IntroductionToday I have a special treat for you. My long-time SCBWI-Carolinas friend, Susan Pless, recently self-published her debut picture book. I challenged Susan to create the ABCs of self-publishing and she rose to the task. Here's the book that her illustrator--her daughter Hannah Smith created. It really brings this unique Halloween book to life!But first, a word… Continue reading The ABCs of Self-Publishing Jobs by SCARY-O-TYPED author, Susan Pless
A few weeks ago I attended a Monarch Publishing event and was fortunate to meet two fantasy authors, Stephanie Cotta and Angela Hughes. They recently started a podcast, The Ink Mages, and agreed to answer questions about the process. Take it away, Stephanie and Angela!INTERVIEWCarol: What does your name mean? Stephanie and Angela: We are… Continue reading The Ink Mages on Producing a Podcast and 2 Giveaways!
Congratulations to Theresa Milstein who won Tomorrow's Bread from last week's blog. ******** One of the television shows my husband and I enjoy is Chopped. Besides watching the incredible creations the cooks come up with out of their mystery baskets, I like the final second when the cooks' time is up. They throw up their hands and step away… Continue reading I Finished My Book, Now What? Some ABC's of Being Between Books
On last week's blog, Vijaya Bodach shared her inspiration for her debut YA novel, BOUND. This week she provides insights into her publishing journey and she and I talk shop. PATH TO PUBLICATION CAROL: Did you try to publish BOUND through “normal” publishers? If so, was there a pattern to your rejections? VIJAYA I tried the… Continue reading Behind the Scenes of Bound: Author Interview Part II
Earlier this summer three of my friends attended the American Library Association's Annual Conference in New Orleans. I asked Jo Hackl, Rebecca Petruck, and Linda Phillips to share their perspective on presenting their books to thousands of librarians. I found this picture on Facebook. A writer just happened to be in New Orleans during the… Continue reading Triple Play @ ALA!
Congratulations to Linda Andersen for winning Kathy Wiechman's ARC of NOT ON FIFTH STREET. ****** It is my pleasure to host Kathleen Burkinshaw on her TLCB Blooming Anniversary Tour. What has life been like for you since The Last Cherry Blossom was published? This past year has had wonderful, surreal moments as well as frenzied,… Continue reading Life After Publication: A Conversation with Kathleen Burkinshaw and a Great Giveaway!
Next week I'll return to my posts on Highlights Summer Camp, but today I wanted to share an intriguing marketing initiative. You may have seen #MGGetsReal floating around the Internet this past month. And you may know that it involves five dynamite middle grade authors: Shannon Wiersbitzky, Shannon Hitchcock, Joyce Moyer Hostetter, Kathleen Burkinshaw, and Kerry… Continue reading #MGGetsReal: Behind the Scenes with Joyce Hostetter
Congratulations to J.Q. Rose who won a 1000 word, pitch, and query letter critique from Joan Edwards on last week's blog. This week we're hearing from Linda Phillips who is a familiar face to many of you. Her book CRAZY, came out in 2014 and she's still marketing it--although this maybe a "novel" idea for… Continue reading Linda Phillips: On Marketing, Celebrating Mental Health Month, and a FANTASTIC Giveaway!
For many authors getting inside schools feels as difficult as finding an agent or publisher. But according to Alan Gratz, an award-winning North Carolina author, it is not only possible, but it’s a great way to build buzz and sell your book. Alan Gratz at Hillcrest Middle School Greenville, SC 2015 One of the best… Continue reading How to Get Your Foot Inside of Schools and What to Do Once You’re There: Tips from Alan Gratz
This is my fifth post from the 2015 Florida SCBWI young adult workshop with Erica Rand Silverman, an agent with Sterling Lord Literistic, and Jacquelyn Mitchard, author and editor-in-chief at Merit Press. Click here for Part I (Why Write Young Adult); Part II (Querying); Part III (Pitches); and Part IV (Marketing Yourself and Your Work). In this post they both share what it means to build your career beyond… Continue reading SCBWI Florida Workshop Part V- Building A Lasting Career