A Poem in a Blade of Grass

I've been working with a young girl from Korea since the beginning of the school year. At first she was on a Fancy Nancy reading level and couldn't understand English very well (especially Southern English). Now we are currently reading Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring. We've read the entire Harry Potter series, The Hobbit, and a few other smaller books that she enjoyed including Savvy and A Series of Unfortunate Events. Her reading level went from kindergarten to sixth grade and she's only in fourth grade. I. Am. So. Proud.

So yesterday afternoon as we were sitting on the university's quad reading out loud to one another I stopped her. We began talking about the difference in the English language from one book to the next. When I asked her what she thought the difference was, she said older books sound prettier. I could not agree more.

While there are wonderful children's books out there that are written in modern English and include slang kids use in school now and also a few choice words, there's something to be said about going back to the basics and reading a book that causes a child to really think. 

The two of us have enjoyed the songs in Tolkien more than anything and I have had so much fun with her as we went line by line and made an entire paragraph of story from three words in a song. I explained the hidden treasure in these words.



I recently read an explanation of Whitman's "A Child Said What Is Grass?" and as we sat on the quad I had her list every word she could think of that described the grass.

Green.
Long.
Soft.
Sticky.
Full of bugs. (By the way, she prefers the library to the quad any day, what a girl!)

So I went with sticky. "Why on earth would the grass be sticky?"

"Because it's wet?"

"Yeah! So, if the grass is wet, and you've already said it's green, what does that mean?"

"It's healthy."

"Exactly. So we could just say it's sticky and let the reader know it's green and healthy. If it wasn't, it would be crunchy, right?"


I took this conversation and ran with it, explaining Whitman's lines such as, "Or I guess it is the handkerchief of the Lord/ A scented gift and remembrancer designedly dropped/ Bearing the owner’s name someway in the corners/ that we may see and remark/ and say Whose," which took us into a conversation about the tradition of handkerchiefs.

Also, "Or I guess the grass is itself a child…the produced babe of the vegetation," versus "And now it seems to me the beautiful uncut hair of graves," which told us the earth could be described as young or old depending on the image.

I'm sure you can see the point I'm getting to here; our words can cause a child to think or not think. We have gotten lazy in our writing, it is much more difficult to find good vocabulary words in a children's book, and there is less to talk about. Kids are reading for entertainment, but there is no brain food there.

So, here's the writing challenge:

Choose an object, scene, or person and describe them without being direct. Use metaphors and similes that you have completely made up and haven't borrowed from other writers. Write for 15 minutes without stopping and then go back and cross out words that aren't necessary because of the descriptions you’ve created such as "sticky" instead of "green and healthy." Post your exercises below.

ABOUT THE BLOGGER

Courtney Warren is a writer for her local newspaper, as well as a graduate student at Hollins University where she is pursuing a degree in Children’s Literature. She has a bachelor’s degree from Delta State University, the home of the Fighting Okra (which she is incredibly proud of). She loves to read just about anything placed on the shelves but has a special place in her heart for the Harry Potter series.

When she is not writing about herself in third person, she loves to write stories about middle schoolers with spunky attitudes who intend to save the world, as well as drinking Earl Grey tea from a very prissy teacup.

Check out her blog, Tea, the Spirit, & a Pen.

All Out of Ideas? Tips for Finding Something to Write About...

You're out of ideas and can think of nothing new. You sit and stare at that computer screen or blank paper, and it laughs at you. Your mother keeps telling you all of your ideas are wonderful when you know FOR A FACT they are hot garbage.

Any writers who say they have never had trouble coming up with a new project or have never been stuck on where to take characters are liars.

Coming up with a new idea is hard, especially after you've just finished a project. Many times, you've poured out all of your brilliant brain juice into your previous project, and now you simply have nothing left.

Fear not! Grab some tea, sit down, and listen.

One of the most helpful things to do when you can't write is read.

I have heard so many authors tell new writers, "You must read. It's your best tool."

As a matter of fact, my eighth-grade yearbook quote was about this. Right next to my crimped hair, braces, and overdone eyeliner, it said, "If you don't have the time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write." –Stephen King.

If only my graduate self would listen to my eighth-grade self. I can go back and look at journals and poem books where I was pumping out some writing every five seconds! It was horrible, absolute garbage, BUT it's better than the blank page I've been staring at for the past few days.

So, my solution? Take everyone's advice and read. I spent the entire weekend in the bookstore drinking overpriced coffee and what I refer to as "rich girl water," which is shaped like a square and fits in no cup holder. Book after book, I explored the store. Some books I saw and thought, "What in the Hello Kitty is this? I never would that thought of this, it's brilliant!" Others I thought, "This, ladies and gentlemen, is why the youth of today are the way they are." Either way, I came back with several ideas. 

Whether it's a character, a setting, a plot from a story you think would be cool to continue or one you want to write a prequel to, you'll find something to write about.

Courtney's Bookstore Tips:

1.     Go alone. You can't possibly form amazing, wonderful, literature-changing thoughts with someone yapping in your ear about how they want to check out the sale at J. Crew. Although the sale is important, your writing is "importanter."

2.     Get an overpriced coffee or water. It just makes you feel better.

3.     Don't bring a heavy purse that you have to carry on your arm. This was my mistake, I couldn't juggle my book stack and rich girl water AND my purse. I abandoned the purse in the car later that morning. Put your stuff in your pockets or if you’re one of those people who must have a purse (me), use a crossbody.

4.     Have a notebook and something to write with. You will see and read through so many things in less than thirty minutes, there is no way you'll remember all of the ideas you have. WRITE THEM DOWN. Forgot paper? Use your phone.

5.     Don't be afraid to look at books you wouldn't normally read. Science fiction? Romance? Horror? You never know what you might discover. Maybe you'll want to create the story of that pathetic blonde girl screaming at the top of her lungs on every classic horror cover. Why is that girl freaking out and not running? Answer that question, and you're well on your way to a thrilling story of your own.

If All Else Fails...

Never fret about not having an idea. Take a step away from your computer or paper, and get involved in life. You'll find something to write about. Also, write anything down, even IF it's hot garbage. Maybe you can clean it up and create a story that will make someone other than your mother proud.

ABOUT THE BLOGGER

Courtney Warren is a writer for her local newspaper, as well as a graduate student at Hollins University where she is pursuing a degree in Children’s Literature. She has a bachelor’s degree from Delta State University, the home of the Fighting Okra (which she is incredibly proud of). She loves to read just about anything placed on the shelves but has a special place in her heart for the Harry Potter series.

When she is not writing about herself in third person, she loves to write stories about middle schoolers with spunky attitudes who intend to save the world, as well as drinking Earl Grey tea from a very prissy teacup.

Check out her blog, Tea, the Spirit, & a Pen.

The Things We Do for Love….

By Patrice Lyle

Nothing is sweeter than having your first book released on your favorite holiday! Valentine’s Day has always been my favorite holiday because it celebrates love. Yes, I’m a total sap when it comes to love and relationships. Yes, I love getting flowers and mushy cards. Yes, I love romantic comedies and pink hearts. I love it all.

So how do my gushy emotions relate to writing? Well, as far as I see, the love of writing is very similar to love.

For better or for worse. Hmm. Where do I start? Some days my writing flows freely and without much effort, and other days it’s agony trying to squeak out one tiny word, much less a complete sentence. Some days I think my writing’s pretty good and some days I know it totally sucks. Some days I think I’ll never have enough time to write all the books I want to write and some days I wonder how I’ll ever manage to finish another book at all. But I keep writing because I love it.

For richer or for poorer. Okay, this one makes me chuckle. Yes, I’ve dreamt about making tons of money as an author (who hasn’t?) but so far that has yet to pass. I’ve spent a lot of money on my love of writing. I’ve gone to tons of workshops and conferences, most of which have required plane tickets and hotel fees, in addition to the registration. I’ve paid dues to several writers groups. I’ve bought tons and tons of craft books and writing magazines. I’ve earned a master’s degree in Writing Popular Fiction. I’ve spent money on my website, trailer and marketing. But I did all this because I love to write.

In sickness and in health. I’ve written when I was heartsick over a rejection. I’ve written when there didn’t seem to be any hope of publication at all. I’ve written when my story was in desperate need of CPR. And I’ve written myself into a corner far too many times to count. But I always kept going because I love to write.

‘Til death do us part. I wrote my first novel when I was ten years old. It was a middle grade mystery about these two girls who were shockingly (J) very similar to my sister and me. I knew what I wanted to do with my life, so I committed to making that dream happen. I’m forty years old now, so I’ve been chasing my dream of publication for thirty years. And believe me, there have been many times over the past few decades when I thought it might never happen at all. That I might literally take my dream to the grave. But my love of writing is what kept me going.

Bottom line is, I love to write so I’ve given it my all. I’ve kept on writing through the good times and the bad, just like we do in love. Faith, hope, and love totally relate to writing. Faith that your writing will resonate with an audience. Hope that someday your book will be published. And an amazing love of the craft.

Happy release day to LETHALLY BLONDE and SCARLET! And Happy Valentine’s Day to all!

ISBN 13 978-1-61603-013-1
ISBN 10 1-61603-013-5

Morgan Skully is the world's only blonde demon girl, and she's got a brand new, very unusual afterschool job. Spying for the Devil. She'd much rather use her cloak-and-dagger skills to spy on hottie-licious Derek with her friends, but the Devil won't take no for an answer. Luckily for Morgan, her new boss is kinda hot. Her assignment is simple: find out who at Pitchfork Prep is funneling secrets to the Siberian Werewolf Council. If she succeeds, pedicures and platinum highlights are just the beginning.

But if she fails…there's more on the line than killer shoes.

And take a sneak peek at the trailer that'll be showing up in some theaters. Watch for it in a theater near you!

Anna's Corner: A Teen Interviews Leap Books' Teen Author

Anna Sattler

Welcome to Anna's Corner, which will be run by our teen blogger! Stop back next Friday for more teen input on reading, writing, and life in general...

Here's info on Anna:

An avid fan of Victor Hugo, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Calvin and Hobbes, Anna Sattler is continually expanding her reading repertoire. She is up for reading almost any book and loves to swap book recommendations with her friends. While not reading she enjoys playing field hockey, practicing her French horn, and excusing herself from social obligations by hiding behind a camera.

Anna interviewed Sydney Scrogham, age 18, who is the author of Chase, which will come out from Leap Books in 2012.

·         When did you begin your book and how long did it take to finish?

I don't remember exactly when I started, but it was a while ago. I'm pretty sure I was 13, but I know for sure it took me 18 full days to write. I counted.

·         When you began writing it, did you plan to get it published?

Not at the time, no. I had an idea that was going to torture me until I wrote it down, so I did. When I had the chance to send one of my books in to a publisher, I chose Chase because it was one of the few pieces I had that was completed.

·         How long did it take to get your book accepted by Leap Books?

My manuscript traveled through the Wild Rose Press and through their YA area when it was breaking off into Leap. That slowed down the process, but about a year later they contacted me to tell me Chase had been accepted. (First try, I was SO shocked!!!)

·         How long did editing take? Are you done yet?

Longer than I'd hoped, simply because I was juggling high school classes for my senior year at the time. It's challenging to balance it all. I'm still editing, but verrrry close to being done!

·         What has your favorite part of the writing process been?

I've gotten that question a lot from my writing peers, and honestly I love all of it. I love getting to know my characters, writing late into the night, feeling the thrills and chills of a twisted plot. It's like living life--every day has something differently enjoyable.

·         What inspired your book, Chase?

All of the smaller elements came from my imaginary twist on the world around me, but the big picture behind the story is rooted in God's relationship with humanity, and how the church is viewed as His bride. I wanted to put that in a story with the hope that someone else might experience the love behind this relationship. I didn't get to finish all of what I wanted to say in one book. Chase's sequel is in the works.

·         Why did you choose the title Chase? Does it potentially have a double meaning?

I chose it simply because it is the hero's name, but now that I've thought about it, yes, it does have a double meaning.

·         Are you thinking about continuing your writing career during college?

Definitely, yes. I can't imagine not writing. I don't know how I'll manage it all yet, but I will find a way.

·         What will your major be?

Psychology. The human mind fascinates me, and I really want to get into counseling one day, especially if I can involve horses in my patients' therapy.

·         How would you advise teens who want to become published authors?

Don't quit, and write what you love. I see so many of my peers stop because they try to write what someone else wants to read, but if they're writing to satisfy someone else, it drains their passion. We all have a story to tell, and no one can tell us how to write it. If publishers don't like what you write, tough. Find someone else. It's whether you like it, whether it says what you wanted it to say that matters.

Sydney Scrogham

Handling Backstory the Right Way

 Workshop

Handling Backstory the Right Way

Instructor: Kat OShea. You only have a paragraph or two to capture an editor’s or reader’s interest. If you don’t draw readers in quickly, it’s hard to make a sale. Get your story off to a more exciting start by eliminating backstory. Discover how to identify backstory, when to cut it, where and how to use it effectively.

WHEN: Oct 4 - Oct 31
COST: $15 for Premium Members
$25 for Basic & NON-Members

Book Bites for Kid Interviews Judith Graves

If you missed yesterday's live interview about UMS, writing and werewolves, you can still hear it. And be sure to check out Judith's new snarky website to learn more about paranormal creatures of the night, the writing life, and Judith's upcoming tour schedule.

Listen to internet radio with Suzanne on Blog Talk Radio

Love UMS?

We've had fans tell us how much they love UMS (That's Under My Skin by Judith Graves, if you haven't been following all the book blogs where Judith's appeared.) If you love werewolf - vampire books filled with other paranormal creatures, this is the summer read for you.

If you're already a fan or want to find out more about the book, you can hear Judith Graves on Book Bites for Kids next Wednesday, July 14 at 2 pm CST. She'll be talking about her writing process, her characters, and what's in store for those of you who are eagerly awaiting the sequels.

And if you missed them, two of our other authors, Kitty Keswick (Freaksville) and Bonnie J. Doerr (Island Sting), were also interviewed on this blog talk radio show.

So tune in next week and find out more about UMS, and werewolves and witches and vampires and wolven. And if you comment on our blog and let us know you've listened in, we'll put your name in a drawing for a free copy of UMS or another Leap Book of your choice.

Interview with Kitty Keswick

Author Kitty Keswick is gearing up for a booksigning in her hometown of Turlock, CA, on Sunday, June 20 from 2-4 pm at the local Borders. Kitty mentioned that the high school in Freaksville is based on Turlock High School, where she went to school. We asked her to tell us a bit more about those high school years.

If you could go back and change one thing about your high school years, what would it be?

Nothing, I loved my high school years.
What was your most embarrassing moment? (If you aren't too embarrassed to tell it)

I competed in Speech and Debates tournaments. (I lettered my sophomore year.) One competition (on a Saturday), I was crossing the street. I had on new flats and I slipped and fell on my butt in front of some of the people that were later on a judging panel. I can’t remember if I won that debate or not, just that I fell in front of a lot of people. I’m a bit of a klutz, so this was one of many mishaps and the least embarrassing one to share.

What is your favorite memory of high school?

Too many… to list or chose. I’d say the overnight stays with the debate team. We traveled all over California. The rest is classified, so, er, my lips are sealed….yeppers, sealed.

Have you been back to Turlock High? If so, what's different? If not, do you plan to go?

Funny, I never planned on returning to Turlock. I left for college when I was seventeen and never really looked back. But Fate has a funny sense of humor (you’ll meet her in Furry), and she likes to throw wrenches in all your well-laid plans. I’m back in Turlock, not by choice. It isn’t the small farm town I remember. It’s grown, and now I get lost frequently trying to find my way around. I’m not sure if this is where I’m landing. It might be a small trip in my life’s journey. You never know where the path will take you. Sometimes it comes full circle, perhaps so you can learn something you missed? I have no clue.

Are any teachers still at Turlock High who taught you?

I have three favorite teachers who really made a lasting impression on me. Interestingly enough, they were all English teachers. Mr. Jack, my English teacher and debate coach, still teaches, but he’s at the new high school. My other favorite English teacher, Mrs. Boyle, retired. I did email her to tell her I finally sold one of my stories. And my favorite teacher who pushed me very hard, Mrs. Dillman, passed on a few years ago. I will miss her candy bars and sense of humor. We’d come into the classroom, and there would be candy bars on our desk. She’d tell us that we could touch them, but would have to describe them in a short essay. After the essay we got too munch on our treats.

Besides writing essays, do you have any writing-related memories of high school?

I used to write stories about werewolves in spiral notebooks…nothing has changed.

We know you still write in spiral notebooks, and you still write about werewolves, but you’ve added ghosts and Valkries and other beasties of the night. One other thing has changed, though. Now your tales are being published. Why did you choose to write paranormal both then and now?

I think it chose me.

When you were in high school, what did you dream of becoming? Have you reached your dreams or are you working toward them?

I always wanted to be a writer. I started out as a Journalism major, but with my dyslexia, I struggled a lot. I switched my major to Interior Design. I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t my passion, writing is. It is who I am, and my struggles just make the reward so much sweeter. I want to continue writing, because I have so many stories rattling around in my head.

When Did YOU Know?

When did you know you know you wanted to be writer? Book Lovers, Inc. posed that question to the Class of 2k10. Lots of fun answers at http://book-lovers-inc.blogspot.com/2010/01/interview-iwth-class-of-2k10-when-did.html

How 'bout you? Has the writing bug hit you? Most voracious readers have a secret (or not so secret) desire to become writers. So tell us about it. What was the first thing you ever wrote that made you feel proud? What are you working on now? Does anyone else know you want to be a writer?

Just remember, if you answers any of these questions, you'll have a chance to win some fun prizes from author Bonnie J. Doerr. (See the post below for details.) All commenters will be entered in our drawing.