Category: Would You Read It

Would You Read It Wednesday #155 – Froggy Went A Courtin’ (PB)

44 Comments

In case anyone is wondering, we are fast running out of time to shop for the holidays!

ACK!

Panic!!

Every year, I tell myself that THIS year I’m going to be organized.

THIS year, I’m going to shop in August, wrap in September, design a lovely and tasteful holiday card in October, address envelopes for said lovely and tasteful holiday cards in November, mail the cards and do Christmas baking in December, all in a calm, unhurried manner, the epitome of poised organization.

I might even wear a dress while I do it – one with a poofy skirt – so I can float about looking serene.

Think of me as Emily Post or Martha Stewart – a role model of perfection!

Guffaw!

Yeah, right! 🙂

“Oh, Susanna,” I say to myself, shaking my head with fond tolerance.  “I know you WAY better than that!”

I am beyond a shadow of a doubt, scientifically proven, genetically incapable of doing anything before the last minute.

It focuses the mind.

And it makes you more efficient!

How foolish to spend 4 and 1/2 months preparing for the holidays when you can bring your A game to the table and accomplish the whole kit and caboodle in 27 hours! 🙂

So I wish you all bonne chance with your shopping and hope you find the perfect gifts for everyone on your lists whilst I loll about watching Christmas specials and munching bonbons, relaxing away the hours until it’s time to get serious! 🙂  Records are going to fall this year, people – just you wait and see! 🙂

Care to join me for Something Chocolate?  Today we have Hot Fudge Pudding Cake, with many thanks to Kathy for providing it!  Really, just the name makes you want to dig in, doesn’t it?

Recipe HERE

I’m going to have a scoop of vanilla ice cream with mine – please feel free to join me 🙂

YUM!  Now that’s what I call breakfast! (but please don’t tell my kids or they’ll never eat their hearty spelt cereal again.  Hahaha!  I know!  It’s hopeless to try to convince you that anyone in my house eats spelt for breakfast.  By the way, did you know spelt is also called dinkel wheat?  That’s just funny!  Okay, I’ll put some pudding cake in my mouth now so I stop blathering :))

We probably should have had the November Pitch Pick today, seeing as how the next couple weeks will be taken up with the Holiday Contest, but the person in charge around here apparently fell asleep at the switch and forgot to ask the November’s pitchers for their revisions in time.  I blame Thanksgiving.  So look for that the first week of January 🙂

Today’s pitch comes to us from Marla who is an aspiring writer/illustrator from Canada.  This is an idea she was planning to use to build her illustration portfolio. Now she is wondering if she should fully develop it into a book dummy to submit to publishers.  Please visit her website with portfolio and blog at www.marlalesage.com

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Froggy Went A Courtin’
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)
The Pitch: Froggy went a courtin’ and he did ride.  But in this version Froggy rides a motorcycle and Missy Mousey is a welder. If Froggy and Missy Mousey are going to live happily ever after, they have a number of obstacles to overcome (including an unapproving Uncle Rat and an old tom cat who wants to eat the bride). 

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 Marla 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 January 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!

Marla is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to picking out my serene poofy dress… although overalls and a pitchfork might be more appropriate for last-minute shopping 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!!!

Would You Read It Wednesday #154 – Got Your Nose (PB)

53 Comments

Well, dearies, you’re about to get the most unembellished Would You Read It post ever!

That is because yesterday I had to drive to Boston… normally a 7 hour round trip, but what with Thanksgiving traffic and the fact that lots of people were traveling early due to the storm we’re getting today, it took closer to 12.

By the time I got home, it was 11:20 PM, and I still had to write today’s post…

But the important stuff is here 🙂

The winner of the October Pitch Pick was Michelle, with her PB pitch for Zoo Rules!  Congratulations, Michelle, well done!  Your pitch is on its way to editor Erin Molta, and I’m sure you’ll hear from her soon.

And congratulations to our other brave pitchers as well!  Everyone did such a great job, and you are all winners just for writing and polishing your pitches and putting them out there for people to comment on!

Even in my zombie I’ve-been-driving-a-car-non-stop-for-nearly-12-hours stupor, I would not forget your Something Chocolate!  I think it should be something Thanksgiving-y, don’t you?  In the spirit of giving, I offer you a choice of

milk…

or dark… 🙂

But anyway you gobble it, a chocolate turkey is delicious 🙂

Now then, today’s pitch comes to us from Jean, who says, “I am a critical care nurse by day, and aspiring writer on my days off.  I write a nursing blog at nightingalechronicles.com, and have been published at inthepowderroom.com,  but I have always had a love of children’s stories.  I am a mother of three children ages 11, 9, and 7.  I look forward to submitting my pitch; this will be my first time putting my children’s work out there.”

I’d like to add a quick note that Jean’s schedule caused her to be on duty for her Would You Read It day, so please know that she will be reading your comments as soon as she can, and responding when she can, but it will probably take her a couple days.  She is very grateful for your help!

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Got Your Nose
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)
The Pitch: Who doesn’t love the game ‘Got Your Nose’?  Jack doesn’t, that’s for sure; well, not anymore.  You see, Jack loved playing ‘Got Your Nose’ with his mom, but when bedtime came Jack wasn’t ready to quit.  Instead, Jack decided to see if he could play with his sleeping brother’s nose by stealing it right off of his face.  But when Jack heard the sounds of approaching footsteps he nervously tossed his brother’s nose sending it flying on a harrowing adventure that’ll be bound to make you hold your breath, and your nose a little tighter.

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 Jean 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 January 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!

Jean is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to spending tomorrow with family!  AND I can say with truthfulness that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… since our trusty local weather predictors are forecasting 8-12 inches of snow for us today!

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone, and I hope you all have safe travels (if you’re traveling), and wonderful, happy, healthy, brimming with fun and family Thanksgivings (if you’re celebrating)!!!  🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #153 – Knights Of The Kids’ Table (PB) PLUS The October Pitch Pick

57 Comments

Happy Wednesday, my friends!

I think I might owe you an apology.

I may have accidentally abused my powers.

You see, on Monday, I posted the contest rules for the Pretty Much World Famous 4th Annual Holiday Contest.  If you have read them, you will know that the subject matter is wild weather.  I was merely thinking we could have tons of fun with that topic. . .

But here we are, within hours of that posting, and the temperature is 12 degrees in mid-November!

In New York!  (not the Buffalo part! where there are already 3 feet of snow with 3 more predicted!)  in the semi-civilized part not that far from NYC!

Wild!

Unheard of!

Coincidence?

I’m afraid not.

I’m going to do my best to turn things around by buying a new pair of expensive warm winter boots (Sorel.  Model: Women’s Caribou.  Color: Cinnamon.  Or maybe Slate. Size: 7.5 – or maybe 7 since the reviews say they run large.)  That should pretty much guarantee that we won’t get any snow.  But of course that will be unusual too… so there we are, back at wild weather!

I’m afraid I’ve caused it coming and going.

You just have to be sooooo careful when you have magical powers!  One little moment of inattention, and whoops! you’ve unleashed Winter 2014-2015!

So yeah, sorry about that.

Let me try to distract you with a look at the fabulous pitches from October which await your voting pleasure for the October Pitch Pick.

#1 Tonia – Eat At Antonio’s – PB ages 8+
A  strange looking restaurant pops up in a small ho hum farm town offering fine cuisine. A real stir is created as these plain Jane folks can’t swallow much more than meat and potatoes and common sense. The Grand Opening announces a real eating adventure. Once inside, Master Chef Antonio will transform the taste buds that will take them to exotic places with just one bite.

#2  Gail – Me Hungry – PB ages 4-7

Ted discovers a teeny-tiny zombie, and quickly learns that the little monster packs a big appetite. The little boy sets out to feed his famished friend, leading the pair on a whacky adventure — meat kabooms, a plate is pinched, and a restaurant is invaded! Ted’s quick thinking sees Zombie’s tummy finally fill, and his own dream of becoming a chef come true.
“Me Hungry!” is a fast-paced, 500-word picture book. A little “Master Chef Junior” meets “Goosebumps,” the story features Ted, a boy who learns that facing his fears is the first step in making his dreams come true.

#3  Debbie – Exactly Ten Marshmallows – PB ages 4-8 (originally titled Your Friend, Conrad)
Finally, an invitation! According to the instructions, Conrad must bring a sword, a bow and arrows, and … exactly ten marshmallows?! He eagerly sets out for his best friend Fiona’s new home. But his journey quickly becomes complicated by a leaky boat, prickly brambles, and a sweets-loving dragon lurking in the moat. Will Conrad have the wits (and enough marshmallows) to make it to Fiona’s front door?

#4  Michelle – The Zoo Rules – PB ages 4-8
Miss Knaffle and her second graders all just want to have fun at school. But when her students take theiridea of fun too far—conducting a farting symphony during reading time, smuggling coffee beans to the class hamster, and using their desks for a bubblegum sculpture contest—Miss Knaffle decides that only a field trip to the zoo will avert classroom disaster. Once there, the canny teacher enlists irritable zoo animals to her cause. When Fátima tangles with a snake and Mario ends up on the wrong side of a baboon, the students quickly come to appreciate the zoo rules—and their teacher—in a whole new way.

Please vote for the pitch you feel most deserves a read by editor Erin Molta in the poll below by Sunday November 23 at 5 PM EST.




Many thanks!

Now then, since the Mid-Hudson Valley is in the grip of the polar vortex (I know! My fault!) and I am therefore freezing ( I know! Still my fault!), we shall have something warming for our Something Chocolate today… Molten Chocolate Cake!!!

Don’t you feel warmer already just looking at that molten flood of scrumptious chocolate?  Plus, we really need the extra calories to keep warm, so it’s actually GOOD for us to eat this 🙂

Now that we’ve averted the danger of freezing AND wasting away into skin and bones, let’s jump into Would You Read It!

Today’s pitch comes to us from Gail, whom you will remember from October with her pitch for Me Hungry.  (Um, really you don’t even need to remember since her pitch is above in the October Pitch Pick :))  She says, “Recently, I participated in the Making Picture Book Magic workshop and in the Telling Children Stories in Today’s Market intensive. I’m a member of SCWBI, and hold both a degree in Fine Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University and a diploma in Journalism from Cambrian College. You’re welcome to visit http://gailtalbot.com anytime to learn more.”

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Knights Of The Kids’ Table
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)
The Pitch:  Most of the Knights of the Kids’ Table found Flooted funny. After all, when he got nervous, Flooted tooted. But cranky Hugh couldn’t stand the smell, so he hatched a plan to get rid of Flooted…for good. When Hugh’s scheme flopped, the little knights giggled, the big knights enjoyed silly sword fights, and the grumpy little knight got exactly what he wished for.

“The Knights of the Kids’ Table” is a 554-word, humorous myth set in a time when swords were silly, and playing cards were the hottest toy. Little readers will be sure to chuckle when they learn the unlikeliest and silliest way some of today’s gaseous gags were coined.

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 Gail 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 January 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!

Gail is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to Spring 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!!! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #152 – Hubert’s Dreadful Allergies (PB)

88 Comments

Good morning, merry sunshines 🙂

I don’t know about you guys, but I love this writing life.

I feel so lucky that it’s what I get to do.

I get up at 5:20, when the world is dark and peaceful.

I get to take my dogs for a run on this quiet, pretty road as soon as it’s light enough to see.

Sometimes I see these guys (though of course they’re older now :))

Hopefully, I don’t meet this guy

but as you know from Friday’s post, I do run into him occasionally 🙂

I get to drive my daughter to school – a little time we get to chat each morning – and then go feed the horses, turn them out, and do the barn (and what could be better than hanging around with horses?) 🙂

Then I come home, ignore my office 🙂 and work at my sunny kitchen table (of which I apparently do not have a picture :))

I set my own schedule, which allows me to be there for my family all the time.

And I am lucky enough to work at something that, though challenging and prone to making me tear my hair out from time to time 🙂 doesn’t really feel like work.  I invent characters, and imagine settings and play with language.  As I tell kids on school visits, I get to make up stories all day long – as jobs go, pretty awesome.

So when I have days like yesterday – days when the rejections come in an avalanche – literally! (some mischievous aligning of the stars that makes every editor respond negatively on the same day!) – days when I question whether I really have any right to be doing this at all, whether I have any ability for this career that I’ve chosen, whether somehow I have wandered onto a path that isn’t mine to travel – I try to remember all the things I love about this writing life so I don’t lose my perspective entirely.

It’s so easy to feel discouraged.

But if you can find the courage to dust yourself off, go for a morning run, and sit yourself right back down at that kitchen table, it’s also easier than you’d think to try again.

So for anyone else who had that kind of day yesterday – or any day 🙂 – here’s to optimism and inspiration and trying again.  Who knows?  This could be the day we get our best idea yet 🙂

And of course, around here, we raise our glasses with Something Chocolate 🙂

Recipe for this gorgeous creation HERE

Dig in 🙂  (Remember, a healthy breakfast is essential to a productive day – and what could be healthier than cocoa beans (vegetables!) and milk (protein and calcium!)?)

How do you cope with the hard days?  Because let’s face it – in this business, we all have them!  That’s one of the things that makes them bearable – knowing that we’re in good company 🙂

Now then!  Onward to a good day and Would You Read It!

Today’s pitch comes to us from Heather.  Several years ago, Heather Kinser was a Silicon Valley proofreader/editor. Now she’s the mother of two amazing girls, a charter school volunteer, a breast cancer survivor, a long-term writer’s group member—and a wanna-be children’s book author. She keeps her head in the clouds and sand in her shoes. She lives with her husband and children in beautiful Redwood City, California (“Climate Best by Government Test”).

If you’d like, you can go show her some love on her brand new blog! http://troubadourmoon.weebly.com/

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Hubert’s Dreadful Allergies
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)
The Pitch: Aunt Lottie’s fancy luncheon party is in full swing when her highly allergic dog, Hubert, walks in and sniffs the flowers. What happens next is a riot of mishaps that eventually sends the proper party guests on a crazy chase, with Hubert leading the way.

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 Heather 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 January 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!

Heather is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to a new idea.  I don’t know what it will be.  I don’t know when it will come.  But I’m going to get busy so the idea doesn’t think I’m just waiting around for it.  When it ventures near, I’ll be careful not to look at it or acknowledge it in any way.  (Ideas are shy and easily scared.)  After a while, it will get a little annoyed that I’m not paying it any mind, and it will come right over and nudge me to get my attention.  And then I’ll have it right where I want it 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #151 – Just Like Us (PB)

83 Comments

Due to all the flurry and excitement and extensive reading involved in the Halloweensie Contest, I’m going to take pity on you today and present nothing but Something Chocolate and Would You Read It.

No amusing anecdotes from my childhood.

No tales of adventure from the wilds of Blueberry Hill.

No witty musings on life.

(Well, okay, I don’t really ever have those :))

Just one thing before you get your snack:  if you haven’t had a chance to vote yet for your favorite Halloweensie Contest finalist, you have until 5 PM and we really need all the votes we can get.  The top contenders keep being tied.  So please go HERE (and encourage your neighbors and your grandmother and your mailman to stop over, read the entries and pick their favorite too!)

Wasn’t that so quick?  And now your reward….

Something Chocolate!

Hold onto your dental work…

Recipe HERE http://damndelicious.net/2013/12/11/easy-homemade-toffee/

I LOVE toffee!  Truly, I think it is one of the best inventions ever.  Help yourselves!  Tell me if you agree! 🙂

Now then, today’s pitch comes to us from Maria who says, “I am a pre-published author and roommate of two loving, adorable Pixiebob cats. Recently granted a chance to decide “what I wanted to be when I grew up,” I began actively pursuing my my love of writing (a path on hold for the past ten years, while I raised my kids).  I renewed my SCBWI membership, joined Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 forum, and Kid Lit Summer School, took numerous writing courses, found awesome critique groups, and attendeded conferences.”

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Just Like Us
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 2-6)
The Pitch: As children frolic through and around a park playground, glimpses of two bear cubs mimicking their fun can be seen, partially obscured on each page. Both the bears and children roll down a hill, play on the equipment, and dig for treasure. But in the end, who is watching whom. 

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 Maria 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 January, right after the holidays, 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!

Maria is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to announcing the Halloweensie Contest winners TOMORROW!!!  I know!  The excitement!  The anticipation!  Who will it be?????

Tune in and find out! 🙂

Have a wonderful and toffee-filled Wednesday, everyone!

Would You Read It Wednesday #150 – Zoo Rules (PB) PLUS Straight From The Editor

51 Comments

There is never a dull moment around here.

First, I got a flat tire.  (It’s possible this had something to do with the wood full of nails and screws that someone left directly in front of the garage… that I drove over as I hurried out to pick up my daughter from school and wondered, “Hmm… what was that?” Really, your guess is as good as mine… :))

Then the bear came and had a picnic out of our trash cans.  (If you haven’t had much experience with bear picnics, I can tell you they are not at all tidy.  There is much clean-up involved…)

Then on Monday the house that’s going in down the road from us had its foundation poured, so a parade of cement trucks thundered up and down the road all day.  Scout felt it her duty to bark at the passage of each one.  Both ways.  Jemma hid under the piano.  It was traumatic for everyone.

And now we are expecting rain in these parts so if anyone needs me I will be in my basement in the canoe.

I know!

Harrowing tales of this nature just don’t come along every day!

I’m dreadfully sorry if my horror stories have left you in a weakened state, but never fear!  I have snacks!

Continuing with our get-ready-for-Halloween-theme, today’s Something Chocolate is just the thing for when you want something sweet, salty, and candy-corny all at once.  (Because really, isn’t that a combination you often find yourself wanting?  I know I frequently find myself thinking, “Hmm… I’m in the mood for something sweet, salty and candy-corny… what to have?”  Okay.  I admit it.  I have never thought that.  But there’s always a first time :))  And they are pretty 🙂

Candy Corn Pretzel Hugs 🙂  Recipe HERE!

I think they might be easy enough for even me to make, so go ahead!  Give them a try!

Now that we have averted any danger of fainting, we have Straight From The Editor for September, which you will recall was won by Hope with her pitch for Cleo And Pinkie:

Whether it is marker stains on the carpet or mud trails in the hall, Cleo blames her mischievous, imaginary friend, Pinkie, for everything. “Pinkie did it!” Soon Mommy can’t take it anymore and declares, “No more Pinkie!” But without Pinkie, the house is too quiet until Cleo makes another mess, this time, to everyone’s delight.

Here’s what editor Erin Molta had to say:

This sounds really cute. I made a small tweak because I think if you put the Pinkie did it in the beginning it’s more of a hook. The only thing that didn’t quite work for me was the very ambiguous ending—Cleo made a mess to everyone’s delight? You don’t want to make readers guess, you want to intrigue them, yet this is just confusing. It would be better to be more specific so they can get the joke. Then they would appreciate it more.

“Pinkie did it!” Whether it is marker stains on the carpet or mud trails in the hall, Cleo blames her mischievous, imaginary friend for everything. Soon Mommy can’t take it anymore and declares, “No more Pinkie!” But without Pinkie, the house is too quiet until Cleo makes another mess, this time, to everyone’s delight.

It’s amazing what a difference a small change can make, isn’t it?  As always, I find Erin’s comments so helpful!

Let’s move onto Would You Read It, shall we?  (Please, have another pretzel hug if you’re feeling peckish!)

Today’s pitch comes to us from Michelle, who you will remember from her July pitch for Escalators Don’t Bite (WYRI #140).  She is a mom, a teacher, and a writer.  She blogs at http://amomnextdoor.wordpress.com/about/

Here is her pitch: (and she did mention that she’s still looking for a title that really zings, so feel free to chime in if you’ve got any brilliant ideas!)

Working Title: Zoo Rules
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)
The Pitch: Miss Knaffle’s second graders have a thing or two to learn about their teacher. They think they can get away with feeding coffee beans to the class hamster, or making farting houses during read aloud. Will a trip to the zoo set them straight? When the canny Miss Knaffle enlists zoo animals to her cause, readers will delight in seeing what happens to children who don’t follow the zoo rules in this PB cross between Peggy Rathmann’s GOODNIGHT, GORILLA, and William Bee’s WHATEVER.

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 Michelle 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 December 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!

Michelle is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to (yes, I warned you last week I would probably say this again!) the Halloweensie Contest!  At least 4 people have mentioned here and/or on FB that they have written stories and I can’t wait to read them!  I also can’t wait until I think up my sample story, because time is running out and I’m getting just a teensy bit anxious about the fact that I haven’t even started thinking about it.  Which is shocking, because usually I’m prepared months in advance.  Oh wait.  That’s not me.  Okay.  Everything is right on schedule 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #149 – Your Friend, Conrad (PB) PLUS A Halloweensie Prize Update!

81 Comments

Darlings!

I was going to be so succinct and just get right to Would You Read It today, and you were going to be so proud of me for my extreme brevity… I had it all planned out…

BUT!

I have to squeeze in a teensy Halloweensie Contest update!!!

Remember how I told you that the prizes kept rolling in?

Here’s what our goody bag of prizes looks like now! (words in color are links for more info)

– Julie Hedlund‘s fantastic new course How To Make Money As An Author, interesting, educational and suitable for writers at any stage of their career

 – a 2015 membership to Children’s Book Insider, an absolutely fabulous resource for kid lit writers of all kinds generously offered by Jon Bard and Laura Backes

 – a picture book manuscript critique from the renowned Alayne Christian (prose only, 800 words or less)
Alayne Kay Christian is an award winning author of BUTTERFLY KISSES FOR GRANDMA AND GRANDPA. She is represented by Erzsi Deak of Hen&Ink Literary Studio. To read more about Alayne, her critique service, and her books visit her websites and blog.

– a picture book manuscript critique (rhyme or prose) from Penny Parker Klostermann who, after extensive experience critiquing for writing partners, members of various kid lit groups, and clients of Erin Murphy Literary Agency, is opening her own critique service!!!

Penny Parker Klostermann writes picture books and poetry. Her debut book, THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT, is coming from Random House Children’s, August 2015. Penny is represented by Tricia Lawrence of Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Click HERE to learn more about her critique service. 

 – a picture book manuscript critique by Tracey M. Cox!  Tracey offers a full critique on a fiction PB, 800 words or less, which will include overall impression and line-by-line on a prose only pb ms.  She will also include thoughts and marketing ideas that she thinks about and if she can think of references, she’ll add them also.  Tracey M. Cox has been writing professionally since 2000 and is an author of 6 picture books.  She is an active member in the children’s literature community and explores how to self-market on little to no budget.

Website: www.traceymcox.com
Blog: www.traceymcox.wordpress.com


 – an e-pub or PDF copy (winner’s choice) of Linda Ashman‘s Nuts And Bolts Guide To Writing Picture Books

 – a personalized signed copy of I WANNA GO HOME by Karen Kaufman Orloff, the latest in the brilliant PB series that began with I WANNA IGUANA.

 – a personalized signed copy of I AM COW HEAR ME MOO by Jill Esbaum (reviewed for Perfect Picture Books HERE and HERE – yep, it’s so popular it got reviewed for PPBF twice :))

 – a personalized signed copy of NINJA RED RIDING HOOD by Corey Rosen Schwartz, the riveting follow-up to THE THREE NINJA PIGS.

 – a PDF copy of Ryan Sias’s A Spooky-Doodle E-Book, “doodle pages, drawing lessons and writing prompts inspire kids to invent their own stories, characters and artwork.”

And I’d like to clarify (because I got asked) that people who donate prizes are still eligible to enter the contest!  Just, if they win, I won’t give them their own prize 🙂

And that is 10 prizes now, all very generously donated!  So I’m hoping we’ll get at least 10 entries 🙂

Okay!  Now back to our regularly scheduled programing.  (Brevity is overrated anyway… :))

Since I know you’re all revved up at the prospect of all those amazing prizes, and are going to run right off to your favorite writing corner and get to work on your entries as soon as you’ve commented for today’s WYRI pitcher, let me fortify you with a little Something Chocolate! 🙂

Since Halloween is coming, it’s important that we embrace the occasion in our chocolate snacks.  Today (don’t be scared!) we have Spooky Boo Brownies!!!

Find the recipe HERE if you want to give these scary delights a try! 🙂

Oooh!  So spooky! . . . and chocolatey and delicious 🙂

Now then, today’s pitch comes to us from Debbie who says, “I have been writing all my life but have been more serious about it in the last 5 years, joining groups like SCBWI and Julie Hedlund’s 12 X 12, taking courses like MPBM (Making Picture Book Magic), and attending conferences. Susanna’s knowledge, generosity, and encouragement make this group essential to my writing life. Thank you, Susanna! And thank you all in advance for your feedback.”

(Debbie’s website will be up soon, and when it is, I’ll let you know where to find her! :))

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Your Friend, Conrad
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)
The Pitch: Conrad receives an invitation to visit his best friend Fiona. She tells him he’ll need to bring a sword, a bow and arrow, and … exactly ten marshmallows?! Conrad bravely sets out not knowing that the path will lead him into a leaky boat, past pesky ravens, through prickly brambles, and to the edge of a moat where a sweets-loving dragon lurks in the deep. Will this unlikely hero have the wits (and enough marshmallows) to make it to Fiona’s front door?

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 Debbie 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 one or two openings left for this year, since there will be a hiatus for the Holiday Contest and the holidays themselves, so polish up your pitch and grab one of the last couple spots for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta before 2015!

Debbie is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I think I said this last week (and I’ll probably say it next week :)) but I am looking forward to the Halloweensie Contest!  I seriously can’t wait to read what y’all come up with, and I also can’t wait to give away all these lovely and amazing prizes!  Let’s have a round of applause for our very generous donors! 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #147 – Eat At Antonio’s (PB) PLUS The September Pitch Pick!

44 Comments

Happy OCTOBER everyone!

Holy smoke!  How did we get to October already?  The days are just flying by! (some might say like a witch on a broomstick!)

And you know what October means, right?  Look for some exciting news on Monday!!! 🙂

Meanwhile, it’s time for the September Pitch Pick!

Here are the wonderful September pitches for you to choose from, revised and improved thanks to your generous feedback!:

#1 Hope – Cleo And Pinkie (PB ages 4-8)
Whether it is marker stains on the carpet or mud trails in the hall, Cleo blames her mischievous, imaginary friend, Pinkie, for everything. “Pinkie did it!” Soon Mommy can’t take it anymore and declares, “No more Pinkie!” But without Pinkie, the house is too quiet until Cleo makes another mess, this time, to everyone’s delight.

#2 Koren/Sue – Taffeta: Diary Of A Supermodel (PB ages 6-13)

A true beauty, Taffeta used to win all the rosettes in pony shows in England. But one day a man bought her, and she had to move away from her mother, to her new home in hot and dusty Spain. When her new owner fell ill, so did Taffeta.
Taffeta could barely stand from lack of food and water. Luckily, she was found by a couple from a local horse rescue center, and soon Taffeta found supermodel status again.
Share in the heartwarming true story of Taffeta’s rescue and rise to fame in this diary-style picture book illustrated with beautiful photographs.
Taffeta: Diary of a supermodel is the second in a series of children’s books in which the horses and other animals saved by Spain’s Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre share their real-life rescue stories. All funds raised from the sale of this book help the center care for its many rescued horses, ponies, and donkeys.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Center is based in Rojales, along Spain’s famed Costa Blanca coastline in the Valencia province. The center opens to the public every Sunday all year round. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.easyhorsecare.net or email center founders Rod and Sue Weeding on rescue@easyhorsecare.net.
Thank you for your support.

#3 Carol – Cwabby Wabby Woofen-snoof (PB ages 4-7)
Woofen-snoof was a happy snoof. Then one day she forgot to take her nap. She was cwabby. After causing a disaster in her house involving her brothers, Goofen and Zoofen, she decided she would never be cwabby again. And she wasn’t. That is, until the next time she forgot to take her nap. Uh-oh!

It’s a tough choice as always, I know!, but please choose the one you feel most deserves a read by editor Erin Molta and vote for it in the poll below by Sunday October 5 at 5 PM EDT.  I will announce the winner on WYRI next week!

Golly!  After all that voting we need a snack!  Autumn is in the air, and that makes me think of cider donuts – the very best donuts on earth!  So I’m cheating on Something Chocolate a little today by offering you these:

YUM!

Along with this:

Also YUM!

Is there anything better than fresh cider donuts and hot chocolate?  I think not! 🙂

All right!  Ready for today’s pitch?

It comes to us from Tonia who says, “I have been writing children’s stories since I could make words with a pen. I locked myself in my room and wrote and wrote. I now write for kids in my spare time and sharing and engaging them in stories. I blog at www.storytellertellsall.com. Most of the time, it is about my daughter “Goldi” who has autism but I mix in other writings as well.”

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Eat At Antonio’s
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 8+)
The Pitch: A  strange looking restaurant pops up in a small ho hum farm town offering fine cuisine. A real stir is created as these plain Jane folks can’t swallow much more than meat and potatoes and common sense. The Grand Opening announces a real eating adventure. Once inside, Master Chef Antonio will transform the taste buds that will take them to exotic places with just one bite. 

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 Tonia 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 November 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!

Tonia is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to sharing exciting things on Monday!  I wonder what I’ll be telling you?  Aren’t you just itching to find out?  You’re probably going to have a tough time sleeping or getting anything productive done for the next few days, what with all the waiting and wondering…  Sorry about that 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!!! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #146 – Cwabby Wabby Woofen-Snoof (PB)

59 Comments

So yesterday morning, when it was 38 degrees and barely light, and I was out doing my duty to dogs and fitness, (I would say “running”, but even “jogging” would probably be considered a gross exaggeration of my pace :)), anyway, I was out slogging and I got stung 4 times by white-faced hornets.

I know!

There I was at 6:45 AM, minding my own business, passing their (very unattractive) home with its (evil-looking) entrance and giving it a wide and respectful berth as I have done every day since I discovered it at the end of July, when an angry buzzing issued forth and I barely had time to think “uh-oh!” before zing! zing! zing! zing!

To which I responded, “Ow!”

There was some sprinting involved at that point as I envisioned the whole nest coming after me like the bees did in Winnie-the-Pooh.

Also I was pulling my fleece off over my head whilst sprinting because one of those nasty little critters had gotten up my sleeve.

And also I was hollering to my Brown Dogs to “Look out!” and “Come here!” (whilst sprinting and de-fleecing) because I was afraid of them getting stung by that evil horde.

Too bad there’s no video footage 🙂

But really, I consider 4 to be overkill.  One would have been quite sufficient to get the message across, and even that was unwarranted as I was not threatening them in any way.  And seriously, what business did they have even being awake at that hour and in that temperature?!

I tell you, I was miffed!

And then later in the day I found out that my new book, ALPHABEDTIME!, which was due out in Fall 2015 will not be out until Summer 2016.  And you all know that impatience is my middle name, so that was a teensy bit tough.  Please don’t get me wrong!  I am exceedingly grateful to have a book coming out at all!  It’s just hard to wait 🙂

Therefore, I believe I have earned today’s Something Chocolate, and I gladly share it with all of you in case you have been miffed or had to bear any little disappointments lately, or even if you haven’t and just want Something Chocolate 🙂

Feel better?

Me too 🙂

Today’s pitch comes to us from Carol who says, “I have been writing for about 30 years and have 7 books to my name. I have sold many articles and stories to publications such as ​Highlights for Children, Girl’s Life, the SCBWI Bulletin ​and ​The Writer Magazine.”

You can find her on the web at:

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Cwabby Wabby Woofen-Snoof
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-7)
The Pitch: Woofen-snoof was a happy snoof. Every day she laughed and played with the other snoofs. All of the snoofs loved her cheerful outlook and enjoyed being around her. Everyone called her Happy, Wappy, Woofen-snoof. One day, Woofen had so much fun playing that she forgot to take her nap. Uh-oh!

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 Carol 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 November 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!

Carol is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to all the season premieres this week: Big Bang – which I know already aired but I haven’t gotten to watch it yet – Modern Family, Gray’s Anatomy and Scandal.  Yep.  Now you know all my dirty little secrets 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #145 Special Edition – Taffeta: Diary Of A Supermodel (PB)

54 Comments

Howdy, folks!

Guess what?

We have a very special Would You Read It today!  It’s a little less of a pitch and little more of a jacket blurb, and it’s for a great cause!

You all may recall back in November… sheesh, that was nearly a year ago, wasn’t it?!  Where does the time go?… but anyway, you may recall we had a special Would You Read It for Faith The Heroic Pony.  It was written by Sue Weeding and introduced to us by Koren Helbig, a journalist who discovered Sue’s extraordinary mission.  Today, I’m hoping we can once again put our heads together to help Koren and Sue ensure the success of Sue’s new book, soon to be released.  I’ll let Koren tell you all about it:

Sue and Rod Weeding moved to Spain from Britain aiming to slip into an easy sunshine-and-relaxation retirement. But all that changed in 2008 with Luceiro, a two-year-old stallion they found locked in a filthy and dark stable, his left eye badly injured and rotting, hurling himself repeatedly against the bars of his stall as flies drove him crazy. The Weedings brought him home and unwittingly created a much-needed horse rescue centre.
Now, at their Easy Horse Rescue Center in Spain’s southeastern province of Alicante, the Weedings care for more than 80 horses, ponies and donkeys saved from abuse and neglect. Some of the animal’s remarkable stories have been told in this documentary.
Among their charges is little Faith, who became the first pony in Spain to be fitted with a prosthetic leg after her mutilated front leg had to be amputated.
Faith’s journey inspired Sue to write a series of children’s books telling the stories of the center’s horses, aiming to raise awareness about animal abuse while generating additional funds to cover the center’s hefty running costs. The first book, Faith: Dairy of a heroic horse, is available on Amazon. Now we’d love a little help putting together a snappy blurb for the second book, Taffeta: Diary of a supermodel. Thanks!

I know Koren and Sue have come to the right place!  There is no one better to help them than you guys.  Here is a little Something Chocolate to get you going.  Don’t think of it as bribery… think of it as brain fuel 🙂

Ooh!  Scrumptious!
(And many thanks to Teresa for calling my attention to this deliciousness! :))

So without further ado, here is the pitch/blurb for Sue’s soon-to-be-released new book, Taffeta: Diary Of A Supermodel.

Working Title: Taffeta: Diary Of A Supermodel by Sue Weeding
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 6-13)
The Pitch/Blurb:

Taffeta was a prized show pony winning rosettes in England when one day she was taken from her mother, loaded onto a strange trailer and driven many hours south to a hot and dusty paddock in Spain. When her new owner there fell ill, Taffeta was left without food and water until she grew so weak she couldn’t even stand.
Luckily, this sad true story has a happy ending. Taffeta was saved by a local couple who run a horse rescue center and soon her beauty had propelled her to stardom in Spain. Taffeta became a supermodel and the star of many local fashion shows!
Share in the heartwarming story of Taffeta’s rescue and rise to fame in this diary-style picture book packed full of beautiful real-life photographs.
All funds raised from the sale of this book help the Easy Horse Care Rescue Center Foundation in Spain care for its many rescued horses, ponies, and donkeys.
Taffeta: Diary of a supermodel is the second in a series of children’s books in which the horses and other animals saved by the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre share their real-life rescue stories.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Center is based in Rojales, along Spain’s famed Costa Blanca coastline in the Valencia province. The center opens to the public every Sunday all year round. You’re welcome to come along and meet the horses, ponies, donkeys, and many other rescued animals that reside at the center and hear their incredible stories.
For more information or to make a donation, visit www.easyhorsecare.net or email center founders Rod and Sue Weeding on rescue@easyhorsecare.net.
Thank you for your support.

And so you all can see the subject of this story:

Taffeta shortly after her rescue, getting treats for being brave
Sue Weeding with little Taffeta, shortly after her rescue
Taffeta all dressed up for a fashion show 🙂
Happy and healthy Taffeta today 🙂

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 Koren and Sue improve their 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 November 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!

Koren and Sue are looking forward to your thoughts on their pitch!  I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this question (which I just thought of because of today’s pitch :)):

Would there be any interest among the ranks here in expanding Would You Read It to include jacket blurbs?  I think it would be very helpful to writers who intend to self-publish, and it’s very good practice to see if you’ve really got a handle on your book!  I don’t think there would be as much call for it, so blurbs would be less frequent than pitches, but what do you think?  I would only want to try it if you guys thought it would be interesting and fun.  So let me know in the comments! 🙂

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone, and definitely seconds or thirds on that cake up there 🙂