Expressing Creativity Through Music

In addition to writing, I love composing music. It's another way of expressing creativity. I've written a number of songs and I've started a new category on this blog of some of my Original Music Compositions. I'm including "On Eagle Wings," which I wrote when our oldest son was completing the requirements for his Eagle Scout award. Becoming an Eagle Scout is quite a feat for a young man. A very small percentage of Boy Scouts ever achieve this rank. I wrote this song to honor them. It was performed at our son's Eagle Scout court of honor.

Book Trailer for Secret of Bombastic Bertha & the Bamboozles

Josh is bored—that is, until he discovers the magic of drawing in three-dimensional. But somehow things get out of control in the secret world he creates, along with Worm and Penny. In fact, the ultimate survival of the Ferkle civilization is threatened by the elusive Bamboozles, led by the notorious Bombastic Bertha. Are the Ferkles doomed to utter destruction? Will Josh’s imagination get the best of him?

“Join Josh, Worm, and Penny as they pop in and out of their 3-D pencil-drawn mural!” writes Mark Kistler—Emmy-winning creator of the “Imagination Station”—in the book’s foreword. “Travel through a land of magical valleys, mountains, and jungles, all while meeting an extraordinary cast of unforgettable characters.”

Secret of Bombastic Bertha & the Bamboozles is the first book in Marianne McKnight’s junior fiction series, “Secret Worlds.” Preteens, ages 8-11, will be drawn into the fast-paced story that sparkles with adventure, humor, and a touch of mystery.

Here's the link for the book trailer:  http://youtu.be/dYSdX_YosXM

Ideas

Where does an author get his or her ideas about which to write?

Ideas are all around us. They come from reading a newspaper or magazine article. They come from overhearing a snippet of a conversation. They come from a dream...or a nightmare. They come from asking question, like "What would happen if...?"

There is no limit to the number of ideas out there. The problem is capturing those ideas before the flea, for ideas for very elusive.

I keep a little pad of paper and pen on the nightstand so that if I think of an idea during the night, I can jot it down because chances are I'll forget it by morning. Carrying a small notebook, or even a folded up piece of blank paper, in one's purse or pocket is a great idea--especially if you develop the habit of actually jotting down ideas and thoughts on it.

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.