Tag: writing exercises

Would You Read It Wednesday – July Pitch Pick!!!

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Welcome to Wednesday, folks, where I’m telling you right now we’re having Something Chocolate for breakfast!

Just dig in! I really do not think we can go wrong with these frozen cheesecake brownie sandwiches – like ice cream sandwiches at a whole new level!

Frozen Cheesecake Brownies

 

Mmmm-mmm good!  Scrumptious breakfast perfection for summertime! 😊

Now that we’re all fortified, let’s get right to the July Pitch Pick!

Our pitchers for this month have taken your helpful advice to heart and revised their pitches.  Please read through and evaluate them and decide which one you think is best and most deserves a read and comments from editor Erin Molta, then vote in the poll below by Sunday July 28 at 9PM Eastern.

#1 – Nancy – Cupid’s Tango – (PB ages 4-8)

Cupid, the prairie chicken, has his feathers all in a twist over his flock’s step dance contest. If he fails, no hen will pick him to go to the All Species Ball. The problem – he is horrible at step dancing and when he’s nervous, he’s worse. When the contest ends in disaster, Cupid is determined to find a dance he loves and win a hen’s heart to go to the ball.

#2 – Nadishka – The Fishing Cat Who Found Her Home (PB ages 2-7)

The story is about a fishing cat who overcomes adversity and finds out where she truly belongs.

Fiona lives with her adopted family who rescued her off the highway. However, they realize she is a fishing cat and since it is illegal to keep endangered animals as pets they abandon her in a forested area.  Having lived in a human household from when she was very young, she has to use her wits to survive. She escapes the jaws of a monitor lizard and she learns to forage for food.  She learns to avoid road traffic and garbage dumps. Finally, she meets an adult fishing cat who teaches her more about her species and escorts her to a Wetland Sanctuary.

Fishing cats are a type of small wildcat that lives in wetland areas.  They get that unique name because they are able to swim underwater and fish for food. They are an endangered species. This book is aimed at educating children about endangered species in Sri Lanka. I have already partnered with the Urban Fishing Cat Conservation Project and I have some fun facts and an educational element to the book.  The researchers at the Conservation Project have already confirmed that the storyline is quite plausible since many people unknowingly rescue fishing cat kittens. The story also teaches youngsters to persevere when times are hard.

#3 – Corine – Well Spotted, Joey! (Creative nonfiction Short Story ages 8-12)

When nearsighted Joey forgets his glasses at the safari lodge, the morning game drive becomes increasingly frustrating. Every five minutes his family points out another animal and he can’t see beyond the bonnet of the jeep. Just when he is about to burst with anger, a change of focus leads to a discovery that saves the day.

 

 

Tough choice, I know!  As always!  Thank you for voting!!!

Now then.

It’s the end of July, so I’m going to take a little blogging break.  I do have Tuesday Debut-ers scheduled for Tuesday July 30 and Tuesday August 6, so please do stop by and support them!

But otherwise, you are all excused for summer vacation and I’ll see you back here sometime after Labor Day for all our regularly scheduled programming!

Enjoy your summers and families and whatever time off you can get!  You deserve it!!! 😊 😊😊

Would You Read It #333 – Well Spotted, Joey (Short Story) PLUS The June Pitch Winner!!!

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Hello, Lovelies!

I hope you are all excited for the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing!

I know I am!

The whole idea of getting into a rocket and flying into space to walk on the moon is just so thrilling, don’t you think?

I have learned so many things about the Apollo 11 mission, not just from writing my book and sharing it with kids, but also from the newspaper this past week.

True or false?  Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin all weighed 165 pounds and were all within an inch of 5′ 11″?

True or false? The astronauts ate Pop Tarts for their pre-lift-off breakfast?

True or false? A rocket weighs more than 6 times as much as a 747 Jumbo Jet and can travel 40 times as fast? 🚀✈️

True or false? Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were saved by quick thinking and a pen?

True or false? One of the Apollo 11 astronauts was born on a popular holiday?

Maybe if I’m feeling very nice I’ll tell you the answers at the end 😊

Meanwhile, let’s talk about the winner of the June Pitch Pick.

In an (I think!) unprecedented moment in WYRI history, we actually had a tie!  It was one of the closest pitch picks ever, as all 4 pitches came within just a few points of each other, but I’m pleased to announce that the winners were Deborah (Farmer Jo And The Chicken Coop Calamity) and Ana (Bella The Best Quits Again).  Congratulations!  Fabulous pitches!  I will send them both to editor Erin Molta and prevail upon her extraordinary kindness to get her thoughts on both.

Congratulations also to Christina and Diana who also did a fantastic job and had very nearly as many votes as the two who won!  Tough competition this month!  But great job all around!!!

Truly, all that talk about rockets and ties has made me feel a tad faint.  I believe Something Chocolate is called for.  (Really, any excuse will do 😊)  Hmm… what should we have today?

Nothing says breakfast like marshmallow-filled chocolate cupcakes…! 😊

Marshmallow Filled Cupcakes

marshmallow-cupcakes-filled

Recipe HERE at HugsAnd Cookies.com

As Cookie Monster would say, “Nom-nom-nom-nom-nom!”

😊

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Corine.  Corine Timmer is a self-published author, haiku poet, nature lover, and street dog advocate. She lives in the countryside in Portugal together with her adopted dogs and her beloved donkey, Lolita. When she is not writing, tending to her animals, or creating artwork, she enjoys nature walks, visiting art galleries, and eating with friends. She loves chocolate! You can visit her on her website www.bicadeideias.com ”

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Well Spotted, Joey

Age/Genre: Short Story (ages 8-12) nonfiction

The Pitch: When Joey, who is nearsighted, forgets his glasses at the safari lodge, the morning game drive becomes increasingly frustrating. His family are spotting wildlife every five minutes and he cannot see farther than the bonnet of the jeep. Just when he is about to have a tantrum, a change of focus leads to a discovery that saves the day.

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 Corine 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 September, which at this point is not all that far away, but you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Corine is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to making you all go do some research to find out which of those questions were true and which were false!  Mwa ha ha! (how’s that for an evil laugh?! 😊)

Nah! I’m just kidding you!  They are all true except the pop tarts!  The astronauts actually had orange juice, steak and eggs, toast, and coffee for breakfast (surprisingly hearty, given they were about to get into a compartment about the size of a car and stay there for the better part of 8 days while traveling through space at 24,000 mph!). One little girl at an author visit I was on recently suggested the astronauts have ice cream sandwiches for breakfast, proving that I am not the only one who thinks ice cream for breakfast is a good idea! 😊 Oh, and if you’re wondering, Michael Collins was born on Halloween! 😊

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

 

Would You Read It #332 – The Fishing Cat Who Found Her Home (PB) PLUS The June Pitch Pick!

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Hello my friends who I’m down to seeing once a week these days!

I hope everyone who celebrates had a fabulous Fourth!

I spent a good portion of mine hiding in the basement behind the drum set comforting my trembling dog!  Poor Jemmie.  She does not like fireworks or thunder one single eensy weensie teeny tiny little itty bitty bit!

Scouty, meanwhile, lay flat out and snoring without a care in the world – completely oblivious!  If only she could explain to Jemmie that this too shall pass and there’s no need to fret!

But until that day, all moments of terror require crouching in the corner behind the drum set.  So comfortable. 😊

Speaking of drums, let’s get to the June Pitch Pick!

(How’s that for a non sequitur? 😊)

Our June pitchers took your helpful advice to heart and set about revising their pitches for your vote. Please read through them, choose your favorite, and vote for it in the poll below by Sunday July 14 at 9 PM Eastern.  The winning pitch will be sent to editor Erin Molta for her comments!!! 😊

Here are the pitches:

#1 – Deborah – Farmer Jo and the Chicken Coop Calamity (PB 4-8)

Henrietta, Goldie, and Pearl are three chickens with grand ideas. After convincing Farmer Jo to build improvements on their hen house, word spreads and many new chickens come to the farm to roost. But the weight of the situation proves to much to bear and the results are shattering as the hen house splinters apart.

#2 – Diana – Wrong Way, Ray (PB 4-8)

Ray’s poor sense of direction heads the flock of geese off in the wrong direction each time it’s his turn to lead them south for the winter. The gaggle are ready to give him the boot. When a raptor attacks the gaggle, Ray flies into action to save his feathered friends.

#3 – Ana – Bella The Best Quits Again (PB 4-8)

Bella, a Latina girl as sassy as Junie B. Jones, quits everything she (barely) tries because she’s not the best at it: her backflips look like giraffes rolling downhill & her dulce de leche frosting: crocodile skin. Bella must learn it’s ok to try again or she won’t be good @ anything. For kids who enjoy  The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes.

#4 – Christina – Aurora Takes The Lead (formerly Mommy Is Not A Morning Person) (PB 4-8)

AURORA TAKES THE LEAD is a role-reversing romp about how to be a leader, when you’re the smallest one in the house. Spunky Aurora flies out of bed, bent on getting her family up and out the door on time. It’s field trip day, and like it or not, those sea lions wait for nobody. But there are road blocks along the way. Baby Olive won’t stop bawling. Big brother AJ refuses to brush his own teeth. And Mommy has one hand stuck on the snooze button. It’s up to Aurora to pull on the parenting pants (just for fun!) in the ultimate battle to the school bus.

 

 

And now I think we all deserve Something Chocolate! (Don’t we always? 😊)

How about some No Bake Chocolate Ricotta Cake (because it’s summer and while we all want to eat chocolate no one wants to overheat their kitchen with baking!)

Chocolate Ricotta Cake

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Nadishka.  Nadishka Aloysius is a teacher, actor, author, blogger and mother of two boys. All her books are intimately related to life-experiences, and although they are all based in her home country of Sri Lanka they are generic enough for an international audience.

Nadishka loves reading crime fiction and fantasy and this is reflected in her writing. She conducts creative writing workshops and school visits to share her love of literature. As an actor, she prefers to play the antagonist since it allows her to explore the darker sides of human nature.

Find her on the web at
https://www.facebook.com/NadishkaAloysiusBooks/
https://www.amazon.com/Nadishka-Aloysius/e/B01M1KIY0R

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: The Fishing Cat Who Found Her Home

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 2-7)

The Pitch: Fiona is a fishing cat. She doesn’t realize how special she is until she survives a terrifying journey. Abandoned by her human family, she escapes predators and finds her way to a Wetland Sanctuary. This is the first in a new series aimed at educating children about endangered species in Sri Lanka. I have already partnered with the Urban Fishing Cat Conservation Project and I have some fun facts and an educational element to the book. The story also teaches youngsters to persevere when times are hard.

(Nadishka mentioned she’s still deciding on the cat’s name.)

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 Nadishka 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 September, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Nadishka is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to continuing all the fun with MOON’S FIRST FRIENDS!  I am doing a countdown to the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing on FB, Instagram (and twitter sometimes although twitter just baffles me), so there are lots of recipes, fun facts, activities, and even a giveaway or two! Come join the fun!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 😊

 

Would You Read It Wednesday #331 – Cupid’s Tango (PB) PLUS Straight From The Editor (May)

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Tra la!

It’s Would You Read It Wednesday!

And to start off the festivities we have Straight From The Editor for May!

You will recall that the May Pitch Pick was won by Andrew with his PB pitch for Dorian And The Silent Piano.

His pitch was:

Dorian And The Silent Piano (PB ages 6-8)

In a search to find his talent, Dorian becomes captivated by an old man playing a piano with great gusto and joy. There’s just one problem-Dorian is deaf. Guided by the old man, Dorian struggles to read music, hear notes, and learn proper hand movement across the keys. As their special friendship develops, Dorian learns that talent can be one of heart.

Here are editor Erin Molta’s comments:

This looks quite intriguing. The only thing I would suggest is that you SHOW us HOW he hears the music. I’d even simplify it a bit, as I show below, and make it less about talent but doing something despite a so-called disability..

Dorian becomes captivated by an old man playing a piano with great gusto and joy. But–Dorian is deaf. Guided by the old man, Dorian struggles to read music, hear notes (by how? Does he feel the vibrations?), and learn proper hand movement across the keys. As their special friendship develops, Dorian learns that even if you can’t hear the music you can make beautiful sounds….

As always, I find Erin’s thoughts interesting and helpful!  I hope you all do too!

And now, I think it’s time for Something Chocolate!  How do you feel about Loaded Cowboy Cookies?  They are chewy oatmeal cookies filled with chocolate, coconut and pecans! Absolutely impossible to resist!!

Loaded Cowboy Cookies

And given that they are made out of oatmeal they are obviously breakfast! 😊 Also, a lot like trail mix or granola bars in case you need a snack for your summer outings! 😊  I guess they’re called Cowboy Cookies because they are hearty and portable for taking out on the range!

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Nancy who says, “I’m Nancy Riley, writer, competitive adult figure skater, and retired wildlife biologist. I’m a member of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of SCBWI and live on 35 acres of Colorado heaven north of Denver with my husband, two horses, and a happy dog named Scout. When not writing, I’m out and about with Scout or figure skating!  ”

Find her on the web at:

 nancyrileynovelist.com
Twitter: @NancyDereyRiley
Facebook: Nancy Derey Riley
Instagram: Nancy Derey Riley

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Cupid’s Tango

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

The Pitch: Cupid’s heart is not into step dancing, the traditional dance of the prairie chickens. He doesn’t like it. He won’t practice enough, but he must do well in his flock’s dance competition to win a date to the All Species Ball. When his first contest is a disaster, he decides to find his own dance style. His heart comes alive when he discovers the tango. He wows the crowd at the Second Chance Dance, but will it be enough to impress the judges and win a date?

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 Nancy 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 September, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Nancy is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to going out on the range just so I have a reason to bring Cowboy Cookies!  I’m not sure where I’m going to find a range on Blueberry Hill, but that is a mere technicality! 😊

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 😊

 

Would You Read It Wednesday #330 – Mommy Is Not A Morning Person (PB) PLUS The May Pitch Winner!!!

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Hello, Everyone!

It’s the First Wednesday of Summer!

That got me to thinking… what is your favorite picture book about summer?

There are so many good ones!

I think I have to go with an oldie but a goodie – Blueberries For Sal by Robert McCloskey (Puffin Books, 1976).

After all, I live on Blueberry Hill 😊

13f42-bfs

And we have little bears wandering around, eating up blueberries 😊

What is your favorite summertime picture book?  Share in the comments and we’ll have a great list of recommendations!

And/or you can take this opportunity to write a summer picture book of your own!

Writing prompt, anyone?

On a hot, hot day in July….

GO!

Now then, on to Would You Read It!  I’m pleased to announce that the winner of the May Pitch Pick is Andrew with his PB pitch for Dorian And The Silent Piano!!!  Congratulations on a terrific pitch and story idea, Andrew!  Your pitch has been sent to editor Erin Molta and I’m sure you will hear from her as soon as she is able!

Congratulations also to our other talented pitchers!  You all did a great job on your ideas and revisions – some wonderful future books in this group! – and I hope the experience helped you to improve your pitches!

I think a reward is in order!

How about Something Chocolate?

Given that it is now summer, a Chocolate Honeycomb Vesuvius Ice Cream Sundae seems like just the thing, don’t you think? 😊

Chocolate Honeycomb Vesuvius Ice Cream Sundae

Chocolate Honeycomb Vesuvius Ice Cream Sundae

Cold, creamy, chocolatey, and delicious!  Mmmmm!  Breakfast perfection! 😊

Now that we’ve got our lovely sundaes to keep our energy up, let’s have a look at today’s pitch which comes to us from Christina. Christina Julian writes kid and lady lit in between sips and swirls in the Napa Valley where she works as a wine and food writer.

Find her on the web at:

Christinajulian.com
Facebook.com/ChristinaJulianAuthor
Twitter.com/Christin_Julian

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Mommy Is Not A Morning Person

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

The Pitch: MOMMY IS NOT A MORNING PERSON is a role-reversing romp about what it means to be a leader when you’re the smallest one in the house. Spunky Aurora flies out of bed bent on doing what kids only dream of. But there are road blocks along the way. The cat that thinks it’s a hat. A mommy who lives for the snooze button, and one big yellow school bus that waits for nobody! It’s up to Aurora to pull on the parenting pants in the ultimate battle to the breakfast table.

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 Christina 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 September, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up] for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Christina is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to making blueberry pie, because for some reason I now have blueberries on my mind! 😊

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

 

Would You Read It Wednesday #329 – Bella The Best Quits Again (PB) PLUS The May Pitch Pick!!!

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Woo hoo!  It’s Wednesday!

And that means it’s time for Would You Read It!!!

But first, this week, we get to choose our favorite pitch from May!

Our brave and industrious pitchers took all of your helpful advice to heart and worked hard to improve their pitches.  The results are below.

Please read through the 5 May pitches carefully and decide which one you think is best – most makes you Want To Read It! 😊 – and then vote for your favorite in the poll below by Sunday June 23 at 9PM Eastern.  The winning pitch will be sent o editor Erin Molta for her comments!!!

May Pitch Pick

#1 – Nadine – Puffcaso (PB ages 4-8)

The ocean art contest is days away. Pufferfish is diligent at creating his masterpiece only to have it destroyed by a hostile and fearsome deep-ocean dweller. However, a faceoff with his adversary leads Pufferfish to learn the value of teamwork.

#2 – Nicole – The Reluctant Unicorn (PB ages 4-8)

Thaddeus isn’t like other unicorns – he doesn’t have a flashy name, he can’t sing or dance, and his special power is a bit of a…well…snooze. When a dragon attacks town, Thaddeus will gladly let the other unicorns take the spotlight. But when the dragon accidentally threatens his little sister, Thaddeus must put his best hoof forward and save the day.

#3 – Sarah – Cake, By Sloth And Ant (PB ages 3-7)

Friends Sloth and Ant bake a cake.  While Ant is up to her feelers in flour, however, Sloth sleeps.  Sloth awakes and sneaks a sample of the finished product, and Ant gets angry.  Uh-oh!  Sloth whips up an apology and Ant adds a hug to the mixture. Sloth comes up with the perfect ingredient for the finishing touch.

#4 – Keely – How We Say, “I Love You”  (PB ages 5-8)

Evangeline’s older sister cannot use her voice to speak and often gets upset. When her sister pulls her hair, it hurts. Evangeline wishes her sister could just tell her she loves her. As she begins to listen in different ways to her sister, Evangeline starts to “hear” her a little more clearly. In “How We Say ‘I Love you!’” Evangeline not only begins to understand her sister better, but she also finds creative ways to show her that she loves her, despite their different ways of communicating.

#5 – Andrew – Dorian And The Silent Piano (PB ages 6-8)

In a search to find his talent, Dorian becomes captivated by an old man playing a piano with great gusto and joy. There’s just one problem-Dorian is deaf. Guided by the old man, Dorian struggles to read music, hear notes, and learn proper hand movement across the keys. As their special friendship develops, Dorian learns that talent can be one of heart.

Which one gets your vote?!!!

 

I know! Tough decision!  How about a little Something Chocolate to ease the trauma of having to choose! 😊

Chocolate Cake With Whipped Chocolate Frosting

 

The decision trauma is practically a thing of the past already after that scrumptious and delicious cake, wouldn’t you say?  I hope you all feel sunshiny and re-energized!!! 🙂

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Ana who says, “I’m also a sassy Latina with two books for children in Brazil. One of them received “Honorable Mention” by the “Brazilian Academy of Letters.” My Spanish Easy Reader–EL PATO QUIERE UVAS –will be released in the fall of 2019 by “Teacher’s Discovery.” When I’m not writing, I’m having a blast creating stories in Spanish with my elementary students. I’m an active member of SCBWI, Storyteller Academy and 12×12.”

Find her on the web at

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Bella The Best Quits Again

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

The Pitch: BELLA THE BEST QUITS AGAIN (520 words) is a laugh-out-loud picture book about growth-mindset. Gifted kids are expected to be the best at everything. Bella, a sassy Latina inspired by Junie B. Jones, quits everything she (barely) tries because she’s not the best at it: her backflips look like giraffes rolling downhill and her dulce de leche frosting like crocodile skin. Some empanadas de chicken waffles might be the first step to a determined Bella. It’s written for kids 4-8 who enjoy The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Garry Rubinstein.

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 Ana 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 September, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta!

Ana is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to Friday which is the first official day of summer!  Fingers crossed it won’t rain and we’ll get our local fireworks show!!!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 😊

 

Would You Read It Wednesday #328 – Wrong Way, Ray (PB)

14 Comments

Hi Everyone!

I hope you’re all having stellar weeks so far!

I feel like I’ve had a week-long celebration with the launch of MOON’S FIRST FRIENDS!  Sourcebooks has been amazing with providing resources for the book – a fantastic Common Core State Standards Aligned Educator’s Guide for Grade 1, 2, and 3, as well as the most beautiful coloring/activity sheets which I hope I’ll be able to share with you, but I have to find out if I have permission.

At story time on Saturday there were multi-colored glow-in-the-dark stars

IMG_7866

and COOKIES to color in with edible markers (and let me tell you, those were a big hit! 😊)

 

And as if all that weren’t enough, an astronaut – an actual astronaut! – read the book and liked it!  I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say I’m starstruck! 😊

To continue the party mood, I think we should have Something Chocolate, don’t you?

Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola Cookies

 

As you can see, I chose actual breakfast health food without even hardly cheating at all this week, so help yourself to your heart’s content guilt-free!!!

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Diana who is a retired Primary grades teacher with a MS in Remedial Reading.

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Wrong Way, Ray

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

The Pitch: Ray’s poor sense of direction heads the flock of geese off in the wrong direction each time it’s his turn to lead them south for the winter. The gaggle are ready to give him the boot. When a raptor attacks the gaggle, Ray flies into action to save his feathered friends.

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 Diana 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 September, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up] for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta! (Doesn’t hurt to save yourself a spot!)

Diana is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to summer, which officially starts in 9 days, and which I hope will be full of family, friends, fun, and tons of inspired writing!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 😊

 

Would You Read It Wednesday #327 – Farmer Jo And The Chicken Coop Calamity (PB)

36 Comments

Hi Everyone!

Golly, what a lovely day was yesterday!  So many wonderful people took the time to share my little MOON book on FB and Instagram, post their own photos and like and share mine and others.  I hope the book took off like a rocket  🚀 😊

Here’s a little slideshow of posts (which I just this second discovered you could do on a WordPress post!!! How fun is that?) 😊

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I’m sure I drove everyone nuts with my photos and videos and slideshows – I sincerely  apologize! – but it’s not every day you get to launch a book in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing! You are all kind to indulge me! 💕

This weekend, MOON’S FIRST FRIENDS will be featured at Saturday Story Time in Barnes & Noble nationwide, and you can purchase the book for $7.99 if you buy another kids’ book as well.  I will be reading at B&N Poughkeepsie, so if you’re in the neighborhood, stop by!!!

Okay.  Blahblahblah enough about me and my book!

Let’s celebrate with Something Chocolate, shall we?  You’ve certainly earned it after listening to all that MOON talk!  I don’t think we can go wrong with this!

MOON PIES!!! 😊😊😊

 ⭐️🌜 Moon Pies 🌛 ⭐️

Sorry 🤣 I couldn’t help myself!  But they do look delicious, don’t they?  Dig in!

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Deborah who says, “I am a mother, author, and architectural drafter from Iowa. This is my first time submitting a pitch to you. Here is a link to my author website: http://deborahclaytonbooks.com/”

Here is her pitch:

Working Title:  Farmer Jo And The Chicken Coop Calamity

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

The Pitch:  Farmer Jo will do anything to keep her chickens happy including building an egg-stravagant chicken coop, but when word spreads about the new hen house and her flock grows, everything comes crashing down.

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 Deborah 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 September, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta! (But no harm in saving your space now!)

Deborah is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to reading at Story Time on Saturday! And hopefully getting to attend the second half of the Children’s Writers Of The Hudson Valley Annual Conference afterwards!!!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #326 – Dorian And The Silent Piano (PB)

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Hi Everyone!

I hope you all enjoyed your long weekend!

In my neck of the woods, many families got extra-long weekends with kids off from school Thursday, Friday, Monday and even Tuesday because of “give back days” – the ones that didn’t get used for snow days this winter – so there was plenty of celebrating around here! 😊

I spent Saturday at the first ever Sullivan County Youth Book Festival which was very nice in spite of a little rain in the afternoon.  My friends and fellow authors Nancy Furstinger, Iza Trapani, and Katey Howes were there as well, and I got to meet Colleen Kosinski, a frequenter of this blog whose art placed well in the illustrator contest I ran a few years ago, so that made it extra fun!

Now I think we can all have some extra fun by indulging in Something Chocolate!  How do you feel about Chocolate-Filled Banana Muffins?  Sounds like a healthy breakfast to me!!! 😊😊😊

Chocolate-Filled Banana Muffins

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Recipe HERE (including helpful video) at Tasty

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It is important to fortify ourselves with whole grains and fruit rich in potassium so our minds are sharp enough for the business at hand!  (Not to mention chocolate which makes everything better! 😊)

Today’s pitch which comes to us from Andrew who says, “I am currently a self-published author who has taken a hiatus from the publishing world to develop my craft and seek representation the more traditional way. I have been working on many manuscripts. Mostly picture books and a few middle grade ideas as well.  I live in Texas with my three fur babies (One dog and two cats). My spouse and I are currently in the process of adoption and I want to create the books that I never got to read growing up. I love a good DIY project and burning water. I love everything from chocolate to Brussels Sprouts, but have never tried chocolate Brussels Sprouts…do they make those? I’d probably eat those too.”

Find him on the web at www.author-andrewfairchild.com

Here is his pitch:

Working Title: Dorian And The Silent Piano

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 6 – 8)

The Pitch:  When Dorian sees an old man in the window playing a piano with great gusto and joy, he longs to learn. There’s just one problem-Dorian is deaf. Despite that, the man agrees to teach Dorian. As Dorian struggles to read music, hear notes, and learn proper hand movement across the keys, their friendship blossoms. Tragically, his teacher falls ill and must close his store. It is then that Dorian learns the best music is music played right from the heart.

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 Andrew 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 Would You Read it in the dropdown under For Writers in the bar above.  There are openings in September, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta! (But it doesn’t hurt to reserve your spot now!)

Andrew is looking forward to your thoughts on his pitch!  I am looking forward to seeing Rocketman, which is coming out this weekend! (Not that I’ll necessarily get to see it right away…but hopefully before it leaves theaters.)  Did any of you see Bohemian Rhapsody?  I thought it was so amazing that now I want to see all the movies about musicians 😊

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂

 

Would You Read It Wednesday #325 – How My Sister Says, “I Love You” (PB)

31 Comments

Today feels like a good day for writing, doesn’t it?

After our work here is done, let’s all set our timers for 15 minutes and see what fabulous ideas come to us and what stories we’re going to write today!

In case anyone needs a little starting point, how about:

– Snow White from the poison-apple-pedaling witch’s POV (or maybe Grumpy’s POV – that could be fun 😊)

– begin with: Edward liked to get his own way.  (or use the general idea of a child who wants his/her ow way…)

– begin with: A toad was hopping down the street – hop hop kerplop! –  so Ursula followed it.  (or use the general idea of following something into adventure, trouble, mystery, an unexpected surprise, whatever…)

– what would give a monster nightmares?

– a story where a thief leaves an “I’m sorry” note

And because creativity requires fuel, I recommend Something Chocolate!  Chocolate-Dipped Cannoli Cupcakes sound like they’d be very helpful in generating creativity, don’t you think? 😊

Chocolate-Dipped Cannoli Cupcakes

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Recipe HERE (including helpful video) at Tasty

 

I don’t know about you, but I think one bite of that cupcake equals inspiration! Two bites will probably be genius, and by the time the last crumb is gone I’m pretty sure we’ll all have written New York Times Bestsellers today!

Now then, onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Keely. Keely is a southern transplant pioneering in the Inland Northwest (can it still be pioneering if we live in suburbia? Please tell me it can!) and writing books for children when she isn’t shoveling snow. She grows zinnias in her garden boxes in the summer and raises 4 beautiful crazies alongside her husband. Having a daughter with profound disability continues to teach her every day. Some days she’s more open to learning than others.

Find her on the web at

Blog: kidlitcorner.wordpress.com
Twitter: @keelywrites1
FB: Keely Pitts Leim

 

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: How My Sister Says, “I Love You”

Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 5-8)

The Pitch: Evangeline’s sister cannot use her voice to speak. In “How My Sister Says, ‘I Love You’” Evangeline begins to interpret different non-verbal, unconventional expressions of love and how to offer them in return to her elder sister.

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 Keely 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 September, so you have time to polish your pitch before putting it up for helpful feedback and a chance to have it read and commented on by editor Erin Molta! (No harm in reserving your space now, though – they do fill up!)

Keely is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to the first ever Sullivan County Youth Book Festival this weekend!  If you live in the area, come join the fun!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!! 🙂