100 Things a la Heidi

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars In a tent only :)
3. Played in a band - Yep... 2 rock bands!
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity - I can never afford it, so I guess so!
7. Been to Disneyland - Oh yeah... the original in California!
8. Climbed a mountain - parts of them... never to the top
9. Held a praying mantis - 2 of them, and kept them as pets, too!
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch - LOTS
15. Adopted a child - thinking of fostering in the future
16. Had food poisoning - oh probably
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables - of course! Lots!
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train - yes, from Italy to Germany with a scary car mate
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked - oops, yes.. twice to school in high school when I missed my bus
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping - yes, a few times, most notably in the Mediterranean Sea at night

27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse - yes, as a child
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run - don't remember... probably not :)
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community - have been to a Hutterite community, which is similar in Alberta, AND bought amazing bread from an Amish man with horse and buggy on my way back from Chautauqua
36. Taught yourself a new language - well, I know some German--does that count?
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied. - have never had enough money, but have been satisfied :)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke - of course, I love it!!
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted - I had a caricature done... don't suppose that counts?
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain - of course, it's the best :)
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie - nope, only theatre
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class - karate and kickboxing
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma - can't, since I lived in England during Mad Cow time
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle - it was probably only speeding a little
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life - a little kid on a beach when I was 14... he was drowning and I was the only one who noticed
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day. - gosh, I do that all the time!

I am so proud of you guys!!

Look at all the activity we've got going on! I love reading about everyone's goods and bads, successess and dreams. I feel like I know everyone a little better. Thanks, Susan, for recycling the 100 things Meme. That was a really fun one--hopefully some others will be inspired to fill that out.
Best, Happy, Magical Wishes for a Wonderful New Year. I love you guys!!
-Moron

Post from Susan
Oops - I'm used to email where everybody knows who sent it. That's my post about 100 things I have (and haven't) done. Sorry about that, guys! Lesson learned. The 100 things is from Amy's blog - very interesting read, by the way!

Okay, Amy - this is for you. I'm finally blogging, and you can all see how uneventful my life has been!

Things I've done...
...snagged from ColoradoWriter's blog...Things I've done are in red. What about you???
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland -- I'm not sure if it was Disney World or Disneyland - the one in Florida
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day.

Meme from Susan

(this is only my second post ever, so I hope this works and is readable)

5 Bestest things in 2008:
1. won partial scholarship to Chautuaqua and met the Wad
2. finished my novel Mark of Gideon
3. asked for full manuscript and received detailed critique from Leucrota Press for Mark of Gideon
4. kids all a year older and still healthy and wonderful
5. got a new dog

5 Worst things in 2008:
1. went to funerals for two cousins
2. my good friend Sharon moved away (sniff sniff)
3. nothing published yet
4. backed into my parents car, damaging both our vehicles (and almost gave husband an anger stroke)
5. got a new dog

5 proudest moments of 2008:
(I agree with Tess - this one is hard)
1. finished my novel Mark of Gideon
2. stayed devoted to (obsessed with) writing, despite lack of publication
3. won partial scholarship to Chautauqua
4. tamed the wild beast (somewhat) - our new dog
5. read a whole bunch of books on my reading list from Chautauqua

5 resolutions for 2009:
1. finish Leucrota Press revisions to Mark of Gideon and resubmit
2. finish revising Secrets in the Stable and begin submitting
3. plot out and begin rough draft of newest novel
4. continue to run on treadmill regularly (I would say eat healthier, but that's a lost cause)
5. get my priorites straight, and devote time accordingly

Meme from Tess

I have a lousy memory so hope I can do this justice.....ok, here goes:

5 bestest things in 2008:
1. I wrote (and finished!) my novel Ollie Love
2. Won free airfare to Chautauqua and met the wad
3. Spent a week on Newport Beach with my family
4. reconnected with lost relatives
5. had lots of fun songwriting and even placed in a contest

5 worst things of 2008
1. My dad died
2. My grandpa died
3. David's grandpa died (his last surviving grandparent)
4. Bloomsbury laid off the editor who had my ms in January and it was subsequently dropped (not Ollie Love - another ms called A Pocket full of Snowflakes.)
5. That's all I can think of, but I think that is enough!

5 Proud moments or things of 2008:
hmmmm.... this is a hard one
1. finished my novel
2. hearing my oldest play at a state wide harp festival. I know it is her talent, but it made me so happy and proud!!!! Plus, I force her to practice so should be able to take a little of the credit!
3. Forced myself to get out of bed on the eleventh day after my dad died and absolutely refused to let the cloud of depression waste any more of my time and energy. Some days I slip, but overall have been really good with this one.
4. Kept my resolution of consistent secret service.

5 resolutions for 2009:
1. Submit more agressivly to editors/agents/whoever will read my work!!!!
2. Start and finish (at least through one or two re writes) another novel
3. keep active
4. keep positive
5. be a better friend to others

Meadow Blogging-Virgin Pepper here. And not quite sure what the heck I'm doing. But I'm still doing it.

The five best things that happened to me in 2008:
1. Well, what the heck do you think? I met you wonderful guys!!
2. Had a wonderful trip to Chautauqua--one of the best times of my LIFE.
3. I found a new passion in May--art trading--and have been steadily making art and improving ever since.
4. Ten day trip to Calgary to stay with grandma. All the more special because she had been so sick prior...
5. First niece and godchild Addison was born in August.

The five worst things that happened to me in 2008:
1. Depression. Life came to a bit of a standstill.

The five things I did in 2008 that I'm most proud of:
1. *thinking*

Five things that will be at the top of my resolution list for 2009:
1. Be more active each day.
2. Be better at keeping in touch with the people I love!
3. Go have more fun--dancing, games, whatever--and this may include a man if he's special enough and I decide to give him the time of day.
4. Organize the things in my life that need organizing.
5. Immerse myself in writing again, the way I do in art. I will write. I will write. I will write. I will write.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

By Mama Wad:
Whatever you do, don't forget to eat hog jowls and black eyed peas for New Year's! You'll NEVER get published if you don't!

For you Yankees, hog jowl is basically bacon, a bit saltier than regular bacon, but yummy. We buy the sliced, smoked hog jowl, pat a little flour on it and fry it until crispy, just like bacon. You can cut it into pieces and use it to season the black eyed peas.

Or make Hoppin' John - black eyed peas, onion, hog jowl, Rotel, rice. Yum yummy!

God bless you all through the new year. May you be published often. May those who reject your work have itches in places not easily scratched.

2008 Fives-Meme

WAD CHALLENGE: Answer the questions to the Meme below.

The five best things that happened to me in 2008:

The five worst things that happened to me in 2008:

The five things I did in 2008 that I'm most proud of:

Five things that will be at the top of my resolution list for 2009:

My answers are on my blog: here

Oh for Pete's Sake

Nobody is posting anything here. Only two of us have posted our submittals (plus one person has a note from their psychic saying they don't want to jinx themselves). AND WE'RE STILL WAITING FOR HALF OF YOU TO POST YOUR WRITING SPACES!

You people are the most bloggingly uninspired group of people I've ever had the misfortune to care deeply about.

SOMEBODY POST SOMETHING!! ROBIN--DON'T YOU HAVE SOME NEWS!!???

Update on Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

BY MJR. MORON:
I have it on good authority that the boycott on aquisitions by HMH does NOT apply to the children's division and that the boycott on all divisions will most likely be lifted after the first of the year.

Bad Market News...

BY MJR. MORON:
Just in from Publishers Weekly...Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has stopped acquisitions completely, at least for the time being.

[excerpt]It’s been clear for months that it will be a not-so-merry holiday season for publishers, but at least one house has gone so far as to halt acquisitions. PW has learned that Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has asked its editors to stop buying books. Josef Blumenfeld, v-p of communications for HMH, confirmed that the publisher has “temporarily stopped acquiring manuscripts.”

The directive was given verbally to a handful of executives and, according to Blumenfeld, is “not a permanent change.” Blumenfeld, who hedged on when the ban might be lifted, said that the right project could still go in front of the editorial review board. He maintained that the decision is less about taking drastic measures than conducting good business.

If you're submitting to any houses, check to make sure they aren't imprints of HMH. They have a lot of imprints, including Clarion. It looks like you can still submit, and if they really like something, they may take it up the ladder, but they won't be able to negotiate until the acquisitions freeze is lifted.

Merry Christmas.

Hot Market Info

BY MJR. MORON:
I keep up with this blog by Kristin Nelson, of the Kristin Nelson Literary Association. Yesterday, she posted some great market information -- what editors are looking for now. Check it out here:
http://pubrants.blogspot.com/

BY MJR. MORON:
My WIP is going really well. I doubt I'll finish it before the end of the month (I'm trying to finish it for NaNoWriMo) but I'm pretty happy with my progress. Here's a clip...

Light spilled out as the door swung open and silhouetted in the brightness stood the only relative I’d ever met: Uncle Titus. He was big. Tall and wide, but not fat. Just muscley, like a man who’d made his living pounding nails or busting concrete. He was also silent. After looking us over for a minute or two, he took Mom’s suitcase, stepped aside and motioned us in.
I don’t know what I expected…maybe a lot of beer cans and newspapers and microwave dinner trays. But the house was … I guess you’d say neat. Neat as a pin. Pillows on the couch, an afghan folded over a rocking chair, a cup of coffee next to a thick book.
“Exactly like I remember it,” Mom said.
Uncle Titus was still holding her suitcase. In the light, I could see he was pretty old, like maybe sixty, and kind of bald on top. I just couldn’t get over how big he was. The suitcase looked like a lunchbox in his hands. I stepped closer to Mom; she seemed awfully small next to the guy and he still hadn’t said anything. Maybe he didn’t know we were coming. Maybe he was mad.
But then he smiled.
I’ve never seen anything like that smile. Big and scary as he was, that smile made you want to go up and give him a hug. It made you want to laugh out loud. It was like everything that had ever made me happy, all rolled together. I couldn’t help but smile back.

Math Adventure Submissions for charlesbridge Publishing

I got these guidelines from Randi Rivers today. They are not posted on the Charlesbridge Publishing Website. So all you picture book writers...get busy writing picture book with math themes!

Cheers,
Sharon

Charlesbridge Publishing
Math Adventure Guidelines

We are currently looking for stories involving the “big ideas” of math. Stories should be non-rhyming, thirty-two-page picture books, or two thousand to three thousand words for children to read independently at ages 8–12.

The Story
The story should work on its own because of its characters, humor, and/or fascinating story line. It should be as appealing and engaging as any good, non-mathematical story.

Along these lines, the characters must be believable and well-developed. The main character, preferably a kid, should be someone readers can understand and care about.

As in any good story, there should be a central problem or conflict—one that matters to both characters and readers. The strongest problems are those that the main character needs to solve for personal reasons.

The Math Concept
Just because “the math concept” has been given its own section, don’t let that fool you! The math concept must be integrated with the story concept; it needs to be a natural part of the main character’s discovery as he or she tries to achieve the goal or solve the problem at the core of the story. A series of word problems or computation problems is not interesting.

No one should be doing calculations in the story, or giving lectures about math. Solving the problem should require an understanding of a math concept. We want the story to be on a conceptual level.

Some of the concepts that interest us are proportion, size, length, area, probability, sequence and change, logic and proof, tessellations, hierarchical reasoning, spatial reasoning, and dot patterns. In general, we are interested in mathematical thinking.

This mathematical concept needs a human element. Readers understand better when the emphasis is on the discovery of the concept.

Last but not least, the concept ought to be used in an exciting or playful way. Math is fun. Humor helps!

We do not accept electronic submissions. Manuscripts should be sent via standard mail. Include a SASE with sufficient postage if you want your manuscript returned. Submissions should be sent to: Math Adventure Editor, Charlesbridge Publishing, 85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472.

Recommend Reading From Chautauqua Faculty Members

Last night, amidst the election excitement, I compiled a list of recommended books from the workshops I attended at Chautauqua. My list includes the title, in some cases the author, who recommended the book, and in some cases why they recommended the book. I don't know about your guys, but I am keeping a running record of all the books I have read since Chautauqua. I am up to 15...Remember I had a brain lapse when I moved. I wonder if our resident techno genius can give us each a spot on our blog to keep track of the number of books we each have read????

Happy Reading Wadettes!

Sharon

Recommended book list from Chautauqua

Bring Back the Deer (Neil)
Officer Buckle and Gloria (Kim—Johnny like story)
Life & Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson (Peter Jacobi)
The Flight of the Doves
Princess Academy by Shannon Hale (Patti)
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse (Patti Gauch)
Tea Party Today by Eileen Spinelli
Hobbit (Patti Gauch)
The Writer’s Journey by Chris Vogler
The Great King by Susan Cooper (Patti Gauch)
Midwife’s Apprentice
A Letter in the Wind by Neil Waldman
My Little Sister Ate One Hare by Bill Grossman (Tracy Gates edited)
The Squiggle by Carole Lexa Schaefer (“ “)
The Name Jar by Yangssook Choi (””)
Llama Llama Red Pajama books by Anna Dedney (“”)
Lissy’s Friends by Grace Lin (“”)
Thank You Bear & Don’t Worry Bear by Greg Foley (“”)
Only Emma books by Sally Warner (“”)
The winning Season by Rich Wallace (“”)
Mirror, Morro by Harrison (“”)
The Hero by Ron Woods (“”)
Wrestling Sturbridge by Rich Wallace (“”)(recommended by Kim Griswell-setting)
James town 1607 by Elisa Carbone (“”)
The Christopher Killer by Alane Ferguson (“”)
The Mystery of the Third Lucretia by Susan Runholt (“”)
(NF) Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney (“”)
Up Close Series by Rachel Carson& Thurgood Marshall (“”)
The Wizard of Earth Sea by Ursula Leguin (Patti Gauch—best ever fantasy)
The Ancient One & The Lost Years of Merlin by T.A. Barron (Patti Gauch)
Highway Cats by Janet Lisle (Patti Gauch—didactic story)
Ringer by Spinelli (Patti Gauch)
Bread and Roses Too by Patterson (Kim Griswell—homelessness-setting)
Breath by Donna Jo Napoli (Kim Griswell-setting)
A Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer (Kim Griswell-setting)
Lionboy by Zizou Corder (Kim Griswell-setting)
The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke (Kim Griswell-setting)
Shabanu and Haveli by Suzanne Fisher Staples (Kim Griswell- setting)
There’s and Owl in the Shower by jean Craighead George (Kim Griswell–setting)
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse (Kim Griswell–setting)
The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins by Barbara Kerly (Kim Griswell-setting)
Now It Is Winter by Eileen Spinelli (Kim Griswell-setting)
Edna by Robert Burleigh (Kim Griswell –setting)
The Crystal heart: A Vietnamese Legend by Aaron Shepard (Kim Griswell-setting)
All the Places to Love by Patricia MacLachlan (Kim Griswell-setting)
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (Kim Griswell-setting)
Pokey Puppy (Clay Winters)
Tarzan (Clay Winters)
Tale of Two Cities (Clay Winters-this book caused Clay to love reading,)
The Craft of Interviewing by John Brady (Andy Boyles)
Writing for Story: Craft Secrets of Dramatic NF by Jon Franklin (Andy Boyles)
On Writing Well by William Zinsser (Andy Boyles)
Picture Writing by Anastasia Suen (Andy Boyles)

Susan's Workspace

I write at the dining room table. I should write in the office, but I don't because the dog barks when I sit in the office because she can't come in that room (she chews my books). The sad thing is, I actually have to move all my books, folders, laptop, etc. back and forth between the dining room and the office, because if I leave them on the dining room table unattended, the dog will chew them. With my first big royalties check, I'm going to put a door on the office so I can sit in there and she can't see me. That's my dream!

Link to Amy's Story

http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org/ComingHome.aspx

This is the link to my story, Coming Home, which is in Stories for Children this month.

Also--Waddettes--please note I've made a list for each of you to the right to post your current submittals. Just click on the tools below your list and you'll be able to edit it as needed.

Amy's Messy Nest

Here's my desk. I spend most of my day here--designing houses, writing and trying to satisfy my email addiction. My day starts about 8:30, after I get Xander off to school. I check email, visit my favorite writing websites, update Facebook or post something to my personal blog. Then I get started on the architecture work. If I have a light day of work, I might do some writing after lunch or (as I've been doing lately) pull together a submittal for an editor or agent. My day ends at 2:45, when I get ready to pick Xander up from school. After that, it's homework, then dinner. Then, I head back up to check email and visit my favorite writing websites...AGAIN...unless I have a meeting, a soccer game, a volleyball game, a get together or (my favorite evening activity) critique group!

In the file cabinet next to my desk, the top drawer holds all my writing files. I also keep a binder next to my desk that tracks my submittals, rejections, comments and estimated response times. I don't do a lot of plotting or planning for any of my books. I usually brainstorm ideas, characters, settings and events on a blank word document. After I fill about two pages, I'm usually inspired enough to start writing the first few chapters. It's usually around chapter three that I stop and decide that the book is going nowhere and I suck at writing. That's when I reassess, figure out what's working and write a chapter by chapter synopsis of how the remaining chapters will go.

Tess likes to keep words around her; I like to keep images and photos of people and places that evoke strong feelings. Right now, I have a bunch of photos of a 1957 Jewel travel trailer (inside & out) because that's what the main character in my current WIP lives in.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone else's writing rooms.

From Where I Sit...Tess' work room

My friends always raise an eyebrow when they come into my office. Words, ideas, phrases and research are all taped up to the wall in a messy hodge podge of paper and painters tape. My husband calls it my war room. It is an idea I got from Graham Salisbury (Scott O Dell award winner for 'Under the Blood Red Sun'). He taught that no one owns a word and you can use cool words to fuel your writing. A few on my wall right now include lanky, hydrangeas, bald faced liar, coil and heaven help them. I use these words to fuel ideas and new phrases in my writing. I also like having my research right up where I can see it without having to look it up in a binder. I wish you could see the bright pink wild rose bushes out of my window - but had the blinds closed in this shot. Oh well. Hey - here is my challenge:

Where do you write from? Post a picture so we can all envision you being a creative genius!

Fiction Wish List -- from Judy via Sharon

MARKETS FOR CHILDREN’S MAGAZINE
FICTION WRITERS, 2008



Highlights for Children: www.highlights.com. 803 Church Street, Honesdale, PA 18431. General interest magazine for children up to age 12. Stories for younger readers (ages 3 to 7) should have 500 words or fewer. Stories for older readers (ages 8 to 12) should have 800 words or fewer, and should appeal to younger readers if read aloud. Pays $150 and up, on acceptance. Sample issue with 9x11 SASE with four first-class stamps. Guidelines free with SASE.

BLUFFTON NEWS PUBLISHING AND PRINTING COMPANY


For all Bluffton News Publishing and Printing Company publications (listed below): www.funforkidz.com. Looking for stories that deal with timeless topics, such as pets, nature, hobbies, science, games, sports, careers, simple cooking, etc. Issues revolve around themes; themes available on Web site. Pays 5 cents/word and up, on publication, with additional payment if piece is accompanied with appropriate photos or art. Sample copies for $5. No e-mail or fax submissions. Send double-spaced manuscript with cover letter and SASE. Simultaneous submission OK as long as noted on manuscript. For questions concerning manuscripts, call (419) 358-4610 Ext. 101, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST.

Boys’ Quest: PO Box 227, Bluffton, OH 45817-0227. Bimonthly magazine for boys ages 6 to 13. Prefers pieces from a 10-year-old boy’s point of view, with the boy or boys directly involved in a wholesome, unusual activity. Ideal length for fiction is 500 words. Also publishes puzzles, poems, carpentry projects, jokes, and riddles.

Hopscotch for Girls: PO Box 164, Bluffton, OH 45817-0164. Bimonthly magazine for girls ages 6 to 13. No dating, romance, human sexuality, cosmetics, or fashion. Prefers pieces from a young girl’s point of view, with the girl or girls directly involved in a wholesome, unusual activity. Fiction should not have more than 1,000 words; nonfiction no more than 500. Also publishes cute, clever recipes, well-written and illustrated crafts, riddles, and jokes.

Fun for Kidz: PO Box 227, Bluffton, OH 45817-0227. Bimonthly activity magazine designed to be enjoyed by both boys and girls ages 6 to 13 on the alternate months of Boys’ Quest and Hopscotch for Girls. Looking for lively writing that involves an activity that is both wholesome and unusual. Wants articles around 500 words as well as puzzles, poems, cooking, carpentry projects, jokes, riddles, crafts, and other activities that relate to theme. Pays $10 and up/poem or puzzle. Variable rates for games, etc.



CARUS PUBLISHING/CRICKET MAGAZINE GROUP

For all Cricket Magazine Group publications (listed below): www.cricketmag.com. Order sample copies on Web site. No queries; send complete manuscript with SASE to Submissions Editor, Carus Publishing, 70 East Lake Street, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60601. Include exact word count.

Babybug: Listening and learning for ages 6 months to 2 years. Stories (4 to 6 short sentences): very simple and concrete. Poems (8 lines, maximum): rhythmic, rhyming. Pays $25 minimum, on publication.

Cicada: Literary magazine for ages 14 and up. Currently reexamining the focus and format of the magazine. No longer accepting submissions. Check Web site for updates and guidelines.

Cricket: Ages 9 to 14. Fiction (200 to 2,000 words): realistic, contemporary, historical, humor, mysteries, fantasy, science fiction, folktales, fairytales, legends, myths. Pays up to 25 cents/word, on publication. Poetry (up to 50 lines): serious, humorous, nonsense rhymes. Pays up to $3.00/line.

Ladybug: Ages 2 to 6. Fiction (up to 800 words): read-aloud stories, picture stories, original retellings of folk and fairytales, multicultural stories. Rebuses (up to 200 words): focus on concrete nouns. Pays 25 cents/word, $25 minimum. Poetry (up to 20 lines): rhythmic, rhyming; serious, humorous, active. Pays up to $3.00/line, $25 minimum. Pays on publication.

Spider: Ages 6 to 9. Fiction (300 to 1,000 words): realistic, easy-to-read, humorous, satire, fantasy, folktales, fairytales, science fiction, fables, myths, and historical fiction. Pays up to 25 cents/word (1,000 word maximum). Poetry (up to 20 lines): serious, humorous, nonsense rhymes. Pays up to $3.00/line. Pays on publication.


COBBLESTONE PUBLISHING (A DIVISION OF CMG)

For all Cobblestone Publishing publications (listed below): www.cricketmag.com. Queries must relate to themes; send queries instead of full manuscripts to Editorial Department, Cobblestone Publishing, 30 Grove Street, Suite C, Peterborough, NH 03458. Themes available on Web site. Order sample copies on Web site.

Calliope: World history magazine for ages 8 to 14. Fiction (up to 800 words): authentic historical and biographical fiction, adventure, retold legends, relating to theme. Pays 20 to 25 cents/word. Poetry (up to 100 lines): clear, objective imagery. Serious and light verse. Must relate to theme. Payment varies. Hard copy queries only, no e-mail. Address queries and articles to:
Rosalie Baker, Editor
Calliope Magazine30 Grove Street, Suite CPeterborough, NH 03458

Cobblestone: American history magazine for ages 8 to 14. Fiction (up to 800 words): authentic historical and biographical fiction, adventure, retold legends, relating to theme. Pays 20 to 25 cents/word. Poetry (up to 100 lines): clear, objective imagery. Serious and light verse. Must relate to theme. Payment varies. Address queries and articles to:
Meg Chorlian, Editor
Cobblestone Magazine30 Grove Street, Suite CPeterborough, NH 03458

Dig: Archaeology magazine for ages 8 to 14. Fiction (up to 800 words): authentic historical and biographical fiction, adventure, retold legends, relating to theme. Pays 20 to 25 cents/word. Hard copy queries only, no e-mail. All articles must be submitted on disk using a word processing program. Address queries and articles to:
Rosalie Baker, Editor
Calliope Magazine and Dig Magazine30 Grove Street, Suite CPeterborough, NH 03458

Faces: World cultures and geography magazine for ages 9 to 14. Fiction (up to 800 words): retold legends, folktales, stories, and original plays from around the world, relating to theme. Pays 20 to 25 cents/word. Email queries to facesmag@yahoo.com or address queries or articles to:
Elizabeth Crooker Carpentiere, Editor
Faces Magazine30 Grove Street, Suite CPeterborough, NH 03458

Muse: Investigation and discovery for ages 9 to 14. Not accepting unsolicited manuscripts or queries at present.

Odyssey: Science magazine for ages 9 to 14. Fiction (up to 1,000 words): science-related stories, poems, science fiction, retold legends, relating to theme. Pays 20 to 25 cents/word. Articles should be submitted via e-mail using a word processing program to blindstrom@caruspub.com. Address queries to:
Elizabeth Lindstrom, Editor
Odyssey Magazine30 Grove Street, Suite CPeterborough, NH 03458




CHILDREN’S BETTER HEALTH INSTITUTE

For all Children’s Better Health Institute publications (listed below): www.cbhi.org. 1100 Waterway Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Sample copies $2.95. Focus is on health (including exercise, sports, safety, nutrition, hygiene, and drug education), but also accepts general material and poetry. Fiction stories with a health message need not have health as the primary subject, but they should include it in some way in the course of events. Characters should adhere to good health practices, unless failure to do so is necessary for plot. No queries. Send double-spaced manuscript with SASE, addressed to a specific magazine. Include name, address, phone number or email address, date of submission, and approximate word count on first page. All submissions are on speculation. No email submissions.

Turtle Magazine: Ages 2 to 5. Up to 350 words. Currently accepting poems (4-8 lines), short rebuses (100-150 words), easy recipes, and simple science experiments. Pays up to 22 cents/word.

Humpty Dumpty’s Magazine: Ages 4 to 6. Up to 350 words. Currently accepting poems (4-12 lines in length). Pays up to 22 cents/word.

Children’s Playmate: Ages 6 to 8. 300 to 700 words. Currently accepting poems (4-12 lines), rebuses (100-200 words), and easy recipes. Pays up to 17 cents/word.

Jack and Jill: Ages 7 to 10. 500 to 800 words. Not accepting manuscripts at this time.

Children’s Digest: Ages 10 to 12. 500 to 1,500 words. Not accepting manuscripts at this time.



GIRLS EVERYWHERE MEETING THE SAVIOR (GEMS)

For all GEMS publications (listed below): http://gemsgc.gospelcom.net/. PO Box 7259, Grand Rapids, MI 49510. Stories that present the Christian life realistically, and that cause young readers to see how Christian beliefs apply to their daily lives. No queries. Send complete manuscript with SASE. Include name and address in upper left corner and approximate word count, topic of article, and rights offered in upper right corner. Beneath title, indicate Fiction or Nonfiction and give desired byline, plus copyright information, as required. Give sources for all statistical information or quoted material. Sample copies for $1.00 plus 9x12 SASE.

Shine Brightly: For girls ages 9 to 14. Published 9 times/year. Fiction (700 to 900 words): adventure, mystery, stories involving animals, situations kids can relate to in their daily lives. Stories should be realistic and need not always have happy-ever-after ending. Avoid religious clichés. List of topics can be found in Annual Update. Pays 3 to 5 cents/word, up to $35.00, on publication. Address submissions to:
Sara Lynne Hilton/Senior Editor
SHINE brightly Magazine PO Box 87334Canton, MI 48187

Sparkle: For girls in first through third grades. Published 3 times/year. Focuses on annual theme. Fiction (100 to 400 words): adventure, mystery, stories about animals, situations readers can relate to in their daily lives. Avoid religious clichés. Pays $20/story, on publication. Address submissions to:
Sara Lynne Hilton/Senior Editor
SHINE brightly Magazine PO Box 87334Canton, MI 48187
INDIVIDUAL MAGAZINES

American Girl: www.americangirl.com. 8400 Fairway Place, Middleton, WI 53562-2554. Bimonthly magazine for girls ages 8 and up. Contemporary Fiction (up to 2,300 words): protagonist should be girl between 8 and 12 who captures the hopes, thoughts, and emotions unique to that time of life. Especially interested in humor and seasonal stories. No science fiction, romance, or horror. Sample copies for $5.50. Address queries to Magazine Department Assistant.

Boys’ Life: www.boyslife.org. Boy Scouts of America. 1325 W Walnut Hill Lane, PO Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079. General interest magazine for boys 6 to 18. Fiction (1,000 to 1,500 words): humor, mystery, science fiction, adventure. Stories should feature boy or boys. Pays $750 and up. Send query or manuscript to Senior Editor Paula Murphey.

Girls’ Life: www.girlslife.com. 4529 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214. Magazine for girls ages 10 to 15. No poetry. Unsolicited manuscripts are considered on a speculative basis only. Send e-mail query to mandy@girlslife.com or letter query (with SASE) with descriptive story ideas to:
Mandy ForrAssociate EditorGirls' Life magazine4529 Harford RoadBaltimore, MD 21214

High Adventure: http://royalrangers.ag.org/highadventure/. 1445 N Boonville Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802. High Adventure is the official quarterly publication of the National Royal Ranger Ministries, for K-12 boys and their leaders. The magazine is meant to encourage development of outdoor skills, promote fitness, health, and teamwork, and foster a relationship with Jesus Christ. Accepts cartoons and puzzles. Submissions may be sent electronically via attachment to rangers@ag.org and must include author’s name, mailing address, and Social Security number.

Horsepower: www.horse-canada.com/horsepower. PO Box 670, Aurora, ONT L4G 4J9 CANADA. Horsepower is meant for horse-crazy kids and contains information on horse training, care, and showing. It also features fictional adventures, games, and puzzles.

Iguana: www.nicagal.com/iguana/eng/. E-mail: revista_infantil@yahoo.com. Bimonthly Spanish-language magazine for ages 7 to 12. All submissions must be originally written in Spanish. Fiction (up to 800 words): realistic, fantasy, humor, legends, mysteries, science fiction, fables, myths, fairytales, folktales. Pays 5 cents/word, on acceptance. Send queries and manuscripts by e-mail.

Nature Friend: http://www.dogwoodridgeoutdoors.com/nature-friend-magazine.php. 4253 Woodrock Lane, Dayton, VA 22821. Nature Friend is a conservative Christian publication that encourages children to recognize and appreciate God’s work in nature. Submissions by freelancers are welcome and can be simple stories or conversational stories.

New Moon: A Magazine for Girls and Their Dreams: www.newmoon.org. 2 W First Street, #101, Duluth, MN 55802. Edited by and for girls ages 8 to 14. All material should be pro-girl and focus on girls, women, or female issues. Submissions from girls and women only. Themes available on Web site. Fiction (900 to 1,600 words): protagonist should be girl age 8 to 12. Stories should include subject matter and plot that empowers girls. Prefers e-mail submissions (girl@newmoon.org). No attachments. Work submitted by regular mail must be typed, double-spaced, with one-inch margins. Name and address should appear on each page. Does not return submissions. If work has been previously published, note the date and publication. If simultaneous submission, mention in cover letter.

Pockets: Devotional Magazine for Children: www.upperroom.org/pockets. PO Box 340004, Nashville, TN 37203-0004. Christian magazine for ages 6 to 12. Offers devotional readings that teach about God’s love and presence in life, though submissions need not be overtly religious. Themes available on Web site. Fiction and scripture stories (600 to 1,400 words): stories should help children deal with real-life situations. Scripture stories should remain faithful to source material, but may include fictional characters and some elaboration. Stories should contain action, believable characters and dialogue, and be simply written, with short sentences and paragraphs. No talking-animal or inanimate object stories. Pays 14 cents/word, on acceptance. Poetry should have no more than 24 lines. Pays $25 and up. Submit complete manuscript, with SASE, to Lynn W. Gilliam, Editor.

Ranger Rick: www.nwf.org/rangerrick/. National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190. Not accepting submissions at this time.

Young Rider: www.youngrider.com. PO Box 8237, Lexington, KY 40533. Magazine for children who own or love horses. Publishes short, horse-related, “realistic” stories up to 1,000 words. No “childhood memories” please.
Where to Find Out More on the Web:


These websites have an abundance of good information about writing for children: market news, writing tips, organizations, and newsletters:

Children’s Book Council: www.cbcbooks.org

Children’s Book Insider: www.write4kids.com

Children’s Writer Newsletter: www.childrenswriter.com

The Purple Crayon: www.underdown.org

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators: www.scbwi.org

Kid Magazine Writers: www.kidmagwriters.com




Also useful:

Highlights for Children: www.highlights.com

Go to the Parents Corner to access the monthly index to the magazine.

Highlights Foundation: www.highlightsfoundation.org

Provides information on the annual Highlights Writers Workshop at
Chautauqua, NY.

First Blog of the Wad

I'm wondering if we should call this something other than the Wad Blog. Like maybe a Wablog, or a Blad.
Thoughts?