What Attracts Kids to Books?
Writer/schoolteacher Dianne K. Salerni gave her middle grade class some copies of some unfamiliar books. What made them decide whether or not to read them? Is it the first sentence? The cover? The summary on the back? Find out at The Project Mayhem.
The Emotion Thesaurus
One of the appeals of the children’s book community is that it offers support and encouragement to its members. Organizations such as the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and consultants such as Emma D. Dryden of Drydenbooks, provide valuable services to newbies and professionals alike. SCBWI-authors Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi offer […]
Five Writing Industry Trends
Emma D. Dryden is one of those generous publishing industry experts who continually provide advice to writers. In fact, she passes along info several times a day on Facebook. Today she calls attention to a blog post by Jane Friedman, web editor of the Virginia Quarterly Review. Friedman discusses “Five Industry Trends Requiring Every Writer’s […]
22 Rules of Storytelling a la Pixar
Pixar Animation is well-known for their devotion to the craft of storytelling, as evident in such films as Toy Story and The Incredibles. Months ago, (now-former) Pixar storyboard artist Emma Coats tweeted a list of storytelling tips she learned at the studio. These have since been posted elsewhere on the internet and no wonder: […]
Space Battleship Yamato, Chapter 5
Coming to Japanese theaters April 14 and available on Blu-Ray/DVD May 28: Space Battleship Yamato 2199, Chapter 5–“The Sorrow of Intergalactic Space,” compiling Episodes 15-18. Featuring a mutiny, epic space battles and Avatar-inspired exo-skeletons! Here’s the trailer: And here’s the longer version of the trailer, posted March 17: [counterize type=”totalhits”]
How to Get Superman’s Attention
If you wanted to find Superman, how would you do it? Leave it to Lex Luthor to know how. You do it by playing music by John Williams, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. From Superman, 1978: http://youtu.be/zVPVolU8oZI
The lost documentary on The Empire Strikes Back … found!
StarWarsArchives.com has uncovered Michel Parbot’s documentary on The Empire Strikes Back from the year 1980. Take a look:
Steven Salerno: How to Illustrate a Children’s Book
What is involved in illustrating a children’s book? Steven Salerno tells us how he illustrated BOOM! at his blog.
Superman’s Theme, by John Williams
John Williams’ theme for Superman, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, is the epitome of heroic music. Click and listen: And one of my favorite cues, Luthor’s sonic greeting:
Middle Grade or Young Adult?
What’s the difference between Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction? Authors and editors discuss the matter at the SFWA (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America) website here. Part One discusses the definitions. Part Two describes the content. What topics are allowed and what topics are taboo? Find out here.
