Inspiration Monday 11/13

For those of you who attended the conference, I'm sure you are already bubbling over with inspiration.  For everyone else who needs a little push in the right direction here are some useful links and great upcoming events.
Upcoming Events:
11/16 - Rick Riordan will be signing books this Thursday at 7pm at the Barnes & Nobles on San Pedro.
11/16 - Illustrators Critique Group will meet at the Barnes & Nobles on DeZavala at 7 pm.  They will meet in the coffee shop. 
11/18 - Brazos Valley has a few spots left in their picture book workshop with Dianna Aston.

November 13, 2006 in Inspiration Monday |

Inspiration Monday 11/06

Don't not wait for your muse, make time to create or write each day.  Success is in perspiration, not inspiration!
The SCBWI Illinois Chapter's newsletter is filled with great articles and tips.
For Illustrators - check out the Comic Strip Artist's Kit on Drawn!
Annual Winter Conference in New York, registration is now open.
Our Fall Conference is this weekend!  Space is now limited, if you want to register I recommend registering online to guarantee your spot. 

November 06, 2006 in Inspiration Monday |

Inspiration Monday 10/30

I hope you start your week with your creative goals in mind.  What do you want to accomplish this week?  Break your goal down into smaller steps to complete the tasks that have been on your to-do list for way to long!  Set aside time everyday to write or create.  Even sketching or journaling for 15 minutes a day will get you moving in the right direction. 
Helpful Links:
Here is a collection of articles On writing nonfiction for kids.
Want to write for kid's magazines? Articles, interviews with editors and art directors and an index of magazine submission guidelines can be found here.
Articles from artist's rep Chris Tugeau offers advice for illustrators building their portfolios.
Our conference is quickly approaching, sign up today. 

October 30, 2006 in Inspiration Monday |

Inspiration Monday 10/23

It's Inspiration Monday, here is your weekly dose of articles, books and links:
Polish up those picture books:
Inspiration for writers:
Basic guidelines for illustrating greeting cards:
This weekend at the Austin SCBWI Conference Bruce Coville recommended The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler.  Coville spoke on how he uses classical story structure as the basis of his fantasy writing.  To read a review of the conference visit Cynthia Leitich Smith's blog.

October 23, 2006 in Inspiration Monday |

Inspiration Monday

Here are a few links to keep you moving in the right direction:
A treasure trove of articles and transcripts from the Institute of Children's Literature, in a topical index.
Illustrators - want a fun challenge?  Try the Black & Orange Contest.
Good books:
"What's Your Story?" by Marion Dane Bauer is written for young adult writers, but is very informative for new writers of any age.  I read it this weekend and felt like I took a crash course in the basics of writing for children. 
(Marion is one of our keynote speakers for our upcoming conference.  Don't miss it!)
"Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print" by Renni Browne.  Has come highly recommend by several authors/instructors.
Find time to create this week, your soul will thank you!

October 16, 2006 in Inspiration Monday |