In Spite Of...

As a writer, there is nothing more distressing than hearing that a middle school doesn't have a library. I am a product of D.C. Public Schools, and I'm familiar with hearing how DCPS is one of the worst school systems, the students perform so badly, blahblahblah. Well, you know what? What do you expect when middle schools don't have books? Why don't people care more? Is it a "not my kid" thing? That's not right and as a kid, when you feel you've been written off, what kind of reaction do you think you'd have?

Well, let me tell you about something positive. In spite of their lack of a library, the students at Charles Hart Middle School in Southeast D.C. are participants in the D.C. Creative Writing Workshop. Along with Simon Elementary and Ballou Senior High, these kids and teens are creating some amazing work and are being recognized for it. These kids have dealt with some rough environments--even within their own schools--yet someone saw the potential that was there within them. All it takes is someone to believe in you to help you believe in yourself.

If you want to know more about them and this fantastic program, please click on this link. You'll be so glad you did.

Fan Art! Jordan's Bug

OK! I have a fan! This is from Jordan, who has a multicolored spin on one of my bug cartoons. The red teeth, those irritated eyes...I love it!

Doing Good

Today, on the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday, I found myself thinking about what can I do to help my community. Living in the Washington, D.C. area you read/hear so much negative news about our failing school systems, the cycles of violence and/or poverty that kids here are subjected to and the repercussions from them both. The thing that always ticks me is you hear these sad stories, yet no one ever gives info on how to help or make a difference. I think people really want to help, but just don't know where to start. All it takes is one person to effect change.

I'm not just an aspiring kids book writer-illustrator, I actually am a published author in the adult market. I know I can make a difference using this talent for good. I know that when I was a kid growing up in the hood, keeping a diary and writing stories was a source of venting, of creating another world, of keeping my thoughts in line. Perhaps I can help to do the same for others? I don't even know where to start myself, but I know I have to at least begin. I've been toying with the idea of starting a creative writing class or club at my local elementary and high school. Kids and teens need to get their feelings out somehow. What better way than through words?

Holiday's Over

I took a heck of a holiday break huh?

Well, in the spirit of the new year, I picked up the Children's Writer's & Illustrators Market 2006 and another market guide. I plan on sitting down and truly mapping out a plan to get published. Yup, I know a lot of it is luck and the right place at the right time with the right editor, but I can't even get that far without some research.

I can make it happen this year. IthinkIcanIthinkIcanIthinkIcan...