Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Adding New Writing Links

I just added a bunch of new links to the blog. Let me know if I've missed you or a site you find helpful! Sometimes it's difficult to decide whether to put an author's blog under "Writing Blogs" or "Author Blogs," so I put it under both! Hey, it's my blog, I can do what I want :)

Next project - Delete the outdated links.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Time Hoggers

Okay, I know I haven't added any new posts with fascinating links for a few months, but I have excellent excuses:
  1. I was working on my middle grade fantasy novel (and I finished the 1st draft at 1:27 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19th, 2012 - and yes, that is my lunchtime at work.
  2. I've been playing with my granddaughter one day a weekend. Working five days a week, plus playing with toddler one day a week equals less time to blog.
  3. I moved my office to the family room and have been organizing things.
  4. Twitter
  5. Facebook
  6. Goodreads (even though I'm way behind on reviewing stuff!)
Now, I've signed up for a Master Class on Plot and Structure with Cheryl Klein that will take eight weeks to complete. It doesn't start until November 29th, but I've got preparation homewook - I have to bookmap my entire novel and read four books (okay, two are optional, but I've always been an overachiever.) That's going to take some time away from my blogging, but it's Cheryl Klein for goodness sake. She's a super Executive Editor with Arthur A. Levine Books (the American home to the Harry Potter series.) I love her writing book Second Sight and devour her blog Brooklyn Arden

I'll post when I can. Meanwhile, enjoy all the terrific writing links on the sidebar.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Author, Jody Hedlund's Blog



I follow Jody Hedlund on Twitter and frequently click on links to her blog posts about the writing life, both inspirational and craft articles. A lot to learn here. Check out the topics on her side bar for past articles.

Recent Blog Posts:
  • Write Because You Love It
  • 3 Reminders About eBooks Versus Paper books
  • Some Things Are Out of Our Control
  • 7 Dialog Basics that Can Help Tighten Our Stories
  • Why We Need to Put Our Books to Bed
  • How Can Modern Writers Become & Stay Visible?
This is a blog well worth checking out.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Aurora Wolf



Looking for science fiction or fantasy stories? Check out Aurora Wolf. In addition to publishing anthologies, Aurora Wolf posts stories on their website, ready to read with a click of your mouse.

According to their guidelines:  "Aurora Wolf publishes stories where dreams and memories are created for reader's enjoyment. Our online free library and low priced print and e-formatted anthologies feature speculative fiction with strong characters and morals that uplift the soul, encourage positive thought and bring hope into our world.

Authors should know that this is a paying market, although payment is only $5 per story at this writing. If your story is picked for an anthology, you'll receive further payment.


Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Creative Writing Now



This writing website was "created as a free service by writing teachers to provide a supportive and friendly place for authors and poets at all stages of their writing lives.

At this site you'll find:

  • Writing prompts and story starters
  • Free writing courses
  • How to articles
  • Free fiction and poetry contests
  • Teacher resources
What fun! Stretch your writing muscles by trying something new.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Hoppy Easter!



art from all over (brought to you by Shelley Davies & Julie Fortenberry

There can never be enough bunnies on Easter. Shelley and Julie have gathered a plethora of bunny illustrations in their Easter post. 

Check out this blog anytime for great children's book illustrations. A fun place to browse.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Business of Writing and Taxes

Here are a few articles I found around the Web this week about the business of writing and taxes. If you haven't set up your business this year, why not do it now?




Writers& Taxes by Rachelle Gardner


Monday, April 2, 2012

Author Name Pronunciation Guide



Ever wondered how to pronounce an author's name? The Author Name Pronunciation Guide from TeachingBooks.New gives you small audio snippets of authors and illustrators pronouncing their own names and sharing short stories surrounding their names. 

Saturday, March 31, 2012

The Scorpio Races


The Scorpio Races                     
by Maggie Stiefvater

My Rating:  5/5 Stars

It's difficult to describe this book without giving so much away about the plot, so I'll just offer my thoughts on the book without a summary. You can find a information about the book and a summary of this book at the author's website here. 



I listened to this book on audio CD. 

What I liked: 

  • The wildness and danger of the Capall Uisce water horses, 
  • The unique world of the island, which Puck and Sean are unable to turn their backs on, 
  • Compelling characters with compelling motives, 
  • Beautifully written descriptions that described, but didn't go on and on with irrelevant information, 
  • The relationship between Puck and her younger brother Finn, 
  • The voice of Steve West as Sean, such depth I almost fell into it 
  • The alternating perspectives which offered extra dimensions to the story, 
  • The romance that eventually developed between Puck and Sean was interesting, unusual, and based on mutual respect rather than superficial lust, 
  • Corr is one cool horse and I absolutely fell in love with Dove, a horse with a heart of gold and a love for Puck. 

What I didn't like: 
  • The voice of Fiona Hardingham as Puck was a bit shrill at times and pulled me out of the story, 
  • The nasty men of the island who didn't want a girl to race,  
  • That smackable Mutt Melvern.  (Note: These last two are an example of great characterization, not a flaw in the plot!)
I highly recommend this book!