In this issue…
Dear Readers,
Spring has sprung!!! Thank you for being so faithful and encouraging. I appreciate the notes you have sent. They have meant a lot. Each time you have reviewed or endorsed my book, thank you. It has been a busy four months. I have been to New York City and state, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania in the United States and Ottawa and other parts of southern Ontario in Canada. I have decided to make my e-newsletter seasonal again since my schedule has become busier. I look forward to upcoming research/learning trips to Brazil and California for SCBWI conference in LA this summer. If you will be close, please reach out.
Sincerely,
Nadia
1. Recap of February School Visits
I had a wonderful February presenting and signing books at 13 locations in Ontario and New York with almost 30 individual events and sessions. This has been my busiest February to date and I thank a flexible school principal who allowed me to make this possible since I teach full-time. As you may know, February is recognized as Black history month (also known as African Heritage Month) so naturally it is busier for an author of African descent, like myself. If you are interested in having me present in February 2019, please contact me early.
- Recap of February School Visits
- Miss Lou Book
- Writers to Watch in 2018
- Agent search
- Librarian 101
- Diversity Award and SCBWI Canada East Writing Conference
- Kweli 2018
- Massachusetts Mini-Tour 2018
- Highlights 2018
- Grants
- Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter
- Malaika’s Costume 2nd print run
- Words of Advice
- Important dates
Dear Readers,
Spring has sprung!!! Thank you for being so faithful and encouraging. I appreciate the notes you have sent. They have meant a lot. Each time you have reviewed or endorsed my book, thank you. It has been a busy four months. I have been to New York City and state, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania in the United States and Ottawa and other parts of southern Ontario in Canada. I have decided to make my e-newsletter seasonal again since my schedule has become busier. I look forward to upcoming research/learning trips to Brazil and California for SCBWI conference in LA this summer. If you will be close, please reach out.
Sincerely,
Nadia
1. Recap of February School Visits
I had a wonderful February presenting and signing books at 13 locations in Ontario and New York with almost 30 individual events and sessions. This has been my busiest February to date and I thank a flexible school principal who allowed me to make this possible since I teach full-time. As you may know, February is recognized as Black history month (also known as African Heritage Month) so naturally it is busier for an author of African descent, like myself. If you are interested in having me present in February 2019, please contact me early.
2. Miss Lou Book
So excited to announce the good news I've been sitting on for months. My 6th book (3rd picture book) will be making its way into the world in 2019. I have been working on the story for 7 years. Thank you so much to my teachers, critique partners, workshop leaders, Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario grants, community, and my publisher, Owlkids. The long overdue story of the late Jamaican poet, writer, playwright, and performer, Miss Lou, will be known. The announcement was shared in Publishers Weekly and Quill & Quire. Read here for more details: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/76888-rights-report-week-of-may-14-2018.html You can also read my blog post about ithere http://www.nadialhohn.com/miss-lou-book.html
3. Writers to Watch in 2018
I feel blessed to be among the 6 Black Canadian Writers to Watch in 2018 as listed by CBC Books. You can read the article here http://www.cbc.ca/books/6-black-canadian-writers-to-watch-in-2018-1.4512356 and listen to the interview here http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1164405827858.
4. Agent search
I am still on the agent search. At this point, I am still in this process so announcements yet. At this point in my writing career, I feel that an agent will help me get to where I want to go. An agent will also help me to “shoulder” some of my duties that exist outside of the actual writing. As a writer who also teaches full-time, delegating some of my duties is a necessity.
5. Librarian 101
I decided to take an online additional qualification course so that I can become a school librarian. The timing might be a little more than I can chew but it will be wrapping up over this very busy month. At the moment, I am teaching full-time French and English to middle school students in a classroom. I love books and keep my options open.
6. Diversity Award and SCBWI Canada East Writing Conference
I received the first ever SCBWI Canada East Rising Kite Diversity Award in Ottawa at the conference in April. This was a very proud moment for me. I thank SCBWI Canada East for considering me a worthy recipient of this award which included a certificate and tuition for the 2018 Canada East Writing Conference. This conference experience was a treat.
7. Kweli 2018
In April, I was back in New York City where I attended the Kweli: Color of Children’s Literature Conference. It was wonderful to see how this conference grew since I attended the first one in 2016. So many special moments at #Kweli18 and too many to name at the moment but these included an intensive with author Angela Johnson, affirmation and encouragement from author Rita Williams-Garcia, reconnecting with colleagues Zetta Elliott, Alix Delinois, Andrea J. Loney, and Susan Yoon, chats with my Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter editor Tamar Mays and editor Namrata Tripathi, meeting new people, and attending wonderful sessions.
So excited to announce the good news I've been sitting on for months. My 6th book (3rd picture book) will be making its way into the world in 2019. I have been working on the story for 7 years. Thank you so much to my teachers, critique partners, workshop leaders, Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario grants, community, and my publisher, Owlkids. The long overdue story of the late Jamaican poet, writer, playwright, and performer, Miss Lou, will be known. The announcement was shared in Publishers Weekly and Quill & Quire. Read here for more details: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/76888-rights-report-week-of-may-14-2018.html You can also read my blog post about ithere http://www.nadialhohn.com/miss-lou-book.html
3. Writers to Watch in 2018
I feel blessed to be among the 6 Black Canadian Writers to Watch in 2018 as listed by CBC Books. You can read the article here http://www.cbc.ca/books/6-black-canadian-writers-to-watch-in-2018-1.4512356 and listen to the interview here http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1164405827858.
4. Agent search
I am still on the agent search. At this point, I am still in this process so announcements yet. At this point in my writing career, I feel that an agent will help me get to where I want to go. An agent will also help me to “shoulder” some of my duties that exist outside of the actual writing. As a writer who also teaches full-time, delegating some of my duties is a necessity.
5. Librarian 101
I decided to take an online additional qualification course so that I can become a school librarian. The timing might be a little more than I can chew but it will be wrapping up over this very busy month. At the moment, I am teaching full-time French and English to middle school students in a classroom. I love books and keep my options open.
6. Diversity Award and SCBWI Canada East Writing Conference
I received the first ever SCBWI Canada East Rising Kite Diversity Award in Ottawa at the conference in April. This was a very proud moment for me. I thank SCBWI Canada East for considering me a worthy recipient of this award which included a certificate and tuition for the 2018 Canada East Writing Conference. This conference experience was a treat.
7. Kweli 2018
In April, I was back in New York City where I attended the Kweli: Color of Children’s Literature Conference. It was wonderful to see how this conference grew since I attended the first one in 2016. So many special moments at #Kweli18 and too many to name at the moment but these included an intensive with author Angela Johnson, affirmation and encouragement from author Rita Williams-Garcia, reconnecting with colleagues Zetta Elliott, Alix Delinois, Andrea J. Loney, and Susan Yoon, chats with my Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter editor Tamar Mays and editor Namrata Tripathi, meeting new people, and attending wonderful sessions.
8. Massachusetts Mini-Tour 2018
On May 20, 2018, I presented Malaika's Carnival Storytime at the Eric Carle Museum for Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts. What a wonderful time! The Eric Carle Museum for Picture Book Art has a real respect for picture books, children's literature, art, and creators/authors/Illustrators. This was a highlight of my five day mini-tour which included a short stop at the Highlights Foundation Retreat Center in Pennsylvania, a school presentation at Woodward Memorial School in Massachusetts, and short visits with family.
9. Highlights 2018
The place where inspiration happens. Looking forward to my next visit. I attended the Retell, Revisit, Reimagine: Writing Fresh Fairytales and Folktales sessions presented by authors Julie C. Dao and Annamaria Mclemore at the Highlights Foundation Retreat Center. Thankfully I was able to attend this event though it meant driving to Pennsylvania early to make in time for my presentation at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.
10. Grants
Each time I apply for an arts council grant, award, or contest, I am never sure which direction it will go. I have completed applications for several grants (specifically for my writing) since 2013 (and if you include my film festival days, since 2001). Sometimes getting them done means a sleepless night, burning the midnight oil after a long day of teaching... At other times, it means driving through rush hour traffic to make the cut off time or spending an exorbitant amount on postage at the post office. I have applied for several and often receive the "no"s and sometimes there are so many applications sent out that I lose track of them and then finally... tonight, my prayers have been answered. Thank you Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des Arts du Canada for believing in my dreams. Happy tears.
This grant will allow me to go to Brazil this summer to complete research for a young adult novel that I have been working on for a long time. In preparation, I am repolishing my Brazilian Portuguese through audiobooks and classes, reading, planning accommodations, and listening to a lot of music. I can check innoculations and VISAs off my list. In Brazil, I will also participate in a Summer Teacher Institute with American educators through the Centre for Latin American Studies at Tulane University. In addition, I will attend the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) conference in Los Angeles, and take more time and escape to focus on some writing projects this summer
11. Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter
Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter (aka book #5) is right on schedule and slated for publication on December 31, 2018 by Harper Collins Kids. This Level 2 early reader biography will be a part of the I Can Read series. It has been a wonderful experience so far of working with my editor Tamar Mays and the team. Please visit the website for updates here. https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062432841/harriet-tubman-freedom-fighter/
12. Malaika’s Costume 2nd print run
I am excited to say that the 2nd print run of my first picture book Malaika’s Costume is now available in stores and online. And this time, it has all of the awards and endorsements on the back. Copies of the hardcover book arrived in the United States and Canada around the week of May 15, 2018. Malaika’s Costume is once again for your purchasing pleasure. I am currently working on my third book in the Malaika… series (aka book #7).
13. Words of Advice
Take breaks. (This one Is for me also.)
14. Important dates Malaika's Carnival Presentation
Tuesday, July 31, 2018 2-3pm
High Park Library
Toronto, ON, CANADA
Malaika's Costume and Winter Carnival Book Signing
Sunday, July 29, 2018 Time TBA
Chapters Brampton
Brampton, ON, CANADA
Malaika's Costume and Winter Carnival Book Signing
Friday, July 27, 2018
Indigo Yorkdale
Toronto, ON, CANADA
Malaika's Costume and Winter Carnival Book Signing
Sunday, July 22, 2018 11am-2pm
Indigo Kids Ajax
Ajax, ON, Canada
Malaika's Carnival Presentation
Friday, June 8, 2018 10am-12pm
School Presentation in Stouffville, ON
On May 20, 2018, I presented Malaika's Carnival Storytime at the Eric Carle Museum for Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts. What a wonderful time! The Eric Carle Museum for Picture Book Art has a real respect for picture books, children's literature, art, and creators/authors/Illustrators. This was a highlight of my five day mini-tour which included a short stop at the Highlights Foundation Retreat Center in Pennsylvania, a school presentation at Woodward Memorial School in Massachusetts, and short visits with family.
9. Highlights 2018
The place where inspiration happens. Looking forward to my next visit. I attended the Retell, Revisit, Reimagine: Writing Fresh Fairytales and Folktales sessions presented by authors Julie C. Dao and Annamaria Mclemore at the Highlights Foundation Retreat Center. Thankfully I was able to attend this event though it meant driving to Pennsylvania early to make in time for my presentation at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.
10. Grants
Each time I apply for an arts council grant, award, or contest, I am never sure which direction it will go. I have completed applications for several grants (specifically for my writing) since 2013 (and if you include my film festival days, since 2001). Sometimes getting them done means a sleepless night, burning the midnight oil after a long day of teaching... At other times, it means driving through rush hour traffic to make the cut off time or spending an exorbitant amount on postage at the post office. I have applied for several and often receive the "no"s and sometimes there are so many applications sent out that I lose track of them and then finally... tonight, my prayers have been answered. Thank you Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des Arts du Canada for believing in my dreams. Happy tears.
This grant will allow me to go to Brazil this summer to complete research for a young adult novel that I have been working on for a long time. In preparation, I am repolishing my Brazilian Portuguese through audiobooks and classes, reading, planning accommodations, and listening to a lot of music. I can check innoculations and VISAs off my list. In Brazil, I will also participate in a Summer Teacher Institute with American educators through the Centre for Latin American Studies at Tulane University. In addition, I will attend the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) conference in Los Angeles, and take more time and escape to focus on some writing projects this summer
11. Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter
Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter (aka book #5) is right on schedule and slated for publication on December 31, 2018 by Harper Collins Kids. This Level 2 early reader biography will be a part of the I Can Read series. It has been a wonderful experience so far of working with my editor Tamar Mays and the team. Please visit the website for updates here. https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062432841/harriet-tubman-freedom-fighter/
12. Malaika’s Costume 2nd print run
I am excited to say that the 2nd print run of my first picture book Malaika’s Costume is now available in stores and online. And this time, it has all of the awards and endorsements on the back. Copies of the hardcover book arrived in the United States and Canada around the week of May 15, 2018. Malaika’s Costume is once again for your purchasing pleasure. I am currently working on my third book in the Malaika… series (aka book #7).
13. Words of Advice
Take breaks. (This one Is for me also.)
14. Important dates Malaika's Carnival Presentation
Tuesday, July 31, 2018 2-3pm
High Park Library
Toronto, ON, CANADA
Malaika's Costume and Winter Carnival Book Signing
Sunday, July 29, 2018 Time TBA
Chapters Brampton
Brampton, ON, CANADA
Malaika's Costume and Winter Carnival Book Signing
Friday, July 27, 2018
Indigo Yorkdale
Toronto, ON, CANADA
Malaika's Costume and Winter Carnival Book Signing
Sunday, July 22, 2018 11am-2pm
Indigo Kids Ajax
Ajax, ON, Canada
Malaika's Carnival Presentation
Friday, June 8, 2018 10am-12pm
School Presentation in Stouffville, ON
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