The End of the Book???

Say it ain't so! I know they have been saying for years, now that the internet and electronics have taken over our lives. The LA Times have a interesting article about this. Check it out:

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-engelhardt21-2008dec21,0,1701730.story

I have been asked: You read so much, wouldn't you love to have the Kindle (a hand held electronic book that holds hundreds of titles)? But no one can replace the good ole paperback for me (Although I won't be surprised if I find the Kindle in my stocking this year, god love my husband). I have faith the traditional publishing market will stay afloat. Hopefully this is not just wishful thinking...

Turning a corner...

I feel like I'm turning the corner... I've never written anything before because I HAD to. And I don't mean I HAD to as in required to in English class. God knows I've had plenty of writing assignments. But I HAD to as in, something deep inside is telling me, this story needs to be told. This is why you are a writer. The story I am beginning I HAVE to tell. It is the most exhilarating feeling. I think is a key. The key to good writing. I will find the heartbeat.

Shel Silverstein's Birthday

Today we celebrate Shel Silverstein! He introduced poetry to children everywhere. Below is a favorite of mine that he wrote:

Invitation

If you are a dreamer, come in,
If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,
a hoper, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer...

If you are a pretender,
Come sit by my fire
For we have some flax golden tales to spin.

Come in!
Come in!

Letting go of the perfect story...

I learned an important lesson today (and I'm sure if I think hard enough I'll find it's a life lesson too). I learned when rewriting I have to forget the perfect story I had in my mind before I wrote word one. You know... That explosion of excitement when you come up with a great idea and amazing characters and before you know it you're making millions like J.K. Rowling and signing book after book in great halls filled with readers who know your world better than you do? You know that perfect novel? I'm not dismissing this part of the process. Without it I don't think I'd write at all. It gets you motivated. Excited. But in rewriting I have found it can be detrimental.

I must remember to forget the perfect novel I had in my mind and deal with the story that is in front of me. Only then can I move forward. And I've realized this week that when I let go fully of my fantasy story and I see the actual story I wrote, my rewrite comes alive (and I even enjoy it!).

Sam, Feels Better now!

I thought I would "toot the horn" of a fellow author of mine. Jill Osborne just published a interactive story. We are part of the same critique group and I am proud to say she is now published! Below is her summary of the story:

Sam Feels Better Now!
Sam Feels Better Now!: An Interactive Story for Children incorporates elements of trauma therapy, as well as play and expressive therapies to assist children in working through crisis situations, traumatic events, and grief by helping the character, Sam learn ways to cope after his own difficult situation.

I truly feel this book will help the kids who need it. Thank you Jill! Great job!

Fellini

If we'd all be more quiet, I think we might understand something."
-Fellini

Advice I take to heart.

Twilight

I just finished reading Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. It's safe to say the I now have a new book obsession. The way I was hooked reminded me of when I started reading the Harry Potter books. Any free minute I had I would steal away and read Twilight. You immediately love Bella and identify with her (at least the girls will) and you love (in quite a different way) Edward Cullen. The story is simple. Bella is a human. Edward is a Vampire. They are in love. You can imagine all that can ensue. Meyer's portrayal of vampires is amazing and complete. She manages to portray them in a way that seems familiar yet uttery original. If you haven't picked this up, now is the time! It will fill the hole left in you when the Harry Potter saga ended. It is a four book series and I am out the door to buy book two. Thank you Stephenie!