Conference Karma

August 11th, 2008 by Sara

Recently I’ve been really feeling good about my writing. I’ve had quite a few “Aha!” moments and, slowly but surely, my story is transforming into a novel. By this, I don’t mean that I’ve been making it longer or writing the acknowledgements page (don’t worry, you’re totally mentioned).

No. What I mean is that before, my manuscript was the story of a character, Faye, that I loved and crafted and who was very much alive in my mind. Now, Faye and her world is strong enough to live in other people’s minds. To capture their interest and make them ask the most important question in the realm of books. “What happens next?”

I can’t express how grateful I was that my suspicion, that Faye was finally alive and kicking, was confirmed at this summer’s SCBWI conference. One editor assured me that my ‘voice’ was strong enough. Another editor expressed interest in looking at the whole book and asserted that she really thought there was something there. Topping it all off, on Sunday I found out that I was nominated for the Sue Alexander Award for most promising critiqued manuscript at the conference.

Well, aside from bragging and shouting from the rooftops, what I’m trying to say is… “She’s Alllllllllive! She’s Alllllllive!” Now, if she only would stop clomping around all night and eating brains!

Posted in Conference, SCBWI, Revision, Nifty happenings, Writing

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Movin’ Right Along

February 29th, 2008 by Sara

So, amazingly, my recent abandonment of my website actually has a real and justifiable reason this time! We’re moving!

We found a great place about a week and a half ago and have been scrambling to get everything packed and ready. And by we, I mean me. Tony has been working 13 hour days, 6 or 7 days a week. I barely remember what he looks like. Long hair right? Flannel shirt? The rest seems kinda fuzzy.

So this weekend is it and we’ve assembled a gaggle of rowdy friends to help us out. So wish us luck and see you on the flip side.

2 bedroom apartment, baby!

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Paul Fleischman responds!

February 15th, 2008 by Sara

I snailmailed Paul Fleischman’s Valentine to him and this is what he had to say! Hooray!

Posted in Authors, Valentines, Nifty happenings

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My heart sings with Lizard Music!

February 5th, 2008 by Sara

The Great Daniel Pinkwater has responded to my Valentine! He likes me! He really likes me!

Posted in Authors, Valentines, Nifty happenings

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A Month of L<3VE

February 1st, 2008 by Sara

Instead of candy hearts and flowers, I’m celebrating Valentine’s Day with books! I hereby declare the month of February as one humongous Valentine’s card to my favorite authors and stories. Yes, even writers and illustrators need to feel the love. So lets give it to them!

I’m going to be dedicating each day of February to a different great artist. A St. Valentine’s card of bookwormy wonder. Feel free to add your own praises and throw out suggestions. So lets start handing out some…

<3

<3

<3

<3

Posted in I heart this book, Nifty happenings, Books, Writing

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1000 Books!!!

January 1st, 2008 by Sara

Hooray! On the last day of 2007, I reached my goal of reading 1000 picture books in 100 days. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done for my writing. I have a new understanding of picture books that I’m already putting to good use and much fun.

I kept track of all the books on LibraryThing. You can sort the entries by any category, author, ratings, or, most handy of all, publisher. I’m excited about using it to see what publishing houses are publishing what sort of books. I hope you find the list useful as well.

To celebrate in the right way, I finished the Great Picture Book Read of ‘07 by reading 2 of my favorite classics to the people who read me my first picture books. My parents.

Here I am reading my final books, Goodnight Moon and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, to my rapt audience.

Many thanks to Linda Sue Park, who suggested at this summer’s SCBWI conference that reading this many picture books was essential to writing one yourself. She is a great writer and one smart woman. Happy New Year, Everyone!

Posted in The Great Picture Book Read, Picture books, Nifty happenings, Books

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Mr. Willoughby’s Christmas Tree

December 25th, 2007 by Sara

Haiku Review:

Mr. Willoughby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry

Christmas time machine,
This book is just the right size.
I am 5 again.

Merry Everything, Everyone!

Posted in Picture books, The Great Picture Book Read, I heart this book, Haiku review, Nifty happenings, Books

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“I’ve got a golden ticket…”

December 20th, 2007 by Sara

So, I’m going to see The Golden Compass tomorrow. I’m pretty excited, and not just because Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy is amazing.

Tony worked on the movie and his name’s in the credits.  Hooray!

If you go see the movie, keep an eye out for the wolves in Bolvangar. And stay long enough to cheer for Tony (under Rhythm and Hues Studios, ‘Look Development’) and all the other ‘men (and women) behind the curtain.’

Posted in I heart this book, Nifty happenings, Books

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“I’m drivin’ on sunshine. Oooo-ooo.”

December 5th, 2007 by Sara

Biodiesel.

The great misunderstood nectar.

A year and a half ago, Tony and I bought a 2003 Jetta Volkswagon so that we could run biodiesel. Luckily, in Califonia there are quite a few gas stations that sell B99. We’ve been running the car almost completely on biodiesel since, with the occasional emergency diesel fill-up.

It’s been great… until 2 weeks ago. Then our lovely Jetta, the glorious ‘Dr. Who,’ wouldn’t start. The problem probably has to do with the kind of diesel California used to sell before we bought the car having a argument with the kind of diesel California sells currently, being mediated, unsuccessfully, by the biodiesel. Love triangles always end in tragedy!

We talked a friend into helping us change the fuel filter (thanks Ryan!), but that was a no go. Then we towed it to the Volkswagon dealership. 2 days later they tell us, first that it might be a $2500 job, then that they won’t touch our car because it runs biodiesel. Yeehaw!

So we’re doing what we should’ve done in the first place. Taking it to an independent mechanic that has experience with biodiesel and no prejudices (or corporate lines).

Has any of this soured me on biodiesel? No.

With biodiesel, I can feel good about my choices. The fuel is usually reprocessed waste oil from vegetable products. When it burns, I’m returning the same oxygen and CO2 that was used by the plants in the first place. The crops used the gases from the atmosphere to grow, my car put the gases back into the atmosphere, and future crops will take it out again. Anyone else hear “The Circle of Life” playing in the background?

I’m functioning inside a closed system, instead of adding gases and pollutants from oil that has been in the ground for millions of years. Biodiesel’s not perfect, but it’s a start. And also, no one is invading Kansas in order to gain control of its soybean fields.

So. Hopefully, our clean vehicle will be back on the road soon and, even more hopefully, for less than $2500 dollars. Cross your fingers and eat your vegetables. Or at least let your car eat them.

Posted in Not-so-nifty happenings, Nifty happenings

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Mashed Potatoes!

November 22nd, 2007 by Sara

Mmmmm….

Mashed Potatoes.

And hot rolls.

And Turkey with Cornbread stuffing.

And Pumpkin Pie.

Hope everyone is having a delicious Thanksgiving.

Love and Mashed Potatoes to you all!

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