On Saturday, I took Cathy-on-a-Stick with me to an SCBWI schmooze where author/illustrator Susan Nees put on quite a lovely show. Er…presentation. I am happy to report that Cathy-on-a-Stick behaved herself, but Melissa Abigail Rose (whom everyone calls “Missy”)? That scamp of a protagonist in Susan’s illustrated chapter books was quite the character.
Okay, okay. Hold the groans, people. I mean, I could’ve come up with plenty of (worse) puns. After Susan shared her publishing journey and tips, and after listening to critiques of fellow writers’ first pages, my brain was about to burst with ideas and writing know-how and creativity. So really, I could’ve produced puns of epic punniness. But I’m saving my creative spillover for a manuscript revision. I need to apply some of that brilliant writing wisdom to my latest picture book draft.
I wish I could share here all the gems I gathered. But it was one of those events where you really had to be there, listening, to learn.
I can, however, share this gem: if you have the opportunity in your community to hear an accomplished writer speak, for FREE, go! Listen! Learn! Make connections, meet new writer friends! Broaden your writing horizons! For FREE!
I think I enjoy free writing programs just a little bit more than the ones I pay to attend. I suppose that’s the frugal side of me coming out. I mean, something for nothing? You canNOT beat a great freebie, right?
And in that spirit, I’m going to give away the Susan Nees’ chapter book in the pic with Cathy-on-a-Stick. (Leave a comment, and if you leave a punny comment, I’ll give you an extra entry!) You’re going to love reading Missy’s Super Duper Royal Deluxe Picture Day-–and you just might learn a little something something about writing, too.
(So, yeah. Cathy-on-a-Stick’s a little jealous of Missy. Two characters in the house is one too many…)
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
Cathy–Susan proves that to be a published author, you have to “stick” to it. (Doesn’t that snag me two entries?)
By the way, you might not have seen, but I watched ze Franks “duck” video. Wowza!
Hahaha! How I love the sound of a pun in the morning. 🙂
(And Sioux, don’t say I didn’t warn you. I mean, ducks? I can’t even…) 🙂
I’m in a BIND. What a STICKy situation: leave a punny comment or just comment.
Hahhaa! I am a sucker for a pun! Thanks, Holly!
I agree about free events! We attended a book signing of a fellow SCBWI person on Saturday. While in the check out line, I was sharing intel on authors who might “talk” to our schmooze group. I love our schmooze meetings for fresh eyes and perspectives. No puns. We have snow on the ground, so this Georgia girl is grumpy.
Oh, I’m sorry, Stacy–about the snow/grumps but NOT the schmoozes. I sent an article to the SCBWI Bulletin once about schmoozes and Steve Mooser said that not all regions had schmoozes. Can you IMAGINE? I love that you share intel, too. We need to swap info! 😉
I’m with you on free events like this. I always learn something and love how inspired and re-energized I feel after hanging around with other writers. Susan did a fantastic job! We’re enjoying the Missy books I got Saturday, so don’t put my name in the drawing. We’re also looking forward to following Missy in the comics!
I read her comics about her son leaving for college and was simultaneously laughing and tearing up. That Susan is one talented Breezer!
Darn! I sure hated to Miss-y your shmooze but arranging a ride can sometimes be a stick-ler. I’ll be pulling out my super duper royal deluxe credit card if I don’t win the giveaway!
Hahahahaa! I need one of those super duper royal deluxe credit cards, Gail! Hated that you missed it, too, but it’s a bit far to come out for folks on your side of town. 😦
I thought I’d “drop you a line” and comment on your post!!
Yep, that counts as two entries, Christine! 🙂
Great advice. I recently attended Rosemary Wells’ FREE lecture. This looks like a great punny book! (Ok, lame, I know, but I’m very tired.)
I know, Tina! I’m still a little green-eyed about your visit with Rosemary Wells. 😉 And even lame puns get two entries. (I am the QUEEN of bad puns–just sayin’) 🙂
never underestimate the provender of a free launch even if you only go for the food. There are always little things on sticks to nibble at. 🙂 Two characters are certainly better than none. Thank you Cathy C. Hall for sharing your fun time at Susan Nees presentation. It is always difficult taking the er children to these things and hoping they will behave.
Ah, Cecilia–the food pun. Well done! (Yes, the kidders can be difficult. But no worse than Cathy-on-a-Stick…) 🙂
I’m going to try to be di-verse and write a pun instead of a picture book. DOH!!! 😀 I too am a fan of freebies… Freebies and cheap stuff, I love a bargain! Happy Tuesday!
Oh, that really was a groaner, Meg. 🙂 And we have a lot in common (besides bad puns, I mean). 🙂 Good luck!
Ugh. I hated to miss out. Timing really is everything!
What a great opportunity. I’m all about attending free workshops and listening to those a little further along the writing path than I am (which is almost anyone). There is much to be learned from others!
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