Hey everyone,
Casey McCormick, of the fabulous blog Literary Rambles, interviewed me today. It was really great to be her guest. Thanks, Casey!
http://www.literaryrambles.com/
Stop by and give Casey a high five for me! And enter to win a signed copy of LIAM HEMSWORTH: THE HUNGER GAMES' STRONG SURVIVOR!
Jody
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
LIAM HEMSWORTH and JOSH HUTCHERSON
I'm pleased to announce that my latest books, LIAM HEMSWORTH: THE HUNGER GAMES' STRONG SURVIVOR and JOSH HUTCHERSON: THE HUNGER GAMES' HOT HERO, are out in paperback and library binding!
Lerner says this about LIAM:
"You may know that Liam Hemsworth stars as good-looking tough guy Gale Hawthorne in The Hunger Games films. But did you know that Liam:
• once dressed as a table tennis player for Halloween, complete with white "short shorts"?
• couldn't stop laughing the first time he saw a squirrel—a type of animal they don't have in his home country of Australia?
• is absolutely crazy about Vegemite, a veggie paste that Aussies spread on crackers?
Want to know more about the life of this talented celebrity? Read on to learn all about Liam's early years, family, rise to fame, favorite pastimes, engagement to Miley Cyrus, and more!"
And this about JOSH:
"You may know that Josh Hutcherson became super famous when he was chosen to play Peeta in The Hunger Games movies. But did you know that Josh:
• bakes an awesome apple pie?
• joined forces with Hunger Games costar Liam Hemsworth to jokingly support “Team Haymitch”?
• felt a deeper connection with the character of Peeta than with any other role he's played?
Want to know more about the life of this talented celebrity? Read on to learn all about Josh's childhood, family, past projects, pet peeves, future plans, and more!"
And here's what Amanda Bosky, Children's Librarian, said on Goodreads:
"This book [LIAM] would be an especially excellent pick for a reluctant reader--simple, fun text, engaging photographs, and lots of funny/cute sidebars. Liam Hemsworth is a rising star, so this biography would be a good purchase for libraries as it will be well-read over the years. Since it mentions the second and third Hunger Games films, this biography will not become outdated too quickly. Highly recommended purchase for most public library nonfiction collections."
Happy reading!
Jody
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Thank you!
Hey everybody,
A huge THANKS to all who stopped by Barnes & Noble, Zona Rosa yesterday in the pouring rain to chat about books, vampires, and light. Another big YAHOO for Sherry Polito, B&N Community Relations Manager, for coordinating it all! Enjoy the pics!
Saturday, February 16, 2013
VAMPIRES AND LIGHT Book Signing--You're Invited!
Sherry Polito, my super-fabulous Community Relations Manager at Barnes & Noble, is hosting me for a book signing, and you're invited!
If you're in the Kansas City area on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 1:00pm, please stop by and say hi. We can chat about books, light, vampires, or anything else. You might even score a set of neon-colored vampire teeth!
This link has all the details you'll need. http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/4178466
Hope to see you there!
Jody
Thursday, December 27, 2012
VAMPIRES AND LIGHT out now!
Here's a description from my publisher:
"Learning about light doesn’t have to be scary. Join vampires as they uncover the science of light and the electromagnetic spectrum. You’ll give your knowledge of light a boost with a monster dose of humor."
Written for third and fourth graders (with an interest level up to ninth grade), this comic book-style book explains what light is (energy), how light works (through waves), the characteristics of light, and how light makes life on Earth possible.
You can order it in hardback and paperback from these retailers:
Capstone Press: http://www.capstonepub.com/product/9781429699280
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vampires-and-light-jody-jensen-shaffer/1113714583?ean=9781429699280&itm=26&USRI=vampires+and+light
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Vampires-Light-Graphic-Library-Monster/dp/1620658208/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356616185&sr=8-1&keywords=vampires+and+light%2C+jody+jensen+shaffer
Don't be afraid. Take a peek at VAMPIRES AND LIGHT. Just be sure to keep your flashlight handy!
Best,
Jody
Monday, December 3, 2012
Picture Book Author Diana Murray
Hey everyone,
Today we've been joined by children's picture book author Diana Murray.
Thanks for stopping by, Diana! How did you begin writing for children?
When I was eight years old, I wrote and illustrated my first book. Instead of trying to get it published, I buried it under a tree. I imagined that archeologists might find it someday and put it on display in some shiny, futuristic museum.
In college, I majored in psychology and (unofficially) minored in art. After that, I worked in the field of graphic design. When I left my job to stay home with my first daughter, I started reading her picture books. Lots and lots of picture books. I had never really been exposed to that genre before. I had never had that magical "picture book experience" as a kid. It felt wonderful to share those moments of bonding with my daughter. I began to fall in love with picture books and buy them by the dozens. I had picture books squeezed onto every shelf in my apartment (not to mention the chairs and tables). How did I not know about them before? They were the perfect blend of everything I adored--art, creativity, philosophy, psychology, humor, wordplay, quiet, conciseness--all in an attention-span-friendly, easy-to-share package.
After some fumbling around, I finally joined SCBWI around 2007. I started exchanging manuscripts with other writers, making some contacts, and learning the basics.
You've been published in lots of great children's magazines. Tell us about your magazine work.
When I started writing, I focused on picture books exclusively. But in 2008 I joined a great critique group and soon began to write more and more short poems. I got better at interpreting criticism and applying it to my own revisions, as well as offering constructive criticism to others. Slowly but surely, my form rejections turned into personal rejections with invites to submit again, and finally, acceptances. My first acceptance to a major children’s magazine came from Spider in 2010. Since then, I’ve sold twelve poems to Highlights for Children, Highlights High Five, and Highlights Hello, as well as one poem to Clubhouse Jr. It’s worth noting that some magazines take many months to respond to submissions, so the process can take awhile. “Unwelcome to Opposite Island” was the first poem I ever got to see in print. It was published in the July 2012 issue of Highlights. It was wonderful to see how the illustrator could bring it to life.
Your story, GRIMELDA, THE VERY MESSY WITCH, won the 2010 Society of Children's Writers and Illustrators' Barbara Karlin Grant, awarded to an aspiring picture book author. Tell us about the story and your win.
The manuscript grew out of a concept I had for a quirky, messy character. The plot for the story kicked around in my mind for a few weeks, and once I started writing, it just poured out. Sometimes I forget this, but I was about seven months pregnant at the time! Anyway, I could tell from the reaction of my crit group that I might be onto something. I polished it up a bit and sent it off with my grant application. I got the call in early July. I didn’t pick up, as I assumed a telemarketer had been calling me all day. When I listened to the message, I nearly fell over in shock. It was just the confidence boost I needed. I felt like things were finally starting to come together. That was the first time I openly shared my secret passion with my family (not including my husband, of course, who had been supportive all along).
There’s a bit more about my experience winning the grant here: http://taralazar.com/2010/07/06/piboidmo-success-story/.
More recently, you landed an agent and sold your first THREE picture books! Can you give us some details?
When I read about my agent, who was new, I had a strong feeling that she might be “the one”. I queried her with GRIMELDA. In a couple of weeks, she wrote me back that she really liked it, was sharing it around, and that she wanted to see what I else I had. I selected five more manuscripts to send to her. After a great phone conversation, we decided to work together, with an initial focus on selling two picture books: GRIMELDA, THE VERY MESSY WITCH, and NED THE KNITTING PIRATE: A SALTY YARN.
There’s more about my experience getting an agent here: http://frolickingthroughcyberspace.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-diana-murray-got-her-agent-plus.html.
At this time, I can’t give too many specifics about what went down, exactly. But to sum things up, NED and GRIMELDA both sold pretty quickly. GRIMELDA sold in a two-book deal, so that will be my first experience writing a manuscript under contract. It’s extremely exciting!
What advice do you have for those who write poetry or picture books for children?
Read everything you can get your hands on in your genre, never stop learning, write what excites you, crit and be critted (both equally important), revise wisely, don’t get stuck on one manuscript, take chances, and have fun!
There’s some more advice here: http://laurasassitales.wordpress.com/2012/06/11/write-like-a-top-chef-with-diana-murray/.
Thanks for sharing a bit about your writing, Diana. Good luck!
Thanks so much for having me, Jody, and congratulations on your new and upcoming releases!
Diana Murray is a picture book author and poet represented by Brianne Johnson at Writers House. She lives in the Bronx with her husband, two very messy children, and a goldfish named Pickle. http://www.dianamurray.com.
Today we've been joined by children's picture book author Diana Murray.
Thanks for stopping by, Diana! How did you begin writing for children?
When I was eight years old, I wrote and illustrated my first book. Instead of trying to get it published, I buried it under a tree. I imagined that archeologists might find it someday and put it on display in some shiny, futuristic museum.
In college, I majored in psychology and (unofficially) minored in art. After that, I worked in the field of graphic design. When I left my job to stay home with my first daughter, I started reading her picture books. Lots and lots of picture books. I had never really been exposed to that genre before. I had never had that magical "picture book experience" as a kid. It felt wonderful to share those moments of bonding with my daughter. I began to fall in love with picture books and buy them by the dozens. I had picture books squeezed onto every shelf in my apartment (not to mention the chairs and tables). How did I not know about them before? They were the perfect blend of everything I adored--art, creativity, philosophy, psychology, humor, wordplay, quiet, conciseness--all in an attention-span-friendly, easy-to-share package.
After some fumbling around, I finally joined SCBWI around 2007. I started exchanging manuscripts with other writers, making some contacts, and learning the basics.
You've been published in lots of great children's magazines. Tell us about your magazine work.
When I started writing, I focused on picture books exclusively. But in 2008 I joined a great critique group and soon began to write more and more short poems. I got better at interpreting criticism and applying it to my own revisions, as well as offering constructive criticism to others. Slowly but surely, my form rejections turned into personal rejections with invites to submit again, and finally, acceptances. My first acceptance to a major children’s magazine came from Spider in 2010. Since then, I’ve sold twelve poems to Highlights for Children, Highlights High Five, and Highlights Hello, as well as one poem to Clubhouse Jr. It’s worth noting that some magazines take many months to respond to submissions, so the process can take awhile. “Unwelcome to Opposite Island” was the first poem I ever got to see in print. It was published in the July 2012 issue of Highlights. It was wonderful to see how the illustrator could bring it to life.
Your story, GRIMELDA, THE VERY MESSY WITCH, won the 2010 Society of Children's Writers and Illustrators' Barbara Karlin Grant, awarded to an aspiring picture book author. Tell us about the story and your win.
The manuscript grew out of a concept I had for a quirky, messy character. The plot for the story kicked around in my mind for a few weeks, and once I started writing, it just poured out. Sometimes I forget this, but I was about seven months pregnant at the time! Anyway, I could tell from the reaction of my crit group that I might be onto something. I polished it up a bit and sent it off with my grant application. I got the call in early July. I didn’t pick up, as I assumed a telemarketer had been calling me all day. When I listened to the message, I nearly fell over in shock. It was just the confidence boost I needed. I felt like things were finally starting to come together. That was the first time I openly shared my secret passion with my family (not including my husband, of course, who had been supportive all along).
There’s a bit more about my experience winning the grant here: http://taralazar.com/2010/07/06/piboidmo-success-story/.
More recently, you landed an agent and sold your first THREE picture books! Can you give us some details?
When I read about my agent, who was new, I had a strong feeling that she might be “the one”. I queried her with GRIMELDA. In a couple of weeks, she wrote me back that she really liked it, was sharing it around, and that she wanted to see what I else I had. I selected five more manuscripts to send to her. After a great phone conversation, we decided to work together, with an initial focus on selling two picture books: GRIMELDA, THE VERY MESSY WITCH, and NED THE KNITTING PIRATE: A SALTY YARN.
There’s more about my experience getting an agent here: http://frolickingthroughcyberspace.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-diana-murray-got-her-agent-plus.html.
At this time, I can’t give too many specifics about what went down, exactly. But to sum things up, NED and GRIMELDA both sold pretty quickly. GRIMELDA sold in a two-book deal, so that will be my first experience writing a manuscript under contract. It’s extremely exciting!
What advice do you have for those who write poetry or picture books for children?
Read everything you can get your hands on in your genre, never stop learning, write what excites you, crit and be critted (both equally important), revise wisely, don’t get stuck on one manuscript, take chances, and have fun!
There’s some more advice here: http://laurasassitales.wordpress.com/2012/06/11/write-like-a-top-chef-with-diana-murray/.
Thanks for sharing a bit about your writing, Diana. Good luck!
Thanks so much for having me, Jody, and congratulations on your new and upcoming releases!
Diana Murray is a picture book author and poet represented by Brianne Johnson at Writers House. She lives in the Bronx with her husband, two very messy children, and a goldfish named Pickle. http://www.dianamurray.com.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
TIME OF HONOR by Margo Sorenson
You may remember back in May 2012 when I interviewed Margo Sorenson about her just-released book ALOHA FOR CAROL ANN. Margo has a brand new tween ebook out, and I'm excited to tell you about it.
In TIME OF HONOR (MuseItUp Publishing, Canada), fourteen-year-old Connor’s smart mouth gets her in and—luckily—out of trouble on her prep school’s debate team and in the classroom.
On a field trip to the U.K., when she is suddenly catapulted into the year 1272, she finds her new royal friends’ lives are threatened by a conspiracy fueled by greed. When William and Maud learn that their father has been murdered on the Crusade, they beg Connor to help them find who is plotting against them. William must confront his enemy in battle, but what does Connor discover about herself and her ability to use words when she tries to save her new friends—and herself?
Author of twenty-eight books for young readers, Margo has won recognition and awards for her work, including being honored by ALA nominations and being named a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in YA Fiction. TIME OF HONOR is available through online retailers such as Amazon.com. Read more about Margo on her website, www.margosorenson.com.
Congratulations, Margo. And happy reading, all!
Jody
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