Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Debut Authors - Get In CWIM

I found this on Alice's CWIM Blog. Hurry - the deadline is October 8th!

Official Call for Debut Authors for the 2011 CWIM...

I'm looking for debut author and illustrators who'd like to be interviewed for my "First Books" feature in 2011 CWIM.

If you are interested in being featured in First Books, here are the rules and guidelines:

1. Email me at alice.pope@fwmedia.com, subject line "First Books."
2. Tell me about your debut book including the title, publisher, genre and approximate publication date.
3. The book must be available in some form by November (so it can be read before you're interviewed).
4. A cover image must be available by January 2010 (because I don't want to feature a book without showing the cover).
5. Please include links to your website or blog if you have one.
6. No self-published books please.
7. Tell me something fun/interesting/exciting/unusual/inspiring about you/your book/your path to publication.
8. E-mails must be received by October 8th.
9. I'll be in touch with those I've chosen by the October 30th; otherwise you likely will not hear from me--I simply don't have time to contact everyone, although I wish I could. (I may acknowledge receipt of emails, however, depending on how busy I am and/or how much I do or do not feel like doing other work.)
10. Debut authors not chosen to be featured in First Books could be chosen as Debut Authors of the Month which will be resurrected on this blog starting January 2010!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

57th Street Children's Book Fair

I meant to post this sooner but I've been so busy with my new position as lead teacher (I have a new-found appreciation for our old lead - I had no idea how much she did). Hopefully, some of you in the Chicago area will read this in time to go - if you don't already know about it. I pasted the info below off their website. I'll be manning - or womanning - the table from 3:00-4:00. It'll be great to meet some fellow Chicago-area writers!

"This year, the 57 Street Children's Book Fair is excited to host children's book author Jennifer Holm at our annual event. Jennifer Holm is a two-time Newbery Honor Winner and has garnered respect from teachers, librarians, booksellers and parents across the country. She is revered by children everywhere for her momentous and popular graphic novel series, Babymouse. Holm will sign books and greet fairgoers from 2pm-4pm on the corner of 57th and Kimbark. 57th Street Books will offer a variety of Holm's award-winning and beloved
titles for purchase throughout the day.

In addition to Jennifer Holm, the 57th Street Children's Book Fair will also host national treasures Arthur Yorinks and Richard Eigelski as they present and sign their newest picture book collaboration titled, Homework. Yorinks & Eigelski will present at 2:30pm on the 57th Street Books Stage and sign nearby from 3pm-4pm.

The 57th Street Children's Book Fair is honored to celebrate this event with a talented group of local authors and illustrators. This year's Local Treasures appearing at the fair include:
Ilene Cooper, author of The Golden Rule
Matthew Cordell, author/illustrator of Trouble Gum
Esther Hershenhorn, author of S is for Stories
Jeff Jarka, author/illustrator of Love That Puppy
& The Three Silly Chicks (www.threesillychicks.com), otherwise known as:
Andrea Beaty, author of Iggy Peck, Architect
Carolyn Crimi, author of Henry & the Buccaneer Bunnies
Julia Durango, author of Cha-Cha Chimps

With this spectacular line-up of literary talent, children of all ages will have the opportunity to meet an author or illustrator. Some fairgoers will even take home FREE signed copies! Details available at the information table the day of the Fair."

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

How Well Can You Focus

Here's something fun I saw at a recent school meeting I attended. Click on the video link below. You'll see people dressed in white shirts and black shirts. Your task is to count the number of times the basketball is passed between the people wearing white shirts. Do not watch the video more than once. When you're done, leave a comment with the number of passes you saw. Tomorrow I'll provide the correct answer. Don't cheat - only watch it once!

http://viscog.beckman.illinois.edu/flashmovie/15.php