A Few Fantastic Resources and Some Super News . . .

There are two things I look forward to on Wednesdays -- a new Modern Family episode and a fresh podcast from Katie Davis's Brain Burps About Books.  Episodes provide industry information, book reviews, marketing tips from Dianne de Las Casas and enough inspiration that I feel like I've attended a mini-conference.

So far in 2012, I've learned about Julie Hedlund's blog, Write Up My Life, and her innovative picture book challenge 12x12 in 2012.  (Have you written your January picture book?  I have!)

I learned about creating picture books from editor, Emma Dryden.  Oh, and check out the popovers the size of one's head! 

In a previous episode, I discovered a new favorite author -- Erica Perl -- and her hilarious book, When Life Gives You O.J.

From Katie's weekly podcast, I also learned how much author Nancy Werlin makes per year.  There was the interview with Newbery winners Linda Sue Park and Rebecca Stead.  Let's not forget the episodes about school visit tips, how to make a book trailer and Bruce Coville's harrowing escape from Egypt.

2.  Did you read this interview with Marla Frazee?  She's one of my favorite illustrators.  And Mrs. Biddlebox is one of my favorite books that she illustrated.  (She mentions it during the interview.)

In the interview, Ms. Frazee shares hard-earned wisdom that applies to both illustrators and writers.

3.  Agent Jill Corcoran offers rock-solid advice in her blog post:  What Makes a Book Sell?.  This post offers a great reminder of what we need to keep in mind when we write the next book . . . and how to begin writing the next book.  Thanks, Jill!

Onto the super news . . .

1.  In addition to the starred Kirkus review for Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen:  “This tale will have readers cheering for the resilient, resourceful Olivia,” Publisher's Weekly just released a fabulous review of Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen:  ". . . this tender, triumphant novel . . ."

With these lovely reviews coming in, Ken Jennings' blurb on the back cover and my Jeopardy!-obsessed, 84-year-old dad's whole-hearted endorsement, I can't wait for Olivia to make her way into the world on March 13th!

2.  On Goodreads, a school librarian in Illinois, Mrs. B, posted this review of How to Survive Middle School:  "I definitely expect this to appear on the Rebecca Caudill list in the next 2-3 years . . .  I read it because a 6th grade girl brought it back in and said it was the best book she ever read."

Well, a few days ago, an e-mail (that landed in my spam folder!) began with one of my favorite words:  "Congratulations!" 

The e-mail went on:  "I am pleased to inform you that How to Survive Middle School is among the 20 books on the Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award shortlist for 2013."

The Illinois State Reading List for grades 4-8!  Could you hear me whooping and hollering at your house?  I sure was loud enough.  Our dogs heard me!

Five years worth of books are considered for this list.  A dedicated committee of hard-working professionals narrow the choices down to 50 books.  Finally, the committee meets at the end of January and selects the 20 books that will appear on the list.

Mrs. B, from Goodreads, I'm so glad your sweet prediction for my book came true.

I leave you with a quote from the late author Rebecca Caudill, for whom the award is named:

“The first essential in any book is that it have something significant to say --a book that leaves the reader with bigger ideas than when he began reading - that stimulates his thinking, stretches his mind, deepens his feelings. A good book sticks to your ribs.”  -- Rebecca Caudill

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!

What a Great Day . . .

I woke to an e-mail from Robin Mellom, telling me about this review on her blog. Thanks, Robin.

But that's not the good news. The good news is that Robin SOLD HER FIRST NOVEL, um, two novels. And since I've been following Robin for years, I am so darned proud of her perseverance, great attitude and generous nature.

In other words, this woman deserves this!

Here's a bit of her bio from her agent, Jill Corcoran's blog:

"Robin Mellom has taught grades 5 through 8 and has a master’s degree in education. She has written local content for the entertainment section of The San Luis Obispo Tribune newspaper, and also co-wrote a series of manga-style algebra assessments for the UCLA Department of Education. Currently, she is a social worker for children with autism."

Congrats, Robin! I can't wait to read DITCHED. Hurry up, 2012!

In other wonderful news: Today, hubby and I celebrate our 19-year anniversary!