Susie Sawyer |
Writing for Children |
ANNOUNCING:
An Eyeball in My Garden: And Other Spine-Tingling Poems
Marshall Cavendish Children's Books, August-2010
Ready to be spookified? Ready to laugh? You'll do both with this collection of frightening and funny poems created by members of The Poets' Garage critique group and edited by two of our members, Jennifer Cole Judd and Laura Wynkoop. Well-known Monstrologist, Johan Olander provides the perfect illustrations. You'll find three of my own poems creeping under the cover: Hixon House, Bedtime Story, and Swamp Witch.
Watch for it in late Summer, 2010, just in time for Halloween!
The Mermaid Project
For quite some time, I have quietly squirmed with excitement about a writing project in the works. At long last, I think it’s time to share my excitement with all of you.
This project started as a simple entry in the Art of Storytelling Contest held in 2006 by the
In late 2007, I received an email that started a whole new chapter of excitement for this little poem. The email was from none other than the amazingly talented artist/illustrator, Angel Dominguez. Angel explained that he had followed the link to my poem and enjoyed it very much. As if that wasn’t compliment enough, he then proposed that he would like to create several illustrations to accompany the poem and submit the work for publication as a children’s picture book.
Needless to say, I eagerly accepted his offer. In 2008, Angel brought my mermaid to life with a pencil sketch. When I first saw his incredible depiction of the character in my head, I was stunned.
Not long after that, Angel shared the completed image with me. It brought me to tears. I had never imagined anything so beautiful, and I still pinch myself occasionally to make sure it’s for real. With Angel’s permission, I am sharing his first illustration with you here:
To say that I am honored to be working with Angel Dominguez would be an understatement. Not only will my words be accompanied by his world-class illustrations, but I have made a dear friend in the process. I am deeply thankful to Angel for his dedication to this project and for finding my words worthy of his time and talent.
Please check back for updates on the project and its development. Also, please enjoy the following sites showcasing Angel’s work:
September, 2008 – Stephen Mooser, President of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) has accepted my poem, "The Assignment" for publication in the November/ December 2008 issue of the bimonthly SCBWI magazine, “The Bulletin.” Please visit my "Writings" page to read the published poem.
On
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We read my poem, “Ask Yourself a Question” and discussed the important role an illustrator plays in the creation of a story. |
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I shared some of my works in progress with the students and described the process of turning a story into a published book. |
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Some of the children shared ideas about what they enjoy in a book and what makes a story memorable. |
I would like to thank Ms. Lynott and her wonderful students for welcoming me into their classroom, and for giving me a chance to meet the very important people for whom I write. We packed a lot of fun into the visit and I hope my new friends will continue to read, read, read, and WRITE for the fun of it!
In May, 2008, I received third place honors in the poetry division of the Children’s Writer contest. “King of Words” is a humorous poem about a child who longs for the chance to re-invent the English language, so that words are more fun to say. The King of Words Instead of sitting down on chairs Our hats would be our wubbies, Every weekend, all my flumps Teachers would be Noopies. You’d clap your bunkies, not your hands. With silly sounds and letters,
Why are words so boring?
Who made them all that way?
If I could be the King of Words,
I’d make them FUN to say.
or heading off to bed,
we’d sit upon our blooger-puffs,
and sleep in ploinks, instead.
our shoes would be kazooms.
We’d flapperize our meeps,
instead of cleaning up our rooms.
would meet me at the snall.
We’d ride our two-wheeled gizzles,
and practice flargy-ball.
And every day at noon
we’d eat our slinky-dinkus
with a blabble, not a spoon.
And when you had to sneeze,
you’d blow your piffer in a snork.
Then I’d say, “Hookeybeeze!”
I’d rewrite everything.
Yes, words would be a lot more fun,
if I could be The King.
** Television interview WJFW (12/2007) "Say Good Night to Illiteracy."
WJFW, a Rhinelander WI television station, featured my published poem, "Ask Yourself a Question" and my success in winning the Half Price Books' "Say Good Night to Illiteracy" competition. Although the video loop is no longer available online, the interview can be viewed at the above link.
Without warning, she heard it. From somewhere beyond the pitter-patter of raindrops, a glorious harmony drifted into Sophie’s ear. She closed her eyes and listened. A flood of wonderful memories washed over her. Feeling the colorful music she and Charles had shared so often, she hummed the melody. Accompanied by the colorful chords of her surroundings, she realized it was a stunning composition.
** I was delighted to discover that Homeschool Parent recommended my work as a “Read Aloud” on their web site. It’s always such a thrill to receive an accolade from people in the industry. Thank you!
