I have often been asked what my favorite genre to read is, my favorite genre to write, who my favorite author is.......and my answer to all of these and those like them is I don't have one. Seriously. I don't have a favorite author. I don't have a favorite type to read or write. I love to read and write, period.
I love to read nearly everything. Last week I finished Andy Taylor's (of Duran Duran fame (insert girly giggle here) autobiography, Wild Boy, and it was such a fun read I finished it in a day. I love learning things about people I never knew before.
Right now I am finishing up Need, by Carrie Jones and yes I will continue reading the series because it to is a great fun read that captured my attention and imagination. On my list next to read is a biography on the great feminist/community activist Jane Addams. I am excited and hopeful that I can learn more about her.
I am always open to going to the library and picking up a book without knowing anything about it. Sometimes you get a dud, and sometimes you get an OMGoodness, What Have I Been Missing, moment. I live for those moments. They are like finding a dollar in the pocket of your winter coat when you put it on for the first time of the season.
I am also open to suggestions from people I know about great reads. So anyone have some suggestions for my book list? Yes, I know, I am a nerd, I do actually keep a list of to read and have read........I'll just walk away right now.....
Happy Reading!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
A New Year, Beginning Yet Again
Some really smart person once said, "It isn't how many times you fall down, it's how many times you get back up."
This describes me perfectly. I fall down, a lot. No really, like a lot. I fall down physically a lot. I can trip over my feet, air, smooth concrete, well, you name it. I fall down mentally a lot. I obsess over small insignificant things, turning them over and over until I finally drive myself half crazy. Then I forget what I was worrying over. I fall down professionally. A lot.
In June, after receiving a negative critique and then never receiving a promised critique over my WIP I quit writing. I shelved it and decided to return to school. Something else that I had shelved. While I write in my classes, a lot, I knew I was missing something. I couldn't put my finger on it.
After my fall finals were over and I had time on my hands I was bored and a bit antsy. I didn't know what to do with myself. I couldn't decide what the problem was. Then I found it. I was daydreaming, which I do a lot, and a great story came into my brain. I could see the characters, the plot, and well, everything. I wrote it down in a very rough outline. I sat back and it was my Oprah A-HA moment. I had been missing my creative writing. I missed it a lot.
So guess who's back? I am not writing to be published, although that would be really nice. I am writing as an outlet for my creativity, my daydreams, my thoughts, my feelings and my experiences. I am writing because that's what I am. I am a writer.
This describes me perfectly. I fall down, a lot. No really, like a lot. I fall down physically a lot. I can trip over my feet, air, smooth concrete, well, you name it. I fall down mentally a lot. I obsess over small insignificant things, turning them over and over until I finally drive myself half crazy. Then I forget what I was worrying over. I fall down professionally. A lot.
In June, after receiving a negative critique and then never receiving a promised critique over my WIP I quit writing. I shelved it and decided to return to school. Something else that I had shelved. While I write in my classes, a lot, I knew I was missing something. I couldn't put my finger on it.
After my fall finals were over and I had time on my hands I was bored and a bit antsy. I didn't know what to do with myself. I couldn't decide what the problem was. Then I found it. I was daydreaming, which I do a lot, and a great story came into my brain. I could see the characters, the plot, and well, everything. I wrote it down in a very rough outline. I sat back and it was my Oprah A-HA moment. I had been missing my creative writing. I missed it a lot.
So guess who's back? I am not writing to be published, although that would be really nice. I am writing as an outlet for my creativity, my daydreams, my thoughts, my feelings and my experiences. I am writing because that's what I am. I am a writer.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Let the Reading Season Begin!
So as I tie shoes, sign papers, make lunches and send my daughters off to school with a kiss and an I LOVE YOU, I begin to switch back into my reading mode. My mind starts making lists that my fingers have to write down about which books I want to read. Back to school time is the kickoff season for our family to start really reading again.
Summer is great. There is so much to do and my soul yearns to be outside enjoying the fresh air and warm sun. My family is constantly on the go, enjoying trips to amusement parks, water parks, the zoo, walks on trails and anything else that gets us out of the house. Summer is release for us Missourians. Most of our winters are long affairs with bitter cold and various types of wet cold precipitation. So when the warm winds come and the sun stays around longer we embrace it with a passion.
Then school starts and we start getting into a more academic mode. This means reading, writing and critical thinking of various types. Our minds start wandering to books, libraries and bookstores. We begin discussing books we want to read and need to read. My husband looks forward to kickoff time for the NFL and his daughters and wife looks forward to quiet Sundays, curled under the warm blankets reading a enthralling book.
So this book season I have two main goals. The first goal is to read all the Mark Twain and Truman Reader nominee books. These lists are read by my two older children as well. I have been pleasantly surprised by some books on both of these lists in the past so I cannot wait to see what I'm in store for this year. I will post the list of nominee books at the end of this post.
My second goal is one I plan on writing more about in the near future. I am on a mission to discover the very best Post-Apocalypse/End of Earth type of book for both adults and young adults. I must admit this has been a while in the making. I have been wanting to do this for a while now, but those sneaky vampires and weres just got a hold of me and wouldn't let go. While I still love them both, I'm feeling a need to be prepared for 2012-so I must read about the end of earth as I now it. Of course getting addicted to TNT's new show Falling Skies didn't help in this need. It only made it worse.
So any suggestions for me? I would love to hear them!
Mark Twain Award 2011-2012 Nominees:
The Potato Chip Puzzles by Eric Berlin
Secret of Zoom by Lynne Jonell
Runaway Twin by Peg Kehret
Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur
Million Dollar Throw by Mike Lupica
11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass
Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z by Kate Messner
Faith, Hope and Ivy June by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry
Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford
Storm Chaser by Chris Platt
Mudville by Kurtis Scaletta
Truman Reader Award 2011-2012 Nominees:
Invisible Lines by Mary Amato
Double Eagle by Snead B. Collard III
If the Witness Lied by Caroline Cooney
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Adventurers Wanted: Slathbog's Gold by M.L. Forman
The Shifter by Janice Hardy
The Cupcake Queen by Heather Hepler
The Last Thing I Remember by Andrew Klavan
Pop by Gordon Korman
Jane in Bloom by Deborah Lytton
The Farwalker's Quest by Joni Sensel
Bull Rider by Suzanne Morgan Williams
Summer is great. There is so much to do and my soul yearns to be outside enjoying the fresh air and warm sun. My family is constantly on the go, enjoying trips to amusement parks, water parks, the zoo, walks on trails and anything else that gets us out of the house. Summer is release for us Missourians. Most of our winters are long affairs with bitter cold and various types of wet cold precipitation. So when the warm winds come and the sun stays around longer we embrace it with a passion.
Then school starts and we start getting into a more academic mode. This means reading, writing and critical thinking of various types. Our minds start wandering to books, libraries and bookstores. We begin discussing books we want to read and need to read. My husband looks forward to kickoff time for the NFL and his daughters and wife looks forward to quiet Sundays, curled under the warm blankets reading a enthralling book.
So this book season I have two main goals. The first goal is to read all the Mark Twain and Truman Reader nominee books. These lists are read by my two older children as well. I have been pleasantly surprised by some books on both of these lists in the past so I cannot wait to see what I'm in store for this year. I will post the list of nominee books at the end of this post.
My second goal is one I plan on writing more about in the near future. I am on a mission to discover the very best Post-Apocalypse/End of Earth type of book for both adults and young adults. I must admit this has been a while in the making. I have been wanting to do this for a while now, but those sneaky vampires and weres just got a hold of me and wouldn't let go. While I still love them both, I'm feeling a need to be prepared for 2012-so I must read about the end of earth as I now it. Of course getting addicted to TNT's new show Falling Skies didn't help in this need. It only made it worse.
So any suggestions for me? I would love to hear them!
Mark Twain Award 2011-2012 Nominees:
The Potato Chip Puzzles by Eric Berlin
Secret of Zoom by Lynne Jonell
Runaway Twin by Peg Kehret
Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur
Million Dollar Throw by Mike Lupica
11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass
Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z by Kate Messner
Faith, Hope and Ivy June by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry
Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford
Storm Chaser by Chris Platt
Mudville by Kurtis Scaletta
Truman Reader Award 2011-2012 Nominees:
Invisible Lines by Mary Amato
Double Eagle by Snead B. Collard III
If the Witness Lied by Caroline Cooney
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Adventurers Wanted: Slathbog's Gold by M.L. Forman
The Shifter by Janice Hardy
The Cupcake Queen by Heather Hepler
The Last Thing I Remember by Andrew Klavan
Pop by Gordon Korman
Jane in Bloom by Deborah Lytton
The Farwalker's Quest by Joni Sensel
Bull Rider by Suzanne Morgan Williams
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Writers write!!
Writers write. I have read this repeatedly from published authors, respected editors, and professors. They observe and they put those observations on paper.
So I took a break and now.....I write. I write daily. I write in a observation journal, a personal journal, essays for school and for fun. I write notes to my children. I write recipes in a notebook. I simply write.
Today I was watching my daughter at her cheer practice and I had to open my calendar to jot down an idea that occurred to me. Yeah! I am back to being inspired and not caring what anyone else thinks of my writing.
I am writing to learn. I am writing to get better. I am writing to enjoy myself. I am writing to release my creativity.
There is no secret to writing. There is just repetition and learning from your previous writing. If you open yourself to that learning your writing improves.
So once again I am writing. I am already feeling better.
So I took a break and now.....I write. I write daily. I write in a observation journal, a personal journal, essays for school and for fun. I write notes to my children. I write recipes in a notebook. I simply write.
Today I was watching my daughter at her cheer practice and I had to open my calendar to jot down an idea that occurred to me. Yeah! I am back to being inspired and not caring what anyone else thinks of my writing.
I am writing to learn. I am writing to get better. I am writing to enjoy myself. I am writing to release my creativity.
There is no secret to writing. There is just repetition and learning from your previous writing. If you open yourself to that learning your writing improves.
So once again I am writing. I am already feeling better.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
So many changes!
So like the weather in Missouri, I am constantly changing. I change my hair, re-arrange my furniture, paint walls and even the outside of the house constantly. Always in search of the next thing to capture my interest. This change though has been stupendous!
I decided, at nearly 40, to go back to school and pursue a degree or two. Yes I said or two. I am thinking of double majoring in English and History. I am thus far having so much fun and learning so many things! I've discovered that I am pretty good at this school thing.
The other thing I've discovered is that I am good at writing. I've always loved writing fiction, but now I am also enjoying writing essays. I don't always like the subject but I love the writing process.
I am discovering how to write effectively. Writing strategies are making the process so much easier. Fiction is no harder or easier than scholarly writing but can be approached similarly.
I never stopped writing fiction. I did however begin to question myself and the worst thing of all, I began to listen to all those people who were negative about my writing. I slowed down and re-evaluated. During the reflection I learned one thing. I love to write. So write I will.
I decided, at nearly 40, to go back to school and pursue a degree or two. Yes I said or two. I am thinking of double majoring in English and History. I am thus far having so much fun and learning so many things! I've discovered that I am pretty good at this school thing.
The other thing I've discovered is that I am good at writing. I've always loved writing fiction, but now I am also enjoying writing essays. I don't always like the subject but I love the writing process.
I am discovering how to write effectively. Writing strategies are making the process so much easier. Fiction is no harder or easier than scholarly writing but can be approached similarly.
I never stopped writing fiction. I did however begin to question myself and the worst thing of all, I began to listen to all those people who were negative about my writing. I slowed down and re-evaluated. During the reflection I learned one thing. I love to write. So write I will.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Here's to Routine!
“How do you write, work and have a family?” This is the question that I was asked yesterday by a friend. The answer is how can’t I? Those things are essential to me. Writing allows me to express myself and release my creativity, my children allow me to love and be loved unconditionally and work gives me the opportunity to provide for my family and my writing.
While I didn’t say the above to her, I simply said “A routine.” Routines allow me to do all three. I’m a creature of routine for the most part.
This can be both good and bad. As a mom, routines are vital to a smooth household. At least they are for mine. I notice the girls tend to do a lot better with a routine than without and I, as a mom, tend to be a more relaxed parent.
Being a mom I have to be careful with routine as well. Sometimes certain situations and certain children require some thinking outside of the routine. It can be fun to go outside your normal status quo sometimes. Bedtime around here is based on a routine, but during the summer that goes out the window as we enjoy different activities.
As a writer being in a routine is wonderful for the process of writing. I have regular times of writing, such as cheer and gymnastic practices. I have a way that I like to do things. I like to revise at times, write at others, and brainstorm at even other times.
Routine can also hinder my writing. I don’t want my work to be predictable. I want it to capture someone’s attention and keep it. My words should take you on a journey, and you should wonder what is coming next. If someone reading my work knows what is coming then they are going to get bored. They are more than likely going to put down my book and that’s bad. I don’t want that…..
As a reader I want the unexpected. I don’t want to pick up a book and know what comes next in the story. There are very rare times when I have known exactly what was coming and actually enjoyed the book, mostly because I’ve fallen for one of the characters (hello Edward Cullen—insert smile here—and how are you?). When I get bored while reading, which is few and far between, I finish the book but I never recommend it to anyone.
But there’s a certain comfort in picking up a book that belongs to a series and having the routine of that character remain constant. Drastic changes in the characters can be unsettling. Losing the things that made your audience fall in love with your character can cause those readers to walk away.
So while I enjoy my routines, I also crave that unexpected that comes around the bend to shake things up, especially when I can write it. I love those ideas that just make you go “WHAT?” or “WOW, I didn’t see that coming!” That’s my goal.
So here’s to routine! Here’s to spontaneity! Here’s to closing your eyes, holding on tight and enjoying the ride, in life and in reading. Most importantly in writing!
While I didn’t say the above to her, I simply said “A routine.” Routines allow me to do all three. I’m a creature of routine for the most part.
This can be both good and bad. As a mom, routines are vital to a smooth household. At least they are for mine. I notice the girls tend to do a lot better with a routine than without and I, as a mom, tend to be a more relaxed parent.
Being a mom I have to be careful with routine as well. Sometimes certain situations and certain children require some thinking outside of the routine. It can be fun to go outside your normal status quo sometimes. Bedtime around here is based on a routine, but during the summer that goes out the window as we enjoy different activities.
As a writer being in a routine is wonderful for the process of writing. I have regular times of writing, such as cheer and gymnastic practices. I have a way that I like to do things. I like to revise at times, write at others, and brainstorm at even other times.
Routine can also hinder my writing. I don’t want my work to be predictable. I want it to capture someone’s attention and keep it. My words should take you on a journey, and you should wonder what is coming next. If someone reading my work knows what is coming then they are going to get bored. They are more than likely going to put down my book and that’s bad. I don’t want that…..
As a reader I want the unexpected. I don’t want to pick up a book and know what comes next in the story. There are very rare times when I have known exactly what was coming and actually enjoyed the book, mostly because I’ve fallen for one of the characters (hello Edward Cullen—insert smile here—and how are you?). When I get bored while reading, which is few and far between, I finish the book but I never recommend it to anyone.
But there’s a certain comfort in picking up a book that belongs to a series and having the routine of that character remain constant. Drastic changes in the characters can be unsettling. Losing the things that made your audience fall in love with your character can cause those readers to walk away.
So while I enjoy my routines, I also crave that unexpected that comes around the bend to shake things up, especially when I can write it. I love those ideas that just make you go “WHAT?” or “WOW, I didn’t see that coming!” That’s my goal.
So here’s to routine! Here’s to spontaneity! Here’s to closing your eyes, holding on tight and enjoying the ride, in life and in reading. Most importantly in writing!
Friday, July 16, 2010
So Many Books.....So Few Dollars......
So on my vacation I had lots and lots of time to read and it was heaven. Purely heaven. I had a lot of new books to catch up on and I enjoyed them. However, like most of you, I’m on a budget and therefore, there were a few books that I have yet to buy and read. I’ve begun making a list of these books as I come across them so I won’t forget them when I do get the opportunity to buy one or two or six…..
Below you will find my Young Adult fiction list. I love to read Young Adult genre books of all kinds but am not limited to them. I love all genres for the most part and while my list at home is rather lengthy I decided to limit my list on the blog. For the most part I tried to stick to one book per letter but seriously there are some great books out there so a few of the letters got more than one. Heck, a few of the letters could have a whole page to themselves, but I restrained myself.
I would love to hear what your additions to this list might be.
One of the best things in the world is when someone suggests a book to me that I’ve never heard of before and I end up loving the book. It is like finding money in the pocket of my winter coat when I pull it out after a long hot summer. Pleasant, unexpected and it puts a smile on my face to recommend it to someone else.
Happy Reading!
My A to Z list of YA books to read:
A—ANGEL STAR BY JENNIFER MURGIA
B—A BLUE SO DARK BY HOLLY SCHINDLER
C—CRESCENDO BY BECCA ROBERTS FITZPATRICK
D—DEAD TOSSED WAVES BY CARRIE RYAN
E—EON: DRAGONEYE REBORN BY ALISON GOODMAN
F—FADE BY LISA MCMANN
G—GONE BY LISA MCMANN
H—HUSH, HUSH BY BECCA ROBERTS FITZPATRICK
I—IF I STAY BY GAYLE FORMAN
J—JEALOUSY BY LILITH SAINTCROW
K—KISS OF DEATH BY RACHEL CAINE
L—LINGER BY MAGGIE STIEFVATER
M—MOCKINGJAY BY SUZANNE COLLINS
N—NO MORE US FOR YOU BY DAVID HERNANDEZ
O—THE ORANGE HOUSES BY PAUL GRIFFEN
P—PARANORMALCY BY KIERSTEN WHITE
Q—THE QUEEN OF SECOND PLACE BY LAURA PEYTON ROBERTS
R—THE RED PYRAMID BY RICK RIORDAN
S—SEA BY HEIDI KLING SHIVER BY MAGGIE STIEFVATER SECRET YEAR BY JENNIFER HUBBARD
T—TORMENT BY LAUREN KATE TWELFTH GRADE KILLS BY HEATHER BREWER
U—THE UNINVITED BY TIM WYNNE-JONES
V—VAMPIRE ACADEMY LAST SACRIFICE BY RICHELLE MEAD
W—WAKE BY LISA MCMANN WINTERGIRLS BY LAURIE HALSE ANDERSON
X—X-ISLE BY STEVE AUGARDE
Y—YOU BY CHARLES BENOIT
Z—MEMOIRS OF A TEENAGE AMNESIAC BY GABRIELLE ZEVIN (yes I totally cheated on this listing LOL)
Below you will find my Young Adult fiction list. I love to read Young Adult genre books of all kinds but am not limited to them. I love all genres for the most part and while my list at home is rather lengthy I decided to limit my list on the blog. For the most part I tried to stick to one book per letter but seriously there are some great books out there so a few of the letters got more than one. Heck, a few of the letters could have a whole page to themselves, but I restrained myself.
I would love to hear what your additions to this list might be.
One of the best things in the world is when someone suggests a book to me that I’ve never heard of before and I end up loving the book. It is like finding money in the pocket of my winter coat when I pull it out after a long hot summer. Pleasant, unexpected and it puts a smile on my face to recommend it to someone else.
Happy Reading!
My A to Z list of YA books to read:
A—ANGEL STAR BY JENNIFER MURGIA
B—A BLUE SO DARK BY HOLLY SCHINDLER
C—CRESCENDO BY BECCA ROBERTS FITZPATRICK
D—DEAD TOSSED WAVES BY CARRIE RYAN
E—EON: DRAGONEYE REBORN BY ALISON GOODMAN
F—FADE BY LISA MCMANN
G—GONE BY LISA MCMANN
H—HUSH, HUSH BY BECCA ROBERTS FITZPATRICK
I—IF I STAY BY GAYLE FORMAN
J—JEALOUSY BY LILITH SAINTCROW
K—KISS OF DEATH BY RACHEL CAINE
L—LINGER BY MAGGIE STIEFVATER
M—MOCKINGJAY BY SUZANNE COLLINS
N—NO MORE US FOR YOU BY DAVID HERNANDEZ
O—THE ORANGE HOUSES BY PAUL GRIFFEN
P—PARANORMALCY BY KIERSTEN WHITE
Q—THE QUEEN OF SECOND PLACE BY LAURA PEYTON ROBERTS
R—THE RED PYRAMID BY RICK RIORDAN
S—SEA BY HEIDI KLING SHIVER BY MAGGIE STIEFVATER SECRET YEAR BY JENNIFER HUBBARD
T—TORMENT BY LAUREN KATE TWELFTH GRADE KILLS BY HEATHER BREWER
U—THE UNINVITED BY TIM WYNNE-JONES
V—VAMPIRE ACADEMY LAST SACRIFICE BY RICHELLE MEAD
W—WAKE BY LISA MCMANN WINTERGIRLS BY LAURIE HALSE ANDERSON
X—X-ISLE BY STEVE AUGARDE
Y—YOU BY CHARLES BENOIT
Z—MEMOIRS OF A TEENAGE AMNESIAC BY GABRIELLE ZEVIN (yes I totally cheated on this listing LOL)
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