I had a great time last night at this month’s SCBWI meeting. Dotti Enderle, a.k.a. Dax Varley, gave a dynamic presentation on her method for creating characters.We had a good turnout, with several visitors who we hope will become new members!
Tonight we have a unique opportunity to see the author and illustrator of what will likely be one of the biggest middle grade books of 2016. Details are below, but I want to emphasize this is a ticketed event. Please go by (or call) Blue Willow Bookshop to purchase the book in order to get your ticket.
Feb. 2, Tuesday, 7:00 PM 
Spring Forest Middle School
Sara Pennypacker, Author & Jon Klassen, Illustrator
Author Sara Pennypacker and illustrator Jon Klassen will appear in conversation discussing PAX, their new novel for young people. A book signing will follow the discussion.
Pax and Peter have been inseparable ever since Peter rescued him as a kit. But one day, the unimaginable happens: Peter’s dad enlists in the military and makes him return the fox to the wild. At his grandfather’s house, three hundred miles away from home, Peter knows he isn’t where he should be with Pax. He strikes out on his own despite the encroaching war, spurred by love, loyalty, and grief, to be reunited with his fox. Meanwhile Pax, steadfastly waiting for his boy, embarks on adventures and discoveries of his own. . . .
Admission: This is a ticketed event. In order to attend the event, please purchase PAX from Blue Willow Bookshop. At the time of your purchase, we will assign you a signing line ticket that indicates your place in line. Your book and signing line ticket can be picked up at the event. You must purchase your ticket before the event.
But wait! There’s more going on this week!
Feb. 4, Thursday, 5:00 PM
Blue Willow Bookshop
Jory John, PB Author
Jory John will discuss and sign his hilarious new picture book, I LOVE YOU ALREADY, illustrated by Benji Davies. Bear can’t wait to spend a pleasant day alone. But Duck wants to hang out. Will Bear ever get to relax by himself?
Feb. 4, Thursday, 6:00-8:00 PM
The Printing Museum
Bruce Foster, Paper Engineer
Please join Bruce Foster, creator of numerous pop-up books, including HARRY POTTER: A POP-UP BOOK BASED ON THE FILM PHENOMENON and his most recent, MINIONS: BUILD YOUR OWN MINIONS PUNCH-OUT ACTIVITY BOOK. The Book Arts Guild has invited Bruce to share some of his work and experiences as a paper engineer, as well as a behind the scenes look at the production of Pier 1’s Limited Edition Pop-Up catalog. AND, one person in attendance will walk away the winner of a drawing for a copy of this nearly-impossible to get collector’s item! A cache of pop up invitations Bruce designed for their exhibition on pop-up books TEN years ago will be given out until supplies are exhausted.
Feb. 6, Saturday, 9:30 AM
Spring Oaks Middle School
The Bookworm Book Festival
The Bookworm Book Festival is here! Click & Tweet! Come enjoy a fun morning celebrating emerging readers and those who write for them. Six wonderful authors will be attending: Mac Barnett, Doreen Cronin, Jennifer Sattler, Stephen Savage, Emma Virjan, and Salina Yoon! Click here for schedule details.
Feb. 6, Saturday, 9:30 AM
Writespace
Workshop: How to Find an Agent, with Joy Preble
COST: $30-$45
For those serious about publishing a novel with a traditional press, the next step after writing a polished manuscript is to find a literary agent to represent you and your work. This three-hour workshop will break down the often daunting and highly competitive process of seeking representation. Instructor and YA author Joy Preble will examine what an agent does and doesn’t do when he or she agrees to represent your work, as well as what exactly it takes to find the perfect match between author and agent. This workshop will cover the most crucial aspects of the process of finding your dream agent, from networking to research to query letters and more.
Feb. 6, Saturday, 9:30AM – 5:00 PM
Sheraton North Houston At George Bush Intercontinental
The Writing Conference of Houston
COST: $129 plus add-ons
This “How to Get Published” writing workshop is one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. topics to be discussed: your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. Writers of all genres are welcome. This conference features agents Paul S. Levine (Paul S. Levine Literary), Patricia Nelson (Marsal Lyon Literary), Eve Porinchak (Jill Corcoran Literary), Rachel Brooks (L. Perkins Agency), and Tricia Skinner (Fuse Literary).
Feb. 6, Saturday, 1:00 PM
Murder By the Book
C.C. Hunter, YA Author
Local NYT Bestselling author C.C. Hunter will sign and discuss ALMOST MIDNIGHT: THE NOVELLA COLLECTION. Hidden from the human world, Shadow Falls is a secret camp for teens with supernatural powers. But for four very different teens, it’s much more than just a camp-it’s where their destinies will unfold.
Independent and strong-willed Della Tsang didn’t believe in vampires…until she became one. Chase Tallman is the newest member of Shadow Falls, but what made him into the sexy, mysterious vampire he is today? And what led him to Della Tsang? For Miranda Kane, magic has always been something she’s struggled with-until she finally has a chance to prove herself a witch to be reckoned with. And for Fredericka Lakota, the one guy who challenges her the most will lead her to the life she’s always wanted.
Feb. 6, Saturday, 3:00-5:00 PM 
River Oaks Bookstore
Russell J. Sanders, YA Author
Local author Russell J. Sanders will be celebrating the launch of his fourth YA novel, COLORS. High school senior Neil Darrien is a budding musical theater star. He has it all—a beautiful girlfriend, a scholarship at a prestigious school, and plenty of chances to showcase his talent. But when Zane Jeffrey comes to town and immediately lands a spot in the school show choir, Neil is jealous. What Neil didn’t count on, though, is Zane’s charm and humor, and the two soon become friends. Melissa, Neil’s girlfriend, notices Zane monopolizing Neil and draws Neil into her church. There Neil discovers a situation he knows he needs to fix, but if he does, a deep, dark secret that could cost him his future career might come out. When his relationship with Melissa becomes rocky, Neil is drawn to Zane in a way that is more than friendship.
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