Two Things on Tuesday

Thing One

Some days I fear writing dreadfully, but I do it anyway. I've discovered that sometimes writing badly can eventually lead to something better. Not writing at all leads to nothing.

--Ann Quindlen 

Thing Two

Came across this from School Library Journal during a recent office cleanup. I made a gazillion Yoohoo boats for this.

  

Words of wisdom

The construction is the most important goddamned thing. It’s like building a house–you have to build the outside properly before you put the bits and pieces inside afterward. 

Get your story, get your architecture right, and you can always add your dialogue afterwards. A story starts at the beginning, it develops, it works itself out, and it works up to its finale. 

The great essence of construction is to know your end before your beginning; to know exactly what you’re working up to; and then to work up to that end. To just start off and wander on the way isn’t any good whatever… because you’re wallowing.

--Billy Wilder

Two Things on Tuesday

Thing One

Dear Barbara O'Connor:

I really like Me and Rupert Goody. My favorite part was the chicken hair. 

Thing Two

Writing for children is murder. A chapter has to be boiled down to a paragraph. Every word has to count. 

--Dr. Seuss  

Things I Love Thursday

I love kids who write letters like this:

Dear Barbara O'Connor:

What I like in your books are the settings. They are very vibrant. What I dislike in your books is when you describe some things. 

Don't get me wrong. Describing is okay. But when you described Mama Nell's purple feet and yellow toenails, I lost my appetite.

Two Things on Tuesday

Thing One

Look what I got!

 

Paperback edition of On the Road to Mr. Mineo's

Thing Two

 

Skyping with students in Ecuador.

Don't you love how Skype makes a big world smaller?

 

 

Things I Love Thursday

I love this old cookbook.

I bought it in 1974 from the Whole Earth Catalog.

The Purefoy Hotel was well known and well loved back in its day.

Eva Purefoy enclosed a postcard and wrote:

"Postage and insurance have gone up. Balance due on book is $.25. You may send stamps. My new book is a honey."

In addition to recipes, there are handy tips, like how to freshen a wilted veil.

Two Things on Tuesday

Thing One

Viola is coming to Owen. She is gonna blow there minds. Viola is mean.

Thing Two

Isn't this an awesome way to thank an author after a visit?

Click here to see

Things I Love Thursday

I love this needlepoint given to me by my friend (and neighbor)

Movie news!

Filming is beginning on the Korean movie of How to Steal a Dog.

 Release date is December.

Yippee!

Check it out here.

Thank you, Hampden Meadows - Part 2

I'll let these pictures do the talking.

These are some of the projects the students worked on based on my books.

It doesn't get any better than this.

Thank you to the students and faculty of Hampden Meadows!