February's Inspirational Quote

"One Hour at a Time"
~ Laurie Wallmark.

Dear Laurie,
You might not recall saying this and perhaps I won't remember the specifics but you are our inspiration for the rest of February and maybe even March.

You and I were on the phone and talking about how hard it is to write a novel and as usual I was whining and feeling sorry for my long-a$$ journey. And you told me about how you were working and how busy you were so you wrote your novel one hour at a time. Astounded I said, "You wrote your novel one hour at a time?" And you said, "Yup." And I thought, "Wow... ... ..."

Often times we think we need - or I think I need - huge chunks of time set aside so I can write. Do you do that too? What if we gave ourselves one hour of each day? If it turns into two, well then fine, but if not, at least you still had your One Hour at a Time. So that is the motto of the month, thanks to ours truly, Laurie Wallmark.

We love you, Laurie!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Writing for Children course

I'm going to be teaching this course through the Hunterdon County Adult School. http://www.hcesc.com/joinusweb/Courses.asp?hIdCCat=937

Here's their blurb about the course:
Learn how to write children’s books, both picture books and novels, to maximize your chances of publication. We will discuss: hints for revising, writing a query letter, getting an agent, self vs. traditional publishing, avoiding scams, researching the market, contracts, and more. This course includes a critique of your manuscript by the instructor.

If you have any questions, just give me a holler at
laurie@www.newjerseyscbwi.com. Laurie

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Our Latest Illustrator Event-Meet Doris Ettlinger!


The HCCWIG is pleased to present a special visit by award-winning children's book illustrator, Doris Ettlinger on Saturday, September 20th at the Hunterdon County Library's Main Branch on Route 12 in Flemington.

Doris has been illustrating all her professional life following her graduation from Rhode Island School of Design, and is a master in the media of watercolor and pencil. She is very well known for her illustrations of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series, and so many more including Pilgrim Cat, Morris and Buddy, and a familiar title to us, G is for Garden State: A New Jersey Alphabet.

Her most recent illustrated titles are Abe Lincoln Loved Animals, and The Orange Shoes. The illustration shown here is from the latter, where you can see her own dog, Bruce Wayne, just happening to come down the stairs.

Doris's talk about the creative process and her own work will begin at 11:00 am, followed by a question and answer session, and a book-signing and sale. Please join us to meet this wonderful, local children's book illustrator! You can see more of Doris's work at her web site!