Telephone Wires With Birds on Top?
Not unusual in the City!
There is a new book called
Telephone by
Mac Barnett and Illustrated by
Jen Corace that uses this idea to tell a delightful story. The book takes a spin on the old childhood game called Telephone where children whisper a message and it usually gets all mixed up.
In this book the author and illustrator have created colorful birds and fun messages. The Mama bird starts the message by telling a red birdie - Tell Peter: Fly Home For Dinner.
The message continues from bird to bird and bird and gets a little more mixed up each time.
The question is can the correct message reach Peter? Children will enjoy this title and will probably want to play a game of telephone just like the birds.
Pick up a
copy on September 9. On a side note check out the
Bird Call Lady who knows 146 bird calls.
So, you think you want to be a writer?
It doesn't matter if you devote 24/7 to the writing life or work another job and squeeze in writing time when possible. You still need basic necessities that make writing an easier task.
First, you need a space. Virginia Wolff believed a woman needs a room of her own. And, she's right. A writer needs an office/spot at the dining room table/a booth at the local coffee shop that she can call her own. Granted, some places provide better work opportunities than others, but a writer needs a space to set up shop. When I started freelancing, I converted a former bedroom into my cramped office, but I made it comfortable by repainting the walls to a cheery tangerine, adding memorabilia that inspires me, and using the space for writing only. What is your ideal office set-up?
Second, you need supplies. Even though you'll submit the majority of your work online, you still need to stock up on basics, like envelopes, paper, and stamps. I also make sure I have plenty of ink cartridges on hand, as well as Post-It notes, notebooks, batteries, postage (it's a 17-mile trip to town) and pens. I keep a separate notebook in my office, kitchen, bedroom and car. You never know when inspiration will strike! If you will be conducting interviews on a regular basis, invest in a digital audio recorder. It's a time saver! What office supplies do you have available?
Third, you need a computer and accessories. When I began freelancing, I didn't have the latest, greatest computer. I had a five-year-old laptop that was slow as molasses. But, I could still produce articles and stories. After a couple successful (translate: lucrative) sales, I upgraded to a computer that fit my needs. This included a photo software program, since photos must accompany most articles I write, as well as digital movie making software, since more online publications are asking me for a video to accompany a story package. But you can't just think about what computer you need. Think internet connection and make sure it's reliable. You also need to consider a printer, camera, digital video recorder, and scanner, depending on what you write. What type of computer essentials do you rely on most?
Fourth, you need a phone. Plus, it needs to be reliable. Nothing is more frustrating than being in the middle of an interview while on a cell phone and the network cuts out! We do not have a landline in our home, so I rely on my Blackberry to connect with contacts. With its myriad features, I use it to schedule appointments, network, send Twitter updates, and even type a story if I am on deadline. Do you use a land line, cell phone, or both to connect with your contacts?
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While attending a friend's wedding, Alexander Graham Bell is inspired.
The illustration challenge is:
Telephone
Illustrate the theme.
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I've been a writer for a long time according to your list. Thanks, it's boosted me up to write some more.
I love thinner-barreled pens, especially ones that spew out a smooth flow of ink.