tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66809929458566946432024-03-21T04:20:16.046-07:00K. S. Powers - Writer, Illustrator, DreamerK. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.comBlogger266125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-69694609529058195612022-02-27T18:25:00.000-08:002022-02-27T18:25:04.285-08:00The "Fifteen Years of Writing" Blog Post<p>Hey there--long time no post, huh? You may be wondering what's brought me here today. Well...<br /></p><p><b>It's my fifteen-year writing anniversary!</b> 🎉 </p><p>And on this momentous occasion, it seemed appropriate to pop in here to ye olde blog and post a little update.</p><p>Spoiler alert: if you've been around since my <a href="http://kspowers.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-ten-years-of-writing-blog-post.html" target="_blank">ten-year writing anniversary</a>--or maybe even my <a href="http://kspowers.blogspot.com/2012/02/happy-birthday-beast-of-bannock.html">five-year writing anniversary</a> (waaaay back in 2012, when everyone was dancing <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0" target="_blank">Gangnam Style</a></i> and the world was clearly superior to 2022)--then you know I've been writing and illustrating and pursuing publication for a long time. A long, looooong time.</p><p>Well, I'm still not there.</p><p>In that ten-year anniversary post, I wrote, "It takes a certain type of insanity to battle the odds and keep chasing the publishing dream. It's not for the faint of heart or sound of mind." Five years later, I think that is still 100% true. For whatever unknown reason, I'm still stubbornly chasing my pie-in-the-sky dreams--I'm just a little older, and wiser, and maybe a teensy bit nuttier now, too.</p><p>I'll be honest: I really, really, REALLY thought I would be further along the path at this fifteen-year-mark. Maybe even have a published book sitting on my shelf. But things happen, and life happens, and pandemics happen, and more life happens. And I'm learning that that's okay. <br /></p><p>Recently, I've been cleaning out and organizing lots of old papers and files. During that process, I stumbled on this:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSPCZKt6hUnaAzbOopEDv8PIwbt14vPKBEM-bVBNrLurpJeCVmv6_wsacw9H1UrY3Yi4rxesuctE9wOKZigrigDgd8oKErMaX4IhuPavjNIfyBMAajoOKv8jMmZ-WURv-JkRL2UcdQjNXM3JkcNNO2OqNuI6CXw8zuX24IjX7ySYel56o2AiqNJokY=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSPCZKt6hUnaAzbOopEDv8PIwbt14vPKBEM-bVBNrLurpJeCVmv6_wsacw9H1UrY3Yi4rxesuctE9wOKZigrigDgd8oKErMaX4IhuPavjNIfyBMAajoOKv8jMmZ-WURv-JkRL2UcdQjNXM3JkcNNO2OqNuI6CXw8zuX24IjX7ySYel56o2AiqNJokY=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>This was a college project I did sixteen years ago--a year before I started my first novel and officially launched my publication dreams. My very awesome children's lit professor gave us a variety of final class projects we could choose from, so unsurprisingly, I selected the option to write and illustrate a picture book. It was about a kid who loves her toaster until it burns her bread and ruins breakfast. (The story is not based on autobiographical experience and she totally does not look like me.) In true Kathryn-fashion, I was up until the wee hours frantically drawing, and stressing about color choices and text placement, and hardly made the deadline. </p><p>But what really gets me is that "author info" page. It makes me smile and want to reach back through time and hug little nineteen-year-old Kathryn. A lot has changed since I wrote that bio, but also hardly anything at all.<br /></p><p>What <i>has </i>changed is now I've got fifteen years of experience to accompany me on this journey. Fifteen years of SCBWI, critique buddies, conferences, classes, retreats, mentors, submissions, art practice, and many MANY revisions across my many manuscripts. Fifteen years of contacts I've made, places I've been, and seeds I've planted. I've learned patience. BOY have I learned patience. </p><p>And while I haven't achieved all my own goals over these fifteen years, I like to think that I've played a small part in helping other writers, illustrators, and friends achieve theirs. </p><p>I feel like this is the point in the post where I should make a comparison between my writing career and something that gets better with age. Like a fine vintage wine. But wine is gross and I'll have none of it here on my blog. </p><p>So how about I'm like a piece of steak that's been marinating in the back of the fridge for a very long time? </p><p>A good bleu cheese that's getting nice and moldy in the dark? <br /></p><p>Or maybe a cicada egg, waiting patiently underground until the day I finally burst out, wreaking havoc everywhere with my evil, insect schemes while people scream their heads off?!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/b90ea891f25f1ea3dce343a29eb90bca/tumblr_nzbz3ePWmO1uzae1ko1_500.gifv" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="375" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/b90ea891f25f1ea3dce343a29eb90bca/tumblr_nzbz3ePWmO1uzae1ko1_500.gifv" width="500" /></a></div><p>Let's stick with the meat one. <br /></p><p>So on this milestone day, overall, I'm doing all right. I'm embracing my fifteen years, and I'm excited to see what becomes of my buried seeds and cicada egg minions. <br /></p><p>Now let's revise that sentence from the beginning of this post about my pursuit of publication: <span style="color: red;"><strike>Well,</strike><span style="color: black;"> I'm</span> <strike>still</strike><span style="color: black;"> not there</span> yet. </span><br /></p><p>Besides, it'll be WAY more interesting to tell the tale about how it took me over fifteen years to get published someday than if it had taken me only two or ten years. Who doesn't like a good story? <br /></p>Kathryn Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487296050801581213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-71484279089744022062019-01-10T15:42:00.000-08:002019-01-10T15:42:40.601-08:00The 2018 Holiday Post!On the 17th Day of Christmas...<br />
<br />
Okay, I'll just admit this holiday post is late. L.A.T.E. But better late than never, right? RIGHT?! (I guess it's appropriate, given my <a href="http://kspowers.blogspot.com/2018/03/the-happy-new-year-blog-post.html">2018 New Year's post</a>.)<br />
<br />
But we all know why you're really here...FOR A CUTE KIRBY CHRISTMAS PIC!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTk-VtD22fJ_E4plaPyyGgksat1GSqHq1ZukXWh63YSaeBDVGOB8cZL_sS-fIdR4oqar8u8EFespse3mCsWiit215nim0pRWUIq3JgDOCw37wx_J6ev0dwvz_KRlvw3bCO0EEVqQQ1rQ/s1600/Kirby+Christmas+Card+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTk-VtD22fJ_E4plaPyyGgksat1GSqHq1ZukXWh63YSaeBDVGOB8cZL_sS-fIdR4oqar8u8EFespse3mCsWiit215nim0pRWUIq3JgDOCw37wx_J6ev0dwvz_KRlvw3bCO0EEVqQQ1rQ/s400/Kirby+Christmas+Card+2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kirby says, "This put me on the Nice List, cancelling out those boots I ate!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Kirby was a very good boy for this festive portrait session--which took roughly sixty photos and four slices of cheese. <br />
<br />
This fuzzy little elf graced our Christmas cards this year, which went out on December 28. The beautiful tree pictured is not actually mine; the lovely <a href="https://twitter.com/KristyLBoyce">Kristy Boyce</a> let me use hers since we did not put one up. In fact, as of this writing, I still have my Halloween decorations on display around my house.<br />
<br />
You may be wondering, "Good gravy, Kathryn! What is up with you?!" Well, I neglected to post (<span style="font-size: xx-small;">back in October</span>) that I was super fortunate to be chosen as a 2018 <a href="https://pitchwars.org/">Pitch Wars</a> mentee! My wonderful mentors are <a href="https://www.rajanilarocca.com/">Rajani LaRocca</a> and <a href="https://remylai.com/index.html">Remy Lai</a>, middle grade authors with debut novels releasing in just a few months. (And they were both Pitch Wars mentees last year!) They are helping me get my PIRATE FERRET manuscript in tip-top shape for a big agent showcase in February.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglj8Rc6OiYYa6GsgwXgeFHocYb39X1jny-H9DlZmegsX7V4ERKODWYURRJfS-tNcoOc0gSsCEOvi68XnQY44cyrLmewXheXUqgk9NR4Jvq_qVLWMrUEurs0OU4Gr_HRiMUR6MrffKxHHk/s1600/LaRocca+and+Lai+Covers+Debut+2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1168" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglj8Rc6OiYYa6GsgwXgeFHocYb39X1jny-H9DlZmegsX7V4ERKODWYURRJfS-tNcoOc0gSsCEOvi68XnQY44cyrLmewXheXUqgk9NR4Jvq_qVLWMrUEurs0OU4Gr_HRiMUR6MrffKxHHk/s400/LaRocca+and+Lai+Covers+Debut+2019.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't wait to read these!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Rewriting PIRATE FERRET has occupied my time these past few months just a teensy bit. But with Rajani's and Remy's help, my novel has VASTLY improved. There's still a lot to do before the agent showcase, but I know all the hard work will be worth it.<br />
<br />
So you know how holiday songs like to talk about keeping the spirit of Christmas all through the year? Let's pretend this post is that. I'm not late--I just have EXTRA holiday cheer and want to spread it into the new year. ;)<br />
<br />
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! May your 2019 be healthy, creative, and bursting with family, friends, and fun! <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Cover images are from <a href="https://www.rajanilarocca.com/">rajanilarocca.com</a> and <a href="https://remylai.com/index.html">remylai.com.</a></span>Kathryn Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487296050801581213noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-78375012185606073082018-10-31T20:55:00.000-07:002018-10-31T20:55:20.013-07:00Happy Halloween 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Look everyone! I'm a SHARK!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHHOM5lGYH_ezzn6imJXrHDXhH4dSeAZrTeXOGUS1Plik4YXGt65wLxPJQR5P2Hj-pXeZIIc7rM3_3I5Ss7zzcMkRKwPjZv6X4tOw2sUQh0Fe7jnu3hcjtmwoSqF-2Mflwr7oL0OjRaM/s1600/Kirby+Shark+Cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHHOM5lGYH_ezzn6imJXrHDXhH4dSeAZrTeXOGUS1Plik4YXGt65wLxPJQR5P2Hj-pXeZIIc7rM3_3I5Ss7zzcMkRKwPjZv6X4tOw2sUQh0Fe7jnu3hcjtmwoSqF-2Mflwr7oL0OjRaM/s400/Kirby+Shark+Cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
CHOMP CHOMP CHOMPITY <span style="font-size: x-large;">CHOMP!!!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="color: orange;">H</span>a<span style="color: orange;">p</span>p<span style="color: orange;">y</span> H<span style="color: orange;">a</span>l<span style="color: orange;">l</span>o<span style="color: orange;">w</span>e<span style="color: orange;">e</span>n<span style="color: orange;">!</span></span></span></b> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kathryn Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487296050801581213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-14916936120773272502018-10-25T15:04:00.000-07:002018-10-25T15:04:43.625-07:00The Kirby Puppy PostHello blog-world! My name is Kirby! Aren't I ADORABLE?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAJHv0aI8PQSFmbm946uFS0Ep9jCknuUXlOmfmdvZvcNSpeu-Oim6j-bu-lwBT2Kzk1y3l-zWdgYOPlXnRLXAkFDFIg0TEyjw-5hCibQP0kLeoxNHku5mcTu1-3xkzkcTBXVyCRXjt2g/s1600/Hi+from+Kirby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAJHv0aI8PQSFmbm946uFS0Ep9jCknuUXlOmfmdvZvcNSpeu-Oim6j-bu-lwBT2Kzk1y3l-zWdgYOPlXnRLXAkFDFIg0TEyjw-5hCibQP0kLeoxNHku5mcTu1-3xkzkcTBXVyCRXjt2g/s400/Hi+from+Kirby.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm one of the reasons Mom hasn't been around her blog much recently. She's been busy training me, and playing with me, and cleaning up after me, and chasing me off the coffee table, and wrestling things out of my mouth, and cleaning up after me some more, and snuggling with me! <br />
<br />
My full name is Kirby Bolesaw Powers. I'm a good boy, but sometimes people think I'm a girl. (Mom didn't know Kirby could be a girl's name. Oops.) I'm actually named after this guy, who is a DUDE despite being pink.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDD-_eZD9eHjXvMH4uEfCon_OCPxxtpyJvt0ljBd2Q2loPYoqiDZ5DzVZ9WTQwLDZTTfXY_3MWayNSKv2ef1c19kTfFYkIIkb7A_Cg-pCYgSY7BhzZXHvZsBX_igXpyXCEM2WOCR9wN8/s1600/Nintendo+Kirby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="590" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDD-_eZD9eHjXvMH4uEfCon_OCPxxtpyJvt0ljBd2Q2loPYoqiDZ5DzVZ9WTQwLDZTTfXY_3MWayNSKv2ef1c19kTfFYkIIkb7A_Cg-pCYgSY7BhzZXHvZsBX_igXpyXCEM2WOCR9wN8/s400/Nintendo+Kirby.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup, dude. Go look it up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've grown up a lot since Mom and Dad brought me home a few months ago. When I was a baby, I had teeny-tiny piranha teeth and chomped on EVERYTHING. Wanna see my baby pictures? (Of course you do!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGlIRXJK4qm8daklTrtuMHBpkVKM8LJk9Xv-pENNewDC-TuoK91EULR11zcEmT9-qlYj4EjGl-tqObpHYRqQZGxixCQ-K6ReMMDJCNpbZaU_KMsAVfPF53tbpP2LIOOhKN2GuyXdXbeE/s1600/Picking+out+Kirby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGlIRXJK4qm8daklTrtuMHBpkVKM8LJk9Xv-pENNewDC-TuoK91EULR11zcEmT9-qlYj4EjGl-tqObpHYRqQZGxixCQ-K6ReMMDJCNpbZaU_KMsAVfPF53tbpP2LIOOhKN2GuyXdXbeE/s400/Picking+out+Kirby.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0nLhxGZ5McNoEu-kai0aO5RAZc7XPWCkDdziOFe30dN_u0a8plOUN-BMdHFAy3-43ilDQ4va8f8MDMp_nOYD2T7REW43eauUJd7jOXHvQxVikNpuxJFk6N4d3Yw1s18fxkMpLgdmzws/s1600/Kirby+1+Baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0nLhxGZ5McNoEu-kai0aO5RAZc7XPWCkDdziOFe30dN_u0a8plOUN-BMdHFAy3-43ilDQ4va8f8MDMp_nOYD2T7REW43eauUJd7jOXHvQxVikNpuxJFk6N4d3Yw1s18fxkMpLgdmzws/s400/Kirby+1+Baby.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglby36SUOb04qgI4-CLCckXqbbyFxIjuOtcsJwhCVW7_qRvDOVzFcB_DIwQksMnIzrrIzrSiOILNnIBaQK1ptSJTJZt_5eQUvvbYTsaiBzo7HKunOxx-4UxONTPXAykjz6RRYbN7TKVk/s1600/Kirby+12+Weekspsd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglby36SUOb04qgI4-CLCckXqbbyFxIjuOtcsJwhCVW7_qRvDOVzFcB_DIwQksMnIzrrIzrSiOILNnIBaQK1ptSJTJZt_5eQUvvbYTsaiBzo7HKunOxx-4UxONTPXAykjz6RRYbN7TKVk/s400/Kirby+12+Weekspsd.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awwwww! Itty-bitty me is the cutest!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMARvev3lt8T30kGVxq1zZb0Lrsj6b2oZS4mnaEviJZcphjBcn8ETiT1GQonvhrTy3Nm-wCRtTZTA51nz5PAILfmJnGpm0ND5LWSVyaC6nY2U8trKBZ_btyE0Y8TpPX6oLZS4Tkrb6pg/s1600/Kirby+2+Baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMARvev3lt8T30kGVxq1zZb0Lrsj6b2oZS4mnaEviJZcphjBcn8ETiT1GQonvhrTy3Nm-wCRtTZTA51nz5PAILfmJnGpm0ND5LWSVyaC6nY2U8trKBZ_btyE0Y8TpPX6oLZS4Tkrb6pg/s400/Kirby+2+Baby.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxMxcw_oWt62MSyBFbFGxHyXx5TBePPSqqvJcajKn8F2oGllKYdWp1PnWBah6GH5Q9E54cFQOwS6cNkS0bJGhRLyi_5D7WZfCJ6D121PKiz2N6Dn7rNUQHwdd-owyptsP-NilBjObn2A/s400/Kirby+3+Baby.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Om nom nom!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnnKXA8cGlIIX-avAAvL1wKiOwmF8BfeR-IiWm2u5uz-1NsTqZeCmrQ7G-YJOxzHSJf96d3CcFW0Fix1p25WB14TCpk_v3H5LFsLTznDwLH4aYFpnZ3jsdfc-q5VPXccIazU01pkWVjk/s1600/Kirby+and+Uncle+Bailey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnnKXA8cGlIIX-avAAvL1wKiOwmF8BfeR-IiWm2u5uz-1NsTqZeCmrQ7G-YJOxzHSJf96d3CcFW0Fix1p25WB14TCpk_v3H5LFsLTznDwLH4aYFpnZ3jsdfc-q5VPXccIazU01pkWVjk/s400/Kirby+and+Uncle+Bailey.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is me snoozing with Uncle Bailey!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then I got bigger! I had a lot of "firsts"--like my first haircut and first tooth falling out--and Mom and Dad made me go to Puppy Kindergarten. I also had a "big boy" surgery that I'd rather not talk about.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-kT5PUl3N1Rx_qUEb9BnB27nJ5k-O7X2zqDLKvPqCvaS75ovPivrq6l2JOC3WnIAwKZ4NavmlyO2P3F31UaRDuGSE94AYdhXj6stUh9nbRaYEeMu6efUG7oYk_TxqWtPmebGZLldQCM/s1600/Kirby+with+Purple+Rhino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-kT5PUl3N1Rx_qUEb9BnB27nJ5k-O7X2zqDLKvPqCvaS75ovPivrq6l2JOC3WnIAwKZ4NavmlyO2P3F31UaRDuGSE94AYdhXj6stUh9nbRaYEeMu6efUG7oYk_TxqWtPmebGZLldQCM/s400/Kirby+with+Purple+Rhino.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrc32mmRxBYt8p0-Ya7IGfCzeoN0TddS55eTwD4Qvhq0dfqoN1vXeViCM3uy3szYDRZz1hyYEcz8Z6JA8qpkGOyv3QywPZ638TUIo90lMAxJGCFdYhT4noKZvv-Xs10h33r-tiikRTe24/s1600/Kirby+Unhappy+Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrc32mmRxBYt8p0-Ya7IGfCzeoN0TddS55eTwD4Qvhq0dfqoN1vXeViCM3uy3szYDRZz1hyYEcz8Z6JA8qpkGOyv3QywPZ638TUIo90lMAxJGCFdYhT4noKZvv-Xs10h33r-tiikRTe24/s400/Kirby+Unhappy+Bath.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5s9qwnEoo0dexPZJH4-Z5POv-budBkVq7FFwgmXY5QLONaBm_Pcf9y_4_2Y5FjH0kk9KbiogsNSNNCu7bWiojb5czSs18TRV-I4jtjIiWFLFJ3ZxHsxw961Rs48-azAphlDKZV5KlOt4/s1600/First+Haircut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5s9qwnEoo0dexPZJH4-Z5POv-budBkVq7FFwgmXY5QLONaBm_Pcf9y_4_2Y5FjH0kk9KbiogsNSNNCu7bWiojb5czSs18TRV-I4jtjIiWFLFJ3ZxHsxw961Rs48-azAphlDKZV5KlOt4/s400/First+Haircut.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikic_Ws7gHFetjSzm8UJbW8bzlj3W6ae5p-4jN4ftXY5cJVDTo_kjUqhKN-CbhGyb56VO9KXAx8fkhQ3wR8LlllyX2D7yXcmpncMgS6-qBnbnBADn9Rdxdvv81LZJZ-cWYPRfwgnptuts/s1600/Kirby+Graduation+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1142" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikic_Ws7gHFetjSzm8UJbW8bzlj3W6ae5p-4jN4ftXY5cJVDTo_kjUqhKN-CbhGyb56VO9KXAx8fkhQ3wR8LlllyX2D7yXcmpncMgS6-qBnbnBADn9Rdxdvv81LZJZ-cWYPRfwgnptuts/s400/Kirby+Graduation+2.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I'm 8-months-old and getting more grown up every day! I'm starting to hang out with Mom when she's (trying) to write and illustrate, and sometimes I get to go into work with her. I'm an extra-good boy at the office and the official "Director of Cute." </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhObAC02cp-pBmcOVlcTqH6slYDYx6zclach3V2DYXTvi9cMNwQZDwyndslMjbv0Q1BXWMl8IKaDSUBN31H5BAJi94eh4uJ8ddBUV8qLJh84MdU1hm4CFbcW5VuceobFZguk5YKAdQbs/s1600/First+Upstairs+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhObAC02cp-pBmcOVlcTqH6slYDYx6zclach3V2DYXTvi9cMNwQZDwyndslMjbv0Q1BXWMl8IKaDSUBN31H5BAJi94eh4uJ8ddBUV8qLJh84MdU1hm4CFbcW5VuceobFZguk5YKAdQbs/s400/First+Upstairs+Day.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's home office, where I NEVER get into anything!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAvcgwUOn-XRFc0x-4yr13Ubqww5hkkTaz7xXmPevWqq2gt2B7b9eHUThGQvM8SFoz4PsoAA2uM8VlQ94zvGEXQihsdoejD8K9o-f-fqqNnQmQWym0YV8TGbaY8-2TUcoX13t5G9mO1g/s1600/Director+of+Cute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1222" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAvcgwUOn-XRFc0x-4yr13Ubqww5hkkTaz7xXmPevWqq2gt2B7b9eHUThGQvM8SFoz4PsoAA2uM8VlQ94zvGEXQihsdoejD8K9o-f-fqqNnQmQWym0YV8TGbaY8-2TUcoX13t5G9mO1g/s400/Director+of+Cute.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Director of Cute reporting for duty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxNNiYotwBB_wR5aw_wIg5C6bXQETUJ0Xt95dsJTmKcviAbnpVqO4Fb2LAUiE7E9Oe5YKUXdw7-ACE1ZE_7sMGeUyzBB0XE-BGRh8l3aIQEAjTb0FGrWubLa6CVSNQpX6qLmnRYdl73s/s1600/Kirby+Office+Buddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxNNiYotwBB_wR5aw_wIg5C6bXQETUJ0Xt95dsJTmKcviAbnpVqO4Fb2LAUiE7E9Oe5YKUXdw7-ACE1ZE_7sMGeUyzBB0XE-BGRh8l3aIQEAjTb0FGrWubLa6CVSNQpX6qLmnRYdl73s/s400/Kirby+Office+Buddy.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spreadsheets are NOT as fun as Facebook videos.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But even though I'm getting to be a big boy now, I'm still a bundle of mischief! I make sure to steal the kitchen towels every day! (And tissues. And paper towels. And Mom's boots. And Dad's pork chops.) I also LOVE playing tug-o-war, booping noses, and giving a bagillion kisses.<br />
<br />
I hear there used to be another dog around here named Penny. She sounds like she was pretty awesome. Some people have even told me I have "big shoes to fill." I'm not sure what that means, but Mom and Dad get bizarrely happy whenever I burp. They're weird humans. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdFPy1I1Gp-S8grCtZh3Dr4QSrq2DvWKYmF08vpQ_8ZTIJA8IFkoaNwQSJyxL6qZH2YXCslnGHY5wyUPW9j54SAdWch4o7FtJYknQjEFIjDApBYT-o16qH5W1S2ex2UxSx7Z72YsN6Ws/s1600/Kirby+in+a+Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1233" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdFPy1I1Gp-S8grCtZh3Dr4QSrq2DvWKYmF08vpQ_8ZTIJA8IFkoaNwQSJyxL6qZH2YXCslnGHY5wyUPW9j54SAdWch4o7FtJYknQjEFIjDApBYT-o16qH5W1S2ex2UxSx7Z72YsN6Ws/s400/Kirby+in+a+Box.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like when they put me in this box. Seriously, what is wrong with them?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm soooooo happy to meet all you bloggy people! Mom's better at posting photos of me on her <a href="https://www.instagram.com/k.s.powers/">Instagram</a>, so if you want to see lots more of me, go follow that. Now excuse me--there's a sock on the floor that needs to be in my mouth. Toodles!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUCSgMsa6wsuZPIwG-v1K4ZgD1CPsUxXpq5Gri_BugyQ2wjQlc7h1mGNaQRP0rzGIdIOsRcaCI3hVBl18rYTpJj8_b13KtRezX1oyGlIn5G92_0Z9q93gElOuxfV71fYXPZjJSJAqEYY/s1600/Shaggy+Kirby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1233" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUCSgMsa6wsuZPIwG-v1K4ZgD1CPsUxXpq5Gri_BugyQ2wjQlc7h1mGNaQRP0rzGIdIOsRcaCI3hVBl18rYTpJj8_b13KtRezX1oyGlIn5G92_0Z9q93gElOuxfV71fYXPZjJSJAqEYY/s400/Shaggy+Kirby.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See ya around! (Erm, if Mom gets me a haircut...)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Kathryn Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487296050801581213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-39502222930155095582018-06-14T10:10:00.000-07:002018-06-14T10:10:26.411-07:00SCBWI Meetings Galore!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzyqPrI62m3LykgBaHsG1nJ_uyd_KOp6vfq_CXbdlLUrNrYIJ4pQ7TTCAlT-Rbsu8KUmqY79YjRtAuwsuy78Wq1g4M0l5_-kvWKeFmuENyx-Z09V-x_4mG2FgBYqOrfs5lXfqpkf8Mk0/s1600/2018+SCBWI+Logo+Acronym.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzyqPrI62m3LykgBaHsG1nJ_uyd_KOp6vfq_CXbdlLUrNrYIJ4pQ7TTCAlT-Rbsu8KUmqY79YjRtAuwsuy78Wq1g4M0l5_-kvWKeFmuENyx-Z09V-x_4mG2FgBYqOrfs5lXfqpkf8Mk0/s320/2018+SCBWI+Logo+Acronym.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
It's time for
another multi-month edition of SCBWI meeting summaries! 2018 has been a
flurry of activity and fun for Central & Southern Ohio SCBWI. The
meetings in Columbus included...</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>FEBRUARY</b></span></div>
<div>
<b> </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IewuAfrhqp0MYU03nPQq2Flp1Z_gVIo93kbcFYpNO_1NVryPrSqYQeOePwuOIj9aTeyOk8V636ygGxxXAL-6EtpU8k074izhUBIUvet1jysQjWYAnFTuPXoZ3ydC_nOMsFO-5RiZVbs/s1600/Vonder+Brink+Article.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IewuAfrhqp0MYU03nPQq2Flp1Z_gVIo93kbcFYpNO_1NVryPrSqYQeOePwuOIj9aTeyOk8V636ygGxxXAL-6EtpU8k074izhUBIUvet1jysQjWYAnFTuPXoZ3ydC_nOMsFO-5RiZVbs/s320/Vonder+Brink+Article.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<div>
The
February SCBWI meeting featured nonfiction author Tracy Vonder Brink.
Tracy discussed writing for magazines--a part of children's publishing
that many authors overlook. With articles published in <i>Highlights, Spider, </i>and <i>Ask</i>,
Tracy offered great insight on the pros and cons of magazine writing,
and gave tons of tips for writers dipping their toes into the industry.
These included:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-Magazine publishing is a good
way to build up your writing resume. It shows you can research and write
professionally, work with editors, and see a project through
completion. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-It's the perfect format for puzzles, games, recipes, and those ideas you have that don't lend themselves to a full book. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-It
gives you the freedom to write on a wide variety of topics, so it's a
good match for writers with a lot of interests, or people who get bored
writing longer pieces.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-You'll get to see your work in print more quickly since magazine publishing is (usually) faster than book publishing!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tracy
cautioned that just because articles are short doesn't mean they're
easy, though. They still take time to research and write, and must be
submitted to magazine publishers following the proper guidelines and formats. She reminded everyone to put their best professional foot
forward, but to also have fun in this bite-size, creative field!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>MARCH</b></span></div>
<div>
<b> </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNL3Dq57pCiOtHW1KHUkVwJkkKZSwIMje8G-2KHCDl0pY6u4LAJIGXKzEfTsndaMwoFd3yMs3QsJi9Ih9C68Z67lLh7f8h6gkpM56GzAzRmTJIKXZsthm5FTp5e2VR3xk3MbCNLK8PQA/s1600/Seed+Man+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNL3Dq57pCiOtHW1KHUkVwJkkKZSwIMje8G-2KHCDl0pY6u4LAJIGXKzEfTsndaMwoFd3yMs3QsJi9Ih9C68Z67lLh7f8h6gkpM56GzAzRmTJIKXZsthm5FTp5e2VR3xk3MbCNLK8PQA/s320/Seed+Man+Cover.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<div>
The
March SCBWI meeting featured author-illustrator Aiko Ikegami. Aiko gave
a presentation on her road to publication, including a
behind-the-scenes look at the release of her new book, <i>Seed Man.</i><i> </i>Like
many aspiring authors and illustrators, it took Aiko a number of years
to break into the field, and she had a lot of hardships and trials along
the way. She offered tips for navigating this bumpy road, such as:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-Identify
the steps that will help you on your journey. Aiko made a
"Muscle Building" list of skills and milestones that she wanted to
tackle to help her reach her end-goal of publication. These included
elements such as "create a website" and "improve art skills." By
breaking her big goal down into smaller ones, the list didn't seem so
overwhelming--and each accomplishment brought her closer to publication!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-Don't
forget that there are tons of resources available online and in-person
that provide a wealth of opportunities! Aiko took the online course
"Make Your Marks and Splashes" (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://howtobeachildrensbookillustrator.com/&source=gmail&ust=1529078664242000&usg=AFQjCNHL6cY6RIqpgYI8mkm52_FCpGMjeQ" href="http://howtobeachildrensbookillustrator.com/" target="_blank">http://howtobeachildrensbooki<wbr></wbr>llustrator.com/</a>)<i>, </i>and
joined both SCBWI and the Ohio Art League. Whether you want to learn
more about the industry or hone your craft, there's a community that
can help you on your way!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>APRIL</b></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVD0auO49mCDeTyjFDgpraNM5Y5cf3E4b0wC0TiTJBKlYgJtJogvk7qyAkjhebu_zvtVJY08bQr88LIf0ytvQkVS5SqxDTeugfWmiQr91dzt1NflVDeZlcOZKgkA6320xAKiIBOSHMU4/s1600/Rigaud+Perfect+Shot+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVD0auO49mCDeTyjFDgpraNM5Y5cf3E4b0wC0TiTJBKlYgJtJogvk7qyAkjhebu_zvtVJY08bQr88LIf0ytvQkVS5SqxDTeugfWmiQr91dzt1NflVDeZlcOZKgkA6320xAKiIBOSHMU4/s320/Rigaud+Perfect+Shot+Cover.jpg" width="207" /></a>The
April SCBWI meeting featured YA author Debbie Rigaud. Known for writing "comedy with conscience," Debbie spoke on
the topic of using humor to bring out the heart in your writing. She
credits her sense of humor as a family trait passed down through
generations of funny women, and led the group in a Haitian chant of
merrymaking. Because humor is universal, Debbie explained that it can be
used in numerous ways in writing, including:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-Breaking tension</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-Making tough topics more accessible</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
-Acting as social commentary </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
-Translating secrets (who doesn't love finding out that a big, burly man is afraid to squish spiders?) </div>
<br />
By skillfully incorporating and balancing humor, you can make your writing more memorable and meaningful. (And don't worry if you don't consider yourself a funny person. Debbie reminded everyone that you can observe humor everywhere--from TV and books to the conversations at your local coffee shop!) So if humor is something you've shied away from,
consider giving it a try in your writing project! <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>MAY</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cBp1E7or5Q3Pc4UjG_5Yb85pPlbJUR__0jXURxHZfMlzDWIVdipSRiRxEb48HhFKjAz3VgrOHiGscH5PZ5Oeo-QxmPzoEcCGznii-oGHNz247pUMY_uNYTwUs-IYras54kfFHausaXM/s1600/Ophelia+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cBp1E7or5Q3Pc4UjG_5Yb85pPlbJUR__0jXURxHZfMlzDWIVdipSRiRxEb48HhFKjAz3VgrOHiGscH5PZ5Oeo-QxmPzoEcCGznii-oGHNz247pUMY_uNYTwUs-IYras54kfFHausaXM/s320/Ophelia+Cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div>
The May SCBWI meeting featured YA author Lisa Klein. To our chapter's excitement, Lisa's book, <i>Ophelia,</i> has been turned into a movie! Lisa shared her fascinating (and lengthy!) journey that took <i>Ophelia</i>
from paper to the big screen. It took over a decade for all the pieces
to fall into place, starting with an option/purchase agreement back in
2007. Lisa explained that an option/purchase agreement is no guarantee
that a book will actually be made into a movie. There are a lot of
moving pieces,
including:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-a screenplay</div>
<div>
-actors</div>
<div>
-location(s)</div>
<div>
-set pieces/props</div>
<div>
-$$$</div>
<div>
-all of the above convening at the same time--and within the budget!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When
these things don't come together, the "option" can be renewed
annually until if/when they do. Fortunately, the stars finally aligned
for <i>Ophelia</i>, and filming began in 2017. The producer invited Lisa
to attend some of the filming in Prague, which she happily did last
summer. Lisa pointed out that all of the movie-making details are
usually out of an author's hands, so she feels very lucky that the
producer kept her updated along the way and included her at all. Production and filming are both finished and now the movie is awaiting
distribution. Hopefully a release date will be announced soon--we're
all eager to see it!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>BONUS EVENT</b></span></div>
<div>
<b> </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8c-j5N4J2Z16Ojud03UfZ-BDnsu7fFn4XQgCezq7-RQercl_RQBGc0x1SYX2q9WIJnv0ciC6kuT9MyEPu0Jy8bckZpqU-30icSdTyx52OrAvDbdtFW_D3lzcpAAiraBQ8-IMrIsJ8u1Y/s1600/Submission+Party+Spring+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1290" data-original-width="1600" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8c-j5N4J2Z16Ojud03UfZ-BDnsu7fFn4XQgCezq7-RQercl_RQBGc0x1SYX2q9WIJnv0ciC6kuT9MyEPu0Jy8bckZpqU-30icSdTyx52OrAvDbdtFW_D3lzcpAAiraBQ8-IMrIsJ8u1Y/s400/Submission+Party+Spring+2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
May
also featured a bonus event for members: our first Postcard & Query
Party! Members came together for a casual evening of researching
agents, editors, and art directors, working on query letters, and
addressing illustrator postcards. It was a casual evening where members
could share submission tips, ask questions, and get some work done--all
while snacking and socializing with fellow writers and illustrators. It
was tons of fun and something we hope to do again!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And that sums up the past few months of SCBWI awesomeness! A big thank you to all of these great speakers for sharing their time and wisdom with our chapter!
<span></span>If you want to learn more
about SCBWI, be sure to visit the website at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/&source=gmail&ust=1529078664242000&usg=AFQjCNFM-5ub_i2V_vZD6WjE4wsrUGaL2g" href="https://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/" target="_blank">https://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org<wbr></wbr>/</a>.<span> </span>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(P.S. Until my schedule lightens a bit,
I'll probably keep to this multi-month format. I'm trying to keep a
better balance between blogging, writing, illustrating, and making sure I
have clean socks to wear. ;))</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span>Note: For more information about our guest speakers and their books, visit:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span>Tracy Vonder Brink- <a href="https://tracyvonderbrink.com/blog/" target="_blank">https://tracyvonderbrink.com/blog/</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span>Aiko Ikegami- <a href="http://www.aikoikegami.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aikoikegami.com/</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span>Debbie Rigaud- <a href="http://www.debbierigaud.com/" target="_blank">http://www.debbierigaud.com/</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span>Lisa Klein- <a href="http://www.authorlisaklein.com/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.authorlisaklein.com/index.html</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span>Book cover images in this post are from the authors' websites or Amazon.</span></span><br />
K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-30803920435245923132018-04-05T20:45:00.001-07:002018-04-05T22:02:08.574-07:00The Penny PostI do not want to write this post. I really <i>really</i> do not want to write this post.<br />
<br />
Every time I've thought about writing this post, I'm hit with the pain of the puppy-sized hole in my heart. But here I am, and this needs to be done, and I know I'll feel better once these words have left me.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of the year, we had to say goodbye to our beloved Penny. With her diagnosis of mitral valve disease in early 2017, we knew it was coming sooner than later. Her heart was just too big--both literally and
figuratively. I'm grateful to say that she had a really wonderful final year and we enjoyed every moment of our time with her--from her last holidays and Halloween dress-up to our final family snuggles. She was wagging her tail and giving us kisses until the very end.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72nUH-iR54f6rGvuiG2zDQHxkNJJSwnhlUD7RbyWUWv60Bf0xv5_eUvEmddHmWBOP9oPqtFKz2JvWy8kePEFLeizLtrG2_G0gtanzfQKUEc0moZ4kTG2Pi8YiktMVfqAm5RhNMG0476U/s1600/Penny+Car+Cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1219" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72nUH-iR54f6rGvuiG2zDQHxkNJJSwnhlUD7RbyWUWv60Bf0xv5_eUvEmddHmWBOP9oPqtFKz2JvWy8kePEFLeizLtrG2_G0gtanzfQKUEc0moZ4kTG2Pi8YiktMVfqAm5RhNMG0476U/s400/Penny+Car+Cropped.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
<br />
If you've been around my blog over the years, then you know how much my fuzzy family members mean to me. Penny was my constant companion--always by my side while I typed and illustrated late into the night, and making me laugh with her talent for burping. (I don't think a dog has ever existed that burped as much as Penny!) I could easily fill a book with memories of how wonderful she was, and how many people loved her, and what she meant to us. But instead I'll go with the old 'a picture is worth a thousand words' sentiment and let some of my favorite photos do the talking for me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn2OO1hz-zyA7J95zSEPS3twSaQGP3tJ-CcjF0tcMC2UjuVMK_C8m-OjhnB1KAGVly423sPuZkOtl9kUjXZi4PlIhGjAmT3EWpXaG4LjCsjbiss31h6mnmvsThcBwMn7u-tNZsKhkpNM/s400/Scruffy+Penny+Cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day she came to live with us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVr0L-N1SJhVKi-jhGOtJXfT2lf-QyhwZKnmME1vO5Z1k6ydZfmMj5ao1vsOBKwNx-RuHv9oQP1AkVx9RG1lXTeGshoCHNG5Zzhb-Rocf9I7H0dp-g7IGvPWp3TBRY0NgAu3SVLqqEXE/s1600/Pretty+Penny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVr0L-N1SJhVKi-jhGOtJXfT2lf-QyhwZKnmME1vO5Z1k6ydZfmMj5ao1vsOBKwNx-RuHv9oQP1AkVx9RG1lXTeGshoCHNG5Zzhb-Rocf9I7H0dp-g7IGvPWp3TBRY0NgAu3SVLqqEXE/s400/Pretty+Penny.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicR-L8Nv1SpAjkkH-CN6PloY2nwlqb3_1N_dIn3Pd6TI6goShVpV9i4iTCAIWglhgYWLLJUo-FMLXuvTnZX7D9MWbdUZN_77a7uIXPnJcKssoAwkl5ypmS2w0NfrEEpnbgrVkbE0gsS5c/s1600/Floppy+Penny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="1600" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicR-L8Nv1SpAjkkH-CN6PloY2nwlqb3_1N_dIn3Pd6TI6goShVpV9i4iTCAIWglhgYWLLJUo-FMLXuvTnZX7D9MWbdUZN_77a7uIXPnJcKssoAwkl5ypmS2w0NfrEEpnbgrVkbE0gsS5c/s400/Floppy+Penny.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFDpQxqJNcOtL51xlQ3FTedGvgzJfbzrBRaTL6ovONRi1Ex6kSL7nXCsgckzUaTJNnN9IqGtREaQf7eUDR6Z_fIesO-NP_-qAYrc5mCLYmdNjtO2D9GxGsqvYqTtHIzykonLAax_0wiU/s1600/Lobster+Penny+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFDpQxqJNcOtL51xlQ3FTedGvgzJfbzrBRaTL6ovONRi1Ex6kSL7nXCsgckzUaTJNnN9IqGtREaQf7eUDR6Z_fIesO-NP_-qAYrc5mCLYmdNjtO2D9GxGsqvYqTtHIzykonLAax_0wiU/s400/Lobster+Penny+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSB6d1baDdsERCYcD161PsSQ7LOEAU83LEUSmk1IK36A0_dApVYgwjEgueNJUx2W6veGGHpIeyJ_oHnk5SXC5805gpykGeL25OYORoKZYRLaoot51WFOnV-5zxi3IylWvK1qECL_sYE0/s1600/Dragon+Penny+Can%2527t+See.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1600" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSB6d1baDdsERCYcD161PsSQ7LOEAU83LEUSmk1IK36A0_dApVYgwjEgueNJUx2W6veGGHpIeyJ_oHnk5SXC5805gpykGeL25OYORoKZYRLaoot51WFOnV-5zxi3IylWvK1qECL_sYE0/s400/Dragon+Penny+Can%2527t+See.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLcwZheYYCbSNb1lCMcUamCHkyqSUaYB5SDw3w24lWQM-NWr_LNPk-Rl0NMMfPqy0bM3-nw_vS3a-J48ll3nt_SIMt4muzv-6yYmQJ0EtwdMCLA0glk3aqX-0v_9RXSKgUtLOkkr7nSI/s400/Penny+Bone+in+Fur+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That time she got a bone stuck in her fur.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLcwZheYYCbSNb1lCMcUamCHkyqSUaYB5SDw3w24lWQM-NWr_LNPk-Rl0NMMfPqy0bM3-nw_vS3a-J48ll3nt_SIMt4muzv-6yYmQJ0EtwdMCLA0glk3aqX-0v_9RXSKgUtLOkkr7nSI/s1600/Penny+Bone+in+Fur+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57SCt3I8TdkVZ0_UMeGAyi3TxkVctOCl4lj6ZRMplnyaWAh4nsiKQ6_VCBkJour1n3wR-3654wCo8vgfU4ovo3iQgBXZPA8jHBR44rbHOeTdTzFNw9NcGxbPXV8D-l1NP_M9DFbb70jw/s400/Penny+Stuck+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That time she got stuck trying to follow us upstairs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57SCt3I8TdkVZ0_UMeGAyi3TxkVctOCl4lj6ZRMplnyaWAh4nsiKQ6_VCBkJour1n3wR-3654wCo8vgfU4ovo3iQgBXZPA8jHBR44rbHOeTdTzFNw9NcGxbPXV8D-l1NP_M9DFbb70jw/s1600/Penny+Stuck+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHgPGfNQU7MP7om_F3v88Dmd9WJt5ipDZaTPqkBlsMu1g3KVMVFFCu5LghMDxl5PIJlhjG2XxL4j6ZsV01q7wan236itLFDiC4T637d3Jn-kBcumr-rxdgr_qn_pH7EJRmLLFjdsld_U/s1600/Penny+Neck+Pillow+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHgPGfNQU7MP7om_F3v88Dmd9WJt5ipDZaTPqkBlsMu1g3KVMVFFCu5LghMDxl5PIJlhjG2XxL4j6ZsV01q7wan236itLFDiC4T637d3Jn-kBcumr-rxdgr_qn_pH7EJRmLLFjdsld_U/s400/Penny+Neck+Pillow+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That time we stuck her in a pillow. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtL8QpjTEJfUWsq_fSa3kX393cSI_pAxBeFoW74MOQwCUxMMgTmeSoAp_FKucfuo1flwv6F6cbbBmzFxVlBW1hi5SM1m5MsEhqKle_xA6rOaSfjVe2RbWC_p-EDxS8aBwhmb77zwELgpA/s1600/IMG_4508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtL8QpjTEJfUWsq_fSa3kX393cSI_pAxBeFoW74MOQwCUxMMgTmeSoAp_FKucfuo1flwv6F6cbbBmzFxVlBW1hi5SM1m5MsEhqKle_xA6rOaSfjVe2RbWC_p-EDxS8aBwhmb77zwELgpA/s400/IMG_4508.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPa-015E6hoF90Ef_vniDxNibLn41KwH2ID7LMXAuVHsJ52N3vfw54NhjGPxa1QJtwIiu-_7qBxVKfHf6Q662xRCzUZlEHvSJrPLZptTFui1o1pBFmBXXlWC1M9OS_vfgx-ZYU2E5iaf8/s1600/Penny+with+Ewok+Toy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1220" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPa-015E6hoF90Ef_vniDxNibLn41KwH2ID7LMXAuVHsJ52N3vfw54NhjGPxa1QJtwIiu-_7qBxVKfHf6Q662xRCzUZlEHvSJrPLZptTFui1o1pBFmBXXlWC1M9OS_vfgx-ZYU2E5iaf8/s400/Penny+with+Ewok+Toy.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1600" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmZ9zvHKIru5suAbvx3Z_xhpdEfaLNvytm4lFzoUyX_-oLFII_-yRkPdAeayhqif2VhHc3UusM-6B0aQy3dx9rfRn66yFJkMp8S7QlKx9-QuKedDNTfIc1z0nNMq5HwilTeo8OV6euyY/s400/Merry+Kissmas.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penny's best dog friend, Bailey. He still doesn't understand that she's gone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtsgKjxOYlNaAu3FapvPDbIVsljC0acAA4xnsMFcWpSSTmO9hYXdLHP_sovkRgcVOb9ACeIizNy2wt-1gjqiGcj8DApMwpTqaNdoLuu7g2UfJ1dJT5WaYPxWfHDB4wr4ONNBiPqHpkow/s1600/Penny+at+Computer+Updated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtsgKjxOYlNaAu3FapvPDbIVsljC0acAA4xnsMFcWpSSTmO9hYXdLHP_sovkRgcVOb9ACeIizNy2wt-1gjqiGcj8DApMwpTqaNdoLuu7g2UfJ1dJT5WaYPxWfHDB4wr4ONNBiPqHpkow/s400/Penny+at+Computer+Updated.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKYUFAgW16O-Wf5sMQ_xVSgr_95xAtl_ELGpMpvuajIAZOuS-nv9OFV-oK2OZXhXNDM7XZOtaphuwthqHPvtzAatGnfWitDt2W8uO4NWKNnv1NLEtj0HxOFnS2tMpYaUUH8ry8W0WFdI/s1600/Frog+Penny+Can%2527t+See.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKYUFAgW16O-Wf5sMQ_xVSgr_95xAtl_ELGpMpvuajIAZOuS-nv9OFV-oK2OZXhXNDM7XZOtaphuwthqHPvtzAatGnfWitDt2W8uO4NWKNnv1NLEtj0HxOFnS2tMpYaUUH8ry8W0WFdI/s400/Frog+Penny+Can%2527t+See.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Even if we'd had fifty years with her, I'm sure it still would have seemed far too short. I'm honored we got to call Penny our best friend and couldn't be more grateful for our time together. No dog will ever be quite like her, and I hope you enjoyed reading about her over the years. I will always love and miss my sweet Penny-pup.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Q7RKaMNxvmqapNbi3mr2FkI3NvR4oCi1pg2eLasoIrBaiemaQhWViors53c9sdcdONeC8JxZm0iYz3JSQHbaxVnCJ4IhyphenhyphenpEVP4PfLUXw27DCQZpmfeVah8DiCRdNu40z3PMg8TUSa6A/s1600/Penny+Selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Q7RKaMNxvmqapNbi3mr2FkI3NvR4oCi1pg2eLasoIrBaiemaQhWViors53c9sdcdONeC8JxZm0iYz3JSQHbaxVnCJ4IhyphenhyphenpEVP4PfLUXw27DCQZpmfeVah8DiCRdNu40z3PMg8TUSa6A/s400/Penny+Selfie.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-2323926242874376042018-03-26T17:36:00.000-07:002018-03-27T08:11:21.774-07:00The Happy New Year Blog PostHappy (much-belated) New Year! <insert party horn noises><br />
<br />
I realize today is March 26. The tulip buds are poking out of the ground; Ohioans are alternating between snow boots and summer shorts on a daily basis; and we're nowhere near the "new year" anymore. But that's okay--I've never been a first-one-out-of-the-gate sort of person. Better late than never, right?<br />
<br />
So now that we're here, what did The Very Busy Kathryn do in 2017?<br />
<br />
I took a course through the Children's Book Academy. Then I took more classes through Storyteller Academy. I went to conferences, volunteered a ton with SCBWI, and hid in a cabin for several days to write by myself. Plus day-job. Critique-swapping with buddies. Family-togetherness. Spine-stupidness. Various traveling. Ate way more fast food than I should have. Kept stubbornly playing <i>Pokemon Go</i>. (I WILL catch them all!) <br />
<br />
I did so much that I honestly can't remember everything I did. My "2017
Summary of Art" looks like this:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnVGkK0GwhzLKgPaSRTCxy9odaRGLhvtiJHVlIA35wP4HK4bP4lBMf1yjbU8dLCqmZw6vXkfLV1tih3cQ1brFwGNGEruvBprXKG7zcEWtsykWsgwIEsmpOyMgksxuiT20j6yIwClYuOc/s1600/2017+SummaryofArt+Blog+KPowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnVGkK0GwhzLKgPaSRTCxy9odaRGLhvtiJHVlIA35wP4HK4bP4lBMf1yjbU8dLCqmZw6vXkfLV1tih3cQ1brFwGNGEruvBprXKG7zcEWtsykWsgwIEsmpOyMgksxuiT20j6yIwClYuOc/s400/2017+SummaryofArt+Blog+KPowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm fairly proud of that mess.<br />
<br />
2018 hasn't slowed a bit. So far I've been to Disney World, taken another Storyteller Academy class, passed my 11-year writing anniversary, and (mostly) completed an upstairs renovation of my house and <i>Life Changing Magic of Tidying-Up</i> clean-out.<br />
<br />
I'm also trying to keep better track of my life with a planner. (I haven't used one since high school--eek!) Ignoring the fact that I didn't open it until February when writing pal Kristy Boyce forced me to, it has helped me feel more organized. It has also made me realize that, um, I really <i>do </i>do a lot.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyj-pEdar12ihK6imdTd3kQ-hKKZLbiS-6K6S3B27qH0yR64IdxjppeBChrit-PlXFjo1OLJIlsbZPn-5wAsT9VWnQGRAcfNrd4fd4XBqM2yLw6Q_KT6jAUR80FW6w6S4xAfmutE7Lntk/s1600/Unicorn+Planner+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="1224" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyj-pEdar12ihK6imdTd3kQ-hKKZLbiS-6K6S3B27qH0yR64IdxjppeBChrit-PlXFjo1OLJIlsbZPn-5wAsT9VWnQGRAcfNrd4fd4XBqM2yLw6Q_KT6jAUR80FW6w6S4xAfmutE7Lntk/s400/Unicorn+Planner+Blog.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristy helped me pretty it up with unicorns, too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All my goals for 2018 can be summed up in two mottos: "Keep Moving Forward" and "Just Keep Swimming." (And yes, those <i>are</i> both Disney quotes.)<br />
<br />
On the surface they may seem the same, but I look at them in different ways. To me, "Keep Moving Forward" pertains to the craft and <i>doing</i> of things--the aim to make better art and better stories and not get bogged down by everything else. "Just Keep Swimming" is more psychological--the will to continue working and submitting hour after hour, year after year, with the blind hope that everything will come together someday.<br />
<br />
I'm also becoming a huge fan of the "Better Late Than Never" concept. It might just become my third motto. <br />
<br />
What's next on the horizon? By now, I'll bet you have a pretty good guess: <br />
<br />
More writing.<br />
<br />
More art.<br />
<br />
More classes.<br />
<br />
Repeat.<br />
<br />
Keep Moving Forward.<br />
<br />
Just Keep Swimming.<br />
<br />
Just Keep Swimming, Swimming, Swimming... <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Christmas thank yous should be going out in April. You already know my thoughts on that. ;)</span>K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-72752145037660224032018-02-01T16:41:00.000-08:002018-02-01T16:41:09.104-08:00SCBWI Meeting January 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lzJZyoUMUR6a8AWjsE6ev-XWnkfmBR4ddKdp5BAfUPPIiEhJU-bbKV384YdwJKYwOqZu8Cfukuvnq7Ufx0LjRnW8Ii5jmaBFxDapEXoiReEKbzapUP8kq5KL9Kpy30UTXuX4mnPmw5w/s1600/LogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1500" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lzJZyoUMUR6a8AWjsE6ev-XWnkfmBR4ddKdp5BAfUPPIiEhJU-bbKV384YdwJKYwOqZu8Cfukuvnq7Ufx0LjRnW8Ii5jmaBFxDapEXoiReEKbzapUP8kq5KL9Kpy30UTXuX4mnPmw5w/s400/LogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It's 2018, which means it's time for a new year of SCBWI meetings!<br />
<br />
A little background for this post: as you may have read in my "About Me" section of this blog, I'm the
Illustrator Coordinator for the Central and Southern Ohio Chapter of the
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (or SCBWI for short). I’ve
been involved with the organization since 2008 (has it seriously been ten years already?!) and I love helping to plan events and
projects for our members. A few years ago, I started posting summaries of
the monthly meetings on my blog for any local folk who missed attending, as
well as for my readers spread far and wide who are interested in
children's literature topics. I hope you
will enjoy reading my SCBWI posts!<br />
<br />
The January meeting started with an overview of chapter information. The
Central/Southern Ohio chapter covers a large portion of Ohio including
Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
help better serve this big region, Jody Casella fills the roll of our Regional
Advisor in Columbus (which is where I am, too), and Andrea Pelleschi is the Assistant Regional Advisor
down in Cincinnati.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unless
otherwise noted, the monthly meeting in Columbus is held on the fourth
Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm at the Upper Arlington Library, and the
monthly meeting in Cincinnati is held on the 4th Monday of the month at 7:00 pm
at the Sharonville Library.<br />
<br />
Information is frequently updated and shared via the following sites and social media platforms: <br />
<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:ohiocensouth@scbwi.org" target="_blank">ohiocensouth@scbwi.org</a><br />
Website: <a href="http://ohiocensouth@scbwi.org/" target="_blank">http://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/</a><br />
Twitter: @CSOhioSCBWI<br />
Facebook: Central Southern Ohio SCBWI
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Facebook
Illustrator Group: Cen/South Ohio SCBWI Illustrators</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
(must be a chapter member to join the closed FB illustrator group)<br />
Listserv: <a href="mailto:coscbwi@yahoogroups.com" target="_blank">coscbwi@yahoogroups.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Once all these details were shared with the group, Jody led everyone in a goal setting exercise from <i>The Artist's Way </i>by Julia Cameron. The exercise involved us imagining where we would like to be in our creative lives in five years. Then we worked backwards with stepping-stone tasks to the present, ultimately landing on what we could do over the next week to work towards those big goals. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
After the long-term goal exercise, Social Media Coordinator Kristy Boyce talked about a fun new game we're encouraging members to play this year: Query Bingo! Bingo sheets were passed out where the boxes are filled with common responses that writers receive from agents and editors during the query process. (Things like, "This isn't a good fit," and "The voice didn't resonate with me." There's even a square for "No response.") Querying a project can be tough on even the most resilient writers and illustrators, so the purpose of the game is to still have fun in the face of rejections and encourage everyone to keep submitting. If you'd like a bingo sheet, just ask at any of the meetings in Columbus--we'll have some on hand to keep passing out throughout the year, and members who fill out their sheet will be put in a drawing for something good at the end of the year party in November. :)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lastly, members broke into smaller groups for peer critiques. It was a great opportunity to get feedback on query letters and manuscript pages, as well as meet new members and catch up with old friends!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>This is shaping
up to be a great year already! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Tons of exciting plans are in
the works, so keep your eye on that website for more information. I
hope to see you at a meeting or event soon! <br /> </div>
K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-60674402855113278492017-11-24T13:58:00.000-08:002017-11-24T14:02:10.821-08:00The Thankful PostI always love Thanksgiving. During the October through December whirlwind of holidays, Thanksgiving is the time to pause and count your many blessings. I have a lot to be grateful for this year:<br />
<br />
My family--both near and far--who always love me, support me, and make sure I have a full tummy.<br />
<br />
My friends. Some of them I see weekly, and some I've never even met in person, but they are all my kindred spirits.<br />
<br />
The kidlit community. I may not be published yet, but I've met so many wonderful people this year who have been a blessing on my writing journey. <br />
<br />
My health. Though my spine has been up and down this year, I've still gratefully avoided surgery.<br />
<br />
My hubby, who always makes me laugh (even when I don't want to), and reminds me of the importance of pushing the pause button--and getting a full night of sleep from time to time.<br />
<br />
I'm also extra grateful for one more thing this year:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6VGFnDryA3MeMlXNQ2yRqjNUWNSBE1NvV0y-eLuWyZ5-vdFbX_RlNPKu5M_0tDn45icpcQFyNru3dkzWoPH4_bBLhl6Zo4rWZ_OCjGed13rYj8k2sFgkH0QpJOHI9MOKBEDrxKNloVA/s1600/Penny+Sparkle+Cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1383" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6VGFnDryA3MeMlXNQ2yRqjNUWNSBE1NvV0y-eLuWyZ5-vdFbX_RlNPKu5M_0tDn45icpcQFyNru3dkzWoPH4_bBLhl6Zo4rWZ_OCjGed13rYj8k2sFgkH0QpJOHI9MOKBEDrxKNloVA/s400/Penny+Sparkle+Cropped.jpg" width="345" /></a></div>
<br />
If you've been following my blog over the years, you'll know I have an annual tradition of dressing up my dog, Penny, in a silly costume for Halloween. You also may have noticed that I did not make my usual Halloween post this year.<br />
<br />
Penny was diagnosed with mitral valve disease this past January, with a prognosis of 6 months to 2 years. I didn't handle Halloween well, knowing it could be our last one with her. (I may have made hubby answer the door while I cried for the first fifteen minutes of trick-or-treaters.) She'd had a dental procedure just the day before, and the day after Halloween we rushed her back to the doggy hospital with anesthesia complications. It was touch and go, but thankfully she pulled through and is now back to her happy self a few weeks later. <br />
<br />
We know her poor heart will give out someday, but I'm grateful for every day we get to spend with her. Penny has brought so much joy to our lives, whether she's <a href="http://kspowers.blogspot.com/2014/10/happy-halloween-2014.html" target="_blank">Froggy Penny,</a> or impersonating my favorite cartoon pony as this year's "Penny Sparkle," or just being her normal snuggly, burping, kissy self.<br />
<br />
To end on a happier note, here's an outtake of Penny in the first version of her My Little Pony costume. It's <i>almost </i>as good as her annoyed expressions during the photo shoot as <a href="http://kspowers.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-doggy-nightmare.html" target="_blank">Hula Penny in 2012</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwZ0fHBDhrXsPIYoH97KBEy4P4q6n1XNLU-qMA4QsPbaEz86zx2s5DPHHJHEKhGA6FV3Nt8r9akp6Br0Q4C0TkdX_lskq3Sx2pLK34_AE2y4WJDgxBghkw6jndRG44_erDycAM8nb3yw/s1600/Unhappy+Penny+Sparkle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwZ0fHBDhrXsPIYoH97KBEy4P4q6n1XNLU-qMA4QsPbaEz86zx2s5DPHHJHEKhGA6FV3Nt8r9akp6Br0Q4C0TkdX_lskq3Sx2pLK34_AE2y4WJDgxBghkw6jndRG44_erDycAM8nb3yw/s400/Unhappy+Penny+Sparkle.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penny says, "For the love of kibble, GET THIS OFF MY HEAD!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
From my little corner of the internet to yours, I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving! Hold your friends and family close, and enjoy this season of gratitude. :)K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-20155996049512596172017-10-29T20:22:00.000-07:002017-10-29T20:22:16.421-07:00SCBWI Meetings (Multi-Month Edition!)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lzJZyoUMUR6a8AWjsE6ev-XWnkfmBR4ddKdp5BAfUPPIiEhJU-bbKV384YdwJKYwOqZu8Cfukuvnq7Ufx0LjRnW8Ii5jmaBFxDapEXoiReEKbzapUP8kq5KL9Kpy30UTXuX4mnPmw5w/s1600/LogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1500" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lzJZyoUMUR6a8AWjsE6ev-XWnkfmBR4ddKdp5BAfUPPIiEhJU-bbKV384YdwJKYwOqZu8Cfukuvnq7Ufx0LjRnW8Ii5jmaBFxDapEXoiReEKbzapUP8kq5KL9Kpy30UTXuX4mnPmw5w/s400/LogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In light of the craziness of the past few months, it’s time
for a multi-month SCBWI meeting summary extravaganza!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>AUGUST:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI08dCReE_iYuBdSIfYYLZV-tL_U6dDhqxUCNshem3ZTTyjcBqEj8RiffqEZ0M66vODgRxhyphenhypheneG8M3_9uWmrBToyzY-HKxX144T5GdcjVaJm1kc0oG4rjUR8vfn9XCt6xz3Gkx_6mDxtyM/s1600/The+Captains+Kid+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1051" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI08dCReE_iYuBdSIfYYLZV-tL_U6dDhqxUCNshem3ZTTyjcBqEj8RiffqEZ0M66vODgRxhyphenhypheneG8M3_9uWmrBToyzY-HKxX144T5GdcjVaJm1kc0oG4rjUR8vfn9XCt6xz3Gkx_6mDxtyM/s200/The+Captains+Kid+Cover.jpg" width="131" /></a>The August SCBWI meeting in Columbus featured MG & YA
author Liz Coley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Liz spoke on the topic
of “Hybrid Publishing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an author who
has experience with both traditional and self-publishing, Liz had a lot of
great advice to share with the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She explained that each type of publishing has its pros and cons,
including:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Cons</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Traditional publishers are harder to get into (often
requiring an agent), and take longer to publish work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Authors also earn royalties, ultimately sharing
the book’s profits with the publishing house, their agent etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Self-publishing often requires a significant financial
investment up front, including design, inventory, and advertising costs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can also be hard to find an audience with
a lot of competition in the market.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Pros</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Traditional publishers have access to reviewers, book
stores, foreign sales, media rights, etc., which often means greater
distribution and sales of a book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So even
though the author gets a “piece of the pie,” the pie is usually bigger overall.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-With no middlemen involved, self-published authors get to
enjoy their entire pie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also get to
control all aspects of their project (cover, release date, content, etc.),
which is great for people who like that level of control.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SEPTEMBER:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrmKWtlhPN_iMuOQuvxGIqKCZ2sm5vBunphj0SlL4toiYAU1akgvcZ92x8Wk8RJQU3Pq30EXqHug15plmbLaiVLcYZGMIms_QAhHGBjVB58ujLBGGyJ_B2R8cdtsB2yyN1lnaxhe0lcU/s1600/We+All+Fall+Down+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="266" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrmKWtlhPN_iMuOQuvxGIqKCZ2sm5vBunphj0SlL4toiYAU1akgvcZ92x8Wk8RJQU3Pq30EXqHug15plmbLaiVLcYZGMIms_QAhHGBjVB58ujLBGGyJ_B2R8cdtsB2yyN1lnaxhe0lcU/s200/We+All+Fall+Down+Cover.jpg" width="132" /></a>The September SCBWI meeting featured YA author Natalie
Richards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Natalie talked about the art
of pacing and why it’s so important in a story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She described stories as a road trip: the plot is the road, the pacing
is the car, and the characters are the people in the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as a car can go fast or slow, so can the
pacing in a book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s good to have a
mix of “savoring” (slower parts) and “action” (faster parts), but too much of
one or the other can make the plot drag on or zip by much too quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Natalie gave tips on how to speed up and slow
down pacing including:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Slow Down</b></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Add descriptions/atmosphere, character introspections, and quiet
moments for the characters (and reader) to “catch their breath”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Cut back on dialogue</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Speed Up</b></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Shorten sentences/paragraphs, add more dialogue, and choose
“power words” (active verbs and strong adjectives)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Be mindful of the white space on a page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More white space = quicker reading, which is
great for suspenseful, page turning moments in the story.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>OCTOBER:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtRwPzSUTWF3Bi7z6QI5UzzW1MbKpmNZIjoaN6WP-8WbUEkfe32fDxilctbLheyUwb_9rPCn_6rIOl-6tZP5tYl5ac7u3dDBAXZRint5agsfGzfZHAG2vj25mt6IAszbvowbOtVaw278/s1600/Cao+Chong+Weighs+an+Elephant+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="260" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtRwPzSUTWF3Bi7z6QI5UzzW1MbKpmNZIjoaN6WP-8WbUEkfe32fDxilctbLheyUwb_9rPCn_6rIOl-6tZP5tYl5ac7u3dDBAXZRint5agsfGzfZHAG2vj25mt6IAszbvowbOtVaw278/s200/Cao+Chong+Weighs+an+Elephant+Cover.jpg" width="169" /></a><b> </b></div>
The October SCBWI meeting featured illustrator Christina
Wald.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christina has been illustrating
for twenty years and discussed the many roads that artists can take throughout
their careers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to children’s
book illustrating, Christina’s career has included work for pop-up books, toy
concepts and packaging, tabletop gaming cards and books (including <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lord of the Rings</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Star Wars</i>), and magazines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She offered great advice to artists looking
to break into the business including:
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Have a strong online presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You never know who will see your work and
what will lead to a new project.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Show the type of work that you want to do and DON’T post
things that you don’t enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s good
to be well-rounded, but if you hate drawing bicycles, then it’s better to leave
them out of your portfolio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Otherwise you
might attract a client who wants you to draw fifty of them!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Remember to include keywords on your social media posts so
your art will pop up when people search for that subject matter. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Be open-minded about opportunities that come your way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You never know what doors might open if you
give something a try!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>OTHER FUN!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In addition to hosting these three great speakers,
Central/Southern Ohio SCBWI also held the 2018 Notecard Contest this fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Which has kept yours truly quite busy!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year’s theme was “Classic Children’s Books” and the winners were chosen by a guest judge in the publishing
industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The five winning pieces (seen
below) are available for purchase in a one-of-a-kind notecard set at <a href="https://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/">https://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxWqT1uNKoi7gqRCLgdxqHZP1VN48TYXPJ82NkVBJ9TBxFkdvsxAOok4Q70dzmauZ8fNDoauDZav4HVraPmRigcKqRcLxJR4Z6pQhxN2IBRuFwZr9CoB4DtMbmNRUDGhRIc9MlIpTj5E/s1600/Compilation+of+Winners+with+Titles+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1600" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxWqT1uNKoi7gqRCLgdxqHZP1VN48TYXPJ82NkVBJ9TBxFkdvsxAOok4Q70dzmauZ8fNDoauDZav4HVraPmRigcKqRcLxJR4Z6pQhxN2IBRuFwZr9CoB4DtMbmNRUDGhRIc9MlIpTj5E/s400/Compilation+of+Winners+with+Titles+2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All contest participants were also invited to display their
illustrations in a gallery at the Upper Arlington Library.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gallery is currently up and will be
available for viewing through the end of November.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re in the Columbus area, be sure to stop by the
library and see everyone’s talented work!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think that’s everything for Central/Southern Ohio SCBWI
happenings!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want to learn more
about SCBWI, please visit the website at <a href="https://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/">https://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope to see you at the end of the year
celebration (and last meeting of 2017) on November 29! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Note: For more information about our guest speakers and their books, visit:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Liz Coley- <a href="http://www.lizcoley.com/" target="_blank">http://www.lizcoley.com/</a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Natalie Richards- <a href="http://nataliedrichards.com/" target="_blank">http://nataliedrichards.com/</a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;">Christina Wald- <a href="http://www.christinawald.com/" target="_blank">http://www.christinawald.com/</a></span></span></div>
K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-76440227285716261952017-09-25T13:55:00.000-07:002017-09-25T13:55:22.783-07:00Tornado Wrangling 2017Oh man, I am behind on blog posts! Remember this post back in 2014 about <a href="http://kspowers.blogspot.com/2014/09/tornado-wrangling.html" target="_blank">tornado wrangling</a>? Yeah, that's becoming an annual thing. In fact, this year might have been even crazier than the aforementioned Storm of 2014. (And that one was a doozy!) <br />
<br />
But have no fear! The forecast is calling for clearer skies soon, and then I can catch up on my AWOL posts <cough--August SCBWI summary--cough> AND share all about the exciting stuff that's been keeping me busy. <br />
<br />
Now excuse me; gotta grab my lasso and tame some more twisters! Yee-haw! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSCoDfHDp78kIrUgIxEgPFqABKHH3N49Or_Yu2NA_HF14SyyPLQuo3uGScwikwB3eCmDx_18KdzvtrFtcw0rUzSsMRJw7Lf5Ao7lGThbaAbY4IUKcYWIDMFNoD28JmeO7K8bUJxKex0Y/s1600/Tornado+Wrangling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSCoDfHDp78kIrUgIxEgPFqABKHH3N49Or_Yu2NA_HF14SyyPLQuo3uGScwikwB3eCmDx_18KdzvtrFtcw0rUzSsMRJw7Lf5Ao7lGThbaAbY4IUKcYWIDMFNoD28JmeO7K8bUJxKex0Y/s400/Tornado+Wrangling.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-79843257720754586132017-07-31T15:51:00.001-07:002017-07-31T20:24:59.259-07:00SCBWI Meeting July 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lzJZyoUMUR6a8AWjsE6ev-XWnkfmBR4ddKdp5BAfUPPIiEhJU-bbKV384YdwJKYwOqZu8Cfukuvnq7Ufx0LjRnW8Ii5jmaBFxDapEXoiReEKbzapUP8kq5KL9Kpy30UTXuX4mnPmw5w/s1600/LogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1500" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lzJZyoUMUR6a8AWjsE6ev-XWnkfmBR4ddKdp5BAfUPPIiEhJU-bbKV384YdwJKYwOqZu8Cfukuvnq7Ufx0LjRnW8Ii5jmaBFxDapEXoiReEKbzapUP8kq5KL9Kpy30UTXuX4mnPmw5w/s400/LogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The July SCBWI meeting in Columbus featured Kathryn Powers, Illustrator Coordinator for Cen/South Ohio SCBWI. (That's me!) Well, it was <i>supposed</i> to. Then things went kerplooey.<br />
<br />
The plan was to do a Photoshop demonstration similar to my "Photoshop 101 Workshop" from 2016, including tips and tricks for how to spiff up author/illustrator photos for websites. I brought all my tech equipment for attendees to test out. I doctored celebrity photos to use as my guinea pigs, including giving poor Chris Hemsworth a face full of greasy pimples. The room was full of eager SCBWI members...<br />
<br />
But technology failed us. As in, none of the meeting room's A/V stuff was working, and therefore no one could see what I had planned to demonstrate and share on my equipment.<br />
<br />
Alas.<br />
<br />
Alack. <br />
<br />
#@($&*<br />
<br />
This was actually a perfect example of the biggest downfall of digital art: when technology goes wrong, you're sunk. (Think of it as if a traditional painter suddenly had every tube of paint they own dry up. Yeah. They are <i>not </i>going to be a happy camper.) Tech issues do happen from time to time for digital artists. I've had some lovely experiences with my computer screen dying before a deadline; Photoshop crashing in the middle of illustrations; and power outages that have wiped out my work. But those instances are few and far between. Overall, I love the digital medium. This was just an unlucky night for all of us.<br />
<br />
The meeting was also a perfect example of why you should always have a backup plan. (Who is going to be looking into buying their own mini-projector? Me!)<br />
<br />
Membership Coordinator, Kristy Boyce, helped me turn our lemon-situation into lemonade. (Thank you again, Kristy!) We talked about all the exciting events happening in our chapter and nearby regions, like our September workshop with agent Danielle Chiotti (<a href="https://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/">https://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/</a>); had a Q&A for the 2017 Notecard Contest (which is due August 30--instructions are also on the website); and did a short picture book exercise for members who wanted to stay. But mostly, we all had fun and tried to laugh at our misfortune. That really is the best thing about kidlit folk: even when things go wrong, we still have a great time. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8F_vIEA-YysYG72TWlJSOcJ6vp0AzauFCnbRVk2g3N4zzeimJlg3seY4-3G9-0pP7_AoncA-20wf2DPcI25ESKv9YMXRApKptEWliYxpXhQp_gSJB5SNWt8x0g-_zMqAuDLNQn1EC6A/s1600/Rainy+Duck+KS+Powers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1600" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8F_vIEA-YysYG72TWlJSOcJ6vp0AzauFCnbRVk2g3N4zzeimJlg3seY4-3G9-0pP7_AoncA-20wf2DPcI25ESKv9YMXRApKptEWliYxpXhQp_gSJB5SNWt8x0g-_zMqAuDLNQn1EC6A/s400/Rainy+Duck+KS+Powers.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come rain or shine, we have the best time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We're doing our best to reschedule the presentation, so hopefully we can try again before too long! (And for anyone reading this who attended the meeting, thank YOU for being so understanding!)<br />
<br />
If you want to learn more about COSCBWI, be sure to visit the group website at <a href="https://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/" target="_blank">https://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/</a>. I hope to see you at the next meeting!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Duck doodle is by me, Kathryn Powers.</span>K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-30861331926161403782017-07-01T12:28:00.000-07:002017-07-01T12:28:32.837-07:00SCBWI Meeting June 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lzJZyoUMUR6a8AWjsE6ev-XWnkfmBR4ddKdp5BAfUPPIiEhJU-bbKV384YdwJKYwOqZu8Cfukuvnq7Ufx0LjRnW8Ii5jmaBFxDapEXoiReEKbzapUP8kq5KL9Kpy30UTXuX4mnPmw5w/s1600/LogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1500" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lzJZyoUMUR6a8AWjsE6ev-XWnkfmBR4ddKdp5BAfUPPIiEhJU-bbKV384YdwJKYwOqZu8Cfukuvnq7Ufx0LjRnW8Ii5jmaBFxDapEXoiReEKbzapUP8kq5KL9Kpy30UTXuX4mnPmw5w/s400/LogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The June SCBWI meeting in Columbus featured a group critique of query letters. This was in follow up to the May meeting with <a href="http://kspowers.blogspot.com/2017/05/scbwi-meeting-may-2017.html" target="_blank">Juliana Lee</a>, who gave tips on crafting query letters based on her experience as a reader at The Purcell Agency. With summer vacation season in full swing, it was a small group, but a fun and intimate experience! <br />
<br />
Everyone who brought a letter for critique got great, in-depth feedback from the other members. Here are some of the biggest points we talked about:<br />
<br />
1) Be sure to write you query letter in a letter format. The body of your letter should include a salutation, story pitch, relevant information about your project (i.e. word count, genre, etc.), bio, and closing. You can also include some information regarding why you are submitting to a certain agent or editor, and it's good to note what you've included if they ask for the first ten pages, a synopsis, etc. If you're not sure whether you've written your letter in the standard format, it's easy to look up examples online. (Or ask some writing buddies for advice!)<br />
<br />
2) "Comp titles" are a familiar topic in the kidlit industry right now. (Example: My book is like <i>The Hunger Games</i> meets <i>The Cat in the Hat.</i>) Some agents and editors like to see this included in query letters; some don't. As a general rule of thumb, you don't want the comp title(s) to be too popular (like comparing your manuscript to <i>Harry Potter), </i>but including thoughtful and modern comp titles can show that you know the industry and your potential audience. As always, be sure to do your research on the agent's/editor's preference and do include this information if they ask for it.<br />
<br />
3) Don't Give Up!!!! It was clear as the group chatted and shared their work that many people are all too familiar with rejection from agents and editors. (I'll raise my own hand to that!) If you're feeling down, don't be afraid to share your experience with other writers and illustrators. A good support system is one of the best ways to get through "query hell," and reminds you that you're not alone. And even better, when you DO get a "YES!" someday, you'll have lots of people who will be ecstatic to celebrate your success. :)<br />
<br />
A big thanks to everyone who attended the meeting, whether it was sharing your work or offering feedback to others. It was a fantastic night!<br />
<br />
If you want to learn more about COSCBWI, be sure to visit the group website at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/&source=gmail&ust=1496266078050000&usg=AFQjCNFFdnzUFFoNBEUQkkxHBK5C3nKZ5w" href="http://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/" target="_blank">http://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<wbr></wbr> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope to see you at the next meeting, when yours truly will be sharing Photoshop tips and ways to spiff up author/illustrator headshots! It's going to be <b>TUESDAY, July 25</b>, and <b>NOT THE USUAL WEDNESDAY</b>, so be sure to mark your calendars now. </div>
K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-86149060897059724462017-05-30T14:55:00.000-07:002017-05-30T14:55:39.215-07:00SCBWI Meeting May 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakhwxHHr1WVOBOGqWaLALPn7tjcVJysnVTXaujR1HBCALtmOgVl7rJATuB167Nx-xj9_iaZfN0hCfZ6X6yQV1ieEyFYxiIPKKD2Wp2JMry9P19mJ4zTfCBpRS-imXpDX5or_4tcef794/s1600/LogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1500" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakhwxHHr1WVOBOGqWaLALPn7tjcVJysnVTXaujR1HBCALtmOgVl7rJATuB167Nx-xj9_iaZfN0hCfZ6X6yQV1ieEyFYxiIPKKD2Wp2JMry9P19mJ4zTfCBpRS-imXpDX5or_4tcef794/s400/LogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The May SCBWI meeting in Columbus featured Juliana Lee.<span> </span>Juliana is both a writer and a literary
assistant at The Purcell Agency. She spoke with our group about her experience
working with agent Tina P. Schwartz and offered advice on
how to craft and submit a winning query letter.</div>
<br />
Juliana decided that she wanted to focus on her publishing
dreams when she retired from teaching.<span>
</span>She joined SCBWI and attended conferences, ultimately meeting Tina
through a webinar.<span> </span>They hit it off and
Juliana became a reader for Tina, which led to her growing into the role of a
literary assistant.<span> </span>(And Tina eventually
became her agent, too!)<span> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUNshgJiWWAScRVG-moRiROoSAxNPt3AyDtZ6KP6MkGTONBnPlQhd_rJ3wZcfaNZGs9KEiiS2sCyZ5psnUe38QKpKbuWl_v6OOp-33WjP8QJgBF3R_yspNnHbbEhQszd8j6gX0ULYOnA/s1600/Juliana+Lee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUNshgJiWWAScRVG-moRiROoSAxNPt3AyDtZ6KP6MkGTONBnPlQhd_rJ3wZcfaNZGs9KEiiS2sCyZ5psnUe38QKpKbuWl_v6OOp-33WjP8QJgBF3R_yspNnHbbEhQszd8j6gX0ULYOnA/s1600/Juliana+Lee.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a literary assistant, Juliana reads query letters and
manuscript submissions, weeding out the bad submissions (i.e. those that don’t
follow directions, are addressed to the wrong person, etc.), and passing along
ones that she thinks have promise.<span>
</span>Juliana made it clear that Tina has the last say; she likened herself to
a sounding board and trusted advisor. Juliana explained that agents have to
make really tough choices, especially when many of the submissions they receive
are GREAT. But Tina helped her think about “the best of the best” in a new way:
pretend you're at the book store with $20.<span> </span>What will you buy? Although there are many
wonderful books, you can’t purchase <i>everything</i>.<span>
</span>You have to be picky and choose wisely, even if you really want to buy everything on the shelves.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So how can you make your submission stand out?<span> </span>Juliana shared some great suggestions based
on the fantastic submissions (and terrible ones) that have come across her
desk:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1) Make sure you follow the agency’s submission guidelines,
especially when it comes to attachments, accepted genres, and information they
request to see in the query. Each agency has different policies, so be sure to
do your research.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2) Make your query as short and to-the-point as
possible.<span> </span>Agents receive dozens—even hundreds—of
queries a day. Remember that your manuscript will speak for itself, so keep your
letter short and sweet so the reader can dive right into the good stuff!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3) If you met the agent at a conference or have some other
personal connection, be sure to note that in the query.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4) If you’re querying multiple agents (which is the norm
nowadays), DO remember to change the name in your letter! Agent Y does not want
to receive a letter addressed to Agent X—and it happens more often than you
think.<span> </span>(Yikes!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lastly, Juliana reminded us all to keep submitting and never
give up. The publishing industry is a subjective business, and just because one
agent says, “No,” doesn’t mean that every agent will say “No.” (And remember
that anytime you get personal feedback from an agent, it means they saw promise in your work and you’re on the right track!)<span> </span>She
sagely recommended listening to the Beatles’ song “Hey Jude” and thinking about the lyrics in terms of the
submission and revision process: <span><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span> </span><span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Hey Jude, don't make
it bad<br />
Take a sad song and make it better<br />
Remember to let her into your heart<br />
Then you can start to make it better <span> </span><span><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A big thank you to Juliana for sharing her experience and advice
with the group!<span> </span>You can find out more
about Juliana on The Purcell Agency’s website at <a href="http://thepurcellagency.com/index.html" target="_blank">thepurcellagency.com</a> and her personal author
website at <a href="https://julianaleewriter.com/" target="_blank">julianaleewriter.com</a>.<br />
<br />
If you want to learn more about COSCBWI, be sure to visit the group website at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/&source=gmail&ust=1496266078050000&usg=AFQjCNFFdnzUFFoNBEUQkkxHBK5C3nKZ5w" href="http://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/" target="_blank">http://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/</a><wbr></wbr>.
I hope to see you at the next meeting!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Juliana Lee's photo is from The Purcell Agency's website: <a href="http://thepurcellagency.com/agent-bios.html" target="_blank">thepurcellagency.com</a></span> </div>
K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-78732692272629327472017-05-10T14:00:00.003-07:002017-05-10T14:00:33.873-07:00Everything from SpringIt's May, and I'm overdue for a "what I've been up to" blog post! Spring is my busiest season of the year, but things have been <i>extra</i>-crazy behind the scenes the past few months. So what have I been up to?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Ohioana Book Festiva</span>l </b></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NQ-9tZjzxayF_SWkoqU4Mcg4AiybBaMMI6I8z0QnkfCTUV4RDiaKPpQ1s0wU-Uz_Pd9E3jNaiTdQTniALG2UMAO2YhHxZuDsEXexF_WYVHlLiOUcwpovU6p_ItfvGKSvAPmb3YwNPqY/s1600/2017+Program+Cover+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NQ-9tZjzxayF_SWkoqU4Mcg4AiybBaMMI6I8z0QnkfCTUV4RDiaKPpQ1s0wU-Uz_Pd9E3jNaiTdQTniALG2UMAO2YhHxZuDsEXexF_WYVHlLiOUcwpovU6p_ItfvGKSvAPmb3YwNPqY/s400/2017+Program+Cover+Final.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poster art by author/illustrator Lindsay Ward</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Per usual, the biggest--and most exciting/hectic/crazy/fun/exhausting--thing about spring for me is my day job at the Ohioana
Library. From January to April every year, the place gets turned upside as we plan and prep for the annual
Ohioana Book Festival. It's a fantastic one-day event celebrating Ohio
authors and illustrators with fun for the whole family. I really enjoy that my day job has such a positive impact on Ohio's literary community. Between my work with Ohioana and SCBWI, I've gotten to know a lot of fellow kids' writers and illustrators, and I love that I can help support them with this event. It makes those late nights at the office (and frantic phone calls about tablecloth colors) well worth it!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Spine</span> </b></div>
<br />
I'm going to take a moment to talk about my spine. My spine is not my friend right now. For a couple months, my doctor thought a pinched nerve was causing pain and numbness in my hand and back. In February, we learned that I actually have a broken spinal disc. Eww. Eww. EWWWWW.<br />
<br />
How do you cure that? Epidural shots. Maybe surgery. Massively cutting back on writing and illustrating. (I'm not so great at that last one.) <br />
<br />
I'm now two injections into treatment and feeling "meh." I have good days; I have bad days. Sometimes I get really frustrated. It's hard to predict what the next few months will bring, so I just remember my doctor's words that any improvement is good improvement. (And it could be worse. WAY worse. So I'm quite thankful for that.) <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> SCBWI</b></span></div>
<br />
Now let's go back to happier things. My local SCBWI chapter was a partner of the Ohioana Book Festival, and our illustrators sponsored a coloring page activity for the kids' room. I really didn't want to skip the project (spine injury be darned!), so I paced myself as much as possible and created this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAU1X-0zhQI96A_D01phCPzOXz4bPuyfsTY2SJ_lsuiPPhLF40yAKtHNJh6OrHPvEKajloefl38VhT3cDA_wIxKCLk9TQLbRfBNFp3E24xI-97KKgp4iYQzgD4qljM7tgWZvLflQt_HXY/s1600/Jaguar+Coloring+Sheet+KS+Powers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAU1X-0zhQI96A_D01phCPzOXz4bPuyfsTY2SJ_lsuiPPhLF40yAKtHNJh6OrHPvEKajloefl38VhT3cDA_wIxKCLk9TQLbRfBNFp3E24xI-97KKgp4iYQzgD4qljM7tgWZvLflQt_HXY/s400/Jaguar+Coloring+Sheet+KS+Powers.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You may remember this jaguar from a <a href="http://kspowers.blogspot.com/2012/09/2013-n-ohio-scbwi-calendar-contest.html" target="_blank">calendar contest piece</a> I created in 2012. I always liked this concept, but the original has been weeded from my portfolio over the years. So I took this opportunity to revisit my old drawing and give myself a refresher in vectoring with Adobe Illustrator. I'm much happier this little guy now and thought it would be fun to show how my art has changed with a "Draw This Again" meme. Who knows--maybe I'll revisit him again in a few years!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHdD5Lj_szf5fN1HE6yTZRpDDg-LRRgje0ySJBKVV7FD7qeIzJXjHjovl2SdPhVQ9bkaY4p96V7lnDq0c0Ri2Jxzmm28j24f0wwr7v2TpqRPEyOMxxJfIra4x3wdu9t4-0IU_LaNPRdM/s1600/Jag+Meme+for+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHdD5Lj_szf5fN1HE6yTZRpDDg-LRRgje0ySJBKVV7FD7qeIzJXjHjovl2SdPhVQ9bkaY4p96V7lnDq0c0Ri2Jxzmm28j24f0wwr7v2TpqRPEyOMxxJfIra4x3wdu9t4-0IU_LaNPRdM/s400/Jag+Meme+for+Blog.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Children's Book Academy:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Middle Grade Mastery Course</b></span> </div>
<br />
Let's face it--I'm bad at taking it easy. I try. I <i>really</i> do. (I'm sorry, spine doctor!) But when I found out the Children's Book Academy was offering an online spring course called "Middle Grade Mastery," I just couldn't resist signing up. I loved the course I took in 2016, "<a href="http://kspowers.blogspot.com/2016/12/childrens-book-academy-class.html" target="_blank">The Craft and Business of Writing and Illustrating Picture Books</a>," and I knew this opportunity was just what I needed for my <i>Pirate Ferret</i> manuscript. <br />
<br />
So I signed up, and I'm oh-so glad I did. The "Middle Grade Mastery" course was led by instructors Mira Reisberg and Hillary Homzie. We went over tons of middle grade goodness: revising, illustrating, pitches, mentor texts, character development, idea generating, and everything in between. The instructors were both wonderful (it was great to work with Mira again!), and so nurturing. It's clear they care about the success of their students and pour their hearts into teaching. I met new wonderful writing buddies, too, which always makes me happy. :)<br />
<br />
The course inspired me to make <i>Pirate Ferret</i> a priority, which I frequently find difficult to do in the midst of life's chaos. (Darn you again, spine!) With encouragement from the instructors, I even pushed myself (and paced myself) to tackle some new sketches and black and white illustrations.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZj3q_GBFaqvg06hcOFLvIv7qcIFPwHOfuKZ2pKEFyPAiVBIzC62KRns3uPi3_PJMjNUXwAxKZEuXSHTpHyEf56sYMohIMN42JXyse0UoMt_CxOAEy4Ckw9_upNcsrujtm5oBa_phCYE/s1600/Powers+Pirate+Ferret+Tentacles+Character+Sketches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZj3q_GBFaqvg06hcOFLvIv7qcIFPwHOfuKZ2pKEFyPAiVBIzC62KRns3uPi3_PJMjNUXwAxKZEuXSHTpHyEf56sYMohIMN42JXyse0UoMt_CxOAEy4Ckw9_upNcsrujtm5oBa_phCYE/s400/Powers+Pirate+Ferret+Tentacles+Character+Sketches.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sketches of Tentacles, my main character</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ06A3gzz8SQkEXnCwDRKPLr7D_fd0zqBVrx71BOqm-trGJphmI-iMBE52eudKA6xIien0u3dDBlccKLGb03moF-_ruXOuTBw56EoNq_zK0G-aESwhpw0HTbNIyUiLUbk9Fcqjb2F3d-o/s1600/Dog+Character+Sketches+Website.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ06A3gzz8SQkEXnCwDRKPLr7D_fd0zqBVrx71BOqm-trGJphmI-iMBE52eudKA6xIien0u3dDBlccKLGb03moF-_ruXOuTBw56EoNq_zK0G-aESwhpw0HTbNIyUiLUbk9Fcqjb2F3d-o/s400/Dog+Character+Sketches+Website.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three dog characters: Sandy, Cookie, and Pickles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GchTqD890KiBHzaJMMdGAcvwVuJFl0Sn8q5qVquySp_fuqxThUI7d7sykDbTVCXxbzymUXxX6S_a7RkXJ_NU8SX4x1tE9rQRCE3S7Tkod5po_VGCbbht_UjWr1JQeSvW8agn1ZMbZm0/s1600/Tentacles+and+Cookie+KP+5-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GchTqD890KiBHzaJMMdGAcvwVuJFl0Sn8q5qVquySp_fuqxThUI7d7sykDbTVCXxbzymUXxX6S_a7RkXJ_NU8SX4x1tE9rQRCE3S7Tkod5po_VGCbbht_UjWr1JQeSvW8agn1ZMbZm0/s400/Tentacles+and+Cookie+KP+5-2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B&W Art Sample</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoufEkr-v9-bRH8JhtFW5MTaLb85ESIrrDF93yJxmnD9qweekLrgnceL5r8pKmf9TC7fJ2w4IC6Wa__eFslNRZ5blhvH7jVHi1vlych65VkRrMHKGI0GKT1iYVsiZA-brhhiLtlZkBVk/s1600/Tentacles+Sneaking+KP+5-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoufEkr-v9-bRH8JhtFW5MTaLb85ESIrrDF93yJxmnD9qweekLrgnceL5r8pKmf9TC7fJ2w4IC6Wa__eFslNRZ5blhvH7jVHi1vlych65VkRrMHKGI0GKT1iYVsiZA-brhhiLtlZkBVk/s400/Tentacles+Sneaking+KP+5-2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B&W Art Sample</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The course JUST ended, wrapping up with the exciting "Golden Ticket" contest where professionals have the opportunity to view our work. When all is said and done, though, I'm just super happy that the course brought me back to my true love: writing and illustrating.<br />
<br />
And I think that's everything! Kind of a hectic season, huh? I'm not sure what summer will bring, but hopefully I can keep focusing on my book projects, learning all sorts of literary goodness, and continue healing! <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: "Draw this Again" meme is by Bampire on deviantArt. <a href="http://bampire.deviantart.com/art/Meme-Before-and-After-177759508" target="_blank">link </a></span>K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-54370636572985719612017-04-30T15:55:00.001-07:002017-04-30T15:55:48.205-07:00SCBWI Meeting April 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakhwxHHr1WVOBOGqWaLALPn7tjcVJysnVTXaujR1HBCALtmOgVl7rJATuB167Nx-xj9_iaZfN0hCfZ6X6yQV1ieEyFYxiIPKKD2Wp2JMry9P19mJ4zTfCBpRS-imXpDX5or_4tcef794/s1600/LogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakhwxHHr1WVOBOGqWaLALPn7tjcVJysnVTXaujR1HBCALtmOgVl7rJATuB167Nx-xj9_iaZfN0hCfZ6X6yQV1ieEyFYxiIPKKD2Wp2JMry9P19mJ4zTfCBpRS-imXpDX5or_4tcef794/s400/LogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The April SCBWI meeting in Columbus featured children's author Linda Stanek. Linda has published both fiction and nonfiction picture books including, <i>The Pig and Miss Prudence</i> and <i>Once Upon an Elephant</i>. She spoke with our group about her journey to publication and the magic of the phase, "One things leads to another."<br />
<br />
Linda never thought she wanted to be a writer; she wanted to be a farmer when she was little, and ultimately choose a career in teaching. She took a break from her career when her children were young, and decided to try out writing when she wanted some on-the-go hobbies that she could do during their activities. She ended up falling in love with it. It took her two years to draft her first novel, and she joined SCBWI when she decided she wanted to make her "hobby" her new career. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGTzBEEgn9Y-wGZlauQgVTtkyhrOkB-rJQOr59cS6MPhjtthA5FTK91rBJ6H52lZBt-U3ZapRrSC5BMfUKq40NJX1K1g48HExzrMvm_8V0VkLCdTmHNnSAHAA-0p6SW_Pd5IW49V24Mc/s1600/Once+Upon+an+Elephant+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGTzBEEgn9Y-wGZlauQgVTtkyhrOkB-rJQOr59cS6MPhjtthA5FTK91rBJ6H52lZBt-U3ZapRrSC5BMfUKq40NJX1K1g48HExzrMvm_8V0VkLCdTmHNnSAHAA-0p6SW_Pd5IW49V24Mc/s320/Once+Upon+an+Elephant+cover.jpg" width="272" /></a> Linda had heard that it was a good idea to have publishing credits on one's writing resume. She turned her attention to submitting work to magazines, focusing on the crafts sections in Highlights magazines. It took a while, but eventually they purchased one of her craft ideas. Since "one thing leads to another," she ended up selling a nonfiction article to Highlights, too. Linda said she was very grateful for this early experience in publishing nonfiction because it taught her the importance of good research and fact checking. <br />
<br />
While trying to sell more nonfiction articles to Highlights, Linda wrote an article on Goodyear and how they build blimps. Highlights wasn't interested, but they gave her the idea to grow the article to a book-length project and submit it to their sister company, Boyds Mill Press. It didn't work out, but the opportunity got her writing and submitting more and more. <br />
<br />
In 2008, she published <i>The Pig and Miss Prudence</i> and started getting involved with author visits. And because "one things leads to another," an editor she was working with on the blimp book became the editor for a new line of books with the Columbus Zoo, landing her a book project to commemorate a baby elephant's first birthday. <i>Beco's Big Year</i> gave her many opportunities to meet elephant keepers and experts, and she learned a ton about elephants. She learned so much, in fact, that she wrote and published a second elephant book, <i>Once Upon an Elephant</i>. And her publisher liked it so much that she has another nonfiction book coming out later this year called <i>Night Creepers</i> about nocturnal animals. (That's two more awesome "one thing leads to another" situations for anyone keeping count!)<br />
<br />
And what became of the blimp book? Linda still hasn't gotten it published, but--as one thing leads to another--she married the Goodyear Blimp Crew Chief. (Best. Ending. Ever!)<br />
<br />
The moral of this tale? Linda highly encourages everyone to take chances and pursue all the avenues you can. You never know <i>what </i>might lead to success, but if you keep trying and never give up, something surely will!<br />
<br />
A big thank you to Linda for sharing her inspiring (and romantic!) road to publication journey! You can find out more about Linda and her books at <a href="http://www.lindastanek.com/" target="_blank">www.lindastanek.com</a>.<br />
<br />
If you want to learn more about COSCBWI, be sure to visit the group website at <a href="http://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/" target="_blank">http://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/</a>. I hope to see you at the next meeting!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Cover image is from Linda's website, <a href="http://www.lindastanek.com/" target="_blank">www.lindastanek.com.</a></span>K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-64318515902564985212017-03-30T20:17:00.000-07:002017-03-30T20:17:51.247-07:00SCBWI Meeting #2 March 2017: Columbus Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakhwxHHr1WVOBOGqWaLALPn7tjcVJysnVTXaujR1HBCALtmOgVl7rJATuB167Nx-xj9_iaZfN0hCfZ6X6yQV1ieEyFYxiIPKKD2Wp2JMry9P19mJ4zTfCBpRS-imXpDX5or_4tcef794/s1600/LogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakhwxHHr1WVOBOGqWaLALPn7tjcVJysnVTXaujR1HBCALtmOgVl7rJATuB167Nx-xj9_iaZfN0hCfZ6X6yQV1ieEyFYxiIPKKD2Wp2JMry9P19mJ4zTfCBpRS-imXpDX5or_4tcef794/s400/LogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As I mentioned in <a href="http://kspowers.blogspot.com/2017/03/scbwi-meeting-1-march-2017-cincinnati.html" target="_blank">my last post</a>, this month features TWO SCBWI meeting summaries! The March meeting in Columbus featured Middle Grade author, Jennifer Maschari. Jen is the author of <i>The Remarkable Journey of Charlie Price</i> and the upcoming <i>Things That Surprise You</i>. She spoke to our group about the publishing process and craft of writing--and which is more important to focus on when you're getting started.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hUbELY6HV-4uTzH8knh5Nc1cKIDbg5eh3JBHGhHgru8wXWT8sxmatFdsCaIGgWqH3MFrr-B4gcD324fkyC7zyIdfiDmki858vbbM9p-mgOPpsrE89DCEZv6A-LQyOSOg6OzdQEqk4HM/s1600/Book-Cover-Things-That-Surprise-You-final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hUbELY6HV-4uTzH8knh5Nc1cKIDbg5eh3JBHGhHgru8wXWT8sxmatFdsCaIGgWqH3MFrr-B4gcD324fkyC7zyIdfiDmki858vbbM9p-mgOPpsrE89DCEZv6A-LQyOSOg6OzdQEqk4HM/s320/Book-Cover-Things-That-Surprise-You-final.jpg" width="211" /></a>Jen began by saying that the first step in any writer's journey is to WRITE A BOOK! Aspiring authors have a tendency to <i>think </i>about writing more often than they actually sit down and write something. Jen reasoned that you'll never have "enough time" (or whatever other excuse you fall back on), so just do it. DO IT NOW! <br />
<br />
But then what do you do once you have poured your heart into your pen or triumphantly typed, "The End?" <br />
<br />
Jen admitted that she jumped into querying and focused on the publishing process as soon as she finished her first book. But looking back, she wishes that she'd spent more time on her craft and less time researching agent response times. It took her many rejections to realize that her manuscript wasn't strong enough to be published yet. This is a very common situation that new writers find themselves in. But don't fret! Writers can strengthen their work by reading current published books, joining critique groups, and...<br />
<br />
Revising!<br />
<br />
To Jen, revision is the heart of writing. She gave a list of the many things that she's done to her books during the revision process including cutting characters, changing tense, changing point of view, and even starting over. It's okay if you don't get things right the first time; revising allows you to approach your story in new ways, discard what doesn't work, and add elements that will make it stronger. Jen also emphasized how important it is to find a network of writer friends. These may be people you meet at a conference, in online groups, or even at your local SCBWI meeting. They'll help you get through the bad times and celebrate the good times of your publishing journey, all the while helping to improve your writing so it becomes the best it can be. <br />
<br />
Lastly, Jen talked about how writing is hard work--really <i>really </i>hard work. It's a dream, but it's also a job. But by putting in the time and work (and not fretting over agent response times), you can achieve success!<br />
<br />
A big thank you to Jen for sharing her writing and publishing wisdom with the group! You can find out more about Jen and her books at <a href="http://jenmaschari.com/" target="_blank">jenmaschari.com</a>. <br />
<br />
If you want to learn more about COSCBWI, be sure to visit the group website at <a href="http://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/" target="_blank">http://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/</a>. I hope to see you at the next meeting!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Cover image is from Jen's website at <a href="http://jenmaschari.com/books-2/" target="_blank">http://jenmaschari.com/books-2/</a> </span>K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-40130485278834699112017-03-19T12:15:00.000-07:002017-03-19T12:15:25.810-07:00SCBWI Meeting #1 March 2017: Cincinnati Bound!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakhwxHHr1WVOBOGqWaLALPn7tjcVJysnVTXaujR1HBCALtmOgVl7rJATuB167Nx-xj9_iaZfN0hCfZ6X6yQV1ieEyFYxiIPKKD2Wp2JMry9P19mJ4zTfCBpRS-imXpDX5or_4tcef794/s1600/LogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakhwxHHr1WVOBOGqWaLALPn7tjcVJysnVTXaujR1HBCALtmOgVl7rJATuB167Nx-xj9_iaZfN0hCfZ6X6yQV1ieEyFYxiIPKKD2Wp2JMry9P19mJ4zTfCBpRS-imXpDX5or_4tcef794/s400/LogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This month is extra special because I'll be blogging about TWO SCBWI meetings! The Central & Southern Ohio chapter of SCBWI encompasses a large chunk of the Buckeye State including Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton. Since I'm in Columbus, I attend the monthly meetings there. But Cincinnati is home to our chapter's Assistant Regional Advisor, Andrea Pelleschi, who also holds meetings in her corner of the state. With the winter weather receding, Regional Advisor, Jody Casella, and I took a road trip to attend the March Cincinnati meeting and connect with our southern SCBWI siblings. <br />
<br />
The SCBWI meetings in Cincinnati are held on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 7:00 pm at the Sharonville Library. They feature a mix of critique meetings and speakers, and you can always find the details at <a href="http://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/" target="_blank">ohiocensouth.scbwi.org</a>. Jody and I were thrilled to meet 30 members from Cincinnati, many of whom we'd connected with via email and Facebook over the years. (It's always wonderful to put faces to names!)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwTFZRKmr7T20SV6j1wwf6persK1SVKdINSefgMMtTRaOUeJE17Tt_MYgL2s6rIWkhaTsn3oioeewEdlOUxaSwPNxxyWrBHDD_zRBROBLaPvI9wQ6afp8eqK5vh_JRhkynkPHyoPGVAY/s1600/Sharonville+Branch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwTFZRKmr7T20SV6j1wwf6persK1SVKdINSefgMMtTRaOUeJE17Tt_MYgL2s6rIWkhaTsn3oioeewEdlOUxaSwPNxxyWrBHDD_zRBROBLaPvI9wQ6afp8eqK5vh_JRhkynkPHyoPGVAY/s320/Sharonville+Branch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sharonville Library. We even arrived before dark!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Jody and I started the meeting with an overview of the happenings in Columbus and how the Cen/South Ohio SCBWI Board is trying to better serve and connect members across the region. (Like our website improvements, our in-the-pipeline plans for published members, and our awesome new members-only Facebook group for artists: Cen/South Ohio SCBWI Illustrators.) Jody and Andrea also reminded the group that SCBWI is an organization made up of volunteers, and everyone is invited to get involved. So if you want to see more events or critiques in your hometown, don't hesitate to volunteer and see what a difference you can make in Ohio's children's lit community.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibycu5nM0VfY7iIiK6QQaDzVERaJCLuNuGaIfmJhLfdTbu8fEUUsRUYZiFqKYYvU-rtTfznpABPkTBlobvj4rF_Mm91EjlJys9dUdP844V5xb9myEKYwHbi-_xy_uLjA6-yS5QykEC0Qs/s1600/Thin+Space+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibycu5nM0VfY7iIiK6QQaDzVERaJCLuNuGaIfmJhLfdTbu8fEUUsRUYZiFqKYYvU-rtTfznpABPkTBlobvj4rF_Mm91EjlJys9dUdP844V5xb9myEKYwHbi-_xy_uLjA6-yS5QykEC0Qs/s200/Thin+Space+Cover.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
After the overview, Jody took the stand as the month's guest speaker to give a presentation on her publishing journey. I always find road-to-publication stories so inspiring. Like many aspiring authors, it took Jody a long time to publicly admit that she wanted to be a writer. (It's so much easier to keep those dreams quietly to oneself!) NANOWRIMO was a big turning point for her, forcing her to get ideas down quickly instead of fretting over every little word. It also made her realize that often you don't know what your story is about until you get to the end of it and see what you have. (Her main character for her published novel <i>Thin Space</i> wasn't even planned--he popped up in her draft and stole the show, taking her story in a direction she'd never intended.) Once you have everything on paper--from your carefully-planned plot points to your unexpected surprises--THEN you can go back and work on making the story the best it can be. <br />
<br />
Jody also warned about two big pitfalls for writers: being Arrogant and Insecure. She admitted that she fell into the camp of being Arrogant when she started and thought she knew more about writing than she did. It took her a while to realize that she still had a lot to learn, but once she did, her newfound openness to workshops and critiques provided a big boost to her work--and ultimately her career. On the flip side, Jody cautioned that being Insecure can be equally damaging. Some writers have a difficult time believing in their own abilities, and she has seen many that are afraid to share their work with the world. But if a writer is too cautious, he or she can miss great opportunities and run the risk of never going anywhere.<br />
<br />
Jody's parting advice to the group was to never give up. The journey can be tough and full of surprises, but success comes to those who persevere!<br />
<br />
A big thank you to Jody for her inspiring presentation! You can learn more about Jody and her writing (and follow her wonderful blog) at: <a href="http://www.jodycasella.com/" target="_blank">http://www.jodycasella.com/</a><br />
<br />
I'd also like to send a huge thank you to the Cincinnati members for giving us such a warm welcome! We had a blast and can't wait to come down to see you all again! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbMFAQvpxHJdj05xyb0LEd3jUB-vXfVDNK783NB_RLnzrL_4GQRgdrCRCDUEKVCLpinpnfupzGQN1dQjMM7z_pVLvu4-V1-wUt-Tvn74qSNsn5oCFIvjEQ6nlR_XbKb1vBHuEJ4t63VY/s1600/Board+Cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbMFAQvpxHJdj05xyb0LEd3jUB-vXfVDNK783NB_RLnzrL_4GQRgdrCRCDUEKVCLpinpnfupzGQN1dQjMM7z_pVLvu4-V1-wUt-Tvn74qSNsn5oCFIvjEQ6nlR_XbKb1vBHuEJ4t63VY/s400/Board+Cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me (Kathryn Powers), Andrea Pelleschi, and Jody Casella</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-81630731619614244202017-02-27T20:05:00.000-08:002017-02-27T20:05:20.201-08:00The "Ten Years of Writing" Blog Post<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<i><insert trumpet fanfare here></i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
It's my ten-year writing anniversary. Ten years since I sat down at my computer, wrote my heart out, and started pursuing this crazy dream of publication. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
That's 1-0. A decade. a.k.a., A LONG, LONG TIME.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I'm
actually feeling okay about the occasion. Perhaps even a little bit proud? I
always hear that it takes most authors "ten years to become published,"
so my first contract must be just around the corner, right? ;) </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
In
reality, I think of it more as "ten years of not giving up." I've
earned my proverbial stripes and am prepared to keep moving on, even
though that final destination is still a big, fat question mark.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I
know, I know. This is when non-writers and illustrators would say
WHY? Why, oh why, do you continue to do this to yourself day after day,
year after year, with no end in sight? Are you nuts?!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Yes. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
It takes a certain type of insanity to battle the odds and keep chasing the publishing dream. It's not for the faint of heart or sound of mind. Or for people who despise rewriting their manuscript's opening sentence at least forty six times. Consider yourself warned. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I wasn't sure how I wanted to mark this
occasion. I thought about doing a cake recipe blog post. One of those,
"Stir in ample dedication. Add a cup of tears and a dash of
bitterness. Top with lots of chocolate--you'll need it." </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Instead, I
ate some celebratory s'mores cheesecake.</div>
<div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2j7az7YwKL6_zJgduOB1e0AZFZ4ad6ggj5X8fh6hxbriIWzCQ5VZuPHoSf3mBXkQBSiR5pP3DoLRMJcIPSgt3fc_dJFPcAPao1K-sRQZSqDlY6QFnvJsv_lIvIPIofxLlrcs0pZUXJTY/s1600/S%2527mores+Cheesecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2j7az7YwKL6_zJgduOB1e0AZFZ4ad6ggj5X8fh6hxbriIWzCQ5VZuPHoSf3mBXkQBSiR5pP3DoLRMJcIPSgt3fc_dJFPcAPao1K-sRQZSqDlY6QFnvJsv_lIvIPIofxLlrcs0pZUXJTY/s400/S%2527mores+Cheesecake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treat yo self.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I don't feel like
being cutesy or clever, so I'll just be honest. When I started my first
novel, <i>The Beast of Bannock</i>, I didn't think it would take ten years to become published. I didn't think I would go on to write several more books and <i>still </i>not be published. (My hopeful <a href="http://kspowers.blogspot.com/2012/02/happy-birthday-beast-of-bannock.html" target="_blank">five-year writing anniversary post</a> now makes me cringe. Poor, naive 2012 Kathryn!) </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The journey to publication really is like climbing up a mountain. A thrilling, dangerous, dizzying Mount Everest. The adventure has been
wonderful. It's been ugly. There have been times I thought I was sooooo close to the summit only to find out I still had a long, long, looooong way to go. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2i4ZD9poOpqrhcM7PaZ75wg3snMdUqCAaWaTr7rb31khdZgASLy08jnnm3_a__1J4SQjFu7UELp6-OnEk-gMAGFdxTVJoruFhhceQuo4RNPz_lz8gthFBwmVXb2-ceXjuCDUgywtyQI/s1600/The+Mountain+KPowers+2-27-17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2i4ZD9poOpqrhcM7PaZ75wg3snMdUqCAaWaTr7rb31khdZgASLy08jnnm3_a__1J4SQjFu7UELp6-OnEk-gMAGFdxTVJoruFhhceQuo4RNPz_lz8gthFBwmVXb2-ceXjuCDUgywtyQI/s400/The+Mountain+KPowers+2-27-17.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Parts
of this decade-long endeavor have been better than others. Years 1-4
were full of optimism and confidence. I soaked up everything I could
and thought publication was just around the corner. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Year 5, that confidence started wavering. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Years
6-8 were rough. The rejections piled on; promising connections
didn't pan out the way I thought they would. I was bummed out and
burned out. I frequently wanted to throw in the towel. I even declared I <i>was </i>throwing in the towel on more than one occasion! But
something always called me back, and I kept at it despite my
protestations.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Year 9, I felt the stirrings of my early passion and a twinge of hope again.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
And
now--at Year 10--I'm overall quite zen about the whole thing. Maybe I'll get
published; maybe I won't. All I can do is give it my best. Just keep
swimming and all that. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I may not be where I thought I
would be at this milestone, but I'm not doing too bad. I've got some books
under my belt and more in my head. I've learned a thing or two. I've been blessed with
so many, <i>many </i>wonderful writing and illustrating friends and family members who support me. (You know
who you are. You're probably reading this. I love you all and would be tumbling down the mountain if I didn't have you.) </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I also know that if (when?) I get published some day, more challenges will always come my way. But I'll save that for another decade.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
More than anything, this occasion has made me nostalgic. I'm not as devoted to my first novel anymore--the one about about a boy named Ellis who turns into a horse. (He also has green scars. I still think that's kind of cool.) But I'll always love it to pieces. So to celebrate this anniversary, I'll share some of my other firsts: my first writing notebook; my first rejection; my first (horrific) equine character sketches; my first stab at drawing a map of my fantasy world; and my first professional critique. (If you can read that tiny print, the agent bluntly wrote, "There isn't enough character development up front for me to care about, and root for, Ellis." She was 100% correct.)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq29O-r3CZXR0Jnyq0wgR1E5pdoBOblh6N8sTTkbj1-InvWgdvC7aOS-vfZwonJqYKnPPQoCCmFWavgUu6OJ4EaUX0dxJhUHWkO_75NBmi1DnM8dMskUA6oPhEDbIowTaOK2s9qJYyZFQ/s1600/Anniversary+Bannock+Collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq29O-r3CZXR0Jnyq0wgR1E5pdoBOblh6N8sTTkbj1-InvWgdvC7aOS-vfZwonJqYKnPPQoCCmFWavgUu6OJ4EaUX0dxJhUHWkO_75NBmi1DnM8dMskUA6oPhEDbIowTaOK2s9qJYyZFQ/s400/Anniversary+Bannock+Collage.png" width="331" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
And lastly, thank YOU for staying with me for all of these years. If you're one of my readers who is also climbing the mountain, I can't wait until we meet at the summit someday.<br />
<br />K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-21171220930101542652017-02-10T10:37:00.000-08:002017-02-10T10:37:09.472-08:00COSCBWI Meetings: Welcoming 2017!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakhwxHHr1WVOBOGqWaLALPn7tjcVJysnVTXaujR1HBCALtmOgVl7rJATuB167Nx-xj9_iaZfN0hCfZ6X6yQV1ieEyFYxiIPKKD2Wp2JMry9P19mJ4zTfCBpRS-imXpDX5or_4tcef794/s1600/LogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakhwxHHr1WVOBOGqWaLALPn7tjcVJysnVTXaujR1HBCALtmOgVl7rJATuB167Nx-xj9_iaZfN0hCfZ6X6yQV1ieEyFYxiIPKKD2Wp2JMry9P19mJ4zTfCBpRS-imXpDX5or_4tcef794/s400/LogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's a new
year, which means it’s time for new COSCBWI meetings!<br />
<br />
As you may have read in my "About Me" section of this blog, I'm the
Illustrator Coordinator for the Central and Southern Ohio Chapter of the
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (or SCBWI for short). I’ve
been involved with the organization for many years and love planning events and
projects for our members. A few years ago, I started posting summaries of
the monthly meetings on my blog for any local folk who missed attending, as
well as for my readers spread far and wide who are interested in
children's literature topics. I plan to continue this in 2017, so I hope you
will enjoy these COSCBWI posts!<br />
<br />
We had two meetings to kick off the new year—an overview of our chapter and
critique meeting for all members at the end of January, and an illustrator
meet-and-greet at the beginning of February.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Hence this delayed post!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Central/Southern Ohio chapter covers a large portion of Ohio including
Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
help better serve this big region, Jody Casella fills the roll of our Regional
Advisor in Columbus, and Andrea Pelleschi is the Assistant Regional Advisor
down in Cincinnati.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for the
illustrators, we just launched a brand new Facebook group so our members can
stay connected wherever they may live!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unless
otherwise noted, the monthly meeting in Columbus is held on the fourth
Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm at the Upper Arlington Library, and the
monthly meeting in Cincinnati is held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm
at the Sharonville Library.<br />
<br />
It's always a good idea to make sure everyone has the most up-to-date info at
the start of each year, so here is where you can find COSCBWI online:<br />
<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:ohiocensouth@scbwi.org" target="_blank">ohiocensouth@scbwi.org</a><br />
Website: <a href="http://ohiocensouth@scbwi.org/" target="_blank">http://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/</a><br />
Twitter: @CSOhioSCBWI<br />
Facebook: Central Southern Ohio SCBWI</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Facebook
Illustrator Group: Cen/South Ohio SCBWI Illustrators<br />
Listserv: <a href="mailto:coscbwi@yahoogroups.com" target="_blank">coscbwi@yahoogroups.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
After
introductions and group overviews, both meetings ended with member critiques of
manuscripts and portfolios. Group critiques are a wonderful way to get
feedback on your work, as well as share your writing and illustrating expertise
with other members. COSCBWI keeps the atmosphere informal and encouraging
for group critiques, so don't be afraid to share your work when opportunities
come up throughout the year!<br />
<br />
There are already several fun events on the agenda for 2017, including a Social
Media Fair on February 18, and a workshop with authors Mindy
McGinnis and Kelly Barson on March 4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(For more information and registration, be sure to check out the
website: <a href="http://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/" target="_blank">ohiocensouth.scbwi.org</a>.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
illustrators, there will also be a return of the annual notecard contest later
this year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other exciting plans are in
the works, so keep your eye on that website for more information.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is shaping
up to be a great year for COSCBWI! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
hope to see you at a meeting or event soon! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-47312532926079235102017-01-29T21:04:00.000-08:002017-01-29T21:11:50.615-08:00The Happy 2017 Blog Post (aka Looking Back and Looking Ahead)I realize it's already January 29, but happy 2017! If I summed up my new year so far in hashtags, it would be <b>#amwriting</b>, immediately followed by <b>#cannotfeelfingers</b> and <b>#haveastupidpinchednerve</b>. <i>Not</i> the ideal way to start a new year, but hopefully I'll be on the mend soon!<br />
<br />
In all honesty, being forced to cut back on my writing and illustrating this month has given me oodles of time to reflect on 2016. I've discussed the concept of "failure vs. success" with lots of my lit buddies, subscribed to the very worthwhile "12 Days of Christmas for Writers" web series by <a href="http://www.juliehedlund.com/12days/" target="_blank">Julie Hedlund</a>, and taken a good look inside myself. And what I discovered is that we writers and illustrators are a mean lot, brutally demanding and endlessly harsh on ourselves. <br />
<br />
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the lit community is SO WONDERFUL at building each other up. (I seriously don't know what I would do without my writing and illustrating soulmates.) But when it comes to being internally satisfied, we all have an enormous tendency to feel like we never do enough or achieve everything we want to.<br />
<br />
To illustrate this, here's my personal 2016, retold in the style of <i>The Very Hungry Caterpillar</i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oMLXWwddUnd-ebMfmkHgk40X8XB4R0A4om0HrRwv_K-dQTBKzm5XxHLSj_C8-5cekyCgNrjPAVNxcRYIdY2Xry0zJdYFhUiHnPWTOprrInpebko6V7A3N0m_GCK4skpztlzziq4snP0/s1600/Very+hungry+Kathryn+Blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oMLXWwddUnd-ebMfmkHgk40X8XB4R0A4om0HrRwv_K-dQTBKzm5XxHLSj_C8-5cekyCgNrjPAVNxcRYIdY2Xry0zJdYFhUiHnPWTOprrInpebko6V7A3N0m_GCK4skpztlzziq4snP0/s400/Very+hungry+Kathryn+Blog.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As 2015 turned to 2016, a little writer-illustrator sat at
her desk. On New Year morning the
resolutions started flowing and POP!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out
of that mindset came a determined, very ambitious Kathryn.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In January and February she revised half of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pirate Ferret</i>, but she still felt
unaccomplished.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In March and April she whipped out illustrations and
put on a big book festival at work, but she still felt unaccomplished.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In May through July she completed two months of daily
drawing challenges and led her first workshop, but she still felt
unaccomplished.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In August she re-revised the first half of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pirate Ferret</i>, but she still felt
unaccomplished.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In September through November she completed an illustration
course, drafted two picture books, started an Instagram account, planned a
local art gallery, illustrated her rump off, overhauled her website portfolio,
and worked on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pirate Ferret</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she STILL FELT UNACCOMPLISHED.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That December she had a meltdown.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When the New Year dawned once more, the very ambitious Kathryn
realized she was being utterly ridiculous and had actually accomplished a lot
in 2016.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may not have been everything
she’d intended when she sat at her desk twelve months ago, but it was a heck of
a lot nonetheless.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She’s going to work on that in 2017.</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The End. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="color: black;">All joking aside, I really have realized that I'm my own worst enemy when it comes to feeling accomplished. Resolutions are great, but so are unexpected opportunities. Goals are helpful, but sometimes they need to be reevaluated. And of course, life just happens. So I'm going to try to be better about celebrating the little victories this year and be content as long as I keep moving forward. </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;">On a happier note, I am very pleased that I managed to fill up this chart again in 2016!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuJy8hoJIzt0MFACBGygehIppjbC1rm63Q4tprFcTKeaNk5eUb1-KIAKmqngiM8abCyLJTEFCsIm2aYsjGi4wfzlB2o7f0OOqtfr-dmbRtlnObj1JeBRHmRQGqqwEv_bgmVTyJChcdeI/s1600/2016+Summary+of+Art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuJy8hoJIzt0MFACBGygehIppjbC1rm63Q4tprFcTKeaNk5eUb1-KIAKmqngiM8abCyLJTEFCsIm2aYsjGi4wfzlB2o7f0OOqtfr-dmbRtlnObj1JeBRHmRQGqqwEv_bgmVTyJChcdeI/s400/2016+Summary+of+Art.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;">I feel like I was pretty quiet about sharing art on my blog this year, but in all honesty, I did more work to grow as an illustrator in 2016 instead of full, finished pieces to post online. And I wrote a lot, too. So anytime this blog goes silent, just know I'm scribbling away at something behind the scenes. :)</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;">I was going to follow up this post with another one on all the other fun things I did in 2016 and never posted about. But since most of those things involve writing and illustrating in some way, I think they feel at home here. So what else did I do in 2016?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;">I spent a week at Highlights for a mini-reunion with these lovely ladies. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JG8xyL05PUgrVVjTXOnAQtvTaEV3wRODn7MAvT1x2Rt4BOT0C2ko-xF6N2WA92lB3PqnRXNc3R7zBmtif1ph5H2mPW5Kd8POU7KJWY1LdemD0TLnOJLQoDRwS9_b-4-v3QsgRh39BTU/s1600/IMG_5037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JG8xyL05PUgrVVjTXOnAQtvTaEV3wRODn7MAvT1x2Rt4BOT0C2ko-xF6N2WA92lB3PqnRXNc3R7zBmtif1ph5H2mPW5Kd8POU7KJWY1LdemD0TLnOJLQoDRwS9_b-4-v3QsgRh39BTU/s400/IMG_5037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;">We wrote and giggled and learned how to tie teeny-tiny Twizzler nooses. It was pretty awesome.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1WcpK5q-FQzPDrzgAFVXKo9HDujq0gvInmCKH3wM0G6LZXZ5TVE9jbJ3CMs04dkhu-mtTchx-nJtiyiy-kKWLaAjHkeiKicpAUMN34VGqNKQUSbcPX4XRN8XLI_rasU-HGEooWR4kpo/s1600/Twizzler+Noose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1WcpK5q-FQzPDrzgAFVXKo9HDujq0gvInmCKH3wM0G6LZXZ5TVE9jbJ3CMs04dkhu-mtTchx-nJtiyiy-kKWLaAjHkeiKicpAUMN34VGqNKQUSbcPX4XRN8XLI_rasU-HGEooWR4kpo/s320/Twizzler+Noose.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;">I also got to visit this wonderful gal on three occasions, and we attended our first conference since she moved from Ohio. It was just like old times! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YdKuy-msyNslHp0AArsRbj-xMqAecAdp4ojLzDUuWU4rxiqqzMA4SQVDxc1WTfT2Oj7uvHB3u50Vr2FYW9YvxUuroF6IyFSAf2G8qH1K7JyQxt7A0y-17Cth54D4aXlcwQOVWzSiON0/s1600/Fall+Conference+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YdKuy-msyNslHp0AArsRbj-xMqAecAdp4ojLzDUuWU4rxiqqzMA4SQVDxc1WTfT2Oj7uvHB3u50Vr2FYW9YvxUuroF6IyFSAf2G8qH1K7JyQxt7A0y-17Cth54D4aXlcwQOVWzSiON0/s400/Fall+Conference+Pic.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">This fantastic partner-in-crime helped keep me on track all year long with manuscript challenges and victory Chinese buffets. We also met Mo Willems and it was AMAZING! Mo's Pigeon even photobombed our picture. ;)</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWF2S7k2hqMbhbMr44xQ_INvcoF9pk5rzxrPxFrDxo6xuwWixqAuhG6uvf4YTCaIwMKNyUdu2M1lgEke7iuB9VDHT27oakdiwSDH7bUAuleqBwAk4HysaR3w9lxvJZmE9E7YLN1dKqILA/s1600/Mo+Willems+Signing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWF2S7k2hqMbhbMr44xQ_INvcoF9pk5rzxrPxFrDxo6xuwWixqAuhG6uvf4YTCaIwMKNyUdu2M1lgEke7iuB9VDHT27oakdiwSDH7bUAuleqBwAk4HysaR3w9lxvJZmE9E7YLN1dKqILA/s400/Mo+Willems+Signing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(This picture was all sorts of awful until the Pigeon saved it!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Lastly, I am oh-so thrilled that 2016 brought me TWO new nephews! That now brings my auntly total to three handsome nephews and one beautiful niece. (And lots and lots of love!)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">So that pretty much sums up my 2016! I'm sure I forgot to post about something--it was quite a roller coaster year--and I have no doubt 2017 will be just as crazy. But with good friends and wonderful family, I know it will be another great year.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">I wish you a creative, healthy, and joyful new year! And most of all, I hope you keep moving forward in 2017! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Note: Blank art summary meme edited from DustBunnyThumper on deviantArt. <a href="http://dustbunnythumper.deviantart.com/art/2014-Summary-of-Art-BLANK-500086771" target="_blank">link</a></span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">"Pigeon" is (c) Mo Willems. (I was just being silly.) All art and doodles are mine.</span>K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-57131821869258616942016-12-31T13:25:00.001-08:002016-12-31T13:25:52.183-08:00Children's Book Academy ClassBefore this year draws to a close, I wanted to sneak in one more blog post for 2016. (I've only meant to blog about this for months, but better late than never!)<br />
<br />
During the fall, I was fortunate to attend an online illustration course offered through the Children's Book Academy called, "The Craft and Business of Illustrating Picture Books." It was truly the highlight of my year. Taught by industry professionals Mira Reisberg and Julia Maguire, the intensive online course went over all aspects of the children's book illustration process. The format included daily lessons with interviews, demonstrations, and videos; weekly illustration assignments; and live group critique sessions with Mira and Julia. There was also an amazing private Facebook group for all the students where we could share work and help each other out. (A group that is still going strong and full of people I am honored to now call friends!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tm6HCBUHTf_uYoDjfHjH0ltO4juwrbIwAsM8ybmw1awZvro6WiTXp1TFKH9OfVA-v3FD2MjhjhAK6WBgvdOK8tDN64FAjO2UFlGIwHMjN4qwvJG7Sd1LOhi3YEqBGkM_xGTz72TrcOo/s1600/Craft+and+Business+of+Illustrating+Children%2527s+Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tm6HCBUHTf_uYoDjfHjH0ltO4juwrbIwAsM8ybmw1awZvro6WiTXp1TFKH9OfVA-v3FD2MjhjhAK6WBgvdOK8tDN64FAjO2UFlGIwHMjN4qwvJG7Sd1LOhi3YEqBGkM_xGTz72TrcOo/s400/Craft+and+Business+of+Illustrating+Children%2527s+Books.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Since I didn't go to art school, I've always felt like the lack of a formal education has been a bit of a black mark against me. (During conference critiques, I've had some industry professionals disregard that fact as totally unimportant, while others have admonished me for it--sometimes before even opening my portfolio. I wish I was exaggerating, but that's sadly the truth.) Whether or not a formal education is important is obviously subjective, but the negative reactions have certainly left their mark on me and my confidence over the years. So instead of letting that bring me down, I really wanted to do something to increase my knowledge and help fill in some gaps that I know I missed by not attending art school. The Children's Book Academy was the PERFECT choice for helping me achieve just that. (And so much more!)<br />
<br />
The course focused on a building-block approach to creating picture books--from thumbnail sketches and character design all the way to ready-to-submit dummies and color samples. As an extra bonus, the online materials are available for students for many months after the course is over. The friendliness of both the instructors and other students also made me feel completely comfortable asking my many "stupid" questions. (I'm one of those people who would rather say something and look like a cotton headed ninny muggins than keep my confusion to myself and/or do something incorrectly.) Most importantly, the course gave me the confidence to work on BLINK, my picture book idea about a little bat looking for a friend, that had been sitting in my mind for a very long time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfgPMPNZxoLQObXgcVTf2uAiqKRUCQpdE_7bd25blRSs6P9jCLJAvsK_xxwH5jfNi3AUx37zjRigbBfkj2TY2zgPpB3C-KpnIwvNSpmkSwXtJKbi_0Gba4Afr7JXbz4cVZKhQ6soHROc/s400/Rough+Thumbnail+Sketches.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough Thumbnail Sketches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfgPMPNZxoLQObXgcVTf2uAiqKRUCQpdE_7bd25blRSs6P9jCLJAvsK_xxwH5jfNi3AUx37zjRigbBfkj2TY2zgPpB3C-KpnIwvNSpmkSwXtJKbi_0Gba4Afr7JXbz4cVZKhQ6soHROc/s1600/Rough+Thumbnail+Sketches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAH-kYTntEssynsuGWyp9vehqvIBVEkcyhn-I6Um3nqugAWvihyphenhyphenF2HKMDwcMvLX6u5rl44RhJiKtM5RSc1bWzFlQ3Fe5h8GpXtkaPEsG0BANALpDV3ICyradSsESy8nMTvaK6qoIdxUs/s1600/Blink+Character+Design+Sketches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAH-kYTntEssynsuGWyp9vehqvIBVEkcyhn-I6Um3nqugAWvihyphenhyphenF2HKMDwcMvLX6u5rl44RhJiKtM5RSc1bWzFlQ3Fe5h8GpXtkaPEsG0BANALpDV3ICyradSsESy8nMTvaK6qoIdxUs/s400/Blink+Character+Design+Sketches.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Character Design Sketches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjBJX425XyAt5W-1PZ4Yq_MDNZ7UoQEOfIE2SMc_PJuD7QFKrMFv7sYvkVmTFAVDLGWbo0IkAVYVTbiQAGb-LCInsAWL-JX_1TW0kid64NU5vYgm4iebRO3aM1PmOuW1GQ06Vt3FQXfU/s1600/RevisedThumbnail+Sketches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjBJX425XyAt5W-1PZ4Yq_MDNZ7UoQEOfIE2SMc_PJuD7QFKrMFv7sYvkVmTFAVDLGWbo0IkAVYVTbiQAGb-LCInsAWL-JX_1TW0kid64NU5vYgm4iebRO3aM1PmOuW1GQ06Vt3FQXfU/s400/RevisedThumbnail+Sketches.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaner Thumbnail Sketches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2RIrYaQbfpMUr9g6rB4CAEITs4wz60KjLWud_Mqc24G-mMiUBhkWsw0-xktt6MQsTMJdyZBvcaEdvT8pFvNaftUnVVsfnkiySTZkq892b6SwJtRoewVr8Wu6vr0qodlSK-9HR9t1G0g/s1600/Blink+Singing+Website+KSPowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2RIrYaQbfpMUr9g6rB4CAEITs4wz60KjLWud_Mqc24G-mMiUBhkWsw0-xktt6MQsTMJdyZBvcaEdvT8pFvNaftUnVVsfnkiySTZkq892b6SwJtRoewVr8Wu6vr0qodlSK-9HR9t1G0g/s400/Blink+Singing+Website+KSPowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color/Portfolio Sample</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There was also an opportunity at the end of the course to submit "Golden Ticket" work for industry professionals to see. I wasn't picked by any of the professionals, but I'm happy the opportunity encouraged me to work hard and finish some new illustrations for my portfolio. <br />
<br />
Now that the course is over, I know I still have a lot to learn. BUT, I feel much more knowledgeable and confident, and I'm very pleased with the progress I've made. I'm so thankful to Mira for putting together such an amazing course, and I hope to take another class with her again in the future. (Do check out the website at <a href="http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/" target="_blank">www.childrensbookacademy.com</a>. There are loads of courses offered, and I highly encourage any of my blog readers interested in writing or illustrating children's lit to take one.) <br />
<br />
My little bat character, Blink, will also always be grateful that this course made me finally put him on paper. I know everything I've learned through the Children's Book Academy will help me take him to the next level. :) <br />
<br />K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-47847596580969310052016-12-24T16:41:00.000-08:002016-12-24T16:41:02.328-08:00Merry Christmas 2016!Merry Christmas! Per usual, this season has zipped by faster than a flying reindeer. But amidst the 4:00 a.m. baking sprees and last-minute shopping, I put aside a smidgeon of time to illustrate a festive card.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwN8c8n5vFLfhA1QdFuEmYTjKuiB7w2NlhOC06YhVi5ZO9QNiZtWJ8AX_PecIgNY-Jbdn5a0CQBtlZ5fble4c0dBjx99c2dNUew4SJgjHxszvSd4g6Wfu2i6AQ827jIYy4wW_tnzgvXXY/s1600/Kathryn+Powers+Gingerbread+Dancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwN8c8n5vFLfhA1QdFuEmYTjKuiB7w2NlhOC06YhVi5ZO9QNiZtWJ8AX_PecIgNY-Jbdn5a0CQBtlZ5fble4c0dBjx99c2dNUew4SJgjHxszvSd4g6Wfu2i6AQ827jIYy4wW_tnzgvXXY/s400/Kathryn+Powers+Gingerbread+Dancer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I don't know what it is with me and mice, but I adore those critters! (My 2016 sketchbook is brimming with them!) This little lady has found herself a dashing dance partner. But what happened to the poor gingerbread fellow's leg? The back of the card tells <i>that</i> story. ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzRp_BXhjKAqNI3W_RCMHBUZ7Z45izIZXIBvRgz52Z5Z_gEYdzZK-_42_R84V1cpiY7FZb10sIkAzz4AboGSn6-DfLEjkeunDRdftO5khLbnj2sZLgUTkfxx5uTZmT3Ufi8DFe1Zijb0/s1600/Kathryn+Powers+Cookie+Mouse+Christmas+Blog+Post.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzRp_BXhjKAqNI3W_RCMHBUZ7Z45izIZXIBvRgz52Z5Z_gEYdzZK-_42_R84V1cpiY7FZb10sIkAzz4AboGSn6-DfLEjkeunDRdftO5khLbnj2sZLgUTkfxx5uTZmT3Ufi8DFe1Zijb0/s400/Kathryn+Powers+Cookie+Mouse+Christmas+Blog+Post.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! I hope your season is full of family, friends, fond memories, and feasting! <br />
<br />
K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-38122170403742858512016-12-23T20:28:00.000-08:002016-12-23T20:28:21.696-08:00Interview on "First Looks/First Books"I am oh-so pleased to announce that I've been interviewed on a lovely blog series, "First Looks/First Books." <i>The Endpapers </i>blog is run by Carrie Karnes-Fannin. She's an illustrator, writer, photographer, and all-around fan of reading. (She's also an all-around awesome person!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibva3AHDQDwM10FuRSozQB0PZ-bMtO3VLL5kSYdE3tvNSqf_8X-eUS6-qQ5P07F77_v9G9hJ8HgGgwsNen5PAxsmtsRky9T-0__2EMF4XnT7fkHPR20abxYA2TUqHRV6UozoD7elR08Wg/s1600/The+Endpapers+Blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibva3AHDQDwM10FuRSozQB0PZ-bMtO3VLL5kSYdE3tvNSqf_8X-eUS6-qQ5P07F77_v9G9hJ8HgGgwsNen5PAxsmtsRky9T-0__2EMF4XnT7fkHPR20abxYA2TUqHRV6UozoD7elR08Wg/s400/The+Endpapers+Blog.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"First Looks/First Books" is a recurring series on Carrie's blog that features pre-published authors and illustrators. She discusses
their goals and dreams, and what they have learned so far working toward
publication. It's a wonderful resource for kid lit folk and full of inspiration, too. I'm truly honored that Carrie invited me to participate!<br />
<br />
You can read the full interview here:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.carriekarnesfannin.com/the-endpapers-blog/first-looksfirst-books-talking-with-kathryn-powers" target="_blank">www.carriekarnesfannin.com/the-endpapers-blog</a> <br />
<br />
It's equal parts fun and informative, with a few bonus pics of yours truly as a wee baby reader. :) <br />
<br />
A big thank you to Carrie for featuring me! I can't wait to learn about new writers and illustrators in her future interviews!<br />
<br />
K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680992945856694643.post-11554427395376417622016-12-03T13:12:00.000-08:002016-12-03T13:12:28.069-08:00COSCBWI Meeting November 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHk6a1NPnrVS8GP_bphNwRMnHv34UOEjoq6PtLTK3mLT3Hq7j5MG4FcX1P2vAiZ0DXpyXUgXaX_AN_m64jH6NDG-duClJrjn_WWtbEzMXQSwrahDWBbqSb0nhpGox7RGqlgZSJs9xNk9I/s1600/RevisedLogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHk6a1NPnrVS8GP_bphNwRMnHv34UOEjoq6PtLTK3mLT3Hq7j5MG4FcX1P2vAiZ0DXpyXUgXaX_AN_m64jH6NDG-duClJrjn_WWtbEzMXQSwrahDWBbqSb0nhpGox7RGqlgZSJs9xNk9I/s400/RevisedLogoColoredWhiteBackground.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The November SCBWI meeting in Columbus featured an end-of-the-year PARTY! Our members have worked hard all year long, so we decided it was time to kick back, snack, and have fun!<br />
<br />
Holiday goodies were brought in by the Board and oh-so talented cookie baker, Holly Ruppel. We were also pleased to present the official 2016 Notecard Contest sets, which were available for purchase. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0o1AV7MyoJoJI6O7rKnz_ksH0ZU0bskbnJvWj7n7KoXoQ12iUvNCHSgrfJxb3amQWV4CFpVEdBwHicEOf8XSHeuxzd6CznpVdoWdzIFIrU2cJbhJ71ls1PY2yFJkcQ70aAs_Rkp8I-Q/s1600/Holly+Ruppel%2527s+Cookies+Party+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0o1AV7MyoJoJI6O7rKnz_ksH0ZU0bskbnJvWj7n7KoXoQ12iUvNCHSgrfJxb3amQWV4CFpVEdBwHicEOf8XSHeuxzd6CznpVdoWdzIFIrU2cJbhJ71ls1PY2yFJkcQ70aAs_Rkp8I-Q/s400/Holly+Ruppel%2527s+Cookies+Party+2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How gorgeous are Holly's cookies?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Board gave a little summary of the year, and boy was it a busy one! With six workshops, meetings every month, multiple illustration projects, and an indy book festival, the year was practically bursting with children's lit awesomeness! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzu9tj2VzV2HxSABLtQLac4-X9-NeipJ3RzCPAlb_spMrFJYr2WyD8CcwLoKWDZ9ZtiNmbas3kXgpXrHeH8Q_aOXjIaSB6SeV_u6jNIQ-wLF9L7oRHHJ5BXyqs7m0iTLu93xD6puNnus/s1600/Board+Holiday+Party+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzu9tj2VzV2HxSABLtQLac4-X9-NeipJ3RzCPAlb_spMrFJYr2WyD8CcwLoKWDZ9ZtiNmbas3kXgpXrHeH8Q_aOXjIaSB6SeV_u6jNIQ-wLF9L7oRHHJ5BXyqs7m0iTLu93xD6puNnus/s400/Board+Holiday+Party+2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sampling of the Board: Jody Casella, Kristy Boyce, Kathryn Powers (me), and Jodie Brohard.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
While munching on holiday treats, we played "Tic Tac Know"--a getting-to-know-you game where members wrote down tidbits about themselves and searched for other writers and illustrators they have things in common with. It was all sorts of silly and very fun! (I also learned that many SCBWI members dislike tomatoes as much as I do!)<br />
<br />
In addition to the party, the meeting was the last chance for members to see the gallery display at the Upper Arlington Library featuring art from the 2016 Notecard Contest. The UA Library said our gallery was a big hit with their patrons, and we're already brainstorming another collaboration for 2017!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuZL-9UMEong4ydXdBOvB_7lrO1gQuoW1RDFEBs68v__DcdSVEjIn0lOPWmIm20iODRWizgJlTT7sWl1BmmeObsg9-YFt2PEgRb0wTeVR5KGlRoZq5bn1_55QkVsaKQxHuWRhQI-6AZ8/s1600/2016+Gallery+Compilation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuZL-9UMEong4ydXdBOvB_7lrO1gQuoW1RDFEBs68v__DcdSVEjIn0lOPWmIm20iODRWizgJlTT7sWl1BmmeObsg9-YFt2PEgRb0wTeVR5KGlRoZq5bn1_55QkVsaKQxHuWRhQI-6AZ8/s400/2016+Gallery+Compilation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
While November
marked the last COSCBWI meeting for 2016, monthly meetings will
begin again in January 2017. The Board is busy planning another great year of events, so be sure to visit <a href="http://ohiocensouth.scbwi.org/" target="_blank">ohiocensouth.scbwi.org</a> for updates.<br />
<br />
I can't wait to see old friends and new faces at the meetings in 2017! Have a wonderful holiday season!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Photos taken by Kristy Boyce and Kathryn Powers.</span>K. S. Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731916197824069408noreply@blogger.com0