Z Means It's the End

This may be the end of the A-Z challenge but it isn't the end of my blogging adventure. I've learned a lot about the blogging community as I twittled around and you twattled in. Thanks so much to all my new followers and for all your comments. Here are some things I learned:

1. Everyone is busy and long posts are time consuming and people are less inclined to comment.


2. White lettering on black or color contrasting that is similar are difficult to read and fatigue the eyes. (I'm re-evaluating my orange background, as much as I love it.)


3. Blogging is all about conversation. I've seen some great successes out there and I hope to emulate their styles. What is it about their blogs that inspires people to comment so often and regularly?

4. People want to be encouraged. If you're going to post about a downer at least bring it up at the end. This writing community is all about cheer leading. 


5. Blogs are alive by the fact that they are always morphing and adapting to the writer and the community.


What valuable lessons about blogging have you learned? 

I'm Younging Not Aging

Have I found the fountain of youth? No. What I have discovered is our age has more to do with your frame of mind than the year on the calendar. So lets explore how "the young" think?

1)Embrace The New Day: Children hit the ground running, they can't wait to see what is going to happen. When was the last time you met the day with that much enthusiasm? When you see each day as a new beginning you can't possibly feel anything but renewed.

2) Learn Something New: Children intuitively know that there is so much that they don't know which gives them a hunger to learn. Did you learn something new today? Yesterday? The minute you think you know everything you are OLD.

3)Look Forward Not Backward: When a child is first learning to walk they inevitably fall. Do they obsess about why? Do they stop trying? Dwelling on the past and obsessing on what we perceive as mistakes freezes us from moving forward. Stagnation is the stuff of aging.

4) Find Joy In Simple Things: Have you ever seen a child with bubble wrap? How about the endless giggles that bubble from an infant when you make the same noise over and over again. Each time it's as if it was the first. Take a moment to enjoy the sound of the rain on your porch. Stretch out on some grass and enjoy the tickle on your back. Better yet roll down a hill or go buy some bubble wrap.

5) Do Things Differently: Shake It Up: Children are never caught up in ritual. We work very hard to teach them routine and order. It's not a bad thing except when you are controlled by it, unable to break free. Try driving a different way to work. Eat something different. What about starting on the other side of the supermarket? It will feel uncomfortable, but in a good way. Getting old is being set in our ways. Find balance in mixing things up. 

Are you younging or aging? 

The choice is yours!

X-quisit Literary Review: Small as an Elephant by Jennifer Richard Jacobson

OK, I cheated but you don't want to miss this great book!
About The Book: Ever since Jack can remember, his mom has been unpredictable, sometimes loving and fun, other times caught in a whirlwind of energy and "spinning" wildly until it's over. But Jack never thought his mom would take off during the night and leave him at a campground in Acadia National Park, with no way to reach her and barely enough money for food. Any other kid would report his mom gone, but Jack knows by now that he needs to figure things out for himself — starting with how to get from the backwoods of Maine to his home in Boston before DSS catches on. With nothing but a small toy elephant to keep him company, Jack begins the long journey south, a journey that will test his wits and his loyalties — and his trust that he may be part of a larger herd after all. (Jacobson's Website)

First Line: "Elephants can sense danger."

One Great Line:"At this moment, Jack was certain that the center of the core [earth] was an ice cube and that it was sending frozen daggers to its surface." (56)

What Kids Are Saying:  "I loved how the story jumped right into the plot, and slowly fleshes out the characters. It ends in a way that seems right."  Ned Kelly, age 13 (More here.)

What Others Are Saying: "Jacobson masterfully puts readers into Jack’s mind—he loves and understands his mother, but sometimes his judgments are not always good, and readers understand. His love and knowledge of elephants both sustains him and pleasingly shapes the story arc. Jack’s journey to a new kind of family is inspiring and never sappy."  –Kirkus

"Jacobson has great success putting readers inside Jack’s not-always-thinking-things-through mind, and by the end of the story, nicely tied together by the elephant theme, Jack comes to realize that he hadn’t been alone, that family and people he didn’t even know were there for him in a “makeshift herd.” The happy yet realistic ending leaves Jack (and readers) “light-headed with hope.” –Dean Schneider, Horn Book

What I Thought:

This was an exquisite exploration of a young boys struggle to make sense of his world. His world is often strange and cold. The desire to protect his mother and his need to be protected are juxtaposed against the beautiful Maine coast. I love how the small thoughts about elephants at the beginning of each chapter gives subtle subtext messages about the world and our place in it. This will be one of the books that I will remember as not only skillfully written but filled with sensitivity and artful elegance. Especially, for a book for middle grade readers. I really felt like I was right there in Jacks head.

Honors or Awards:

"Inspired Recommendations for Kids from Indie Booksellers."

About The Author:   Jennifer Richards Jacobson

Jacobson's  Website

Publisher: Candlewick Press  

Jacobson's Blog

Jacobson received a masters in education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. See more here and here.

Why Do You Write For Middle Grade? 

“Middle readers are a wonderful audience for me, because everything seems to be unfolding for them. They are at an age when they are venturing beyond the familiar landscape of their childhood, and considering all the possibilities ahead."  

 "I believe in Jack and his ability to understand his mother in shades of gray. I believe in his ability to be fiercely independent: to try and try and try . . . and at the same time to recognize that he needs others. That others are right there, waiting to catch him."

On Becoming A Writer

"No writing is ever wasted. Freelance jobs taught me the craft and cadence of a writing life. I learned that most important thing about writing is this: you must sit down and write. But it was one particular job I credit for giving me the understanding I needed to finally sell a children’s book." 

Marketing Strategies:

Jacobson has an impressive list of seminars and in-service programs she conducts in schools where she shares her knowledge of the writing process.

She also does school visits and loves to meet young writers. Her blog encourages young writers to submit their writing. 

Check out her awesome blog on growing writers.  There you can sign up to receive her mini-lesson newsletter for primary grade teachers. I just received my first one and it was chuck-ful of great tips, important writing guidance and inspiration! She is amazing.

 Other Books: Among her books for younger readers are the Andy Shane early chapter books, illustrated by Abby Carter, and the Young Adult novels Stained and The Complete History of Why I Hate Her, which was chosen by the American Library Association as one of its 2011 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers.

When it's OK to say NO...

    I have some major WORK to do today but I didn't want to skip today's post. I haven't missed one of the A-Z challenge posts, yet. 

Sometimes you have to know when to say NO. No to blog hopping, no to phone calls, no to running errands, no to the laundry, no to the dishes and just park your butt in the chair. 

     That is WHAT I'm doing today. If there is one thing I've learned in my 50+ years is you have to learn WHEN something is "good enough." I remember the first Thanksgiving Dinner I allowed myself to purchase a pre-made pie. (Sacrilege) You know what? It still tasted fine, saved me a little stress and most of all the world didn't end. The house doesn't need to be spotless, the laundry folded or the dishes out of the sink. We put so many demands on ourselves. 

Today give yourself permission to say, NO. Today it isn't necessary to be perfect at everything. Today let a few things go for the sake of your WRITING. 

Verisimilitude In Fiction

Basic to all good fiction is the ability of the story to bring the reader into a world that is believable.  Verisimilitude is what we as writers strive for, the ability to represent a plausible reality.  In order to suspend disbelief during a story it has to resemble the sensibilities of life to the point that it is believable.

Verisimilitude-1. the appearance or semblance of truth; likelihood; probability: The play lacked verisimilitude.   2. something, as an assertion, having merely the appearance of truth.

Anne Lamott in her work, Architect of a Novel said, "Realism and plausibility are especially important ingredients in getting your reader to engage with the story and to believe what you like them to believe." 

As writers we use detail, dialogue, knowledge of our audience and gesture. Are there other conventions we use? 

What techniques do you use to achieve verisimilitude?

How important do you think it is? Or is it?

Here are some great links for more on verisimilitude:
Make it a Good Lie

Tim O’Brien on Verisimilitude in Fiction
Verisimilitude is a Friend of Mine
Verisimilitude, Pulp Fiction, Three Dimensions and Romance
Stieg Larsson, Verisimilitude, and Billy's Pan Pizzas
Verisimilitude: The Importance of Truthiness in Writing

Unlikely Events Game

    As a writer the goal is to tell an interesting story with ample conflict and complex characters. Sometimes a fun way to explore a story or plot idea is to exaggerate events, actions or character traits. As a kid I used to play a game whenever I was stuck waiting for something to alleviate my boredom. It is a game that I haven't ever really given up. I play it sitting at an intersection, waiting in a doctors office and sometimes use it to work on my writing.  

So here is how it works:

1- You're sitting at an intersection. Think of something that is unlikely to happen.

The man in the car in front of you steps out of his car and knocks on the car window of the car in front of him. They seem to be arguing and then the light turns green. What happens next?

2- You're sitting in the school parking lot waiting for your children to come out. Think of something that is unlikely to happen. 

After several minutes a loud bell goes off. People start running in all directions and then I see it. A large round cucumber is landing in the center of the playground. What happens next?

Get it? The idea is to think of something that is unlikely to happen and think of a story to go with it. Silly? Yes. Fun? Definitely! 

Do you play something similar? How does your game work?

Truth or Dare, Writer's Style

TRUTH: If your deadline was suddenly moved up to next week, what would you do?

First, I think I would vomit. Then I would get a Caramel Toffee Cookie Blizzard^®

TRUTH:  How much time do you spend on writing vs. marketing each day?

It depends. If my MS is moving along then it is usually 80/20 split. Not so great, 30/70.

DARE: Change one thing in your daily routine, shake it up.
Ok, this week I'm going to write first and check email, blogs and twitter after 10am. (I can already feel the withdraw.)

TRUTH: You just finished your MS, how many revisions do you think it will take to have it ready?
Target finish date: mid-July. At least 15 more.

TRUTH: Share one thing you wish you had known sooner?
That blogging could be this fun and that networking with other writers would be so vital to my growth as a writer.

Your turn. Truth or Dare?

Wishing you all 
a HAPPY EASTER! 

Quirky Is Good

Besides loving the word quirky I think it is a great way to develop a character. Create a list of quirks that you observe in yourself and others for use in one of your characters.

Hangs all his shirts with the collars facing the same way.

Shakes his hands and stands on his toes when he is excited.

Buttons her shirt wrong on purpose.

Continuously flips the remote from channel to channel, never really watching anything.

Pulls her hair behind her left ear over and over when she talks.

Still collects action figures but hides them in a shoebox.

Clicks her tongue when she's watching T.V.  

When she is uncomfortable in a social situation she yawns.

She collects the plastic closures of loaves of bread.

What are some of your quirkiest quirks?

O is for Obdurate

obdurate–adjective 1.unmoved by persuasion, pity, or tender feelings; stubborn; unyielding.

2.stubbornly resistant to moral influence; persistently impenitent: an obdurate sinner.

 

    A writer needs to be Obdurate when it comes to their pursuit of publication. You may be asking," Wait a minute. What about yesterday's post?"  I know, my post on N was pretty harsh. It was meant to be. I think all of us need to make decisions about why we're writing and what we hope to achieve. 

         If writing is something you do for enjoyment, to relieve stress or just for fun then this post isn't for you.  I'm talking about writer's like me that not only write because they "have to" but are working towards publication. It is this breed of writer that needs to balance their obdurate side with where they hope to go with their writing. Here are some ideas about how to do that:

1) Remember why you are writing in the first place. Sometimes we forget and when that happens it is easy to lose our way. I write because it gives me joy just to see words on a page and it is how I understand the world and my place in it.

2) What do you hope to accomplish with your writing? Basically, what does success look like to you?  Is it publishing a few short stories, winning some contests and writing a blog? Or are you in pursuit of that book on the shelf or E-shelf with your name on it? Maybe you want all of that and be able to make money? Or you're planning to support yourself with your writing? I have a strong desire to touch people with my writing in the same way that literature and media have influenced my life. I also hope to become a published author and make money doing something that I love.

3) How much time are you willing to devote in pursuit of this dream? This could be a time-frame, say 5 years, 10 years, etc. Or it could be how many rejection slips you will take before you call it quits. I have committed myself to a 5-year plan. I won't ever stop writing but I will face the fact that I can't, in good conscious, continue to pursue publication at the expense of doing my part to support our household. 

  

All of these are very personal. They may change over time too. That's OK. The important thing, in my opinion, is to continue to learn and grow and stay in tune with why you're writing. Professional writers must be Obdurate in their pursuit of publication and producing quality work.

 

Why do you write? 

M-Words That Mean Something (At least to me)

Mess- Writing can get messy. From the top of my desk to the inside of my brain!

Muck- You have to be willing to trudge around in the  muck to discover the true essence of your story.

Mood- Set the mood with the right lighting and background music when you write. 

Muscle- It takes real strength to continue to believe in your project and not give up.

Milieu- Know the entire world of your main character, the milieu of emotions that motivate her.

More- When you think you've pushed your character enough, push him some more.

Marvel- This is what I do when piece of fiction comes together with all its requisite parts.

Memory- All your characters have them, it's what motivates them, as the writer you need to know them, as the reader not so much.


Move- Hard to remember but moving every 15-20 minutes could save your eyes and neck. 

Mellow- Sometimes a good chill in your favorite chair can loosen the creative juices.  

Magic- This is what happens when a story is born.

Masterpiece- We all hope our WIP will become a finished piece of art.

Motivation- Things that get me going: A brisk walk, chocolate, reading a great book or even just a trip to the bookstore.

Do you have any great M-words I've left out?

Love This: Zora and Me by Victoria Bond & T.R. Simon

About The Book:

Whether she’s telling the truth or stretching it, Zora Neale Hurston is a riveting storyteller. Her latest creation is a shape-shifting gator man who lurks in the marshes, waiting to steal human souls. But when boastful Sonny Wrapped loses a wrestling match with an elusive alligator named Ghost -- and a man is found murdered by the railroad tracks soon after -- young Zora’s tales of a mythical evil creature take on an ominous and far more complicated complexion, jeopardizing the peace and security of an entire town and forcing three children to come to terms with the dual-edged power of pretending. -Candlewick Press

First Line: "It's funny how you can be in a story but not realize until the end that you were in one."

One Great Line: "We hopped and skipped like coal embers were grazing our toes right through our shoes" (76).

Memorable Quote: "But good things alone don't make up a person who's real. For someone to be real in my heart and my head, I have take the good about them with the bad...I knew my father use to do things that bothered me...I just couldn't remember them. That's when I knew he wasn't real to me anymore, that he had been gone too long..." (71)

What kids are saying: "Always leaving the reader wondering what will happen next, each page of the book brings surprise and mystery. This was one of my favorite things about Zora and Me. The authors succeed in making the book feel like someone is whispering the story in your ear—as if you were involved in each event."  Maxwell Smith  More here.

Zora Neale Hurston

What Others Are Saying:

"It is with sheer genius that Bond and Simon have created something for readers young and old--there are familiar references, like the ‘Brazzles,’ for true Zora-philes, as well as revelatory and wondrous information for those readers as yet uninitiated in the masterful storytelling of Zora Neale Hurston. This is a grand and accessible work that educates, informs, and entertains, and one that I am personally grateful was written for all of us."
--LUCY ANNE HURSTON, niece of Zora Neale Hurston

“Anthropology and storytelling went hand-in-hand for Zora Neale Hurston in a way that deepened her affection for humanity when it could just as easily have made her a misanthrope for that reason alone, I think that her story is a story well worth relating to children. And then, behind the scenes there are two writers—best friends working poetry and weaving a portrait in an astonishing, seamless literary marriage.”

Mary Lee Donovan, executive editor.


What I Thought:  When I first read The Bluest Eye and I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings , I realized I had heard a new voice, one that was absent from my white middle-class upbringing. I hungered to hear it again and went on to read more. What I love about Zora and Me is the fact that it brings this voice to a new generation. The authenticity of Zora's story as told through Carrie is amazing. Just read one of Hurston's short stories and then compare it. It isn't difficult to see how the Zora in Zora and Me could grow to be the author Zora Neale Hurston. There are vivid images reminiscent of Hurston's work. I am looking forward to the next book in the trilogy. 

My Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥  If I didn't like it I wouldn't review it.

Awards:

The Mystery writers of America Edgar Award Nominee
Coretta Scott King- John Steptoe New Talent Award
Junior Library Guild Selection
ABC 2010 New Voices Selection
SIBA 2010 Okra Award Winner
Fall 2010 Indie Next Top Ten Pick
Winner of Audiofile Earphones Award

Kirkus Reviews - Best Children's Books of the Year 

Endorsed by the Zora Neale Hurston Trust

About The Authors: Victoria Bond & T.R.Simon

Agent: Victoria Sanders
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Website: Zora And Me

Who: T. R. (Tanya) Simon has an MA in anthropology, while Victoria Bond holds an MFA in creative writing.

How: "The authors met ten years ago while working together in publishing and became fast friends. After kicking around the idea of a collaboration for years, the idea of writing a middle-grade novel about Zora Neale Hurston emerged, and both knew they had stumbled into the project of their dreams." Candlewick Press

What inspired Zora and Me?  When Simon, a New York literary agent, was pregnant about four years ago, she was thought about all the books that her daughter would read.

       Simon said that as a child, she loved, "Caddie Woodlawn" by Carol Ryrie Brink's. The novel is about a 19th century frontier tomboy, "even better than Tom Sawyer…I wanted to give my daughter a black protagonist who was equally fearless and self-loving." USA Today-More here.

Interesting Fact: 
According to Cooperative Children's Book Center about 5,000 children’s books were published in the United States in 2009, and 157 featured major black characters.

 

Zora and Me is the first novel endorsed by the Zora Neale Hurston Trust.

Kindness: It's Just A Little Thing

"I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." -Stephan Grellet

   Overwhelmed by the destruction and anguish that the people of Japan are enduring, many have offered their services and relief supplies, and rightly so. We feel helpless so we send some money. Don't get me wrong,this is important and wonderful. I just think sometimes it's easier to show kindness to a large cause or strangers far away. There are small kindnesses that we can all do everyday. Kindness is just a little thing but can make a big difference.

    My mother took me into a public restroom once when I was fairly young. When we washed our hands she grabbed extra paper towels and wiped the counter, shined up the faucets and even the mirror. Then she picked up the paper towels that hadn't made it into the trash can. I asked her why she was cleaning up, it wasn't our bathroom. She said,"I just like to leave things nicer than I found them" Just a small act but it taught me volumes about how we should be thinking about our schools, our homes and especially our world. 

     My Dad was the ultimate scout leader and we often made fun of the fact that he had more pictures of his scouts than of his own children. On the many hikes we took, I will never forget how important it was to stay on the trail, pack out our garbage and not pick the wildflowers. The latter was hard, I loved flowers and still do.(A vase of fresh flowers on my table brings me immense joy.) But, it taught me an important lesson about taking care of the world and leaving beauty for others to enjoy.  

  These small little kindnesses taught me so much about being an adult. They were anonymous acts, there were no awards or accolades, no free stuff to win. In kindergarten we learned(or were suppose to)how to take turns, share and work together. 

I think we forget how vital these simple kindnesses are.

 In honor of the letter K and the little word that means so much, choose to do a random act of kindness.

Jumping In

Jump into the middle of the action.

Scenes and chapters should begin after the action has already started.

Jump up to find that high concept idea. 

A high concept premise may take a willingness to push the envelope.   Jump all over the research.

Always do more research than you will need.

Jump over your self doubts.

 We all have them; we can all ignore them.

Jump into the heads of your characters.

Understand what motivates your characters.

Jump even when you're not sure where you'll land.

Writing is all about taking risks. Success doesn't come by staying safe.

Jump around writer's block.

 Plumbers don't get plumbers block, doctors don't get doctor block.

Jump with friends and colleagues.

As a writer you are never alone --reach out to the community of writers.


Today I'm jumping headlong into my revision.   What are you going to jump into today?

Ideas: Partaking of the Feast

     It has been rolling around in your gray matter for days. The growth of it has you distracted and you can't think of anything else. The prodding is relentless until there is no turning back and the words and ideas tumble out upon the page. Writers will recognize the birth of an idea.                                                                                                            Often an idea arrives all on its own and burrows its way into your mind.  This is what the writer lives for. The reality is sometimes ideas don't come as freely as we'd like. There are instances when we have to coax an idea to present itself. 

    The particular meditation I am working on requires acute attention to simple tasks. So, one day I was folding the laundry, instead of quickly slapping the clothes in drawers, I took the time to feel the textures of the fabrics, the fresh-out-of-dryer warmth , even the smell. Remember yesterday's post? Be in the moment. This is a great way to stimulate ideas.

 "I don't see how a writer can operate without going out as a reporter. Think of the feast that's out there."  -Tom Wolfe

There is a feast of ideas out there if we are willing to pay attention and notice what is going on around us. 

The more we pay attention the easier it gets and before we know it awareness becomes our normal state of mind.

Where do your ideas come from? 

Happiness: A State of Mind

   The other night I watched my four-year-old grandson have his swimming lesson.  When he began weeks ago he was a bit timid but he's come a long way. I realized that he was totally involved in his lesson and his experience in the water. He jumped, splashed, grinned ear to ear and kicked like crazy. He was in the moment. I was reminded of another time when I witnessed this state of being present.

     It was several years ago during a dark time in my life. I had gone to the ocean with a dear friend. It was October. The Washington coast  was gray, windy and cold. We had decided to take solitary walks on the beach. She suddenly stopped ahead, took off her outer clothing and ran into the cold surf, jumping and squealing in the waves. She was in the moment. 

   We often think of Happiness as a destination but it isn't.  Happiness is a state of mind.  A mind that is in the moment, fully present and open to whatever emotions and physical sensations are happening at that moment. Many of us spend so much of our time, planning, regretting, wishing, hoping, always thinking of the next thing missing the point of living.

  What's the point? To be fully present in our lives.  To slow down and be in the moment. Only then will Happiness light upon our shoulder as quiet and gentle as if it was always there.

What do you do to be fully present and in the moment?

Go Forward Writers Of The Word

I know, kind of lame but seriously. I think GO is sometimes the most important aspect of writing. You just have to keep going, no matter what! Right!

If you feel rejected--Go write!

If you don't know what to write next--Go take a break!

If you're stumped-- Go read!

If you need sustenance--Go eat!

If you need a reward--Go shopping! ( Books or Chocolate)

If your back is cramped--Go do Yoga or take a walk.

You have a deadline looming--GET GOING!

 

What's your GO TO when you're writing? 

FUN Book Review: The Magic Half By Annie Barrows

About The Book:  Miri is the only single child in the middle of a family with two sets of twins--older brothers and younger sisters. When the family moves to an old farmhouse Miri accidentally travels back in time to 1935 only to discover Molly, a girl in need of a real family to call her own. A very satisfying classic-in-the-making, with spine-tingling moments, this is a delightful family-friendly middle grade time-slip novel.

First Line: Only Miri had no twin.

One Great Line: "His clothes seemed to stretch and strain to hold him in, and his wide legs threatened to crush the chair underneath him." (60)

What kids are saying: "I really like this book because it’s so magical. There are scary parts, too, like Horst the thief who is rumored to be a killer. This book is a thrilling adventure and after every chapter, I wanted to read more and more." Kidreviewed

What Others Are Saying: "The characters and setting are realistic despite the subtle elements of magic and time travel. Barrows conjures up a delightful tale brimming with mystery, magic, and adventure that will surely enchant readers everywhere." School Library Journal 

"Readers will savor the author's lively observations (thinking she is trapped in the past, Miri "consider[s] the fact that several of her favorite books would not be published for seventy more years. 'Great.... When I'm in my eighties I'll find out what happens to Harry Potter' "), while the heroine's adaptability and independent thinking endow her with the appeal of a Ramona Quimby or a Clementine." Publishers Weekly

What I Thought: I thoroughly enjoyed this one.It was easy for me to relate to how Miri felt about being left out of the cool things. The time travel is always something that I am always a fan of. Barrows does an accurate job portraying the two time periods and the differences between the two. She has a great voice and it came out loud and clear. 

My Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥  If I didn't like it I wouldn't review it.

Awards:

2011 Kentucky Bluegrass Award Nominee
2010-2011 Mark Twain Award Nominee
2010-2011 Virginia Readers’ Choice Nominee
2011 Rhode Island Children’s Book Award Nominee
2011 Massachusetts Children’s Book Award Nominee
2011 Sasquatch Reading Award Nominee

About The Author: Annie Burrows

Website
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens Books

What inspired The Magic Half?  She always wanted to write a book about regular people but they have something magical happen and she has always been fascinated by twins. (More here.)

Challenges:
"For me, the most harrowing aspect of writing is my utter inability to determine whether what I’ve written is good or vile. How can my critical faculties, so razor-sharp when it comes to muffins or pants or other people’s books, melt away in the face of one of my own paragraphs?" 

She overcomes this, she says by letting it age. "I...just stick the manuscript in the deep freeze for a couple of days or weeks. When I read it again, my reaction is much more reliable than the immediate post-writing frenzy." -Novel Journey

Interesting Fact:

Barrows was requested by her aunt, Mary Ann Shaffer when she became ill to finish her book. She completed the book without changing the voice. Amazing! The book,  The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. (More here.)

Other books:

This is a series that first came out in 2006 winning several awards. Barrows will publish the eighth in the series this year.See the rest of the series here.

This is one of Barrows adult fiction books. She has several non-fiction titles. She says that she can't wait until she is finished with the Ivy and Bean series as she has several ideas percolating, waiting to come to the page. 




Have you read any of her books? What do you think about writing in multiple genres?