Selling a Picture Book - My Mini Book Tour by Linda K. Sienkiewicz

 

Let me first say that selling doesn’t come easily to me. The fear of rejection is real. In fact, I was reeling after the response from the very first independent bookstore I went in to cold. Luckily, after that initial snub, things went smoother, and now Gordy and the Ghost Crab is being carried at several stores in North Carolina. But I wanted to get my book into stores where I knew the book would sell well, which happen to be in the same area where I got my inspiration for the story.

My approach:

I made a list of about ten bookstores and shops. From prior trips down south, my biggest hope was to get into two Outer Banks indie bookstores, Buxton Village Books and Books to be Red. Don and I mapped a drive south on Highway 12 to Ocracoke Island, and planned to stop in any stores that looked like a good fit.

I called or emailed as many bookstores as possible a week before our trip and introduced myself as a children’s book author with a picture book of interest to their customers. I told them the story involves a boy’s first encounter with a ghost crab, it includes science facts, and it’s the only picture book with factual information on ghost crabs. I told the store owners I’d be in the area and could offer them signed copies at a wholesale price as well as wrapped play sets. 

Both Buxton Village and Books to be Red asked me to email them a sell sheet.

Buxton Village responded to my email on the same day by ordering 12 books and 6 play sets. Ocracoke’s Books to be Red didn’t respond to my email, but I knew I’d see her in person when we arrived on the island. I wasn’t able to reach all the bookstores on my list, which meant I’d have to go in cold to some shops.

I designed a sell sheet with ordering and contact information, details about the book, and author quotes. I bought gold “autographed by author” stickers. I packed up my play sets (the book, a little pail and shovel, and a windup crab). Then we hit the road with a positive mindset.

First on my travel route was an indie bookstore in Historic Winchester, VA. That owner would not look at or touch my book. When I leafed through it, hoping to engage her, she pointedly refused. She said, “I appreciate that you have a book. As an independent book store owner, I simply can’t take books from just anyone who walks in off the street.” She whisked the flyer I handed her off the counter and tossed it underneath as if I were peddling drugs. I said thank you and left. Once my anger faded, I laughed about it. Apparently, some indie bookstores adhere to strict policies! 

In Kitty Hawk, NC, I visited Gray’s Outer Banks Clothing, Kitty Hawk Kites, and two other gift shops and bookstores. I showed the book to the store associates, talked it up, and gave them a sell sheet. Gray’s marketing department emailed me a few days later to request signed copies at wholesale price. They have four stores in Kitty Hawk and Corolla, have been in business since 1948, so I did a happy dance. We dropped off a box of books for them on our drive home.

Once we were in Ocracoke, I made an appointment to talk to the owner at Books to be Red. The owner bought four books and four play sets. She orders books from Ingram on a weekly basis, so, fingers crossed she’ll order more books when those sell. I feel confident they will.

Then I posted on Facebook and Instagram how happy Gordy was to be in Books to be Red and Buxton Village Books, and tagged the post #Ocracoke, #OcracokeIsland, #Hatteras, etc. This move paid off when I went into the Ocracoke Preservation Society museum gift shop. The person behind the desk had seen my Instagram post and happily purchased signed copies for their gift shop.

As I took pictures of the book and play set at the beach, I realized I could take Gordy on a tour of Ocracoke. I cut his image from a book cover and glued it to a board I had with me. Now I had my own “Flat Gordy” to take around the village. I took enough photos to hopefully generate interest in the book throughout the entire summer on Facebook and Instagram.

Now that we’re home, I plan to follow up with phone calls to a few stores where I left flyers. I also need to visit indie bookstores in Michigan. Gordy and I will have to plan a few more trips.

Promoting yourself and your work is not always easy, but no one can promote your work better than you. And the good news is the more you do, the easier it gets. Try offering your books wholesale as opposed to consignment, especially when you’re dealing with stores that are out of state. Finally, don’t limit yourself to bookstores, either. Gift shops sell books, too. All you need to do is find the right fit.

Linda K. Sienkiewicz’s short stories, poetry, essays and art have been published in numerous literary journals and anthologies. Her newest release is a children's picture book, GORDY AND THE GHOST CRAB. Among her awards are five Finalist awards for her debut novel, IN THE CONTEXT OF LOVE, a Pushcart Prize Nomination, and a poetry chapbook award from Heartlands. She has three other poetry chapbooks. She studied at Cooper School of Art in Cleveland, Ohio, and earned a Masters Degree (MFA) from the University of Southern Maine. Linda lives with her husband in Rochester, Michigan where they spoil their grandchildren and send them back home.

Learn more at https://lindaksienkiewicz.com/.

Coming up on The Mitten Blog:

Another thoughtful post from our SCBWI-MI Equity and Inclusion Team and a few weeks off for summer vacation! But first, it's time for our quarterly Ask the Editor feature. Thanks to everyone who sent questions to editor Katherine Gibson Easter. Come back next Friday, July 2nd, to read all the questions and answers.

Book Birthday Blog with P.J. Bass

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors and illustrators

Congratulations to P.J. Bass on the release of

Together with Dad!

Your first picture book is about to be published. Congratulations! What is the story, and what inspired you to write it?

The name of my picture book is entitled, Together with Dad! Andy’s Adventure-Filled Week! This story was birthed 20 years ago in an early childhood education storytelling class.   I finally finished the book last year. I wanted to write a story that would teach children about family relationships and self-esteem.  Also, a story that would encompass educational concepts. This story features an African American Father and his son sharing experiences during a week. The book introduces days of the week, big and small quantities, and social-emotional interactions.  

What did you learn along the way in getting your first book published?

I have learned so many valuable lessons during the publishing process (That’s probably another book). One of the most important lesson is to have your manuscript finished and edited before you hire an illustrator.  I learned the hard way and paid extra money to have some of the illustrations redone. It all worked out in the end, but I wished I had known ahead of time.

Did you have a critique group to bounce ideas off of?

I had trusted friends, family, and beta readers to bounce ideas around.

When did you know you were a writer?

I realized I was a writer in elementary school. For as long as I can remember, I have loved nature and its beauty and wonder. I learned that not only could I behold the beauty of nature, but I could write about nature. I began to combine my passion for nature and writing together! My love affair for words began!  I started writing poetry, short stories, and now a children’s book!

 What is your writing and revisions process?

My writing and revision process is to carve out quiet time in the mornings to write and meditate for at least 30 minutes daily.  I have found many ideas flood my mind early in the morning. I finally understand the phrase, "The early bird gets the worm."

What are you working on next?

I am working on another children’s picture book.  I decided to create a series from my first book, Together with Dad. It will be the second book in the Together Series.  It will feature Andy with his mom experiencing new adventures. Stay tuned!

A little bit about the book…

The book takes young readers on captivating adventures filled with colorful scenery and interesting characters. Andy and his dad engage in various activities throughout the week. The book has child-centered language and exciting activities, introducing teachable moments where children will learn days of the week, big and small quantities, and social-emotional interactions. This book will empower young minds, teaching them life lessons that will follow them through their lives, inspire them to dream, explore, and always be uniquely themselves. My goal is that my books convey the importance of family, legacy, and literature.

A little bit about the author…

P.J. is an author and women's rights advocate. She proudly holds her Master of Business Administration Degree, but her greatest passion is and will always be children - especially teaching and working with them. She has been a part of a family-owned child-care business for over 30 years, and that is why she decided to start writing children's books. ​

 In 2020 P.J. started the Fueling Purpose clothing line to inspire people to engage with daily activities that ignite or fuel their lives with purpose. She promotes the importance that books play to help fuel purposes in the lives of her readers. She donates 5% of sales to the non-profit organization First Book.org which has distributed more than 200 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income communities in all 50 states and provinces in Canada. 

 

​She is an avid traveler who loves looking at nature and the wonders of the world. In her free time, P.J. loves to cook and bake. She also has a YouTube channel that promotes the importance of children reading books by featuring read-aloud stories from various children’s authors. She resides with her family and dog Milo.

Watch the short book trailer here:

Social media contacts:

Website: pjbassbooks.com

Facebook: pjbassbooks

Where to find the book:

It will be available on June 17, 2021 on Amazon.

If you have a Book Birthday coming up, email cjbarshaw523@aol.com to start the process of a Birthday Celebration.

 

Eliminate the Buts by Karen Bell-Brege

 

What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do. – Timothy Ferriss

You want to create, but… (and there’s that ‘but’) there are so many excuses not to. Here are a few of the biggies, along with some ways to help you move past the ‘but’s’ toward following your goals and dreams.  

But I can’t help feeling overwhelmed… 

You dream of writing or illustrating a children’s book. It’s something you’ve wanted to do for, well, maybe as long as you can remember. If you recently attended the SCBWI-Michigan Spring Conference ‘Your Story Start to Finish’ you may have come away completely inspired to put your pencil to paper, fingers to the keyboard, brush to canvas or voice to recorder – whatever works for you to get your magnificent creative thoughts, words or sketches out. On the flip-side you may have come away disillusioned. Some of the stats were overwhelming. You may have heard agent Maria Vicente say she averages about 2000 query letters a month, and she’s still going through her inbox of submissions from October – and those are submissions she had requested! Other stats we’ve heard about, are those that are published it took them 2999 submissions to 900 agents and 42 years to get published. What? Seriously? No, but kind of…

Daunting, isn’t it? You may feel like everyone and their brother, and his brother and their half-brother from another mother, and distant cousin want to write or illustrate a book. That’s probably true... But they aren’t you. Somebody is going to get those publishing deals – so WHY NOT YOU?

A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms. – Zen Shin

But what if it’s no good? 

We all know we’re unique little flowers (yes guys, you too). Each and every one of us has irreplaceable, diverse talents we bring to the world. Therefore, if you have an undying urge, a nagging, no matter what you do it won’t go away and it always resurfaces – then it’s your calling. Plain and simple. You can no longer ignore it, you can’t bury it under a rug, or try to put it out of your mind, because you know it will come back. The tiny little voice reminding you that this is something you want to do, you need to do, so you have to do it. There’s no way around it. It’s the law of the universe. You have to share your special talent with the world.

Genius is 1% percent inspiration and 99 % percent perspiration. – Thomas Edison

But the competition is so fierce…

Please ask yourself, ‘Where isn’t it?’ Where on this planet, for anyone who wants to accomplish anything, is it not competitive? There’s not one profession that doesn’t have unlimited competition, especially in the arts – actors, dancers, comedians, artists, writers, directors, producers, and equally in sports, for inventors, even You Tubers. It doesn’t matter what it is, it’s in anything worth doing. That’s part of the dream. It’s the way the universe tests you to see if you’re serious. This wonderful message came across loud and clear from some of the conference presenters – don’t give up, don’t compare yourself to others, don’t take your Barbie and go home (okay, maybe they didn’t say anything about Barbie). Hang in there, build the best damn dollhouse you can and share it with the world. There will be one agent or editor who sees your vision and you connect with. They’re out there for you. Because you’re never given a dream without being able to make it happen. Another rule of the universe. 

You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending. – C. S. Lewis

But I can’t do it…

How many times have you started, and then you stop? You know there’s laundry to do, the dog needs to be let out, the deck needs to be painted, you have to find a Goat Yoga class, you need a cookie. You were off to a great start, then you made excuses. But there are little signs that will encourage you to keep going, if you look for them. Maybe you see or hear your name somewhere, and then the word writer or artist shows up shortly after. Maybe a song comes on the radio about following your dreams or being strong. Did you see or hear the signs? If you ignore them, then you are ignoring what you’re meant to do. Your dreams are calling out to you, luring you to pursue your passion. Don’t ignore the signs. They’re telling you to do whatever it takes. Whether you need to have someone tie you to a chair, or you need to lock yourself in a room with a ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ sign, or maybe it’s by promising yourself a treat (Mmmm… ice cream). Do whatever it takes.

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. – T. S. Eliot

But I don’t know how…

Then reach out. You are a member of this wonderful organization. There is so much information, so many writing and critique groups, from motivation and guidance to actual ‘how to.’ Our SCBWI-MI leaders (Carrie & Jodi) and numerous volunteers have years of experience, and they are always here for you. Just go to https://michigan.scbwi.org/for-members-only/ for unlimited resources. Join the MichKids Listserv, read the wonderful Mitten blog posts – (oh, wait, you are!). Our magnificent leaders will tell you if they can do it, you can do it. This wonderful quote from Barb Rosentock at the conference should inspire you, “Publishing is a business and the way you get through the challenge is by time and effort. It’s not magic, there is no magic involved.”

The only magic that you have to believe in, is the magic of yourself.   I know people who started out creating for only five minutes a day. Start with those teeny-tiny steps, something doable – not overwhelming. Set a timer, guaranteed you will turn it off and keep going.

To succeed in life, you need two things ignorance and confidence. – Mark Twain

But what will I do with my work? 

There are so many avenues to getting your work out into the world. Whether traditional publishing or self-publishing, find what’s best for you. Don’t give up. Do this for you, because you have to. Don’t be one of those people in old age who has one regret of something they didn’t do. Take it from Scotty P, “NO RAGRETS” not even in his spelling (from the kid in the movie We’re the Millers). This is your calling. It’s in your DNA. The world needs your creative genius, plus you need to do this for you. Now enough ‘buts’…except for the one you’re going to put in your chair.

Karen Bell-Brege is an author, comic, voice-over artist and public speaker. She (along with her illustrator husband Darrin) is the Michigan Reading Association’s 2021 Gwen Frostic Award Winner. Karen is also the author of 14 bestselling children’s books, both picture books and chapter. She has also written for the MEAPS and ELAP tests, and did copywriting for numerous companies. She has done voice-overs for Hasbro and Universal. She is also a Telly Award recipient. Karen’s motto is, if it’s not fun then what’s the point? As a team, Karen and Darrin collaborate on numerous projects, and they love to make people laugh. They have a very creative son they adore, and they happily live, love, and laugh in the mitten. And, on occasion, Karen has been known to tie herself to her chair.

Learn more at https://karenanddarrin.com/.

Hugs and Hurrahs

 Summer is here! As kids (and teachers and parents) across Michigan celebrate the end of a very unusual school year, I’m happy to be able to celebrate some good news from some of our members.

 

Tracy Bilen’s YA romantic thriller, WHISPER (Mirette), came out on May 8, 2021. You can see the book trailer here.

How thrilling, Tracy!

Neal Levin’s poem “When Midas Met Medusa” was included in THE BEST EVER BOOK OF FUNNY POEMS, a children’s poetry anthology edited by Brian Moses (Macmillan Children’s Books). His rhyming story “Billy McBeal and the Best Part of Art” was published in the May/June issue of Spider, his poem “Rain Music” was published in the April 2021 issue of Babybug, and his short story/tall tale “Breakfast in Fastbreak” was published in the April 2021 issue of Spider. Two of his poems, “Cats across the Internet” and “Family Reunion,” were published in the May 2021 issue of the literary journal Better than Starbucks.

Wow, Neal!

Leah Rose Kessler’s debut picture book, RAT FAIR, illustrated by Cleonique Hilsaca and published by POW! Kids Books, is coming out Tuesday, June 29, 2021.

That’s exciting, Leah!

Diane Telgen, a former MichKid now living in Tennessee, wrote a book about Michigan that debuted in May: THE GHOSTLY TALES OF MICHIGAN’S HAUNTED LIGHTHOUSES. Signed copies are available to order on her website.

Yay, Diane!

Kinyel Friday’s book SWIM LIKE THE FISHES, illustrated by Robert Roberson, Jr., comes out on June 15.

That’s fabulous, Kinyel!

Baxter Bramatti’s second self-published picture book, SHADOW SONGS (illustrated by Taylor J. Graham), will be released on June 15. It's a rhyming fantasy tale about a girl who awakes to a mysterious melody coming from a nearby forest. Guided by fireflies, she searches for the source of the sound, but what she sees in the forest might not be what they seem.

How fantastic, Baxter!

Kristin Bartley Lenz (the editor of THE MITTEN) received an honorable mention for her work-in-progress, NEXUS: A NOVEL, in the Springfed Arts 2021 Writing Contest judged by Jacquelyn Mitchard. The New York Times published one of her poems for a special April Poetry Month feature on the theme of renewal. Poems could only be a maximum of 15 words! 

That’s amazing, Kristin! 

Lisa Wheeler’s newest books, SOMEONE BUILDS THE DREAM, illustrated by Loren Long (Dial/Penguin) has received starred reviews from Kirkus, The Horn Book, and Publisher’s Weekly. The book honors the hard work and dedication of folks in the skilled trades as well as laborers, the working class, and the blue collar people who keep our world running. Named an Amazon Best of the Month as well as a Kids Indie Next Pick, it was on the Indie Bestseller List for over a month. What a DREAM come true!

Yes, that sounds like a dream come true, Lisa!

Kat Harrison's sophomore picture book MIGRAINE AND MIA will be released this fall by Warren Publishing Inc.. Illustrated by Lisbon-based artist Marusha Belle, the story explores a migraine attack through the five senses.

I’m so happy for you, Kat!

Cindy Williams Schrauben is now represented by Hannah Mann of Writer's House Literary. Her debut picture book THIS COULD BE YOU will be published in April 2022 by Cardinal Rule Press.

That’s great news, Cindy!

 

That’s it for this time! Have a great summer, everyone! Please send your good news for the next Hugs and Hurrahs post to sarah.prusoff.locascio@gmail.com.

Writer Spotlight: Celeste Turner Creates Reading Superheroes

Charlie Barshaw coordinates our quarterly Writer Spotlight feature and interviews writers of SCBWI-MI. In this piece, meet Celeste Turner, who uses her teaching superpower to connect children to books and superheroes.

On Growing Up in Detroit, the Transformative Power of 1st Grade, Comic Books, a Drawing Pad, and Backyard Sitting

What was life like for you growing up?

I was born and raised in Detroit. I had lots of friends growing up that are still in my life today. We would play outside, go to the local library, and spend the weekends walking around the neighborhood. As a kid I would make up stories to tell my friends, family, pets, or anyone that would listen.

Who influenced you to pursue reading, writing and education?

My mother and father encouraged me to read. My father would let me read the newspaper and my mother made sure I knew how to use the local library.  Our home had an encyclopedia set which I enjoyed reading too.

As a kid I started writing to record the stories I would make up and then add new things along the way. It was my alone time.

After getting my bachelor’s degree in business a friend told me Detroit Public Schools was hiring substitute teachers, so I applied. They were looking for elementary people, so I started with the Reading Recovery Program under a mentor teacher. They paid for me to get a teaching certificate and my master’s degree.   

You were a teacher for 25 years. What do you remember about your first year in the classroom?

I remember all the support given to me by seasoned teachers. I had a mentor that showed me a lot. I was taught to be patient, but in control. That was hard because you want children to like you. I remember reading Marva Collins’ Way by Marva Collins. I wanted to be the best teacher possible and she believed all children could learn regardless of the circumstances.  

 Which grades did you teach? What student age is your favorite?

I taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th graders.  My favorite was the 1st grade because you got to see a real transformation. They come to you knowing letters and some sight words in the beginning of the school year. Then suddenly in the spring you notice them reading picture books independently. The children are connecting the pictures to the text and decoding. It is a privilege to be there when that magic happens for a child.  I always made sure picture books were available in my classroom library for borrowing.

You were a Facilitator for the Meadow Brook Writing Project. What were the goals of that project? What were the successes?

I started with the MBWP through their Invitational Summer Institute, a professional development program for teachers that also write. We developed writing units to implement at schools and produced an anthology, In the Company of Writers. From that I spent several years as a writing facilitator for Youth Summer Writing Camps held at the historic Meadow Brook Hall. I highly recommend MBWP Summer Institute for educators that enjoy writing.

You created the Boys, Books and Superheroes Reading Program. What is it all about?

Two friends and I created Boys, Books & Superheroes in response to a grant offered by My Brother’s Keeper Detroit (MBK).  BB&S program provides 3rd grade African American boys with resources to build sustained reading habits through book club activities.  BB&S combines graphic novels, comics, and action/adventure/sports genre books to give boys a variety of reading choices.  They hold book discussions and make book commercials/trailers.   

For the BB&S book club, it is not all about reading comic books and graphic novels. What are some of the other activities you offer?

In BB&S the boys make their own comic books with the help of an art teacher. They create and draw superheroes & nemesis characters and settings.  Past groups turned their drawings into animation shorts. The boys earn comic books after completing the weekly activities. We give them another set of books at the end to help build an at-home library.

And now you're offering a "Girls, Books and Superheroes" program this Spring. 

The Girls, Books & Superheroes is a new program.  I was doing a girls book club at school last year, then COVID 19 came. Since I had the materials we added the girls book club under the boys umbrella as a prototype.  The girls are enjoying the format, so we may see more for them in the future.  

How did you find SCBWI? Has it been helpful in your writing career?

I found SCBWI 10 years ago when I was looking for resources to understand the children’s book writing industry and joined for a year. Last year I decided to try it again. Since then, I have attended webinars, conferences, and connected with the MI regional groups. The biggest benefit for me has been the critique groups and shop talk activities with local author/illustrators. I am looking forward to attending the MI Spring Conference.

What are the stories you feel compelled to write?

I want to write stories that tell the various everyday experiences children have. I want them to read my books and recognize themselves in the story from school, friendships, family etc. Picture Books should inspire, help children feel brave and occasionally help them imagine a different outcome in life.   

What is your writing process? How do you take a wisp of an idea to a more developed story?

Lately, I have been outlining my stories in a drawing pad that was being wasted. Creating the story shape that comes to mind for the idea I get.  My initial thoughts are usually plot driven and I see the whole story in my head. Then I jot down notes filling in more details about the characters, problem, and solution.  This is used to create my draft and do revisions. I am tinkering with different types of checklist for revision.

What are you working on now?

Currently I am working on a possible picture book series about a 7-year-old boy named Amobi who has moved from Nigeria to the U.S. The stories center around how his family helps him through the experiences at his new school. Amobi’s American Spelling Bee & Amobi’s 100th School Day are the working titles.

I am also doing a program called Storyteller Academy.  It provides courses that help you with the craft of storytelling for children’s books. I have created several new manuscripts since joining.  

What do you most look forward to when the quarantine ends?

I look forward to sitting in the backyards of family and friends this summer.  Filling the space with laughter, chatter, and storytelling.  

Follow Celeste on Instagram and Twitter

If you know a member of Michigan's SCBWI who'd be a great interview, email cjbarshaw523@aol.com and give me their contact information. 

Gratitude, Leadership, and a Call to Action from Isabel Estrada O'Hagin, the 2021 SCBWI Tribute Fund Awardee

This February, our Regional Advisors, Jodi McKay and Carrie Pearson, congratulated me on

being named the recipient of the 2021 SCBWI’s Tribute Fund Award. A complete surprise, I was

honored to receive this recognition and thought there were many others who deserved this

award. Being a volunteer means it’s a team effort and that someone else has been doing the

groundwork (more on this later) and for that I am grateful. Thank you, Michigan friends, for all

your well wishes posted on social media!

It’s been a joy to be a member of SCBWI and to serve as a volunteer. Getting the Equity & Inclusion Team off the ground in 2019 and serving as the Team Leader these past 18 months has been challenging yet rewarding. Some of the projects we worked on include the Members For Members

Scholarship Award, the Books With Barbers book drive, and the E & I Corner blog. Another aspect of my volunteer work has been to re-establish the Kalamazoo Area Shop Talks (KAST) with Melanie Bryce. We have enjoyed engaging our community and supporting our local members. 

Being part of the SCBWI-MI Leadership Team has been a real eye-opener, too. You probably already know this... it’s a group of super people who in their humility hide their masks and capes and the big “V” on their leotards. In all these roles one of my greatest joys is getting to know other people who love kidlit!

According to Carrie and Jodi, the SCBWI Tribute Fund commemorates members of the

children’s book community, their lives, and their work by funding all-expense scholarships to

the SCBWI International Summer and Winter Conferences for the general membership. The

nominations are made by the region and the awardees are determined by our headquarters. I

was fortunate to have been included in a group that includes volunteer extraordinaire, Charlie

Barshaw, who received this award in 2014.

From Charlie...

I began my journey with SCBWI in 2009, years after my wife, Ruth, went to a New York conference with an empty sketchbook and came back inspired to create Ellie McDoodle. Soon after I joined the

SCBWI-MI Advisory Committee (the former Ad Com) and helped to put together conferences. 

In 2011, Leslie Helakoski asked me to promote a program called “Networks Day,” when local

groups of SCBWI members would gather to network and get to know each other. In 2012, I

promoted it as “Your Area’s Got Talent,” and by January of 2013, writer Michelle Bradford

convinced me to work with her to create a monthly group in Lansing called the “Mid-Michigan

Meet Up.” In September of that year, former RA Ann Finkelstein took over to co-host our

meetings. Soon, other regions of the state formed their own “Meet-Ups” which over the years

morphed into “Shop Talks.”

In the intervening years I’ve helped run two conferences at Mackinac Island, and I’ve

interviewed editors, agents, illustrators and more writers, veteran and just-starting out, than

you can shake a pen at for The Mitten Blog. And I’ve met the kinds of generous and talented

people who populate SCBWI-MI. It was an honor to receive the Tribute Fund Award, but the

real honor has been working with the extraordinary creative talent here in Michigan.

Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Charlie. How many times have you heard that folks

in SCBWI-Michigan are a friendly, supportive bunch? Volunteering is a team sport. It is good

work that can leave you feeling satisfied to know you made a difference in supporting the

efforts of other creatives within our organization. Whether you’re an organizer, a presenter, an

educator, a tech-savvy guru, or an all-hands-on-deck volunteer, we all gain when we take the

time to lend a hand and become involved.

Take a minute to think about where your strengths lie and how you can share them with others

to make SCBWI Michigan a better team. Volunteer—find the time—the returns are great.

Will you join our team of volunteers? Let’s do some good work together!

Storyteller Isabel O’Hagin (Ph.D.), writing as Ysabel Estrada, has been a member of SCBWI since 2013. As a pre-published author, she writes stories steeped in Latino culture based in the southwest where she lived most of her life. She has written two middle-grade novels, several picture books and is currently working on a YA novel. In 2018 she was recognized as a runner-up in the SCBWI-MI Novel Mentorship Contest. Her publication credits include teacher education articles, book chapters in early childhood music, and serving as the editor for a state education journal.

SCBWI-MI welcomes new volunteers for ongoing and occasional needs! Read more and find a link to the volunteer form. 

Coming up on the Mitten Blog this summer:

A Writer Spotlight, Ask the Editor, E&I Corner, and our quarterly Hugs and Hurrahs! We want to trumpet your good news! To be included, please email your writing/illustrating/publishing news to Sarah LoCascio by June 8th.

Congrats to the 2021 Members for Members Scholarship Winners!

 

Last year, the SCBWI-MI E&I Team sponsored our first-ever Members for Members Scholarship Awards to support inclusivity in children's literature. The scholarship awards a one-year SCBWI membership to a Michigan writer or illustrator. Thanks to generous donations from our members and community we were able to continue the tradition in 2021 by funding four more scholarships! We asked the winners to tell us what they're working on, what they're looking forward to, and how the SCBWI membership will help their author or illustrator journey. Meet the awardees below!

Orezime Uyeh

What I’m Working On…

I am currently working on a teacher’s guide and a coloring/activity book for my children’s picture book, “Girls For Medicine.”

 

What I’m Looking Forward to…

With my SCBWI membership, I look forward to attending various webinars, workshops and conferences. I am excited to interact with other indie authors in my region and get really helpful advice on getting my book(s) out there.

 

How the SCWBI membership will help my author-illustrator journey…

Being a SCBWI member will motivate me to take my writing and illustrations to another level! This membership will allow me to finally explore my interest in creating chapter books and graphic novels for kids. I cannot wait to learn more from other SCBWI members who are experts in these book formats.

Ann Dallman

As for what I'm working on? Well, this past year (and my mother's death) slowed me down a bit. I am almost through with the first draft of my second book about Cady, continuing where Cady and the Bear Necklace left off. It's really weird but I hear her voice when I'm writing so I'm working at her pace, that of a 13-year-old girl. Sometimes I want to keep going but it's as if I hear her say, "Nope, that's enough for today."

I appreciate the scholarship very much as it allows me to continue as a member of SCBWI. I am delighted and thrilled to be a member of this fantastic organization and have even brought in two new members! I have learned so much through their postings and, pre-pandemic, through area meet-ups. It's just an outstanding group.

How does it help me on my writing journey? SCBWI provides almost daily encouragement through its emails, postings and online conferences. I love it!

Amy O’Hanlon

Hello! I'm Amy and I am an author and illustrator passionate about creating introspective and empathetic stories that incorporate my love of fantasy and magical realism as well as my experiences as a mixed race person.  

Thank you SCBWI Michigan for the Members 4 Members scholarship. SCBWI has been an integral part of my journey and I am grateful to be able to continue to learn and grow from this community, especially as the interest and opportunities for graphic novels increase!

PJ Bass

I am working on a children's picture book depicting a week of fun-filled activities between an African American father and his son. I am looking forward to the SCBWI membership to cultivate and further enhance my writing and the outcomes it creates. I am convinced that social interactions between creatives can only be a mutually enriching and beneficial experience. I remain open to learning as a mentor and inspiring new authors.

Congrats again to the awardees! SCBWI and our Michigan chapter offer numerous scholarships throughout the year. Learn more at:

https://www.scbwi.org/awards-and-grants-new/

and

https://michigan.scbwi.org/2021/01/13/scbwi-mi-scholarship-opportunities/

While you're on our SCBWI-MI website, explore the calendar on the home page to stay current on upcoming events. You can also find time-limited recordings to previous webinars such as this one from Dave Stricklen: How to Rock Your School Visits.