Color Me a Kidlit Writer - Blog

Color Me a Kidlit Writer

Virtual Kidlit Events Spring 2021

2/27/2021

(c) Joanie Stone, joaniestone.com

Got spring fever? Here are a few spring kidlit events hosted by folks from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond that might supply the cure, all happening virtually to keep everyone safe.

APRIL
Annapolis Book Festival
Fay B. Kaigler's Book Festival
Frostburg University Spring Children’s Literature Festival
Los Angeles Times Festival of the Books
Penguin Random House Book Fair, Carroll Community College
Salisbury University Children’s Literature Festival *
San Antonio Book Festival
Sound of the Mountain Storytelling Festival
Tidewater Community College Literary Festival
YallWest YA & Middle Grade Book Festival

MAY
African Literature Association Conference, DC
Bay Area Book Fest
Gaithersburg Book Festival
Literary Hill Book Fest, DC

JUNE
LitFest
Bologna Book Fair

* Not yet scheduled for 2021

Snot Copter: Wasted Writing It's Not!

2/8/2021

©2021 Cricket Media, All Rights Reserved.

A friend of the pen once told me, "No writing is ever wasted writing." And the above article, which appeared in the February 2021 issue of Spider magazine, is proof of just that.

I had learned about Holly, a marine biologist who collects whale snot using a drone, while doing research for my work-for-hire book about orcas, published by Scholastic Press in 2019. While the Scholastic editor thought the information was fascinating, it just didn't fit into the scope of the book. So I had to kill my darlings by deleting my 160 words and all the research that went with it. To be honest, I was totally bummed.

But I couldn't forget Holly's story. I knew kids would find her work fascinating.

And so, not long after I completed my orcas book, I pulled my research about Holly's work out from my orcas folder, opened a new folder, and labeled it "Hexacopter at Work." Eventually, I turned my attention to the idea, caught up with Holly, and fleshed it out with more research, which included learning about humpback whales.

In the end, I upcycled my dissection from my orcas manuscript by spinning it into an article that eventually sold to Cricket Media. How delightful it was to see it in all six pages of snotty glory!

Purchase your copy of this gorgeous magazine HERE.

A Moving Picture Book That's Sure to Please

12/17/2020

EVELYN DEL REY IS MOVING AWAY. Illustrations copyright © 2020 by Sonia Sanchez. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA.

When I received my copy of EVELYN DEL REY IS MOVING AWAY, a beautiful picture book book written by Meg Medina, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez, and published by Candlewick, I couldn't wait to pour over its pages. It did not disappoint! Immediately, I was transported into Evelyn and Daniela's world, which mirrored my own when I was their age and moving away from the city to the suburbs.
Evelyn's building with its iron staircase railing, the empty rooms of an apartment where friends once spent hours at play, the boxes being moved, Evelyn's afro puffs--all of it reconnected my neurons, causing me to relive a moment I had long forgotten.

The tears that ran on the day I moved and left my best friend behind rolled anew as I read EVELYN DEL REY IS MOVING AWAY.

But I know that tomorrow everything will be different. Evelyn will be in a new home that doesn't match mine.

This story with its lovely text and soft illustrations will move any reader. Why? Because losing something dear always hurts. And haven't we all lost something, especially this year?

I will be surprised it EVELYN DEL REY IS MOVING AWAY doesn't win some of the highest kidlit honors to be handed out in 2021--not just because Meg Medina writes like an award-winning author, and not just because Sonia Sánchez captures the girls' emotions with a vibrant and deft digital paintbrush, but because this book, this story, is worthy. In a word, the words in EVELYN DEL REY IS MOVING AWAY are moving.

It's already garnered starred reviews from the likes of Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, Horn Book, BookPage, and landed on numerous lists naming the best books of 2020. But more important than the praise, the reason every elementary school guidance counselor and parent should have a copy of this book on hand when a child is experiencing grief is because EVELYN DEL REY infuses hope, and shows that change does not have to mean the end of something held dear in our hearts.

Purchase your copy today.

Publisher's blurb: Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela’s best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other: Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi, and cat. But not after today—not after Evelyn moves away. Until then, the girls play amid the moving boxes until it’s time to say goodbye, making promises to keep in touch, because they know that their friendship will always be special.

Watch the trailer!

Wintertime Virtual Bookish Events for You!

12/6/2020

(C) Zara González Hoang, zaralikestodraw.com

Want to scratch your KidLit itch while staying safe? Here are some winter bookish events happening virtually this season that just may do the trick!

Leave a comment about what you loved about attending or participating in one of the above events, please. We'd love to hear from you! For additions or corrections, drop me a line via Contact Me.

2020 Virginia Fall Virtual Kidlit Events

9/18/2020

(C) Courtney Pippin-Mathur. Illustration from MAYA WAS GRUMPY (Flashlight Press, 2013)

Want to scratch your KidLit itch while staying safe? Here are some fall virtual bookish events (normally hosted in-person throughout Virginia and D.C.) that just may do the trick!

SEPTEMBER
Hampton Roads Writer’s Conference
Library of Congress National Book Festival

OCTOBER
Fall for the Book hosted by George Mason University
James River Writer's Conference
Old Dominion University Literary Festival
Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Fall Conference
Virginia Children’s Book Festival of Longwood University
Library of Virginia Literary Festival

NOVEMBER
The Virginia Association of School Librarians Conference

Please, leave a comment about what you loved about attending one of the above events!
For additions or corrections, drop me a line via Contact Me.

Happy to Introduce Two Raven Quill Literary Agents!

9/15/2020

(c)"Raven Feathers," fine art photograph by June Hunter, urbannature.blog

I'm super excited to be interviewing Jacqui Lipton and Kelly Dyksterhouse of
Raven Quill Literary Agency. And guess what! These amazing agents are BOTH mine! Not only are they smart and savvy about the children's publishing biz, they're also kind and patient and supportive to their clients, a diverse bunch. And, did I mention--they're mine?! I did? Okay then.... Without further ado., let me introduce them to you!
First up...

Welcome, Kidlit Agent Jacqui Lipton!

9/14/2020

(c)"Raven Reflections," fine art photograph by June Hunter, urbannature.blog

Jacqui Lipton: Raven Quill Literary Agency Founder & Kidlit Agent

Welcome, Jacqui! I'm so happy to be interviewing you!

Hi, Dionna! Happy to be interviewed.

All right, here's your first question. How is a raven like a writing desk?

Haha! Why don't you tell me.

I'm asking the questions here. Seriously, do tell a little about yourself, I'd especially like to know how you found your way to becoming a kidlit agent, and if you're enjoying it.

I always loved writing (and reading of course) ever since I was very young. In college, I took some writing classes and majored in theater studies where I was able to do a lot of script writing. Then I turned to legal studies and became a lawyer, and then a law professor. I did that for a LONG time--probably too long!--and eventually turned back to writing when I had my first child.

After taking a bunch of online writing classes, I decided to enroll in an MFA program, which I loved, but I found the business/legal side of publishing just as intriguing and invigorating as the writing side. I ended up interning for a terrific literary agent in the kidlit area for many years and then decided it was probably time to fish or cut bait. So I ended up merging my interests in business/law with my interests in writing (especially writing for children) and that's how I ended up where I am now.

(c) "Raven Joy," fine art photograph by June Hunter, urbannature.blog

I know quite a few former lawyers turned writers. Curiouser and curiouser! Please do share a little about your agency, Raven Quill Literary Agency. Why did you choose that name? What type of books/clients do you hope to represent?

Raven Quill was really a joint effort between me and some of my initial clients when we struck out on our own. The name actually is an homage to the daughter of my very first client who has been with me since the beginning. Her name is Raven. Then we played around with "raven" symbolism for a while, eventually ending up with Raven Quill because of both the flying and writing connotations of a raven feather.

We generally represent kidlit from early board books through to YA and some of us (including me) take on selected projects for older audiences. I have a particularly sweet spot for romance. I love the clients I have today and am always on the lookout for new and exciting voices. The agency is particularly committed to raising the voices of historically underrepresented groups in kidlit.

Even before you became my agent, I always enjoyed reading your informative legally speaking articles in the SCBWI Bulletin, and just purchased a copy of your recent release, Law and Authors: A Legal Handbook for Writers. (Congrats, by the way!) So, what motivated you to write this book?

This one was kind of a labor of love for me. After spending some time observing the business side of the industry, it dawned on me that there were very few easily accessible and user-friendly legal resources for authors, while authors have a lot of questions about things like copyright, trademarks, defamation, privacy law, etc. There are some great resources on legal issues that are a little more sophisticated and complicated than many authors need to get, and some (often misleading) blog posts and generally available information online.

I wanted to create something in the niche between a short blog post and a complicated legal book: a resource that authors could dip in and dip out of without needing to prepare themselves for too much legalese. I made the tone of the book more like an informal chat to smart sensible authors who have an interest in their rights and obligations. The key takeaway from the book (I hope--and I stress this in the first and last chapters ) is not to let the law freak you out or get in the way of writing what you need to write. There are always ways to deal with legal problems and I've tried to touch on those in the book and to suggest ways for finding effective and affordable legal advice where help is actually needed.

Can't wait to read it! Well, Jacqui, thanks so much for stopping by. I really enjoyed it!

I enjoyed being here!

Jacqui Lipton is the founder of Raven Quill Literary Agency, having previously worked as an associate agent and intern at several leading kid lit agencies. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. A law professor and attorney with American and international experience in commercial and intellectual property law, she is the author of Law & Authors: A Legal Handbook for Writers (University of California Press, 2020). She also writes columns on legal issues for writers for the SCBWI Bulletin, Luna Station Quarterly, Catapult Community Page, and Savvy Authors. She is a frequent presenter on these issues around the country. Jacqui focuses on representing authors of middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction. Find Jacqui on Twitter @jacqui_lipton.

All images used with permission

Welcome, Kidlit Agent Kelly Dyksterhouse!

9/13/2020

(c)"Raven Emperor," fine art photograph by June Hunter, urbannature.blog

Kelly Dyksterhouse, Raven Quill Literary Kidlit Agent

Salutations! Kelly, thanks for coming by!

You're welcome!

I would especially love to know how you found your way to becoming a kidlit agent.

Really, the way I found myself as an agent at Raven Quill Literary Agency goes back to what we’ve always tried to teach our kids: whatever you do, do to the best of your ability with a constant willingness to learn, and doors will be opened to you. That is how I’ve tried to live, and while my road to Raven Quill Literary Agency was unexpected, each step led organically to the next, landing me where I am today.

So what were those steps?

I knew I loved kidlit, both reading and writing it, so in 2014, I got my MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. My goal was to both hone my writing craft and to earn a degree that would give me a skill so that I could work once my kids were out of the house. At the time, I was thinking I’d write and teach writing and children’s literature at the college level. While at VCFA, I interned at The Bent Agency, reading slush, full manuscripts and refining my editorial skills. I later followed Susan Hawk to Upstart Crow, where I worked as an assistant and editorial reader and really learned all things agent-y. I was very content working for Susan—I was doing everything I loved: editing, teaching, reading, working with people. I got to work with writers, help them develop their manuscripts from idea to polished draft, and eventually saw their books on the shelves. The job was (is) a perfect blend of left brain/right brain, which suits me great!

But I still hadn’t considered agenting myself until Jacqui approached me and asked me to join her at Raven Quill. At this point, I’d had several years working in literary agencies, and Susan was incredibly encouraging that it was time I made the leap to taking on my own clients. I took a couple of months to think and interview agents whose practices I really admired, and in February I joined Jacqui at Raven Quill. I think the move surprised no one other than myself.

Are you enjoying it?

I’m having the time of my life. So there you have it: proof that good things have happened in 2020!

(c)"Raven's Eye View," fine art photograph by June Hunter, urbannature.blog

What type of books/clients do you hope to represent?

I think the books I am most drawn to walk the line between commercial and literary. In other words, they have a big hook and ask big questions. I love books that have that holy trinity of amazing character/engaging plot/compelling voice. All of that can happen in any genre for any age group. I have clients that achieve it in PB, CB, MG and YA, both fiction and non-fiction in all genres.

In terms of clients, my ideal client is someone who is never done learning and who is willing to take a risk and try new things--whether that be in yet another draft of the same book or in taking the leap into another kind of writing. I think that a true writer is someone who is always growing their craft.

As a children's book writer, what type of books do you enjoy penning? How do you juggle the role of writer and agent?

Oh, this is a great question! One I am still trying to find the answer to. I have several of my own projects in the works at various stages. I write mostly MG, I think because that’s the age I was when books really made a big impression on me. I will get into a great writing groove--I’m most productive first thing in the morning--and then a client project will come in, or be ready to go out on sub, and I will lose my own momentum. I have a very hard time focusing on myself if someone I’ve committed to needs my attention. But I am learning to give a bit of grace to myself and find productivity in that ebb and flow.

I think your clients would understand! Does one skill set (writer/agent) inform the other?

Yes, I do think that writing informs my skill as an editor. Absolutely. It’s the difference between understanding something at a purely academic level and the deeper understanding that comes from truly experiencing it. Also, I think it helps me relate to my clients better. I understand what it means to be stuck, how hard it is to cut a character you love, how messy that middle can be. And mostly, how excruciating the waiting game is and demoralizing rejection can be. I think this deeper understanding makes me a better advocate and cheerleader.

That you do amazingly well! Thanks for stopping by, Kelly. I really enjoyed your visit.

I enjoyed being here!

Oh, before you go. Do you know how a raven is like a writing desk?

Perhaps I do. You'll just nevar know.

Kelly Dyksterhouse, literary agent with Raven Quill Literary Agency, grew up with a book always in her hands and a story always in her head. The important role that books played in her early years developed into a passion for children’s literature in her adult life. Kelly holds an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults for Vermont College of Fine Arts and has interned as an editorial reader at leading literary agencies and worked as an independent developmental editor and writing mentor. She considers the opportunity to help bring books into existence to be a great honor, and it is a particular joy for her to work alongside authors as they develop their project from idea to polished manuscript. The best feeling of all is when those manuscripts end up as books in the hands of children. Find Kelly on Twitter @KellyDHouse.

All images used with permission

Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Seven!

8/21/2020

(C) Sleeping Bear Press, 2020

Animal artwork by Lerato from Malawi

OH MY! Kid Interviewer:
Madeline

Hi, Madeline! So nice of you to join us.

Thank you, Mrs. Mann, for having me!

The pleasure is all mine! Do tell about the interview you had with Moira Donohue, coauthor of LIONS & CHEETAHS & RHINOS! OH MY!

I did a Zoom interview with Ms. Moira Donohue. I liked being on Zoom with her because she is so friendly and paid attention to me when I talked. It makes me know she’s listening to my question and not taking it lightly. I learned a lot from her about animals, good sources, and about her work. I found out we put some of the same information in both our books!

That's cool! So I heard that Moira's publisher mailed you a review copy of LION, CHEETAHS & RHINOS! OH MY!, and that Moira sent you a signed bookplate. Did you enjoy reading the book?

LION, CHEETAHS & RHINOS! OH MY!, her newest book, was AWESOME!!! The writing was well said and I wouldn't change anything. But what really caught my eye was the illustrations. Were those really made by kids!?! Those pictures look professionally done. The artwork is so realistic and the illustrations capture the actions and behaviors of the animals.

So would you recommend the book to your classmates?

I would recommend the book to my classmates because It tells interesting facts about the animals and the pictures are impressive because they are made by kids, just like us.

Pages from Madeline's book, her third-grade school project

I heard you wrote a book for a school project that is similar in scope to John and Moira's book. Do tell a little about it, why you chose African animals as your research area, and what you enjoyed about the process.

This past year at school, I got to make a digital book on any topic as an individual project. I chose to write about African animals because I really like animals and almost all of my favorite animals live in Africa. The research I did about the 11 animals I chose was the hardest part of making my book. It took a long time, but it was neat to find out some facts I didn’t know. As part of my project, I was supposed to illustrate the book because I love art. Since we missed so much school in the spring [because of COVID-19], I ran out of time to do all the artwork for so many animals. I used digital photographs instead. It was still really fun to choose the photos, design the layout of the book and pick lots of different colors. So it was still a big art project and that was my favorite part.

Do you think you might like to be a writer or illustrator of books for younger readers when you grow up? If so, why?

I might like to become a writer and illustrator of books for young readers when I grow up because I enjoy listening to stories and making up new stories and I love to draw and paint. I also like to research and learn about things that happened in history. That would be fun to write about.

You're on your way, Madeline! Thanks again for stopping by. It was great having you!

It was fun!

Madeline is 9 years old and will be in the fourth grade when school starts in the fall. She enjoys learning about many subjects in school. Madeline loves reading, drawing, painting, making crafts, playing soccer, dancing, making I-Movies, and playing with her friends!

Win a chance to receive a signed copy of this book by leaving a comment anytime during the party's duration!

Ten African animals, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and elephants, are brought to life in colorful artwork, accompanied by fun nature facts. Written by John Platt and Moira Rose Donohue, each animal portrait is painted by a student from the How to Draw a Lion program. Established in 2018 by New York artist John Platt, How to Draw a Lion is a nonprofit art education program that provides art classes for children in sub-Saharan Africa (Sleeping Bear Press, August 15, 2020).

"A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today!

All images used with permission from Madeline's mom and Sleeping Bear Press.

Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos! OH MY! Launch Party Day Six!

8/20/2020

(C) Sleeping Bear Press, 2020

Animal artwork by Vincenti from Tanzania

OH MY! Kids:
Sub-Saharan Artists

Ally
from Tanzania

"My favorite animal is the lion (Simba in Swahili) because its the king of beasts and it has an awesome mane. In art class, I learned how to paint pictures more realistically by blending colors. I used to draw all the time when I was younger but its knowing how to paint that can make a picture look real. It feels amazing that our work will be in the book and I hope they feel amazed by our talents and that its interesting for them!"

Christopher
from Malawi

"My favorite African animal to paint is a lion because it’s so beautiful and easy for me to draw (I love tigers for the same reason!). In art class, I have learned carefulness and neatness and to take your time. I feel really good and proud to know that our talent will be known across the world and I hope kids who read the book will get more drawing skills and believe in themselves--they can also do it!"

Lerato
from Malawi

"My favorite animal to paint is the horse because of the way it moves. I love to paint the hair moving as it runs, but for African animals my favorite is the elephant. I have learned a lot in art class like how to mix different colors but also how to make sure that the animal is in the same position in the painting as it is in the photo you work from. Maybe its running, or walking or just standing, but you have to make sure you are showing those movements and positions. I feel good about my art being featured in a children’s book so that our art can be known to so many children and they can see and learn from us. I hope American kids will get some knowledge about different animals, what they look like, the way they run and eat and do so many things and also learn to believe in themselves that they can do it and do better!"

Paulo
from Tanzania

"My favorite animal is the black panther because they have good hunting skills and I love the movie Black Panther. In art class, I leaned that art is part of my talents, its something I hadn’t really tried before. It feels really great that my work is included in the book and I hope kids everywhere will enjoy it. I hope they will be good artists and learn that art is a good talent to have."

(C) Sleeping Bear Press, 2020

Rahim
from Tanzania

"My favorite animal to paint is the cheetah because it is so fast. In art class, I learned how to paint and blend the colors, but I love the idea of being in the book because I could be a famous artist! I hope that kids in America will be proud of our talent and want to paint just like us"

Samuel
from Kenya

"My favorite animal is the cheetah. This is because from my childhood I used to hear about its speed, where it is the fastest animal in the world. In art class, I have learned how to sketch and make the drawing proportional without using the grid method. I learned painting and also putting very important details. I also learned how to use different kind of brushes, mixing colors and coming up with different colors. It makes me feel very good to know that my art is being featured in a children's book. I am really proud of that! I really hope American kids will get inspired by the book, feeling enjoyment when reading about African wild animals. And for those who are talented in art, I hope they will get inspired."

Vicenti
from Tanzania

"My favorite animal to paint is the cheetah because I love the shape of the body and carefully painting the spots. In art class, I have learned to never give up if the picture looks bad--keep going and it will eventually be all right. I have also learned not to get too excited before you finish your picture because you can mess up the picture. I feel really great that I am in the book and I hope American kids will be excited about it. I hope they will notice that art is a great skill that you can learn."

Yohani
from Tanzania

"I love to paint elephants on sunsets, impalas and cheetahs. These animals are fun for me to draw and paint. In art class, we worked on doing reflections in the water of animals as they walk along and that was really hard. It feels wonderful to be included in the book and I hope all other kids will like it!"

The ten young people interviewed here contributed artwork published in LIONS & CHEETAHS & RHINOS! OH MY!, written by Moira Donohue and John Platt, and published by Sleeping Bear Press. When painting the animal portraits found in the book, they were from 10 to 23 years old and lived in Tanzania, Kenya, and Malawi. They learned how to draw, paint and depict African wildlife from professional artists volunteering with How To Draw A Lion, an art-based education program founded by John Platt, an award-winning New York based artist. How to Draw a Lion is a nonprofit with low overhead that raises funds by hosting art shows with the children's art. Some of the young artists in the program, like Samuel, have gone on to become professional art instructors themselves. Find out more at drawalion.com.

"A successful combination of factual prose and appealing artwork."
School Library Journal
Purchase your copy today

Win a chance to receive a signed copy of this book by leaving a comment anytime during the party's duration!

All images used with permission of Sleeping Bear Press

weebly analytics