Friday, December 14, 2018

Dear Santa: one writer's Christmas wish (annual report)

Originally published December 21, 2011. Dedicated to everyone with a very specific writer's wish this holiday season. May Santa bring you what you wish...I'm still waiting for Rick Springfield!

Dear Santa,

Its been awhile, I know.  I have found it difficult to write ever since the Easy Bake Oven incident of 1979, however, I have finally let that go.  From what I have gathered through the years, you saved me and my family from many a cake with the consistency of a hockey puck.  However, I have to say at times I do feel a little unfulfilled, having never had the "cooking by lightbulb" childhood experience.  But despite all of that, I am quite a good baker, as you know because of the milk and cookies I have left you over the years.  And we will come back to that later.

I write today with a very specific want...desire...need!  Santa, I WANT AN AGENT!  I want a literary agent real bad.

There I said it.

To think that I could have that one person who believes in my work as much as I do and who has the professional clout and know-how to launch my career is wonderful!

To be able to say to other social invitations, "No sorry.  I am not available Tuesday.  I have a lunch meeting with my agent," would be grand!

To be "represented" to the Publishing BIG HOUSES in NYC...priceless.  Well, not "priceless"...it'll cost me 15% of any earnings...but STILL!  To even imagine having earnings from my writing is unfathomable!

I know what you are going to say.  I know you are not in the business of giving people as Christmas gifts.  I remember that letter I wrote when I was 10, requesting Rick Springfield to be my boyfriend.  You answered that you had found that people did not take kindly to being shoved in your sack and flown around the world only to be delivered under a tree on Christmas, so you gave up the practice.  Therefore, I had to be content with a Rick Springfield poster...hardly a substitute.

I know as much as I promise to take good care of my agent and treat my agent well, you are NOT going to shove one down my chimney.  That's why I came up with Plan B.

When you arrive at my home on Christmas Eve, instead of the customary milk and cookies, you are going to notice three things:  my computer with a window already open to a blank document in Microsoft Word, my printer all ready to go with plenty of paper, and a dictionary (agents do not like to see misspellings or misused words).

I am asking you, dear Santa Claus, to write a Query Letter for me!  Who better than someone who supposedly spies on me all year round?  You know all about me.  You know what I've been writing.  So pitch it!

They say to think of it as an elevator speech...or maybe in your case, a chimney speech.  For example, if you suddenly ran into Steven Spielberg on someone's roof and had a script you wanted to sell to him, what would you say to Mr. Spielberg on the trip down the chimney?  Get it?

Anyway, I will also include a list of guidelines. And Santa, please make sure you follow the appropriate guidelines so that your letter can be seriously considered. If I am interested in using your letter, I will certainly follow up by sending the appropriate milk and cookies. However, if you haven't heard from me within 6 to 8 weeks, please assume that I am passing on your letter and will be seeking help elsewhere.

Thank you in advance for your help.  Oh...and Merry Christmas!  Let's hope this is the beautiful beginning of the renewal of our friendship.

Sincerely,
Marcie Colleen

Monday, October 1, 2018

ENTER TO WIN! Take #PENGUINAUT on an Adventure

PENGUINAUT! takes flight on October 30th and YOU can join the adventure!

Download your own Flat Orville at http://www.thisismarciecolleen.com/penguinaut.html and blast off for a chance to win a signed copy!




Monday, September 24, 2018

Now Announcing: December MINI Study Hall!


As the end of 2018 approaches, many of us have writing goals we have yet to accomplish! Well, here is your chance! Get those projects polished and sit back with a glass of bubbly for New Years!

Now introducing December MINI Study Hall! 
  • Three weeks (December 1-23) of critiques, accountability, and encouragement!
  • Only $150!
  • End 2018 feeling productive and accomplished!

Mini STUDY HALL is a 3 week online critique group for writers of picture books, which provides manuscript critiques, weekly talks, and daily motivation and accountability under the guidance of a professional, multi-published author.

Your Mini Study Hall Includes:
·       THREE Professional Critiques – Once a week, upload a picture book manuscript for critique by Marcie and the other members of the group.
·       Weekly video chats – Once a week Marcie will host a Facebook Live Chat in which she will speak to the manuscripts she has critiqued and provide additional guidance. If you cannot participate live, the session will be posted in the group for later viewing.
·       Unlimited Access to Marcie in the Private Facebook Group – Study Hall will take place in a private Facebook group where Marcie will be daily, responding to your posts, answering your questions, etc. She’s there to support you in your writing projects. 
·       Weekly Live-Virtual Writing Streaks – Once a week we will schedule a virtual Writing Streak so we can work alongside each other on our writing projects. Writing Streak times will vary each week.
·       Accountability Check-Ins – In the morning (Monday-Friday) to set our intention and writing goals for the day and help each other stay accountable and motivated to keep going. It is up to the participant to decide how little or how much they do. Every bit counts! The most important thing is daily progress.
·       Small Group Attention – Each month of Study Hall will have no more than SIX participants.

Get ALL of this for the low price of $150!
Email Marcie at marciecolleen@gmail.com to 
REGISTER TODAY!
Regular Study Hall SOLD OUT for October and November!
Registration open for January 2019 ($198)!
(If space is available, writers may join for more than one month at a time.)

Friday, July 13, 2018

KIDLIT SAYS NO TO KIDS IN CAGES Auction and Raffle



The publishing community is rallying to support migrant families at the border. You can bid on auction items and enter raffles for signed books, agent and editor feedback, virtual classroom visits, and more.  


I am honored to be participating in this support. Bid on either a Picture Book Critique from yours truly or enter to win a signed copy of Love, Triangle.












Thursday, June 21, 2018

Study Hall is a HIT! Join us in October!



Do you have at least FOUR picture book manuscripts you want to revise?

Would you like to dedicate one month to fine-tuning your manuscripts?

Could you benefit from the eyes of a professional?

STUDY HALL is a month-long online critique group for writers of picture books, which provides manuscript critiques, weekly talks, and daily motivation and accountability under the guidance of a professional, multi-published author.

Your One Month of Study Hall Includes:
·       FOUR Professional Critiques – Once a week, upload a picture book manuscript for critique by Marcie and the other members of the group.
·       Weekly video chats – Once a week Marcie will host a Facebook Live Chat in which she will speak to the manuscripts she has critiqued and provide additional guidance. If you cannot participate live, the session will be posted in the group for later viewing.
·       Unlimited Access to Marcie in the Private Facebook Group – Study Hall will take place in a private Facebook group where Marcie will be daily, responding to your posts, answering your questions, etc. She’s there to support you in your writing projects. 
·       Weekly Live-Virtual Writing Streaks – Once a week we will schedule a virtual Writing Streak so we can work alongside each other on our writing projects. Writing Streak times will vary each week.
·       Accountability Check-Ins – Twice a day (Monday through Friday)—once in the morning to set our intention and writing goals for the day and once in the evening to check in and help each other stay accountable and motivated to keep going. It is up to the participant to decide how little or how much they do. Every bit counts! The most important thing is daily progress.
·       Small Group Attention – Each month of Study Hall will have no more than SIX participants.

Get ALL of this for the low price of $198 per month!
Email Marcie at marciecolleen@gmail.com to 
REGISTER TODAY!
SOLD OUT for July and September!
One spot left for August!
Registration open for October!
(If space is available, writers may join for more than one month at a time.)

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Independent Bookstore Day, #SDBOOKCRAWL, and me at La Playa Books, San Diego SATURDAY!!



Independent Bookstore Day promises to delight book lovers of all ages and interests thanks to the incredible combination of authors, events, and exciting day-of activities planned at over 400 participating independent bookstores across the nation.

The San Diego Bookstore Crawl (#sdbookcrawl) takes it up a notch, with 9 participating Indie Bookstores celebrating together for 3 days! Travel around San Diego to get your passport stamped for great prizes.  The more stamps you collect the more chances to win great raffle prizes, including a $50 gift bag from one of the 9 stores and a chance to win over $200 in gift certificates for those of you who completely fill your passport with stamps.  And anyone who visits 4 stores will get an exclusive San Diego Bookstore Crawl tote bag- while supplies last! 

See the map for participating stores.



Join me Saturday for the #SDBookCrawl at La Playa Books in Point Loma from 2-4pm. . I’ll be reading from my picture books and chapter books and I’ll be signing books, too! 


Facebook RSVP and more info about city-wide Independent Bookstore Day 2018 San Diego events: https://www.facebook.com/events/466350807116437/

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Two SUPER HAPPY Signings SATURDAY at the LA Times Festival of Books!


The Super Happy Party Bears and I will be at the 
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on
Saturday, April 21st!

There will be two signings:

2pm at Booth #368

and then at 4pm stop by the 
Once Upon a Time Books Booth #732!


Hope to see you there!

Monday, April 9, 2018

Introducing STUDY HALL WITH MARCIE COLLEEN! An Exclusive Online Month-long Critique Group for Picture Book Writers! Register Today!

Do you have at least FOUR picture book manuscripts you want to revise?

Would you like to dedicate one month to fine-tuning your manuscripts?

Could you benefit from the eyes of a professional?

STUDY HALL is a month-long online critique group for writers of picture books, which provides manuscript critiques, weekly talks, and daily motivation and accountability under the guidance of a professional, multi-published author.

Your One Month of Study Hall Includes:
·       FOUR Professional Critiques – Once a week, upload a picture book manuscript for critique by Marcie and the other members of the group.
·       Weekly video chats – Once a week Marcie will host a Facebook Live Chat in which she will speak to the manuscripts she has critiqued and provide additional guidance. If you cannot participate live, the session will be posted in the group for later viewing.
·       Unlimited Access to Marcie in the Private Facebook Group – Study Hall will take place in a private Facebook group where Marcie will be daily, responding to your posts, answering your questions, etc. She’s there to support you in your writing projects.
·       Weekly Live-Virtual Writing Streaks – Once a week we will schedule a virtual Writing Streak so we can work alongside each other on our writing projects. Writing Streak times will vary each week.
·       Accountability Check-Ins – Twice a day (Monday through Friday)—once in the morning to set our intention and writing goals for the day and once in the evening to check in and help each other stay accountable and motivated to keep going. It is up to the participant to decide how little or how much they do. Every bit counts! The most important thing is daily progress.
·       Small Group Attention – Each month of Study Hall will have no more than SIX participants.

Get ALL of this for the low price of $198 per month!
Email Marcie at marciecolleen@gmail.com to
REGISTER TODAY!
SOLD OUT for May!
But Registration open for June, July, and August.
(If space is available, writers may join for more than one month at a time.)