false 55 212 210 true 5701434 read 0 true 105772 currently-reading 2 true 105771 to-read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78192322 to: The Plot Chickens (Hardcover) by Mary Jane Auch
from my blog: http://imaginationsoup.net/2009/11/the-p...

Henrietta is a writing chicken. She uses the book Writing Rules and discusses her story writing process with her chicken aunts, one of whom is slightly deaf.

“Rule One:You need a main character. . .

Rule Two: You need to hatch a plot.

A plot of land? . . .

Rule Three: Give your main character a problem.

I don’t want any problems! . . .

Rule Five: Write what you know. . .

Rule Six: Build suspense.

Build a fence?” (Am I the only one giggling here?)

And so it goes. Henrietta builds her story using character, plot, problem, background knowledge, what if’s, the five senses and the main character solving her own problem.

Do you recognize Henrietta? She lives in the book The Plot Chickens by Mary Jane and Herm Auch. It’s a hilarious read with fiction writing elements every writer must use – young or old! The Plot Chickens teaches literary elements which are found in all fiction books.

Use what you learn in this book to discuss other books you read or when you write.

Dialogue during reading. Here are some ideas.

PROBLEM / SOLUTION: “What is the problem in this book? How do you think the main character will solve this problem by himself or herself?”

FIVE SENSES: “Does this make you see a picture in your mind? Hear something in your mind?”

CHARACTER: “Who is the main character?”

P.S. Plot Chickens even talks about writer’s rejection. Know any adult writers who might need to read that part? (Holiday gift idea?!) ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/38725689 to: Brisingr (Inheritance, #3) by Christopher Paolini
After much anticipation in the Eragon series, Brisingr fell flat. Paolini says he got "carried away with character development." Yes, he did! He bogged down the story with too much description. There were pages and pages he could have cut.

As a result, Paolini lost momentum. Lacking plot development, I wanted to abandon reading this book midway through. I didn't but wished I had. Such disappointment. I'm sad the series didn't end as well as it began." ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76771185 to: Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities (Hardcover) by Amy Stewart
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75149464 to: Dragon Rider (Paperback) by Cornelia Funke
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75149463 to: The Thief Lord (Paperback) by Cornelia Funke
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/74871484 to: Google Bomb: The Untold Story of the $11.3M Verdict That Changed the Way We Use the Internet (Paperback) by John W. Dozier Jr.
Although I'm now terrified -- I feel better informed. This is essential reading for everyone. You think you know, but you have no idea until you read this story.

Sue, your story is compelling in a terrible car-crash sort of way. I couldn't put it down, wondering what could possibly happen next. How disappointing that it's not over yet - I'm so sorry.

Thank you for your bravery, I hope your story can help change legislation.

]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/74066314 to: Violet Wings (Hardcover) by Victoria Hanley
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/70466206 to: The Forgotten Garden (Paperback) by Kate Morton
LOVED IT! Beautifully written, complex and surprising! ]]>