Wednesday, November 27, 2013

YEE-HAW!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY COWBOY CHRISTMAS!
 
 
Dwight, Daryl, and Dub are celebrating their first birthday—or at least the first birthday of the release of Cowboy Christmas. And it’s been a busy birthday season. Below are some of the events I’ve been busy with.


Mintz Elementary, Barnes & Noble Book Fair
Brandon, Florida
(Mintz is the school where I teach creative writing.)
 
 
Skype visit with Norman Thomas Elementary School
Freer, Texas
(Here’s my office all set up for the visit.)
 
 
Children’s Author Panel at Discovery Night at
Barnes & Noble
Tampa, Florida
(From left to right are authors Nancy Cavanaugh, Augusta Scattergood, Shannon Hitchcock, and yours truly.)
 
 
Of course, the Cowboy Christmas Tree is making its annual appearance, too!
 
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday, December 4
St. John’s Episcopal Parish Day School, Author Visit and Book Fair
Tampa, Florida

Saturday, December 7
Barnes & Noble Educator Day Author Panel
Brandon, Florida

Friday-Sunday, January 17-19, 2014
SCBWI Florida Regional Conference
Miami, Florida

Friday-Sunday, May 29-June 1, 2014
Niagara Writing Retreat and Conference
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Thanksgiving


12 Things Children’s Writers
Can Be Thankful For

T—Timing. In terms of writing journeys, each step seems to come along when and how it should. We just have to be patient enough to wait for it and work for it!

H—Hash and re-hash. We don’t have to be perfect the first time. We get do-overs (aka: chances to revise)!

A—Audience. Editors, agents, parents, teachers, book sellers, and kids make up the audiences we have the chance to impact and impress.

N—Nuts and bolts. Resources galore are available to help us learn the nuts and bolts of our craft.

K—Kids. They inspire us, and are our best critics!

S—SCBWI. Where would we be without it?

G—Groups. Critique groups to be specific!

I—Ideas. A new idea always seems to arrive just when we need it

V—Village. Yes, it does take a village to be a successful children's writer. Fortunately, we have a nice, big village (and it’s growing every day).

I—Imagination. We get to make stuff up every time we sit down at the computer!

N—Nerve. It takes guts to be a writer (and not the kind you get from eating too much pumpkin pie). That means you've got nerve, my friend!

G—Generosity. Everywhere I turn in my writing career, I meet people who are generous with their time, talents, ideas, and support.

Be thankful! Eat some turkey!
And keep on writing!