What Facebook “Groups” Can Do For You As A Writer:

*Allow you to make new writer friends and interact daily
*Learn about the craft of writing
*Discover new writer blogs and websites
*Learn about the writing industry and marketing
*Learn about publishers and agents
*Discover and participate in contests and conferences
*Participate in monthly writer challenges and online courses.


GROUPS

Here are some groups that I have found particularly helpful.  Anyone can join most of these groups. Just be sure to read the "rules" each group before posting.  (Most of them do not allow self promoting.)  

Picture Book Writers/Illustrators

Once upon a time, I sorted all my picture book friends into a group on FB to make life easier.Most were my friends from writing classes and a critique group. 
Whenever, I would get interesting articles on picture book writing or illustrating, I would zap it to them. That is how this group got started. 
But then...
creative people from all over would ask to be in this group. I said, why not? So I added them on. 
Please add anything related to children book writing or illustrations. 
It's just a place to share, share, share! Please tell us about your glories in writing or illustrating such as book launches, art openings, wonderful art events, etc. If not, tell us about your rejections. They are harsh but we learn from each other. 
Announcements are wonderful. Please brag. 
No politics here. Please share photos. We love them!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/167318063310294/

Agent/Editor Discussion

This board is for picture book authors. We discuss agents/editors, sending manuscripts, cover letters and queries. We support the successes and celebrate the rejections (that means we are one step closer to a yes). For those asking to join: If you are a writer, it would be helpful if your Facebook timeline or profile (if available to public) indicated that you are a writer. Writers only please.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/299530846844884/

Poetry Bootcamp

Poetry Bootcamp is about getting those words down on a page and stretching your imagination. Let's get everyone writing poetry.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/248838151936193/

Debut PB Study Group

This board is for picture book writers who want to study debut picture book texts from PB authors (v. author-illustrators). We will discuss telling v. showing, story structure, sentence structure, page turns, rules broken, word count, and more.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/debutPBstudygroup/

Writing Chapter Books for Beginner Readers

This group is for those who write chapter books for beginner and reluctant readers, or are in the process of writing them. It is a place to discuss books you have read, plots, publishers, and to find critique partners.

This group is for those who write chapter books for beginner and reluctant readers, or are in the process of writing them. It is a place to discuss books you have read, plots, publishers, and to find critique partners.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/268325186678063/

Fightin Bookworms

Private group for paid subscribers of Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Book Writers. If you're not currently a CBI subscriber, please visithttp://cbiclubhouse.com/clubhouse/join to become a member. Then you may request access to this group.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/cbiprivate/

Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator Market

Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market (CWIM)
"Connecting Authors, Illustrators, Teachers &Students" 

CWIM is a diverse group of dedicated, timely, and enthusiastic artists from across the United States and four countries abroad. Our focus is on children’s picture book and children’s educational publishing.

"Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market" is a group for aspiring writers and illustrators searching for information about publishers and how to contact them.

“Our mission is to continue to find innovative new ways to promote children’s books and connect the people who create them.”

Here's a place where you can post your AWESOME Illustrations, discuss your Art Techniques, show off your artistic talent and writing skills, and check out the stuff other TALENTED people do. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/illustratorsandwriters/

Children’s Book Creatives

Children's Book Creatives is a fun group dedicated to helping folks become excellent writers, illustrators, revisionists, and successfully published children's book creatives. There are lots of extraordinary people here and I hope that you will join us. Just request or ask a friend to add you : ) Led by the Picture Book Whisperer herself, Dr. Mira Reisberg, and with contributions from Picture Book Academy faculty and members - we aim to support, have fun, and succeed!!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/184441188368169/

Sub Six

Welcome to the “Sub Six” picture book submission support group.
The Sub Six focus is supporting each other as we work toward our submission goals. Last year, we set out to submit a manuscript every other month, with the result being six submitted manuscripts for each member by the end of the year. However, many of the members went way beyond six manuscripts already. So, we just support each other. We ask questions, share news, share concerns, ask for help, and so on. 
I post a tally sheet doc each month in the file section, which you can find under the strip of member's profile images on our Facebook page. If you click on file, you will find a bunch of docs. To add to a doc, click on edit, enter your info, and click save. Many members add their submissions to the tally sheet as they go along, others add their submissions at the end of the month. For many of us, having that accountability of documenting our progress is helpful in keeping us motivated. Seeing what the other members are accomplishing is also encouraging. You will also find a doc in the files with members' blog and web addresses. Feel free to add to it. We have a doc where members can post query letters or cover letters that they might want other members to critique. Around the second week of each month, I tally up the group’s subs from the previous month and post our progress on our Facebook page. I try to offer a monthly prize. The winner is chosen via a drawing from all the names on that month's tally sheet. Please contact me if you have questions. Sub Six is a closed Facebook group, so you must ask to join. - Alayne Kay Christian

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SubSix/

Word by Word Book Club

Thank you for joining us! This group was set up to study Ann Whitford Paul's book Writing Picture Books. Blanche Baxter and I talked about how much easier it is to push through these wonderful resources as a group and here we are. I hope that when we finish WPB people will want to continue with other books. Happy writing and learning!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/536519409761124/


Platform Building for Children’s Authors

This is a site for those who write for children to learn from one another, share resources and assist one another in building and expanding their platforms. The site is set up to allow members to invite and approve new members. Feel free to share as you see fit. I look forward to working with you.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/586598641416295/

Children’s Authors and Illustrators on Facebook

A group for authors and illustrators of children's books, from picture books to YA, in all genres, plus aspiring writers and all readers who love children's literature. Authors and illustrators, tell us about your published work, what you're working on right now, any cool stuff you've seen or heard about in the field of children's books, post your book covers or illustrations and more. And don't forget to spread the word about this group to all your contacts in the writing community. For aspiring writers, connect with published authors or other writers like yourself and for readers of all ages, check out what your favourite authors are up to, discover new ones and join in discussions. Spread the word about Children's Authors and Illustrators on Facebook and thanks for stopping by.

Please only post book covers or artwork from books in the photos section. Pictures from events or other promotional photographs will be removed. Please just post links to where they can be found elsewhere online.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/childrensauthorsandillustrators/

Children’s Book Writers USA

Children books are important for everyone. All of us grew up on them. Who can not forget classics like Where the Wild Things Are. Many people play an important role in putting these wonderful books together. There are Writers, illustrators, Editors, Publishers, Readers and so many other people that make books possible. This group is open to everyone who has interest in Children books and it will help everyone network and meet new people. We are an international group, so do not let our name scare you. Please join us . We are family friendly so children are also encouraged to join. Join the SCBWI summer and winter conferences twice a year. Also check out your local branch. Enjoy your stay. http://SCBWI.org/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/CBWUSA/

But in my mind, shouldn’t all picture books be great read alouds?  I guess there are many instances where they wouldn’t have to be such as nonfiction picture books or those peaceful “quiet” picture books. I think I’m just partial to those fun rollicking laugh out loud “performance” picture books because (as a former first grade teacher) I love entertaining children.

When I taught first grade in the past, I loved having my students study and learn to write poetry. In fact, I was so obsessed with it, that I would often do poetry all year long and sometimes steal time from other subjects just to have more time for poetry. After my students would write their own poems, I would have them perform this poetry in front of their parents at a Poetry Café Night.  Everyone loved it.  And even though we did talk about the elements of performing their poetry, these things weren’t thought about during the writing process. It was only after the poetry was written did we consider how it would be performed. 

Over the past few years I’ve discovered a type of performance writing where all those elements are considered as part of the writing process. This form of poetry is called Spoken Word Poetry.

The Nelson Atkins Museum of Arts defines it as the following:

Spoken word poetry is poetry that is written on a page but performed for an audience. Because it is performed, this poetry tends to demonstrate a heavy use of rhythm, improvisation, free association, rhymes, rich poetic phrases, word play and slang. It is more aggressive and “in your face” than more traditional forms of poetry.

http://www.nelson-atkins.org/images/PDF/Calendar/PoetrySlam_SpokenWord.pdf

These are the types of poems that you would hear in a Poetry Café or at a Poetry Slam. These poems are great for self-expression. And for this reason, I would love to further explore this idea with the students I teach.  But also, I’d like to explore it more for myself as an author. When I write a picture book, I don’t want to just sit down and write a story. I want to write a story that is performance worthy.

Below are a few links to some great performance poems. (I’m in the process of trying to collect poems that are “age” appropriate for little ears.)  Because of the nature of the emotional subjects in the poems, it’s hard to find ones that can be shared with elementary students. But I’m determined to find them. (So if you come across some, please let me know.)

Reading Allowed (as in permitted.) by Taylor Mali 

(Start at minute 1:10 to skip all the funny, but racy stuff at the beginning.)

Because once upon a time

 we grew up on stories

and the voices in which they were told.

We need words to hold us,

for the world to behold us

for us to truly know our own souls.

Alicia Keys P.O.W.


I’m a prisoner of words unsaid.

Just lonely feelings locked away in my head.

I trap myself further every time I stay quiet.

I should start to speak but I stop and stay silent.

And now I’ve made my own hard bed

Inside this prison of words unsaid.

There is an amazing project called Project Voice that can teach students to become Spoken Word Poets.

http://www.projectvoice.co/

This is a spoken word poem by Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye about how they met and started Project Voice.

Some of my goals in exploring Spoken Word Poetry:

·      Create a collection of Spoken Word Poetry suitable for younger students.

·      Bring Project Voice to my students and teach them how to write and perform it.

·      Study some of the spoken word poems and analyze them for their poetic elements and use what          I’ve learned in my picture books.

Some additional Spoken Word Poems:

Why I Hate School But Love Education- Suli Breaks

Have you ever heard of Spoken Word before?  Do you know of any good ones?  If so, share them below.

I know it's rough. School just ended and books are probably the last thing kids want to look at.  But it's so important. By dropping one or two levels of reading students start the new school year at a huge disadvantage. The beginning of the school year is typically spent establishing routines and performing a battery of assessments. Sometimes in that first month there isn't time to begin intense reading instruction. Therefore more time has gone by when the end of September rolls around those students that didn't read are very far behind. 

In order to keep those kids reading all summer long, you may want to check out some of the summer time reading programs and incentives. 

By reading more, they may discover a book or series that they love that just might hook them onto reading! 

Scholastic’s Summer Reading Challenge
Scholastic offers a reading challenge and lots of resources for students, parents, and educators.
http://www.scholastic.com/ups/campaigns/src-2014

Resources for parents from scholastic

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/collection/keep-kids-reading-all-summer-long

Printable Book Lists
Not sure what to read? Check out this updated list of summer reading.
http://www.ala.org/alsc/2014-summer-reading-list

Barnes and Noble
Barnes and Noble offers a reading program where students can earn a free book. 
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/summer-reading/379003570/

Book It by Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut has a great challenge with some awesome prizes. 
http://www.bookitprogram.com/summer/default.asp

Sylvan’s Book Adventure
Sylvan Learning Center offers a reading incentive program and fabulous resources for parents.
http://www.bookadventure.com/Home.aspx

Local Public Libraries Summer Reading Programs
Be sure to check out your own local public library. Most libraries offer a summer reading program.

NYC Public Library

http://www.nypl.org/events/summerreading

Hooked on books?

Isn't funny how we get hooked on books, and how we get hooked because of exactly that…the hook!

Have you written your story to hook your reader? Have you made your reader curious early on (the hook) and made him/her wonder what’s going to happen and how in the world things will end? 

Of course, you’ll still need to reel that reader in. A solid story and a fabulous ending will do that. So, put some bait on your line, create an interesting story and go “catch” yourself a reader!

Some good hooks in picture books:

The hook:
It was almost Christmas , and the forest was a flurry of activity. The animals were bustling here and there – putting up the Christmas tree, wrapping presents, making tasty cakes and cookies – while the young ones scampered about, squeaking with excitement.

Everybody was looking forward to Christmas.

Well, almost everybody.

The book: GRUMPY BADGER’S CHRISTMAS by Paul Bright


Why is this an effective hook? Because it makes the reader wonder… 
with all the hustle and bustle going on around him, who would not be looking forward to Christmas?

The hook:
One Monday morning in September, Mrs. Barrington rolled out a big poster with all of the presidents’ pictures on it. Grace Campbell could not believe her eyes.

“Where are all the girls?”

The book: GRACE FOR PRESIDENT  by Kelly DiPucchio


Why is this an effective hook? Because Grace’s question is a good one and it makes the reader wonder…
what will Grace do about it?

The hook:
To any outsider, Gilbert had everything a goldfish could ever want.

A magnificent stone castle.

A treasure chest full of gold.

And a feast of tasty flakes that fell from the sky just in time for breakfast each day.

But one thing Gilbert did not have was the very thing that he most desperately wanted:

A pet.

The book: GILBERT GOLDFISH WANTS A PET  by Kelly DiPucchio


Why is this an effective hook? Because it makes the reader wonder…
what could possibly be a good pet for a goldfish?

The hook:
Things were quiet on the Tuckers’ farm.

The cows chewed their cud.

The hens clucked and pecked and laid their eggs.

The old hound stretched out on the porch, watching and listening.

Once in a while someone would stop to buy tomatoes or corn, perhaps a quart of milk.

Nothing unusual happened there.

Until…

The book: THREE HENS AND A PEACOCK  by Lester L. Laminack


Why is this an effective hook? Because it makes the reader wonder…
until? Until what???

The hook:
Ozzie was a very lazy owl.

“It’s time you learned how to fly,” said Mother Owl one day.

But Ozzie said, “Oh, do I have to?”

He didn’t want to learn how to fly. All that wing-flapping looked like too much hard work. Ozzie’s favorite thing to do was to sit around.

“I’m practicing being wise,“ he said.

“Well, I want you to fly,” said his mother sternly.

“Now, I’m going out to look for some food. And if you are wise, you will be on the ground by the time I come back!”

The book: LAZY OZZIE by Michael Coleman



Why is this an effective hook? Because it makes the reader wonder…
will Ozzie learn to fly? And if he doesn't what will his mama do?

Guest posted for Mandy by Dawn Young, Children’s Book Academy graduate (PB course) and participant in the From Storyteller to Exquisite Writer: The Pleasures and Craft of Poetic Techniques course.

How time flies...it's the first Monday in June (welcome to summer) and my turn to share the inside scoop of being an agent. But, I'm hoping you won't mind waiting a month for a new post, when I'll have much more exciting information to share because...

I’m in New York City this week meeting with the lovely editors there, acquainting them with Hummingbird Literary and all we have to offer. When I return I plan tell you all I can about my meetings, agenting and the wonderful world of publishing.  

In the meantime, in the spirit of meeting with the remarkable NY editors, I thought I’d share with you an excerpt from an interview I was fortunate enough to do with the one of the most gracious and generous people I've had the honor of meeting, the very talented Tara Lazar, author, and founder of the fabulously inspiring  PiBoIdMo. For the full post please visit Tara’s blog at http://taralazar.com/2014/01/13/outside-inside-publishing/

These days we have a big problem with supply and demand where there are many more writers than there are agents, editors, or publishing opportunities. Also, many writers don’t do the work of learning the skills and techniques of being a professional writer, honing their craft over time, taking courses and learning the specific requirements of contemporary publishing and their specific genre. They submit their work and overwhelm agents who then close their submissions except through conferences, referrals and special circumstances.

We understand that this is frustrating. Here’s a little information about what you can do to get past these restrictions. One of the best ways to get access is by making personal connections with agents and editors at conferences or through courses. There is nothing like a personal connection in any aspect of life. But remember that editors and agents are mostly overworked and underpaid. They do this work because they love books and helping others. As society changes with events in the world, we have to change with it. The thing that doesn't change is that first impressions make lasting impressions. If you meet an editor or agent make a great impression by being warm, helpful, kind, and positive. As the saying goes, “Your attitude determines your altitude.” Of course before you submit, make sure your work is wonderful, brilliant, original, professional and publishable. But this is a given. If you make meaningful connections, chances are they’ll want to help you if they can, and besides the possibility of publishing, you might just make a wonderful friend.

And so, I’m in NY to make those personal connections and represent my clients and their brilliant, original, professional and publishable work and make some wonderful friends.