SCBWI-MI's Co-Regional Advisors Leslie Helakoski and Monica Harris

A NOTE FROM MICHIGAN'S REGIONAL ADVISORS

The SCBWI Regional Advisor's retreat, which is held once every three to four years, took place March 18-21, 2011. The purpose of the retreat was to develop new SCBWI policies, implement new procedures, and brainstorm future incentives to benefit the membership. In a series of six intensive meetings, Regional Advisors from around the U.S. and abroad were briefed on the new procedural handbook and organizational changes that have occurred SCBWI International is now officially a  non-profit organization.

We also discussed the need to keep up with our rapidly changing industry and to educate our members as these changes occur. One exciting topic that will affect our members more directly is the idea of integrating each state website with the national site. This would provide one place for members to go for all information and regional news. Currently, the intent is that the new website will also include the ability to register for our events on-line.

Regional Advisors around the globe donate many unpaid hours to SCBWI in their respective regions every day. In an effort to encourage SCBWI's volunteer work force to attend a managerial meeting and take more time away from families and other interests, the retreat was held on a three-day cruise. But while it may seem to be a luxury, in fact this proved to be the most cost-effective venue for the intensive meetings and meals for so many people. However, not a single penny of SCBWI-MI money was spent on the retreat. Our funds are dedicated to providing quality events and services to our Michigan members.  

The opportunity for us to discuss details and concerns in person was invaluable and we are grateful to SCBWI for giving us this opportunity. We look forward to sharing new information as it is available that will enrich all of our memberships.

Leslie Helakoski and Monica Harris

Michigan co-Regional Advisors  

BOOK REVIEW

By Jennifer Whistler

Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith. Candlewick Press, 2007.

Every autumn, Kalamazoo Public Library presents a children's literature conference designed to help librarians keep up with current trends, enhance classroom curricula, and promote literacy in schools and public libraries. Although I am not a librarian, I attended the most recent conference, which focused on creating diversity in book collections, and just what diversity should actually look like.

One of the presenters was author Cynthia Leitich Smith, who talked about her books that center around Native American characters, and her YA books that are more like Gothic romance. How does Gothic romance fit into diversity, I wondered?

Cynthia explained that she used vampires and werewolves as substitutes for other marginalized demographics. The way that her werewolf characters were unfairly targeted provides today's students with an analogy of the social structure of the modern teenager. 

I was skeptical, but decided to read Tantalize, not only for it's use of diversity, but because I am in the process of revising my own YA, so I wanted to get a feel for what made Kirkus Review, Booklist, Horn Books, and the School Library Journal all give this title such postive reviews.

I found that Leitich Smith was onto something: you can draw parallels between modern teen social structure and vampire-werewolf social structure. And it can indeed be a vehicle that helps young readers analyze their own behavior. By looking at the bigotry and prejudice that exist within the book, but exist for no apparent reason (after all, these aren't "real" people, so the reasons behind the bigotry aren't "real," either), they can more easily separate the prejudice from the group. In other words, it's a whole lot easier to understand just how baseless it is to discriminate against someone for skin color as it is to discriminate for were-status (being born a werewolf).

Aside from that, however, the story behind Tantalize never fully engaged me. The idea that Quincie Morris was trying to save her family's restaurant by making it vampire-themed felt like a forced vehicle to create Leitich Smith's vision rather than a natural outgrowth of plot. I also found that Quincie felt flat as a main character. She was either deliberately obtuse when people were trying to help her, or she was self-destructively stubborn, either of which seemed to be for no reason whatsoever. Ultimately, I didn't feel her character experienced enough of an arc to make me want to continue reading Leitich Smith's series.

Jennifer's YA novel has no vampires, werewolves, angels, demons, or gnomes. However, there do seem to be some gremlins that are keeping her from finishing her revisions in a timely manner.

Image courtesy of FCIT

Ask Frida Pennabook 

Welcome to the first installment of The Mitten's newest column, "Ask Frida Pennabook." The world of children's literature is a lonely one, and sometimes it would be helpful to tap into the expertise of a fellow writer or artist. Each issue, Frida will plumb the depths of her knowledge in order to help struggling writers and illustrators solve their problems. Need help staying focused? Struggling with writer's block? Wondering how to balance the writing life with "real" life? Just ask Frida. She will provide pointers on plot, counsel on character, and motivation for your muse. 

Dear Frida,

I've written several things, submitted them to a plethora of editors, and for some reason, continue to get rejected. I'm thinking about quitting the whole writing thing.  What do you think?

Wanda Quit

Dear Wanda,

Deciding if you have the tenacity to work in children's literature is a personal arm-wrestling match of will power. No one can predict the outcome and in no way can I tell you what to do.  What I will ask you to do though is re-examine your writing goal. For many people, the ultimate goal is get a book contract with a trade publisher. Shooting for the same goal over and over again while missing the mark is the quickest way to feel discouraged.  Instead, think about a new target or goal; something more easily attainable at this point in the market.

It is perfectly acceptable to write for your own pleasure.  Perhaps you'd like to share the stories of Uncle Bob's adventures in the rainforest to other family members. Interview Uncle Bob and put together a bound piece to give as a holiday gift.  Consider your community.  Your local church might be in need of some articles for their bulletin.  The local newspaper could be offering a writing contest with parameters that you've never tried before.  Consider writing an article for your SCBWI regional newsletter on how to stay motivated or about a speaker you met at the local library.

A goal could be to improve your craft.  Search and attend a writing conference. Use the event to not only hear from professionals but to network with other writers.  Consider submitting a manuscript for a paid critique; advice from editors and published authors can be priceless. Form a critique group and begin sharing and gathering insight on your works.

So Wanda, I'm not going to tell you to quit or not...I don't want you pointing a finger at me later if the choice was wrong!  Instead re-examine your goals and find something that can take you to the next stage of writing.

Need a little expert advice? Send your questions here, and Jennifer will send them on to Frida. 

Carol Grund poses with a jar of moldy food during a "March is Reading Month" school visit

Carol A. Grund was surprised recently by a special "gift" from some of the students at Donley Elementary School in East Lansing. After reading her middle grade novel, Anna Mei, Cartoon Girl, a class of third graders duplicated the mold terrarium science experiment described in the book. During Carol's presentation, they proudly showed off their jar of fuzzy, green food! Carol was delighted, assuring them that mold had never looked so beautiful before. Read more about her visit, and the Anna Mei series, at Carol's website.

Copyright by Lucy Ingels

Copyright by Lucy Ingels

Spotlight on SCBWI-MI Member Art

Lucy Ingels 

You can see more of Lucy Ingels's artwork by visiting her website, her facebook page, or her Etsy page.