Last Saturday, I was invited to the Central New Jersey Reading Council's (Affiliate of the International Reading Association) Young Author's Conference in Bridgewater, NJ. It's designed to honor and inspire young authors. Heck, they inspired me! The co-chairs were Christine Teichmann and Yvonne Tang. These ladies were awesome to work with and super organized.





Hundreds of enthusiastic writers from surrounding schools were there. Each child brought a bound book they wrote to share and attended two author or illustrator sessions.

The kids were so proud of their books! They'd come up to me during my autograph sessions and ask if I'd mind signing their books. I was thrilled and honored to do so but insisted I read their book/look through it first. They looked shocked! I made some comments and told them how impressed I was. Next year, I'm going to have them sign my book. I wish I had thought of it then.

I did, however, have kids guess the number of shells in a jar. About 100 kids entered. The child coming closet (Ryan Z!) won a free classroom visit this year. It just so happens that his teacher is Yvonne from above!

I did have to draw the line when a little one asked me to autograph Steven Kroll's books for him. She had just missed him! I'm pretty sure she finally caught up with Steven because she opened her book from across the parking lot to show me something. I assume it was his autograph.

Many of the young authors I met will surely have a long, successful career:





My daughter was invited to attend this conference about 4 years ago. It was my first introduction to it. I remember how lucky I thought all the authors and illustrators attending were that they got to work with children who were so eager to share their stories. I have such vivid memories of a sign I saw posted in a roped off corner of the room. I so wished I could have crossed that rope! Well, this year, I did. I just had to take a picture to remember how far I've come.

A few months ago, I finally made an official checklist of all the things I need to bring to my school visits. I bought suitcases months ago (on wheels) and they work great! Before I got them, I felt like a bag lady and lugged lots of little bags around. I felt I looked unprofessional. I print out a copy and check off items that are packed (I keep items in suitcase but sometimes need to "borrow" something.) Before I leave the school, I reuse and check items off so I don't forget anything. Have you made one yet? It's a little thing that's helped a great deal.

LARGE SUITCASE:
*2 beach towels
*Fish
*Ducks
*red bag w/pens
*bookends
*Peanuts Book
*Japanese Books
*Nick Jr. Magazine
*Cookies/Tattoos
*Rejections
*Stories
*Two Party Bags
*Library Card
*Boxcar Book
*Reading Minutes
*Extra Books
*Huge Sunglasses

SMALL SUITCASE
*Computer
*Mouse
*LCD Projector
*Remote
*Extension Cord
*Speakers
*Packets
*Extra Batteries
*Notes for PP
*Travel Drives

POCKETBOOK
*Sunglasses (prescription!)
*Cell Phone
*GPS
*Contact Number
*Schedule of Day
*Camera
*Money

BACK SEAT OF CAR
*Sharkey
”Chester”
Mullarkey

It's always nice to meet people who share your passion for books, isn't it? I signed at Clinton Book Shop in Clinton, NJ. You should have heard the major BUZZ at my table!

The buzz wasn't for me...

They were looking over my shoulder at the flyer below- and next to-mine. Who could blame them?? I want to go back!

Edited to add: For Spinelli, no adults allowed! Wah!

This time, my son won a contest and became honorary batboy for The Somerset Patriots. If you're an old-time Yankee fan, you'll recognize the Patriots' manager. My son was thrilled to hang out on the bench for a bit. Anyone know who it is?




 

There always seems to be an LJer on the new arrival shelves. See anyone you know?

I know I shouldn't be surprised...

http://news.aol.com/health/story/ar/_a/how-to-tell-the-kids-about-your-nose-job/20080418100609990001?icid=100214839x1200292784x1200010670

*Since some say you should write what you know, I should be writing about softball. Does 12 games in 2 weeks seem like a lot to you? Some of my friends have had it worse: six games in two days! Eek!

*But, I say write what you love: I proposed a biography series to an editor I’m working with. Something I haven’t seen done yet so I’m excited and hope she’s equally enthused. We’ve talked biographies before and she knows how passionate I am about finding good contemporary bios for kids. I was in my library recently when a boy looked less than thrilled when faced with another biography report. He was “settling” for Edison…again. I noticed his Tony Hawk shirt and handed him Hawk's bio. He was thrilled. His mother...not so much!

*Allergies are driving my husband and son bonkers. Has anyone seen those commercials about Claritin kicking in TWO hours after you take it? Is that true? Must find out the scoop on that one since that’s what they take.

*Saw my cover for the first Katharine book. LOVE IT! Honestly, my eyes watered when I saw it and it’s still just a sketch. I can’t wait to see the final painted version! Squee!

*My daughter came home with her first “adult” book from the bookfair:

I was surprised. A few of her friends read it. I’m curious as to whether she’ll really read it. Price for paperback: 12.95….!!! Not pleased about that.

*Spoke at a PTO meeting last week and was impressed with the large turn-out. Until I realized that almost every single one HAD to be there since they were voting the new board in! Ha!

*Peach and Mango? Yum! My sister-in-law makes it better, but this is tasty too. I'm addicted to it!


Have a great weekend! I'm off to another softball game. Go, RAMS!

I really like Dancing with The Stars. Last night, as ANOTHER filler, they had little kids dance. They were 8/9 year-olds, adorable- and great-dancers. All four kids were beaming and having a blast being on national TV.

Why did they have to PICK A WINNER of the two groups? I know they compete all the time but why couldn't they both just SHINE last night. Both pairs did great. Both pairs felt great...until they had to pick one.

What was the purpose?

Don't you wish you could buy every single book your friends wrote or illustrated? If I can't, I always put in a request at my public library. They always buy the book and, more often than not, one or two of the other branches purchase it as well.

The next book I'm buying: Jack of all Tails by Kim Norman.


I'm buying it for the school that just booked me for an author visit. How did they find me? Through Kim's Blog:
http://authorbystate.blogspot.com/

It's a small way to say thank you to Kim AND add another fun picture book to the shelves at EJ Patten School in Perth Amboy. I know the kids will love it!

So, THANKS, KIM!

Live in Maine? This is a must! If I'm a better person for knowing her, imagine ALL of those who would reap the benefits of this wonderful candidate if she were elected!

http://www.votecarriejones.com/









Go, Carrie!

Proving to be just as important as the purchase of my LCD projector and wireless remote:

http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?&langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10051&productId=196105&cmArea=SC5:CG66:CL163395

Got it. Used it. Loved it.
My life finally has direction! Ha!

Now that it's official, I can share some good news. I'll be writing four nonfiction cheerleading books for Enslow Publishers. The publication date is 2010.

Remember when I posted about a possible illustrator that my editor found for my Katharine series? Remember my gushing? Remember I said I was crossing my fingers because I thought she would be perfect? Well...SHE SAID YES! I'm thrilled. Here's her website: http://www.phyllisharris.com/default.html If you click on PORTFOLIO and look at the first picture, you'll see the one that got my editor's attention and interest. I love her style., don't you? I was wowed by four character sketches yesterday. They're adorable, fun, and well....PERFECT! I feel like I won the lottery!

When I was teaching, I loved snow days. Now? Not so much...

My edits for book one in the Katharine series are done! Yea! I have a feeling that in no time, Katharine will feel like my third child.

My editor (who has been wonderful to work with) emailed saying she found an illustrator that she felt would be perfect for Katharine. She attached a picture of a sample of her work. I instantly fell in love with it. It WAS Katharine! My fingers are crossed that she'll take on the series. She seems like a neat person to boot!

The Good news: I got paid for a magazine article yesterday.
The Bad news: They left off the other 0 at the end of the dollar amount! Called Accounts Payable and they're sending out a new check. Easy fix. No biggie. It actually felt nice knowing that typos happen to the big guns as well!

My LCD Projector and remote came and Cindy was 100% correct when saying how great they are. Very simple to use. Thanks again, Cindy!

I did my first in-service day for teachers. A lot of work but fun. Met some amazing librarians and teachers.

Was looking through library shelves the other day trying to find a particular topic when, all of a sudden, my book was staring back at me. My stomach dropped.

And look what my daughter happened to find: another book by Amy Koss. Maybe you'll remember how much we loved THE GIRLS. THE CHEAT is a bit older but she loves it so far.

Thanks to cynthialord 's
equipment suggestions, I bought this and this.  She saved me (and I'm sure many others!)  the agony of hours of research in somewhat unfamiliar territory.

I thought I'd need one sooner or later. It turned out sooner. I prefer only having to rely on myself/equipment during presentations. I've been getting more and more public library visits and this just makes sense.  It's a big chunk of change but worth it.

Thanks for your help, Cindy!

Did anyone see this? On All My Children, the character Kendall wrote a book and they've been talking about it for a few weeks. (Actually, it was a diary of sorts and WOW! It's in perfect form already.) On the show, Hyperion signed her up and "put it on the fast track for release." Two weeks later, (today) she had her book launch with tons of press.

Okay- fine. She's just a character, right? Well...

The VIEW gave a free copy of the book to their studio audience today. Ugh!

EDITED TO ADD: It's 167 on Amazon! http://www.amazon.com/Charm-Kendall-Hart/dp/1401303072/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1202324418&sr=8-1

Hey- I know...Maybe if I stop watching AMC, I can finish my novel, send it to Hyperion and have it put on a fast track, too! Click. That was me turning off the TV.

Two things I FINALLY did that have already given me peace of mind:

1. Signed up for an online service to backup everything on my computer. Losing my stories would be horrific but losing the 2000 pics of the kids I have stored on here would be much, much worse. Is peace of mind worth $50 a year? YES! (Backing up pics takes lots of free space and time.)

2. Changed my default settings to "friends only" even though most of my posts aren't locked. I then click on edit entry and change to "everyone." Why change the default to "friends only?" Have you ever read someone's entry that you knew, without a doubt, was supposed to be locked? When you check back later, you see it's locked BUT the damage is done. It's forever in search engines and could come back to haunt you.

I'm lucky I've never slipped up this way (but it was probably just a matter of time!) but I know several people who have. Sometimes it's writing stuff, sometimes very personal family business.

Until a few weeks ago, I didn't realize that there was a default setting for this. Glad I figured it out.

So, if you haven't changed your setting or if you've been meaning to sign-up for an online backup service, Just do it...now!

Yesterday was Q-U-I-E-T here at the Mullarkey home. Odd, since the kids were off from school. Why so quiet? Both kids started- and finished- reading their latest purchases (books they've been waiting "forever" for) from B&N:

A huge shout out to everyone who was nominated for an ALA Quick Pick this year. Just saw the final list and am thrilled to see these authors from my LJ friends list:

almafullerton
davidlubar
medwriter
kathyerskine
jbknowles
and a very special shout out to good frined, crit partner, and the very first person I went to an SCBWI Conference with:
dljacobs

There are so many fabulous books on the list, be sure to check them out:

http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/booklistsawards/quickpicks/quickpicksreluctant.cfm

My daughter was a reluctant reader and although I was her school librarian for five years, and in spite of the fact that I'm a published author, she never really shared my passion for books. Sure- she's loved some but she never understood my undying devotion to great books and my unending enthusiasm, which, at times, embarrassed her in school.

Today, she got it. Amen. Since her bus didn't arrive until 8:45, she got to watch the ALA awards with me. It was an unexpected treat. Last year, connecting to the live feed was impossible. Imagine my surprise on how simple it was today! (Thank you!)

As they called out Lisa Wheeler's name for the Dr. Seuss Award,(an author she saw speak at our school) I shouted, screamed, and danced with joy, and my eyes welled with tears for I was so thrilled for her....and she smiled. And then she shouted and screamed and did a little victory lap around the living room.

I wonder if she remembered Lisa's answer when asked if she ever won an award and if she'd be upset if she didn't. Lisa answered something along the lines that she wants to write great books because kids deserve them and if she never won an award, she could live with that. If kids didn't laugh at her books or couldn't get her books in a library, well, she couldn't live with that.

Then, when they announced Mo Willems for Knuffle Bunny Too, it was her turn to do a jig and get teary eyed. (She was lucky to meet him at her school as well. (She was happy he won two but she didn't freak out and blabber until Knuffle won.)

But I think she finally got it when The Invention of Hugo Cabret won the Caldecott Honor...when I welled up and screamed and did a victory dance in his honor. She asked, "Mom, I know you wanted that to win. Do you know him?" When I said I didn't, she thought for a second and said, "But I get it. You just feel so passionate about his work and now kids and parents who wouldn't have read it, will." And then she smiled and added, "I bet he worked his butt off on that book" Bingo.

She's the only one in our family who hasn't read the amazing Hugo Cabret. I have a funny feeling she ran upstairs and put our copy on her nightstand.






Congratulations to all the winners!