These days, when I'm not keeping my nose to the writing grindstone, I keep it between the pages of some children's book or another.  Every once in a while, I surface for a breath and to catch up on the latest in the writing world.
 
It was sad to hear of the passing of the great Maurice Sendak - a talent that so many of us aspiring writers can learn and take inspiration from.

On a happier note, it's conference time again:  SCBWI-OR this coming weekend, SCBWI in LA August 3/6, and the Willamette Writers Conference (unfortunately on the same weekend in August). 

So now, it's back to work for the time being - So many books to read and stories to write.

Reading, Writing, Revising,Reading,Writing, Revising, Reading...

I'm still working my way through that 100 Best Children's Books list although I'm finding some much better than others.  Of course, between books, I'm trying to create my own magic.  I find inspiration in programs such as American Masters which just featured a great segment on Margaret Mitchell.  It's a testament to her genius that Gone With The Wind was such a best seller in the middle of the Great Depression.  Last night the program was on Harper Lee, another favorite. 

In the meantime, it's back to reading, writing, revising...

Remember to Spring Forward into Daylight Savings Time

I've decided to make my way through the USA Today's list of Greatest Books for Kids.  Out of the 100 titles, I realized I'd only read 20 and seen a movie or two based on others.  Unfortunately (or not), everyone else is trying to read them too, so I've had to place holds on most of them.  Since many of them are picture books, I should be able to get through most of the list before too long.

I've also re-discovered Charles Dickens.  I just finished reading Great Expectations and am ready to start another, not sure yet which one. 

In the meantime, I'm still writing and revising, mostly revising. 

I'll be meeting my old critique group members for a mini reunion/brunch in a couple of hours.  It'll be good to hear what everyone's been up to - it's been a while since we've seen one another. 

Happy reading and writing to all! 

Revisions, Revisions, and More Revisions

Okay, I haven't been as diligent in my blogging as I'd hoped to be this year.  But I have been working - reading, writing, and lots of revising.

I'm attempting to spot and delete the filler that somehow finds itself into my manuscripts.   Then there are those pesky "thats" - most of them unnecessary.

Interestingly, some highly-acclaimed titles I've read recently contain their share of the "don'ts" that we're always cautioned to avoid. But what's wrong with, "I told you that you shouldn't to do that," he said furiously.  Ha-ha!

Have fun reading, writing, and learning.  Try to keep up with the times - if you can.

BTW, Happy Valentine's Day (in case I miss it since time is flying by while I'm busy chasing after this and thats).

Happy 2012!

Another year has snuck up on us.   I plan to continue reading and writing as much as possible in 2012.  Right now, I'm two thirds of the way through The Writer's Portable Mentor by Priscilla Long.  I highly recommend it to you as Susan Hill-Long recommended it to me.  Thanks, Susan.  I am also reading some of the books mentioned in Portable Mentor and enjoying and learning from them as well. 

In 2012 I pledge to be more diligent in publishing new posts on my blog site.  For now I just want to say Happy Reading, Happy Writing, and Best Wishes for a Safe and Healthy 2012!

Critique Group

After our critique group numbers dwindled to three, we began sending out feelers for new members.  Roz and I attended an event at one of the WW Writers' House events and, thanks mainly to Roz's efforts, we have doubled our number once more.  Welcome Susan, Cate, and Louise.  We are now preparing for a combination meeting/holiday celebration, YUM!  I love hearing about what others are working on and listening to them read from their work.  Thanks for hosting, Kim.


I'm also starting to see more of the benefits of being involved in the writing community's events.  After attending Cynthia's pitching class where I practice pitched Born to Sing, I was approached by two other attendees at the WW conference who expressed their support for my writing. They said they really enjoyed my pitch and wanted to read the book.  Hopefully, that will be possible in the very near future.

A few weeks later, I was on my way to see Hugo at the Living Room Theater downtown when I encountered a couple walking there to see the same movie.  The woman said, "You look very familiar but I can't remember where I've seen you before."  I mentioned that I'd recently volunteered at Wordstock, but she said she hadn't made it to Wordstock this year.  I mentioned that I'd recently attended the NW Veg Compassionate Thanksgiving Feast and she said, "No, I wasn't there."  Then, she asked if I attended WW events and Bingo!  I have a feeling she may have been in the same pitching class.  It was a large class and hard to remember all who were there but eventually our paths are bound to cross again.

Speaking of Wordstock, I'm looking forward to their upcoming volunteer party and definitely to next year's event.

In the meantime, I'm headed for the Oregon Coast and looking forward to finding even more inspiration for my writing.

Happy Holidays and Happy Writing.  May 2012 bring us all "glad tidings".

Estela

Expanding Horizons

My latest writing-related adventure was at Wordstock this past weekend.  I started out  by volunteering on the first day of this wonderful event.  Then, I spent most of one day sitting in on readings and author conversations.  Since I write for children, I spent most of that time at the Knowledge Universe Stage listening to presentations by children's book authors and illustrators.  Another big portion of my time I spent listening to fellow-Hispanic authors read from their work.  The rest of the time I walked around the exhibit, talking to vendors, buying books and cards and even a T-Shirt.  I came away from the event truly inspired after having connected with individuals who were there representing the many resouces available in the community.  I look forward to attending future events organized by these various organizations and can hardly wait for next year's Wordstock.

After attending literary events: talks, readings, conferences, workshops, bookfairs, etc. I come back to my desk with renewed energy, new ideas, and a determination to write, write, write (and, of course, take time to read).