Quote of the week!

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” 
- Mark Twain

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Volunteer Program April 18-19, 2015

April 18 - 19, 2015

Festival of Books Volunteer Program

Repost from The Los Angeles Times Website

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.

The Festival of Books began in 1996 with a simple goal: Bring together the people who create books and the people who love to read them. The Festival was an immediate success and has become Southern California's major literary event, now celebrating its 20th year! The 2015 Festival will be held on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 at the University of Southern California and we would love to have you join us as a volunteer.

Last year 153,500 people attended the Festival, which featured over a hundred ticketed author events, children’s storytelling, poetry readings, book signings and nearly 500 exhibitor booths.  The Festival’s success has been due in part to the generous assistance of volunteers who welcomed attendees, assisted with registration, staffed author events, supervised book signings and much more.

Some details about volunteering: 

• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.  You cannot bring children under the age of 18 with you during your shift. 
• Volunteers will receive free parking, shuttle service from the parking lot, and lunch. 
• We will provide t-shirts for volunteers to wear and keep after the event.  (Please wear khaki, or beige pants or shorts.) 
• The majority of volunteer activities require being on your feet for most of your shift. Please wear comfortable shoes.
• Volunteer shifts last 3 - 4 hours, and you may sign up for as many shifts as you wish for one or both days. You may sign up for overlapping shifts and work the duration of the hours for those shifts.
• If you're flexible as to when you can work, when you sign up online, indicate which shifts you could work, and check the box indicating you'll work any ONE of the shifts indicated. If you'd like to work multiple shifts, check the box indicating you'll work ALL shifts selected. 
• Most volunteer positions are assigned when you check-in on the day of event. There are a few assignemnts with special time requirements (author escorts, registration, etc.) that you can express interest in as part of the online registration process. 

If you are a volunteer with strong leadership qualities, you might be interested in our Bookworm program.  This program rewards volunteers who provide leadership and commitment above and beyond the norm. Bookworms will be selected from those volunteers who agree to serve as Area Captains for an entire day of the Festival and attend a special training session. Bookworm roles include managing panel rooms, taking charge of Information Booths, supervising volunteers at Booksignings and other leadership activities. In addition to receiving a special shirt to wear at the Festival and other perks, Bookworms will be recognized in the Festival of Books program. While most Bookworms are veteran volunteers of the Festival of Books, we will still consider your interest if you are a first-time volunteer. If you wish to be considered as a bookworm for the first time, in addition to filling out the online application linked below, please email a resume that tells us a bit about your work experience.  If selected, you will be notified by the first week in March. 

If you experience any difficulties registering online please email us or call the volunteer hotline at (213) 237-6503 and leave a message. Further information about the Festival of Books and other L.A. Times events is available on the Los Angeles Times Signature Events page. For any specific volunteer-related questions, e-mail Larry Deckel, Volunteer Coordinator.

After you have registered, full information about volunteering, including a map and parking passes for both orientation and the day(s) of event will be sent to you via U.S. mail the during the first week of April.

If you have already registered and find you are unable to attend and must cancel as a volunteer, please email us as far in advance as possible and let us know so we can offer your space to someone else!http://www.troutco.com/fob/

Upcoming Book Events for February and March 2015 Domestic & International

United States Upcoming Book Events for February and March 2015


American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Meeting
Where: Chicago, IL
When: Jan. 30th – Feb. 3rd 2015
Web site: http://exhibitors.ala.org/

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
Where: NY, NY
When: Feb. 6-8, 2015
Web site: http://www.scbwi.org/2015-annual-winter-conference-in-new-york/

San Francisco Writers Conference
Where: San Francisco
When: February 12-15, 2015
Web site: https://sfwriters.org/

West Coast Writers Conference – The Big Story
Where: Van Nuys, Calif.
When: February 20-22, 2015
Web site: www.wcwriters.com/genrela/index.html

SleuthFest 2015
Where: Orlando, Fla.
When: Feb. 26–Mar. 1, 2015
Web site: http://sleuthfest.com/

International Upcoming Book Events for February and March 2015

Cairo International Book Fair, 
Where: Cairo, Egypt
When: January - February 2015
Web site: http://www.cairobookfair.org/

Kolkata Book Fair
Where: Kolkata, India
When: January 28 –February 8, 2015
Web site: http://www.kolkatabookfair.net/information15.php

Jerusalem International Book Fair,
Where: Jerusalem, Israel
When: February 8-12, 2015
Web site: http://www.jerusalembookfair.com/

Taipei International Book Exhibition (TIBE),
Where: Taipei, Taiwan
When: February 11-16, 2015
Web site: http://www.tibe.org.tw/enhtml

San Miguel Writers Conference
Where: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
When: Feb. 11–15, 2015
Web site: sanmiguelwritersconference2014.org

New Delhi World Book Fair
Where: New Delhi, India
When: Feb. 14–22, 2015
Web site: www.newdelhiworldbookfair.gov.in/

Vilnius Book Fair
Where: Vilnius, Lithuania
When: Feb. 19–22
Web site: http://www.eventseye.com/fairs/f-vilnius-book-fair-4062-1.html

Brussels Book Fair
Where: Brussels, Belgium
When: Feb. 26- MARCH 2, 2015
Web site: flb.be/

Dublin Book Festival
Where: Dublin, Ireland
When: Mar. 4-6, 2015
Web site: http://joobili.com/dublin_book_festival_dublin_12850/

Leipzig Book Fair
Where: Leipzig, Germany
When: Mar. 12–15, 2015
Web site: www.leipziger-buchmesse.de/

Paris Book Fair (Salon du Livre)
Where: Paris, France
When: Mar. 20–23, 2015
Web site: www.salondulivreparis.com/

Bologna Children’s Book Fair
Where: Bologna, Italy
When: Mar. 30–April 2, 2015
Web site: www.bookfair.bolognafiere.it/home/878.html

THE WE NEED DIVERSE BOOKS SHORT STORY CONTEST

by We Need Diverse Books 

The We Need Diverse Books Short Story Contest

We Need Diverse Books (“WNDB”) is a grassroots organization created to address the lack of diverse, non-majority narratives in children’s literature. WNDB is committed to the ideal that embracing diversity will lead to acceptance, empathy, and ultimately equality. We recognize all diverse experiences, including (but not limited to) LGBTQIA, people of color, gender diversity, people with disabilities, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities. Our mission is to promote or amplify diversification efforts and increase visibility for diverse books and authors, with a goal of empowering a wide range of readers in the process.

WNDB is proud to announce that Phoebe Yeh, VP/Publisher of Crown Books for Young Readers/Random House, has acquired publication rights to the Middle Grade WNDB Anthology, working title “Stories For All Of Us.” Ellen Oh, President of WNDB, will edit the anthology, which will have a January 2017 release date. Contributing authors include: Kwame Alexander, Sherman Alexie, Soman Chainani, Matt de la Pena, Tim Federle, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, Walter Dean Myers, Rachel Renee Russell, and Jacqueline Woodson.

The anthology will be in memory of Walter Dean Myers and it will be inspired by his quote: “Once I began to read, I began to exist.” Every new story contribution to this anthology will be by a diverse author.

WNDB is proud to announce that the anthology will have one story reserved for a previously unpublished diverse author. WNDB will fill that slot via a short story contest. The winner will be included in the anthology and will receive a payment of $1000 US.

General Rules

• Entries will be accepted after 9:00AM EST on April 27th until 5:00PM EST on May 8th, 2015. Any submission made prior to or after the entry period will not be considered.
• Entry is free.
• Submissions will not be returned.
• All applicants must include a 75 word bio and headshot.
• Winner will be announced on June 15, 2015.

Short Story Rules

• All submissions (short story or illustrated story) must be in English and never before published in any medium, print or digital.
• Submissions must be no longer than 5000 words.
• All submissions must be electronic and sent to the following email address: contest@diversebooks.org

• All submissions must also be appropriate for a middle grade audience, ages 8 to 12.
• If your submission is illustrated, it must be in a graphic novel format, but no longer than 10 pages.
• Illustrations must be submitted electronically. Do NOT mail hard copy submissions to WNDB. They will not be reviewed, nor will they be returned.

Eligibility

• Open to diverse writers from all diverse backgrounds (as defined above). Applicants must include this information in their bio.
• Open to diverse writers who have not been published in a traditional print fiction book format, including self-pubbed, independents, small and medium publishing houses, in all genres whether for the children’s or adult market.
• EXCEPTION – Short story publication credit in a magazine, literary journal, or periodical will not disqualify the applicant.

Prizes

• First prize winner will receive an award of $1000 plus their entry will be published as part of the WNDB Anthology to be released by Crown Books for Young Readers/Random House Children’s Books in January 2017.
• Two runner-up winners will receive honorable mentions and awards of $250 each.

PLEASE NOTE: 

Any submissions sent in before the entry period will be deleted, the email address flagged, and the author automatically disqualified.

FAQs

Who can apply?

We recognize anyone from a diverse background, including but not limited to, LGBTQIA, people of color, gender diversity, people with disabilities, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities currently marginalized in North America.

What should the story be about?

It can be about anything as long as it relates to the prompt “Once I began to read, I began to exist” and a diverse experience. The story must also be appropriate for a middle grade audience, ages 8 to 12.

What about a submission in verse?

We accept submissions in free verse only.

What about entries that are a combo of both text and graphics? For example, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid format? Are they acceptable?

Absolutely!

Do the winners get free copies of the book? How many?

The winner will receive 1 copy of the Anthology when it is published.

Are joint authors for a project okay?

As long as both authors are diverse as defined above. Joint authors will share any prizes given by WNDB.

Is non-fiction acceptable? 

No.

Does having a mental illness qualify as having a diverse background?

WNDB recognizes mental illness as a disability and therefore part of our definition of diversity.

What genres are eligible? Fantasy, historical, contemporary, etc?

Submission can be of any genre as long as it is MG (middle-grade).

My self-published book is no longer in print/on the market. Does this disqualify me as an author?

If we can search your name and find a published book online anywhere, you will be disqualified.

Does the exception for a short story publication credit extend to a credit in an anthology series?

The exception only applies to short story credit in a magazine, literary journal, or periodical.

If I’m white am I disqualified?

If you self-identify as a diverse person from one of the definitions stated above, you are still eligible.

If I’m disqualified for this anthology, will I remain eligible for for future opportunities?

We cannot say at this time.

Do authors have to be over 18?

Parental consent will be required upon signing of contract if the winning author is under the age of 18.

What if I’m already published in a language other than English?

Previously published authors in any language are not eligible. The only exception is if the published work is a short story credit in a magazine, literary journal, or periodical.

Can international authors apply?

As long as your submitted work is in English and you are not a previously published author.

What if I have a question not covered in this FAQ?

You can email questions to contest@diversebooks.org. While we can’t answer every email personally, we will post any new and relevant questions directly to this FAQ.

January Book Conference reminders!

Reminder of upcoming book conferences coming your way in January 2015! Happy Conferencing!

United States

Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con

Where: New Orleans, La.

When: JANUARY 9-10-11, 2015

FRI-SAT-SUN

Web site: www.wizardworld.com/home-neworleans.html

Digital Book World Conference & Expo

Where: New York, N.Y.

When: Jan. 13–15, 2015

Web site:

http://conference.digitalbookworld.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=90839&tabid=195530&

Wizard World Portland Comic-Con

Where: Portland, Ore.

When: Jan. 23–26; 2015 

Web site: http://www.wizardworld.com/portland.html

American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Meeting

Where: Chicago, IL

When: Jan. 30^th – Feb. 3^rd 2015

Web site: http://exhibitors.ala.org

CDW! - Carpe diem Wednesday!

Poetry and I have never been friends. Although I love to read it and listen to it, writing it is has always been a whole other beast.  That said, I decided today, I would seize the day, and take on that  beast. Good, bad, or indifferent, it felt great to write it and take a stab at something new. 

Carpe diem! 

See You Later, Frustration!

Frustration, Frustration go away

I don’t want to feel you in my body today.

You make my stomach hurt and I feel tight in my chest

Some days it is hard to take you and I need a rest.

My mom says taking deep breaths is the best thing to do

And I try to do that, but frustration, you are making me feel so blue.

My dad tries to tickle it out of me and sometimes that works,

But this time it is not going away, and I still feel it lurks.

Suddenly, my dog licks my foot, and I feel a twinge better

I finally feel able to get dressed and put on my sweater.

My bird on its perch tweets to me a hello

And I take a deep-down belly breath and let that frustration finally go.

Frustration you are not going to get the best of me today

The breath, the tickle, lick and tweet will help me get through this day.

Wearable Art from Books

Scrolling through my Facebook feed today, I came upon this website that I had to share with my JacketFlap community.  Imagine your favorite classic American novels  i.e., The Great Gatsby or Moby Dick or classic British novels i.e.,  Pride and Prejudice or The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes or the great works by Shakespeare such as Hamlet or Romeo and Juliet and having every word and every line of these stories on a t-shirt.  You can wear the entire story on your body.  
FYI, I have no connection with this site AT ALL - but wanted to share it with all of you because it is super cool!  http://www.litographs.com/