Olivia picture books become animated series
Picture book series Olivia
by Ian Falconer is premiering as an animated series on Nickelodeon on Monday, January 26 at 11:30 am. Nickelodeon will also offer content on Nick Jr. Video and Nickelodeon Mobile, with episodes available from January 27 via Nickelodeon on Demand. And the series will also premiere on UK’s Five’s Milkshake.
Helping Boys Love Reading
Publisher Lee & Low has put together a great set of answers from male authors and illustrators on what got them to make reading an important part of their lives; on what they’d like to say to boys who don’t read; and on what some of the biggest challenges are in getting boys to read. Some interesting reading, here. Check it out.
Thanks to Max Elliot Anderson for the link.
Children’s Authors Raise Money for NY Public Library through Tiara Auction
A number of children’s and YA authors and illustrators (as well as some others) have created tiaras which they are auctioning off, the proceeds to go to the NY Public Library. Children’s/YA authors and illustrators include Judy Blume; Meg Cabot; Julie Andrews; Marc Brown; Chris Van Allsburg, with 29 tiaras in all. The auctions end Jan 31, 2009 at 11:00 pm EST.
Cybils awards shortlists up
The shortlists for the Cyblis awards are up. There are some fantastic books listed here, in all the categories (fiction picture books; non-fiction picture books; easy readers; middle-grade fiction; non-fiction middle grade/young adult; young adult fiction; graphic novels; poetry). So check them out; you’ll likely find some books you’ll want to read.
This year, I was on the panel for fiction picture books. As always, it was a great experience. All of us cared deeply about children’s books. I fought hard for some books, as did everyone, and we cast our votes. Eventually we came up with a list that I think is a fantastic one. (Though there’s a book I wouldn’t have chosen, that’s my own personal opinion/reaction, and the list is truly a wonderful one.) Check out the picture book finalists and their summaries here.
Fantasy author Terry Pratchett has been made a knight
Fantasy writer Terry Pratchett has been made a knight for his services to literature. I love it when writers are given recognition for all their hard work.
Pratchett is most well known for his Discworld series.
Writing Tip: Cut out the unnecessary details in your writing
Have you ever read a story where the character starts going through their day–they get up, brush their teeth, get their breakfast–lots of boring details, but nothing happens? It makes you want to put the book or manuscript down. It’s a mistake a lot of beginning writers make.
Readers don’t want to read those details. If they’re not important to the story–if they don’t move the story forward–they should be cut from the story.
Read more about how to do this in Helen Ginger’s blog post Happening Scenes.
I know I haven’t been posting as frequently…
I’m sorry I haven’t been posting as much.
I was chosen to write a hi-lo (high interest, low vocabulary) medieval fantasy book for teens for a publisher (I’m one of three writers; we’re writing a series together). I wrote the first book in the series, then I did a major rewrite of the manuscript in a week, which I loved doing but wore me out for a while. And then I did another, much lighter revision. And of course I read and give feedback on the other books in the series. So a lot of my focus and energy has been on writing–and then recovering from the pace that I set myself. And that’s a lot why I haven’t been around much.
I sign the contract in January–I’ll tell you more about it then. 
It’s been exciting for me.
Then, too, I got a little overwhelmed with how many books I have to review, and that are still waiting for me to review. It sapped my enjoyment in the whole process, and I don’t want it to. And the holiday season can also be stressful, and this time of year just makes me want to read and read. So I’ve been reading some of my old favorites for pleasure, trying to rejuvenate myself, and that’s helping.
I hope you’ll bear with me.
Revision technique for writers - The Shrunken Manuscript
We writers are always looking for techniques to improve our writing and revision of that writing, and tools we can use.
Darcy Patterson, writer and writing teacher, teaches a technique to revise your manuscript called The Shrunken Manuscript. I haven’t taken her course, but I read her blog regularly. If you’re a writer, check out her blog; it’s a valuable resource.
The Shrunken Manuscript sounds interesting–a visual way to see the tension in your manuscript, what’s working and what isn’t. I haven’t tried the technique yet–I only just stumbled upon it–but I’m intrigued.
Author Sarah Miller tried out The Shrunken Manuscript, and you can see the result below. It involves the manuscript printed in a tiny font (Sarah used 4 pt type), some scribbling, and lots of sparkles.
You can read how to use The Shrunken Manuscript on your own manuscript.
Thanks to Fuse #8 for the video.
Book promotion on public transit
I’ve been seeing more and more ads, the last few years, for books–and feeling good about it.
The other day when I was on the subway, I saw an ad for Tundra Books–all children’s books–with “Season’s Readings” as a slogan. It delighted me. I loved the play on words, but most especially I loved seeing children’s and teen books prominently advertised. I wanted to cheer. Finally, an ad I could actually enjoy. One that didn’t put down women or use their bodies or sex to sell something, one that didn’t pretend to be anything else–it was just…books. Something I could actually enjoy looking at while riding the subway–if I wasn’t reading a book (which I usually do).
I thought there were a bit too many books in the ad for recognition–a lot were listed, showing their covers and the age group beneath each. It made it hard to see from the other side of the subway car, unlike a few ads I’ve seen for one book or one author. But that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of it. It still made me grin.
Have you seen any ads for books around? How do you feel about them? And do you ever read book ads? Do you think they’d prompt you to buy–or read–a book?
Children’s book by Julie Andrews Edwards and Emma Walton Hamilton will become a musical in 2009
Children’s book Simeon’s Gift 
The story was originally written by Julie Andrews Edwards and her daughter Emma to help Emma as she had to travel back and forth between her divorced parents, and was illustrated by Emma’s father, Tony Walton.
The five-actor musical will premiere in 2009 at Bay Street Theater, Sag Harbor, NY with a recording narrated by Julie Andrews Edwards. You can read more about it here.
