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Ah, the last day, as the Bard says, "Parting is such sweet sorrow." To the new folks, I try to pick some wondrous spirit that has departed to far shores for the last day of the Golden Coffee Cup. That said I have two this year.
The first "teen-aged magician's" high five comes from the incomparable Sid Fleishman.



I loved him as a girl. My copy of BULLWHIP GRIFFIN was dog-eared, worn out and read over and over over. BTW, this book was first called: BY THE GREAT HORN SPOON! just for FYI. Anyway, I had a full blown literary crush.

Fast forward a lot of years to 2000. You can imagine how surreal I felt as an adult to meet Sid and really have a chance to talk to him, to get to know him just a little. He was the best. I can't almost keep from crying when I think of what an encouraging soul he was, how welcomed into the fold of children's writer he made me feel, how he made me believe that I could do ever so much more as a children's writer than I had even let myself imagine...

Here's a great quote from Sid: I write what I am. I may become a yellow-haired boy, a prankish wizard's ghost, or even a dog with arrogant wolf's eyes. But beneath all the make-up, wigs, and putty noses -- that's me, off on a fresh adventure and having as much fun as I can. Go check out his writing tips.

I'm glad we can still pick up Sid's books and experience his magic. Thank you for tossing out so much!

I have another spirit I must mention too. Today’s second high five comes from the never –to-be-forgotten, “happy endings” freak -- Eva Ibbotson.


She wrote one of my favorite starts to a book -- from ISLAND OF THE AUNTS: “Kidnapping children is not a good idea. All the same, sometimes it has to be done.”

I was hooked.

What a promise. Here is article about Eva: article about Eva. I hope we all find a teacup worth of her success. I hope we write about as varied characters as wizards, ghosts, rain forests, ballet dancers, and mustached aunts. I hope we all find our happy endings. :)

Come back tomorrow when I announce this year’s winners of the piping hot Golden Coffee Cup. You have till midnight to post your goal stories! Keep going you are almost, almost there!

Here is a quote from Eva: The thing you have to do is keep writing, the habit is too ingrained, you can't stop.

Click here to learn more about the Golden Coffee Cup.

Today’s "signing a book" high five is from one Mary Pope Osborne, author of the Magic Tree House series.

I love folks who get their audience. They understand the purpose of creating content for children. They don’t write with hubris. They're not fancy -- "look how well I can write stuff" is not going on. The writing is invisible. I love an author who is about disappearing so that kids jump into world created by the author.

Hope the magic of disappearing helps. We are winding down now. I hope as you reach for your goal (you are almost, almost there!)you take time to be glad for the journey. Snap! Snap! Snap! I hope your stuff is as hot as Ms. Osborne’s.

See y’all tomorrow for another steaming hot cuppa.

Hey this is just a good thought and I believe it will help you on this journey:

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
— Mark Twain

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Oh, if you have made this far, I'm sure you are going all the way.

Today’s high five comes from beloved Rudyard Kipling.

Remember Mogli and Rikki Tikki Tavi? There is something so timeless and deep about the stories of Kipling. There is this hovering power beneath his words. Confidence? I think so. Fearlessness? Audacity? Yes and yes.

Perhaps your journey is one to create a character who speaks to generations of children’s. Allow yourself to dream. Allow yourself to whisper the secret things you are hoping for. Let your creative self hope. Live large and believe even more. You never know where a journey may lead.

Let this scalding hot coffee inspire you to be more to do more.

Journey on, friends! Seize the day. Come back tomorrow for more hot coffee. The java will be here. Hope to see you.

One last little jolt quote to keep you going.

Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind. Rudyard Kipling

Click here to learn more about the Golden Coffee Cup.
Oh, I hope you are on track! If you have swerved off the path, get back on track now. If you are tired, take a deep breath, center and get going again. You can do this!

Today’s hot java comes from my friend Chris Eboch. Chris is a powerhouse author of several books, most recently, her HAUNTED series. Here she is with a "Resting on a big hike" high five.

Here's a note from Chris: Here I am in the Grand Canyon last June. The hike in was 14 miles, during a heat wave, with temps over 100°. Here, we are 3 miles from the top during the 10-mile, 5000 feet-elevation gain hike out. Do I look tired? I was beyond exhausted. Kind of like how you feel during your umteenth revision, when you know in theory you're getting closer but the end still seems too far to reach. And the key to success is the same with writing and with hiking. Take a break if you need one. Give yourself plenty of fuel. Give and receive encouragement to others slogging along the path.

Best advice ever, and I hop you listen to it. You are going to reach your goals. Keep going. I know what it is like to be weary, too. Be kind to yourself. Come back refreshed and ready for more piping hot java.

And a last thought to ponder as you go forward today.
Life always gets harder toward the summit - the cold increases, the responsibility increases. Friedrich Nietzsche

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Yes, we are busy in so many ways. I tend to have a lot of family obligations at this time and it slows the flow of my work. I’ve learned this secret: It’s really all about chipping away a little at a time. You can do this!

Today’s we have two high fives from sisters: Catherine Gilbert Murdoch, author of a number of great books: Princess Ben and Dairy Queen, and her sister Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Eat, Pray, Love.

Yep, a creative family can help you on your journey. These sisters have tossed down some wonderful literary stuff. How cool is that?

I hope that you have someone in your family that is just as on fire for creative pursuits as you. (I know not everyone has a natural creative family, your family is the people you love, group with, and grow with, not necessarily born to.) It’s nice to journey with folks like that. I hope you take some time today be thankful for your creative family. I know I am.

Come back tomorrow for more of the Golden Coffee Cup!

Today's quote is a blessing. I'm big on blessings. Words have power. Never doubt it. I thought I'd say a little traditional Irish blessing over us all for this day in the road.

May you always be blessed
with walls for the wind,
a roof for the rain,
a warm cup of tea by the fire,
laughter to cheer you,
those you love near you,
and all that your heart might desire.

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Oh, yay, three weeks! It's downhill from here. Let momentum help you along. Let me know how it's going, and I will do some snapping.

Here is a "a leaning on the table" high five from a man of curious mayhem, Phillip Reeve.



It’s hard for me to fully understand that this very proper looking gentlemen is the mind behind some intense books, like the Mortal Engines quartet, the Larklight Trilogy, and Fever Crumb. His books are all-night nail biters. He splashes droll and tender moments, making for riveting reads. Did I mention that he does this in these complex fully realized worlds? I can’t put the stuff down. Oh, I have lost so much sleep.

So today, spin it, folks! Throw those characters off cliffs. Toss them into rough seas. Shoot them into orbit. See if that doesn’t get you on the road to speedier goal achievement.

As you move forward. Don’t hold back. Leap! Mix it up. See those flashlights flipping on at night. Take the big risks! Come back tomorrow as I continue to cheer us on to the end.

That's the trouble with a story spinner. You never know what's real and what's made up. Even when they are telling the truth, they can't stop themselves from spinning it into something better; something prettier, with more of a pattern to it.
— Philip Reeve (Here Lies Arthur)

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Today’s "fist bump" high five comes from West Seattle author Conrad Wesselhoeft and his lovely daughter Jen:


Here are a few tasty shots of coffee from Conrad that I lifted off some of my manuscripts.(I am so blessed to have such a talented author write such helpful stuff on my manuscripts.)

Here's a first bit:

I’m concerned that the early paragraphs read more like a “telling” than a “showing.” Not that this is wrong--because the voice is so strong. Also, "telling" leads have been used to powerful effect by many successful YA writers. (This is classic Conrad; you can tell if you want but you better be brilliant.)

And more: On the other hand, your character seems bent on communicating a whirlwind of information right away. I'm not sure we need so much so soon. Information that might be better served as a full-blown scene. Would that scene be stronger if expanded, with full dialogue?

How about this great advice: I like this line’s snap and clarity: “I’m about fractals. They mirror life to me. …” These lines are good enough to open the book with. You have a good lead as is, but give it some thought.

or this:
Watch out for passive voice. A little's OK, but not more than that.

or this: Because this one line raises hairs on the arm, consider making this the end of a chapter, or at least a chapter break.

and last a cup of you-are-getting-there golden hot stuff:

Molly, I like where you're going with this. I want your character to go out in the world and become transformed. As a reader, I want to go with her. Others will, too.

I’ve had the honor of not only being Conrad’s friend but for a long time showing up at libraries and bookstores and bringing pages and spending hours going over our work making it stronger, better, richer. What a gift.

I hope these notes help you see the power of not going alone today. You are with friends. Keep working and come back for more of the hot java.

And here is a quote from his recently released novel. This one will really warm you up:

By itself, the moon rising is nothing. It's cliche. But the girl falling asleep and missing the moonrise is everything. It blasts the poem with pain and possibilities. Figure out what those possibilities are and you've got a poem. That's the secret -- to close your hand on jagged glass, then open it and find a butterfly. Conrad Wesselhoeft (Adios, Nirvana)

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Today you are over halfway! Let me know how it is going! I will cheer, I will howl, I will jump, I will sing. Whoa, you are making progress! P.S. If things aren't going well, I promise to commiserate.

Today’s high five is in the form of some wonderful artwork. Gaston Bussiere offers a holy high five by channeling the spirit of a young gal called Joan of Arc.


This painting makes me want to write a whole book about some gal who hears voices and turns the world upside down. I’m nearsighted and the world has always been imbued with pastel wonderfulness. This painting really captures the way I like to connect with the world. It seems to glow with the sense of otherworldliness. I hope you try to connect with something like that today. Let it pull you along the path to creating.

Keep working. Keep believing. You gotta have faith. See you tomorrow for more of the hot stuff.

Beneath words and logic are emotional connections that largely direct how we use our words and logic.
Jane Roberts

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Let me know how it's going and I will offer you some coveted holy snappin'. You are at the halfway mark!

Today's high-five comes from visionary film maker: Paul Michael Gordon. He created the book trailer for Holly Cupala’s TELL ME A SECRET, nominated for School Library Journal’s first Trailee award. Check out his brand of film-making.



Uh, umm, Paul, uh, hmm, there is just no high-five in your photo, but it is somehow inspiring. I believe in film-making this next photo is called a stand-in. Here is a double high-five from two pandas that can follow instructions...


And now an energizing thought from Paul for your creative journey:Pandas are just bears with right-brained fur. Put on your panda suit.

Here is another bit of motivating advice from Paul: M&M's for breakfast, Red Bull for lunch and some healthy exercise to the fridge is what keeps me creative. Oh, and don't forget the cold pizza.

All kidding aside, Paul is just one of the most positive people I know. If he even thinks a negative thought I’m pretty sure he wrestles it down like Godzilla taking out Mothra. I mean, you are never going to reach your goal if you can’t get some “positiveness” going. Open up! You can do this! You can complete your goal. Go, Golden Coffee Cupper, go! I think I like your hat, too.

See you tomorrow with more of the hot stuff.

The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make them otherwise. ~F. Scott Fitzgerald

Click here to learn more about the Golden Coffee Cup.

Yay, you have completed two weeks of the Golden Coffee Cup! You totally rock. Snap! Snap! Snap!

Today I pause all reality and return to my roots. My first journey as a writer began in back in the 8th grade with my friends Suzanne W. and Patricia H. We wrote Star Trek scripts at lunch time. I’m never going to be too old or too good for Star Trek.

Today’s double sworded high five comes from Lieutenant Barclay of the Enterprise.

I picked him because I know if I was on the Enterprise, he would be one of my friends. I’d be one of the awkward folks who really doesn’t fit in on a starship, but I’d manage to save the Enterprise every time push comes to shove because that just how I roll.

Don’t let go of your inner child. Let her live. Let that child romp around in your work. See what happens. Keep going!!!!

Today’s Quote: Live long and prosper! Theodore Sturgeon

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Today’s confident on the hip high five comes from Edward Stratemeyer.


My guess is you have no idea who this is. Eddie is the brainchild behind Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and boatload of other popular series that have been a mainstay on the entertainment. My favorite will always be the Bobbsey Twins. He wrote about 1300 books for kids. Yes, that is a lot of books.

Perhaps something is stewing in you is going to spring up an entire industry in the children’s book field. Think about being a risk taker as you move forward with your goal. Those who play it safe rarely get what they want. Go ahead, take a leap to day. See where it leads you.

Keep working. Today’s coffee is practically a double of shot of energy.

A quote to consider:

There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order to things. - Niccolo Machiavelli

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Today’s high five comes from award-winner film-maker Christopher Nolan.

I’m like, keep throwing awards at the guy! Oh, my gosh, if you have not seen his movie, INCEPTION, you might want to give that peek. I loved this movie. It was one of those original stories that lets the audience enter into the storytelling. This film is going to mean different things to different people. It’s going to mean different things to me when I watch it the second time through. I’m not going to totally spoil it for you by dropping details, but this story is elegant, funny, heart rending, magical, philosophical, and intense.

I hope that you let ambiguity into your work today. Make it purposeful. Let it season your work. Let it offer great depths to your goals.

Seize the day. See you back tomorrow for more of the hot stuff.

Think on this quote: Insist upon yourself. Be original. Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Hi, Golden Coffee Cuppers! We are one third of the way to our goals. We are so awesome. Today's "Live Long and Prosper" high five comes from author Holly Cupala, author of Tell Me a Secret. We are total Trekkie fan girls.


In Holly's words:

A couple of years ago for Molly’s Golden Coffee Cup, as I questioned my sanity for committing to write 25K words on my work-in-progress, I accidently hit on my best writing secret--actually, a couple of secrets—and had my first 5K day ever...

Cracking the Whip with Cherry Caramels.

Ok, so the caramels were great, but they weren't the secret. The secret is this:

I set the timer. For 15 minutes. With a modest goal, 300 words. I usually hit 400 or more, and within an hour, I had over 1500! By the end of the day, I'd hit 5K.

I've been singing the praises of this method ever since. I mentioned the strategy to a new Facebook friend, and here's what she had to say:

I did the egg timer thing and my goodness. It started slow with 96 words in my first 15. The second yielded 193 and so on and so on. My most recent in 15 minutes... 338 words! I was overjoyed.

My crit partner and I have started doing timed writing online at night and comparing counts before dueling again. It's fun for her and working wonders for me.

...Which leads to Secret #2: find a friend to crack the whip with you. For me, this happened accidentally. I posted about my 5k day, and the next day, writing friend Jolie decided to do it, too. The challenge was on!

Jolie is Better Than Bum Glue.
This is the exchange, by the way, that led to the Summer Revision Smackdown, where you will find all kinds of excellent revision tips from favorite authors.

The novel I started with those 25K words (and later revised during the Summer Revision Smackdown) will release Fall 2011, tentatively titled Don’t Breathe a Word. So I guess that would make Secret #3: Cultivate patience…
______

Thanks, Holly. Come back tomorrow for more sizzling stuff!

Here's a good quote: Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.H. Jackson Brown

Read all about the Golden Coffee Cup here. That title quote comes from the LORD OF THE RINGS. I am a serious fan. Yes, we are getting major power today. Today's high five comes from a guy who loved trees, J. R. R. Tolkien.



Tolkien was just one of the bravest writers ever. He invented an entire world, and added on an entire language on his journey to an authentic story. I hope that you take courage for your great journey today. I hope that you reach out for grand vistas. Don’t be afraid.

I know you are busy with goals but if you have a few minutes you might read this awesome article ON FAIRY STORIES by Tolkien.

Come back tomororw for more hot java! Snap! Snap! Snap!

And last up. Here's some energy for you if you don't think your work is sparkling, if you feel like you are wandering, if you are getting older and still haven't found the success you've wanted, if you feel like you and your work are out in the cold. I love this little bit from THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RINGS:

All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost. J. R. R. Tolkien.

Click here to learn more about the Golden Coffee Cup. Today my friend, the incomparable Linda Joy Singleton is here to cheer us on!



This is the best kind of high five. Linda offers a high five on a Caribbean cruise excursion train ride around the island of St. Kitts. In her words,

"I was touched by these school kids who seemed so interested in learning and excited by tourists passing by. There had also been a traveling Logos Hope ship docked next to our cruise ship. I asked about it about found out the ship is a traveling library from a Christian group that invite uniformed students aboard. Students lined up all day to come in to the library where they have the opportunity to enjoy books and take books home. I was impressed with their travels sharing a love of books.

I've always loved books. In 4th grade I came in 2nd for a contest to see who read the most books and I read about 30, mostly mysteries like Nancy Drew. This interest led to my writing a fan letter to a favorite author and amassing a collection of juvenile girl series that fills up an entire room. My dream at age 14, written down in a writing school application, was to have my own mystery series. And it happened with the 1995 publication of MY SISTER THE GHOST from Avon books. Then came CHEER SQUAD, REGENERATION, STRANGE ENCOUNTERS, THE SEER, DEAD GIRL and upcoming 2012 GOTH GIRL Mysteries.

When it comes to goal setting, I make writing a daily habit. I get up every morning, turn on my computer then check email to clear my head and then turn to my latest creative project. I take a break for lunch and exercise them come back and often stay at my computer all day.

Right now I'm going through an uncertain time. After having book contracts to work on for the last 6 years, I'm waiting to find out what my next project will sell. It's hard to wait on other people's decisions, so I work on the things I can control. And I can control my daily writing. So even though I'm not sure if I'll suddenly be offered a new contract, I've started a new project that may or may not ever sell or even be finished. But I've written a first chapter and I'm excited by this story. So I'll keep writing. It's what I do best.

Linda Joy Singleton's new book is out -- MAGICIAN'S MUSE/Flux. Check out her website or on Facebook or Twitter. And around the corner is her next book, GRAVE SECRETS - A Thorn Goth Girl Mystery coming 2012 (Flux)

I hope that you are as moved as I am by this. If this inspiration doesn't warm up your heart for the creative journey, I don't know what will.

Quote of the day:

If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun. Katherine Hepburn

Hi, folks, thank you for hanging out! Really we are all winners.:) Thanks to my son Jesse Blaisdell for creating our nifty award.



Still, the winners of the real live coffee are as follows:

Janet Lee Carey said...

Hooray for the Golden Coffee Cup and for Molly B!

I finished the first third of revision for Bound By Three -- now for the rest. Took a while to get into the swing of this revision but now it's rolling. The Golden Coffee Cup got me through some bleak days so Thank You! Miss Molly B! And thanks to all the coffee cuppers who posted in the blog or left comments. They helped too.

jesse joshua watson said...
I birthed my novel this month, which was my goal. I had carried the story around in my brain for years and this month it came out. (talk about a long pregnancy ... and a month long labor. ouch.)

Now it can stand on its own baby legs. (Until I knock it unmercifully to the ground with the editing hammer.) Yee haw. Thank you, Molly!

Laurie Thompson said...
Ha! I guess I should've gone back to see what my original goals were before the last day, since it seems I changed them mid-month without realizing it! ;) Either way, I'm not quite finished in time, but I made so much progress that I STILL feel like a winner, and I know exactly what still needs to be done so I have a clear plan for finishing ALL the goals before the holidays. Thanks for the much-needed incentive AND inspiration, Molly!

Michèle Griskey said...

Yes, I completed my work-in-progress. I thought I would be done early in the month, but I finally finished yesterday. Oh well, at least I finished it before the deadline.

Thank you for a great month Molly and everyone.
And here's to a cup of coffee and a new writing project. :)

Send your address to me at [email protected] and I will send your card good for a cup of piping hot java!

If you want me to email the Award picture, I will, but you can cut and paste it if you want. :)

My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that 'achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others, and that's nice, too, but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success. Helen Hayes

This is it, folks. The last day of the Golden Coffee Cup! Oh, what a journey. I was so glad to be on it with you. Please post your stories of success or trial by midnight tonight. No clue what a Golden Coffee Cup is? Click here.

Today's last cup-of-java high five comes from the spirit of the incomprable Karla Kuskin. She left us too soon this year.

---------------------------CREDIT: Jennifer New

I was not a friend of Karla, but I did meet her and have a beloved signed copy of her MOON, HAVE YOU MET MY MOTHER.

I took a couple of months once and each day read and reread one of her poems and then wrote my poem inspired by hers. It was a freeing experience. To this day, if I'm stuck, I go to her book, and I read. And I'm not stuck anymore. The boxes of words I get locked in, fall away. I love how free and flowing she was with language. I think we could all learn a lesson from her.

As a speaker, Karla was more than generous with advice and a willingness to share with others the inside of her journey in hopes they too might find their way. Here is a fab article about Karla. My advice to you today is let those who inspire you, move you too. Don't waste that flash of genius that sparks the fire inside you. Let the fire whip up and turn into a wild fire.

And this is it, folks. I hope the Golden Coffee Cup was good to the last drop. Send in your email address, post your story, and I will forward your official Golden Coffee Cup Award. I'll be back tomorrow with the official winners of the real live coffee. :) Snap! Snap! Snap!

P.S. My normal weekly musings on Seize the day resumes .

Remember: If you reach your goal from Nov 23 to Nov 30, and post on blog, you will receive your Golden Coffee Cup picture. There is no verification process, I believe you. Send in your email address to [email protected] and your Golden Coffee Cup picture will be emailed to you. Display it proudly as wallpaper, post it on your blog, print it out and tack it on your bulletin board for year-long motivation. Write a great post and you might win the real coffee!

Let's take Karla advice and do the following with all our works. OK? OK.

Instead of building a fence of formality around poetry, I want to emphasize its accessibility, the sound, rhythm, humor, the inherent simplicity. Poetry can be as natural and effective a form of self-expression as singing or shouting. Karla Kuskin

Hi folks, whew, one more days until the Golden Coffee Cup ends. Come on! Let's do that extra push at the end and finish this stuff up.

No clue what a Golden Coffee Cup is? Click here.

I wanted to give super creative energy for this last push, so today's very pleased high five comes from the master of macbre, Stephen King. Stephen has sold 350 million books to date.



I'm going to say this now. I'm not the biggest fan of Stephen's books. I don't like scary books. No. No. No. But Stephen did write one book that I love, ON WRITING: A MEMOIR OF THE CRAFT. I'd say this book was one that grabbed me by the throat and throttled me. Imagine me reading his fiction. I don't sleep for weeks. Stephen's got a singular talent for rattling folks.

The big lessons I took away from Stephen's ON WRITING are:

1. Creating books is slogging hard work and you really need to write millions of words to get in the game.
2. If you are paying your light bill every month with your writing you are an absolute success as a writer.
3. You are as flawed and human as the next guy, don't let that let you stop you from writing incredible stuff.

So, get to work, celebrate every success, and totally get over yourself. I imagine that someone in our band of creators has a blockbuster simmering. So yay! Come back tomorrow for piping hot java - always smooth, never burns. :)

Remember: If you reach your goal from Nov 23 to Nov 30, and post on the blog here or email me, you will be receive your Golden Coffee Cup picture. There is no verification process, I believe you. Send in your email address to [email protected] and your Golden Coffee Cup picture will be emailed to you. Display it proudly as wallpaper, post it on your blog, print it out and tack it on your bulletin board for year-long motivation. Write a great post and you might win the real coffee! Hey, if you didn't make your goal, send in your story. You can win with a great story.

No, it's not a very good story - its author was too busy listening to other voices to listen as closely as he should have to the one coming from inside. Stephen King

Hi folks, whew, two more days until the Golden Coffee Cup ends. Yee haw! Get cracking, folks. Sands are slipping through the hour glass!

No clue what a Golden Coffee Cup is? Click here.

Today's Down Under high five comes from Austrailian (Oz) author Christopher Cheng. He's holding up a 5 1b. Christmas cake too, in case you are an inquiring mind who wants to know. I bet that goes good with coffee.



Here Chris offers some inspiration to create master works.

I keep a note book filled with ideas -- okay I have about 10 notebooks at the moment. They range from the crazy things I see; like

* kids picking their noses on buses and wiping the extracted clump of fluid under the seat (true it really did happen); to

* kids complaining about their parents; to

* spooky noises that I heard one night (this is now a picture book that is coming out with Random House in 2011); to

* kids saying that they can't do anything to improve the environment (after teaching an education class at the zoo which became my first picture book One child,

I use them as record keeping. I use them as inspiration. They are there to store the inner thoughts of the 9-12 year old me!

... I love just writing. I write something EVERY day!

AND you can't be a writer if you don't write. so ... grab those pens (and not the keyboard ... the physical pen on paper jot down those ideas what am I thinking thing!)

Write something.
Write a letter.
Write to Molly.
Write to Me.

Just write. and with Christmas approaching why not write cards this year ... yes physically write. What do you put on that card? Why not simply tell your wife/husband/kids/grandparents/best friends how much you love them - and WHY you love them, or the funniest things about them, or the craziest thing they did this year or .....!!! Go on put pen to paper.

And what are you thinking right now!

This guy is writing twaddle? Then write it down ... but also write down words the you would write better.

If this guy is writing some words of wisdom ... then improve those words of wisdom and write down your words of wisdom too.
If you want to read Chris's blog, want to head to an SCBWI Australia/NZ event, or check out new Aussie kids books, click away.

I think the upshot is clear here, folks. You better get busy. For the artists, I have noticed that all the artists I know do this notebook thing too, but they draw pictures instead of writing. Perhaps you need to create your own Christmas cards this year.

Well, that's the hot java for today. I hope you brew some of your own today. :) See ya manana.


I write journals and would recommend journal writing to anyone who wishes to pursue a writing career. You learn a lot. You also remember a lot... and memory is important.
Judy Collins


Remember: If you reach your goal from Nov 23 to Nov 30, and post on the blog, you will be receive your Golden Coffee Cup picture. There is no verification process, I believe you. Send in your email address to [email protected] and your Golden Coffee Cup picture will be emailed to

Hi, folks, glad to see you hanging in there. Only a few more days left. Whoa, what a journey! Are you jazzed? Come on, folks, let's hear those stories. I will do the holy snappin'!

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Today we get a dignified five from Sir Terry Pratchett.



Terry's story is inspiring, but not just his writing story. Yes, he's a great storyteller. He is. He's sold over 45 million books that have been translated into over 30 languages. He's generally written two books a year since 1983. He's a gifted satirist (gotta love that) and a fantasy author (swoon). He sold his first story at age 13. If that doesn't inspire you, I'm not sure anything will.

But the real reason I dropped Terry in here is because he suffers from early-onset Alzheimer's disease. My mom died from this, so I feel a strong connection. One thing my mom always told me is that no prayer is ever wasted. I prayed every day of my mom's illness that a cure would come. It did not come fast enough for my mom. Terry donated $1,000,000 to Alzheimer's research. I love this speech he made. He's brought great awareness to many about Alzheimer's by being very open about living with this diease. I really admire him for this more than all the books he's written.

So, folks, create your master works, but be aware there may be a bigger plan in the cards for you. I hope you come back tomorrow for more of the hot java!

Remember: If you reach your goal from Nov 23 to Nov 30, and post on blog, you will be receive your Golden Coffee Cup picture. There is no verification process, I believe you. Send in your email address to [email protected] and your Golden Coffee Cup picture will be emailed to you. Display it proudly as wallpaper, post it on your blog, print it out and tack it on your bulletin board for year-long motivation. Didn't reach your goal? Write a great post and you might win the real coffee too!

It is often said that before you die your life passes before your eyes. It is in fact true. It's called living. Terry Pratchett

Oh, Happy Thanksgiving, folks. Welcome to day 26 of the Golden Coffee Cup. No clue what a Golden Coffee Cup is? Click here.

I reserve this day every year for a-hug-from-my-beloved-mother high five. That girl with her tongue stuck out is me. I cannot tell you how much I miss my mom. I am so thankful for her. I'm so thankful for the simple wisdom she gave me.



I'm going to share a little something from her journal this year. My mom had this wonderful voice. It's shimmers in her writing. In this excerpt, whe wrote about a book she dreamed of writing.


When I am in tune with the earth, God will answer my prayers, as he always does, slowly sometimes with the turning of the seasons. When he gave me my heart's desire thought, it was as if lightning had struck in my heart and soul, all at once. So, you can't tell.

My book, it will be the story of the family, their friends, what they do, how they care about each other, and how damaged people stumble about doing more damage and the ways people react to them, and whether or not they allow themselves to be damaged or go on around the the troublemakers of this world.

For everyone, in the Golden Coffee Cup, I hope you open up your hearts and search out your story like my mom. I will be back tomorrow. I hope you will too. You need to send in your emails, folks, so I can send you the 2009 Golden Coffee Cup to print out or post on your blog or your refrigerator, or on the inside of the visor of your car... Also 4, folks, will receive a real live cup of hot java.

Remember: If you reach your goal from Nov 23 to Nov 30, and post on blog, you will be receive your Golden Coffee Cup picture. There is no verification process, I believe you. Send in your email address to [email protected] and your Golden Coffee Cup picture will be emailed to you. Display it proudly as wallpaper, post it on your blog, print it out and tack it on your bulletin board for year-long motivation. Write a great post and you might win the real coffee!

Here is a quote she loved:

Happiness -- The full use of your powers along lines of excellence. JFK 10-31-63

Glory! We have reached day 24 of the Golden Coffee Cup! I know this is a busy week but try to carve out time to feed your creative soul. Post your successes and I will do some holy snappin'! Snap! Snap! Snap!

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Today we get a-gripping-the-wall high five from Chris Eboch. Chris is the author of a wonderful spooky mystery series, HAUNTED. There are three titles currently: THE GHOST ON THE STAIRS, THE KNIGHT IN THE SHADOWS, and THE RIVER BOAT PHANTOM. I hope lots of Christmas trees have these stacked underneath. :)



In max adventure form, today Chris pours out the piping hot stuff:

Sometimes getting through a manuscript feels like climbing a cliff. But people do climb cliffs, with the right training and equipment. You can climb your way through your manuscript, with your writing tools, and your support group holding onto the other end of the rope. Take a rest when you need to, but keep heading for the top, one desperate fingerhold at a time -- the view from up there is worth it.

All good writers know we must drag our characters through hell and back before they can achieve their goal and win their rewards. It's only fair that we struggle too, as we get those stories down on paper. Then their joy in achievement will reflect our own.


Well, I hope you all are hanging out there on a rope. Don't let go! Keep climbing. You are about to achieve something fantastic! Come back tomorrow for another hot cup of java.

Creating a new theory is not like destroying an old barn and erecting a skyscraper in its place. It is rather like climbing a mountain, gaining new and wider views, discovering unexpected connections between our starting points and its rich environment. But the point from which we started out still exists and can be seen, although it appears smaller and forms a tiny part of our broad view gained by the mastery of the obstacles on our adventurous way up. Albert Einstein.

Oh, happy day! I'm so glad you have hung in there. Keep working. The end of the Golden Coffee Cup is in sight! One more week!
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Today's high five comes from the wonderful Holly Cupala. Holly is all about the heart and soul and, yes, she actually can translate both into written words. Her book, TELL ME A SECRET, chronicles seventeen-year-old Miranda’s unexpected pregnancy and her gripping journey to navigate the labyrinth of her bad-girl sister Xanda’s life, unravel the mystery of her death, and free herself in the process comes out early next summer. Mark your calendars and get your tissues ready, folks. Librarians prepare shiny stickers.



Holly is serving up our hot java today:

I believe that we as humans have been made with purpose wired into us, into our very DNA. Not a thing is wasted in the continuum of our lives, neither hurts nor joys. Every one of those experiences weaves into our reasons for being.

If you are here, that probably means your purpose is laced with stories, perhaps one story that pursues you relentlessly. To claim that purpose, you must step forward with courage. Surround yourself with fellow travelers. Prioritize time to soak in inspiration, time to create. Learn to recognize the voices (many of them in your own heart, or voices from the past or present) that would stop you. Listen to the one true voice, the one that knows your purpose with absolute certainty. Then do whatever it takes.

Your story and your destiny demand it.

Great stuff, Holly. This is the heart of the Golden Coffee Cup, folks. I hope that you have really been searching out the depth, width, and breadth of your work. You have a purpose. I will be here tomorrow with more of the hot stuff. I hope you will be, too.

The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning. Mitch Albom

Welcome to day 22 of the Golden Coffee Cup. What a journey we are taking! Oh, I can't wait to hear back from you about your successess!

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Today we have a figuring-it-out high five from Karl Jansky, the father of radio astronomy.



I think listening is one of the hardest things to do: to listen to characters, to listen to your critiquers, to listen to your editors, to listen to your own heart. I came across this story recently and was deeply inspired by it. This story illustrates the importance of listening.

In 1932 Karl Jansky was investigating the vast amount of static found in transatlantic radio telephone service. In the silence he heard a hiss of unknown origin. This hiss rose and fell once a day. He rotated his antennae in every direction searching for the source of the sound. It wasn't coming from Earth, but from space. He realized the sound was coming from no nearby source like the planets or the sun.

It was coming from the heart of the Milky Way. This discovery was the birth of radio astronomy. It changed the way we view the universe.

So stop and listen today. What do you hear? What does it mean? Will it change everything? I hope so.

That's today's cup of java. Come back tormorrow for another cup of the hot stuff. :)

Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be. Shel Silverstein

Welcome to another day of the Golden Coffee Cup. This is the two thirds mark. Snap! Snap! Snap! Are you feeling the euphoria?

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Today's hard working high five comes from the very talented David Small.



His book Stitches is an oh-so brave story about David's basically disastrous childhood. Things were deeply mucked up for him in those years.

I get that. I get it so deeply. I'm not sure if I can be as brave as David about my life. I can wholly imagine how intensely personal it is creating a book that reveals the inside of your broken life. Stitches is an autobiographical graphic novel. It's about redemption and the eternal power of hope, a sure testament that from the ashes will rise vibrant life. Yeah, evil sucks, but good will rise. It's also about the refuge of art and the salvation it can bring to our lives. You might want to get a hold of this book. And also, somebody slap some shiny stickers on this one.

The challenge today is to reveal the world, your world. Whatever you have been holding back, the stuff you keep under cover and don't tell people about, let it loose. Distill your sliver of the universe and douse your pages with it. It will be the most painful and wonderful thing that you have ever done. Why not do it today.

Come back tomorrow for more hot coffee. The java will be here. Hope to see you.

The highest revelation is that God is in every man. Ralph Waldo Emerson