Beyond the Book – Activities

Activities

You class (or child) has finished reading a book. Would you like to keep the excitement of the words going? Or maybe show how what they have read can relate to the world around them? Taking it beyond the book shows reluctant readers that books carry into the world. It also shows bookies that just because the covers close doesn’t mean that world has ended.

ACTIVITIES are only one way to go. Think outside the box.

Did you read about an animal? Why not create a diorama to showcase their living habitat? Have an adventure? Create a scavenger hunt with items mentioned in the story. You can also do paintings/drawings, create mazes, cards, etc.

Once you begin to incorporate a book into every day life, you will begin to recognize activities that will continue the storyline you are reading on.

I am in the process of creating activities for each of my books. Now depending on the age level, will depend on the content you will need to create to go along with the books.

The most important thing is to encourage the love of literacy while expanding beyond the book and opening eyes.

Until next time…

Happy Reading!
~t

FIND ME: 
www.traceymcox.com
www.lefthookcrochet.com
www.youravon.com/traceymcox

#MarketingMonday – Sticking Your Neck Out

Sticking Your Neck Out There!

Marketing can be an overwhelming thing. It doesn’t matter if you are traditionally published or an indie. You need to market.

As someone who has been published by small houses, I found I market my books (and myself) like many of my friends who have gone the indie route. Here is some things to consider when you begin to market yourself:

1. What are you good at?
   Sit down and be honest with yourself. What are you good at? What are your strengths? Play to them. Toot that horn. One thing that people want is someone who can discuss things as a professional. Someone who knows what they are talking about. Once you figure this out, you can begin to work on your platform and build a base that is solid.
2. What do you want to be know for?
   Again, look at those strengths. BUT also what do you want to accomplish! Yes, this can change over time. Yes, it does mean re-branding (or expand-branding). When you start talking to others, but open and honest.
3. How can you approach your topic from different angles?
   Taking things head on is great! People expect that.  😀  BUT when you come from a different angle, you will make others pause, perhaps consider, and think about what you are talking about. How can you expand beyond your boundaries and bring others in? Look outside your field and work with others.
4. How can you stand out among the competition?
   What can you offer that no one else does? What do you do differently? ***see #3!*** How can you make you YOU-nique?

All this is the beginning steps of sticking you neck out there, beginning to be recognized. Marketing does take time, but once you lay the ground work, others will begin to see you as someone knowledgeable in the field.

Let me know how you plan to lay your ground work.
What are you good at?
What is something you’d like to learn?

 

Until next time…
Happy writing!
~t

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#ThinkingThursday – Finding Your Inspiration

One of the most asked questions I have is:

“Where do you find your ideas for your stories?”

My answer, quite simply, is: EVERYWHERE. And I mean everywhere. I’ve gotten ideas from

• pictures
• long walks
• over-hearing a snippet of a conversation
• a tree
• a cow mooing
• a song
• writing challenges
• writing prompt
• magazines

… and the list can keep going on.  😀

Here is one of my favorite quotes:

The trick is to keep your eyes, ears, and nose open. Yes, use your senses. Allow your mind to wander. The possibilities will begin to open up for you. Once you train your mind and body to notice these thing, you’ll find inspiration all around.

Until next time…

~t

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New Year – Motivation

Welcome to 2018, y’all!

It’s the time of the year of new-ness. I like to think of it as a turning of the page, a new chapter, a new book. The possibilities before you are endless. There are things out there you want to make better, want to try for the first time. I’m here to tell you to GO FOR IT!

Time is our worst enemy. We don’t know how much is left. If you want to write. WRITE! If you want to draw. DRAW! If you want to go back to school. REGISTER! Reach for the stars.

As many of you know, I detest making resolutions. I always feel as if I’m setting myself up for failure. And ain’t nobody got time for that. So instead of listing things I want to accomplish. I choose a word to inspire me throughout the entire year. Once chosen, I print it out where I can see it every day. Or re-look at when I get discourage. This year my word is…

CHIPS

No, not potato chips. Or wood chips. Or even poker chips. Although poker chips would fit perfectly in my field. As every thing seems to be a gamble!   *laughing*   But the chips of every day life, what you are doing, exposing yourself, and getting things done. This is the quote where I found my word:

So, my challenge to you is how will you stretch yourself this year? Do you like to make a New Year’s Resolution?   *it’s okay if you do*   Do you like to find an inspirational word? Or do you do something different? Let me know in the comments.

~ HaPpY NeW YeAr’S EvErYoNe ~

Until next time…
~t

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7 Reasons WHY You Should Attend a Conference

I’m sure you’ve been hearing about people going to conferences lately.  😉 There are some really great ones out there. Of course there are some ho-hum ones too. So why should you give it a go? I decided to sit down and list my reasons for attending conferences…

1.    My tribe!!!
   Yes, this is my first reasoning. This is where I have found that I fit in. That I belong. These people “GET” me! They know the struggles. They can offer insight. They can sympathize with me and give me a good swift kick to help me continue on.
2.    Gain knowledge
   The sessions you attend are wonderful. Most conferences offer different sessions at the same time. This way you can pick and choose according to your experience level and needs.
3.    Make connections
   There are editors, art directors, agents, and professionals who present during these sessions. What better way can you think of to get your foot in the door than a one-on-one contact?
4.    Network
   Here you will meet other writers, illustrators, bloggers, marketers, and on and on. These may be the people who help spread your word around when the time comes. These are also the ones that you don’t mind sharing about. They have interesting things to say and can help others on their way.
5.    Gain confidence
   Attending a conference is a great shot in the arm. You feel more secure in yourself. You are inspired to take on your current project or a new one. You may even find that you were able to help someone out. Or perhaps someone helped you over a hurdle.
6.  Present
   If you have enough experience, you can offer to present at a conference too. This is a great way to get your name out. You can also offer your services. There are people who know how to write a query well, or critque, or maybe how to market.  😉
7.    Book sales
   Conferences offer the opportunity for their attendees to have their books available for purchase during the event. Some will even host a “signing hour”. There may be some stipulations though. Always check with the guidelines.

There are many, many more reasons.  😀   These are the ones that really stuck out to me.

What’s yours?

:::LEAVE ME A COMMENT:::
What conferences have you attended lately
What are some other reasons why you attend?

Until next time…

Happy Writing!
~t

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Wednesday Writers…

As I am winding my blog down for the year, I would like to highlight some authors who I think are just plain out awesome sauce! I fully recommend their books and think they would look wonderful sitting on your shelf (the books, not the author. *hahaha*). So please read below and see what these people do for the industry, and if you will… buy some of their books.

Julie Gribble

Julie Gribble is the owner of New York Media Works which creates and produces works for children and the children’s literature community in both the United States and Great Britain. She founded KidLit TV to help children’s authors and illustrators broaden their audience by using new technologies to complement and promote their work. KidLit TV is the first online resource of its kind for parents, librarians, teachers, and kid lit creators.

Find out more about Julie, KidLit.TV, New York Media Works, and her amazing book at her WEBSITE.

Tara Lazar

Tara Lazar is the founder and leader of PiBoIdMo. A picture book writer’s challenge to come up with 30 ideas in 30 days. She has just completed her 7th annual contest. She is the author of The Monstore, I Thought This Was A Bear Book, & Little Red Gliding Hood.

Find out more about Tara and her amazing books at her WEBSITE.

       coming March 2016:  

Susanna Hill

Susanna Hill offers an online writing course for picture book writers. She also host many writing contests through the year. Susanna is also a great writer’s advocate as she features a “Would You Read It?” post on her blog as well as “Perfect Picture Book Friday” where she gives a shout out to some of her favorite books.

Find out more about Susanna, her workshop and her amazing books at her WEBSITE.

              

Kami Kinard & Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

 Kami & Sudipta are the FANTASTIC duo who put on the KidLit Summer School. These two multi-talented peeps. *you’ll get this if you’ve attended the classes. :)* Have an assortment of publications to their names.

Find out more about each of them and their awesome books at the their websites… Kami’s WEBSITE & Sudipta’s WEBSITE.

Kami:            Sudipta:                    

Elaine Kiely Kearns & Sylvia Liu

Elaine & Sylvia are the FANTASTIC duo who put together KidLit411. This is the place where you can find tons of links to help you out as a writer and/or illustrator.

Find out more about each of them and their awesome books at their websites… Elaine’s WEBSITE & Sylvia’s WEBSITE.

Sylvia:  

 

Alison Hertz

Alison Hertz is not only an author, but a fantastic artist as well. She heads up Doodle Day to help get those creative juices flowing as well as providing a daily exercise to draw and improve your craft.

Find out more about Alison, Doodle Day, and her awesome book at her WEBSITE.

So there are my few top pics of authors and illustrators to support.

:::LEAVE ME A COMMENT:::
Let me know if you’ve read any of these books?
Do you know of any other great authors/illustrators you would like to add to my list?

Until next time,

Happy Writing!
~t

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#PiBoIdMo Dau 28-30

PiBoIdMo Day 28-30

I huffed and puffed and sprinted across Tara Lazar‘s blog’s finish line!

Here’s what I’ve done over the last three days…

DAY 28
Paula Yoo encourages us to explore non-fiction and amazing people who we know.
*NF is no longer stiff, stuffy, encyclopedia material. Have fun and entrance your readers.*

DAY 29
Arree Chung encourages us not to give up on an idea.
*If something doesn’t work, look at it from another angle.*

DAY 30
Kim Norman encourages to go mad with our writing.
*Wonky, bonky writers! Make your words, descriptions, & stories sing!*

How did I do?
I’ve added _2_ more idea over the last three days. Giving me a total of _33_. Our 30 day marathon is over! While we’ve crossed the finish line the real.work begins. Now is the time to sort through those ideas and see which ones shine.

:::LEAVE ME A COMMENT:::
How did you do ?
Do you have a few nuggets?
Don’t forget, even those stinkers can turn out smelling sweet!

Until next time,

Happy Writing!
~t

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#PiBoIdMo Day 25-27

PiBoIdMo Day 25-27

Only a few more days left over on Tara Lazar‘s blog. Is your ideas jar like a stuffed turkey?

Here’s what I’ve done over the last three days…

DAY 25
AJ Smith shows us where to look for ideas.
*Looking for ideas can turn into finding ideas. Get to looking!*

DAY 26
Pat Z Miller tells us to notice the little things.
*Little things can lead to big ideas.*

DAY 27
Kelly DiPucchio encourages us to sit down and have dinner with our characters.
*Getting to know your characters helps them become three deminsional instead of two demensional.*

How am I doing?
I’ve added _7_ more idea over the last three days. Giving me a total of _31_. Again, this is not a sprint. This is a 30 day marathon. I can see the finish line! Meet you there.

:::LEAVE ME A COMMENT:::
How are things going?
Only three more days left.  😦  But at the end you’ll have so any ideas to draw from!  🙂 

Until next time,

Happy Writing!
~t

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#PiBoIdM9 Day 22-24

PiBoIdMo Day 22-24

We are in the final stretch now! I’m getting close to meet the 30 ideas goal  Tara Lazar has set for us. Keep visiting her blog for those inspirational posts!

Here’s what I’ve done over the last three days…

DAY 22
Anna Staniszewski encourages us to take a look at ourselves and embrace our silliness.
*Being different is my super power!*

DAY 23
Katy Duffield encourages to never give up and write your passion.
*I have Peter Pan Syndrome and refuse to grow up! #PBsRule *

DAY 24
Jesse Klausmeier gives us an example on how to use note cards to inspire ideas.
*How many possibilities can there be?*

How am I doing?
I’ve added _5_ more idea over the last three days. Giving me a total of _24_. Again, this is not a sprint. This is a 30 day marathon. I can see the finish line! Meet you there.

:::LEAVE ME A COMMENT:::
How are you doing?
Only a few days left. Are your ideas like bunnies and multiplying?

Until next time,

Happy Writing!
~t

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#PiBoIdMo Day 10-12

PiBoIdMo Day 10-12

Sorry fornthe delayed post. Ive been busy and then my allergies decided to attack. Blah! Ill bee catching up though.

We are almost done with week two! Are you finding your groove yet? I’ve been checking in over onTara Lazar‘s blog leaving comments with each post. Have you?

Here’s what I’ve done over the last three days…

DAY 10
Janna Matthies encourages us to put up our dukes and take on tough topics.
*even in the darkest of times we can find a light*

DAY 11
Joe McGee encourages us to take a trip. No, not a vacation. A trip back to our childhood.
*Got my bags packed and passport ready!*

DAY 12:
Denise Fleming talked about saving ever idea and going through them from time to time.
*Even the stinker ideas can come out smelling sweet*

How am I doing?
I’ve added __ more idea over the last three days. Giving me a total of _9_. Again, this is not a sprint. This is a 30 day marathon. Keep on going! I’ll see you at the finish line.

:::LEAVE ME A COMMENT:::
How are you doing?
Are you finding inspiration outside of the posts?

Until next time,

Happy Writing!
~t

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