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SCBWI Summer Conference 2013 – What I’ve gained and why you should go.
The SCBWI LA Summer Conference is only one week away! I’m so excited. I’ve been packing for a week already. Next step — meal planning! I have food allergies. Eating away from home can be difficult. And on top of that, hotel food can get pricey. There are a few spots still open for this life-changing conference extravaganza. Don’t delay! Register today. (Sorry for the rhyme. Couldn’t help it.) What have I gained from this event? One word describes it. As was featured in keynote speaker, Bruce Coville’s talk in 2011 — ripples. Rewind to 2011 … my first summer conference. I didn’t know anyone. I went online seeking an SCBWI…
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Virtual Book Launch Party for Right This Instant
I am hosting a Facebook Virtual Book Launch Party for my recently released MeeGenius picture e-book tomorrow from 4-8pm. If you’d like to attend please click here. I will be buzzing around sharing tid-bits about the book, activity ideas, and more. Stop by on the hour for Q&A and a chance to win a $10.00 itunes gift card. The winner will be announced at the end of the launch. You can purchase RIGHT THIS INSTANT online at http://tinyurl.com/righthisinstant on your computer or on the MeeGenius App for iphone, ipad, or android. It is currently listed under the ‘New and Noteworthy’ section. You have to scroll down quite a ways to find it listed…
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My first picture book ever written
Yesterday I visited my Mom in Pinon Hills, CA. We ate delicious organic plums from her local co-op and celebrated her soon-to-be born baby bull terrier puppies. We also rummaged around in old boxes and shared old memories. That’s when we found the picture book that started it all “Kimberly’s Time Machine”, written by 10 year old yours truly. This book single-handedly stirred up the creative-writing bug in me for years to come! I did all the writing and illustrations. I even went through revisions with my editor (teacher). The story was about a young girl who built a time machine to visit the future, and all the mishaps…
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Sunflower Scribe Spotlight: Tiffany Laurencio, Illustrator
Today’s guest taking center stage is none other than talented illustrator, Tiffany Laurencio! Our e-book RIGHT THIS INSTANT was recently released at the MeeGenius Bookstore. When I learned I was being paired with Tiffany I was thrilled! She truly helps the words and characters come alive with her vibrant, whimsical illustrations. I was especially delighted at how Eli and Grandpa’s personalities are captured. I am honored to be sharing her interview with you today. Hello Tiffany! Let’s start things off by having you share your favorite flower? I have 2 favorite flowers! Is that okay? I love the combination of Hydrangeas and Sunflowers! Tell us a little about yourself? How did you get your start as…
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Hats, hats, and more hats…
Today I spent a relaxing Sunday in Del Mar, CA with my sister and her fiance. We had brunch at The beautiful Brigantine situated adjacent to the Del Mar Race Tracks. They are preparing for the first horse race of the season. I spent much of my youth in San Diego and not once have I headed out to the races. That is going on my bucket list for sure! After brunch, we made our way to the Cedros District. And we could not help but try on all the gorgeous hats! We can’t show up to the races without fabulous hats after all. Several wonderful picture books featuring hats…
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Library Days: Mission Viejo Library
The return of summer means the return of library days for me. I always find them to be bustling with excitement. On my way inside I observed this beautiful mosaic butterfly. The tiles reminded me of tiny replicas of the delicious books that awaited me inside. Of course, I always make a beeline for the children’s section, specifically the picture book wall. I like to start by looking at the return cart. This way I can see what books fancy young readers. Today I picked five books from this cart to study. Ah … I just love devouring new picture books. It helps me improve my craft and reminds me…
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Giveaway Winner for Away We Go by Chieu Urban
It was such a delight interviewing Chieu Urban last week. She is such an amazing and creative women. Can you believe she designed this diaper cake? The colors a vibrant, bright, and bold. A wonderful reflection of the colorful that awaits AWAY WE GO readers. I can just imagine mom-to-be’s face when she saw this display. Today’s winner is in for a delightful treat. So without further adieu, I’d like to announce today’s giveaway recipient is … Romelle Broas Congratulations Romelle! Enjoy!
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Sunflower Scribe Spotlight: Chieu Urban, Children’s Book Author + Book Giveaway
Today I am honored to shine the spotlight on Children’s Book Author, Chieu Urban. She is an amazingly creative author, mother, baker, designer, and so much more. Stick around and find out more about Chieu and her latest book, AWAY WE GO. Chieu has also generously offered to give away a signed copy of her book! You won’t want to miss out on this opportunity. If you’d like to enter please a comment on this post below. You can also earn one additional entry for following Chieu’s blog here, where you can find links to awesome activities for young readers. Winners will be posted Wed. July 10th. Hello Chieu! Let’s…
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Picture Book University
Pam Calvert, author of the brilliantly adorable picture books, Princess Peepers and Princess Peepers Picks a Pet, and blog writer at Woven with Pixie Dust is hosting a new series called Picture Book University. Each Monday she will post an article on picture book writing and a correlating assignment. Her goal is to offer a mini-workshop for picture book writers. Pam is a talented writer and thorough analyzer of picture books. I think she is offering a wonderful opportunity for children’s writers. I can’t wait to dive in and brush up on my skills. I hope you will check it out too. Click here to find out more about Picture Book University.
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Sunflower Scribe Spotlight: Kirsti Call, Children’s Book Author
Hello and welcome to my new blog series, ‘Sunflower Scribe Spotlight’. My goal with this series is to shine the spotlight on children’s authors and illustrators. Today I’d like to welcome our first participant, Children’s Author Kirsti Call. Hello Kirsti! As will be customary with all featured authors and illustrators at the ‘Sunflower Scribe Spotlight’, can you start by telling us your favorite flower? My favorite flower is the purple pansy because I love purple and I hate how “pansy” is sometimes used as an insult. Come on people, pansies are beautiful! I just love your welcome video. Can you tell us a little more about how your created it?…