Animal Sound Mix-up gets the 2013 KART KIDS BOOK LIST AWARD

Author Connie Arnold has just let me know that, ANIMAL SOUND MIX-UP has won the 2013 Kart Kids Book List. Her wonderful story about how each animal is so suited to their own unique sounds, was a joy to illustrate. She filled it full of wonderful creatures and so much fun and silliness too.
I'm very proud of her and our book.

Updating Website

Yes, way over due. My website at   www. kitgrady.com needs some fresh new work. So I'm almost ready. 
 I will add a new black and white illustration page. I found out just how much I love this black and white thing. I enjoy getting the feel and depth of color, yet sticking to a black and white canvas. 
So I'll add several new illustrations, update my bio, and mix in a few spot items. Should be up soon.

Revision Done, Now Submissions!

Yes, my picture book has been revised with the skillful guidance of Danielle Smith, my new wonderful agent with Foreward Literary. She will put the final touches together and start sending our baby out to the many children's Book Houses. Oh my goodness- 

Wow, Now this is news-
Pam van Hylckama Vlieg, Laurie Mclean and Gordon Warnock have created a new Literary Agency,
FOREWARD LITERARY. I'm so very excited to be represented by these super agents. I'm now working with their talented assistant agent, Danielle Smith, preparing not one but two projects for submission. Danielle, a writer herself, is the blogger and reviewer for There's A Book. You can tell I'm in qualified hands.

Let the magic begin..........
 

Reworking a new project

Ah, so I began a middle grade novel and loved the opening. Yes, I loved it. But skidded into a big halt at page ten. No not just page ten. Suddenly my story wasn't what I thought it would be. Not at all. Bummer. Loved my character but the plot didn't work.  I repeat  NOT AT ALL-
I tried this angle. Nope. I tried it another way. Na-
 Time to take a break,  So I now have a list of books at my desk. Reading to clear my mind. Maybe to jog my idea bin. Yep, take a break and catch up on some books I've missed. Reading for enjoyment and reading to see how others treat characters, plot and dialogue. Opps, I'm having too much fun. Research can be so grand.

So that's what they say. 

My writing world making a few crazy turns these days. So I just need to hold tight. I will concentrate on the task at hand,- turning to my revision of a new project and bury myself in the work. Keeping my focus and working hard.

Hey, and you know, crazy turns can be magical...

 

 

Yes they can......

Survey On What Children Read from Pen and Ink Blog

I found this delightful interview with Victoria Krol from the Pen and Ink Blog. What a  smart charmer.

And an interesting survey on what others are reading. If you haven't finished these lists yet, it is not too late-- whatever your age. Me? I'm almost done.

And The Winners Are- Newbery Medal Announced

The 2013 Newbery has just been announced. Congratulations to Katherine Applegate.

I have one of the Honor books, Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage sitting on my desk right now, that I happened to nab from the Library this past weekend. So now I'm adding several more great reads to my "To Do" Lists.

I better get going.............

Could Not Resist a Million More Reads-

So I am checking out about a million books from the Library today. In my arms and book bag I have picture books, middle grade, chapter books and several YA. So the Librarian looks up at me and says,  
       "Well looks like the kids are going to be very, very busy."                                                                         
I just smile-
       " Yes, I will."

Playing Around

So, how does one relax before starting the new year full of projects and goals. You caught me, playing with a few swirls and colors as a warm up exercise.  But now I've  also finished several middle grade books I never got to finish and that was after I reread Cheryl Klein's fantastic book on writing, Second Sight, which I adore. So why all this prep? I'm starting some serious revisions and need to get my mind right. Darn, where is my Random house Word Menu book? Yikes

My Representation by Pomada Larsen Literary Agency- 2013

Wonderful News for the New Year
Announcing Representation!

I'm doing a happy dance. 

Spinning and twirling, all because I just signed with Pomada Larsen Literary Agency. So thrilled to join this talented, great agency.

I'll be represented Pam van Hylckama Vlieg.

Can't think of a better way to begin 2013.

Pam has two of my projects; a picture book and chapter book. So I take a big breath, roll up my sleeves and begin the journey.

Merry Christmas