Member News—May 2023

Member News is a monthly feature on the EasternPennPoints blog. We want to celebrate our Eastern PA SCBWI members’ good news and help spread the word far and wide. Send us your children’s book–related news—book deals, releases, awards, author or illustrator events (signings, launch parties, appearances), etc. If you’d like your news to be included in next month’s column, please email Laura Parnum at epa-ra2@scbwi.org or fill out our “Good News Survey” before the 20th of the month.

Here’s some exciting news from our members this month!

Upcoming Publication Annoucement

Way Past Sorry by Hallee Adelman

On June 22, author Hallee Adelman is releasing Way Past Sorry, illustrated by Josep Maria Juli and published by Albert Whitman & Company. Way Past Sorry is the seventh book in Hallee’s Great Big Feelings series, joining 2020 titles Way Past Mad and Way Past Worried (illustrated by Sandra de la Prada), 2021 titles Way Past Jealous and Way Past Sad (illustrated by Karen Wall), and 2022 titles Way Past Lonely and Way Past Afraid (Wall). These Social Emotional Learning picture books help kids explore and manage their feelings, with accompanying lesson plans, activities, and videos available for free at WayPastBooks.com and @WayPastBooks on Instagram. In this latest book, Kat is sorry. Way past sorry. Kat promised to be Sage’s buddy on the class trip, but when it is time to board the bus, Kat sits with someone else. Now Sage is ignoring Kat and won’t talk to her even after she apologizes. Kat is way past sorry, but even best friends make mistakes. Together, can Kat and Sage learn that sorry doesn’t have to last forever and forgiveness is one of the best gifts of friendship? You can learn more about Hallee and her books at https://halleeadelman.com.

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Upcoming Publication Announcement

Shay the Brave by Riley Kilmore

Author Riley Kilmore’s debut middle grade fantasy novel, Shay the Brave, will be published in January 2024 through Wild Ink Publishing. Meet Shay, the manor lord’s youngest—and feistiest—daughter. She wants to cut her hair short and trade her petticoats for britches, but most of all, she wishes the citizens of Oldenshire would stop eating meat. When Da’s hunters return to the fortress one day with a caged pouncer for the Harvest Revel’s “mane” course, wishing is no longer enough! With the help of Alexy, the laundress’s mute son, and Bridger, Da’s retired war horse, Shay uses keen reasoning and mechanical sense (skills learned by spending long hours in Da’s library) to concoct a scheme to set the beast free before it winds up on Da’s holiday spit. In gratitude, the beast, Talí, pledges to repay Shay’s kindness thrice as is customary, but when the fortress falls under siege and he comes to the rescue, it is Talí whom Oldenshire sees as their enemy. Swept into the fray, Shay and Alexy must act quickly before their fortress family and forest friends harm one another. You can follow Riley on social media at @RileyKilmore on Twitter and Riley Kilmore on Facebook.

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Book Release

Acutely Believable Creatures by Tom Uleau

Author-illustrator Tom Uleau, a.k.a. Mr. Tom, released a coloring book titled Acutely Believable Creatures on May 1. This book is a collection of work from Tom and his associate “The Goblin.” Originally watercolor paintings, each page has been carefully stripped of its color and desperately needs some creative minds to restore them to their full-color glory. So grab your crayons, markers, paints, and pencils, because we’re going on an art adventure. There is something for everyone to color, and pages range from simple character outlines to full scenes in desperate need of pigments. To connect with Tom and shop all of Mr. Tom’s products, go to his Linktree at https://linktr.ee/itsmr.tom.

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Book Release

Grounded by Aisha Saeed, Huda Al-Marashi, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, and S.K. Ali

The novel Grounded, co-authored by Eastern PA SCBWI member Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow along with Aisha Saeed, Huda Al-Marashi, and S.K. Ali, released this month from Abrams (May 9, 2023). When a thunderstorm grounds all flights following a huge Muslim convention, four unlikely kids are thrown together. Feek is stuck babysitting his younger sister, but he’d rather be writing a poem that’s good enough for his dad, a famous poet and rapper. Hanna is intent on finding a lost cat in the airport—and also on avoiding a conversation with her dad about him possibly remarrying. Sami is struggling with his anxiety and worried that he’ll miss the karate tournament that he’s trained so hard for. And Nora has to deal with the pressure of being the daughter of a prominent congresswoman, when all she really wants to do is make fun NokNok videos. These kids don’t seem to have much in common—yet. Told in alternating points of view, Grounded tells the story of one unexpected night that will change these kids forever. Find out more about Jamilah and her books at https://jamilahthewriter.com.

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Book Release

Just One Little Light by Kat Yeh

Author Kat Yeh’s newest picture book, Just One Little Light, will release on June 6 from Balzer & Bray/Harperteen with illustrations by Isabelle Arsenault. Just One Little Light is a gorgeous, inspiring picture book about how one simple act can be the beginning of real change. This luminous picture book is a powerful reminder to readers of any age that no matter how dark it may seem, even the smallest glimmer of hope can make a difference. Kat will hold a book launch event at Children’s Book World in Haverford, PA on June 6 at 6:00 p.m. Visit Kat’s website at https://www.katyeh.com.

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Deal Annoucements

Author Heather Stigall recently announced the deal for her upcoming picture book, Gilbert and the Ghost for publication in fall 2024 with Beaming Books. Gilbert and the Ghost is the story of a boy who feels invisible, but finds he’s not the only one as he navigates friendship with a ghost he can’t see. The book will include illustrations by Jess Mason. You can visit Heather’s website at www.HeatherPierceStigall.com and find her social media and other links at https://linktr.ee/heatherstigall.

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Upcoming Publication

Temper the Dark by L. Ryan Storms

Author Lorraine Storms, writing as L. Ryan Storms, will be releasing her latest YA fantasy novel Temper the Dark (RaineStorms Press) next month. Servant girl Alaris Kahlanik finds out about her family’s gift the hard way when she discovers her ability to dreamwalk after being condemned to the Cells. With thoughts of escape, she uses her newfound ability to spy on the emperor and his secret search for something important. Nothing the emperor wants could possibly be good for the people he rules, and so whatever the emperor is looking for, Alaris must find first. Throlani Guardsman Kagan Liis has served the Empire since Emperor Patuk’s reign began eight years ago. He can also communicate with a vicious oracle referred to only as the Darkness. When the Darkness tasks Kagan with investigating the servant girl in the Cells, Kagan takes on a special mission that will require more than his usual interrogation methods of brute strength and intimidation. From vastly different echelons of the same tribal society, Alaris and Kagan are surprised to learn they share one important goal—ensuring the best for the people of their island nation. Alaris discovers what the emperor is looking for—a dragon! But warning a senile dragon against impending danger is no easy task. Together, Alaris and Kagan must save a forgetful dragon and a divided nation . . . which may mean giving up any hope of saving themselves. Temper the Dark is available for preorder. You can find preorder links at https://lryanstorms.com/temper-the-dark/

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If you have good news to share, please send it to epa-ra2@scbwi.org to be included in next month’s Member News column or fill out our “Good News Survey.”

Putting in the Hours, by C.J. Bolognese-Warrington

All those hours of creating can sometimes feel like they were wasted if you don’t end up with a product you love at end the day. But take heart – the time you put in is experience gained! Look for comics by C.J. Bolognese-Warrington on the third Friday of each month here on the EasternPennPoints blog.

Putting in the Hours

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Christopher-James Bolognese-Warrington is an illustrator/graphic designer who, along with his wife, owns Kelsey and C.J. Creative Studio. Prior to starting their own studio, C.J. graduated with a BFA in Illustration from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and spent 10 years as an in-house graphic designer and illustrator. C.J. creates whimsical illustrations with bright colors and quirky characters, which offer a glimpse of his view of the world. When not at his drawing desk, C.J. can be found on long walks with his wife and dog, debating whether pasta or pizza is best.

Eastern PA SCBWI 2023 Mentorship Program

The Eastern PA SCBWI Mentorship Program is back! Read on to find info about the program, our 2023 mentors, and how to apply. Applications are due by June 4th, 2023.

July 2023 – January 2024

Our annual one-on-one mentorship program runs from July 2023 – January 2024 and has been made possible through the efforts of our volunteers and mentors—celebrated storytellers from our region. Each mentor will review applications from prospective mentees and select the storyteller they feel will be the best match for their mentorship style and interests. 

What to expect as a mentee:

• Monthly individual email or phone check-ins with your mentor (July – January).
• Virtual monthly large-group meetings within our mentor/mentee community to ask questions, share support, and learn together.
• Your choice of full or partial manuscript feedback for novelists OR up to three picture book manuscripts for feedback for picture book authors or author/illustrators.
• A place to find creative support and build community in the Eastern PA region.

Application Deadline: Sunday, June 4, 2023

Pricing:

• $275 for a partial novel or up to three picture books
• $525 for a full novel
• Full scholarship available! (See application form)

To apply to be a mentee, please fill out the following form by 6/4/23: https://forms.gle/LRAKHrSZY7NepDJS9

Questions? Email lindsay@lindsaybandybooks.com

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Meet the 2023 Eastern PA SCBWI Mentors

Sandy Asher https://sandyasher.com

Linda Oatman High http://www.lindaoatmanhigh.com

Rona Shirdan  https://www.ronashirdan.com

Hillary Daecher: https://www.hillarydaecher.com

Kat Yeh https://www.katyeh.com

Heather Pierce Stigall https://www.heatherpiercestigall.com

Laura Parnum https://www.lauraparnum.com

Jessica Whipple http://www.authorjessicawhipple.com

Adrienne Wright http://www.adriennewright.com/

Lindsay Bandy  http://lindsaybandybooks.com

A Café Chat with Author-Illustrator Dow Phumiruk, by Berrie Torgan-Randall

Author-Illustrator Dow Phumiruk will be offering a webinar through the Eastern PA SCBWI in June titled Powerful Portfolios. Berrie Torgan-Randall interviewed Dow about her creative process, publishing journey, and illustration tips.

Berrie: Hello Dow. Thank you for joining us for a Café Chat. Would you like something from our virtual cafe? I’ve heard that the blueberry muffins are delicious. 

Dow: That sounds yummy! I’ll take three with a lavender lemonade. Thank you!

Berrie: How did you go from pediatrician to children’s book illustrator? How does your experience as a pediatrician help you in your journey as an author/illustrator?

Dow: I took time off to stay home with my children. We spent a lot of time reading picture books from the library, and I fell in love with them. We also did a lot of arts and crafts, and I realized how much I love drawing.

Medicine, as with many other professions, requires hard work and discipline. I worked just as hard in improving my art at first, and later in meeting deadlines. I also did a lot of troubleshooting when caring for my patients, and there is a parallel to this in publishing. Creatives need to fix problem areas in art or writing by analyzing their work and finding solutions. So, it’s not pediatrics specifically that helped me but the work ethic that is part of any challenging profession.

Berrie: What was your best advice that you heard from a conference that changed the way you approached your artwork?

Dow: I’ve learned so much about art from SCBWI events! Here are a few points that I always think about now in creating art:

1. Anatomy – even in a fictional character, there should be an underlying bone structure.
2. The eyes – if two characters are looking at each other, make sure that their lines of sight match up!
3. Composition – plan your piece in advance and consider including foreground, midground, and background elements. Use lighting and contrast to lead the viewer’s eye.
4. Texture – adding texture overlays to digital media makes the artwork more interesting.

Berrie: Tell us about your first book contract. How do you approach illustrating (and/or) writing differently now than with your first book?

Dow: My first traditionally published book was Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines, written by Jeanne Walker Harvey, from Christy Ottaviano Books. It is the story of the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Maya Lin was still in college when her design for the memorial won an anonymous nationwide contest. I created the sketches in color digitally. Now, I realize it is much more helpful to sketch in black and white first. It helps set the stage for differences in value, planning the placement of lights and the darks so that the viewer knows where to look. It’s pretty basic, but I was a little late to adapting this as a regular habit!

Berrie: I noticed that you love to sew and create. Your daughters must have had wonderful Halloween costumes. What were some of your favorites?

Dow: What a fun question! I’ve made dozens of costumes for the girls (and for myself!) over the years. Some favorites are tree, dragon, Bo Peep, and banana slug costumes. I also have made a caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly set of costumes one year for the three girls, so they could go as a butterfly life cycle.

Berrie: Your book “Hugsby” is adorable and has a wonderful theme of accepting people (or monsters in Hugsby’s case) for who they are. Where did the idea for your book come from?

Dow: Thank you so much! Early in my author/illustrator career, I created a book dummy about a monster named See-Through Blob to teach children about medical conditions (see the inflamed appendix, kids?), but the visible internal organs were a hard sell. So, I reimagined Blob as a cuter monster and created Hugsby. In addition, we had acquired a pet bearded dragon, so the original Hugsby was more lizard-like and green. As you know, the final Hugsby is opaque pink – and not transparent!

Berrie: What is your process for illustrating a book? Do you start with rough sketches or do you dive right into a project?

Dow: I might dive into character sketches, but usually I start with thumbnails or storyboard when approaching the story. I often create the storyboard digitally. Then I use pencil on paper to draw enlarged versions of each image before putting them back into the computer.

Berrie: Can you give our readers a sneak peek of what to expect to learn from your presentation – Powerful Portfolios on June 6th? 

Dow: I’ll share some of my older pieces that didn’t work well with more successful pieces in comparison. For example, I’ll share two illustrations of children on a dragon, drawn four years apart. Then, I’ll talk about the differences between the two and the art techniques and tips I used to create a stronger piece. This includes using a new perspective for the composition and avoiding foreshortening for an easier read of the dragon, among other changes.

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Lightning Round!

Favorite place to hike: Bluffs Regional Trail behind my house

Favorite color: A soothing and pale kind of gray-blue

Person (alive or dead) who you would love to meet and why: Senator Tammy Duckworth, because I admire her very much after learning all about her to illustrate A Life of Service, written by Christina Soontornvat

Favorite quote about writing: “You can’t edit a blank page.” – Jodi Picoult

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Dow Phumiruk is an author and illustrator of several children’s books. Her agent, Deborah Warren, took Dow on as a client after seeing her portfolio at the Rocky Mountain Chapter SCBWI’s Letters and Lines fall conference in 2015. The rest is history! She is the illustrator of A Life of Service, by Newberry Honor winner Christina Soontornvat, is an illustrator of Yes We Will, by NYT bestselling author Kelly Yang, and is also the illustrator of Cook Prize winning Counting on Katherine, by Helaine Becker. Mela and the Elephant, and Hugsby, both written by Dow, are Colorado Book Award finalists. Dow is a retired pediatrician.

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Webinar Information

Tuesday June 6th, 2023 at 7:00pm Eastern time:

Powerful Portfolios

Session Description

Join Author/Illustrator Dow Phumiruk for part one of the EPA SCBWI “Portfolio Polooza.” Dow will discuss elements of a successful portfolio for children’s book illustrators. In addition to outlining portfolio structure recommendations, she’ll share what art to include (and what to leave out!), style choices, portfolio pitfalls, and more. She’ll also show examples of strong pieces and describe features that will grab the attention of editors and agents. Lastly, she’ll address Q&A at the end of the session. She hopes you’ll be inspired to create an eye-catching and powerful portfolio!

THIS IS A FREE WEBINAR!

*Registration for the webinar closes 5am the morning of the event.

A limited number of paid illustration critiques with author-illustrator Dow Phumiruk are available. See the registration page for details.

For more information and to register, go to https://epa.scbwi.org/events/webinar-powerful-portfolios/

(Presentations will be recorded. All participants registered prior to the event will receive the recording links.)

Member News—April 2023

Member News is a monthly feature on the EasternPennPoints blog. We want to celebrate our Eastern PA SCBWI members’ good news and help spread the word far and wide. Send us your children’s book–related news—book deals, releases, awards, author or illustrator events (signings, launch parties, appearances), etc. If you’d like your news to be included in next month’s column, please email Laura Parnum at epa-ra2@scbwi.org or fill out our “Good News Survey” before the 20th of the month.

Here’s some exciting news from our members this month!

Book Release

The Secret Life of the Flying Squirrel illustrated by Kate Garchinsky

Illustrator Kate Garchinsky’s latest book in the Secret Life animal series by Laurence Pringle released on April 11 (Astra Young Readers). The Secret Life of the Flying Squirrel follows a year in the life of Volans, a flying squirrel, as she glides in the night air to hunt for food, deftly avoids danger from a raccoon, and gives birth to three tiny pups before preparing once again for the coming winter. Emerging at night from a cozy nest high in a tree, Volans the flying squirrel glides down. Although called a “flying” squirrel, she actually doesn’t fly—she glides using fur-covered flaps. Her instincts lead her to her hidden cache of food. She is also looking for a roomier hiding place because she is ready to give birth. When her pups are born she stays close to home, giving them milk and keeping them safe from predators until they can venture out on their own. Filled with intriguing facts and Kate’s gorgeous illustrations, readers will be fascinated by the story of these remarkable rodents. This latest title in the Secret Life series has been vetted by a flying squirrel expert and includes back matter with more in-depth information, a glossary, and further resources.

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Book Release

Author Jeanne Moran released her fourth book, a whimsical middle-grade fantasy called Someone for Sasquatch (April 12, 2023). When some of her magic-filled arrows don’t work, a creative Friendship Fairy invents a new way to connect humans. A rule-following Love Fairy makes trouble for her by reporting this violation to Headquarters. Other fairies begin to take sides. To settle the growing conflict, Headquarters creates a contest. The two fairies are challenged to find a human companion for the loneliest creature on earth: Sasquatch. But while the two fairies bicker and compete, they learn about a plot to destroy not only Sasquatch but all cryptid species—including fairies . . . . You can find the book on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Someone-Sasquatch-Jeanne-Moran/dp/B0C1J1LZ5C/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=someone+for+sasquatch&qid=1682111211&s=books&sprefix=someone+for+sas%2Cstripbooks%2C63&sr=1-1.

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Upcoming Book Release

Ian’s Show and Tell Surprise: A Story about Autism Spectrum Disorder illustrated by Christopher-James (C.J.) Bolognese-Warrington

Illustrator Christopher-James (C.J.) Bolognese-Warrington, who you may recognize as our monthly comic contributor on the EasternPennPoints blog, has illustrated the book Ian’s Show and Tell Surprise: A Story About Autism Spectrum Disorder, which was written by Vicenta Montgomery and will be released in May. Ian’s Show and Tell Surprise: A Story about Autism Spectrum Disorder is the story of a friendly third grader that does things a little out of the ordinary at times. He wants to join in with his friends at school but isn’t sure how to let them know. When the teacher announces that Show and Tell is coming up, Ian sees it as the perfect opportunity to Show the class some fun things to Tell them all about autism. Will he be able to help them understand him better or will they just laugh at him? Follow along to see if Ian becomes the superhero of his own story, and find out if shining a light on his differences will work out the way he hopes it will! You can find the book on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Ians-Show-Tell-Surprise-Spectrum/dp/1667897659/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=ian%27s+show+and+tell+surprise&qid=1682111395&s=books&sprefix=ian%27s+show+a%2Cstripbooks%2C62&sr=1-1

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Crystal Kite Round Two Advancement

A Poem Grows Inside You by Katey Howes

The picture book A Poem Grows Inside You by Katey Howes (The Innovation Press, November 2022) has advanced to round two of voting for the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award. The annual Crystal Kite Award is a peer-given award to recognize great books from fifteen SCBWI regional divisions around the world. All SCBWI members are eligible to vote for one book from their regional division. Voting ends April 30, and winners will be announced in May.

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Translation and Preorder Availability

Paisley’s Big Birthday by Heather Pierce Stigall

Author Heather Pierce Stigall recently announced that her picture book Paisley’s Big Birthday (Clavis Publishing, August 22, 2023) will be translated into Russian. The English version of the book is now available for preorder wherever books are sold. You can find preorder links here: https://linktr.ee/heatherstigall. Paisley’s birthday is today, right? Then why doesn’t she feel any older? She still has trouble reading, still has trouble jumping in the Hopstacle Course, and is still in Bunnygarten. When will she finally be big? A sweet story about having patience as we grow. For everyone ages 4 years and up. 

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SCBWI Recommended Reading List—April 2023

Each month, SCBWI features books written and illustrated by members. Every month highlights a new theme that will foster discussions, activities, and enjoyment. This month’s theme was “Celebrate the Earth.” Books created by Eastern PA members this month included Wake, Sleepy One, illustrated by Lisa Powell Braun, In the Palm of My Hand written by Jennifer Raudenbush, A Planet Like Ours co-written by Frank Murphy, and A Poem Grows Inside You written by Katie Howes.

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If you have good news to share, please send it to epa-ra2@scbwi.org to be included in next month’s Member News column or fill out our “Good News Survey.”

A Café Chat with Author Meg Eden Kuyatt, by Laura Parnum

Author Meg Eden Kuyatt will be offering a webinar through the Eastern PA SCBWI in May titled Bones and Narrative Energy: The Synopsis as a Roadmap. In preparation, Laura Parnum used the synopsis as a roadmap to guide her virtual café chat with Meg here on the EasternPennPoints Blog.

Laura: Hi, Meg! Welcome to the EasternPennPoints Virtual Café. As we chat over our keyboards, I’m enjoying a huge mug of Earl Grey tea and piece of banana chocolate chip bread. Is there anything you’re sipping or munching on right now?

Meg: I just finished off some “POG” (passion fruit orange guava) green tea, and am sneaking inside for a chocolate peanut butter oatmeal brownie as we get started.

Laura: We’re so excited to host your upcoming webinar about using a synopsis as a roadmap. So let’s use a synopsis as a roadmap for our chat today. First up—the inciting incident! Was there any one moment in your life that drove you to becoming an author?

Meg: I love this idea! It’s hard for me to clearly identify my inciting incident, if I’m honest—maybe because it feels like my writing story is just beginning in some ways! There are a few that could potentially count: Seventh grade, when all my friends were writing poems on a poetry site. Eighth grade, when my history teacher said I was a good writer. Senior year of high school, when I entered a music writing contest and a creative writing contest and asked God to show me what to do based on the results of that—and I was a finalist in the creative writing contest. Though really, an inciting incident is something that changes your world that you have to respond to. So maybe it was in senior year, when I wasn’t admitted into AP Art, and my petty response was to stop taking art seriously and become more serious about writing. I could’ve responded by being, well, not petty—but the silver lining is that it made me want to be more serious about writing!

Laura: It’s so interesting how small moments can lead to big decisions on life’s roadmap. Next up—the fun and games. In your writing life, what are the fun parts? What are the challenges or obstacles?

Meg: The fun and games were probably the early successes. I got my first agent my junior year of high school and was sure that meant I would become a famous writer before college! Hah! The challenges came after high school, in college, grad school, and early adulthood, when I expected to see faster, bigger results than I did. When instead of instant acceptances, I hit hundreds and hundreds of rejection letters. Some of the hardest challenges were parting ways with my first two agents. The second one broke up with me, and I was absolutely devastated—that was definitely my “lowest of low” right before the break into three! But I had a friend tell me that “this is when most people would give up.” She really encouraged me to keep going despite the obstacles.

But the fun parts are those aha moments—when I don’t know what I’m writing, but I sit down faithfully to the page and discover something I didn’t expect! That’s my favorite part of writing. The challenge is sitting down and actually writing!

Laura: I know what you mean! Let’s head for the midpoint. In your writing and publishing journey, specifically for your debut middle grade novel, Good Different, which just released April 4 (congratulations!), was there a moment when something threw a complete curve ball your way? Perhaps something that raised some stakes or really created a big change?

Meg: There are a few events that might fight for that spot, but it’s probably been job transitions. When I started working part time, the financial stakes for this writing thing to really work out began escalating!

Laura: I’m sure! Let’s skip on over to the finale of publishing your first middle grade novel. What was your storming-the-castle moment?

Meg: Ooof, I’m not sure! Probably working on my future book proposals! Publishing Good Different has been a suspiciously smooth process. That hasn’t been the case for other books, and so I’ve been storming the castle with other projects, having to accept that they may be harder than Good Different was, but doing the work anyway!

Laura: That’s great! And, finally, how do you feel you have transformed in the course of your writing journey?

Meg: I’ve been knocked down a few pegs! I like to think of the narrative journey (which we’ll talk more about in the webinar) as a character starting out with a misbelief, or a wrong way of solving the problem, but in act three they have to learn the right way of solving the problem. My misbelief was narcissistic pride that my writing was just the most amazing thing ever, and my wrong way of solving the “problem” of a writing career was to keep pushing and pushing to be considered the very best. God’s sent me lots of humble pie through this journey and while I’m still a work in progress, I’m definitely learning that I have so much to always learn, and that each book teaches me a little more of ways I need to grow.

Laura: Wow, that was quite the hero’s journey! Let’s end things with a quick lightning round to get to know you even better and really flesh out your personal character.

Favorite place to write: On my patio

Current book you’re reading: Lei and the Fire Goddess by Malia Maunakea

Fictional setting you’d like to visit in real life: The Pokemon world!

Any pets? Two cats: CT (Chaos Theory, lives up to her name) and Hazel (nicknamed “Floaf” as she is a fluffy loaf of a cat!)

Are you a morning person or a night owl? Morning, though some projects surprise me with night owl inspiration.

Laura: Well, thanks so much for chatting with me today! I’m really looking forward to your webinar, “Bones and Narrative Energy: The Synopsis as a Roadmap.”

Meg: Thanks so much for having me, Laura! I’m so excited to talk more about synopses!

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Meg Eden Kuyatt is a 2020 Pitch Wars mentee, and teaches creative writing at colleges and writing centers. She is the author of the 2021 Towson Prize for Literature winning poetry collection “Drowning in the Floating World” (Press 53, 2020) and children’s novels, most recently “Good Different,” a JLG Gold Standard selection (Scholastic, 2023). Find her online at https://linktr.ee/medenauthor.

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Webinar Information

Monday May 8th, 2023 at 6:30pm Eastern time:

Bones and Narrative Energy: The Synopsis as a Roadmap

Session Description

When an agent or editor requests a synopsis, the process of honing our novel down into such a small space can be dread-inducing. However, writing a synopsis can help us reflect on the larger themes and values of our work, helping us focus and tighten our narrative structure–or even lay out a road map for a future project. In this workshop, we’ll use the synopsis as a frame for discussing the bones and beats of plot, as well as using it as a guiding light through the drafting and editing process. In our time together, we’ll practice getting to the heart of our projects through writing a one-line pitch, and using that pitch to outline our synopses.

A limited number of paid critiques with author Meg Eden Kuyatt are available. See the registration page for details.

For more information and to register, go to https://epa.scbwi.org/events/webinar-bones-and-narrative-energy-the-synopsis-as-a-roadmap/.

(Presentations will be recorded. All participants registered prior to the event will receive the recording links.)

Querying Journey, by C.J. Bolognese-Warrington

There are so many ups and downs on the querying journey. It helps to celebrate those small wins and the fact that you’ve put yourself out there. Look for comics by C.J. Bolognese-Warrington on the third Friday of each month here on the EasternPennPoints blog.

Querying Journey

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Christopher-James Bolognese-Warrington is an illustrator/graphic designer who, along with his wife, owns Kelsey and C.J. Creative Studio. Prior to starting their own studio, C.J. graduated with a BFA in Illustration from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and spent 10 years as an in-house graphic designer and illustrator. C.J. creates whimsical illustrations with bright colors and quirky characters, which offer a glimpse of his view of the world. When not at his drawing desk, C.J. can be found on long walks with his wife and dog, debating whether pasta or pizza is best.

Member News—March 2023

Member News is a monthly feature on the EasternPennPoints blog. We want to celebrate our Eastern PA SCBWI members’ good news and help spread the word far and wide. Send us your children’s book–related news—book deals, releases, awards, author or illustrator events (signings, launch parties, appearances), etc. If you’d like your news to be included in next month’s column, please email Laura Parnum at epa-ra2@scbwi.org or fill out our “Good News Survey” before the 20th of the month.

Here’s some exciting news from our members this month!

Award Nomination

“I am the Dragon,” a poem by Elizabeth Fletcher, has been nominated by the editor of Spaceports and Spidersilk for the Rhysling Award in the long poem category. The Rhysling award is given each year by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry association https://www.sfpoetry.com/. Poems that are selected as finalists will be included in the 2023 Rhysling Anthology.

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Deal Announcement

Illustrator Tom Uleau, a.k.a. Mr. Tom, will illustrate the upcoming picture book Knight & His Trusty, written by Deb Buschman. The book has been acquired by Michele McAvoy at The Little Press and is scheduled for release in fall 2026. Knight & His Trusty challenges the fairy tale norm: why can’t a knight have a trusty alligator, giraffe, armadillo?

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Book Release, Cover Reveal, and Grant

Author Jessica Whipple will be releasing her debut picture book, Enough Is . . . , illustrated by Nicole Wong, on April 18, 2023, through Tilbury House. The book follows one child as she learns the difference between wanting and needing and, in the end, feels the contentment that flows from being satisfied with what she has. The text, meanwhile, frames a difficult idea in simple, spare language: “Somewhere between a little and a lot, there is Enough. It might be hard to spot, but it’s always there.” A public launch event will be happening at Aaron’s Books in Lititz, PA, on the afternoon of April 16, in advance of the official release. Jessica will be there to read the book, sign copies preordered from Aaron’s or purchased day-of, and do a Q&A. Details on specific times can be found at AaronsBooks.com.

Jessica’s second picture book, I Think I Think a Lot, will be published August 29, 2023, through Free Spirit Books, an indie publisher and imprint of Teacher Created Materials. I Think I Think a Lot, illustrated by Josée Bisaillon, had a cover reveal this month. The book was inspired by the author’s experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and can be a starting point for discussions about overthinking or obsessive thought and about the many ways individuals see and experience the world.

Jessica was recently awarded a grant from the Pa Council on the Arts called the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program. Stay tuned for a future blog post with more information about this local grant. Writers and illustrators are eligible!

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Cover Reveal

Paisley’s Big Birthday by Heather Pierce Stigall

Author Heather Pierce Stigall has revealed the cover for Paisley’s Big Birthday (Clavis Publishing, August 2023), illustrated by Natallia Bushuyeva. Paisley’s birthday is today, right? Then why doesn’t she feel any older? She still has trouble reading, still has trouble jumping in the Hopstacle Course, and is still in Bunnygarten. When will she finally be big? A sweet story about having patience as we grow. For everyone ages 4 years and up. You can visit Heather’s website at www.HeatherPierceStigall.com and find her social media and other links at https://linktr.ee/heatherstigall.

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Publication Announcement

Heather and the Stormy Birthday by Linda Oatman High

Author Linda Oatman High has signed a contract with Astra/Kane Press for a chapter book series titled Heather Whirl, Weather Girl. The first book in the series, Heather and the Stormy Birthday, will be released in November 2023 with art by Kris Aro McLeod. Heather Whirl is fascinated by the weather. With eyes that change color in response to rain or wind or heat, Heather would like nothing more than to be a meteorologist or a climate scientist when she grows up. When Heather turns eight, her eccentric great-grandmother gives her a family heirloom—an umbrella with the power to teleport her to areas experiencing wild weather conditions. Heather’s umbrella has a built-in magical doppler that alerts her to wild weather happening somewhere. In the blink of an eye, Heather travels to the middle of a superstorm! Heather observes and learns about the weather, but also lends a helping hand and documents her adventures with her friend Edward and animal companions Fog the dog and a lizard named Blizzard. Her journal entries, notes from her helpers, definitions, and activities provide additional information for the curious reader.

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Book Release and Deal Announcement

Calling the Moon: 16 Period Stories from BIPOC Authors featuring a short story by Hilda Eunice Burgos

Author Hilda Eunice Burgos’s short story, “Thicker Than Water,” appears in the anthology Calling the Moon: 16 Period Stories from BIPOC Authors, which released on March 28 from Candlewick. The anthology is edited by Aida Salazar and Yamile Saied Méndez. Other contributors include Veeda Bybee, Susan Muaddi Darraj, Saadia Faruqi, Nikki Grimes, Leah Henderson, Mason J., Erin Entrada Kelly, Guadalupe Garcia McCall, Elise McMullen-Ciotti, Emma Otheguy, Christina Soontornvat, Padma Venkatraman, and Ibi Zoboi. Calling the Moon offers coming-of-age stories and poetry as varied as the phases of the moon, from funny to heartbreaking to powerful, all of them reassuring readers that they are not alone in their period journey. 

It was also recently announced that Hilda’s next book will be the first in a new young middle grade series, Bodega Cats, which has been acquired by Carina Licón at Henry Holt. Each book will be set in its respective family’s bustling bodega and revolve around the friendship between a bodega owner’s kid and their newly adopted furry friend. The first book is planned for spring 2024. Illustrations will be done by Siara Faison.

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Honor Book Award

A Poem Grows Inside You by Katey Howes

A Poem Grows Inside You (The Innovation Press, November 2022), written by author Katey Howes and illustrated by Heather Brockton Lee, was named an Honor Book for the 2023 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award. The Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award was named for the late internationally renowned educator, poet, anthologist, and passionate advocate of poetry for young people. The Pennsylvania Center for the Book and the Penn State University Libraries share joint administration of the annual award, and its winning titles are selected by a panel of authors, librarians, teachers, and scholars. “This book is a celebration of poetry—one that gently introduces young readers to the joy of poetic expression, rhyme and rhythm,” said one judge. “A beautiful and playful picture book that fittingly celebrates the joy of writing poetry through the poetic form. The pictures support and enhance the gentle narrative, creating a heartwarming and uplifting read for its child audience,” said another.

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Cover Reveal

Ruptured by Joanne Rossmassler Fritz

Author Joanne Rossmassler Fritz had a recent cover reveal for her second novel, Ruptured, which will be available from Holiday House November 14, 2023. The cover was illustrated by Maeve Norton and designed by Kerry Martin. Ruptured is a sensitive, suspenseful story of a family coping with a life-changing tragedy, told in stunning verse. Claire’s mom and dad don’t talk to each other much anymore. And they definitely don’t laugh or dance the way they used to. Their tense, stilted standoffs leave thirteen-year-old Claire caught in the middle. So when the family takes their annual summer vacation, Claire sticks her nose in a book and hopes for the best. Maybe the sunshine and ocean breeze will fix what’s gone wrong. But while the family is away, Claire’s mother has a ruptured brain aneurysm—right after she reveals a huge secret to Claire. Though she survives the rupture, it seems like she is an entirely different person. Claire has no idea if her mom meant what she said, or if she even remembers saying it. With the weight of her mom’s confession on her shoulders, Claire must navigate fear, grief, and prospects for recovery. The novel speaks to kids’ fears and credits their strength, and stems from the author’s incredible experience surviving two ruptured aneurysms.

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News Feature

Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

In recognition of the start of Ramadan, author Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow was featured on Channel 6abc Action News on March 22. Jamilah’s work puts Black Muslim characters at the center of her stories. Her upcoming picture book, Salat in Secret (Random House Studio, June 6, 2023), tells the story of a Muslim boy who receives a salat (prayer) rug on his seventh birthday and becomes empowered about his faith. The book is a poignant and empowering look at an important facet of Islam that many observant children cherish but might be scared to share. You can catch the news clip here: https://6abc.com/ramadan-muslim-faith-in-philadelphia-begins/12991936/

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Book Release

Poems Stuck in My Brain by Stephanie Henson

Author Stephanie Henson is releasing her second children’s poetry book, Poems Stuck in My Brain, through Alien Buddha Press on April 3. For middle grade readers, ages 9 to 12, Poems Stuck in My Brain is a collection of SEL and lyrical poetry that is meant to inform, inspire, and entertain. It touches on the topics of friendship, seasons, nature, and love—a mix of wonder and awe for children. Available in paperback on Amazon.

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If you have good news to share, please send it to epa-ra2@scbwi.org to be included in next month’s Member News column or fill out our “Good News Survey.”

A Café Chat with Agent Susan Hawk, by Kristen Strocchia

Agent Susan Hawk from Upstart Crow Literary will be joining our SCBWI chapter at the Pocono Remix 2023 retreat this April at the Highlights Foundation. Susan will run a workshop titled Great Openings, provide critiques for those who have signed up, and participate in the panel, pitch roundtable, and mock slush pile events. In preparation for this event, Kristen Strocchia had a virtual chat with Susan for EasternPennPoints. Here’s what they had to say.

Kristen: Hi Susan! Welcome to our virtual Sweet Spot café where we can chat about all things MSWL over a spot of virtual tea. I’d like a cup of cranberry-lime honeysuckle cold brew. How about you?

Susan: That sounds delightful! A bit more prosaic, but I’m a PG Tips person. Every morning I grab my beloved cherry red teapot, fill it to the brim, brew the tea dark, add milk and drink cup after cup as the day goes by.

Kristen: Mmm, that does sound good! Today we’re meeting at the corner of Literary and Commercial. What’s one piece of advice you have for authors & illustrators trying to find this sweet spot?

Susan: Let’s start by defining terms. If literary fiction is focused on character and employs artful language of some kind, and commercial fiction is more driven by plot and tends to prioritize action over character, the sweet spot between the two would be a book that features nuanced, layered characters, is written in distinctive style, and pulls the reader right into a well-developed, thrilling plot.

Kristen: I love how that confluence of definitions makes for the perfect advice. So, give us the dish on delish. In your opinion, what makes writing delicious? And how do you strike the balance between fresh/original and familiar/relatable?

Susan: Deliciousness has to do with relishing something. If you don’t want to drop one bite of a delicious slice of pie, you don’t want to lose one word of a delicious book. As for the balance between fresh and familiar, this starts with knowing the market well, for books obviously, but in a wider sense too—knowing what kind of premise feels different than what you’re seeing on bookstore shelves as well as on screens big and small. At the same time, as the saying goes, there are no new stories. The most unique of premises won’t come to life unless it’s well told, and allows the reader to see themselves in the characters—to relate to them—in some way.

Kristen: We’ve all heard that laughter can be a great way for readers to connect to our characters. So, let’s spill the tea on humor if we can. What’s one thing that makes it work?/makes it fall flat?

Susan: Oh gosh, I don’t think there’s one thing—there are so many different kinds of humor. There’s wordplay, there’s high jinks, there’s something droll or witty, and so much more. Often, something seems funny in that it’s unexpected—a juxtaposition of two (or more) things that don’t seem to go together. But before we get too deep into analysis—I think of E.B. White’s comment, “Humor can be dissected, as a frog can, but the thing dies in the process and the innards are discouraging to any but the purely scientific mind.”—I’ll say this: I’m a fan of humor that’s generous of spirit, that invites the reader into the moment, and draws very few lines between people.

Kristen: Pass the post-its—that belongs on my inspiration wall. And I love that you talk about agenting as the sweet spot between being a book marketer, a librarian, and an avid reader. Do you think these experiences have made you an editorial agent? And if so, what kind of edits can a prospective author or illustrator client expect to work through with you?

Susan: I don’t know that those experiences made me an editorial agent—I think being editorial is a necessity of the marketplace—but they certainly influence the way I approach a manuscript and the kind of feedback I give. My job as the agent is to consider what elements of the project make it most appealing to its audience, and to work with the writer to find ways to develop those elements as fully as possible before it goes on sub. The editorial process is always different as each book is different, but I often focus on how to deepen characters, ensure there are strong stakes in the story, and layers that evoke an emotional reaction in the reader. One request that’s almost always in my edit letters: tighten, tighten, tighten! Cutting is often exactly what a story needs to sparkle.

Kristen: Oooh, like cutting a gemstone creates the sparkle. Love it! At Pocono, you’ll be talking about crafting great manuscript openings. But what’s one thing you look for in a great query letter opening?

Susan: An interesting question! The answer is quite specific and different than what I look for on the opening page of a manuscript. I appreciate seeing the following information: your book title, the category and genre (i.e. YA horror or MG historical), word count, and one or two comparison titles (a book that feels related to yours through its category, genre, theme, or tone). Think of it like this: if the world of children’s lit were depicted on a map—with the continent of YA, within that the country of Fantasy, within that the town of Portal Fantasy, etc—I like to know where I am on that map, as I start your query. It’s incredibly helpful for me to be “situated” like this before I start reading about your particular characters and story.

Kristen: Since we started at the corner of Literary and Commercial, it seems fitting to end with that brilliant map analogy. But before we go, it’s name-dropper time. Answer in a sentence or less…

A secondary figure from a classic/popular novel whose story you’d love to read: Estella Havisham from Great Expectations.

A character lingering in your thoughts at present: Fern and Rosemary – I know that’s two, but they are so intertwined you can’t say one – from Karen Joy Fowler’s We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves.

A favorite book at the intersection of literary and commercial: The Dory Fantasmagory chapter books by Abby Hanlon. These chapter books are hysterical, accessible, and an excellent example of bringing a very specific character to bold and happy life on the page.

A layered story that is equally funny and heartbreaking: Right now, I’m super excited about a new client’s novel, Reasons to Hate Me. A wickedly funny and witty YA novel about a neurodiverse 17-year-old, trying to recover from a devastating friend break-up. I cannot wait for people to read this book!

A favorite concept picture book: I’m going to cheat and name an author-illustrator rather than one book: Elise Gravel (not my client). Silly, smart conceptual books that you’ll want to read again and again!

Kristen: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat today! We’re so looking forward to meeting you in person at our Pocono Retreat in April.

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Susan Hawk is an agent at Upstart Crow Literary, a boutique literary agency she joined after twenty-five years working across many areas of the children’s book world. She represents writers and illustrators of books for kids and teens, board books through YA, as well as graphic novels and non-fiction (also for children and teens). Her clients include Ruth Spiro (author of the BABY LOVES books, selected for Amazon’s 20 Best Children’s Books of the Year), Rachel Elliott (author and illustrator of the graphic novel THE REAL RILEY MAYES), and Rachael Allen (Georgia YA Author of the Year, and author of the forthcoming YA novel, HARLEY QUINN: RAVENOUS).

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Pocono Remix 2023 Retreat Info

Our annual retreat is back and in-person! It will be a weekend of amazing faculty, craft talks, industry insights, and the chance to meet with fellow creators all set at the beautiful Highlights Foundation in Boyd’s Mills, PA.

• Schedule

• Faculty Bios

• Workshops

• Critiques and other feedback sessions

• Sign up to join the waiting list

Write Down Ideas, by C.J. Bolognese-Warrington

Having a light bulb moment is such a great feeling, whether it’s a shiny new idea or a way through a revision. But watch out, because sometimes those ideas can slip away just as easily as they appear if you don’t write them down! Look for comics by C.J. Bolognese-Warrington on the third Friday of each month here on the EasternPennPoints blog.

Write Down Ideas

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Christopher-James Bolognese-Warrington is an illustrator/graphic designer who, along with his wife, owns Kelsey and C.J. Creative Studio. Prior to starting their own studio, C.J. graduated with a BFA in Illustration from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and spent 10 years as an in-house graphic designer and illustrator. C.J. creates whimsical illustrations with bright colors and quirky characters, which offer a glimpse of his view of the world. When not at his drawing desk, C.J. can be found on long walks with his wife and dog, debating whether pasta or pizza is best.