Wordstock

It's just around the corner....

Wordstock is coming.

Check it out here.

Ticket sales begin September 12th so don't miss out.

Earth-Friendly Friday

Here's a great way to put old clothes to use...simply cut them up :D into shoe string strips and use them to create a latch hook rug, pillow or home accessory. It's a great way to have your favorite skirt become a lasting part of your home. And, it won't be filling up the landfill.

Check this out:

Here's Beth busy crafting away instead of throwing away her old clothing.

And here are the strips of old clothing she's using. She simply puts them in a basket and away she goes: latching the pieces into her cloth.

It's still a work in progress but better a work to be completed than a stack of old clothing in the dump.

Way-to-go Beth!!!

SCBWI Upcoming Events in Portland, Oregon

September 8th:  Craft Workshop and Overview of Hamline Low-Residency MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults

When:  9:30 a.m to 1:00 p.m.
What:  Craft Workshop and Overview of Hamline Low-Residency MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults
Where:  Attic Institute, 4232 Southeast Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215
Cost: $25.00 (fees go directly to Hamline)



September 15th: SCBWI Oregon Open House: Got Genre?

When: 1-4 p.m.
What: A chance to discuss SCBWI Oregon, writing, and more. See the event description on our website for more details, such as who is manning the various tables at the open house!

Cost: Free!Where: Multnomah Arts Center Auditorium (7688 SW Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219)


September 28th: Illustration Connection
Sold out!



September 29th: New Member & Beginner Tea: "Scones and the Secrets of Writing for Children"

When: 10:15 am to 1:15 pm
What: All new members and beginners are invited to a workshop describing the basics of writing for children and young adults.  We will have author Addie Boswell talk about picture book writing, author Barbara Kerley talk about non-fiction, Emmalisa Sparrow (YA editor at Beyond Words) talk about YA, and Nicole Marie Schreiber (MFA in Writing from Vermont College) talk about middle grade.

Cost: $7 for members, $12 for nonmembers
Where: Wilsonville Public Library Rose Room, 8200 SW Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville, OR 97070



September 29th: PAL EVENT: Tears, Sweat, and True Blood: DIY Marketing in a Post-Twilight World

When: 3-5 PM
What: Holly and Shiraz Cupala

In this tandem presentation, Holly Cupala will share her experience building her brand and fan base, and marketing both her debut novel, TELL ME A SECRET (2010), which launched with over 5,000 fans and 150 bloggers, as well as her second novel, DON'T BREATHE A WORD (2012).  In addition, her marketing muscle and husband, Shiraz Cupala, will share his insights from 20 years of micro-publishing, media production, and online marketing both independently and for Microsoft and Nokia.

If you have a book coming out in the next few years, you won’t want to miss this dynamic duo.  Holly and Shiraz will send you home with concrete action items you can employ to give your book the best possible start.  Learn more about Holly and her books at hollycupala.com and on Twitter @hollycupala

Priority registration for PAL members will begin August 15th.  Registration for all other members will open September 3rd.  Reserve your spot early.  We expect this event to fill.

Cost: $12 (SCBWI Members only)
Where: Southwest Community Center, 6820 SW 45th Ave, Portland, OR

Guatemalan Breakfast

I've never been to Guatemala but Kathryn has. So when she invited us over for a homemade Guatemalan breakfast, I was like, "What time?" and ready to go before the food was even cooked.


She didn't think I'd like it because everyone in my family says I'm a boring eater and not daring (especially when it comes to food)--I like my meat (cooked) and potatoes, a little too much - but when my hubby wants me to try squid, blood sausage, or pickled herring- (which we seem to always have in the fridge) and steak tartar-- (call me odd--but, like I said, I like my beef cooked) - so, I'm not into trying a lot of new things my husband recommends (very highly), believe me.

(Pickled Herring)

Steak Tartare

But this was different. Kathryn was intending on having the eggs cooked, not cracked raw over uncooked meat then sprinkled with capers and Kosher salt.

And, Kathryn was very clear that I didn't have to eat anything I didn't want to put in my mouth. But I ate it all--and a little more than I should have.

She made home made red and green sauce, tortillas and fried plantains. 

They sliced the plantains thinly and then fried them in oil, then dried them off and refried them: YUMMMMMM!

Tomatillos

cilantro

And the green sauce was made with tomatillos, cilantro, lemon juice, and lime juice. It was so light and refreshing with just a hint of spice :D Good thing I went for a run that morning.

Pics and Nit-wits

Okay, maybe I take too many photos. Maybe my kids are tired of me always including them in my posts, pictures and musings. Or maybe my kids are just Nit-wits...

Great News - Friend Gets Agent

Okay, so Kristin is a writer friend of mine and a wonderful critique partner who just recently joined forces with an agent (can we include Sandy's name?) to help her get her book out into the public.

I thought some of my writer friends might be interested to hear about the process that Kristin went through. So, Kristin, if you don't mind answering a few questions, we'd all appreciate it.

1)   How long have you been writing?

My whole life! But I started writing seriously right after I got married, fourteen years ago.

2) What made you think about linking forces with an agent and why?

 Though I’ve been writing for quite a while, I am pretty new to the marketing side of things. I knew I would need help navigating the submission process to all the different writing houses, and later, hopefully, negotiating a contract.

Also, like all writers, I prefer to spend my time writing, rather than submitting, and an agent’s expertise will certainly help with that.

2)   Was it a long process for you to find an agent - can you tell us a little bit about your journey?

It was a long process. I submitted each novel in waves, to five agents or editors. I got some good feedback but also some rejections that didn’t tell me very much. Eventually I realized I had no idea how to write a strong query or synopsis. Once I learned to do that, I got more positive responses.

I attended conferences through SCBWI and Whidbey Island Writers and met editors and agents that way. It helped me to find out what individual agents and editors are looking for, and their preferences for submissions.

I used Agent Query to find agents who were looking for certain styles and genres.

Finally, I learned about Sandy Lu through word of mouth and through various writing circles, and I thought she would be a good fit for my writing and style.

So yes, it took me a while to connect with a good agent, but luckily I kept writing throughout that time and have several novels that I can continue to submit. I also think I improved a lot as a writer.

3)   Can you describe "the call" and how you felt?

Sandy Lu, at L. Perkins Agency, emailed me to ask if she could call me sometime that week. Of course I was thrilled but I wasn’t sure she was going to offer representation. So when we spoke and she told me she’d love to represent me, I was over the moon! I could barely speak. I try to create a mood with sensory details and use a lot of specific imagery in my writing, and she let me know how much she likes my style of writing. It’s great to find someone who appreciates your technique.

I think it’s going to be a great fit!

4)   Can you give writers any tips on how to find the perfect agent?

Research! It’s true what’s said, that many rejections are due to your work not matching what the agent is looking for.

In the first few lines of the query, be sure to state that you are sending this specific project to them because you’ve read that it’s what they’re looking for, whether it’s genre or style of writing.

5)   Can you give any advice on pitfalls to avoid?

Try not to send your work out indiscriminately.  Really research where you’re sending your manuscript and make sure it’s what they’re looking for. Rejections can get really discouraging and make you want to give up on something that has a lot of potential.

6)         What did your husband/parents say when they found out you signed with an agent?

My husband is so proud. He told all the neighbors and everyone he sees. He also feels validated, because the time I take to write and meet up with my critique group and all the other writing activities I do have paid off.

My parents are really excited, too. They’ve always known about my lifelong love of writing, and so they are happy for me.

6)   Can you give us any hints/teasers about your novel?

It’s grounded in history, in Colonial America in the 1600s. For sixteen year old Anne, magic is mixed with every day life. Her village lies at the foot of an enchanted forest; ghosts and witches are among her acquaintances; and she discovers she possesses mysterious powers of her own. When her life, and the lives of her loved ones, become endangered, she tries to turn her back on this dark world, but the magic of the forest will not let her go that easily.

9) Do you have any tips for perfecting the craft for wanna-be writers out there?

It’s a cliché, but write! Write because you love it, and write the genre you love, whether it’s hot right now or not. Make it a priority every day like you would exercise. Find some readers; join a critique group. There are some good online resources as well, such as Critique Circle. They will encourage you to keep going, and also point out things you might not have seen for yourself.

10) Are there any last bits of advice I haven't covered here that you can share?

I think it’s important to remember to love writing, and not lose sight of why you started in the first place. That will come through in your writing.

 

Earth-Friendly Friday

Instead of taking - why not give-back to the community this fall?

WAYS TO VOLUNTEER THIS FALL:

1)    Oregon Food Bank – As the hub of a statewide network of 915 hunger-relief agencies. OFB serves all of Oregon and Clark County in Washington. Oregon Food Bank recovers food from farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, individuals, and government sources. OFB then distributes the food to 20 regional food banks across Oregon. http://www.oregonfoodbank.org/

2)     The Nature Consortium – The Nature Consortium is a grassroots, community-based organization whose mission is to teach environmental lessons through the creative arts and hands-on conservation projects. They produce a Youth Art Program, an Urban Forest Restoration Project and the Arts~in~Nature Festival.  http://www.naturec.org/index.htm

3)     Portland Parks & Recreation – PP&R offers a variety of fun and rewarding volunteer opportunities at sites across the city. Annually, Portlanders volunteer over 450,000 hours.  Volunteer coaches, teacher aides, and mentors are always needed for their youth programs - and the parks, gardens, and natural areas welcome additional hands. For more information, contact Volunteer Services at 503.823.5121 or http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/index.cfm?c=38304