Life has been hectic, lately! I just returned from speaking at the University of Virginia at Wise. (Another post to come on this!) So I do apologize for not posting these last few weeks. However, I do have a treasure trove of news items for you now.

Firstly, my good friend Debbie Diesen has a wonderful post about writing with rhythm and rhyme at the Write Up My Life Blog. It’s at: http://writeupmylife.com/2012/05/01/debbie-diesen-may-12-x-12-featured-author/ .  Check it out–she leads you step-by-step through her process. Clearly written and worth doing for poets and writers of children’s books.

Secondly, I recently found out that MINE! was an SCBWI Crystal Kite winner for the Texas-Okla. area. Entered by the illustrator, Patrice Barton–MINE! rose up through the ranks via voting by other children’s book writers and illustrators. What an honor, to be recognized by one’s colleagues. Way to go, Patrice! Info on the Crystal Kites is at: http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/2012-Crystal-Kite-Winners.

Finally, I recently sold a new manuscript to Knopf! YAY! It will be a kind of companion book to MINE! Tentatively titled: UH-OH! Since it just sold, it will be a while before it is out. More info on this later. . .

Happy Writing!
Shutta