COSCBWI February 2013: The Path to Publication for an Illustrator

Boy, am I all discombobulated with the date change in COSCBWI's monthly meetings!  I truly intended to have this post up by the end of February, but considering our meeting was on the 27th, I suppose that practically was the end of the month!  ;)

COSCBWI hosted guest speaker Alex Clark for the February meeting.  Alex is the illustrator of two picture books, Your Time Will Come and Captain Hammer and Super Sean: The Case of the Missing G.  He shared his path to publication with us, focusing on the non-traditional route he chose for his most recent project, Your Time Will Come.

If there's one thing I've learned from all of the wonderful COSCBWI speakers, it's that there are many ways to break into the publishing world.  Alex started out with a background in design, illustrating clothing graphics for companies like Abercrombie & Fitch and Walmart.  When his son was diagnosed with speech apraxia, he became involved in the CASANA organization.  In a stroke of serendipity, the contacts he made with the organization brought about the opportunity to illustrate his first book, Captain Hammer and Super Sean: The Case of the Missing G.  After that project was finished, he and the real-life Dr. Hammer decided to embark on a new project together which became Your Time Will Come.  After shopping the book around, they looked into self-publishers, ultimately deciding on Word Association Publishers.  The book came out this past December, and Alex has been busy getting the word out to fans and readers.

After describing his publication journey, Alex took questions from the group.  He gave a lot of great advice about the pros and cons of self-publishing.  He said that attitude really is everything, from promoting your book to parents and teachers to leading energetic school visits.  He also emphasized how important it is to have people who will vouch for you and your book, which can build your reputation and even lead to new opportunities.  Lastly, he described some of the fun things he has done as add-ons and book selling tactics, including creating vintage-style baseball posters and offering cartoon children's portraits as part of gift packages.  While it's a lot of work promoting and marketing a self-published book, Alex said it has also been a very rewarding experience.

You can find out more about Alex and his work at his website: www.alexmclark.com.  You can also find Your Time will Come on Amazon, and both online and in stores at Barnes and Noble.  I wish Alex the best success and many more future projects to come!

If you want to learn more about COSCBWI, you can check out the group website at www.coscbwi.org.  I hope to see you at our March meeting!

Book Review #17: Tua and the Elephant

This month's Animal Fantasy Book Review features Tua and the Elephant by debut author R. P. Harris.  I spied this book while browsing my local library for new animal fantasies, and was immediately drawn to the precious cover illustration by Taeeun Yoo.  I know, I know--you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but how could you not fall in love this one?  By the time I read the jacket flap, I was sold and ready for an exotic adventure in Thailand.  Here's the summary from the Chronicle Books website:

Ten-year-old Tua—Thai for “peanut”—has everything she needs at home in Chiang Mai, Thailand, except for one thing she’s always wanted: a sister.  In the market one day, Tua makes an accidental acquaintance—one with wise, loving eyes, remarkable strength, and a very curious trunk.  And when Tua meets Pohn-Pohn, it’s clear this elephant needs her help. 

Together, the unusual team sets off on a remarkable journey to escape from Pohn-Pohn’s vile captors.  From the bustling night market to the hallowed halls of a Buddhist temple and finally, to the sanctuary of an elephant refuge, this clever girl and her beloved companion find that right under their noses is exactly what each has been searching for: a friend. 

I've read a lot of animal fantasies over the years, but not many that featured elephants, especially elephants in Thailand.  From page one to "The End," I just loved this story of unexpected friendship.  (A friendship that is extra-cute since Tua's name means "peanut" and her best buddy is a pachyderm.  You know, because elephants like peanuts?  Oh, never mind...)  In addition to being a heartwarming story, this book is a fantastic example of world-building and has a very unique take on "talking" animals, too.

Unlike many animal fantasy stories, Tua and Pohn-Pohn do not actually talk to each other.  Most of their communication is done with gestures (such as Pohn-Pohn taking Tua's hand in her trunk) or by Tua putting words in Pohn-Pohn's mouth by interpreting her expressions, reactions, etc.  As the story progresses, the narrator does show the world through Pohn-Pohn's thoughts from time to time.  And sometimes, the interpretations AND thoughts even go hand in hand.  For example: "Pohn-Pohn tossed her trunk up and down...She could smell the musky scent of elephants..It was in the air and on the ground--it was all around her.  She reached out and stroked Tua's back as if to say, 'Can you smell that?'"  (pg. 162).  Here, the narrator is showing the reader what is going on in Pohn-Pohn's head, while giving us Tua's interpretations of the elephant's actions.  I can't recall ever reading a book with a communication set up like this before, and it was rather remarkable.  It you want to try a non-talking form of  communication in your own animal fantasy novel, you could definitely learn a thing or two from Harris!

The fact that Tua and the Elephant takes place in the real world instead of a fantasy one doesn't make the setting less fantastic.  Harris really immerses the reader in Tua's Thailand home, from the bustling city to the serene elephant sanctuary and everywhere in between.  Cultural words are peppered throughout the story, giving the prose an authentic and natural feel.  The reader even learns much about the society and economy through Tua's young eyes, from the impoverished locals to the wealthy farangs (foreigners) she meets during her journey--as well as the kind and cruel people that make up each class.  Add Pohn-Pohn's views on the world--from the villainous mahouts who abused her to the wonderful little girl who feeds her tasty mangoes--and the book gains an extra level of world-building depth.  The author's note explains that Tua's story was inspired by Harris' own trip to the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  I've always heard that writers should write about what they know and love.  The careful attention to detail and culture in this book shows that Harris truly took that advice to heart.

If you enjoy books about faraway places and exotic animals, than Tua and the Elephant is a great pick for you.  If you love friendship stories, then this book is definitely a winner for you, too.  And if you write animal fantasy, you should trek out to your local bookstore and snatch this up ASAP.  I guarantee this is a book you won't soon forget.  (Okay, I'm done making lame elephant jokes now.)

For the life of me, I could not find a website for R. P. Harris, but you can find out more about the novel on Chronicle Books' website: www.chroniclebooks.com/tua-and-the-elephant.

You can also learn more about Taeeun Yoo and her beautiful illustrations on her website: www.taeeunyoo.com.  (Her gallery is just lovely!)

And if you read this book, do let me know!  I'd love to hear what you think.  :)

Happy reading!  

Note: Cover art and summary blurb are both from the Chronicle Books website, listed above.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like...

SPRINGTIME!
Okay, not really, but I did notice this lovely sight on the ground today!

Buds say, "Here we come!"

While I love Christmas and snow (when I don't have to drive in it), winter is not my favorite season.  Dry skin; slippery roads; barren trees; freezing my tushy off each time I step outside--the list of seasonal unpleasantness is long and yucky.  And by mid-February, I think even most ski bunnies have had enough of the season.  

But these little buds are a sign that spring will soon be in the air!  Unfortunately, the weather forecast says that snow will be in the air much sooner.

Buds say, "Oh no!"

Although I'm very happy my hyacinths are ready for warmer weather, they may just be a tad over-enthusiastic this year.  Old Man Winter isn't done with us yet, but there is definitely a light at the end of the tunnel and the hope of wonderful things to come.

So bundle up for a few more weeks, snuggle close together, and don't let the winter blahs get you down!  (And if you have some overly-eager buds of your own, do make them some tiny scarves and earmuffs.  They'll appreciate it.)

Buds say, "See you soon!"

Note: Photos and art by me!  If you couldn't tell, I've contracted cabin-fever.  ;)

First COSCBWI Illustrator Meeting!

February 6th was a momentous day for COSCBWI--our very first Illustrator Meeting!

In case you haven't heard, one of COSCBWI's goals for 2013 is to create more events and meetings geared towards illustrators and their specific needs.  (Although ALL members are welcome to attend, of course!)  The endeavor kicked-off this month with the first Illustrator Meet and Greet (and Critique) Meeting!  As an aspiring illustrator, I made sure I was in attendance to see what the new COSCBWI Illustrator Coordinator, Nikki Boetger, has in store for all of us.

After introductions, Nikki opened the floor for a group critique session.  Critiques are just as important for illustrators as they are for writers.  Constructive feedback does wonders for helping artists grow and become more professional in their work.  I volunteered to be our guinea pig and offered one of my pieces up for critique.  I got great feedback from our members, and the critique setting let us all get to know each other better.  Their insights will certainly help me on my upcoming projects, and I'm sure our members learned a lot from the advice everyone had to share.  :)

The rest of the meeting consisted of a group chat regarding what members would like to see from the Illustrator Events this year.  Nikki has some great ideas, including on-site sketching around Columbus and talks by industry professionals.  She has some fun projects in the works, too, that involve working towards artistic goals, such as prepping illustrator postcards or working on individual pieces for the SCBWI grants. 

While places and dates may change by event, the current plan is to meet on the SECOND Wednesday of every month at the good ol' Upper Arlington Library.  (The same place the usual COSCBWI monthly meetings are held.  But remember, those take place on the FOURTH Wednesday of every month!)  And keep in mind: if you're someone who dabbles in art, likes to look at paintings, or has just colored in a coloring book once in your lifetime, you are still very welcome to come!  Illustrators and writers BOTH have a lot to gain from these new meetings! 

Be sure to check out the COSCBWI website at www.coscbwi.org for more information on upcoming meetings, and stay tuned to our Facebook page as well!  And if you couldn't attend the Illustrator Meet and Greet, feel free to give us your input on what you'd like to see from the group by emailing COSBWI at: coscbwi@yahoo.com.  (You can add a comment below this blog post, too.  I'll be sure it gets to the right people!)

I hope to see you at the next COSCBWI Illustrator Event!

Book Review #16: Survivors

This month's Animal Fantasy Book Review features the first novel in Erin Hunter's brand new series, Survivors.  Subtitled The Empty City, it leaves the realms of cats and bears to focus on everyone's favorite pet: dogs!  (Can you guess I'm a dog person?)  Now, don't get me wrong.  I like cats and I like bears, but I love canines!  Here's the book blurb from the official Survivors website:

Lucky is a golden-haired mutt with a nose for survival.  He has always been a loner—roaming the streets of the busy city and relying on his instincts to get by.  Other dogs have Packs, but Lucky stands alone.
 
Then the Big Growl strikes.  Suddenly the ground is split wide open.  The Trap House is destroyed.  And all the longpaws have disappeared.

Now Lucky is trapped in a strange and desolate new world with no food, foul water, and enemies at every turn.  He falls in with others left behind, including his littermate Bella, a Leashed dog. Relying on other dogs—and having them depend on him—brings new dangers that Lucky isn’t prepared for, but he may not be able to survive on his own.  Can Lucky ever be a true Pack Dog?

If you write or read animal fantasy, then the name "Erin Hunter" should definitely be familiar to you.  (You also probably already know that it's a pseudonym for several writers, but for the sake of this review, I'm going to reference them by their collaborative pen name.)  Further, I'm guessing you're rather familiar with the ginormous displays of Warriors and Seekers books found in stores.  As a writer of animal fantasy, I was so happy to discover Survivors in my library.  Hunter's two sprawling series--and the addition of this third series--are proof that kids love animal fantasies and want to keep reading them.  (Seriously, go take a look at the extensive list of books on the Warriors website: www.warriorcats.com.  That is a LOT of books!)  Hunter keeps kids coming back for more with her great characters and unique stories.  Survivors is no exception, and I was particularly impressed by Hunter's set up for the series as well as her canine-view of the world she created.

Survivors is a perfect example of a "What if..." scenario expanded into a great story.  In this case, the question is, "What if dogs survived doomsday and were forced to live without their owners?"  It's a fascinating story premise, and not that far-fetched with natural disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy fresh in our minds.  What if you had to evacuate your home so quickly that you couldn't even take your beloved pets with you?  What would happen to them?  Could they find food and water?  Would they move on and forget you ever existed?  Or would they loyally wait for you on the front doorstep until you returned?  The questions just raise more questions, and the outcomes are limitless, creating a fantasy world that Hunter can do so much with over the course of a series.  It just goes to show that inspiration for a good animal fantasy story can come from anywhere--even that weather report on TV and the tail-wagging buddy sitting next to you on the couch.

This post-apocalyptic scenario becomes even more interesting when Hunter shows us the world from two different viewpoints: canines who are accustomed to eating out of silver bowls, and others who have gone dumpster-diving their entire lives.  The story is told from Lucky's point of view.  He's a tough pup who grew up on the streets and graduated from the obedience school of hard knocks.  He scoffs at "Leashed Dogs," pitying their dependency on "Longpaws" (humans) and deeming them crazy for trusting the kicking, yelling, abandoning species.  (Yeah, he has just a few gripes about humans.)  Of course, Lucky finds himself stuck with a pack of pampered pooches who need him to show them the ways of the world.  But, they quickly prove they aren't as soft and helpless as they seem.  He teaches them how to hunt; they show him how car doors open.  He saves them from drinking poisoned water; they rig up a makeshift refrigerator.  Together, their combined skills enable the survival of a pack in the dangerous, desolate world where "Big Growls" (earthquakes) can strike at any moment and "Shapclaws" (cats) lurk in the shadows.  (Did I mention Hunter is awesome at coming up with canine-isms, too?)  The contrasting views of the world add so much humor and drama to the story, resulting in a much deeper tale than if Lucky had found himself in a pack with other same-minded, street-wise dogs.  Hunter can definitely teach you a thing or two about incorporating different viewpoints in your own animal fantasy story.    

If you're a fan of doggy stories, then Survivors is a great choice for you.  If you enjoyed Hunter's other series, then you will certainly be a fan of this canine-world, too.  (That is, unless you're a stalwart cat person!)  And of course, if you write animal fantasies, you should read this book for all the reasons I discussed above--and more!  You should then pick up any of Hunter's other numerous novels, too, so you can uncover the secrets that make kids collect her books like Beanie Babies.

You can find out more about Erin Hunter and Survivors on the book's website here: survivors.warriorcats.com.  

And if you read this book, do let me know!  I'd love to hear what you think.

Happy reading!

Note: Cover art and summary blurb are both from the Survivors official website, listed above.        

COSCBWI January 2013: 1st Meeting & 1st Pages!

Hello all my writer and illustrator friends!

Since this is my first COSCBWI meeting summary blog post for 2013, I figured I ought to do a formal introduction to kick off the new year.  I'm the Membership Coordinator for COSCBWI and have been a member of the group since 2008.  I help out with planning events and workshops, as well as rolling out the welcome mat to members.  If you're a regular to my blog, then you know that each month I do a little summary of the COSCBWI meeting.  And if you're new around here, now you know it, too!

January's meeting featured a meet-and-greet with plenty of familiar faces and some brand new ones as well.  After everyone was introduced and some announcements were made, members could volunteer for a critique of the first page of their manuscript.  COSCBWI usually does one or two first page critiques a year.  Since I've started my monthly summaries, I've done write ups for two of these critique meetings, which you can find here and here.  I won't repeat all the helpful tidbits from these posts, but I'll add a couple of new pointers we discussed!

1)  Remember to start your story on the right foot.  If you pick up some of your favorite books, you can see what appeals to you in the first page of a story.  Is it lots of action and an interesting introduction to the characters, or a long and flowing description of what the main character is wearing down to their shoelaces?  You'd probably say the former--unless the story is about magical shoelaces that give their wearer the ability to fly like a falcon.  (Hey--now there's an idea for a novel!)  By studying the first pages of published novels, you can see what works--and perhaps, what doesn't--and apply those techniques to your own writing.

2)  Don't hesitate to ask for opinions from people you trust.  Your first page is your first impression with agents, editors, and readers, so you want it to be as perfect as possible.  An extra pair of eyes (or six pairs, or twenty) can help you catch silly mistakes before you send out a manuscript with embarrassing typos or other issues.  Your manuscript only gets one first impression, so do everything you can to ensure it's a good one!  

3)  Don't get too hung up about your first page (or first chapter) when you're just drafting your novel.  Sometimes, we writers think our story starts at a certain scene or event, but when we finish drafting the whole thing, we realize it actually starts somewhere else!  First pages don't have to be perfect on the first draft.  Just get it down, move on, and see what you think after you write, "The End."  If you allow your creativity some wiggle-room, you may come up with an even better first page than your first first page.

And that was our first meeting of 2013!  For anyone reading this who couldn't attend the meeting, here are a few announcements you missed:

-Meeting days for 2013 are moving from the usual third Wednesday of every month to the FOURTH Wednesday of every month due to a scheduling conflict with the Upper Arlington Library.  (Everyone likes the venue, so we just changed the date so we could stay put.)

-Nikki Boetger, the new Illustrator Coordinator for COSCBWI, is kick-starting monthly meetings geared towards illustrators!  (Yes, that means there will now likely be 2 COSCBWI meetings per month for anyone interested in attending!)  The first one will be February 6 at 7:00 PM at the Upper Arlington Library.  (Same place as the usual monthly meetings.)  All COSCBWI members are welcome to attend, whether you're an illustrator, author, or a little bit of both.  Hope to see you there!

-COSCBWI is one of the SCBWI chapters co-hosting the Wild Wild Midwest Conference this spring!  The conference will take place May 3-5 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Be sure to check the COSCBWI website for more details soon! 

-Lastly, be sure to LIKE our new Facebook page!  Reminders, announcements, and member news are updated frequently, so check us out under "Central Southern Ohio SCBWI!"

If you want to learn more about COSCBWI, be sure to check out our website here: www.coscbwi.org.  I hope to see you at our next meeting!

Bon Voyage!

Today I have some big news to share!  After many months of writing and revising (and revising and revising and revising...), I'm thrilled to report that Pirate Ferret is finally out for agent querying!  

If you're a writer, then you know what it's like to be in the query boat.  It's utterly terrifying and nerve-wracking, but incredibly exciting at the same time.  You take your precious baby that you've been working on for goodness knows how long, fuss and fret until it makes you crazy, then send it out into the world hoping for the best.  It's easy to let your manuscript sit on your hard drive; it's much harder to take that next step and open yourself up for disappointment, tears, and worst of all: REJECTION.

But, to quote my favorite phrase once again: You can never win or lose if you don't run the race!  (Oh Psychedelic Furs--you are geniuses!)  Sure, rejection is a terrifying prospect, but hopefully the thought of kids someday reading your beloved words makes the risk of heartache worth it. 

So how should writers prepare themselves for taking the plunge?  By putting on your....
 
DRAGON SKIN!

Tentacles says, "RAWR!"  (Also, "I'm very scared...")

Yes, dragon-tough skin (or pajamas) is just the thing you need if you're going to query your manuscript.  Criticism and rejections may sting, but they won't destroy you--or your manuscript--if you don't let them.  Take thoughtful feedback to heart and don't get discouraged by any "no's" that come your way.  It's hard to be brave and face the fear of rejection, but if Tentacles and I can do it, then you can too!  

This is my first time testing the waters with Pirate Ferret.  I've done all I can to prepare my little Tentacles for his voyage, and now it's time to see what the big, scary world makes of him.  Whether he'll sink or swim, I just don't know, but let's keep our fingers crossed for smooth sailing!