At 23,000 words, my WIP is starting to shape up. One sort of key plot point I keep going back and forth on involves the grandfather: I'm trying to decide whether to kill him off. In the original draft, he was dead from the start. In my current one, he dies about half to two thirds of the way in. But, I'm debating whether he should survive til the bitter end...
In other news, Cyn and I had the pleasure of dining with Libba Bray last night at Green Pastures. Cyn blogs about it here. Libba's hard at word revising the manuscript for The Sweet Far Thing, the final book in the trilogy begun with A Great and Terrible Beauty. I'm also excited about Going Bovine, the manuscript she brought to WriteFest last year, and which will be coming out sometime after The Sweet Far Thing.
Other WriteFest manuscripts that have been or soon will be published include Laura Ruby's Good Girls (HarperCollins 2006), Brian Yansky's Wonders of the World (Flux, June 1, 2007), and Katie Davis's first book for older readers!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Monday, November 06, 2006
SANTA KNOWS News!
Santa Knows is one of Horn Book Magazine's "Holiday High Notes," (one of the "best new books of seasonal interest"): "The dialogue-driven story is neatly structured, and Björkman’s line-and-wash pictures have plenty of sprightly holiday accents." Thanks also for the shout out on the Horn Book Web Watch!
Here are some other review highlights:
Kids will be drawn to Bjorkman's loose watercolor-and-ink illustrations...Alfie F. Snorklepuss is a newly minted winner. Kirkus Reviews.
The Smiths' boisterous text and Bjorkman's (Seeds) energetic, cartoonish paintings make readers privy to explanations of [that which] gives Christmas its magic. Publisher's Weekly.
This delightful book written by Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith and illustrated by Steve Bjorkman is a must-have for your Christmas collection! SANTA KNOWS is an imaginative tale that explains once and for all how Santa gets so much accomplished in just one night. YA Books Central.
Bright illustrations show the comical and expressive faces of the characters. This sweet story would make a nice addition to Christmas stories for young readers. Wee Ones Magazine.
Your children will love this story. MyShelf.com
Sunday, November 05, 2006
San Angelo, Texas!
Cynthia and I had the pleasure this weekend of keynoting at the Fifth Annual Angelo State University Literacy Conference, in San Angelo, Texas. We drove up Friday afternoon and met the organizers for dinner at Miss Hattie's, a former brothel (they also have a Bordello Museum), in the lovely, restored old downtown (Good food, great company, wonderful atmosphere).
We spoke first thing on Saturday morning, then went to lunch at Mr. T's Deli, a former neighborhood "corner store" grocery. The cheeseburger and fries were excellent; and I'm informed that the pies are worth the trip itself :-).
The audience at the event was engaged, charming, and bought plenty of books :-). Our hostess was terrific and gave us an overview of, and insights into, her experiences as a teacher in the area, as well as being a great tour guide and San Angelo booster.
We spoke first thing on Saturday morning, then went to lunch at Mr. T's Deli, a former neighborhood "corner store" grocery. The cheeseburger and fries were excellent; and I'm informed that the pies are worth the trip itself :-).
The audience at the event was engaged, charming, and bought plenty of books :-). Our hostess was terrific and gave us an overview of, and insights into, her experiences as a teacher in the area, as well as being a great tour guide and San Angelo booster.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Forthcoming YA Novels by Texas Authors
There're some great young adult novels by Texas authors that are going to be published in the next year. Here's a brief preview:
In 2006:
What Happened to Cass McBride? by Gail Giles (Little, Brown Children's Books, November 2006): Kyle Kirby has plotted a cruel and unusual revenge on the most popular girl in school for the death of his brother, David. He digs a hole. Kidnaps her. Puts her in a box-underground. But Kyle makes a fatal error. He doesn't understand who he just BURIED. . .ALIVE. . .
Gail lives in The Woodlands (note use of the definite article) just outside Houston, and is one freaky lady.
In 2007:
Tantalize, by Cynthia Leitich Smith. (Candlewick, February 13, 2007): A brilliant gothic fantasy: Werewolves, vampires, romance, Italian food, chase scenes, murder, suspense, humor, and Austin, Texas. Bon Appetit!
Cyn lives in Austin and is married to me (but you knew that already).
Dream Factory, by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler. (Dutton, Spring 2007): A group of kids are hired as replacement cast members during a workers' strike at Disney World...overnight, an ice-cream scooper becomes Prince Charming, Robin Hood shows his true (obnoxious) colors, and an unlikely friendship develops between Cinderella and Dale (as in Chip and...)
Brad lives in someplace out east like Maryland, but Heather is a naturalized Texan. They're the authors of Scrambled Eggs at Midnight (Dutton 2006).
Brothers, Boyfriends, and other Criminal Minds, by April Lurie. (Random House, Summer 2007): Fourteen-year-old April Lundquist is having problems with her own love life, and her sixteen-year-old brother Matt is dating the daughter of the infamous mobster - Bobby "The Bull" Bocceli.
April lives in Round Rock, just outside Austin, and is the author of Dancing in the Streets of Brooklyn (Random House 2002).
Wonders of the World, by Brian Yansky (Flux, June 1, 2007): At 17, Eric runs away to discover the wonders of the world-the wonders his storyteller father told him about all through his childhood. He finds no wonders. He ends up living on the streets of Riverton, struggling with his friends, Catgirl and Payback, to survive the junkies, gangs, and the dark lord ruler of the street, Bluebeard. . .
Brian lives in Austin with his wife, author-illustrator Frances Hill. He's the author of My Road Trip to the Pretty Girl Capital of the World (Cricket Books 2003).
In 2006:
What Happened to Cass McBride? by Gail Giles (Little, Brown Children's Books, November 2006): Kyle Kirby has plotted a cruel and unusual revenge on the most popular girl in school for the death of his brother, David. He digs a hole. Kidnaps her. Puts her in a box-underground. But Kyle makes a fatal error. He doesn't understand who he just BURIED. . .ALIVE. . .
Gail lives in The Woodlands (note use of the definite article) just outside Houston, and is one freaky lady.
In 2007:
Tantalize, by Cynthia Leitich Smith. (Candlewick, February 13, 2007): A brilliant gothic fantasy: Werewolves, vampires, romance, Italian food, chase scenes, murder, suspense, humor, and Austin, Texas. Bon Appetit!
Cyn lives in Austin and is married to me (but you knew that already).
Dream Factory, by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler. (Dutton, Spring 2007): A group of kids are hired as replacement cast members during a workers' strike at Disney World...overnight, an ice-cream scooper becomes Prince Charming, Robin Hood shows his true (obnoxious) colors, and an unlikely friendship develops between Cinderella and Dale (as in Chip and...)
Brad lives in someplace out east like Maryland, but Heather is a naturalized Texan. They're the authors of Scrambled Eggs at Midnight (Dutton 2006).
Brothers, Boyfriends, and other Criminal Minds, by April Lurie. (Random House, Summer 2007): Fourteen-year-old April Lundquist is having problems with her own love life, and her sixteen-year-old brother Matt is dating the daughter of the infamous mobster - Bobby "The Bull" Bocceli.
April lives in Round Rock, just outside Austin, and is the author of Dancing in the Streets of Brooklyn (Random House 2002).
Wonders of the World, by Brian Yansky (Flux, June 1, 2007): At 17, Eric runs away to discover the wonders of the world-the wonders his storyteller father told him about all through his childhood. He finds no wonders. He ends up living on the streets of Riverton, struggling with his friends, Catgirl and Payback, to survive the junkies, gangs, and the dark lord ruler of the street, Bluebeard. . .
Brian lives in Austin with his wife, author-illustrator Frances Hill. He's the author of My Road Trip to the Pretty Girl Capital of the World (Cricket Books 2003).
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Book Festival Weekend!
This year's Texas Book Festival began with a bang -- Cyn and I had dinner Friday with Tanya Lee Stone at East Side Cafe and then went for a glass of wine at the Marriott Bar with her and also met John Green, David Levithan, Barry Lyga, Laura Numeroff, Jo Whittemore (and her husband Roger), Lauren Myracle, and a couple of people down a the other end of the group I never made it over to to say "hello" (one of whom, apparently, was Jarrett Krosoczka).
We didn't make it to any panels in the morning, but spotted Varsha Bajaj and her family out and about (I was able to assure her son that she really did know me!), said brief hellos to Brian Anderson and April Lurie, and talked a bit with Jerry Wermund, who was manning the SCBWI Austin booth.
Saturday afternoon was the awards ceremony and panel for the Writers' League of Texas Violet Crown and Teddy Awards: TOFU AND T.REX was one of the finalists for the Teddy. Congrats to Heather Hepler and Brad Barkley for winning the Teddy for their SCRAMBLED EGGS AT MIDNIGHT. Cynthia blogs about the honorees here. Folks in the audience included Gene Brenek, Anne Bustard, Tim Crow, and Tanya Lee Stone.
The ceremony and panel was followed by a reception at the Brown Bar. Attendees included Julie Lake, Varian Johnson, Helen Hemphill (and her husband whose name I'm blanking on), Chris Barton (and his wife Casey (sp?)), and Annette Simon (who was also a Teddy finalist).
Afterwards, several of us headed next door to Gumbo's for dinner. (The duck was fantastic.). Then, because it was too late to get to the YA reading at the Hideout Theatre, Cyn and I went home to get some writing done (We were feeling inspired). I'm up to about 20,000 words on my WIP, about 10,000 of which are chronological and coherent. :-)
We didn't make it to any panels in the morning, but spotted Varsha Bajaj and her family out and about (I was able to assure her son that she really did know me!), said brief hellos to Brian Anderson and April Lurie, and talked a bit with Jerry Wermund, who was manning the SCBWI Austin booth.
Saturday afternoon was the awards ceremony and panel for the Writers' League of Texas Violet Crown and Teddy Awards: TOFU AND T.REX was one of the finalists for the Teddy. Congrats to Heather Hepler and Brad Barkley for winning the Teddy for their SCRAMBLED EGGS AT MIDNIGHT. Cynthia blogs about the honorees here. Folks in the audience included Gene Brenek, Anne Bustard, Tim Crow, and Tanya Lee Stone.
The ceremony and panel was followed by a reception at the Brown Bar. Attendees included Julie Lake, Varian Johnson, Helen Hemphill (and her husband whose name I'm blanking on), Chris Barton (and his wife Casey (sp?)), and Annette Simon (who was also a Teddy finalist).
Afterwards, several of us headed next door to Gumbo's for dinner. (The duck was fantastic.). Then, because it was too late to get to the YA reading at the Hideout Theatre, Cyn and I went home to get some writing done (We were feeling inspired). I'm up to about 20,000 words on my WIP, about 10,000 of which are chronological and coherent. :-)
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Austin SCBWI Conference
Well, we just completed an exhilarating weekend of conferencing. Our SCBWI chapter just had its annual Fall Conference. Speakers included author Bruce Coville, agent Sarah Crowe, editor Lynne Polvino, author Esther Hershenhorn, illustrator Tony Sansevero, illustrator Don Tate, and licensing agent Suzanne Cruise.
Friday night, Cyn and I hosted a cocktail party featuring Texas wine and Central Market catering for out-of-town speakers and those folks who lent a hand at the conference and for the chapter during the year. I didn't get a chance to speak with everyone, but managed to talk with Bruce Coville (once I dragged him away from signing stock) about fantasy, humor, old houses, school visits, our mutual friend David Lubar, and our respective levels of geek-dom. Cynthia has more here,
and Jo Whittemore has some pictures and gracious words here.
On Saturday, Bruce spoke about the need for fantasy and humor (during one of the best conference speeches I've ever heard), and also managed to work in some craft pointers. Tony, who's illustrated some of Bruce's novels, showed some of his new work, including the artwork for Jerry Wermund's new picture book, and also provided fascinating insights into how illustrators should "market" their portfolios. Esther gave a great speech about resources for writers and all that you need to learn if you want to be part of the business. Sara demonstrated what a good query letter should look like, and Lynne told everyone how to get out of the slush pile. (I missed Don's talk, but am positive it was intriguing and useful :-)).
On the whole, the conference was fun and exhausting. Congratulations to outgoing RA Julie Lake, and welcome to incoming RA Tim Crow.
Friday night, Cyn and I hosted a cocktail party featuring Texas wine and Central Market catering for out-of-town speakers and those folks who lent a hand at the conference and for the chapter during the year. I didn't get a chance to speak with everyone, but managed to talk with Bruce Coville (once I dragged him away from signing stock) about fantasy, humor, old houses, school visits, our mutual friend David Lubar, and our respective levels of geek-dom. Cynthia has more here,
and Jo Whittemore has some pictures and gracious words here.
On Saturday, Bruce spoke about the need for fantasy and humor (during one of the best conference speeches I've ever heard), and also managed to work in some craft pointers. Tony, who's illustrated some of Bruce's novels, showed some of his new work, including the artwork for Jerry Wermund's new picture book, and also provided fascinating insights into how illustrators should "market" their portfolios. Esther gave a great speech about resources for writers and all that you need to learn if you want to be part of the business. Sara demonstrated what a good query letter should look like, and Lynne told everyone how to get out of the slush pile. (I missed Don's talk, but am positive it was intriguing and useful :-)).
On the whole, the conference was fun and exhausting. Congratulations to outgoing RA Julie Lake, and welcome to incoming RA Tim Crow.
Friday, October 13, 2006
ALA's Joint Conference Librarians of Color
Cyn and I spent the last couple days up in Dallas at the American Library Association's First Joint Conference of librarians of Color. We drove up Thursday morning and spoke on a panel organized by Sylvia Vardell of Texas Woman's University. (Thanks, Sylvia!). In addition to Cyn and me, panelists included Lori Aurelia Williams, Varsha Bajaj, and Asma Mobin-Uddin. Everyone provided fascinating insights into where their books come from.
Thursday night, after a dinner at Chaparral, we attended a caucus and social get-together of the American Indian Library Association. Thanks to Victor Schill and Loriene Roy!
Friday, Cynthia and Lisa Yee spoke as keynoters at the Children's Author Luncheon. Cynthia spoke on American Indian children's literature and Lisa spoke on being/not being a writer of color.
Exhausting, lots of fun, and for once, the drive to Dallas on I-35 went smoothly.
Thursday night, after a dinner at Chaparral, we attended a caucus and social get-together of the American Indian Library Association. Thanks to Victor Schill and Loriene Roy!
Friday, Cynthia and Lisa Yee spoke as keynoters at the Children's Author Luncheon. Cynthia spoke on American Indian children's literature and Lisa spoke on being/not being a writer of color.
Exhausting, lots of fun, and for once, the drive to Dallas on I-35 went smoothly.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Bookweek
One of the fun things about being an author is getting to meet other people who are as "into" books as we are. This week began the fall speaking season for Cyn and me, as we gear up to promote Santa Knows.
Monday night Cyn and I spoke at the SCBWI-Houston monthly meeting, then spent the rest of the evening with Gail Giles and her husband (and their two new kittens and their Great Pyrenees). Other notables included Varsha Bajaj, Dotti Enderle, and Mary Wade.
Today, we had the pleasure of seeing Jennifer Holm speak at BookPeople about Penny from Heaven and the Babymouse series. Then we met book person par excellence Camille of BookMoot(!) and had a great lunch at Green Pastures.
Monday night Cyn and I spoke at the SCBWI-Houston monthly meeting, then spent the rest of the evening with Gail Giles and her husband (and their two new kittens and their Great Pyrenees). Other notables included Varsha Bajaj, Dotti Enderle, and Mary Wade.
Today, we had the pleasure of seeing Jennifer Holm speak at BookPeople about Penny from Heaven and the Babymouse series. Then we met book person par excellence Camille of BookMoot(!) and had a great lunch at Green Pastures.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
SANTA KNOWS - NOW AVAILABLE!
I'm very please to announce that Santa Knows is now available! Santa Knows is the first book that Cynthia and I collaborated on as co-authors. Merry Christmas!
Who knows if you've been naughty or nice?
Santa knows, that's who!
But not everyone believes in Santa Claus.
Bah, humbug.
Consider Alfie F. Snorklepuss. He thinks he's proven that Santa Claus doesn't exist. Alfie thinks there is no way that Santa could do all the things he's supposed to, like deliver billions of presents all over the world in one night or know what every little kid wants.
When Alfie starts spreading the word that there is no Santa Claus, he makes someone very unhappy: his little sister Noelle.
And so Noelle turns to the only person who can help her. The one person Alfie thinks doesn't exist: Santa Claus.
Ho, ho, ho!
In this sweet and funny picture book from husband-wife team Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, with illustrations by Steve Björkman, Alfie gets an attitude adjustment, North Pole-style, from Santa and his elves, and Noelle gets exactly what she wanted for Christmas: a nicer big brother.
Friday, September 08, 2006
SANTA KNOWS
In honor of the forthcoming publication of SANTA KNOWS (Dutton 2006), Cynthia and I have a new web site for it. Click here to visit SANTA KNOWS!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
