57th Street Children's Book Fair

I went to the 57th Street Children's Book Fair and had a great time! I met a very special fellow author, I'Deyah Ricketts, an eight-year-old girl whose parents self-published the picture book she wrote when she was four and she's now working on a novel! We exchanged autographed books - she was so adorable!  Her book, Where are the Animals? was published by I'Deyah Books - they have a fantastic website too - check it out at ideyahbooks.com!

Book Fairs and Festivals

A fellow author on the SCBWI-Illinois listserv asked if anyone had a list of book fairs or festivals for authors to attend and/or participate in.  One reply included a link to a page on the site sellingbooks.com - Your guide to writing, publishing and marketing books and ebooks. 

The author of the article, Scott Lorenz, explains why and how book fairs and festivals can be great promotional tools for authors.  He also includes a list of the top 25 fairs and festivals.  

While you're on the site, take a look around for other great information for authors!

57th Street Children's Book Fair

I've been so busy with work, I've neglected my blog and, in the process, failed to promote a fantastic event for families - The 57th Street Children's Book Fair!  Here's their press release:

 The 57th Street Children's Book Fair began 24 years ago as a back-to-school celebration. The Fair has grown every year since its inception, and now hosts dozens of local booksellers and community organizations. Last year, more than 5,000 people from all over Chicago attended the Fair and participated in reading-related activities, enjoyed live entertainment and delicious refreshments, and browsed a huge selection of books and merchandise available from a variety of specialty vendors.

In celebration of Blue Balliett's forthcoming novel, The Danger Box, our theme for 2010 is . . .

Mystery & Science: What will you discover at the 57th Street Children's Book Fair?

We'll have all the usual entertainment and activities, plus books and activities about scientific investigations and science giants.

This year, join us on Sunday, September 19th from 1pm to 6pm for hands-on fun for the whole family.

I will be manning the SCBWI table from 2:00 - 3:00, along with fellow Illinois authors.  I hope to see you there!!

Critters Against Cancer

Jenni has put my critique auction up on her site - actually she did it last week but I've been so busry with the start of the school year, I haven't had a chance to post this. 


If you have a rhyming manuscript you'd like critiqued - get over to her site - Bee Historic - and place a bid!!  If you have a non-rhyming manuscript, bid on one of the other fantastic critiquers.  You can also bid on autographed books and illustrations!


Did I mention, it's for a wonderful cause?  So, what are you waiting for?

Critters Against Cancer

A fellow writer, Jenni Bielicki, is hosting an event called Critters Against Cancer, where she's auctioning off manuscript critiques, along with autographed books and artwork.  The money is going toward breast cancer research.  Isn't that a great idea?  You can check it out at her blog beehistoric.blogspot.com 

Those of you on Facebook, you can join her event here:  Critters Against Cancer.