UP!–The “HARRY POTTER” Clock Strikes MIDNIGHT!

Posted on August 1, 2016 by writersideup

(NOTE: while this post is current, scroll on the sidebar —in a separate tab or window—to click to listen to Hedwig’s Theme while reading 😀)

Back in July 2007, the anticipation was palpable for the release of the last installment in the one-and-only Harry Potter series. The day on which there would be midnight release parties throughout the world for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I made very definite plans to enjoy it. I’d never attended a midnight release and that being the last one (so I thought), I didn’t want to miss it. (You can read about how I spent that unforgettable day in a blog post I wrote when having done a “Harry Potter Re-Read“.)

The question of whether or not there would be additional books to the series was discussed by many and certainly posed to the author herself. J. K. Rowling said she’d “never say never.” The characters and world she built had become a part of her and her life in a very profound way, and the truth is—you can’t turn off the imagination of a writer—certainly not one of her caliber. Aren’t we LUCKY?! Continue reading →

UP!–Writers’ Conference Nerves–and NO-NOs!

Posted on June 11, 2016 by writersideup

This past weekend was our always anticipated, ever energetic, inevitably incomparable, annual NJ SCBWI Conference 😀 It is an event I look forward to and can’t bear to miss. During my many years of involvement with our New Jersey Chapter, I’ve been blessed to have gained many friends in the KidLit community, one of them being pal and KidLit guru, Tara Lazar. If you’re a KidLit-er and are not familiar with Tara and her blog—Writing for Kids (While Raising Them)—you should be! One of the many things she is noted for, besides her writing talent, is having founded PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) 😎 .

Now post-conference, many of us are inspired to write about it in one way or another. Since I barely snapped any photos (though Robin Newman did!), I figured I’d pass on blogging about it this year, but then Continue reading →

Hildie + The Corner Bookstore “Spells” FUN!

Posted on April 30, 2016 by writersideup

OK, with a title like this and such stunning artwork, much like the Imperius Curse (though not sinister!), you simply CAN’T RESIST picking up this book! As you know, I don’t do book reviews (ahem—just so you know—I LOVE this book!), so that’s not what this is. What it is, is a celebration of the release of Hildie Bitterpickles Needs Her Sleep!

In my opinion, there’s one thing that can definitely “cast a spell” on any book lover and that’s a BOOK LAUNCH! It’s even more “magical” when it’s an AMAZING book! And that’s what author Robin Newman and illustrator Chris Ewald‘s book is—AMAZING 😀 Continue reading →

UP! — KIDLIT TV Turns 1!

Posted on December 2, 2015 by writersideup

Every once in a great while, my timing is just right 😀 By an off chance, in the least expected way, I was fortunate to have met KidLit TV founder Julie Gribble (at first, thinking she worked for the Princeton Public Library). I liked her right off, one thing led to another and she was kind enough to extend to me an invitation to attend a very special event—the KidLit TV 1st Birthday party 😎

Was I excited to go? You betcha! Did I have a great time? YOU BETCHA! 😀 In fact, I was Continue reading →

UP!–November 2015 Forecast? It’s Raining PICTURE BOOKS!

Posted on November 1, 2015 by writersideup

It’s no secret that I ADORE the printed Picture Book format! Thanks to Dianne de Las Casas, we set aside November to celebrate it 😀

As it will be from this year forward, I’m throwing up this timely reminder with up-to-date links for you other picture book lovers so you don’t miss out on all the GREAT stuff going Continue reading →