Before It's Too Late...

 Yep, it's crazy time with the first term of grad school coming to a close, but I wanted to take the time to 

1- Thank my friend, Darlene Beck Jacobson 

for featuring many wonderful books on her blog, including mine. 

2. And tell you to get over there and browse and buy! Go here and leave a nice comment too, okay? 

All these authors work so hard and the pandemic has hit us- no in-person events, which we love because we get to greet and meet book lovers and fans. 

3. Ask you to please leave a review on Goodreads or Amazon. Most of us depend on reader reviews, we don't have a publicity person. 

4. And have yourself a nice holiday. Look for news of forthcoming events here, on Kidlit Authors Club on Facebook and Twitter, on the Smack Dab in the Middle Blog and on the individual authors' pages. 

Happy Holidays! 

Char

Another Golden Day!

It was that time of year- an October Saturday for the Collingswood Book Festival. I had one of my best sales day (parents and teachers loving my Evolution Revolution trilogy!), and except for having cold feet because I did not wear socks and was sitting in the breezy shade most of the day, it was a beautiful day.

I have to give a shout out to my Kidlit Authors Club colleagues. Every year some of us meet here and take group/solo pics, and reconnect. This group is amazing for supporting each other. Check us out at Kidlit Authors Club and see what's new! 

Mr. Dapper himself, MG author David Neilson

One of our newest members, PB author Kell Andrews

MG author Robin Newman, perky as always!

MG author, Darelene Beck Jacobsen  (we usually sit next to each other)

And to my left, YA author Jeffrey Johnston

Wearing my Rutgers jersey was safer than wearing my NE Patriots one!

I had the hubs helping me by taking pics, and sadly... some of my colleagues were in author panels, or attending to business and I didn't get pics of Jodi Moore (PB), Jennifer Robin Barr (PC, MG), or Hallee Adelman (PB). I'm sorry! 

I would be remiss if I didn't shout out to the wonderful organizers of the Collingswood Book Festival. In their 17th year, they have it down to a science. Besides that, I have to acknowledge that the organizers are truly egalitarian. Invited authors are both traditionally and Indie published, authors with brand new books out, and ones that are several years old, authors of fiction, non-fiction, adult, children, best seller, mid-list, and everything in between. They don't judge the book or the author, they open their arms equally to everyone. I don't know another large book festival that can make that claim. That's being SUPER pro-author. And I thank them! 

The people of Collingswood need a salute too! They show up rain or shine to buy books, talk to authors, and support reading and writing. One young reader wanted my Sirenz book, but didn't have enough money to buy it from the bookseller. The price was $7.99 plus tax; she had $5. The longing in her eyes was so intense, I sold her a copy for $5. The joy on her face to get the signed book reminded me why I write. I may not have sold as much as the featured more well-known authors, but this young girl made my day. I wish her joyful reading! 

Next year, I want to see YOU there! 

Char

Just a Nice Day...

On Saturday, I sold/signed books at the Collingswood Book Festival. 

I love this festival. After attending for a number of years, in my opinion, it's the BEST.

Oh, there are other festivals like the Hudson Children's Book Festival and the Warwick Book Festival and the Princeton Book Festival, which may be bigger, but they aren't as good. Here are 5 reasons why Collingswood is better:

1- They never cancel- if it rains, the entire venue moves indoors to the middle and high schools. Unfortunately, I've been at book events that are outside- even if it rains. Even with a tent, your books get damp, you have to lug your stuff around in the rain and you get wet. Plus, foot traffic is dramatically decreased (not that I blame people for not wanting to get soaked). Most times, you might as well stay home from a festival if it rains. Collingswood still manages to bring people in.

2- They invite ALL authors. This is a rarity. Hudson, Warwick, Princeton and a number of others are by invite only. Absolutely no Indie authors are allowed, and even a lot of traditionally pubbed ones can't get in. No one seems to know what the guidelines are because if they don't want to invite you, there is no reply as to why you're not welcome. At Collingswood, people are free to choose from a huge variety of authors. If attendees don't want to buy your book, Indie or traditional, they walk on by. No one 'culls the herd' for them.

3- Organizers provide authors with concise directions, parking and general info, and are always ready to answer questions. There are volunteers who, when an author does a panel, sit at your table to prevent theft of your books and belongings. Long time organizer Sidra has put together an amazing event, and her successors are stepping right in.

4- There are more things than just books. There are kids' activities, food vendors, author panels, music and more. It's like a giant party. While not everyone is a reader, I've discovered that people who get a pretzel and stroll down Haddon Avenue sometimes stop and buy a book. Maybe it's a holiday present for a grandchild, or they're just browsing but an author did a great sales pitch and snagged a sale. Events which are strictly books don't always produce good sales for some authors because of the competition. 

5- The little guy gets a chance. Sometimes, when super famous authors breeze in to a book event, all the attention is on them. I've checked out events only to find that less well-known authors have to pay a table fee, but that famous authors (who make more money) not only don't have to pay a fee, but are sometimes paid to appear. You know who's really paying for them, right? The authors who make less. Collingswood is more egalitarian. So kudos to them! 

Here at Collingswood with the fabulous Darlene Beck Jacobson

So next year, plan to come visit. Even if you don't want to buy a book, meander down Haddon Ave and take in the sights, talk to the friendliest people. But bring your wallet, just in case you see a book you can't resist...

Char

Cha-cha-changes!

A new blog! (for me). I'm joining the ranks of peeps at Smack dab in the middle blog! I'll be joining Holly Schindler, Jane Kelley, Deborah Lytton, Ann Haywood Leal, Darlene Beck Jacobson, Lizzie K. Foley, Sheila O'Connor, Claudia Mills, Irene Latham, Platte F. Clark, Jody Feldman, Sarah Dooley, and Dia Calhoun. I am in such esteemed company- they have written numerous wonderful and award winning middle grade books. These are some pretty big footsteps to follow, but I'm game!

I'll be posting on the 29th of the month. There are monthly themes this bevy of middle grade authors write about, but they'll be expanding to reviews, interviews with teachers and librarians and guest posts. And, if we have a good idea outside the box, you'll see that. I've already planned out my first post, and you can be sure I'll mention it here. I'm still keeping this blog (unless I have a bestseller that sells millions and I can hire a personal assistant to do it for me).

Also changing- my new website is coming! I've been working on it, with lots of help from the Authors Guild. You'll be able to go charlottebennardo.com and see it soon. I'll be doing a giveaway, so stay tuned! I hope you'll stop by when it's up and running, and leave a comment. Until it's completed, I'll still be here, with all the pages and my posts.

Until then, I'm kind of setting up new events (check the "What's Up?" page) and working on public relations while I try to iron out the final kinks in the website and the migraine-inducing process of getting Evolution Revolution: Book 2, Simple Plans and Evolution Revolution: Book 3, Simple Lessons onto Smashwords. (It is my premonition that a computer-tech glitch will give me an aneurysm.) It's hard getting rivals (CreateSpace/Amazon vs. Smashwords to cooperate. Man, it's one of the things I hate about Indie publishing.)

While our country and the world is in chaos, I wish you a few moments of peace. I hope this helps:

Keep hopeful and compassionate,

Char

The NJ Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Conference Wrap Up

Yes, I skipped last week. It was Memorial Day Weekend and I had a conference to prepare for, relatives to celebrate the coming of a new baby with, and work around the house that demanded to get done. A writer can't always live at the keyboard.

But the conference was great! If you EVER aspire to be a children's book author/illustrator, you NEED to attend this conference at least once. (After that, you'll be hooked. I just have to get you in the door once...)

So many wonderful things happened- making new connections, friends, giving/attending workshops, facilitating events for attendees/editors/agents, socializing, signing books, cheering on the successes of members, and simply getting back to the joy of our community.

It wasn't all sunshine and butterflies- a few glitches, a few heartbreaks, but we powered through them. Here's a gander at the fab people you meet at an SCBWI event (people came from so many different states and other countries; we MUST be doing something right!):

Unfortunately, my cat Mink was VERY disappointed he couldn't go; he even packed his mousie in my suitcase. Sorry Mink, this conference is for writers, illustrators, editors, and agents only!

This is our fabulous regional advisor, Cathy Thole-Daniels (doesn't she look familiar? Yes, she's also the illustrator for my Indie project, Evolution Revolution: Simple Machines). She and the rest of the committee of which I am very proud to be a part of, pulled off a wonderful conference yet again. We're getting a reputation for being one of the best conferences in the US. (That's why YOU need to be here if you want to get serious about your writing/illustrating).

This is my gal pal, Marlo Berliner, who debuted her The Ghost Chronicles novel. She'll also be in a number of Barnes and Noble Teen Author events. Look her up!

The irrepressible Tracey Baptiste! Her fiction books are The Jumbies and Angel's Grace. She's always good for a big happy smile! Events with Tracey are just plain FUN.

Fellow committee member, tech wizard, and good person is Laurie Wallmark who not only sold another picture book on Grace Hopper (computer pioneer), but is the recipient of the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award. Couldn't go to a nicer, more deserving person! Yay Laurie!

So much I owe to Kidlit Authors Club founder, great person, and talented writer Nancy Viau. Among her books are Storm Song, City Beat Street, and forthcoming Just One Thing! She truly 'gives back' to the children's writing community through Kidlit Authors Club and helping newbies like I used to be get started on the grind that is marketing.

My Writing Wenches and gal pal Yvonne Ventresca, awaiting the debut of her second novel, Black Flowers, White Lies (and did you know she put me in the dedication of her first book, Pandemic?).

(Don't you hate selfies?) But I loooove Darlene Beck-Jacobsen! We were table mates at the NJ SCBWI Book Signing. She's waiting to hear about siblings to keep her novel Wheels of Change company on the bookshelf... *fingers crossed!

This is the fabulous, awesome, amazing, gracious, sweet, I-want-to-keep-her Suzi Ismail, who was the closing keynote speaker. Her presentation on Writing Across Cultures OPENED my eyes. I just can't love her anymore than I do!

Finally, a big hug, kiss, and shout of thanks to Mike Ciccotello! He entered the above piece in a juried art contest. I told him that I saw the piece and it just 'spoke' to me. So he gave it to me! It will hang in my office and be the perfect inspiration piece when I write MG fiction (since I'm writing from a boy's perspective) and it will remind me of the joy of my own sons' childhood. Check out Mike's stunning works (especially his coffee cup doodles!) here and fall in love.

Although it's a frantic weekend and exhausting, waiting a year to do it all again seems so very long. I hope to see these fine people again sooner. In the meantime, if you want to polish your skills, get an agent, get published, get involved in the world of publishing for children, this is the place to start. So mark it on your calendar to start checking in February about date announcements. The conference sells out fast, so don't wait! In the meantime, attend author/illustrator events; we love to talk about writing/illustrating and are happy to help the newcomer.

Now I seriously need another cup of chai because I couldn't get any at the conference and I have a ton of work to do.

Enjoy the day, the possibilities, and all that's good-

Char

Time for a Change...

I'm making a change to my blog; Fridays will become "Fiction Fridays" in which I will host a fiction writer. They may be brand new or established, but they will always be interesting. There may not be a new one every week, but I am happy for interested writers to message me (through my blog, FB, Twitter, email, or phone) if they would like to appear.

I've occasionally featured writers, but I'm very happy to have as my first in this new endeavor:

  
by my friend, Darlene Beck Jacobsen, fellow Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators member, and a hardworking writer.

Darlene loved writing since she was a girl. She wrote letters to everyone she knew and made up stories in her head.  Although she never wrote to a president, she sent many letters to pop stars of the day asking for photos and autographs.  She loves bringing the past to life in stories such as WHEELS OF CHANGE, her debut novel.

            Darlene’s stories have appeared in CICADA, CRICKET, and other magazines. When not writing, Darlene enjoys baking, sewing and tea parties.  She also likes hanging around forges watching the blacksmith work magic. She’s never ridden in a carriage like the one in the story, but hopes to one day. Her blog features recipes, activities, crafts and interviews with children’s book authors and illustrators. She still loves writing and getting letters.  Check out her website here:
                         

I asked Darlene a few questions so that you could get to know her book better:
 
What was the most surprising thing you learned in your research?

The biggest surprise was discovering how Washington DC looked at the turn of the Twentieth Century. Even though it was the nation’s capital and center of government, it was very rural. With the exception of Pennsylvania Avenue and a few streets bordering 7^th Street – the main street of commerce - there was only gas lighting and no electricity. Indoor plumbing was still a novelty. Many roads were unpaved or had cobblestones. There were farms and wooded areas surrounding the government buildings. Most people still rode in horse-drawn wagons, carriages, or buggies. Many goods were still made by hand. Those facts were instrumental in helping me set the scene and render an accurate time and place.

 

Did your research give you ideas for a sequel or other books?

I don’t envision a sequel to Emily’s story.  Her tale has been told.  It might be fun to find out what happens to Emily’s nemesis, Beatrice Peabody and her family.  How does Mrs. P survive the changes coming to her family as Beatrice discovers a different life at boarding school – a life away from her domineering mother.

 

What fascinated you about this subject/era most?

There was so much change that took place in such a short time.  From 1900 to WWI, people witnessed the birth of automobiles, airplanes, electricity, factory made goods, train travel across the continent, telephones, and modern conveniences such as canned foods, vacuum cleaners, washers and dryers and the like. Some of the changes were exciting as well as frightening. I tried to convey that ambivalence in the story.

 

Would you want to live in the era, or be your character?

Life was very difficult for girls and women 100 years ago. So much time and energy was spent in completing everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and childcare. Women kept households running, but had little or no say in how they spent their own lives. It took two world wars for women to test their own courage and break away from the strict confines of home and out into the working world. Thanks to our grandmothers and great-grandmothers, our choices are unlimited.

What sources did you use in your research?

Primary sources included an invitation my grandmother received to a reception held by Teddy Roosevelt, a letter from the National Archives confirming that she met the President. I read his personal letters, visited a working buggy museum and forge, read numerous books on American culture at the turn of the century, corresponded via e-mail to experts at the Smithsonian, Sagamore Hill, Historical Society of DC and others whenever I had questions. I also perused old cookbooks, maps, Sears Catalogs, and newspapers to get a feel for the era. 

Here's a link to her book trailer: http://youtu.be/qtGXALonq4w            

Kirkus Reviews says: "The strength of the text lies in Jacobson’s ability to evoke a different era and to endear readers to the protagonist. The prose is straightforward and well-researched, heavily peppered with historical references and containing enough action to keep readers’ attention."

 So stop by and say hello to Darlene and check out her book.

 

Char

 

And remember, if you're a fiction author and want to be featured her on a Friday, let me know! (Please keep in mind that I write for middle grade, young adult, and new adult. Romance okay, erotica no.)