Thought for the Day:
“First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you
whether you’re inspired or not. Habit will help you finish and polish your stories.
Inspiration won’t. Habit is persistence in practice.
~ Octavia Butler ~
Gifts for My Writer Friends:
Dana Nuenighoff has a great post HERE on Writer’s Rumpus about Finding Your Voice. The Voice Cheatsheet is terrific.
How well do you know your antagonist? Angela Ackerman has a guest post at Riders in the Storm HERE that is full of really important ideas about our villains.
Anne Rice has had some success in the writing business. HERE is a post with 20 great hints to make your writing better.
When last we met here, I offered a copy of The Theory of Hummingbirds by Michelle Kadarusman to one of you. Our winner this week is Patricia Tilton. If you don't know her, Patricia is an Ohio writer who has wonderful book reviews on her blog, Children's Books Heal. Check it out HERE. Congratulations, Patricia!
I read a review somewhere (I have to start writing this stuff down) that made me ask the Manhattan Book Review to request a copy of Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade by Jordan Sonnenblick. Here is the review I wrote for them.
Maverick hasn’t had an easy time. His father died when he was pretty
young -- well, Maverick is still pretty young, just starting sixth grade
-- and his home life isn’t pretty. His mother has had a string of
abusive boyfriends and is either about to be fired or has just been
fired for not showing up, caused by her excessive drinking. Needless to
say, Maverick has to take care of himself. The one thing he has from his
father is a sheriff’s badge he keeps as a reminder of his father’s
heroics and the hero Maverick can be. Sixth grade is a new start, and,
even though he is the smallest, he will stand up for himself and anyone
else being bullied. But trying to do the right thing might seem wrong to
others, and Assistant Principal Mr. Overbye doesn’t tolerate trouble.
It doesn’t take long for Maverick to make The Bee’s acquaintance.
Author Jordan Sonnenblick tells a page-turner of a story about Maverick
and his troubles that will have kids riveted. Great characters, a
perfect setting, and strong writing will carry readers through. Even
though it’s a little preachy at the end, this is a winner.
 |
| Jason Sonnenblick |
I have a gently-read paperback for of this for one of you. To win, all you need do is have a US address, be a subscriber or follower, and tell me that in a comment you leave on this post. If you are reading this in your email, click HERE to go to the blog so you can leave a comment. If you would like extra chances, please spread the word by posting the link on a Tweet, blog post, Facebook, or any other way you like. Let me know what you have done in your comment, and I will put in extra chances for you for each that you do.
Don't forget to check out Greg Pattridge's blog HERE for many more Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday reviews and giveaways. He has graciously agreed to take over temporarily for Shannon Messenger while she is running around promoting her latest book. Thanks, Greg, and go forth and sell books, Shannon!
