Challenge: Try a Contest!

Contests are a great way to hone your writing skills.

Here's a fun contest being held by Stories For Children Magazine.

Check it out.

On your mark. . .

Get set . . . .

WRITE!

Let's hear it for Redneck ingenuity! A creative and resourceful people.

Redneck hot tub

Redneck lottery winner

Redneck cat

Redneck gingerbread house

Redneck grill

Redneck bas boat

Mark your calendar for an event geared toward Children's Book writers and Illustrators

click on image to enlarge

Crispin and the Cross of Lead

Can you say "WOW! Whudda good book?"
Avi is a Master Word Smyth and creates unforgettable characters.
I enjoyed every minute of it.
This is the first book that I've read by Avi. Rumor has it that he has published about 50 books. Is that right? Has anyone read any of them. I'd like to read more by Avi and I'm open to suggestions.
This is Historical Fiction at its best!

Goal Goal Goal Goal Goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Inspire someone

No, I'm not talking soccer or hockey, I'm talking about creative goals.

Lately I've been hearing a lot of challenges, ie: write a book in a week or a month, a specific reading list getting your to-do list done before July 21st before the new HP book comes out. (thanks for sharing that Janelle.)

I've been inspired by so many people lately, I wanted to include a list of goals in my blog.

Today I went to the library and picked up some books. I decided to start running down the list of Newberry winners. OK, so I also had to include a Captain Underpants and The Wonderful World of Wally McDougle, 'cause I can't get too serious ya know. I need my doses of comic relief.

So, please! in the comments below, please share what kind of goals you are working toward. Who knows, maybe you'll inspire someone to do the same!

What's everyone up to?

My favorite art is made by family and friends

Rebecca at the Well, By Jason Hiles
plaster


I've recently become aware that my favorite pieces of art in my house are done by family and friends. So, I thought I'd share them with whoever cares to look. I think they deserve to be appreciated by others than just myself. :0)

the above sculpture is done by a friend of mine, Jason Hiles.
He created this sculpture as well as the ones below, while he studied at MIAD (Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design)

stained glass lampshade, made by my dad

Jesus telling his disciples the "Parable of the Sower" By Jason Hiles
plaster

"Turning from Sin" By Jason Hiles
sculpture in bronze

After loving the movie "The Princess Bride" for years and years and years, I decided it was time to read the book.
As is true of most books and movies, the book is better than the movie. I didn't think that could be possible in this case, but it is.
William Goldman is brilliant!
The best words to describe this book is deliciously funny and smart.
I particularly suggest you read the 25th anniversary addition.

The best part? Goldman pulls a great trick on the reader. I was pulled in hook, line and sinker! I'm not going to tell you what it was, just in case you want to read it and
delight in his trickery.

Here's the kicker though. I didn't know I had been tricked until I went to wikepedia in search of a photo to share on this blog. Under the "context" section of Wikepedia I discovered Goldman's "trick"

That made me like the book even MORE! Pure genius.

I highly suggest you read the book first, before going to Wikepedia to see what I'm talking about. You just won't develop the same appreciation if you do otherwise. Don't cheat yourself.
I've warned you!

If you HAVE read the book, take a trip over to Wikepedia and see what it has to say about Goldman's abridged version of S. Morgensterns original tale.

Artsy photo's at the beach