Three (Writing Reads) and A Fool for Books Hop

I am on a reading reading blitz for the next three days. Need a new batch of book talks for my book club kiddos and the next meeting!

So, here are some quick links that caught my eye yesterday and this morning.

If Your Character's Missing a Shoe, Try Finding its Match

How to Start a Writing Group

7 Agenda Items for Your Writing Group’s First Meeting (this is from the same blog as the previous link). They both give you some good starting points if this is something you’ve been contemplating but not sure where to start. I’ve attended a couple of Write-Ins hosted by Julianne Harvey (thedreamtowrite.blogspot.com). and she has me thinking on how to combine that idea with a monthly group that does the write-ins, hosts workshops, has critique or brainstorming sessions....or....AND, even thinking this has On-Line possibilities, too? A group of about 8 like minded and writing writers and authors. Anyhow! Might be something you want to try too!

And a Fool For Books Hop. Thinking, between reading books, I’ll break and read blogs that are taking part in this. Looks fun, discover new blogs, possibly win a book or two even, share in the passion for reading and blogging about it!

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer: Fool For Books Giveaway Hop

Three (Writing) Reads and A Leave a Comment, help a library!

This is cool. And I like hands on “stuff” when I am developing an idea or thinking out a scene or some other aspect of my story. Also had me thinking that I could have my characters do their own collages...another way of stepping into their heads. And asking myself how would they do the collage? Magazines? Clip art? Fight tooth and nail on having to do it because they are not crafty and they insist they are allergic to scissors and glue? (huh, I think that sounds like Harvey snuck his way into this post!). Okay :) Here’s the link :

Literary Rambles: Tip Tuesday #82

This next writing read had me nodding my head and smiling and grimacing and just all around just getting where she was just coming from. Hah! And seriously, it is a good thing I do not have any brownies in the house, because I’d be eating one right about now.

Author Michelle McLean: How Being on a Diet is Like Writing a Book

Well now. How timely is this post from Heather? Pretty timely. I am going to be writing some puppet theatre scripts for my library. And-I was thinking-why not try out some original ideas, wonder what would happen storywise? Lo and behold...Heather posts about using puppets to get story ideas!

Frolicking through Cyberspace: Need a New Story Idea? Play with Puppets!


HELP A LIBRARY

What a cool idea this is. For every comment Jennifer will donate 50 cents to two different libraries. There’s more, you can take part too. Check it out and I will get going on this, too, just need to figure out some deets and my budget!

Jennifer R. Hubbard: Leave a comment, help a library

Three Writing Reads and Smack Dab in the Middle

This is a good one. In LIFE AS A TO-DO LIST my character, Cricket, is a mirror of opposites when you look at her at the beginning and then at the end. She’s wearing the same colors, looks the same...but is completely changed (or, in her case she is who she always was). Anyhow. The following is something I am going to use to check in on another WIP of mine. Look at “The End”. P.S. All of the tips in this video series are great, you should take a look see.


Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton - Writing Tip of the Day - Tales from the Rushmore Kid


I tell you, me, and punctuation...it’s not good, sometimes; Check out this fun sum up, but keep in mind the blogger does warn of instant death if you do read it. Yes. Yes. I am dead now. Just call me Deb of the Dead.

Frost Light: A Punctual Death


And just a good refresh on the whole process of this writing business!

QueryTracker.net: In Brief: The Path to Publication


As some of you know I recently joined the team ofFrom the Mixed Up Files of Middle Grade Authors. I’m happy to say there is a new blog that has a focus on Middle Grade! It’s called Smack Dab in the Middle (Smack Dab for short...I love, love, LOVE this--catchy, rememberable!) Here is the link and check out that list of authors. LOVE them too. Yes, I am full of the love today, lol!

Smack Dab in the Middle: Introducing Smack Dab in the Middle

Top 100 Books for Writers

Claire of Points of Claire-ification (I may have to marry that blog title, so great it is!) has a wonderful idea for compiling a list of top 100 books for writers. She is asking you to send the titles of ten books for writers that you think others should read. From that she is going to compile a list of the top 100. And better yet...you have an opportunity to win the top three (and if you have them on your shelf already, then I'd say pay it forward and share with your writing group, donate to your library or something like that.)

For me details :

Points of Claire-ification: Crazy idea and I need YOUR help!

Looking forward to seeing the list that results from everyones top tens!

What do you do when a NEW IDEA budges your WIP?

I am heading out to a Write-In hosted by Julianne Harvey who blogs @ The Dream to Write. She get's a spot for 12 writers, provides us food, munchies, coffee, tea (pop!), hook-ups for laptops. And from 9-4 we write. This time around we will be going for supper afterwards to talk writing and the writing life or whatever else comes up. It's a fabulous idea and this will be my second time going.

Speaking of ideas.

Last night.

Three characters walked into my imagination. I love them-it's almost overwhelming the push I feel to write about them.

Not really a problem. New wonderfilled ideas never are. Unless you have a book you are working on revising by the end of the month. There is the danger of, for me, losing steam for the old because the shiny new rolled into town.

So, I will give these three kids some writing time today-I mean , they may not carry an entire novel, I don't know, the push to discover their story is so great I have to at least scratch at the surface.

What do you do when new fab idea hits you in the middle of working on something else? Have you ever had one idea trump a wip and become the book that gets finished first?

I'm one of the new Mixed-Ups!

Someone pinch me. Actually, don't. This is a dream come true and don't particularly want to be pinched out of it. I have often wished I could blog alongside this particular group of bloggers because I love what they are doing _so much_. When they recently posted they were looking for new team members I wanted to apply, wasn't sure, got a nudge from a good friend and then I applied. And then...

And the New Mixed-Up Authors Are… | From the Mixed-Up Files...

Three Writing Reads and Two Winners!

POV is on my mind a lot lately. Again, because I’m switching a novel over to third and because I have another which I am going to do the same to. In both cases I was CONVINCED that first person was the way to tell the story. Jennifer’s article is timely. As I am making the switch, I am also revising scenes. And, I am learning things about my character I didn’t see before. With my other book, multiple POV is something I am considering because I realize that the ghost needs to be heard. She is more than an entity floating about the house reeking havoc. She has a story too.

Jennifer R. Hubbard: Alternatives to multiple POV


This next link is to a blog I love and don’t visit often enough. Anna asked questions about your character. Sometimes I know the answer right away. Other times I have to think about it a bit, but in doing so more is revealed-it’s like a mini character mind map. This particular one is for time management and I realized--I know how Cricket manages time (not well in her and her mother’s opinion) but what I need to know is how she plans to fix it (even though Cricket’s mom isn’t exactly right, but that’s a whole other story)

StoryBug: Time Management


Even before I am done a book, I will write out a synopsis it helps me work out bumps, smooth out scenes and generally keep a picture of the whole story in my head. This is a particularly good series on writing the synopsis and the back and forth between writing it and your book.

QueryTracker.net: In Short: Writing a Novel Synopsis That Rocks: by H.L.Dyer


And the first winner Just Deb: It's a BlogoVersary Carnival! is :

ShopGirl! A Blessing A Day


The book she requested is LIAR SOCIETY. I think she will LOVE it, everyone I’ve talked to has. Congrats!

And winner number two is :

Stacy of Squiggles Reviews.

She is getting a copy of UNEARTHLY!


I will be sending them an email to get their snail mails. Thanks so, so much to all those who entered!

There is still time to win Brigitta and the White Forest, btw :)

Just Deb: Book Giveaway and Interview-Danika Dinsmore

Crystal Kite Finalists

A shout out to some great writers who are finalists in the SCBWI's Cystal Kite Awards! And an extra loud YAHOO to the the five for the The Americas (Canada/Mexico/Central & South America).

	Author
Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth	Mary McKenna Siddals
Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood	Eileen Cook
Losing Faith	Denise Jaden
Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings	Helene Boudreau
Scars	Cheryl Rainfield
Stolen Child	Marsha Skrypuch
Up We Grow! A Year in the Life of a Small Local Farm	Deborah Hodge

Three Writing Reads & A Giveaway/sss!

I am currently changing the pov of my middle grade novel from first to third. When I wrote the first draft it was in first person. I was sure that is where it needed to stay because Cricket’s voice (chirp?lol) needed to shine through. It was not shining, though. It was at a dull roar-actually not even that. It was dull in spots, forced in others--imo. And Cricket is anything but dull and forced. Not even when she’s trying to be the opposite of who she is.

So, when I read the following article (and I will be reading all Ingrid’s others about POV) I realized that I did have a case of first person limiting the story in ways that buried Cricket’s personality. Odd, but true---and I swear on a stack of Cricket’s Lists for Self Improvement. (hmmm, possibly a new title for the book, what do you think? That kind of popped out of nowhere, have to love the creative process!)

Six Limitations of the First Person POV « Ingrid's Notes

As I’ve been re-working Cricket’s story (she just underwent a name change so I am using it as much as possible so that my muse listens and uses it too, so...Cricket, Cricket, Cricket) I’ve been reading SAVE THE CAT and other articles on writing screenplays. LIFE AS A TO-DO LIST (or now I am thinking Cricket’s Lists for...?) is not a screenplay, but I really like that story structure. As I was reading what Blake Snyder said I kept having these “whoa, that is how my brain works” moments. And there is the beauty of having done this for a few years now. I finally get that you can take and choose from different processes to craft a story. It really is a mix and match for me. So, for those of you mixing and matching and looking for other methods to write story (or the particular story you are working on, because even that can change from book to book, imo)---screenplays, movie structure is something worth looking at. Check out this post from R.L. LeFevers :

Save the Cat!® » Blog Archive » The Blake Snyder Beat Sheet: A Bridge to Story

Syd Field has a blog you might also like to check out. So, rather one writing read for you look at---it’s a whole bunch of them!

Screenwriting Blog: Screenwriter's Corner by Syd Field

NOTE to my local peeps. I have Syd Field’s The Screenwriter's Workbook if you’d like to have a look, borrow it. I also have his book called Writing the Screen Play. Hmmmm, but that one is on my Kindle. Now, you know I love ’n’ adore you guys, but I am not lending you my Kindle :P On the other hand? if you wanted to borrow it-----you know I would.

Giveaways---they are mine and all are International.

Just Deb: Book Giveaway and Interview-Danika Dinsmore

Just Deb: It's a BlogoVersary Carnival!

Oh (MG & YA) Canada

Just giving another shout out the Facebook presence Oh (MG & YA) Canada .

I am now contemplating actually have blog dedicated to this. Now, for sure this will happen next year 2012. But I wonder about making the change now. There are so many fabulous resources out there, librarians blogging, publishers, Canadian authors--so much. It seems this endeavour who be better served if there was a dedicated blog. Fired off an email to a couple of friends who are bloggers. And they are pretty darn good at. So...

Thinking.

thinking

thinking

so many different options to make this work.

Happy Saturday all!

YAY! Canada....Great Canadian Reads

Oh yeah, baby. This blog post totally made my morning. Yep, I love books and reading and focusing on Canada that much.

Oh, Canada! Great Canadian Reads, Fat Girl, Reading

Not only does she recommend some great titles-this is the first of what will be come a her YAY, CANADA series. The titles she shares in her first post are middle grade, upcoming posts will be young adult. She wants to focus on books she thinks will "circulate like crazy with American patrons." I think I am now a fan girl-she rocks! Go read this post.

It's a BlogoVersary Carnival!

Chick Loves Lit is celebrating her blogoversary and I am taking part! You can pick one of the following books. All you need to do is comment with which book you would like. This is open internationally until midnight MST! You know, I did not make it clear that the contest was only for a day---SO!--it seems only write that I extend it until next Tuesday, March 22, 2011 (midnight MST). AND-I will make two draws, so you have two chances to win a book. I will use random org to pick a winner and announce tomorrow morning.

1. Liar Society-Lisa and Laura Roeker (oh my gosh, laugh out loud, funny, great mystery, fun characters who I can still picture)
2. Education of Hailey Kendrick-Eileen Cook (what happens when a girl who does everything right, starts doing it wrong? She grows into who she _really_ is. You will fall in love with Hailey)
3. Losing Faith-Denise Jaden (dealing with your sisters death just isn't easy, but when the mystery surrounding it deepens and becomes dangerous it becomes an opportunity to find out who she really was-and you want to be)
4. Unearthly-Cynthia Hand (an angel, who has issues with her ability to fly-she can't, knows there is a boy she is destined to save, fast paced, great characters you care about)
5. Dogsled Dreams-Terry Lynn Johnson (a young girl with big dreams of being a dogsled racer, great outdoor adventure for middle grade and early teens)

And if you have time please do check out my Danika Dinsmore interview and Giveaway of Brigitta of the White Forest.

Happy checking out blogs and entering contests, everyone!

A Mega Giveaway of a Kindle and More

There are giveaways and there are giveaway and giveaways. Then, there are Giveaways and that is what Carolina has lined up for us. Some seriously good "swag". She is celebrating getting an agent, congrats again Carolina, you ROCK!

Carolina Valdez Miller: So, I Have Some News (and a Mega Giveaway of a Kindle and More)

Three Writing Reads and a Giveaway

This was in the email this morning-needless to say it caught my eye. A great read whether you are clogged (lol!) or not.

BICHOK: Draino for your Writing Clog « Let The Words Flow

Another post on keeping the pen moving-and these are things I’d do whether feeling stuck or not. I’m thinking they are great ways to sit and think, mull, work out bits of story.

YA Highway: Writing Exercises to Get Your Pen Moving

Good tips on voice in your writing project, and writing that great opening. (Plus, you might want to enter her show me the voice blogfest or follow along!)

Brenda Drake Writes . . . under the influence of coffee.: SHOW ME THE VOICE . . . Interview with judge, agent Natalie Fischer


I am hearing such good good things about this book. Here is a chance to win a copy.

YA Highway: Like Mandarin Debut Day Giveaway!

Three (Writing) Reads and a Tip

VOYA is a library magazine I read on a regular basis, great for collection development, ideas for programming and just plain old connecting with others in the business of bringing books and libraries to kids. The Feb issue has an article called Unlock the Mystery of Writing for Young People, A Conversation with Blue Balliet. Ms. Balliet is the author of Chasing Vermeer (great middle grade mystery). Click on the following link, look to the left and you will see the digital edition. Click on that and happy writing read!

VOYA

Okay, have not made my way through the next post, but I will. I am telling you, the internet is a learning treasure trove!

First Five Pages Workshop - March, Revision Round is Open


Writing related in that the writing community ROCKS!

Maureen Johnson Books » Blog Archive » SHELTERBOX IN JAPAN



Tip

I use Scrivener, but think this would work with any set up have.

One of the things I do when gearing up for that first draft is think of things I know will be in it description or character or theme wise (this really gets my imagination going).

I go to The Bookshelf Muse and gather up the appropriate posts (symbolism, setting for example) and put them in individual folders.

If I get stuck while writing (and currently while revising) I look at the lists, see what they spark, if needed I will write a really bad description using all the words Angela and Bethany have gathered-it keeps me moving along either getting that scene finished or getting to the end of the chapter or through the middle, whatever the case may be.

When revision time comes, I smooth things out-make room for the readers imagination to work in there, too.

Doing this helps me think, add layers to the story when I’m initially “dreaming it up”.

And that’s what this latest post of theirs is going to do for me!

The Bookshelf Muse: Symbolism Thesaurus Entry: Transformation & Change


Enjoy the weekend, everyone!

Three (Writing) Reads and 'The Funnies"

Do want to write a fairy-tale retelling? Are you working on one? Some great advice from Let The Words Flow. And, some book recommendations too!

QOTW: Fairy-tale Retellings « Let The Words Flow


Always (as you know:) love the writing round ups and the list is massive, lots for you to pick from. But, these week over there is extra, extra special. Check out the opening to the post, I’m still laughing and smiling! Don’t you kinda dream of that happening to you one day? In the meantime, though, it’s a blast watching someone else begin their journey to the bookshelves with a publishing deal! A HUGE congrats to Taherah Mafi and Jodi Reamer (her agent). Now that’s how to appear on the scene, lol!

Best Articles This Week for Writers 3/11/11


And ya know? This next one? Some wonderful tips.

YA Author Elana Johnson: Tips For Becoming A Better Writer

And now for...the funnies. Thanks, Michelle! My favourite is the sleeping catties, lol.


Author Michelle McLean: Friday Funnies


Happy Weekend everyone. Don’t you love it when you are up early early and the SUN is up too?

World Read Aloud Day Round-Up!

I am geared up and already planning for next year and what we can do in our own wee library, what the book club kids can do , too. Actually--what our entire community can do. I am thinking, EVENT. This is a crazy good cause and I'm so glad they do what they do.

World Read Aloud Day Round-Up!

Three (Writing) Reads and a Writer's Platform-Building Crusade

Read this one when it originally came out. Well worth reading again.

Kidlit.com · A Million Bad Words

On getting the voice in your novel to match the character in your head. I am switching a mg from first to third person and oddly enough, for me, the voice is coming through a whole lot better. In other words, voice isn’t just about telling a story in first person. AnyWHO, enough from me. Here is the link and there is a chance to win a first chapter crit from Natalie.

Literary Agent Natalie Fischer On Nailing Voice -- And a 1st Chapter Crit

Well, on the next link? LOVED it. And yep, I love the whole writing “game”. In other words, I’m owning my insanity. What about you? Check this out:

Operation Awesome: Owning My Insanity

What a great idea this. As time allows I am going to go through these have a look. I know my blogging platform, writing will be built around Oh MG YA Canada (which I will expand, of course, to become all things Canadian children’s and teen’s literature as I really get going) and being a librarian running a book club for children and teens. Clearly still working on that! Went off on a little think aloud. The trick, for me, is separating my writing self from the librarian self-blogging wise, I mean. I think it’s important for those coming to your blog to know exactly what they will get. Oops, did the think aloud again....! Here is the link!

Rach Writes...: Writers' Platform-Building Crusade

Winner of Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings

Is Amy! Congrats to her. Just waiting on her mail addy, then off the book goes.

Thanks again to everyone who read Helene's interview and commented.

Hope you find the time to check out the next interview for Oh (MG& YA) Canada with author Danika Dinsmore, I'm giving away a copy of her book Brigitta of the White Forest.

Three (Writing) Reads and a WHOLE BUNCHA Contests

This is one I read last night. It’s a good one for me because part of my writing life includes building an audience for my Oh (MG & YA) Canada (which I eventually want to spread into picture books and non-fiction, but have to start small-ish). Anywho! I did start a page-but-did exactly what Greg talks about. I didn’t have anything there for people to look at, see what it was all about, lol! Fortunately that dawned on me on the same day. Yeah. Build it and they will come!

The Facebook Page is the Rage


I practically nodded my head off while reading this next one. You _need_ to feed the muse.

Want to write? Don’t starve your brain. | The Parking Lot Confessional

And finally, this one is for authors. On making your own press kit, if you need to. I agree, it’s important!

Indie-Debut: Author Tip: Make a press kit.


And here’s the link that will lead you to a WHOLE BUNCHA Contests. Eight opportunities to have a query critiqued! Yeah. Eight. And all query crit opportunities are from well known agents.

Lisa and Laura Write: Announcing WriteOnCon 2011: August 16th - 18th

Book Giveaway and Interview-Danika Dinsmore

It’s my great pleasure to welcome Danika Dinsmore to the blog and to Oh (MG & YA) Canada! Danika is the author of Brigitta of the White Forest, a middle grade fantasy which launched last and is was just re-launched this year.

From Danika’s blog, The Accidental Novelist:

“I’ve always been a writer. Or what I should say is, I’ve always been writing. I think it’s not until one believes she is that she becomes a writer. That part took a while.

I started out as a poet, spent many years as a spoken-word artist, and began screenwriting in my late 20′s. I wrote while I earned my paycheck as a waitress, teacher, non-profit arts administrator, event manager/producer, and on-set tutor.

One year I wrote a screenplay that landed me an agent. It was my 6th feature script, a fantasy adventure for kids. Around that time, a screenwriter friend of mine adapted one of her original screenplays into a novel. The novel was published, which got the screenplay optioned. I thought this sounded pretty good. I asked if she would consider adapting my screenplay into a novel. She told me to take a year off and write it myself.

But I’m not a novelist, I said.

Neither was I, she responded.

I took a year off and birthed Brigitta of the White Forest. But it didn’t stop there… I discovered something about myself that I never thought possible. I could write a novel. And I liked writing novels.”

A little more about her book, which I will be giving away (details at the end of the interview).

Brigitta is a young Water Faerie from the village-nest of Tiragarrow. She’s anxious about going through The Change, as she doesn’t see how destiny markings on her wings should determine her life’s path.

A few days before the annual Festival of the Elements, Brigitta is flying an errand with her tag-a-long sister when a mysterious curse turns everyone in the White Forest to stone, except for the two of them. They have no idea why they were not cursed, but they do know if they don’t turn everyone back in time for the festival rituals, the Hourglass of Protection will run out and so will its protective field around the forest.

With no one in their forest left to help them, they must leave the protected realm to seek an exiled faerie they have only heard about in ancient tales.



The book trailer is still in production, but check out this FABULOUS teaser! Makes me want to read the book all over again. And I probably will.




Danika, thanks for taking the time to do this. The book we’re giving away is Brigitta of the White Forest. It is going to be the First Fan Edition. Can you tell us the difference between that and the one launching this month?

The First Fan Edition is a limited run of the book the publisher had printed up last year. They are all stamped, signed, and numbered. The number will actually get fans into a club that will give away secrets, previews, and special deals. There are very few copies left, but some still are available from the publisher.

The book being released this month is the wide release edition, the one that will be in bookstores and libraries. It’s been edited once more and there are 2 additional definitions in the lexicon. It’s also off-set printed as opposed to digitally printed. So, I suppose it’s more professional. lol.

The story is exactly the same, though. 

There are some debut authors taking part in our interview and book giveaways for Oh MG & YA Canada. Do you have any advice for them going into their first school or library visit?  What is one of your best school, library or book signing moments?

Actually, one of my favourite classroom moments (and this is really an extended “moment”) happened before the book was even published. I used a small focus group of students to test out the book before my editor looked at it. We met twice and they met with their teacher twice as well to discuss the story. It was due to their feedback that I added an extra chapter and changed a major sequence in the story. Having such extended discussion time with young readers was invaluable.

Regarding classroom visits, I think finding your “niche” is important and will not only give you direction and focus, it will help to brand and market yourself. For instance, fellow Indie Debuter Jo Ramsey’s book has girl who is bullied in the story, so she created a talk about bullying and uses that when she goes in for classroom visits. I designed an “Imaginary World Building” class because my book is fantasy adventure and I had to build an imaginary world from scratch. My class focuses on creating a World Book from which to launch infinite amounts of stories. I teach it to both kids and adults - it’s quite versatile. And fun, so much fun!

So, find something that is uniquely yours. What can you bring to the visit that other writers can’t?


In my book club I have some keen readers (of course!), but also some keen writers. They range in age from 8 to 13. When did you start writing and do you have any advice for them? Plus could you tell us (and them) about how many revisions your book has been through?

I wrote my first book when I was 7 years old. It was called “Brace Face.” It was a gripping tale about how a young girl overcame the brutal taunting of her elementary school classmates. I sold 4 copies door-to-door and spent the money on ice-cream. Since that time I have been a poet, a screenwriter, and now a novelist.

It’s hard to say how many revisions the book has been through because it was a screenplay first. The screenplay itself was probably rewritten 6 or 7 times. I always print a copy and hand edit, then edit into the computer, so that’s really 2 edits right there! After I adapted it as a novel, I edited it about 4 more times before I started approaching agents and publishers, 3 or 4 more times during that process, and 3 or 4 more times with a proper editor. And once more between the two editions. Anyone care to count all those up?

I have to add, too, that between the screenplay and the novel I also wrote my World Book - which detailed the history, flora, fauna, magic, character backstories, and definitions. This was for my own reference, so I new how my world worked. I’ve rewritten that several times as well and am still updating it as I work through the rest of the series.

That right there would pertain to my advice. If you love your story and characters, love them enough to make your story the very best it can be. Writing is editing. Preparation, prewriting, character developemnt, and world-building are really good habits to get into. The more you know about your world and characters going in, the smoother the story will be. So it’s about taking time to prepare and taking time edit. You’ll be amazed how your 1st draft can be transformed over time. 

Speaking of my book club kids. Anything you’d like to recommend they read or we get for our library? Something that is a recent read, or a book you loved when you were a kid?

Sad to say I’ve only recently discovered Laurie Halse Anderson and Patricia McKillip and I’m enjoying getting to know their work.

One of my favourite books growing up was The Phantom Tollbooth. I still get a kick out of it. Another one of my absolute favourite children’s books (but a more recent discovery) is The Miraculous Journey of Edward Toulane.


What is your favourite part of living where you do? Do you have another part of Canada that you love to visit or that you’ve always wanted to but haven’t yet?

Having so much variety - mountains, beach, city, country, forests. And I really enjoy the islands and the Sunshine Coast. Riding the ferry and riding the train are my two favourite ways of seeing this part of the country.


Anything I didn’t ask that you were hoping I would ask?

I’d just like to add that if anyone reads and enjoys the book, do let others know about it. And posting reviews on GoodReads and/or Amazon is really helpful. Know that authors really do appreciate the support, even if there was something you didn’t like about it, I’d certainly like to know. Feedback is so crucial.

To learn more about Danika you can check out the following links:


www.thewhiteforest.com
www.theaccidentalnovelist.blogspot.com

Thanks to those who have stopped by for a read!


In order to enter your name to win a copy of Brigitta of the White Forest all you need to do is comment (and as always feel free to recommend a favourite read, something that you think might be something like Brigitta’s story for us to try out in my book club.) 


Contest is open INTERNATIONALLY and until midnight MST, April 3.


Enjoy the rest of your day!

Shortlists for the 2011 CLA Book Awards Announced | Canadian Children's Book Centre

Congratulations to all of those who were short listed. I am looking forward to getting and reading the ones I haven't "got" and read!

Shortlists for the 2011 CLA Book Awards Announced | Canadian Children's Book Centre

Three (Writing) Reads and a ?

I have to begin by saying, March 5 already? Really? Huh.

I just picked up some index cards because I want to try this out. I find that when I’m working on a book I think it out best when “handling” it. Either doodling, writing-something away from the computer. So am thinking using something like this could really work well for me.

Kimberley’s Wanderings: 3x5 Card Plotting Method


Like the idea of stretching outside of your genre to, er, stretch your writing muscles for your work in progress<lol, I swear I am a writer, well, a re-writer who didn’t re-write the line she just wrote. On to the link! Yeesh.


Laurel's Leaves: Short stories: notes from the trenches


I have been reading SAVE THE CAT by Blake Snyder and what he says sync’s with my brain on a level that I kind of find exciting. Anyhow! This next link is not a read and learn writing link---it’s a drooly I wish I could go to this writing link. Having said that, there is a forum on this website that is well worth having a toodle around. Yeah, yeah, I said toodle....


Save the Cat!® » Blog Archive » Announcing Our First Novel-Writing Beat Sheet Workshop

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I’ve decided to change the giveaway link to....something. The book I’m reading? A writing prompt? Fun, random vid? Pictures of the books I’ve bought from work even when I swear I am going to work a shift and NOT BUY ANYTHING? My version of in your mailbox. The new stationary supplies (the other addiction) I get? Hi, My Name is Deb and I love office supply stores almost as much as bookstores and libraries.

Three (Writing) Reads and a Giveaway

Many of you already stop by, I think. But if you don’t, you should! Great round up of links to help pump up your writing, learning more about your craft.

Seeing Creative: Cool Links Friday

Well, it’s a short reading morning for me, so I am going to come back and read my own post and follow the links. That’s kind of weird, I guess. But then. I’m kind of weird. So, here is one of my read laters :

Best Articles This Week for Writers 3/4/11

Great post from Elana Johnson on social networking, which could become part of your writing life (and maybe already is!)

YA Author Elana Johnson: My Social Networking Rules

And, right at the top of Elana’s blog? There is a give away of the LIAR’S SOCIETY by Lisa and Laura Roecker. Go, go now!

Facebook-Oh MG YA Canada

I'm working on crafting a facebook page for this so I can feature the authors I'm interviewing, the books I'm giving away and Canadian middle grade and young adult writers, in general.

Oh (MG & YA) Canada

Thinking, eventually, a blog/website dedicated to this be the way to go. First, though, must REMEMBER, baby steps. Want to do this right.

Three (writing) Reads and a Contest

March already. Really? And look! It is -34 outside (without the wind chill) Can I just say, YIKES!

On to my morning reads and a contest I entered that I thought you might like, too.


Gotta love conflict not just with your writing but IN your writing.

Wordplay: Helping Writers Become Authors: 5 Ways to Keep Readers Riveted With Conflict

Oh, this was a good one, with a great link inside (and another blog on writing to check out!)

Book Dreaming: Sizzle Those Sentences

This is a really good tip and one I use too.

Tip Tuesday #78 | Literary Rambles

A must enter, but if you can’t wait go out and buy the book (or e-book if you really really can’t wait). This way, if you win you have an extra copy to share with someone or donate to a school or public library!

WriteOnCon.com – Win THE LIAR SOCIETY Prizes!