JILL CORCORAN BOOKS

MYSTERY/CRIME WRITERS & PLOT

2012-01-27T12:59:00.000-08:00

For all you mystery/crime writers out there, there is a fantastic blog that you need to know about -- RED JUNGLE WRITERS....Eight smart and sassy crime fiction writers dish on writing and life.
It's The View. With bodies.

And when Hallie Ephron, one of those eight fabulous/famous writers, needed help with plot she turned to the one and only PLOT WHISPERER. Lucky for us Hallie shared the interview on the blog. Here is an excerpt:

HALLIE: I wonder (she said selfishly) if you could offer a few tips for conjuring plots for mystery novels -- or perhaps a few pitfalls?

MARTHA: I do not pretend to be an expert at crafting mystery novels, I leave that to you. However, after more than 20 years of analyzing hundreds of novels of all genres, memoirs and screenplays and teaching and consulting with writers from five years old to 102 from all over the world, I am an expert on plot.

You say you are on page 225 and, based on the page count of your recent novel (congratulations, by the way, on a fabulous story!), I’d say you are either building to the crisis or in the threshold after the crisis and making final preparations for the ascent to the climax.

HALLIE: Amazing! You are exactly right.
Read the complete interview here!

BLIND SPOT cover and excerpt!

2012-01-26T08:41:00.000-08:00

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Fall 2012

Website: http://www.lauraellenbooks.com/

Twitter: @lauraellenbooks

Winter stopped hiding Tricia Farni on Good Friday.

A truck driver, anxious to shave forty minutes off hiscommute, ventured across the shallow section of the Birch River used as an icebridge all winter. His truck plunged into the frigid water, and as rescuersworked to save him and his semi, Tricia’s body floated to the surface.

She’d been missing since the incident in the loft six monthsago. But honestly, she didn’t come to mind when I heard that a girl’s body hadbeen found. I was that sure she was alive somewhere, making someone else’s lifemiserable. Maybe she was shacking up with some drug dealer, or hooking her wayacross the state, whatever. But she was definitely alive.

Easter morning that changed.

“The body of seventeen-year-oldTricia Farni was pulled from the Birch River Friday night. A junior at ChanceHigh School, Tricia disappeared October 6 after leaving a Homecoming party atBirch Hill. Police believe her body has been in the water since the night shedisappeared.”

I couldn’t wrap my brain around it. Tricia was a lot ofthings, a drug addict, a bitch, a freak, but dead? No. She was a survivor.Something—the only thing—I admired about her. I stared at my clock radio,disbelieving the news reporter. Ninety percent talk, AM 760 was supposed toprovide solace from my own wrecked life that weekend. I thought all those oldsongs with their sha-la-la-las and da-doo-run-runs couldn’t possiblytrigger any painful memories. I guess when a dead girl is found in Birch,Alaska, and you were the last to see her alive, even AM 760 can’t save you frombad memories.

"THE CLASSROOM" COVER REVEAL!

2012-01-25T13:20:00.000-08:00

Guess who is on the Walmart BESTSELLER WALL!!!

2012-01-20T18:01:00.000-08:00

DITCHED by Robin Mellom!

IDITA-READ + free signed ICE ISLAND/Random House to teachers

2012-01-18T12:28:00.000-08:00

LACE UP YOUR WINTER BOOTS FOR THE IDITA-READ READING PROGRAM!

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. Mushers and their faithful huskies cover over 1,049 miles in 9–15 days. The Iditarod began in 1973 as an event to test the skills of sled dogs and mushers. It also honors the 1925 Serum Run in which countless numbers of Eskimo children in Nome had been exposed to the highly infectious disease diphtheria. The serum was transported to Nome by dog teams in the ancient tradition of Native Alaskans, who had mastered the art of using dogs for winter transportation.

Today, teams race in blizzards and whiteouts, sub-zero temperatures, and gale-force winds. Temperatures often dip to below −100 °F (−73 °C). The current fastest winning time record was set in 2011 by John Baker with a time of 8 days, 19 hours, 46 minutes, and 39 seconds. This year's race begins Saturday, March 3rd.

PROCEDURE:
1. Teachers explain to their students that they will compete in their own Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Their race will be a reading race.
2. Each student draws a musher ‘s name from entries on the Iditarod website: www.iditarod.com. Each day during the race, they’ll try to read faster (pages or minutes) than the number of miles covered by the musher they have drawn.
3. Teachers will track each student’s progress on a large map of Alaska. (Tracked by daily visits to the website during the race.) The goal is for students to read faster than their musher is traveling down the trail.
4. Students select their books before the ‘vet check.’ Teachers will decide if the student’s books are “healthy” (grade/ability level).
5. As students read to each checkpoint, they’re responsible for logging in their time and having it checked by a race marshal (teacher).

GOAL:
1. Students read 1,049 minutes or pages appropriate to each student’s reading level.
MATERIALS:
1. Large map of Alaska with Iditarod Trail & checkpoints clearly marked.
2. Legend listing distances between checkpoints.
3. Name pins/tags to mark students’ reading progress on the trail.
4. Sleds or dogs (felt or construction paper) to mark progress of mushers.
5. Iditarod Reading Log for each student.
6. LOTS OF BOOKS!

OBJECTIVES:
1. Encourage recreational reading.
2. Develop an interest in history and geography of Alaska.
3. Encourage completion of a project.

ICE ISLAND (Random House, 2012) was inspired when Sherry visited St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, after the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. It was mid-March and bone-numbing cold. Sherry was startled by the sight of polar bear hides drying on racks, and amused by children playing with chunks of ice like blocks. She thought, One of these days I’ll use these in an adventure story.

FROZEN STIFF (Random House) was inspired by a summer press trip to Alaska, where she spent a week kayaking to the largest tidewater glacier in North America.
FROZEN STIFF has been used in the classroom as a companion for Call of the Wild and Julie books and has been on several state reading lists, including Battle of the Books nationwide.

As part of her research for photo-illustrated DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW: The Story of the Jr. Iditarod (Mondo), Sherry rode inside a dog sled for the first part of the 1,049 mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Sherry is the woman sitting is the sled!

Sherry is thrilled to be the first ever recipient of the SCBWI Book Launch Award for ICE ISLAND.

From the WorldWide IDEA:Read a Route Website:

Author Offers Signed Book to Kick Off Idita-Read 2012 Registration Opening

Earlier this week, author Sherry Shahan wrote me with an amazing offer to WorldWide IDEA's Idita-Read 2012 Team Managers: a complimentary signed copy of her new book, ICE ISLAND (Random House, January 2012) to the first 10 who contact her.

Several teachers have already registered for our 2012 event and the book offer has been passed along to them, but there are still complimentary copies available. I expect them to go fast, so don't wait to register for the event for the chance to get this free, cool book for your students to read during the event and beyond!

ICE ISLAND is an Alaskan-based adventure for readers aged 9-13. It is the story of two kids who get lost in a freak snowstorm during a training run with their sled dogs. The pair must rely on each other — as well as their faithful dogs — to survive subzero temperatures and bone-numbing exhaustion.

OUT IN THE WILD....

2012-01-17T12:21:00.000-08:00

Spotted Ralph Fletcher's ALSO KNOWN AS ROWAN POHI out in the wilds of my local B&N!

FABULOUS PICTURE OF DOUBLE BOOK LAUNCH JOY

2012-01-11T14:21:00.000-08:00

You Go, Girls!

DITCHED & ICE ISLAND LAUNCH TODAY!

2012-01-10T08:16:00.000-08:00

Robin Mellom (L) & Sherry Shahan (R) toasting to their book deals!

CONGRATS, ROBIN MELLOM & SHERRY SHAHAN, who happen to live within a few minutes of each other.

FOR ALL PICTURE BOOK WRITERS, READ THIS!

2012-01-08T12:07:00.000-08:00

For all pb writers, great advise here!

Four-part interview with Maria Modugno, Vice President and Editorial Director of HarperCollins Children’s Books.

http://robsanderswrites.blogspot.com/2012/01/interview-with-maria-modugno-part-i.html

http://robsanderswrites.blogspot.com/2012/01/interview-with-maria-modugno-part-ii.html

http://robsanderswrites.blogspot.com/2012/01/interview-with-maria-modugno-part-iii.html

http://robsanderswrites.blogspot.com/2012/01/interview-with-maria-modugno-part-iv.html

AND, Three-part interview with Golden Books/Random House Editorial Director, Diane Muldrow.

http://robsanderswrites.blogspot.com/2011/11/interview-with-diane-muldrow-part-i.html

http://robsanderswrites.blogspot.com/2011/11/interview-with-diane-muldrow-part-ii.html

http://robsanderswrites.blogspot.com/2011/11/interivew-with-diane-muldrow-part-iii.html

Thanks, Rob Sanders, for you wonderful blog, Picture This!

2 SHORT VIDEO INTERVIEWS WITH ME + A BONUS:)

2012-01-06T16:01:00.000-08:00

Last summer at the big SCBWI Conference I recorded two short video interviews, and one of them just went live...so I'll put them both together on this post so you can hear me, well, advise:)

Lee Wind asked my by best advice for authors going into manuscript critiques. Here is the link: http://tinyurl.com/7b3l7bs

And Tina Nichols Coury asked me for a revision tip. Here is the link: http://tinyurl.com/87x4mql

Hope they help.

Hey, and while we are enjoying videos, check out the trailer for FANGBONE by Michael Rex.This series is going to be huge! So fun. Here's the trailer: http://tinyurl.com/73ynptx

BOOKLIST LOVES ROBIN MELLOM'S DITCHED!

2012-01-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

DITCHED: A LOVE STORY

Author: Mellom, Robin

Every girl dreams about her prom night. If Justina’s perfect prom night plan was to lose her date, ruin her dress, ride around with pot smokers, and eventually wind up in a ditch, then her dreams came true. As she recounts the comically pathetic evening by pointing out the stains on her thrift store dress, Justina realizes that maybe her best friend/date, Ian, didn’t have the best time either. Will she able to salvage their friendship and even move a step forward, or did the prom take that, too? Author Mellom’s debut is a laugh-out-loud tale of a prom nightmare. She understands what makes teens giggle and what makes them cringe as she glances over some mature issues including sex, drugs, and alcohol, but Justina and Ian maintain a sweet, innocent relationship. Give this one to those non-Cinderella types who have a knack for getting into trouble. — Bethany Fort

KIRKUS REVIEW--DITCHED: A Love Story

Zany comedy dominates this romp through the prom night from Hell.

When Justina literally finds herself lying in a ditch beside the road at the end of prom night, she hobbles to a nearby convenience store to get help. There she tells her sad tale to the clerk and a sympathetic customer. Justina and prom date Ian have remained just friends, and each seems a safe prom date for the other. Justina yields to her mom’s wishes and wears a thrift-shop dress with everything dyed blue to match. Mellom tells Justina’s story using various stains on the dress as a framework for introducing increasingly crazy episodes. The emphasis stays on comedy as Justina’s tale of the night progresses, such as how she missed the chicken Marsala dinner and eventually including an incident involving a three-legged Chihuahua. Throughout, Justina receives cynical advice about men from her convenience-store audience, but a thread of real romance lurks just below the surface. Has Ian really ditched Justina, or is he caught in a similar comedy of errors? In any comedy readers can trust that everything will come out all right in the end, and that it will be a fun ride getting there. The author displays a well-developed touch for the absurd.
For readers with a funny bone that needs a tingle, this should hit the spot. (Comic romance. 12 & up)

CONGRATS TO ROBIN AND HER EDITOR CHRISTIAN TRIMMER!

What Agents/Editors/Readers look for in a book--IMMERSE me in your story

2012-01-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

art © Jago 2002

IMMERSED

Last night I plunged
into the deep
rich white space

between what is written and
what I envision

between where ink stops and
imagination begins.

Last night I stayed
up into the
wee
wee
hours
reading
reading
reading
a book.
poem © Jill Corcoran 2009

HOW TO WRITE ROMANCE by Editor Martha Mihalick

2011-12-23T14:05:00.000-08:00

A Fine Romance « Martha Mihalick

Roses are red
Violets are blue
Want to write romance?
Heed Martha's view.

I posted this in Feb 15, 2010 but I just reread Matha's post and it really is fantastic.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2011-12-22T12:23:00.000-08:00

May your 2012 be filled with a bounty of good health, happiness, friendship and love.

YA ROMANTIC COMEDIES--BRING 'EM ON! READ A SAMPLE OF WHAT I LOVE

2011-12-20T11:40:00.000-08:00

I love romantic comedies and am in search to rep more authors who can write them.

Not goofy, silly chic-lit with no underlying heart/intelligence/soul but full-fleshed, make me laugh/cry/yearn/scream ROMANTIC COMEDIES. Contemporary, mystery, paranormal, historical, scifi, ROMANTIC COMEDIES...doesn't matter---it is about characters--soul-searching, groin-yearning, heart thumping, heart breaking, fast paced, laugh out loud, cry out loud, make me want to be your character ROMANCE!

BUT---of course who I rep comes down to subjective taste...so what type of voice/writing/characters do I love? Read the 1st chapter of Robin Mellom's DITCHED pubbing from Hyperion-Disney on Jan 10th and find out what I think will be one of the best YA romantic comedies of 2012.

What People Are Saying

Zany comedy dominates this romp through the prom night from Hell... The author displays a well-developed touch for the absurd... For readers with a funny bone that needs a tingle, this should hit the spot. ~Kirkus

It's like The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, and Sixteen Candles all rolled into one...four outrageous friends bond in an unlikely way...and an ending that will blow you away. This book is brilliant. ~myguiltyobsession.blogspot

In this fast, fun ride you will alternate between laughing, groaning, gasping in horror, and shaking your fist, and then back to laughing again. Read this book, friends. You will plow through it and enjoy every minute of it. ~karlaellenbach-lastword.blogspot

Think John Hughes on paper. This is one of my favorite reads of the year...[it's] Pretty in Pink meets The Hangover meets Say Anything. DITCHED must be added to your "I must read this" pile. It is worth every single page. ~bookemadventures.blogspot

Did you click on Read the 1st chapter of Robin Mellom's DITCHED and read it? What'cha think?

MY PLOT SUCKS! IT'S CONFUSING. BORING. MEANDERING....

2011-12-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

Thank you Debbie Ridpath Ohi....you are amazing!

Hey readers, click the link below to read not only Debbie's review but her roundup of what others say about this must have writing book, plus browse her blog for lots of other fab Book Review Comics.

Book Review Comic: The Plot Whisperer, by Martha Alderson (plus plotting tips & some plot cartoons)

STARRED KIRKUS review for GIRL MEETS BOY

2011-12-14T16:57:00.000-08:00

CONGRATS to Kelly Milner Halls and all the contributors to GIRL MEETS BOY for your KIRKUS STAR!

Here's Kirkus' review:
This conceptually unique collection of short-story pairings by a constellation of teen-literature stars explores a variety of relationship types as the respective male and female involved in each one experience them.

In the first, a witty teen seeking to stop cheating on his girlfriends is drawn into a messy sexual relationship with a troubled (but hot) girl who is an abuse survivor. In another, a likable, tough girl muscles in on a bully who is harassing the object of her crush. In the third, a gay 17-year-old agrees to an in-person meeting with an online-chat buddy in a tale both sad and sweet. Two separate stories examine the strain felt by couples of different ethnic backgrounds as they struggle with prejudice and familial expectations. Finally, a boy re-encounters someone with whom he’s long been enamored, only to discover she’s undergone a transformation. Common themes—that are less about gender-based perceptions than they are about teens struggling to be seen and loved for who they truly are—knit these stories together. Each of the authors excels at creating vibrant, sympathetic, honest characters with voices that will appeal to older teens, male and female alike.

A superb offering—and therefore a shame that its cover design of a boy and girl in a clinch makes it look like a run-of-the mill romance, which may limit its appeal. (Short stories. 14 & up)

CONGRATS to Joseph Bruchac, Chris Cruther, Terry Davis , Rebecca Fjelland Davis, Kelly Milner Halls, James Howe, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Randy Powell, Sara Ryan, Terry Trueman, Rita Williams-Garcia, Ellen Wittlinger and to editor Kelli Chipponeri at Chronicle!

OPEN TO QUERIES with NEW EMAIL + AUTORESPONDER

2011-12-14T15:37:00.000-08:00

YOU SPOKE, I LISTENED...

To receive an auto-responder that lets you know I received your query, please send your query plus the first 10 pages of your manuscript pasted into the body of your email to: QueryJillCorcoran@gmail.com

I am OPEN to queries and look forward to reading your work. I do not use interns and read every query myself so rest assured I will be reading your query and pages. I respond to every query.

I represent Children's Books: Picture Books, Chapter Books, Middle Grade and Young Adult authors. No adult fiction or non-fiction, kid non-fiction or high fantasy, no poetry, screenplays, or plays.

To find out what I am looking for click on the SUBMISSIONS tab at the top of the blog.

"RIVETING" KIRKUS REVIEW of SHERRY SHAHAN'S ICE ISLAND

2011-12-07T08:03:00.001-08:00

Congrats to Sherry Shahan and her editor Michelle Poploff!!

ICE ISLAND by Sherry Shahan (RANDOM HOUSE, 2012).

Riveting and atmospheric, this is a tale of teenage Tatum, who becomes lost and separated from her friend on an Alaskan island with only a team of dogs, a few supplies and her instincts to keep her alive. Thirteen-year-old Tatum's dream is to run the Iditarod. She and her mother travel from Nome, Alaska, to a remote, frozen island for her mother's job. There, Tatum meets Cole, a boy who shares her obsession with dog mushing. One morning, they head out with two dog teams for a practice run with Tatum’s beloved husky, Bandit, leading her sled. In vivid, crisp prose, the story accelerates as they veer off course and are enveloped in a blinding storm. Cole and Tatum rely on their training and resourcefulness as they face hunger and below-freezing temperatures. One particularly hair-raising event finds them on a frozen river surrounded by cracking ice. Tatum must eventually leave Cole behind and venture on for help alone. With time running out, Tatum has only her courage and her loving trust of the dogs to keep her from succumbing to the harsh elements and her fear. Told a fast-paced third-person, this survival adventure creates an almost otherworldly experience within a treacherous and bracingly beautiful landscape. As a race for survival, this is also an exhilarating sprint through the pages. (author’s note, glossary) (Adventure. 9-13)

AMAZING KIRKUS REVIEW of DITCHED by Robin Mellom!

2011-11-30T08:25:00.001-08:00

CONGRATS, ROBIN!!!

From Robin's fab blog:

My editor sent along my first “official” review! When I wrote DITCHED, I knew I wanted to keep it light and funny all the way through. So I was blown away to read what Kirkus had to say about DITCHED…

DITCHED
A Love Story

Author: Mellom, Robin

Zany comedy dominates this romp through the prom night from Hell.
When Justina literally finds herself lying in a ditch beside the road at the end of prom night, she hobbles to a nearby convenience store to get help. There she tells her sad tale to the clerk and a sympathetic customer. Justina and prom date Ian have remained just friends, and each seems a safe prom date for the other. Justina yields to her mom’s wishes and wears a thrift-shop dress with everything dyed blue to match. Mellom tells Justina’s story using various stains on the dress as a framework for introducing increasingly crazy episodes. The emphasis stays on comedy as Justina’s tale of the night progresses, such as how she missed the chicken Marsala dinner and eventually including an incident involving a three-legged Chihuahua. Throughout, Justina receives cynical advice about men from her convenience-store audience, but a thread of real romance lurks just below the surface. Has Ian really ditched Justina, or is he caught in a similar comedy of errors? In any comedy readers can trust that everything will come out all right in the end, and that it will be a fun ride getting there. The author displays a well-developed touch for the absurd.
For readers with a funny bone that needs a tingle, this should hit the spot. (Comic romance. 12 & up)

CONGRATS TO ROBIN AND HER EDITOR CHRISTIAN TRIMMER!

MY BLOG'S NEW LOOK, THANKS TO LIA KEYES!

2011-11-27T11:38:00.001-08:00

VERSION ONE:

a bit too blue...

VERSION TWO:

...a stylish backdrop for book covers!

other new features:
print/pdf button for each post
social links for easy sharing
page navigation for important info
tabbed slideshow of clients' book covers
google analytics code added for tracking
"back to top" button
directory of posts
snazzy shadow effect for photos :)

Thank you, LIA KEYES, for my amazingly easy to navigate and fabulous refreshed blog!

ANGELA TOWNSEND'S AMAROK TO SPENCER HILL PRESS

2011-11-17T10:25:00.001-08:00

©Angela Townsend 2011

I am thrilled to announce the sale of Angela Townsend's AMAROK to Kate Kaynak at Spencer Hill Press.

From Publisher's Marketplace:

Angela Townsend's AMAROK, set in a remoteAlaskan town, when a runaway is kidnapped by an evil man and his black wolf,whom she later discovers is a boy enslaved by an ancient shaman; she must findthe strength to save herself and the wolf, and in turn discover what love trulymeans, to KateKaynak at SpencerHill Press, by JillCorcoran at TheHerman Agency (NA).

Synopsis:

"Emma’s life has been hell since she moved from sunny California to a remote Alaskan town. Abandoned by her father, and living with the guilt of causing her mother’s death, she makes a desperate dash for freedom from her abusive stepfather. But when her car skids off the icy road, her planned escape leads to further captivity in a world beyond her imagining. Dragged across the tundra by an evil mountain man and his enormous black wolf, she learns that love can be found in the most unexpected places. Amarok, as she’s nicknamed the wolf, is a young man from the gold rush era enslaved by an ancient shaman. Emma’s gentle touch and kind heart win his love and devotion. When a vicious native —trapped in bear form by the same Shaman—attacks the travelers, Amarok suffers the razor-like claws to protect Emma. As Amarok lay dying, Emma finds the strength to face her fears, and sets off on a terrifying adventure to free the wolf she’s come to love. She must find the totem to liberate him, and face down the evil shaman, a Siberian mammoth hunter from the ice age. Emma has found her strength, but will it be enough to keep her and Amarok alive?"

Angela is also a fantastic artist---that mammoth above is art from her book!

Angela Townsend was born in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Missoula, Montana. As a child, Angela grew up listening to stories told by her grandparents, ancient tales and legends of faraway places. Influenced by her Irish and Scottish heritage, Angela became an avid research historian, specializing in Celtic mythology. Her gift for storytelling finally led her to a full time career in historical research and writing. A writer in local community circulations, Angela is also a published genealogical and historical resource writer who has taught numerous research seminars. Currently, Angela divides her time between writing, playing Celtic music on her fiddle, and Irish dancing. She resides on a ranch, in rural Northwestern Montana, with her two children Levi and Grant.

CONGRATULATIONS Angela and Kate!

FABULOUS MID-NANOWRIMO ADVICE

2011-11-13T20:21:00.001-08:00

ARE YOU A WRITER?

Jacqui Robbins is not only one of the Grand Poupas of my writing village, a perennial conference roomy and a fab wife and mother, but Jacqui Robbins KNOWS SHE IS A WRITER.

In the flurry of our daily lives, many of us forget that we are writers. We forget to write. We tell ourselves we are too busy, too needed by others, too tired, frustrated, blocked, etc, etc, etc.

Perhaps you have a manuscript on your computer, a book or two on the shelves of B&N, or in Jacqui's case, 5 million copies of THE NEW GIRL AND ME distributed in Cheerios boxes throughout the country plus a copy or three sitting on bookstore shelves next to two or three copies of TWO OF A KIND. If you are writing, you are a writer and you owe it to yourself and your readers to put pen to paper and share your gift.

My advice.....follow Jacqui's lead. To do this, you must click on the following link and read Jacqui's WORKING IS IN PROGRESS.

OK, you read it? Great. Now turn off your Explorer, your Firefox, your Safari. Open up Word or Pages and get back to writing.

See you 1,000+ written words from now:)

This is a repost from March 2010. I love Jacqui's poem and I think it should be the NaNo anthem.

CAMOUFLAGED an original poem by Jill Corcoran

2011-11-11T05:56:00.001-08:00

I dream of a world of peace, equality and love. May 2012 be the year my dream comes true.

CAMOUFLAGED

Camouflaged in
Army greens
United States Sergeant Jesus Martinez
Cruises along Baghdad streets
Feared by enemies
Embraced by Iraqi citizens
Proud missionary of justice, equality and freedom.

Camouflaged in
A t-shirt and jeans
United States Sergeant Jesus Martinez
Cruises along Beverly Hills streets
Feared by shopkeepers
Mistrusted by Anglo citizens
Impatient for his next Tour of Duty.
© Jill Corcoran 2009

Thank you, Veterans! Hugs, love and appreciation to you on your day and every day!

JENNIFER ARENA'S 100 SNOWMEN to MARSHALL CAVENDISH

2011-11-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to announce the sale of Jennifer Arena's 100 SNOWMEN to Margery Cuyler at Marshall Cavendish!

100 SNOWMEN is a a mathematical rhyming romp with a Where's Waldo artistic twist. The book is perfect for little ones learning to add plus I predict will be a favorite for the 100 Days of School.

I don't want to give anything away but let's just say there is a mathematical truth in this book that is amazing and will surely captivate both kids and teachers alike...adding a whole new spin to the 100 Days of School 100 Collections that every little one must create.

Jennifer Arena most recent picture book One Little Flower Girl won an Oppenheim Gold Award and was featured on Martha Stewart's wedding website. Jen has written over 50 books for kids under her maiden name, Jennifer Dussling, and under the pseudonym Tennant Redbank, including fiction and nonfiction, licensed and original. Her first book, Stars, was published in 1996, and has never been out of print, and some of her other titles are Gargoyles, Bugs, Bugs, Bugs, Slinky Scaly Snakes, Pink Snow and Other Weird Weather, Fair Is Fair, Deadly Poison Dart Frogs, Gotcha!, and The Rainbow Mystery. Her books have been published by Scholastic, Grosset & Dunlap, DK, Scholastic, Kane Press, and Bearport Publishing and translated into French, Spanish, and Arabic.

Jen is also the Editorial Director for Random House BFYR and the line manager for Stepping Stones, editing early chapter books and Step into Readings.When she's not writing or editing, you can find Jen in her garden, on a volleyball court, or curled up with a good book.

CONGRATS JEN AND MARGERY!

INTERVIEWS WITH ME—Who the heck is Jill Corcoran? :)

2011-11-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

Photo credit: (the great) Rita Crayon Huang

THE POETS OF DARE TO DREAM...CHANGE THE WORLD

2011-11-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

art by J Beth Jepson

DARE TO DREAM...CHANGE THE WORLD, Kane Miller, Fall 2012 seeks to inform, inspire, ignite middle graders to imagine, persevere and to act.

This collection of work by 30 amazing poets pairs biographical and inspirational poems focusing on persons who invented something, stood for something, said something that defied the naysayers and not only changed their lives but the lives of people all over the world.

The poets themselves were chosen not only for their superb talent but because they too have informed, inspired, and ignited young people throughout their careers with their actions and with their words.

As I put the final touches on the manuscript and excitedly anticipate artist/illustrator J Beth Jepson artistic interpretation of the collection, I am excited to reveal the names of the poets of DARE TO DREAM:

Alan Katz
Alice Schertle
Bruce Coville
Carol Tanzman
Curtis Crisler
David L. Harrison
Denise Lewis Patrick
Elaine Magliaro
Ellen Hopkins
Georgia Heard
Hope Anita Smith
Hope Vestergaard
J. Patrick Lewis
Jacqui Robbins
Jane Yolen
Janet Wong
Jill Corcoran
Joan Bransfield Graham
Joyce Lee Wong
Joyce Sidman
Julia Durango
Kelly Ramesdell Fineman
Laura Purdie Salas
Lee Bennett Hopkins
Lisa Wheeler
Marilyn Singer
Rebecca Kai Dotlich
Rose Horowitz
Stephanie Hemphill
Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

HOW TO WRITE AND SELL YOUR NANOWRIMO BOOK!

2011-10-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

I believe the most effective way to go into NaNoWriMo is to pre-plot your book, this way when you are writing over a thousand words a day you have a roadmap to follow, and hopefully a more polished first-draft to work from come December 1st.

Adams Media purposely fast-tracked Martha Alderson's THE PLOT WHISPERER to pub in October with NaNoWriMo writers in mind.

I am not simply hawking my client's book here....I met Martha by taking her 2.5 hour workshop on plotting, I then went to her 5 day retreat on plotting....and let me tell you her techniques, wisdom and well yes, secrets, have helped many of my clients and absolutely influence how I evaluate manuscripts.

Don't take my word for it, you can watch Martha Alderson's 27 STEP PLOT VLOG SERIES!

Order from Amazon
Order from Barnes Noble
Order from INDIEBOUND

Plotting Made Simple, from the Plot Whisperer. When it comes to writing bestsellers, it's all about the plot. Plot is where most writers fall down - and they have no idea how to get back up. But with "The Plot Whisperer", celebrated writing teacher and author Martha Alderson shows writers how to breathe life into the most moribund of stories - one scene at a time. Alderson provides a plotting primer that's as easy to implement as it is to understand. With this foolproof system, writers of all genres can learn to devise a successful storyline that: tells the story in the best way; builds suspense; incorporates effective sub-plots; ties up all the loose ends; and, keeps the reader turning pages. "The Plot Whisperer" is the ultimate guide to writing page turners that sell.

Martha Alderson has worked with hundreds of writers in plot workshops, retreats, and plot consultations for more than fifteen years. Her clients include best-selling authors, New York editors, and Hollywood movie directors.

I want to also share WHAT I THINK MAKES A BOOK SELL so that you can SELL your NaNo book in 2012!

It is NOT how fabulous your website or blog is. It is NOT how many facebook or twitter friends you have, how many publishing links you forward or put on said website, blog, facebook and twitter. It is not how much editors and agents like you, though being a pain in the arse will NOT help you in any way, shape or form.

What sells a book is THE WRITING coupled with an ORIGINAL, COMPELLING CONCEPT!

You have heard that great writing will rise to the top and find its way. Yet we all know that not all great writing sells. There is marketing and sales to contend with, and even in my 2 short years of being an agent I have had quite a number of books that editors loved and sales and marketing told them that it would sell, but just not enough....and the books are still not published. Breaks my heart. Breaks the editors' hearts. And oh, the author. So very unfair. BUT, publishing is a business and fair is not the leading part of the equation here.

But couple GREAT WRITING with an ORIGINAL AND COMPELLING CONCEPT and you are 75% there. The rest is luck, timing, bizarre unknown factors that none of us understand but we kill ourselves trying to, and kismet. When HARRY POTTER, TWILIGHT, WIMPY KID, 13 REASONS WHY, etc were brought to acquisitions meetings and given the green light, publishers made an educated guess that these books would sell. They make those educated guesses on other books (and in some cases pay big advances and pump marketing dollars into them) that are equally fantastic but for some mysterious reason never find their audience. I worked in marketing for a couple of decades and this is just how it goes. What made the Pet Rock, Silly Bands, Chia Pets, Fuzzy Wuzzy was a Bear Soap, etc sell? Don't know.

Is it all word of mouth? Is it superior product--maybe yes in books, but in Pet Rocks? What do you think?

OUTSTANDING+KIRKUS=KELLY MILNER HALLS LOVE! Expanding on a partial chapter in her outstanding Tales of the Cryptids(2006)

2011-10-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

IN SEARCH OF SASQUATCH (Kirkus reviewed on September 15, 2011)

A true believer presents theevidence.

Expanding on a partial chapter inher outstanding Tales of the Cryptids (2006), Halls makes her case bytallying Native American legends, the many footprints and reported sightings (amap of the latter claims hundreds from every state except Hawaii), the famousPatterson-Gimlin film, the recorded “Sierra Sounds” and other circumstantialevidence. She also interviews scientists and Sasquatch hunters, includes anaccount of early searches for Tibet’s Yeti, adds the transcript of a panicky911 call and even covers some proven hoaxes. She maintains a believer's voice,gently challenging refuseniks: "Serious Sasquatch hunters are as skepticalas unbelievers. They are not out to collect great stories. They are out to puttogether facts. Proof. The difference is, they are willing to keep an openmind." Illustrated with photos, drawings and archival images aplenty andclosing with generous lists of print, Web and video resources this is about asconvincing as it gets—considering the continuing absence of anyincontrovertible physical proof—and should give young cryptid hunters a goodhairy leg up on investigations of their own.

All those hundreds of witnesses andresearchers can’t be wrong, can they? (Nonfiction. 9-11)

How to Plot Your Writing Time During the Month of November

2011-10-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

NaNoWriMo challenges writers to write 50,000 words during the month of November. That works out to be 1667 words per day, every single day of the month.

While keeping that word count in mind, at the same time, writers who understand how to use the time most effectively based on the Universal Story, find themselves at the end of November with more than just 50,000 words (though that is an admirable accomplishment in itself).

Writers who are savvy about the parameters of the Universal Story finish out the month with a definable beginning, middle and end.

TO READ MORE CLICK ON THIS LINK!

Happy NaNoWriMo!

HOW TO GET AN AGENT

2011-10-21T04:32:00.000-07:00

In honor of @Georgia_McBride's Oct 19th #yalitchat twitter Agentpalooza! I am compiling all my HOW TO GET AN AGENT posts into this one post in hopes it brings you the knowledge you need to find the perfect agent for you. Best of luck!

FORMULA FOR A QUERY LETTER

QUERIES & SYNOPSIS: How to Get an Agent Salivating to Read Your Manuscript

QUERY LETTER SUICIDE

HOW TO SUB QUERIES and FULL MS IN THE DIGITAL AGE

RESEARCHING AGENTS

WHAT MAKES A BOOK SELL

REJECTION REVISITED

Art by the amazing Julie Fortenberry

Book 'Em! The Adventures of a Wannabe Librarian: Think John Hughes on paper

2011-10-18T05:42:00.000-07:00

An example of what has been buzzing around Robin Mellom's DITCHED!

Book 'Em! The Adventures of a Wannabe Librarian: Think John Hughes on paper: Title and author: Ditched: A Love Story By Robin Mellom Date: January 10, 2012 ISBN: 9781423143383

Martha Alderson shares secret of storytelling - Santa Cruz Sentinel

2011-10-15T04:47:00.000-07:00

Secrets of Storytelling Santa Cruzan Martha Alderson shares secret of storytelling - Santa Cruz Sentinel

Memoir and Plot http://memoriesandmemoirs.com/2011/10/memoir-and-plot-yes-you-do-need-one/

HOW TO PREPARE FOR NaNo 2011 & SELL THAT BOOK IN 2012!

2011-10-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

Just in time for NaNo 2011, Adams Media is releasing Martha Alderson's THE PLOT WHISPERER: SECRETS OF STORY STRUCTURE ANY WRITER CAN MASTER.

Don't take my word for it, you can watch Martha Alderson's 27 STEP PLOT VLOG SERIES!

Order from Amazon
Order from Barnes Noble

Order from INDIEBOUND

Plotting Made Simple, from the Plot Whisperer. When it comes to writing bestsellers, it's all about the plot. Plot is where most writers fall down - and they have no idea how to get back up. But with "The Plot Whisperer", celebrated writing teacher and author Martha Alderson shows writers how to breathe life into the most moribund of stories - one scene at a time. Alderson provides a plotting primer that's as easy to implement as it is to understand. With this foolproof system, writers of all genres can learn to devise a successful storyline that: tells the story in the best way; builds suspense; incorporates effective sub-plots; ties up all the loose ends; and, keeps the reader turning pages. "The Plot Whisperer" is the ultimate guide to writing page turners that sell.

Martha Alderson has worked with hundreds of writers in plot workshops, retreats, and plot consultations for more than fifteen years. Her clients include best-selling authors, New York editors, and Hollywood movie directors.

I want to also share WHAT I THINK MAKES A BOOK SELL so that you can SELL your NaNo book in 2012!

It is NOT how fabulous your website or blog is. It is NOT how many facebook or twitter friends you have, how many publishing links you forward or put on said website, blog, facebook and twitter. It is not how much editors and agents like you, though being a pain in the arse will NOT help you in any way, shape or form.

What sells a book is THE WRITING coupled with an ORIGINAL, COMPELLING CONCEPT!

Is it all word of mouth? Is it superior product--maybe yes in books, but in Pet Rocks? What do you think?

DENISE LEWIS PATRICK'S LIFE GETS TWISTED TO CAROLRHODA LAB

2011-09-29T21:10:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to announce the sale of Denise Lewis Patrick’s YA LIFE GETS TWISTED to Andrew Karre at Carolrhoda Lab to bepublished in 2013!

Here is the Publisher’s Market announcement:

Denise Lewis Patrick’s LIFE GETS TWISTEDpitched as the THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET twisted with the SouthernAfrican-American experience unearthing the raw reality of prejudice, courage,perseverance and love to Andrew Karre at Carolrhoda Lab by Jill Corcoran at TheHerman Agency (NA).

LIFE GETS TWISTED is an important book, a book every teen needs toread. I truly believe LIFE GETS TWISTED will become part ofthe canon of American literature.

LIFE GETS TWISTED immerses the reader in the SouthernAfrican-American experience in much the way THE HOUSE ON MANGOSTREET shared the inner-city Hispanic experience . LIFE GETSTWISTED's stories are linked by the raw reality of prejudice, courage,perseverance and love. In our world where the color of yourskin/religion/sexual orientation/etc unfortunately still matters, LIFE GETSTWISTED does not preach, does not pontificate, it presents and lets the readerabsorb, consider and perhaps even act.

As Denise puts it:

I grew up in Louisianaduring the 1960’s and very early 1970’s. These years were tumultuousenough for my generation, but I was raised by and aroundAfro-African-black Americans who came of age during the Depression and thedecades before; my Great-great grandmother on one side (whom I knew)was born the year that the Civil War ended, and my father’sgrandmother was a slave as a child.

Yes, this is a richheritage. It’s a complicated heritage. If I were to write aboutmy life, my memoirs, I would actually be writing the stories of all ofthese people before me. Their truths aremine. These stories span the same time frame thatmy personal experience does. They are fiction, but they possessa reality only known to people of color in this country.

I want everyone toknow.

Denise Lewis Patrick is theauthor of over 35 books for children. Here is just a sampling of her publishedwork:

Current Projects

Henry Holt, Fall 2012

Finding Someplace

American Girl, Fall 2011

Meet Cécile

Troubles For Cécile

Cécile’s Gift

SELECTED WORKS

Picture Books

Ma Dear’s Old Green House(Just Us) ’04

Red Dancing Shoes (paper, Mulberry)’98

Shaina’s Garden, Case of theMissing Cookies (Adaptations, Aladdin) ’96

See What I Can Do, I CanCount, No Diapers For Baby (Golden/Essence) ’96

I Can See a Rainbow(SRA/Macmillan)’95

The Car Washing Street(Tambourine) ’94

Red Dancing Shoes (Tambourine)’93

Goodnight, Baby (Golden) ’93

The Jungle Book, Snow Whiteand the Seven Dwarfs (Adaptations, Golden) ’92

Middle Grade Novels

The Longest Ride (Henry Holt)’99

The Adventures of MidnightSon (Henry Holt) ’97

Biography

Jackie Robinson: StrongInside and Out (HarperCollins) ’05

John and Abigail Adams (Harcourt) ’03

A Lesson for Martin LutherKing, Jr. (Aladdin) ’03

Poetry

“wordfrom the wise” (Dare to Dream…Change the World, Kane Miller, 2012)

“Inside the Rubble,” (Mobius, The PoetryMagazine, 28^th Anniversary Edition, 2010)

“These Trees,” “Bridge Crossing,” “On theRoad, Louisiana” (Mobius, ThePoetry Magazine, September ‘06)

CONGRATS, DENISE and ANDREW! The two of you makean incredible team.

JANET GURTLER'S IF I TELL AND I'M NOT HER GARNERING AMAZING REVIEWS!

2011-09-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

RT Book Reviews gives If I Tell by Janet Gurtler a great review saying “Gurtler handles complex issues of race, identity, friendship and fidelity with laugh-out-loud humor and engaging frankness.… once you’re in you won’t regret it…”

“Square peg, round hole. That’s how Jaz has felt as far back as she can remember. Being the daughter of a black father and a white mother, her classmates singled her out as “different” from day one, and it stuck. Now her mother is engaged and pregnant, and Jaz would be happy for her if not for the terrible secret she knows about her soon-to-be stepfather. Because of this, Jaz isolates herself from her family and friends, turning to her music for answers and comfort. She finds both in Jackson, a new guy who may be the only one who has ever understood her. Gurtler unabashedly tackles several sensitive topics without sacrificing the story line and constructs a beautiful paradox by making the burden of carrying a secret the factor that enables Jaz to face her outcast fear. This novel also addresses the pressure students feel to fit in and encourages them to stay true to themselves. Sometimes we just need to hear that it’s OK to be different.” – Booklist

I'm Not Her also got a great review from RT Book Reviews back in July, where they called Janet's writing "reminiscent of Judy Blume." Booklist said, "Just right for fans of Sarah Dessen and Jodi Picoult." Check out the rest of the great things people are saying about Janet here.

AND if you visit the Barnes & Noble Must Read For Teens page, you'll see I'm Not Her yet again! Janet Gurtler is keeping some auspicious company and it is well deserved.

“Cute and quirky, with sentimentality reminiscent of Judy Blume, this is a book for the keeper shelf — one that readers will devour again and again!”

—RT Book Reviews, 4.5 stars

“Rich in characterization, Gurtler’s novel wrestles with some serious issues and explores different means of coping (or escaping) yet manages not to be overwhelming or bleak. Just right for fans of Sarah Dessen and Jodi Picoult, this is a strong debut...”

—Booklist.

"...subtle, believable, and satisfying. The author seamlessly develops complexity in all of the characters... This quick and

heartbreaking read realistically shows how one person’s illness affects an entire community.” “...a story that is nothing but completely real, giving you an honest look at the life of a teenage girl... [you] will find

yourself inspired.”

—Girl’s Life

"Gurtler's writing unfurls with the exquisite grace of a flower. Readers will cheer Tess' triumphant awakening as she blooms in the shade of insecurity, family tragedy, and sibling rivalry to discover a strength and beauty all her own."

—Sarah Ockler, bestselling author of Fixing Delilah and Twenty Boy Summer

“This is one gripping, heartfelt story about sisters and the bond that holds them together... I highly recommend this book. Have a tissue box close at hand!”

—School Library Journal

“...will both make you smile and break your heart... I couldn't put it down. Sad. Powerful. Touching. This is a great contemporary young adult novel and I hope that many young readers pick it up.”

—Rex Robot Reviews

“The strength of sisterhood speaks volumes... a great story about love, loss and the lengths one will go to when facing

death.”
—The Page Turners

“...a really powerful and emotional story, about love, family and discovering who you are.”

—BLKosiner’s Book Blog

“I’d also recommend this book to fans of Deb Caletti, Sarah Okler and Gayle Friessen (If I Stay). Tess is a strong, funny character who teens will related to and cheer for, just like the heroines in these other books. And voice? It's there...in spades.”

—Just Deb

“I devoured it...this story isn't about the girl in the spotlight. It's about the girl in the shadows, the one who's forced to find her way into the light to keep her family from totally self-desctructing. As much as it brought me to tears, I loved watching Tess struggle with her own questions, doubt, frustrations with her parents and their inability to accept and deal with this tragedy, the equal parts love/resentment/fear she feels toward her sister, and her tenuous but unwanted place in the spotlight at school. I'M NOT HER is, quite simply, a downright real story.”

—The Contemps

“This book was beautiful - almost poetic in a way. I would definitely recommend it - especially to fans of Sarah Ockler

and Gail Forman.”

—I Like These Books

“Tackling difficult material like cancer, the bonds of sisterhood and family and testing the waters of coming-of-age, it's written to push the envelope past normal into something more meaningful... I'd recommend it to fans of YA who especially enjoy contemporary fiction.”

—i swim for oceans

“...a powerful, emotional story...a book everyone can relate to, regardless of whether they've had similar experiences.”

—My Words Ate Me

“Whew... so heartbreaking, but realistic. It was a beautifully written story... I felt so many emotions while reading, it was hard to keep track. One moment I was devastated for Kristina, the next moment I was in shock for Tess... then excited for Tess. Great characterization and just a great story.”

—The Story Siren

“This is quite an emotionally riveting debut novel and I have no doubt it will resonate deeply with readers... Cancer is at the heart of this novel, it is the catalyst around which everything revolves, but it is not a book about cancer. It is a book about surviving. It is a book about family. It is a book about life and death, faith and hope. This is a wonderful book that readers of all ages will take to heart.”

—Bookfinds

MeeGenius Challenge

2011-09-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

Hey gang...this one is legit so submit and GOOD LUCK!

Want to Be a Children’s Book Author?

Here’s your shot. MeeGenius is searching for the next great children’s book author, and is extending an invitation to aspiring and published authors to submit a manuscript. Winning manuscripts will be beautifully illustrated, professionally edited, and published online at MeeGenius. It’s as simple as writing, submitting, and having MeeGenius’ online community vote.

YES, YOU CAN WRITE A MYSTERY! Guest blog by former Sisters in Crime President Judy Clemens

2011-09-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

I love mysteries and thrillers, especially spiced with romance. To help me find fab mystery/thriller writers I am sharing with you advice from one of the best, my client Judy Clemens. This is a repost from the summer of 2009, but so worth repeating. Check out Judy's bio at the end of the post to see who you are getting advice from. Enjoy!

Yes, You Can Write a Mystery!
August 16, 2009

As the president of Sisters in Crime (http://www.sistersincrime.org) I am privileged to be part of a small team of people who travel annually to visit publishers, agents, distributors, booksellers, and many others in the publishing industry. We sit down with them and ask questions about what they see in our crazy writing business. One of the things I’ve learned is that there are not enough good mysteries out there for young people. If mystery authors want kids to love mysteries, we have to give them something to read!

Perhaps you haven’t written a mystery before but would like to take a stab at it. Don’t let the idea intimidate you! Whether you are a young person writing your first story or an adult trying a new genre, the main ideas of writing a mystery are the same, and if you break them down, they’re not as overwhelming as you might think. We all have our own slant on how we want our characters to act, look, and solve a mystery, but we share the basics of the genre, no matter who or what we are writing about. If you have these things you can be writing about teen-agers, wizards, or dogs, (or a teen-aged wizard’s dog!) and you will have a mystery.

One of the main things to remember when writing a mystery is that readers are smart – often smarter than writers give them credit for. They’re going to notice things, even small things, so you don’t have to hit them over the head with descriptions, clues, or solutions. Make things clear, of course, but be careful not to over-explain or you’ll find yourself giving away the ending in chapter one! As in many things in life, this is one more example of “Less is More!”

So, take a look at these mystery standards, and if you have them, you’ll know that what you’ve written is, in fact, a mystery.

Mystery Check-List
1. Characters. In order to write a good mystery, you need to provide the reader with characters who are both believable and interesting. Think about what your character has that will catch a reader’s interest. Is she really smart? Is he a good skateboarder? Is she happiest when in the company of her collie? Think of something that will set your character apart, and make the reader care about him.

2. Setting. This is where your story takes place. Is it in a school? On a farm? In the city or a small town? In a moving truck? Or a treehouse? Once you know where your story happens, think about the details that will make your setting come alive. What does it smell like? Are there sounds? Is it hot or cold? What colors are around? You want your reader to feel like she’s right there, with your characters.

3. Conflict/Problem. There has to be something gone wrong to make a mystery. Has your character’s homework been stolen? Did your character’s best friend lie about something important? Are your character’s parents or teachers acting strangely? Did your character get in trouble for something he didn’t do – but he knows who did? A mystery needs a central problem your character needs to figure out.

4. Plot. The plot is how your character solves the problem. How will she discover the solution and what will get in the way so the answer isn’t too easy? What obstacles can you put in your character’s way? Let your character find some answers, then throw another problem in his path. Your story needs to be a puzzle, with twists and turns, not just a straight shot to the answer.

5. Clues. Any good mystery has to have clues. In fact, clues are one of the main things that set a mystery apart from other kinds of fiction. Your reader will want to be able to go back through the story when you’ve revealed the solution and see that the clues were all there – this is called “playing fair with the reader.” If you introduce someone in the second to last chapter, and he ends up being the killer, the reader is going to feel cheated, and you will have a hard time getting her to pick up another one of your books. The trick -- and it’s one you have to experiment with – is in giving clues without giving away the ending. How can you slip in information without being too obvious? This goes back to what I mentioned in the introduction: Readers are smart. You don’t have to mention more than once that the killer has had a gym membership at the same facility for ten years. When something happens at that gym later on in your story, the reader will make the connection. And even if she doesn’t at that very moment, she can go back and find it in the text. In fact, she will expect to find it in the text. If it’s not there, you’ll hear about it. The planting of non-obvious clues takes practice, but with some time and work you’ll get the hang of it.

6. Suspense. This is another huge part of mysteries – you need to keep your reader turning the page. It’s all about unanswered questions – and they don’t have to be big ones: Will your character be home in time for dinner so his parents don’t ask questions? Will your character’s big sister find out that your character used her computer? Why did your character’s best friend act so strangely in science class? Without suspense your mystery has no meaning – there must be obstacles and questions which arrive in the course of investigation that keep your character working toward a solution, and must also keep the reader wanting to read “just one more chapter.” If there is no suspense, you might as well tell your reader the solution in Chapter Two. Suspense is the fun part of the mystery’s journey!

7. Solution. Of course you must solve the mystery for your readers. No one wants to be left hanging at the end of a book. Give your reader something that is believable and interesting, and is the result of the clues you planted earlier, and they’ll come back to read your next story!

Judy Clemens is the author of the Anthony and Agatha-nominated STELLA CROWN MYSTERY series, and the GRIM REAPER mysteries, including FLOWERS FOR HER GRAVE, which came out in August, 2011. http://www.judyclemens.com

Judy Clemens’ Books and Reviews

FLOWERS FOR HER GRAVE (PoisonedPen Press, 2011)

"You have to hand it to Judy Clemens for providingher amateur sleuth with a genuinely offbeat gimmick: she travels withDeath."

--New York Times Book Review

"...readerswill find themselves thoroughly entertained by this oddly appealing mix of thejaunty and the macabre."

—Booklist

THE GRIM REAPER’S DANCE(Poisoned Pen Press, 2010)
“A must for those who like their mystery spiced with danger,dark humor, and a fascinating heroine whose toughness is tempered by compassion."

—Charles Todd, author of The Inspector Ian RutledgeMysteries and the Bess Crawford Mysteries

EMBRACE THE GRIM REAPER(Poisoned Pen Press, 2009)

“The intriguing first in a new series from Clemens…Clemensis adept at creating an appealing cast of characters while keeping the plotmoving at a fast clip.”

--Publishers Weekly

“Clemens features a new leading lady with the promise ofdepth.”

-Kirkus

DIFFERENT PATHS(Poisoned Pen Press, 2008)

“This unique series deserves a much larger audience and morerecognition.”

--Booklist

“A sprightly tale and a surprising ending, along withClemens’s trademark quirky characters.”

--Kirkus

THE DAY WILL COME(Poisoned Pen Press, 2007)

“…a solid addition to a series that improves book by book.”

--Publishers Weekly

“Clemens certainly keeps you guessing.”

--Kirkus

TO THINE OWN SELF BETRUE (Poisoned Pen Press, 2006)

“Featuring fast-paced prose and well-drawn characters…Thethird entry in Clemens’s Stella Crown series won’t disappoint fans of the firsttwo books. Strongly recommended.”

--Library Journal(starred review)

“The art of skin decoration plays a large part in…JudyClemens’s third entry in her superlative series about Crown, which getsstronger from book to book and is unlike anything else being done in the genre.”

--Chicago Tribune

THREE CAN KEEP A SECRET(Poisoned Pen Press, 2005)

“In this second Stella Crown mystery, Clemens has a winner.”

--Publishers Weekly

“Readers who fell hard for Harley-riding heroine StellaCrown…will be delighted to see her again.”

--Booklist

“Milk cows, motorcycles, and Mennonites seem like an oddcombination for a mystery, but Judy Clemens makes it work.”

--Boston Globe

“If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting one of themost original figures in recent crime fiction…Judy Clemens’ perfectly realizedsecond book about [Stella Crown] is a good place to start.”

--Chicago Tribune

TILL THE COWS COME HOME (PoisonedPen Press, 2004)

Anthony and Agatha Awardnominee

“This is a terrific first book with wonderfulcharacterization. Stella and her cowsare not to be missed.”

--Romantic Times

“She’s smart. She’stough. She’s sexy. She’s a dairy farmer? Clemens makes her not only believable butadmirable…Stella makes an endearing heroine in a promising first novel.”

--Booklist

UPDATED: THE HOWs AND WHYs OF GETTING PUBLISHED

2011-09-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

Below is a compilation of posts that I think (hope) will help you get published. Enjoy!

Fabulous art by Herman Agency client Kenneth Kraegel

FORMULA FOR A QUERY LETTER

QUERIES & SYNOPSIS: How to Get an Agent Salivating to Read Your Manuscript

HOW TO SUB QUERIES and FULL MS IN THE DIGITALAGE

RESEARCHINGAGENTS

RESEARCHING COMP BOOKS

ACTIVATE YOUR STORY

HOW TO PLOT YOUR BOOK

TITLES & COVERS-YOUR BOOK'S BILLBOARD

MY AGENT HATES MY WIP! #@*&%#

REJECTION REVISITED

YES, YOU CAN WRITE A MYSTERY! Guest blog bySisters in Crime President Judy Clemens

DOTRENDS INFLUENCE WHAT/WHO AGENTS CHOOSE TO REPRESENT?

WHAT MAKES A BOOK SELL+WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR

SCBWI YOUTUBE INTERVIEW WITH ME:)

Robin Mellom's BUSTED to Disney-Hyperion!

2011-09-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

Do you all know that Robin Mellom is a debut author with 6 books under contract...yes, freak'n 6 books coming out....2 per year starting in Jan, 2012 until, well until she passes out or gets crippling carpal tunnel.

In May, 2010 the first two of these books were announced....DITCHED plus an unnamed 2nd YA. Well that unnamed book now has a name, and a plot, and many, many words on a computer somewhere in Central CA....that unnamed YA is named BUSTED! Here is what Robin says about BUSTED on her blog...

I'm so excited to finally tell you all the details about my next teen book. The feedback from DITCHED has been amazing and we've decided to do something...similar. Also known as a companion novel!

(Eeek!)

It will feature one of the characters in DITCHED--her name is Serenity and she is hardly calm and quiet...this girl is a firecracker! Which is making this fun (and challenging) to write. As a fictional character, she misbehaves quite a bit...often showing up at all hours of the night to give me details about her story. I wish she would just chat with me from 9 to 5, but no. She's my firecracker. And she's getting her own novel--it's called BUSTED.

A quick summary...

In BUSTED, 17-year old Serenity takes a job running errands for an eccentric couple and finds herself involved in the crazy world of LA nightlife. After a misunderstanding lands her in jail, she has one fateful night to clear her name, help a rising movie starlet avoid the paparazzi and find Adam, the coworker who is quickly stealing her heart.

As she makes decisions that can change the course of her life, Serenity discovers just how far she’ll go to set the record straight.

Many other characters from DITCHED will have appearances so I'm excited to keep writing about them. Hopefully there will be more companion novels in the future and OF COURSE I want them to all be titled past tense verbs! I shall call it the -ed collection. Then maybe move on to -ing? (The gerund collection! Ha!)

I'll keep you all posted about BUSTED. Meanwhile, I'm finishing up book one of THE CLASSROOM and galleys will be printed in August, which means I'll have cover art to share very soon.

Stay tuned. Hope y'all are having a warm, splashy summer!

My educated guess is that Busted is the 2nd of many YA's to come from Robin and Disney-Hyperion edited by the fabulous Christian Trimmer.

And what are the other 4 books.....well of course the to be huge MG series THE CLASSROOM coming out annually, starting next summer!

Again, from Robin's blog....

A Peek Inside THE CLASSROOM

The galleys for THE CLASSROOM will be printed this week. THIS. WEEK. It feels so soon. I'm back to feverishly vacuuming the floors again, feeling like the guests have arrived early! Do NOT look in my closets.

I can't tell you how excited I am about the book-- the illustrations and page design are AMAZING. Here's the inside title page...

And here's a peek at how we incorporated student interviews in between chapters (and sometimes they interrupt the chapters, those little rascals)

The illustrations are items that have been "found" by the documentary crew, so you'll find drawings in the students' notebooks, report cards, yearbook pictures, brochures from the counselor, etc. I love this one in particular...

I'll have more to share soon!

Yes, the more is a COVER that I hope to share very soon. Oh, and that fabulous art you are looking at for THE CLASSROOM is by the wonderful Stephen Gilpin.

Go, Robin, Go!

COME MEET ME--UPCOMING CONFERENCES

2011-08-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

Just back from the amazing SCBWI Summer Conference and much of my future conferences are falling into place. More will be added over time but for now, this is where you and I can talk in person, or perhaps I will be raving about your first pages:)!

JANET GURTLER'S 3RD YA TO SOURCEBOOKS

2011-08-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to announce the sale of Janet Gurler's JUST BREATHE to Leah Hultenschmidt at Sourcebooks, for publication in Fall 2013.

In JUST BREATHE, a teen girl struggles with boy problems and serious regret after accidentally killing a boy she barely knows when she kisses him after consuming a peanut butter sandwich, not aware he has a deathly allergy to peanuts.

JUST BREATHE (temp title--it will be changed) is Janet's 3rd YA to Leah at Sourcebooks! Janet's other young adult novels, I'M NOT HER (Spring 2011) and IF I TELL (Fall 2011) are garnering amazing praise.

One of my favorite reviews for I'M NOT HER is from Booklist: “Rich in characterization, Gurtler’s novel wrestles with some serious issues and explores different means of coping (or escaping) yet manages not to be overwhelming or bleak. Just right for fans of Sarah Dessen and Jodi Picoult, this is a strong debut that attempts to answer the question, What does it really mean to live?” – Booklist

CONGRATS JANET & LEAH!

SCBWI YOUTUBE INTERVIEW WITH ME:)

2011-08-06T00:56:00.000-07:00

Have A Manuscript Critique At The Conference? Agent Jill Corcoran's Best Advice For You!

Herman Agency literary agent Jill Corcoran shares what not to do - and what you should do - during your manuscript consultation!

Great advice!

MY TAKE ON AGENTING + EPUBBING

2011-07-30T23:11:00.000-07:00

I think it is interesting that some writers are turning to agents to have their ebooks pubbed. Personally, I do not have the time nor the inclination to handle the production/promotion/sales of ebooks for clients, especially for new projects. In my opinion, there are better freelance editors out there than me, production is the easy part so authors should learn and apply, and marketing....now that is an interesting part of the equation. I probably have more marketing experience than most authors and/or agents, but marketing ebooks could easily be a full-time job for someone in an agency, and I don't want to divert my attention from what I love...discovering talent, nurturing talent and making a love connection betwn authors and editors.

For backlist, epubbing is often the only alternative for authors/illustrators, and I just spoke to Ronnie about it and I know she is trying to figure out how to get our clients' out of print books out as ebooks....Ronnie, who is also a well published author, has a strong backlist of her own so I think she will start by thinking about this for her own books and then go from there.

Things are changing so quickly it is making everyone's head spin, and I think everyone is really trying to do the best for their clients while tapping into what they know how to do and/or are willing to do. I keep hearing the words 'money grab', but I really doubt agents who are trying new ventures are just trying to hold on to every possible dollar flow. I think they are trying to grow and reinvent with the industry.

Things will shake-out and who knows which business model will be the answer, but authors (and I am one too so this is not coming from some podium) need to decide what they want in an agent. If you trusted your agent before, do you suddenly question everything you thought about them because they are offering some services that you are not interested in?

Actually, I see a lot of conflict of interest in some of the biz models, but agenting + epubbing is evolving and time will tell. For now, if you have an agent and he/she is doing a great job for you and you are happy, stop fretting and enjoy your relationship. If you are looking for an agent, decide what you want and query those agents who offer what you are looking for.

Beck McDowell's THIS IS NOT A DRILL to Nancy Paulsen of Nancy Paulsen Books at Penguin Young Readers

2011-07-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to announce the sale of Beck McDowell's debut THIS IS NOT A DRILL to Nancy Paulsen of Nancy Paulsen Books at Penguin Young Readers.

Here is the Publishers Weekly announcement!

Nancy Paulsen of Nancy Paulsen Books at Penguin Young Readers has acquired This Is Not a Drill, a debut YA thriller by Beck McDowell. The story is told from alternating viewpoints of two teens who must protect kindergarteners from a soldier with post-traumatic stress disorder who opens fire in the classroom. Publication is scheduled for fall 2012. Jill Corcoran at the Herman Agency did the deal for world rights.

THIS IS NOT A DRILL is one for the record books! I signed Beck within 24 hours of receiving her query, and we received our first offer within 36 hours of subbing to editors. Plus, within 5 minutes of the book's sale announcement in PW Children's Bookshelf I started getting Hollywood interest. Woot...you go, Beck!

I gobbled up THIS IS NOT A DRILL, and when I wasn't reading it I was thinking about it, and the characters and horrific but oh so true images that still haunt me.

When high school senior Emery Austin finds herself locked in a kindergarten classroom with eighteen five-year-olds and a guy she's sworn never to speak to again, she must search for a way to help the tiny hostages. Brian Stutts, a U.S soldier back from Iraq who’s suffering from PTSD, only pulls out the gun to scare the teacher into handing over the son he's not allowed to check out because of a custody battle. But the situation turns deadly when a security guard appears at the door and Stutts impulsively opens fire. When the teacher lapses into a diabetic coma, suddenly her life and the lives of the children are in the hands of Emery and Jake, whose shares Emery's low opinion of himself after a recent drug arrest. .

While Jake searches for a way to communicate with the policemen surrounding the building, shy Emery, fighting her panic disorder (and POTS), courageously reaches out to the wounded soldier. She learns the source of his problems, gains a new understanding of the hidden damages of war, and discovers remarkable strength in Stutts’ small son. The story, filled with kindergarten comic relief, moves to a terrifying, surprising, and touching conclusion that leaves three people dead and Emery and Jake reevaluating their relationship.

In a paranormal-filled market, THIS IS NOT A DRILL is a fresh, fast-paced, realistic story told in the alternating viewpoints of two ordinary teens who share the grief of losing a parent (Emery through divorce and Jake through death) and the uncertainty of reestablishing trust in relationships damaged by betrayal.

Beck McDowell is a beloved (this I know for a fact!) former High School English teacher. Check out www.notrequiredreading.com , a project Beck pioneered with her students over a two year period. The site offers student reviews of 50+ books and 60+ student produced book trailers that are amazingly professional.

CONGRATS BECK AND NANCY!

STATE OF PUBLISHING HAIKU

2011-07-28T08:55:00.000-07:00

so last night I had a tweet rant...today a quickly written summation haiku:

paper books not dead
self-pubbed e-books part of whole
readers reject dreck
©Jill Corcoran 2011

And with that I bring you the lovely news that PIRATE BOY by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Herman Agency client Julie Fortenberry is featured in this Sunday's NYT book review!

ANASTASIA SUEN'S 4-BOOK DEAL CONCEPT REVEALED!

2011-07-24T10:24:00.000-07:00

Remember back in July, 2010 I announced ANASTASIA SUEN'S 4-BOOK DEAL TO KANE/MILLER

And I said...This newest chapter book series is hush-hush since Anastasia and Kira came up with a new concept that is not yet on the market and we know will be a huge hit with middle grade girls.

Well, hush-hush is over and I am thrilled to let you all in on the secret....

All-Star Cheerleaders (Book #1),
Tick Tock, Taylor
Author: Suen, Anastasia
Illustrator: Mitchell, Hazel

Country of Origin: United States
Ages: 5 - 9
Themes: Friendship, Sports

Paperback $4.99

Will Taylor be able to do the moves fast enough to help Glitter take first place? Teammate Sophia doesn’t think so
but readers of this first-ever series for young readers about competitive cheerleading will cheer, "Big D Elite, Can’t Be Beat!"

Each book in the All-Star Cheerleaders series will follow one member of the Glitter squad as they practice, compete,
make new friends, learn new moves and most of all ... have fun!

Ready to buy? Click HERE

PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-1-61067-000-5

ALL- STAR CHEERLEADERS website is now up and running. Read an excerpt from BOOK #1 now!

So how does a deal like this come about? Over lunch in sunny San Diego, Kira mentioned a concept for a chapter book that she'd love to publish and I immediately thought of Anastasia. After researching the topic we realized that a new series was in the works from another publisher so it was back to the drawing board for Kira and Anastasia. They met at IRA and brainstormed ideas until Kira's aha moment and Anastasia's extensive research proved they had stuck gold with a ultra-popular activity for middle grade girls and yet not a single chapter book with this subject on the market. I think this is whatDonny Deutsch would call The Big Idea:)

A Series Proposal and three written chapters later, a new, fabulous chapter book series is born!

Anastasia Suen is the author of 129 books for children and adults, a literacy blogger, a children's literature consultant for several publishers, a former K,1,5, & 6 teacher who visits schools to teach the six traits of writing, and a workshop instructor for SMU and online who teaches adults how to write for children. http://www.asuen.com/

So has getting the sale always been a slam-dunk for Anastasia? Take heart, breaking in is tough for everyone. From her bio on the Herman Agency Website:

Children's books have always been a part of my life. My mother started reading to me when I was a baby and we went to the library every week. I wrote my first picture book when I was eleven and I've been writing books for children ever since. I wrote hundreds of manuscripts and collected rejection letters for years...and then it happened. On my fortieth birthday, the phone rang. After writing for twenty-nine years, I sold my first book! Today I've sold 129 books: board books, picture books, easy readers, and chapter books (including a book for adults about how to write children's books). I've also written articles, poems, and stories for textbooks, magazines, and the web.

In 1995 I began working as a children's literature consultant for Sadlier-Oxford. Later I joined the Rosen Publishing Group Reading Advisory Board and became a "Classroom Connections" reviewer for Book Links. I have also consulted for Brown Books Publishing Group, Lee & Low Books, National Geographic School Publishing and Scholastic. Today I write about children's books in my monthly Hot Topics column for Booklist's Quick Tips for Schools & Libraries and Monday through Friday on my booktalk blogs.

CONGRATS TO ANASTASIA AND KIRA!

Jennifer Represents...: A whole lot of info about Picture Books

2011-07-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Represents...: A whole lot of info about Picture Books

Read, learn, apply...GOOD LUCK!

WHAT MAKES A BOOK SELL+WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR updated July 2011

2011-07-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

Before I go into what I am looking for I want to talk about what makes a book sell.

What sells a book is THE WRITING coupled with an ORIGINAL, COMPELLING CONCEPT!

Is it all word of mouth? Is it superior product--maybe yes in books, but in Pet Rocks? What do you think?

What I am looking for is based on what I personally gravitate to mashed up with what editors have told me they are looking for. Please know this is not the same list that every agent will want, nor every editor. Every agent is different, and that is why it is so impt to do your research to find the right agent for you.

RESEARCHING AGENTS

WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR updated July 2011:

YOUNG ADULT & MIDDLE GRADE

-THRILLERS-up the stakes and make me unable to put down the book until I know that everyone is OK, or not.

I am NOT talking about Boxing Helena or Shutter Island, as I am a huge chicken and will have nightmares. I am talking more CSI and Law & Order, Die Hard and Armageddon (yes, I am a Bruce Willis fan), Men in Black and Independence Day (and a huge Will Smith fan). Thrillers are cinematic. As I read I want the movie playing in my head.

-ROMANTIC YA-Contemporary, mystery, paranormal, historical, scifi, ROMANTIC COMEDIES...doesn't matter---it is about characters--soul-searching, groin-yearning, heart thumping, heart breaking, fast paced, laughout loud, cry out loud, make me want to be your character ROMANCE!

BTW, I want my romance from the GIRL's POV. I have amazing male writers who are writing romance and YA from the male POV so I am looking more for girl povs.

-Original/Out of the box PARANORMAL MG & YA that keeps me at the edge of my seat and has a fantastic payoff at the end.

-Upper MIDDLE GRADE that captures the reality of Middle School with an intriguing plot + authentic emotion. 7th & 8th grade = hormonal roller coaster where kids strive to be independent yet are still such babes in the woods.

-Younger MG-FUNNY BOY & GIRL illustratable for 3rd-5th grade be it b/w line art all the way to graphic novel. I'm talking IVY & BEAN, CLEMENTINE, FANGBONE (new from Michael Rex), BIG NATE, LUNCH LADY.

-COMING OF AGE GIRL MG & YA with commercial hook and beautiful writing. School stories, sibling stories, friendship stories but with something fresh and NOT QUIET.

-MG ADVENTURE that is not episodic and where the main character is as imperative to the story as the action. A character who readers will want to follow into the clutches of death and back again.

- MYSTERY!

PICTURE BOOKS

-Regarding picture books, I am so, so very picky that I don't even have an actual want list on this. I would say very short...max 700 words, prefer 500 or less.

-Look at our agency website, we rep some of the top pb author/illustrators, illustrators and authors in the world, so your book has to be better than that!

LIST OF RECENT DEALS--a few more will be listed in the next couple of weeks:)

BTW, when I say I want something fresh/out of the box/original, I mean that you should know what is out on the market and make yours different. None of us have the time to read every book but you sure can do some research to see if yours is truly original. RESEARCHING COMP BOOKS

Martha Brockenbrough's TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR THE DEAD to Arthur Levine at Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic!

2011-07-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to announce the sale of Martha Brockenbrough's YA debut TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR THE DEAD to Arthur Levine at Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic pubbing Summer, 2012!

Here's the PM listing:)

July 12, 2011


	Children's: Young Adult	Martha Brockenbrough's TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR THE DEAD, in which a guardian angel in a rehabilitation program for wayward souls accidentally kills the girl he's supposed to watch over, fails to get her into heaven, and may or may not cause lasting psychological damage to a squirrel, to Arthur Levine at Arthur A. Levine Books, in a pre-empt, for publication in Summer 2012, by Jill Corcoran at The Herman Agency (World). jill@hermanagencyinc.com

How I met Martha is one of those kismet stories. In the summer of 2009, I tweeted about how I was going to the SCBWI LA Working Writers Retreat and everyone should sign up. Little did I know that Martha Brockenbrough saw that tweet, signed up for the retreat and ended up in the same group as me...LUCKY ME! Being in the same group meant I got to hear Martha's funny, innovative, brilliant writing 5 different times over the weekend as we read and had our work critiqued by editors and writers. The final critique of the weekend was with Arthur A. Levine, and Martha, for the first time, read pages from her then WIP, TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR THE DEAD.

We were all blown away!

TEN COMMANDMENT FOR THE DEAD is like nothing you have ever read before. The writing is smart, snappy and commanding. The characters pull you in and take you on a wild and willy ride. The pages leave enough white space to allow the reader to to think all the while that they are furiously page-turning to find out what will happen next.

As many agent-writer stories go, I did not sign Martha on the spot. She already had a fabulous agent who, months after the retreat, sold Arthur Martha's debut picture book, THE DINOSAUR TOOTH FAIRY. But what did happen for Martha and me is that we became friends. Friends bonded in the way only stripping yourself naked in front of other writers and editors and reading your work out loud and not climbing under your chair as the critiques roll in can cement a friendship. Twitter, facebook, phone calls, meeting up at conferences (thank you SCBWI!), deepened that friendship and when Martha and her agent amicably parted, I found out as a friend.

During one conversation I asked what happened with TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR THE DEAD as I had never gotten that story out of my head...yup, it sticks with you! Martha sent it, I loved it, and I was thrilled to sign Martha as my client.

When editors heard I had signed Martha, many got in touch to see her work. But interestingly, Arthur, like me, could not get TEN COMMANDMENTS out of his head and asked what is happening with that book. I sent it and the rest is history, as they say.

Look for THE DINOSAUR TOOTH FAIRY and TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR THE DEAD soon on a bookshelf (or e-bookshelf) near you!

CONGRATS, MARTHA AND ARTHUR!

COMING TO THE SCBWI SUMMER CONF? ALL INVITED TO KIDLIT DRINK NIGHT

2011-07-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

LA KidLit Drink Night #2
During SCBWI SUMMER CONF
Sunday, August 7th 6pm at Pink Taco

Walking distance from the conference!

EVERYONE IS INVITED! This is not an SCBWI sponsored event, it is not an only-LA people event, it is not a u-have-to-be-published event. It is just pure fun!

FYI--there is no giant bill to go in on, just pay as you eat/drink. Lee Wind, Greg Pincus, Rita Crayon Huang, Sara Wilson Etienne and I put this together but it is just a call to meet up, not a we-r-having-a party party.

Inspired by the Kid Lit Drink Night cooked up by Betsy Bird and Cheryl Klein in NYC, Los Angeles whips up our own version of the drop-by-for-drinks-and-food-(you-buy-your-own)-and-great-conversation-with-cool-people-in-the-Children's-Literature-Industry Evening! Masterminded by Lee Wind, Greg Pincus, Rita Crayon Huang, Sara Wilson Etienne and Jill Corcoran! Help spread the word and invite YOUR Kid Lit World friends...

THE HOWs AND WHYs OF GETTING PUBLISHED

2011-07-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

Below is a compilation of posts that I think (hope) will help you get published. Enjoy!