The 2017 Sid Fleischman Humor Award Goes To Chris Grabenstein for "Welcome To Wonderland: Home Sweet Motel"

I caught up with Chris right after he accepted the award at the 2017 SCBWI Summer Conference in Los Angeles...


Congratulations again, Chris!

You can find out lots more about Chris at his website here.

And learn more about the Sid Fleischman Humor Award here.

The 2017 Golden Kite Award for Middle Grade Goes To Eugene Yelchin for "The Haunting of Falcon House"

I caught up with Eugene at the autograph party at #LA17SCBWI...


Congratulations, Eugene.

You can find out more about Eugene Yelchin at his website here.

And learn more about the SCBWI Golden Kite Awards here.

"SCBWI ROCKS!" A #LA17SCBWI Photo Collage by Carolyn Wooddall

I noticed Carolyn Wooddall asking different conference faculty members to pose in unusual ways during the autograph party... She was having them spell out "SCBWI ROCKS!!!" and here are her final collages:

 Thanks, Carolyn! And thanks to all who participated.

 (It's even a game - how many of the faculty members can you name?)

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

The 2017 Golden Kite Award For Nonfiction Goes to "We Will Not Be Silent" by Russell Freedman - The Interview

I asked Russell to please share the spark of inspiration that became "We Will Not Be Silent: The White Rose Student Resistance Movement That Defied Adolf Hitler.."

Here's his response: 

Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to write about some of the major historical events of my time. Looking back, I’ve recaptured forgotten memories and, through research, gained a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped my generation. Along the way, I wanted to add my voice to the massive body of literature about the holocaust without simply repeating what has already been said. I was searching for an approach that would convey a redeeming theme of hope and human decency amidst the ruins of history. My eureka moment–my spark of inspiration—resulted from a chance encounter with an amazing movie. A friend gave me a DVD of Sophie Scholl, a German film nominated in 1985 for an Academy Award as the year’s best foreign language film. A powerful story about youthful courage and idealism, the film introduced me to the White Rose student resistance movement in Nazi Germany—an episode of youthful courage and idealism. This was the story I had been searching for. I immediately began the research that would take me to Munich, Germany, birthplace of both the Nazi party and the anti-Nazi student resistance movement, a city dedicated today to the memory of the fearless young activists who defied Adolf Hitler.

Russell's editor Dinah Stevenson was kind enough to answer some questions as well...


Lee; What made you say “Yes!” to “We Will Not Be Silent”?

Dinah: I always say yes to Russell. Sometimes he proposes a couple of different book ideas and I choose between them. This time he didn’t offer alternative projects, and I immediately agreed that this should be his next project. I shared his vision that this book, with its young protagonists, would be fascinating and inspiring to young readers. Further, I responded to the subject on a personal level, since both Russell and I are Jews.

Lee: Did the book change throughout the process of working with Russell, and if so, how?

Dinah: Not noticeably. Russell’s manuscripts are invariably well thought out and complete, and this one was no exception. I asked him to clarify and provide context for some of the content. There were no substantive changes.

Lee: Do you have thoughts to share on Russell winning the Golden Kite for this book — the book you edited?

Dinah: I’m thrilled to see this book recognized by SCBWI, his fellow writers, and to know that you share my belief in this book. Of course I like it when discerning groups like you and the Sibert Award committee agree with me. But many editors are shy, nocturnal creatures and don’t welcome the spotlight. I’m one of them. I credit Russell’s brilliant writing and thorough professionalism with the success of his work, and I’m delighted that he dedicated this book to me—honoring our long-term author-editor relationship and our close friendship.

Thank you, Dinah!

And thanks and congratulations again to Russell!

Curious to learn more about the Golden Kite Awards? Here's that link.

Twitter Hightlights of #LA17SCBWI

What a conference! Here are some of the top moments that are still resonating on social media...

Ruta Sepetys‏ @RutaSepetys  22h22 hours ago

Old friends. New friends. So much love and inspiration! Thank you for an unforgettable weekend at #LA17SCBWI

Bruce Hale‏ @storyguy1  Jul 9

"Creating a picture book is the closest you can come to whispering in a child's ear." - LeUyen Pham #LA17SCBWI

L Halse Anderson‏Verified account @halseanderson  Jul 8

L Halse Anderson Retweeted Linda Sue Park

I danced the hokey-pokey with my hero @judyblume. Life does not get any better then this, my friends! #LA17SCBWI

Jolie Stekly‏ @cuppajolie  Jul 8

"Readers respond when you're not trying to do what you think they want but when you do what feels most genuine to you.” @novaren #LA17SCBWI

Meridth M. Gimbel  🦋‏ @MeridthMGimbel  Jul 7

"Lean into adversity. Wrap your arms around it, shake it off, and pack it under." Vanessa Brantley Newton #la17scbwi

Jaime Temairik‏ @jaimetem  Jul 7

LeUyen Pham has illustrated NINETY BOOKS! And is always trying to explore new styles and challenge herself. #LA17SCBWI Lotsa A++++ tips!

susie ghahremani‏ @boygirlparty  Jul 9

"Writers block is the fear of sucking. Get started & maintain momentum; making the art makes you feel better." –@halseanderson at #LA17SCBWI

Samantha M Clark‏ @samclarkwrites  Jul 7

You need to dream so big it scares the hell out of you -Vanessa Brantley Newton #LA17SCBWI Yes!

and the most popular tweets from my feed:
For kids, "A book is a map. It shows you how to make mistakes and be okay afterwards." - @kendralevin #LA17SCBWI

"The author has to keep you on the road. The illustrator can show you the beauty of the road." -Javaka Steptoe on #picturebooks #la17SBCWI

"The darkness in fairy tales is a necessary darkness." - @kellybarnhill keynote #la17SBCWI

"I have always believed a writer never retires. ...As a writer, am I retired? Well, you never know…" - Judy Blume #LA17SCBWI


"I've sold 300 books. All of them had their own paths to publication." - @literaticat #La17scbwi


"Young readers are deep thinkers and deep feelers." - @RutaSepetys #la17scbwi


"Have faith in your art, even when others don't." -Sean Qualls #la17scbwi


You can see all the conference blog posts here, and check out what's on social media with the hashtag #LA17SCBWI

And thanks to my fellow team bloggers for #LA17SCBWI, Sona Charaipotra, Susie Ghahremani, Jolie Stekly, and Jaime Temairik!

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

#LA17SCBWI Starts Tomorrow! Meet Your SCBWI Team Blog

Check out these interviews with Guest SCBWI Team Blog members Susie Ghahremani here and Sona Charaipotra here.

We'll be live blogging at http://scbwiconference.blogspot.com/ and you can follow along on social media with the hashtag #LA17SCBWI

Here's to wonderful conference!

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

#LA17SCBWI Portfolio Showcase Advice from Jennifer Laughran of Andrea Brown Literary by Guest Team Blogger Susie Ghahremani

One of the most thrilling parts of attending #LA17SCBWI as an illustrator is an opportunity to show your work alongside your peers at the Portfolio Showcase. Find the guidelines for submission here.

In addition to the satisfaction of putting your hard work together and sharing it with the world, the showcase also presents opportunities to win awards and scholarships — for all levels of experience, from student to seasoned professional.

As a former mentorship winner, I can’t speak highly enough about this opportunity. A portfolio mentorship entails the opportunity to get detailed, focused feedback from the conference Illustration Faculty during the conference. Consider more than just the technical specifications when you enter your portfolio in this show; each judge and visitor comes to the portfolio show with her own sense of what she is looking for.

To find out a bit more, I interviewed Jennifer Laughran of Andrea Brown Literary about what an agent attending the conference might be looking for, and for her feedback and advice for illustrators entering this show:

Jennifer Laughran of Andrea Brown Literary

Susie: Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Jennifer: I'm a senior agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency. I rep authors and author-illustrators for books from PB through YA. 

Susie: How much of your roster is made up of illustrators (as opposed to authors, and author-illustrators)? If you’re primarily interested in author-illustrators, do you want to see a book dummy?

Jennifer: My own list is primarily authors - I do rep about 15 author-illustrators. I'd be open to somebody who was "just" an illustrator, but might have goals to be an author as well. As an agency we rep about 100 illustrators - you can see our roster here. 

If you are querying an author-illustrator piece, I'd want to see the text, a sketch dummy, and a couple of finishes. 

Susie: When browsing the portfolio show, what are some of the key things you look for (as an agent, or as a judge)?

Jennifer: I like a strong sense of MOVEMENT in illustration - dynamic pictures, rather than static. I like a picture that really tells a story, rather than just being a beautiful image or decoration. The thing is - lots of people are good at design and good at drawing, and might make swell editorial artists, or be great at surface design, textiles, cards, etc... but that DOESN'T automatically mean that they will be awesome at children's book illustration. 

Photo of the SCBWI LA Portfolio Showcase by Debbie Ridpath Ohi / @InkyElbows from the KidLitArtists blog

Susie: What’s something you recommend for the portfolio that illustrators might not think of doing?

Jennifer: It can be very helpful to see a couple of page turns. If you aren't an author, consider doing a couple of spreads from a well-known fairy or folk tale in your own way. 

Don't forget - illustration isn't JUST for picture books! It can be fun to see how an artist might approach book jackets and/or b+w interior spot art. If these are things that appeal to you, you might find your own way to interpret a "classic" book jacket or iconic literary scene. 

Susie: What are common portfolio or book dummy missteps you recommend illustrators avoid?

Jennifer: I think sometimes illustrators put in everything and the kitchen sink just so the portfolio is "big" but some pieces are obviously of lesser quality, or in a more amateur style, etc. I'd rather have fewer pieces of higher quality, than a portfolio bursting with filler. 

Susie: What subjects would you like to see appear more in portfolio pieces?

Jennifer: For illustrators doing humans, I'd like to see diversity. 

Susie: As an agent, what do you look for in a takeaway promo piece?

Jennifer: I look for pretty art and contact information. And if you are already agented PLEASE put your agent info on there, too. 

Susie: Any other general SCBWI conference advice?

Jennifer: Have fun. Stay sober. Drink lots of water. 

Susie: Thank you, Jennifer! Good luck to all the illustrators working hard to be part of this amazing show!

Grand Prize winner at #LA16SCBWI, Oge Mora, a student of the Rhode Island School of Design

For more portfolio advice, visit the SCBWI conference mentorship alumni blog, KidLitArtists here. And this post on the SCBWI site, Portfolio Tips From SCBWI Mentorship Winners.

Registration is still open - get all the details on the 2017 SCBWI Summer Conference, July 7-10, here.

The Diversity Social At #LA17SCBWI

The Diversity Social -- a partnership between We Need Diverse Books and SCBWI -- is another great reason to attend SCBWI's 2017 Summer Conference in Los Angeles, CA, this July 7-10.

Here's Linda Sue Park, Miranda Paul, and Alex Gino, all of whom will attend, with some thoughts to share:

Lee: Why is this so important to you?

Linda Sue: I am on the Board of Advisors for both SCBWI and WNDB. They are the two organizations nearest and dearest to my heart. I firmly believe that together, we're an unstoppable force for helping young readers grow up to save the world.

Alex: Children are learning what's in the world and what to think of it. Kids who are marginalized for their gender, race, religion, disability, language, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and/or family structure deserve to see themselves represented well in literature. And kids with privilege in any of those areas who read diversely are more likely become adults with compassion, which we as humans sorely need more of. I appreciate WNDB's broad vision of diversity, and our approach of addressing the need for increased diversity at every level of the publishing industry, from writers to publishers to booksellers and librarians to readers. And the more good diverse literature is available, the more those readers will turn into writers and publishers and booksellers and librarians.

Miranda: The diversity social is important to me because diversity is an important issue, period. Representation in books is a matter of social justice. Event after event from diversity campaigns lead to connections, and opportunities, and ultimately books that build empathy in our citizens. As a child, I grew up with characters who looked like me, but what about creators who are still overcoming a lack of childhood representation? The creators who will attend this event are making books for my children, who unfortunately don't have the same random chance to see themselves represented as I did. Every event WNDB and SCBWI does can help turn the tide, even if it's only a small amount. The audiences we write for are young and forming their identities. Our literature needs to honor and reflect the lives, stories, and experiences of all young people. Every event that helps to support diverse book creators ultimately helps children be more able to find books that speak to them or open their minds to others' experiences.

Lee: Why it should be important (or should it?) for every creator of content for kids and teens attending the conference?

Linda Sue: The goal is for children's books to accurately include and reflect the glorious diversity of children in this country. Until then, creating, publishing, bookselling, and sharing books will always be fraught with questions of representation and fairness. Only when we reach the point of true inclusion will we ALL be able to create and publish with total freedom. The long game: Creating a diverse landscape in children's literature BENEFITS EVERYONE.

Miranda: I don't think it's important for every creator of content for kids and teens to attend this event. I do think that diverse writers and illustrators, outspoken and considerate allies, and publishing professionals who are looking to acquire more #ownvoices material should definitely come. You're not alone!

Lee: What are your hopes for the social?

Linda Sue: It's my fervent hope that the 'Diversity Social' will be THE gathering to attend at the conference! I hope all such gatherings will grow and grow until they're so inclusive that we won't need them any longer. Every facet of children's literature--creators, readers, teachers, librarians, booksellers, publishers, SCBWI members!--should be as diverse as the world we live in. It's the first step toward the ultimate dream of 'liberty and justice FOR ALL.'

I also hope it will be REALLY REALLY FUN. ;-D

Alex: My hope is that the social will connect burgeoning and unpublished diverse writers and illustrators with information about WNDB and our programs, including our grant and mentorship programs, as well as with authors and illustrators working in the field. I also hope that writers and illustrators interested in learning more about WNDB and possibly getting more involved with what we do will take this opportunity to drop in, meet us, and ask questions about what it's like working with WNDB.

Miranda: I hope the diversity social at SCBWI's Summer conference helps attendees to kickstart new relationships or bolster previous acquaintances. Writing or illustrating books and navigating the publishing industry are not easy feats, but especially so if you're someone who is consistently in the minority at writer's events. Most creators work in isolation, and have questions about craft or business that are best answered or explored through relationships with experienced professionals. But how does one gain access to professionals who might have been through similar experiences or be writing from a similar viewpoint? The idea of gathering like-minded individuals in one room will allow some of those relationships to naturally begin through shared experience, heritage, or identity. SCBWI and WNDB, among many organizations, have been working to change the dismal diversity statistics in children's publishing. We've moved beyond hosting panels stating that we need diversity—we all know and agree. Our initiatives have shifted to taking action. I have no doubt that POCs, writers with disabilities, or those from or focused on underrepresented populations in children's literature will benefit from making connections in this casual setting.

We hope to see you there!

Get all the information about #LA17SCBWI here, and learn more about We Need Diverse Books at their website, here.

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

Registration For The 2017 SCBWI Summer Conference Opens Today (10am Pacific)

What a lineup for #LA17SCBWI!

Get all the details, and register, here.

We hope to see you in L.A.!

Illustrate, and Write, and conference on!
Lee