WORD FOR THE WEEK

STAMP:

A small adhesive piece of paper stuck to something to show that an amount of money has been paid, in particular a postage stamp

EXAMPLE:

I need some stamps to mail in my submission.

QUOTE:

"Be like a postage stamp. Stick to one thing until you get there." Josh Billings (American Humorist)


As writers, we need stamps. We need stamps to mail in our submissions. A few days ago I stopped at the post office to buy a book of stamps. I asked if there were any commemorative stamps I could buy. They are usually prettier to the eye than the regular books of stamps. 

This is what I came out of our post office with: A book of Harry Potter stamps.

I have a problem. I don't want to use these stamps. 

I solved my problem by buying another (regular) book of stamps. 

Have you seen these stamps? Would you, as a writer, be tempted not to use them?

PS: I used to collect stamps. They are a weakness of mine. 

Posted byJanet Smart on Creative Writing in the Blackberry Patch.

What Have You Been Reading?

I've been reading:

Ghost Buddy by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
 I haven't finished it yet, but I like what I am reading.

How to Steal a Dog by  Barbara O'Connor
Finished and liked it. The ending was a little different than I thought it was going to be, but I guess that is good - the ending wasn't predictable.

Caves, Cannons and Crinolines by Beverly Stowe McClure
Finished and liked it. If you like MG historical fiction, I would recommend this one to you. I won this book written by a fellow blogger and cyber friend.

The books pictured above I have either won (Caves, Cannons and Crinolines) or bought at a thrift store or library. The Ripley and Sissonville Library have shelves where they sell books cheap (25 cents each) or ask for a donation. I spend most of my time in thrift stores in the book section. I find some of the best books there.

Three of the above books, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, Under the Sun and the Moon and John, Paul, George and Ben, are like new.

I found Bird by Bird at the Sissonville Library and paid 25 cents for it. I had heard of this book, but never read it before. As it states on the front cover, it is - Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott. I have read portions of it and am learning about the many aspects of writing. I know some people will think this is crazy and would not approve, but I have penciled out some of the words while reading this book. I don't use certain words when I talk and don't like reading them, so I just mark through them. If you have read this book, you know the words I mean.

The Margaret Wise Brown book, Under the Sun and the Moon is a children's poetry book with simply beautiful illustrations! I love it. Tom Leonard illustrated this book and on the back-flap it stated that this was his first picture book. He did a great job.

What have you been reading?
Do you have luck finding books you love at the thrift store and library shelves?

Posted by Janet Smart on Creative Writing in the Blackberry Patch.

WORD FOR THE WEEK

IMAGINATION: The ability to imagine things that are not real. The ability to think of new things. Something that only exists or happens in your mind.

EXAMPLE: Use your imagination and let your writing soar to places it has never been before.

QUOTE: Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try. Dr. Seuss

Imagination is something a writer uses daily, even in writing non-fiction.
Readers also use their imagination.

The writer creates characters, settings and new worlds when they write their manuscripts. The readers then get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Your writing takes them into another time and world. They get to visit other places, magical or real, without ever leaving their home.

Writing is a labor. It takes hard work, along with our imagination. But, I consider writing a labor of love!

I use my imagination and stories about my ancestors 

to create works of fiction - and non-fiction.

How do you use your imagination?

Posted by Janet Smart  on Creative Writing in the Blackberry Patch.

Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!

Dr. Seuss

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_imagination.html#RuWVqmPhHluu6WKX.99

Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!

Dr. Seuss

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_imagination.html#RuWVqmPhHluu6WKX.99

Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!

Dr. Seuss

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_imagination.html#RuWVqmPhHluu6WKX.99

FAVORITE CHAPTER BOOKS

I was sailing the internet visiting blogs, when I came upon this list.
Top 100 Chapter Book Poll Results.
Go to the above link and click on each title and read about them.


These are books suitable for a wide range of ages.

I have read many on the list, including:

Charlotte's Web
Holes
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Because of Winn-Dixie (my favorite!)
Bridge of Terabithia
Little House on the Prairie
Ramona the Pest
Sarah, Plain and Tall (another one of my favorites!)
The Boxcar Children
A Long Way From Chicago (I must confess, another favorite!)
Out of the Dust
The Indian in the Cupboard

We could make a list of our own.
What are some of your favorite chapter books for children?

Why do I like to read - and write?

It takes me on adventures to other places and times.

Posted by Janet Smart on Creative Writing in the Blackberry Patch.

WORD FOR THE WEEK

SPECIFIC: Clearly defined or identified

EXAMPLE: In order to be specific you need to come to the point, go into detail, put a finger on, pin down and be precise.  :o)

QUOTE:

I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific. Lily Tomlin

To make your writing shine, use specific words when you write.

Did she walk or did she tiptoe, prod or prance?
Were her eyes just blue or were they sapphire or steel gray?
Did he drive a vehicle or a Ford F-150 or a scarlet mustang?

Use specific color, shape, taste, smell, touch, walk, etc. words in your writing.

They say we should write using all of our senses, but writers often don't use taste and smell words enough in their writing.

Here are a few taste and smell words for you to consider:

alkaline, bland, crisp, dank, earthy, fresh, gaseous, hot, musty, overripe, piney, raw, sour, stinky, tempting, vinegary

Can you add more to the list?

Mama Bird told Papa Bird to build her a nest in a hidden area. 

She should have been more specific!

Posted by Janet Smart  on Creative Writing in the Blackberry Patch.