How to use this Page

If you assume your first draft is going to be dreadful, you won't be disappointed. 

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2012/10/always-write-terrible-first-drafts.html

Add a Comment

Carisa Kluver, a Round 1 judge for Book Apps, writes reviews of book apps for Digital Storytime and Digital Media Diet, where she serves up thoughtful opinions on how we can best provide a balanced digital media diet for our kids. Fun Fact: Carisa and her husband have developed book apps of their own!

Her review of the book app Pete's Robot by Heartdrive Media LLC is today's featured review. Pete's Robot is the story of a boy, his dog, and the robot they build together, as well as the silly and eccentric village they live in. In her review, Carisa said:

Silly faces, funny dance moves and the charming 'heartdrive' that powers the robot's 'humanity' will have children asking to re-read this book often. Adults will also appreciate the solid production values, engaging storyline and thoughtful use of enhancements.

Read the full review here.

Add a Comment

I recently came across a craft book Rivet Your Reads with Deep Point of View by Jill Elizabeth Nelson.

You know when you’re reading a phenomenal book where you are inside that character and being in the moment? There is no shield between you and the character’s thoughts, fears, and motivations. You are in that character’s world. You are that character. For me, that’s reading a book that has deep POV.

It doesn’t usually start off that way. At least for me. I usually have to fix this issue in my revisions. It’s almost like “showing vs. telling” in a way. You don’t want to explain what your POV character feels, sees or thinks because it puts a barrier between the character and the reader.

During my revision phases, some of the things I look for are the following:

• I felt
• I saw
• I thought
• I watched
• I wondered

I always try and tackle these phrases and find a way to make them more in the moment. Less of me as an author telling the reader what my character observed or did and just try to put the moment in her own words.

In the book, the author has some great examples and exercises on how to create a deeper POV. So if you are looking to make your work stronger or just need a refresher course, you should check out this book.

Writer friends, what ways have your made your POV deeper? What kind of resources did you use? I would love recommendations any other blog links, articles or books. :)

Display Comments Add a Comment

In honor of PaperTigers’ 10th Anniversary, Cathy Mealey (who blogs at Bildebok), sent  us a photo of  lovely tiger drawn by her 9 year old daughter Grace. Grace’s  “Carrotiger” was inspired by her love of children’s poet laurerate Jack Prelutsky’s  book Scranimals, illustrated by Peter Sis (Greenwillow Books, 2006).

We’re sailing to
Scranimal Island,
It doesn’t appear on
most maps….

Scranimal Island
is where you will find
the fragrant RHINOCEROSE,
the cunning BROCCOLIONS.
And if you are really, really lucky
and very, very quiet,
you will spot
the gentle, shy PANDAFFODIL.
(You may even hear it yawning
If the morning’s just begun,
Watch its petals slowly open
To embrace the rising sun.

Thank you so much for your lovely drawing Grace! With this submission,  Grace and her mom Cathy are entered in our 10th Anniversary give-away. The closing date for entries is midnight PST on Saturday Nov 10th with winners being announced here on the blog on Monday Nov 19th. There are 10 fabulous prizes to be won so don’t delay, get your entry in too. Click here for all the details!

 

Add a Comment

Code Name Verity
Elizabeth Wein
YA

I have the very distinct impression I may be coming a little late to the Code Name Verity fan club, it's that good. Nonetheless, I can't not write about this story either. It's that riveting. It's historical fiction solidly based in history. It's storyline is so genuine, the reader is left wondering, "did it really happen"? Yet its characters are so relatable to today's young adults, there is no disconnect due to time period. Plus, the author put together an amazing author's note that explains what's real and what's not.

Basic plot line - two young British women, one a pilot, the other nobility, become friends while working in the British war effort. Queenie, the Scottish noble, becomes a spy whom Maddie, the pilot, flies her - as well as broken and repaired planes, other spies, soldiers, etc - around England and ultimately, over the Channel to France, where Queenie is caught and interrogated - first half of the book. The second half is about how Maddie, who had to crash land in France, tries to escape back to England.

The book is brimming over with fast-paced plotting and harrowing, edge of your seat, reading. 

The format is interesting in that it is essentially a journal novel written from Queenie's and Maddie's POV. By alternating POV, the reader gets a more well-rounded, yet intimate viewpoint of what is going on both behind enemy lines and allied ones.

One of the aspects of the writing that most appealed to me is that Wein made each character human. That is, each has wants and desires, both abominable and universal. It's an interesting aspect to this particular novel. It wasn't easy to hate anyone flat out, except one secondary, but high-ranking Nazi official. Wein did a great job of character development, and in so doing, in bringing to life the intricacies of war and how enemy and ally aren't as one-dimensional as the history books of my young adult years painted them. The effect is something akin to that of The Reader, remaining long after the story itself is finished and begging for further discussion.

For other great Fall diversions, stop by Barrie Summy's website!

Add a Comment

Okay, it's not really my book club. But I'm going to pretend it is. The Foundation of Children's Books is having a special book group party with yours truly! So if you've read the book and want to talk about it, come and join! This event is FREE but space is limited so you must RSVP. Official copy below:

The Foundation for Children’s Books (FCB) invites you to a special event for adults and kids featuring Newbery-Honor winner Grace Lin. We’ll talk about Grace’s wonderful new novel, Starry River of the Sky, with the author herself. That’s pretty amazing! We’ll hear about how the FCB brings authors like Grace Lin into under-served schools in Boston. And we’ll enjoy some awesome refreshments— because all book groups have refreshments!

Who: We hope that adults and kids in grades 3-7 will join us. Adults are welcome without kids, but kids should come with an adult.

When: Sunday, December 2 from 1-3 p.m.

Where: Park School Library, 171 Goddard Ave., Brookline

What’s Next: Buy the book and start reading! You’ll also be able to buy the book (and others) at the event, but it will be more fun if you’ve already read it. Bring your books to have them signed!

 RSVP: Email the Foundation for Children’s Books at [email protected] or call us 617-469-7222 by Wed, 11/28.

Display Comments Add a Comment

Feiwel and Friends, 2012

Jude is starting summer off like any typical teen...finding a job.  And lucky him, he lives close to the beach and employment opportunities at the food stands are abundant.  What Jude really wants is what most guys want before their senior year - to hang out, find a girl, go to good parties. 

He's coming out of a long downward spiral, starting with the death of his little sister Lily, who died when Jude was nine.  His mother still hasn't let go, and his father runs, literally and figuratively, from home.  The only light in his life is his best friend Corey, and the "brodowns" they have when they hang out.  Jude is starting to come back to life.  His new job is part of living again in the real world.

It doesn't take long for Jude to understand the role he has in the business of schlepping burgers, pretzels and sodas to the teeming throngs of beachgoers.  His job is made better by Roberto, a guy he meets on the job and shares an instant brotherhood with.  And then there's Becka....beautiful Becka.....

Then, tragedy strikes Jude's life again, and when it does, it hits him hard, strong and fast.  He's managed to survive and get through one he'll never forget, but is this one too much for him?

Preller begins this book with a powerful scene and ends it with one as well.  What makes this book a recommended read is not necessarily the characters or the style of writing but the book itself.  With short chapters, it's easy to digest and an excellent pick for a reluctant reader.  Jude's character is one that guy readers will relate to, from the video games to music to his conversations and interactions with his friends.   This, too, makes it the perfect book for a guy.  I could relate well with the characters and the plot without becoming overwhelmed with intentional theme.  This is a book that could be read in a day or two...quick, fast and pretty tasty.
Recommended for reluctant readers upper JH to HS.

Display Comments Add a Comment

Display Comments Add a Comment

I'm preparing a talk on Friday at the Association of Swedish illustrators and graphic designers, I felt a need to a snap of my drawing gear to show as it is a question that constantly surfaces. For an annotated view go to my facebook page

Display Comments Add a Comment

You know, I spent the entire election tolerating the comments from the other side on my Facebook acount. Sometimes we argued. Sometimes, we reasoned. I accepted some of your points, and tried to see your position. I have had several excellent debates with young men of middle-school age, and gained a great deal of admiration for several adult Romney supporters. I only unfriended one person, and that was because he w

Add a Comment

Hi All!

Just a note to say that my committee work for the YALSA Award for Excellence for Nonfiction for Young Adults is coming to a head! Nominations close today and our short list (which we still have to make!) will be announced next week.

I have read so much awesome nonfiction this year. (And a lot of not-so-awesome nonfiction, too.)

Meanwhile, I've falled way behind on my blogging. Hoping to catch up soon but mostly just looking at a giant stack of fiction that I can't wait to get to. ;)

Add a Comment

Book Expo America, the book industry’s private trade show, is inviting consumers to attend the annual conference this year in a move to connect more directly with readers.

These consumers can purchase badges marked ‘Power Readers’ and attend the event on Saturday June 1st, one day of the week-long conference. Exhibitors can sell books directly to these attendees, as well as to anyone else attending the show.  BEA will set up a way to sell books through an approved vendor. Anyone selling books is required to pay New York state sales tax.

The BEA blog has more: “This will open new promotional opportunities for publishers. Power Readers will change how media covers BEA, bringing more focus and attention on the latest titles and highest profile authors.  Publishers will be able to  connect directly with consumers and consumers will have access to their favorite authors on a scale that was never been available to them in one place at one time.”

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Add a Comment

Anna Anjos is an artist with a style all her own - and wow - what a wonderful style it is! Have you ever seen artwork filled with so much vibrant color and explosive energy? The depth and beauty of Anna's work is captivating. There were so many beautiful pieces to choose from in her collection of work, it's dificult to do her art justice with just one feature.

Anna Anjos is an illustrator based in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Her art is influenced by Brazilian culture (indigenous and Tropicalista movement) and African culture. In 2011 Anna was commissioned to create artwork for two important Brazilian events, Multicultural Carnival of Recife and "Seo" Joao Party. For these events Anna was hired to create characters for print and animation, scenography and branding. In the same year she launched her first children's clothing line inspired by a tale of Guinea-Bissau, "The Legend of African Drum", for the brand, Mini Humanos. This year Anna continue's to find success exhibiting her work in Spain, illustrating children's books and creating illustrations for numerous other projects for the editorial, advertising and fashion markets.

Display Comments Add a Comment

Display Comments Add a Comment

Well Piggles is pleased... he seems to have misplaced the 'W' - but he does not miss it much.

:0)

Add a Comment

Yay, episode 2 of NaNoMusical is online! I just love the delicious NaNoEmoAngst of the first song. Plus Dale and Jill are just SO ADORABLE together. :-)

In case you missed the first episode:

Add a Comment

 

In case you missed it, I've posted a new comic over on Writer Unboxed.

Add a Comment

Add a Comment

Barack Hussein Obama II
Forty fourth President of
the United States of America!

 

 

 

……..again

Add a Comment

Alexa Canady, physician
Nov. 7, 1950-

Women of Hope: African Americans Who Made a Difference by Joyce Hansen (Scholastic, 1998)

Canady was the first black female neurosurgeon in the U.S. and has won numerous awards for her work. This collective biography includes a photograph and one-page biography of her.

Read more about Canady on a site celebrating Women's History Month.

Add a Comment

Marie Curie, physicist and chemist
Nov. 7, 1867-July 4, 1934

Marie Curie by Leonard Everett Fisher (Atheneum, 1994)

Life as a pioneering scientist was not easy but Curie, a Polish-French pioneer in radioactivity persevered and ultimately won two Nobel Peace Prizes for her efforts.

Visit the Nobel Award site to read more about Curie.

Add a Comment

Important professional books — you know, the sort you need to have close at hand, come along every once in a while. We've gathered many of those titles in our Research by Topic section. Look for those listed under Foundational Research. There you'll find the citations for important work such as Chall's Learning to Read: The Great Debate from 1967, Marilyn Adams' 1990 book Learning to read: Thinking and Learning About Print, Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children (1998, Snow et al), and many more. The foundational work keeps coming. In 2002, the National Early Literacy Panel (NELP) was formed and sought to review the research on teaching literacy to preschool and kindergarten children. Their report came out in 2008 (full report; summary). The NELP report quickly became the go-to resource for current findings and best thoughts about teaching our youngest learners. A new book, Early Childhood Literacy, edited by Timothy Shanahan and Christopher J. Lonigan, promises to add itself to the list of foundational reading for those who study early literacy. The book uses the NELP report as its point of departure, and relies on the field's top experts as chapter contributors. Through reading, you'll be up to date on the impact of federal research, know the latest research on how to share books with children, understand how to best educate parents, appreciate the value of oral language, and understand what is known about interventions for kids with special needs. And more! With each topic you'll learn key takeaways and recommendations for future directions in policy and practice. Brookes Publishing is generously offering our Reading Rockets readers a 20% discount on Early Childhood Literacy. Just use the offer code READ2012 when checking out. The offer is good through 12/31/2012.

Add a Comment

                      

I actually did this illustration in 2008, which still for me was such a pivotal time in our nation's history- electing our first African American President, which apparently according to last night results, we still have enough faith in to give him another four years to steer this country in the right direction, or voted for him out of sheer fear of the other alternative!
For me it was a little of both....Romney terrifies me for so many reason that thank goodness are now "mute points", starting of course with his opinions of the Arts and education, which some might argue are not important issues, for those read this.
Watching the coverage, last night, the commentators kept saying that this "could" be an election, where Obama losses amongst whites but still wins.
Think about that- and how for the last 200 years that has not been the case- put another way, up until recently, whites have decided the Presidential election of the United States, no wonder Minorities questioned if it was worth it to get involved.
But that has all changed hasn't it?
We held an election at my school, yesterday, where less then a third of the children are White, most Native American and Hispanic. In the older class, the vote count Obama 19, Romney 3.
Apparently, I, now am also a "mighty demographic", an educated white female! Didn't know that was a new thing, but guess there are enough of us now, the powers that be are paying more attention.
What was the most "telling" for me last night was the stark difference in the supporters at each candidates headquarters...
Romney's ?
White, older, conservatively dressed
Obama's ?
Every age, sex, race and fashion sense
Well, I won't lie, I feel a sense of relief this morning, but I do have concerns for the next four years, I am an Independent, for the fact I can not completely a line myself with a party that supports abortion and gay marriages, but these issues have never been at the fore front of Obama's platform, let's hope that stays the course and I hang my head low as a Coloradan where now marijuana is legal.
Now that I have thrown in my analyse of the election, let me just say, I have never thought change comes from  the Top, in policies and the people who head to Washington. I think change happens when each one of us get up in the morning and do "the right thing" on a daily bases, but teachers need to make a living when they are teaching our kids, and soldiers need to be able to get the care they need when they come home, and widows shouldn't be denied health insurance and we are responsible for how we leave this world's environment, for those things I am very glad for who will be sitting in the Oval Office for the next four years!

Display Comments Add a Comment

This is a little sketch from a project I recently worked on. It's for a lovely cause and I can't wait to share it with you. Hopefully soon. :o)

Display Comments Add a Comment

My anniversary of getting my first book contract and becoming an official author. I can still remember the feeling of disbelief I had when when my agent called and said we had a two-book offer from HarperCollins.

To celebrate, for the next two days, that book, Circles of Confusion, is a free Kindle book. (You don't even need a Kindle to read it - there's a free app to read it on any kind of device.)

Circles was a Booksense Pick, an Agatha and Anthony award finalist, and a finalist for the Oregon Book Award. It's a funny, romantic mystery about painting that might have be a long-lost Vermeer stolen during World War II. (All the stuff you learn about looted art and Veremeer along the way is accurate, just in case you like a little learning to go along with your fun.)

Click here to get the book - free!.

Add a Comment