tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60197888515662705082024-03-13T05:40:01.711-07:00Sally's WritingI've moved. Visit me at www.sallyswriting.comSallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-54434952911864436312011-09-01T12:25:00.001-07:002011-09-01T12:25:53.859-07:00I've Moved!Thanks for visiting - but I've moved! <br />
My new blog is: <a href="http://www.sallywrites.com/">http://www.sallywrites.com</a><br />
Please <a href="http://www.sallywrites.com/">visit </a>- you'll love my new look.Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-7931282673584513262011-08-06T17:22:00.000-07:002011-08-06T17:22:44.985-07:00Rory's Story Cubes - Roll Your Imagination<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9d80M4Zkb0w/Tj3XmR4mX5I/AAAAAAAAALw/wQwz304Vpew/s1600/storyblocks+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9d80M4Zkb0w/Tj3XmR4mX5I/AAAAAAAAALw/wQwz304Vpew/s320/storyblocks+3.jpg" width="317" /></a>I got a fun gift in my stocking last Christmas. Well, I thought it was fun but then again, I am a dorky writer. The gift was, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gamewright-318-Rorys-Story-Cubes/dp/B003EIK136">Rory's Story Cubes</a>" with the tag line of, "Let Your Imagination Roll Wild". I was so excited, I wanted to use them RIGHT away, but my husband pushed me back into my chair and said, "Not now honey, no one else wants to play."<br />
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I poured over the short list of directions:<br />
1) Roll cubes<br />
2) Pick an image that will be your starting point<br />
3) Begin with "Once upon a time..." make up a story that somehow links all 9 cubes.<br />
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You can also use a theme first (my summer vacation, worst trip ever) roll the dice and then make up your story. You can play in a group, the possibilities are endless!<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUVAZwAVUBA/Tj3XstHbRgI/AAAAAAAAAL4/FhPgbP0NM6U/s1600/Storyblocks+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUVAZwAVUBA/Tj3XstHbRgI/AAAAAAAAAL4/FhPgbP0NM6U/s320/Storyblocks+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I like using them for my 15 minute-a-day writing prompt. Roll 'em and write for 15 minutes, linking the 9 items together. <br />
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The pictures are fairly generic. As you can see - there are things like a bridge over water, a key, an apple, and I am not really sure what that is behind the little kid (bottom left). You could the sleeping face as just that, asleep. Or, it could be snoring or napping etc. The apple could be fruit, or a poison apple, see what I mean.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jqf8-QAnRFU/Tj3Xqk40jvI/AAAAAAAAAL0/30XeVUSI54g/s1600/Storyblocks+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jqf8-QAnRFU/Tj3Xqk40jvI/AAAAAAAAAL0/30XeVUSI54g/s320/Storyblocks+1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Have you used these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gamewright-318-Rorys-Story-Cubes/dp/B003EIK136">cubes</a>? Or do you have another writing prompt tool? I would love to hear about it.Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-62839137668865321672011-07-28T18:00:00.000-07:002011-07-28T18:00:05.632-07:00Chancie Loves to Read<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgUAblRwTx0/TjIFMkIITXI/AAAAAAAAALg/L7Is_-1hkgY/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgUAblRwTx0/TjIFMkIITXI/AAAAAAAAALg/L7Is_-1hkgY/s1600/photo+1.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chancie made it to the <a href="http://hmhbooks.tumblr.com/post/8171849761/chancie-loves-to-read-his-favorite-right-now-is#notes">Houghton Mifflin Harcourt</a> blog. Find out Chancie's favorite books and what he thinks about classic english literature.</div>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-29107512975729044772011-07-23T15:02:00.000-07:002011-07-23T15:04:41.984-07:00Russell the Sheep<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Russell-Sheep-Rob-Scotton/dp/0060598506?ie=UTF8&tag=wriaboo-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Russell the Sheep" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0060598506&tag=wriaboo-20" /></a><span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wriaboo-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0060598506" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wriaboo-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0060831545" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wriaboo-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0060831545" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />I have a new FAVORITE children's picture book, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Russell-Sheep-Rob-Scotton/dp/0060598506">Russel the Sheep</a>" by <a href="http://www.robscotton.com/">Rob Scotton.</a> One look at the cover and I was hooked. Russell, is a sheep who can't fall asleep. He thinks he's too hot, then he thinks he's too cold. He tries to curl up with a comfy "pillow", he counts the stars. On and on Russell goes. I don't want to give away the ending!<br />
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<a href="http://www.robscotton.com/">Rob Scotton</a> also illustrated this lovely book with humorous pictures. One of my favorite illustrations is the sheep getting ready for bed. One sheep has a teddy bear, one has a cup of warm milk (or maybe cocoa), one is brushing his teeth and the last one is asleep with his teeth in a glass. The sheep with the teeth in the glass keeps showing up - it's quite funny. Rob is also the writer/illustrator of the Splat the Cat series.Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-91751718070885937932011-07-05T19:37:00.000-07:002011-07-05T19:37:37.100-07:00Critique GroupI attended my first "live" critique group a few weeks ago. I use the word “live” since in the past I have only used on-line critique groups or swapped via e-mail.<br />
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I have to say I found the in person, real live group much more helpful. We all gave honest critiques and helpful feedback of each other’s manuscripts (at least I hope we all did). I joined the critique group not only to see how my writing compared to others, if my plot flowed, etc. However, I joined so I wouldn’t be living in my little writers shell, hunched over my laptop keeping more stories to myself. After all, sharing my writing will prove that I am a terrible writer and that everything I write is pure crap…right. Isn’t that what all writers think? <br />
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I was horrified when I received my first professional critique. It came back with red writing all over it, which reminded me of seventh grade essays; I shoved the manuscript back into its folder and shut it up in a drawer. I said to myself, never again…I will never again share. I realize that the only way I am going to grow and become a better writer is by sharing. I have to share with professional writers, not my family who will say they love my work (even if it stinks). I am chalking that first manuscript up to the “shitty first draft” as Anne LaMott calls it. That “shitty first draft” is now out of the drawer, I am rewrit<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wriaboo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0470949546&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>ing it, keepin<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wriaboo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0385480016&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>g true to my character, and myself – I am just writing her story. <br />
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As for the critique group? They gave me some simple ideas (things I should have known) to tighten up my story. I have to bring it back next time – and it HAS to be better!<br />
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By the way if you are looking for some help on your young adult or middle grade novel you need to check out <a href="http://www.deareditor.com/">"Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies" by Deborah Halverson</a>. If you haven't already read "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott - add it to your reading list.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am a little embarrassed to add this to my </span><a href="http://goodreads.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goodreads.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> account. But, there it will sit next to <span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sheep-Jeep-Read-Along-Book-CD/dp/0618695222?ie=UTF8&tag=wriaboo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Sheep in a Jeep</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wriaboo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0618695222" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>,<span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/You-Give-Moose-Muffin-Book/dp/0064433668?ie=UTF8&tag=wriaboo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">If You Give a Moose a Muffin </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wriaboo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0064433668" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>and my all time favorite, <span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Fish-Blue-Read-Myself/dp/0394800133?ie=UTF8&tag=wriaboo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wriaboo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0394800133" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you <a href="http://www.chroniclebooks.com/presshere/?utm_source=Marketing&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=PressHere_062411">Chronicle</a> for another great children's book!</span>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-38497314165702762642011-06-22T11:20:00.000-07:002011-06-22T11:20:46.944-07:00Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies<a href="http://deareditor.com/">DearEditor.com</a> is celebrating the release of "<span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Fiction-Dummies-Language-Literature/dp/0470949546?ie=UTF8&tag=wriaboo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wriaboo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0470949546" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>" with a 7 day virtual book launch, from June 29th to July 5th. Lots of FREEBIES: First chapter critique, free downloads, book excerpts and a free full manuscript edit. <br />
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I have been waiting to get my copy of this book ever since I learned about it at a <a href="http://www.scbwi.org/">SCBWI</a> Intensive Revision Retreat - where I got to attend several classes led by the book's author Deborah Halverson<strong>. </strong>Deborah is also the brains behind <a href="http://deareditor.com/">DearEditor.com</a>.<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wriaboo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0470949546&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span><br />
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<span><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Fiction-Dummies-Language-Literature/dp/0470949546?ie=UTF8&tag=wriaboo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">"Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wriaboo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0470949546" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>" includes: </span>tips for targeting an audience, a chapter on self-marketing, techniques and exercises to shape plot, create teen-friendly characters, sidebars by 13 National Book Award winners and finalists, Newbery medalists and honorees, and other award-winning luminaries, self-editing tools, insider tips for finding the right agent and/or editor, creating a stand-out submission package and much, much more.<br />
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I myself am looking for the tips on targeting an audience and self-editing tools. I wonder if there is a chapter on how to write without using vampires or werewolves in the plot? <br />
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I urge you to join <a href="http://deareditor.com/">DearEditor.com</a>. Deborah has wonderful and insightful blog postings. You can also post your own questions to the editor! Wow! Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-50539189318366455142011-06-06T14:48:00.000-07:002011-06-06T14:48:59.707-07:00"When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead Book Review<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wriaboo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B004X8W468&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just knocked another book off my self-imposed reading list, <strong>“When You Reach Me”</strong> by Rebecca Stead. I thoroughly enjoyed this young adult novel, a refreshing change from the "Twighlight" and "Hunger Games" series. Rebecca managed to capture my interest from the beginning when Miranda’s mother received a postcard announcing she’s made it as a contestant on the<em> $20,000 Pyramid</em>. Without spoiling the story for you, I will just say that Miranda received a strange note on a tiny slip of paper that in part read, “I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own. I ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter…” Rebecca cleverly titled each chapter similar to the clues of the winner’s circle portion of <em>$20,000 Pyramid</em> and managed to entwine a science fiction story into the everyday life of young Miranda.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though this book is for young adult readers, I found that I was unable to put this book down. I enjoyed the fresh writing style – minus the teenage angst. I was simply a good book, and I highly recommend it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have any young adult recommendations I would love to know what they are.</span><br />
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<ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Mop Top" by Don Freeman</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Harry the Dirty Dog" by Gene Zion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Little House" by Virginia Lee Burton</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Flat Stanley" by Jeff Brown</span></li>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Each book different from the other, but all of them loved by me. Except for "The Little </div><div style="text-align: justify;">House" it looks like my choices had male leads and dogs...hmmm. I have never been a girlie girl - and I love dogs. Whenever I see a little old house squished between two modern houses I always think of a way to move it out into the country somewhere! </div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I have one more favorite that I can't remember the name of - just the story. It's about a little girl who when she eats she pushes her food onto her fork with her thumb. Her mom tells her to stop or she'll get a green thumb. Eventually the little girl sprouts a plant on her thumb that grows and grows until it takes over the whole house. If you know this book help a girl out - tell me the name.</span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div></div>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-66953520712505818402011-05-22T10:37:00.000-07:002011-05-24T15:39:51.792-07:00Time Flies<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Wow, can hardly believe that May is almost over! I have been juggling working full time, taking care of the family and squeezing in my writing. Oh, and did I mention I am pet sitting too? </div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I attended a wonderful conference sponsored by <a href="http://www.scbwi.org/">SCBWI</a> in April - and took home lots of information. Spent a lot of time revising, editing and researching. I shoved my YA manuscript into a drawer and began to work on my picture book. Will my manuscript ever be done? Probably not ever be perfect, can always change one word, take one out and add another. When will my manuscript actually be ready. Yesterday I took my picture book manuscript to a writer's revision intensive (also sponsored by SCBWI), and came away with a clearer vision of picture book writing:</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">1) Keep it Simple</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">2) Remember my Audience</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">3) WOW 'em with WORDS</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I have a little bit of tweaking to do, I promise only a little, I will whitle my picture book down from 750 words to 500. Then off it goes to an editor who will love it!</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </div>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-12209001988458396612011-02-09T19:06:00.000-08:002011-02-09T19:06:04.713-08:00New Job - New ChallengesWell, joy of joys -<span style="font-size: large;"> I finally found a job</span>. Of course, the positive effect is we now have more <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">income </span></span>coming in to our house. It also means that I am<b> learning to juggle my time</b> -- learning what is most important to me. You'd <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: large;">think</span> I'd have less time to write, but, I am finding that since I have such a <span style="font-size: large;">short </span>dedicated time to write, I am much more productive.I am less apt to get distracted by dirty dishes, my e-mail or the dog barking to go out. I've gotten rid of time wasters <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: large;">(TV -- no AMERICAN IDOL</span> this year).<br />
<br />
I haven't figured out yet, a good goal to set for myself as far as number of words to write. I figure at this point at least dedicating the time and actually sitting at my laptop and writing for a few hours, is the best goal I can have. <br />
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I have also put myself on a s<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: large;">trict reading regimen</span>, akin to a High School summer <span style="font-size: large;"><b>reading list</b></span>. I've made myself a list of the top picks (according to <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/bestbooksya/bbyahome.cfm">YALSA</a> last two weeks <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0803733461?tag=wriaboo-20&camp=213761&creative=393545&linkCode=bpl&creativeASIN=0803733461&adid=0E11A11BCHAC3ZTAJW7R&" target="_blank"></a>I've read two books <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Orange-Houses-Paul-Griffin/dp/0803733461?ie=UTF8&tag=wriaboo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">"Split"</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wriaboo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0803733461" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> by S. Avasthi, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Great-Wide-Sea-M-H-Herlong/dp/0142416703?ie=UTF8&tag=wriaboo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">"The Orange Houses"</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wriaboo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0142416703" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> by Paul Griffin.<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wriaboo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0375863400&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe> Both boo<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wriaboo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0803733461&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>ks, <b>clearly different voices</b>, different settings - but both strong literary works. My list right now has <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">20 books</span>, as I <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">cross one off</span>, I add another.<br />
Only time will tell...Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-18046416368933111062011-01-10T10:04:00.001-08:002011-01-10T10:11:58.010-08:00Book Review – Writing Picture Books<span xmlns="">I have a new found helpful <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: small;">guidebook</span>, "Writing Picture Books, A Hands-On Guide from Story Creation to Publication" by Ann Whitford Paul. <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wriaboo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1582975566&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe> Let me first start by saying that I have<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b> read </b></span>quite a few of these so-called "<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: large;">You Can Write</span>" books and the "Become a Children's Book Writer in a Day." books. Although these books are <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: large;">helpful</span> in getting a writer to make sure they are on the <span style="font-size: large;"><b>right path</b></span>, nothing can substitute for a <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">creative mind</span></span>. Sometimes, though we need a little<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: large;"> help</span>. Our stories may sound great in our head, or a story may sound great as we recite it to our own children, but the<span style="font-size: large;"> publishing industry is changing</span>. As the costs of books go up the attention span of <b>children</b> and their parent's goes down a <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: large;">picture book</span> has to grab within the first few <b><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: large;">seconds. </span></b> No matter how short or long a story is – it has to have a beginning, middle and end, you have to hook your reader in the first sentence, and you have to have some sort of plot. Yes, even "Good Night Moon" had a<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"> plot.</span><br />
I took an <span style="font-size: large;">intensive children's book</span> writing and illustrating <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">class </span></span>and Ann Whitford Paul's book was required reading. I learned a lot from Ms. Paul's <span style="font-size: large;"><b>book</b></span> and some things I had already read were <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">re-instilled</span></span> into my thick skull. Here are a few items I took away.<br />
1) Children have short attention spans – your story must be focused (one aspect of one thing) <br />
2) Everything is new to children <br />
3) Children care deeply<br />
The <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">book</span></span> starts by helping you start your <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: large;">manuscript</span>. For example, Ms. Paul helps you build the frame for your story, <b><span style="font-size: large;">structure</span></b> your story, and hold your story together and <span style="font-size: large;"><b>basic plotting</b></span>. After following her guidelines, on a story I had already written, I rewrote again and again until I had a story with an opening that would grab any <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: large;">reader</span>, a succession of events that pushes the reader to <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">turn the page</span> and an ending where the main character's problem is solved. <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I tested</span> my manuscript using several of Ms. Paul's <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: large;">suggestions</span> (act 1, 2 and 3 for example) and found that I passed several tests. <br />
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I already had a<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> great idea</span></b>, but the "Writing Picture Books" guide helped me to hone it in, fine-tune it, and turn it into a strong manuscript. <br />
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I'll let you know when I get my <span style="font-size: large;"><b>offer from the publisher</b></span>!</span>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-28820242177503750912010-12-28T11:17:00.001-08:002010-12-28T11:26:20.312-08:00End of the Year<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few remnants of <strong><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas</span></strong> 2010 remain throughout my house: <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">empty gift bags</span>, <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>unopened</strong></span> cookie tins, pieces of<span style="font-size: large;"> candy canes</span>, and an<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> ornament</span> that rolled under the sofa (bad kitty). <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em><strong>With all</strong></em></span> the hustle and bustle of baking, <span style="font-size: large;">wrapping</span> and getting those last <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">minute</span> gifts I put <strong><span style="font-size: large;">my</span></strong> writing to the side – I barely had time to read. I have <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">been feeling</span> a little <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">sluggish</span> the last few days and<strong> blah</strong>. I couldn't put my <span style="font-size: large;">finger</span> on it. It's not that my <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">belly</span> is full or that I am a little<span style="font-size: large;"><strong> bloated</strong></span> from the ham, cookies and <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>mashed potatoes</strong></span>. It's not that I haven't <strong><span style="font-size: large;">crafted </span></strong>a new hat or scarf. It's not that I am not enjoying my<span style="font-size: large;"> family</span>. I miss my <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><strong>writing</strong></span>! I miss my<span style="font-size: large;"> characters</span>! Am I insane? Will I end up like a<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> Stephen King</span> character where my character will <span style="font-size: large;">rebel and come to life</span>? I hope not! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>I realize</strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> that I have taken a<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> step back</span> from something that has become a <em><strong>huge part</strong></em> of me. For so <span style="font-size: large;"><em>many years</em></span> I ignored my creative side, pushing it back to the <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">farthest corners</span> of my mind -- only to release it in a<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> fury</span> of <strong>short stories</strong> and a young adult novel. So, what<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong> I am trying</strong></span> to say is I think I really am a <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>writer</strong></span>! I am not just someone dabbling at writing a <strong><span style="font-size: large;">clever story</span></strong> or quip;<u><strong> I really and truly am a writer</strong></u>! I may have incorrect <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">grammar</span>, dangle my participles, and I can't spell worth beans – <span style="font-size: large;">but who cares</span> – I am a writer! <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><strong>Look out 2011 here I come</strong></span>!</span>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-81006224427974052422010-12-10T10:38:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:50:03.241-08:00Jenny Matlock: On the 17th Day Before Christmas.Thought I would share a posting from one of my favorite bloggers,<a href="http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2010/12/on-17th-day-before-christmaslisa.html"> Jenny Matlock</a>. Per Jenny's blog post: "Jenny Matlock...<i>Off on a Tanget </i>gave to me,<br />
Seven straight days of giveaways...<br />
For things I can put 'neath my Holiday tree!"<br />
<br />
Day one was a gift certificate to Amazon.com<br />
Day two was super cute jewelry by<a href="http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/"> Lisa Leonard Jewelry</a> .<br />
Day three is a shadow box by mixed media artist <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_934268606">Meri W</a><a href="http://./">.</a><br />
One can only wonder what tomorrow will bring! <br />
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<a href="http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2010/12/on-17th-day-before-christmaslisa.html?showComment=1291912049687#c5255411025674536839"><br />
</a>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-5908741457945642542010-09-09T09:38:00.001-07:002010-09-09T09:47:15.244-07:00The Artist’s Way<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wriaboo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1585421472&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wriaboo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1585421472" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Another book</span> that every <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">aspiri</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">ng</span> and <span style="font-size: large;">published</span> writer should have on their shelf is "<span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-Julia-Cameron/dp/1585421472?ie=UTF8&tag=wriaboo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Artist's Way, A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wriaboo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1585421472" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>", by Julia <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Cameron.</span> Julia gently but firmly walks you <span style="font-size: large;">through the trials</span>, tribulation <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">and elation</span> of being a writer. There is no tip-toeing around the inner <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">struggle</span> every artist faces, <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Julia dives right</span> in with the first chapter "<strong>Recovering a Sense of Safety</strong>" where she gently guides you through the <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">negative</span> voices in your head and teaches you to<span style="font-size: large;"><strong> find your ally</strong></span> within. <br />
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This is a book that you have to <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">dedicate 12 weeks</span> to. Each week <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">starts</span> with a new phase of<strong> recovery</strong> (Identity, Safety, Possibility etc.) and she <span style="font-size: large;">works you through</span> the specific exercises and <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">tasks</span> for the week. Most important Julia has you write three pages every morning. <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Three pages</span> that are whatever you want to write, <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">three pages</span> that no one will read and you won't go back and read. I admit that I <span style="font-size: large;">found</span> this hard at first, and I still have a little <span style="font-size: large;">difficulty</span> following this practice – but the time spent is well worth <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">the rewards</span>. Julia cautions several times, not to go back and read your <strong><span style="font-size: large;">morning pages</span></strong>.<br />
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Here are a<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> few items</span> that Julia has in her lessons that I <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">highlighted</span> as meaningful to me:<br />
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"Leap and the net will appear"<br />
"Remember that your Censor's negative opinions are not the truth" <br />
"Logic brain is our Censor…let artist brain play"<br />
"Your enemy within: Core Negative Beliefs"<br />
"We often choose to ignore the dream and blame our continued misery on God"<br />
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I realized that in <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">looking back</span> at the comments I highlighted I had been going through an <strong><span style="font-size: large;">inner</span></strong> struggle. Do I become selfish and <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">dedicate</span> myself to my dream? Do I <span style="font-size: large;">put aside</span> my job, <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">my family</span>, and my pets to write? I have <span style="font-size: large;">come so far</span> since those first few days – I now work part time, I pet sit and <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">dog walk</span> for extra money, I have a nook in my<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> room</span></strong> that my family knows is my "<strong>DO NOT DISTURB</strong>" area. My family pitches in and<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> helps</span> with cooking, cleaning (as they should have been doing anyway). I would say that I am a <span style="font-size: large;">much happier person!</span><br />
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If you are suffering from <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">self-doubt</span>, writers block, want to understand what makes a <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">writer/artist</span> tick or you just want to <span style="font-size: large;">become a better writer</span> you really need to pick up a copy of this book. <strong>Dedicate</strong> twelve weeks to <span style="font-size: large;">positive</span> thoughts and dreams, <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">you'll be amazed</span>!</span>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-38907191893703983752010-08-31T11:46:00.001-07:002010-08-31T11:55:53.151-07:00Book Review – The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wriaboo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0439023483&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span><span style="font-size: large;">I haven't</span> actually finished <span><em><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hunger-Games-Suzanne-Collins/dp/0439023483?ie=UTF8&tag=wriaboo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Hunger Games</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wriaboo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0439023483" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></em><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wriaboo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0439023483" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span> by <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Suzanne Collins</span> yet. But, I am so enthralled by the<span style="font-size: large;"> story</span>; I can barely <strong>bring myself</strong> to put the <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">book down.</span> Yes, the book is geared toward young adults, but so is the <span style="font-size: large;"></span><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Twilight-Collection-Stephenie-Meyer/dp/0316003727?ie=UTF8&tag=wriaboo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Twilight </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wriaboo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0316003727" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>series. And yes this book is a<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> bit below</span> my <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">reading</span> level. This book came highly <strong>recommended</strong> to me by a fellow young adult author, her words to me, <span style="font-size: large;">"You must read The Hunger Games!</span> Put that at the <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">top</span> of your list to read." Yeah, yeah I thought to myself, I have about 50 books at the top of my list, and I don't really like <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">fantasy/science fiction</span>. So instead I read Twilight, Speak, Burning Up and Wrinkle in Time, all <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">excellent books</span> in their own right. <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></strong> don't want to give the <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">plot</span> away for <em><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hunger-Games-Suzanne-Collins/dp/0439023483?ie=UTF8&tag=wriaboo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Hunger Games</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wriaboo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0439023483" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></em>, but I will tell you that it is <span style="font-size: large;">the story</span> of a <span style="font-size: large;">sixteen year-old</span> girl, Katniss. The setting takes place in <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">the future</span>, North America has been divided into <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">twelve districts</span>, and Katniss is from the lowest of all the districts, <strong>District Twelve</strong>. The Hunger Games take place <span style="font-size: large;">every year</span>. It's a televised "game" where <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>24</strong></span> contestants (2 from each district) <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">fight to the death</span>. It's not just a fight where they <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">throw them into </span>a ring and let them go at it. You will have to <span style="font-size: large;">read for yourself</span>, why <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Katniss</span> is such a special 16 year old.<br />
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I also<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> enjoy</span> Suzanne Collins writing style. When I read <span style="font-size: large;">science fiction/fantasy</span> books, I usually <strong>get lost</strong>. Too many made up names and places, <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">too many facts</span> to keep track of. <span style="font-size: large;">Suzanne</span> has made me feel like <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am in the story</span> with Katniss. I don't have to go back 50 pages to figure out what's going on (which I hate doing). Her <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">style is simple</span>, but she doesn't <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">dumb down</span> the reader – <strong>which I love</strong>!Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-44750384707432198982010-08-08T19:18:00.000-07:002010-08-08T19:18:31.034-07:00Take 10 For Writers<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wriaboo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1582975337&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Browsing</span> the aisles of my local bookstore I found a<strong> book</strong> that I just couldn't leave without, "<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Take Ten for Writers</span>", by <span style="font-size: large;">Bonnie Neubauer</span>. Per the book cover the <strong>exercises</strong> in this book are supposed to "<em>generate ideas and stimulate your writing in only 10 minutes a day". </em> How could I not<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> try</span> this? Every <span style="font-size: large;">writer</span> needs honing, <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">practice</span> and help <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">generating</span> new <strong>ideas.</strong> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There </span>are a few pages of <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">directions </span>and rules to get you started - yuck hate<span style="font-size: large;"> reading</span> directions. I did read the <strong>directions</strong> and rules <span style="font-size: large;">which</span> are simple: <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">keep writing</span>, don't edit, use your senses, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do these <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">10 minute</span> exercises work? <strong>Simple!</strong> First - read your<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> prompt</span>. The <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">prompt</span> may be an entire paragraph or a simple phrase. <strong> Second</strong> - pick a number between 1 and 10. <span style="font-size: large;">Third</span> - turn the page and <strong>locate the number</strong> you have chosen. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <span style="font-size: large;">number</span> you have chosen may be as<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> simple</span> as a word you have to include, an idiom or a <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">starting phrase</span>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each <strong>exercise</strong> is designed for the writer to spend <span style="font-size: large;">10 minutes</span> just writing - no editing, no staring frozen at the <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>compute</strong></span>r screen, no thinking - <span style="font-size: large;">just write</span>. At the end of the lesson is a <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">short take-away</span> which is designed to encourage you to think about your writing process. These I will leave up to you to <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">check</span> out on your own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">have </span>already <span style="font-size: large;">completed</span> my first exercise, and was disappointed when my <strong>10 minutes</strong> was up. I suppose that I could continue on as <span style="font-size: large;">Bonnie Neubauer</span> encourages, but, I want to try the <span style="font-size: large;">10 minutes</span> and see how my skills change.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Have</span> you used this <span style="font-size: large;">book</span>? </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Do you have a book you would <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>recommend</strong></span> or <span style="font-size: large;">writing exercise</span> you enjoy? </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Please share</span>!</span>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-91058257390992583002010-07-26T10:59:00.000-07:002010-07-26T12:22:47.964-07:00My Writer's Notebook<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vt90LwXqzd0/TE3MDQMDSCI/AAAAAAAAAHo/lyPGr41ys8A/s1600/u10846512%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="132" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vt90LwXqzd0/TE3MDQMDSCI/AAAAAAAAAHo/lyPGr41ys8A/s200/u10846512%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I</span> have a <span style="font-size: large;">little notebook</span> that I keep <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">near</span> to me. It contains <span style="font-size: large;">several sections</span> that I find <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">useful</span>. There's a <strong><span style="font-size: large;">section</span></strong> for:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Character </span>Planning - characteristics of my<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> main character</span> (age, looks, strengths, etc.)</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nuts and Bolts</span> - reference sheet for length of <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">manuscripts</span>, appropriate age groups, etc.</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Edit/Revision Sheet</strong> - check list for <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">editing </span>(right tense, right point of view, too many words?)</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Planning Sheet</span> - check list for each <strong>chapter </strong>(type of <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">scene</span>, conflict, <span style="font-size: large;">tension</span>?)</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Reading <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">List</span> - <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">recommended books</span> in the same <strong>genre</strong> I am writing in</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Idea List</strong> - ideas I have thought of for<span style="font-size: large;"> future writing</span></li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">first</span> section I turn to - the <strong><span style="font-size: large;">most important</span></strong> section to me is my page titled, <span style="font-size: large;">"<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Remember While You Write"</span></span>. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Why</span> is this important? <strong><span style="font-size: large;">Because</span></strong> without this sheet the rest of my <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">notebook</span> is meaningless. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The list is as follows:</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Tell your character's story</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Know your audience</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Know yourself</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Every story has a beginning, middle and end</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Clarity</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Get rid of <strong>unnecessary</strong> stuff</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Every <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">word </span>should <strong>contribute to your story</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Do you have a writer's notebook? If so what do you keep in yours? </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-49096406381876919412010-07-24T11:45:00.001-07:002010-07-24T11:58:57.086-07:00Bird by Bird Some Instructions on Writing and Life, by Anne Lamott<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wriaboo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0385480016&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">cousin</span></span> owns a <strong><span style="font-size: large;">used book store</span></strong>. One of her<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> customers</span> brought in a bagful of books which <strong>included</strong> the book <em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Bird by Bird Some Instructions on Writing and Life</span></em> <strong>by Anne Lamott</strong>. She gave me the<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong> book</strong></span> because she knew I was a <span style="font-size: large;">writer</span> and would <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>enjoy reading</strong></span> it. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Well,</span> I stuck the <span style="font-size: large;">beautiful book</span> on my <strong>shelf </strong>along with my other <span style="font-size: large;">stack of books</span> on <strong>how to</strong> become a <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">better</span> writer where it's <strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">remained</span></strong> for a few months. I <span style="font-size: large;">took it out once</span> and read the first <span style="font-size: large;">few pages</span> of the <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">introduction</span>, I got <strong>distracted</strong>, put the book in my <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">nightstand</span> and<strong> forgot</strong> about it. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>But,</strong></span> I kept getting <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">called back</span> to this <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>book</strong></span>. I read an <strong>article</strong> in a <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">magazine</span> that had been <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">written</span> by Anne Lamott. I have her <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">book</span> I thought to myself, <span style="font-size: large;">I should read it</span>. <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Bird by Bird</span> came up on a <span style="font-size: large;">recommended</span><strong> list</strong> of books <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">writers</span> should <span style="font-size: large;">read</span>, again -I have her<strong> <span style="font-size: large;">book</span></strong>, and I should <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">read it</span>.<br />
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I can't <strong>tell </strong>you how many <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>times</strong></span> this happened before I actually<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> opened</span> my nightstand and <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">found</span> the book. A little <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">voice</span> kept encouraging me to <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">read</span> this book but I <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">ignored</span> it. <strong>Finally</strong>, I started <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">reading</span> it. I read the <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">introduction <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">and then </span></span>the first chapter, I didn't want to <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">put it down</span>. <strong>Anne Lamott</strong> is <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">inside</span> me head - she has me <span style="font-size: large;">pegged</span>! <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Last week</span> I struggled with my writing, my <strong><span style="font-size: large;">focus</span></strong> and my desire for <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">human contact</span>. My entire week was a <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">rollercoaster</span> ride of <strong>excitment</strong>, rejection, frustration and then I was <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">ready to</span> chuck it all – go back to working for a<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> CPA</span></strong> (uggh). But, now I <strong>learn</strong> that I am <em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"normal",</span></em> for a writer that is. I <span style="font-size: large;">can't wait</span> to read <span style="font-size: large;">chapter 2<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">!</span></span>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-43435059080406226722010-07-16T11:14:00.001-07:002010-07-26T12:23:42.687-07:00My July Reading List<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wriaboo-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002N2XFRI" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />Books</strong> I have read in <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">July </span></div><ul style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>Twilight</em> by Stephenie Meyer</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>Speak </em>by Laurie Halse Anderson</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>Pictures of Hollis Woods</em> by Patricia Reilly Giff</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>Promise Not to Tell</em> by Jennifer McMahon</li>
<li><em>A Wrinkle in Time</em> by Madelein L'Engle</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>The Giver</em> by Lois Lowry</li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sound</span> <strong>juvenile</strong> to you? Part of writing for <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">young adults</span> or middle grade readers I need to know they<span style="font-size: large;"> style</span>, the<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> concepts</span> and the <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">language.</span></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Suggestions</span> please! Leave your <span style="font-size: large;">comments</span>, tell me your <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">favorite book</span> when <span style="font-size: large;">you</span> were in<strong> 8<sup>th</sup> or 9<sup>th</sup></strong> grade. It doesn't have to be <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">new</span>, it can be a <strong><span style="font-size: large;">classic</span></strong>, it can</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">be a <span style="font-size: large;">book</span> your kids are <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">reading</span> right now.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Promise-Not-Tell-Jennifer-Mcmahon/dp/B002N2XFRI?ie=UTF8&tag=wriaboo-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Promise Not to Tell: A Novel" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B002N2XFRI&tag=wriaboo-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pictures-Hollis-Woods-Patricia-Reilly/dp/0440415780?ie=UTF8&tag=wriaboo-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Pictures of Hollis Woods" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0440415780&tag=wriaboo-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Giver-Lois-Lowry/dp/0385732554?ie=UTF8&tag=wriaboo-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Giver" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0385732554&tag=wriaboo-20" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Twilight-Saga-Stephenie-Meyer/dp/0316038377?ie=UTF8&tag=wriaboo-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Twilight (The Twilight Saga)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0316038377&tag=wriaboo-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wrinkle-Time-Madeleine-LEngle/dp/0312367546?ie=UTF8&tag=wriaboo-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="A Wrinkle in Time" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0312367546&tag=wriaboo-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Speak-Anniversary-Laurie-Halse-Anderson/dp/0142414735?ie=UTF8&tag=wriaboo-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Speak: 10th Anniversary Edition" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0142414735&tag=wriaboo-20" /></a></div>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-28356915287869390802010-07-15T11:28:00.001-07:002010-07-15T11:35:09.791-07:00Writing Children’s Books<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1pt;"><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wriaboo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1598690884&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>S</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Summer</span> is in full swing. I am busy <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">collecting</span> ideas for children's <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">picture books</span>. I keep a <strong>notebook</strong> handy so when these ideas <strong>pop</strong> into my head I can write it down. I have had <span style="font-size: large;">so many ideas</span> that I have forgotten! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got this useful tip from a <span style="font-size: large;">wonderful book</span> I've been reading, "<em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Writing Children's Books"</span></em> <strong>by Lesley Bolton and Lea Wait</strong>. If you are working on any type of <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">children's book</span>, picture, <span style="font-size: large;">easy reader</span>, middle grade novel you need this book. I can't tell you how many <strong><span style="font-size: large;">tips and helpful advice</span></strong> I have used. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">read through the book</span> one time, <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">underlining</span> important points I wanted to <strong>remember.</strong> Now, I am reading it again to refresh my knowledge.<span style="font-size: large;"> Several topics</span> covered that I am finding useful are <em>The Standards, Groups and Organization, Knowledge, Stay Up to Date, Notebook Your New Buddy </em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">and the </span><strong>entire contents of Chapter 5</strong></span><strong> </strong>- <em>Writing and Revision</em>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I strongly suggest that if you are <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">new to writing</span> or even a well versed <span style="font-size: large;">writer</span>, <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">pick up</span> a copy of this book. <strong><span style="font-size: large;">New writers</span></strong> there are great sections on how to submit your <span style="font-size: large;">manuscrip</span>t plus other resources on the internet as well as in print. <span style="font-size: large;">Accomplished</span> writers there are reminders on <strong>researching,</strong> <strong>organization,</strong> and </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">writers block. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The best part</strong> – this book is not a 1,000 page tome. It's<span style="font-size: large;"> compact</span> enough to fit in your purse <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">but packed</span> with a wealth of <strong>knowledge. </strong></span>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-18321697614962020922010-07-05T10:48:00.001-07:002010-07-05T10:56:46.896-07:00From the Mixed-Up Files of Jennifer Bertman<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wriaboo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003B652DA&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In my</span> <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">quest</span> to become a <strong>better writer</strong> I have stumbled across several helpful blogs. My newest is "</span><a href="http://writerjenn.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">From the Mixed-Up Files of Jennifer Bertman</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"</span>. Jennifer has tons of <span style="font-size: large;">interviews</span> with successful <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">children's writers</span> – she includes <strong>pictures</strong> of their <span style="font-size: large;">work spaces</span>, <span style="font-size: large;">pets</span> and inspirations. I enjoy <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">reading</span> about what other <span style="font-size: large;">writers are going through</span>, find out new children's books that<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> inspire</span> me not to mention <strong>Jennifer</strong> has a great <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">sense of humor</span>. How about reading this <strong>book</strong> to your children – "<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Always Lots of Heinies at the Zoo</span>". Like myself, Jennifer is also a member of </span><a href="http://www.scbwi.org/Default.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>SCBWI</strong></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>.</strong> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Thanks Jennifer!</span></span></div>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-37150725588130021242010-06-30T14:53:00.000-07:002010-06-30T14:55:04.124-07:00The Struggles of Editing or Second Guessing Myself<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wriaboo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1582975086&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I </strong></span>have finished my <span style="font-size: large;">first draft</span> manuscript of my YA novel "A Day in June". I am the type of writer who <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">doesn't outline</span>, I just sit down and <strong><span style="font-size: large;">write</span></strong> - let my story take a life of it's own. Ahhh, but their is a price for that type of writing --- it's called <strong><span style="font-size: large;">EDITING</span></strong>. I have attended conferences, <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">read </span>articles and books - gotten all kinds of <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">editing advice</span>. The best book I have found, is a book my husband bought me for a Valentine's Day gift called, <span style="font-size: large;">"Revision and Self-Editing</span><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wriaboo-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1582975086" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></strong></span>" by James Scott Bell. I only wish <span style="font-size: large;">I knew</span> where that book was right now - probably hidden under my <span style="font-size: large;">Elements of Style</span> or <strong>Webster's Dictionary. Hmmm, </strong>did you catch that I noted my husband bought me the book for <span style="font-size: large;">Valentine's Day</span> - he knows I'd rather have books than flowers.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The book by <strong><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">James Scott Bell</span></strong> is chocked full of useful editing advice and help. There are even <span style="font-size: large;">exercises</span> and assignments to do - <span style="font-size: large;">to keep you on track</span>. The most usefull tid-bit I've found, so far, is to keep your lead character moving forward - toward something. Make sure there a plenty of<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;">obstacles</span></span> in his/her way. I have used the <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">information</span> in this book and created a<strong> checklist</strong> for myself when editing (i.e. is my <span style="font-size: large;">tense consistent</span> throughout, am I using an<span style="font-size: large;"> active</span> voice). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, why am I <span style="font-size: large;">ripping </span>my hair out? It's the negative voice inside my head telling me my story is no good, <span style="font-size: large;">no one </span>is going to read it, no one will care, oh and by the way your <span style="font-size: large;">main character <span style="font-size: small;">is <strong>lame</strong></span></span>. <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">So how to get rid of the negative</span>? As soon as I hear it I switch over and repeat to myself: my story is good, people will clamor to read it. If that doesn't work, I read a <span style="font-size: large;">few passages</span> to my <strong>cat</strong> who sits next to me and my<strong> dog</strong> at my feet - they look <span style="font-size: large;">at me</span> and nod with approval.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I </span>would be <span style="font-size: large;">interested</span> to hear what helps you when the <span style="font-size: large;">negative thoughts</span> slip into <span style="font-size: large;">your head</span> or how you get through editing! </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><strong>Please share!</strong></span>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-73744069657107683082010-06-16T20:16:00.001-07:002010-06-16T20:22:00.372-07:00First Sentences<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style;">I have been <span style="font-size: 18pt;">struggling</span> with the first few sentences of my <span style="font-size: 16pt;">manuscript</span>. I have written the entire manuscript and I am in the <span style="font-size: 18pt;">editing</span> and rewriting process. But, I have learned that in order to <strong>capture a reader's attention</strong> you have to hook them in the first few sentences. There is a delicate balance between hooking them to get them to continue reading and <span style="font-size: 16pt;">barraging</span> them with so much information the reader is confused and doesn't want to continue – or <span style="font-size: 20pt;">boring</span> them with not enough information.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style;">Here a few examples of <span style="font-size: 16pt;">great opening lines</span> – see if you can <span style="font-size: 20pt;">guess the book</span>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style;">"</span><em>Where's Papa going with that ax?"</em><br />
<br />
<em>When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow.</em><br />
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<em>Call me Ishmael</em><br />
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<em>It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife</em><br />
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<em>It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.</em><br />
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<em>If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth</em><br />
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<em>In the town, there were two mutes and they were always together.</em><br />
<span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style;"><strong>I could go on and on</strong> – but I think you get the idea of how important the <span style="font-size: 20pt;">first line</span> of a novel is. So it may be true that you can't judge a book by its <span style="font-size: 14pt;">cover</span> – can you judge it by its first sentence?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">So I struggle with my first sentence</span> – even though my manuscript is practically finished – the first sentence sets the tone and the voice – it hooks the reader to want to keep reading!</span>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019788851566270508.post-30155976169587579542010-06-07T12:30:00.001-07:002010-06-07T12:31:55.342-07:0011 Ways to Find the Agent or Editor You Need<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">While browsing the web, trying to locate an agent who would love to represent my manuscript for a children's picture book, I came across this wonderful list. Right from the agents mouth – here are 11 Ways to Find the Agent or Editor You Need – courtesy of Michael Larsen and Elizabeth Pomada Literary Agents. Guess I have more work to do!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;"><em><strong>1. Referrals</strong><br />
The best way to get an agent's attention is if the first two words the agent sees or hears are the name of a client, editor, agent, author, or bookseller who suggested you contact the agent. The more important the person, the more eager the agent will be to hear from you.<br />
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<strong>2. Your Networks</strong><br />
Writers and publishing people who can make suggestions<br />
<br />
<strong>3. Writer's Organizations</strong><br />
Members are part of your networks. <br />
<strong><br />
4. The Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR)</strong><br />
www.publishersweekly.com/aar<br />
<strong><br />
5. Directories</strong><br />
Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, and Literary Agents 200X; 200X Guide to Literary Agents; 200X Guide to Literary Agents: A Writer's Guide by Adam Begley; Literary Market Place (LMP); The Writer's Handbook.<br />
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<strong>6. The Web</strong><br />
Google literary agents. Visit authorlink.com, agentquery.com, litmatch.net, publisherslunch.com, publishersweekly.reviewsnews.com, publishersmarketplace.com. <br />
<br />
<strong>7. Literary events </strong><br />
Writing classes, readings, lectures, seminars, book signings, conferences <br />
<br />
<strong>8. Magazines</strong><br />
Publishers Weekly, The Writer, Writer's Digest, and Poets & Writers<br />
<br />
<strong>9. Publishers' catalogs and websites</strong><br />
Libraries receive catalogs.<br />
<br />
<strong>10. Books</strong><br />
Dedications and acknowledgments in competing and complementary books.<br />
<br />
<strong>11. Your Platform</strong><br />
Give talks, maintain a website, write a blog, do an ezine, post to related sites, do podcasts, get published online or off, publicize your work and yourself, build your email list. When your continuing national visibility is great enough, agents and editors will find you.<br />
<br />
These ideas will help you find an editor if you decide to sell your book.<br />
<br />
Adapted from <strong>How to Get a Literary Agent</strong> by Michael Larsen.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.larsen-pomada.com/lp/pages.cfm?ID=20">Michael Larsen-Elizabeth Pomada Literary Agents / Established 1972 / Members: AAR</a></em></span>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824597799631069452noreply@blogger.com0