Kelly Barnhill | Writer Side UP!

I’m not sure if I’ve ever mentioned here that I don’t really place much significance on the shifting from one year to the next other than prepping a new datebook and having to remember to change the number when filling out documents like bank checks. Now, if you’ve followed this blog for a while, you are well aware of what an organizational nerd I can be, so you can imagine what I do to a datebook with all the color-coding and reminders and such. It’s a project, for sure, so it’s not like it’s something I actually look forward to, but over the past few years the ONE thing I do look forward to as a new year begins is the annual meme that Sheila at Book Journey hosts: “First Book of the Year.” Continue reading →

Poster Art by Greg Pizzoli

It may have been a drizzly morning, but it didn’t dampen the mood and prep for what would be yet another abundantly successful 2016 Princeton Children’s Book Festival. This being my fourth year attending, with each festival I’ve become a more seasoned veteran, leading to my being that much more organized.

Last year was the first year I’d figured out, before hand, which books I was going to buy because there’s a “pocketbook problem” when you “buy on the fly.” If I hadn’t narrowed it down, I would’ve given into purchasing ALL the books I wanted! Having had that color-coded (tents), numbered (tables) strategy in place, I executed the same thing this year, only this time my charts were even more refined to help the day go as smoothly as possible. And, yes, I know how persnickety I am with such things 😉 . Also, I have to include my standard apology for the “less than clear” photos. There are only a few! 🙂 Continue reading →