing since the late 1990s. I am on faculty at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Continuing Education and teach Writing for Children's Books (picture books), Writing Chapter Books for Children, and various writing and revision workshops. I work in an editorial and art direction advisory capacity for a number of small publishers, and am an editor with Book Editing Associates. I'm also a published children's book author and illustrator.

Donor Marlo Garnsworthy’s website: http://cleverbirdy.blogspot.com/

Auction Instructions:

* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.

* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.

* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.

* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.

* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 21 from Nicole Zoltack

2013-11-29T04:57:00.000-08:00

Auction #21: First Three Chapter Critique

Description: I will critique and edit the first three chapters of your work, whether fiction or nonfiction using Track Changes. I also write up a report that highlights your strengths and weaknesses, what works and why and what doesn't. Feel free to also send your synopsis or query letter so I can better understand the story and make my edit the most useful it can be.

Estimated Value: $50

Minimum Bid: $20

Auction Ends: 12/5/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Nicole Zoltack has been working as an editor for years. She is a content and line editor for MuseItUp Publishing and also freelances. With experience editing most genres of fiction and some non-fiction, she can help polish your stories into masterpieces.

Donor Nicole Zoltack’s website: http://NicoleZoltack.blogspot.com

Auction Instructions:

* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.

* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.

* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.

* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.

* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 20 from Russ Cox

2013-11-29T04:56:00.000-08:00

Auction #20: Portfolio Review

Description: An online or email illustration portfolio review with me which includes a full write up of comments and a Skype or phone chat. This would be for someone just starting out or with limited experience.

Estimated Value: $150

Minimum Bid: $40

Auction Ends: 12/5/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: RUSS COX was raised by a pack of crazed hillbillies in the back woods of Tennessee. Without much in the way of modern conveniences, like a television set or running water, he spent his time drawing and whittling away the hours. After dismantling his grandfather's lawn mower engine, and without a clue on how to get it back together, he soon realized that he did not have an automotive bone in his body so he kept drawing. After graduating from art school, with a portfolio in his hand, he ventured into the world of design and illustration. He opened his own studio, Smiling Otis Studio, where he presently specializes in illustration for children. When not drawing, running amok in the snow, or training their four cats to sing Bohemian Rhapsody, Russ enjoys some quiet time, working on his picture book stories. He also enjoys playing the banjo but his wife would prefer him to play the triangle or build a sound proof room.

Donor Russ Cox’s website: http://www.smilingotis.com

Auction Instructions:

* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.

* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.

* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.

* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.

* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 19 from Donna Earnhardt

2013-11-29T04:55:00.000-08:00

Auction #19: Critique + book

Description: 1. I will give a detailed critique of a picture book, up to 1200 words OR a general critique of a chapter book (up to 6,000 words), with emphasis on character development and plotting.

2. In addition to the original critique, I will include a follow-up critique (general) of the original story if the writer wants me to give more input after revisions. *

3. Also, I will mail a copy of Being Frank for the winner to keep, gift or donate to their choice of school, library or other organization.

* Second critique must be used within 6 months of the first critique.

Estimated Value: $100

Minimum Bid: 25

Auction Ends: 12/5/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: When Donna isn't homeschooling or battling the laundry, she's writing children's stories, poetry, songs, and mysteries. You might find her fishing the Pee Dee River, hiking in the mountains with her family, or visiting her hometown of Cordova, NC. She lives in Concord, NC, and Being Frank is her first picture book.

Donor Donna Earnhardt’s website: http://wordwranglernc.wordpress.com

Auction Instructions:

* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.

* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.

* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.

* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.

* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 18 from Scott Blagden

2013-11-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Auction #18: Young Adult manuscript critique

Description: Critique of the 1st ten pages of your young adult manuscript (adult and teen writers welcome).

Estimated Value: $50

Minimum Bid: $25

Auction Ends: 12/4/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Scott Blagden is the author of the young adult novel Dear Life, You Suck, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. Dear Life, You Suck is a YALSA nominee for the 2014 Best Fiction for Young Adults list, a 2014 Texas Library Association TAYSHAS reading list selection, and selected to the New Jersey Association of School Librarians Annual Best Books for Young Adults.

Donor Scott Blagden’s website: www.scottblagden.com

Auction Instructions:

* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.

* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.

* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.

* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.

* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 17 from Carolyn Curtis

2013-11-28T04:58:00.000-08:00

Auction #17: Autographed Copies of I Took the Moon for a Walk

Description: The Moon connects us with our sorrowing neighbors in the Philippines, reminds us of our smallness, inspires us to greatness. It evokes deep feelings. It seems to reflect OUR light, OUR magic. It is a comfort, a flirt, a memory, a hope.

I Took the Moon for a Walk is a picture book for all ages which celebrates the special bond we share with the Moon. This lyrical adventure may encourage your family to begin a new, nightly tradition of taking the Moon for a walk! Items

Donated: One hardcover British version pre-signed by Alison Jay and signed/inscribed at your request by Carolyn Curtis and one lapbook (oversized board book) version signed/inscribed at your request by Carolyn Curtis.

Estimated Value: $32

Minimum Bid: $25

Auction Ends: 12/4/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Carolyn Curtis is the author of I Took the Moon for a Walk (Barefoot Books, 2004), a lyrical and luminous picture book illustrated by the internationally-renowned artist Alison Jay. Scholastic Parent & Child magazine recently named I Took the Moon for a Walk one of the Top 100 Children's Books of all time.

Auction Instructions:

* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.

* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.

* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.

* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.

* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.

#KidLitPhil Auction item 16 from Carol Gordon Ekster

2013-11-28T04:57:00.000-08:00

Auction #16: School Visit

Description: Carol Gordon Ekster will do a 45-60 minute power point presentation for one classroom, grades 3-5, covering the process of publishing picture books, her books and being an author, and tips for improving students' writing. The school must be within 25 miles of Andover, MA. (If you live further away and wish to bid, Carol will do her program via Skype. Please be certain you have the technology to support simultaneous Skype and Power Point projection and a person to offer technical support as needed).

Estimated Value: $100

Minimum Bid: $25

Auction Ends: 12/4/2013 at 10:00 PM EST

Bio: Carol Gordon Ekster was a passionate elementary school teacher for 35 years. Her first published book was, Where Am I Sleeping Tonight?-A Story of Divorce, Boulden Publishing, 2008. “The Library Is The Perfect Place,” was in Library Sparks magazine, 2010. A picture book, Ruth The Sleuth and The Messy Room, was on Character Publishing’s debut list, 2011. Her newest picture book is expected out early 2015 with Pauline Books & Media. Retired from teaching, Carol now spends time in critique groups, doing yoga and exercising, and working on her books. She’s grateful that her writing allows her to continue communicating with children. She also speaks at conferences about using picture books with older readers.

Donor Carol Gordon Ekster’s website: www.carolgordonekster.com

Auction Instructions:

* Bid by posting a comment with your bid amount in U.S. dollars; no anonymous bidding.

* Do not bid unless you intend to pay that amount to Mercy Corps or UNICEF.

* To automatically receive updates on the latest bids, check the “Notify Me” box when you submit your comment.

* Highest bid before the end of the auction wins.

* Winning bidder must donate the winning bid amount to a designated charity organization and provide a copy of the receipt within three days of notification.

* For physical items, unless otherwise noted, donor pays standard shipping within the U.S.; winning bidder pays for express shipping or for shipping outside the U.S.