Thursday, July 15, 2010

Chautauqua, Writer Stuff, and New Blog Bling!

Chautauqua Writer's Workshop starts Saturday.  Bring it on, I'm ready!

Today I received an email from my workshop mentor, award-winning author, Donna Jo Napoli. She's giving us her written comments on our manuscripts after the Saturday opening banquet so we can have a look before our individual discussions. I've sent in my current WIP, a YA fantasy that is just shy of the half-way finished mark. I'm looking forward to this. I love critique sessions. I always come away feeling like I've had a creative power charge.

I'm hoping to blog my experience while I'm there, but several past attendees have told me not to make promises. The days are full, and when they're over I'll want to crash early. That's what they tell me, but I'm a SERIOUS night owl. Which probably means that come mid-week, I'll crash and burn from the early days. Never fear. I've planned ahead. Yup. I've worked a mid-week power nap into my schedule.  If it turns out you don't hear from me during the week, I DO promise to blog my experience when I return.

I've been blog surfing again, and I'd like to share some of my favorites.

Alice Pope, former editor of Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market, is the new SCBWI blogger. Here are a few things you can find on her blog:

  • Interviewing editors and agents
  • Featuring SCBWI success stories/debut authors and illustrators
  • Highlighting great industry blogs
  • Featuring markets/new markets/new imprints
  • Getting your questions answered by industry experts
  • Reporting on SCBWI news and events
  • Hosting writers stopping by on blog tours
  • Sharing my favorite tweets for children's writers
  • Offering general publishing news
Mike Duran wrote a must-read post about The Craft Of Routine.  He discusses why productivity matters in publishing, and productivity is about mastering a routine. 

Harold Underdown has compiled a supplementary resource for the Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books, 3rd Edition. It includes guides to writing children's books, writers writing about writing, guides addressing a particular genre, topic, or problem, and guides to creativity.

Save the Words made me giggle, AND it's a challenge.

And finally (drumroll).... I've got new blog bling! (That's important, and reason to celebrate)

  Alex Gartner has given me The Versatile Blogger Award (Thanks Alex!). I'm supposed to thank and link back to the person who gave this to me and share 7 things about myself (which I'll do in another post since this one is getting long...).






And Medeia Sharif gave me the Trendy Blog Award (Thank you, Medeia!).  

Both awards require me to pass it along, and I will. But first I need to start packing for Chautauqua! 

Keep Writing,
Nora

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gee that came round quick. Best of luck with Chautauqua. Look forward to reading all about it :o) And congrats on the awards.

Mary Witzl said...

Good luck at Chautauqua, which I'm thrilled just to be able to spell! I'll be back to hear how it went.

Anonymous said...

You're welcome. I'll check out Alice Pope's blog. Enjoy your workshop.

Alex Gartner said...

Chautauqua! Ah! My mentor is going places, folks.

I wish you the best of luck. Keep myself and your other students posted!