tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51712136530496998372024-03-13T13:09:42.821-04:00Track & Display Changes: A Writer's BlogI'm the author of 70+ kids' books (picture books, non-fiction, YA & MG fiction) and a wildly funny (she says) stand-up comic for the under-14 crowd. It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-31244878079694581902019-02-19T17:39:00.002-05:002019-02-19T17:39:34.348-05:00Counting on Katherine Is Soaring!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwbQYCs04yM/XGyFbpUZ_SI/AAAAAAAAA9M/kfLM_RChzMotISIKviBK5hPnvD_fiiPewCLcBGAs/s1600/countingonkatherinerevised%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1316" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwbQYCs04yM/XGyFbpUZ_SI/AAAAAAAAA9M/kfLM_RChzMotISIKviBK5hPnvD_fiiPewCLcBGAs/s320/countingonkatherinerevised%2Bcover.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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I've been so busy scribbling I hadn't had a moment to update this blog with news of <i>Counting On Katherine's</i> reception in the kidlit world. To date, the book has been recognized with:<br />
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<span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, adobe-helvetica, "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; min-height: 21px;"><b>CCBC Best Books of 2018 - Starred Review</b></span></div>
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<span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, adobe-helvetica, "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; min-height: 21px;"><b>OLA Best Bets</b></span></div>
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<span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, adobe-helvetica, "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; min-height: 21px;"><b>Vermont Clover Award Shortlist</b></span></div>
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<span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, adobe-helvetica, "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; min-height: 21px;"><b>Kirkus STARRED REVIEW</b></span></div>
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Thanks, everyone!</div>
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It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-59446565256766966592018-03-13T09:30:00.000-04:002018-03-13T09:30:00.426-04:00Katherine Johnson has her own Barbie!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.mattel.com/scene7/FJH63_01?$oslarge$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image for BRB INSPR WMN DL 3 from Mattel" border="0" height="320" src="https://images.mattel.com/scene7/FJH63_01?$oslarge$" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Katherine Johnson doll will be available in May.</td></tr>
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Mattel is releasing a<a href="https://barbie.mattel.com/shop/en-us/ba/inspiring-women-series/barbie-inspiring-women-series-katherine-johnson-doll-fjh63"> new collection of dolls featuring inspiring women.</a> You can get your own Katherine Johnson doll beginning in May. Of course you will need <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Counting-Katherine-Johnson-Saved-Apollo/dp/1250137527">Counting on Katherine</a></i>. to go along with it. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Om8p8QnZvJ4/Wme4lzcfHxI/AAAAAAAAA6k/qfOfdXiT4wYrbjHKWxMknLkC_yqcdcq7wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/countingonkatherinerevised%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1316" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Om8p8QnZvJ4/Wme4lzcfHxI/AAAAAAAAA6k/qfOfdXiT4wYrbjHKWxMknLkC_yqcdcq7wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/countingonkatherinerevised%2Bcover.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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When I first began working on the book, Johnson was relatively unknown. But then came the smash hit movie, <a href="https://www.foxmovies.com/movies/hidden-figures">Hidden Figures.</a> And now - a Barbie! I'm so excited to see her finally getting the attention she deserves.<br />
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<i>Counting on Katherine</i> tells much more of her story than is shown in <i>Hidden Figures</i>. It details her role in saving the doomed and crippled Apollo 13 and bringing the drifting spacecraft safely back to Earth. The illustrations, by the talented <a href="http://www.kidlit411.com/2015/01/Kidlit411-Illustrator-Dow-Phumiruk.html">Dow Phumiruk</a>, are stunning!<br />
<br />It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-36807955898900834152018-03-12T14:50:00.003-04:002018-03-12T14:52:45.657-04:00Dow made a trailer.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Om8p8QnZvJ4/Wme4lzcfHxI/AAAAAAAAA6k/qfOfdXiT4wYrbjHKWxMknLkC_yqcdcq7wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/countingonkatherinerevised%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1316" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Om8p8QnZvJ4/Wme4lzcfHxI/AAAAAAAAA6k/qfOfdXiT4wYrbjHKWxMknLkC_yqcdcq7wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/countingonkatherinerevised%2Bcover.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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Watch the<b> <a href="https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D19AqjuE73rU&data=02%7C01%7C%7C8cb0de846cf64d138ff808d583de9eb5%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636559914515732045&sdata=YQFwVBbKA7rdoh%2Fk%2B2K24FfrODXGHFaQomLWM7BcOkc%3D&reserved=0">new trailer</a></b> for <i>Counting on Katherine!</i> Illustrator Dow Phumiruk made it, and it is just as beautiful as the book. You can preorder the book now from your favorite bookseller - it goes on sale mid-June.It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-49172205435866798432018-01-29T11:59:00.000-05:002018-01-29T11:59:12.110-05:00Sloths. Because - Sloths!!!!!! Coming soon - Sloth at the Zoom!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-y7-taDE4k/Wm9RGke149I/AAAAAAAAA6w/_pBvLoeKzQQ9qr39F3oOOlVPwSMRhXwPACLcBGAs/s1600/SlothAtTheZoom_cover_screenRGB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="629" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-y7-taDE4k/Wm9RGke149I/AAAAAAAAA6w/_pBvLoeKzQQ9qr39F3oOOlVPwSMRhXwPACLcBGAs/s320/SlothAtTheZoom_cover_screenRGB.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
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This sweet picture book is all about the virtues of slowing down and taking the time to enjoy the time you spend with friends.</div>
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And true to its theme, this little tale took <i>fourteen years</i> from concept to publication. Talk about slooooowwwwwwww.....</div>
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I'm utterly grateful to Karen Li, my editor at <a href="http://www.owlkids.com/books/">Owlkids Books</a>, for hanging in there and making it happen in the end. And thanks too to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dessinsorbie/posts/10155557689402421">Orbie </a>for drawing such adorable pictures!</div>
It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-8740909971748234802018-01-25T09:30:00.000-05:002018-01-25T09:30:27.540-05:00New Cover!<br />
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I'm so excited about the revised cover to my upcoming book, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Counting-Katherine-Johnson-Saved-Apollo/dp/1250137527">Counting On Katherine.</a></i> The adult Katherine was replaced by this younger version. What do you think about it?<br />
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It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-31273296635820364812018-01-24T09:30:00.000-05:002018-01-24T09:30:32.475-05:00Good news for Counting on Katherine!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Om8p8QnZvJ4/Wme4lzcfHxI/AAAAAAAAA6g/ZiPUbRAQTe4SsdtQev2j8JFXLVZeBEWMwCEwYBhgL/s1600/countingonkatherinerevised%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1316" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Om8p8QnZvJ4/Wme4lzcfHxI/AAAAAAAAA6g/ZiPUbRAQTe4SsdtQev2j8JFXLVZeBEWMwCEwYBhgL/s640/countingonkatherinerevised%2Bcover.jpg" width="526" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Counting-Katherine-Johnson-Saved-Apollo/dp/1250137527">Counting on Katherine </a>(Christy Ottaviano Books, June) has been selected by the <a href="https://www.juniorlibraryguild.com/">Junior Library Guild</a>. So pleased!It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-81405492505181058552018-01-23T17:36:00.000-05:002018-01-23T17:36:20.523-05:00Updated cover!<br />
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Coming in June - but you can preorder now!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Om8p8QnZvJ4/Wme4lzcfHxI/AAAAAAAAA6g/VCjKsCEIdCgCAHsE2c25DJjORHHpCxW7gCLcBGAs/s1600/countingonkatherinerevised%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1316" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Om8p8QnZvJ4/Wme4lzcfHxI/AAAAAAAAA6g/VCjKsCEIdCgCAHsE2c25DJjORHHpCxW7gCLcBGAs/s640/countingonkatherinerevised%2Bcover.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
<br />It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-60911023052289756092017-10-23T16:50:00.001-04:002017-10-23T16:50:31.187-04:00Cover Reveal for Nonfiction Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-19OmGW4N438/We5VYxHjQRI/AAAAAAAAA4A/zGD25z6wAhEJcNhbOf9rhpYZcb96fzD-wCLcBGAs/s1600/countingonkatherine%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1316" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-19OmGW4N438/We5VYxHjQRI/AAAAAAAAA4A/zGD25z6wAhEJcNhbOf9rhpYZcb96fzD-wCLcBGAs/s640/countingonkatherine%2Bcover.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
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I'm so excited to show off this beautiful cover design for <i>Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13.</i>Coming June 2018! </div>
<br />It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-45197706159288123082017-10-18T14:29:00.000-04:002017-10-18T14:29:19.897-04:00Silver Birch shortlists announced!<br />
So pleased to have Monster Science nominated for the <a href="http://www.accessola.org/web/OLA/Forest_of_Reading/OLA/Forest_of_Reading/Forest_of_Reading.aspx?hkey=e913abbb-1687-438d-bc68-64eda110aeb1">Silver Birch Award!</a><br />
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<br />It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-21243225582326702352017-08-16T11:43:00.000-04:002017-08-16T11:43:35.413-04:00Lane Anderson Award for Science Writing Shortlists Announced!<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Droid Serif", Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.14286em; line-height: 30.4001px; margin-bottom: 12.5px; margin-top: 12.5px;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">The finalists for the 2016 Lane Anderson Awards, honouring Canada’s best science writing with $10,000 in each of two age categories, have been revealed. And woohoo! <i><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Monster-Science-Monsters-Survive-Thrive/dp/1771380543">Monster Science</a></i> is on it!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Congrats to all the nominees. Here's thecomplete list: </span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: #f3f3f3; box-sizing: border-box;">Young Readers</strong></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.14286em; list-style-position: outside; margin: 12.5px 0px;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Helaine Becker and Phil McAndrew, ill., <em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="http://www.quillandquire.com/review/monster-science-could-monsters-survive-and-thrive-in-the-real-world/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e403f; outline: none;">Monster Science: Could Monsters Survive (and Thrive!) in the Real World?</a> </em>(Kids Can Press)</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.14286em; list-style-position: outside; margin: 12.5px 0px;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Anne Innis Dagg, <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">5 Giraffes </em>(Fitzhenry & Whiteside)</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.14286em; list-style-position: outside; margin: 12.5px 0px;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Claire Eamer and Marie-Ève Tremblay, ill., <em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="http://www.quillandquire.com/review/124655/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e403f; outline: none;">Inside Your Insides: A Guide to the Microbes That Call You Home</a> </em>(Kids Can Press)</span></li>
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<strong style="background-color: #f3f3f3; box-sizing: border-box;">Adult Readers</strong></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.14286em; list-style-position: outside; margin: 12.5px 0px;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Caroline Fox, <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">At Sea With the Marine Birds of the Raincoast </em>(Rocky Mountain Books)</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.14286em; list-style-position: outside; margin: 12.5px 0px;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Robert William Sandford, <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">North America in the Anthropocene: An RMB Manifesto </em>(RMB)</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.14286em; list-style-position: outside; margin: 12.5px 0px;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="http://www.quillandquire.com/authors/profile-tim-falconer-uses-his-own-tone-deafness-to-explore-how-we-respond-to-music-in-bad-singer/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e403f; outline: none;">Tim Falconer</a>, <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Bad Singer: The Surprising Science of Tone Deafness and How We Hear Music </em>(House of Anansi Press)</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.14286em; list-style-position: outside; margin: 12.5px 0px;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Stephen Le, <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">100 Million Years of Food: What Our Ancestors Ate and Why It Matters Today </em>(HarperCollins)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">The winners will be announced at a ceremony in September.</span></div>
It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-59213125788765369252017-02-07T17:07:00.003-05:002017-02-07T17:07:27.687-05:00CEO Writer Inc - You're HIRED! Congratulations!<br />
<br />
You have decided to be a Writer.<br />
<br />
Perhaps you didn’t realize that, with that decision, you also became an entrepreneur. And as Sole Proprietor of your own business, you are responsible for:<br />
<br />
• Sales<br />
• Product selection<br />
• Marketing<br />
• Production<br />
• Accounting/Bookkeeping/Collections<br />
• Customer service<br />
• Legal and regulatory/health and safety<br />
• And writing the book.<br />
<br />
Unless you have had bottom line experience in a for-profit business, you might find yourself struggling with some of these areas, or, in fact, not even realizing they are a critical part of the job of Writer. Without these key skills under your belt, though, you will find it much more difficult to thrive as a professional writer.<br />
<br />
Here are the top 5 business skills you will need to get your career off the ground.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>1. Know your customer. </b><br />
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If you are considering a traditional publishing career, your customer is the publisher, not the child, parent, teacher or librarian (self-publishing is a different story). That means you should focus your attentions on publishers when trying to sell your book, not on wider marketing efforts. You don’t need a giant twitter platform. You need a focused email list.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Qualify the Customer. </b><br />
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This very sales-y term has a very simple meaning: are your potential customers buying what you are selling? It’s your job to find out. What kind of books do they publish/represent? How many per year? What’s the style, grade range, genre? Who is their primary customer – booksellers, schools, or libraries?<br />
<br />
If you neglect to qualify the customer, you waste time, energy and money by trying to sell your product to a person or firm who is not in the market for that item.<br />
<br />
Here are five proven ways to qualify the customer:<br />
Study books on store shelves to find out who publishes ones like yours<br />
Review next season’s catalogues<br />
Follow what they buy on Publishers Marketplace<br />
Learn about them through discussions with other writers and at conferences.<br />
Ask them!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b> 3. Understand the meaning of the word “Sales.” </b><br />
<br />
Sales is not about pushing people into doing things. It’s about building relationships. It’s the art of understanding a person’s needs and clearly communicating that you have a product or service that meets those needs. As sole proprietor of a Writing Business, your task is to establish good relationships with all the people who can buy work from you, whether or not they buy the work.
Sales is a long-term endeavor. Think in terms of multiple projects, not just this one, especially if you plan to have an extended career.<br />
<br />
<b> 4. Understand the Sales Process. </b><br />
<br />
There are six main steps required to make a sale. All successful sales people follow these steps. They are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li> Identify the key people who make the buying decisions: Editors, Agents, etc., and qualify them. </li>
<li>Make contact. </li>
<li>Re-Qualify them – are they still the right person (their job may have changed)? </li>
<li>Learn their needs. </li>
<li>Then, and only then, communicate what your project is (give them your pitch). Make sure to tell them how it fits their needs. </li>
<li>Close the deal. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>5. Making the contact (step 2 of the sales process). </b><br />
<br />
Making contact is tough. Successful sales people know, too, that tough does not equal impossible. As a result, the best sales people have a level of determination that is shocking to ordinary people.<br />
<br />
I personally set seven as my minimum number of attempts at making contact. An email that didn’t get an answer? That’s not a “no.” It’s merely attempt one out of seven. On occasion I have followed up repeatedly for two years or more before getting to yes.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b> 5a. But don’t be annoying. </b><br />
<br />
Treat the person on the other end as a human being who
deserves consideration and respect. Then guide your actions accordingly.
By following these five steps rigorously over the last twenty years, I have enjoyed a flourishing career writing - and selling - everything from picture books to nonfiction to YA fiction. So can you.It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-33941443646364162062017-01-11T11:21:00.002-05:002017-01-11T11:21:30.041-05:00OLA Signing/Appearance Schedule <h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #0d1db8; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 24.544px; font-stretch: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">The<a href="http://www.olasuperconference.ca/" style="color: #0d1db8;"> Ontario Library Association Superconference</a> is always a highlight on my calendar.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">This year, I'll be busy busy busy!</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Thursday, Feb 2:</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="http://www.scholastic.ca/" style="color: #0d1db8; font-size: 15.34px;">Scholastic</a><span style="font-size: 15.34px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 15.34px;">booth - <b>11 am</b> - </span><span style="font-size: 15.34px;">signing copies of</span><span style="font-size: 15.34px;"> </span><a href="http://www.helainebecker.com/aboutporcupineinpinetree.html" style="color: #0d1db8; font-size: 15.34px;">Deck the Halls</a><span style="font-size: 15.34px;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvNWFAk9sj8/WHZXcRvOcrI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/8r2j0MHBwBUbda0Hs3KSK9wNVUeMaxS4ACLcB/s1600/Deck%2Bthe%2BHalls%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvNWFAk9sj8/WHZXcRvOcrI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/8r2j0MHBwBUbda0Hs3KSK9wNVUeMaxS4ACLcB/s200/Deck%2Bthe%2BHalls%2Bcover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 15.34px;"><a href="http://www.orcabook.com/">Orca</a> booth - <b>2:30 pm</b> - signing copies of <a href="http://www.helainebecker.com/aboutyoucanread">You Can Read</a>, <a href="http://www.helainebecker.com/Aboutdirkdaringsecretagent.html">Dirk Daring, Secret Agent</a>, and <a href="http://www.helainebecker.com/Aboutdirkdaringsecretagent.html">Let Sleeping Dogs Lie</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yVgmNzUhRBk/WHZYkuw6nYI/AAAAAAAAA2c/8jiqV32B8sE13KPlPA7BvcxJL-rnXFq2wCLcB/s1600/Let%2BSleeping%2BDogs%2Blie%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yVgmNzUhRBk/WHZYkuw6nYI/AAAAAAAAA2c/8jiqV32B8sE13KPlPA7BvcxJL-rnXFq2wCLcB/s200/Let%2BSleeping%2BDogs%2Blie%2Bcover.jpg" width="159" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CEih8C71W2w/WHZYgefsHvI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/ZlKyeyGuWJIraOX8fzeRhwBYTB44SGDywCLcB/s1600/dirk%2Bdaring%2Bcover%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CEih8C71W2w/WHZYgefsHvI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/ZlKyeyGuWJIraOX8fzeRhwBYTB44SGDywCLcB/s200/dirk%2Bdaring%2Bcover%2B4.jpg" width="159" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O1dpFhkHsAs/WHZYdMmH7qI/AAAAAAAAA2U/oH-QEmxt5sUJviZf8whGKe8kHOyZpL4ewCLcB/s1600/you%2Bcan%2Bread%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O1dpFhkHsAs/WHZYdMmH7qI/AAAAAAAAA2U/oH-QEmxt5sUJviZf8whGKe8kHOyZpL4ewCLcB/s200/you%2Bcan%2Bread%2Bcover.jpg" width="162" /></a></div>
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<b>Friday, Feb 3:</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.accessola.org/web/OLA/Forest_of_Reading/OLA/Forest_of_Reading/Forest_of_Reading.aspx?hkey=e913abbb-1687-438d-bc68-64eda110aeb1">Forest of Reading</a> Breakfast - <b>8 am</b><br />
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<a href="https://canscaip.wildapricot.org/">Canscaip</a> Forest of Reading Launch - <b>10:30-11-30</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.dk.com/ca/">DK Books</a> - <b>12 pm</b> - Poster signing for <b>Our Great Prime Ministers</b><br />
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<b><i>Hope to see you there!</i></b><br />
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It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-52783417714761250612017-01-05T10:50:00.000-05:002017-01-05T10:50:13.281-05:00Looking ahead to Superconference - Woot!The<a href="http://www.olasuperconference.ca/"> Ontario Library Association Superconference</a> is always a highlight on my calendar.<div>
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This year, I'll be signing copies of <a href="http://www.helainebecker.com/aboutporcupineinpinetree.html">Deck the Halls</a> at the <a href="http://www.scholastic.ca/">Scholastic</a> booth on Thursday, Feb. 2.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKIMhc9zHuQ/WGvGt_YQCEI/AAAAAAAAA14/Ky3OWzYIo_0p2npRO1a3RNH1vibrq4L0gCLcB/s1600/Deck%2Bthe%2BHalls%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKIMhc9zHuQ/WGvGt_YQCEI/AAAAAAAAA14/Ky3OWzYIo_0p2npRO1a3RNH1vibrq4L0gCLcB/s320/Deck%2Bthe%2BHalls%2Bcover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'll also be signing copies of <a href="http://www.helainebecker.com/aboutYouCanRead.html">You Can Read</a> at the <a href="https://www.orcabook.com/Assets/ClientPages/landingpage.html">Orca</a> booth that same day.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9i5cSavWp7A/WGvEF9p_taI/AAAAAAAAA1w/AdvIdbEr1bAsIwQ_bE_yIZhc0wdRdkmHACEw/s1600/you%2Bcan%2Bread%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9i5cSavWp7A/WGvEF9p_taI/AAAAAAAAA1w/AdvIdbEr1bAsIwQ_bE_yIZhc0wdRdkmHACEw/s320/you%2Bcan%2Bread%2Bcover.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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And if you just want to say hi, I'll be at the <a href="http://www.accessola.org/web/OLA/Forest_of_Reading/Nominated_Lists/OLA/Forest_of_Reading/Current_Program_Year.aspx">Forest of Reading Breakfast</a> bright and early on Friday, Feb 3, talking about <a href="http://shop.owlkids.com/products/worms-for-breakfast?variant=20208747649">Worms for Breakfast</a> and<a href="https://www.amazon.ca/National-Geographic-Kids-Everything-Space/dp/1426320744"> Everything: Space</a>, which are both shortlisted for the Silver Birch Award. Expect me to be a bit overexcited, but sleepy-eyed!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-chNhrarIhbQ/WGvIO17RyEI/AAAAAAAAA2A/CHk9k6WqraMAeVeUMWrBEowkDWH-XqTwACLcB/s1600/worms%2Bfor%2Bbreakfast%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-chNhrarIhbQ/WGvIO17RyEI/AAAAAAAAA2A/CHk9k6WqraMAeVeUMWrBEowkDWH-XqTwACLcB/s320/worms%2Bfor%2Bbreakfast%2Bcover.jpg" width="275" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6CGrWbeEEKw/WGvIMB_yMUI/AAAAAAAAA18/oAwWJm7vsosIcI7uyuMSazTOEahYBbSzACLcB/s1600/Everything%2Bspace%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6CGrWbeEEKw/WGvIMB_yMUI/AAAAAAAAA18/oAwWJm7vsosIcI7uyuMSazTOEahYBbSzACLcB/s320/Everything%2Bspace%2Bcover.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-50144021369321778822017-01-03T10:40:00.000-05:002017-01-03T10:40:52.265-05:00Coming soon to a bookshelf near you!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9i5cSavWp7A/WGvEF9p_taI/AAAAAAAAA1s/9ENJoqtm46sJyraEC8h61Luo8YIKP11aACLcB/s1600/you%2Bcan%2Bread%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9i5cSavWp7A/WGvEF9p_taI/AAAAAAAAA1s/9ENJoqtm46sJyraEC8h61Luo8YIKP11aACLcB/s320/you%2Bcan%2Bread%2Bcover.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
My latest picture book, <a href="http://www.helainebecker.com/aboutYouCanRead.html">You Can Read</a>, will be published by Orca later this month. You can preorder it now at your fave indy bookstore (I'm partial to <a href="http://www.sarniabookkeeper.com/">The Bookkeeper, </a><a href="http://www.mabelsfables.com/">Mable's Fables</a>, <a href="http://blueheronbooks.com/">Blue Heron Books</a> and <a href="http://www.ellaminnow.ca/">Ella Minnow</a>, among others). It celebrates both literacy and life, and is a very funny. ;)<br />
<br />
I'll be signing copies at the <a href="http://www.olasuperconference.ca/">Ontario Library Association Superconference </a>at the <a href="https://www.orcabook.com/Assets/ClientPages/landingpage.html">Orca</a> Booth on Thursday, Feb 2. Come by, say hi, and get a book!It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-84492909049257065552016-12-06T10:29:00.000-05:002016-12-06T10:29:01.273-05:00Eureka!<br />
Hooray for Monsters - and California.<br />
<br />
I recently learned that <a href="http://www.helainebecker.com/AboutMonsterScience.html">Monster Science</a> has been given a <a href="http://www.californiareads.org/res/2016_EurekaHonorees.pdf">Eureka Silver Honor</a> from the <a href="http://www.californiareads.org/display.asp?p=Home">California Reading Association.</a><br />
<br />
Thanks, California!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOQIDXNYrdM/WEGTwEEs5NI/AAAAAAAAA1U/zrNbSfQo4hYm-5xe757BAjOXLuaSaVLvwCLcB/s1600/Monster%2BScience%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOQIDXNYrdM/WEGTwEEs5NI/AAAAAAAAA1U/zrNbSfQo4hYm-5xe757BAjOXLuaSaVLvwCLcB/s1600/Monster%2BScience%2Bcover.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-33592899238347976522016-12-02T10:28:00.003-05:002016-12-02T10:28:15.057-05:00Porcupine on Parade<br />
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Lovely to learn that the gang from <i><a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/deck-the-halls-a-canadian/9781443148368-item.html">A Porcupine in a Pine Tree</a></i> had a featured spot in the Toronto <a href="http://www.thesantaclausparade.com/">Santa Claus Parade </a>this year!<br />
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Here's the photo of the adorable Indigo/Chapters float:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lhlw50T1CaA/WEGRhipp5uI/AAAAAAAAA1M/tvXsFfpU9ggWvDrVJw2eBVO1zMmh98W4gCLcB/s1600/porcupine%2Bin%2B%2Bpine%2Btree%2Bindigo%2Bfloat%2Bsanta%2Bparade%2B2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lhlw50T1CaA/WEGRhipp5uI/AAAAAAAAA1M/tvXsFfpU9ggWvDrVJw2eBVO1zMmh98W4gCLcB/s640/porcupine%2Bin%2B%2Bpine%2Btree%2Bindigo%2Bfloat%2Bsanta%2Bparade%2B2016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks to the folks at <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/a-porcupine-in-a-pine/9781443146258-item.html?ikwsec=Books&ikwidx=0">Indigo,</a> and to <a href="http://www.ctv.ca/">CTV</a> for taking the vid! (And to <a href="http://debbieohi.com/">Debbie Ohi</a>, author and illustrator extraordinaire of <i><a href="http://debbieohi.com/">Where are My Books?</a> </i>who snagged the screenshot!)<br />
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<br />It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-51324838341545445352016-11-16T10:33:00.000-05:002016-11-16T10:33:04.910-05:00CANSCAIP'S amazing PYI conference is this weekend!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.canscaip.org/resources/Pictures/Helaine%20Becker.jpg" height="266" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>I'll be speaking about nonfiction how-tos!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">I'm giving the inside scoop on nonfiction at the <a href="http://www.canscaip.org/event-2298772">Packaging Your Imagination Conference </a>this weekend. You'll also get to meet outstanding industry professionals like <a href="http://www.jacquelineguest.com/">Jacqueline Guest</a>, <a href="http://ashleyspires.com/">Ashley Spires</a>, <a href="http://www.wallace-edwards-art.com/">Wallace Edwards</a>, <a href="http://www.harpercollins.ca/">Suzanne Sutherland</a>, and <a href="http://www.christieharkin.com/">Christie Harkin</a>. You really want to be there. Saturday, November 19, 2016.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;" />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">Here are the deets:</span><br />
<br />
<div align="left" style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<h2 style="font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 1.6em; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #406618;"><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px;">PACKAGING YOUR IMAGINATION (PYI)<br />#PYI2016</span></span></h2>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>WHAT'S AT PYI THIS YEAR?</strong></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Choose from a dozen sessions, including three </span>Master Classes and our popular panel of publishers and agents</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Terrific NEW location in the heart of downtown Toronto--close to subway, hotels, restaurants, theatres, museums, shopping...and more! </li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two keynotes: Ashley Spires and David Booth</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One-to-One evaluation of your manuscript, illustration portfolio or author website/social media (additional fee)</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div align="left" style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<strong>YOUR PYI REGISTRATION INCLUDES:</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 12px;">
<ul style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Full day of PYI sessions and keynotes for $195 (scroll down for our fantastic line-up of sessions and speakers)</span></li>
<li>Sandwich lunch</li>
<li>Coffee, juice and snacks served all day between sessions </li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>ONE-TO-ONE EVALUATIONS</strong></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Add a One-to-One evaluation <span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">of your manuscript OR your author website/social media</span> for $75 (you must also register for PYI <span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">for this option</span>)</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">I'm pleased to be presenting:</span><br />
<h3 class="contStyleExcHeadingColored" style="background-color: #f1faec; color: #849200; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;">Non-Fiction Truths: How to Plan, Pitch and Promote Your Nonfiction Project</span></h3>
<h3 class="contStyleExcHeadingColored" style="background-color: #f1faec; color: #849200; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">
</h3>
<div style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 12px;">Writing successful nonfiction requires plenty of research - and that's even before you begin the project! In this hard-nosed, nuts-and-bolts session, you'll get a step-by-step guide to how to take your idea from "Should I?" to Sold. Learn how to Evaluate and Structure Your Idea, Do an Effective Market Comparison, Create a Clear, Complete Proposal and Craft a Winning Cover Letter. Plus an up-to-the-minute look at the contemporary nonfiction market and how to target and evaluate potential customers, both in Canada and the US.</span></div>
<br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;" />
<br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;" />
<br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;" />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">The Conference will take place at </span><a href="http://thetorontoblog.com/2011/05/06/st-mikes-opens-research-healthcare-centres-at-new-li-ka-shing-knowledge-institute-building/" style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #0d1db8; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute</a><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;"> in Toronto. See you there!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img src="http://www.stmichaelshospital.com/event-space-rental/images/map.gif" height="189" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.272px;"><b>The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute<br />is located in downtown Toronto</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-17943501234672556922016-11-14T10:30:00.000-05:002016-11-14T10:30:13.564-05:00Packaging Your Imagination is THIS WEEKEND!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="null" src="http://www.canscaip.org/resources/Pictures/canscaip%20logo.png?t=1319483260069" /></div>
<br />
<br />
Come to Toronto - yes, it's worth the trip - to get the lowdown on everything kidlit!<br />
<br />
I'll be speaking on Nonfiction:<br />
<br />
<h3 class="contStyleExcHeadingColored" style="background-color: #f1faec; color: #849200; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;">Non-Fiction Truths: How to Plan, Pitch and Promote Your Nonfiction Project</span></h3>
<h3 class="contStyleExcHeadingColored" style="background-color: #f1faec; color: #849200; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">
</h3>
<div style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;">Writing successful nonfiction requires plenty of research - and that's even before you begin the project! In this hard-nosed, nuts-and-bolts session, you'll get a step-by-step guide to how to take your idea from "Should I?" to Sold. Learn how to Evaluate and Structure Your Idea, Do an Effective Market Comparison, Create a Clear, Complete Proposal and Craft a Winning Cover Letter. Plus an up-to-the-minute look at the contemporary nonfiction market and how to target and evaluate potential customers, both in Canada and the US.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;">There are lots of other great speakers!!! I can't wait to sit in on all their sessions. For deets and registration info, go to <a href="http://www.canscaip.org/event-2298772">Packaging Your Imagination.</a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 13.3333px;">
See ya there!</div>
It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-89181215926211591282016-11-13T10:08:00.002-05:002016-11-13T10:08:11.215-05:00Less than a week to go! Canscaip PYI Conference!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.canscaip.org/resources/Pictures/Helaine%20Becker.jpg" height="266" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I'll be speaking about nonfiction how-tos!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">I'm giving the inside scoop on nonfiction at the <a href="http://www.canscaip.org/event-2298772">Packaging Your Imagination Conference </a>is next weekend. You'll also get to meet outstanding industry professionals like <a href="http://www.jacquelineguest.com/">Jacqueline Guest</a>, <a href="http://ashleyspires.com/">Ashley Spires</a>, <a href="http://www.wallace-edwards-art.com/">Wallace Edwards</a>, <a href="http://www.harpercollins.ca/">Suzanne Sutherland</a>, and <a href="http://www.christieharkin.com/">Christie Harkin</a>. You really want to be there. Saturday, November 19, 2016.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;" />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">Here are the deets:</span><br />
<br />
<div align="left" style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<h2 style="font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 1.6em; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #406618;"><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px;">PACKAGING YOUR IMAGINATION (PYI)<br />#PYI2016</span></span></h2>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>WHAT'S AT PYI THIS YEAR?</strong></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Choose from a dozen sessions, including three </span>Master Classes and our popular panel of publishers and agents</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Terrific NEW location in the heart of downtown Toronto--close to subway, hotels, restaurants, theatres, museums, shopping...and more! </li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two keynotes: Ashley Spires and David Booth</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One-to-One evaluation of your manuscript, illustration portfolio or author website/social media (additional fee)</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div align="left" style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<strong>YOUR PYI REGISTRATION INCLUDES:</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 12px;">
<ul style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Full day of PYI sessions and keynotes for $195 (scroll down for our fantastic line-up of sessions and speakers)</span></li>
<li>Sandwich lunch</li>
<li>Coffee, juice and snacks served all day between sessions </li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>ONE-TO-ONE EVALUATIONS</strong></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Add a One-to-One evaluation <span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">of your manuscript OR your author website/social media</span> for $75 (you must also register for PYI <span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">for this option</span>)</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">I'm pleased to be presenting:</span><br />
<h3 class="contStyleExcHeadingColored" style="background-color: #f1faec; color: #849200; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;">Non-Fiction Truths: How to Plan, Pitch and Promote Your Nonfiction Project</span></h3>
<h3 class="contStyleExcHeadingColored" style="background-color: #f1faec; color: #849200; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">
</h3>
<div style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 12px;">Writing successful nonfiction requires plenty of research - and that's even before you begin the project! In this hard-nosed, nuts-and-bolts session, you'll get a step-by-step guide to how to take your idea from "Should I?" to Sold. Learn how to Evaluate and Structure Your Idea, Do an Effective Market Comparison, Create a Clear, Complete Proposal and Craft a Winning Cover Letter. Plus an up-to-the-minute look at the contemporary nonfiction market and how to target and evaluate potential customers, both in Canada and the US.</span></div>
<br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;" />
<br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;" />
<br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;" />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">The Conference will take place at </span><a href="http://thetorontoblog.com/2011/05/06/st-mikes-opens-research-healthcare-centres-at-new-li-ka-shing-knowledge-institute-building/" style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #0d1db8; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute</a><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;"> in Toronto. See you there!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img src="http://www.stmichaelshospital.com/event-space-rental/images/map.gif" height="189" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.272px;"><b>The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute<br />is located in downtown Toronto</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-3775987946453737892016-11-12T10:08:00.005-05:002016-11-12T10:08:01.693-05:00Just 6 more sleeps!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.canscaip.org/resources/Pictures/Helaine%20Becker.jpg" height="266" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I'll be speaking about nonfiction how-tos!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.canscaip.org/" style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #0d1db8; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">Canscaip's</a><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;"> </span><i style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">magnificent</i><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;"> <a href="http://www.canscaip.org/event-2298772">Packaging Your Imagination Conference </a>is next weekend. You really want to be there. Saturday, November 19, 2016.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;" />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">Here are the deets:</span><br />
<br />
<div align="left" style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<h2 style="font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 1.6em; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #406618;"><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px;">PACKAGING YOUR IMAGINATION (PYI)<br />#PYI2016</span></span></h2>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>WHAT'S AT PYI THIS YEAR?</strong></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Choose from a dozen sessions, including three </span>Master Classes and our popular panel of publishers and agents</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Terrific NEW location in the heart of downtown Toronto--close to subway, hotels, restaurants, theatres, museums, shopping...and more! </li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two keynotes: Ashley Spires and David Booth</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One-to-One evaluation of your manuscript, illustration portfolio or author website/social media (additional fee)</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div align="left" style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<strong>YOUR PYI REGISTRATION INCLUDES:</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 12px;">
<ul style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Full day of PYI sessions and keynotes for $195 (scroll down for our fantastic line-up of sessions and speakers)</span></li>
<li>Sandwich lunch</li>
<li>Coffee, juice and snacks served all day between sessions </li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>ONE-TO-ONE EVALUATIONS</strong></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Add a One-to-One evaluation <span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">of your manuscript OR your author website/social media</span> for $75 (you must also register for PYI <span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">for this option</span>)</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">I'm pleased to be presenting:</span><br />
<h3 class="contStyleExcHeadingColored" style="background-color: #f1faec; color: #849200; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;">Non-Fiction Truths: How to Plan, Pitch and Promote Your Nonfiction Project</span></h3>
<h3 class="contStyleExcHeadingColored" style="background-color: #f1faec; color: #849200; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">
</h3>
<div style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 12px;">Writing successful nonfiction requires plenty of research - and that's even before you begin the project! In this hard-nosed, nuts-and-bolts session, you'll get a step-by-step guide to how to take your idea from "Should I?" to Sold. Learn how to Evaluate and Structure Your Idea, Do an Effective Market Comparison, Create a Clear, Complete Proposal and Craft a Winning Cover Letter. Plus an up-to-the-minute look at the contemporary nonfiction market and how to target and evaluate potential customers, both in Canada and the US.</span></div>
<br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;" />
<br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;" />
<br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;" />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">The Conference will take place at </span><a href="http://thetorontoblog.com/2011/05/06/st-mikes-opens-research-healthcare-centres-at-new-li-ka-shing-knowledge-institute-building/" style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #0d1db8; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute</a><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;"> in Toronto. See you there!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img src="http://www.stmichaelshospital.com/event-space-rental/images/map.gif" height="189" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.272px;"><b>The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute<br />is located in downtown Toronto</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-49989803677918892462016-11-11T10:08:00.000-05:002016-11-11T10:08:12.619-05:00Just 7 more sleeps!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.canscaip.org/resources/Pictures/Helaine%20Becker.jpg" height="266" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I'll be speaking about nonfiction how-tos!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://www.canscaip.org/" style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #0d1db8; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">Canscaip's</a><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;"> </span><i style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">magnificent</i><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;"> <a href="http://www.canscaip.org/event-2298772">Packaging Your Imagination Conference </a>is next weekend. You really want to be there. Saturday, November 19, 2016.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;" />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">Here are the deets:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #406618;"><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px;">PACKAGING YOUR IMAGINATION (PYI)<br />#PYI2016</span></span></h2>
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<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>WHAT'S AT PYI THIS YEAR?</strong></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Choose from a dozen sessions, including three </span>Master Classes and our popular panel of publishers and agents</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Terrific NEW location in the heart of downtown Toronto--close to subway, hotels, restaurants, theatres, museums, shopping...and more! </li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two keynotes: Ashley Spires and David Booth</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One-to-One evaluation of your manuscript, illustration portfolio or author website/social media (additional fee)</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div align="left" style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<strong>YOUR PYI REGISTRATION INCLUDES:</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 12px;">
<ul style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Full day of PYI sessions and keynotes for $195 (scroll down for our fantastic line-up of sessions and speakers)</span></li>
<li>Sandwich lunch</li>
<li>Coffee, juice and snacks served all day between sessions </li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>ONE-TO-ONE EVALUATIONS</strong></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Add a One-to-One evaluation <span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">of your manuscript OR your author website/social media</span> for $75 (you must also register for PYI <span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">for this option</span>)</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">I'm pleased to be presenting:</span><br />
<h3 class="contStyleExcHeadingColored" style="background-color: #f1faec; color: #849200; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;">Non-Fiction Truths: How to Plan, Pitch and Promote Your Nonfiction Project</span></h3>
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</h3>
<div style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 12px;">Writing successful nonfiction requires plenty of research - and that's even before you begin the project! In this hard-nosed, nuts-and-bolts session, you'll get a step-by-step guide to how to take your idea from "Should I?" to Sold. Learn how to Evaluate and Structure Your Idea, Do an Effective Market Comparison, Create a Clear, Complete Proposal and Craft a Winning Cover Letter. Plus an up-to-the-minute look at the contemporary nonfiction market and how to target and evaluate potential customers, both in Canada and the US.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">The Conference will take place at </span><a href="http://thetorontoblog.com/2011/05/06/st-mikes-opens-research-healthcare-centres-at-new-li-ka-shing-knowledge-institute-building/" style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #0d1db8; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;">Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute</a><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px;"> in Toronto. See you there!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.34px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img src="http://www.stmichaelshospital.com/event-space-rental/images/map.gif" height="189" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.272px;"><b>The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute<br />is located in downtown Toronto</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-4898168573593478332016-11-10T14:46:00.000-05:002016-11-10T14:46:05.712-05:00Eureka!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HnK6fxGGijA/V9AmdEEDRmI/AAAAAAAAAyg/-b2KJrpf8dgD66CXpjRTakHMzazzuXsagCPcB/s1600/Monster%2BScience%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HnK6fxGGijA/V9AmdEEDRmI/AAAAAAAAAyg/-b2KJrpf8dgD66CXpjRTakHMzazzuXsagCPcB/s1600/Monster%2BScience%2Bcover.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.helainebecker.com/AboutMonsterScience.html">Monster Science</a> (<a href="http://www.kidscanpress.com/">Kids Can Press</a>) has just received a <b><i>Silver Eureka Award</i></b> from the <a href="http://www.californiareads.org/display.asp?p=awards_eureka">California Reading Association. </a><br />
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I'm as happy as a zombie with a fresh brain.<br />
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It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-84242511979442106112016-11-10T10:05:00.001-05:002016-11-10T10:05:28.611-05:00Spots still available for Canscaip's Magnificent Packaging Your Imagination Conference!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="null" src="http://www.canscaip.org/resources/Pictures/canscaip%20logo.png?t=1319483260069" /></div>
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There are spots still available for <a href="http://www.canscaip.org/">Canscaip's</a> <i>magnificent</i> Packaging Your Imagination Conference! You really want to be there. Saturday, November 19, 2016.<br />
<br />
Here are the deets:<br />
<br />
<div align="left" style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<h2 style="font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 1.6em;">
<span style="color: #406618;"><span style="color: #406618; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px;">PACKAGING YOUR IMAGINATION (PYI)<br />#PYI2016</span></span></h2>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>WHAT'S AT PYI THIS YEAR?</strong></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Choose from a dozen sessions, including three </span>Master Classes and our popular <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">panel of </span>publishers and agents</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Terrific NEW location in the heart of downtown Toronto--close to subway, hotels, restaurants, theatres, museums, shopping...and more! </li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two keynotes: Ashley Spires and David Booth</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One-to-One evaluation of your manuscript, illustration portfolio or author website/social media (additional fee)</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div align="left" style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<strong>YOUR PYI REGISTRATION INCLUDES:</strong></div>
<div align="left" style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 12px;">
<ul style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Full <span style="font-family: Verdana;">day of </span>PYI sessions and keynotes for $195 (scroll down for our fantastic line-up of sessions and speakers)</span></li>
<li>Sandwich lunch</li>
<li>C<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">offee, juice and snacks served all day between sessions </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>ONE-TO-ONE EVALUATIONS</strong></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Add a One-to-One evaluation <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of your manuscript OR your <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">author website/social media</span></span> for $75 (you must also register for PYI <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for this option</span>)</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
I'm pleased to be presenting:<br />
<h3 class="contStyleExcHeadingColored" style="background-color: #f1faec; color: #849200; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;">Non-Fiction Truths: How to Plan, Pitch and Promote Your Nonfiction Project</span></h3>
<h3 class="contStyleExcHeadingColored" style="background-color: #f1faec; color: #849200; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 12px;">
</h3>
<div style="background-color: #f1faec; font-family: tahoma, sans; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;">Writing successful nonfiction requires plenty of research - and that's even before you begin the project! In this hard-nosed, nuts-and-bolts session, you'll get a step-by-step guide to how to take your idea from "Should I?" to Sold. Learn how to Evaluate and Structure Your Idea, Do an Effective Market Comparison, Create a Clear, Complete Proposal and Craft a Winning Cover Letter. Plus an up-to-the-minute look at the contemporary nonfiction market and how to target and evaluate potential customers, both in Canada and the US.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Conference will take place at <a href="http://thetorontoblog.com/2011/05/06/st-mikes-opens-research-healthcare-centres-at-new-li-ka-shing-knowledge-institute-building/">Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute</a> in Toronto. See you there!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="189" src="http://www.stmichaelshospital.com/event-space-rental/images/map.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute <br />is located in downtown Toronto</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
<br /></div>
It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-49227334818748347152016-10-14T10:59:00.005-04:002016-10-14T11:01:48.540-04:00Forest of Reading Lists are Out! <span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.accessola.org/web/OLA/Forest_of_Reading/Nominated_Lists/OLA/Forest_of_Reading/Current_Program_Year.aspx?utm_source=website&utm_medium=forest-subpage-banner&utm_campaign=2017-forest-nominees">Forest of Reading</a>, one of North America's largest children's choice award programs, has just announced its 2017 nominees.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm proud - and humbled - to have two books nominated in the nonfiction category this year!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FpxYBVx62FI/WADvzyLhU6I/AAAAAAAAAzo/IdIF6oJOT9MJ9ckEvivU25ToAEbAOznZgCLcB/s1600/worms%2Bfor%2Bbreakfast%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FpxYBVx62FI/WADvzyLhU6I/AAAAAAAAAzo/IdIF6oJOT9MJ9ckEvivU25ToAEbAOznZgCLcB/s320/worms%2Bfor%2Bbreakfast%2Bcover.jpg" width="276" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.helainebecker.com/AboutWormsforBreakfast.html">Worms for Breakfast: How to Feed a Zoo</a> </i>(Owlkids) is <span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span style="color: #333333;">a wacky cookbook-style primer packed with facts from experts at zoos and aquariums. Covering everything from regular animal nutrition to feeding babies to mimicking how animals hunt and eat in the wild, this book explores the eating habits of carnivores, omnivores, herbivores, and insectivores. Inside, you’ll also find real-life recipes from zoos around the world for meals like eucalyptus-leaf pesto, kelp tank goulash, and mealworm mush. Beware! You probably don’t want to eat any of it yourself.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span>Written in a plucky, conversational tone with delightfully wacky illustrations, a glossary, and tips for zoo animal care, this book is bound to appeal to picky readers.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OYFuaY1cA-o/WADv4C7ytYI/AAAAAAAAAzs/LgZLbYoKFIwHuOT5Z9rwOrBkKScXI57TACLcB/s1600/Everything%2Bspace%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OYFuaY1cA-o/WADv4C7ytYI/AAAAAAAAAzs/LgZLbYoKFIwHuOT5Z9rwOrBkKScXI57TACLcB/s320/Everything%2Bspace%2Bcover.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.helainebecker.com/AboutEverythingSpace.html">Everything: Space </a></i>(National Geographic Kids) blasts off into space to explore planets, stars, and beyond! Watch out! Giant swirling nebulae of fun will pull you in like gravity. Megaparsecs of facts, reports from explorers, maps and infographics, and more than 100 pictures will send you supernova.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 5px;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For more information on the Forest of Reading, go <a href="http://www.accessola.org/web/OLA/Forest_of_Reading/About_the_Forest/Programs_for_Kids/OLA/Forest_of_Reading/Programs_For_School_Aged_Readers.aspx?hkey=c3b478ff-45ea-4098-b619-ccc1de7103e0">here</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For registration information - if you work in a school, library, community centre, after-school group, etc - you really <i>should</i> register!!! - <a href="http://www.accessola.org/web/OLA/Forest_of_Reading/Registration/OLA/Forest_of_Reading/Registration.aspx?hkey=8e0d044f-1b8d-4346-a69a-a6d60c37a3d2">here</a>. </span></div>
It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171213653049699837.post-38915069256270958092016-10-11T10:26:00.000-04:002016-10-11T10:26:41.746-04:00Deck the Halls debuts - and is an instant bestseller!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFwTk3cgW8Y/V_vt1ywGNEI/AAAAAAAAAys/67PC1ErisnY77mwyFfrc2H421cIP1w_0QCLcB/s1600/Deck%2Bthe%2BHalls%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFwTk3cgW8Y/V_vt1ywGNEI/AAAAAAAAAys/67PC1ErisnY77mwyFfrc2H421cIP1w_0QCLcB/s320/Deck%2Bthe%2BHalls%2Bcover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRDkcz3NftU/V_vuyvPZq7I/AAAAAAAAAy0/EX0Glq6DfbgoyM7AuQfziG0Ga0L6dQt6gCEw/s1600/dashing%2Bthrough%2Bthe%2Bsnow%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRDkcz3NftU/V_vuyvPZq7I/AAAAAAAAAy0/EX0Glq6DfbgoyM7AuQfziG0Ga0L6dQt6gCEw/s200/dashing%2Bthrough%2Bthe%2Bsnow%2Bcover.jpg" width="200" /></a><i>Deck the Halls: A Canadian Christmas Carol</i>, hit store shelves last week. And to my utter delight, it immediately hit the <a href="http://www.retailcouncil.org/sites/default/files/documents/BookNet_Bestseller_September_26October22016.pdf">national bestseller list </a>in the #12 spot for children's books!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHrqU00yoUI/V_vuwIRKhWI/AAAAAAAAAyw/MG9-cSQBJd8b7cIrsCgN1F_6OgSnk1N4gCLcB/s1600/porky%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHrqU00yoUI/V_vuwIRKhWI/AAAAAAAAAyw/MG9-cSQBJd8b7cIrsCgN1F_6OgSnk1N4gCLcB/s200/porky%2B3.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><a href="http://www.helainebecker.com/aboutporcupineinpinetree.html">Deck the Halls</a></i> is the sequel to <i><a href="http://www.helainebecker.com/aboutporcupineinpinetree.html">A Porcupine in a Pine Tree</a> </i> and <i><a href="http://www.helainebecker.com/aboutporcupineinpinetree.html">Dashing Through the Snow. </a></i><br />
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<br />It's a little skewed, that's for sure.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08692052808236986086noreply@blogger.com0