Congratulations to Rosi Hollinbeck, who won The Last Cherry Blossom. I think of Rosi as my west coast counterpart. She reviews and gives away books on her blog, as well as provides great links to other writing sites.
I was fortunate to attend Summer Camp at Highlights Foundation and in upcoming posts will share many of the writing tips I learned. But first, I have to tell you a story about the power of social media.
One afternoon we took a tour of the Highlights and Boyds Mills Press offices. We all rushed to get our pictures taken under the Highlights banner. Here I am with my new friend, Kesha Grant, who I plan to exchange manuscripts with.
We met different editors, heard about the submission process, and were introduced to the new Hello magazine for 0-2 years. (A great shower present for new moms!)
Who doesn’t remember Highlights from their dentist’s or doctor’s office as a kid?
Now they publish Bilingue, which is in Spanish!
After the tour of the editorial offices, we were ushered into Boyds Mills Press and saw the table around which editorial decisions are made.
Assistant editor, Cherie Matthews, showed us several new releases including the award winning fun book, One Day, The End by Rebecca Kai Doltish and illustrated by Fred Koehler.
 |
| I expect to see Jan Davis-Castro, my fellow writer from the Carolinas, at our next SCBWI Carolinas conference. |
At the end of her presentation, one of my fellow conferees asked, “What happens after the book is published? How do you get reviews?” Cherie explained how the book is sent out to hundreds of reviewers including Publisher’s Weekly, the School Library Journal, as well as to bloggers who review books.
Then she said, “Carol Baldwin has a wonderful blog that I follow.”
Everyone looked at me. “I’m Carol Baldwin,” I said.
Cherie said, “No. You can’t be the Carol Baldwin. She lives in Charlotte, NC.”
“Really, I am Carol Baldwin.” Then I explained when I moved from Charlotte to Greenville, SC I forgot to update my blog.
I was thrilled that an editor from Boyds Mills Press followed me! Everyone laughed, I changed my personal information on my blog as soon as possible, and we all saw first hand the power of social media.
 |
| Cherie Matthews and I. |
I asked Cherie how she came across my blog and why she read it. She said, “We met through Joyce Hostetter. I was at the Barn during one of Carolyn Yoder‘s retreats and Joyce was telling about the Talking Story newsletter, which the two of you publish. This led me to sending Calkins Creek titles for you and Joyce to give away. I follow your blog and others to keep informed and find out what the community of bloggers are chatting about. I learn what bloggers are reading, who they admire and want to emulate, what causes you angst, and how you encourage and support one another. It’s a good way to be with like-minded people who I may otherwise have never met.”
Earlier in our week at camp, Mitali Perkins had given a keynote on the importance of using social media. “It’s a great opportunity for you to showcase your writing! Make your voice pop!” she said. Writing 140 character tweets (nouns! verbs!) helped her write picture books.
In addition Mitali highly recommended that we:
- Register a domain name ASAP. GoDaddy was one site that was mentioned.
- Create a Facebook author page, even if you’re unpublished. Populate it with posts from other pages such as publishers, libraries, and professional organizations related to the content of your book. “You’ll be branding yourself by finding organizations with similar interests. Recommend free content for your followers.”
- Organize your Facebook friends into lists. You can then target this list when you are creating an event.
- “Gather your courage. Be passionate. This must come from your personal vocational mission, or else it won’t work.”
- Create Twitter lists for “tuning in, research, and promotion.”
 |
| I met with Mitali and she gave me terrific ideas for Half-Truths. |
I’ve been blogging since May, 2007 when my editor at Maupin House, Emily Gorovsky Raj, suggested it might be a good idea. I had no idea what I was getting into, but I learned.
As my fellow campers and I laughed about Cherie’s comments, I realized that I blog because I enjoy it. It’s not for everyone and it certainly takes time, but I like recommending books and giving them away. I like sharing what I’m learning as I write Half-Truths or from other websites and writing conferences. Plain and simple: blogging fits who I am. A good lesson for me to remember on my writing journey.
I named my blog in an impulsive moment of “let’s get this done and move forward.” Since then I’ve envied my friends who have come up with much more creative names for their blogs. But guess what? Now I’m glad I kept it simple.
It seems to have worked for Cherie!
Another great post, Carol! I love your blog and admire your ability to keep them coming on a regular basis. Congratulations on the super comment from an editor about your blog. Awesome! Now take all that Highlights knowledge and get that novel done! S
I received The Last Cherry Blossom in today's mail! Thanks so much. And I'm heading off to Highlights for a workshop soon. Can't wait. Thanks for a fun post. I hope some editors are following me.
What fun and a lovely compliment to your blog! Love following your camp adventures!
Ha! So glad you and Cherie sorted this out! Does she know you are the cruel taskmaster who keeps me plugging away at Talking Story when I just want to let the work get crowded out by other pressing concerns? Your consistency pays off Carol. I am so blest to be partnering with you! As for this blog, I'm always impressed with how you take the time to analyze and break down story structure for us. But you also sprinkle the site with grand child pics and funny moments like this. Great balance!I'm thrilled that you experienced a Highlights week and met the fabulous people there!
Thanks, friends. I appreciate ALL of your support. Hey, this blog wouldn't have gotten where it is if I didn't have followers like all of you! Rosi, I am so glad you are attending Highlights. You will LOVE it. Make sure you let the powers-that-be know you review books on your great blog too!
The power of social media, the virtual outreach to a wider world, has appeal. Carol, you are bringing me out of my cave. Perhaps I'll come out more often. Perhaps…Keep blogging and I'll keep reading… and one day, well, we'll see… Thank you Carol.
Thanks, SId. I believe you were also the person to ask, “What happens after the book is published?” You're now a part of my story–as I hope I'm a part of yours! Keep me posted on your journey out of your cave!
Great story, Carol!!!
Thanks, Mit. Glad to encourage other who are working on their publishing journey!
Great post, Carol! You'll always be THE Carol Baldwin to us!
Thanks, Jo. You are so sweet!
Dear Carol, It was fun to read how you discovered that you are THE CAROL BALDWIN. I am ever so grateful for all of your posts about books and writing skills and about social media. It was fun to hear about your time in the spotlight at Boyd's Mills.
Thanks, JOan! It was a fun moment that I am still smiling about! Thanks for your kind words about my blog. You know how seriously I take blogging!!!
Dear Carol,You are very welcome. :):):)
Wonderful summary, Carol! I loved meeting you at Highlights and appreciate this reminder of the social media homework I have. ;) I'm so thankful for connecting with THE Carol Baldwin. You're amazing!
Thanks, Jolene. Do it a step at a time or else it is overwhelming! I'm still working on my author page!
Terrific, Carol!
Thanks, Elena!!
Of course you are THE Carol Baldwin. So glad you learned this and in this special way! I appreciate the tips you shared here about social media. Always more we can do! I'm glad your time at Highlights was so rewarding. Go, Carol Baldwin.
Thanks, Linda. Yes, there is always more we can do. I think part of the trick is figuring out what works best for you. And then sticking to it!
Dear Carol Baldwin,Sounds like a great event! Congratulations for having your blog recognized by good editors. Did the editors give you any tips for getting them to publish your manuscripts?Best wishes!Sincerely,Janet Ruth Heller Author of the award-winning book for children about bullying, How the Moon Regained Her Shape (Arbordale, 2006), and the middle-grade book for kids The Passover Surprise (Fictive Press, 2015). My website is http://www.janetruthheller.com
Thanks, Janet, for stopping by. As you know, there are no short cuts to getting published. You need a great story, great writing skills, and the willingness to rewrite & persevere!