Hello,
Here's how I keep out of trouble every September...
I'm fully absorbed in the planning and execution of a children's/YA lit
day--the Inland Northwest Region of The Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators annual conference.
This year is especially exciting because my agent flies in from New York today to speak at the event. We were on the radio earlier this week, talking about writing and publishing.
Click here to listen to the podcast on KJRB-AM 790. My portion of the interview starts about 15-minutes in. Literary Agent Stephen Fraser comes on about half past. After that, America's current Children's Poet Laureate Kenn Nesbitt closes out the show. Radio Host Julie Humphreys introduces Kenn and I on KJRB AM Monday.
Cringe-Worthy Becomes Opportunity |
Ever had that cringing feeling of dread when someone asks you to volunteer or take charge of some project? You don't want
to disappoint them, especially if they're desperate for help. But you know if you take the job that puts you on the spot to rope in others. Plus, what if you fail, and the whole thing goes belly up?That was me four years ago, in total cringe mode, when the Regional Advisor of the Eastern Washington/Northern Idaho SCBWI group asked me to take over. No way was I getting myself into that. It's hard to look
someone in the eyes and say no, I was relieved when she told me to take a week and think about it. I agreed, deciding I would later send an e-mail declining. I did not expect that my mind would start buzzing with ideas about what I could do in a leadership position for a local writers and illustrators group. I called a few friends and asked for their support, and much to my own amazement I
agreed to the position. The first workshop came along and I invited an author who I was dying to hear speak. That was pretty much how I approached the job for the first year, providing opportunities that would benefit myself. Along the way came several surprises. I organized my first
full-day conference, inviting an editor and agent from New York, and an out-of-town author and illustrator to speak. The day came and despite some anxiety and a few hitches, it went off with a bang. I discovered I had some ability when it came to organizing and presenting events. Not only that, but I enjoyed it. It was exciting to learn this about myself. As time went on, I also discovered that I really enjoyed helping other writers and illustrators reach their goals. It was fun meeting our Inland Northwest SCBWI members, working with them and caring about their
success. I enjoy providing opportunity, like the workshop with Author Matt de la Peña. I wrote about why I admire Matt so much, here.
I had been an SCBWI member for ten years, but working within the organization gave me a keen appreciation for how much it helped individuals in their publishing
careers, its strong voice in the marketplace for writers and illustrators and its advocacy for quality children's literature. I met other Regional Advisors from all over the world who are now a community of support for me. Through my service to the Inland Northwest SCBWI, I have gained more than I could have imagined. I'm so happy,
I let that shoulder-hunching cringe move through my body and opened myself to possibility. Has this ever happened to you? I've love to hear about it. Top sports books of the year for kids Several months
ago I wrote What You Don't Know About Head Injury Could Kill You, an interview with the author of FOURTH DOWN AND INCHES: CONCUSSION AND FOOTBALL'S MAKE-OR-BREAK MOMENT. Now the book has been named one of the year's top ten sports books for kids. See the list here... "Interviews and memoirs supply plenty of primary source information on which this title is based, and a wealth of photographs, as well as a pair of useful maps, supplements the text. This valuable account shifts the focus from World War II nurses as "angels of mercy" to POWs, and replays the rout at Bataan with women rather than men in the starring roles." Thank you for reading! I know your time is valuable and I
appreciate you spending a few minutes with me today. I am always happy to hear your thoughts If you know someone who might enjoy this newsletter, please forward this e-mail. New subscribers will be entered in a drawing September 30th to win a $25 gift certificate to their favorite independent books store. I will never spam you or sell your email address, you can unsubscribe below anytime with a single mouse click. If you'd like to get your hands on a copy of PURE
GRIT, here's the place! If you'd like a signed copy and I'm not coming to your neighborhood soon, let me know. I can send you a personally autographed book or a signed bookplate. To find out more about my books, how I help students, teacher and librarians, visit my website at www.MaryCronkFarrell.com. My best, Mary Questions? Comments? Contact me at MaryCronkFarrell@gmail.com. Click here to subscribe to this
newsletter.
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