Plot Intensive with Cheryl Klein, Some News & Free Books

I keep thinking I'm going to write a post about the loads of great info gleaned from the Novel Writing Workshop. But then....I don't. 

However, speaking of workshops, there's a brilliant one coming up in (relatively) our area...

The Utah/S. Idaho chapter of SCBWI is hosting a day-long plot intensive with Cheryl Klein, Senior Editor at Arthur A. Levine Books. Cheryl is a brilliant editor and has developed several very smart and methodical strategies to make revising your book less mysterious.

During this full-day workshop in Salt Lake City on Saturday, November 17, 2012, you can learn some of her best techniques. There is no one better at dissecting plot than Cheryl. This is a master class for intermediate/advanced writers, though beginners are also welcome to attend.

Registration is limited to 50 participants, so reserve your spot today! For more info and to register, go to...

http://www.scbwi.org/Regional-Chapters.aspx?R=49&sec=Conf

I'm going to be making the trek up north for this. Not only does it sound like it's worth the trip, but I'm going to be helping out with the workshop. I will be the Bookstore Liaison. Yes. Be impressed. I should probably get some kind of badge made. Or, at the very least, a plaque for my desk.

And speaking of impressive things which I need a plaque, badge or, maybe a banner, for...

I'm now the Southern Utah Coordinator for the SCBWI, or the Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators, for those who aren't familiar with those initials. Hmmmm, I'm not sure all that would fit on a badge.

A bit before the workshop last month, Elissa Cruz, the fun and awesome ARA or Assistant Regional Director for the Utah/So. Idaho Chapter contacted me and expressed her concerns about the writers in our area. We chatted back and forth and she asked me to help out in this way. 

So, what does this mean for our writing community? 

I'm so glad you asked. This means we'll be having more workshops, mingle sessions and critique groups. It means more opportunities for writers in southern Utah! It means we're getting organized, people. Let's put a Woo to the Hoo!

I'm really excited about this. Can you tell?

I have some plans and ideas. Elissa has some plans and ideas. But what about you? If you're a Southern Utah variety of writer or you'd like to travel to southern Utah for events, what kind of SCBWI shindigs would you like to see in our area? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Oh and one more thing....want some free books? Um, duh. Of course.

My brilliant friend, Elaine Vickers launched her middle grade-focused blog today. She is talented, funny, smart and awesome. And so, of course, her blog is going to rock.

Check out her blog for a chance to win some of these great books...

Writing for Charity Highlights

I had a fabulous weekend. I got a lot of writing done. I thought and dreamt and thought and planned and outlined and wrote and ate too many belgium waffles and learned loads at the Writing for Charity event.


Now I just want to hug my babies (I missed them soooo much), write and clean my house. I know cleaning doesn't sound like fun....but, well...it really needs it.

But before I hole up in *my writing cave, here's some pics and words about the event...

Writing for Charity was at the historic Provo Library. I love this old building.

The day started out with a massive 25-author panel up on the stage. Shannon Hale led the discussion and, as always, she was a riot. Seriously, that girl should be a stand up comedian. 

I love this quote from Clint Johnson...

"It's impossible to write something so badly you can't improve it. The only thing you can't improve is nothing." 

Then we broke up into our critique groups. I was lucky enough to be in Jennifer Nielsen's group. She is the author of Elliot and the Goblin War and Elliot and the Pixie Plot.  As well as The False Prince which will be out soon. She's also one of the authors for The Infinity Ring. Oh, and the third Elliot book will be out soon, too. She's a busy girl!

 

 

 

This was the first time I'd met Jennifer and I was so impressed with her. This chickadee really knows her stuff. She helped me see how to increase the immediacy on the first page of my WIP and she was super encouraging. I loved being in her group.

I got Sam, my 7 yo, the first two Elliot books (although I'm saving the second one for his birthday) and he was super excited. Jenn has a very clever way of signing them, too. She gives the child their very own goblin name. Sam's is Smashcrash. He thought this was Super Cool.

Brenda Sills was also in Jennifer's group. I love going
to workshops and finding new writing friends. There
are some people you just instantly connect with and
Brenda was definitely one of those for me.

There were so many fun things on the silent auction table.
But I didn't bid on anything. Instead I blew my money on
a giant armful of books. 

We had a yummy lunch catered by the Apple Spice Junction and then it was time for the classes. I got roped into helping out by being a Time Keeper. This sounds much cooler than it was. Basically I had to remember to glance at the time so I could hold up the 5 minutes left and Time is Up signs at the appropriate moments. I even got to wear a Staff Button. Yeah, that's right. And you know what? A Staff button is only one step away from the Author Button, people. 

First up was Shannon and Dean Hale's class on getting the crappy writing out of the way so you can revise it. As if Shannon isn't crazy funny on her own, throw in her awesome husband and you will not stop laughing as long as they're talking. And you just might pee your pants.

We got to witness a brilliant scene acted out by Dean and narrated by Shannon about a orphan who gets left in a library. It was supposed to be scary. And it involved a bag of rice. Yep. I'm pretty sure no one will ever see this caliber of acting again. They then proceeded to revise the scene twice until it got much better. Sadly, the bag of rice got nixed.

Next up was Jennifer Nielsen's class on getting to know your characters better. Okay. So, this was a crazy informative class. She talked about personality, character traits and her own version of a psychological test used to test troubled teens. It's a brilliant way to get into our character's heads and discover why they're doing the things they're doing. Or why they won't do the things we want them to do. I learned LOADS. Really, it was a Wow Moment for me. 

This was followed by an interesting fantasy author panel with Mette Ivie Harrison, Brandon Sanderson, Tracy and Laura Hickman and Dene Low. I loved when Tracy Hickman was talking about world-building and he said you need to keep asking yourself why. Why the world is like this or that. He said the worst answer is magic. 

After this there was an absolutely brilliant, life-changing (for me) session taught by Brandon Sanderson on plot. This is something I've been struggling with. And his class really helped me wrap my brain around the idea of a good plot and how we make a promise to the reader depending on what kind of plot template we choose. So. Awesome. 

I love these books. With a deep and burning passion.
Seriously, they are so funny. Buy them for your kids.
Read them to your kids. Or just buy them for yourself.
Really...go and do it right now. 

Then it was time for the book signing. Like I said, I bought loads of books. For my kids...yeah, that's right. They're for mykids.

Zoe was thrilled when I came home with this pretty pink and sparkly book, Dear Cinderella, for her. It's illustrated by my cute friend, Julie Olson. And it's such a fun book. Not only are the pictures so sweet and beautiful. But the story is really great, too! It's written in letters between Snow White and Cinderella and tells their stories at the same time. Such a great idea!

Emmett, my 10 yo got Return to Exile, by  E.J. Patten.
He's been LOVING it, but he's decided he can't
read it before he goes to bed because it's too scary.  

I picked up Icefall by Mathew Kirby for Weston, my 12 yo. I've heard it is a super excellent read. I'm planning on stealing
it from him soon.               

I took a gander at Dean Hale's book Scapegoat and had to buy it. It's super funny...which isn't surprising when you consider the author. My kids have loved it.

 

I was anxious to get on the road so I could be home again with my family, but I quickly chatted with old friends and visited with new friends and snapped more pictures...

I was happy to get to know the fun and sweet Julie Daines in person. We're both
blogging on the Utah Children's Writers blog. And she is super awesome.

This guy is crazy cool. It was great meeting Jayrod Garrett
in person. He has charisma by the truckload (not to mention he's
oozing with confidence!) and he's super fun to talk to!

I was happy to see Emily Wing Smith again...I think it's been at least
two...ack!...maybe three years since I saw her last. Which is very sad.
Because she is crazy fun to be around.

 

Yep. I was a total fangirl and got my picture
taken with Brandon Sanderson. I look excited.
Although he's thinking, "Where's my bodyguard?"

Taffy Lovell is another writer on the Utah Children's Writers Blog and
I was really excited to meet her in person, too. She's so cute, right? In fact,
we decided to start our own clique. It's called the Super Cute Clique.
It's very exclusive.

There you have it. A great trip. But it's even greater to be home. There's nothing like a trip away from everything to help you see what's really important, right?

*At some point, I may come out of my writing cave to share some of the fantabulous things I learned. Maybe. 

I'm Running Away this Week

I'm going up north to hole up in a hotel for a couple days and write. And I'm going to this...

 

Where I'll see...

Brodi Ashton
Ken Baker
Kristen Chandler
Kristyn Crow
Bree Despain
Sharlee Glenn
Dean Hale
Shannon Hale
Becky Hall
Mette Ivie Harrison
Laura Hickman
Tracy Hickman
Tess Hilmo
Clint Johnson
Matthew Kirby
Kristen Landon
Dene Low (Laura Card)
Lisa Mangum
Jennifer Nielsen 
Sheila A. Nielson
Julie Olson
E.J. Patten
Janette Rallison
Brandon Sanderson
Jeff Savage
James Summerhays
Emily Wing Smith
Eric James Stone 

Jealous, much? 

You can still register online at Writing for Charity or at the door on Saturday morning.  

Utah is awesome. 

For the Love of Writing Conferences

What to learn more about the craft of writing for children? What to hang out with loads of like-minded writers? Do you live in Utah? Or would you like to take a trip to our lovely scenic state?

Then you're in luck! There are some fun writing conferences and workshops in Provo on the horizon...

Writing for Charity: This is one I haven't been to before, but it sounds really amazing and totally worth the price. I've heard all sorts of good things about this workshop which is the brainchild of Newbery award-winning author, Shannon Hale. Here's a blurb about what makes this conference different...

Have you ever wanted to sit with a published author and discuss your manuscript-in-progress? This year, group manuscript critique sessions will not be a free-for-all discussion with conference participants, followed by a short remark from the professional author. Instead, the author will give the critique, and the participants in the group will listen. You'll have the full attention of the author (or several) and will also learn by listening to the critiques on the other manuscripts in your group. If you don't bring a manuscript or aren't a writer, you can spend that time asking the author questions on any writing or literacy topic of your choice.

LDStorymakers:  I haven't been to this conference either, but my friend and critique group member, Lana raved about her expereience Here. Also, here's another endorsement...

“I must say, it was one of the most well-organized, well-staffed conferences that I’ve ever participated in. It ranks right up there with BYU Writing for Young Readers (though Storymakers is for every genre–adult, children’s, LDS, secular, fantasy, realism, nonfiction, and so forth), and the conference itself focuses more on craft than marketing, so the lessons about, well, storymaking, can be applied to whatever niche an author writes for.”

          –Stacy Whitman, Editorial Director of Tu Publishing and guest editor at the 2009 LDStorymakers Writers Conference (Click here to read her entire post about the conference)

  

Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers: I can't say enough good things about this one. The writers and illustrators are so giving and helpful. This was one of my first writing conferences and I came away actually feeling like a Real Writer. And that is priceless.  This is a popular conference not only with writers but with professionals in the industry. Authors, agents and editors love being a guest at this one...

The Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Conference is a real treasure-trove of talent. I discovered several talented writers who became clients, one right on the spot! 
        -Stephen Fraser, Literary Agent, The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency

The BYU Writing & Illustrating Conference is an intimate event. The attendees are serious, the faculty encouraging, and the setting serene. It has all of the making of an environment conducive to the proliferation of the human spirit, creative and beyond. 
        -Edward Necarsulmer IV, Director, Children's Department, McIntosh & Otis, Inc.

Want to travel further?  There's also the...

Highlights Foundation writing conference at Chautauqua, New York: Yes, it's a bit pricey. But you can apply for a scholarship. I'm not sure if the deadline to apply is already passed. If so, plan on applying next year! You will never regret attending this one.....well, except you'll wish you could stay there permanently.

You can read more about my experience at this fabulous conference Here, although I only blogged about the first four days and then I think I was slammed with Major Baby-Growing Exhaustion since I was pregnant with baby #5. I wish I'd made myself write about the rest of the week though. It was truly amazing.

SCBWI Summer Conference in LA:  I really want to go to this one. Really bad. And I'm seriously considering it......hmmmmmmm........it was my goal for the year. Well, actually my reward for meeting my goals (which I'm not sure I'll actually accomplish) and I'm trying Very Hard to get them done....

I know. I know. I should be firm with myself. If I want to go, then I have to finish my goals! But I don't often listen to myself. Sad, but true. And this could be part of the problem...


Have I missed any fun writing conferences that are coming up? Anyone have any to add to the list?

Notes from the Writing Workshop with Rick Walton and Mette Ivie Harrison

Yes! It was a success!

It looks as though Rick's book to the left has a rude opinion of my baking skills.

We started out the day with some Pumpkin Chocolate Chip muffins....which seemed to be well-liked, but they stuck to the muffin liners.  How do you keep that from happening?!

Then it was on to the main event.Rick and Mette were brilliant, as expected. Here are some tidbits I picked up...

Mette talked about how she runs a 50 mile course every year. And it's not just 50 miles. But some of it is at an 8% grade.....which is super steep. She's crazy amazing, right? She said people ask her how she keeps going. And she spoke about how she doesn't think about the 50 miles. But she tells herself she can go 100 more steps. And then sometimes she has to walk 100 steps before she can run again.

"Don't think about the 50 miles. Don't look at the big picture. Think about the 100 steps." -Mette

She compared this to writing. Some writers get lost in the big picture thinking about all the steps in the process...the writing and the rewriting and the submitting and then more rewriting....it could drive you crazy. So, just think about what you can do today. And then do it.

Rick had two pieces of advice to start out the day....

#1: Focus on the craft. Focus on the writing.

#2: Write for other reasons other than getting published. And not for money. But write for your children, because you love it or for some other reason. It will keep you going. If you write for money you will see it's not worth it.

Mette also said, "If you want to be a successful author you have to be self-motivated."

Rick talked about how some people work like crazy for a workshop and then don't write again until the next workshop. But you have to be a workaholic.

After the morning lecture we broke into the picture book and  novel groups. Wow. I was so impressed with the talent! There were funny manuscripts and clever ones and super imaginative ones. I loved hearing all the different and unique ideas. So great.

Rick's awesome picture book group. 

Mette mentioned at one point that an editor is going to want to know three things within the first few pages of reading your book...

#1: The setting.
#2: The time period.
#3: What your main character wants.

Another suggestion she had for us was...."Hook the reader with chapter one. Have a very specific scene. In chapter two step back and explain the world more."

Here is Mette telling us how to get a six-figure deal.
Ok. Not really. But I'm sure literary pearls were
dropping from her mouth. 

See? Mette's novel group is utterly captivated.

My critique was in the morning. The ladies gave great suggestions and praise. People laughed in the right places. Overall, I think it was enjoyed (I hope!) And I came home and fixed a few things. Most notably the debate over The Stone.....which won't make sense to anyone but those who have read it. Sorry. Cryptic.

We critiqued until lunch and then headed over to my favorite restaurant in Cedar City and the site of my writing group's meetings....

We're ready to eat! Most of the people were still standing
in line....it was sooooo busy in there! Crazy. 

The Pastry Pub. Mmmmm....so good. I had reserved room for our giant group.  And they were nice enough to have a big long table all ready for us even though they don't normally let people reserve space during lunch time.

Everyone had a grand time talking and laughing and, of course, eating.  Yum! I tried the Herb sauce on my roast beef sandwich...which is a house favorite. It was good. But I like the honey mustard better.

Then we headed back for more critiquing and learning. I brought out the peanut butter bars which are supposed to taste like Reese's peanut butter cups.  And I was glad everyone enjoyed them so much!

It looks a few people are giving their manuscripts nervous glances...
Don't worry! I'm sure they were great. And if not....well, with Rick's advice....
they soon will be!

After we finished up the critiquing, we all joined back together where Rick and Mette shared a few more thoughts and then opened it up for Q & A.

Seriously. These two are entertaining. They always make me laugh....which
I guess isn't saying much really. I laugh at almost everything.
But, no....I mean it. They're funny. 

People asked about self-publishing, how Mette finds time to read so much (4-5 books a week people!), about agents and e-publishing and....well,much more but I've forgotten it all. I was pretty pooped by this point.

Although I will say I loved when Mette spoke about how she managed to find time to write when her children were small. And her story of when her agent called to offer representation and she barricaded herself in the water heater room, held her ear to the phone, plugged the other one and held the door shut while her small children demanded things of her. ha! This sounds like something I would do.

Mette inspired me to put aside two hours of nap time for my writing. (I've tried to implement this plan in the last two days. Yesterday I wrote for two hours. Today I only got in an hour. But I'll grab one more after the wee ones are in bed.  Hopefully I can train myself to make things work in the day so I can get those two hours in. Every day.)

Then it was over. And we chatted and laughed some more.

Lana and Emalee!  I love you! And I love our Pub Club (writing group)!
We Rock. :)

We talked about what a great time everyone had. Many came up  to thank me for putting it all together.

Elaine and Tasha....these girls are so fun! I met
them for the first time that day and instantly liked them.
Yay for new friends!

I should have thanked them all individually for coming and participating and helping me make it a success! I would love to see a strong children's writing community develop here in Cedar. So, hopefully, this is just the start of a Great Thing.

Colleen! We first met at Chautauqua two years ago, so it was super
fun to see her again.

And speaking of starting things....(at Rick's suggestion)....I started up a Southern Utah Children's Writing group. If you're in the area and you'd like to get in on our discussions and chatter, please join the group here...

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/southernutahchildrenswriters/

Cute Caitlyn! 

 I think it's going to be a great way for us to stay in touch, discuss writing and books, complain about those dratted rejection letters and celebrate each other's successes. As well as share information about editors, agents and conferences.

I'll close with this notable bit of advice....

"Read a lot and write a lot and get good at it." -Rick Walton

That sums it up quite nicely, don't you think?




Hey! I even found a way to be crafty.....guess what I spray-painted? I'll give you a big hint....

Mmmmmm, peanut butter bars.  Hey....which group snarfed all their's up? Eh?
heh heh...nah, I'm kidding. I moved them over to take a picture of the platter.

Picture Book and Young Adult Novel Writing Workshop

                  

Writing Workshop with Rick Walton and Mette Ivie Harrison

October 15th, 9-5 p.m.

Library in the Park

Cedar City, Utah

 

If you want to...

whip your novel or picture book into shape,

learn about the children's writing industry,

recieve professional feedback on what you're getting right and what you're having trouble with,

hang out with like-minded writers who are also trying to conquer the writing beast,

discover what it takes to make it in the children's writing world,

learn about marketing your manuscript,

and rub shoulders with two bestselling authors (who are funny, brilliant and highly enjoyable) in an intimate and casual setting,

then this workshop is for you.

Faculty: Picture Book Workshop: Rick Walton is the author of 80 books for kids including several best-selling picture books. He works with a wide range of publishers, is friends with a number of agents and is widely known as the godfather children's writing community in Utah. Rick also teaches a picture book writing class and a children's publishing industry class at BYU. http://www.rickwalton.com/

Novel Workshop: Mette Ivie Harrison is the author of several best-selling novels, including Mira Mirror, The Princess and the Hound, The Princess and the Bear.  And coming this fall, The Princess and the Snowbird and Tris and Izzie. She has a PHD from Princeton. She's raced in three Ironman competitions and she is one of the smartest and hardest working writers on the planet. Mette publishes with Viking, Harper Collins, and Egmont.  http://www.metteivieharrison.com/
 
Bring:
 
Multiple copies of the first ten pages of your novel or a picture book manuscript.
 

Schedule—
 
9:00-10:00--Introduction to writing for children and teens.
10:00 Break into picture book and novel groups. Discuss what makes a good and bad picture book and novel. Critiquing of manuscripts.
12:00 Lunch at the Pastry Pub while chatting about writing for children, at your own expense.
1:00 More critiquing
3:00 Back together to discuss marketing and to help you develop a plan to sell your manuscript.

5:00 Go home and write!

Register by emailing me at erinshakespear at bresnan dot net.  Also please specify whether you're signing up for Rick or Mette's class.

Cost: Early Bird Tuition, no later than August 31: $59, Regular Tuition: $69 

Register soon, as space is limited.