Jan 30, 2006 Posted by thunderchikin

Chop, chop

In writing news, I finished the first draft of the PB. It’s in at 767 words, which is 267 words over target. The set up is too long anyway, so it’s a good candidate for paring. The language is rough, of course. The biggest problem is voice. There’s a POV shift in one paragraph, and I lost the voice at the end. The first close edit of the MG fantasy is coming along. Chapters 1-12 have... read more

Jan 29, 2006 Posted by thunderchikin

My Hero, Jane

I continue to be awed and inspired by Jane Yolen. We’ve never met, unless you count a brief introduction a convention signing line or in a brief “hello, love your work” in a crowded publishers’ cocktail party. Through her online journal and the various speeches posted on the internet, though, I’ve come to understand many things about writing that I didn’t get before. ... read more

Jan 25, 2006 Posted by thunderchikin

Geoxymoron

I coined a new term today: geoxymoron–a contradiction of places. It’s my idiom for cities and town with names that are contradictions in term. Manhattan, KS (my favorite) Rome, GA Athens, TN Got any others? Share read more

Jan 23, 2006 Posted by thunderchikin

Printz Award Winners

Printz Medal: LOOKING FOR ALASKA by John Green Printz Honor: BLACK JUICE by Margo Lanagan I AM THE MESSENGER by Markus Zusak JOHN LENNON by Elizbeth Partridge A WREATH FOR EMMETT TILL by Marilyn Nelson Share read more

Jan 10, 2006 Posted by thunderchikin

WIN Something

Are you ready to W.I.N.? The 2006 Write It Now! Competition is open for entries! Discover how to increase your confidence and sense of accomplishment as a writer in the prestigious Write It Now! Competition. In just two years, over 40 of our W.I.N.NING writers and illustrators have had their work published or put under contract and this year you could be one of them. There’s $1,495.80 in cash and prizes... read more