Nat'l Picture Book Writing Week (May 1-7)

Full of inspiration, but lacking motivation? Join me! Go to Paula Yoo's site for info and registration. Hurry, it starts this Friday!

Na-Pi-Bo

Na-Pi-Bo

Na-Pi-Bo-Wri-Wee!

Writing Friends

Sorry I haven't been an active blogger these days. I am in the process of selling my house, organizing a school carnival and helping my daughter prepare for college. I'm also busy writing and submitting my picture book manuscripts to any slush pile that will have me. Check back in May for fuzzy photos and editor/agent tidbits from the WW SCBWI conference. Happy writing friends!

Monkey Man Video

One of my critique group members was lucky enough to attend the NY SCBWI conference last weekend. She shared this video with our group today. It is soooo funny, you have to check it out. Follow this link > Jarrett Krosoczka

Do you ever have this feeling?

For the past couple of weeks, I've felt like screaming out, "Oh just reject me and get it over with already!" Phew, I'm so happy to get that out.

I don't wish for rejection of course, but the waiting, waiting, waiting. The daily checking of the Blueboard Response Times. I can't believe I hope for rejection letters, just to see if a personal note is included. Ah the twisted life of the aspiring PB writer. I've decided I'm completely nuts.

WW SCBWI 2009 - Jon Scieszka

The Western Washington chapter of SCBWI opened registration for their spring conference this past week. I registered on-line and sent my manuscript and first pages off on Friday. This will be my third year attending the conference. The third time's the charm, right?

I'm very excited to hear Jon Scieszka speak at this year's conference. I picked up a book from Jon's new Trucktown series this weekend. This is an incredible series Joh is working on with David Shannon, Loren Long and David Gordon. If you follow the Trucktown link above, you'll see that this series comes out in different levels, from board books to picture books to easy readers. What a great way for kids to follow their favorite characters as they grow.

Mo Willems does it again . . .

. . . but this time, it’s even funnier!

While strolling through Borders yesterday, I walked past the display for Mo Willems new picture book, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed. This is a must-see picture book, especially if you're looking for a laugh.

When the naked mole rats see one of their fellows wearing clothes, they have the exact reaction I have when I see he naked mole rats at the zoo. EWWW! Not only will kids love hearing the word “naked” a hundred times, but they'll love Wilbur and the little outfits he wears.

The illustrations, while quite tasteful, add to the hilarity. Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed is my new favorite Mo book and it looks like it’s getting a similar reaction from his other readers. There were only three copies on the display when I walked up, and when I left, there were two.

Happy 2009

Wishing everyone a happy new year filled with acceptance, big book deals, health and happiness.