Coming Soon! Second book in Secret Worlds Books

I'm excited! Within the next couple of weeks, we will be launching the second of my Secret Worlds books: Return of the Schmurthies. This will be a fun adventure book for readers, ages 8-11. A fun and welcome treat for summer reading.

Phyllis A. Whitney's Idea for a Writer's Notebook

Years ago I ran across a book by Phyllis A. Whitney in which she gave tips on writing a book of fiction. One part of the book showed how to create a writer's notebook to use when planning and writing a book.

When I studied Phyllis's book, it was like a light turned on for me. Writing a book suddenly became easier and more enjoyable. I found a writer's notebook so helpful in organizing my thoughts and research. It was great having everything I needed for a current (or even future) book project in one handy notebook.

I didn't use the notebook for the last book I wrote and I lived to regret it.

The whole idea is divide the notebook into sections: Such as Characters, Plot, Setting, Research, Future Book Ideas. Then, as an idea comes to you, you just jot it down in the appropriate section. That way, that idea is available to you  when you need it.

I have found when I am hatching an idea for a book, as well as when I'm up to my earlobes in the writing process, snatches of ideas will come to me at all times of the day. If I don't have the good sense to write them down, then that idea vanishes in thin area.

I recommend this book by Phyllis A Whitney for the experienced writer as well as the rookie:
http://www.phyllisawhitney.com/Guide%20to%20Fiction%20Writing.htm

I Can Smell the Water

This week I have been focusing on finishing the second of my Secret Worlds books. And the end is in sight. I can't tell you how excited this makes me feel. I've been working on this particular book for months. It really shouldn't have taken so long to write, but I made at least one critical mistake — for one thing, I neglected to really flesh out one of my main characters and his motives before I started writing. I won't do that again. It cost me months of trying to paint myself out of a corner.

Anyway, I'm just about ready to have it read and reviewed by others, including a grandchild or two or three.

Wipppeeeeeeee!

Are You Famous?

I've been doing a lot of substitute teaching this year. As an author of children's books, I've found this to be a great way to observe what young people (preschool through high school) are reading as well as how they interact with their world.

Having said that, I must add that being a sub is a tough way to make a few bucks. I was at the local public library yesterday and happened across a book entitled, "Thirteen Ways to Sink a Sub." I don't know that I've encountered that many types of sabotage, but...it's a jungle out there.

When I substitute I often ask the students what they think I do when I'm not substitute teaching. Their responses include "Take care of grandchildren" (Yes, I do that but what else?) and "You're a librarian." (No, not a librarian.) When I tell them that I write children's books, it's fun to see their reaction. The younger students will inevitably look over at their classroom bookshelf before asking, "Which books have you written?"

One of my favorite responses is: "Are you famous?" (No, I'm definitely not famous.) In one second grade class, the "Are you famous?" question was followed by: "Can I have your autograph?" I told the youngster that that was the first time I've been asked for my autograph and yes, I'd give him my autograph. He proceeded to rip off a corner of his math worksheet and hand it to me to sign. By the end of the day, several others in the class had likewise received autographs written on little torn-off pieces of paper.

Of all the things that I do, including substitute teaching, I believe writing children's books is right up there on the top of the stack.