L.B. Schulman

Writer of middle-grade and young adult books, contemporary and fantasy.

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Grant Faulkner and Me in Interview

Excited to be both the interviewer and interviewee with the hero of NANOWRIMO (National November Writing Month), Grant Faulkner, at the Mill Valley Library in San Rafael on Tuesday, November 12th, from 6:30 to 7:30. I wrote STOLEN SECRETS during NANOWRIMO, and I’m not sure I would’ve finished it without that daily word-count nipping at my heels. I was afraid to write it, if you want to know the truth. Being able to push through kept me too busy to consider such questions as: How can I pull off a book with a Holocaust mystery in it? Who am I to write something like this? Who I am to write at all?

A Big Announcement: SCBWI Regional Advisor

It’s official! As of September 1st, 2018, I have taken over the position of Regional Advisor for the San Francisco North East Bay Region, along with my Co-RA, Shells Legoullon. We inherited a healthy, dynamic region of seven Bay Area counties and a fantastic group of core volunteers from previous Co-RAs Colette Weil Parrinello and Keely Parrack. Some big shoes to fill, for sure. Our first event is the Green Gulch writing retreat and the next is a not-to-be missed Holiday Extravaganza on December 8th. A few surprises there. (More details coming on the webpage.) I’m very excited to work with SCBWI members–all my fellow writers, editors, and agents to share the best information out there on the fabulous business of writing books for children and teens.

My New Fun Hobby: Toastmasters!

I became a Toastmasters member to work on my speaking skills. It’s been very eye opening. With every speech, I learn new ways to engage the audience. And the other members are so inspirational. Every meeting is like a TedX event. I love going to my Thursday lunch meetings and hearing amazing speeches. The members give immediate feedback and loads of encouragement. Check out my second speech, “Keeping History Alive Through Inspiration” – a Toastmaster’s speech about Stolen Secrets! 

I have decided to record my speeches on Youtube to share my Toastmaster’s journey for other newbies (search for L.B. Schulman Toastmasters). Why not conquer that fear of public speaking?! The number one thing I need to work on is covering up the “blanks” that happen in the middle of the speech. They are scary! I had one in this speech, too, but I think I did an admirable job masking it. At least I didn’t apologize over and over again like I did with my last speech.

Librarian Events Coming Soon!

I am doing two events! The first, in May, will be to give a two minute speech to Jewish educators and librarians in New York City through the Jewish Book Network program. Hopefully, they will be so enamored with my speaking skills that they will want to share me at book clubs, library events, and school visits. In preparation, I’ve joined Toastmasters. I just gave my first speech and it was so much fun. Then, the following month, I travel to Boston to be on a panel with three other authors that examines history and fiction at the Association of Jewish Libraries. I couldn’t be more excited. I want my book to reach teens! They love it when they read it, but getting the word out there, in a sea of books, has been challenging. I am so happy to be able to share about it to our educators. My publisher, Boyds Mills Press, has been very generous and supportive. I feel fortunate. Now I better go write that speech….

L.B. speaks at Book Passage in Corte Madera, CA