Originally emailed Dec. 3, 2011

I send this to you all with wishes for a lovely December. This letter will be short, as we’re all so busy during this time of year.

First up: Congratulations!
Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool and A Prairie Peter Pan: The Story of Mary White by Beverley Olson Buller have been chosen for the 2012-2013 Kansas William Allen White Awards master lists. Students will vote for their favorites next April. Congratulations, Beverley and Clare, and best of luck!

Tessa Elwood is excited to announce she is now represented by Ginger Clark of Curtis Brown LTD.



Special thanks for the folks who TCB all year long
Kansas SCBWI can offer workshops, conferences, and business insight through the listserv, social media and website because of the hardworking volunteers on the advisory committee. You may not realize how much time they sacrifice away from their jobs, families, and their own writing to make it all happen.

Please join me in thanking:

Jenn Bailey, community outreach
Heather Beers, website editor
Lisha Cauthen, Sunflower Scoop editor
Sue Gallion, membership coordinator
Judy Hyde, critique group coordinator and our newest ad commer – welcome Judy!

I’d like to give special recognition to Sue Ford, the assistant regional advisor. Many of you know Sue served five years as the Kansas regional advisor and built it up to be what it is today. Here’s a standing ovation for you, Sue.

I also want to thank a few previous advisory committee members who’ve stepped down this year after many years of volunteering:

Kim Peek, former regional advisor
Kate Barsotti, former illustrator coordinator
Christina Lewis, former community outreach

Wishing you all peace and productivity. We'll see you in 2012!

Originally emailed to members Nov. 7, 2011

The holiday season is here. For those of you participating in Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month, 50,000 words in 30 days), good luck and speedy writing!

Kane/Miller Book Publishers will publish Debra McArthur's middle-grade historical novel, A Voice for Kanzas, in January 2012. Kanzas was Debra’s Hamline MFAC thesis. Congratulations!

Congratulations to SCBWI member Ann Ingalls! Pilgram Press will release WORM WATCHING AND OTHER WONDERFUL WAYS TO TEACH CHILDREN TO PRAY in May 2012.

Congratulations also to Barbara Stuber! Crossing the Tracks won the 2011 Writer's League of Texas Award for Best Book for Young People!!

Please send your good news to ks_scbwi@yahoo.com

FOR ILLUSTRATORS, From Bridget Strevens-Marzo, SCBWI international illustrator coordinator: Just a reminder to members that our special deadline for SCBWI members to send off work to the international illustrator competition at the Bologna Chldren's Book Fair, November 25th - this month! You'll find the info here. Just ignore the public deadline which was way back in September. http://www.bolognachildrensbookfair.com/en/mostraillustratori/regolamento

The organizers tell me they receive less submissions from the USA and UK than countries like Korea and France - and they would like more. So don't hesitate to go for this - can even submit published works. You need to send 5 on the same theme and labeled as indicated. Please put SCBWI on the envelope and on your form too, so it'll get that extra attention.



Don’t forget to update your contact information at SCBWI.org. That is how we stay in touch with you.

Happiest of holidays to you all!

My best, Colleen

Originally emailed to members on Oct. 5, 2011

 

Hello to you all!

Fall is here, bringing bold colors and crisp air, and for me an all-encompassing desire to hibernate.

Alas, there is too much still to do, with recovering from our fall conference on top of that list. If I’d remembered to pull out my camera, I would share some photos with you. I’m sad to say it stayed tucked away at the bottom of my bag all weekend.

To those of you who attended, I hope you left feeling wiser, more inspired, and invigorated to build your career as writers and illustrators. Our faculty remarked how impressed they were with the sophistication of your questions. They enjoyed meeting so many of you and seeing a glimpse of the Kansas life.

The Advisory Committee – Sue Ford, Sue Gallion, Jenn Bailey, Kate Barsotti, Heather Beers, Lisha Cauthen, Christina Lewis, and I – will take off a few weeks before we start planning next year’s spring master class and fall conference. Please join me in thanking them all the time and enthusiasm they give throughout the year.

We have prongs in the fire and they're burning brightly, but want your feedback as we plan out for 2012 and 2013. Please take some time to fill out this short survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NFBT6WD

Keep an eye on your inbox for news and events. Please send your good news to crcook@kc.rr.com, subject line KSCBWI Good News, so we can share!

My best, Colleen

Original email date Sept. 4, 2011:

We’re just a few weeks away from our blockbuster conference. Saturday has sold out, as have all the consultations and critiques, but there are a few spots open for Friday’s celebration of Midwest Authors. The schedule is now online at www.kansas-scbwi.org/schedule.

Congratulations!
The accolades keep racking up for Barbara Stuber’s debut novel Crossing the Tracks. Barb is a finalist for the 2011 Thorpe Menn Award from the American Association of University Women - Kansas City. The award will be presented October 1 in Kansas City. It’s also a finalist for the 2011 Writer's League of Texas Book Award.

New Books from Kansas Authors!
We’re pleased to announce two new books from Dian Curtis Regan: The Snow Blew In, illustrated by Doug Cushman, was released this week through Holiday House. Rocky Cave Kids: The Dragon Stone, illustrated by Stacy Curtis, comes out in October through Marshall Cavendish.

Elizabeth C. Bunce’s Liar’s Moon, the sequel to the successful Starcrossed tale of Digger the thief, will be out October 1 through Arthur A. Levine Books.

2012 will see two interactive books from Caldecott honor illustrator Stephen T. Johnson. My Little Yellow Taxi and My Little Blue Robot will join My Little Red Toolbox and My Little Pink Princess Purse on the bookshelves.

Please send your good news to Colleen Ryckert Cook at crcook@kc.rr.com

Speakers Bureau
Schools are back in session. If you make author visits, please update your profile at scbwi.org to include your topics. Send us a link to your author website at Kansas-scbwi.org so we can promote it.

SCBWI events outside of Kansas
If you can’t make it to our Kansas conference, check out these two upcoming opportunities in nearby regions.

Missouri Confluence Conference, November 5, 2011 St. Charles Community College, St. Charles, MO Heather Alexander – Editor at Dial Books for Young Readers Quinlan Lee – Literary Agent for Adams Literary Agency Suzanne Morgan Williams – Author of Middle Grade Novel Bullrider Louise Jackson – Author of Exiled and four other books for young readers Sue Bradford-Edwards – Freelance author with more than 125 writing credits Rich Davis – Children's book illustrator for Viking Authors can receive a professional one-on-one critique with one of our speakers for an additional $30. The first seven illustrators to register the day of the conference may request a one-on-one illustrator critique with Rick Davis for an additional $30 fee payable at registration. Get details and registration: http://moscbwi.org/Events.html

2011 Arkansas SCBWI Fall Retreat, Nov 4-6, 2011 Fort Smith, Arkansas. The retreat will feature hands-on workshops led by Stacy Cantor Abrams, editor at Walker Books for Young Readers, and guidance on craft issues by author Anna Myers. Registered attendees will submit pages from a manuscript in advance (by Oct. 1) and receive feedback from the editor at the retreat. For more information, go to http://www.arkansasscbwi.org/retreat.html.

Originally emailed to members on August 8, 2011

Hello to all!

We've been busy gearing up for Lights, Camera, Action! It's Showtime on October 1! By now you should have received notice about the open registration. It is filling up fast.

I, along with Kansas SCBWI Advisory Committee members Jenn Bailey, Kate Barsotti, Lisha Cauthen and assistant regional advisor Sue Ford, recently returned from the SCBWI Summer Conference in Los Angeles. I spoke with editors Diane Muldrow and Bonnie Bader, authors Linda Sue Park and Chris Eboch. All told me how excited and honored they were to be part of such an amazing line up in Kansas.

While in Los Angeles we also saw other amazing speakers and attended workshops that inspired and taught us new tricks. My brain is crammed with ideas for future Kansas events. If our dream plans work out, 2012 and 2013 will be packed with great learning opportunities for you all.

The publishing industry is in flux right now. We heard plenty of discussions about digital publishing, multiplatform storytelling, literacy issues, market changes and bookstore closures, subtleties among electronic, performance and audio subsidiary rights in a digital publishing environment, and more.

It boggles the mind. Many of us sat down one day and wrote out a story because it was our dream. With luck, hard work and determination we find we can make a career out of it.

By making that leap, we find writing is just the beginning. We need to learn how to read our contracts and, if we're lucky enough, our royalty statements. We need to be aware and knowledgeable enough, not to know all the answers but to ask the right questions. We need to understand how business decisions that seem to distant as we pour out our stories onto the page - or into the computer - do matter to our futures.

And of course, we need to realize that the writing matters above all. The voice. The language choices. The hook that pulls a reader into the story. The ability to create memorable, enticing characters that readers care about so much that they want more, more, more, and so turn the page again.

These are our challenges, and it's my goal to help you. So please send me your thoughts. What do you want out of your membership with SCBWI? If you're already published, how can I help you navigate the next stage of your career?

Thank you for your time! I hope to see many of you on September 30 and October 1!

My best, Colleen Ryckert Cook Kansas Regional Advisor

Originally emailed 7-7-11

 

Kansas SCBWI Presents: Lights, Camera, ACTION!
It's Showtime!

Coming September 30 and October 1, 2011

Opening Night Friday, September 30, 2011 7 pm - 10 pm
Lenexa Conference Center 11184 Lackman Road, Lenexa, Kansas

Fall Blockbuster!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
9 am - 5 pm KU Edwards Campus 12610 Quivira Road, Overland Park, Kansas

Registration opens at 8:30 am

Go on-location at the Lenexa Conference Center for Friday’s “Opening Night!” Mingle with our star-studded faculty and fellow writers as we celebrate Kansas Authors!

Starring
Newbery-winning author Linda Sue Park! Warne and Early Readers Executive Editor Bonnie Bader! Little Golden Books Editorial Director Diane Muldrow! Bookstop Literary agents Kendra Marcus and Minju Chang! Wernick and Pratt literary agent Linda Pratt!
Series author extraordinaire Chris Eboch! Award-winning Kansas authors Lisa Harkrader, Dan Schwabauer and Barbara Stuber!

With Special Guest Star Clare Vanderpool, the 2011 Newbery winner and Kansas SCBWIer!

Saturday’s “Blockbuster!” will premiere at the KU Regents Center, Edwards Campus. One day chock-full of non-stop action with

Four dazzling workshops of your choice!
All-star faculty Q&A!
Special Illustrator Track!
An autograph session!
Lunch on us!

All this for one low price of $155 for SCBWI members and $185 for nonmembers.

Extras! Extras!

(for an additional cost)

Audition for a chance at your big break in a one-on-one editor or agent consultation on the first five pages of your manuscript!

Just $45 for members, $60 for nonmembers!

Not ready to submit?
Get a group critique with an award-winning author!
Just $20 for members, $35 for nonmembers!

Tickle your imagination, tug at your heartstrings, and pump that adrenaline to rev up your career!

See you at the movies!

originally emailed May 31, 2011

Lights, Camera, ACTION! It’s SHOWTIME! Our October conference is shaping up to be a blockbuster! Starring two editors, three agents, two Newbery-award winning authors, and a dynamo writer who has penned more books than (sadly) some people have in their homes. Stay tuned for our trailer!

Our May Master Class with Cheryl Klein was a roaring success! Thanks to all who could participate. We hope to make these master classes an annual event. Coming up next: Our sold-out Illustrator Workshop with Laura Huliska-Beith on June 4.

More congratulations to Anola Pickett! Reading Reptile chose WASATCH SUMMER as one of their summer book club selections. Anola also will sign books in the St. Louis area on June 11 at the Webster Groves Book Shop.

Published authors and illustrators, take note! Did you know if you attend the Summer Conference in Los Angeles you can take part in a special book sale and signing? Even if you can’t attend, we have plans in the works for you to help promote your work and speaking talents. Make sure you keep your information updated at scbwi.org, and stay tuned for coming details from SCBWI.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: If you wish you could attend events but can’t travel to where they happen, consider volunteering to host a small get together or workshop in your area. Contact regional advisor Colleen Ryckert Cook for advice at crcook@kc.rr.com

CRITIQUE GROUPS: One of the best things you can do for your writing is to join a critique group. Find other writers who are also actively seeking feedback on their work with the goal of improving their writing. Contact Critique Group Coordinator and Kansas Assistant Regional Advisor Sue Ford at ks.critique@yahoo.com or visit http://www.kansas-scbwi.org/Critiques for more information.

We rely on you to keep up up-to-date with your email and publishing pursuits. Please swing by scbwi.org and update your contact information and publishing news! I hope you all take advantage of the opportunities SCBWI has in store for you.

Until next month! Colleen Ryckert Cook

Original email date: April 30, 2011

Hello Kansas SCBWI members! This is Colleen Ryckert Cook, Kansas Regional Advisor, with news about our region.

ILLUSTRATORS:
We now have a listserv just for illustrators. Please email Kansas Illustrator Coordinator Kate Barsotti at artist@katebarsotti.com if you’d like to join.

We also have a new Picture Book Study Group for illustrators and author/illustrators. This group examines and discusses quality picture books from an artist’s perspective. This is not a discussion group for picture book writers. It meets quarterly in the Kansas City metro area. Kate will send out notices via the listserv.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
On June 4, award-winning author and illustrator Laura Huliska-Beith will open her studio to an exclusive number of attendees for an illustrator bootcamp. This event has sold out.

Stay tuned for details on our Sept. 30/Oct. 1 Fall Conference at the KU Regents Center in Overland Park. Two words: multiple Newberys.

If you can’t make it to our Kansas events, check out what our neighbors in Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri or Colorado are offering. Visit scbwi.org and click on REGIONS. You’ll find a link to all regional events.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE SCBWI MEMBERS!
Theresa West Love was a finalist in the National Association of Elementary School Principals' National Children's Book of the Year Award Contest for her manuscript THREE GRUFF GOATS.

Lisha Cauthen, Kansas SCBWI Advisory Committee member and Sunflower Scoop editor, is one of three people from around the world chosen to receive a Tribute Fund scholarship to the SCBWI Summer Conference in Los Angeles.

Barb Stuber's book, CROSSING THE TRACKS was chosen as the "United We Read" 2012 selection in Cape Girardeau, MO. It is also on the Summer Reading list for all 9th graders.

Elizabeth C. Bunce's STARCROSSED has been nominated for the 2012-2013 Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award.

Bridget Brewster Heos sold her first fiction picture book, MUSTACHE BABY, to Daniel Nayeri at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

MEMBER BENEFITS – SPEAKERS BUREAU:
Did you know as an SCBWI member you can be part of its Speakers Bureau? Log into scbwi.org and click MEMBER HOME. You can update your speaker information by clicking the Manage Speaker Listing. Upload a photo. Provide a summary of your talks. You can even imbed a video of your presentation. Take advantage of this chance to promote yourself!

MAILING LIST UPDATES:
We’re updating our Kansas SCBWI event registration database and mailing list. You may have received a welcome email and wondered why. If you haven’t logged into the Kansas SCBWI site before, your log in is your email address and either your county or your city. We encourage you to log in and personalize your password so you can easily keep your information updated.

We rely on you to keep up up-to-date with your email and publishing pursuits. Please swing by scbwi.org and update your contact information and publishing news! I hope you all take advantage of the opportunities SCBWI has in store for you.

See you next month! Colleen

The SCBWI Regional Advisor’s retreat is held once every three to four years. This year’s retreat took place March 18-21, 2011. What a great experience for me as a new regional advisor! The purpose of these retreats is to develop new SCBWI policies, implement new procedures, and brainstorm future incentives to benefit the membership. Lin Oliver, Steven Mooser, Sarah Rutenberg, Chelsea Mooser and Sara Stern lead the 60-plus attending RAs from around the globe through six intensive meetings held over three days. We:

 

•       reviewed the new procedural handbook and member communications guide

•       discussed the future of children’s publishing, especially as it relates to new technologies

•       developed an extensive list of new programs to address the needs of all members, including those already published, illustrators, and content creators for emerging technologies.

•       engaged in a few team-building exercises to help us get to know each other and better understand the unique challenges each region faces, especially our international chapters.

 

When we weren’t in meetings, the RAs gathered into small groups and shared ideas to make our regions and regional events even more beneficial to all members. Amazingly, the retreat was on a Bahamas cruise because it offered the most affordable price for so many of us. It was a much less-expensive option than rounding up everyone at a hotel. The opportunity to be together to develop our professional skills and extend the range of programming SCBWI offers was invaluable.

Original email date March 30, 2011:

Hello! I'm Colleen Ryckert Cook, the new Kansas SCBWI regional advisor. Please join me in thanking Kim Peek for all the wonderful work she did during her time as Kansas Regional Advisor. We welcome back Sue Ford, former RA, as ARA.

We have lots of things happening for you this month.

CONGRATULATIONS! It’s been a great year for Kansas SCBWI! In January the American Library Association honored two of our members: Clare Vanderpool won the Newbery for her debut middle grade novel, Moon Over Manifest. Barbara Stuber was a Morris Award finalist for her debut young adult novel, Crossing the Tracks.

This month two more Kansas SCBWI members have reason to celebrate: Cedar Fort released Wasatch Summer, a historical fiction middle grade novel by Anola Pickett. Lerner/Millbrook released What to Expect When You’re Expecting Larvae, the first of a three-book nonfiction series by Bridget Heos. Please let us know your good news! Email us at ks_scbwi@yahoo.com, Subject: KSCBWI Good News!

Mark your calendars:

APRIL 9 OPEN HOUSE: On April 9, the Kansas SCBWI Advisory Committee welcomes you to an Open House at the University of Kansas Edwards Campus in Overland Park. Join us from 1 pm to 4 pm.

SCBWI 40th ANNIVERSARY INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CONFERENCE: Registration opens this month for the extravaganza that is the SCBWI Summer Conference. Find out more here http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/Conference-aspx-Con=7

CRYSTAL KITE: The Crystal Kite Members Choice award was created for SCBWI members to honor an outstanding book by a fellow member. You can vote for one of five books recognized in our region, which includes Kansas, Missouri, Louisiana, Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee. Voting ends Friday, April 15, 2011. Log in at scbwi.org with your email address and password. On your member home page, click "See What's Going on in Your Region!" and then look for the Crystal Kite tab. Congratulations to all the finalists!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

May 7 MASTER CLASS ON PLOT WITH ARTHUR A. LEVINE SENIOR EDITOR CHERYL KLEIN: SOLD OUT

JUNE 4 JUST FOR ILLUSTRATORS: On June 4, award-winning author and illustrator Laura Huliska-Beith will open her studio doors to an exclusive number of attendees. She’ll welcome up to eight illustrators for a studio tour and optional portfolio critique. Registration details are coming to Kansas-scbwi.org, so please stay tuned!

We rely on you to keep up up-to-date with your email and publishing pursuits. Please swing by scbwi.org and update your contact information and publishing news!

See you next month! Colleen