Maybe it's because I've been a freelance writer for so long, but nothing motivates me more than deadlines...do the work by such and such day, get the cash. Nice.
It's difficult working on an unsold manuscript, because the only deadline that's been set is the one you've given yourself. Some of us are work horses, so that's good enough. Others need accountability. That's one of the best reasons to have a writing partner, I think. You tell Joe or Mary, "I'll have this many pages done by BLANK." It's fun to throw in some kind of threat here, too. "I'll have this many pages done by BLANK, or I'll have to BLANK."
Do you have some kind of accountability relationship going on? How's that workin' for you?
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Trends
Above photo of me with writing friends
Agents sometimes post trends they're seeing in queries. These posts are always scary to read, aren't they? If you're like me, you think you're going to see your own book right there on the list.
A couple things I think are interesting:
1. At the writing residency I returned from, I heard a lot about what other people are writing, and guess what. No two writers had projects that sounded like anybody else's there. At first, I thought that was just a cool aberration, but the more I think about it, I think it's because the people at the residency take their writing very seriously...they're researching everything that's out there, and taking their writing to the next level...inserting a unique hook, setting, etc.
2. There was one young man who freaked a bit at the residency, because someone told him his project resembled a published author's story. I don't think that's necessarily a problem. Listen, say a military wife author writes a thriller with a military wife protagonist, and that book is hugely successful. What that author's done is open the door for other military wives to create a unique hook with their own story. And they'll have evidence that the sub-genre can be successful.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Home from MFA residency
Hey, all. I'm hoping to get back on track with the posts now. Many of you asked about the writing program that kept me busy. Well...the residency was really, really great. The program is Seton Hill University's MFA in Writing Popular Fiction. Before leaving, I thought it was going to stink. I thought I knew most things that needed knowing and that I could find everything else on the www. I also thought the people would be snobby and boring. And (I know you'll be surprised by this) I was wrong.
The courses--on subjects like plotting and characterization--were basically all day long. They were taught by intelligent, enthusiastic, published instructors. I learned a ton...stuff I could immediately take back to my computer and use on my manuscript. I also had numerous one-on-one conversations with instructors about my writing.
The other students were fabulous...fun people with a passion for writing. All the newbies took a course on critiquing, and then we critiqued 10 pages of each person's writing. The critique groups were small, and each person's pages got about an hour's worth of organized, thoughtful attention from the group. This was very helpful. (Also, I had a blast socializing with these folks).
The networking opportunities were ridiculously good.
Now I have a bunch of work to do...the first 25 pages of my manuscript are due to my mentor (a published author in my genre) and two critique partners (one of whom is also published in my genre) this Wednesday. And I have a YA reading list I've gotta hammer through.
On a scale of 1-10, I give this program a 9 1/2.
The courses--on subjects like plotting and characterization--were basically all day long. They were taught by intelligent, enthusiastic, published instructors. I learned a ton...stuff I could immediately take back to my computer and use on my manuscript. I also had numerous one-on-one conversations with instructors about my writing.
The other students were fabulous...fun people with a passion for writing. All the newbies took a course on critiquing, and then we critiqued 10 pages of each person's writing. The critique groups were small, and each person's pages got about an hour's worth of organized, thoughtful attention from the group. This was very helpful. (Also, I had a blast socializing with these folks).
The networking opportunities were ridiculously good.
Now I have a bunch of work to do...the first 25 pages of my manuscript are due to my mentor (a published author in my genre) and two critique partners (one of whom is also published in my genre) this Wednesday. And I have a YA reading list I've gotta hammer through.
On a scale of 1-10, I give this program a 9 1/2.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Checking for ticks
I'm still at the residency, and I can't get my email working on campus, so if you're emailing me (you hundreds of editors waving contracts), I won't see it for a few days.
As for the title of this post: One of the guys here found a tick on himself, so now I'm paranoid I've got ticks. I'm making friends here, for sure, but not anyone I'm comfortable asking to check me for ticks. Which got me wondering...if you could have any book character check you for ticks, who would it be?
My answer: SHERLOCK (boring answer, I know)
As for the title of this post: One of the guys here found a tick on himself, so now I'm paranoid I've got ticks. I'm making friends here, for sure, but not anyone I'm comfortable asking to check me for ticks. Which got me wondering...if you could have any book character check you for ticks, who would it be?
My answer: SHERLOCK (boring answer, I know)
Thursday, June 24, 2010
At MFA residency
So I'm at Seton Hill University working on my MFA. It's my first residency. Most work is done online, but there are two residencies per year. This stuff is really, really good. I'm learning things I can actually use to improve my writing (I was a little skeptical before coming, because that's the way I roll). The instructors are awesome...very funny, informative and published. I just met my mentor (she'll be my mentor for a year) and had a HUGE aha moment.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Random Thoughts
Leaving for my MFA residency soon. Husband and various guard animals are minding the kids. This is my first trip by myself EVER (no Husband and/or kids) in 14 years. The hours are 9AM-9PM.
I've been thinking about how so many great writers of the past committed suicide. I know suicide is a horribly serious subject and I don't mean to make light of it, but do you think a laptop with spell check and a printer would've made a difference?
A GAZETTE reader emailed me (this actually happens quite often) and recommended a three-book series by Nora Roberts. I think she said they were her favorite books ever. So I got the first two from the library. And you know what? They are really addicting. I can see why Ms. Roberts is so successful. I make no promises to read all her work, though--she's written about a zillion books.
There's a dead snake in our backyard. Husband returns today after a week away, so we are leaving it for him. We'll call it a belated Father's Day present to go with the shirts. I'll be sad if Husband determines I ran over the snake with the lawn mower. My lawn mowing technique is very similar to my vacuuming technique. Am hoping the odd line marks grow out before Husband's return.
I have three kid birthday parties to plan for the next couple weeks. Do you think these things are getting out of hand? I wonder how COLD AS HEAVEN'S and ANN MARIE'S kids celebrate. Maybe it's an American thing, all this hoopla. I mean, I'm glad they were born and all...
I just celebrated what I'm going to call my 34th birthday. The kids and I went to Wendy's and then to see a very good production of SEUSSICAL.
Sara Megibow is really an excellent agent. Very fast-moving, professional, makes regular contact. Am very happy with her.
Colorado Springs is a fabulous place to live. I'll have to post some summer photos soon.
Write on. I'll get back to posting after the trip.
I've been thinking about how so many great writers of the past committed suicide. I know suicide is a horribly serious subject and I don't mean to make light of it, but do you think a laptop with spell check and a printer would've made a difference?
A GAZETTE reader emailed me (this actually happens quite often) and recommended a three-book series by Nora Roberts. I think she said they were her favorite books ever. So I got the first two from the library. And you know what? They are really addicting. I can see why Ms. Roberts is so successful. I make no promises to read all her work, though--she's written about a zillion books.
There's a dead snake in our backyard. Husband returns today after a week away, so we are leaving it for him. We'll call it a belated Father's Day present to go with the shirts. I'll be sad if Husband determines I ran over the snake with the lawn mower. My lawn mowing technique is very similar to my vacuuming technique. Am hoping the odd line marks grow out before Husband's return.
I have three kid birthday parties to plan for the next couple weeks. Do you think these things are getting out of hand? I wonder how COLD AS HEAVEN'S and ANN MARIE'S kids celebrate. Maybe it's an American thing, all this hoopla. I mean, I'm glad they were born and all...
I just celebrated what I'm going to call my 34th birthday. The kids and I went to Wendy's and then to see a very good production of SEUSSICAL.
Sara Megibow is really an excellent agent. Very fast-moving, professional, makes regular contact. Am very happy with her.
Colorado Springs is a fabulous place to live. I'll have to post some summer photos soon.
Write on. I'll get back to posting after the trip.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
My dad and writing
I've just come up with weird a thought: I've never seen my dad (a great old guy, if I do say so myself) write anything but his name.
All you writers out there: Are your parents writers?
Happy Father's Day!
All you writers out there: Are your parents writers?
Happy Father's Day!
GAZETTE column published 6-20-2010
One of my best go-to sources for good books is the National Book Awards list. The primary mission of the National Book Awards and its governing body, the National Book Foundation, is to “celebrate the best of American literature.” The National Book Awards cover many genres, and over the more than 50 years of its existence, the awards have honored a diverse range of authors, including William Faulkner, Henry Kissinger and Beverly Cleary.
One of my favorite books on the awards list is “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.” This fictional work was written by Sherman Alexie for the young adult audience — older teens and anyone who wants to understand those years better.
The book goes a step further, though, by delving into challenges faced by Native Americans living on reservations.
“Part-Time Indian” follows teenager Arnold “Junior” Spirit, who’s growing up on a Spokane Indian reservation. Junior already feels like an outsider because he was born with a variety of health problems. His outsider status reaches new heights, though, when he decides to leave the reservation’s high school and attend a neighboring all-white school.
While Junior deals with fitting in at his new school, escaping the wrath of people on the reservation who think he’s a traitor, and being a teenager in general, he also faces death. In the course of the book’s 230 pages, three of Junior’s loved ones die. Each of the deaths is unrelated to the others, but they all involve alcohol.
Now, at this point, you’re probably thinking the book sounds like a real downer. And, yes, there are sad spots that made me want to cry. The real emotions came, though, in observing Junior’s journey.
With each chapter, Junior expects more from himself. He starts believing in his dreams and taking steps to make them come true. He struggles with his identity, but by the end of the book, Junior understands himself better. He figures out that he can love his people, and still take care of himself. That’s anything but a downer.
To further appreciate this book, visit the author’s website at ShermanAlexie.com. Alexie’s own life inspired much of “Part-time Indian.” He was born with the same physical problems as Junior, and endured many of the same social challenges.
For more information on the National Book Award Winners, including a list of the winners since 1950, visit nationalbook.org.
Editor’s note: Anita Miller is taking a little break and Book Groupie will return July 11. Feel free to e-mail and blog her during her time off.
One of my favorite books on the awards list is “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.” This fictional work was written by Sherman Alexie for the young adult audience — older teens and anyone who wants to understand those years better.
The book goes a step further, though, by delving into challenges faced by Native Americans living on reservations.
“Part-Time Indian” follows teenager Arnold “Junior” Spirit, who’s growing up on a Spokane Indian reservation. Junior already feels like an outsider because he was born with a variety of health problems. His outsider status reaches new heights, though, when he decides to leave the reservation’s high school and attend a neighboring all-white school.
While Junior deals with fitting in at his new school, escaping the wrath of people on the reservation who think he’s a traitor, and being a teenager in general, he also faces death. In the course of the book’s 230 pages, three of Junior’s loved ones die. Each of the deaths is unrelated to the others, but they all involve alcohol.
Now, at this point, you’re probably thinking the book sounds like a real downer. And, yes, there are sad spots that made me want to cry. The real emotions came, though, in observing Junior’s journey.
With each chapter, Junior expects more from himself. He starts believing in his dreams and taking steps to make them come true. He struggles with his identity, but by the end of the book, Junior understands himself better. He figures out that he can love his people, and still take care of himself. That’s anything but a downer.
To further appreciate this book, visit the author’s website at ShermanAlexie.com. Alexie’s own life inspired much of “Part-time Indian.” He was born with the same physical problems as Junior, and endured many of the same social challenges.
For more information on the National Book Award Winners, including a list of the winners since 1950, visit nationalbook.org.
Editor’s note: Anita Miller is taking a little break and Book Groupie will return July 11. Feel free to e-mail and blog her during her time off.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Actual spoken sentences
I love words, sentences. These are some sentences I've actually heard during the last few days:
Did you just wipe a booger on me?!!!
My dad wrapped paper towels around his hand and pulled the bird out of the front thing on the van.
Tom?!!! Jordan just peed on the floor.
I almost got hit by a car.
Oh, noooo. There's a dead fox on the road.
There's a kid who plays golf with one of those fake arms. He's really good.
I threw my shoe at a squirrel, and now I can't reach my shoe.
They're sending him to Afghanistan and he's Forty. Seven. Years. Old.
You're the nicest mommy in the whole world.
See that mountain? I love you bigger than that mountain.
Did you just wipe a booger on me?!!!
My dad wrapped paper towels around his hand and pulled the bird out of the front thing on the van.
Tom?!!! Jordan just peed on the floor.
I almost got hit by a car.
Oh, noooo. There's a dead fox on the road.
There's a kid who plays golf with one of those fake arms. He's really good.
I threw my shoe at a squirrel, and now I can't reach my shoe.
They're sending him to Afghanistan and he's Forty. Seven. Years. Old.
You're the nicest mommy in the whole world.
See that mountain? I love you bigger than that mountain.
Lovin the laptop
I have always written using a desktop or (when away from my desk) a pad and pen. I know this makes me sound archaic. I'm really not. I just had this issue with laptops for some reason. I was obstinate about using them. I was the same way about getting a new bike. I had a bike with no gears for 17 years (most of those years spent in Colorado....read: freaking hilly). Husband got me a great bike with gears for some recent holiday. And I love it.
Anyway, for Mother's Day, Husband gave me a laptop. It sat on a table (with the kids salivating over it, just praying I'd send it their way) until a few days ago. That's when Husband insisted I give the laptop a test drive. I hated it. But Husband was so obviously disappointed, I kept using the thing. And now...(drumroll)...I love it! I wrote during voice lessons AND piano lessons today. And I'll write during dance lessons tonight, too, if I can find something to distract Boy.
My point: Is there some silly thing keeping you from being as productive as you can be?
My advice: Get over it.
Anyway, for Mother's Day, Husband gave me a laptop. It sat on a table (with the kids salivating over it, just praying I'd send it their way) until a few days ago. That's when Husband insisted I give the laptop a test drive. I hated it. But Husband was so obviously disappointed, I kept using the thing. And now...(drumroll)...I love it! I wrote during voice lessons AND piano lessons today. And I'll write during dance lessons tonight, too, if I can find something to distract Boy.
My point: Is there some silly thing keeping you from being as productive as you can be?
My advice: Get over it.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The fine art of critiquing
For my MFA work, I have to critique portions of eight writers' works. This is a balancing act. I'm actually meeting these people, right? So I need to be nice...not that I wouldn't be. But some people are really sensitive. Anyway, I'm marking up these papers left and right and commenting like crazy, all the time wondering, "Who am I to be doing this?" But I also don't want to waste anyone's time by saying things like, "Great. Nice. Good job," if that's not how I'm feeling. Know what I mean?
Next week, I give these people the critiques in person. What's your guess on how they'll react?
Next week, I give these people the critiques in person. What's your guess on how they'll react?
Monday, June 14, 2010
Interview with Boy (Age 4)
This is the fourth in a four-part series in which I interview my kids about books. I estimate my kids read about twenty times as many books per year as the average kiddo. At least.
ME: What's the title of one of your favorite books?
BOY: STUART LITTLE. It's a really fun book and movie.
ME: What about a picture book?
BOY: I like the ones by the author you thought was a boy and then we found out it was a girl. [Keiko Kasza]
ME: Which is your favorite of her books?
BOY: The one with the dog who leaves the girl to go the mountains to act like a wolf and then he sees wolves and gets scared and runs back home to the girl. [THE DOG WHO CRIED WOLF. My favorite KASZA is MY LUCKY DAY...hilarious!]
ME: Do you like reading with your family?
BOY: Yeah. It's really fun. I like spending time with my mom and my dad and my sisters. I want to get a brother.
ME: [ignoring brother comment] What are your favorite books we've read as a family?
BOY: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE and THE LITTLE PRINCE.
ME: What's the title of one of your favorite books?
BOY: STUART LITTLE. It's a really fun book and movie.
ME: What about a picture book?
BOY: I like the ones by the author you thought was a boy and then we found out it was a girl. [Keiko Kasza]
ME: Which is your favorite of her books?
BOY: The one with the dog who leaves the girl to go the mountains to act like a wolf and then he sees wolves and gets scared and runs back home to the girl. [THE DOG WHO CRIED WOLF. My favorite KASZA is MY LUCKY DAY...hilarious!]
ME: Do you like reading with your family?
BOY: Yeah. It's really fun. I like spending time with my mom and my dad and my sisters. I want to get a brother.
ME: [ignoring brother comment] What are your favorite books we've read as a family?
BOY: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE and THE LITTLE PRINCE.
Friday, June 11, 2010
An interview with Oldest Daughter (almost 14)
This is the third in a four-part series in which I interview my kids about books. I estimate my kids read about twenty times as many books per year as the average kiddo. At least.
ME: What's the best book you've read recently?
OD: Wuthering Heights.
ME: What did you like about it?
OD: I liked how it was old-fashioned and the story was unique.
ME: What about a good contemporary book?
OD: I liked the CITY OF BONES series, because of the fantasy and romance. I love the HUNGER GAMES series.
ME: How much do you think you've spent on books this year?
OD: Not much, because I've been busy with school, and I've mostly been reading library books. About $20.00. [We've also bought her books.]
ME: How much do you think Amber [her friend] has spent?
OD: About $50.00.
ME: Do you and your friends talk about books and recommend them to each other?
OD: Yes.
ME: Describe what you like in characters.
OD: I like characters who seem authentic...I like them to be interesting and not perfect.
ME: Who is your favorite author ever?
OD: J.K. Rowling.
ME: Do any of your friends or anyone else you know read e-books?
OD: None of my friends. But Dad reads e-books. He's my friend. [Awwww.]
ME: What do you think of my cooking?
OD: It's wonderful.
ME: How old do you think I look?
OD: 30.
ME: You can do better than that.
OD: I think you can pass for 25.
ME: What's the best book you've read recently?
OD: Wuthering Heights.
ME: What did you like about it?
OD: I liked how it was old-fashioned and the story was unique.
ME: What about a good contemporary book?
OD: I liked the CITY OF BONES series, because of the fantasy and romance. I love the HUNGER GAMES series.
ME: How much do you think you've spent on books this year?
OD: Not much, because I've been busy with school, and I've mostly been reading library books. About $20.00. [We've also bought her books.]
ME: How much do you think Amber [her friend] has spent?
OD: About $50.00.
ME: Do you and your friends talk about books and recommend them to each other?
OD: Yes.
ME: Describe what you like in characters.
OD: I like characters who seem authentic...I like them to be interesting and not perfect.
ME: Who is your favorite author ever?
OD: J.K. Rowling.
ME: Do any of your friends or anyone else you know read e-books?
OD: None of my friends. But Dad reads e-books. He's my friend. [Awwww.]
ME: What do you think of my cooking?
OD: It's wonderful.
ME: How old do you think I look?
OD: 30.
ME: You can do better than that.
OD: I think you can pass for 25.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
An interview with Middle Daughter (almost 11)
This is the second in a four-part series in which I interview my kids about books. I estimate my kids read about twenty times as many books per year as the average kiddo. At least.
ME: What's the best book you've read recently?
MD: 11 BIRTHDAYS by Wendy Mass.
ME: What did you like so much about it?
MD: Everything in it seems so realistic, even though none of it could ever happen.* And I feel like I know all the characters, even though she [the author] didn't sit there explaining everything about them and going on and on about how they look.
ME: What do you want in books?
MD: Good plot. To feel like I know the characters. Also, I like it when the characters have crushes on each other.
ME: If you could go to Water World with a character from a book you've recently read, who would it be?
MD: Hattie from A CORNER OF THE UNIVERSE [by Ann M. Martin]
*This is Amazon's description of 11 BIRTHDAYS:
It's Amanda's 11th birthday and she is super excited -- after all, 11 is so different from 10. But from the start, everything goes wrong. The worst part of it all is that she and her best friend, Leo, with whom she's shared every birthday, are on the outs and this will be the first birthday they haven't shared together. When Amanda turns in for the night, glad to have her birthday behind her, she wakes up happy for a new day. Or is it? Her birthday seems to be repeating iself. What is going on?! And how can she fix it? Only time, friendship, and a little luck will tell. . .
ME: What's the best book you've read recently?
MD: 11 BIRTHDAYS by Wendy Mass.
ME: What did you like so much about it?
MD: Everything in it seems so realistic, even though none of it could ever happen.* And I feel like I know all the characters, even though she [the author] didn't sit there explaining everything about them and going on and on about how they look.
ME: What do you want in books?
MD: Good plot. To feel like I know the characters. Also, I like it when the characters have crushes on each other.
ME: If you could go to Water World with a character from a book you've recently read, who would it be?
MD: Hattie from A CORNER OF THE UNIVERSE [by Ann M. Martin]
*This is Amazon's description of 11 BIRTHDAYS:
It's Amanda's 11th birthday and she is super excited -- after all, 11 is so different from 10. But from the start, everything goes wrong. The worst part of it all is that she and her best friend, Leo, with whom she's shared every birthday, are on the outs and this will be the first birthday they haven't shared together. When Amanda turns in for the night, glad to have her birthday behind her, she wakes up happy for a new day. Or is it? Her birthday seems to be repeating iself. What is going on?! And how can she fix it? Only time, friendship, and a little luck will tell. . .
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
An interview with Youngest Daughter (age 9)
This is the first in a four-part series in which I interview my kids about books. I estimate my kids read about twenty times as many books per year as the average kiddo. At least.
ME: What makes you choose a particular book?
YD: If I read the back cover and the first couple pages and I like it. Or if I see someone reading it at school or the library or the book fair. And if I like the cover, I'll pick it up, because the publishers must put the best covers on the best books.
ME: What should writers do to make their books better?
YD: They should ask themselves, "Are the kids gonna read this and say, 'The character wouldn't do that?'" If Molly finds Bob dead in a ditch and then somebody comes right along and murders Molly...that wouldn't happen. And don't include things that don't need to be there. If Bob meets a girl and that's all that happens with the girl, then she doesn't need to be there. Also, details.
ME: What are some of the best books you've read recently?
YD: MARLEY AND ME [a younger version]
CONFETTI GIRL
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID series
ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS
ME: What makes you choose a particular book?
YD: If I read the back cover and the first couple pages and I like it. Or if I see someone reading it at school or the library or the book fair. And if I like the cover, I'll pick it up, because the publishers must put the best covers on the best books.
ME: What should writers do to make their books better?
YD: They should ask themselves, "Are the kids gonna read this and say, 'The character wouldn't do that?'" If Molly finds Bob dead in a ditch and then somebody comes right along and murders Molly...that wouldn't happen. And don't include things that don't need to be there. If Bob meets a girl and that's all that happens with the girl, then she doesn't need to be there. Also, details.
ME: What are some of the best books you've read recently?
YD: MARLEY AND ME [a younger version]
CONFETTI GIRL
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID series
ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS
Monday, June 7, 2010
What are you reading? Why are you reading it?
Me first. I've got three books going right now.
1. A really heavy religious book. I've always got one of these handy, for when I'm in the mood.
2. THE MAP OF TRUE PLACES. It was on the RAPID READ shelf at the library. Those books are usually pretty good, so I just grabbed it. I'm about 1/3 through and am still undecided on how much I'm digging it, but will continue reading.
3. THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN. JONATHON recommended this one. The first couple chapters I wasn't really loving, but now I am hooooked. I was reading it at about 3:30 AM this morning, because some poor screaming animal woke me up. Something was in labor or being killed. I didn't go check on it. Call me crazy.
1. A really heavy religious book. I've always got one of these handy, for when I'm in the mood.
2. THE MAP OF TRUE PLACES. It was on the RAPID READ shelf at the library. Those books are usually pretty good, so I just grabbed it. I'm about 1/3 through and am still undecided on how much I'm digging it, but will continue reading.
3. THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN. JONATHON recommended this one. The first couple chapters I wasn't really loving, but now I am hooooked. I was reading it at about 3:30 AM this morning, because some poor screaming animal woke me up. Something was in labor or being killed. I didn't go check on it. Call me crazy.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
GAZETTE column published Sunday, June 6th
Below is my latest GAZETTE column. The post before this one includes a list (developed by my followers) of great books for boys (girls, men and women will probably like them, too).
People regularly ask me for book recommendations for elementary and middle school-aged boys. I try to stay on top of the newest books for this group, but I was reluctant to read Jeff Kinney’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series. I knew there were cartoons in the books, and I thought they wouldn’t hold my attention. But when I did my research and discovered Kinney has more than 30 million of his “Wimpy” books in print, well, that earned my complete focus.
The first book in the “Wimpy” series is titled “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: A Novel in Cartoons.” I started reading the book at the end of a very long day. I was tired and beat, and before cracking the book, I would have bet Jeff Kinney’s royalties it would not even make me smile. And I would’ve been very wrong.
Eight pages into the book, I had tears streaming down my face. I was laughing so hard, members of my family were coming to check on me. Two of my kids (both girls, incidentally) had already read the book, and when they’d hear a particularly loud laugh from me, they’d ask, “What section are you on?” I’d give a one or two sentence description and they’d laugh, too, just from the memory of it.
The “Wimpy” books follow middle-schooler Greg Heffley. Greg does not live in a perfect world, but that’s what makes the books perfect. Greg’s older brother is a brute with a band (the band is called “Loded Diper,” and Greg is pretty sure his brother thinks that’s the correct spelling). Greg’s younger brother is spoiled with a capital “S” (Greg warns him about asking for too much for Christmas, but then the little tyke gets everything on his list, and Greg accidentally ends up with an ugly sweater intended for his family’s “Giving Tree guy”).
Fabulous, deceivingly simple-looking sketches accompany many of Greg’s diary entries. Some of the sketches will be fried into my brain for years to come.
There are four books in the series, with a fifth book due out later this year. I intend on reading and laughing my way through the entire series. Plus, I hope to see the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” movie.
More book ideas for boys are available on my blog. Please consider adding your picks to my blog list.
People regularly ask me for book recommendations for elementary and middle school-aged boys. I try to stay on top of the newest books for this group, but I was reluctant to read Jeff Kinney’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series. I knew there were cartoons in the books, and I thought they wouldn’t hold my attention. But when I did my research and discovered Kinney has more than 30 million of his “Wimpy” books in print, well, that earned my complete focus.
The first book in the “Wimpy” series is titled “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: A Novel in Cartoons.” I started reading the book at the end of a very long day. I was tired and beat, and before cracking the book, I would have bet Jeff Kinney’s royalties it would not even make me smile. And I would’ve been very wrong.
Eight pages into the book, I had tears streaming down my face. I was laughing so hard, members of my family were coming to check on me. Two of my kids (both girls, incidentally) had already read the book, and when they’d hear a particularly loud laugh from me, they’d ask, “What section are you on?” I’d give a one or two sentence description and they’d laugh, too, just from the memory of it.
The “Wimpy” books follow middle-schooler Greg Heffley. Greg does not live in a perfect world, but that’s what makes the books perfect. Greg’s older brother is a brute with a band (the band is called “Loded Diper,” and Greg is pretty sure his brother thinks that’s the correct spelling). Greg’s younger brother is spoiled with a capital “S” (Greg warns him about asking for too much for Christmas, but then the little tyke gets everything on his list, and Greg accidentally ends up with an ugly sweater intended for his family’s “Giving Tree guy”).
Fabulous, deceivingly simple-looking sketches accompany many of Greg’s diary entries. Some of the sketches will be fried into my brain for years to come.
There are four books in the series, with a fifth book due out later this year. I intend on reading and laughing my way through the entire series. Plus, I hope to see the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” movie.
More book ideas for boys are available on my blog. Please consider adding your picks to my blog list.
Friday, June 4, 2010
"Boy" books...let's create a list!
My GAZETTE column this week is featuring the WIMPY KID books. In the column, I mention that people can find a list of more "boy" books on my blog.
Will you please help me create a list of boy books in the comment section? (Of course, I know girls will enjoy the list, too). Any sub-genre, any year published.
Gracias!
P.S. Husband is reading a WIMPY KID this week and laughing his brains out. Good stuff, those books.
Will you please help me create a list of boy books in the comment section? (Of course, I know girls will enjoy the list, too). Any sub-genre, any year published.
Gracias!
P.S. Husband is reading a WIMPY KID this week and laughing his brains out. Good stuff, those books.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Reading for my MFA/Gazette Sneak Peek
The first in-residency component of my MFA is in a couple weeks. There's reading to be done for it, but you all know I love me some reading, so no complaints here. The book getting the most focus at the residency is AIN'T SHE SWEET, a romance by Susan Elizabeth Phillips published in 2004.
When I got the assignment, I thought, "Interesting choice." And guess what. It was interesting. I love the book. It has everything a good book should have, no matter the genre and year published...memorable characters, plot, voice, setting, etc. I think that may have been the point of choosing this particular book...a big Woo Hoo! to the folks running the MFA program.
I'll be recommending AIN'T SHE SWEET in an upcoming GAZETTE column. Incidentally, the column is published in Sunday's GAZETTE, which has a circulation of around 100,000. The blog address is at the bottom of the column, and I run into people all the time who say they've been to the blog and think my followers are great. (Something I already knew.)
When I got the assignment, I thought, "Interesting choice." And guess what. It was interesting. I love the book. It has everything a good book should have, no matter the genre and year published...memorable characters, plot, voice, setting, etc. I think that may have been the point of choosing this particular book...a big Woo Hoo! to the folks running the MFA program.
I'll be recommending AIN'T SHE SWEET in an upcoming GAZETTE column. Incidentally, the column is published in Sunday's GAZETTE, which has a circulation of around 100,000. The blog address is at the bottom of the column, and I run into people all the time who say they've been to the blog and think my followers are great. (Something I already knew.)
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Drowning in Sugar
Oldest Daughter is graduating from middle school, Middle Daughter is graduating from elementary, and Boy is graduating from preschool. I've been to so many "promotion" ceremonies, concerts, end-of-year parties and recitals in the last two weeks, I'm about drowning in sugar (there is a lot of junk food at these things). Oh, and Youngest Daughter got a HUGE role in the Seussical Musical thing, so I've got all that rhyming practice going for me.
The good news about having kids the ages of my kids is that I always have a reader at the ready. I can ask questions like, "Would you spend fourteen bucks on a story about (insert story idea here)," and they always answer honestly. Usually it's "Can it be YOUR fourteen bucks, instead?"
Anyway, Happy End of the School Year to all you parents and teachers!
The good news about having kids the ages of my kids is that I always have a reader at the ready. I can ask questions like, "Would you spend fourteen bucks on a story about (insert story idea here)," and they always answer honestly. Usually it's "Can it be YOUR fourteen bucks, instead?"
Anyway, Happy End of the School Year to all you parents and teachers!
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