Guest Blogger -- Bob Younce

A big Wild About Words thank you to Bob Younce for writing this guest blog.

Bob is a hard-working Internet writer. Read more about him here.

Why We Need Writers
By Bob Younce

One of the things that makes humanity unique among creation is its ability to communicate via writing. From the earliest days of our existence up to today, writing has expressed the values and ideas of billions of people. Why is this? Why do we value writing? Why do we need writers, and why do we need to write? I think there are several reasons:

* We need writers because they express ideas about the common experience of human beings. Writing speaks to the "big ideas" of humanity. When Solzhenitsyn writes about the Soviet gulag, we understand the importance of freedom. When Charles Dickens writes about poor scamps on the streets of London, we better understand the need for charity. When Hugh MacLeod writes about How to be Creative here, we all better understand the creative part of our human spirits and are more able to put them to use.

* Writing also has some very practical applications. When my host, Donna, writes about her experiences with publishing and her book launch here, those of us who are in the writing field come to better understand the process. When I write about common Internet writing mistakes here, folks can improve their own Internet writing. The same holds true for a near-infinite amount of writing in a near-infinite amount of fields.

* Writers provide us with catharsis. I won't get into the whole psychology vs. catharsis debate here. But writers, especially fiction writers, allow us some escape from our daily lives and give us ways to experience lives less ordinary. They give us wings, help us to cry, to be angry, to love. Writers provide us a safe environment in which to be human.

* Writers create, influence and are influenced by the greater dialogue. Food writers, for example, are ultimately responsible for new staple dishes, new television shows and new restaurants. Writers are responsible for political change, and for political continuity. These things could occur via face-to-face contact, but change would take place much more slowly if that were the case.

* Finally, writers give us tools with which to express ourselves. It was Shakespeare who gave us "tis better to have loved and lost." It was Dickens who gave us "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Robert Frost gave us two roads diverged in a wood. So many of our speech patterns and colloquialisms had their origins with writers.

In so many ways, writers give us wings. They prop us up, they teach us, they add meaning to our lives. If you haven't done so recently, be sure to send your favorite writer a thank-you note or an e-mail, and let them know how much they mean to you. I sent out eight of these myself, in the process of writing this post. Truly, it was overwhelming to consider how much these folks have contributed to my life. Drop a comment in this blog, too. Tell us who your favorite writers are, and why you need them.

Don't Believe Everything You Hear!

Guess who's going to be on the radio this weekend?

A few weeks ago, the very talented host, Ann Bocock, interviewed me for Florida Forum on WXEL. For some reason, I responded to one of her questions: "My husband and I play Scrabble every night."

Ha!!! I work nearly full-time, raise two teenage boys, care for two pets and volunteer. By the end of most days, I barely have the energy to floss my teeth! Hubby and I enjoy a competitive game of Scrabble about four times a month.

Despite my minor goof, I thoroughly enjoyed the interview. You can hear it this Sunday, March 30th at 11 a.m. or Monday, March 31st at 7 p.m. on South Florida's radio station 90.7 or online at wxel.org. Click on the "listen live" button at those times or listen to a Florida Forum rebroadcast later.

A big, whopping thank you to Allison Fraclose at teensreadtoo.com for her nice review. (And I didn't even have to bribe her with lemon squares or bright, shiny objects!) The "gold star" review is posted at teensreadtoo.com and on Amazon. Here's a snippet: "Extremely well-written, this book surprised me with its humor, action, and poignancy. With this winning combination, this is a read you will certainly want on your ticket!"

Much thanks, also, to Sandra Louden for being my guest blogger this week and for sharing her 22 years of greeting card writing experience. I'd love to hear from anyone who uses her advice and sells a greeting card or two.

Stay tuned. Next week, guest blogger, Bob Younce, talks about why we need writers.

Happy weekend,
Donna

Guest Blogger -- Sandra Louden, Greeting Card Writer Extraordinaire

If you've ever read a greeting card and thought, "I can do that," you're right! You can. Many greeting card company editors are eagerly awaiting the next submission of unique, innovative and funny birthday card ideas to land on their desks.

I'm delighted to have Sandra Louden (www.greetingcardwriting.com) with us today to share her many years of experience writing and selling greeting cards.

Sandra, take it away . . .

I’m a professional greeting card writer and have been for over 22 years. Although I’ve been published in other genres, I’ve been tagged “a greeting card writer”— and that’s mainly how I’m known. I’ve written a strong-selling book on breaking into this often-misunderstood genre, which is about to go into a 2nd edition. I taught at our local Community College (Allegheny County—Pittsburgh) for 12 years. Even though my course was non-credit, the state rated it Occupational (as opposed to Recreational), which meant it was partially funded by the County and State, so even if enrollment didn’t reach the minimum, the course still ran. It was rated Occupational because my students sold their work on a regular basis and the state considered this an income-generating source. I’ve also taught online since 1998 at two writing schools: www.writerscollege.com and www.absolutewrite.com. I’ve been interviewed in many places, including NBC-TV, BBC (3 times), Voice of America, Attaché (In-flight magazine for U.S. Air), Ferguson’s Careers in Focus (found in middle and high schools), Christian Science Monitor, Mslexia (For Women Who Write – Newcastle-upon-Tyne), Metro (International Newspaper with a circulation of 37 million), 801 (Columbia School of Journalism), The National Examiner and made the cover of Parade Magazine.

That’s an overview of my background.

By way of introducing you to this writing genre, I’m going to let you in on some things I like—and know you will also—about greeting card writing. After that, I’ll get you started with a few card companies where you can send ideas. You can also contact me (that info is at the end of this blog), should you have further questions.

A Short List of Greeting Card Writing Positives:
1. You don’t have to write rhymed, metered Helen Steiner Rice-type verses.
2. You don’t have to draw the pictures.
3. There are other companies besides Hallmark and American Greetings.
4. The per-word dollar rate is terrific.

The persistent myth that greeting card writing means a Dad-sad-bad-had cycle amazes me. I mean, you only have to go to your nearest card store to see that rhymed, metered verse makes up an infinitesimal (well okay, maybe not quite that small—but pretty darned small) part of the collection of cards in front of you. The first questions to ask yourself here are: What sort of cards do I buy? What do I like to send? Which are my favorites to receive? Most of us today either opt for humor or soft, conversational prose. Well, the great news here is that humor and conversational prose are what most card editors want from their freelance writers. While you see poetry on the racks, these are mostly the domain of Hallmark and American Greetings, both of whom have staff writers who supply them with their rhymed needs. That and of course, the recycle factor—rhymed verses are recycled with updated art work slapped on the front. (When you’ve been around long enough, you won’t be hallucinating if the eerie thought hits you: Didn’t I send this sappy verse to my actor boyfriend in 1974—the one I thought I couldn’t exist without? It probably was).

As far as drawing, the only thing I draw anymore is a blank. I wish I were exaggerating when I tell you my drawing skills are truly pathetic. I’d draw an alligator and my kids would ask what that poor chicken was doing crawling in the water. This fallacy stops many aspiring card writers; I get a steady stream of emails asking what happens if you can’t draw. My answer: Nothing. (Oddly enough, I never get asked if would-be writers have to supply the photographs that so many of today’s cards carry on their fronts). Editors don’t want “the entire package” from one freelance person; they prefer keeping words and images separated. As a card writer, you may often receive an assignment to write verses from existing images, either drawn or photographed. If you submit a verse that relies on a visual to get its meaning across, you’ll have to be able to describe that image succinctly—in no more than two sentences (one is better). In the pre-computer days, writers would submit a single verse on a 3x5” index card—not much room there for wordy descriptions. And while that submission process is by and large obsolete, it still provides an excellent rule of thumb for K.I.S.S.—Keep It Short, Sweetie.

When I ask students to name some card companies, Hallmark and American Greetings top the list. That’s natural—since they’re #1 and #2 respectively. Most people are aware of Blue Mountain Arts (now known as SPS Studios) and then answers trickle to nothing. The Greeting Card Association estimates there are 3,000 card companies in the United States—they range from the giants to the “stacked on the kitchen table while the chili’s cooking on the stove” companies. And while many mid-size, independent companies have been scooped up by these two giants, there are still a lot of companies simply aching for solid freelance submissions.

Unless you write the unique 36-40 line verses that became synonymous with SPS (and which almost every company has imitated), most of your card verses, whether soft prose or humor, will run no more than 30 words—and most of the time much shorter. The payment per humorous verse runs anywhere from $40 to $200 ($300 in some cases, if you’re willing to wait for a testing process), with the average being around $75-$100. Soft prose generally runs less, somewhere around $60-$75. As far as payment per word then, do the math. I’ve written features for major magazines, such as A&E’s Biography, where I was paid $1/per word. By comparison, for a two-word verse (with accompanying visual suggestion), I received $150—or $75/per word. Sure, I use that for effect, but it’s an accurate effect. The payment in this genre simply can’t be matched.

There are other perks, of course, to greeting card writing. You get to write short sentiments present at all life’s major milestones. Your words will be “adopted” by strangers who will call them their own. Words they may be unwilling—or unable—to say for themselves. As a greeting card writer, you also get to work with some of the country’s most exciting artists, photographers and cartoonists. Through the years, I’ve been in contact with folks whose visual work I’ve admired from afar.

Before I officially get you started by providing some companies that want—and need—your verses, here are some of my own personal favorites I’ve sold through the years.

Woman Friendship (Louie-Award Winner...our industry’s highest honor)
O: Frazzled woman staring at her children in bed.
Verse: If only I could think of them as sleeping...
I: ...instead of recharging. (© Current Inc. 1991)

Get Well (Louie-Award Nominee)
O: Wide-eyed Dad with two small children looking at reader.
Verse: There are many reasons for you to get well. Your family loves and needs you, your family is worried about you...
I: ...your family is totally unsupervised in the kitchen. (© Current Inc. 1992)

Boss’ Day
O: I like having you for a Boss...
I: ...compared to my Mother, you hardly ever tell me what to do. Happy Boss’ Day! (© Renaissance 2002)

Get Well
I: Get plenty of rest...and rest assured, others love and care for you. Get Well Soon. (© Renaissance 2003)

Woman Friendship
O: I watch exotic male dancers for the same reason I read travel magazines.
I: I like to look at places I’m never gonna visit. (© Gibson Greetings 1995)

Is your interest piqued? I hope so. Below are a few companies to get you started. (Remember, freelance policies can—and do—change).

Tell Tale Press, Inc.
P.O. Box 5434
Takoma Park, MD 20913
Ongoing writing contest for “the art of telling stories” based on scenarios from their greeting cards.
Visit: www.telltalepress.net for complete details.

SPS Studios, Inc.
(Blue Mountain Arts)
Dept. SML, P.O. Box 1007
Boulder, CO 80306-1007
Send blank email to writings@sps.com with “Send Me Guidelines” in the subject line.
To submit work, email to editorial@sps.com (no attachments, please)

Papyrus (Formerly Marcel Schurman/Schurman Fine Papers)
500 Chadbourne Road
Caller Box 6030
Fairfield, CA 94533
http://www.papyrusonline.com/category/about+papyrus/artist+submission+guidelines.do#2
For actual submissions—Attn: Text Editor

I think you’ll love greeting card writing if you give it a chance. You don’t have to do it full-time; it doesn’t have to be your end-all. However, it’s great “break writing”—something to have in front of an editor while working on that novel, short story or non-fiction article.

If you want to learn more, feel free to visit my site: www.greetingcardwriting.com or write: sandra@greetingcardwriting.com.

Thank you, Donna, for inviting me and I wish all your readers a creative 2008 and into the years beyond.

A Fantastic Librarian and Fan Mail

Happy Monday!

I’m often impressed by the ingenuity of educators and librarians. One librarian in a Maine school came up with an inventive way to combine voting and getting students excited about reading. Check out Cynthia Lord’s LiveJournal.

One of the joys of having a children’s book published is getting e-mail from enthusiastic young readers. I received a delightful e-mail from Lily this weekend and am sharing it with the author's permission.

I just wanted to say that your book is phenomonal! Its so interesting! Some of the parts (Like Chapter 33 & 34) Had me on the edge of my seat! Usually not into non-fiction books but this one was really good. When I got it, my mom said I could get this babysitting book/kit that I always wanted, or your book. I picked your book. I know you probably get lots of fan mail saying your great, and im probably just one of "them", but you really deserve it.
Sincerely, Lily, age 9
P.S. I know you probably hear this a lot, but i'm your biggest fan.

Thanks, Lily, for making my day!

Happy Surprises!

Since the publication of AS IF BEING 12 3/4 ISN'T BAD ENOUGH, MY MOTHER IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT!, I've gotten many happy surprises.

I was happily surprised when Children’s Book World in Haverford, PA picked my novel as their staff pick and wrote: "Fabulous middle-grade novel about an awkward spelling-bee champ whose governor mother is running for the Democratic nomination. Timely, funny and written in a great voice."

Jean Westmoore’s review in the Buffalo News made my day. “This entertaining novel offers believable middle school situations, a riproaring finale and a funny, memorable heroine.”

And twice this week, neighbors stopped by to tell me they read and enjoyed my book, and one was a retired police officer!

Janeen Mason created this fabulous, scrabbulous greeting card in honor of my Scrabble-loving character, Vanessa:

Janeen’s artwork is full of bright color, like her personality.

And my long-time friend, Jeanne --

whose name is mentioned in my book, disguised as the name of as Vanessa’s favorite restaurant: Hurricane Jeanne’s – sent me this yesterday . . .

Mrs. Perez’s Lemon Squares! And a card full of sweet, funny references to my book. Thank you, Jeanne!

And thank you to those who have given me so many happy surprises since my book’s release!

May your days be full of happy surprises, too!

Hugs,
Donna

DOING THE HAPPY WRITER DANCE!

I just finished revisions on my new middle grade novel!

Can you hear my sigh of relief from there? I’ll be doing the Happy Writer Dance as soon as I do the following:

1) Introduce myself to my children. “Hi, boys! Remember me? I’m your mom.”

2) Catch up on the 500 plus e-mails I need to delete, er, um, answer.

3) Play outside. “Oh, look, it’s March already!”

4) Enjoy a long overdue game of Scrabble with hubby. (Yes, he’ll probably win. Again!)

5) Return phone calls, especially that one from Oprah. Don’t I wish?!

6) And most importantly . . . clean the house. Yeah, right!

Although I can’t show you my happy dance, I’ll share these smile-inspiring happy dances, courtesy of John and Hank Green, Nerdfighters extraordinaire.

I know someone else who should be doing the Happy Writer Dance: E. M. Crane. Her young adult novel, SKIN DEEP, came out yesterday. I read an advance reader copy and loved it so much I cried. No wonder it won the Delacorte Press Contest for a First Young Adult Novel, No wonder the only revisions she needed to make were changing a character’s name! And the people who populate her wonderful novel stayed with me loooong after I closed the book.

A big THANK YOU to Jean Westmoore, who wrote a nice review of my book in the Buffalo News. Here’s the last line of the review: “This entertaining novel offers believable middle school situations, a rip roaring finale and a funny, memorable heroine.”

Ah, more happy dancing.

Do you have something to Happy Dance about? A bit of good news? A recent accomplishment? Someone else’s accomplishment? If so, post a comment on this blog and YOU might be chosen to be a GUEST BLOGGER. Won’t that be fun?

Looking forward to reading your Happy Dance moments. For now, though, I’m going to celebrate finishing my new novel, E.M. Crane’s exciting novel release and my book’s review in the Buffalo News . . . by cleaning the house, um, taking a nap!

Keep those pages turning,

Donna

AND THE WINNER IS . . .

But first . . .

Lots of exciting book news.

Scott Eyman of the Palm Beach Post did a feature about my book in their “Accent” section this past Monday. Thanks, Scott!

Nancy Gilson of The Columbus Dispatch wrote a really nice review. Thanks, Nancy!

And what a delight to see that my book was chosen as a “Staff Pick” at Havertown, PA’s Children's Book World. Here's what they wrote: "Fabulous middle-grade novel about an awkward spelling-bee champ whose governor mother is running for the Democratic nomination. Timely, funny and written in a great voice."

Now . . . onto the winners of the big button give-away.

“You get a button.” “You get a button.” “You all get buttons.”

Everyone who posted a comment on the “Big Button Blog-O-Rama” will have a "Vote for Mom" promotional button mailed to them. I'm feeling sort of Oprahish today.

Have a grand weekend!

Donna

BIG BUTTON BLOG-O-RAMA!

I’ve recruited two soon-to-be famous models to show you the latest in fashion accessories – “Mom for President” buttons.

Amy (nearly 9) and Megan (11)

If you want to know how absolutely stunning these buttons look, Amy and Megan model them on their sport shirts.

Thanks, girls!

You, too, can have one of these spiffy buttons, which are part of a promotion for my novel – AS IF BEING 12 ¾ ISN’T BAD ENOUGH, MY MOTHER IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT!

If you live near The Shops at Mission Viejo in Los Angeles or Orland Square in Chicago, bazillions of buttons are being given away March 1^st and March 2^nd.

If you miss the big button give-a-way or don’t live anywhere near Los Angeles or Chicago, you can still WIN one of THREE buttons I’ll be giving away. To enter, leave a comment on this blog about one nice thing you’ve done in the past month. That’s it.

Winners will be chosen at random and announced Friday, March 7^th.

Good luck!
Donna

Politics Around the Country

Politics and Prose is an independent bookstore in D.C. I can’t wait to visit them next time we’re at the nation’s capital. And it’s nice to know they're carrying my book, which involves politics, prose and well, um, a really negligent Boob Fairy.

As the primary race heats up in Texas, the editors at DallasChild Blog mentioned some interesting political tidbits for kids, including a short review of AS IF BEING 12 ¾ . . .

"Head to your local library to peruse children's books about the election process. There are tons to choose from — one title we like in particular is As if Being 12 3/4 Isn't Bad Enough, My Mother is Running For President! by Donna Gephart. This book (for ages 9-12) is written from the perspective of a preteen girl who's mom is, well, running for president — and ruining her life! Girls will love this enjoyable tie-in to current events."

And right here in chilly South Florida (it’s 66 lovely degrees as I write this), the Palm Beach Post is offering a presidential puzzle a day. But hurry; it’s only during the month of February.

If you miss the Post’s puzzles, click over to my Web site and check out the Presidential Pet Matchup and the Political Words Seek-n-Find.

Hope you’re enjoying this most interesting (and historic) political race. I know am.

Best regards,

Donna

Book Give-a-way and Bountiful Blog

Don't walk. Run to Shrinking Violets, a fantastic blog billed as "Marketing for Introverts."

There, you'll find lots of great ideas for promotion from the talented and generous Mary Hershey and Robin LaFevers. And, if you act now . . . you'll also have a chance to win a copy of my book (set of ginsu knives not included).

Operators are standing by,
Donna

BOOK PROMOTION 101

If you’d like your book to sell to more people than friends, family and your 10^th grade English teacher, you must get out from behind your computer and promote it.

If you’re lucky, your publisher will put some resources into promoting your book, but that’s not enough.

I know my publicist at Random House works hard on my behalf. How do I know? I’ve gotten several nice reviews from trade journals. Print, radio and TV interview requests have rolled in. And there are these great promotional buttons . . .

(cat not included)

. . . that will be distributed through direct marketing and in a couple major shopping malls.

But mine isn’t the only book my publicist is trying to sell. And even though my book has a great hook with the election tie-in, I’m still a new author with no following.

So . . . it was a happy coincidence yesterday when I took our oldest so to the library and noticed this gem on the shelf:

It’s a few years old, but brimming with information about how to be prepared for interviews, develop a marketing strategy, make vital contacts, sign stock in bookstores and more. The back section is loaded with Internet resources, helpful organizations, etc. And there’s even a section about how to get on Oprah – an author’s golden ticket.

Yowza!

The book so inspired me that I stayed up till one in the morning, scribbling pages of ideas about promoting my novel. I can offer writing workshops in schools . . . connect via the Internet with networking sites and message boards . . . get in touch with those involved in spelling bees and Scrabble tournaments, because those things play a part in my character’s life . . . write magazine articles offering writing tips for adults or election information for kids.

The list goes on, but the short version of my plan is this:

1) Let people know my book exists

2) by offering them something of value

3) and have loads of fun doing it.

Do you have any great book promotion tips? School presentation ideas that inspire students? Thoughts on finding time to promote, while still working on the next novel?

No matter where we are on the publishing spectrum, it's never too soon . . . or too late to think about book promotion.

And, by the way, who saw that fabulous eclipse last night?

Not that one! This one . . .

DOUBLE YOWZA!

TEN GOOD THINGS ABOUT BOOK LAUNCH WEEK . . .

“I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.” -- Alice Walker

Despite the whirlwind of interviews, e-mails and activities that surrounded my novel’s launch this week, I took time to appreciate this purple tulip from my friend, Riley Roam. And the red tulips from Sylvia. And the red, white and blue balloons from Linda. And . . .

1) This week, I had my first radio interview. I’m sure I sounded like a dork, but I had a blast doing it. The host was great and made me feel comfortable. (I’ll let you know when it’s available for Internet streaming.)

2) My dear friends and hubby celebrated with me at a book launch lunch. The only thing better than something wonderful happening is being able to share that something with those you care about.

3) My sister, Ellen, got my first autographed copy of my book. “Hey, Ellen, did I do anything stupid, like misspell my own name?”

4) This crazy crew – part of my fantabulous critique group (Sylvia, Dan, Me, Linda and Riley) – went to our local Barnes and Noble the day my book was released.

We were told three of the four books they had in stock sold within two hours. (Thanks, Carilynn, for purchasing 50% of their stock!)

5) Then I signed Sylvia’s copy of AS IF BEING . . . that she had brought with her from a different bookstore. (It doesn’t seem that long ago that Sylvia signed a copy of her picture book -- Rattlebone Rock – for me.)

6) I cajoled an unsuspecting shopper into snapping our photo. “Thank you, unsuspecting shopper.”

Then my writing buddies said things to her like, “She wrote a book” and “It’s funny” and “It’s topical.” So, under extreme duress, this woman read the flap copy and said, “I think my eleven-year-old daughter would like this.”

So I signed her book right there in the store – my first autograph to a non-family member or friend – and there went the last copy of my book from the shelves of our local Barnes and Noble.

7) I understood how our local bookstore sold out quickly, but two Barnes and Noble stores just outside New Orleans did also. I don’t know anyone in New Orleans except our dear friend Sharon and her family. Sharon called to report that each store she visited had sold out of its four copies the first day. “Thank you, New Orleans book-buyers! And thank you Sharon for ordering four copies to send to your unsuspecting friends."

8) My first fan mail for AS IF BEING . . . came through my Website (www.donnagephart.com) from a friend’s daughter. When you read this excerpt from her letter, you’ll see why I spent the rest of the day smiling:

I loved your book: the day my mom got it (yesterday) I read it through twice. It's that good!

Thank you, Amelia! I’d have included the rest of your lovely e-mail, but there were serious spoilers in it about . . . well, you know.

9) Please check out Alice Pope’s blog today. She featured a certain very excited/slightly overwhelmed/definitely delighted scribbler as her Debut Author of the Month.

10) And finally, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has given me a shout out on her blog, via e-mail, by phone or in person and made my book launch week such a grand and memorable experience!

Hugs,
Donna

BOOK LAUNCH!!!

Today is my book’s birthday. Come on in and join the virtual party.

How did I begin this very special day?

I was woken at six (after staying up very late last night reading) by a clicking sound coming from our living room.

Did the dog get into the pantry again? Is she finishing off my last two double fudge brownies? Is someone breaking into the house? Should I grab the phone and have the 9 and the 1 dialed before I investigate?

While hubby slept, I dragged myself out of bed to find our oldest son inches from the computer screen, which was casting a ghostly glow on his face.

“What? Are? You? Doing?”

“I woke at 5:30," he says, "to put music on my Ipod. I tried to be quiet.”

I couldn’t stay angry too long because I turned around to this sight:

Flowers and a card

When I returned to the bedroom, hubby was awake and getting ready for work.

“When did you sneak those flowers in?” I asked.

“Last night.”

“How?”

He smirked and said, “Some of the flowers are purple.”

He was referring to my main character, Vanessa’s (and my) love of purple. Even the card, full of nice sentiments from hubby, our boys and even our dog and cat, was purple!

This reminded me of April of 2006 when I first sold my novel and Linda, a dear friend and excellent writer, set up a party to celebrate at our critique group meeting. The plates, the cups, the napkins – everything was purple.

Linda smiled. “Of course everything’s purple,” she said. “We’re celebrating Vanessa.”

And that we are! Here’s to you, Vanessa Rothrock. Thanks for showing up in my imagination one day and for sticking with me as I made a million mistakes trying to get you onto the page. So glad you’re finally here!

Thanks to everyone who helped make this day happen. And thanks for making the day so special.

Warmest regards,

Donna

ONE

For someone who loves words so much, today I’m fresh out of them.

After a year spent researching, writing and revising . . . after nearly two years proofreading, preparing and “patiently” waiting . . . after two decades of writing and wishing . . . MY BOOK GOES ON SALE TOMORROW!!!

Here’s a brief interview. (Note: the on-sale date is not Sunday, it’s, um, TOMORROW!) And here's a very nice review from Publisher's Weekly. (Scroll down.)

Thanks so much for your good wishes and support!

Hugs,

Donna

TWO

Vanessa Rothrock here – straight from the pages of AS IF BEING 12 ¾ ISN’T BAD ENOUGH, MY MOTHER IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT!

I can’t believe in only two days you’ll be able to read about my most embarrassing moments -- on stage during the school spelling bee, in P.E. class in front of the love of my pathetic life and at the Democratic National Convention, when the unthinkable happens and I . . . oh, nevermind. You’ll read about it soon enough!

I thought that while you’re waiting, you might like to do something fun. As you know, I’m a Scrabble aficionado (Aficionado. A-F-I-C-I-O-N-A-D-O. Aficionado.). Mom and I play whenever we can, and she always wins. But I’m secretly practicing. And you can, too.

Here are two games from the Scrabble Web site: Scrabble and Scrabble Express. Have fun!

I’m heading back to the campaign trail now for Mom . . .

Embarrassingly yours,

Vanessa

THREE

Donna’s busy preparing for the release of her new novel, so she asked me to be her guest blogger today. (I’m not sure what that means, but I hope there’s a dog biscuit in it for me.)

Donna’s not the only one who’s been busy lately. I’ve had to bark at the postman. Twice!

The other day, he had the audacity to bring three boxes to our door. I let him know he wasn’t welcome, so he left, but the boxes remained. When Donna opened one of the boxes, she got all teary-eyed. I don’t know why. It’s not like the box was loaded with dried chicken strips or anything. Just these things . . .

I tried to read one of the books, but it put me to sleep – not one dog character in the whole novel!

Then I had to get up and bark at the postman again because he dropped off a large package. Once again, nothing for me. But the cat seemed to like what was inside.

I think it must have been coated in catnip or something. Lucky cat!

Donna muttered something about how thousands of “Mom for President” buttons were printed for a big marketing campaign, but of course all I really heard was, “Blah. Blah. Blah. Aren’t you a pretty dog, Lady? Blah. Blah. Blah.”

So, as you can see, nothing exciting is going on around here, except . . . What’s that jingling I hear? Is it my leash? “Here I come!”

I'm outta here!
Lady Gephart

FOUR

It’s a Web site!

Thanks to designer Lisa Firke at Hit Those Keys, I’m the proud new parent of a bouncin’ baby Web site.

On the site, you’ll find embarrassing photos, puzzles, book info, more embarrassing photos, lots ‘o links and “betcha didn’t know” trivia.

Best of all, my new Web site doesn’t need to be changed too often and never wakes me in the middle of the night.

Please stop by and make silly faces at it.

FIVE

The countdown begins!

Each day until the on-sale date for AS IF BEING 12 ¾ ISN’T BAD ENOUGH, MY MOTHER IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT (February 12^th), I’ll post a book-related tidbit.

Today’s tidbit is a review from the Kansas City Star. Thank you, Kim Ossi!

Pre-teen politics

Politics! Election! Vote! That's all that's on TV these days. If you're tired of seeing the Democrats and Republicans at each others' respective throats, escape to a book. A topical book, mind you, to give you some perspective.

"As if being 12 3/4 isn't bad enough, my mother is running for president!" pretty much says it all. But the book by Donna Gephart (Delacorte Press, $15.99) is an insightful read - maybe not so much on being 12 3/4, but definitely on the experience of being in the public's eye.

We follow Vanessa Rothrock who, most unfortunately, is at that clumsy stage, where she's tripping over her feet, crushing on boys and needing her mother - who is otherwise occupied, with that whole presidential campaign thing. Did we mention she has a Secret Service shadow at all times to protect her? So besides all the normal teenage mayhem, Vanessa starts getting scary, threatening letters. The drama is pitched and all we can do is sit on the edge of our chair as we frantically read along!

Look for the book in stores starting Feb. 12.

Kim Ossi writes for McClatchy-Tribune News Service. You can write to her at kossi@mctinfoservices.com.

TRIBUTE TO A SPECIAL MAN

JACOB GEPHART

March 15, 1925 – January 30,2008

Our phone conversations always began with, “Hey, Sweetheart” and ended with, “You know I love you, Pal.”

Even though Jake Gephart was my father-in-law, I can’t remember a time I didn’t call him “Dad.”

He taught me how to garden. He taught me how to work hard . . . and enjoy it. He taught me that family always comes first. And that kindness is simple but important. He taught me to laugh . . . often and with great gusto.

I remember dashing over to his house on cold days, and he’d welcome me and our small sons with hot chocolate and canned peaches. Then before I knew it, he’d be on the floor with our boys, building houses from playing cards or pitching pennies against the wall or playing grocery with cans from his shelves.

When Jake’s wife, Jane, passed away (the month before I met him), his four sons and his grandchildren became the focus of his life. I love my brothers-in-law, and realize their fun-loving personalities and closeness to each other come from the example set by Dad.

Gephart family parties were always warm and welcoming and fun. In the early years, they were spent splashing in the above ground pool in the back yard. Later, wiffle ball games took center stage. And when Dad got too old to safely round the bases, he was dubbed steady pitcher. And he jokingly dropped more balls than he threw.

I will always remember Dad’s gnarled hands that held mine with strength and warmth. And his bent pinky finger. His sons joked with him. Every time their beloved Philadelphia Eagles scored a touchdown, they’d hold up palms, bend their pinky fingers and say, “Dad, give us a high four and a half.”

There were football games to shout over. Family parties to celebrate at. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners out. He loved going out to eat. And have his Jamisons to drink. There were weddings to attend – his grandson and granddaughters most recently. And births to celebrate. Baby Matthew made him a GREAT grandfather.

Jake was all about celebrating life and family.

He loved dogs. I remember him going to Burger King to get his dog, Trixie, something special to eat. Trixie ate something special every evening, whether it was Burger King or something Jake cooked.

I remember the walks. While my husband worked, Dad would join me for walks around the neighborhood with our kids in a double stroller. Once, when a wheel from the stroller broke, he held the hand of our older son and pushed the broken stroller home for me while I carried the baby.

When I was sick – really sick – he made me the most delicious scrambled egg I’d ever eaten.

Our friends loved “Big Jake.” Standing only 5’ 2’’ (on a good day), he was still referred to as “Big Jake” by many, including my father, who stands 6”. I’m sure it had something to do with the size of his heart.

When my niece was young, “Big Jake” would have races with her in the back yard till she doubled over, laughing.

He told stories with great expression and despite being a quiet man, was the life of the party. Waitresses loved him. My family loved him. When my dad called over there recently to speak to the family, he broke down and cried.

It’s hard to see a good man go, even though he lived a wonderful life.

I remember when our boys were born, Jake took me aside and said, “I just hope I live long enough that they’ll remember me.” They not only remember him, they adore him. He was there for every theater production, school event, baseball and basketball game. He listened to them, even when he didn’t understand what the heck they were talking about. He bribed them to get good grades on their report cards and slipped them extra cash at every opportunity.

We could not have asked for a better grandfather for our boys. I could not have asked for a more devoted, loving, funny father-in-law. And I let him know every single day how much I loved and appreciated him.

I’m going to miss you, Dad, but you already know that.

“You know I love you, Pal.”

Lawn Weenies, Spanking Shakespeare and other Funny Reads

During my recent middle school visit, I left the students with a list of books I thought were funny:

1. Invasion of the Road Weenies: and Other Warped and Creepy Tales

In the Land of the Lawn Weenies: and Other Warped and Creepy Tales

The Curse of the Campfire Weenies: and Other Warped and Creepy Tales

by David Lubar

2. Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

3. Holes by Louis Sachar

4. Bucking the Sarge by Christopher Paul Curtis

The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis

5. Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos

6. Tangerine by Edward Bloor

7. Millicent Min, Girl Genius by Lisa Yee

8. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

9. The Prince of the Pond: Otherwise Known as De Fawg Pin by Donna Jo Napoli

10. Squashed by Joan Bauer

11. Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen

12. Storky: How I Lost My Nickname and Won the Girl by D. L. Garfinkle

Jake Wizner's Spanking Shakespeare is next on my list to read.

What funny books are on your to-be-read pile? Which funny books would you recommend to middle school readers?

WHOSE AMI?

One morning, when our youngest son was two, we told him we’d go to Miami soon. Of course, “soon” turned into an hour of finishing up things around the house. Impatient, our son tugged on my pant leg and asked, “When we going to Your Ami?”

“My Ami?” I asked, confused.

He nodded vigorously. “Your Ami!”

“Ooooh,” I said, finally understanding. “We’ll go to Miami soon. Really.”

And we did.

This past weekend, I packed a suitcase and headed to Your Ami, er, Miami for the 6^th annual Florida SCBWI Conference.

Friday evening, I gave a short talk titled: “Don’t Quit!”

Later, at the speaker’s dinner, Sid Fleischman leaned toward me and said, “Your talk was fantastic.”

Sid Fleischman! The man who has a humor award named after him!

When I was able to breath, I thanked him.

Donna and Sid Fleischman

On Saturday, attendees enjoyed a bevy of inspiring and interesting speakers. Here's the schedule.

Saturday evening – “Ahoy, Matey!” – a nautical-themed dinner party.

Here I am with some of my sailor buddies . . .

Linda, Captain Dan, Riley and Donna

There were pirates . . .

Pirate Ena

Look who washed ashore . . .

Dan, Amy and Chery

And who dropped in from Gilligan’s Island . . .

"Where's the Skipper, Little Buddy? Was he, um, voted off the island?"

And here's Sailor Sylvia . . .

"Swab that deck! Critique that manuscript!"

All had boatloads of fun.

Sunday was filled with workshops. I taught one about finding and applying for grants. The participants were so much fun. I hope they all get big, fat grants to further their careers.

This bunch was only pretending to be studious while we waited for the rest of the group to return from lunch. "And yes, Paul, you may go to the bathroom!"

Three cheers to Linda Bernfeld (and a lot of dedicated volunteers) for pulling the conference together. To thank Linda for helping create a vibrant community of children’s book writers and illustrators in Florida, we chipped in to get her a big card and a spectacular cake, created by Gaby Triana. If you think Gaby bakes amazing book cakes, you should read the books she writes!

The titles on the book cakes were as follows:

1. Frying Nemo

2. Rhyme of the Agent Marinara

3. The Old Man and the Critique

4. 20,000 Leagues Under the Slushpile

5. A Cake of Nautical Puns

6. Pirates of Penned Rants

7. Tuesdays with Morays

After an energizing weekend, it was time to say so-long to friends and Your Ami, er, Miami.

Until next year. . .

Donna

So-long Philly; Hello Miami!

My ALA trip to Philadelphia was a wonderful whirlwind!

At the Convention Center, publishers displayed their newest books and encouraged you to take them. A writer’s dream. I tossed out a pair of shoes so I’d have room in my suitcase for nine brand new novels.

Even though I sold my novel to Stephanie Lane at Delacorte Press in April 2006, this was my first opportunity to meet her. She is lovely! As were the other Random House people, who made me feel welcomed and comfortable.

Dinner with Stephanie Lane, E.M. Crane (author of Skin Deep), and her editor, Krista Marino was a blast. I wish I took a picture of the luscious desserts. I wish I took a picture of my editor and all the wonderful things I saw, but I was too busy enjoying everything to pull out my camera.

The highlight of the evening was a cocktail party where I was introduced to librarians from all over the country, who were passionate, dedicated and funny. It was so much fun to talk about my book with them and learn about the libraries where they worked. And my editor did a fantastic job of introducing my novel to the group; she could moonlight as a stand-up comic.

Sunday found me sitting in the back row of a ballroom with authors Liz Gallagher and E.M. Crane as the Newbery winners were announced.

This is what it looked like:

The excitement in the room was palpable as each award was announced, and finally – the Newbery. I kept pinching myself because I couldn’t believe I was sitting in the room where the Newbery Award was being announced. I still can’t.

As if the weekend weren’t exciting enough, the festivities took place in Philadelphia – my home town.

I was thrilled to walk around and see City Hall with William Penn’s statue standing proudly on top, the Franklin Parkway leading to the Museum of Art and the Reading Terminal Market, full of food stalls crowded with people and delicious smells. I treated myself to a vegetarian cheese steak.

And I managed to squeeze in time to enjoy a few meals and a lot of laughs with family and friends.

Barely recovered from my delightful weekend, I’m now preparing to head down to Miami.

It’s time for the Florida SCBWI Conference. I’ve attended it nearly every year since its inception. And this year, I’m giving a short talk about being a first-time author and a longer workshop entitled: Free Money: Finding and Winning Grants to Propel Your Career to the Next Level. And I’ll be doing my first autograph party.

I’m looking forward to it. Drop me a comment if you’re planning to attend.

Until next time,

Donna

Publisher's Weekly

Just wanted to share: Publisher's Weekly puts out an e-newsletter about children's literature. In their latest issue, they wrote an article about political books for children.

I was delighted to see a short blurb about my novel along with a cover photo. Click here and scroll down.

Wahoo!
Donna

A Literary Adventure

I’m off to the ALA (American Library Association) in Philadelphia this weekend.

On Sunday, I’m going to meet my editor, Stephanie Lane, for an early dinner. Then we’re slated to mingle with librarians at a cocktail party sponsored by Random House. I’ll be one of four first-time authors at the party. The others are: Liz Gallagher (Opposite of Invisible), E.M. Crane (Skin Deep) and Maria Padian (Brett McCarthy Work in Progress).

I’m looking forward to meeting my editor and several people from Random House, the other authors and many wonderful librarians.

I’ll post details and photos when I return.

Have a lovely weekend,

Donna

THE BIG BOOK BLOG-O-RAMA

Welcome to 2008!

May the promise of this year fill your days with hope and happiness.

Quiz-O-Rama: I’ve written award winning poetry, stories and novels for adults before writing a young adult novel that won a prestigious award this past year. I’ve also done stand-up comedy, and a movie was made based on my short stories. Who am I? (Answer at the end of this post.)

Each year I read approximately 50 books. This year I made it only to 45, but hey, I was busy WRITING books.

Books only make it to my list when I finish them, so this year, a gem -- Blindsided by a Diaper, edited by Dana Bedford Hilmer -- a collection of essays about parenting, including ones written by my friends Beth Levine and William Squier – didn’t get included because I didn’t finish a couple of the essays. The ones I did read, especially the one by Moon Unit Zappa (funny and real) and Andrew Corsello (wow!) were hilarious and touching and true.

This year, I also had the joy of hearing parts of (so far) unpublished books by the fabulous and talented members of my critique groups.

For a list of "best books of the year," check out Publisher’s Weekly. (Scroll down for the children's list.)

And to do something randomly nice and put good karma into the world, take a gander at Kiva.org.

Speaking of good karma, every year hubby and I help Christina Wood collect children’s book for the Wood Memorial Book Drive. This year, thanks to the generosity of friends, organizations, schools, businesses and a great kid named Todd, the book drive delivered 1,700 books to the Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition. Hooray!

The answer to the Quiz-O-Rama in the beginning is none other than Sherman Alexie, author of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian. So far, he’s won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. I’m sure there are more awards in the future for this wonderful book.

Now, onto the list of books I read (and completed) in 2007. (Adult books are denoted by an asterisk.) Please let me know if you’ve ready any of these books or if you’ve read something else that you’d like to share.

BOOKS I READ IN 2007

1. The Book Thief – Markus Zusak

2. Side Effects – Amy Goldman Koss

3. Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie – Jordan Sonnenblick

* 4. Cancer Vixen – Marisa Acocella Marchetto

5. Monkey Town: The Summer of the Scopes Trial – Ronald Kidd

* 6. Deaf Like Me – James Spradley & Thomas Spradley

7. Wait for Me – An Na

8. Crank – Ellen Hopkins

9. Geography Club – Brent Hartinger

10. The Amazing Life of Birds (The Twenty Day Puberty Journal of Duane Homer Leech) as Discovered by Gary Paulsen

11. American Born Chinese – Gene Luen Yang

12. Totally Joe – James Howe

* 13. Teenproofing – John Rosemond

* 14. akiane – her life, her art, her poetry – akiane and foreli kramarik

* 15. 19 Minutes – Jodi Picoult

16. How it Feels to Fight for Your Life – Jill Krementz

17. Grief Girl – Erin Vincent

18. Wrecked – E.R. Frank

19. Rules – Cynthia Lord

20. Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Jeff Kinney

* 21. Worlds of Childhood – The Art and Craft of Writing for Children (Jean Fritz, Maurice Sendak, Jill Krementz, Jack Prelutsky, Rosemary Wells, Katherine Paterson) – Edited by William Zinsser

* 22. Prisoner of Tehran – Marina Nemat

23. Poetry Matters – Ralph Fletcher

24. Scribbler of Dreams – Mary E. Pearson

25. The Higher Power of Lucky – Susan Patron

26. Lawn Boy – Gary Paulsen

* 27. Pursuit of Happyness – Chris Gardner

28. A Bad Boy Can Be Good for a Girl – Tanya Lee Stone

29. Eggs – Jerry Spinelli

30. Forever – Judy Blume

31. What My Girlfriend Doesn’t Know – Sonya Sones

32. Avalon High, Vol. 1 – Meg Cabot

* 33. Which Lies Did I Tell? (More Adventures in the Screen Trade) – William Goldman

34. Tuck Everlasting – Natalie Babbitt

35. I Am the Messenger – Markus Zusak

36. A Field Guide to High School – Marissa Walsh

37. Deadline – Chris Crutcher

* 38. Life on the Refrigerator Door – Alice Kuipers

39. The One Where the Kid Nearly Jumps to His Death and Lands in California – Mary Hershey

* 40. A Long Walk: Rediscovering America Along the Appalachian Trail – Bill Bryson

* 41. About Alice – Calvin Trillin

42. Story of a Girl – Sara Zarr

43. Taken – Edward Bloor

44. If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period – Gennifer Choldenko

45. The Absolutely True Story of a Part-time Indian – Sherman Alexie

Happy reading in 2008,

Donna