Would You Read It Wednesday #101 - Cartwheel Queen (PB) PLUS The July Pitch Pick!

Next year I would like someone to remind me in June that August is an insane month and I should plan NOTHING!

Since I forgot this year, I'm in over my head.  And that's with only one regular blog post per week!  I am seriously hoping that things are going to settle down and get more organized when school starts.  Otherwise I shall have to check myself into a home! :)

So quick, darlings, everyone help yourself to more of Coleen's goodies - Peanut Butter Rice Krispie treats today (please note the luscious chocolate drizzle which qualifies them as our Something Chocolate!)

Photo copyright Coleen Patrick 2013 used by permission

YUM!  And totally breakfast because they've got the word Rice Krispie right in the title!  You really cannot argue with that :)

And now let's get right down to business!

First, we've got the July Pitch Pick.  Our brave pitchers have taken all your excellent advice to heart and revised their pitches to the best of their abilities.  Here are the choices:

#1 Lisa
That Tommy Thompson (PB ages 5 and up)
Just a girl???? Abigail Richmond was not about to let "that" Tommy Thompson ruin her day. In fact, she has just enough confidence combined with a dash of sass that allows her to prove she can do anything she puts her mind to, just like some other famous women in history. Luckily, she also has the smarts to know what she shouldn't do. 

#2 Rachel
The Curse of The Shattered Sceptre (Chapter Book/MG)
After accidentally unleashing a torrent of curses, Ollie and his Book Club buddies must use their wits and imagination to unravel a series of twisted clues. In a race against time, will the boys mend the shattered sceptre, restoring the balance of nature, or will they be cursed forever? 

#3 Angela
Fable Ranger (MG)
Swept away in a storm of rose petals, twelve-year-old Case lands in a world of make-believe, chosen by the book of Lorealia as the new Fable Ranger. But in a realm where Prince Charming always saves the day, she’s dismissed…just for being a girl. Proving bravery comes in all packages, Case ventures off to reverse the evil Dovetail’s enchantments. He’s unbalanced magic and forced the Red Rose Bounds to shut down. Unless Case completes the tasks to set magic right, she’ll remain trapped in a spiraling happily-never-after or worse, captured by Dovetail himself.

#4 Vivian
The Tomato Turner Gets A Job (PB ages 4 and up)
The annual summer bike relay is only two weeks away,  but no matter how many times Peter counts the money in his piggy bank, it’s still not enough to buy the new bike he needs to join his best friend’s team. Peter must find a way to earn more...fast! Mixing Gardener’s Gold is not the best smelling job – but his piggy bank IS getting heavier - if only he could stop breathing or make the manure smell better.

I know it's a tough choice (as always!) but please choose the pitch you think deserves a read by editor Erin Molta and cast your vote by 11:59 PM EDT Sunday August 25.

Thank you so much for voting!

Now!  Onward! :)

Today's pitch comes to us from Carrie who says, "My passion for picture books and literacy began while studying to be an elementary teacher.  I took a break from teaching this past school year to immerse myself into writing full-time.  I guess you could say I finally figured out what all the brain babble was for!  

You can find me on my blog site Carrie On... at www.carriecharleybrown.com or follow me on Facebook www.fb.com/carrie.brown.56614#, Twitter @carriebrowntx, or You Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/carriecharleybrown"

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Cartwheel Queen
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 3-6)
The Pitch: After learning how to do a cartwheel, Queen Carina begins her rule over Cartwheelandia. Cheers and cartwheels explode through the crowd, but stop short with Carina’s heart-broken little brother.  In an effort to restore peace to the kingdom, Queen Carina does all she can to help Caden train to be the greatest Cartwheel King that ever lived.

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Carrie improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)

Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in September so we could really use some new pitches!  Send yours for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Carrie is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to something so wonderful you won't even believe it!!  We are expecting a new grandbaby and he or she is due to be delivered TOMORROW!!!  Next time you see me I'll be a grandmother again... or a grandfather :)  Meanwhile, hoping all will go smoothly with the delivery and that this little one will be as healthy and wonderful as his or her big sister!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone! :)

Would You Read It Wednesday #86 - Day Dreamer (YA Sci-Fi) PLUS The April Pitch Pick

Happy May Day, Everyone!

Isn't it so appropriate that the birthstone for May is emerald?  May is so beautifully green!

And in the spirit of spring, I'm going to go hog wild and serve strawberry shortcake this morning.  I know it isn't chocolate, but YUM anyway! :)  Please!  Help yourselves :)

Now then.  A teensy item of business before we get to the pitch pick and today's Would You Read It pitch.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I did not detect the usual level of enthusiasm for my most recent hare-brained scheme contest.  I have decided this is my fault.  I thought it would be totally fun to see what you clever folks came up with - you always amaze me with your creativity!  But I can see how maybe it's more fun for me than it is for you, even though there are prizes.  And far be it from me to force anything on you that you don't think is fun!

So please let your opinion be known below.  Would anyone like to try the contest?  Or shall I make it easy - points for Face Book posting, Tweeting, or blogging about the ebook on May 7-9 or something - and lower the prize quality accordingly?  Ready set vote! (By 9PM EDT tomorrow, Thursday May 2)

Phew!  Now that's out of the way, let's do the April Pitch Pick.  Here are the newly improved and updated pitches from our intrepid pitchers thanks to your excellent feedback.

#1 Pam
Flood Dogs (Picture Book ages 5-8)
Based on a true story, FLOOD DOGS tells of a girl, her two dogs, and the flood that comes between them. As Cadence fears the fate of her dogs, she must also face the devastation of her town and home.  When she finally reconnects with her dogs, Cadence is overjoyed to discover just how much she still has.

#2 Elaine
Giant At The Gym (Picture Book ages 3-7)
When Giant works out at the 24-hour Animal Fitness Gym, he discovers that the weights are too light. Grabbing treadmill runners, stationary bike riders and bench pressers, Giant soon has animals of all kinds hanging from his barbells. Yet the barbells are still too light! Will Giant find the right amount of weight before he runs out of gym-goers or will Elephant put him over the top?

#3 Deborah
Hurricane Enrique (Picture Book ages 4-7)
Every Friday afternoon, Molly takes care of her best friend's yippy, nippy little Chihuahua, Carlos.  When a tropical storm strikes, Molly finds that rescuing Carlos isn't easy, but friends are friends.

#4 Cynthia
A Noise In The Dark (Picture Book ages 4-8)
Nicky knows he'll never get to sleep unless he finds out what is making so much noise in this closet, but it's dark and he is scared and all he really wants to do is hide under his covers. When Nicky gets no help from mom he realizes he must find the courage to face his fears so he could finally get some sleep.

Please vote for the pitch you think deserves a read by editor Erin Molta by Friday May 3 at 11:59 PM EDT.  Thank you!

Now then!  Onto today's pitch which comes to us from Jesse.  Jesse says, "I am an ad copy and commercial writer by trade. I am a husband and father of two (ages 3 and 6). I have tried my hand at writing stories for my children. I am in the process of self publishing a picture book entitled, "That's Not How Mommy Does It" and recently I began writing the Day Dreamer novel for young adults. I would love the aid of the writing community as well as the backing of an agent and publisher. I have also had multiple articles published in an Apple related business magazine, i.Business.

Here is a link to a facebook community that I started, 'The Indie and Self Publishing Forum'. It has been accepted warmly by the writing community: http://www.facebook.com/groups/480809531948228/

And this is my personal facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jesse.lee.71697

And this is my Commercial Writing and Marketing Blog: www.realnichemarketing.com

Here is Jesse's pitch:

Working Title: Day Dreamer
Age/Genre: YA Science Fiction
The Pitch: What causes Deja Vu? No one has been able to scientifically prove the cause. But, Neurologist Dr. Edwin Wallace has found the answer. And the answer gives a clue to his visions. But as his visions fade with his age, a new and exceptionally gifted 17 year old Day Dreamer, Jackson Cooper could unlock the secret to harness their premonitions for the good of mankind. But when Jackson is taken by a secret government agency hoping to use his gift for military purposes, he will have to fight his way back home with the help of a group of gifted youths that he will meet along the way. This exciting and highly realistic science fiction drama presents a believable explanation to how a person could accurately see the future.

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Jesse improve his pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)

Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in June so you have a little time to polish your pitch for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Jesse is looking forward to your thoughts on his pitch!  I am looking forward to finding out what you really think about the jingle contest so I can come up with a new plan if need be!

Have a lovely day, everyone! :)

Would You Read It Wednesday #72 - The Good For Plenty Bibs (PB) AND The December Pitch Pick

I just have to say, I love our writing community!

Where else, on a Monday or Tuesday afternoon, can you find mature adults making up rhymes about poets, or writing songs with animal noises in them for other writers' blogiversaries on Face Book?  (And yes, that certainly IS an excellent and productive use of time!  We're writing, aren't we?! :))

So let's see... what have I accomplished this week?  You mean, aside from the verse about the otter?  Ummm.....

Excuse me while I distract you with Something Chocolate :)

Freepik.com

Please, help yourselves!  While your mouths are full, I'll explain what we're doing today.

Due to December's crazy schedule, we only had 2 pitches, and January has 5 Wednesdays which, for those of you who struggle with math (oh wait, that's me!), means there will be 5 pitches :), so to make the pitch picks more even I put Sidney's from the first Wednesday in January in with the 2 from December so that December's pitch pick will have 3 and January's (when we get there) will have 4.

I hope you were all able to follow my advanced math at this hour of the morning.  More cake?

So here are the revised pitches for the December+ Pitch Pick :)

#1 Julie
Differently Together (formerly Eddie Brick Visits The Aunts) - PB - ages 4-8
When their grandnephew Eddie's visit stirs up their tried-and-true routine, Emmie and Effie Brick find the upset quite upsetting.  Eddie's creativity might just help his aunts learn to enjoy doing things a little differently, together.

#2 Kim
Oyster And Pearl - PB - ages 4-8

Pearl is a tiny grain of sand that lives in the bottom of the ocean. She feels insignificant in her world and both envious AND enamored of the star that she can see far above her. As she sets her sights on joining the star, she encounters many challenges... until finally, one night, she meets Oyster, who helps her become a star of her own.

#3 Sidney
Astrid Climbs Her Family Tree - PB - ages 4-8

When Astrid discovers family photo albums, she can’t figure out how she is related to all these people. Join Astrid as she learns how to draw a family tree, create a gravestone rubbing, build an Aztec pyramid, march like George Washington and chase her boredom away. 

Which do you feel deserves a trip to editor Erin Molta's desk for a read and comments?  Please vote for your favorite by Friday January 18 at 11:59 PM EST and I'll announce the pitch pick winner next week.


Now on to today's pitch comes to us from Linda, whom you may remember from her pitch for Alpha Bitty in October.  Linda is a former gifted and talented teacher and the author of a number of books including the multi-award winning picture book, The Blue Roses.  Please take a moment to visit her website at www.lindaboyden.com.  Here is her pitch:

Working Title: The Good For Plenty Bibs
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4 and up)
The Pitch: A spanking new pair of bib overalls arrives at the Owens’ family cabin for the oldest boy, Jake’s birthday. Pretty soon he sprouts like a beanstalk and dumps them into Granny’s quilt pile saying, “Good for nothing bibs.” Granny argues, “They’re the good for plenty bibs.” She stitches a pocket up and passes them down to the next boy. So the bibs pass from brother to brother, Granny fixing them up each time. They cycle through rips and tears, ups and downs but finally when the last child and only girl, Annabella, outgrows them Granny agrees: they’ve been patched and re-patched; they’ve lost their midnight blue, their October sky blue, and even their milky morning blue. Now they’re finally the good for nothing bibs. This time Annabella disagrees. With a clever plan and her brothers’ help, the kids work out a surprise that leaves Granny speechless.

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Linda improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)

Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in February - like in 3 weeks! so seriously we could really use some new pitches!  It's your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Linda is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to what kind of tomfoolery will show up on Face Book this afternoon :)  It better be good.  My expectations are raised now :)

Have a great day, everyone!

Beating The Odds: Guest Post From Author/Illustrator Alison K. Hertz AND A Giveaway!

Today I'm delighted to share a guest post from author/illustrator Alison Hertz, whose debut picture book FLAP! was released from Magic Dreams Publishing in November!

One quick thing first: seriously, you guys have to remind me when I space things out!  I forgot to mention in Friday's post that the winners of my blogiversary giveaway, who shall receive a 5 pack of Tracy Campbell's gorgeous hand-crafted greeting cards, are Rhythm (who is technically a dog, but I'm pretty sure s/he's got a mom who will enjoy the cards :)) and Laura Anne Miller!!!  Laura, it's entirely possible I have your address from sending the Perfect Picture Book bookmarks, but Rhythm, I'm going to need yours, so please email me when you get a chance!  (Handy Email Me button in right side bar or you can do it the old-fashioned way and type in susanna[at]susannahill[dot]com.)  Congratulations to the winners, and thank you ALL for being such wonderful involved participants in my blog - you guys are what make it all such fun :)

Oh wait!  One more quick thing.  For the first time in WYRI history, we had a tie for the November Pitch Pick!  Kim and Larissa scored the same number of votes!  I can really only send one pitch per month to Erin, so I'm going to have to ask you all to vote again and choose between these two talented writers!


#1 Kim
How The Bull Lost His Feathers - PB - ages 4-8
Long, long ago in a faraway land, bulls actually had feathers.  And they were big, colorful peacock-like feathers at that!  Discover how one very stubborn yet lovable bull lost every one of his feathers-- not only for himself, but for all the bulls born in the world after him. This fable-like tale also reveals why the color red will always make a bull’s temper flare!

#2 Larissa
Dim Sum Dog - PB - ages 4-8
With business dwindling, Chang and his family fear they will have to close their dim sum stand. But with the help of a special dim sum-loving dog who entertains customers, they may save the stand after all.


Please vote by noon tomorrow EST (tomorrow being Tuesday Dec. 11) so I can announce the winner on Wednesday!

Okay!  On with the show!

Alison K. Hertz, author/illustrator of FLAP!

Welcome, Alison!  And thank you so much for joining us today!

I’m very happy to be guest posting on Susanna’s blog today. As a writer and an illustrator, I often get asked about how I work. How does an illustrator write stories? How does a writer illustrate stories? How did you create FLAP!? Well, that’s actually kind of complex to answer. The process that I used for FLAP! was quite different from how I write and illustrate stories now. Let me explain.

When I wrote the manuscript for FLAP!, I didn’t plan to illustrate it. In fact, I submitted it to editors and agents describing myself as a writer (not mentioning any art training or design experience at all). Actually, I have two college degrees in art (city planning and toy design) and was a professional toy designer for many years. I designed hundreds of toys that were produced and sold in major retail stores but all of that changed in an instant. On my way to the toy company, to finalize some models for a major toy retailer presentation, I was in a terrible car accident.  My left arm was broken and permanently dislocated (and I’m a lefty). I also had a bunch of other horrible injuries but there’s no need to go into that now. In short, I was told by the doctors and physical therapists that my arm would have basic function but never be near the level of fine motor movement that I had before. I temporarily became a righty, earned a teaching degree, and began teaching middle school art and technology (both art and tech are used together constantly as a toy designer).

Alison's work space

Fast forward to 14 years later…Shortly after sending out FLAP! for submission, I received a call from a small traditional press in Illinois that explained they were expanding their line and starting an imprint for children’s books. I had sent it to them because their description was pretty general. They loved my story and wanted to publish it. After the contract was signed, they began their search for the right illustrator for my story. At the same time, the economy tanked and budgets tightened. I was told a year later that they could not afford to hire an illustrator for my story and would probably have drop it from their line. I cringed as I explained to the publisher that I had been a toy designer and an art teacher and that I could illustrate the book. I had not been drawing for many years (except to model examples for my students, which was nowhere near the same thing as illustrating a presentation quality piece). I sent her sketches. She loved them and I became the illustrator for FLAP!

Alison drew sketches by hand

I was excited at the opportunity to get published as a writer and an illustrator but scared that my arm couldn’t handle creating 30 finished pieces. It was incredibly difficult to draw for long stretches of time (more than 40 minutes), my wrist and my arm could not handle the extended use of holding a pencil or stylus and the movements required for drawing. I was on a very tight schedule because of the planned publication date and had only 10 weeks to create all of the illustrations from sketch to final. I created the roughs (sketches) by hand. (See above) Once the roughs were approved by the publisher, I scanned the drawings in and taught myself how to use Sketchbook Pro as I created the line drawings. Those drawings went through another approval by the publisher and I was given the okay to create the final, color illustrations.

some interior artwork from FLAP!

When the illustrations for FLAP! were finished, I accepted that I could be an artist again. I had retrained my left arm to draw.

I now use a much different method of writing and illustrating. When I submit manuscripts to editors, I refer to myself a writer and an illustrator and send samples along with a link to my online portfolio. I challenge myself to things like SkADaMo that require me to draw everyday. I will prove the doctors and physical therapists wrong. I believe that someday I will get back the fine motor function of my left arm if I continue to draw everyday and rebuild those muscles. As Watty Piper once wrote, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.”

FLAP! is available through 

Amazon 

Barnes and Noble

IndieBound

And my website at: www.AlisonHertz.com – (autographed copies available here)

Places to find me:

My website (listed above)

My Blog: www.AlisonHertz.blogspot.com

My Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/#!/AlisonHertzAuthor?fref=ts

Twitter: @AlisonHertz

In addition to writing and illustrating, I am using my graphic design skills to design bookmarks, postcards, coloring sheets, business cards, etc… for authors and other professionals. Check out AH Designs at: http://www.alisonhertz.com/graphic-design.html for details, samples, and pricing.

Thank you so much for joining us, Alison.  Your story is so inspiring.  I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say I'm glad you pulled through with such flying colors and proved those doctors wrong.  I hope you sent them an autographed copy of FLAP! to serve as inspiration to future patients :)  And if you haven't had a chance to see Alison's work, hop on over to her blog and check out the sketches she did for SkADaMo - they're wonderful!  (And as many of you probably know, Alison designed 3 different sets of book marks for me and they're all terrific - I can highly recommend her work!)

Alison has generously offered to give away a signed copy of FLAP! to one lucky winner!  In the book, twins Max and Katie decide to teach their little sister Lilly to fly.  At the end, Max says, "I have an idea for tomorrow."  To qualify for a chance to win the book, please write in the comments what bright idea you think Max had - what are those kids are going to get up to tomorrow?  Or, if it's too early on Monday morning and you're not sufficiently caffeinated to be creative, you can just say who you'd like the book for :)  Of course, what Alison would really love is pictures of people flapping - especially kids - so if you can add such a picture to your comment you will get an extra chance at winning!  Please enter your comment by Wednesday December 12.  Winner will be chosen by random.org.  And it could be a holiday gift for someone :)  For a nice review of the book, please go HERE.

Have a wonderful Monday, everyone! :)

Would You Read It Wednesday #68 - Eddie Brick Visits The Aunts (PB) And The November Pitch Pick!

Woo-hoo!  It's Wednesday!  Time for everybody's favorite program:  Would You Read It!

Let's grab Something Chocolate, shall we?  We haven't had donuts in a while... :)

photo copyright Stacy S. Jensen 2012, used by permission

Now that we're all happily munching, let me mention The Holiday Contest (for anyone who missed Monday's post, hop on over, see the rules, and start thinking up your story! :))

And now let's move on to the November Pitch Pick.  All the pitches have been updated to reflect your helpful advice and comments, and I never tire of seeing how much writers seem to get out of this!  It's great to look at the before and after versions!

Here they are.  Choose your favorite and vote for it in the poll below by, oh, let's say Friday Dec. 7 at 11:50PM EST.  The winner's pitch will be sent to editor Erin Molta for a read and comments!

#1 Heather
Banshee Birthday - PB - ages 4-8
Ailbe the Banshee's birthday wish is to have the village girls over for an all night celebration full of moonlight, cake and nocturnal animals to visit. She just has to wait and see if any girls will be brave enough to ignore the old myth that Banshee bring bad luck. If they are, Ailbe might be lucky enough to make some new friends.

#2 Kim
How The Bull Lost His Feathers - PB - ages 4-8
Long, long ago in a faraway land, bulls actually had feathers.  And they were big, colorful peacock-like feathers at that!  Discover how one very stubborn yet lovable bull lost every one of his feathers-- not only for himself, but for all the bulls born in the world after him. This fable-like tale also reveals why the color red will always make a bull’s temper flare!

#3 Larissa
Dim Sum Dog - PB - ages 4-8
With business dwindling, Chang and his family fear they will have to close their dim sum stand. But with the help of a special dim sum-loving dog who entertains customers, they may save the stand after all.

#4 Katie
A Colorful Surprise - PB - ages 3-7
On the long car ride to Grandma’s, Evan tries to keep himself busy. But after watching a movie, playing some games, and reading three books, Evan is completely bored. His family has run out of fun ideas too when they discover a sky filled with hot air balloons in bright colors and unique shapes. Suddenly, Evan’s mind is full of images that will keep him dreaming long after this trip is over.

Which is your favorite?


Now, onto today's pitch which comes to us from the amazing and very forgiving Julie.  (Seriously, she was supposed to be on the WYRI list for August, and somehow I screwed up and forgot all about her, and she never made a word of complaint!  Clearly, in addition to her many other talents she is a saint.  Thank you for being so nice about my mistake, Julie!)  Anyway, a scribbler of children's stories in between chores, Julie Rowan-Zoch has visited three continents, attempted to learn 4 languages, and has a 2-3-3-3-3 phalangeal formula in both of her hands and feet. (Though not yet able to get a good grip with her toes, she has been drawing with her hands since she exchanged a banana for a crayon.)  Please come visit her on her blog and view her beautiful artwork!

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Eddie Brick Visits The Aunts
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)
The Pitch: Ellie and Effie Brick do everything together, but when their grandnephew Eddie arrives the security of their routine is altered. Eddie helps them see they already enjoy doing things differently, together.

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Julie improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)

Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in February, so you have time to polish :) for a chance for it to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Julie is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  And I am looking forward to seconds on those donuts :)

Would You Read It Wednesday #64 - A Banshee Birthday (PB), And Pitch Pick #14 (October)

Well, my goodness!  This has been a busy week so far, hasn't it?

I apologize for the extra post yesterday, and thank everyone who took the time to read and vote for their favorite Halloweensie Contest entry.  If you haven't had a chance to vote yet, the running is VERY tight and we need all the votes we can get, so please go HERE!

And speaking of voting, we've had so much of it this week!  Voting for the president... voting for the Halloweensie Contest... and now voting for the October Pitch Pick winner.  Truly, I feel a little weak, and I suspect you may too, so I'd like to offer you all a restorative chocolate cake pop :)

Photo copyright Stacy Jensen 2012 used by permission

Very festive, don't you think?  And orange-y and yellow-y for post-Halloween scrumptiousness :)  And as we all know, if it's cake, it's breakfast (milk, eggs, grains, need I say more?)  Hmm... I like that!  I think it should be my new motto:  "If it's cake, it's breakfast!"  (and you have to say it in the voice of a Saturday morning cartoon narrator, you know, like "Not far outside the city, the evil scientist, Simon Barsinister, was up to no good!"!)

Now that we are thusly fortified, here are the revised pitches from October, presented for your voting pleasure.  Enjoy reading the new and improved versions and then please vote for the one you think deserves a read by editor Erin Molta.

#1 Linda
Alpha Bitty (PB ages 4-6)
A special tree stands on Wordy Hill. It doesn’t sprout apples or oranges but letters, from A to Z. All year Wind, Rain and bright Sunshine, have helped the letters grow strong, but how can they pick them? Alpha Bitty comes to the rescue and together the friends share the letters near and far so new stories may blossom.

#2 Sidney
Phantom And The Boneyard (MG)
The Phantom awakens to find himself separated from the other airplanes in his squadron and relocated to a military "boneyard" in the Arizona desert where retired aircraft are used for spare parts. But Phantom isn't ready to retire. With the help of new friends, he starts plotting his escape before he, too, ends up in permanent storage with his "eyes" wrapped shut.

#3 Brenda
Dishing Up (PB ages 3-8)
What could possibly go wrong when Dan Platter, Kay Gravy Boat and Amy Gravy Boat take over the kitchen!

#4 Carrie
Scooter Annie (PB ages 4-8)
Annie loves swooping and gliding on her new scooter. Nothing can stop her…except the hill at the end of her street. Now, if Annie wants to ride in the neighborhood parade, she must find a way to tackle that big hill – without getting hurt in a big way.

Please vote by Friday November 9 at 11:59 EST!

And now for today's pitch from the lovely Heather (who you may remember from that gorgeous dragon painting we all enjoyed so much for the Summer Send-Off Contest - helpfully linked in case you want to go look at that picture again!)  Heather is an artist, writer, wife and mom living in the woods of Maine. When she's not scribbling away at her desk, she's busy exploring, learning and generally raising a ruckus with her family. You can find her at her blog or her website.

Working Title: A Banshee Birthday
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-8)
The Pitch: Ailbe wishes she had some friends to invite to her birthday party, but it's tough finding girls willing to attend a nocturnal banshee celebration. For those girls brave enough to say "yes" and stay awake past bedtime, Ailbe has many secrets of the night to share. 

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Heather improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)

Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in January, so you have time to polish :) for a chance for it to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Heather is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  And I am looking forward to a lovely day in which there will be sunshine and temperate temperatures and certainly NOT what the weather man is calling for which I will not repeat here because this is a kid-friendly blog and the weatherman is tossing about a four-letter word that begins with S!

See you Friday for Perfect Picture Books and the winner of Amy's giveaway for Marathon Mouse!

Have a fun-filled, snow-free day! :)

Would You Read It Wednesday #62 - Dishing Up (!) (PB) And The September Pitch Winner

It's another wonderful Wednesday!  And we've got tons of Would You Read It fun lined up :)

But before we get to that, I just have to interrupt myself for one second and say how lucky I am that the nicest people in the world come over here every day!

You all participate so enthusiastically in whatever high jinx and shenanigans I've got going on.  So many of you have helped me with one hair-brained scheme or another out of the kindness of your hearts (remember Phyllis's World Tour?).

A number of you (and you know who you are :)) have recently gone above and beyond to help me with a couple of projects (more on those when and if they come to fruition!)

Whenever I need a talented illustrator or graphic designer (which is pretty much always because I am so bad at that stuff :)) I have only to holler - just look at all the gorgeous book marks and badges and story prompts that abound in this neck of the woods! :)

And then, as if all that weren't enough, Stacy took pity on me (and all of you) because of the Don't-Use-Images-Off-Google-Lest-You-Get-Sued debacle that has left my Would You Read It posts depressingly undecorated with chocolate.  She spent heaven knows how many hours baking amazing treats AND PHOTOGRAPHING THEM!!! and then sent me a whole file full of truly delicious pictures - that I am allowed to use! :) - to make your Wednesdays brighter and chocolate-r.  I am not making this up.  Look!!!

Peppermint Patty Brownie Cupcake
Photo copyright Stacy S. Jensen used by permission

Seriously!  Aren't you just drooling?

So I would like to ask for a big round of applause for Stacy!  Thank you so much for bringing beautiful chocolate back into our Wednesdays.  Really, I'm a little choked up :)

And a huge thank you from me to all of you for taking the time to come over here and join in the fun and support me in whatever crazy thing I've got going at the moment! :)  Please.  Have a cupcake on me!

So, okay, enough of that mushy stuff.  Now that we are suitably armed with Something Chocolate (YUM!), let's go!

First, I'd like to announce the winner of the September Pitch Pick.  It was a tight race!  Our new system of letting writers rework their pitches based on all your helpful comments is resulting in much-improved pitches across the board, making it very difficult to choose!  (Although it does also make it more exciting! :))  Anyway, the winner for September is

Elizabeth

with her pitch for Buff The Magic Dragon!  Congratulations Elizabeth!  Especially because you now have the honor and distinction of being the first person in Would You Read It history to win more than one pitch pick!  (You all may recall that Elizabeth won the May pitch pick with her pitch for Magnificent about synchronized swimming elephants :))  Your pitch has been sent to editor Erin Molta for critique and I'm sure we'll hear from her soon!

I would also like to congratulate all the other pitchers - Tina, Vivian, and Catherine - for excellent pitches and for being brave enough to put their work out there for critique.  We all know it isn't easy!  So thank you for stepping up to the plate... or maybe it should be stepping onto the mound :)... although somehow that doesn't sound very good... like maybe something that should be in Catherine's story :)

Anyway, 2nd grade bathroom humor aside, it is now time for today's pitch!

Today we have a pitch from Brenda.  Brenda says, "I am a somewhat average gal, not to tall, not too round, not too young or too old.  I am not outgoing, yet I am definitely not an introvert.  My works include:
-Meeting Myself, Snippets from a Binging and Bulging Mind (about bulimia and me)
- Heartfelt-366 devotions for common sense living
- God, Gluttony & You (a Bible study)
- The Big Red Chair ( a story book for grieving children.)
Writing gives me a way to look at my life and recognize how far I've come.  If you really want to know what I am thinking, read my Daily Devotionals.

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Dishing Up (!)
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 3-8)
The Pitch: Squabbles and food fights break out when invisible guests show up at a family dinner table.

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Brenda improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)

Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in December, so you have time to polish :) for a chance for it to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Brenda is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  And I would like to sneak in a quick word from our sponsors before you go.  Have I reminded you lately that the Halloweensie Contest is coming up soon?

I haven't?

Well then, the Halloweensie Contest is coming up soon!!!!!

As you all know, I'm a last-minute kinda gal, so I haven't yet decided exactly what the contest will be...  but it will be on Wednesday October 31 (Halloween!!!) replacing WYRI that day, and it will be a children's story of some type (aren't they always? :)) and it will be tons of fun and there will be good prizes!!!  So put on your halloween thinking caps so you'll be all ready to start writing when I put up the official contest announcement... hmmm.... maybe Monday!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone :)

Would You Read It Wednesday #61 - Phantom And The Boneyard (ER) and Pitch Pick #13

Boy do we have all kinds of Would You Read It fun for today!  Grab your Something Chocolate and settle in!

First off, we have the September Pitch Pick, and all 4 participants have revised their pitches with an eye to your wonderful comments, so this should be very interesting!

#1 Tina
Melody Wants A Piano (PB)
When Melody returns from Grandma's with a song in her heart, she wants a piano.  Perhaps street singing, a baseball game, and a talent show will help her raise the funds to share her song with others.

#2 Elizabeth
Buff The Magic Dragon (PB)
Buff the Magic Dragon is afraid of EVERYTHING.  But when his magic trick-gone-wrong lands the baby Princess Ponypants in the tentacles of Captain Meanie Bones Jones, Buff must swallow his fear to save her.

#3 Catherine
Once Upon A Toilet (PB)
Mr. Eubend, a plumber for King Fartsalot and Queen Piddle, was called away to an emergency in a neighbouring kingdom. En-route he finds he is in great demand.

#4 Vivian
Confessions Of The Tomato Turner (PB)
Peter proudly helps his mom in the family vegetable garden, but when he pulls up a baby tomato plant instead of a weed, Peter is torn between telling his mom and hiding the evidence in the compost pile. 

Please vote below for the pitch you think is best and should get a read by editor Erin Molta!  Voting will be open until Friday October 12 11:59 PM EDT.

Many thanks for your vote!  I can't wait to see how it turns out! :)

Next, we have today's pitch which is fun because it's an early reader and we don't get too many of those.  Our pitcher today is Sidney Levesque, who is a former newspaper reporter and editor.  She now works for a university and writes freelance.  She is a wife and the mother of a toddler, and is enjoying dipping her toe into the great ocean of fiction!

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: Phantom And The Boneyard
Age/Genre: Early Reader
The Pitch: The Phantom awakens to find himself separated from his squadron and relocated to a military "boneyard" in the Arizona desert with other retired airplanes used for spare parts. But Phantom isn't ready to retire and starts plotting his escape with the help of new friends before he, too, ends up in permanent storage with his "eyes" wrapped shut.

Sidney also asked to include the opening of her story, which I thought would be very fun to share :) so here it is:

All around him were endless rows of military airplanes he didn’t recognize, planes that looked very old, as if they hadn’t been flown in years.

Some had noses missing. And doors ajar. Wires hanging out like spaghetti.  Tires deflated. Entire planes dismantled into a thousand pieces.

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Sidney improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)

Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in December, so you have time to polish :) for a chance for it to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Sidney is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  And I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that on Monday we will be having a very special visitor and a giveaway!  So please plan on saving a few Monday moments for an interview with the one and only Natasha Yim and a chance to win her new book, Sacajawea Of The Shosone!!!  (I'm sorry Short & Sweets is getting bumped, but I think you'll find it's worth it! :))