A Free Book, A Contest, an Interview, & More

Jon Bard, Managing Editor at Children's Book Insider, is offering a FREE e-book on writing for children. "Getting Started Writing Children's Picture Books" is free at 

http://writing4kids.com/picture-books-how-to-write-a-picture-book.html

Children's Writer magazine is sponsoring a contest for a fictional story or nonfiction article related to a holiday or season for children age 4. 125-words is the limit. They'd like to see less well-known holidays featured. And keep in mind that the story should appeal to the adults who will be reading it to the children as well. "Winners will be selected on age-appropriateness, use of language, clarity, originality, and the overall quality of writing." Oct. 31 is the deadline. Visit Children's Writer for more details.

Jessica Kennedy, the Differently-Abled Writer, has just posted a new interview with me. Visit her blog and take a peek.

And Just One More Book is starting its 3rd year highlighting children's books. They provide a free online podcast celebrating children's literature--without any advertisements! It's a fun site to visit, and you can call in and be part of the show (1-206-350-6487.) What's a favorite kid's book you'd like to share?

A Contest for Kids & A Contest for Children's Authors

Please check out these fun contests:


To celebrate her new release of The Gollywhopper Games (HarperCollins/ Greenwillow) , Jody Feldman is holding a contest for kids from 8-15 years old and a drawing for authors and others. Kids who send in the correct solution to the puzzle posted at the Contests link at http://www.gollywhoppergames.com/ can win a Nintendo DS Lite or The Gollywhopper Games T-shirt. And if you post this info on a blog or pass it along to a family with age-eligible children or to an elementary or middle school teacher, you'll be entered to win a signed copy of The Gollywhopper Games and a T-shirt. But you'll need to let her know you've done so by sending in an email at mailto:jody@jodyfeldman.com to enter.



CHEERIOS CONTEST
Spoonfuls of Stories
This contest is looking for children's authors who have not been previously published. The deadline for entering is July 15, 2008. Win $5,000 and the chance to have your story published by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Look for the official rules at the Cheerios website.

Ready! Set! Start writing!!!

The BIG READ and WRITE

St. Louis Writers Guild and Build-a-Bear Workshop Foundation are sponsoring THE BIG WRITE, a writing contest for both elementary and middle school students. This contest will be a part of THE BIG READ literary festival in Clayton, Missouri on October 11, 2008.
Six winners--three in each of two grade levels for 4th & 5th and 6th through 8th. Student should enter the contest as the grade they will be in for the fall of 2008. Prizes for the contest include: cash, award certificates, and Build-a-Bear merchandise. Winners will be announced at the festival, and the winning stories will be published on The Big Read website. There is no limit on the number of entries. For more information: Contest Guidelines. The deadline is September 12.