Joyce Shor Johnson's Blog, page 9
November 9, 2011
Get More When You Give
It is real pleasure being interviewed by Kristine Carlson Asselin for her blog, Writing. For Real. Actually she gave me a gift.
I found myself reflecting on the reasons for starting a small press. I realize that for me, much of it has been because books have always been available to me. My parents, although they never gave my sister, brother, or me any homework support, they gave us books. I may not have been the best student, but I could read and read well. My comprehension of any material I read, was reinforced by the follow up conversations I had with my parents about what I was reading.
I taught myself so many things by reading how-to books, and travel guides. If I was interested in something, I'd walk to the library and find a book. I learned about Machiavelli, and Plato, read about the American Revolution, learned how Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, and learned the names and legends of the constellations; all from the books I read. I loved getting lost in a new world or imagine I was the main character having a grand adventure. Sometimes I still do!
I love to turn pages and feel the paper between my fingers and miss this tactile element when I read on my Kindle.
You can find the submission guidelines for Pugalicious Press here.
I found myself reflecting on the reasons for starting a small press. I realize that for me, much of it has been because books have always been available to me. My parents, although they never gave my sister, brother, or me any homework support, they gave us books. I may not have been the best student, but I could read and read well. My comprehension of any material I read, was reinforced by the follow up conversations I had with my parents about what I was reading.
I taught myself so many things by reading how-to books, and travel guides. If I was interested in something, I'd walk to the library and find a book. I learned about Machiavelli, and Plato, read about the American Revolution, learned how Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, and learned the names and legends of the constellations; all from the books I read. I loved getting lost in a new world or imagine I was the main character having a grand adventure. Sometimes I still do!
I love to turn pages and feel the paper between my fingers and miss this tactile element when I read on my Kindle.
You can find the submission guidelines for Pugalicious Press here.
November 4, 2011
Matched
When I walked into the house, Crossed by Allie Condie was on the kitchen island waiting for me.
My kids, both book lovers, were calling dibs before I could even rip the plastic wrap from it. Before I could enjoy the cover.
I smoothly and very mom-like, swatted away their grubby, little book-stealing hands, ran from the room and hid it from them until I can start reading.
I plan on reading it this weekend. Maybe, I'll start it tonight and read it straight through the night until finished. It's been a very long time since I've done that.
What are you reading this weekend?
My kids, both book lovers, were calling dibs before I could even rip the plastic wrap from it. Before I could enjoy the cover.I smoothly and very mom-like, swatted away their grubby, little book-stealing hands, ran from the room and hid it from them until I can start reading.
I plan on reading it this weekend. Maybe, I'll start it tonight and read it straight through the night until finished. It's been a very long time since I've done that.
What are you reading this weekend?
November 2, 2011
NESCBWI 2012 Conference
It's closer than you think….
October 25, 2011
NESCBWI 2012 Conference Invitation
You should be checking your mailboxes starting next week.
You've seen the front.
But ... if you turn it over...
You will see what's happening in April 20-22, 2012 at the
Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place, Springfield, MA.
You've seen the front.
But ... if you turn it over...
You will see what's happening in April 20-22, 2012 at the
Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place, Springfield, MA.
October 23, 2011
Calling All Illustrators! Ilustrators Day 11/19/2011
Casey Girard (your new Illustrator Coordinator) and Anna Boll (Northern New England Regional Advisor) are thrilled to announce Illustrator Day!
When: Saturday, November 19, 2011 (I know it?s short notice. Quick, go sign up!)
Time: 1:00-6:00
Where: Emma Blood French Auditorium (The French Building) on the New Hampshire Institute of Art campus in Manchester, NH.
NEW ~ PRIZES! That's right you could with some cool illustrator stuff.
Sketchbooks, drawing supplies, even a copy of Pocketful of Posies - A treasury of Nursery Rhymes By Registration: Click Here!
The schedule for Illustrator Day 2011 will be as follows:
1:00-1:30 Registration
1:30 Welcome
1:45-2:45 Keynote: Salley Mavor, Golden Kite Winner 2011
5 min break
2:50-3:50 Carol Goldenberg, Award Winning Book Designer
25 min snack break 4:15-5:00 Repeat of Carlyn Beccia and Jennifer Morris' Digital Painting Duels from NESCBWI Spring 2011 Conference
5 min break 5:00-6:00 continued Digital Painting Duels
You can find a map Here!
To register and for additional information follow this link: http://tinyurl.com/illustratorday-registration
Registration Fees for SCBWI Members and Students: $50 all day Public Registration Fee: $75 all day.
Send your check to Anna Boll at 17 Rich Rd. Brunswick, ME 04011, or you can pay at the door.
More questions? Anna: NorthernNERA@nescbwi.org or Casey: casey.girard@gmail.com
When: Saturday, November 19, 2011 (I know it?s short notice. Quick, go sign up!)
Time: 1:00-6:00
Where: Emma Blood French Auditorium (The French Building) on the New Hampshire Institute of Art campus in Manchester, NH.
NEW ~ PRIZES! That's right you could with some cool illustrator stuff.
Sketchbooks, drawing supplies, even a copy of Pocketful of Posies - A treasury of Nursery Rhymes By Registration: Click Here!
The schedule for Illustrator Day 2011 will be as follows:
1:00-1:30 Registration
1:30 Welcome
1:45-2:45 Keynote: Salley Mavor, Golden Kite Winner 2011
5 min break
2:50-3:50 Carol Goldenberg, Award Winning Book Designer
25 min snack break 4:15-5:00 Repeat of Carlyn Beccia and Jennifer Morris' Digital Painting Duels from NESCBWI Spring 2011 Conference
5 min break 5:00-6:00 continued Digital Painting Duels
You can find a map Here!
To register and for additional information follow this link: http://tinyurl.com/illustratorday-registration
Registration Fees for SCBWI Members and Students: $50 all day Public Registration Fee: $75 all day.
Send your check to Anna Boll at 17 Rich Rd. Brunswick, ME 04011, or you can pay at the door.
More questions? Anna: NorthernNERA@nescbwi.org or Casey: casey.girard@gmail.com
October 18, 2011
Kickstart a Dream!
A close friend of mine, you may even know her, is looking for funding on Kickstarter.com to fund a fantastic middle grade book project. Check it out and think about giving!
Jennifer CarsonJen's first book To Find A Wonder , was published by from LL Dreamspell.
Her second book Hapenny Magick , with help from wonderful supporters, will be published through Pugalicious Press.
October 17, 2011
Here it is! NESCBWI 2012 "Keeping it Real" Conferenece
I can only give you a glimpse of things to come but we did change things up.
Registration opens January 23, 2012. Get your manuscripts and agent quick queries ready! Deadlines for submitting for critiques close early for the upcoming conference due to the dates being in April.
Kudos to Jen Carson for all she's done with her work on the newest version of the postcard and in such a teeny-weenie amount of time.
Registration opens January 23, 2012. Get your manuscripts and agent quick queries ready! Deadlines for submitting for critiques close early for the upcoming conference due to the dates being in April.
Kudos to Jen Carson for all she's done with her work on the newest version of the postcard and in such a teeny-weenie amount of time.
September 8, 2011
Thursday's Things
The premise of Thursday's Things is based on Things the Game.
THINGS
(a)game that presents players with provocative topics like "THINGS… people do when no one is looking", "THINGS… you wouldn't do for a million dollars" or "THINGS… your parents forgot to tell you"… and allows each player to say whatever comes to mind. Pick a topic, get everyone to write a response, read them out loud and then guess who said what. There are no right answers. There are no wrong answers.
Today's Things Game: Things You Love to Write About
I'll start.
Ancient Technology
THINGS
(a)game that presents players with provocative topics like "THINGS… people do when no one is looking", "THINGS… you wouldn't do for a million dollars" or "THINGS… your parents forgot to tell you"… and allows each player to say whatever comes to mind. Pick a topic, get everyone to write a response, read them out loud and then guess who said what. There are no right answers. There are no wrong answers.
Today's Things Game: Things You Love to Write About
I'll start.
Ancient Technology
August 24, 2011
Sabotage – We All Do It!
For the last Four weeks I have been trying to complete a final revision on my YA. I'm almost there. But if I finish it, I'll then have to submit. I think the prospect of subbing my manuscript is what is holding me back.
Sabotage. We all do it. But why?
7 Ways to Change from Saboteur to Successful!
Plan your writing time.
Pick a time and stick to it.
Give yourself a goal.
500 words, 3 pages. Whatever you think can get done in the amount of time you actually have to write.
Do not revise while writing.
Just get the words down. You can revise later.
Give yourself a timeline. You can always change this, but it helps to know what your deadlines are, even if no one else knows.
Believe you are a writer.
Own it! This isn't difficult.
Understand that rejection is not about you.
This is the most difficult, but take away the emotion behind rejection and you become strong.
Seek support from your Writer friends.
They understand.
Help me add to my list! What do you do to be successful?
Sabotage. We all do it. But why?
7 Ways to Change from Saboteur to Successful!
Plan your writing time.
Pick a time and stick to it.
Give yourself a goal.
500 words, 3 pages. Whatever you think can get done in the amount of time you actually have to write.
Do not revise while writing.
Just get the words down. You can revise later.
Give yourself a timeline. You can always change this, but it helps to know what your deadlines are, even if no one else knows.
Believe you are a writer.
Own it! This isn't difficult.
Understand that rejection is not about you.
This is the most difficult, but take away the emotion behind rejection and you become strong.
Seek support from your Writer friends.
They understand.
Help me add to my list! What do you do to be successful?
August 19, 2011
NESCBWI 2012 Conference Reminder
I'd like to remind everyone that proposals for workshops at the 2012 NESCBWI conference are due September 16th! Use the link on this page to submit one:
http://www.nescbwi.org/2011/07/nescbwi-2012-conference-call-f.php
Also, we're seeking volunteers for the 2012 conference. Please fill out this survey if you are interested in helping out:
http://www.nescbwi.org/2011/08/call-for-conference-volunteers.php
