January 20, 2009
Yesterday, Joan wrote in and asked for some suggestions to get started writing. She mentioned that she was considering taking a writing class. That is an excellent idea, Joan! What a writing class offers is a community, which is important for motivation and as a support group. It also creates deadlines, which often create a catalyst for producing, for putting the words down on paper for those great ideas that pop into your head. So go for it!
My first published book, Annie's Choice, was written over a period of two years while I attended a Workshop in Writing for Children at the New School for Social Research in Greenwich Village. Actually, I had been writing for quite awhile by that time, but being in a community of writers, many who were already published, and getting feedback was the charm for me.
I'll be adding more tips over the next several days along with a few recommendations of books that will help you get started. Stay tuned. . .
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
January 19, 2009 Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday
The news around here seems to be the bitter cold snap -20 the other morning and then the unexpected snowfall yesterday kept us wondering if it was ever going to stop. The possibility of 1-3 inches was predicted, but we ended up with a foot or more. Excellent writing weather though, and I'm happily digging into my YA today. I met with a couple of writer friends on Saturday and they are wonderful cheerleaders. You may know K.L.Going's YA books, but if not, check out Saint Iggy or Fat Kid Rules the World at http://www.amazon.com/ or the library or your favorite bookstore.
The Borders Bookstore in Dickson City (Scranton, PA) has tentatively set a date for a book signing of February 7th. The release date of the new book, Secrets of Greymoor, http://www.candlewickpress.com is officially Feb 10, but Borders' computers say January 27th. So I'll keep you posted when I know for sure if they can get the book by the 7th.
Here's something to think about when you sit down to write. "Write what should not be forgotten." Wish I could recall where I came across that bit, but I don't.
I'll post more about events soon.
The news around here seems to be the bitter cold snap -20 the other morning and then the unexpected snowfall yesterday kept us wondering if it was ever going to stop. The possibility of 1-3 inches was predicted, but we ended up with a foot or more. Excellent writing weather though, and I'm happily digging into my YA today. I met with a couple of writer friends on Saturday and they are wonderful cheerleaders. You may know K.L.Going's YA books, but if not, check out Saint Iggy or Fat Kid Rules the World at http://www.amazon.com/ or the library or your favorite bookstore.
The Borders Bookstore in Dickson City (Scranton, PA) has tentatively set a date for a book signing of February 7th. The release date of the new book, Secrets of Greymoor, http://www.candlewickpress.com is officially Feb 10, but Borders' computers say January 27th. So I'll keep you posted when I know for sure if they can get the book by the 7th.
Here's something to think about when you sit down to write. "Write what should not be forgotten." Wish I could recall where I came across that bit, but I don't.
I'll post more about events soon.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
January 14, 2008
Yesterday, I sorted all my projects into neat stacks on the floor of my office. I have a poetry stack, a stack of fun art projects, a stack for writing workshops that I'll be doing this winter, a stack for activities to share at book signings and talks, a stack of books to read, and a stack of research books, notebooks, and manuscript pages for my novel in progress.
This morning I wrote poetry, and now it's back to the book. My friend and fellow author/poet from the retreat, Claudia Mills, told me this, and I think it's good advice for all you writers out there: "Keep writing it (your book) until it is true."
If you're writing books for younger readers, look for Claudia's.
Yesterday, I sorted all my projects into neat stacks on the floor of my office. I have a poetry stack, a stack of fun art projects, a stack for writing workshops that I'll be doing this winter, a stack for activities to share at book signings and talks, a stack of books to read, and a stack of research books, notebooks, and manuscript pages for my novel in progress.
This morning I wrote poetry, and now it's back to the book. My friend and fellow author/poet from the retreat, Claudia Mills, told me this, and I think it's good advice for all you writers out there: "Keep writing it (your book) until it is true."
If you're writing books for younger readers, look for Claudia's.
Monday, January 12, 2009
January 12, 2009
The poetry retreat was the best ever. Today my joy is so huge that I am an expanding universe. Watch for more details, a photo or two, and perhaps a poem. I'd love to know: Who are your favortie poets or what is your favorite poem? If you have too many to count, choose one to share.
If you have a hard time leaving a comment, send me an e-mail, and I will include your comments on my blog. claragillowclark@gmail.com Thanks!
The poetry retreat was the best ever. Today my joy is so huge that I am an expanding universe. Watch for more details, a photo or two, and perhaps a poem. I'd love to know: Who are your favortie poets or what is your favorite poem? If you have too many to count, choose one to share.
If you have a hard time leaving a comment, send me an e-mail, and I will include your comments on my blog. claragillowclark@gmail.com Thanks!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
January 8, 2009
Thank you everyone for helping my fledgling blog fly out of its little nest here in Lookout!
I'm off to a Poetry Retreat in the Poconos today, so I won't be posting anything until Monday, January 12th. I promise to return with a full report of the high points and a photo or two. This year there's an added creativity workshop, and we have been instructed to bring art supplies, so I've packed my box of 64 crayons and glue, my "Great Women Ruler(s) of Literature" (a gift from my sister Ellen), silly scissors, and three B&W photos of me. I wonder what those B&W photos will be turned into?
It's snowing and icy here, so my husband is driving me to the retreat in the Green Hornet--our beloved vintage pickup truck who is very very brave!
Thank you everyone for helping my fledgling blog fly out of its little nest here in Lookout!
I'm off to a Poetry Retreat in the Poconos today, so I won't be posting anything until Monday, January 12th. I promise to return with a full report of the high points and a photo or two. This year there's an added creativity workshop, and we have been instructed to bring art supplies, so I've packed my box of 64 crayons and glue, my "Great Women Ruler(s) of Literature" (a gift from my sister Ellen), silly scissors, and three B&W photos of me. I wonder what those B&W photos will be turned into?
It's snowing and icy here, so my husband is driving me to the retreat in the Green Hornet--our beloved vintage pickup truck who is very very brave!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
January 7, 2009
A special CONGRATULATIONS to my good friend, Margaret Bruetsch. She got the lead in her high school's production of Cinderella. I happen to know that Margaret is also a very talented writer. I hope you'll all join me in cheering for Margaret! YAY! Way to go! You are a star!
BOOK NEWS: I'm working on announcements to mail out about the new book, Secrets of Greymoor aavailable on-line from http://www.borders.com The book has a mystery in it, but it's more about what happens when we make poor choices even if it seems like the right thing to do at the time. Poor Hattie does pretty much everything wrong when she tries to make friends, and hiding that letter from her grandmother was a BIG mistake. Have any of you ever kept a big secret from your parents that made you feel like an elephant was sitting on your shoulder? I'm not just talking about kids; I know that you grownups out there have some foibles in your closets, too! Fess up. Hattie's feeling a little lonely. She'd sure like to know that she wasn't the only one to keep secrets and tell lies.
A special CONGRATULATIONS to my good friend, Margaret Bruetsch. She got the lead in her high school's production of Cinderella. I happen to know that Margaret is also a very talented writer. I hope you'll all join me in cheering for Margaret! YAY! Way to go! You are a star!
BOOK NEWS: I'm working on announcements to mail out about the new book, Secrets of Greymoor aavailable on-line from http://www.borders.com The book has a mystery in it, but it's more about what happens when we make poor choices even if it seems like the right thing to do at the time. Poor Hattie does pretty much everything wrong when she tries to make friends, and hiding that letter from her grandmother was a BIG mistake. Have any of you ever kept a big secret from your parents that made you feel like an elephant was sitting on your shoulder? I'm not just talking about kids; I know that you grownups out there have some foibles in your closets, too! Fess up. Hattie's feeling a little lonely. She'd sure like to know that she wasn't the only one to keep secrets and tell lies.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
January 6, 2009
The New Year is always an exciting time. We went to New York City on the 2nd and had quite a hassle getting to see the VanGogh exhibit in its closing days. The MoMA was packed with lines out the door and waaaay down the street. But we persevered! Imagine getting to see "The Starry Night Over the Rhone" up close! And so many others. We had lunch at Brasserie Cognac on the corner of Broadway and fifty something street. It was stellar day!
On Sunday we saw several eagles along the Delaware River and spotted a nesting place in a tall pine tree. While we watched, an eagle soared up the river and flew into the nest! We'll be back to take some photos that I hope come out good enough to share with all of you!
Book news: For anyone living in the region that happens to log on, I'll be at the Border's bookstore in E.Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania on Valentine's Day from 1-3 pm. That's Saturday, February 14th. If you have youngsters, bring them along. I'll be showing kids several kinds of secret codes that they can use to create their own secret messages. Learn more about the new book Secrets of Greymoor http://www.candlewickpress.com/
I'll be posting several times a week, so watch for updates! Thanks for dropping by. . .
The New Year is always an exciting time. We went to New York City on the 2nd and had quite a hassle getting to see the VanGogh exhibit in its closing days. The MoMA was packed with lines out the door and waaaay down the street. But we persevered! Imagine getting to see "The Starry Night Over the Rhone" up close! And so many others. We had lunch at Brasserie Cognac on the corner of Broadway and fifty something street. It was stellar day!
On Sunday we saw several eagles along the Delaware River and spotted a nesting place in a tall pine tree. While we watched, an eagle soared up the river and flew into the nest! We'll be back to take some photos that I hope come out good enough to share with all of you!
Book news: For anyone living in the region that happens to log on, I'll be at the Border's bookstore in E.Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania on Valentine's Day from 1-3 pm. That's Saturday, February 14th. If you have youngsters, bring them along. I'll be showing kids several kinds of secret codes that they can use to create their own secret messages. Learn more about the new book Secrets of Greymoor http://www.candlewickpress.com/
I'll be posting several times a week, so watch for updates! Thanks for dropping by. . .
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