Monday, September 24, 2012

Where is Kali?

I love letters in the mail and boxes of books ... but nothing beats getting complimentary copies ...

My rebus: Where is Kali? beautifully illustrated by Kristin Kwan is in the October issue of Ladybug. Of course, it is based upon the real Kali (who is a tortie) but the illustrator chose to depict her as a tuxedo cat (like our kitten Finn) so it is doubly sweet.

I love the rebuses in Ladybug because the surprise comes after the page turn. It never fails to bring a little "ah" of satisfaction.

My magazine work has dwindled considerably, but still those ideas keep popping into my head. Kali alone has inspired several stories and we have two homemade books with photographs and text by yours truly. These were my kids' favorite books, right along with those by Rosemary Wells and Leo Lionni!

I don't think I'll even stop writing short stories. They're a great testing ground, and it supports the novel-writing bug. Just think of all the toner, paper, Internet ... 

We went to the aquarium this weekend and the highlight was the exhibit from Madagascar. Here are some lemurs, one of my all-time favorite critters. Did you know they purr, just like cats? I learned quite a bit about their habits while doing research for my cat purring article ...

Here's a plug for magazine writing. Some of my favorite children's magazines: Highlights for Children, Cricket Group, Clubhouse, Pockets, Ranger Rick, National Geographic Kids. Many are tough nuts to crack, but they all provide great content for children.

I'll be speaking about this very topic at the next Write 2 Ignite conference!

Ready? Set ... Write!

Happy writing all. And don't discount those little ideas that pop up in your head. Write!

11 comments:

Bish Denham said...

Oh, lovely Vijaya. Congratulations on your rebus. And, I didn't know lemurs purr. That is so cool!

Have a wonderful week. I've sent off my first assignment and am waiting further instructions.

Marcia said...

Congrats! Seeing those author copies never gets old, does it? And I'm so glad.

I love lemurs' tails. I didn't know they purred, but I'm not surprised!

Mirka Breen said...

Hooray to Author Copies, and another cheer for ideas! There are no ‘little ideas,’ IMO. Some of the shortest tales are the grandest.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, that is awesome!

Vijaya said...

Thanks, Bish. I always learn so much when I'm digging for info. My head is full of useless stuff. Yay! for sending out your first assignment. I still remember the thrill.

Marcia, thanks. It's been so long since I've gotten author copies, I'd forgotten what it's like. When I see the books that are in production, I'll probably go crazy.

Mirka, thank you. I agree -- no small ideas. And some of them turn into books!

Tara, thank you for stopping by.

Anne M Leone said...

Wonderful! Congratulations!

I've never been able to write short stories AT ALL, so very admiring of your talent at them.

Faith E. Hough said...

CONGRATULATIONS! I'll have to buy that issue for the girls. :)

Sally Matheny said...

Vijaya,
I loved reading on your blog. I look forward to meeting you at the Write2Ignite conference in March. I am on the planning team and would like to interview you (via email) for a post on our W2I blog. If this is suitable to you, you may contact me at sallymatheny@gmail.com or www.sallymatheny.blogspot.com If you would like to post the Write2Ignite website on your website,since you will be presenting there, it is www.write2ignite.com. Thanks Vijaya.

Sally Matheny said...

Vijaya,
I loved reading on your blog. I look forward to meeting you at the Write2Ignite conference in March. I am on the planning team and would like to interview you (via email) for a post on our W2I blog. If this is suitable to you, you may contact me at sallymatheny@gmail.com or www.sallymatheny.blogspot.com If you would like to post the Write2Ignite website on your website,since you will be presenting there, it is www.write2ignite.com. Thanks Vijaya.

A.L. Sonnichsen said...

Your story looks wonderful, Vijaya. I still remember seeing another one of your stories in Highlights and exclaiming, "I know her!" My kids were so impressed!

I have one story on sub with Highlights right now. I love your list of favorite children's magazines because I've wondered where else I should submit. Thank you!

Evelyn said...

Congratulations, Vijaya!! Looks like a cute story. I'm behind on reading your blog and congratulating you on all the exciting things going on for you, but hopefully I'll get caught up. Hugs, Ev