A little behind....

Okay -- time to close a few tabs. My computer screen is starting to look like my binder in high school...


First, a note from author extraordinare and CompuServe Books & Writers Forum section leader --

Ann Featherstone, longtime editor with Fitzhenry & Whiteside and formerly with Orca, will be the guest editor on Compuserve's Books and Writers Community forum for two weeks,
starting April 13. In the first week, she'll answer questions.
In the second week, she'll give virtual blue pencil sessions to a number of
submissions. Here's what she'll give feedback on:

The first page of a children's or YA novel, or the first page of a
picture book text
or
A query letter
or
A pitch

She will select from those submitted, not necessarily the best, but the ones that exemplify something in particular. She will also select the three best submissions and award prizes to those three.

Second and third prize will be an editorial critique of an entire first chapter and outline. First prize will be that too, plus a phone conversation with Ann so that she can go into more depth with her comments.

In order to participate, go here:

http://community.compuserve.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=MyForums&webtag=ws-books

You will have to sign up, but it's free. Once you get there, scroll down to the YA/Children's section for complete instructions.

And at last, a meaningful glossary -- apparently this was first posted in 2006, but it deserves a revisit now. Please note the definition of 'author'...

And finally -- This is what I get for not sleeping enough...







~kc

Pee Ess

Don't forget the Skateboard Limerick Contest over on Darby Speaks. Closes Friday!

A Whole Lotta Shakin...

Board meeting in Surrey today to further the progress of this year's SiWC conference. The website is looking incredible, and will be available for public viewing (in all likelihood) within the next week. The text for the brochure is coming together and soon, soon, soon I'll be able to lift the curtain on the names of the presenters for this year.

***

Meanwhile...here is the press release for Spring Book Hatching, 2008:

Just in time for summer reading, the Children’s Writers and Illustrators of BC (CWILL BC) is pleased to announce the second annual Spring Book Hatching, a special event to celebrate the release of the latest books by local authors and artists.

Spring Book Hatching will be held June 14, 2008, from 1-3 pm in the Peter Kaye room and lower level at the Vancouver Public Library. This free event promises to have something for every young reader, with picture books, juvenile fiction, and young adult books all being showcased. The afternoon will feature live presentations, free autographs, displays, door prizes, a book sale and—best of all—the chance for lovers of children’s literature to meet their favourite BC author or illustrator.

“We have some incredible, award-winning authors and illustrators in this province,” says CWILL BC president James McCann. “We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to gather so much of our local talent together in one room. Last year, this event was an incredible success, and we can’t wait to show the public what we’ve all been up to since last year.”

To date, the following authors and illustrators are scheduled to appear at Spring Book Hatching: Caroline Adderson, Sue Ann Alderson, Ann Alma, Dan Bar-el, Lillian Boracks-Nemetz, Julie Burtinshaw, Kristin Butcher, Izabel Bzymek, Norma Charles, kc dyer

Lee Edward Födi, Dayle Campbell Gaetz, Patricia Godwin, James Heneghan, Shelley Hrdlitschka, Vi Hughes, Melanie Jackson, Katarina Jovanovik, Shar Levine, Tanya Lloyd Kyi, Laura Langston, Meomi, James Mccann, Gina Mcmurchy-Barber, Michelle Mulder, Rachel Dunstan Muller, Maxwell Newhouse, Cynthia Nugent, Jacqueline Pearce, Robin Stevenson, Crystal Stranaghan, Joan Betty Stuchner, Nikki Tate, Meg Tilly, Kirsti Anne Wakelin, Irene Watts, John Wilson, Kari-Lynn Winters, and Pam Withers.

CWILL BC is a lively group of published writers and illustrators for children. With close to 150 members across British Columbia, we exchange information about creating literary works for young people, we support one another and we help promote our books. Our volunteer, cooperative organization also communicates with other arts groups, schools and libraries in BC and Canada. Spring Book Hatching is hosted by CWILL BC, Pandora’s Collective, and the Vancouver Public Library.

-30-

***

And not only that...

Fellow Compuserve Books & Writers Forum denizens will know the names of Carol Spradling and Jennifer Hendren. Carol has a new book coming out this month (it's called COST OF FREEDOM, and is being released digitally by Wild Rose Press), and Jennifer is celebrating with a book give-away on her blog. Check it out!

~kc

Monday, Monday

Another busy day. SiWC board meeting with more good news -- a new presenter confirmed today. Will be putting together a note to the listserv to outline some of the good things happening behind the scenes of this year's conference.

But first -- a Very Important Confab in Bellingham tomorrow -- the SiWC Contest Assistants put their heads together at last!

The SiWC Writing Contest has an early deadline this year -- August 3, 2007. More info can be found at www.siwc.ca

Got a lovely note from Helene Boudreau yesterday. We met for the first time in Toronto over Thai dinner, and though I may have shared just a little too much of myself with her, she's clearly forgiven me. Helene is (along with Rose Holck and Marsha Skrypuch) a section leader in the YA and Kidcrit forums. Apparently MS. Z is to be the featured book for July in the YA/Children's forum. Got to send in my bio, first, though -- it's on my list, Helene! (I hate that I can't insert your accents here, dammit.)

I'm really looking forward to being a part of it!

And as for the pic, well...

doesn't everyone love a little baby duck?


~kc