Check the notes from the "Shop Talk" sessions from these dates:
| 10/28/06 | 9/30/06 | ||
| Sorry for missing minutes | |||
| 4/29/06 | 3/25/06 | 2/25/06 | 1/28/06 |
| Sorry for missing minutes | |||
| 3/26/05 | 2/26/05 | 1/29/05 | 10/30/04 |
| 5/28/04 | 4/24/04 | 3/27/04 | 2/28/04 |
| 1/31/04 | 11/22/03 | 10/25/03 | 9/27/03 |
| 8/30/03 | 7/26/03 | 6/28/03 | 2/22/03 |
Hello Members:
Della shared her notes from the Rutgers One-On-One Conference. The deadline for applications for next year's conference will be July 31st. Check out their website for more information.
Guidelines for picture book and middle grade submissions were passed out. (Thanks, Toni for copying them.)
A few manuscripts were read and discussed.
Bill Joel has created a group at GoogleGroups with the following info. Please contact Bill ( wjoel@optonline.net ) if you are interested in having your name added to the list. Thanks, Bill for setting this up.
URL: http://groups.google.com/group/hvkidswriters
Email: hvkidswriters@googlegroups.com
Reminder, we do not meet during November or December. Next meeting will be the last Saturday in January of 2007.
Safe and happy holidays,
Val
Hello Members:
One of our members and her family are involved with producing their own TV show. It airs on Friday nights, channel 21 on Cablevision. Think "The Muppet Show meets Mr. Bill." Their show is called The Cuddles Show. Congratulations, Laurie!
Della Ross Ferreri and Karen Kaufman Orloff will present a workshop entitled ABC's of Writing for Children at the Howland Library in Beacon, NY on Thursday evening, November 9 from 6:30 - 8:00. For more information and to sign up, call the library at 845.831.1134 or check the library web site at: http://howland.beacon.lib.ny.us/
Della showed her poem in Ladybug Magazine and I showed my poem in My Friend Magazine.
A few manuscripts were read followed by critiques and discussions.
Next meeting will be October 28th starting at 10 am. This will also be our last meeting for this calendar year as we do not meet during November or December.
See you soon,
Val
Hello Members:
We discussed notes from previous conferences.
The Albany First Pages Conference is a unique opportunity to listen to a panel of editors (2 or 3) give their first impression of the first page of your manuscript. In a nut shell, some of the comments were "picture books too talky," "too much detail in the first page," "no hook."
I attended the Highlights Heart of the Novel Workshop lead by Patricia Gauch. The weekend was an intense 4 day writing and rewriting workshop. Well worth the time and money.
Another member attended The Hero's Journey Part 2, also hosted by the Highlights Foundation. Her workshop delved deeper into the protagonist in one's MG/YA. Again, well worth the time and money.
We then read some of our first pages and a general discussion followed.
Our conference will be June10th at the Best Western in Poughkeepsie. A new feature this year is a 2 hour interactive workshop for writers lead by Ellen Levine and a 2 hour interactive workshop for illustrators lead by Brian Karas. Visit our website for more details. www.scbwi-upny.org
Next meeting will be May 27th at the Barnes & Noble in Poughkeepsie, starting at 10am.
See you soon,
Val
Hello Members:
The group shared and critiqued manuscripts, positive constructive criticism and encouragement received.
Some missing members were out of town at other conferences and will share those notes at our next shop talk meeting.
Conference update: Our local June conference brochure is now up on our local website www.scbwi-upny.org
Next meeting will be April 29th at the Barnes & Noble in Poughkeepsie, starting at 10 am.
See you soon,
Val
Hello Members:
At our last meeting, Andrea shared her notes from the NYC SCBWI Conference.
We critiqued some manuscripts and shared some news.
Andrea had an article accepted by Hudson Valley Parent for the April 2006 issue. Congratulations!
Mark you calendars for our June SCBWI Conference, June 10th at the Best Western in Poughkeepsie.
Next meeting will be March 25th at 10 am at the Barnes & Noble in Poughkeepsie.
See you soon,
Val
Hello Members:
The Barrett Art Center is hosting a charity event. They are looking for small framed art to sell for less than $100. Deadline to drop off art is February 9th through the 11th. The OPENING and Preview is Feb. 18th from 4 until 8 PM. The exhibit and sale will continue until March 4th.
The Gallery hours (during the show/sale) will be:
Thursdays and Fridays ....... 11am. to 5pm.
Saturdays ......................... 11am. to 3pm.
You can make an appointment to view it at other times,
just phone the center 471-2550 and arrange it.
Contact Laurie Strange at
Karen Kaufman Orloff and Della Ross Ferreri are having a "Nuts and Bolts Workshop" at the Millbrook Library on February 25th from 1 pm until 3 pm. Pre-registration is requested. Contact the Millbrook Library.
Vin Lewis is looking for freelance writers. Contact Vin at vin@unirev.com for more information.
The group shared picture book dummies, read manuscripts and a query letter. Positive and constructive feedback warmly received!
Next meeting will be February 25th at the Barnes & Noble on Route 9, from 10 am to 12 pm.
See you soon,
Val
Some Meeting Minutes Missing
Will try to update later.
Hello Members:
Conference news: Our Poughkeepsie conference will be at Vassar College June 11, 2005. If one didn't get a brochure and would like one, visit our regional website at www.scbwi-upny.org
One can download and then print the brochure (inside and out, which also has the registration form). This is in a PDF format, so one will need adobe reader in order to view this. If this is a problem, contact me and I'll put a brochure in the mail.
Shop talk news: Karen S. read the first two pages of her historical novel. Karen O. read her sand painting revision. Catherine read her longitude poem, Della shared her proof sheets and Barb read Hannah's Dance.
Everyone knows what's next: you guess it, "positive and constructive criticism received"!
I have some good news: I had a poem accepted for the online version of Advance for Nurses, visit www.nursing.advanceweb.com scroll down to poetry corner, click and it was on page 2.
Also, I had a wonderful surprise waiting for me in my mailbox on Saturday. It was a contract for Highlights Magazine for a rebus....Now, if I could just get that book deal!
Next meeting will be April 30th, same time, same place.
Thanks, Barb for taking this note during my absence.
See you soon,
Val
Hello Members:
At our last meeting we discussed some of the benefits of belonging to SCBWI.
Adriance Memorial Library is hosting a poetry contest. One poem/entrant must be submitted by March 15 to Poughkeepsie Public Library District, C/O Debora Susan Shon, 93 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. 485-3445 ext 3328
Include a title page with title of poem, name, address, phone number, email and age category and of course, the poem!
Age categories: Children from 7 to 11, Young adults from 12 to 18, and Adults 19 and up.
Poems should be typed, and limited to one page. Poems will not be returned. Author of poem retains all rights to the poem.
Judges will be members of the Taconic Writers Group.
Prizes! Yes, there will be gift certificates to Barnes and Noble ranging from $25 to $75.
Winners will be notified by April 10th. Reception and poetry reading will be held Thursday, April 21st at 7 pm to honor the winners and celebrate National Poetry Month.
Also The Howland Cultural Center celebrates Women's History Month with an exhibition of Women Artists of the Hudson Valley, March 5 to 27. Opening reception: March 5, 3:00 to 5:00 pm. (845) 831-4988
We shared and discussed manuscripts at our shop talk meeting. Positive, supportive reviews and constructive criticisms received.
Next meeting will be March 26, same time, same place.
See you at our next meeting,
Val
Hello Members:
I apologize for this note being late.
General discussion on SCBWI and conferences. Our local conference is scheduled for June 11, 2005 at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie. Check our local website for updates and a downloadable registration form (to be posted in the near future).
www.scbwi-upny.org
We shared some manuscript readings followed by critiques.
March is Women Artist Month. Check out the Howland Cultural Center at www.howlandculturalcenter.org for a list of scheduled events.
Della has a poem out in Babybug for the month of March. Congratulations, Della!
Next meeting is February 26th, at 10 am at the Barnes & Noble in Poughkeepsie.
See you there,
Val
Hello Members:
We talked about editing and proofing work before submitting it, the Golden Books' exhibition at the NY Public Libary in NYC, pros and cons of self-publishing and e-books, pros and cons of using agents, and how to work with the Children's Writers Market book.
Vin told us how he self-prints books and sells them at fairs and such as a way to gain exposure and get reviews that can be shown to potentional publishers.
Marlene read two of her poems.
We do not meet during November or December because basically Barnes and Noble doesn't want us there! Really.
Next meeting will be in January, the last Saturday of the month, starting at 10 am at the Barnes and Noble in Poughkeepsie.
Thanks, Karen, for taking notes, again!
Have a safe and happy holiday,
Val
Hello Members:
Della showed her poem published in Babybug Magazine. Diana showed another article published in St. Joseph Messenger about stained glass windows.
I had an article published recently in The Family Digest Magazine about motherhood.
Karen showed more updates with her picture book dummy.
Diana read two chapters of her fantasy middle grade.
Reminder: Our local conference will be June 12th at Casperkill Country Club. We are still accepting reservations. Contact Karen Orloff at 896-9038.
Next meeting will be July 31 at Barnes & Noble in Poughkeepsie at 10 a.m.
See you soon,
Val
Hello Members:
Diana had a game accepted by Heart & Soul Home School Catholic Magazine. She also showed her published article "The Echo of El Greco" published in the St. Joseph Messenger.
Karen read her poem, "Desk Duty" and showed her updated picture book dummy.
We did have some manuscript reading and review.
Hello Members,
We had a general discussion on agents, plotting, formatting submission, etc.
Check out www.orchid.com a literary website, posts twice a year.
info@hcc-arts.org
HCC-Arts @ Casa Del Arte
257 S. Riverside Rd., Highland, NY 12528
(845) 691-6008 for information on workshops, lectures, fees, dates, times, etc.
Experts talk about specific topics to help artists further and expand their careers. An upcoming lecture on Saturday, April 17 from 11 to 12 is Making Children's Books -How to make your ideas a reality. This workshop will explain how to illustrate children's books from beginning to end. Presenter is David Soman, an award-winning children's book illustrator.
Our conference was promoted, June 12 at Casperkill in Poughkeepsie.
Next meeting will be April 24th at the Barnes & Noble in Poughkeepsie, from 10 to 12.
See you then,
Val
Hello members,
Our group was large with about a dozen members in attendance.
Karen (librarian from St. Peter's) is looking for an artist or author who is interested in presenting to the upper grades. There is a fee provided. Call Karen at 452-3199 for more details.
We had a general discussion about agents, rejection letters, conferences, editors opinions, slush piles, calling editors (don't!) and query letters.
The query letter should contain 3 parts: plot or storyline, theme/marketing and credits.
Ronnie read her picture book about her grandmother who is not a witch. Karen read her paragraph for the back of her Kung Fu Sue story. Bill read some poems. Lisa read her story about a hot air balloon, kids and money. Jill read some of her preteen story about horses. I read some of my middle grade about a girl who gets burned.
Feedback and suggestions were exchanged.
Next meeting will be March 27th at 10 a.m. at the Barnes & Noble's in Poughkeepsie. See you there,
Val
Hello Members,
Diana announced she had her first article accepted by St. Joseph Messenger. It is a nonfiction piece about El Greco, a spanish artist, due out March 2004. Great news and congratulations!
Our local conference, to be held at Casperkill County Club, June 12th was discussed.
The upcoming conference at the Poconos in Pennsylvania was announced. Check out www.scbwiepa.org for more information.
Diana showed a pamphlet published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was an educational story inspired by Paul Cezannis. This could be a writing opportunity for those who enjoy research and art. www.metmuseum.org.
Karen showed her picture book jacket, I Wanna Iguana, due out soon. Erin showed her picture book dummy. Mike read his ms about anger management. Karen (different Karen) showed her picture book dummy. I read an easy reader.
Barrett Art House has class instructions on putting together a picture book dummy. Classes start in February. Contact the Barrett Art House in Poughkeepsie. They also offer life drawing classes.
Next meeting will be Saturday, February 28th, Barnes and Noble in Poughkeepsie at 10 a.m. See you there,
Val
Hello Members,
We had a short meeting. We discussed what editors look for in a manuscript and then had manuscript reviews.
Milo read several chapter of his YA and then a picture book version of the same story. He received some positive feedback and some points to ponder.
I read an easy reader mystery and also received good suggestions.
Some good news to share: I had a manuscript accepted for publication by Metro Parent Magazine. This is a regional magazine and the piece will run in the January 2004 issue. The magazine serves the Detroit area, so if you're up that way, look it up!
Remember, no meeting in December. We will meet in January on the last Saturday of the month. Same time same place.
Happy Holidays,
Val
Hello Members,
One member, Nava, is working as an agent for her brother's book. A general discussion ensued regarding agents and books.
There were no manuscripts for peer review.
Reminder: The Barrett Art Center will be holding a picture book illustrators seminar on November 23. Contact the Barrett Art Center in Poughkeepsie for more detailed information, times, payment, etc.
Thursday, October 30 at the Institute of Children's Literature's chat room the guest speaker will be Marileta Robinson from Highlights Magazine. This is an online interview. Www.institutechildrenslit.com 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Our next meeting is a date change due to Thanksgiving. It will be November 22, same time and same place. We do not meet during Christmas.
Thanks, Della, for the general notes regarding this sop talk.
See you soon,
Val
Hello Members,
Some updates: Charles Smith will teach a 4 session workshop on creating picture books at the Barrett Art Center in Poughkeepsie. I will forward another note with more details.
Monday, September 29, is the Alice Provensen Celebration, to be held at the Clinton Town Hall and Library. For more info check out our local website at www.scbwi-upny.org.
Della announced Sterling Publications has offered to publish her manuscript HOW WILL I EVER SLEEP IN THIS BED? Della tells us the contract has been signed and the check is in the mail! Congratulations!
Sally announced she was asked to write an article about her jewelry making for a national magazine and to include illustrations.
Barb read her story, Braedy the Brave and Diana read her story about the clash of songs for peer review. Positive feedback received.
Next meeting, October 25 at 10 a.m. at the Barnes & Noble in Poughkeepsie, NY.
See you then, Val
Hello Members,
Sally announced she received an honorable mention from the Freeman Grant for picture book illustrations. Congratulations! In addition, she was pleased to announced that Bruce Coville took some of her art samples.
We discussed the following: joining SCBWI and its benefits; cover and query letters; pros and cons of having an agent; differences between easy readers, picture books and middle grades and copyright information.
Check our regional website for nearby conferences: www.scbwi-upny.org
Paula Morrow will do an online interview Thursday, 9/4/03 from 8 to 10 p.m. at www.institutechildrenslit.com Paula is the editor for Ladybug, Babybug and also edits chapter books for Cricket Books.
Check out www.underdown.org/brown.htm for an interview with top children's writer's agent, Andrea Brown.
Alice Provensen Day: A Celebration & Conversation will be held 9/29/03 from 8:30 to 2:30 at the Clinton Town Hall and Library. This is a free event. David Gale, editor at Simon & Schuster, Regina Hayes, president of Viking Press, Tripp Sinnott, publisher Attic Studio Press, Leonard Marcus, historian and critic plus local librarians will speak.
Some news from Barnes & Nobles:
Educator Appreciation Night 10/21/03 at 7 p.m. special guests Aisha Karen Khan, author of What Will You See Inside A Mosque. Also the Mid-Hudson Gem and Mineral Society, Inc. will present a program. Special discounts, refreshments, and in-store programming.
10/24/03 at 7 p.m. is a new writer's meeting. This night is for those published, but have no ISB number on their books. (Self published, e-published and also those with out of print books) Call store for more info.
We had time for one ms reading. Diana read a story about the clash of songs.
Good reviews!
Next meeting will be September 27, at 10 a.m. Barnes & Nobles in Poughkeepsie.
See you then, Val
Karen acted as chairman for the group of six who attended. Karen, Diana, Lillian, Maryann, Vivian and Susanna. After introductions we all commented on the lack of time this summer to write.
We got some good information on doing research for biographies. It was stated that documentation is very important. If dialog is used it must be a quote that is documentable. Check several references to make sure it is correct.
When using the Internet remember that .com means its commercial. Not necessarily as reliable as .org, which is non profit organization or .gov, or .edu.
Things to keep in mind:
Battman Archives was mentioned as a good source for photos for your book.
Chronology
Pronunciation
No muddy pictures (blank and white)
Index (kids use the book and forget it. All major words should be in the back)
Title page
Table of context
Vivian read her work "The Little Shrimp Girl" to good reviews.
The meeting ended with a question about when our next meeting will be held. Since the last Saturday is a holiday no one was sure. We'll await your feedback.
Thank you, Lillian
Thanks, Lillian for drafting this note. Our next meeting will be August 30th at 10 a.m. at the Barnes & Nobles in Pougkeepsie.
See you soon, Val
Hello Members,
Ten people gathered at Barnes & Noble this past Saturday, Bobbie, Lillian, Sally, Tom, Dianna, Karen H., and 4 newcomers, Mary, Erin, Mary Ann, and Andra.
After an introductory session, the June conference was discussed. Everyone had a positive experience and is looking forward to 2004.
We had time for some readings. Andra shared photos as well as the wonderful story about her real life sea cat. Mary Ann treated us to a reading of her wonderful nonsense poem.
Here is the website address that Val sent out last month: www.children'swriter.com.
See you the end of July.
Bobbie
Next meeting will be July 26th at 10 a.m. at the Barnes & Noble in Poughkeepsie. Barb, thanks for writing up the note.
Val
Hello members,
Our group was large with 14 members.
We discussed the NYC Conference, briefly. We promoted our local conference to be held June 14th at the Casperkill Country Club.
I did forward the press release about Jerry Pickney's talk at the Barrett Art Center this Wednesday, February 26th.
Congratulations to our friend, Della who won 5th place in the Children's Writers contest. The subject was pre-K fiction. She received a monetary prize and her name was published in the latest newsletter.
We read several manuscripts:
Joan read a rhyming counting story, Lillian read a picture
book about a bear leaving home, Diane read a short story
about a boy losing a friend, and Theirry read a story
about a centipede leaving home.
Encouragement and constructive criticism dished out.
Next meeting will be March 29th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Barnes & Nobles in Poughkeepsie.
Hope to see you there, Val