ABC (Authors, Books, and Children) Program: A Heartfelt Thank You by Jodi McKay

March Reading Month is just about over and WHOA were we busy! We have had book deals and book birthdays, we’ve added authors to our PAL list, we visited schools near and far, and the PALs came together in an incredible way to give our books and time to Carsten’s Academy of Aquatic Science, a K-8 school in Detroit as part of our ABC (Authors, Books, and Children) Program. I’d like to speak a bit about this program, if you don’t mind, as it is something that I think highlights how amazing our SCBWI-MI PALs are.

The ABC Program was created to provide children in underfunded and under-resourced schools the opportunity to read a wide variety of books and to have the ability to connect with books and authors in a way that may not have been available to them otherwise. We accomplished this by donating almost 90 books from PALs all over Michigan, by donating free 20 min. Skype visits with the 1st-4th grade classes, and by holding a reading contest that resulted in three readers winning a Skype session with Lori Taylor who sketched them and will be including their likenesses as characters in her next book, HOLLY WILD: MOTOR CITY MAYHEM (out this May!). The winners of the contest will also receive fossils from Sleeping Bear Dunes, sketch-and-color books, and copies of book 5 of Holly Wild when it comes out. This was our first year with the ABC Program and it was an incredible experience!

As the PAL coordinator it is my job to find ways for authors to market and sell their books, so I can’t tell you how moved I was with the response to the ABC program. Don’t get me wrong, I know how generous our authors are so I wasn’t surprised that many jumped on board, but when my inbox flooded with “count me in’s” and the books started piling up in my office, I have to say that my heart felt full and my eyes may have watered a few times.

I really can’t thank you enough and I know the school feels the same way:
“Carstens' students really enjoyed the Skype interviews with the authors. The authors' love for writing was contagious and has the students excited about reading and writing books of their own. I’d like to thank you for reaching out to our school with this opportunity.” –Katie Burton (Carsten’s school counselor)

Your generosity it appreciated more than you know. I am so proud to be part of our community. SCBWI-MI rocks!

Jodi McKay lives in Grosse Pointe, Michigan with her husband, son, and a couple of furry friends. She discovered that she loved to write when she was 8 years old, but decided to finish school before pursuing it full time. Now she is an active member of the incredible kid lit community and is proud to be represented by Linda Epstein at Emerald City Literary Agency. Jodi is the author of the picture book, WHERE ARE THE WORDS? published by Albert Whitman & Co. Learn more at her website (look for the teacher's guide!), and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.








Coming up on the Mitten blog: A new Featured Illustrator and another round of Hugs and Hurrahs! Nina Goebel is working with our surprise illustrator to unveil our new spring blog banner, and Patti Richards is collecting your writing/illustrating/publishing news. Please email your good news to Patti by April 9th to be included. Don't be shy, we're inspired by your success!

Are you registered for the SCBWI-MI Spring Conference? Don't delay!

https://michigan.scbwi.org/2018/02/11/unearth-your-funny-bone-getting-serious-about-writing-humor/

It's almost time to apply for the first of SCBWI-MI's two 2018 novel mentorship programs. The submission window for the PAL mentorship with Leslie Connor opens April 2nd-23rd. Read our interview with mentor Leslie Connor here.







Calling all illustrators! Are you signed up for the 4 Out the Door postcard challenge? Learn more here.

The 2018 SCBWI Winter Conference in New York - Takeaways From First-Time Attendees

In early February, a small group of SCBWI-MI members traveled to New York for the SCBWI Annual Winter Conference. Attending this large, two-day conference is a special opportunity, and we asked a few of our members to share their experience with us. Read on for brief takeaways from Meline Scheidel, Emily Vander Ark, and Heather Shumaker - all first-time NY conference attendees.

Meline Scheidel:
The Golden Kite Awards
I dressed in a flashy gold sequined sweater and cherished the fact I was able to attend. The ballroom buzzed with excitement and anticipation. The ceiling glowed gold along with the celebrities and the guests of the evening. Being in the company of talented award winners, along with hundreds of like-minded peers is the epitome of pure elation. Life doesn’t get much better for a writer.

My Three Master Class Experiences
1. Showmanship for Introverts

• Present with confidence
• Hold attention of your audience
• Creative ideas - props, skits, and advertising

2. How Voice Makes the Character

• Book examples of powerful voice
• Why soft voice works too
• Interactive prompts

3. All You Need to Know about a Picture Book 

• When an award winning author of over 350 books, talks – we listened and took notes.
• When the presenter’s successful daughter spoke about how to fix a manuscript that isn’t working – writers listened and took notes.

I recognized the winning of the Shutta Crum scholarship, along with SCBWI-MI’s generosity, to be a personal sign. I was meant to be in NY for a reason. There were more signs. The caterpillar and butterfly mosaics in the subway brought an immediate thought. That’s a perfect icon for the SCBWI. A reminder of how far we’ve all come and that there is magnificence about to emerge in our future. The dragonfly mural touched my soul. The manuscript I brought in hopes of some attention is about a dragonfly nymph - metamorphosis.

I’m forever grateful for this inspiring incredible experience. I will one day pay it forward.

Meline Scheidel is from the Metro Detroit area, holds three diplomas from the Institute of Children’s Literature and is an active member of SCBWI attending conferences annually. She is the Vice President of the Shiawassee Area Writers group and is the author of two blogs. She writes for a variety of magazines and has one book published, THIS SIGN WAS MINE, a YA/Adult novel under the pen name of Patti Rae Fletcher. Follow her blog at https://writingnaturally.wordpress.com/.






Emily Vander Ark:
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into SCBWI’s annual winter conference in New York. Would it feel like a close-knit community full of camaraderie, like the Michigan conference I attended last fall? Would it be craft focused and inspiring like my MFA program’s low-residency weeks? Or would it be something new entirely? I looked forward to a closer look at the publishing side of the industry.

When my flight from Chicago was canceled just a few hours before takeoff, my weekend of travel woes had just begun. But every person I interacted with at the conference was friendly and engaging, making the adventure more than worth it. While there were craft-focused sessions due to a new format for the conference (I was so excited to attend a session led by Gail Carson Levine!), there was also a sense of writing as the business that it is. Agent and editor panels were full of helpful information and submission tips, but the highlight for me was a 5-page group critique with Arthur A. Levine! Feedback from that level, even on just 5 pages, proved insightful and illuminating.  I’m quite pleased that I took the opportunity to attend, and looking forward to how I might make use of new tools and ideas in future writing endeavors.

Emily Vander Ark lives in Southwest Michigan where she teaches writing at a community college. She is seeking representation for a middle-grade novel, and this was her first trip to SCBWI New York. 
















Heather Shumaker:
Being at a big conference like NY is like being in a huge roomful of kindred spirits. Everyone’s friendly. Besides the regular sessions, which included some on-fire, outstanding ones, there’s the moments you don’t expect. These unexpected moments are what attending a conference is all about. There’s an energy in the air that makes good things happen. For me, that was meeting a new critique partner who I can tell is going to be a new writing friend for life. And hearing Jane Yolen speak and inspire. Getting insights from panels of agents and editors. And smiling in surprise when a fellow author offered to blurb my next book. I even learned a new way to say S-C-B-W-I. The Australians pronounce it “Swihbie” and the British members call it “Scoobie.” Now that rolls off the tongue!

Heather Shumaker, first time NY conference attendee and author of the upcoming MG book THE GRIFFINS OF CASTLE CARY (Simon & Schuster, spring 2019). Heather is also the author of three adult titles: IT'S OK NOT TO SHARE, IT'S OKAY TO GO UP THE SLIDE, and SAVING ARCADIA. Learn more at www.heathershumaker.com.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us Meline, Emily, and Heather! More NY conference fun:
This year, SCBWI-MI expanded on Shutta Crum's generosity, and two scholarship winners were selected. Congrats again to Meline Scheidel and Betsy McKee! Here they are with our Regional Advisors, Leslie Helakoski and Carrie Pearson. Photo bombing by Lisa Rose! 😜

More Michigan congrats: Jack Cheng's novel, SEE YOU IN THE COSMOS, was the 2018 Golden Kite Award winner for Middle-Grade Fiction. Jack was presented with the award at the Golden Kite Gala at the NY conference.

Cheers, Jack!

Registration is now open for our SCBWI-MI spring conference in Detroit. Many of our past conferences have sold out - don't delay! Learn more and register here.

https://michigan.scbwi.org/2018/02/11/unearth-your-funny-bone-getting-serious-about-writing-humor/

Path to Promotion: a Six-Week Online Book Publicity Course by Deb Gonzales

Author Deb Gonzales wears many hats and helps our SCBWI-MI members in countless ways. She manages our chapter website, volunteers at events, creates reader guides, and now she's begun a new adventure: a six week online book publicity course. Here's Deb to tell us more about why and how she created this course.

Tell us about the online course you’re putting together. 
I’m so glad you asked! I’m having so much fun putting it together!

It’s called Path to Promotion: A Six-Week Online Book Publicity Course. It’s an online collaborative program designed to share promotional information and techniques, to guide in the publicity preparation process, and to clarify steps required to create an affordable marketing platform that is personal, authentic, and professionally sound.  Throughout the course, we’ll explore topics such as podcasting, the school/library market, creating a digital footprint, and others.  At the end, participants will receive a Path to Promotion Publicity Planner packed with graphics and guides to assist in the quest to make a splash in the world.

What inspired you to create a course like this? 
For lots of reasons! One is that, at long last, going to be a debut author! My book comes out in the spring of 2019. (Hip, hip hooray!) Like a good little soldier, I’ve been working on a publicity platform, discovering tons of neat ways to let folks know about the book and myself. However, I discovered that, though I’ve been very active in the Kid Lit industry for a long time, I feel somewhat ill-prepared to promote my book. Surprisingly, I’ve learned that I should have been doing a lot more of this stuff when I first became serious of becoming a published author! Yipes! I’m feeling major overwhelm! And then, it occurred to me – if I feel this way, then others might, too.

I have a vision of what I’d like my publicity campaign to look like. I know I’ll need to utilize social media in creative and authentic ways to make that happen. I’m very interested in developing a sense of community with readers, as well as the folks I’ve been honored to create teacher guides for. I want to know how to make a solid connection with the school/library market. And, while I’m blessed to have tremendous support from my publisher, I’m fully aware that they have other authors that deserve their attention, too. I desire all these things, and yet I have limited funds and time to devote to developing this campaign. Where should I start? I need a plan. Set some practical, affordable, and achievable goals. Devise a strategy by asking guidance from professionals who know what to do. Take some action! That’s what Path to Promotion: A Six-Week Online Book Publicity Course is all about.

Why an online course instead of a conference workshop? 
I’ll tell you a little secret. I’m addicted to learning. I love taking online courses. Love them! I love the fact that I can access affordable and enlightening content whenever I want. I choose topics that stretch my mind, stuff that makes me think about life in interesting ways. I’ve explored minimalism and meditation, nutrition and crafting e-newsletters, productivity practices and organic gardening, not to mention scads and scads of writing workshops.  I love to follow my instructors via social media to see what they’re up to.  If I’m lucky, they might offer a new course I’d be interested in taking, or (Here’s the deep, dark secret part. Shhhh. Don’t judge.) I simply watch their introductory first session! And, webinars? Oh, gosh. Don’t get me started.

My online-course-taking addiction began five years ago, during my first long, cold Michigan winter. Here’s how it happened. Our previous home in Texas was big and way too cluttered. Yet, we schlepped a ponderous pile with us when we moved. The house in Michigan we ultimately bought was considerably smaller than our Texas home. We were in a ponderous pile pickle. So, I searched the internet for downsizing tips and found Courtney Carver’s course A Simple Year.  That’s when my addiction began. Blame it on Courtney.

I’ve been studying how online courses are put together for quite some time. Like the formatting of a novel or a textbook, these courses are structured in similar ways. While doing so, I kept thinking that our Kid Lit community would benefit from courses like these, yet I was not quite certain how to put it together. Currently, I’m working with an online instructional group who are guiding me in the creation of the Path to Promotion: A Six-Week Online Book Publicity Course. I’m learning so much, I’m giddy! It’s going to be awesome!

Where can people find more about your course? 
Oh, lots of places! Naturally, folks can email me at debbadee5@gmail.com. I’m more than happy to field any questions they may have. Also, there’s tons of information about the Path to Promotion on my website at www.debbiegonzales.com. I’ve also been posting regularly on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I’m about to venture out and post on LinkedIn after…you guessed it…I hunt around the internet for tips, or maybe (If I’m very lucky!) an online course, describing how to do it effectively. 

Debbie Gonzales is a career educator, curriculum consultant, former school administrator and adjunct professor, and once served as a SCBWI RA for the Austin Chapter. Deb currently devotes her time to writing middle grade novels, crafting teacher guides and various other freelance projects. She's the author of six “transitional” readers for New Zealand publisher, Giltedge, and the forthcoming non-fiction picture book PLAY LIKE A GIRL: THE ROAD TO BREAKING BARRIERS AND BASHING RECORDS (Charlesbridge, 2019). A transplanted Texan, Debbie now calls beautiful Ann Arbor, Michigan home where she lives with her husband John and spunky pup, Missy. Deb earned her MFA in writing for children and young adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Coming up on the Mitten blog: The PAL ABC (Authors, Books, and Children) program, a recap of the NY conference from Michigan attendees, the resonant roar of quiet stories, and a round-up of SCBWI-MI member blogs. (Do you have an active kidlit blog? Send an email to Charlie Barshaw to let him know.) Plus, another round of Hugs and Hurrahs! Please send your writing/illustrating/publishing good news to Patti Richards by March 26th to be included.

Registration for the SCBWI-MI spring conference in Detroit is now open!

https://michigan.scbwi.org/2018/02/11/unearth-your-funny-bone-getting-serious-about-writing-humor/

Illustration Process: Creating the Pokagon Retreat Logo by Sara Kendall

When Kirbi Fagan and Deb Pilutti approached me with the opportunity to create an illustration for the SCBWI Pokegon Writers and Illustrators Retreat, I jumped at the chance! The prompt was very broad, with a light suggestion towards something nature-themed, so I would get free-reign to create whatever my little heart desired. Here’s how my little heart did just that.

Step 1: Ideating!

It’s often the case that the broader an assignment is, the more difficult it is to narrow my ideas down. But in this case, I zeroed in on the idea of writers and illustrators on vacation in the wilderness pretty quickly. But how to show that these two random people I was drawing having fun in the woods were a writer and an illustrator?

I could depict them with the stereotypical tools of their trade (an easel, a fancy quill pen) but that seemed kind of clunky, and not as indicative of the “having fun” part of the retreat. Plus, I would have to pick what kind of person exemplified an illustrator and which exemplified a writer, and I didn’t want to exclude any gender or race from being either one of these things! Agh—anxiety!

But! What if there were people the viewer could immediately look at and recognize as an artist and a writer?  Then they could do whatever fun things they wanted without cluttering up the painting, and it would get the idea across quicker.


Step 2: Thumbnails!

So I had to think of two people who personify art and writing. When I think of writing I think of Shakespeare. Everyone knows what he looks like, plus he’s got a fun collar. But for art, I had some difficulty. I needed someone recognizable, so it had to be someone who did a lot of self-portraits. But I’m familiar with a lot of artists that people who didn’t go to art school might not know, so it was hard to filter my choices by the likelihood they’d be recognized by someone who wasn’t me. I thought I’d do Van Gogh at first, because everyone knows him, but his story is just so sad, and showing him with that ear bandage really brought the happy-woods-party vibe down. (Even though I thought it would be pretty funny to show him listening to music with only one ear on the headphones like a DJ.)

Here’s my messy, messy proto-thumbnails from the Van Gogh times.

Then I thought of Frida Kahlo! I’d seen the movie Coco, so I knew at least Pixar thought she was well-known enough to make a reference to. (See that movie, people.) Plus, Frida was an awesome lady. Plus plus, this way it wouldn’t just be two white dudes in the woods.

I sent in my final thumbnail to Kirbi and Deb, and after a round of corrections and a flood of expert art direction, arrived at the final value and design.
Before art direction:

Aaaand…final pencils! Plus my color study.

Step 3: Final drawing/Painting!

I usually paint with Acrylic Ink and Casein, on Strathmore 500 series Illustration Board. Acrylic Ink is great for vibrant washes and the flat colors I like, and Casein is a milk-derived paint that I was introduced to at the College for Creative Studies, and that I love to use for rendering. It’s water based and handles like a cross between gouache, oil and delicious, delicious butter.  Handily, it’s rework-able too.

However, this time I added something different to the mix. I’ve been having trouble with the glare I get when scanning in sections with opaque acrylic ink in the darker colors, blue especially. To save myself a lot of trouble, I needed to make it more matte. So I did a lot of experiments and found that the most matte I could make paint was by using some cheap chalk paint.

Its saturation is nowhere near as good as acrylic ink, but I was able to make a much more matte surface by mixing the two together. Incidentally, matte medium disappointed me so severely in my trials that it is now dead to me. Our relationship is now on “I have no son,” terms.

I usually take more in-process photos that this on my phone, so I can see the whole painting developing without walking all the way across the room and squinting.

Here you can see I’ve transferred the final drawing to board, and put down my first Acrylic Ink wash in a yellowish green, which I wanted to be the prevailing color to unify the painting. I’ve started blocking in the flat shapes in acrylic ink, dutifully mixed with chalk paint for the darker colors.

I’ve got the faces in now! I’m following my color study thumbnail religiously here. Whenever I had trouble matching the two up, I would take a quick photo with my phone and adjust the colors in Photoshop until they matched, then make the necessary changes in real life.

Step 4: Scanning and Adjusting!

Using an Epson Expression Graphic Arts Scanner, I scanned the painting in two pieces and and fit it together in Photoshop (it was a little big for the scanner). Then I broke out the clone tool to erase some mistakes, and added a few more layers to make the final adjustments until I was happy that it was reading well, value and color-wise. Lastly, I scanned in some grass shapes I’d made with a brush and ink, adjusted the colors, and added the mirrored shapes to the bottom of the design.
Done!

The amazing type I credit all to Deb Pilutti! I’d like to thank her, and Kirbi Fagan for their art direction and support, as well as getting me word of this amazing project.

I hope all of you will think of visiting the Pokagon Writers and Illustrators Retreat!  If Shakespeare and Frida have anything to say about it, it promises to be a blast.

Sara Kendall was born and raised in southeast Michigan, and earned a BFA in 2017 from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. She is the recipient of the 2018 SCBWI MI mentorship competition, and has been featured in the 2016 Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Competition, the Society of Illustrators West 55 Show, Communication Arts Magazine’s Interactive Annual 23, and the 3x3 International Illustration Annual No. 14 website. When she’s not painting, she enjoys building up a horde of books she will eventually find time to read. See more of her work at http://www.sarakendall.net and find her on Instagram @sarakendall.art. 







Save the date: October 5-7, 2018 (Registration opens August 1st)
SCBWI Michigan & Indiana Writer & Illustrator Retreat, Pokagon State Park, Indiana

Do you want to get away from it all this fall and CREATE? How about some time to RECHARGE with your creative buddies? Would you like some inspiring craft sessions to MOVE FORWARD?

We hear you!

SCBWI Indiana and Michigan are teaming up to provide a weekend creative retreat in beautiful Pokagon State Park. The Park is located in northeast Indiana near Angola and is just off I-69.

The cozy and comfortable Potawatomi Inn Resort and Conference Center within the Park will be the venue for lodging, retreat events, and meals.

This Retreat is designed for writers and illustrators at every level of experience. It will provide a perfect blend of creative time, craft-related sessions, critiques, and socializing/connecting.

Three or four optional craft sessions will be offered on Saturday and Sunday morning. Afternoons will be left open for creating, paid PAL level critiques, and/or optional peer critique groups for writers and illustrators. Optional social events will be held Friday and Saturday evenings.

Fee: $125 SCBWI members, $150 not yet members.

Your investment includes: lunch and dinner on Saturday and lunch on Sunday, all programming, peer critique groups, and socials. Dinner on Friday night and breakfasts both days are available for purchase in the Potawatomi Inn dining room. (Or if you’d rather stay in your pj’s and nibble your own treats in your room, feel free.)

Paid critiques and portfolio reviews by PAL members will be available for purchase in advance of the Retreat.

Lodging: Our negotiated rate for a double room is $89.00 per night plus 12% IN sales tax. Attendees must register by September 4, 2018. After this date, rooms will be released for general sale. All reservations can be made by calling the Inn’s Central Reservations number (877) 563-4371 or through the Inn’s website www.indianainns.com. Use group code 1005SC. Individuals will be responsible for room and incidental charges. To view rooms, click HERE. Note, no pets allowed. A Gate Fee ($7 in state, $9 out of state) will be charged to all parties who have overnight rooms per Pokagon State Park policy.

Do you want to be a presenter? View the Proposal Form HERE. Deadline for submission: April 1, 2018. Announcements of accepted proposals: on or before May 30, 2018. Presenters receive $50 credit towards the retreat fee for each accepted proposal.

Download event schedule HERE!

Are you a PAL member? Do you provide effective critiques or portfolio reviews? View the Paid Critique or Portfolio Review Application Form HERE.

Registration opens August 1, 2018 (But you can apply to provide critiques or portfolio reviews now).


Coming up on the Mitten blog: Stop by next Friday to learn about the Path to Promotion: a six-week online book publicity course. But first, mark your calendars for Thursday March 15th when registration opens for the SCBWI-MI spring conference!

https://michigan.scbwi.org/2018/02/11/unearth-your-funny-bone-getting-serious-about-writing-humor/

Introducing PAL Mentor, Leslie Connor! An interview by Ann Finkelstein

SCBWI-MI is holding two mentorship competitions this year! Both are for novels. The difference between the two mentorships is the eligibility. The mentorship with Leslie Connor is for Published And Listed (PAL) members, and the mentorship with Kelly Barson is for Associate and Full Members (non-PAL).

The submission window for the PAL mentorship is April 2-23, 2018. (That’s soon, and you’ll need a complete draft to apply.)
The submission window for the non-PAL mentorship is June 4-25, 2018. (You have a little more time, but get cracking on that draft anyway.)

Complete submission instructions can be found on the SCBWI-Michigan website.

Both mentorships are going to be fantastic. For questions about eligibility or submissions please contact SCBWI-MI Mentorship Coordinator, Ann Finkelstein.

PAL Mentor, Leslie Connor

Today, we have an interview with our PAL mentor, Leslie Connor. Leslie lives in Connecticut where she is the author of ALL RISE FOR THE HONORABLE PERRY T COOK, CRUNCH, WAITING FOR NORMAL, THE THINGS YOU KISS GOODBYE, DEAD ON TOWN LINE and MISS BRIDIE CHOSE A SHOVEL. Her latest middle-grade novel, THE TRUTH AS TOLD BY MASON BUTTLE, hit the store shelves in January. Leslie’s books are written with so much heart that they’re likely to break the reader’s heart as well.

What do you like best about writing novels?
~I know it sounds funny, but I love feeling deeply beholden to the main character.  I’ve been entrusted with their story and I want to tell it well.

What do you like least?
~It’s not a lot of fun when that character stops talking for a while, or, to put that another way, when I shut down because I don’t want to face the difficult truths of their story.

Describe a typical writing day.
~I start on the trail. I walk my dogs out in nature and put myself into my story. I do a lot of “dedicated daydreaming” in the woods. I don’t always work chronologically but I focus on a scene that I know is coming and let it play. My contention is that it’s easier to write a scene that I have already watched in my mind’s eye. I come home, pour some tea, and get started.

Which of your books was the most fun to write? Why?
~My first book. The best headspace is having nothing to lose. I’m at my best when I can get back to that place.

When you’re reading for pleasure, what features of a book typically impress you the most?
~I am a sucker for a great reveal! There is nothing like that the dawning, the realization, that an author meant for me to hold onto a tiny detail that would come swinging back at my heart many chapters later. Wow!

What brings you joy?
~Hearing from a reader who has made a heart to heart connection to a story.

What inspires you?
~Everyday life. The power of the human spirit. Truth.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
~I have got to get to Scotland; I think some of my ancestral peeps might still be there. Vancouver, B.C. is also on my bucket list simply for the beauty of the place.

What aspects of being a novel mentor are you most looking forward to?
~I believe in the power of positive community and I think it can exist even between just two people. As writers, we do the majority of our work alone. But in my experience, critique/feedback is invaluable. My goal is to help another published author bring a manuscript to the next level—something that satisfies them beyond their previous accomplishments.

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects?
Sure! I’m looking forward to a new book in January of 2018. The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle is about a learning-disabled seventh grader and his struggle to tell a most important story—the one about the day he found his best friend dead at the bottom of a tree fort they shared. I’m working on another middle grade novel about an orphaned girl and a rescue dog. (They arrive to the same last-chance home within days of one another.)

Ann Finkelstein is a former scientist who discovered that writing novels is more fun than wrangling test tubes. She coordinates the SCBWI-MI mentorship program and helps Charlie Barshaw host Lansing Area Shop Talks.









Coming up on the Mitten blog: Come back next week for a special post from illustrator Sara Kendall who created the artwork for our upcoming 2018 Fall Retreat. SCBWI Michigan and Indiana are teaming up for a creative weekend at Pokagon State Park.

Artwork by Sara Kendall
https://michigan.scbwi.org/2018/02/19/creative-weekend-in-pokagon-state-park/

It's almost time to register for the SCBWI-MI spring conference! Registration opens March 15th.

4 Out the Door Illustrator Challenge by Deb Pilutti

I did not always “know” I wanted to work in children’s publishing, but when I finally had my AHA moment, I was eager to start right away (cue knowing smile). The Children’s Writer's and Illustrator’s Market stated that sending promotional postcards was a good way for illustrators to contact art directors and editors. So I started with a small mailing, printed on my own color printer. The postcard had an illustration of two silly dogs on the front.

Several weeks after sending that card, editor Meredith Mundy contacted me to ask if I would send more samples. She had a story about a silly dog and was considering me to illustrate it. I did a little dance, crossed my fingers and sent off samples that day. Weeks passed, then months without a word. Gradually, I resigned myself to the notion that another illustrator had been selected. Sometime later, I learned that Meredith had moved to Sterling Publishing before ever editing the silly dog book. I updated my mailing list with her new address and kept sending postcards and samples. “Right away” turned into a few years, but my promotions made a connection, and the connection led to two books with Meredith and Sterling. They were books that I would never had worked on if I had not sent out the first postcard.

I thought that once I was published, subsequent requests for projects would flood my inbox. This did not happen. Self-promotion, it turns out, is an ongoing process. And postcard mailings are one of the easiest and cost effective forms of self promotion. Yet, too often, I don’t send them. I have good intentions to send out more than one card every three years. I really do. I have gotten contracts from them. Postcards work. So what’s my problem?

The usual excuses come into play. “I’m too busy right now,”  “I don’t have a good idea,” “What if no one likes my work?” or “I’ll do it next month”... Do any of these sound familiar? Well, 2018 is going to be different. SCBWI-MI is hosting the 4 Out the Door postcard challenge for illustrators, and I am committing to sending out four (4!) postcards over the course of a year.

This challenge will help me see my good intentions through. Like many people, I work better with a deadline. This challenge has four. I’m more likely to follow through with something if I make plans with a friend beforehand. Other SCBWI buddies will be doing this with me, so we can cheer each other on. So that’s my 2018 resolution: making plans, with friends, to do this postcard thing. I think I’m going to nail it.

Deb Pilutti writes and illustrates for children. She feels lucky to have a job where reading, playing with toys and watching cartoons is considered “research.” Deb is the author and/or illustrator of several picture books, including IDEA JAR, written by Adam Lehrhaupt (Simon & Schuster) and THE SECRETS OF NINJA SCHOOL (A Christy Ottaviano Book/Henry Holt). She lives in Ann Arbor, MI.







More about 4 Out the Door:
 4 Out the Door is a challenge hosted by SCBWI Michigan for illustrator members (from any region) to send promotional postcards to publishing houses quarterly.

To participate, simply send an email to fouroutthedoor@gmail.com. Once you sign up, you will receive a welcome e-packet about the basics of promotional mailings and next steps, informative newsletters and a digital badge you can use to share the news of our challenge. In addition, check the SCBWI-MI Instagram, Facebook and Twitter feeds for tips and success stories throughout the year.

Schedule:
Mail cards Feb 1, April 1, July 1, and November 1.

Even though the first deadline has passed, illustrators may join the challenge at any time. We’ve picked these dates based on the publishing industry’s habits. For instance, in September, many people in publishing take vacations and December is often very quiet. If you miss the deadline we encourage you to stay with the challenge whatever the time of year.

Artwork for 4 Out the Door created by Kirbi Fagan

Coming up on the Mitten blog: an interview with one of our SCBWI-MI novel mentors, The Path to Promotion publicity program, the resonant roar of quiet stories, a recap of the NY conference, and a round-up of SCBWI-MI member blogs. Do you have an active kidlit blog? Send an email to Charlie Barshaw to let him know.

Registration for the SCBWI-MI spring conference in Detroit opens on March 15th!

This just in! SCBWI Michigan and Indiana are teaming up for a creative retreat at Pokagon State Park, Indiana, October 5-7, 2018. Learn more here. And stay tuned for an interview with illustrator Sara Kendall who shares her process in creating the Pokagon painting below.

Art by Sara Kendall.
https://michigan.scbwi.org/2018/02/19/creative-weekend-in-pokagon-state-park/

Writing Historical Fiction by Barbara Carney-Coston

Writing historical fiction requires both a strong interest in big picture information and an eye for details that convey a sense of time and place. My experience in writing TO THE COPPER COUNTRY—MIHAELA's JOURNEY was deeply satisfying on many levels. It’s based on my family history, so learning about my ancestors was fascinating. But I also enjoyed the process. I tell young readers that research can be like a treasure hunt. You’re looking for unknown jewels that can make your story shine.

Research tips:
Historical fiction needs to be based on accurate information. And publishers like bibliographies. Here are a few ways to get started on the big picture idea.

• Look for primary sources first. These are first-hand accounts of events, practices or artifacts that were in use at the time of your character’s story.  Diaries, letters, reports, photographs, creative works, financial records, memos, and factual newspaper articles are possibilities. Even post cards and original recipes reveal a lot. My first research for To the Copper Country involved scrapbooks that my grandfather had kept about his adult life. He was proud of his accomplishments, and he saved newspaper clippings, letters, and photos of his professional milestones, much as Linked In does today. While I chose another character to develop, getting started with these materials helped me focus on what I was trying to say.

• Secondary sources are also important. These include reports of historical events or interpretations, newspaper editorials, biographies or even advertisements. If your story is set in the not-too-distant past, look for contemporaries of your characters and interview them about their memories and experiences of the time.

• Internet sources are convenient, but make sure they are reliable. If you are not sure of sources, crosscheck to find at least two other trustworthy sites that can verify (not Wikipedia!). The Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/collections/ and the National Archives https://www.archives.gov/education/research/primary-sources are excellent resources and free. Online encyclopedias such as World Book or Britannica are well regarded for basic fact checking. But don’t limit yourself to the biggest and broadest. Some of the best information can come from small regional libraries with collections that focus on a particular area. 

• Once you’ve established background research, try to include a site visit. It can be well worth the time and money, and you may find something that leads you in an unexpected direction. Understanding that your character had to work in a certain way, for example, or that geography had a particular impact on life can create depth for your story. Add the details you’ve discovered and revise as your data directs.

• Before submitting anywhere, check the manuscript against your research and create an annotated bibliography. You’ll be confident that you can state such an event might have occurred as described—you have solid evidence to support your point of view.

Finding the right publisher:
If a story has a regional focus, consider local publishers. I read about Jean Alicia Elster’s book, The Colored Car, in the SCBWI Bulletin, and realized the story was based on her family’s experiences in Detroit. Published by Wayne State University Press, I thought mine might be a fit there, too. I queried, and they asked for the complete manuscript. Working with WSU Press has been a wonderful experience. I was especially pleased when they asked for my input regarding the cover design. According to writing friends with bigger publishing houses, this is quite a nice benefit. (I agree!)

When it comes to historical fiction, enjoy the process. May your research uncover great treasures!

Barbara Carney-Coston grew up in Michigan and loved seeing the Mitten dancers at the SCBWI Summer Conference last July. She has written for Highlights, Hopscotch and Washington Parent magazines. TO THE COPPER COUNTRY—MIHAELA's JOURNEY is her first book and she hopes young readers will enjoy the story and feel empathy for immigrants today. Learn more at http://www.barbaracarneycoston.com and find her on Twitter @barcrn.











Coming up on the Mitten blog: More about the 4 Out the Door Illustrator Postcard Challenge, the resonant roar of quiet stories, an interview with one of our SCBWI-MI novel mentors, a recap of the NY conference, and a round-up of SCBWI-MI member blogs. Do you have an active kidlit blog? Send an email to Charlie Barshaw to let him know.

Read the newly updated SCBWI Anti-Harassment Policy.

Save the date for our spring conference, Unearthing Your Funny Bone, May 5, 2018:

Thanks to Nina Goebel for creating the conference artwork!

Congrats to Gin Price for winning the inaugural SCBWI-MI 2018 Writing Competition!
Stay tuned for her winning entry and an interview.