I’m speaking twice in February
Come to the CCIRA conference on literacy at the Marriott in Denver, Feb. 4 at 9:15 to hear me speak on “From Picture Books to Chapter Books: Incorporating them into your curriculum.
Or take my workshop on: “Are picture books fading away? Not likely!” through LifeLong Learning in Boulder, CO, Sat. Feb. 11, 9-1. More info and links on my website www.peasepodbooks.com
Social Networking – Attract More Facebook Fans]
Social Networking – Attract More Facebook Fans]. Passing on this great bit of FB advice for attracting more fans to your page. As posted on Assoc. of Independent Authors Resource Guide.
A workshop for children writers at Boulder Book Store
GhostcoverI held a workshop for budding kid writers, ages 9-12, at Boulder Book Store one summer afternoon. Though I was a little disappointed that no boys showed (though not shocked), I had a lovely, intelligent group of girls, mostly nine years old, some who brought works-in-progress, some who were just wanted to explore how to write strong openings–especially for mysteries. They each received a copy of GHOST OVER BOULDER CREEK with their registration and I read from the opening pages to give examples of setting the mood for a mystery. These girls had great questions ranging from
“I often get stuck in the middle of my story. How do I jumpstart from there?” to
“What do I do when I don’t know how to end my story?”
Questions we adults often struggle with, I tried to provide suggestions like.. “Throw some obstacles in front of your character and ramp up the action.”
I also encouraged the tactic of maybe starting your ending first, rough outlining (though I’m guilty of not employing this and usually writing organically or manically, instead) and making sure all of your mysterious elements are neatly tied up so the reader isn’t left confused or frustrated.
Had a wonderful time with these hopeful and talented authors in-the-making in the charming Boulder Book Store.
Ghost Over Boulder Creek wins CIPA EVVY Fiction Award
Last night at the CIPA EVVY awards, GHOST OVER BOULDER CREEK received a first place award in Juvenile Fiction and a Tech Award in Cover Design. Sometimes, it takes a little longer for something to blossom. With a lot of perseverance and determination, a fantastic editor and cover design illustrator (Cathy Morrison), numerous edits and various people helping to groom the manuscript to perfection, ten years can seem like the blink of an older, yet wiser eye. Like Pinnochio, Run Through Fire’s character has grown before my eyes and become a real boy, and Rebecca a real girl, though both “lived” over 140 years ago. My ghost “came to life,” as well, a tragic figure who needed Run Through Fire to vindicate him. And the terrible truth about The Washita River Massacre, almost as terrible as the Sand Creek Massacre, but lesser known, hopefully is brought to light for young readers.
One of the judges had this to say…”Wow. What an incredible book to read. I cannot imagine the amount of research that went into this story. I love the historical fact and details, the characters, the integration of the language and the authenticity of the voice. The language is beautiful– even when describing a chamber pot– how vivid and clear. It is so well written…I wish you the best of luck with this fabulous book. I am sure it will be a big success.”
Technical Aspects of Writing, Rules & Tips – 6 Common Plot Fixes]
Technical Aspects of Writing, Rules & Tips – 6 Common Plot Fixes].
The above link posted on Assoc. of Independent Authors newsletter is a quick overview of plot problems.
Picture book character in real life
At yesterday’s book fair/signing at B&N, I met my picture book character in real life. I’ve written a holiday picture book “Who took my Christmas lights” that I’m currently pitching to editors. I love my character Talie, for her innovative ways to solve the mystery and her independence and maturity. But, I’ve wondered if I’ve over-drawn her character to the point of being unbelievable as a seven year old. Sure, we’re supposed to create strong, exciting characters that readers can look up to and grow to love. But when does the credibility stop and the implausibility begin? Luckily, Talie, convinced me she was real in Cassidy, a pint-sized second grader I met, who carried on a fascinating conversation with me during my author visit. I had to keep reminding myself she was seven, as she told me all about her day, the books she was reading, how she loved to illustrate, then proceeded to draw a very convincing dachsund. I had no doubt after that special encounter, that my character, Talie, is not only real and fun to be with, but that children will relate to her and be drawn into her world, just as I was drawn into Cassidy’s. Message to you: Interact with, listen to, and above all else, absorb and remember how different children act and talk so that your character will finally come to life!
Buffalo Bill’s Birthday Bash
Buffalo Bill’s Birthday Bash Poster 2011
Join me this Sat. Feb. 26 at Buffalo Bill’s Birthday Bash, Buffalo Rose Event Center, 1119 Washington Ave. Golden, CO. GHOST OVER BOULDER CREEK will be given away as prizes for best historical costumes, reenactments. Parade, live entertainment.
Author teaches Literacy workshop with a “sequel.”
Author Elaine Pease and third grade class.
During school visits, I read from one of my picture books EVEN SHARKS NEED FRIENDS. A new workshop concept I’ve introduced is the “Create a sequel to EVEN SHARKS NEED FRIENDS.” I offer this concept as part of my elementary school visits, especially for third through fifth grades. Prior to school visit day I create a storyboard by taping two poster boards together. I have nine sheets of paper which serve as the “pages” of the book, that I glue down in order. The story sequel has a rhyming phrase on almost every page. I leave the end of the sentence blank for the students to suggest the rhyming word, much like an ad-libs format. Sometimes the suggestions are silly, sometimes they don’t rhyme, which is okay, but they are almost always creative.
When we finish our sequel I read it back to them and congratulate them on becoming authors. We vote on three suggestions for the title of our sequel. Then, the kids may color the characters from EVEN SHARKS NEED FRIENDS — Hammy and Gloompa, for the illustrations.
Great launch for GHOST OVER BOULDER CREEK
Halloween weekend– a fun, chancey time to release a book, but I gave it a go. Saturday, the day before Halloween, was the best signing. The Boulder Barnes & Noble and I teamed up for a GHOST OVER BOULDER CREEK launch and Uni Hills Elementary Boo’k Fair. Many families attended– along with some of my dear friends– supporting their children’s accomplishments and school, where I’d done an author visit at two days prior. With my rising, moaning mechanical ghost as my sidekick, cookies and little “Thriller” dancers, I read from my middle grade novel GHOST OVER BOULDER CREEK, then signed books. I also signed my last two picture books EVEN SHARKS NEED FRIENDS and I’LL NEVER LEAVE.
Halloween day was not a good choice. Though I had a few thoughtful friends show, most kids were outside enjoying wonderful weather and probably trick or treating at the mall. Memo to self: No signings on the day of the holiday.
Hope to see you at my next events:
*”Harvest of Books” Many Colorado history authors signing books for wonderful keepsakes and holiday gift ideas.
Sat. Nov. 6 10-2
Molly Brown Summer House
Wadsworth & Yale, Denver, CO
*Barnes & Noble Welchester Elem. Book Fair
Thurs. Nov. 11, 4-7
14347 W. Colfax, Golden, CO 303-215-9061
*Barnes & Noble Kinard Middle School Book Fair
Fri. Nov. 12 6-8
4045 S. College, Ft. Collins, CO
*REMAX Holiday Trunk Show
Tues. Nov. 30 4-7
Folsom & Canyon, Boulder CO
*Teacher Appreciation Barnes & Noble
8374 S. Willow St.
Lonetree, CO 303-706-9673
