Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Best wishes for a joyous Christmas and Happy New Year!

May the blessings of the season surround you!

May your inspiration flow throughout 2009!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Countdown Continues


12 Days to Go! Time Flies! Even more so around the holidays! I'm busting at the seams and for those that know me, know I love to talk. To keep the lid on this has not been easy.

To recap:
It's not a book deal...but it is an offer just as good!

It's the best of both worlds...keeps me writing and working from home...which is very important to my availability for my family.

This is my last teaser/hint for 2009...stay tuned for January 1, 2009!

Blessings for a Joyous Holiday Season and Happy New Year!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

The Writer Mama December Sell-A-Bration


Christina Katz is having a sell-a-bration over at the Writer Mama blog http://www.thewritermama.wordpress.com/ during the month of December!

Christina has invited her students to share their success stories geared towards the topic A Review of Your 2008 Successes or Steps You Took Towards Success or Tips You Can Offer Other Writer Mamas based on a round up of what you accomplished this year. Or even just one thing you accomplished this year that makes you feel like you are moving forward.
My synopsis of 2008 will be posted on Friday, December 19th.

Cruise on over, get inspired and cheer your fellow writer mama's on.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Honest Scrap Award



I so enjoy waking up to surprises and giggled when I received the award to Honest Scrap. Lea Schizas – http://www.thewritingjungle.blogspot.com/ honored me with this treat. Thanks, Lea!

Below are the guidelines when winning the Honest Scrap award:


1. List 10 honest things about yourself (make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep!)

2. Pass the award on to 7 bloggers


So let's start with the 10 honest things about myself:


1. I’m finally getting comfortable with my abilities as a writer.


2. When people ask me what I do for a living I respond with I’m a children’s writer and forget about my other job as a web designer and personal assistant.


3. I tell my kids not to answer the phone until we check the caller id…they are finally getting the hang of it.


4. It gets under my skin when people ask for your advice, you give it, and they get angry at your response.


5. I wanted to be a reporter when I was younger.


6. I don't have tolerance for backstabbers…nice to your face, then mean when you walk away…some people never left the high school mentality behind.


7. I cook the same meals over and over again. Kids like them, so I’ll stick to it.


8. I mix whites and colored clothes together at times to hurry up and save some time.


9. I despise it when people think you really aren’t working because you are doing it from home and think they can dump their kid on you.

10. I like the lead up to Christmas, the fun of picking out the perfect present, decorating and baking, but not the actual day…too many expectations from relatives.


Here are 7 blogs (in no particular order) I believe deserve this award now. Remember, this award is given to those who have the gut to say it as it is, to tell the Honest Scrap:



3. L. Diane Wolfe - Circle of Friends - http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/




Sunday, December 14, 2008

Countdown to Special Announcement Continues

It has been requested that I give more of a hint.
It's NOT a book deal...don't dispair...I'm not disappointed.
It's an offer just as exciting and
it's in the children's publishing industry.
That's all for now!


We all hear and read about marketing and creating a platform for our writing careers.

My announcement will prove how beneficial and true it all is.

But not yet though...it can't be announced until January 1, 2009.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Musing Our Children Holiday Newsletter


It's the holidays and at the Muse we're feeling generous.
For parents/teachers/ children: get your FREE 27 page Holiday 2008 Pages and Pens issue.
Go to Musing our Children http://musingourchildren.tripod.com, then to NEWSLETTER, and grab the PDF from the site.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Stories for Children Magazine Talks with Children's Author Terry Pierce


MEDIA RELEASE

CONTACT: VS Grenier

Editor, Stories for Children Magazine


Phone: 800-670-4416

For Immediate Release

SFC Magazine Talks with Children’s Author Terry Pierce.

Terry Pierce chatted with Gayle Jacobson-Huset, Fiction/Poetry Editor at Stories for Children Magazine about the joys of writing for children. Gayle asked Pierce some tough questions such as: “You've written a ton of children's books. Which one is your personal favorite and why?” The two ladies had a great time covering Pierce’s writing career, not to mention Pierce’s latest book Blackberry Banquet, just released by Sylvan Dell Publishing this fall.

When asked about her next project, Pierce had this to say:
“I’m actually working on multiple projects, but the main one is a young adult adventure story about a teenage girl whose family is facing emotional difficulties. As a favor to her dad, she goes on a teen backpacking trip with an adventure organization while he is in the field teaching a college summer school class. Unfortunately, the hikers end up deep in the backcountry with their guide injured, so it is up to the girl and two other teens to hike out to safety. Let’s just say I don’t make it easy for them! I’m also working on a picture book about dinosaurs (I LOVE dinosaurs) and a non-fiction easy reader series about marine life.”

Terry Pierce is an award-winning children’s author. To read more of Pierce’s interview with Fiction/Poetry Editor Gayle Jacobson-Huset visit Stories for Children Magazine at http://storiesforchildrenmagazin.org/

There are many wonderful articles and stories in the December 2008 winter issue of Stories for Children Magazine to share with children ages 3 to 12 years old.
Learn more about Stories for Children Magazine visit: http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org/
Full Media Kit, Magazine Cover Art, and more are available upon request electronically.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Hint/Teaser to Special Announcement


I'm dropping a little bone (teaser) for my valued readers.

Okay...it's not a book deal...it's something on a continuous basis where my networking skills will be essential.

Stay tuned for more Sunday, 12/14.


Sunday, December 7, 2008

Special Announcement Countdown Continues

Unexpected and welcome offer presented to me.

Networking has again proven to be instrumental in moving one's writing career in a positive direction.

What offer is this anyway?

Keep checking back!

Friday, December 5, 2008

Book Signings


Hi, All. I have a couple of announcements.

Book Signing for my young adult novel Rebel in Blue Jeans
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, from 2 - 6 PM
Hastings Books Music & Videos
2801 Southwest Parkway
Wichita Falls, TX

If you're in the area, please stop by and say "Hi."

Also, I'll be signing copies of my book on

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, from 5 - 8 PM
Tom Burnett Memorial Library
410 W. Alameda St.
Iowa Park, TX

Rebel and I would love to meet you. Hope to see you there.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

The Magician's Book


The Magician's Book

A Skeptic's Adventures in Narnia
By Laura Miller

THE MAGICIAN'S BOOK is the story of one reader's long, tumultuous relationship with C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia. Enchanted by its fantastic world as a child, prominent critic Laura Miller returns to the series as an adult to uncover the source of these small books' mysterious power by looking at their creator, Clive Staples Lewis. What she discovers is not the familiar, idealized image of the author, but a more interesting and ambiguous truth: Lewis's tragic and troubled childhood, his unconventional love life, and his intense but ultimately doomed friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien. ... more

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Special Announcement


The countdown is on for my special announcement on January 1, 2009!


The most unexpected things can happen by attending a conference.

What unexpected thing you ask?

You will have to check back each week to get more hints that lead up to my announcement.

Monday, November 24, 2008

The Sandlot Summit Book Review



Cruise on over to The National Writing for Children Center - http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com and read my book review of The Sandlot Summit.

While you are there, be sure to read all the other exciting writing information. Be prepared to settle back for quite some time...there is a wealth of knowledge to read and absorb!

Friday, November 21, 2008

INCREASE THE FONT SIZE IN YOUR BROWSER

I don't know about you, but with all the time I spend on the computer I have started using a larger font size in my emails and documents to ease the strain on my eyes. I have always wondered how can I do that in my web browser and to my delight I came across a great tip by Tylenol while flipping through Cooking Light Magazine last night.

Staring at a computer screen all ady can be strenuous on the eyes. And eye strain can cause painful headaches that make it difficult to concentrate.

To increase the font size in your browers, press:

PC: Press - Control, Shift and +/= at the same time

MAC: Press - Command, Shift and +/= at the same time

To decrease the font size back to its original:

PC: Press - Control, Shift and - at the same time

MAC: Press - Command, Shift and - at the same time

Hope this helps ease your eye strain!

Have a headache free day!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

The Circle of Friends Newsletter

Special Announcement - I'm the "Special Feature" in L. Diane Wolfe's November newsletter.

To subscribe to next month's The Circle of Friends Newsletter visit http://thecircleoffriends.net/ and opt-in your request at the bottom of the home page.

Receive updates on future books, appearances, and news from the author world.


WWW.THECIRCLEOFFRIENDS.NET - November Newsletter

* NEWS & UPDATES *

Greeting friends & fans!

The holidays are nearly upon us! Time to remember all for which
we are thankful.

I am thankful for all those who have supported me the past
few years! Your letters and emails and attendances at book
events keep me going in ways you cannot imagine. This journey
has been incredible and sometimes I hardly believe this is really
my life now. I have you to thank for the success I have achieved
so far, and know it is only the beginning of what I can accomplish.

The Circle of Friends began with one message – “Get inspired to
achieve your dreams!” - and I could not have picked a better
slogan.

Check my website on January 1, 2009 for a really BIG
announcement regarding the series!! I have incredible news
for my fans and it will rock your world!

As always, believe in yourself and dream big!

L. Diane Wolfe
“Spunk On A Stick”


*SPECIAL FEATURE*

A fellow YA author – just another one of those great people
I’ve met on my journeys:

Donna McDine is a native of Rockland County, NY…about
20 minutes outside of NYC. She lives with her husband
Tom and two daughters. Donna began writing for children
about two years ago and her impressive publishing credits
are listed at: http://www.donnamcdine.com

From a young age, Donna has always been an avid reader,
especially Nancy Drew mysteries. Her mom saved the
collection, which her daughters now enjoy. Donna is
currently working on a middle-grade historical fiction
manuscript entitled, The Trauma of Unspoken Actions.

The work-in-progress intertwines historical events of
General George Washington and Major John Andre with
fictional long ago and current day occupants of the D.C.
Campbell home:

Two different young girls, two different eras, result
in similar traumas of unspoken actions.

Present time, modern day American girl, Nicole Sloan,
finds herself in the midst of another move with her
mother and sister. To avoid disaster of dire consequences
by the hands of Nicole’s father they are constantly on the
move. Their latest relocation, the historical hamlet of
Tappan, New York. The 1780’s young woman, Loran Childs,
controlled by her domineering father, dares to break free
of the expectations and ridicule of woman from that era.
Loran’s mother, a complacent woman, sees no way out, but
to stay in the explosive marriage. Loran struggles to bring
her mother to reality and nothing will change, unless she is
willing to leave.

Separated by time, a kinship is developed in Nicole’s heart
and mind to Loran’s similar plight. The headstrong attitude
of Loran spills from the pages and convinces Nicole she
must be strong. Extensive research on Loran and her
betrothed, Paul Stone, and newly formed relationships in
town brings all the pieces together to prove the engaged
couples innocence of murder and treason.

To learn more about Donna’s writing career visit:
http://www.donnamcdine.com or
http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com

*SPUNKY ON THE ROAD…*

November 20th, 6 - 9 pm
Pamlico Com. College
Grantsboro, NC
*Seminar - How to Promote Your Book Now!
Reservations required
Contact: Jerry Prescott
252-745-7348
jprescot@pamlicocc.edu

November 28th, 10 - 2 pm
Waldenbooks
Southern Pines, NC
*book signing

December 2nd, 12-1pm / 6:30-9:30 pm
Mitchell Com. College
Statesville, NC
*seminar – Publishing & Promoting
Reservations required
Contact: Mike Tucker
704-878-3227
mtucker@mitchellcc.edu

January 13th, 2009, 6 - 9 pm
Halifax Com. College
Weldon, NC
*seminar - Publishing
Reservations required
Contact: Dick McCormick
252-536-7274 McCormickR@Halifaxcc.edu

Sunday, November 16, 2008

I've been tagged by Kimberly Lynn

I've been tagged by Kimberly Lynn

I have to come up with 7 interesting or random facts about myself, and then tag 7 other people to do the same.

You can learn more about Kimberly Lynn and her blog by clicking http://kimberlylynn1020.blogspot.com/.

7 random facts about me:

1. I have a twin sister, Debbie - we look nothing alike, but have had psychic premonitions about one another from time to time...and they end up being true.

2. My nickname is Dee. My brother Tom married a Donna Marie and I married a Tom...so my 4-year-old niece nicknamed me Dee and it stuck. She's now 23!

3. I love watching scary movies in the dark alone.

4. My dear friends, Michelle, Dawn, and Mary are my cheerleaders when rejections come my way.

5. My 13-year-old daugther, Nicole, looks exactly like I did at her age.

6. My first draft is always done in long hand with my favorite Graf von Faber-Castell pen, my husband and daughter's gave me for my 40th birtday.

7. At the beginning of January 2009 I will have a great announcement about my writing career posted on my blog and website...stay tuned!

I am tagging:

1. Carma Dutra - Carma’s Window - http://www.carmaswindow.blogspot.com

2. Lori Calabrese - http://www.loricalabrese.blogspot.com/

3. Dawn Phillips - http://www.rdchildrensbooks.blogspot.com/

4. Dorothy Massey - http://larimar.pnn.com/3693-the-front-page

5. Jennifer Gladen - http://jgladen.blogspot.com/

6. Jessica Aday Kennedy - http://j.adaykennedy.tripod.com/blog/

7. Sylvia C. Hall - http://www.sylvias-journal.blogspot.com/

Good luck!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Write What Inspires You! FREE Newsletter


Friendly Reminder:

The debut issue of my new FREE newsletter, Write What Inspires You! will be released December 2008. I already have over 40 subscribers and would like remind you that if you are interested in being an interview subject, have great news to announce, or would like to contribute an article to the Reflections or Dreams column please contact me at: dmcdine@optonline.net.

The line-up for December is:

Author Interview, Mayra Calvani
Illustrator Interview, Dawn Phillips
Book Review of Junior Geography Detective Squad - State of Wilderness by Elysabeth Eldering
Reflections or Dreams, by myself
Proclaim your Successess! - several announcements by fellow writers.

Have an inspirational day!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Honor Veteran's Day

THIS PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS...
GENERATIONS OF VALOR...




We truly take a lot for granted. Forget the football 'heroes' and movie 'stars'.

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you,
Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.
One died for your soul; the other for your freedom..


Wednesday, November 5, 2008

November Articles Published Online & In-Print

Hello...I'm thrilled to share with you that two of my non-fiction articles are appearing online and in-print during the month of November:









"Your daughter is developing early - should you worry?"

http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=813







Guest Profile: "An Interview with K.L. Going"

http://momwriterslitmag.com/GuestProfile2.htm


At both magazines, please be sure to check out all the other informative articles.

Thanks for visiting!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Mayra Calvani - Virtual Book Tour Today!




I am thrilled to have Mayra Calvani with me today and she will be fielding questions. Please read her Guest Author Post below and leave a comment or ask any question you may have. Mayra will be checking in throughout the day to answer your questions.



So You Want to Be a Reviewer?


Are you passionate about books? Do you have a talent for easily capturing the essence of a book after having read it? Do you often feel the desire to share your thoughts about a book with readers? If you answered "Yes" to these questions, then book reviewing can be one of the most satisfying, rewarding activities you'll ever undertake. In fact, book reviewing can become addictive.



I started reviewing in 1998. Back then, I wished someone had written a book with all there is to know about book reviewing. Sure, I found many articles on the web about the craft, which I read eagerly. But, I really wished I could have found everything in one volume. A sort of "user's manual"–a book that I would be able to come back to again and again and use as a reference, one that would reveal the secrets of the trade, the Dos and Don'ts, full of guidelines, tips and practical advice.



Though it may seem strange, there are hundreds of books on writing in general, and many on writing book reports, proposals, query letters and synopses, but practically none on writing reviews.



Like all fledgling reviewers, I made my share of amateurish mistakes, becoming all the more experienced and polished because of them. I, too, was guilty of the fledgling reviewer's disease–that of writing overly-positive reviews. Overwhelmed with enthusiasm, a good heart, and the desire to please everyone associated with the book, I often made the big mistake of forgetting the foremost person a reviewer must keep in mind–the reader. As I read and wrote more and more reviews, it soon became easy to tell a good review from a bad one, and to realize that a large number of reviewers, especially beginners, would profit from a bit of guidance, the things I learned from my mistakes.



The fact is, most people do read reviews to select their reading material. Reviews do have a positive or a negative influence on whether or not a person buys a book. Hence, reviewing is a serious responsibility, one reviewers shouldn't take lightly.



The aim of this book, therefore, is to offer some guidelines in a clear manner supported with targeted examples of how to write and publish thoughtful, well-written reviews no matter their length, type or genre, and to examine the essence of reviews within a broader spectrum.
This book was written not only with the aspiring reviewer in mind, but for the established reviewer who needs a bit of refreshing and also for anybody–be they author, publisher, reader, bookseller, librarian or publicist–who wants to become more informed about the value, purpose and effectiveness of reviews.



On a final note, the writing of this book has been a highly interesting, educational and thrilling ride into the slippery world of reviews for Anne K. Edwards and me. I hope you'll enjoy the journey and profit from it as much as we have.



So take out pen and paper, a highlighter, and get ready to write great reviews!



The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing Copyright © 2008. Mayra Calvani and Anne K. Edwards. All rights reserved by the authors. Please do not copy without permission.



Multi-genre author Mayra Calvani has been a reviewer for ten years. She's the author of the supernatural thrillers, Embraced by the Shadows and Dark Lullaby. A regular contributor to Blogcritics Magazine, she's also a member of Broad Universe, Authors Coalition, and The Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators.


Visit her website at: http://www.mayracalvani.com/. For her children's books, visit http://www.mayrassecretbookcase.com/. Mayra also keeps a blog, The Dark Phantom Review, where she regulary posts reviews and author interviews. To learn more about The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing, visit http://www.slipperybookreview.wordpress.com/.


Monday, November 3, 2008

Mayra Calvani - Guest Author - The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
















FRIENDLY REMINDER:



Mayra Calvani, co-author of The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing, to visit Donna McDine's blog - Write What Inspires You! - http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/ on:


Tuesday, November 4th

An excerpt..."Are you passionate about books? Do you have a talent for easily capturing the essence of a book after having read it? Do you often feel the desire to share your thoughts about a book with readers? If you answered "Yes" to these questions, then book reviewing can be one of the most satisfying, rewarding activities you'll ever undertake. In fact, book reviewing can become addictive."


To learn more about Mayra and her latest book, visit on November 4th to read more of Mayra's guest post. Mayra is happy to answer any questions you may have.


Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween


Make sure in your travels today you make note of the physical features, dialogue and actions of all the ghosts and goblins - you never know when you can use it in your writing.


Happy Halloween - Have a festive day!


Thursday, October 30, 2008

4th Annual Muse Online Writers Conference

4th Annual Muse Online Writers Conference

This is the area to register for the 4th annual Muse Online Writers Conference:

October 12 - 18, 2009

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/2009MuseConference/

Place your membership in INDIVIDUAL EMAIL only.


Updates only by Lea Schizas for the conference.

No email exchange between members.

You are responsible to update and reregister if you change your email address.

Updates and Info emails will go out once so you need to go into the Messages and find them to update yourselves on news about the 2009 Conference.

Tell your friends to register early because this year the cut off date for registrations is August 1st. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Thank you.

Lea Schizas

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Mayra Calvani ~ Virtual Book Tour ~ November 4, 2008




Mayra Calvani, co-author of The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing, to visit Donna McDine's blog - Write What Inspires You! - http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/ on:

Tuesday, November 4th

An excerpt...
"Are you passionate about books? Do you have a talent for easily capturing the essence of a book after having read it? Do you often feel the desire to share your thoughts about a book with readers? If you answered "Yes" to these questions, then book reviewing can be one of the most satisfying, rewarding activities you'll ever undertake. In fact, book reviewing can become addictive."

To learn more about Mayra and her latest book, visit on November 4th to read more of Mayra's guest post. Mayra is happy to answer any questions you may have.




Friday, October 24, 2008

Publishing Wheels Roll Slowly

At least they roll slowly for me. An SASE returned home today with a form letter, no name, no ms. title, so I looked up that publisher to see what I sent, couldn't remember. Well, no wonder. In July, 2007, I sent this editor a query. Heh, heh. The stamp on the envelope should have been a clue. It wasn't the latest stamp. I'm surprised the post office even delivered it. Not to worry though. This particular manuscript sold this summer. I filed the "not interested" letter with the others.

So it's Friday again. Short week. It will be a short weekend too. Tonight I'm working at a fund raiser for our local Friends of the Library. We've just started it and this is our first attempt to raise money. We'll see how it goes. I'm not sure what we're doing. Will find out when I get there. (Can you tell I'm not in charge?)

Saturday, I'm signing copies of Listen to the Ghost at a Paranormal Conference. Speakers from Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and I'm not sure where else will be there. It should be fun. Who knows? I might even meet a ghost or two, not counting the one in my story. They're also collecting cans of food for families of soldiers deployed to Iraq and giving away prizes, like an overnight stay at a haunted hotel in nearby Archer City.

Have a great weekend.

Happy reading and writing.

2009 SCBWI Winter Conference - New York City


Registration for the 10th annual SCBWI Winter Conference in New York City opens November 5!
The conference takes place January 30-February 1.




Thursday, October 23, 2008

Debut Free Newsletter – “Write What Inspires You!” by Donna M. McDine



Debut Free Newsletter – “Write What Inspires You!” by Donna M. McDine

Coming off the inspiration of The 2008 Muse Online Conference, I am embarking on the maiden voyage of my debut FREE newsletter, “Write What Inspires You!” to be published December 2008 and monthly thereafter.

Each issue will contain:

Welcome Message
Author, Editor and Illustrator Interviews
Book Review(s)
Proclaim Your Successes
Reflections or Dreams

Additional categories may be added.

The December 2008 issue is booked with exciting submissions, except for the category Proclaim Your Successes. Go ahead and submit your news to be included in the debut issue.

If you would like to contribute or be an interview subject for future issues please contact Donna McDine at dmcdine@optonline.net and pitch your idea. Please note this is a Non-paying market, but exposure is already building even before the first issue has been released.

To subscribe to the FREE “Write What Inspires You!” Newsletter, send an email to Donna McDine at: dmcdine@optonline.net and indicate Free Newsletter in the subject line

or

Visit Donna at http://www.donnamcdine.com/and opt-in at the top of her home page.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Here’s to your inspiration!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Highlights Foundation


In conjunction with the Highlights Foundation, longtime editor and publisher Stephen Roxburgh launches a new program of practicums for writers and artists. Roxburgh's first two offerings will be Editing for Writers, February 12—15, 2009, and Classic Models for Writers and Artists, April 16—19, 2009.

For each practicum, Roxburgh will select six applicants to work within an intimate setting at the homeplace of the Founders of Highlights for Children. These intensive practicums have been designed for writers and artists serious about their craft who want to identify problems in their work, develop strategies for improvement, and put those strategies into practice with the supervision and guidance of a highly experienced editor and publisher.

Classic Models for Writers and Artists will provide concrete models from classic children's literature targeted toward improving each participant's writing, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of genre and craft. Group discussions will focus on general aspects of writing. One-on-one meetings will focus on each participant's work. Throughout, the emphasis will be on the craft of writing. Each participant will be given a customized reading list for further study.

Editing for Writers will show writers how to see objectively in order to edit their own work. The practicum will focus on the participants' work and developing skills critical to evaluating the work, from word selection to sentence structure, from paragraph building to character development to plot structure. Group discussions will focus on common aspects of writing embodied in all the participants' work. One-on-one meetings will focus on each participant's writing. Throughout, the emphasis will be on the craft of reading critically and writing.

Stephen Roxburgh has been involved with children's books and publishing for more than thirty-five years, first as an academic, then as senior vice president and publisher, Books for Young Readers, at Farrar, Straus, and Giroux; and as the president and publisher of Front Street Books, a small, independent press he founded on April 1, 1994. In 2004 Front Street was acquired by Boyds Mills Press, where Stephen was publisher until September 2008.

Roxburgh has worked with such authors and artists as Felicia Bond, Nancy Eckholm Burkert, Brock Cole, Carolyn Coman, Roald Dahl, Donna Diamond, Madeleine L'Engle, Martine Leavitt, Patricia McCormick, An Na, Marilyn Nelson, Adam Rapp, Alvin Schwartz, George Selden, Uri Shulevitz, Isaac Bashevis Singer, Garth Williams, and Margot Zemach.

Stephen lectures and publishes widely on children's literature and children's publishing. He is on the faculty of the Highlights Foundation. For many years he was on the faculty of the Radcliffe Publishing Program, the Stanford Publishing Program, and the Columbia Publishing Program.

For more information and an application, visit HighlightsFoundation.org. Please feel free to share this e-mail with others who might find it of interest.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Highlights Foundation, Inc.
814 Court Street
Honesdale, PA 18431
Phone: (570) 251-4500
E-mail: contact@highlightsfoundation.org
www.highlightsfoundation.org

Friday, October 10, 2008

77th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition - WINNER!


77TH Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition

I am thrilled to announce that I received notification today

that my entry entitled, "The Golden Pathway,"

has placed in the top 100 of the 77th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition

in the category: Children's/Young Adult Fiction

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Stories for Children Magazine


Come Take an Adventrue in the World of Ink!

Come take an adventure in the World of Ink with Stories for Children Magazine, a monthly Ezine for children ages 3 to 12 years old.

Did you know that the love of reading is often times triggered by an adult reading good children's stories to very young children? Some expectant parents read to their babies while they're still in the womb and continue every day after they're born. Stories for Children Magazine was designed to unlock your children's imagination and take them on an exciting adventure into the World of Ink with Stanley Bookman from Storyville as their guide on the magical monthly trips.

Each monthly issue is loaded with fun stories and articles based on age-appropriate reading levels. There are also puzzles, games, children's book reviews, crafts, and poems to inspire the imagination. Children's authors or illustrators are also known to stop by, hoping to make new friends along their journey into the World of Ink.

Stories for Children Magazine is not just for adult writers. One thing that sets Stories for Children Magazine apart is that we also publish stories written and illustrated by children and teens. While submitting stories to children's magazines, editor VS Grenier was shocked to discover that few magazines allowed underage writers. She vowed to change this and has done so with Stories for Children Magazine. SFC magazine encourages readers who are our future writers and illustrators to submit to all areas of the magazine so that our readers can become a real part of the adventure that's found in the World of Ink.

There has always been an enchantment about reading a good children's story. Children take pleasure in having a story read to them anytime or anywhere - whether it be around a campfire, under a starry night, in their beds wrapped up tight in snuggly blankets, beneath a shady tree on a hot summer's day, or in front of a roaring fireplace on a cold winter's day. Children love to listen to a story being read and this can go as far as adolescence. So sit back and let the authors and illustrators at Stories for Children Magazine take you and your child along with Stanley on a magical journey into the World of Ink!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Third Annual Cybils Awards



Nominations for the third annual Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (the Cybils) are open now through Wednesday, October 15th. The goal of the Cybils team (some 100 bloggers) is to highlight books that are high in both literary quality and kid appeal.

This year, awards will be given in nine categories (Easy Readers, Fantasy & Science Fiction, Fiction Picture Books, Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Novels, Non-Fiction Middle Grade/Young Adult Books, Non-Fiction Picture Books, Poetry, Young Adult Novels). Anyone can nominate books in these categories(one nomination per person per category). Nominated titles must be published between January 1st and October 15th of this year, and the books must be in English (or bilingual, where one of the languages is English). To nominate titles, visit the Cybils blog (http://www.cybils.com/) between now and 15th. A separate post is available for each category - simply nominate by commenting on those individual posts. If you are not sure which category to choose for a particular book, a questions thread will also be available.

Between October 16th and January 1st, Cybils panelists (children's and young adult bloggers) will winnow the nominations down to a 5-7 book short list for each category. A second set of panelists will then select the winning titles for the different categories. The winners will be announced on February 14th, 2009.

The Cybils lists, from long lists to short lists (http://dadtalk.typepad.com/cybils/finalists/index.html) to the lists of winners (http://dadtalk.typepad.com/cybils/2007/02/the_2006_cybils.html), offer a wonderful resource to anyone looking for high-quality, kid-friendly books. The Cybils team has worked hard to balance democracy (anyone can nominate titles) with quality control (two rounds of panel judging by people who focus on children's books every day). They do this work because they consider it vital to get great books into the hands of children and young adults.

Please spread the word on your own blog (if you have one) and good luck if your book is nominated!

Friday, October 3, 2008

Lurie Heads to Hyperion


Lurie Heads to Hyperion
Stephanie Owens Lurie has been named editorial director of Disney Book Group’s Disney-Hyperion Books imprint, beginning October 20.
She will oversee the publishing programs for both Disney-Hyperion and the Disney-Jump at the Sun imprint. “Stephanie is a seasoned leader with a phenomenal history of building strong editorial teams and nurturing both established and emerging authors and illustrators,” said Jonathan Yaged, v-p and U.S. publisher of Disney Book Group, in announcing Lurie’s hire.
Lurie comes to Disney from Dutton Children’s Books, a Penguin imprint, where she was president and publisher, working with authors including Judy Blume, Brad Barkley, Heather Hepler and Eva Ibbotson; her nine-year tenure also saw the launch of Judy Schachner’s SkippyJon Jones series as well as the career of Printz Award-winner John Green. Lurie replaces Donna Bray, who, along with Alessandra Balzer, left Disney-Hyperion this past spring to start an eponymous imprint at HarperCollins. read more

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Book Review ~ The Secret of Yahweh!

Hello All...cruise on over to The National Writing for Children Center - http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com and read my book review of "The Secret of Yahweh!" by LeFerna Arnold-Walch and be sure to leave a comment.

Also, take the time out to read all the other valuable posts at NWFCC.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Babar is star of NYC exhibit







The adventures of Babar, the beloved protagonist of nearly four dozen children's books and now the subject of a small, charming exhibit at New York's Morgan Library & Museum.

The exhibition closes Jan. 4.

Read the full article by Ann Levin • The Associated Press • September 29, 2008 at:
http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008809290313

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Enslow Publishers, Inc. ~ Celebrate Banned Books Week

Enslow Publishers, Inc.

Celebrate Banned Books Week
September 27 through October 4, 2008

Banned Books Week is the only national celebration of the freedom to read. The American Library Association (ALA) and the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE) have launched a web site to help libraries and bookstores promote Banned Books Week (Sept. 27 – Oct. 4, 2008). The Web site: www.bannedbooksweek.org is intended to help the public learn about Banned Books Week and suggest ways they can support it. Its key feature is a list that visitors can use to find participating bookstores and libraries in their communities. Libraries that would like to be listed can submit details of their Banned Books Week celebration directly to the Web site. Please visit www.abffe.com to find out more information.

Our authors and editors recently released a new series about the authors of fiction whose books are challenged most frequently. The Authors of Banned Books series features the stories of book challenge controversies involving the works of J.K. Rowling, John Steinbeck, Madeleine L'Engle, Mark Twain, and Robert Cormier. The books provide historical background, discussion questions and contextualize the censorship incidents of each author’s work. Timelines help readers approach the controversies from different angles. Recent reviews of several of the books in this series are found below.

Feel free to forward this e-newsletter to your friends and colleagues!

Thank you for celebrating Banned Books Week!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Press Release - "The Secret of Yahweh!"


Public Schools today: Are we sending our children off to war unarmed?

10 simple rules that can protect them at school

For Release in September / Back-to-School

For further information contact:


LeFerna Arnold Walch / Mary’s Lamb, Inc.
Addison, Michigan

(517) 547-3656


Surveys show parents are concerned about the stress level of their children and what they are forced to deal with in public schools. Already frightened by what they hear and see in today’s world, they also face abusive bullying and negative peer pressure. All this stress is like sending them off to war unprotected and afraid. Just 10 simple rules in school, can lower our children’s stress level?

“The trauma suffered by children in other countries sickens Americans to the point of sending missionary relief.


What about this country? Who is taking care of our children? With our excellent media coverage, they’ve been exposed to kidnapping, school shootings, bomb explosions, and airplanes blowing up buildings, gang violence, child prostitution, drugs and war killings. Favorite television shows are no longer like “Leave it to Beaver” with no under-aged drinking or premarital sex, and many films add words not allowed on television because vulgarity sells. Good morals barely exist in public America and it shows in our schools. Children are the heartbeat of the world, growing into tomorrow’s leaders. They get strength in learning rules young.”

These words come from LeFerna Arnold Walch, member of the Institute of Biblical and Historical Studies in Addison, Michigan, CEO of Mary’s Lamb, Inc. and leading advocate for Christian curriculum in public schools.

Walch started her company to introduce J.C. Lamb, a twist on a favorite American nursery rhyme. Their mission is for the character to follow our children to school where…

• ADHD, obesity, learning disabilities, autism and handicaps limit children, inviting torment and teasing.

• The smart children are called “nerds” or “geeks” causing many children to fear success.

• Some have more material things than others, causing jealousy and resentment.

• Bullying and peer pressure can be very dangerous.

Walch claims the time is right for arming our children with American Christian history and bringing these ten rules back into our schools. Walch started Mary’s Lamb Publishing to release The Secret of Yahweh! now available through Ingram/Spring Arbor Books. The “Give & Share Book™” that introduces J.C. Lamb is a church tool designed to reach an estimated 100 million unchurched Americans. A hit at the 2008 International Christian Retail Show, the book is also receiving great reviews. Since the goal is for J.C. Lamb to make his way to school, Walch is already giving away free school supplies and working on a before school radio program called “The Morning Show with J.C. Lamb” –reading Christian children’s books and Bible verses using character voices while the children color downloaded illustrations.

Walch is an entertainer and speaker with both radio and television experience. She gives an informative and fun interview adding in the voice of J.C. Lamb.

Available nationwide – contact leferna@maryslambinc.com

Thursday, September 11, 2008

September 11th - Day of Remembrance


Today is a day of remembrance for all those that died on September 11th...7 years ago.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Remember to take the time out today to tell your family and friends that you love and cherish them.
God Bless.

Monday, September 8, 2008

The Writer Mama Back-to-School Giveaway


September 1 - 30: The Writer Mama Back-to-School Giveaway
HAPPENING NOW!!!
This giveaway was a huge success last year. You don't have to be a mama, just a writer. This year we'll have more books to give away and more thought-provoking career questions for you to answer to qualify to win. Participants last year commented on how much they learned both from answering the questions as well as from each other. Don't miss it!
Please share the WM Back-to-School Giveaway badge with all your friends with a link to the Writer Mama blog!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

The Library of Congress & Laura Bush ~ National Book Festival


The Librarian of Congress and Mrs. Laura Bush Invite Book Lovers of All Ages to Celebrate Reading on the National Mall on Sept. 27

The 2008 National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress and hosted by Mrs. Laura Bush, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, rain or shine, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between 3rd and 7th streets.
The festival is free and open to the public.

SPECIAL NOTE: The Library has created a Web site for members of the media to download background materials, high-resolution images, video and audio sound bites, b-roll and other audiovisual resources, as well as to request interviews with participating authors. This information can be accessed via the Press Registration link. This release will be updated periodically.
Among some 70 authors and illustrators participating this year are Tiki Barber, Marc Brown, Warren Brown, Kimberly Dozier, Arthur Frommer and Pauline Frommer, Philippa Gregory, Steven Kellogg, Brad Meltzer, Salman Rushdie, Bob Schieffer, Daniel Schorr, Alexander McCall Smith, Paul Theroux and Dionne Warwick. Jon Scieszka, a children’s book author recently named the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature by the Librarian of Congress, will be among the authors presenting in the Teens & Children’s Pavilion.

"I invite you, your friends and your family to join us on Sept. 27 as we all celebrate our shared love of reading," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. "Come and be a part of this wonderful national experience."

"There are activities for all ages at the National Book Festival," said Mrs. Bush. "Readers can explore genres from history and mystery to romance and cookbooks. Children can meet their favorite storybook characters. And visitors can learn about the extensive resources offered by the Library of Congress."

The festival authors, illustrators and poets will discuss their work in pavilions dedicated to Children, Teens & Children, Fiction & Mystery, History & Biography, Home & Family and Poetry.
PBS characters and NBA/WNBA players will appear at the festival including NBA Legend and Hall of Famer Bob Lanier.
Each year, players participate in the festival by reading their favorite children’s books aloud with the help of students from local area schools as part of "NBA Cares."

The Pavilion of the States, sponsored by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, will highlight reading, literacy and library promotion activities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and several American trusts and territories.

The Library of Congress Pavilion will feature a variety of family-centered activities illustrating the depth and breadth of the Library’s extraordinary collections available online. It will also offer a sampling of interactive activities available through the recently launched Library of Congress Experience.

Presentations by young poets and artists will be a new feature in the Teens & Children Pavilion. Each of the K-12 students presenting will be a winner in the River of Words environmental poetry and art contest sponsored by the Library's Center for the Book.

A presentation by four of the more than 100 authors and illustrators who contributed to the volume "Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out," sponsored by the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance, will be featured in the Teens & Children Pavilion. Those writers are Mary Brigid Barrett, Steven Kellogg, Katherine Paterson and Jon Scieszka. (The book, with an introduction written by David McCullough, is published by Candlewick Press, 2008.)

Downloadable podcasts of interviews with popular participating authors will be placed on the Library’s Web site.

The artist for this year’s festival is beloved children’s author and illustrator Jan Brett, whose poster of animals and birds on the National Mall will be available at the festival. Brett, who has written and/or illustrated more than 30 books and has more than 33 million books in print, will be among the authors and illustrators speaking in the Children’s Pavilion.

The 2008 National Book Festival is made possible with generous support from Distinguished Benefactor Target; Charter Sponsors AT&T and The Washington Post; Patrons the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the James Madison Council and the National Endowment for the Arts; and Contributors Barnes & Noble, the Library of Congress Federal Credit Union, Marshall and Dee Ann Payne, NBA/WNBA, PBS, Penguin Group (USA), Scholastic Inc. and US Airways.
The Junior League of Washington will again provide hundreds of volunteers, joining Library of Congress volunteers, in assisting those attending the National Book Festival.

Participating Authors – National Book Festival 2008
A preliminary list of participating authors, illustrators and poets, their books and activities in each presentation pavilion follows. For more information about them and the festival, visit www.loc.gov/bookfest.

Friday, August 29, 2008

DON'T FORGET! DON'T FORGET! DON'T FORGET! ~ SFC

BEFORE YOU PACK YOUR BAGS FOR THAT LONG LABOR DAY WEEKEND... Please make a note to yourself to click on over to Stories for Children Magazine to discover the identity of September's MYSTERY FEATURED GUEST!

You'll be so glad you didn't forget! On September 1st, click on: http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org

TWO MORE HINTS REGARDING SFC's MYSTERY FEATURED GUEST:

1) This person "saved" something that had been lost for thousands of years!

2) This person's knowledge and accomplishments will knock your socks off!

Best personal regards, Gayle Jacobson-Huset
Managing Editor Stories for Children Magazine
Editor for: FICTION & POETRY
email: gjacobson_huset@storiesforchildrenmagazine.org
Website: http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Stories for Children Magazine ~ Secret Featured Guest

EDITORS SPEAK . . . AND YOU USUALLY LISTEN!

Find out WHO the BEST-KEPT SECRET FEATURED GUEST is at Stories for Children Magazine on September 1st: http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org

TWO MORE HINTS ABOUT SFC'S FEATURED GUEST:

1) THIS PERSON COMMANDED MANY PLANES TO LAND AND TAKE OFF.

2) THIS PERSON HAS MUCH TO TEACH CHILDREN AND ADULTS ALIKE.

More hints to follow in a few days...:-)

Friday, August 22, 2008

Query and Synopsis Info - Important?

In the past couple of weeks I've had writers asking me if the information contained within their queries/synopsis truly makes a difference to an agent or publisher. Well, let me put it this way so you can better understand:

When you send a query along with your synopsis to an agent, that is the information he uses to 'fight' for your place in that publishing house. There's a 'board' meeting where various editors bring in their own suggestions for a few books they want to see in the upcoming release schedule. Your agent must have the information to better equip himself and make the editor he is proposing your manuscript fight just as hard in that meeting.

They look at the demographics of a book, the market for it, its competition, a slant for publicity, etc. All these elements are what a good agent can take away from a query/synopsis if you provide the information he requests in his literary agency's guidelines.

Lea Schizas

PEOPLE ARE ALREADY TALKING ABOUT THE GREAT MYSTERY GUEST AT...SFC Magazine


This mysterious guest is the most UNUSUAL Featured Guest in a Children's Magazine ... ever!
Make sure to check it out on
Two more CLUES about our Mysterious Featured Guest:
1) The rest of this person's books are for adults and NOT children. So...what is this person DOING in a children's magazine interview?
2) This person is BELOVED by CHILDREN in a certain area.More clues to follow in a few days.
Best personal regards, Gayle Jacobson-Huset Gayle Jacobson-Huset
Managing EditorStories for Children Magazine
Editor for: FICTION & POETRYemail: gjacobson_huset@storiesforchildrenmagazine.org

Monday, August 18, 2008

Stories for Children ~ Special Announcement


MARK YOUR CALENDARS ... For a September First visit to Stories for Children Magazine and check out what the BUZZ is all about regarding September's FEATURED GUEST - go to: http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org
First HINT About SFC's MYSTERY FEATURED GUEST FOR SEPT: This person co-authored a Children's Fiction Story based on a true story for our September issue. More clues to follow in a few days. :-)

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Brillante Weblog Premio - 2008


I am simply astounded!
My dear writing friend, Mayra Calvani has awarded me the Brillante Weblog Premio - 2008 Award.
I feel especially honored since this is my second time at this award.
In Mayra's words:
"Dear Donna, I would also like to nominate you for your inspiring dedication to writing.
Best, Mayra"
What can I say...this has brought tears to my eyes for the second time today. The first and more importantly, Jessica Kennedy moving her right wrist for the first time in 10 years!

The Writer's Institute - Magazine Markets for Children's Writers


I am delighted and thrilled to share with you that my cover letter and bibliography for my non-fiction article entitled, "Fishing Through A Frozen Pond," (to be published in Boys' Quest Magazine) has now been accepted as samples for the 2009 publication "Magazine Markets for Children's Writers" issue.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

The Muse Online Writers Conference - 2008


Don't miss this unique opportunity to attend the Muse Online Writers Conference - 2008!

Our aim and purpose is to offer whatever we can to you!

The Online Writers Conference is aimed to offer you, the writer, whatever resource we can to give you the opportunity to enhance and better your craft, to offer the opportunity to make some contacts to get you to that next level all writers seek and that is to be published.

They understand many writers out there do not have the monetary resources to attend outside conferences, or perhaps they are situated very far and even some may be incapacitated in some ways making it difficult for them to travel. Within the world of the Internet, everything is possible and with this in mind

They offer you this chance to come out, have a chat with our Presenters, ask them questions and even attend a few of our FREE workshops to be held throughout the week.

And remember...this is a smoke-free environment.

Registrations for our 2008 Conference

To be held OCTOBER 13 - 19, 2008 are now open.

To register, apply here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/2008MuseConference/



DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 1st,2008

Thank you

Lea Schizas

Registrations for Presenters are now closed.

If you are interested in sending in a proposal for next year's conference, please email me at: museitupeditor@yahoo.ca

Place 2009 MUSE PRESENTER on the subject heading and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Once again, thank you for your continued support in our FREE conference.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Brilliante Weblog Promo - 2008 Award


Amazing! I am delighted to share with you that Dyan Garris has awarded me the honor of the Brillante Weblog Promo - 2008 Award.

I first met Dyan when I reviewed her book, "Voice of the Angels Cookbook ~ Talk To Your Food! ~ Intuitive Cooking," and later "Money and Manifesting."

I have always believed in my intuition, positive thoughts, spiritual guides and guardian angels and with Dyan's expertise I have been guided down this wondefully exciting path even further. Be sure to visit Dyan at http://www.voiceoftheangels.com/ to learn more about her.

Without further ado I nominate the following:

Here are the rules for the next recipients of the Brillante Weblog Premio 2008 Award, established in 2005:


l. The award may be displayed on a winner’s blog.

2. Add a link to the person who you received the award from.

3. Nominate up to seven other blogs.

4. Then add their links to your blog.

5. Add a message to each person that you have passed the award on to in the comments section of their blog.