You know how sometimes, suddenly, on the bleakest day…or week….or month, the sun break through?

Writing-wise, I’ve been having one of those months. Now, when it should be spring and my writer’s heart should be abuzz with springish ideas: birds, flowers, brand new picture books… it’s still dark, dreary winter. It’s been a long long long winter of  writerly discontent. And I was sick and tired of it–

Then came the sun!

That warm, bright golden ray of sunshine came in the form of a note from Robyn Conley, Book Doctor,  writer, friend, savant.

Dr. Robyn makes house calls, too!

I might have mentioned (in a whinny, sniveling sentence or two) that I was being a writing slug. And, Dr. Robyn came through with exactly the prescription I needed.

“Have you ever heard Jodi Thomas’ talk about the seasons for writers?  When we’re in the ‘winters,’ she says, we’re to read more of what we love and fall into infatuation with words and phrasings again.  Before long our desire to pen prose just as wonderful is irresistible and we’re dancing in the spring time of tappeting, tappeting, tappeting across the keyboard.”

And then, she tossed in the title of an ” inspirational/prompt-filled writing book…. It’s been out since 1999, but is available on Amazon.  Room to Write by Bonni Goldberg.”

That’s all I’m sharing–cause I’ve got a reading prescription to fill–besides if you want the Book Doctor’s help curing what’s ailing you, give her a call!

SHINE ON!

I just received word (from one of my favorite blogs: Writing On The Sidewalk) that NaPiBoWriWee, National Picture Book Writing Week spearheaded by Paula Yoo begins today, Sunday, May 1st. and I’m inspired and challenged to put pen to paper. I’m going to spend the next week playing with picture book stories. Be Warned: Every memory of every childhood/childlike moment is possible fodder. Anyway, the Royal Wedding is over so what else have I/you/we got to do?

National Picture Book Week Logo

Sunday begins  National Picture Book Writing Week, NaPiBoWriWee for short. The goal is to write 7 picture books in 7 days.

Here are the basic rules:

1. Midnight May 1st to 11:59 p.m. May 7th: Write 7 separate and complete picture books.

2. You are NOT allowed to write the same picture book in 7 variations. Each book must be complete and separate.

3. No minimum word count, just be sure that each book must has a clear beginning, middle and end.

4. You are allowed to brainstorm and research book topics before May 1st. Outlines are acceptable. First draft writing is NOT. Do NOT write your books before May 1st – only brainstorming, taking notes, and outlining are allowed.

5. You are NOT allowed to write a single word of your draft until midnight May 1st.

6. There is NO minimum word count required.

7. If you plan to blog about your NaPiBoWriWee journey, please include a link to:http://paulayoo.com/

8. Please comment on the soon-to-debut NaPiBoWriWee WordPress blog or email Paula at paula at paulayoo dot com and she will include your name in the prize drawing. Several winners will be chosen from random. Winners will receive an autographed copy of Paula’s books “SHINING STAR: THE ANNA MAY WONG STORY” (Lee & Low Books 2009)  and “SIXTEEN YEARS IN SIXTEEN SECONDS: THE SAMMY LEE STORY” (Lee & Low ’05), along with items from the NapiBoWriWee Store and a couple of surprise autographed book prizes from special guest authors!

9.  This is NOT a writing contest. Think ofNaPiBoWriWee as a writing support group where we can cheer each other on. So please do NOT send Paula your manuscripts.

10. If you plan on attending the national Society of Children Book Writers & Illustrators (http://scbwi.org/) conference in August, let Paula know and she’ll arrange for an informal gathering during the conference so you can meet in person and celebrate NaPiBoWriWee!

For more information about prizes, tips and tricks for NaPiBoWriWee be sure to check out the official site. So warm up those computers and get in touch with your inner child because this is truly a challenge.

TLA, the Texas Library Association Annual Conference (April 12-15th this year) was a book-lover’s candy store. All manner of publishers exhibited their new, award-winning and forthcoming books, e-books, audio-books and everything related. For childrens lit folks it’s like a huge 3-day party…

VCFA Reunion-Tam Smith with Cynthia and Greg Leitch Smith

Jamie Lee Curtis gave the welcome address on Tuesday morning. She signed books for an hour afterwards…250 people waited in line to get her autograph. I would have gladly stood in for her. If only she’d let me know, I would have worn my red neckerchief, too.

Jamie Lee Curtis signing her newest PB

So many Texas authors are coming into their own. It’s great fun to see them signing in the author’s area–with lines of fans waiting!

Liz-ALL THE WORLD-Garton Scanlon and a fan (the illustrator, Marla Frazee is in the background signing, too)

Bettina

Bettina Restrepo's brand new YA ILLEGAL!

Bettina's brilliant new YA, hot of the press from Katherine Tegen Books

Two of my VCFA classmates Erin Moulton and Sherry Shahan (both Unreliable Narrators) had new books this season. The arrival of Erin’s debut novel, FLUTTER about sisters, adventure and their quest for a miracle is especially thrilling as I had read an earlier draft of the book…I sort of feel like a proud auntie. I read my hot-off-the-press copy on the plane and have only one complaint: IT ENDED…

Sherry’s novel in verse PURPLE DAZE , set during 1968 Vietnam tumultuous times, eluded me. I’ll have to order my copy. Just as well, maybe as my bags were stuffed full.

Cynthia Leitich Smith’s signing line would around and down and up the aisle–fans couldn’t wait to get their paws on Blessed!

Cynthia Leitich Smith signing the newest book in her Vampire/Werewolf/Angel Trilogy, BLESSED

Not to be outdone, the Texas chapters of SCBWI hosted a booth to promote children’s authors and illustrators.

SCBWI-Austin posing in the booth (Camen and Deb center)

The booth served as a magnate for all of us–a perfect meet and greet spot. SCBWI-Austin went all out to create a welcoming booth!

So now, with my creative and social batteries charged–and my suitcases overstuffed with books–I’m on my way home to Jakarta. I have a lot of work to do before next year. Before hand Jamie Lee Curtis and I need to have a little chat. We need to work at coordinating our outfits or…next time someone mistakes me for her I’ll say “yes”. I wonder: does anyone ever ask her if she is me?