<![CDATA[KMARCUSWRITES - blog]]>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 18:23:53 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[MY #PBPitch SUCCess Story!]]>Wed, 07 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.kmarcuswrites.com/blog/my-pbpitch-success-storyFrankenstein's Matzah: A Passover Parody (Ill. Sam Loman) was published by Intergalactic Afikoman, a small Jewish press. I was lucky enough, during the heyday of pitching contests on twitter, to have my pitch chosen by the publisher! I was so excited because I had decided to submit to them prior to the contest. You can see by my pitch, that the name of my main character changed from Mati to Vee. 

There are still pitch events out there. This post Where Have All the Pitch Contests Gone? is a year old but it might give you a place to start looking.  Happy pitching!​
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Pitch write up: http://pbpitch.weebly.com/book-dealsagent-matches.html
PBPitch was a twitter/X based picture book pitching event.  ​http://pbpitch.weebly.com/
]]><![CDATA[Multicultural children's book day 2024:                                ​Jamie’s Class Has Something to Say]]>Fri, 19 Jan 2024 01:22:53 GMThttp://www.kmarcuswrites.com/blog/multicultural-childrens-book-day-2024-jamies-class-has-something-to-say
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Jamie’s Class Has Something to Say by Afsaneh Moradian , Illustrator, Maria Bogade is part of the Jamie is Jamie book series.

The students in Jamie’s class aren’t feeling listened to by their family members. Jamie suggests to the teacher that they share different things about themselves for Family Day because Jamie’s mom listens to them “even if she didn’t agree."
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Jamie is practicing self-advocacy and helps the other students to do the same.  The families in the stories learn something new about the children and in the end, everyone feels listened to and on the same page.  The Backmatter includes tips for parents on active listening and other ways to engage with the children in their lives. The illustrations are colorful and child friendly. I enjoyed this book and felt it showed positive ways that children can self-advocate.  I felt that it would be a great discussion book for parents and caregivers. The author, Afsaneh Moradian, has a PhD in Education and extensive experience working with children. 
This book was #gifted as a part of the #ReadYourWorld  2024 Multicultural Children’s Book Day

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2024 (1/25/25) is in its 11th year! Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen founded this non-profit children’s literacy initiative; they are two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural diverse books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.
Read Your World’s mission is to raise awareness of the need to include kids’ books celebrating diversity in homes and school bookshelves. Read about our Mission and history HERE.
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Read Your World celebrates Multicultural Children’s Book Day and is honored to be Supported by these Medallion and Ruby Sponsors!

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr (Audreypress.com)
🏅 Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media
🏅 Platinum Sponsors: Publisher Spotlight, Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 50+ Languages, Lerner Publishing Group
🏅 Gold Sponsors:  Barefoot Books, Astra Books for Young Readers
🏅 Silver Sponsors: Red Comet Press, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, Valerie Williams-Sanchez and Valorena Publishing, Lee and Low Books, Cardinal Rule Press
🏅 Bronze Sponsors: CK Malone, Tonya Duncan Ellis, Anita Crawford Clark, Star Bright Books, Blue Dot Kids Press, Brunella Costagliola, Red Fin, Fabled Films 
Ruby Sponsor: Crayola 

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Artwork by Rebecca Burgess
MCBD 2024 is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors!
Authors: K. Marcus, Gwen Jackson, Josh Funk, Eugenia Chu, Sivan Hong, Marta Magellan, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Angela H. Dale, Maritza M Mejia, Authors J.C. Kato and J.C.², Charnaie Gordon,  Alva Sachs, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Lisa Chong, Diana Huang, Martha Seif Simpson, DARIA (WORLD MUSIC WITH DARIA) Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou, Gea Meijering, Stephanie M. Wildman, Tracey Kyle, Afsaneh Moradian, Kim C. Lee, Rochelle Melander, Beth Ruffin, Shifa Saltagi Safadi, Alina Chau, Michael Genhart, Sally J. Pla, Ajuan Mance, Lindsey Rowe Parker
MCBD 2024 is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts!
MCBD 2023 is Honored to be Supported by our Partner Organizations! 
Check out MCBD's Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!
📌 FREE RESOURCES from Multicultural Children’s Book Day
]]><![CDATA[Book BirthYay!]]>Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:15:22 GMThttp://www.kmarcuswrites.com/blog/book-birthyay
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]]><![CDATA[I love lane smith!]]>Fri, 05 Jan 2024 16:55:50 GMThttp://www.kmarcuswrites.com/blog/i-love-lane-smith
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Signed copies available. Click on the book to navigate to The Hickory Stick Bookshop.
Of course, I’d seen Lane Smith's illustration work before.  I had many of his books in my classroom when I was teaching: Math Curse, The True Story of the The 3 Little Pigs!, Stinky Cheese Man.  I loved his illustration style – so full of delectable texture.  But I didn’t know I truly loved him until I read Stickler loves the world, which I had heard about on Book Delight with Chrissie Wright’s Favorite Picture Books and Chapter Books of 2023 podcast episode. The title of the book says it all - Stickler is a joyous optimist. But of course, it’s so much more than that. The story is a silly, humorous romp with twists and turns that readers will want to read it over and over again.

I am so grateful for the Stickler’s in my life and am so very glad that Lane Smith created this book.  But it wasn’t just his picture book that made me fall in love with him...it was the FAQ page on his website which was sweet, funny, and I can’t believe I’m going to write this, made me feel seen. So thank you Lane Smith, for brightening my day and giving voice to the Stickler’s of the world!
]]><![CDATA[Rivertown Magazine]]>Fri, 07 Jul 2023 20:35:47 GMThttp://www.kmarcuswrites.com/blog/rivertown-magazine
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I was honored to have the opportunity to interview collage artist (and so much more!) Johanna Goodman for Rivertown Magazine.  I had been following Goodman on Instagram for a long time and was inspired by her work.  I was so thrilled when she invited me into her studio to share her artistic process.  Click here to read the article on page 25 in the digital issue.
]]><![CDATA[5 Facts about Mary Shelley and Her novel]]>Mon, 20 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMThttp://www.kmarcuswrites.com/blog/5-facts-about-mary-shelley-and-her-novel-frankenstein
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A miniature by Reginald Easton
  1. The full title of the book is: Frankenstein, or, The Modern Prometheus 
  2. Dr. Frankenstein's creation does not have a name.
  3. Like Mary Shelley, Frankenstein was a vegetarian: “My food is not that of man. I do not destroy the lamb and the kid to glut my appetite; acorns and berries afford me sufficient nourishment.”
  4. Mary Shelley was 18 when she began the novel.  It was published anonymously in 1818.
  5. Shelley published anonymously because she was afraid she might lose custody of her children due to the nature of the story. At that time, many other women authors published anonymously in order for their work to be taken seriously. 
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Page from Mary Shelley’s manuscript of Frankenstein, with annotations by Percy Bysshe Shelley. Oxford, Bodleian Libraries, MS. Abinger c. 56, fol. 21r
Resources: 
  1. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/02/12/the-strange-and-twisted-life-of-frankenstein
  2. https://www.biography.com/authors-writers/mary-shelley
  3. https://theconversation.com/frankenstein-at-200-and-why-mary-shelley-was-far-more-than-the-sum-of-her-monsters-parts-90206
  4. https://www.earthsave.ca/blog/frankensteins-monster-early-vegetarian-celebrity/
  5. https://ivu.org/history/shelley/mary.html
  6. https://blogs.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/archivesandmanuscripts/2020/06/15/frankenstein-revisited-at-the-bodleian-libraries/​
  7. Core Shelley Collection: https://archives.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/repositories/2/resources/767​
]]><![CDATA[Multicultural children's book day 2023: The Very Best Sukkah!]]>Thu, 26 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.kmarcuswrites.com/blog/multicultural-childrens-book-day-2023
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    Set in Uganda in the Abayudaya Jewish community, which has been practicing Judaism since the 1920’s (as I learned in the informative backmatter), The Very Best Sukkah written by Shoshana Nambi, Illustrated by Moran Yogev,
tells the story of Shoshi and her brothers who hope that the Sukkah they build will be chosen as the best one in their community.  It’s a friendly competition amongst neighbors though jealousy rears its head over one particular Sukkah and the materials used to build it. The Rabbi gathers the community and kindly talks to them about their feelings. And in the aftermath of a storm, we see the true spirit of the Abayudaya community.  The illustrations are bold with deep lush colors that richly portray the people and the setting. While this book shares Jewish customs and traditions, I think it is a story for all readers. Even though a community Sukkah building competition could occur, it has not been a part of my Sukkot tradition or of other people I know. The Very Best Sukkah: A Sto­ry from Ugan­da, has won the inau­gur­al 2023 National Jewish Book Award category: Children’s Pic­ture Book Tra­cy and Lar­ry Brown Fam­i­ly Award . This book was gifted for a review as part of Multicultural Children's Book Day. #ReadYourWorld

If you purchase this book, please purchase directly from the publisher Kalaniot Books or Click here to find your local bookseller or Bookshop.org
Information about Multicultural Children's Book Day
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2023 (1/26/22) is in its 10th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.
Ten years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues. 
​
MCBD 2023 is honored to be Supported by these Medallion Sponsors!
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr’s (Audreypress.com)
? Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media
? Platinum Sponsors: Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 50+ Languages 
? Gold Sponsors: Interlink Books, Publisher Spotlight 
? Silver Sponsors: Cardinal Rule Press,  Lee & Low, Barefoot Books, Kimberly Gordon Biddle
? Bronze Sponsors: Vivian Kirkfield, Patrice McLaurin , Quarto Group, Carole P. Roman, Star Bright Books, Redfin.com, Redfin Canada, Bay Equity Home Loans, Rent.com, Title Forward
MCBD 2023 is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors!
Authors: Sivan Hong, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Josh Funk , Stephanie M. Wildman, Gwen Jackson, Diana Huang, Afsaneh Moradian, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Eugenia Chu, Jacqueline Jules, Alejandra Domenzain, Gaia Cornwall, Ruth Spiro, Evelyn Sanchez-Toledo, Tonya Duncan Ellis, Kiyanda and Benjamin Young/Twin Powers Books, Kimberly Lee , Tameka Fryer Brown, Talia Aikens-Nuñez, Marcia Argueta Mickelson, Kerry O’Malley Cerra, Jennie Liu, Heather Murphy Capps, Diane Wilson, Sun Yung Shin, Shannon Gibney, John Coy, Irene Latham and Charles Waters, Maritza M Mejia, Lois Petren, J.C. Kato and J.C.², CultureGroove, Lindsey Rowe Parker, Red Comet Press, Shifa Saltagi Safadi, Nancy Tupper Ling, Deborah Acio, Asha Hagood, Priya Kumari, Chris Singleton, Padma Venkatraman, Teresa Robeson, Valerie Williams-Sanchez and Valorena Publishing, Martha Seif Simpson, Rochelle Melander, Alva Sachs, Moni Ritchie Hadley, Gea Meijering, Frances Díaz Evans, Michael Genhart, Angela H. Dale, Courtney Kelly, Queenbe Monyei, Jamia Wilson, Charnaie Gordon, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Debbie Zapata, Jacquetta Nammar Feldman, Natasha Yim, Tracy T. Agnelli, Kitty Feld, Anna Maria DiDio, Ko Kim, Shachi Kaushik 
MCBD 2023 is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts!
MCBD 2023 is Honored to be Supported by these Media Partners!
Check out MCBD's Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!
? FREE RESOURCES from Multicultural Children’s Book Day​

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
]]><![CDATA[Multicultural children's book day 2023: Sumo Joe!]]>Wed, 25 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.kmarcuswrites.com/blog/multicultural-childrens-book-day-20237933712
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     Sumo Joe written by Mia Wenjen, Illustrated by Nat Iwata is a simple sweet rhyming story about big brother Sumo Joe practicing Sumo moves with his friends while his little sister goes to Aikido.  Readers learn about Sumo traditions while watching them practice.  When his little sister comes home, she becomes Aikido Jo and a match with her gentle, strong big brother ensues.  The illustrations are clear and uncomplicated with a soft color palette that feel peaceful and complement the text. Explanation of moves and other traditions are explained in the Backmatter. ​This book was gifted for a review as part of Multicultural Children's Book Day.  #ReadYourWorld

If you purchase this book, please purchase directly from the publisher Lee & Low Books or Click here to find your local bookseller or Bookshop.org
Information about Multicultural Children's Book Day
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2023 (1/26/22) is in its 10th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.
Ten years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues. 
​
MCBD 2023 is honored to be Supported by these Medallion Sponsors!
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr’s (Audreypress.com)
? Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media
? Platinum Sponsors: Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 50+ Languages 
? Gold Sponsors: Interlink Books, Publisher Spotlight 
? Silver Sponsors: Cardinal Rule Press,  Lee & Low, Barefoot Books, Kimberly Gordon Biddle
? Bronze Sponsors: Vivian Kirkfield, Patrice McLaurin , Quarto Group, Carole P. Roman, Star Bright Books, Redfin.com, Redfin Canada, Bay Equity Home Loans, Rent.com, Title Forward
MCBD 2023 is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors!
Authors: Sivan Hong, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Josh Funk , Stephanie M. Wildman, Gwen Jackson, Diana Huang, Afsaneh Moradian, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Eugenia Chu, Jacqueline Jules, Alejandra Domenzain, Gaia Cornwall, Ruth Spiro, Evelyn Sanchez-Toledo, Tonya Duncan Ellis, Kiyanda and Benjamin Young/Twin Powers Books, Kimberly Lee , Tameka Fryer Brown, Talia Aikens-Nuñez, Marcia Argueta Mickelson, Kerry O’Malley Cerra, Jennie Liu, Heather Murphy Capps, Diane Wilson, Sun Yung Shin, Shannon Gibney, John Coy, Irene Latham and Charles Waters, Maritza M Mejia, Lois Petren, J.C. Kato and J.C.², CultureGroove, Lindsey Rowe Parker, Red Comet Press, Shifa Saltagi Safadi, Nancy Tupper Ling, Deborah Acio, Asha Hagood, Priya Kumari, Chris Singleton, Padma Venkatraman, Teresa Robeson, Valerie Williams-Sanchez and Valorena Publishing, Martha Seif Simpson, Rochelle Melander, Alva Sachs, Moni Ritchie Hadley, Gea Meijering, Frances Díaz Evans, Michael Genhart, Angela H. Dale, Courtney Kelly, Queenbe Monyei, Jamia Wilson, Charnaie Gordon, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Debbie Zapata, Jacquetta Nammar Feldman, Natasha Yim, Tracy T. Agnelli, Kitty Feld, Anna Maria DiDio, Ko Kim, Shachi Kaushik 
MCBD 2023 is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts!
MCBD 2023 is Honored to be Supported by these Media Partners!
Check out MCBD's Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!
? FREE RESOURCES from Multicultural Children’s Book Day​

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
]]><![CDATA[Buzzing your way...]]>Tue, 06 Sep 2022 18:36:15 GMThttp://www.kmarcuswrites.com/blog/buzzing-your-wayThe BusyPBs picture book promo group
I’m excited to bee apart of the BusyPBs Picture Book Promo Group! We have a variety of diverse new picture books coming out between now and 2024. Check out our hive and follow us on Twitter @BusyPBs and Insta @BusyPBs for more information, giveaways and events! Click here to pre-order and purchase our books.
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]]><![CDATA[Successes...]]>Tue, 28 Dec 2021 16:19:26 GMThttp://www.kmarcuswrites.com/blog/successesChildren's author Julie Hedlund, challenged participants of her 12 Days of Christmas for Writers series to post SUCCESSES (rather than resolutions) on our blogs this year. She believes the way New Year's resolutions are traditionally made come from a place of negativity - what DIDN'T get done or achieved in the previous year.  Instead, she suggests we set goals for the New Year that BUILD on our achievements from the previous one. I decided to participate in this Anti-Resolution Revolution! Here is my list for 2021.

  1. Participating in this challenge
  2. ​participating in #writethewait with Evelyn Broderick​
  3. doing 3 revisions for my publisher
  4. writing many new extremely terrible 0 drafts!
  5. ​completing my LAO nf pb manuscript and the subject approving it
  6. supporting, helping, cheering on my critique partners
  7. 85-90% sticking to my writing schedule of writing M-F 
  8. writing a query letter to be sent 1/2022
  9. having fun/enjoying the writing process with the help of Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
  10. being grateful for all the support that I receive esp. JLG and CMC coaching 
  11. taking some really good workshops from  SCBWI and other regions and The Writing Barn
  12. working on the craft of writing
  13. getting positive feedback on my manuscripts
  14. knowing what I want to write
  15. Being a writer who has information to share with other writers
  16. forming a nf discussion group 
  17. being ARA of SCBWI Westchester 
  18. setting up a craft workshop set for Spring 2022 
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