School visits may seem like a no-brainer for a children's book author, but what if you've never stepped foot in a classroom other than as a student or a parent?

How do you set up such visits and what do you charge for the service?

How do you go about creating and providing an engaging visit, one students and teachers talk about for days?
I am fortunate not only to have a teaching credential and experience, but to have taught in public, private, and alternative settings as an artist-in-the-schools. I had been teaching for 18 years before my book was published, so I was jazzed about getting back into the classroom.

Recently a friend asked me how much I was going to charge for my visits and I blanked. Okay, so perhaps I have loads of teaching experience and am not afraid to pick up the phone and present my curriculum, but I don't really have a breakdown of my fees or a way to manage the visits. I realized I still had work to do.

There's so much to learn about classroom visits as a debut author that it can be a bit overwhelming. Lucky for us, there's a brand new blog called School Visit Experts, which was created by, well, a school visit expert named Alexis O'Neill.

Alexis has an M.S. in Instructional Technology and a Ph.D. in Teacher Education. She's the author of 4 award-winning picture books and has written fiction and nonfiction for Cricket, Spider, Cobblestone, Calliope, Faces, Odyssey and Writer’s Digest. She's also a former elementary school teacher, teaches writing for the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program and is a Regional Advisor for SCBWI California.

I'm assuming it's because she's been called a slacker that she put together this useful site, which is billed as "a place for published and soon-to-be-published authors & illustrators to find and share advice on how to create and deliver quality programs for kids, teachers and librarians."

Its purpose is to help you deliver beneficial presentations and manage them professionally. I haven't seen any other sites quite like it.

There are only a few posts up so far, but they all contain practical information. I am looking forward to seeing how the School Visit Experts community develops.

When twin sisters Cyd and Jane are propelled into an international plot involving evil scientists and giant genetically stretched frogs, the girls are in a suspenseful and hilarious race to save the frog kingdom.

Since she recently launched her debut middle grade mystery Dead Frog on a Porch, I figured I’d invite her to tell us about what she's learned from her journey.

DD: Before we get to your fabulous blog, I have to say that I love all the images on your website pages. Where did they come from?

JM: I purchased them off the web. I did a search on writing images and found them. They are all done by Soizick Meister, an artist from Vancouver. There were many more but I had to limit myself. I loved the colours and the images of the pens and the words flying in the air. I also loved images of the imagination taking flight, the writer curled up in her home or flying through the air.

DD: They're such fun and definitely representational of a writer's life.

JM: I think they represent the dual life of a writer. You're either at home curled up in your sasquatch writing cave with your cat and a cup of tea or you're out in the world speaking, presenting, meeting people, and being interviewed. I think writers have to be extroverted introverts - if you know what I mean. So I loved the images of being grounded at home while flying in the larger world.

Finding the illustrations was the result of a long process of soul searching about what image I wanted to present to the world, and getting feedback from creative people. I must have looked at hundreds of writers' websites before I figured out what I wanted. I wanted a site that was creative, professional and accessible to readers, teachers, librarians, writers, parents and children. Funny, I haven't thought about all of this for a year since I put up the site.

DD: I don't know how many people put that much thought into the images on their websites, but I think it paid off.

These days, just having a static website won't cut it. Having a blog as a debut author is a must. Your blog is a wonderful combination of commentary on the writing life, advice for emerging writers, and humour. Lots of humour. With visuals!

I imagine that your books are as light and fun to read as your blog. Did blogging come naturally to you? Did you do any kind of research or practice to find the right blogging style and voice?

JM: When I knew I was close to getting an offer to publish (as highlighted in a series of posts labeled 'published'). I started doing research about social media and marketing. I regularly listened to Spark - a CBC radio program about computers and new media, and read all I could about book marketing and publishing from some of the more established blogs.

I had also read enough blogs to know that a blog has to be about something - a blog about taking the garbage out and other everyday minutia is not of interest to anyone. A blog has to offer something for the reader - information, advice, insight, a few laughs, so they will come back. It can't all be about the writer. So I decided that my blog would be about where life meets writing or where writing meets life. I take incidents from my life and make analogies to elements of writing. I also share what I've learned about the writing and publishing process, and share the writing events in my life like school visits and what I learn at writing conferences.

Since I like to think I'm funny ;-j I use humour to get my point across. I think people like humour. I use a lot of images to break up the text. People are reading off computer screens all day at work, and the internet is a visual medium so I use a lot of images. It's funny because people think of me as a neo-luddite when it comes to computers, but since having a blog I've become the Empress of the Embedded link.

DD: A social-media savvy friend of mine, who is definitely not tech savvy, once said that just because someone is techno-literate doesn't make them a good social media strategist. Social media has nothing to do with knowing how to program anything, it has to do with communication, marketing and community building. And I can see that you are aces at that.

JM: Thanks Danika. That is so true. I have a vision of being part of a community of writers, readers and people who are excited about children's literature and having a blog has certainly helped to create that community, as well as being a member of the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators which is an international organization. Having a blog has increased my cyber ability and computer literacy ten fold. Blogs are also great for developing your own voice. I find myself thinking - I want to talk about this issue - how can I do that in a funny, quirky, unique way that informs and is true to the voice of the blog?

DD: The funny pays off. I found myself laughing out loud while reading your blog. It made me want to buy your book. (well, it's either your humour or you've discovered some kind of social media hypnosis)

JM: You are getting sleepier ... no social media hypnosis but that's a good idea! It's good to hear that my blog gives readers a glimpse of my writing style and piques interest in the book. My debut novel Dead Frog on the Porch (and subsequent books in the Megabyte Mystery series) is funny - as well, the plot is fast paced, the voice of the protagonists is strong and unique, and the culprits are super quirky characters.

But the books also play on serious themes like our interconnectedness to the environment, navigating the many shades of right and wrong, and social and ethical issues. (Plus, I like to throw a little anthropology in since I hold a masters in cultural anthropology.) So, in the same way that humour can be mirrored with serious issues, my blog uses humour to convey some helpful tips, knowledge and insights into writing and the writing life. So I hope that's what people are getting out of it.

DD: Speaking of your MA in cultural anthropology (!), I was going to ask you about that. I can see that as being a fabulous background for a writer, although I wouldn’t expect one to become a children’s mystery book writer. How does that influence your work or writing life?

JM: Good question. I asked that question of one of my professors before I started the program and she said that it changes the way you look at life. I agree with that, you look at life through a lens of curiosity and understanding, and you want to know everything about someone and their culture. It makes you wonder what motivates people - which is a good question for a writer to ask. I think at heart I was always a writer and an anthropologist because I love to travel and experience other cultures. I started this book long before I did my degree.

In my professional life I've worked as a journalist and worked a lot in the Aboriginal community as well. I hope to weave the anthropology more into future books in this series. As well, I've been working on a manuscript for a long time based loosely on the life of my late grandmother who came to Canada from Ukraine back in the beginning of the last century. That book has gone through many iterations from time travel to y/a and I'm still working on telling that story.

DD: You could try telling it as a graphic novel!

BTW, I love that a reviewer called your book "Nancy Drew for the iPod generation." I'm so jealous. How do I go about getting a nifty soundbite like that?

JM: I love that one as well. It's a back of the book cover quote that came from Shenaaz Nanji who was a Governor General Award Finalist in 2008 for her y/a novel Child of Dandelions which tells the story of two friends during the time when Idi Amin expelled the Indian Nationals from Uganda. Shenaaz is also a writer friend and we've been in the same critiquing group for over a decade. She had seen a couple of drafts of the story as it came to the group for feedback. I asked her for a quote and that's what she came up.

Dead Frog on the Porch is a new twist on the old favourite genre of mysteries - modern characters with attitude who use old fashioned curiosity, new technology, and draw on Nancy Drew for inspiration from time to time. Every now and then they have a 'what would Nancy Drew do' moment.

DD: Our audience probably wants to hear about your path to publication, and they can read a lot of great info on that in your blog. You write that your blog highlights the “three keys to getting published: rewriting, persistence, and stalking.” With that in mind, what do you think is the greatest piece of advice you can give our readers about this process? (no pressure here).

JM: I think the biggest mistake writers make (and we've all done this) is sending out a manuscript too soon. You do one draft, type 'The End' and then run for a manila envelope and search the junk drawer for stamps. That's the end of draft one and hurrah for you! - have a glass of vino - but you're not done.

DD: I’ve made that same mistake. It takes diligence and patience. Sometimes it’s difficult to know how much better it can be until you go through the process. What’s yours?

JM: For me, it goes through another couple of substantive re-writes, then to my writers' critiquing group and to my young readers group. Then it's back to me for another couple of re-writes. Then and only then does it see the inside of an envelope. I'm sure your readers are familiar with agent Janet Reid's blog. Janet goes further. She suggests writing and polishing at least two books before you start the query process: “After you've written your first novel; you wait, write a second, revise, then query.”

DD: What's something you learned along the way that you wish you had known before?

JM: I suggest writers learn about the industry that they hope to be a part of. With Nathan Bransford's and Janet Reid's blogs, just to name a couple, it is so much easier to learn about the publishing industry today than it was even five years ago.

I hate to get all anthropological on you, but in any society there is tension between tradition and innovation (i.e., keeping things the same and change) the publishing industry is no different. Learn about the industry, trends, changes in technology, understand copyright and distribution etc., I'm not saying become an expert, just learn enough to understand the industry and the changes going on in it.

Also, learn as much as you can about the submission process (writing cover letters and synopsis) so that when you do start submitting you are taking the best shot you can. I'm a big fan of writers doing their homework.

DD: Can you tell us a little bit about what it was like working with Gumboot? I know they are a independent publisher with a small staff, but I also know they put out quality books. Our Indie Debut focus is on small / indie presses and the positive aspects of working with them.

JM: I've enjoyed my experience with Gumboot from the beginning. The publisher Crystal Stranaghan (who is a big Nancy Drew fan btw) has been great from the beginning. She has a vision for her publishing company and a passion for publishing, and she's probably the busiest woman on the planet.

The beauty of working with her as a small publisher is that she's been very consultative along the way. She asked me for my ideas for a cover way back when and I didn't take her seriously because of all I had heard about writers not having a say in cover design. And she was like, 'no really, I want your great ideas'. So I consulted with my young readers and friends with great esthetics and gave her my feedback. She showed me a number of different sketches the artist Mike Linton did before the cover was finalized.

Working with Senior Editor Jared Hunt was a breeze and consultative, and his suggestions made the manuscript stronger which is exactly what you want an editor to do. Melanie Jackson, who is a multi-published award winning author, was the copy editor and I had the opportunity to meet her at the launch last November. The good thing with working with an small independent is the access to the publisher and senior editor. There isn't a lot of bureaucracy which is great, and there is the nimbleness that you likely won't get with larger publishers.

Thanks so much, Jan, for taking time out to have this virtual conversation with me! Check out Jan's website, blog, or buy her debut novel Dead Frog on a Porch through Gumboot Books.

I was recently over at Fantasy / Sci-Fi Lovin' Giveaways and found a fabulous post by guest blogger Kelly Link (author of the well-received YA collection of stories Pretty Monsters).

Her post gives several brilliant ways to generate new ideas for stories from scratch. Out of the ether. I was so impressed that I sat down to try them out.

Are you aching for new ideas? Well look no further than this inspiring post. Your idea well guaranteed to fill up.

CLICK HERE

We hope everybody gets the chance to pop over to Facebook and check out our new and improved page. 

It was time to switch, so we could incorporate our blog feed, post links, and take part in some really great discussions with our readers.

The Facebook group is open to EVERYONE (readers, authors, parents, teachers, librarians, etc...) who supports small presses and would like to follow some authors along on their journey of publishing with a small press.

But hey! It's not just about us. (we're not that selfish!) If you're an author published with a small press, we invite you to introduce yourself and tell us a little about your book. We want this to be a place where we can share great books from small presses (did you check out our logo??), talk about our experiences working with small presses, share tips and ideas to market our books, and just plain have fun!

Hope you likee!

Phew…another summer upon us. With having school aged children (Nicole-15 / Hayley-12) I always welcome the end of the school year. Even though I remain on schedule with writing/marketing and my virtual assistant position I find it a calmer pace without the endless schoolwork deadlines, art classes, and sporting events. And it helps the girls are certainly at an age where they are quite independent. My best laid plans are to write/market in the morning before the rest of the house rises and then tackle my responsibilities of a virtual assistant.

I’d enjoy hearing from you as to what your summer plans are to keep up your writing momentum. I look forward to your visit.

I want to direct everyone to an interesting article at the Book Designer titled "What Does Distribution Really Mean for Self-Publishers?"

Yeah, the article is directed toward self-publishers, but I think there's a lot for a writer to learn regarding distribution, whether you're with a large press, small press, or decide to self-publish. The article provides some insight into the difference between distribution and having a listing in the Ingram catalog...

Joel Friedlander says, "A self-publisher these days, having read one too many websites, thinks that having their book printed at Lightning Source grants them “distribution.” You can go to different author-services companies and buy “distribution packages” which amount to about the same thing: a listing in the Ingram catalog.

According to this, distribution is equal to a catalog listing. It is simply made available for purchase.

But this is really closer to the definition of a wholesaler, not a true distributor. Even small-press distributors attempt to sell the books of their publishers. A large, traditional publisher doesn’t just have a listing in a catalog. They have a dedicated sales force."

If you're looking into publishing with a small press, do your best to find out about their distribution. Do they make your book available for purchase with a listing in Ingram or do they have a distributor and a dedicated sales force?

What do a good diet, NASCAR, and tub toys have in common? They're part of Beth Bence Reinke's daily life.

Join me over at The White Forest for an interview with Indie Debut's own debut picture book author.

M E D I A   R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Donna M. McDine
Children’s Author
Email: dmcdine@optonline.net
Phone: 845-721-7802

For Immediate Release

Balancing the Writer’s Life and Mama’s Life

Balance, balance, and some more balance. To find it at times with (as many fellow writers) the responsibilities of wife, mother, daughter, friend and my work as a virtual assistant can be quite daunting at times.

Visit with Donna McDine through her charismatic interview by freelance author, VS Grenier on Friday, July 2 at: http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com/.

Stop by for a spell and enjoy the chance to get to know this up and coming children’s author. Donna will be on hand throughout the day to field your questions and to respond to your comments.

Thank you for your interest.

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