writing
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Rock Bottom Remainders at ALA
This is the fact: I generally have a better time when I am wearing flats, not heels. Heels (the possible exception being those leather-soled ballroom dance heels, which I haven’t broken out for years) force me into being an observer rather than a participant. You should be glad I thought of this last night as…
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Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury died June 5. I know everyone already knows that, unless you didn’t, and now you do. I can’t remember when I first read Bradbury. I know it had something to do with my brother, who had a vast collection of sci fi and fantasy books. When I wanted something new to read, I’d…
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The Day the Earth Stood Still: A Man and a Craft Store
I just finished the editing/rewriting of my next book. Now it has to go to my agent, who will undoubtedly see items that slipped by me. Anyway, I worked a LOT this week to finish it, because the kids get out of school on Tuesday, and it’s really hard to work when they are at…
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Secrets Your Lit Professor Wouldn’t Tell You
Breaking the hearts of English and Lit teachers everywhere, I have to admit a secret. Book clubs often ask me this question, or a variation on this question: “We noticed the theme of XYZ in your book. Did you include ABC to support that theme?” Usually, it’s an incredibly perceptive observation, and I…
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THE CARE AND HANDLING OF ROSES WITH THORNS Teaser: 7 Lines
This is going around the ‘nets and I’ve been tagged a few times. 1. Go to the 77th page of your WIP or latest book. 2. Count down 7 lines. 3. Copy the 7 sentences that follow, and post them. 4. Tag 7 other authors. I’m pretty sure all my author buds have been tagged…
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Hulthemia Hybrid Rose Finally Here!
Today I went to Armstrong Gardens to look at their roses– last year they were selling some David Austins– and look what I found! A rose breeder named Jim Sproul, who works out of Bakersfield, was instrumental in helping me out with THE CARE AND HANDLING OF ROSES WITH THORNS– he told me about the…
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Fiftyfifty: Reading 50 Books, Watching 50 Films
Over on Fiftyfifty.me you can sign up to be part of a challenge: read 50 books for 2012, watch 50 films for 2012. Reading’s no problem. But do I watch 50 films? Most of the time, there’s a kid movie playing on TV when there is a movie on. Most of the time, it’s an…
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Cover for the New Book
Every morning when I wake up, I turn on my phone and check my email. Blearily. Today it was some time before 7 when I opened my phone and saw my editor had emailed me the cover for my book. It was a great thing to see first thing in the morning.
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Writing Wednesday: Books for Boys
Okay, this post isn’t really about writing, but about something closely related: reading. Today I read James Patterson‘s article, “How to get your kid to be a fanatic reader.” There’s a section about getting boys to read. I think Patterson has a great point– boys should read what appeals to them. About twelve years ago,…
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Adventures by the Book: Japanese Friendship Garden
I did an event at the Japanese Friendship Garden for Adventures by the Book. My book is a natural fit for the garden. I did the Cherry Blossom festival and filmed the video there, so I really know my way around. It’s a beautiful garden. There’s a canyon in the back, below, where there will…
MARGARET DILLOWAY 