SCBWI Carolinas Conference

Last year was my first time to attend the Carolinas SCBWI conference and I was so impressed with the variety offered. Most of it was for book writing and illustrating. However, I spoke to many beginners or writers who had not yet been published but had been writing for a while. You all know I'm a magazine evangelist, so I'm happy to tell you I'll be offering a breakout session on magazine and nonfiction writing as a way of developing your writing career. I'd love to see you in Charlotte, NC the last weekend in Sept. if you can make it. It's great timing ... school will be in session and most of us will be in our new fall writing routines. Yes, there will be sports to manage, but I am leaving it to my husband and friends.

Some fabulous agents and editors will be there: Sarah Davies, Greenhouse Literary; Susan Hawk, The Bent Agency; Stephen Barr, Writer's House; Emily Easton, Walker Books;  Emma Ledbetter, Simon & Schuster; and Joy Neaves, namelos.

Sarah Davies, Joy Neaves, Patti Ann Harris and Dan Yaccarino are offering intensives on Friday morning.

Check out the program and entire faculty here and the links within.

Lord Jesus, Think on Me

I've been sick much of last week, the pain of the migraines uncontrollable, taking me into the pit of despair. I called upon all my prayer warriors to lift me up to Christ, and finally I was able to ask for mercy, for healing, for pity. I could offer up this suffering for my children. I couldn't feel the loving presence of Christ; it is only my faith that tells me I am not alone. So I couldn't wait to go to Sunday Mass. I would receive My Lord. Real, tangible, in my mouth.

I was so choked up that I could not sing this entrance hymn. It is one of my favorites and I can tell you that I wouldn't be here today if the good Lord Jesus weren't thinking on me. Here is full text.

The Introit (Ps. 54:2) made me weep too: "When I cried to the Lord He heard my voice ...  Hear O God, my prayer, and despise not my supplication; be attentive to me and hear me."

As I recited the Kyrie and Gloria, I was able to ask for mercy and give thanks and be attentive to the Word, knowing I was being cradled in His arms. The parable of the Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18:9-14) allowed me to prepare myself for the Sacrament of Healing I was to receive later.

This sacrament is powerful. Three years ago, after being anointed, the frequency of migraines was reduced by half. That's more than any medication I've ever used. My neurologist was quite surprised. I have more faith now in the Divine Physician than I do in Tylenol or Maxalt. I do not understand why I do not receive complete healing, but I will be persistent in my prayer to be healed. I am already much, much better, thanks be to God.

Is it a wonder I thought that Sunday's Mass, including the hymns were written especially for me? That was Jesus, talking to me, coming down to me, raising me up.

Per crucem ad lucem.

This picture was taken by my son at the National Shrine in WA-DC. More pictures to come from that trip later ... but I thought this picture perfectly appropriate since the homily for Sunday's Mass was on this phrase from Our Lord's Prayer. 

 

Gardening Workshop At the Library

One of the pleasures of summertime is loading up on books at the library and basically eating them. Some of my favorite reads this summer: Hattie books by Kirby Larsen; Gordon Korman -- I particularly enjoyed Schooled; lots of Jerry Spinelli, Richard Peck, Robin LaFevers, Neil Gaiman, Margaret Peterson Haddix. Oh, and the new book by Ruta Sepetys. I should keep a reading log because now I'm forgetting some of the wonderful authors I read. But you can see that almost all of it is children's literature. The adult fare was all nonfiction.

I was picking up some books at the library and the librarian alerted me to my books on display. The others in the series were checked out! Always such a thrill. Anyway, we got to chatting about our basil and tomatoes, and before I knew it, I was volunteering to do a little workshop on gardening. Here's the blurb:      
  

Coming up next month is a special program with the children’s author, Vijaya Bodach. You will learn to grow a pizza and to build a sunflower house!  This local author has written many books for children: Seeds, Stems, Roots,  Leaves, Flowers, Fruits , and the math concept books Tally Charts, Bar Graphs, and Pie Charts, and many more.

Daniel Island 2301 Daniel Island Drive 471-2952 Friday, August 9th 3:00—3:45 pm 
For pre-K to 2nd graders (ages 4-8) 
Free. Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required.

So, if you're in the area, stop by the library on Daniel Island. And be prepared to get dirt under your nails.

World Youth Days in Rio

Although I greatly dislike crowds, I find myself longing to have a passport and be a youth again ... so that I can be in Rio this week with my brothers and sisters in Christ. A great multitude of them!

I never miss a chance to read Pope Francis' daily homilies, and enjoyed his remarks when he arrived. Yes, "children are the apple of our eye" and they are our future. May the light of Christ shine in each and every one of them. I especially liked this photo-essay today. The confessionals are so practical!

Here are some links for your interest:
Vatican YouTube Channel, Salt & Light, EWTN
Official English-language website
Enjoy! Viva Cristo Rey!!!

New e-books from Compass Media

I have eight new books from Compass Media out, but only one to have and hold. They're all e-books in the Reading Oceans program. They have turned out beautifully, and I hope they will become print books, especially the ones for younger readers. I thoroughly enjoyed working with my editor on these books. The first ones were actually revisions. Artwork was already done but the story was not well-written. Instead of revising a story that I couldn't get excited about, I ended up writing a whole new story that could fit the illustrations. I also got to write original stories and was delighted with the artwork. For the nonfiction books, I did all the photo-research and was lucky enough to find just the right ones. I especially enjoyed writing the Indian folktales and an overview of the history and culture of India. My fifth grade teacher would be proud of me for finally learning my history.

These are the titles of my books -- you can see the nice variety I got to work on.

My Pocket Hamster; Caring For Your Hamster
My Pet Turtle Tom; Caring For Your Turtle
It's Time to Get Strong; Family Picnic Day
The Tiger, The Boy, And The Jackal
The Rajah and the Rice: an Indian Folktale
India

I cannot really share these with you, because one has to have a subscription, and although I know that more and more books are being published the electronic route, with all the bells and whistles, I must say that the experience cannot rival one with a paper book. I just cannot imagine cuddling up with a child and an electronic device. When my children were growing up, we had no TV or video games. None. Many parents asked what I did with my kids when they discovered we had no electronics for the children. How do they entertain themselves? I tried not to roll my eyes. But sarcasm leaked out: whatever did children do fifty or a hundred years ago? They played, did chores, explored the backyard and neighborhood, and if they were bored, well, they became creative. And yes, we read a ton of books! My kids had memorized so many that I'd have them "read" to me well before they knew their letters.

But I digress. I know electronics are the future, but I do hope that children are not plunked in front of the screen to amuse themselves. I hope that parents are taking the time to sit and relax with their children, reading a beloved book together, no matter what the format. It's a time of great bonding. I still cannot part with some of the picture books because I have so many memories associated with them. Most recently we read the Hobbit together. My husband makes the best sound effects.

What do you think of e-books for the young? Would you use them?

On Dreams

 

 

For her 12th birthday, we decided to splurge on horseback riding lessons for my daughter. She's been asking and asking, and this was what she wanted with all her heart. Ask and you shall receive? Oh yes! She is loving her lessons. We cannot afford to give them year round, but as she gets older, she can find a way to make her dreams come true. Sometimes doors open in the most unexpected ways. For now, I enjoy watching her ride, as she dreams of galloping in the woods.

 

Years ago, before I was married, when I was visiting my sister in England, she gave me the gift of a riding lesson on an enormous horse! I don't remember obsessing over horses like my daughter does, but my sister still knew. At the time I never thought about the sacrifices she must've made with three small children to make this dream come true. I loved riding that horse and I never wanted it to end. I am soooo tempted to have a lesson too, but I try to be content. I get such pleasure from watching my daughter ride. I've included a couple of videos even though taking video is not my forte ...  And here's a link to Carbon Leaf's song about some things being best left between a girl and her horse.

 

 

 



Recently we started a family dream journal. We write about big and small things we'd like to do, have, virtues to grow in. We hope this draws us closer as a family as we help each other make our dreams come true. I do believe that the deepest desires of our heart are placed there by God. And so we pray. Persistently. Like my daughter. Funny how a mysterious melding of wills occurs.

So what are your dreams and how are they coming true?

Let Freedom Ring!!!

My son took these beautiful pictures Wed night on Daniel Island. The police had blocked off our usual shortcut across the marsh so we barely made it in time to watch these fireworks.

 

Thu, we spent the day at the beach, playing in the surf and sand. I can't say enough for this kind of carefree playtime. Went to Mass in the evening. We had debated where to go to watch fireworks, but a fellow parishioner who lives on Sullivan's island invited us to watch them from his home. We spent the evening on his dock, enjoying the beauty of this place and the good company. An unexpected gift.

I hope you all had a beautiful and safe Fourth celebrating our country's independence and our God-given rights -- to life, to liberty, and to the pursuit of happiness. God bless America.

Happy Critter News

I started my blog several years ago because there was so much good news spilling out of my critique group (my first post in 2008). And this week has been another one of those weeks.

My dear friend, Marcia Hoehne, has just signed with literary agent Peter Knapp. He's such a perfect fit. Read about her journey and be inspired by her perseverance. She is also starting up her private critique service, so keep her in mind if you need one. She's thorough, careful and caring, with questions and suggestions that will make you dig deeper. If you read her blog, you'll get a sense of what a well-balanced life she leads, writing, teaching, taking care of her family, praying, and enjoying everything to the fullest.

Today another dear friend, Allyson Valentine, was featured on Cynsations. Her debut novel, How (Not) to Find a Boyfriend is finally out! Two years ago, when we were moving to SC, I learned about her contract and the devastating events going on in her family. But Allyson persevered. You can read her amazing story at Cynsations. I am so proud of her. And it inspires me to keep on working when the work is hard, when life is not ideal.

Last week I reconnected with an old friend, Shelley Souza. I saw her picture on Writer Unboxed, but the name beside it was Sevigne. It had to be Shelley, I thought. So I wrote to her. She called me back. We talked for four hours. I kid you not. And if you know me, you know how much I dislike this contraption called the telephone. But it was lovely to catch up on our writing lives, and what pleasure it was to listen to her read a short story and excerpts from her current work. She is a beautiful writer, and I cannot wait for her books to be on the shelf, just like my other critters. And if you're wondering about her alter-ego Sevigne, it is her mother's and grandmother's name. Lovely.

I am so rich for having these brave and beautiful women in my life. May God bless them and all their endeavors abundantly.

Our Summer House Guest

Our bedroom looks as if a toddler has taken over it. Meet bad-to-the-bone, bad-ass, bad-kitty Lewey. But we love having him ... he brings much joy as he chases a plastic ball with a bell inside, or tosses a catnip mouse in the air. Watching him leap, do 360 degree turns in the air, and pounce upon a fishing toy, you can't help but think how perfectly he is made -- to hunt.

He's very affectionate and staked his claim on me the first night, crawling up to my chin and purring and nuzzling me until he decided to bite and claw me. I suppose this is all part of the ownership ritual. 

Our 15-year old tortie is no match for this sleek 1-year old who is determined to dominate everybody and everything. Now of course, cats do own everything, but when there are multiple cats in a family, it is easier to establish hierarchy when the newcomer is a kitten. The first chance Lewey got, he sunk his claws into the old cat's hindquarters. Drew blood. It happened so quickly, I could barely react.

I had hoped that Lewey could have free run of the house by now (we've had him for almost three weeks now) but there is too much animosity between the cats. So Lewey is free to roam and explore when our older cat is snoozing on the porch or in one of the bedrooms upstairs (we keep the door closed). The rest of the time he is king of our bedroom and bath.

Even though nocturnal house pets adjust their routine to fit with the humans they live with, cats prowl at night. Lewey is very busy playing until around midnight. I often read and write in bed and he comes to attack my moving hand. Every morning, I hear him crunching his kibble and then he's ready for another madcap play session, after which he comes for a heavy petting session and then proceeds to bite me. I keep a fishing pole nearby to dangle in my half-asleep state. I realize I'm going to be sleep deprived the rest of this summer unless I start taking afternoon naps with the naughty fellow.

Lewey gets lots of playtime but we have many closed doors in our home now. Our bedroom, for one. The dog sleeps alone now ... you should've heard her whimpering the first two nights. The hamster is in my office (it has a door I can close). The first day Lewey got a whiff of the rodent, he was determined to get the little guy.

 

On family movie nights, my heart breaks a little bit for Lewey because he cannot join us, but then I remember that his sweet mews can mean, "I want to be with you and bite your hand," just as much as "Oooh, hamster on the menu?" or "That old cat has to go."

 

We're having a good summer, punctuated with shouts of: "Shut the door," which sounds exactly like "Je t'adore."

 

On Fathers

Blessings to all the fathers, who bear the most awesome responsibility for leading their families to heaven. Where would we be without you? Where would the bacon come from?



This is the card my daughter made for my husband. You've got to love her sense of humor (I think she picked it up from Gary Larson).

 

 

She also made this homemade bread all from scratch, which makes the best French toast, laden with fruit, which is what we had for Father's Day. Later we went to the beach to play in the sun and sand. Today, my son is mowing the grass. As you can tell, we're all pretty service oriented in our language of love.


Update: I just found out that Papa Francis  issued a decree to add the name of St. Joseph to all Eucharistic prayers. This makes me so happy. He is the ultimate role model for father -- loving, guiding, protecting. Pray for all fathers, dear St. Joseph.