Read my interview at Claudsy’s Blog
January 18, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
A big thanks to Claudette Young for interviewing me on her blog (Claudsy’s Blog) for her Monday interview.
Claudsy has an inspiring blog for writers where you can find fantastic interviews that often shed light on the world of being a writer. In fact, I love what she has to say on her ‘About Being a Writer’ page…
“We who write do so for a multitude of reasons. But when you get right down to it, writing is simply another way to confirm the fact that we’re living and breathing on Planet Earth and have a voice with which to say something.”
So head over and check out some of the questions Claudsy had on tap for me such as why I started playing this game, what it was like to win DFP’s 2009 Best Children’s Book Award, and how I manage (or should I say don’t) manage my time!
Write About Now spotlights Indie Debut
January 17, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Right about now, I’m inviting you over to the Write About Now blog where Indie-Debut had the amazing opportunity to talk to Sherrie Petersen about Indie-Debut, our books, and what it’s like to be part of a small press.
Sherrie runs an awesome kidlit blog where she shares her “ramblings about reading, writing and life in a small town.”
Sherrie has such a positive outlook on small presses and makes such a great point…”Ever thought about sending your manuscript to a small, independent publisher? Some independents, like Candlewick and Sourcebooks, started off in a bedroom. (Kind of like your novel!) Now these two companies have become heavy hitters in the publishing arena.”
Thanks for having us, Sherrie!
Read Part 1: Spotlight on Indie-Debut 2010: Authors Publishing through Small Presses
Read Part 2: Spotlight on Indie-Debut 2010: Authors Publishing through Small Presses
Introducing Indie-Debut 2010
December 8, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Chances are you’ve heard of the Class of 2k10 and its predecessors. The Class of 2K was founded by Greg Fishbone in 2007 under the principal that authors can band together to make the publication journey a pleasant one. However, if you’re an author whose publisher is not listed in Children’s Writers & Illustrators Market, you’re not eligible for online marketing groups like Class of 2K10 or Authors Now! Hence, Amy Allgeyer Cook came up with the wonderful idea of
Indie-Debut 2010 is a group of first-time authors who’ve joined together to spread the word about their books that hail from small presses and I’m proud to call myself a member. At a time when the book world continues to struggle economically, like other businesses, there are many small publishers redefining the business and allowing great stories to be shared.
Business Week reports, “Without the marketing muscle or resources of the large houses, small publishers have innovated in order to successfully bring their authors to market. For one, they have created alliances with like-minded independent bookstores with fiercely loyal customers. Small houses also defray costs by publishing their book catalogs online and publicizing new releases and author events through e-mail blasts and blogs.”
The odds of getting published by a “major” publishing house are dwindling because of a failing economy. However, the odds of attracting a small publisher are improving. Indie-Debut 2010 is aware that not all small presses are created equal, which is why they caution authors to do their homework and sift through publishers to find the one right for them.
Indie-Debut 2010 books are being published by a spectrum of Small Presses across America and range from Picture Books to Middle Grade to Young Adult. Indie-Debut 2010 is proud to support these small presses that are championing new voices, focusing on niche markets, creating whole businesses by reissuing out-of-print classics, and maintaining the tradition of printing literary fiction.
Please visit Indie-Debut 2010 online at the official Indie-Debut 2010 website and join them at Facebook and Twitter.
Let’s hear it for one page summaries!
December 6, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Buried in the Slush Pile recently held a one page summary contest and offered valuable tips to writers on what goes into a one page summary. A one page summary divulges the entire plot of your novel. Another word for it would be a plot summary. The Buried Editor summed it up best as…
“One of the key parts of a query letter is the one page summary or synopsis of your work. This is literally what it sounds like — a one page, single spaced summary of your novel from beginning, middle to end. Unlike your query letter, cover letter, or pitch, you do want to give away the whole story. You want the editor or agent to be able to tell what is going on. The key is to also entice them.”
The Buried Editor wrote a post citing specific examples of one page summaries and pointed out how the summary should detail every major plot point in an interesting manner. An editor wants to see the entire plot arc and it should almost “read as a micro-story with no scenes.”
Overall, the entire contest was a great learning experience and I’m excited to announce that my one page summary for my manuscript, Playing Hardball, a middle-grade novel with baseball and injustice, was chosen as the overall winner for Blooming Tree Press.
Congrats to Susan James who was the overall winner for CBAY for her YA high fantasy, Beneath the Trees.
The Book Bugz Inaugural Newsletter
October 28, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Hey guys! Looking for the latest children’s literature news? Don’t have time to scour all of the blogs out there (and we know there are a ton!), but would like to be pointed in the direction of some of the best articles and gossip?
Yesterday I sent out the very first edition of The Book Bugz Newsletter, so if you haven’t subscribed yet, just opt-in at the top right sidebar. The Book Bugz Newsletter flutters your way once a month and covers all of the latest children’s book buzz–everything from the latest children’s literature news, things happening throughout the Kidlitosphere, book reviews & recommendations, book giveaways, and tips for writers on writing and marketing.
I’m so interested in what other writers and bloggers have to say! After becoming inspired from the wealth of information out there regarding children’s books and children’s literacy, I wanted to create a newsletter that not only highlights what’s happening here at Lori Calabrese Writes!, but also highlights the recent news being talked about throughout the kidlitosphere.
The subscription is FREE and subscribing is easy. Just visit the new Lori Calabrese Writes! blog and subscribe at the top right sidebar. Then we’ll be buzzing about children’s books in the November issue of The Book Bugz!
Who did what in Ancient Rome?
October 26, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Cover of October 2009 Appleseeds Magazine
Ever wonder who did what in Ancient Rome? APPLESEEDS continues their wonderful ‘Who did What’ feature. In the October 2009 issue, readers can find out what it was like to live in Ancient Rome. What kinds of jobs did people have? Explore what it was like to be a Roman, from chariots, to taking a bath with your friends, to having a toga party!
I’m excited to announce that I have two articles in this issue!
“Gladiatrix: Fierce Females” highlights the women that fought as gladiators. When most of us think of a gladiator, we think of a strong muscular man, but according to history, even women stepped into the gladiator arena. Find out why.
“The Way We Wash” highlights the fact that Ancient Romans washed their clothes in human urine. Yes, you read that right. You’ll be amazed at what you find out in this article!
November’s right around the corner, so be sure to pick up your Oct. copy of APPLESEEDS. You’ll never look at Ancient Rome the same!
It's Not Just a Game
August 12, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
I have no idea how August snuck up on me, but it did. Perhaps it was the lack of summer we had here in the northeast, or the sudden burst of warm weather we’re now experiencing. Either way, we’re in the heart of summer and it’s a great time to get your young readers outdoors! And when they’re finally tired out and need some time to chill, have them read about play and the science of fun! The July/ August 2009 issue of Odyssey Magazine tackles that topic, ‘Let’s Play! The Science of Fun.’
I was honored to be able to contribute an article– It’s Not Just a Game. Sports are probably as old as humanity, and when we play baseball or basketball we do it for fun. But what, besides having a good time, is the ultimate value of sports? Explore the origins of some of our favorite sports and why playing or watching them goes beyond just having a good time.
I loved putting this article together because sports have been an integral part of my life. There’s something about the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat that lends itself to wonderful stories-both fiction and nonfiction. I’ve always found myself drawn to books about sports, I absolutely love writing stories that involve sports and it was this article that sparked the idea of devoting an entire blog to sports and reading. So if you get the chance, please check out this month’s issue and you’ll be surprised to learn that sports are more than just fun!
An Ocean of Caring
June 8, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
I’ve always been amazed at the fact that the water in the ocean is the same water that rains on us. I could sit on the beach for hours just staring at the huge blue ocean and I don’t know why, but it always has such a calming effect. Today is World Ocean Day. Created in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro – although not yet officially designated by the United Nations – World Oceans Day is an opportunity each year to celebrate our world ocean and our personal connection to the sea.
Be sure to check out my latest article in the June 2009 issue of Stories for Children Magazine titled, An Ocean of Caring. Today’s a wonderful day to teach young readers about the importance of our ocean, what it offers us, and what we need to do to protect it.
For more info on World Ocean Day, please visit The Ocean Project.
You can read my article for FREE, but you should really consider downloading the entire issue now for only .99 cents! It’s worth it!
Nonfiction Monday takes place at various wonderful blogs throughout the Kidlitosphere! Today, you can check out the Roundup at Charlotte’s Library.
To see the blog schedule for Nonfiction Monday, please visit Anastasia Suen’s Picture Book of the Day.
The Journal
June 3, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Check out this article in The Journal about Dragonfly Publishing Inc.’s 2009 Picture Book Contest.
It was fascinating to learn about second and third place winners, Marlena Hodson and Cindy Sheets.
“The Story of Molly Moo” by Marlena Hodson of Carney, Okla. placed second and “Sassy and the Fairies” by Cindy Sheets of Perkins, Okla. placed third.
Congratulations ladies!
Magellan's Madness
May 19, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
There are so many Amazing Journeys out there, you could fill an entire issue of Appleseeds and more! I’m happy to announce that my article, “Magellan’s Madness,” is featured in the May 2009 issue of Appleseeds.
Magellan was the first explorer to circumnavigate the globe and cross the Pacific Ocean. Ferdinand Magellan did it on his famous voyage in search of a westward route to the Moluccas (now Melaka). This is one of the greatest Portuguese explorers to ever sail the ocean and he’ll always be remembered as the first man who sailed around the world.
Be sure to check out the teacher’s guide for Appleseeds’ Amazing Journeys and “Magellan’s Madness.”
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