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."

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

TMTOMH Disorder - I'm cured

After three long months of suffering from TMTOMH (Too Much Time On My Hands) Disorder, I'm cured! I started back to work a week ago today and you'd think that would have a negative impact on my writing but, as with many things in my life, it has done the opposite of what you'd logically expect. This weekend, I did more productive writing than I have all summer - go figure!! All I know is, I'm going to take advantage of my remission of TMTOMH Disorder and write as much as possible during the next nine months!

Anyone else have this disorder?

Another New School Year

John and I are empty nesters again! I drove Brian to ISU two weeks ago and drove Sean's mattress (on the top of my car) and the other things he couldn't fit in his car to WIU last week. I have to say, John and I did a great job of tying down the mattress but I still drove with one eye in the rear view mirror the whole way and I didn't drive over 60 mph! The only positive about it (other than the mattress not flying off the car and causing a major accident) is that I knew for sure I wouldn't get a speeding ticket!

I finished my first week of the new school year and I'm still standing! I took on the role of lead teacher for our department so I'll be doing that part time and teaching part time. I can already tell it's going to be difficult balancing both but I'm sure I'll get a handle on it before too long. Then I'll have to figure out how to fit in my writing and blogging and socializing and . . .

Wish me luck!

Writer's Wednesday: Blue Rose Girls

I found a great site called Blue Rose Girls. It's hosted by seven children's book professionals who discuss their lives in books. The blue girls are primarily authors and illustrators but they also have a teacher and editors. Check it out!