Conference Updates & KidLit Events, Oct. 11
Has everyone had a chance to check out the new SCBWI Book Blast? It’s amazing and a bit overwhelming. I need to spend more time there looking for books from my friends but also seeking out books I haven’t heard of in my usual book world. I’m about to start reading one I found intriguing, THE WOLF’S BOY by Susan Williams Beckhorn.
Here’s what’s up this week:
Happy Book Birthday!
ROOTBEER CANDY AND OTHER MIRACLES
Written by Shari Green
Published by Pajama Press
It will come to pass
that a stranger from the sea
will change
everything.
The locals in Felicity Bay shake their heads at the ice cream man’s prophecy. “Crazy old Jasper,” they say. But Bailey isn’t so sure. She’s found something special down at the beach: a driftwood mermaid, a gift washed up from a storm. Could she be the stranger from the sea who has come to change everything? Bailey hopes so. Because this summer, she could sure use a miracle.
Gilly’s Treasures
Written by Julie Murphy
Illustrated by Jay Fontano
Gilly the seagull loves finding treasures—especially bright, shiny seashells! But will this silly seagull miss the treasures already in his life? With beautiful illustrations and a story that’s fun to read aloud, this delightful picture book is perfect for children and parents alike.
Local KidLit Events
For Readers
OCTOBER 11, TUESDAY, 7-9 PM: DEBBIE FRONTIERA, CHILDREN’S AUTHOR
Off the Vine Bistro, Missouri City
Local author Debbie Frontiera will be headlining the this week’s coffee house series with a selection of readings. Come out and cheer her on, and maybe perform some of your own 13+ work during open mic. There will be prizes, drink and food specials, and a fantastic gathering of artists and audiences!
OCTOBER 15, SATURDAY, 10:30 AM: VARSHA BAJAJ, PB AUTHOR
Local author Varsha Bajaj will be reading her delightful new picture book, THIS IS OUR BABY, BORN TODAY. The sweet text and charming illustrations by Eliza Wheeler will make this a special storytime!
OCTOBER 15, SATURDAY, 3:00 PM: DANIELLE METCALFE-CHENAIL, NF AUTHOR 
Off the Vine Bistro, Missouri City
COST: FREE
Come join the Off 6 Series Coffee Club in the official US book birthday party for IN THIS TOGETHER, a collection of personal stories about history, discrimination, and seeing each other through new eyes from Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail. It’s already a bestseller in Canada and being used by middle school and high school teachers in their social studies and English classrooms, and now is starting to connect with readers stateside. There will be snacks and drinks, as well as creative face painting for all ages (by donation). Signed copies will be available at a discount, and the author would be happy to chat writing, publishing and history one-on-one! Please RSVP at info@daniellemc.com
For Writers
Conference Updates
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Agents & Editors @ Conferences
MARCH 25: SCBWI OKLAHOMA SPRING CONFERENCE, TULSA, OK
EDITOR: Jill Santopolo/Philomel Books
AGENTS: Kristin Nelson/Nelson Literary Agency; Linda Camacho/Prospect Agency
Indie Publishing
JUNE 19-22: SELF OR INDIE PUBLISHING: ANSWERING THE BIG QUESTIONS, HONESDALE, PA
Author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison knows how to create a successful self-publishing career. Big questions led her down the path of starting a publishing company. Now, Darcy wants to help you answer the big questions about self-publishing. Darcy Pattison’s books from Mims House (her indie publishing company) are recognized for excellence. Wisdom, the Midway Albatross received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly; Abayomi, the Brazilian Puma is a 2015 National Science Teacher’s Association Outstanding Science Trade Book. She has published over 20 books through Mims House in the last four years. She’ll share her experiences and expertise to help you avoid the pitfalls that are common in the self-publishing business.