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Hi Readers! I am working on a new manuscript and I am excited to finish it so that you can all read it I was asked a great question by a young lady today. She asked me "What do writers do when they aren't writing?" I felt like it was most appropriate to answer it publicly. I write often. It is my core job and also a very big passion. I love that being a writer allows me to sign books at stores, libraries and programs. When I am not writing...here are a few things that I am doing. 1.) I have a counseling practice and I listen and help people who want to make a change in their lives. 2.) I go to schools and other locations and read my books and give talks. 3.) I contribute to magazines, radio stations, etc. and answer questions about self-esteem, diversity and anti-bullying. I could add a lot more but as you can see my schedule gets pretty full. I will add a 4th past-time...I give back. I am involved in many charitable programs and organizations and I lend support, expertise, money and time to help people who need it. Our time is valuable so think about what you can do while you might have some time off in the summer or on one of your upcoming breaks. Can you give back? Take on a new hobby? You might even decide to start writing. -read something great

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If you read this blog often-you know my mantra is read something great. This month you don't have a choice. It is reading month. Please get involved by taking your literacy to the next level. Make a goal to skip a tv show and watch a book in that same time slot or volunteer at a local library and read to kids. Let's get excited about books! This month if you buy any of my books from my website-you are eligible for a special surprise with each purchase. Let's make this month magnificent! -Read something great

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This month I have been blessed to be able to be honored with 39 amazing professionals who are making a difference in Michigan. I have been named one of the L. Brooks Patterson Elite 40 under 40 in Oakland County. To be included in such a great group of doers is a true honor. This recognition is not only a gift to me but you, my community. Without your loyalty to the cause of anti-bullying, literacy and self-esteem I would not be able to do what I love. So I am saying thank you to you-because you make me a better me! -Read something great!

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So...it never fails that at least once a day I hear...Wow-you do so much! I have heard that since high school when I had two part-time jobs and my regular course load. I heard it even more when I was in college and worked 40 hours a week (to pay for college) and was the co- leader of a campus/singles based ministry, Student Government Vice President while juggling a 20+ credit load. This is me. I always encourage people to embrace who they are. Be you! Love yourself. Know your Kryptonite and be aware of your power pellets. I remember when I was in middle school and my friend drew a really nice "Say no to drugs" poster. Immediately my mind composed a campaign. I told her that we should mass produce them and have them be the marketing capstone for a program and play that we would put on for the whole school. I suggested that we talk to the teacher who always seemed to be involved in outreach and positive programs for kids.
My friend looked at me and said why do you always take everything too far? she shook her head and said...it's just a poster. That was the end of that. I remember feeling sad because I thought the beautiful poster could change lives, inspire difference, allow us to have a platform that was spearheaded by two sixth graders. It never did any of that. It just sat in a book bag for no one to see and eventually I'm sure it was crumpled and thrown away. I do a lot-I know. I have thoughts times a million and idea overload but I also know that these thoughts can change lives. What are your thoughts? I'd love to know! :)

-Read something great

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Hi Readers,
Have you ever thought about the power of language? When we decide to greet someone and ask them about their day-we can make them feel special and cared for. When we say mean, careless comments we can make them feel as if they don't matter. When I was young someone told me that words do not have the power to hurt-they are just words. I don't agree.
When the civil rights workers fought for freedom and had racial slurs painted on their homes-those words hurt. When it is some one's birthday and they get a card that tells them they are great-those words help. My goal is to help spread the word (no pun intended) about self-esteem, diversity and literacy. I do this through my books, events and projects. So before you speak-try this exercise first. Ask yourself is this helpful or hurtful? If it could go either way refrain from saying it. Let's build up this world with our words.
-Read something great.

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Yesterday, I was among a crowd of at least 100 people at Schuler Books in Okemos, MI to hear, Caldecott Award winning children’s book author/illustrator, Chris Van Allsburg speak. Allsburg, a native of Grand Rapids, MI, took questions for just about an hour before signing books.

It was an amazing hour as not only did Chris Van Allsburg answer questions from the audience, but he would often refer to his many published books while talking. He shared stories about how he got started writing books (he originally went to the University of Michigan as an art major primarily studying and practicing sculpture). He also shared how he got some of the ideas for his stories. This was fascinating for me, and there were several moments where I was just blown away by how easy it seemed to be for him.

Some of what I thought were highlights from the question and answer discussion:

* Chris’ take on e-books: He was quite candid and frank about this saying that when it comes to picture books, the reader really loses out. He cited several of his books, one being The Polar Express

, as examples because of their format and layout, the quality of resolution in the pictures is drastically lowered by making it fit onto an e-reader or iPad.

* While I’ve been a fan, I had never seen his book: Bad Day At Riverbend

. I was enthralled by his description of how he came up with this story, which is basically the characters in a coloring book reacting and trying to figure out some of the strange things going on in Riverbend (A child has scribbled in crayon on the pages…but they don’t figure it out). Incidentally, this book is dedicated to one of his daughters, who happened to have an affinity of scribbling in crayon in not just coloring books.

* On the question of which of his books is his favorite: I loved his answer, “The next one I’m going to work on.”

* One little girl asked a great question: “Did you ever want to give up when your editor didn’t like your story?” Chris shared that he wa

10 Comments on An Hour with Chris Van Allsburg, last added: 4/13/2011

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Heroes A2Z #10: Joey Down Under by David Anthony & Charles David Clasman

Reviewed by: Chris Singer

About the authors:

David Anthony is the co-author of Heroes A2Z and Knightscares. Along with Charles David, he’s written 19 books for children with many more to come. David lives in Southeastern Lower Michigan, not too far from Detroit (Go Wings!).
He started writing for children after he had his own. Being a parent of three boys gives him a perspective he didn’t have earlier in life. It also cleans out the fridge in a hurry!

Charles David Clasman is the co-author of Heroes A2Z and Knightscares. Charles lives in Southeastern Michigan with his wife, daughter, three cats, and a horse.  When he isn’t writing, he plays guitar, juggles, gardens, and makes short films for You Tube and the realheroesread.com website.

About the book:

Traverse City, Michigan is home to three special superheroes.

Meet Abigail, the oldest. When it comes to sports, she can’t be beat. Andrew is her twin. If it has wheels, he can ride it. Baby Zoe is the youngest but also the strongest. Don’t let the diaper fool you.

In this adventure, the Land Down Under has come to Mackinac Island. Welcome to Australian Days! Meet kangaroos, koalas, and a kid named Joey who puts the boom in boomerang.

My take on the book:

The Heroes A2Z series is an 11 (soon to be 12) book series featuring a dynamic trio of super hero siblings saving their home state of Michigan (and if need be, the world) from a contingent of villainous kangaroos, kung fu kitties and more. Like the Knightscares Series, Anthony and Clasman have co-authored another action-packed series, this time geared for younger children.

Joey Down Under is the tenth book in this series and tells the story of Abigail, Andrew and Baby Zoe battling against a boy from Australia named Joey who has become all powerful thanks to a mysterious boomerang. The book is truly a fast-paced adventure with quick, short chapters and lots of good illustrations which surely leaves young readers wanting more. As with the Knightscares series, the characters feature both strong boy and girl role models for young readers to identify with as well. While I think this book and the Heroes A2Z series would appeal to many young readers, it possibly holds a greater appeal for children in Michigan. Many of the books take place at cities around the Wolverine State and many key landmarks are mentioned. This presents an even greater opportunity for teachers to use the book in their classrooms, as not only are students building their reading skills, but they also are able to learn about Michigan geography and history.

Be sure to check out the authors’ website (www.realheroesread.com) as it has much more on this series including a Fan Club, videos and more

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A bit of a retro look back; I wrote this poem last year and thought it was appropriate to share it again. Happy TG!(Read something great!)

Twas The Night before Thanksgiving
Readers! I am thankful for you! Tomorrow is the big day and my gift to you is a poem that I thought would make you smile (disclaimer) I am not a poet!

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The Night Before Thanksgiving
By Tara Michener

Twas the night before Thanksgiving and look at my house
this place is so messy hope there is no mouse

The dishes are piled all the way in the air
and I still have so much food to prepare

The guests will help themselves to pies and breads
While thoughts of more gym time will be in their heads

I need my hair done but I threw on a cap
maybe while I'm under the dryer I'll take a short nap

I started banging pots and pans and made such a clatter
I lamented that after Thursday I would surely be fatter

The day will come and go like a flash
Then on Saturday I'll be signing books in a dash

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
Lots of little kids who want their books signed so dear

I'll sign at the mall and try to be quick
I'll be sure to have my sharpie never a BIC

But until Saturday I'll focus on dinner and try to stay lucid
Now potatoes, now rolls now tofukey and all
I hope I have enough to feed them all

My crock pot was boiling over like a brew
A house full of food and so much to do

And then, in a twinkling, I thought of my roof
and happily felt blessed to serve in spirit and truth

As I drew in my hand, and was turning around, I noticed all of the blessings around.
I had great things and they would get done I needed to stay put
I said a small prayer and stopped tapping my foot

A bundle of food lay still in it's pack
And I smiled as I lined up the to-do's in a stack

My eyes -- how they twinkled! I no longer felt scary
I began to prepare the pies apple and cherry

I made things fancy adding a bow
and wondered if tomorrow would bring our first snow

I dug out our decorations and found our wreath
Now I was grinning and showing my teeth

I ignored my diet and embraced my little round belly
That shook, as I laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

The turkey looked pretty and plump, like art on the shelf
And I laughed when I saw it in spite of myself;

A tasted the gravy and tried out the bread
Yep I realized I had nothing to dread;

I stopped feeling bad and finished my work
And wrote cards so fast I felt like a clerk

Laying the bread in the dish that I chose
I gave a nod, when I saw how it rose

My hubby came in and looked impressed and gave a whistle
I gave him a kiss as I held up the toe of mistle

But I heard him exclaim, as he ran out of sight
I can't wait to watch the game tomorrow night

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Today's blog is from our intern Chelsea Rodgers. Chelsea is a student at University of Michigan Dearborn. She is pursuing a degree in the marketing field. I hope you enjoy her post on bullying.
-Read Something great!
Going back to school can be fun and exciting for some kids, for others, it can be scary. Most children look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones, but just as so many are ready to go back to school the same amount or more are afraid of being bullied all year long. School bullying is becoming a daily event at schools. How can parents prepare their children?
In the U.S. 30% of teens are involved in bullying by being the bully or being bullied. It is something that has gotten out of hand and under the radar for too long. A lot of officials do not see bullying or do anything about it. People think being bullied is like a right-of-passage, that it makes kids stronger, it’s not. Being bullied causes kids to be scared, anxious, and insecure.
I know as a kid I was bullied, moving around a lot I had to make a lot of new friends and sometimes bullying was a ritual for the new kid to go through. I was teased about my hair or my braces or being small. Looking back on it being bullied is probably the reason I was shy as a kid. For me the bullying stopped by the time I reached middle school. The only reason the bullying started to subside was because of me.
It’s scary to be bullied and the rule parents tell their kids is to ignore it and it will eventually go away. That does not always work. Parents should give their kids more than just one way to face being bullied. Parents should help their kids practice confidence. Help them to feel good about themselves. Every time they say something negative make them tell you three positive characteristics about themselves.
Let them talk about bullying. There is a new book out, Summer Camp Survival that deals with bullying and self-esteem. Summer Camp Survival is a fun, quick read for teens to learn about gaining self-esteem because in the end everyone is in control of their life.

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Readers!
My newest book, Summer Camp Survival is available for pre-order. This book is a chapter book geared towards the teen readership market.

About The Book

Summer Camp is supposed to be easy right?

Not for Mackenzie Larson who has always been considered “the brain” in her small town. Kids at school tease her for being smart and friendless. Vowing things will be different this summer, she arrives at summer camp determined to make new friends only to find the girls here are meaner then back home!
Teased and tormented about her hair, weight and everything else, she feels completely alone and hopeless…until she meets Zach, a hazel-eyed soccer player from the boys' camp, who thinks she is cool. But will Mackenzie finally take a look inside and believe in herself?

Are you interested in pre-ordering your own copy for someone special in your life? Use the paypal buttons to place your order. -Read something great

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