When my boys were younger we read the book “Goodnight Moon” at least a million times. To this day I can still recite parts of the book by heart. So when I spotted the parody “Goodnight Goon” by Michael Rex I had to check it out.
Here are my thoughts:
Rex does a great job capturing the spirit of Margaret Wise Brown’s classic.
The illustrations are fun and colorful.
While I don’t expect this book to replace the original “Goodnight Moon” this well done parody is clever fun that fans of the original will appreciate.
Michael Rex has also parodied ”The Runaway Bunny” another classic Margaret Wise Brown book. I did not get a chance to review this book but if it is as clever as “Goodnight Goon” I am sure fans will not be disappointed.
To stay with the Halloween theme this week, I also decided to share my book thoughts on the book “Beastly” by Alex Flinn
Here is the description from the jacket flap:
I AM A BEAST
A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright—a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.
You think I’m talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It’s no deformity, no disease. And I’ll stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell.
Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I’ll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly.
Here are my book thoughts:
I love fairy tale revisions and the author gives us a pretty true telling of a modern version of the Beauty and the Beast story.
This was a fun quick read, with a sweet romance and interesting characters.
I liked the slight twist at the end that had me thinking about the story and rereading several portions again.
The movie version of this story is scheduled to be released in March 2011. Here is the trailer for the movie:
If you are looking for some fun reading while waiting for the trick or treaters I suggest you check out the books by Michael Rex and for the older ones “Beastly” by Alex Flinn.
This Halloween week for a special treat we have two “Author Spotlights.” Our second spotlight is on author and fellow San Diego SCBWI member Barrie Summy, whose book “I So Don’t Do Spooky” is being released this week. I had a chance to hear Barrie share her path to publication at our December meeting last year and she shares a little of that path with us today.
Here is a brief bio:
Barrie Summy was born in Toronto, Canada where she grew up on a steady diet of tobogganing and books. Now, she lives in San Diego with her husband, their four children, a dog, and two chameleons.
What was your road to publication?
My original goal was to publish a Nancy Drew mystery. I was really hooked on Nancy Drew when I was a kid and had vowed to my sister that I would write one when I grew up. Which I did. Which was duly rejected.
After wallowing for a little while, I decided to ditch Nancy (it still pains me to say this!) and invent my own detective. And, thus, Sherry (short for Sherlock) Holmes Baldwin was born.
While I was working on I SO DON’ T DO MYSTERIES, I attended a “Writing the Breakout Novel” workshop by Donald Maass. In a quivering, quaking voice, I pitched my story to him as he signed a copy of his book. He suggested I send him the manuscript when it was done. I did. He passed it on to Rachel Vater, who is now my agent. I did a rewrite with Rachel before she sent the manuscript out. After about a month, it was bought by Wendy Loggia of Delacorte Press/Random House Children’s.
Skipping over all the gnashing of teeth and angst and sleepless nights, that, in a nutshell, is how it happened.
Can you tell me a bit about your writing process? Do you plot or not?
I plot. Heavily. Which isn’t to say I don’t wander from the plot, but I do like my outline! Maybe if I weren’t writing mysteries, I’d plot less. But I’m afraid I’ll forget about a clue or a red herring or even a suspect if I don’t have an outline.
Are you working on any new projects that you can tell us about?
I just handed in the galleys for Sherry’s fourth case, I SO DON’T’ DO FAMOUS. It’ll be out May 2011. And I’m working on a new idea with a slightly older protagonist. There’s humor. There’s paranormal. And there’s a mystery.
Describe your studio or usual work space for us.
Ha! I wish I had a studio. I usually work in a big chair in the living, with Dorothy the dog at my side. Or at the kitchen table with Dorothy at my feet. I also write a fair amount in my car while waiting for children at piano or swim or water polo or singing. When I’m really behind schedule, I rent a hotel room for the weekend. And that’s probably the closest to a studio I get!
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Librarian
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I was engaged three times, but only made it to the altar once.
How do you juggle being a writer and a mom?
Poorly! I always feel like I have way too much going on. I think what saves me, somewhat, is that I’m a night owl, and I don’t need a ton of sleep.
Was it difficult coming up with a follow-up for your first book?
No, but that’s only because it was a series. If not, it probably would’ve been tough!
We here at Writing on the Sidewalk tend to procrastinate with our writing. Where do you fit in—Procrastinator or Proactive?
I procrastinate to the point that it’s so uncomfortable I can’t take it anymore. Then, I’m proactive!
To find out more about Barrie and her books including her newest release, be sure to checkout her site at www.barriesummy.com.
For Halloween I found this recipe on the No Empty Chairs Blog I was immediately entranced by these cool little guys. Be sure to check out Kelly’s site for more pictures and great recipes. These look like a great reason to procrastinate from writing for a little while.
2/3 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
2 ½ cups flour
½ cup cocoa
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1-2 pkg white chocolate chips
1-2 Tbs shortening per package of chips (not butter)
Mini chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Beat butter, sugar and vanilla until creamy. Beat in eggs. Stir together dry ingredients; gradually add to butter mixture. Beat until blended. Refrigerate 20 minutes for easier handling, if desired.
To form mummy bodies: Roll dough into 2-3” long carrot shape. Roll a small ball for a head. Press together on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 8-9 minutes. Cool completely.
Microwave white chocolate chips and shortening until smooth. Coat tops of mummy cookies by placing one cookie at a time on a table knife. Hold knife over the bowl of melted white chocolate and spoon mixture over cookie. Gently tap knife to remove excess chocolate. Place on waxed paper. Place 2 mini chocolate chips on for eyes. As coating begins to set on cookies, use a toothpick to score lines into the coating to resemble mummy wrappings. Let harden completely before storing.
I’d like to use this “Author Spotlight” to introduce you to a fellow first time author Catherine Osornio. Catherine and I met at a recent education event in the Orange County area and I think you will enjoy meeting her.
Here is Catherine’s bio:
An avid reader since the age of five, Catherine Osornio never considered writing as a potential career until several years ago. While helping a friend develop her writing skills, Catherine was bit by the writing bug and hasn’t stopped since. Her work includes over 90 short stories for a private school’s early reader program, fiction and nonfiction stories and articles for Clubhouse Jr. Magazine, and numerous inspirational articles for a women’s newsletter. “The Declaration of Independence from A to Z” is her first published book.
What was your road to publication?
Although I had several articles and stories published in newsletters, magazines, etc. since beginning my writing career in 2003, I had only a pile of rejection letters to show for my manuscript submissions for picture books and middle grade readers. Back in 2007, my writers’ group decided to hold a “Book in a Month Challenge” where we had to write a book in a month. I took on the challenge, picked alphabet books for my genre, and then researched to find a publisher who was currently accepting unsolicited manuscripts.
After finding Pelican Publishing Company, I noticed they carried holiday alphabet books, but none on the Fourth of July. I studied the format Pelican used for their other alphabet books, followed that format to create my own manuscript about the holiday, and then sent that in. Several weeks later, I received an email stating they liked the manuscript, but wanted an emphasis on the Declaration itself. I took 3 months to research the topic, rewrote my manuscript, and then sent that one in. I heard back from Pelican about 7 weeks later saying they liked the manuscript and were sending me a contract. The book, The Declaration of Independence from A to Z, came out in January 2010.
Can you tell me a bit about your writing process? Do you plot or not?
It really depends on the project. Mostly I come up with an idea, do any research (if needed), and then start to write. If it’s a big project, like writing up a book proposal, I will create a rough outline. But mostly I let the story or idea develop in my mind.
Are you working on any new projects that you can tell us about?
I’m working on a middle grade mystery series and a YA novel that I hope to find a home for. I have a friend who is co-authoring these projects with me, so the process takes a little longer than normal since input is needed for rewrites, etc.
Describe your studio or usual work space for us.
My official work space is a desk in the corner of my living room. At this time it’s a bit messy since my kids like to use it as well for homework and computer games. I do have a laptop I use often, especially when the kids are using my main computer. I like the flexibility of the laptop, where I can go just about anywhere to write, but I still need my main computer for certain functions my laptop can’t handle.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I like to draw cartoons. I sometimes joke about making my own political cartoons since my kids are always telling me “Mom, you could do better than that!” when we read some of the online ones together.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I have a bachelors of arts in cinema where my emphasis was on cinematography.
How do you juggle being a writer and a mom?
I used to homeschool, so I know how valuable any writing time needs to be. Now that my kids are in school, I use the time they are away to write. Sometimes things overlaps a bit, particularly if I have a very close deadline, but I try to keep my writing time separate as much as possible.
How would you describe your experience as a first time author?
Fun. Exciting. Unbelievable. Scary. It’s hard not knowing what to expect, especially at signings. Will anyone show up? Thankfully they have.
We here at Writing on the Sidewalk tend to procrastinate with our writing, where do you fit in Procrastinator or Proactive?
I probably lean more toward Proactive than Procrastinator, although lately that has depended on how tired I’ve been taking care of my family. I do much better if I have a deadline because I always shoot for getting assignments finished at least a week ahead. That sense of urgency helps me to organize my time more productively.
Looming above Zach Ramsey’s hometown of Blaine are the smokestacks of the truck-assembly plant, the greasy lifeblood of this Detroit suburb. Surrounded by drunks, broken marriages, and factory rats living in fear of the pink slip, Zach is getting the hell out of town after graduation. But first, he’s going to enjoy the summer before senior year.
Getting smashed with his best friend Tank and falling in love for the first time, Zach’s having a blast until he uncovers dark secrets that shake his faith in everyone–including Tank, a wrestler whose violent mood swings betray a shocking habit.
As he gets pulled deeper into an ugly scandal, Zach is faced with the toughest decision of his life–one that will prove just what kind of adult he’s destined to be.
Beyond the blurb, I really liked what Ryan Potter had to say in the interview. Among other things:
As a writer, I think you run into trouble if you start sounding preachy about the dangers of such “edgy” behavior. On the other hand, it’s real behavior. Many teens smoke. Many teens drink. Some kids experiment and decide they’ll live without that stuff. Others end up with lifelong habits. These are facts of life. In that sense, I decided nicotine, alcohol, and steroid use were important topics I wanted to explore in this book.
Teens are smart readers. What they don’t want is a health lesson disguised as a novel. For example, in my book, bad things happen whenever the main character decides to drink, but I never come right out and say that.
It’s the story that counts, so I say, make your characters as edgy as you want, but be honest about it. In other words, stay away from the moral bully pulpit. You can teach a lesson, but don’t be too blunt about it. It’s a fine line. You learn how to handle it effectively through practice and feedback.
Personally, I like edgy. But with a point.
One of my pet peeves is when any kind of substance abuse is thrown into a story solely as a detail – without any particular thought or care for the weight it carries. The fact is, drinking (as well as drug use) is illegal and risky. It changes people and situations. I’m not naive enough to think teens don’t engage in these and other risky behaviors but we’re talking about literature. Be purposeful in your details. It’s all about the story.
In honor of Teen Read Week I have been thinking about the books I read as a teen. I read a lot – as I always have – but here are some of the books that still stand out in my mind. The ones that I distinctly remember reading and, for most of them, rereading. For most of these books, they also represent the author – once I liked a book I tried to read everything by that same author.
I was especially drawn to books where people behaved badly – I was fascinated with the reasons and motivations for their behavior. At that time I wanted to be a psychologist – so I could find out the whys. Kind of like writing…
Check it out here! This week is TEEN READ WEEK – sponsored by YALSA (The Young Adult Library Services Association).
Personally, I am also ready for someone to sponsor a READ TEEN WEEK. Especially if it happened to come with a personalized manual…
But! I am truly grateful that there are people who are passionate about providing literature and library services to teens.
Being a teen is such a confusing time of self-discovery. A time when you are pressured and pulled at to be a certain way. Parents, teachers, friends all think they know you and know how you “should” be/think/act.
Choices – so many choices to make…
Books provide opportunities to explore new situations and viewpoints. To gain a better understanding of what choices might need to be made some day. Different stories allow you to imagine how someone else might be feeling – to get what the world looks like through someone else’s eyes. Stories promote empathy and compassion – pretty good skills to have with you when you step out into the world.
I am thrilled to announce that my picture book “Grandma’s Pear Tree” has won a Gold medal for the Picture Book 4-8 division!
Here’s a little description of the award:
Presented by Jenkins Group and Independent Publisher Online, the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards are designed to bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators, and to support childhood literacy and life-long reading. Awards are given in 36 categories covering the full range of subjects, styles and age groups that children’s books are written and published in today.
Here is the link for all of the award winners, if you would like to check them out.
I am so excited I just wanted to pass on the good news.
Author/Illustrator Bob Staake was the guest at our local San Diego SCBWI meeting. Since I was out of town, I asked fellow author and “Writer Mama” Denise Harbison to do a guest post. Denise is the author of “Solving the Violin Mystery” (Highlights Magazine) and just recently graduated from the MFA program at Hamline University.
If you want to be a picture book writer, it only makes sense get to know an illustrator or two.
After all, they do half the work, right?
Here’s your guy: Bob Staake. Speaking to both writers and illustrators at the San Diego chapter of SCBWI, he managed to dish out good advice to all.
He demonstrated how his work changed during the development phase, while working with the publisher. Conceptions, such as “white covers don’t sell,” affect the final outcome, which in one case meant agreeing on a book cover that wasn’t his first choice. But he advises to “trust your gut.” He had noeditorial input on his book THE RED LEMON before it was complete, allowing him to fully realize his vision without the interruption of judgment or critique. It is now the book for which he is best known.
He also uses instinct in deciding what stories to work on. Often he begins with an appealing image, adding details that build into a book. Admittedly, he wants his children’s books to appeal to adults, too, because they are the buyers. He enjoys inventing and adding funny written details into the pictures, such as a pig reading a book titled “Gone with the Swine”—which is cheered by reviewers. The hard part, he says, is knowing when to stop adding more details, to quit “when enough is enough.” From a writer’s viewpoint, these little quips and funny details demonstrate character and give the story energy.
Hearing Bob speak about the balance between text and picture made this writer think more like an illustrator—to understand how words can better interact and complete the pictures. Ultimately, though, to write and illustrate a great book, you have to understand the reader. To that he says he puts himself in the reader’s shoes.
“To inspire a child…to have them want to engage in books…there’s nothing more amazing than hearing from parents that your book changed a child’s life.”
Thanks Denise, it’s sounds like a great presentation.
This past weekend I attended my fifth book signing, an education event held with three other authors at a Borders in Orange County. The store was extremely supportive, the event was great fun and I came away with a few more tips and tricks:
Tip #1- Bring along a poster or sign
Since this was an education event/book signing I brought along my pear tree that I use to tell the story. The colorful tree drew many teachers over to ask about the book and most of those who asked bought books! Other items you can bring are posters, blown up covers of the book, and just a simple poster stating book signing today, it grabs the attention the rest is up to you.
Tip #2- Bring something to give away for free
People are magnetized to freebies, whether it is candy, cookies, bookmarks or pencils bringing the people to your table gives you an opportunity to share about your book, which can lead to sales. I gave away activity sheets that coordinated with my book, the teachers loved the ideas and were thankful for the additional projects that coordinated with the book.
Tip #3- Always bring your extra books
I learned this tip from book signing #3. Book stores order books based on history of sales for their store, but sometimes they don’t quite order enough. If you have extra copies you will make a few more additional sales and your customers don’t walk away disappointed. I am happy to say that we sold all of the bi-lingual copies of my book (unheard of for that particular store) and I was able to sell the other copies I brought along as well.
Tip #4- Make sure you come prepared
Don’t forget to bring; pens, post-it notes, business cards and water. One of my fellow authors kept everything in a box shaped like a book, it looked great on the table and kept everything close at hand. I will be looking for a book like that very soon.
Tip #5- Be sure to invite family and friends
Even though this was an educator event and not a book reading, I still invited several friends and relatives to come and visit. This was a great chance for them to meet some other authors and like I mentioned in an earlier blog post it’s a great place for a family gathering. The comfy couches in the cafe proved to be a great place to gather drink coffee and catch up while I sold books and met new friends. They also bought copies of my book for gifts and I didn’t have to arrange a special trip to sign the books for them.
Tip #6 -Enjoy yourself and have fun.
This was a fantastic event; the store did drawings for free book bags filled with goodies, the cafe offered free samples of coffee drinks, and I had a chance to meet some wonderful people. The event itself was four hours long but the fun atmosphere helped to make the time go very quickly.
Special thanks to Kelli at the Borders in Yorba Linda and my fellow authors Meagan Barnes, Dina Lombardi, and Catherine L. Osornio for a great afternoon.
