Inspiration for Writers -- Six Great Sites to Visit

1.  Today, Laurie Halse Anderson begins her WRITE FIFTEEN MINUTES A DAY CHALLENGE.  I'm in.  Are you?

2.  Have you seen some of the great middle grade books coming out?  There are new ones by Gordon Korman, Rebecca Stead, Walter Dean Myers,  Bruce Coville, Tom Angleberger and many others.  Check out the list at FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES.

3.  Kate Messner's blog for teachers who write is going strong.  Today's post is a Q & A with published authors. 

4.  Cynthia Leitich Smith's blog is always brimming with industry news, interviews, opportunities, giveaways, etc.  I've followed it for years!

5.  I'm a big fan of Katie Davis' podcast, Brain Burps About Books.  It's chock full of industry info, interviews, book reviews and so much more.

6.  If you're not able to attend the sold-out S.C.B.W.I. Conference in L.A., you can get interviews and recaps at their OFFICIAL BLOG SITE.  I plan to check it out daily and live vicariously until I absolutely, positively get there next summer.  (I'd so hoped to see the Golden Kite Award winners receive their honors at the luncheon since I was on the committee to choose the winners with Julia Durango and Steve Watkins.) But I was already away most of the summer here.

What sites inspire YOU to write and keep writing?

RESOURCES FOR YOUNG WRITERS . . .

When I was a young writer (about 10-1/2 billion years ago), I spent lots of time in the 808 section of the Philadelphia Public Library. I read books like Writer's Market to figure out how to sell my writing and get rich.

When I was 14, I sent a batch of greeting card ideas to Hallmark.

Guess what Hallmark sent back.

A rejection letter, of course. But I didn't let it discourage me.

I continued writing and sending my work out for decades. While I kept getting rejected (Boo hoo!), I also sold greeting cards, stories, funny essays and, eventually, books for kids. Wahoo!

Never did get rich, but I sure had fun!

I know that when I was a kid, I would have LOVED a list of all the great books and Web sites available for young writers today.

Because I like you so much (I really do!), I'm going to share these wonderful resources with you.

Make sure to share this with other young writers.

Thanks!


EXCELLENT WEB SITES FOR YOUNG WRITERS . . .

1) http://noodletools.com/debbie/literacies/basic/yngwrite.html This Web site is a treasure trove of opportunities for young writers. It lists publications and Web sites that accept writing from children.

2) http://mag.amazing-kids.org/contests/amazing-kids-contests/ On this site, you’ll find fun contests for kids.

3) http://www.fundsforwriters.com/writingkid.htm This e-zine provides contests and publishing opportunities as well as articles for young writers.

4) http://www.stonesoup.com/stone-soup-contributor-guideline/ If you’re age 13 or younger, you can contribute writing and illustrations to Stone Soup Magazine.

5) http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/06/co-authors-interview-walter-dean-myers.html -- Read this inspiring interview with author, Walter Dean Myers, and a young writer, Ross Workman, who collaborated on the novel Kick.

6) http://www.verlakay.com/boards/index.php?topic=52563.0 With a parent’s permission, send an e-mail to sign up for this message board, then scroll down to the “Young Writers Rock!” section. Introduce yourself, explore and ask questions.
7) http://www.aprilhenrymysteries.com/tips-for-writers.html Mystery writer, April Henry, offers great tips and resources.

AWESOME BOOKS FOR YOUNG WRITERS . . .

1) Five Pages a Day: A Writer's Journey by Peg Kehret

2) Poem-Making: Ways to Begin Writing Poetry by Myra Cohn Livingston

3) What's Your Story?: A Young Person's Guide to Writing Fiction by Marion
Dane Bauer

4) Spilling Ink: A Young Writer’s Handbook by Anne Mazer & Ellen Potter

5) The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers by John Gardner

6) Pizza, Pigs and Poetry: How to Write a Poem by Jack Prelutsky

7) Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly by Gail Carson Levine

8) Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out by Ralph Fletcher

9) Seize the Story:  A Handbook for Teens Who Like to Write by Victoria Hanley

10) Just Write -- Here's How by Walter Dean Myers

Now, go have fun (reading and) writing!

Mini Writing Conference -- 6-1/2 Lists of Advice from Editors, Agents, Authors and a Really Cool Kid

We added a new feature this past year at Wild About Words -- 6-1/2 Lists of wise advice from agents, editors, pumpkin carvers, etc.

I've gathered the year's worth of blog posts here for a free mini writing conference. Hope you find something useful, inspiring . . . and fun.

MINI WRITING CONFERENCE . . .

1. Lauren Tarshis -- What Makes a Good Short Story (Lauren is the editor of Scholastic's Storyworks Magazine. Not only is she an excellent editor, she is also the author of several books, including Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree and the I Survived . . . series.)

2. Kate Messner -- How to Survive a Skype Visit (Kate is a teacher, Skype visit expert and author. Her newest novel is Sugar and Ice, which is an Amazon Best Book for December.)

3. Tina Wexler -- Ways to Impress and Agent (I'm grateful to call Tina my agent and my friend. She'll return to I.C.M., International Creative Management, in January, after her maternity leave.)

4. Cynthia Lord -- Secrets to Successful School Visits (This year, Cindy had 70 events to promote her TWO new books -- Hot Rod Hamster and Touch Blue. Cindy is a Newbery Honor Award recipient for her novel, Rules.)

5. Paul May -- Funny List of Things to Do While Waiting for an Editor or Agent to Call (Paul is not only a talented writer, fun friend and fantastic family guy, he recently took on the post of critique group coordinator for SCBWI Florida. Thank you, Paul!)

6. Cynthia Leitich Smith -- How to Promote Your Book Like a Pro (Cynthia's blog, Cynsations, is a great resource for the children's writing and illustrating community. She's celebrating the release of her new picture book, Holler Loudly.)

7. David LaRochelle -- Ways to Carve a Fantastic Pumpkin (Besides carving pumpkins, David has TWO new books out this year -- 1+1=5: And Other Unlikely Additions and Minnesota's Hidden Alphabet. I'm a big fan of his novel, Absolutely, Positively Not, which won the Sid Fleischman Humor Award.)

8. Austin Towle -- Things I Wish Authors of Books for Kids My Age Knew (This post, written by a 13-year-old, received the most comments!)


I hope you enjoyed this mini writing conference. Look for more 6-1/2 Lists in 2011!

KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD!

Dan and I arrived in Austin this past Friday to celebrate Whole Foods Market's 30th birthday. We won the trip in a contest sponsored by Whole Foods Market. You can read all about how we won the contest here.

The weather was beautiful so we decided to stroll around town.

We visited the capitol building, which had beautiful architecture and paintings of each of the state's governors on the walls of each level.



Back at our hotel, we had a Whole Foods Market goody bag waiting for us. It was filled with organic popcorn, breakfast bars, fresh organic fruit, trail mix, drinks, gift certificates and this ...


Our badges got us into the many events Whole Foods Market planned for us, including the Meet and Greet, for which we were running late!

There, we met many of the people involved in making Whole Foods Market the amazing organization it is today, including Cheryl Galway, who planned and organized this wonderful 30th birthday party celebration.

We were treated to scrumptious food and champagne, wine, etc. and got to meet the other winners.

Then we were taken to some of the finest restaurants Austin had to offer. We ate at Taverna. Our main course was gorgonzola and pear filled pasta, walnuts, arugula and dolce latte cream sauce, which was as delicious as it sounds. Tiramisu for dessert!

I was too busy enjoying the food to photograph it, but here is a photo of our group . . .

(That's Cheryl on the left.)

Here's a picture from the other end of the table . . .

We met so many cool people who either won the trip or worked for Whole Foods Market.

One of my favorite things about Austin was a 13-mile trail along Lady Bird Lake. Against the backdrop of tall, glass-walled skyscrapers was this serene, people-friendly, pet-friendly oasis.

Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were spent on this lovely trail.

Finally, it was off to the amazing BOOK PEOPLE -- a fun, independent bookstore in Austin.

Dan and I were in nerd heaven with Book People on one corner, Waterloo Records on another and Whole Foods Market on the third. (Chicos was on the fourth, but for some reason, that didn't get us too excited.)

We met some amazing Austin writers at the Shoal Creek Saloon for lunch.

(Dan, me, Jennifer Ziegler, Greg Leitich Smith, Cynthia Leitich Smith and Varian Johnson)

What smart, funny people! It was wonderful to finally connect IN PERSON with these talented authors! (And Jen has some amazing news on her blog.)

Whew! That's enough for now. More Austin details in the next blog post . . .

New to Use . . .

Yikes! Lots going on at Wild About Words.

1. Thanks to Nathan Bransford for mentioning 6 1/2 Book Promotion Tips by the amazing Cynthia Leitich Smith. And thanks to Cynthia for sharing her expertise!

2. Exciting 6 1/2 Lists are on the horizon. Agent, Tina Wexler from I.C.M. Talent, will be sharing tips. And Paul May shares his funny list about what waiting for "the call" is like for a writer.

3. Hurry! Win a copy of AS IF BEING 12 3/4 ISN'T BAD ENOUGH, MY MOTHER IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT! in paperback from GOODREADS. (Contest expires, um, right this minute.) Or buy a hardback copy for a strangely low price. (Great way to get in good with your kid's teacher this fall -- donate a copy to the classroom library.)

4. Looks like there might be some exciting book news to share soon. But right now -- Shhhh! -- it's a secret.

5. Finally, this sweet girl posted about a billion . . . or maybe a zillion clips on YouTube of her reading HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL.

I love this for many reasons.

A. The book is about a boy who creates videos for YouTube, and I'd hoped young readers would connect with that element and be inspired to create their own videos.

B. I can't imagine how much time she spent doing this.

C. She looks like I did at that age, except I didn't wear glasses . . . yet.

D. Check out her fun yellow nail polish!

Promote Your Book Like a Pro -- Cynthia Leitich Smith -- Top 6 1/2 List

Cynthia Leitich Smith is everything that is wonderful about the children's literature community. She shares industry information, insightful interviews and book giveaways on her blog, CYNSATIONS. She is a community builder and a consummate professional.

Today, Cynthia is sharing tips about book promotion.

Cynthia Leitich Smith is the New York Times and Publishers Weekly best-selling author of ETERNAL and TANTALIZE (both Candlewick). Her award-winning books for younger children include JINGLE DANCER, INDIAN SHOES and RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME (all HarperCollins). She looks forward to the release of HOLLER LOUDLY (Dutton, Nov. 2010) and both BLESSED and TANTALIZE: KIEREN'S STORY (both Candlewick, Feb. 2011).

Cynthia is a member of faculty at the Vermont College M.F.A. program in Writing for Children and Young Adults.

Her website at www.cynthialeitichsmith.com was named one of the top 10 Writer Sites on the Internet by Writer's Digest and an ALA Great Website for Kids. Her Cynsations blog at cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/was listed as among the top two read by the children's/YA publishing community in the SCBWI "To Market" column.

6-1/2 WAYS TO PROMOTE YOUR BOOK LIKE A PRO . . .

1. Research what has worked for other authors with titles that appeal to the same audience. Talk to them, read their blogs, offer to buy them lunch and pick their brains. Youth literature authors are big on paying it forward. That resource person may turn into one of your most effective advocates.

2. Make a plan. Think about your goals, audience, contacts, competing time demands, budget, other resources, and what kinds of things you enjoy doing. Is this a book that will be stocked in bookstores or will it go primarily to the school/library market? Do you have a curriculum tie-in? A news hook? Is your audience made up of 4 to 7 year olds or high school and college readers? The formula for every book and every author will be different.

3. Give yourself deadlines, and do what you can before the release date. Put together your readers' guide and media kit. Order bling. Hire a web designer or publicist. Contact bloggers. Plan the launch party. Work now to make it easier on yourself later.

4. Start buzzing. Announce the illustrator, cover art, the flap copy. Show off your book trailer. Promote upcoming tie-in events. Let your excitement show.

5. Launch the book. This is the time to go full-out with your plan. Enjoy it! You've got your plan. Many of the elements are already in place. And be flexible. Keep your eyes and ears open for new, unforeseen marketing opportunities.

6. Keep pounding that drum-not only while the book is on the front list but for its life in print. Publishers have limited staffs and season after season of new books to think about. You're the best, most consistent spokesperson for your book.

6 ½. All of that said, your most important job is to get your next book written. Nothing sells a back-list book like a new release. So have fun with marketing and promotion, but remember that you're a writer-first, last, and always!

Thank you, Cynthia!

Couldn't agree more with 6 1/2. The best advice my agent, Tina Wexler, has given me is simply: "Write the next book."

What's YOUR best promotion idea?

FOR WRITERS (AND ILLUSTRATORS) ONLY...

"It takes twenty years to become an overnight success," Eddie Cantor said.

Since I sold my first bit of writing -- cryptogram puzzles for $1.50 a piece -- when I was twenty and sold my first novel when I was forty, I can attest to that!

It's a long journey, but a fun one if you love what you do. And it's even more fun when we help each other along the way.

Here are some excellent resources for information, inspiration and a warm, welcoming community:

For Industry News:

• Cynthia Leitich Smith's blog CYNSATIONS. You'll learn much about what's happening in the industry as well as have opportunities to win books.
• Nathan Bransford's BLOG gives tips and hints about successful queries as well as poses questions about all things publishing.
• Arthur A. Levine just started a BLOG with an interesting discussion going on right now.

For Agent Info:

• Verla Kay's MESSAGE BOARD offers a wealth of information about agents and everything else! It's a vibrant and generous community.
• Casey L. McCormick has a series of interviews with agents as well as other links and info. Check out the Q & A she did with my agent, TINA WEXLER from ICM.

For inspiration:

• MIKE JUNG talks about signing with an agent after much patience and persistence.
• STEPHANIE J. BLAKE signed her first book contract after years of close calls.
• ROBIN MELLOM, a third of the Disco Mermaids, talks about the sweet deal negotiated by her agent, JILL CORCORAN, after a long road of writing, revision and rejection.

It happened to them. It happened to me (after half a dozen rejected and UNpublished novels that are sitting in a drawer). It can happen to you!

If you know of any other resources for writers and/or illustrators, please share in the comment section. And if you have any good news, please share that, too!