Tag: writing conferences (Page 1 of 3)

ONLY DARK EDGES Pre-Order and Summer Author Updates

July 7, 2023 / Katie L. Carroll

The mom side of me is deep in summer mode here. The family has taken a day trip to a heavenly-scented lavender farm, we have a small vacation coming up, and we’ve been engaging in all the usual summer activities like swimming and sprinklers.

But that doesn’t mean things are quiet on the author side. Quite the opposite with my next book ONLY DARK EDGES coming out on July 25! The cover has an interesting story that I talked about on TikTok, and the main image was created by darksouls1 on Pixabay.

You can pre-order ONLY DARK EDGES on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Kobo, Google Play, Apple Books, and Smashwords.

Hamlet meets You’ve Reached Sam in this YA psychological thriller that is both heart-pounding and heart-wrenching.

Delta’s spent the summer navigating the treacherous waters of losing her older sister, Gemma. Determined to brave junior year of high school without her sister, Delta finds solace in the arms of a new girlfriend. But grief takes a twisted turn when Gemma’s tortured ghost appears with a dire warning.

Beware the storm.

Plagued by the haunting suspicion that Gemma’s death involved foul play, Delta is plunged into a downward spiral of grief and paranoia. No one can be trusted—not her girlfriend, their friends, or her sister’s once-loyal boyfriend. Not even Delta’s own mind.

With a hurricane bearing down, two tempests collide at the abandoned Sea Glass Lodge. Accusations fly. Secrets unravel. And everyone is a target of the storm.

Next month, I’m teaching the breakout session “What to Expect When You’re Self-Publishing” at the SCBWI Summer Virtual Conference 2023. This is a blockbuster event in the children’s publishing world, and every attendee will have access to all 50 sessions for a month after the conference.

Keep an eye out on my Events page or subscribe to my newsletter to stay up to date on all my author events. I have some great fall events I’ll be adding in soon!

I’ve become very passionate about sharing my knowledge about self-publishing children’s books with writers. My conference sessions and workshops are packed full of good information, but if the self-publishing bug has hit you and you find yourself wanting more personalized guidance, I’m now offering one-on-one Self-Publishing Consultations. You get me for a whole hour to ask all things self-publishing and to come up with a plan for the next steps in your indie author career.

How is your summer (or winter if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere) shaping up?

New England SCBWI Conference Gems 2022

May 19, 2022 / Katie L. Carroll

This year’s New England SCBWI conference was yet again in a digital format, but just like in 2021 (see those conference highlights here), it was a weekend full of inspiration and community. As is my tradition, I’m sharing some conference gems here on the blog.

Since I was presenting both an intensive workshop on self-publishing (reminder to check out my Self-Publishing Reources) and leading an Ask-a-Mentor session, I wasn’t able to attend as many live sessions as I normally do. One of the advantages of the digital format is that the sessions were recorded, so I’ve been catching as many as I can before the viewing period is up.

Jane Yolen, author of over 400 books and founding member of the New England SCBWI, is a staple at the annual conference. She kicked off the conference with her words of wisdom. Her first dinosaur book, illustrated by Mark Teague, How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight took 20 minutes to write and her book Owl Moon, illustrated by John Schoenherr, took 20 years. She encouraged everyone to go and find the time to write, make the time to write, steal the time to write.

Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Rajani LaRocca engaged in a conversation that offered insight and advice into staying creative. Heidi said to know your process and trust your creative brain. She admitted that a creative block can be scary, but if you believe in yourself and trust your process, you can get through it. Rajani said to “follow the dopamine” when writing and to “find that thing that makes you light up and hold on to that.”

In a workshop on work-for-hire, Rebecca Allen and Meg Thacher shared many insights on best practices in this particular field of children’s writing. One suggestion was to be comprehensive in selecting your genres and age ranges so you don’t limit the projects you’re eligible for. They reminded writers that you can always say no to an opportunity if it doesn’t fit your schedule or writing interests.

Looking not so professional in the social rooms

I always enjoy the evening social rooms. I stayed up later than I intended on Saturday night catching up with my fellow NESCBWI kidlit friends and meeting a few new ones. It seems I always end up dressing up like a pirate (it is on brand for my middle grade book Pirate Island). Last year, I donned my actual pirate hat, but this year I opted for a filter. I think I pulled off the 5 o’clock shadow!

Tara Lazar, founder of the idea-generating Storystorm, presented a very funny keynote filled with memes. She made the mistake of sending out stuff too early (haven’t we all!) and had to learn how publishing worked before finding success.

Illustrator John Parra offered up an insight that particularly resonated with me as I work on developing my illustration skills. He said to make sure your supplies are out and not in a closet. He reminded us that procrastination is not an artist’s friend. His words have inspired me to start setting up a space where I have easier access to my art supplies.

Padma Venkatraman in her session “STARRY-EYED: Looking at a story through different lenses” asked these questions when thinking about point-of-view in your story: What’s best for this story? Whose story is this? How do I want my reader to feel?

What has inspired your writing lately?

Highlights From the 2021 New England SCBWI Conference

June 21, 2021 / Katie L. Carroll

Long-time followers of the blog might remember how I like to do conference round-ups where I share bits of wisdom from writing conferences I’ve attended. You can check out past conference highlights here.

The 2021 New England SCBWI Conference was unlike any other NESCBWI one because it was fully digital this year. I was keeping my expectations low because I didn’t think it could possibly include the same sense of community as the in-person event. In addition to all the amazing workshops and keynote always offered, this particular conference was always about catching up with writing friends I’d usually only see once a year.

But conference co-directors Juliana Spink Mills and Casey W. Robinson and the entire committee managed to bring that NESCBWI vibe to the digital space. The conference included social hours where you could pick what “room” you wanted to be in (broken up into categories like what state your from, what kind of things you write, or just fun things like a witch’s tea room). In one chat, we ended up talking about pirates and I went and put on one of my pirate hats!

Friday night started off with a “Conversation With Two Legends: Nikki Grimes and Jane Yolen” hosted by Heidi E. Y. Stemple. It was packed full of great stories and advice, and these two truly are legends.

The friendship between them was very evident, even through a screen. When speaking about doing a writing retreat at Jane’s house, Nikki said, they were “two friends, two equals, doing the work.” Jane chimed in that when you’re with someone at the same stage as you, you don’t have to explain. Total author friendship goals there!

Jane intro’d herself by talking about “resolved combustion” and having “a place to cradle the nascent flame.” She told us, the fire is set, breathe deep, steady passionate…then blow yourself apart.

Nikki reminded us that “novel” means “new.” She realized she didn’t have to write the way everyone thought she should and that she had to do it the way that was right for her.

Saturday was packed full of workshops. We got to pick four to attend live and all the others were available to to view for a month afterwards. Being able to watch all the workshops offered is a big perk of the digital format.

In her workshop about picture book revision, Charlesbridge editor Julie Bliven said to come back to that spark of what is working and what you like about a manuscript to remind you of why it’s worth the revision.

Author Heidi E. Y. Stemple included a ton of amazing mentor texts when talking about non-fiction voice, resulting in me getting a little out of control with my holds list at the local library. She encouraged us to experiment with telling the story different ways and play with tone and language, and to not be afraid to try and fail when trying something different with a non-fiction manuscript.

Margaret K. McElderry Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, editor Kate Prosswimmer editor gave us a bunch of different guides to approach plot and character together. She said that the heart of a story is in the intersection of plot and character.

Saturday ended with a heart-tugging and joyful keynote from author/illustrator Mike Curato that tied so well into the conference’s theme of finding joy in the journey. His voice has such a soothing tone and I could have spent hours listening to him talk about his personal creative journey.

He talked about how his big break came when he realized he hadn’t made anything for himself in years and the joy was missing from his work. That’s when he created Little Elliot, who embodied so much of his childhood. Mike said that Elliot was his guide and would leave him through the darkness.

On Sunday, we got to pick two Ask-A-Mentor sessions to attend where faculty took questions directly from attendees. Then the conference ended with a keynote from Padma Venkatraman. If you ever get a chance to see Padma speak or teach a workshop, do it. She is so generous with her time and wisdom and is truly a gem to our New England SCBWI community.

Padma advised us to make a note of anytime someone says something kind or that they believe in you and to keep that in a book or somewhere to look at. In a sentiment that she constantly demonstrates, Padma said there is generosity in give away ideas and encouragement and that we should “lift other people.” I’m very much looking forward to her next book BORN BEHIND BARS, which is coming this fall.

And that was only some of the workshops and sessions I attended live. I spent the next month popping in to watch the recordings of the other sessions and filling up my notebook with inspiring advice and stories.

Conference Panels Writing and Publishing Advice #LA18SCBWI (Bonus Jane Austen and Salt-N-Pepa)

September 10, 2018 / Katie L. Carroll

Last #LA18SCBWI post was devoted to the amazing (and many!) keynotes, so this post is devoted to the panels. Where the keynotes are largely inspirational, the panels tend to get more into the nitty-gritty of publishing and the craft of writing. These are snippets from each panel, which are done in a Q&A style and often turn into conversations, so these are simple highlights I’ve pulled out and tried to keep in context as much as possible. (And make sure you get all the way to the end to see me dressed as Jane Austen!)

Editor Panel with Laura Godwin, Elizabeth Law, Amanda Maciel, Krista Marino, Francesco Sedita, and Namrata Tripathi:

Question: What makes you keep reading on when considering a manuscript?

A pulsing heartbeat throughout the story. – Francesco Sedita (president and publisher of Penguin Workshop at Penguin Young Readers)
You can tell when a writer has a deep investment and curiosity about a topic. She takes notice when she doesn’t care about a thing and she is transformed to care about that thing by the writing. – Namrata Tripathi (VP & publisher of Kokila, a newly-formed imprint of Penguin Young Readers dedicated to centering stories from the margins)

Question: What do you see too much or or can’t see enough of?

It’s super exciting to see something that’s been done a million times and it’s done in a new way. – Krista Marino (senior executive editor at Delacorte Press, part of Random House Children’s Books)

Question: What is the most important skill a writer for children can possess?

Persistence. Have passion and stay in the game. – Elizabeth Law (editor at Holiday House)
An endless curiosity about the world and yourself. You need a great idea and to keep asking questions and developing that idea. – Amanda Maciel (executive editor at Scholastic)
A curiosity and drive to satisfy it in an endless loop. – Laura Godwin (vice president and publisher of Godwin Books, an imprint of Macmillan publishers)

Panel “Truth vs. Innocence in Children’s Books” with Elana K. Arnold, Brandy Colbert, Erin Entrada Kelly, Carolyn Mackler, and moderated by Linda Sue Park:

Question: How go you define dark in literature?

It’s what I have. When the well has filled us and whatever we’re filled with we have to work with. – Elana K. Arnold
Dark is part of life. Leaning into the sadness of life, as I also lean into the the light and find humor in sadness. – Carolyn Mackler
The further away from hope, the more interesting the road to coming back. – Erin Entrada Kelly

Question: Tell us the initial spark or kernel for one of your books.

After my first two books, I had emptied the well of shame. New water had filled the well, and it was rage. I’m not holding back and saving anything for the next book. – Elana K. Arnold (on her upcoming book DAMSEL)
It’s wish fulfillment in an alternate universe. – Brandy Colbert (on her book LITTLE & LION)

Question: How do you respond to critics who say your books are too dark?

One of the greatest disservices we do to young people is to underestimate them. – Erin Entrada Kelly
I pull out the letters from young readers to show me how important my books are to them. – Carolyn Mackler
Children are whole people. Book are a wonderful way to practice saying no. It’s good practice to recognize when they feel uncomfortable or unsafe. – Elana K. Arnold
I get really angry because I think of the kids going through those things. It’s telling those kids their lives or experiences are too dark. – Brandy Colbert

Panel “Culture, Identity, and Writing: Where do they intersect?” with Malinda Lo, Dashka Slater, Aida Salazar, Ibi Zoboi, and moderated by Arthur Levine:

Question: Was there a time during the writing that you felt the joyful intersection of culture, identity, and the work at hand?

I was writing about my own identity but not my own experiences. When I was telling a complete truth, my own truth, about my culture. – Ibi Zoboi
I was proud and joyful to rescue my story from obscurity. It’s a revolutionary act. – Aida Salazar

Question: What are the talismans of power in your writing?

I use my writing as a tool for social change. My characters have emotions in spite of white narrative and hostility. – Aida Salazar
Having to think of yourself and having to think about how you are being perceived by others in a white space. I always feel like I’m on the outside looking in. I can’t help but having a worldwide perspective. – Ibi Zoboi
Using gender and race and performance. The point is to center the Chinese-ness of the character and the point isn’t to be concerned about making sure others get it. – Malinda Lo

Question: As part of a minority culture, do you ask “Is there part of me that I shouldn’t show because it will be too scary?” Do you feel that way in your writing, that you’re censoring a part of yourself?

I definitely did. I imagined the characters in ASH as Asian. The gay thing was enough of a problem, so I did not include any Asian-ness in the book. You don’t see these stories that represent you. You have to imagine they exist in the first place. The message is everywhere, no one has to outright tell you. – Malinda Lo
Self-censoring comes in telling the truth. It comes when we’re afraid of telling these truths and thinking about who will be mad. – Ibi Zoboi
Authenticity is marginalizing. It centers the mythological one story line. – Malinda Lo

Agent Panel with Jenny Bent, Tina Dubois, Kirsten Hall, Kevin Lewis, Ammi-Joan Paquette, and Tanusri Prasanna, and moderated by Alexandra Penfold

Question: What’s strong in the marketplace right now?

Books addressing complicated and ugliness of our world. – Kirsten Hall
Fiction that digs deep into the personal experience, the heart coming through in a deep way. – Ammi-Joan Paquette

Question: Should you write a book outside your own identity?

If you want to write a book outside your culture, if it’s in your heart, then do it. But realize you have to take what comes with that. Actions have consequences. – Kevin Lewis
Look internally. Ask yourself why you want to write this book. If you’re writing it just to be diverse, then don’t do it. If you feel it in your loins, then do it. – Tanusri Prasanna

Question: What is your best advice for writers?

Be you and do you. Spend a lot of time on your work. – Kirsten Hall
Take risks and do something different. – Ammi-Joan Paquette
Celebrate any victory. Celebrate yourself. – Jenny Bent

Panel “The Secret of Crafting Engaging Non-fiction” with Jason Chin, Candace Fleming, Deborah Heiligman, and Barbara Kerly, and moderated by Melissa Stewart

I believe people’s lives have themes. Look for things in people’s lives that has those themes. – Barbara Kerley
A life is a story. It has a beginning, middle, and end. This is why narrative non-fiction works for biographies. – Deborah Heiligman
The difference between fiction and non-fiction is like cake. In fiction, I get to buy the ingredients for the cake, bake it up, and gobble it down. In non-fiction, I don’t do the shopping. The ingredients are all crazy, but I still have to make delicious cake. – Candace Fleming

No L.A. conference would be complete without the Saturday night gala. This year’s theme was a tribute to writers and artists. There were tacos and dessert food trucks and dancing. I chose to go as the incomparable Jane Austen. This may or may not have been a tweet about me that night (I’m pretty sure I saw at least one other Jane Austen, but I’m not sure I saw any others dancing to this particular song), “You haven’t lived ‘till you’ve seen Jane Austen dance to Salt-N-Pepa.” @jennymontyinSD

Keynote Conference Highlights and Writing Advice from #LA18SCBWI

August 22, 2018 / Katie L. Carroll

I feel so lucky to have been able to attend the SCBWI Conference in L.A. earlier this month. A big thanks to the SCBWI for sending me out there (I won the trip through my participation in SCBWI BookStop program). For all of you who saw my worries about leaving The Gentleman when he was just barely 1, you’ll be happy to know that he was find while I was gone (and even took a bottle at times!).

There were so many amazing moments that I couldn’t possibly share them all here, so be sure to check out all the SCBWI blog coverage of the conference or #LA18SCBWI on Twitter. The keynotes in particular were amazing, so I’ve devoted this post to those. (I always like to note that I don’t use quotation marks for these snippets because these are from the notes that I’m often frantically taking during talks, so there’s not way to know for sure if it’s a direct quote or if I’m paraphrasing, but I always try to be true to the point the speaker was trying to get across.)

Daniel José Older (He’s super funny!):

Words are supposed to sound nice when you put them together, so read out loud before you sub.
Beginnings establish what your character wants; they establish their humanity.
Every story that we tell is the story of a crisis, where a crisis is a turning point, a moment that everything changes in some significant way.
Good books are made of bad decisions.

Ekua Holmes (I love her whole aesthetic…the colors, the flow, the emotions behind it…everything!):

Reach back and gather the best of what our past hast to teach us. Reclaim her history, legacy, and sovereignty through art.
Our art is always personal. My strategy is somehow to find myself in each of my stories.
Confinement in mind and body cannot stop our creativity and desire to be free.
Children innately respond to creativity.

Lynda Mullaly Hunt (Her talks are always so full of the passion she brings to her work and for caring about kids.):

It’s a very brave act to create something that has never been in the world until you put your hand to the page and share it with others.
Young readers need us to care more about them than we care about our careers and ourselves.
Children are hungry for optimism–just like the rest of us.
Wishes are passive longings. Change your wishes into goals and act on those goals.

Andrea Davis Pinkney & Brian Pinkney (Such an adorable, creative couple…with very different work styles. I’d love to be a fly on their wall.):

Every artist have to have a style – B.P.
You want the reader to not even know they are reading because they are having so much fun. – A.D.P.
Write your own letter to diversity and come back to it in a year to see how you’ve done. – A.D.P.

Libba Bray (She’s a badass–super funny, smart, and thoughtful. See my post about how her keynote inspired by author theme of “find your magic”.):

In writing a story, you have to want to know something. The question makes your story come alive, leading us from somewhere we know to something new. The question leads to change.
Branding is about answers, about selling stuff. Brands by there very nature are static. It puts writers in a position to view kids as consumers instead of growing young people.
Writers need safe places to be able to take risks.
We are facing the kind of monsters we read about in books. There has never been a more important time to write for the next generation.
If someone asks what your brand is, tell them it’s a commitment to craft and a deep respect for the audience.

Mike Curato (He’s as adorable as his elephant character Little Elliot):

Eat cake…but make sure it’s good cake.
Think about how happy you were as a kid making art. Create things that make you happy.
Think about how small your were as a kid and how things looked, and draw from that perspective.

Lois Lowry (Needs no introduction! This was set up as a chat between Lois and SCBWI co-founder, Lin Oliver.):

The reaction of kids to her first book kept her writing fiction for young people. Her sudden awareness of the passion of kids for a book they love.
When asked what unifies her as a writer, Lois said intimacy. It’s her one word for her voice. She feels an intimate connection to her reader. The element of human connection is the theme that runs through her books.
There are things that are too dark for children, but they’re there. We have to write about those thing, and do it in an intelligent way.

Unfortunately I missed Eliza Wheeler’s keynote because I had to take break to pump breast milk, but there’s a great overview on the SCBWI Conference Blog.

I also popped in and out of Bruce Coville’s keynote (and didn’t get a chance to take notes of what I did hear) because it ran late and I was rushing around getting books signed before I had to catch my flight home. I’ve listened to a keynote of his before, and it was sooo good. You can just tell how much he loves writing for kids and the impact reading can have on them. Again, check out the SCBWI Conference Blog. Him talking about ripples really resonated with me.

I’m hoping to pull some highlights from the panels and workshops I attended for another post, as well as just a fun post about some of the shenanigans that went on during the downtime (You do want to see me dressed up as Jane Austen for the party, right?). Stay tuned!