Wednesday www – SCBWI

Wednesdays I like to share websites that I have found beneficial. If you have been following me for a while, these will probably sound familiar. But I must say the ones I repeat, I repeat for a reason.

My first website to share for the year is SCBWI.org.

SCBWI stands for The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and is a world-wide organization and is broken down into different regions. I happen to be in the Southern Breeze Region, which is Alabama, Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle.

SCBWI holds two major conferences a year, and then most regions will host a conference separately. These are amazing opportunities for writers and illustrators. You get to take various workshops or attend different speeches. These can be from other writers/illustrators or agents, editors, and art directors. You get to meet people who will actually GET you! You have the opportunity to present yourself in front of the very people you submit too. You know, to make that personal connection.

You also have an opportunity to volunteer for your region. I volunteer with mine.  😀   Not only is it a great way to pay-it-forward, but the main speakers will see your name and know that you take your job, be it writing or illustrating or both, seriously and are not afraid to go the extra step.

There are dues every year, but I have found that it is well worth it. There is a bi-monthly newsletter, a monthly Insight newsletter, access to The Book, the opportunity to submit to many awards and grants, and much more.

For more information click over to SCBWI.org and check it out. If you are serious about writing or illustrating for children, you won’t regret it!

Until next time…
Happy Writing!
~t

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#PubDay for Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum in a Dish

It’s here! It’s here!

                  
Bring in the balloons! Throw the confetti!
                  

Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum in a Dish is now available on my publisher’s website!

BLURB:

A dish of bubble gum and learning to count has never been so much fun! Match colors and watch the bubble get bigger and bigger as you count higher and higher. Chomp, chomp, chew, chew. Look at the bubble you blew! Suggested age range for readers: 1-6

I’m just a little excited. *you couldn’t tell could you?* I am hitting TWO milestones with this book:
1) This is my debut as an illustrator. Some of you didn’t even know that I drew. But I do.  😀  Over the last few years, I’ve been honing my craft and studying others work. I’ve been learning my own voice for my illustrations too. I post tidbits and sneak peaks over on instagram.
2) This is my 10th picture book! *wow-oh-wow* I’m humbled. Truly, I am. I’ve been published by two small houses. (I will be adding a third soon!) They are so supportive and believe in my work and in me. Small publishing houses have some mighty big ❤ s!

I tried something new with this book. I put a call out for people who were interested in being on my LAUNCH TEAM. I had an amazing response… about 20 people.  *wow, again!* I sent them an ARC (Advance Reader’s Copy) pdf and my cover art. What they will do in return is give an honest review *I don’t expect 5 stars and bon-bons 😉 *, and a shout out on social media. Will this help? I dunno! So we shall see together, okay? I plan on writing a follow-up blog post on the results I see.

Thank you everyone for following me on my journey here. Here’s to more posts and books!

CHEERS!

:::LEAVE ME A COMMENT:::
What do you think about my book?
What about a launch team? Do you think they are a good idea?

Until next time…

Happy Writing!
~t

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#CoverReveal: Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum in a Dish by: Tracey M. Cox

Cover Reveal:
Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum in a Dish

Hello everyone.

I’m sorry for my absence lately. I have started a “normal” job.  😀  Time seems to slip quickly these days. I will try to update more. I’m thinking of reblogging interesting articles that I come across to help those of you who might now have seen it.

BUT…. back to today.

Today I’m super-dee-duper excited to be sharing this with you all. I have a new picture book coming out. *YAY!  :D* This one is different though. This one I’m not only the author, but the illustrator too!!!

So without further ado, I present to you…

If you would like to find out more about Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum in a Dish, visit my website. There you’ll find the cover art, a blurb about the book, my book trailer, and a FREE activity page download. Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum in a Dish will be available from Guardian Angel Publishing on June 30, 2016. Look for the post Friday!!! I will post reviews as they come in.

:::LEAVE ME A COMMENT:::
What do you think about my cover reveal?
Are YOU planning to use the activity page?

Until next time…

Happy Writing!
~t

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www (dot) Wednesday – KidLit.TV

This website is one I refer not only to writers and illustrators, but to anyone who has children in their life… parents, grandparents, educators, media specialist, daycare facilities, and on and on I could go.

KidLit TV offers so much to everyone. #StoryMakers, hosted by Rocco Staino highlights authors and illustrators with an interview. #InsideScoop gives us a sneak peek at new books. #FieldTrip will take you on the scene to kidlit events. #ReadOutLoud has authors and illustrators reading their books. There is also the KidLitRADIO podcast that you can listen too. Not to mention arts, crafts, recipes… Need I say more?

Then add to that, their Facebook group page where you can interact with all involved. *bonus*

WHAT is KidLit TV?

We are a diverse group of parents, educators, librarians, kid lit creators, and award winning filmmakers all working together to bring great books to kids! Our mission is to create fun new ways to reinforce an appreciation of reading that children will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

The diverse KidLit TV team supports the ‘We Need Diverse Books’ and ‘Multicultural Children’s Book Day’ initiatives by encouraging the children’s literature community to create more books that reflect the diversity of our society.

Award winning website!

   

 

#KidLitTV Supports Literacy!

 

<— CLICK ON THIS PICTURE and watch the video.

#KidLitOnEllenShow is a great campaign that KidLit TV is behind. Why? Because kidlit matters!!! The ALAYMA (American Library Association Youth Media Awards) is our Oscars and used to be featured on national television, but no longer does. We know that The Ellen Show not only knows how to have a good time, but they also feature things that matter and are great about putting important topics out into the world.

Did you watch the video yet? Not only are the KidLit TV Team Members on board with this campaign, but many other people involved in the kidlit community are as well. Did you see some of your favorites in the video? I know I did.

Would you like to help spread the word? Maybe get Ellen Degeneres’ attention?!!!!!!!!? See THIS BLOG POST and you’ll find a link to make a suggestion to The Ellen Show. AND if you are on Twitter, you can RETWEET THIS POST!

KidLit TV also supports…

#WNDB
&
Multicultural Children’s Book Day!

Click on the picture to find out about this event that KidLit TV is a silver sponsor on.

Check  Out KidLit TV:

Visit their WEBSITE and see what all KidLit TV has to offer!

You can also find KidLit TV on:   YouTube   /   Facebook   /   Twitter   /   Pinterest   /   Instagram   /   kidlit.tv/newsletter

 

:::LEAVE ME A COMMENT:::
Have you looked at the KidLit TV website?
Are you a member of their Facebook group?
What other websites would you like to see featured here?

Until next time…

Happy Writing!
~t

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WHY Picture Books Matter

Storytelling was around before writing. People would pass along information, history, and myths through stories. A storyteller would use different movements, different voices, and different settings to help get their point across. People would gather around to listen, to learn, and to enjoy the company of others.

Picture books are this. You gather your child(ren) around, possibly gathered into your lap, and open the covers of a book. Here worlds are explored. Ideas are made. Compassion can be learned. People can heal. The world can become clearer. Feelings made to be understood. I could go on and on.

Picture books are our foundation. They are where we learn to read. Where we find comfort with being with someone else (remember the lap). Where we learn we can do things on our own.

Far too often in today’s society, I’m seeing adults pushing children away from picture books. Why? Don’t they grow up fast enough on their own??? I know mine have!

Some people think of picture books as being simple. *HA! <—I’m sorry. Was that out loud?* I beg to differ! A picture book is a layered thing. One to be explored again and again. To notice things you didn’t see before. To try and understand why the author worded a phrase a certain way. To figure out why the illustrator drew a character the way they did.

I like to think of a picture book as an onion. They are multi-layered. There is the basis of the story line, but so many have subplots. Is it a story about a historic event? Are there dual meanings? Does the different character act and react the way they should? Do you learn new vocabulary or a new language? Is an author’s note included or an account of the event? Are there other activities, things to look at, recipes to try included? So many layers!!!

Picture books are complex creatures. Writers spend months, if not years, perfecting the text. They work and work and work until those 750 words (OR LESS, USUALLY LESS!!!) roll off the page and seem effortlessly written for the reader to enjoy. Illustrators will spend months on each story. They add to the complexity of the words, filling in gaps. Maybe making an inside joke for the reader to enjoy while looking at the page. Only then do the two combine to make the complete story ready for the reader.

Picture Books…

Are a beginning, middle, and end in 10 minutes or less. Something you can digest easily and then comb over again and again.

Handle tough subjects… marriage, loss, moving, strangers, death, etc.

Handle light subjects… play time, funny, exploration, etc.

Can be read by anyone with a basic reading skill. This helps adults read better too!

 

So the next time you see a picture book, pick it up. Thumb through it. Read it slowly. Really look at the art work. Let the story fully pull you in. You’ll see you’ll fall in love with picture books as much as me.

:::LEAVE ME A COMMENT:::
Do you read picture books?
Who is your favorite picture book author and illustrator?
Do you write picture books?
What else would you say about picture books?

Until next time…

Happy Writing!
~t

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Dear @TheEllenShow, We Need #KidLitOnEllenShow

(artwork by Katya Szewczuk)

Long ago… Fine! FINE! It wasn’t long ago. *It HAS been six years though.*

 in a galaxy far, far away… All right! ALL RIGHT! It wasn’t in a galaxy far, far away. *It was in the good ol’ Milky Way. Right here on the third rock from the sun, in fact.*

KidLit was celebrated on national television. *<—It really was!!!!!!*

As writers, illustrators, and readers, we know the ALA awards are something to be proud of. Back then, the winners were treated like the celebrities they really are. People got up early and poured an extra cup o’ joe to see the authors and illustrators on the telly. Those who had given so much of themselves to help bridge the gap of those readers. To let them know they weren’t alone.

We matter.

Books matter.

ALA YMA (American Library Association Youth Media Awards) was held last Monday. AND GUESS WHAT?!? Barriers were broken! People are still talking about it!

• More books dealing with DIVERSITY won and were honorable mentions.       BAM!
• A woman illustrator won the Caldecott Medal with a non-fiction!       BAM!
• A picture book won the Newbery Medal!       BAM!

Did you hear those walls tumble down? I sure did.  😀

Literary Hero Extraordinaire (John Schu)  started a movement last year. To get KidLit back on television and back into the minds of the general public. He had the brilliant idea to approach The Ellen Degeneres Show on Twitter using the hashtag #KidLitonEllenShow. With the awards announced last week, his campaign has gained new momentum. I, like a lot of others in the KidLit community, want to see the winners being back on television happen. Authors and illustrators need to know that we think their work matters. That it DOES make a difference.

So I did some research…

Did you know there is a form on The Ellen Show’s website where you can make a suggestion for a show??? There is!

I want to know something followers… Can I challenge you?

Huh? Can I?

Well, I am challenging all of you! I want each of you to send in a suggestion for KidLit to be on The Ellen Show. I’m even going to make it easy for you. Here is my letter to the show:

Dear Ellen,
Children’s literature (KidLit) is part of the foundation that helps define children and how they perceive themselves and the world around them. The American Library Association has an awards ceremony every year, the Youth Media Awards, which took place on 1/10/2016. Several years ago, the Today Show showcased the winners, but decided six years ago to stop promoting children’s literacy. The work you do as a humanitarian is wonderful. I feel you extending a hand to the KidLit community would be a great asset for you and your show. Mr. Schu (@MrSchuReads) is leading the #KidLitonEllenShow campaign on Twitter. You only need to look him or the campaign up to see it is gaining momentum.
Please consider inviting this year’s winners to your show. Barriers were broken: a picture book won the Newbery, a woman won the Caldecott with a non-fiction book, and diversity was recognized over and over again.
Thank you for your time. I hope this grabs your attention and gives you thought.
Sincerely,
[INSERT YOUR NAME]
author/illustrator/reader <—SAY WHAT YOU ARE

All you have to do is copy and paste into the FORM HERE and sign your name with what you are. *Make changes to the last two lines!* Then look for my blog post on Twitter and RT it at 7 pm est tomorrow (Wednesday 1/20/16).

By doing this we should accomplish two things:

1. Sending in the suggestion will show The Ellen Show how much KidLit means, that we are a force, and hopefully catch their eye.
2. RTing at the same time we will hopefully get the #KidLitonEllenShow campaign trending. Again showing them we are a force and catch their eye.

Who’s with me? I’m encouraging EVERYONE to do this… writers, illustrators, teachers, media specialist, agents, editors, parents, grandparents, EVERYONE!!!

*Special THANK YOU to Katya Szewczuk for use of her artwork. Visit her website and follow her on Twitter.
*Special THANK YOU to John Schu for being a great kidlit advocate. Visit his blog and follow him on Twitter.

:::LEAVE ME A COMMENT:::

Let me know what you think about the #KidLitonEllenShow campaign?
What was your favorite award this year? *if you can decide!!!*
Are you going to send in a letter? RT?

Until next time…

Happy Writing!
~t

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#alayma Results!

Were you able to watch the awards Monday? I did.. as long as my internet would keep up, at least. Everyone has been abuzz since. Great choices were made (as always), and unexpected choices are still being talked about. I think a picture book (I repeat, A PICTURE BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!) winning the Newbery Medal was completely unexpected and so well deserved. I will be writing a post on my thoughts of this next week… So stay tuned!  😉

So I’m sure you are wondering (IF you already don’t know) who all won what. You can rewatch the whole event on the <3ilovelibraries website or DOWNLOAD THE PDF if you want to read the titles.

Here are the cover art of the winners. Some were multi-winning!!!

~ Congratulations to everyone~

                                                   

Jerry Pinkney was awarded the Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement AND the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award!!!

David Levithan was awarded the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults!!!

Jacqueline Woodson was awarded the May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award!!!

:::LEAVE ME A COMMENT:::
What do you think of the winners this year?
Were you surprised by any?
Where there any not mentioned you would have chosen?

Until next time…

Happy Writing!
~t

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