Meeting Highlights from April 15, 2015

Members Present:  Bob, Jackie, Judy, Patty, Ruthann, Suzy, Valia

Guests:  Pamela Ford, Karen Kulinski

Jackie and Patty gave a brief recap of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Spring Conference they attended in March. Jackie brought signed picture books and discussed the speakers’ online courses and credentials, the need for diverse books, etc.

Jackie passed out submission guidelines for the Magic Hour Writers Christmas Book. Members discussed Flying Turtle Publishing and Mari's vision.

Judy read her revised ending of Chapter 4 in Emma and Guinevere. As the disheveled Guinevere returns to the castle she is met with much concern and animosity.

Ruthann read the first Chapter in The Adventures of Boop. Ruthann and her daughter trekked across the country with their pet dove seeking answers and help with her daughter’s medical condition. Ruthann hopes to tell the story from the dove’s point of view.

Valia read “Two Feathered Dove”. His poem is about effects of war and the hope for a peaceful future.

Karen read Elijah McCoy, a picture book biography about the inventor as told by his young friend Marcus. Karen has an agreement with Lee & Low Publishing. Her novel Rescuing Ivy will be available this fall.

Patty read The Chinese Flower Tree, which was written over 25 years ago. This short story is about an unhappy older couple who survives an arranged marriage but eagerly awaits the death of the other until the tree intervenes.

Patty's Millinery Miniatures

Bob read Chapter 3 in Magic. Cody, Carrie, and Claire take their mom to the doghouse but determine only children can appreciate its secret.

Suzy shared some articles on hybrid publishing and publishing scams. http://theworldsgreatestbook.com/self-publishing-scams/

Jackie read two poems. She wrote “Welcome Home” for the Word of the Month challenge. The poem was inspired by the word “pace”. Her other poem, “Pizza Play”, is a rhyming action play for a young audience.

Members decided to meet at Rosati’s again next month on May 14^th.

JSH