New Moon today

According to my calendar, today, December 16 is a New Moon.  What does that mean?

I really don’t follow astronomy, so you can try to Google it. But I’m positive, the first page (or 80) will all be links to Stephanie Myer’s Twilight: New Moon, the second book in her series, or the movie with Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner. I’m not going to balk – I’d be clicking on those links, too!

But today, let’s use this craze as a writing prompt. You can write about vampires (done to death!) a sweeping romantic saga (insert finger in throat now), werewolves (a second to the vampire “overdone topic”). Or maybe, you can flip it. What is the opposite of vampires? Life over death? Sunshine over shadows? Heavenly instead of underworldly?

And how about a revenge story – not a love story? A breakup story…I’m sure you guys have plenty of ideas here.

Announcing…a book club for WRITERS!

The passion for writing is pretty wide spread, so when a fellow writer and/or teacher contacts me about some neat project they’re doing to help inspire young writers, I’m so open to helping them spread the word.

 

E.M. Rowan, of E.M. Rowan’s Field Notes (Research for Beginning Writers) would like to share this info with you:

The Writer’s Book Club will be an online group—if you want, participate from the comfort of your home while wearing pajamas! No one will see you or even hear your voice. I’ll announce the book; approximately a month later, I’ll create a discussion post. Everyone is welcome to join in and comment as much as you want. My only rule is that you be respectful of the author and other people’s opinions. Feel free to calmly disagree with the author or readers, but I’ll delete comments such as, “This club sucks! I’m right and you’re wrong! This is the worst book in the history of the world!” You get the idea.

While brainstorming ideas for how the book club would work, Ellie had a great suggestion:  ” . . . then on the blog we talk about what writing was good in the book, and what writing was bad, so then it’s not just about the story, but we’re studying it from a writer’s perspective. We could even take it deeper and read one book because the author is famous for giving good descriptions, and another that is good at story-pace, and one that is good at back story . . .”

I immediately pounced on this idea. How many book clubs study from a writer’s perspective? Maybe lots, I don’t know. But I like it, so I’m incorporating it. That does not mean you must be a writer in order to join the club. Anybody who wants to read books is welcome. We’ll still be discussing the story, characters, favorite parts, etc. But if you’re a writer, it’s like an extra bonus. I hope you’ll learn something new by studying each book.

The first book is Shiver, by Maggie Stiefvater and the discussion begins on December 2nd.

Guest Post, Author Fiona Ingram

Today to help with NaNo, guest author, Fiona Ingram gives young writers tips on how to get started and plow through their writing.  Feel free to leave comments or questions and Ms. Ingram will reply! (Please NOTE: She lives in South Africa, so her replies may be a day behind)

Just Begin: Some Tips for Young Writers

By: Fiona Ingram

Writing can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of your life. There are many reasons a person decides to write: to share their life’s experiences, to tell a good story, to express the feelings and situations of others … the list is endless. Some people even write just for fun. I wrote my book because I visited Egypt with my two nephews and wanted to write a short story to help them remember a special time. To my surprise, the short story turned into a book, and then a book series. So, you never know what’s going to happen once you begin!

Any good story is composed of a really gripping plot and realistic, believable characters. What comes first? Everyone has their own ideas but I believe the plot should come first. What’s the point of great characters if they sit around and don’t achieve very much. So, step one, write your plot down in a few words (that’s all you need). “My story is about … who manages to … and goes on to ….” Example from my book: two cousins go to Egypt with their aunt Isabel and their Gran and are given an ancient scarab that plunges them into a whirlpool of exciting events. I have my two main characters, two secondary characters, a great location (open to all kinds of amazing events), an important object, and … well, the amazing events are up to my imagination.

How To Choose a Great Story Topic. You may think, “But what can I write about?” Write about what you know best, or what excites you, or what you enjoy. You’ll find that when you are really keen on something—it can be an activity, a place, an event, or a person (real or imaginary)—it becomes easier to write. Do you love reading about faraway exciting places? Then research a place you find interesting and set your story there. Do you enjoy mysteries? Think about something that’ll keep people guessing. Are you good at a skill or a sport? Set your story around a character with those abilities.

How to Construct your Storyline. Structure is very important otherwise you’ll end up writing away like crazy but forget some vital detail here and there, and your story will fall to pieces. Sit down and draw your storyline—remember, you have already written it down in a few words. You may not stick to it exactly, but it’s important to map out where the story is going. You don’t want to give away the plot too soon, or tell the reader everything all at once. So begin with a simple 3-point system: the Beginning (your hero appears—what is he doing? What does he want to achieve?); the Middle (something will happen to him and he has to …? ); the Ending (your hero resolves the situation). From those three vital points you will fill in your other plot points—how did… why did… what happens next…

Make Your Characters as Interesting as Possible. Tip: take them from real life examples. You could write about someone like yourself, or else model the characters on friends at school, teachers, or other people you know. The dialogue between your characters is also important because that’s one place to develop the plot line. Their interaction will reveal the chain of events as the characters work out various situations.

Make your information to the reader as interesting as possible by weaving it into the story. Don’t say that it’s cold. Get your character to shiver because he left his jacket at home. You can set the scene around your characters by using adjectives and adverbs to enhance your descriptions and actions but don’t overdo it. The reader is also going to use his or her imagination, so don’t overload your writing with too many descriptions.

A final piece of advice: writing should be fun and exciting. Just enjoy yourself and let your imagination take you to places you only ever dreamed of…

Author Bio: Fiona Ingram

I can’t remember NOT having a book in my hand. My schoolmates called me a bookworm, and nothing’s changed since then. I was brought up on the children’s classics because my parents are also avid readers. My earliest story-telling talents came to the fore when, from the age of ten, I entertained my three younger brothers and their friends with serialised tales of children undertaking dangerous and exciting exploits, which they survived through courage and ingenuity. Haunted houses, vampires, and skeletons leaping out of coffins were hot favorites in the cast of characters. We also acted out the stories for my long-suffering parents! I graduated from the University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, with a double first in my B.A. (French & Drama). After completing my Honors in Drama at Natal, I then went to the University of the Witwatersrand to do my Masters degree in French-African literature. I also studied drama at The Drama Studio in London and mime at L’Ecole Jacques le Coq in Paris. Upon my return to South Africa, I immersed myself in teaching drama at community centres, and became involved in producing community and grassroots theatre with local playwrights and performers in Natal for several years. A move to Johannesburg took me in a new direction—that of journalism. I have written freelance for the last fifteen years on everything from serial killers to relationship advice. Writing a children’s book—The Secret of the Sacred Scarab—was an unexpected step, inspired by a recent trip to Egypt. The tale of the sacred scarab began life as a little anecdotal tale for my 2 nephews (then 10 and 12), who had accompanied me on the Egyptian trip. This short story grew into a children’s book, the first in the adventure series, Chronicles of the Stone. I’m already immersed in the next book in the series—The Search for the Stone of Excalibur—a huge treat for young King Arthur fans. Although I do not have children of my own, I have an adopted teenage foster child, from an underprivileged background who is just discovering the joys of reading for pleasure. My interests include literature, art, theatre, collecting antiques, animals, music, and films.

Book Synopsis: The Secret of the Sacred Scarab

A thrilling adventure for two young boys, whose fun trip to Egypt turns into a dangerously exciting quest to uncover an ancient and mysterious secret. A 5000-year-old mystery comes to life when a scruffy peddler gives Adam and Justin Sinclair an old Egyptian scarab on their very first day in Egypt.  Justin and Adam embark upon the adventure of a lifetime, taking them down the Nile and across the harsh desert in their search for the legendary tomb of the Scarab King, an ancient Egyptian ruler. With just their wits, courage, and each other, the boys manage to survive … only to find that the end of one journey is the beginning of another!

Does Egypt interest you?  Here, Fiona Ingram shares some great resources for you to check out. Perhaps your NaNo novel might head towards the rising pyramids?

Some interesting books on Egypt to inspire thoughts of adventure and amazing events! All available on Amazon.

Egyptology by Emily Sands

Join Emily Sands’ expedition to find the lost tomb of Osiris. A jeweled amulet glows on the cover, inside the book, there are fold-out maps, postcards, drawings and photographs, ticket stubs, mummy cloth, a scrap of papyrus. (Activity book) And, don’t miss the hieroglyphs writing kit from the desk of Emily Sands: Egyptology Code-Writing Kit.

Tutankhamun: The Mystery of the Boy King by Zahi Hawass

Journey back to the time of Tutankhamun with famed Egyptian archeologist Zahi Hawass—experience the thrilling discovery of Tut’s tomb by Howard Carter, the boy king’s life reconstructed (how old he was, how tall, what clothes he wore, what games he played) and most recent studies of Tut’s mummy. Gorgeous photographs. (Picture book)

Secrets of the Sphinx by James Cross Giblin, Bagram IbatoullineGet the scoop on the Great Sphinx through the centuries, the sculpture of a lion topped with a man’s head. Find out about builders of the Sphinx, rediscovery by Thutmose a thousand years later, protecting the sculpture today. Fabulous illustrations, including reconstruction of the Sphinx with a red face and blue beard. (Illustrated chapter book)

The Ancient Egypt Pop-Up Book by The British Museum and James Putnam

Ancient Egypt leaps off the page in this irresistible pop-up book—a 3-D boat on the Nile, Ramses II in his war chariot, whole pyramid complex at Giza, an Egyptian villa, Hatshepsut’s temple at Deir el Bahari, Tutankhamun’s funerary mask and mummified head, and Tut’s tomb. (Pop-up book)

If I Were a Kid in Ancient Egypt by Cricket Books Take a step back in time and find out how kids lived in ancient Egypt—eating with your fingers, shaved heads, family fishing trips, popular pets, board games, going to school to become a scribe, and more. (Picture book)

Fun with Hieroglyphs by Metropolitan Museum of Art, Catharine Roehrig

Find out what hieroglyphs mean and how to say them, then write like an Egyptian with 24 different rubber stamps, plus counting, hieroglyphic word puzzles, and secret messages. (Activity pack and book)

The Egyptology Handbook by Emily Sands, Ian Andrew, Nick Harris, and  Helen WardThe companion book to Egyptology, this is a good introduction to the wonders of ancient Egypt—history and dynasties, the great pyramids and tombs, food, dress, work and play, palace life and warfare, hieroglyphs, gods and religion, tales and myths, plus activities to do in each section and stickers. Beautifully illustrated with drawings and historical photographs. (Activity book)

The Riddle of the Rosetta Stone by James Cross Giblin

Find out why this modest-looking black stone is the key to ancient Egypt—where the stone was found, what’s inscribed, and how Champollion, having decided at age 11 that he’d read the hieroglyphics, solved the puzzle. (Chapter book, illustrations)

An ABC Escapade through Egypt by Bernadette Simpson

Discover Egypt from A to Z, especially food, animals and culture—dates (Egypt produces the most dates in the world), konafa (traditional dessert for Ramadan), watermelons (cultivated 5,000 years ago), goats, camels and jerboas, village life, city markets and more. Unique and fascinating insights. (Picture book)

All you need is a bit of Magic

Writing Magic, that is!

Publisher Comments:

Do you want to write stories that catch your readers and never let go? Have you ever wondered how to create a book as magical as Ella Enchanted, as touching as Dave at Night, as captivating as Fairest?Well, now you can find out! In Writing Magic, Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine shares her secrets of great writing. She shows how you, too, can get terrific ideas for stories, invent great beginnings and endings, write sparkling dialogue, develop memorable characters—and much, much more. She advises you about what to do when you feel stuck—and how to use helpful criticism. Best of all, she offers writing exercises that will set your imagination on fire.

With humor, honesty, and wisdom, Gail Carson Levine shows you that you, too, can make magic with your writing.

Check out this fantastic book written for young writers and read my review on Powell’s!

Ready, Set, NaNo!

OK, I’ll make this brief, I’m saving up all my words for NaNo, ya know!

On Tuesday, November 10, stop in and talk to published author, Fiona Ingram. Fiona will give you writing tips and use examples from her newest novel: The Secret of the Sacred Scarab. And if you like Egyptian themes, you’re in for a treat! Fiona will also provide a long list of sites and books to check out to feed that Sphinx craze!

Then come back here throughout the month of November for some rockin’ novel prompts.

I’ll have quick, intriguing ideas on how to take your novel in a new direction. Some prompts will be silly, some scary, some just absurd. It will depend on my coffee level that day : )

Feel free to add your own prompts – you may help another NaNo’er push past a block.

Bring your friends! Bring your Teacher! Bring your Teacher’s Friends! And let’s NaNo!

Guest Post: Author, Adam Dustus (win his book!)

Adam Dustus

Today, Adam Dustus guest blogs on WriteLikeCRAZY and is offering his new novel, High School Asylum, to one lucky random winner! Please read the rules at the end of this post for your chance to win!

Begin Your Masterpiece!

Psst…  I’ll let you in on a little secret.  While I’m not certain how many writers know this, you can bet your life they live it.  The secret is attitude.  It is one’s attitude of mind that to a great extent determines what and even how they write, perform, play—or pursue a happy existence.  Writing is influenced by the mood, artistic temperament, and worthy aspirations that always precede goals, both in life and developing a novel.

I find it a major help to begin any writing with the highest expectations for your work.

Since expectations influence outcomes, I ask you to recognize that when writing a piece of any length, the artist needs to do more than brainstorm and develop plots (especially when attempting anything considered socially conscious and relevant). Just as creativity influences narration and outline, your artistic intentions elevate the level of your work through writing down in goal form what you aim to accomplish literally. In taking this important step, the writer automatically begins a journey to fulfill self-generated, noble intentions.

Set out to clearly define your reasons for writing your piece.  Sure it is okay to wing it, vent, and have fun with your writing. However, do not be afraid to “DREAM BIG” by first defining what you set out to do.  Have no limits in your brainstorm.  To illustrate this idea, take my first novel High School Asylum.  The following had been my goals for this novel:

Goals for the creation of High School Asylum:

• Expose the alienation that many young “loners” experience in high school, as well as the social sickness that is alienation (draw from personal experience)
• Realistically create a fictional public high school.
• Design this book to be a beginning for dialogue for the field of education (From “The Ivory Tower” of higher ed. to inside a high school English classroom.
• Expose the violence of suburban New Jersey
• Express my moral conviction against war

Final thoughts… Everyone’s artistic vision will be different.  As it is for most art in many genres and forms (both traditional and digital), the beauty of writing is that artists adapt to methods and make them their own.  Writing is the most personally engaging and intimate artistic form.  Great writing transforms the reader and author in ways that no other art form is able.  Dare to create and make it great. Now, begin your masterpiece!

_______________________________________________________________________
Adam Dustus is a blogger, novelist, poet, graphic artist, and podcaster.  His most notable literary work to date is High School Asylum, which depicts the overwhelming emotions of feeling alienated from life and high school culture. Adam is currently putting the finishing touches on his second novel, Sounds From A House.

Visit The Dustus Blog @ http://dustus.wordpress.com.

Adam’s novels and poetry can be ordered through Amazon.com.

Any one can leave a question or comment for Adam today, but only young writers can enter to win a copy of his novel!

ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF HIGH SCHOOL ASYLUM:

(RULES)

You must be 25-years-old or YOUNGER to post for entry to the giveaway

You must have a U.S. shipping address

You must post at least ONE Writing Goal you have for yourself (Bonus entry  if you share your plan to achieve that goal!) The more goals you have the more entries you earn!

Be specific, like “I’d like to publish a fantasty novel before I’m 30″ or “I want to learn how to write better dialogue.”

Posts must be made by 12 mindnight Central Time, Sept 25, 2009

Good luck!

Come back tomorrow to see if you’ve won ; )

Mary Jo’s Note:  All comments are subject to my approval. Since this is a blog for young writers, I WILL NOT post any comments that are lewd, vulgar or harmful in any way.

Wanna win a free book?

Hey young writers! 

I’m honored to have new novelist, Adam Dustus, author of HighSchool Asylum, guest blogging on WriteLikeCRAZY this Friday, Sept. 25! And you can win his book!

 Adam has been writing fiction and poetry his whole life and shares his story of how to stay motivated by having goals for your writing.

 What are your goals for your writing? 

Do you want to see your name in print? Have a book made into a blockbuster movie? Maybe just improve your grades on school papers?  Well, it all begins with a goal.

Share your goal with us for a chance to win…

Wanna win Adam’s book, High School Asylum for free?  Then come back over to the WriteLikeCRAZY blog on Friday before midnight and post a comment telling us about your writing goals! One lucky winner will be randomly selected. Be sure to follow the rules posted on Friday!!!

You can also leave a question or comment for author Adam Dustus as he will be replying all day.

Can’t wait to “see” you there!

The Authors are coming…the authors are coming!

OK, I’ve been feeling a little guilty about something and need to come clean.

Ready?

I’ve been cheating on you.

Well, it’s not what it seems. Really.

Hear me out.

My other blog, Writers Inspired, was created first, about a year ago. I created that blog as a means to  communicate with fellow writers who took a Christina Katz on-line course with me. This was were we’d keep each other on track with our goals and post upcoming contests and editors or markets to stay away from.

Then, you were born. Well, not you, but WriteLikeCRAZY. I began this blog as a way for my own writing students to keep in touch, share their work and gain writing prompts, tips and links to contests. Plus, some silly stuff along the way.

I feel guilty that I’ve been reeling in authors, interviews and book giveaways for Writers Inspired, yet leaving my young readers high and dry. Say it ain’t so, Mary Jo.   *sigh*  It’s so.

So… how about I invite authors of young adult and teen novels to guest post and giveaway books here?! Yeah? You like that idea, right?

But, I need your help:

First, tell me some of your favorite NEW authors and their book titles.

Then, tell me what you’d like to know from these authors: how many hours a week they write; how many drafts until they feel confident that their manuscript is complete; do they drink pots of coffee and stay up all night to get their ideas on paper; how did they first get published – even ask them to describe their desk or work area.

I’ll start bringing in the authors – you start giving me some questions for them. Deal? Deal! Good, now I don’t feel dirty.

: )

Thumbs up Thursday!

So many books become movies, and so often we vow that the book is always better! Case in point, this weekend, I found a copy of the movie Speak, starring Kristen Stewart (the book by the same name, is written by Laurie Halse Anderson; see my book review here.)

 

                           versus         

I have to say I was quite disappointed in the movie.  Although I expected to be. Anderson’s writing is so crisp and sarcastic, yet moving, but the acting in the movie was lacking on all accounts.  Don’t send computer viruses to my blog, now, all you Kristen Stewart fans. I like her, though of course  I’d rather be the one opposite Robert Pattinson in the Twilight movies, but I digress.

 

 

                         versus        

Some movies I think were better than their books are: The Notebook (I’m sorry Nicholas Sparks fans! I think his writing is too ordinary and simplistic.) The movie was much more powerful.  Also, The Bridges of Madison County:  the movie  – Loved it! The book: not so much.  I felt the characters were better portrayed on screen, though we are talking about the great Meryl Streep (she did play in roles other than Mama Mia! for you younger readers!)

 

What are your thoughts on movies versus their books? Share!

Thumbs up Thursday

What book, author, writing resource or blog/website do you want to give the “Thumbs Up” to today?

I just finished reading Laurie Halse Anderson’s novel Speak: 

Melinda Sordino busted an end-of summer party by calling the cops, so her old friends won’t talk to her, and people she doesn’t know hate her from a distance. It’s no use explaining to her parents; they’ve never know what her life is really like. The safest place for Melinda is to be alone, inside her own head.  But even that’s not safe. Because there’s something she’s trying not to think about, something about the night of the party that, if she admitted it and let it in, would blow her carefully constructed disguise to smithereens.  And then she would have no choice. Melinda would have to speak the truth.

What I loved about it: Melinda’s (and therefore the author’s) voice is very distinct. She is snarky, funny yet cocooned in fear. Melinda’s character grows throughout the novel and you, as the reader, grow with her. The writing is quick and crisp and the page layout and book’s overall format is fun and funky, like reading pages from a teen’s  journal (as I remember from my own journal, I haven’t been prying into others!) The setting details are clear and poetic in places, which reflect the character’s mind and her love of art. They can also be exaggerated, like Melinda’s sarcastic self.  I especially enjoyed reading about the code names and cliques in the school: The Marthas, Hairwoman and Mr. Neck and how each character has their own plate of struggles they’re trying to balance.  Although the overall tone of the book is quick-witted and fast paced, Anderson handles a terrifying topic with realism and truth.

What qualifies for your “Thumbs Up?”