A meeting at the SCBWI-BI conference gives Cath Howe a flying start!

This week we're delighted to announce that Cath Howe is up, up and away with the amazing agent Anne Clark, of the Anne Clark Literary Agency! She is looking forward to a real creative partnership and says thanks to SCWBI for all the warm support, courses and workshops. 

Cath tells us how it all began 

“When I began writing for children I was writing drama scripts for them to perform at local arts festivals in South West London. I think that's really how I found my voice and my confidence, because I saw my work performed and got feedback from the children and lots of encouragement from parents and teachers. Working in schools helps - children are so startlingly honest in their comments!

"My writing for educational publishers (two fiction books for 8-10s and three plays) was a good preparation for sending work to agents and publishers because I saw how editors worked and I had deadlines and word limits to stick to. I've also had the support of an excellent writers' group throughout. Everyone tells you how important it is to be persistent in trying to develop your career and that's certainly true but I think the other key thing is to build a relationship with fellow writers who believe in your work, aside from your family and friends. I think I've been very lucky in that respect.

"Anne Clark is an agent I can really collaborate with and I'm so glad I got the chance to meet her at the SCWBI Conference because it is now so much easier to speak on the phone and to email each other having met in person. We seem to get on really well and we're both pretty direct. I think she will bring out the best in me."

Anne Clark says, "I'm delighted to welcome Cath Howe to the agency. I was taken by the particular charm and humour of Cath's writing, and her sharp insights into how children think and feel."

So let's celebrate with Cath this week. Here's to her future success and the beginning of a fantastic relationship!

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Tania Tay is an ex-advertising copywriter and has been published in Sable LitMag. She is currently writing a YA romantic thriller, is a member of The Golden Egg Academy and is on the editorial team at Words & Pictures.

Out of this world!

Time to ditch the diet and tuck into another piece of cake this week in honour of Jo Franklin and her exciting news!

After bagging lovely agent Anne Clark earlier this year Jo is now the proud owner of a two book deal for her debut novel “Help I'm an Alien.” and it's sequel. They've been bought by German publisher Coppenrath.



 This is what Jo has to say about it all -

"I started writing deep in the last century before biros were invented. I have been taking it very seriously for the last seven years but still write with a fountain pen. Working with my agent Anne Clark has been amazing. I have a wonderful network of SCBWI friends, but having a professional on my side, helping, coaxing, willing me to succeed is a dream come true for me. Anne was an editor before she branched out on her own as an agent so she knows exactly what my work needs to engage the interest of publishers. I’m not sure I should admit this but I don’t speak German, so having a German publisher is a total surprise. But a very welcome one." 

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Jo also has some wonderful praise for her SCBWI critique group and I'm sure they've been indulging in some champagne and cake on her behalf.

"Everyone says publishing a book is a collaboration. Certainly for me getting this far has been. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful critique group who I meet with every week during term time. They are my greatest fans and my fiercest critics and have been tireless in their patience and support for my work. I really would not have got this far without them."

"So the secrets of my small success are : determination, a thick skin, brilliant support network and strict routine. Which reminds me … I should be in the library."

 Help I'm an Alien is a funny, feel good story for 8-10 year olds. Poor Daniel feels such a misfit that when his sister tells him he is an alien, he believes her. So with the help of his two friends he makes plans to return to his home planet.  But Dan's plans don't exactly work out and when something unexpected happens he has to work out who he really is and where he truly belongs. 

Jo's agent Anne Clark is also excited about the news!

"I'm delighted about Jo's two-book deal for Help! I'm an Alien and it's sequel Help! I'm a Brainiac. I love the way that Jo roots her funny stories about Danny and friends in her affectionate observations of boys and the way they interact with the people around them - behind the wacky comedy there's a lot of truth about friends, families and fitting in.  It's also good to know that an author is thinking beyond the immediate project, and Jo has lots of great ideas for future books."

So join me people, raise your forks, tuck into that cake and let's enjoy Jo's success, after all that hard work and perseverance she really deserves it!

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Lorraine Gregory has been writing fantasy adventure books aimed at middlegrade boys for the last three years. She's been a chef and a restaurant manager and now works from home as an Antenatal Teacher. She belongs to the Words & Pictures Team and helps Tania to bring joy to our Saturday Celebrations' posts. 

Who scored a Highly Commended and an agent this summer?

What a fabulous summer it's been for Scoobies.... This week, we're toasting the double achievement of Helen Dineen, who won a Highly Commended at the Winchester Writers' Conference and is now celebrating signing with the Anne Clark Literary Agency.

@aitcheldee

Southampton-based SCBWI member Helen Dineen has been concentrating on writing picture books, inspired by her two children and dog. She was awarded Highly Commended in Writing for Children aged 4-7 at this year's Winchester Writers' Conference, just before she received the offer from Anne Clark. 

“I am thrilled to be working with Anne, and am very pleased that she has so much confidence in my work as a new writer,” says Helen. She adds, “I joined SCBWI in early 2013, and have learned a great deal from the online resources like Word & Pictures and the Yahoo group (although I admit to being a skulker and not posting a comment myself yet!) And I was very lucky to join just before the Southampton goal-setting meet ups were started by Jan Carr. One of the main benefits I have had from my SCBWI membership is this chance to meet with other writers and illustrators every month to cheer each other on - or up if needed!” 

"... she establishes appealing characters and tells a satisfying story in a few hundred words."

Anne Clark says: "I'm so pleased to be representing Helen Dineen. I was immediately drawn to the combination of warmth and wit in her picture book texts, and the way she establishes appealing characters and tells a satisfying story in a few hundred words. Helen's presence as a blogger about children's apps is a significant bonus. I'm really looking forward to working with her!"

After such a exciting summer, Helen is looking forward to seeing what the rest of 2013 might bring! So let's say a big Hurrah! to Helen and wish her every success!

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Tania Tay is an ex-advertising copywriter and has been published in Sable LitMag. She is writing MG and YA fiction, and is on the editorial team at Words & Pictures.

What Did Jo Franklin Get For Christmas?

Jo Franklin

I'm  happy to report that Jo Franklin did not get a mouldy satsuma and half a dozen nuts in her christmas stocking. Jo got herself  an agent! Anne Clark of the Anne Clark Literary Agency.

Anne says, What drew me most to Jo's writing was the confident and skilful way she combines a funny, far-fetched plot with an engaging, very believable context of family, friends and school. Daniel's interactions with his annoying big sister and his best friends feel authentic as well as comic, and I love the way Jo weaves through a subtle theme of fitting in (or not) which makes us care about the characters and builds to a satisfyingly warm but schmaltz-free ending.

Jo writes every day in Peckham library. Her favourite seat is sandwiched between thrillers and The Unexplained with a great view of the pie and mash shop.

Jo uses her rejection letters to prop up her wobbly desk. Her favourite SCBWI event is the retreat as it’s the perfect excuse to go away for the weekend with her brilliant friends.

She is writing middle grade boys humour.

We look forward to more success for Jo soon - well done Jo!