Did the SCBWI Canada East Spring Thing!

I finally have a bit of time to breathe. I have to say what a great time I had at the SCBWI Canada East Spring Thing. I mostly have my voice back again. There’s something really energizing about spending time with others who write or illustrate for kids. (I only do the writing thing because I can’t illustrate my way out of a mud puddle.) I checked into the same room I had last year. Still has that iron burn mark on the carpet. You know, there’s gotta be a story there! Of course, I didn’t get a picture of it again this year. But I did remember to take a few general pictures. They’re not great. My camera doesn’t do a great job of interior shots.

We gathered at the Kempenfelt Conference Centre to hear (left to right) Kathy Lowinger of Tundra Books, Karen Li of Kids Can Press, and Lisa Graff of Farrar Straus & Giroux. What generous and knowledgeable speakers! I came away with many ideas on how to snip, spruce up, and get going on the various manuscripts I have kicking around my computer.
I will remember the weekend for meeting new people, catching up with old friends, forcing everyone to have to listen to my hoarse croaking voice, reassuring one and all that I’ve never been to Mexico in my entire life, watching the torrential downpours and wind whipped pines, eating too much food, drinking too much coffee, and mostly for learning and laughing a lot.

Because I head the organization for the event I want to shout my personal thanks to those who helped me: Alma Fullerton, Christine Tripp, Michelle Jodoin, Rachel Eugster. Without you ladies it wouldn’t have happened! THANKS!

So that’s just my quick take on things. The “official” event wrap up will be posted at the SCBWI Canada Chapter site soon.
© Lizann Flatt, www.lizannflatt.com
No part of this blog may be used without written permission from the author.

Oh, Wow!!

It’s finally official. Let’s Go! has been announced as the 2009 Grade One Giveaway Book sponsored by TD Canada Trust and the Canadian Children’s Book Centre.

Woo-hoo!!!

This means that in November grade 1 kids all across Canada will get a special copy of the book!!!! For free!! That’s like 500,000 kids. I’m kinda speechless.

While I have known about this for awhile, my family was starting to think I was delusional since, you know, if I say it’s true it doesn’t actually really truly mean it’s true (good life lesson that, although sometimes you’d like to be taken on your word). But I can doubt my own sanity–on this matter–no longer. There’s proof out there!!

Too cool.

This is a terrific program that’s been in place for several years now. I know my own kids, who will sadly all be just past that grade 1 milestone next fall, have really enjoyed getting books from this program in the past.

I am truly honoured and lucky to have had such excellent collaborators with this book. Scot Ritchie. Maple Tree Press. Thank you!!!

© Lizann Flatt, www.lizannflatt.com
No part of this blog may be used without written permission from the author.

Cue the Crickets

I am so busy at the moment I need to neglect my blog for a couple weeks. Will talk more about a project I’m working on when it’s more of a reality…and hopefully, possibly, betterbe done.

In the meantime, while the crickets chirp and frolic here, I recommend you check out Gregory K’s blog for a fabulous month of poetry celebrations. Interviews with poets, poems, and more!

Hop on over to http://gottabook.blogspot.com

But come back later this month, okay? Please…

© Lizann Flatt, www.lizannflatt.com
No part of this blog may be used without written permission from the author.