New Years Resolutions- Sidewalk Style

Will you be making a New Year’s resolution this year? Well help is on the way, here are some great links for the most common New Years Resolutions:

• Looking for a new job?  Scholastic has some great interview tips or take advantage of the information on the websites such as Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com .

• Want to lose weight? HungryGirl.com offers daily tips, cook books and recipes to help you still enjoy your food but with fewer calories. Here is a recipe to make a lower calorie version of Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows.

• Spending more time with your family? FamilyTime.com has great tips for family activities as well as crafts and recipes.

Unfortunately the greatest websites in the world can’t help you if you don’t have the willpower to stay with your plan. According to a New York Times article, four out of five people who make New Year’s resolutions will eventually break them. In fact, a third won’t even make it to the end of January. Click here to see their tips for more successful New Year’s Resolutions.

Another great option is to do it “Sidewalk Style” and put it off until later. Relax a little through the holidays and then start maybe in February when the pressure isn’t so high. Rather than spending that time worrying, eat that left over candy cane, grab a good book or watch a cheesy movie on T.V.

Sometimes procrastination can be a good thing.

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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A Glimpse Into the Past-Best Children’s Books of 2009

It’s that time of year again, that reflective time between Christmas and the New Year when the media makes lists for us to review, lots of lists.  Whether it’s a newspaper, magazine, T.V. or the internet we are inundated with the top ten (name item here) of 2009 and this year we also have the top items of the decade as well.

So who am I to buck the trend? Here is a list of “Best Books of 2009: Children’s Books” according to “January Magazine”. This online magazine specializes in all things books and book related. It is a great site to check out if you are trying to find a reason to procrastinate, or even if you are not.

So here they are, the best children’s books of  2009:

• Alphabeasties by Sharon Werner and Sarah Forss (Blue Apple) 48 pages
  

• A Small Surprise by Louise Yates (Knopf) 40 pages

• The Choir Boats by Daniel A. Rabuzzi (ChiZine Publications) 406 pages

• The Devil’s Paintbox by Victoria McKernan (Alfred A. Knopf)

• Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld (Chronicle Books)

• The Genius Wars by Catherine Jinks

• Guinevere’s Gamble by Nancy McKenzie (Alfred A. Knopf)

• Me and You by Geneviéve Coté (Kids Can Press)

• Me, Myself and Ike by K.L. Denman (Orca Books) 194 pages

• Smudge’s Mark by Claudia Osmond (Simply Read Books)

• Time of Trial: Volume 4, The Laws of Magic by Michael Pryor

• This Little Bunny Can Bake by Janet Stein (Schwartz & Wade) 40 pages

• The Tree That Time Built selected by Mary Ann Hoberman and Linda Winston (Source Jabberwocky) 309 pages

• Willow by Julia Hoban (Dial) 329 pages

For a full review and description of each book, please check out the site.

Happy Reading,

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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A Glimpse Into the Future

My husband comes from a large family with a whole set of holiday traditions. Some of these traditions are typical of all families and some are slightly unique. For example; each Easter my Mother-in- Law makes dozens of cascarones (confetti eggs) that the children hunt and then crack on the adults heads. It’s great fun and a mad house and I must confess that no matter how hard I bathe, I still find bits of confetti for days.

Another tradition is a visit from Santa Claus. My Brother-in-Law carries the suit in his trunk and then when things are pretty busy he grabs an unsuspecting member of the family to play Santa. This year was no different, there we were in the middle of a rousing game of Buzz Word when there was a hearty “Ho, Ho, Ho” at the door. I stood back to admire Santa out of the fray…

Red hat…Check

Fluffy Beard…Check

Red Suit with suitably stuffed tummy…Check

Skinny jeans and High Top Converse… What?

Yes, there he was in all of his glory, my oldest son playing Santa Claus. At 6ft tall and skinny as a rail, he was the least likely person I would have expected my Bother-in-Law to pick.

Now I must confess that I felt a little proud standing there watching my son patiently listen to the little one on his lap as he handed her some candy. As the mother of two teenage boys I cherish the moments when they give me just a glimpse of the men they might become, but sometimes it is difficult to see that future past the hair and the growing independence. There are days when you’re in the middle of the fray that  you just don’t know if your doing anything right. I am thankful for my little glimpse into the future and will hold it in my “Mother’s Heart” .

Who knows maybe the writer in me  just might find a way to put this episode in a story.

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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Santacize Yourself

And become a groovy dancer with a click of your mouse!

I was sent this clip of my niece’s beloved “Jaggy” dressed up and dancing.

Jaggy Dance

Jaggy is a bit like Hobbs of Calvin and Hobbs. Except she eats capybarras and when she is angry she says, “peanut butter sandwiches!”

Go on, make your own. Tis the season to giggle while procrastinating.

Sarah Wones Tomp

WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK

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Last Minute Gift for Story Lovers!

Have you been so busy procrastinating you’ve forgotten to do your Christmas shopping? Not sure what book to get for your favorite (grown up) reader?

Order a subsrciption to ONE STORY. Now!

My sister-in-law who is lovely and smart and generous gave me a subscription a few months ago. Every three weeks a short story arrives in the mail. The packaging is simple and comforting. It easily fits in my purse – perfect for reading emergencies. And each story is different and magical in its own way.

Check out ONE STORY online. I love it even more after reading their mission statement:

“One Story is a non-profit literary magazine that features one great short story mailed to subscribers every three weeks. Our mission is to save the short story by publishing in a friendly format that allows readers to experience each story as a stand-alone work of art and a simple form of entertainment. One Story is designed to fit into your purse or pocket, and into your life.”

My favorite is the WHY…

“We believe that short stories are best read alone. They should not be sandwiched in between a review and an exposé on liposuction, or placed after another work of fiction that is so sad or funny or long that the reader is worn out by the time they turn to it.”

Your shopping woes are over!

Fa la la la la, la la la!

Sarah Wones Tomp

WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK

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Teaching an Old Book New Tricks

I recently came across some old books that our local library was going to throw away. The insides had been damaged by water but the covers were still in excellent condition. Maybe it’s the author in me, but I hated to see those books laying in the trash so I grabbed them and took them home. Yes, you may call me a trash picker (I prefer the term “garbologist”), but the reality was I was now the possessor of four slightly worn books with water damage. I then set out on a quest to find something to do with my books. After searching a few crafty websites I decided to make a purse.

Here is the result:

I was pretty happy with my project and had originally planned to make them as Christmas gifts for some of my author friends, but life got in the way and I simply ran out of time. I may have to save them for special occasions, after all I still have three more books.

Here is a link for artist Brian Dettmer who carves into books revealing the artwork inside, creating complex layered three-dimensional sculptures. Like this:

His work is truly stunning and I am sure that I don’t have the talent or the time to take on a project like this, I think I’ll just stick with the purses.

Happy Holidays,

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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Writing 101- Kidlit.com

During a recent bout of procrastination I ran across a great site: Kidlit.com. This site is perfect for writers, readers and fans of children’s literature written by Mary Kole, associate agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Chock full of helpful information Kidlit.com gives real world instruction for such issues as; dialog, plotting, great endings, ways to make your story sizzle and much more. The entries are directed to writers who need just a little more information to make their manuscripts shine.

Whether you are a new writer or have been writing for years and need a little refresher, Kidlit.com is a site worth checking out.

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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Now Coming to a Bookshelf Near You

I love movie trailers. As a busy Mom, I don’t get to the movies very often so I look forward to watching movie trailers to help me decide which upcoming movies look interesting or not so interesting. While I don’t base my whole decision on the trailer (I use newspaper or internet reviews for that), it does make me aware of movies I might not have otherwise considered.

At a previous SCBWI San Diego chapter meeting one of the topics discussed was book trailers. The goal for book trailers is the same as a movie trailer: to make people aware of the books out there and urge them to buy it.

Here is a fabulous example of a great book trailer for the book:

“Found” by Margaret Peterson Haddix:

Here is another example of a humorous book trailer for the picture book:

“1000 Times No” by  Tom Warburton

I know there are thousands of great book trailers out there feel free to share your favorite.

Hmm…maybe I should consider doing a book trailer for my upcoming picture book. I’ll let you know what I decide.

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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Gift Giving- Sidewalk Style

The other day my blogging buddy Sarah and I had a chance to do some Christmas shopping. So where does a “Writer Mama” look for gifts? The answer is: the Scholastic Book warehouse sale. Crammed with thousands of books at great prices this is a great place to purchase a book for just about every child on your shopping list. But in this world of video games and internet how can you make the gift of a book just a little more interesting?

Help comes from motherreader.com‘s list: “105 Ways to Give a Book.”

The list includes such great ideas as:

• #3  Give a book with a movie theater gift card to see the upcoming film.
• #5  Match poetry books with poetry beads or magnetic poetry.
• #14  Pair Princess Hyacinth (The Surprising Tale of the Girl Who Floated) with a kite.

and my personal favorite:

• #20  Who can resist that match-up of Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek with Lincoln Logs?

The list is broken down into categories; Multi-age, Preschool, Early Elementary, Elementary, Teen and Adult, so it is easy to find a creative way to give a book that will be enjoyed long after the tinsel and lights have been put away.

Happy shopping.

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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A.W.A.D. Writing Techniques

Improve your vocabulary! Read an inspiring quote with your morning coffee! Start the day all literary like! Sign up for  A.Word.A.Day – which  is exactly what its name implies. Once you sign up you receive a new word each day… complete with definition, example of use, and a general thought for the day.

This week the words were “words about words” – and included some techniques worth exploring as a writer. Most of these are things I’ve tried but never knew there was a name for them! The bold are quotes from A.Word.A.Day.

• RHOPALIC: adjective: Having each successive word longer by a letter or syllable. This was a new one for me – but sounds like it could be a fun exercise and brain tickler.
• PERIPHRASTIC: adjective, also used as a noun:
  1. Using a roundabout form of expression; wordy.
  2. Formed by the use of two or more words instead of inflection.
  Examples:
  “daughter of John” (compared with “John’s daughter)
  “It did happen” (compared with “It happened”).
  “more stupid” (compared with “stupider”)
  This seems like something to avoid in writing – unless done intentionally for specific effect.
• EPANORTHOSIS: noun: The immediate rephrasing of something said in order to correct it or to make it stronger. Usually indicated by: no, nay, rather, I mean, etc. Example: I’ve warned you a thousand, no, a million times.
• MONEPIC: adjective: Composed of a single word or single-word sentences. This is one of my favorites. But use sparingly!
• PLOCE: noun: The repetition of a word or phrase for rhetorical emphasis or for extended meaning.
  Examples: “Why wilt thou sleep the sleep of death?” (William Blake)
  “Make war upon themselves – brother to brother / Blood to blood, self against self.” (Shakespeare)

Check out the website! The anagram service is way cool!

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