Kansas Authors Club

Just a quick note to let you all know that I will be speaking on the topic of "The Wonderful World of Traditional Publishing" (!) at the District 5 chapter of the Kansas Authors Club in Wichita, KS, this weekend. This event is free and open to the public, so come learn all the down and dirty details of publishing, including

• finding an agent & writing a good query letter
• what to expect from the editing process
• promoting your work

I hope to see you all there!

DETAILS:
January 13, 2018
1:30-3:30 pm
Larksfield Place Retirement Community | 7373 E. 29th Street
Wichita, KS 67226
KAC blog link

Recent Goings-On & Whatnot

Hey, blog readers, in case you're thinking I've just been sitting here watching those dang minions jump and shout and scream about my book launch, I'm here to say (finally) that it's not quite true.

First of all, I did have a fantastic book launch party way back on June 23. Junior and senior pirates alike enjoyed swag, food, and yeah, a bunch of books.

freebie pirate swag galore

120 attendees--and some weren't even my personal friends

pirate cookies & book cake were both hits

Check out more photos of this superfun event here.

Shortly after the launch, I took a well-deserved (if I say so myself) break to lovely San Diego, which is fast becoming our family's vacation spot of choice.

Sunset Cliffs--highly recommended if you love sunsets, oceans, cliffs ... you get it.

After that, I was off to Watermark Books & Cafe in Wichita for a book signing and general merriment with my supercool poet mother-in-law, Diane Wahto.

So now I'm settling back in to writing, reading, and blogging, and I hope to keep you up to date on the goings-on, such as they are. For more or less monthly updates, you can always sign up to receive my author newsletter here, which includes fun freebies like kids' activities and newsletter-only giveaways as well as news, photos, and updates. Till next time, then.

Launch Party Deets Are In!

You Are Invited!

Ahoy, maties! Come one, come all to a swashbuckling launch party to celebrate the publication of The Wand & the Sea. This is a FREE, PUBLIC event for anyone who loves pirates, fantasy stories, chocolate doubloons, and/or (of course) The Key & the Flame. 'Cause it's a sequel. You know.

Read more about The Wand & the Sea here.

WHAT IT IS:

a free, superfun, pirate-themed party, featuring:

• pirate-themed food & drink for all
• giveaways
• arts & crafts
• party favors
• brand-new hardcover editions of The Wand & the Sea for purchase & signing
• brand-new paperback editions of The Key & the Flame

WHERE IT IS:

Lackman Library

15345 W. 87th Street Parkway

Lenexa, KS 66219

(913) 826-4600

WHEN IT IS:

June 25, 2015 | 6:00-7:30 pm

WHAT TO DO:

no reservation or purchase necessary to attend,

BUT!

Books do run out (at least, they did at the last party), so please reserve your copy!

Contact our authorized bookseller to reserve:

Mysteryscape Books

(913) 649-0000

or email them at orders@mysteryscape.com

See you there!

 

 

Cover Reveal!

Hey, blogfrogs: Surf on over to The Book Smugglers blog to see the cover reveal for The Wand & the Sea today! Better yet, you can win a signed ARC (advance reader's copy) of the book. So get your mouse moving.

And while you're at it, head over to Shannon Messenger's blog for more Marvelous Middle Grade Monday fun!

Blog Overhaul

Last year I blogged 104 times. That's about every four days, though not on a strictly consistent basis. Still, not bad.

But here's what happens: I work, too. I research books, write books, rewrite books, go over copyedits and galleys, schedule appearances, put together presentations for schools and lit festivals and author events. I also do freelance editing for book publishers if I have some extra time. So the pressure of blogging all those books I read, or keeping up a blog series, or what have you, gets to be a distraction.

I'm not kvetching about the job. I have a good job, and I love it. But it's always hard to see where blogging should fit in, especially considering that very few people (let's be honest) seek this blog out and read it.

In 2015, I'm taking it easy. I'm not promising to blog every book I read. Instead, I'm going to try to do this:

• report on what's going on with me--news, events
• post the occasional list of writerly links
• call your attention to fabulous works of children's lit
• host the occasional giveaway
• keep you updated on all the fun to come re. the release of The Wand & the Sea

Hey, I know I'm not Neil Gaiman, who can get away with this kind of blogging and expect people to actually read it. But maybe this method is better suited to the life of a writer. I'd rather spend my time creating wonderful books.

And, I imagine, you'd rather spend your time reading them, instead of this.


image: "Hallwylska museet-3" by Pelle Sten--Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Back to School, 50 Years Late

My first school visit of the 2014-15 school year was worth the wait! I returned to my home elementary school, Pawnee Elementary, on December 3. Pawnee and I were born the same year—1965—and we’ve both aged gracefully, if I say so myself. I was proud to help my school celebrate their 50th anniversary (the celebration is going on throughout this school year).

I attended Pawnee in the 1970s for my second through sixth grades. Back then we had blacktop beneath the monkey bars (the safety warnings consisted of: Don’t fall off), tornado drills in the civil defense shelter, and open doors throughout the school day. Things are a little different now. The brand-new office is a high-security operation with cameras and a buzz-in system outside the locked front doors. The playground has new equipment and something soft to land on, as well as a fence around the whole area. Kids don’t walk home for lunch anymore.

But in so many ways, it’s the same old Pawnee. The teachers care deeply about students. The kids laugh a lot. The library still has all the magic of storytime. The school secretary collects names of students who earn Panther Pride through their achievements; their names are read during the morning announcements. Some kids dream of making movies or studying dinosaurs. Some even dream of writing books and seeing those books in print on someone’s shelf. I can’t wait to see what they achieve. Go Panthers!

To make the visit even more special, librarian Cheryl Roberts and art teacher Lorie Sjostrom had the kids do projects related to The Key & the Flame, and presented me with several gifts:

Lorie Sjostrom's castles:

Some of the student artwork displayed in the front-hall trophy case:

 

Pawnee pride and Key & the Flame pride!

For more photos and a writeup about the presentation, check out the news story at the district website.

Indies First Storytime

Kate DiCamillo

I'm really excited to be taking part in yet another Indies First event! This one was spearheaded by author Kate DiCamillo, not only one of my favorite writers but also the current Ambassador for Young People's Literature.

Kate's idea was to ask authors to support their local indie bookstore by popping in for Saturday storytime, so that's what I'll be doing this Saturday, May 17, at my local (and beloved) Shawnee Books & Toys. I'm only one of several authors reading that day, so if you're in the area, bring your little ones. Manager Michelle Ranney always has fun crafts and snacks for the kids as well, and even though The Key & the Flame is intended for older kids (ages 8+), we'll have some copies available for sale and signing.

So come on by! Here's the lineup:

10:30 am: me!

11:15 am: Brian Howell

12:00 pm: Ann Ingalls

12:45 pm: Anola Pickett

Want to find out which authors are participating in your area? Visit the IndieBound website for a nationwide schedule.

DETAILS:

Where: Shawnee Books & Toys | 7311 Quivira Road, Shawnee KS | 913-962-1428

When: Saturday, May 17, 2014 | 10:30 am

What to Do: Show up for Storytime, snacks, and crafts! Suitable for all ages. No registration required.

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Thank You, Wellsville!

A huge thank you goes out to the Eagles of Wellsville Elementary in Wellsville, Kansas! I loved visiting their school last week. The students there are smart, attentive, and apparently really good readers. (One class finished the book only minutes before my presentation.) I had a fantastic time.

Barring any last-minute surprises, the Wellsville visit wraps up my school year. I've loved visiting with all the students I've seen this year--over a thousand and counting! This fall, I'll be making an appearance at my alma mater, Pawnee Elementary School in Overland Park, Kansas, to help celebrate their 50th year anniversary. I hope to visit several more schools and festivals in the coming months. If you're interested in scheduling a visit in person or via Skype, email me at claire [at] cmcaterer.com (substitute "@" for the [at] ) or visit the web page here.

Writer Wednesday: Tips for Kidlit Fests

Yesterday I wrote about the great experience I had at the University of Central Missouri's Children's Literature Festival. I haven't been to loads of writers' events, so I can hardly be called an expert. But I've learned a few things that I've noted down to remind myself of, and I'll pass them on to you too.

1. Think About Your Clothes.
No, really. I don't mean, Think about what you'll look good in; think about what purpose your clothes will serve. I've noticed that authors presenting to kids don't normally dress up much. Nice jeans are perfectly fine, and you'd better like your shoes a whole lot, because they'll be working hard for you. During presentations to kids, I wore my tennis shoes--they're comfortable, casual, and they send the right message, i.e., I'm not your teacher. And I stand up in them for session after session as well as tromp up four flights of stairs and all over campus in them. I wore a kind of snazzy-looking top with the jeans, but a quirky T-shirt would've been okay too.

I also packed something a bit nicer for the meet-and-greet/book signing. If it had been warm enough, I'd have worn this pretty lavender sundress, but as it was, black jeans and nicer shoes, another snazzy top. And layers! Some rooms will be sweltering (especially with 75 little bodies jammed in with you), and some will be cool.

2. Do Your Homework.
If you can, learn something about the other writers before you go. I looked up all 30 websites of the authors at the UCM Fest. I tried to note a few books they'd written. I even copied their photos and info into a document. I didn't refer to it like crib notes, but just doing that cemented their faces in my brain and made introductions so much easier.  
 
3. Get Involved in Everything.
I'm not a joiner. I'm an introvert. I don't mingle, I don't do small talk. And yet for this event, I turned all that on its head. I'd have happily holed up in my hotel room after a day of presentations, but instead I did the quirky shoe-store-visit-followed-by-bar tradition established at this festival. (We bought shoes, then went drinking. It's a thing.) I got to know my fellow writers. I ate no meal alone, not even coffee. I hung out in the lobby after dinner and chatted. I exchanged email addresses. Why? Because if you're part of the group, you're more likely to get invited back. And the added bonus is that other writers get you. You'll get advice from experienced folks and share bewilderment with fellow newbies. Writers are great people, and you don't get to see them that often. Take advantage of every opportunity. You can collapse when you get home.

4. That Said, Know Your Limits.
I did socialize far more than I was used to doing at UCM, but I also allowed myself a blissful period of alone time each day. I woke up early and read a book or went over my notes. I took a few deep breaths in the bathroom before starting the day's presentations. I enjoyed the silence of my room after 9:30 pm. Fill yourself up. You'll be glad you did.

5. Be Gracious. And Then More So.
Help out the others. Offer a ride or an extra pair of hose. Let Writer X know if the kids you saw gushed about her presentation. Buy other folks' books at the sale and get them to sign them. This isn't to earn points; it's about being a human being. Even the "famous" writers you meet have insecurities and may be nervous about doing presentations or speeches. Everyone has faced the blank page and the blank stare of an audience.

6. Follow Up, and Soon.
Send out those "glad to meet you" emails right away. If you promised someone a signed book, get it to her. And always send a thank-you note to the festival organizer. She worked long and hard to make the event worthwhile. And if she's anything like UCM's Naomi Williamson, she's worth her weight in Judy Blume books.

Fun at the UCM Kidlit Fest

I'm still very much a newbie at this author gig, blogfrogs; I'm still conquering a lot of firsts. This past week was my first children's literature festival.

This is the best kind of festival to go to because there's something for everyone. On Sunday, more than 30 kidlit authors had lunch at the University of Central Missouri student union, and we invited kids and parents to join in. Kids sat at tables with their fave authors and asked all kinds of questions while we chowed down at a marvelous pasta buffet. Illustrator Henry Cole gave a keynote speech that had everyone snorting their milk through their noses. He is seriously funny, and in high demand as a speaker.

the gorgeous author centerpieces created by Naomi Williamson & Cathy Clear

Then, after lunch, visitors were welcome to collect author signatures and browse the book sale, which featured middle-grade thrillers like Roland Smith's Chupacabra and YA tales like Terry Trueman's Printz Honor-winning Stuck in Neutral and Antony John's supernatural Elemental. Picture book authors and illustrators were liberally represented, ranging from Michelle Markel's Brave Girl to Brad Sneed's Thumbelina. Well-known authors like Mary Casanova, Mary Downing Hahn, and Stephanie S. Tolan stood beside newbies like myself and Regina Sirois, whose beautiful novel On Little Wings won the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award in 2012.

Now while Sunday was a superfun day, the real heart and soul of this festival are the two session days on Monday and Tuesday. This year, the festival hosted about 3,600 students in grades 3-8 who came to hear their favorite authors speak. Each student attended four presentations a day (and at least one class came on both days!). For us authors, that meant delivering 8 presentations in two days, but what fun it was! I was able to address a total of about 450 students in sessions of 30-75 kids each. They were incredibly well behaved and enthusiastic.

signing a student's T-shirt

In the evenings, authors had a chance to kick back and get to know each other. This group was among the nicest I've been part of.

Mary Casanova & Roland Smith

Terry Trueman presents a Mock Oscar in the ceremony honoring the festival staff

I came home very tired but so grateful to festival organizer Naomi Williamson and all the volunteers. If you love kidlit, keep an eye out on the festival website to get updates on next year's festival. You won't want to miss it.

Fun with the Grizzlies

I was pretty zonked by the time I finished all the presentations and then drove 4 hours back to the Kansas City area on Wednesday, so I think I can be forgiven for taking a day to breathe before blogging about my fantastic visit to Vandergriff Elementary School in Fayetteville, Arkansas. As I mentioned the other day, I stayed in a marvelous old inn, where I retired to watch Downton Abbey and old reruns of Sherlock after hanging with the Vandergriff Grizzlies.

But the highlight of the trip really was visiting the school. In five presentations to almost 400 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, we talked about why stories are important to us and why some stories are more interesting than others. The kids also did some brainstorming of their own, using some idea worksheets I provided on creating their own characters and settings. And of course, we had a Q&A session with each group. That's by far my favorite part of any presentation, because kids ask the best questions. Some memorable ones:

Q: How did you come up with the idea for this book?
A: I love to hike and walk in forests, and one day I was doing just that and I realized how old some of the trees are. Some trees can actually stand in one place for hundreds of years. That got me thinking about how trees witness a lot of history, and that makes them natural portals. What if you could pass through a tree and visit it when it was younger? It would be the same tree, but everything around the tree would be different.

Q: What made you want to become a writer?
A: I've always loved stories, both reading them and having them read to me. I was probably six years old when my mom or dad told me that someone was responsible for writing those stories, and that person got paid to do that. I couldn't think of a better job than that!

Q: What was the hardest part about writing your book?
A: Probably the middle. The beginning is exciting, because the story can turn into anything, and near the end you just race along, but in the middle sometimes you've created problems in the story that are hard to solve.

Q: Do you ever get stuck when writing a book?
A: Yes. All the time. I can't figure out how to get characters out of the mess I've put them in, or I just don't know what words to put down next. Usually if I get stuck I go for a walk or do something else totally different. I need to get away from my computer and my office and let my mind wander.

Q: Who drew the illustrations and cover?
A: His name is Karl Kwasny. The publisher hired him, and he did a fantastic job. First he drew the cover in pencil, and the editor and I looked at it and made different suggestions, like I said the girl in the picture has to wear glasses, and the younger boy has to have his hair sticking up. So then he revised the cover and added color to it, and we looked at it again, and they added it to the book.

Karl Kwasny's early sketch of the cover

Karl's final, gorgeous cover art

Q: What other books have you written?
A: This is the first book of mine that has gotten published. I've written other books that didn't get published. I've also written the sequel to this book, which is called The Wand & the Sea. It isn't in the bookstore yet; the publisher is still doing work on it, and it should come out next spring.

Q: How old are you?
A: I'm 48.

Q: What's this book about again?
A: It's about three kids who find themselves trapped in a fantastical kingdom where magic is outlawed, and they have to use magic to find their way home.

Passing Time at the Johnson Mill

Hello from Fayetteville! I'm looking forward to visiting with the Vandergriff Elementary Grizzlies tomorrow! And I'm excited to visit a state I've never seen before--Arkansas. Not only is Fayetteville lovely, but its citizens are some of the nicest folks in the U.S.

I can't say enough about the gorgeous place I'm staying at, the Inn at the Mill, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.


This photo of Inn at the Mill is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This beautiful mill, now an inn, was actually restored after the original was destroyed during the Civil War. The historical plaque reads:

Both soldiers and civilians used gristmills to grind wheat and corn into flour and meal. Confederate troops destroyed mills to keep Union armies from using them. Union troops destroyed them to keep C.S. guerrillas from using them as gathering points. This caused much suffering for civilians. Many starved, became refugees, or settled in farm colonies, protected by Union forces. Sutton's Mill, which once stood here, was lost in the war. Former U.S. soldiers Jacob Johnson and William Mayes bought the site in 1865 and built the mill that stands here today.

The rooms are fantastic, and the staff serves up wonderful food as well. Thanks go to Marci Tate, Vandergriff's librarian, for finding me this little piece of history to enjoy.

More tomorrow on my visit to Vandergriff!

Visit to Stilwell

It's a little bit mad to schedule author events the week after New Year's. But school schedules can be tight, and I didn't want to miss the chance to visit Stilwell Elementary, home of the Mustangs, on January 10.

The kids and I had a fantastic time. First, I spoke to the 3rd-5th graders about how I came to write The Key & the Flame--my early writing, lack of art talent, early failures, and the eventual publication of the book. We also talked about what makes a good story and keeps readers turning pages.

With the kindergarten, first, and second graders, I took a different approach, assuming that 6-year-olds wouldn't be keen on hearing about all my rejection letters. We talked about story in general--how to brainstorm characters and setting--and then we created a story right on the spot with several talented actors from the audience.

 In both groups, I was amazed at how attentive the kids were and what great questions they asked. Thank you, Stilwell, for such a warm welcome!



Next month: Off to Fayetteville, Arkansas, to visit with the Grizzlies of Vandergriff Elementary! Find a complete listing of upcoming events here. For info on arranging an author visit to your school, click here.

See Your Fave Authors This Saturday

Blogfrogs, you and I both know there's nothing wrong with succumbing to the Buy With 1 Click madness that is the Amazon.com experience. Those of us with Kindle readers positively salivate over the idea of buying a book--ding!--and sitting down to read it 30 seconds later. In the middle of the night. On a Sunday.

But.

Nothing replaces the experience of wandering the aisles of your favorite brick-and-mortar bookstore. It's the best way to find a book, just like I did when I was a kid: craning my neck down the row of  impossibly packed shelves, skimming the tables, curling up in the beanbag in the children's section. Bookstores are magical places. There's no greater thrill than coming up the One--the One You Absolutely Have to Read. I used to come upon these gems all the time when I was little, and then, clutching my new friend to my chest, I had to put on the big sad eyes and beg the chauffeur parent to please please please not separate us, but to let my new friend come home and live with us forever or life would never ever be the same. Luckily, the adults in my life were suckers for the big sad eyes.

So this Saturday, November 30, I'm giving back a little. Designated Small Business Saturday, this is a holiday shopping day when you can show your support for those indie businesses that make our towns and neighborhoods unique. I'm helping sell books at Shawnee Books & Toys, the fantastic little shop that hosted my book launch, and yeah, I might sign a few of my own books too. Chances are, there's an indie bookshop in your own town who's hosting an author, so check around.

So if you're in Shawnee and you're looking to buy books for the holidays (and why aren't you if you're not? Huh?), stop by and say hi. I'll have loads of recommendations for the young readers in your life. Before you're done talking to me, your arms will be full of fabulous stories.

And yes. You can take every one of them home.


Event details: 
Meet the Author on Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 30, 12-3 pm
Shawnee Books & Toys
7311 Quivira Road | Shawnee, KS | 913-962-1428
More about how authors are helping out on Small Business Saturday

Fab Times at the British Faire

This weekend took me (along with a box of copies of The Key & the Flame) to the British Faire in Lenexa, KS. It's an annual fundraiser put on by several local chapters of the Daughters of the British Empire, who went all out this year to put on a gala event.

 

 

I wondered about the wisdom of setting up a table for a whole day with just my one lonely book to sell, but it turned out to be a great idea. While literary festivals and book fairs are the logical places to sell your books, sometimes you'll do better at an event whose theme somehow resonates with your story--and where there isn't a lot of competition from other titles. Because The Key & the Flame takes place in modern-day Britain as well as an alternate-reality, medieval-era Britain, it fit right in with the shortbread, Downtown Abbey memorabilia, and Doctor Who stuff up for sale. Here are some highlights:

 

photo: Steve Yates

The Royal Court graced us with their presence several times during the course of the day.

 

photo: Steve Yates

Watercolorist David Norwood, originally from a small town outside London, got a double dose of royal love.

 

photo: Steve Yates

Always nice to see Will and Kate. And Prince George was exceptionally well behaved.

 

photo: Steve Yates

 

 

photo: Steve Yates

The fine folks from The Queen's Pantry in Leavenworth, KS, helped me stock up on Scottish fudge, ginger beer, and Cadbury Flakes.

 

photo: Steve Yates

 

 

 

The DBE chapters setting up for the event

 

My pretty table, all ready to greet the readers. Primo spot: Right next to the gourmet cheese shop!

 

This stack kept shrinking throughout the day. :)

 

photo: Steve Yates

 

It was great fun meeting so many Anglophiles this weekend! Thanks to all the wonderful readers who completely emptied my inventory, my hubs for bringing by an additional box of books, and especially to the Daughters of the British Empire for inviting me. I can't wait till next year!

 

 

images: Where noted, Steve Yates took these photos for the Community Faces feature at kansascity.com. To view Steve's entire slide show of the British Faire, click here. (Unlabeled photos were taken by yours truly except for the top image, taken by my lovely daughter.)

 

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Introducing Tracey Adams

Blogfrogs, I'm chuffed to bits (as the Brits like to say) to introduce my new agent, Tracey Adams of Adams Literary. I feel very lucky to have met and "clicked" with Tracey, who has a stellar reputation in the kidlit field.

Some info from her official website bio:

Tracey Adams co-founded Adams Literary in 2004, after nearly a decade with literary agencies Writers House and McIntosh & Otis, where she was the head of the children's department. Prior to becoming an agent, she worked in the marketing and editorial departments of Greenwillow Books and Margaret K. McElderry Books.

A graduate of Mount Holyoke College, Tracey speaks frequently about her profession and the children's book industry at conferences across the country. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Association of Author Representatives (AAR), and a founding member of the Women's National Book Association (WNBA) chapter in Charlotte, NC. 

So not only is Tracey a seasoned agent, she once worked with the venerable Margaret K. McElderry herself (whose legendary imprint I am a proud part of). Today her client list includes authors like Margaret Peterson Haddix (The Missing and The Shadow Children series), Jenny Nimmo (the Charlie Bone series), and Megan Shepherd (The Madman's Daughter).

A giant box of thanks goes to author, friend, and fellow Lucky 13er  Amie Kaufman (These Broken Stars), who introduced me to Tracey with such enthusiasm. I look forward to a long, fruitful career with Adams Literary!

My Kind of Town

It was fantastic to meet up with some Lucky 13s, readers, and librarians at last weekend's American Library Association conference in Chicago! If you're thinking of Marian the Librarian, think again--these folks are hard-core book fiends. Here are some highlights from the weekend:

Signing copies of The Key & the Flame at the Simon & Schuster booth at the exhibit hall

The Middle Grade Mania signing at Anderson's Bookshop (Two Doors East) in Naperville. From left: Sarah Stewart Taylor, author of The Expeditioners and the Treasure of Drowned Man's Canyon; me; Tim Federle, author of Better Nate Than Ever; Lisa Greenwald, author of Reel Life Starring Us; Elisabeth Dahl, author of Genie Wishes; and Margaret McNamara, author of Sylva and the Fairy Ball.

With fellow Lucky 13 authors Tim Federle, Elisabeth Dahl, and Nancy J. Cavanaugh (This Journal Belongs to Ratchet). I owe Tim a big kiss of gratitude for playing chauffeur. He got my sister and me from Chicago to Naperville and back in one piece and with plenty of laughs.

My sis (who prefers her name not be mentioned, in case anything comes back to haunt her) poses in our fabulous Palmer House Hotel room. Honestly, the Palmer House is one of the most beautiful hotels on the planet.

See? This is the lobby. No kidding. It's gorgeous.

We had a fantastic dinner at the lovely Italian Village restaurant, just a block or two from the Palmer. Highly recommended, and the oldest Italian joint in Chicago.











Thank you, Simon & Schuster, for making my first trip to ALA a fabulous experience! I loved meeting all of you and seeing a tiny sliver of Chicago. I can't wait to do it again!