Tina M. Cho's Blog, page 8

A Writer's Scrapbook

I'm over at the Grog blog discussing a writer's scrapbook. This is an updated version of a post from my old blog in 2012. Hope to see you there!

What's Your Brand?

I'm over at the Pens and Brushes blog discussing author branding. I could use your input! See you there.

Good News x 2!

Good news x 2!  A few weeks ago a work-for-hire company sent me a guided reading book I had written. Believe it or not, this was the first time I've ever received a box of books I've written because I'm overseas. My mother usually receives the honor of getting my stuff. But this Korean ESL publisher in my neck of the woods was able to send it within 1 day of delivery! It IS a good feeling to open and see something you've written. Compass Media also made an audio to accompany the book. It's here.

My 2nd good news, most of you probably heard. My novel manuscript, Chasing Freedom: The Asian Underground Railroad, has been shortlisted for the Scholastic Asian Book Award! Winners will be revealed on May 24th in Singapore at the Asian Festival of Children's Content. So I'm still debating if I will/can go, especially since I'm teaching. I was interviewed by a reporter from a Singapore newspaper. You can read the article here, if you'd like. If you're in Asia and of Asian descent, you can enter the contest for this coming year. Scholastic Asian Picture Book Award 2017! Click here for details.

And lastly, if YOU want to write a killer novel and know nothing, like I did, take Nancy I. Sander's self-paced, online course, Writing a Middle Grade Novel in One Month workshop. That's what I did last year and wrote Chasing Freedom in 1 month!! 

Do YOU have good news to share? Let me know!

My First Author Presentation Workshop

On March 18th I conducted my first author presentation workshop at the school I teach at. My theme/analogy was "Pizza Story: How to Write a Delicious Story." I made slides, showed some of the books and articles I'd written, held drawings for some of my books/magazines, served Costco Pizza, and had the kids plan a story using a graphic organizer. Leading up to this I was pretty nervous and spent hours on my slides and getting everything just right. 

Some things I hope to change:
1. Make it more interactive: getting up or doing things together so I don't talk most of the time.
2. Make sure I have enough pencils for everyone. (I ran out.)

All in all, I felt it went well, and everyone seemed to have a good time. Perhaps I can do this presentation again at another school sometime. Any presentation tips you'd like to share? Let me know in the comments! Enjoy the slide show.

50 Word Story Contest

My writing friend Vivian Kirkfield is hosting a 50 Precious Words Story contest. Since Dr. Seuss only used 50 unique words to write a story, Vivian is challenging writers to write a children's story using only 50 words. Since I love picture book biographies, I thought I'd try writing one using only 50 words.

I was in high school during Ronald Reagan's administration, and so hearing about Nancy Reagan's death made me sad. In honor of her, I wrote this tiny biography. Enjoy!


Nancy

In Chicago
Lived a girl
Who loved to swim, dance, and act!
Theater led to Hollywood.
But Hollywood didn’t lead to fame.
She was accused of being a communist!
Seeking Ronald Reagan, actor, helper, and lover,
 led to the White House, as first lady.

Mentor Texts

This week is full of blogging. Today I discuss mentor texts at the Pens and Brushes blog. Hope to see you there!

My Participation in World Read Aloud Day

I'm sharing about WRAD and how my school participated over at the Grog Blog. Join me!

The Caldecott Medal

It's almost time for the Caldecott. Read about it at the grog blog!  
http://groggorg.blogspot.kr/2016/01/the-caldecott-medal-by-tina-cho.html

Inspiration for the New Year

I'm over at the Pens & Brushes blog, if you'd like to see some ideas for "writerly" inspiration for this new year. Happy 2016!

Merry Christmas and Happy 2016!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 
​I've been so busy teaching 1st grade, that my writing has been squeezed to Saturdays. What a difference--going from a full-time writer to a Saturday writer. I miss my FT writing life! 

My good friend, Laura Sassi's new picture book is out and is a fun read for the Christmas season. 

Here's my book review I just posted at Good Reads: 

In Goodnight, Manger, Laura Sassi wrote a sweet, rhythmic, creative story of a possible scenario of Jesus’ birth. Mary gets baby Jesus ready for bedtime, but distractions and noises from animals and songs from the angels keep the baby awake. Then the three kings arrive, adding to the noisy night. Mary has everyone sing a soothing song to get baby Jesus asleep. I used this book with my 1st graders for our science unit on sound during the Christmas season. They really enjoyed it, and their favorite part was everyone singing. I also liked Jane Chapman’s colorful spreads and patterns on clothing and blankets. A fun read for the Christmas season!

​God bless you and your family during this holiday season!