Unleash the Underpants!

People ask where my ideas come from but there is no easy answer. Sometimes I work very hard and MAKE myself think of an idea (I use tips like these: http://www.wifyr.com/blog/tag/picture-book-ideas). Other times ideas just whisper their way into my brain, fogging out important to-do lists and all the state capitols. Then I email myself the idea so I won't forget it - which is why my inbox is filled with gems like "Astro-Cats" and "Unleash the Underpants!"

I'm Back!

I know I've been gone for awhile so here's Reading Cat to make up for it. 

It's been a busy few months because we built a house (well, most of it anyway), but I HAVE been writing. (Don't you judge me Reading Cat!). I attended a Highlights Workshop in August, and am now working on a few new manuscripts. My uber fabulous critique group keeps me on my toes and I'm participating in PiBoIdMo. 

It's hectic here in writer-land, but that's a good thing.

Big BIG News!!

As announced in yesterday's PW Children's Bookshelf: 

Nicole Frail at Sky Pony Press has acquired world rights to Hypnosis Harry by Catherine Bailey, a picture book about a boy whose parents say no to everything. But when he gains the power to hypnotize them he begins to question if he really wants his every wish granted. It's scheduled for winter 2016; Kathleen Rushall of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency negotiated the deal. 

So there it is people. I sold a second book. Can I get a whoot-whoot? 

You bet I can. WHOOT-WHOOT! Also I'm going to need more graphics. 

Okay got a little off track there... Whatever. Book contract!!!

Book Nerds Unite!

If book nerds ran the world... 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/if-book-nerds-ran-the-world/

Teaching Moment!

This article superbly explains how Goodnight Moon uses structure and, more importantly, when to "float" out of it.

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/07/19/what-writers-can-learn-from-good-night-moon/?_php=true&_type=blogs&emc=eta1&_r=0

Every rejection ever.

Well, Isn't That Nice!

The lovely folks at The Children's Book Academy have put together an updated list of publishers accepting unsolicited submissions. This is how I started - I was unagented and pulled from the slush. Now of course I work with the greatest agent EVER, but still, it's a good list to share.

http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/mondays-with-mandy-or-mira/publishers-accepting-unsolicited-manuscripts

Happy subbing!