Archive for January 10th, 2010
Apparently, I am on the right track with my social networking process. This article by Harold Underdown cites Charlesbridge’s Donna Spurlock on social media networking potential. Be sure to check out the site and read the rest of this informative look at social media and how a writer can use it to promote their books.
http://www.underdown.org/social-networking.htm 
While preparing for the SCBWI professional retreat, “Thriving in a Changing Industry: Cyber-Promotion Tools for Authors and Illustrators,” I emailed my friend Donna Spurlock, who works in the marketing department at Charlesbridge. I wanted to confirm my general sense that although things have changed from the days when authors and illustrators were just expected to do school visits and answer letters, publishers don’t want people to spend all their time marketing. Here’s what she said, which is so interesting I am quoting it in full:
“You are right, expectations are a bit higher for authors to get out and about and do something themselves. Obviously, we (CB specifically, but publishers in general) are active in social networking as much as possible, promoting the company and each season of books and getting into as much nitty-gritty about specific books and personalities as we can, but the authors and illustrators really need to take the ball and run.
What I’ve Been Up to.
Posted on: January 10, 2010
Over the holidays, I made a committment to dedicate myself to concentrating of my writing career by making sure that I write on a daily basis and even more important to submit on a regular basis. The writing daily part isn’t hard for me but I’m a real chicken when it comes to physically sending out the packets.
My body feels the effect. I get physically ill for a while before I send something out. Why I feel ill is a mystery to me? However, it is getting better as I mature as a writer. 
With that in mind, I made myself prepare 8 packets for publishers over the holidays. Today I sent them out. I am proud of myself for stepping up to the challenge.
Events in Australia.
Posted on: January 10, 2010
Since a couple of my regular viewers are from this neck of the world, I thought I would include this for them.
Australia’s myths and legends with Mark Greenwood
14 days ago by soupblog.
We interviewed children’s author, Mark Greenwood, in a 2009 issue of Alphabet Soup magazine. If you’re in WA on 19 January 2010, you can hear him talk about Australia’s myths and legends. (Bookings are essential.)
When: 19 January 2010, from 4.00pm to 5.00pm
Where: AH Bracks Library (Cnr Stock Rd & Canning Hwy, Melville WA)
Cost: Free
Contact: Phone AH Bracks Library on 9364 0115 for more information.
For: ages 7 to 12.
Jane Yolen’s Seven Rules.
Posted on: January 10, 2010
http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/jun02/yolen.htm This is a great interview with one of the most prolific writers of our time. Check it out.
A Conversation With Jane Yolen by Claire E. White (Excerpt)
No, but I have seven rules:
1. Write every day
2. Write what interests you.
3. Write for the child inside of you. (Or the adult, if you are writing adult books.)
4. Write with honest emotion
5. Be careful of being facile
6. Be wary of preaching
7. Be prepared for serendipity
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