Somebody stop me!!!
Another speaking engagement for little old me???!?!! Crazy, I tell ya!
On September 29, 2012 I had the honor of speaking at KidLitCon 2012. Here is the info on who they are and what I presented on:
“KidLitosphere Central strives to provide a passage to the wonderful variety of resources available from the society of bloggers in children’s and young adult literature.
Some of the best books being published today are children’s and young adult titles, well-written and engaging books that capture the imagination. Many of us can enjoy them as adults, but more importantly, can pass along our appreciation for books to the next generation by helping parents, teachers, librarians and others to find wonderful books, promote lifelong reading, and present literacy ideas.
The “KidLitosphere” is a community of reviewers, librarians, teachers, authors, illustrators, publishers, parents, and other book enthusiasts who blog about children’s and young adult literature. In writing about books for children and teens, we’ve connected with others who share our love of books. With this website, we hope to spread the wealth of our reading and writing experience more broadly.
What started as individuals blogging independently about children’s and young adult books became a collective of like-minded people. While maintaining our own sites and unique perspectives, shared activities made us a thriving community. Now — with weekly celebrations of poetry and nonfiction, an online literary journal, a shared database of book reviews, discussion groups, contests, social networks, an annual conference, and our own book awards — we’ve become a society.
This thing that Melissa Wiley dubbed the “KidLitosphere” has become a valuable resource that celebrates fiction and nonfiction, poetry and prose, authors and illustrators, writing and reading. Bloggers cover everything from picture books to young adult titles, writing process to publishing success, personal news to national events.
KidLitosphere Central strives to provide an avenue to good books and useful literary resources; to support authors and publishers by connecting them with readers and book reviewers; and to continue the growth of the society of bloggers in children’s and young adult literature.
Welcome to our world.”
A big thank you to Elizabeth Bird of A Fuse #8 Production along with Monica Edinger (Educating Alice) for hosting this wonderful event!
The Benefits of Blogging:
1. Professional Benefits
- A place to just get started publicly writing. C’mon and dip your toe in!
- Cross promotion…. you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours!
- As you follow and watch other blogs, especially agent blogs, you will “be in the know” about upcoming trends, first to see and hear new info and leads. You can directly interact with these people via commenting, through Facebook, etc.
- Blogging will evoke no shortage of emotions out of you! Fun, soothing, exhilarating, frustrating….
- Use it as an opportunity for journaling.
- You may be one degree of separation away from the contact you need to make!
- Build a tribe of support. Connect with others in your niche or have the same passion as you. Promote a cause that’s important to you.
- Do you consider blogging a chore? It will be a discipline to build your writing skills.
- For all professional wannabees, it will be required! Truth is: every author/illustrator has to have a blog today; I don’t think it’s an option anymore.
- Poetry and other difficult genres to enter into can be done here. Great opportunity for illustrators to include one picture from their portfolio. (Comic strips?)
- Blogging provides a way for agents or publishers to find you at your home base.
- Place to brand yourself, make your platform, www.yourname.com
- Say what’s really on your mind. Be regarded, acknowledged, this is your pulpit, can hit on hard areas like politics.
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2. Fun Benefits
- Make friends. Yes, even BFF’s!!!
- Sell stuff. Do you or someone you know have a side-business?
- Get freebies! Books, product promotions, etc.
- Make Money—Ka-ching!!! Sell ad space, Google Adsense, or get paid to write blog posts.
- Blogging can and will lead to other things in your future.
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I wanted to extend a special thank you to the generous individuals and publishing houses that donated the following for my presentation:
1,000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren Charlie and the Christmas Kitty by The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond Cinder by Marissa Meyer Guardian by Heather Burch Halflings by Heather Burch Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin Infinity Ring Book 1: A Mutiny in Time by James Dashner Plain Fear: Forbidden by Leanna Ellis Plain Fear: Forsaken by Leanna Ellis Shatterproof (The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers, Book 4) by Roland Smith Sometimes the Wind Blows Sideways by Amy Quonce Twillypop necklace by Sara the Twillypop We All Married Idiots by Elaine W. Miller
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
It sounds like it was another fantastic lecture. I love the great points you bring out about the many benefits of blogging, because sometimes when you are in the midst of it, things get a bit muddled. Some days you wonder, why do i do this??
Thanks for the reminder and refreshment.
I hope everyone was able to take at least one point and improve or grow their blog. One thing can lead to great things. :O)
I was honored to have traveled with you Diane, even if it was just in spirit. Your courage to travel and share your wisdom with fellow writers is inspiring. You have more insights to share with the world and I look forward to being part of your continuing success.
~Amy Quonce
Thanks Amy! You inspire me with your daily walk too and all that you are doing for kids. :O)