Category: pitch pick

Would You Read It Wednesday – A Plethora Of Pitch Picks!

15 Comments

Good Morning, Dear Friends!

Boy are you going to love today!

It’s all about sharing your opinions and letting your voice be heard!

Your vote matters!

Because today we have not one, not two, but THREE pitch picks for you to weigh in on!

(And in case you’re wondering, of course I planned this on purpose to be fun for you and give you a little lift in the dead of frigid winter, and three pitches in one day posted weeks after they should have been has nothing at ALL to do with being swamped with holding writing contests and meeting editorial deadlines and taking trips to Brazil and the holidays and visiting family and poor sick daughters who need company during Say Yes To The Dress marathons to recover from their terrible coughs!  No sirree Bob!  This was a matter of careful planning… 🙂 )

To fuel you for your voting marathon, here is Something Chocolate – and Something Perfect for these cold, cold January days!

The World’s Best Hot Chocolate!

hot choc

Recipe HERE at AshleeMarie

Ah!  Isn’t that delicious?  So hot and creamy and chocolatey?!  Feel free to add extra whipped cream (we all need calcium, right?! 🙂 )

Alrighty, then!  Let’s Pitch Pick!

Please read through the groups of pitches below and vote for your favorite in each month (there are 3 separate polls.)  Whichever of these wonderful pitches win will be sent to editor Erin Molta for her professional feedback!

Please place your votes by Sunday January 14 at 5PM EST.  Winners will be posted next week, good lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise! 🙂

September Pitch Pick:

#1 – Maureen – Kit, Not Kitty (PB ages 4-8)
For as long as Kit can remember remembering, she has felt more like fetching a ball and less like laying on a laptop. But how can she convince her family that it’s nothing to take puuuuurrsonally, it’s just that how she feels on the inside does not match how she looks on the outside.

#2 – Katie – Pirate For Hire (PB ages 4-8)
Patch loves being a pirate. The beards! The singing! The treasure! There’s only one problem…he gets seasick. When his shipmates begin poking fun at him, Patch looks for a new gig and a new crew who understand him, but where to work? Patch fumbles as a barber, flounders and a singer, and fails as a jeweler before finding a place perfect for a pirate.

#3 – Leonie – I’m Hungry Mummy (PB ages 2-6)
I’m hungry, but so is Mommy… She pretends to ‘eat you all up’, but there are some problems I make her overcome first!

October Pitch Pick:

#4 – Corine – The Puffin That Couldn’t Fly (PB ages 5-8)
When Paolo the penguin adopts a friendly puffin colony he doesn’t understand why he can´t fly like his friends—until he follows his gut into the deep sea where his flippers lead him to his family and true identity.

#5 – Kim – Belly Button Piranhas (PB ages 4-8)
Olivia is a gullible eight year old girl that must come to terms with her Dad’s explanation of the origin of the holes in her favorite shirt. With the help of her friends and her dog Rowdy, they will cure the infestation of the belly button piranhas.

#6 – Leonie – The Magician’s Apprentice (PB ages 4-8)
The boys are preparing for a show, but Sam keeps forgetting his costume! An outfit disappears and they need to find who stole it!

#7 – Laura – Gustavo’s Big Idea (PB ages 4-9)
Aliana’s little brother Gustavo wants to be in charge for the day. Knowing she’s really the boss, Aliana agrees to play along. Now Gustavo needs to come up with a BIG idea to impress his sister! As they head out to explore the woods near their Rocky Mountain home, Gustavo searches for inspiration, finding his idea in the clouds. The power of observation combined with imagination show both siblings new ways to take pride in their discoveries. Easy-to-follow hands on science project for home or school included.

November Pitch Pick:

#8 – Jennifer – Dewey Drops (PB ages 4-7)
Dewey wants the chance to make someone’s day, but that will never happen if keeps raining on playgrounds and parades. Plus, the next drop zone will be the worst one yet! There’s no way he’ll see a smile now, all he can do is hope not to land on the cake.

#9 – Candice – The Wildness In Mellie Feye (Upper Middle Grade Eco-Fairytale Retelling)
Mellie isn’t sure what her mom made her…half sea serpent? Peculiar mermaid? Water spirit? Or simple cursed?!

Fifteen-year-old Mellie wants to get back home to the magical isle of her two triplet sisters, but her mom’s curse keeps her away, stuck on a spit of land near Sand Blast Bay, FL. Apparently Mellie getting revenge on her dad wasn’t what her mom intended when she told the girls he was still alive. To break the curse, Mellie needs (what else?) true love’s kiss. She’d rather suck out scallop guts. Until her beloved bay turns septic and all the fish and oysters start dying off. It doesn’t look like she can return home to her sisters until she figures out how to restore the collapsing ecosystem. Her revenge is what caused it after all.

THE WILDNESS IN MELLIE FEYE is an upper middle grade fairytale retelling of the Melusine legend (the water spirit on your Starbuck’s cup) with an ecological twist.

#10 – Leonie – Sara Stole My Hiccups! (PB ages 4-8)
Tommy has a problem and Sara is here to help! Follow these two friends on their journey to solve Tommy’s problem – with a twist.

#11 – Candace – Cock-A-Doodle WHAT? (PB ages 2-4)
Clarence Rooster is pacing around the barnyard. He is the smallest rooster at the farm and tomorrow morning will be his first turn at waking up Farmer Judy. What if he’s not loud enough and she sleeps right through his crowing? He decides to hold a practice session behind the barn. Clarence invites his friends to come listen. Each one has a bit of advice for him. Now, he must figure out whose idea is the best.

Wow!  That was a lot of pitch picking!  I hope you had fun, and I hope you know how much I and the participating pitchers appreciate you taking the time to read and vote, and on regular WYRI Wednesdays give thoughtful feedback to help our pitchers improve and give all of us the chance to learn!

Now then.  One last thing before we all tootle off to our Wednesday appointed rounds.  I have realized that, due to the craziness that was October 1 – December 31, 2017, I failed to mention around the web that we need pitches for Would You Read It!  I actually currently have NONE!  So if you have a pitch that you need some help on and feel could benefit from the wisdom of your peers over here, please send it my way!  You could go as early as next week!  If no one sends any pitches, we’ll just have to eat chocolate and shoot the breeze (which wouldn’t be so bad – I love your company and I love chocolate 🙂 ) but really, we’re supposed to do something productive around here, so fire those pitches my way! 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!  Read! Write! Eat chocolate! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #213 – Walking With Memphis (PB) PLUS The April Pitch Pick!

54 Comments

Darlings, I need your help.

If you’ve spent any time at all around this blog, you are familiar with Princess Blue Kitty (and if you’re new here, Princess Blue is my 2012 Subaru Outback – the trusty companion with whom I have traveled thither and yon on many a long journey through rain, sleet, snow and dark of night 🙂 )

Well, Princess Blue is currently doing a stint as my daughter’s trusty companion.

Lest you worry that I am trapped on Blueberry Hill, let me assure you I’m not… quite…  Whilst Princess Blue is off in search of the elusive endangered bog turtle (and some plant that those wildlife biologist types are also investigating… I forgot the name), I have the horror honor of driving my dad’s spare car.

Let me tell you about this car.

First, since it rarely gets driven, its battery has a disconcerting habit of dying on a whim.  Keeps life interesting 🙂  Second, although it has relatively low mileage for its age, it looks like it spent quality time as a jungle gym in a preschool – I’m a little afraid to actually sit in it because dirt, damage, and suspicious sticky patches cover the interior.  It also has a huge round air freshener (as old as the car so “fresh” is a misnomer) stuck smack dab in the middle of the dashboard where it does nothing positive for the air quality in the car but does reflect off the windshield in a dangerous and distracting way.  Third, just a few weeks ago it got left running all night and ran out of gas so that it now sports an orange “requires maintenance” light which really fills me with confidence 🙂

Poor old thing.

So here’s the situation.  It needs a name.  Princess Blue is making fun of him (yes, it’s definitely a “him” not a “her” – you can just tell) for not being loved enough to have a name.  All that comes to my mind is Sir Shakes-a-lot (well, he does) or Too Many Beans (because he makes a disturbing grumbly sound that I’m pretty sure I don’t want to know the cause of 🙂 ) and neither of those is terribly complimentary.  Princess Blue is likely to tease him even more.

This is where you come in.  A name.  Something good!  In our writing, naming is critically important.  We spend hours trying on names, searching for just the right one, because it has to fit perfectly!  So who better to turn to for a name than a bunch of writers? 🙂

To help you out, I’ll tell you he’s a Toyota Highlander of some ancient vintage – big and square with a powerful engine and four wheel drive – and if he were clean he’d be silver-ish.  So fire away.  He needs all the help he can get 🙂

Now then, shall we Pitch Pick?

Here are the entrants in the April Pitch Pick:

#1 Sam – The School Supplies Intensive Care Unit (PB ages 5-8)
When a marker is left uncapped, a pencil gets cracked, or a glue stick dries out, there is only one place they can turn; The School Supplies Intensive Care Unit.  After a sudden spike in cases at The SSIC-U, it’s up to Nurse Patchet to track down the culprit and reform the classroom’s worst offender.

#2 Ingrid – The Grumps (PB ages 3-6)
When one friend wakes up in a spectacularly cranky mood, the other knows there’s only one thing to do- join in! Armed with a plan to hog the swings and block the slide The Grumps head to the playground to spread their gloomy mood to every kid in sight. Come along with The Grumps to find out what could possibly go wrong when the plan IS for everything to go wrong and how such a bad day can turn out to be so good.

#3 Karah – Tails Of Witches And Wolves (MG)
Young wolf Nata bargains with Baba Yaga for a spell that opens the door to her dream: a human life away from the dirty and dangerous forest. But when a wolf attack leads to the hunting of wolves across the tsardom, Nata must choose between living as a human and saving the wolf family she left behind.

#4 Tracy – My Name Is Sonny And I Am Special (PB ages 4-8)
Surprise, it’s a…girl, yes, another baby girl.   Sonny is the 5th baby girl born into her family. Dad affectionately calls all his girls, Lovees! But Lovee #5 is different from all the other Lovees.  She walks differently, she talks differently, and she even thinks her thoughts differently.  Everyone always calls her special, and she doesn’t like that. One day, Lovees # 1, 2, 3 and 4 hatch a sticky plan that transforms Sonny’s white bedroom walls into a rainbow of specialness. The room wasn’t the only thing transformed that day.  Sonny now knows just how special she is and exactly what special means. “My name is Sonny and I am SPECIAL,” she proudly announces to everyone she meets.

Please choose the pitch you think is best and most deserves a read and comments from editor Erin Molta and select it in the poll below by Sunday May 22 at 5 PM.  Good lord willing and the creek don’t rise I’ll announce the winner next Wednesday on Would You Read It 🙂

And now, after all that talk about cars and pitches, I think we’re more than ready for Something Chocolate, don’t you?  Hmmm…. how about

Cheesecake-Filled Chocolate Bundt Cake from Handle The Heat!

Cheesecake-Filled-Chocolate-Bundt-Cake-square-550x550

Cheesecake-Filled Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe HERE at Handle The Heat

Not sure who thought this up – Handle The Heat or someone they learned it from –  but it’s genius, I tell you, sheer GENIUS!

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Melissa who says, “From former Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader, to former assistant to a comedic author, to New York City designer, I now currently reside in New Jersey and spend much of my time traveling, creative writing, and advocating for animals.  As a rescue volunteer and certified animal trainer graduate, I aspire to tell one real dog’s heartwarming and inspirational story of rediscovering the good life. Readers of all ages can learn more about this lucky dog, Memphis, through his Instagram and web address (below).”

Find her on the web at:

http://memphisthedog.com/
https://www.instagram.com/the_great_memphino/

and on twitter @MelRutigliano

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Walking With Memphis: Inspired By A Real Dog

Age/Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book (ages 3-8 with crossover appeal to animal lovers of all ages, as well as anyone living with a disability)

The Pitch: When Memphis becomes paralyzed and loses his wag, he must learn to walk with a wheelchair.  Rather than waiting for someone to throw him a bone, he dares to dig up his bark for life in an adventurous discovery of what it means to be a lucky dog.

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Melissa improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)

 

Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on Would You Read It in the dropdown under For Writers in the bar above.  There are openings in June, so you could get your pitch up for some helpful feedback pretty soon, and have a chance to have it read by editor Erin Molta!

Melissa is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward (with fervent hope!) to any names you might think up for poor old High-Ho Silver 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #200 – The Dino Store (PB) PLUS The Dec/Jan Pitch Pick!

42 Comments

Happy (one day late!) Groundhog Day, Everyone!

I hope you were all thrilled at Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of an early spring!

Up here on Blueberry Hill, Phyllis was feeling a little more cautious.  She said, “How can we have spring if we haven’t had winter yet?” and “Who the heck does El Nino think he is?” and “By the way, what’s with El Nino?!  How about El Nina?! I could teach that guy a thing or two!” and “If anyone has any strawberries I would like some please!”

Phyllis and I had a delightful visit with Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades at Beekman Elementary School yesterday (even without strawberries… they had really good cookies!… thank you, Mrs. Osso 🙂 )  Local gossip speculates that there may be photographs in existence somewhere… but as I don’t have them yet (and will likely decide they’re not fit to be seen even when I do 🙂 ) you’ll have to wait for those… maybe a Very. Long. Time! 🙂   And now, even as you read this, Phyllis and I are off visiting another school today!  We’re like a whirlwind.  Or maybe a girlwind 🙂  The first week of February is always busy and tons of fun around here!

So busy, in fact, that I really think Something Chocolate is called for immediately to sustain us!  Especially because our busy day today includes the December/January Pitch Pick!

Since today is the birthday of someone I love more than you can imagine (yes, Phyllis, but someone else too :)), I think we should have cake!

choc cake

Doesn’t that look divine?  All we need is a nice hot cup of coffee to go with it and balance out the sweet!  (And Julie R-Z – please note the raspberries – I put them on there so you wouldn’t have to eat cake for breakfast because I know how you feel about that 🙂 )

Okay!  Are you ready to Pitch Pick?

#1 Diane – The Dreadfully Unhappy Cat (PB ages 4-8)

(for those of you who read it in December, this was formerly Peyton The Cat And The Princess Who Loves Everything Pink)

Mortimer, a dreadfully unhappy cat, needs to get his new owner, Pauline’s attention. Mortimer feels there are to many kisses and does not like the new name Pauline gave him, Prissy-the-Cat-Princess. How can he get her attention? Several cat-devious ideas pop into his head. But Pauline fails to notice Mortimer’s signs and instead blames them all on Tommy, her brother. Mortimer’s last cat-fantastic idea is to seek the help of Pauline’s brother—as he seems to understand Mortimer’s dilemma. Once Pauline discovers Mortimer’s wishes, a compromise is reached between daily kisses, his name, and being a guard for Tommy’s castle.

 

#2 Gabi – Eustacia, Unicorn Of Science (PB ages 4-8)

(for those of you who read the original, this was formerly titled Unicorn With A Stache)

Meet Eustacia.  Like her fellow unicorns, she toots rainbows.  Unlike her fellow unicorns, she studies science, solves formulas, and invents gizmos.  The other unicorns scoff and say, “Magic is the unicorn way.”  But when their rainbows disappear, Eustacia discovers that both science and magic have a place in the unicorn world.

#3  Cynthia – Nicky And The Inchworm (PB ages 4-8)

Nicky loves to splash in the puddles, but when he finds a shiny wet inchworm dangling over a puddle he knows he has to act fast. Amazed by this tiny little creature, Nicky forgets about splashing in puddles and sets out to find a safe home for his tiny new friend.

 

#4  Carleen – Annabelle Changes Her Name (PB ages 4-8)

Annabelle’s name is too long, too hard, too different.  But when she decides to change it, she runs into all sorts of problems.  And then she meets a new girl whose name is long and hard and different, too.   And now Annabelle isn’t so sure anymore about changing her name.

#5  Ashley – The Race Against Sleep (PB ages 4-8)

Bill is the fastest runner this side of the Mississippi, but can he outrun Sleep? THE RACE AGAINST SLEEP introduces readers to a boastful boy, Bill, whose bragging rights are on the line when he accepts Sleep’s challenge to a footrace with no finish line. Bill fights to stay up and moving as Sleep uses the typically charming, Southern landscape against him.

Funny – we got a couple title changes this month!  And they’re all PBs for ages 4-8!

Please vote in the poll below for the pitch you like best that you feel most deserves a read and comments from editor Erin Molta.  Please cast your vote by Sunday February 7 at 5 PM Eastern.  Results will be posted weeks from now after the Valentiny Contest is over 🙂

Today’s pitch comes to us from Lynne Marie who says, “My name is Lynne Marie, and picture books (and dinosaurs) are a long-time passion of mine. I am a reader, reviewer, a writer, and world traveller. My first book, Hedgehog Goes to Kindergarten was published by Scholastic in 2011, with one to follow. Please visit me at “My Word Playground” — who knows who or what might pop in there, maybe even a dinosaur or two!

You can learn more about her at www.literallylynnemarie.com,  follow her writing and inspiration blog at http://literallylynnemarie.blogspot.com and follow her on twitter @Literally_Lynne

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: The Dino Store

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)

The Pitch: When a child wishes for a real dinosaur, a magical door leads him to The Dino Store. But will he choose a walnut-brained Stegosaurus, a bully scaring T-Rex or an Apatosaurus whose neck he can slide down? With Show ‘N Tell tomorrow he needs to choose fast. But what if the wrong choice leads to BIGGER problems?

 

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Lynne Marie improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)

 

Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on Would You Read It in the dropdown menu beneath For Writers in the bar above.  There are openings in March so you’ve got a little time to polish up your pitches and send yours for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Lynne Marie is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to visiting another school full of happy, excited Kindergartners, 1st and 2nd graders with my furry little marmot friend!

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!!! 🙂

 

Would You Read It Wednesday #197 – Nicky And The Inchworm PLUS A Plethora Of Pitch Pick Winners

52 Comments

Mornin’ folks!

Golly, has it gotten cold hereabouts!  It’s like winter!

Oh, wait…

🙂

But guess what?

Today is Brown Scouty’s birthday!  She is 9.  And yes!   Certainly we are having cake!  Although not chocolate because alas, chocolate is not good for dogs and she must have some of her own birthday cake!

Here she is when she was tiny:

c37fe-dscn0148

I love this picture. She’s such a little stumper 🙂

And here she is now:

IMG_0011

Apparently not much has changed… she likes to sleep on the furniture 🙂

She is my faithful companion.  She walks and runs with me on our road, she takes her squirrel-chasing duties very seriously, she sleeps by guards my bedside at night, and she is lying on my feet while I write this post so that in case I should decide to get up and do something that is Interesting For Dogs she will not miss out 🙂  She is the Best Dog Ever.  Happy Birthday, dear Scouty ❤

I’d offer you some of Scout’s birthday cake, but since it’s not chocolate it would be all wrong for today.  Besides, I promised Cathy Nutella Croissants, so here they are in all their chocolate-hazelnut-buttery-pastry deliciousness…

3-Ingredient-Nutella-Croissants-5

3 Ingredient Nutella Croissants Recipe HERE at Gimme Some Oven http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/3-ingredient-nutella-croissants-recipe/

3-Ingredient-Nutella-Croissants-2

3 Ingredient Nutella Croissants Recipe HERE at Gimme Some Oven http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/3-ingredient-nutella-croissants-recipe/

Scrumptious!  And if you’re looking for an easy recipe, this one has only 3 ingredients!  (Possibly even within my limited cooking capacity! 🙂 )

Alrighty!

Now that you’re not in danger of a low blood sugar flame-out and have consumed enough calories to help you withstand with extreme cold without perishing :), let’s get down to the fun!

First, the Pitch Pick Winners!

We have so many, I think it calls for some kind of celebration so how about this:

celebration

For September, the winner is Zainab, with her picture book pitch for Dear Cat!

For October, the winner is Kirk, with his MG pitch for My Next Door Neighbor Is A Dragon Princess!

And for November, the winner is Jessica with her picture book pitch for Showdown At The Sippy Cup Saloon!

Congratulations Zainab, Kirk, and Jessica Your pitches are winging through cyberspace to editor Erin Molta for her thoughts!

Congratulations also to ALL our intrepid pitchers who stepped up boldly and put their work out their for all the world to see in an effort to improve their craft!  Everyone did a great job, and I hope you all got valuable feedback that will help these pitches to pique the curiosity of the agent or editor of you dreams!

And thank you to all the wonderful readers who show up to lend their expertise each week and to vote for the monthly winners!  Would You Read It wouldn’t be what it is without you! ❤

Next up we have today’s Would You Read It pitch which comes to us from Cynthia who says, “When I’m not working, or taxi driving my kids to sporting events, I play with words. I have a love for picture books, especially ones in verse.”

You can find her at her website: http://randomthoughts-myblog.blogspot.com/ and on Twitter @Elomaa10.

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Nicky And The Inchworm

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)

The Pitch: Nicky loves to splash in puddles, but when Nicky finds a shiny wet inchworm hanging by a thread Nicky knows he has to act fast, but not before being amazed by this tiny little creature.  Nicky soon forgets all about splashing in the puddles and sets out to find a safe home for his tiny new friend.

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE, or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Cynthia improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)

Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks.  For rules and where to submit, click HERE or on Would You Read It in the dropdown menu under For Writers in the header bar above.  There are openings in February which isn’t that far off, so polish up your pitches and send yours for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

 

Cynthia is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to posting the guidelines for the brandy spandy new writing contest that we will be having!  Mark your calendars for the week of February 8-12 and keep a weather eye out for a special post from moi with the low-down!

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!!!

 

A Plethora Of Pitch Picks!

20 Comments

HI!

I’m so glad to see you! 🙂

This extra Monday post gives me a whole ‘nother day to hang out with you!

(And a Monday post reminds me (just come along on the stream-of-consciousness train of thought here) that it’s been ages since we did Oh Susanna!  So if anyone – writer, teacher, parent – has a question of any kind about reading, writing, submitting, picture books, etc… – feel free to email it to me using the handy Email Me button or susanna[at]susannahill[dot]com and put Oh Susanna in the subject line.  Your picture book questions answered!  I’d love to run Oh Susanna! again, at least occasionally :))

But today is all about Pitch Picks!  So many!  In appreciation of your hard work and dedication, I will supply Something Chocolate – extra Something Chocolates! Triple Something Chocolates! – for each Pitch Pick!

Ready?

Here we go!

The September Pitch Pick… with this delicious, delectable, Triple Chocolate Cheesecake with Oreo Crust… YUM!!!

 

Chocolate-Cheesecake-Pinterest-4a

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake with Oreo Crust Recipe HERE at OMG Chocolate Desserts http://omgchocolatedesserts.com/triple-chocolate-cheesecake-oreo-crust/

#1 Lizette – Moms (PB ages 1.5 – 3)

This book is an illustrated story about mothers. It demonstrates that mothers from all over the world love and care for their children no matter what walk of life they come from. It is very reflective of Canada’s multicultural community and celebrates diversity. It is a simple story where the only text is the word ” Mom” “Mother or “Mommy ” in various languages. The illustrations will represent the feelings and interactions that occur daily between a mother and her children.  Pictures can capture emotions and can be understood by all and make for an open ended reading experience.

#2 Maria – Firefighters’ Busy Day (PB ages 2-6)

Firefighters are busy! They have many tasks to do each day including “washing, waxing shining the truck, cleaning the gear, getting rid of the muck.”

Many don’t realize that firefighters do much more than just put water on fires. In Firefighters’ Busy Day, they can see the jobs firefighters do before, during, and after a fire call. Through the use of movement written into the text, they can even help firefighters get their jobs done.

Young children can pretend to be busy firefighters too, by trying some of the exciting fire safety activities included such as a fire truck parade or having firefighter-themed meal. The activities included are sure to turn everyday learning into firefighter fun.

#3 Diana – Wait For Cate (PB ages 4-8)

Cate has made a promise to her school friends to be on time for the big kickball game at recess. And they need her! When Cate encounters the new girl stuck in the sand in her wheelchair, Cate needs to make a decision. Should she keep her promise to her kickball team or help a new friend out of a “sticky” situation?

#4 Zainab – Dear Cat (PB ages 4-8)

Persistent Bird keeps bugging Cat with his letters to be his friend.  Cat snubs Bird…until it’s snack time. Cat is ready for a tasty meal except Bird has his own devious plan in mind for this “clever” cat.

Please read and consider Lizette, Maria, Diana, and Zainab’s pitches and choose the one you think is best and deserves a read by editor Erin Molta, and vote for it in the poll below by Tuesday January 12 at 7 PM EDT.

Aaaaand… a little more Something Chocolate to keep your strength up… Triple Chocolate Poke Cake (bonus points to anyone who can tell me what a poke cake is! :))

triple chocolate poke cake

Triple Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe HERE at Beyond Frosting http://beyondfrosting.com/2013/12/08/triple-chocolate-poke-cake/

The October Pitch Pick

#5 Kirk – My Next Door Neighbor Is A Dragon Princess (MG)

I didn’t care much for Maddie Buckner. At two, she bit my ear. At four she pushed me off a slide. At 8, she broke my favorite model airplane that took five months to build. At 10, she kissed me – on the lips! – under the Big Toy in the playground and told me she loved me. At 11, she spit in my face and said she hated me. Then she asked Parker Williams to the sock hop. Parker Williams! Oh, how I despised her. But then she had to go and save my life. That’s when I discovered her secret.

#6 Lisa – Kitten Ciao (PB ages 4-7)

Kitten Ciao is fed up with Mama’s cooking, so he consults his food lover’s map and dashes off to Europe. It all seems so right, but everything goes wrong. The rain in Paris turns his crepes to goo, his English pudding is filled with (gasp!) raisins, the sauerkraut at Oktoberfest is, well, he’s not sure what it is, and there’s no chocolate dip for his Spanish churros. Most tragically, he accidentally bites his tongue while eating pasta in Rome. Kitten Ciao swiftly learns there is no place like home – and a grilled cheese sandwich.

#7 Patricia – Aunt Elvira and the Watermelon Seed (PB ages 4-7)

A visit from Great-Aunt Elvira happens once in a lifetime. But why must it be during Clarissa’s lifetime? Her prim and proper twin, Marissa, is sure to shine. With her slurps, burps and spitting skills, Clarissa can’t imagine how to shine, let alone survive dinner, even with watermelon on the menu.

Please read and consider Kirk, Lisa, and Patricia’s pitches and vote for the one you think is best and deserves a read by editor Erin Molta in the poll below by Tuesday January 12 at 7 PM EDT.

And now, last one! You’re doing great! And here’s a little more Something Chocolate to keep you going! Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake… sorry if you’re drooling on your keyboard… I take full responsibility 🙂

Triple-chocolate-mouse-cake-2

Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe HERE at OMG Chocolate Desserts http://omgchocolatedesserts.com/triple-chocolate-mousse-cake-by-vera/

The November Pitch Pick

#8 Jessica – Showdown At The Sippy Cup Saloon (PB ages 4-8)

In the tiny town of Toddle, in the cradle of the West, Sheriff Wyatt Burp is snoozing in his crib when Wild Bill Hiccup arrives to wake up — and shake up — the pint-size population. “Don’t go gettin’ yer onesie in a twist,” Wild Bill warns Wyatt, but tempers flare until the two go bib to bib in a showdown at the Sippy Cup Saloon. Who will emerge the rootin’ tootin’ squirt gun shootin’ hero of the West?

#9 Sandy – Caterwauling Cats (PB ages 4-8)
Jack and Dave miss their happy home where they take cushy naps and eat Kitty Cat Comfort Cozies. After several attempts to escape overdressing and mud pie feeding from Esther, they learn to yowl like monsters under her bed. Esther exits and the kitties have their own room for napping and noshing.

#10 Christie – The Naked Goose (PB ages 3-7)

When Honk flies south, he meets a few oddly dressed geese and tries to follow suit. However, he does not realize they are lawn ornaments. After an awkward inquiry, followed by several disastrous outfits, Honk discovers he is happier the way he came – naked.

#11 Jen – Ernie’s Toothfake (PB ages 4-8)

Ernie Blossomfoss rushes home to get his first lost tooth under his pillow, but when he trips he watches it go sailing into the playground woodchips. Convinced the tooth fairy won’t come unless she has a tooth to collect, Ernie hatches a plan to leave the perfect counterfeit. When the clever fairy doesn’t fall for it, Ernie ups the ante until he finally discovers that being honest is more valuable than a crisp dollar bill.
Please read and consider Jessica, Sandy, Christie, and Jen’s pitches and vote for the one you think is best and deserves a read by editor Erin Molta in the poll below by Tuesday January 12 at 7 PM EDT.

Phew! I know! That was a lot of pitch reading and picking! You are all the absolute best, and that is why I and everyone who submits a pitch love you so much. Know that you have done a good deed for the day and that the universe will return that goodness to you in multiples!

And now, this extra poll-laden post wouldn’t be complete without me telling you the results of last week’s poll on the subject of an extra writing contest in February….

The response was overwhelmingly in favor of a contest!

So I guess I’ll be seeing what I can put together for you all! 🙂

Ooh! This is exciting!

Stay tuned! I’ll get the contest guidelines up as soon as I think of them… and keep your fingers crossed that I can rummage up some good prizes for you on short notice!!!

Have a marvelous Monday, everyone, and thanks again for all your help with the pitches! We couldn’t do it without you!

Would You Read It Wednesday #101 – Cartwheel Queen (PB) PLUS The July Pitch Pick!

70 Comments

Next year I would like someone to remind me in June that August is an insane month and I should plan NOTHING!

Since I forgot this year, I’m in over my head.  And that’s with only one regular blog post per week!  I am seriously hoping that things are going to settle down and get more organized when school starts.  Otherwise I shall have to check myself into a home! 🙂

So quick, darlings, everyone help yourself to more of Coleen’s goodies – Peanut Butter Rice Krispie treats today (please note the luscious chocolate drizzle which qualifies them as our Something Chocolate!)

Photo copyright Coleen Patrick 2013 used by permission

YUM!  And totally breakfast because they’ve got the word Rice Krispie right in the title!  You really cannot argue with that 🙂

And now let’s get right down to business!

First, we’ve got the July Pitch Pick.  Our brave pitchers have taken all your excellent advice to heart and revised their pitches to the best of their abilities.  Here are the choices:

#1 Lisa
That Tommy Thompson (PB ages 5 and up)
Just a girl???? Abigail Richmond was not about to let “that” Tommy Thompson ruin her day. In fact, she has just enough confidence combined with a dash of sass that allows her to prove she can do anything she puts her mind to, just like some other famous women in history. Luckily, she also has the smarts to know what she shouldn’t do. 

#2 Rachel
The Curse of The Shattered Sceptre (Chapter Book/MG)
After accidentally unleashing a torrent of curses, Ollie and his Book Club buddies must use their wits and imagination to unravel a series of twisted clues. In a race against time, will the boys mend the shattered sceptre, restoring the balance of nature, or will they be cursed forever? 

#3 Angela
Fable Ranger (MG)
Swept away in a storm of rose petals, twelve-year-old Case lands in a world of make-believe, chosen by the book of Lorealia as the new Fable Ranger. But in a realm where Prince Charming always saves the day, she’s dismissed…just for being a girl. Proving bravery comes in all packages, Case ventures off to reverse the evil Dovetail’s enchantments. He’s unbalanced magic and forced the Red Rose Bounds to shut down. Unless Case completes the tasks to set magic right, she’ll remain trapped in a spiraling happily-never-after or worse, captured by Dovetail himself.

#4 Vivian
The Tomato Turner Gets A Job (PB ages 4 and up)
The annual summer bike relay is only two weeks away,  but no matter how many times Peter counts the money in his piggy bank, it’s still not enough to buy the new bike he needs to join his best friend’s team. Peter must find a way to earn more…fast! Mixing Gardener’s Gold is not the best smelling job – but his piggy bank IS getting heavier – if only he could stop breathing or make the manure smell better.

I know it’s a tough choice (as always!) but please choose the pitch you think deserves a read by editor Erin Molta and cast your vote by 11:59 PM EDT Sunday August 25.

Thank you so much for voting!

Now!  Onward! 🙂

Today’s pitch comes to us from Carrie who says, “My passion for picture books and literacy began while studying to be an elementary teacher.  I took a break from teaching this past school year to immerse myself into writing full-time.  I guess you could say I finally figured out what all the brain babble was for!  

You can find me on my blog site Carrie On… at www.carriecharleybrown.com or follow me on Facebook www.fb.com/carrie.brown.56614#, Twitter @carriebrowntx, or You Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/carriecharleybrown“

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Cartwheel Queen
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 3-6)
The Pitch: After learning how to do a cartwheel, Queen Carina begins her rule over Cartwheelandia. Cheers and cartwheels explode through the crowd, but stop short with Carina’s heart-broken little brother.  In an effort to restore peace to the kingdom, Queen Carina does all she can to help Caden train to be the greatest Cartwheel King that ever lived.

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Carrie improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in September so we could really use some new pitches!  Send yours for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Carrie is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to something so wonderful you won’t even believe it!!  We are expecting a new grandbaby and he or she is due to be delivered TOMORROW!!!  Next time you see me I’ll be a grandmother again… or a grandfather 🙂  Meanwhile, hoping all will go smoothly with the delivery and that this little one will be as healthy and wonderful as his or her big sister!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #86 – Day Dreamer (YA Sci-Fi) PLUS The April Pitch Pick

60 Comments

Happy May Day, Everyone!

Isn’t it so appropriate that the birthstone for May is emerald?  May is so beautifully green!

And in the spirit of spring, I’m going to go hog wild and serve strawberry shortcake this morning.  I know it isn’t chocolate, but YUM anyway! 🙂  Please!  Help yourselves 🙂

Now then.  A teensy item of business before we get to the pitch pick and today’s Would You Read It pitch.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I did not detect the usual level of enthusiasm for my most recent hare-brained scheme contest.  I have decided this is my fault.  I thought it would be totally fun to see what you clever folks came up with – you always amaze me with your creativity!  But I can see how maybe it’s more fun for me than it is for you, even though there are prizes.  And far be it from me to force anything on you that you don’t think is fun!

So please let your opinion be known below.  Would anyone like to try the contest?  Or shall I make it easy – points for Face Book posting, Tweeting, or blogging about the ebook on May 7-9 or something – and lower the prize quality accordingly?  Ready set vote! (By 9PM EDT tomorrow, Thursday May 2)

Phew!  Now that’s out of the way, let’s do the April Pitch Pick.  Here are the newly improved and updated pitches from our intrepid pitchers thanks to your excellent feedback.

#1 Pam
Flood Dogs (Picture Book ages 5-8)
Based on a true story, FLOOD DOGS tells of a girl, her two dogs, and the flood that comes between them. As Cadence fears the fate of her dogs, she must also face the devastation of her town and home.  When she finally reconnects with her dogs, Cadence is overjoyed to discover just how much she still has.

#2 Elaine
Giant At The Gym (Picture Book ages 3-7)
When Giant works out at the 24-hour Animal Fitness Gym, he discovers that the weights are too light. Grabbing treadmill runners, stationary bike riders and bench pressers, Giant soon has animals of all kinds hanging from his barbells. Yet the barbells are still too light! Will Giant find the right amount of weight before he runs out of gym-goers or will Elephant put him over the top?

#3 Deborah
Hurricane Enrique (Picture Book ages 4-7)
Every Friday afternoon, Molly takes care of her best friend’s yippy, nippy little Chihuahua, Carlos.  When a tropical storm strikes, Molly finds that rescuing Carlos isn’t easy, but friends are friends.

#4 Cynthia
A Noise In The Dark (Picture Book ages 4-8)
Nicky knows he’ll never get to sleep unless he finds out what is making so much noise in this closet, but it’s dark and he is scared and all he really wants to do is hide under his covers. When Nicky gets no help from mom he realizes he must find the courage to face his fears so he could finally get some sleep.

Please vote for the pitch you think deserves a read by editor Erin Molta by Friday May 3 at 11:59 PM EDT.  Thank you!

Now then!  Onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Jesse.  Jesse says, “I am an ad copy and commercial writer by trade. I am a husband and father of two (ages 3 and 6). I have tried my hand at writing stories for my children. I am in the process of self publishing a picture book entitled, “That’s Not How Mommy Does It” and recently I began writing the Day Dreamer novel for young adults. I would love the aid of the writing community as well as the backing of an agent and publisher. I have also had multiple articles published in an Apple related business magazine, i.Business.

Here is a link to a facebook community that I started, ‘The Indie and Self Publishing Forum’. It has been accepted warmly by the writing community: http://www.facebook.com/groups/480809531948228/
And this is my personal facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jesse.lee.71697
And this is my Commercial Writing and Marketing Blog: www.realnichemarketing.com

Here is Jesse’s pitch:

Working Title: Day Dreamer
Age/Genre: YA Science Fiction
The Pitch: What causes Deja Vu? No one has been able to scientifically prove the cause. But, Neurologist Dr. Edwin Wallace has found the answer. And the answer gives a clue to his visions. But as his visions fade with his age, a new and exceptionally gifted 17 year old Day Dreamer, Jackson Cooper could unlock the secret to harness their premonitions for the good of mankind. But when Jackson is taken by a secret government agency hoping to use his gift for military purposes, he will have to fight his way back home with the help of a group of gifted youths that he will meet along the way. This exciting and highly realistic science fiction drama presents a believable explanation to how a person could accurately see the future.

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Jesse improve his pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in June so you have a little time to polish your pitch for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Jesse is looking forward to your thoughts on his pitch!  I am looking forward to finding out what you really think about the jingle contest so I can come up with a new plan if need be!

Have a lovely day, everyone! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #72 – The Good For Plenty Bibs (PB) AND The December Pitch Pick

42 Comments

I just have to say, I love our writing community!

Where else, on a Monday or Tuesday afternoon, can you find mature adults making up rhymes about poets, or writing songs with animal noises in them for other writers’ blogiversaries on Face Book?  (And yes, that certainly IS an excellent and productive use of time!  We’re writing, aren’t we?! :))

So let’s see… what have I accomplished this week?  You mean, aside from the verse about the otter?  Ummm…..

Excuse me while I distract you with Something Chocolate 🙂

Freepik.com

Please, help yourselves!  While your mouths are full, I’ll explain what we’re doing today.

Due to December’s crazy schedule, we only had 2 pitches, and January has 5 Wednesdays which, for those of you who struggle with math (oh wait, that’s me!), means there will be 5 pitches :), so to make the pitch picks more even I put Sidney’s from the first Wednesday in January in with the 2 from December so that December’s pitch pick will have 3 and January’s (when we get there) will have 4.

I hope you were all able to follow my advanced math at this hour of the morning.  More cake?

So here are the revised pitches for the December+ Pitch Pick 🙂

#1 Julie
Differently Together (formerly Eddie Brick Visits The Aunts) – PB – ages 4-8
When their grandnephew Eddie’s visit stirs up their tried-and-true routine, Emmie and Effie Brick find the upset quite upsetting.  Eddie’s creativity might just help his aunts learn to enjoy doing things a little differently, together.

#2 Kim
Oyster And Pearl – PB – ages 4-8

Pearl is a tiny grain of sand that lives in the bottom of the ocean. She feels insignificant in her world and both envious AND enamored of the star that she can see far above her. As she sets her sights on joining the star, she encounters many challenges... until finally, one night, she meets Oyster, who helps her become a star of her own.

#3 Sidney
Astrid Climbs Her Family Tree – PB – ages 4-8

When Astrid discovers family photo albums, she can’t figure out how she is related to all these people. Join Astrid as she learns how to draw a family tree, create a gravestone rubbing, build an Aztec pyramid, march like George Washington and chase her boredom away. 

Which do you feel deserves a trip to editor Erin Molta’s desk for a read and comments?  Please vote for your favorite by Friday January 18 at 11:59 PM EST and I’ll announce the pitch pick winner next week.

Now on to today’s pitch comes to us from Linda, whom you may remember from her pitch for Alpha Bitty in October.  Linda is a former gifted and talented teacher and the author of a number of books including the multi-award winning picture book, The Blue Roses.  Please take a moment to visit her website at www.lindaboyden.com.  Here is her pitch:

Working Title: The Good For Plenty Bibs
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4 and up)
The Pitch: A spanking new pair of bib overalls arrives at the Owens’ family cabin for the oldest boy, Jake’s birthday. Pretty soon he sprouts like a beanstalk and dumps them into Granny’s quilt pile saying, “Good for nothing bibs.” Granny argues, “They’re the good for plenty bibs.” She stitches a pocket up and passes them down to the next boy. So the bibs pass from brother to brother, Granny fixing them up each time. They cycle through rips and tears, ups and downs but finally when the last child and only girl, Annabella, outgrows them Granny agrees: they’ve been patched and re-patched; they’ve lost their midnight blue, their October sky blue, and even their milky morning blue. Now they’re finally the good for nothing bibs. This time Annabella disagrees. With a clever plan and her brothers’ help, the kids work out a surprise that leaves Granny speechless.

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Linda improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in February – like in 3 weeks! so seriously we could really use some new pitches!  It’s your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Linda is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to what kind of tomfoolery will show up on Face Book this afternoon 🙂  It better be good.  My expectations are raised now 🙂

Have a great day, everyone!

Beating The Odds: Guest Post From Author/Illustrator Alison K. Hertz AND A Giveaway!

85 Comments

Today I’m delighted to share a guest post from author/illustrator Alison Hertz, whose debut picture book FLAP! was released from Magic Dreams Publishing in November!

One quick thing first: seriously, you guys have to remind me when I space things out!  I forgot to mention in Friday’s post that the winners of my blogiversary giveaway, who shall receive a 5 pack of Tracy Campbell’s gorgeous hand-crafted greeting cards, are Rhythm (who is technically a dog, but I’m pretty sure s/he’s got a mom who will enjoy the cards :)) and Laura Anne Miller!!!  Laura, it’s entirely possible I have your address from sending the Perfect Picture Book bookmarks, but Rhythm, I’m going to need yours, so please email me when you get a chance!  (Handy Email Me button in right side bar or you can do it the old-fashioned way and type in susanna[at]susannahill[dot]com.)  Congratulations to the winners, and thank you ALL for being such wonderful involved participants in my blog – you guys are what make it all such fun 🙂

Oh wait!  One more quick thing.  For the first time in WYRI history, we had a tie for the November Pitch Pick!  Kim and Larissa scored the same number of votes!  I can really only send one pitch per month to Erin, so I’m going to have to ask you all to vote again and choose between these two talented writers!

#1 Kim
How The Bull Lost His Feathers – PB – ages 4-8
Long, long ago in a faraway land, bulls actually had feathers.  And they were big, colorful peacock-like feathers at that!  Discover how one very stubborn yet lovable bull lost every one of his feathers– not only for himself, but for all the bulls born in the world after him. This fable-like tale also reveals why the color red will always make a bull’s temper flare!

#2 Larissa
Dim Sum Dog – PB – ages 4-8
With business dwindling, Chang and his family fear they will have to close their dim sum stand. But with the help of a special dim sum-loving dog who entertains customers, they may save the stand after all.

Please vote by noon tomorrow EST (tomorrow being Tuesday Dec. 11) so I can announce the winner on Wednesday!

Okay!  On with the show!

Alison K. Hertz, author/illustrator of FLAP!

Welcome, Alison!  And thank you so much for joining us today!

I’m very happy to be guest posting on Susanna’s blog today. As a writer and an illustrator, I often get asked about how I work. How does an illustrator write stories? How does a writer illustrate stories? How did you create FLAP!? Well, that’s actually kind of complex to answer. The process that I used for FLAP! was quite different from how I write and illustrate stories now. Let me explain.
When I wrote the manuscript for FLAP!, I didn’t plan to illustrate it. In fact, I submitted it to editors and agents describing myself as a writer (not mentioning any art training or design experience at all). Actually, I have two college degrees in art (city planning and toy design) and was a professional toy designer for many years. I designed hundreds of toys that were produced and sold in major retail stores but all of that changed in an instant. On my way to the toy company, to finalize some models for a major toy retailer presentation, I was in a terrible car accident.  My left arm was broken and permanently dislocated (and I’m a lefty). I also had a bunch of other horrible injuries but there’s no need to go into that now. In short, I was told by the doctors and physical therapists that my arm would have basic function but never be near the level of fine motor movement that I had before. I temporarily became a righty, earned a teaching degree, and began teaching middle school art and technology (both art and tech are used together constantly as a toy designer).
Alison’s work space
Fast forward to 14 years later…Shortly after sending out FLAP! for submission, I received a call from a small traditional press in Illinois that explained they were expanding their line and starting an imprint for children’s books. I had sent it to them because their description was pretty general. They loved my story and wanted to publish it. After the contract was signed, they began their search for the right illustrator for my story. At the same time, the economy tanked and budgets tightened. I was told a year later that they could not afford to hire an illustrator for my story and would probably have drop it from their line. I cringed as I explained to the publisher that I had been a toy designer and an art teacher and that I could illustrate the book. I had not been drawing for many years (except to model examples for my students, which was nowhere near the same thing as illustrating a presentation quality piece). I sent her sketches. She loved them and I became the illustrator for FLAP!
Alison drew sketches by hand
I was excited at the opportunity to get published as a writer and an illustrator but scared that my arm couldn’t handle creating 30 finished pieces. It was incredibly difficult to draw for long stretches of time (more than 40 minutes), my wrist and my arm could not handle the extended use of holding a pencil or stylus and the movements required for drawing. I was on a very tight schedule because of the planned publication date and had only 10 weeks to create all of the illustrations from sketch to final. I created the roughs (sketches) by hand. (See above) Once the roughs were approved by the publisher, I scanned the drawings in and taught myself how to use Sketchbook Pro as I created the line drawings. Those drawings went through another approval by the publisher and I was given the okay to create the final, color illustrations.
some interior artwork from FLAP!
When the illustrations for FLAP! were finished, I accepted that I could be an artist again. I had retrained my left arm to draw.
I now use a much different method of writing and illustrating. When I submit manuscripts to editors, I refer to myself a writer and an illustrator and send samples along with a link to my online portfolio. I challenge myself to things like SkADaMo that require me to draw everyday. I will prove the doctors and physical therapists wrong. I believe that someday I will get back the fine motor function of my left arm if I continue to draw everyday and rebuild those muscles. As Watty Piper once wrote, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.”
FLAP! is available through 
Amazon 
Barnes and Noble
IndieBound
And my website at: www.AlisonHertz.com– (autographed copies available here)
Places to find me:
My website (listed above)
My Blog: www.AlisonHertz.blogspot.com
My Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/#!/AlisonHertzAuthor?fref=ts
Twitter: @AlisonHertz
In addition to writing and illustrating, I am using my graphic design skills to design bookmarks, postcards, coloring sheets, business cards, etc… for authors and other professionals. Check out AH Designs at: http://www.alisonhertz.com/graphic-design.htmlfor details, samples, and pricing.
Thank you so much for joining us, Alison.  Your story is so inspiring.  I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say I’m glad you pulled through with such flying colors and proved those doctors wrong.  I hope you sent them an autographed copy of FLAP! to serve as inspiration to future patients 🙂  And if you haven’t had a chance to see Alison’s work, hop on over to her blog and check out the sketches she did for SkADaMo – they’re wonderful!  (And as many of you probably know, Alison designed 3 different sets of book marks for me and they’re all terrific – I can highly recommend her work!)
Alison has generously offered to give away a signed copy of FLAP! to one lucky winner!  In the book, twins Max and Katie decide to teach their little sister Lilly to fly.  At the end, Max says, “I have an idea for tomorrow.”  To qualify for a chance to win the book, please write in the comments what bright idea you think Max had – what are those kids are going to get up to tomorrow?  Or, if it’s too early on Monday morning and you’re not sufficiently caffeinated to be creative, you can just say who you’d like the book for 🙂  Of course, what Alison would really love is pictures of people flapping – especially kids – so if you can add such a picture to your comment you will get an extra chance at winning!  Please enter your comment by Wednesday December 12.  Winner will be chosen by random.org.  And it could be a holiday gift for someone 🙂  For a nice review of the book, please go HERE.

Have a wonderful Monday, everyone! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #68 – Eddie Brick Visits The Aunts (PB) And The November Pitch Pick!

72 Comments

Woo-hoo!  It’s Wednesday!  Time for everybody’s favorite program:  Would You Read It!

Let’s grab Something Chocolate, shall we?  We haven’t had donuts in a while… 🙂

photo copyright Stacy S. Jensen 2012, used by permission

Now that we’re all happily munching, let me mention The Holiday Contest (for anyone who missed Monday’s post, hop on over, see the rules, and start thinking up your story! :))

And now let’s move on to the November Pitch Pick.  All the pitches have been updated to reflect your helpful advice and comments, and I never tire of seeing how much writers seem to get out of this!  It’s great to look at the before and after versions!

Here they are.  Choose your favorite and vote for it in the poll below by, oh, let’s say Friday Dec. 7 at 11:50PM EST.  The winner’s pitch will be sent to editor Erin Molta for a read and comments!

#1 Heather
Banshee Birthday – PB – ages 4-8
Ailbe the Banshee’s birthday wish is to have the village girls over for an all night celebration full of moonlight, cake and nocturnal animals to visit. She just has to wait and see if any girls will be brave enough to ignore the old myth that Banshee bring bad luck. If they are, Ailbe might be lucky enough to make some new friends.

#2 Kim
How The Bull Lost His Feathers – PB – ages 4-8
Long, long ago in a faraway land, bulls actually had feathers.  And they were big, colorful peacock-like feathers at that!  Discover how one very stubborn yet lovable bull lost every one of his feathers– not only for himself, but for all the bulls born in the world after him. This fable-like tale also reveals why the color red will always make a bull’s temper flare!

#3 Larissa
Dim Sum Dog – PB – ages 4-8
With business dwindling, Chang and his family fear they will have to close their dim sum stand. But with the help of a special dim sum-loving dog who entertains customers, they may save the stand after all.

#4 Katie
A Colorful Surprise – PB – ages 3-7
On the long car ride to Grandma’s, Evan tries to keep himself busy. But after watching a movie, playing some games, and reading three books, Evan is completely bored. His family has run out of fun ideas too when they discover a sky filled with hot air balloons in bright colors and unique shapes. Suddenly, Evan’s mind is full of images that will keep him dreaming long after this trip is over.

Which is your favorite?

Now, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from the amazing and very forgiving Julie.  (Seriously, she was supposed to be on the WYRI list for August, and somehow I screwed up and forgot all about her, and she never made a word of complaint!  Clearly, in addition to her many other talents she is a saint.  Thank you for being so nice about my mistake, Julie!)  Anyway, a scribbler of children’s stories in between chores, Julie Rowan-Zoch has visited three continents, attempted to learn 4 languages, and has a 2-3-3-3-3 phalangeal formula in both of her hands and feet. (Though not yet able to get a good grip with her toes, she has been drawing with her hands since she exchanged a banana for a crayon.)  Please come visit her on her blog and view her beautiful artwork!

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Eddie Brick Visits The Aunts
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)
The Pitch: Ellie and Effie Brick do everything together, but when their grandnephew Eddie arrives the security of their routine is altered. Eddie helps them see they already enjoy doing things differently, together.

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Julie improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in February, so you have time to polish 🙂 for a chance for it to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Julie is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  And I am looking forward to seconds on those donuts 🙂