Cynthia Varady's Blog, page 6

The Girl with the Uninvited Ghost Beta is ready!

It’s Beta Time! The Girl with the Uninvited Ghost

The Girl with the Uninvited Ghost Beta is done! Now, the time has come to release my work into the wild for feedback. This both thrills and frightens me.

I’ve worked diligently on The Girl with the Uninvited Ghost, and now I need your help to make it the best book possible.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries and urban fantasy with a bit of paranormal thrown in, then I’m looking for you!

If you’re interested in BETA reading for me, please contact me at wordslinger@cynthiavarady.net and let me know what format you prefer (mobi, pdf, docx, or epub).

I need to have feedback by May as I am planning the second book in the series and plan to start on it in June.

If you feel like you can commit to BETA reading, please get in touch.

Much thanks in advance!

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Michelle Obama: Political Icon by Heather E. Schwartz| Banned Book Project

Michelle Obama: Political Icon Synopsis:

Growing up on Chicago’s South Side, Michelle LaVaughn Robinson loved school and her family. Driven by her parents’ passion for education and her desire to succeed, she graduated first from Princeton and then Harvard Law School and landed a job at a prestigious law firm, where she met her soon-to-be husband, Barack Obama. While raising their two young daughters, Michelle Obama committed herself to public service. She kept that commitment as her husband’s political career soared and worked hard to continue serving the public when her family landed in the White House. Follow Obama’s journey from Chicago school kid to history-making First Lady and beyond as she continues to make her mark as an inspiring speaker, bestselling author, and agent for positive change.

Reasons for Challenge

Paints political figures in a poor light: A Texas patent challenged the book because she felt it made former President Donald Trump look like a bully. The parent also thought that the book makes it seem like “if you sound like a white girl, you should be ashamed of yourself.”

Locations Banned/Challenged:

Katy School District, Katy Texas (2022).

References:

Balevic, Katie (2022). “A Texas parent demanded a Michelle Obama biography be pulled from schools because they said it would make white girls feel ‘ashamed.'” Insider https://www.insider.com/texas-parent-targets-book-about-michelle-obama-string-book-bans-2022-2

Chamlee, Virginia, (2022). School District Declines to Remove Michelle Obama Biography After Parent Complaint. People.com https://people.com/politics/school-district-refuses-to-remove-michelle-obamas-biography-after-parent-complaint/?did=735164-20220203&utm_campaign=people-news_newsletter&utm_source=people.com&utm_medium=email&utm_content=020322&cid=735164&mid=78788602088

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It’s February!

The New Year has come and gone, winter is in full swing, and projects abound. Here’s what I’ve been up to.

February Newsletter Updates Rewrites, Challenges, and more!

Rewrites for the Girl with the Uninvited Ghost are underway. Imagine my surprise when I didn’t hate the first draft.

I took two challenges in addition to rewriting my NaNo book.

The first was the 3-DAY “PLAN YOUR SERIES” CHALLENGE with Carissa Andrews of
Author Revolution. Since I want The Girl with the Demon Spider to be the first book in a series, this challenge seemed perfect.

Andrews’s pep talks were helpful as a means of shutting down your inner skeptic and imposter syndrome, which I think we all need from time to time.

The second challenge was the Children’s Book Challenge Week hosted by Storyteller Academy, which gave the skinny on:How to turn your ideas into incredible stories.Writing techniques for rhyming picture books.How to Illustrate characters that readers will love.Tips to help you self-publish successfully.Insider knowledge about the children’s book industry

Lastly, I continued to world build with World Anvil. Let me tell you, the learning curve on that beast is high! So much of it is unintuitive.

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January 2022 Updates

Happy New Year!!

I hope you all had a wonderful and safe holiday season. May this next year bring a much-needed respite from the hustle that we’ve all had to endure for the past two years. While COVID probably isn’t going anywhere for some time, we’ll have to adapt, and for me, that means more writing. Keep reading to see my January 2022 updates.

NaNoWriMo Goal Accomplished! (and then some). Now What?

I surpassed my 50k word goal for NaNoWriMo 2021 and completed a rough draft of a new novel. I am on cloud nine! By the 30th of November, I had written 56,680 words. It pays to have an outline, at least it does for me. Now that I’ve let The Girl with the Demon Spider marinate during December, it’s time to start revisions with NaNoWriMo’s Now What?.

Now What? continues the NaNoWriMo journey with resources on editing, beta readers, and creating cover art, blurbs, landing an agent, and finally, publication (both traditional and non-traditional) avenues.

I’m really excited to work on The Girl With the Demon Spider!

What’s next for Twitch?

Now that NaNoWriMo has officially ended, what am I doing with my Twitch, AllThatGlittersIsProse?

Well, I’m continuing to stream three times a week, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m. I’m putting Wednesdays on hold for now so I can volunteer in my son’s art class. Those 2nd-graders are super talented!

Instead of streaming novel writing, I will be researching and writing scripts for future Youtube videos focusing on literary analysis. My first piece will examine the pop song, Turning Japanese by the Vapors, and the misconceptions surrounding its meaning. Stay tuned for updates on the launch of my YouTube channel!

I’ll also be world-building with World Anvil. Man, that platform has everything! There are areas I hadn’t even considered in The Girl with the Demon Spider. Takes world-building to the next level.

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The Lorax by Dr. Seuss | Banned Book Project

The Lorax (1971) Synopsis:

“UNLESS someone like you…cares a whole awful lot…nothing is going to get better…It’s not.” Long before saving the earth became a global concern, Dr. Seuss, speaking through his character the Lorax, warned against mindless progress and the danger it posed to the earth’s natural beauty. His classic cautionary tale is now available in an irresistible mini-edition, perfect for backpack or briefcase, for Arbor Day, Earth Day, and every day. –Goodreads.com

Reason for Challenge or Ban:

Political commentary. enverotimolism, anti-capatolism

Location Challenged/Banned:

Laytonville, California, 1989 – Parents in Laytonville, California feared that Theodore Gisele’s book would turn their children against the logging industry.

Sources:

Why is The Lorax banned? Popsugar banned books 2020 list surprises. https://www.thefocus.news/culture/why-is-the-lorax-banned-popsugar-banned-books-2020-list-surprises/

The Australia bushfires and the relevance of The Lorax in 2020. https://www.voicesofyouth.org/blog/australia-bushfires-and-relevance-lorax-2020

The Environmental Message Behind ‘The Lorax’. https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/04/09/the-environmental-message-behind-the-lorax/

Five children’s books you didn’t know were banned. https://readingpartners.org/blog/five-childrens-books-you-didnt-know-were-banned/

What Was the First Banned Book in History? https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/650466/first-banned-book

More Like This:

Super Diaper Baby by Dav Pilkey

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Mary Wears What She Wants by Keith Negley | Banned Book Project

Mary Wears What She Wants Synopsis:

Inspired by the true story of Mary Edwards Walker, a trailblazing doctor who bucked the gender expectations of her time, this is a fresh, charming picture book about a young girl who decides to wear what she wants: pants!

Once upon a time (but not too long ago), girls only wore dresses.

And only boys wore pants.

Until one day, a young girl named Mary had a bold idea: She would wear whatever she wanted. And she wanted to wear pants!

Inspired by the true story of Mary Edwards Walker, a trailblazing doctor who was arrested many times for wearing pants, this fresh, charming picture book encourages readers to think for themselves while gently challenging gender and societal norms.

Locations Challenged or Banned:

Enraged parents took several offending titles to the local police and filed an obscenity report. The police sided with the parent and the titles are now on trial in a Wyoming court. The Friends of the Library have since purchased several of the titles objected to and they are available on the library shelves. Mary Wears What She Wants underwent review by the library committee and was retained in the regular collection.

Reasons:

Promotes LGBTQIA+ issues

Sources:

Campbell County officials abet bullies in battle of radicals v. librarians. https://wyofile.com/campbell-county-officials-abet-bullies-in-battle-of-radicals-v-librarians/

Wyoming librarians under fire for books about sex, LGBTQ issues. https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/wyoming-librarians-under-fire-books-about-sex-lgbtq-issues-n1280704

Wyoming librarians under fire for books about sex, LGBTQ. https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-lifestyle-business-wyoming-nonfiction-22b0a682cb5ba95de8eb3975d101228c

CAMPBELL COUNTY COMMISSION. CAMPBELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 7/07/2021 AGENDA. WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021. 9:00 AM. https://play.champds.com/gillettewy/event/117?fbclid=IwAR18s3w0XBuAb18aCqKRDwFTcIyzxqDe-Z8Z5-ekEKxB9TOhksh3jufResM

Gillette grapples with anti-LGBTQ bigotry. https://wyofile.com/gillette-grapples-with-anti-lgbtq-bigotry/

Librarians in Wyoming face criminal ‘obscenity’ charges for stocking LGBT+ books in teen sections. https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/10/05/wyoming-campbell-county-library-lgbt-books/

LIBRARIANS FACE POSSIBLE CHARGES FOR CARRYING SEX EDUCATION BOOKS. https://bookriot.com/campbell-country-library-challenges/

More Like This:

Sex Is a Funny Word

Dating and Sex: A Guide for the 21st Century Teen Boy by Andrew P. Miller

Doing It by Hannah Winton

The post Mary Wears What She Wants by Keith Negley | Banned Book Project appeared first on Cynthia Varady.

Jack (Not Jackie) by Erica Silverman | Banned Book Project

Jack (Not Jackie) Synopsis:

In this heartwarming picture book, a big sister realizes that her little sister, Jackie, doesn’t like dresses or fairies-she likes ties and bugs! Will she be able to accept that Jackie identifies more as “Jack”?

Susan thinks her little sister Jackie has the best giggle! She can’t wait for Jackie to get older so they can do all sorts of things like play forest fairies and be explorers together. But as Jackie grows, she doesn’t want to play those games. She wants to play with mud and be a super bug! Jackie also doesn’t like dresses or her long hair, and she would rather be called Jack.

Readers will love this sweet story about change and acceptance.

Locations Challenged and Banned:

Public Library. Enraged parents took This Book is Gay, along with the other offending titles to the local police and filed an obscenity report. The police sided with the parent and the titles are now on trial in a Wyoming court. The Friends of the Library have since purchased several of the titles objected to and they are available on the library shelves. Jack (Not Jackie) is under review by the library committee.

Reasons:

Promotes LGBTQIA issues

Sources:

Campbell County officials abet bullies in battle of radicals v. librarians. https://wyofile.com/campbell-county-officials-abet-bullies-in-battle-of-radicals-v-librarians/

Wyoming librarians under fire for books about sex, LGBTQ issues. https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/wyoming-librarians-under-fire-books-about-sex-lgbtq-issues-n1280704

Wyoming librarians under fire for books about sex, LGBTQ. https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-lifestyle-business-wyoming-nonfiction-22b0a682cb5ba95de8eb3975d101228c

CAMPBELL COUNTY COMMISSION. CAMPBELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 7/07/2021 AGENDA. WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021. 9:00 AM. https://play.champds.com/gillettewy/event/117?fbclid=IwAR18s3w0XBuAb18aCqKRDwFTcIyzxqDe-Z8Z5-ekEKxB9TOhksh3jufResM

Gillette grapples with anti-LGBTQ bigotry. https://wyofile.com/gillette-grapples-with-anti-lgbtq-bigotry/

Librarians in Wyoming face criminal ‘obscenity’ charges for stocking LGBT+ books in teen sections. https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/10/05/wyoming-campbell-county-library-lgbt-books/

LIBRARIANS FACE POSSIBLE CHARGES FOR CARRYING SEX EDUCATION BOOKS. https://bookriot.com/campbell-country-library-challenges/

More Like This:

Sex Is a Funny Word

Dating and Sex: A Guide for the 21st Century Teen Boy by Andrew P. Miller

Doing It by Hannah Winton

The post Jack (Not Jackie) by Erica Silverman | Banned Book Project appeared first on Cynthia Varady.

The V-Word: True Stories about First-Time Sex by Amber J. Keyser | Banned Book Project

The V-Word Synopsis:

An honest and poignant collection of essays by women about losing their virginity in their teens. The V-Word captures the complexity of this important life decision and reflects diverse real-world experiences. Includes helpful resources for parents and teens.

Losing it. Popping your cherry. Handing in your V-card.

First-time sex is a big unknown. Will it be candlelight and rose petals or quick and uncomfortable? Is it about love or about lust? Deciding to have sex for the first time is a choice that’s often fraught with anxiety and joy. But do you have anyone telling you what sex is really like?

In The V-Word seventeen writers (including Christa Desir, Justina Ireland, Sara Ryan, Carrie Mesrobian, Erica Lorraine Scheidt, and Jamia Wilson) pull back the sheets and tell all, covering everything from straight sex to queer sex, diving-in versus waiting, and even the exhilaration and disappointment that blankets it all. Some of their experiences happened too soon, some at just the right time, but all paint a broad picture of what first-time sex is really like.

Funny, hot, meaningful, cringe-worthy, gross, forgettable, magnificent, empowering, and transformative, the stories in The V-Word are never preachy but provide a map for teens to chart their own course through the steamy waters of sex. With The V-Word girls can finally take control, learn what’s on the horizon and eliminate the fear and mystery surrounding this important milestone.

Locations Banned and Challenged:

Public Library. Enraged parents took This Book is Gay, along with the other offending titles to the local police and filed an obscenity report. The police sided with the parent and the titles are now on trial in a Wyoming court. The Friends of the Library have since purchased several of the titles objected to and they are available on the library shelves. After review by the library committee, The V-Word has been retained in the regular collection.

Reasons:

Promotes sexual behavior; sexual content

Sources:

Campbell County officials abet bullies in battle of radicals v. librarians. https://wyofile.com/campbell-county-officials-abet-bullies-in-battle-of-radicals-v-librarians/

Wyoming librarians under fire for books about sex, LGBTQ issues. https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/wyoming-librarians-under-fire-books-about-sex-lgbtq-issues-n1280704

Wyoming librarians under fire for books about sex, LGBTQ. https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-lifestyle-business-wyoming-nonfiction-22b0a682cb5ba95de8eb3975d101228c

CAMPBELL COUNTY COMMISSION. CAMPBELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 7/07/2021 AGENDA. WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021. 9:00 AM. https://play.champds.com/gillettewy/event/117?fbclid=IwAR18s3w0XBuAb18aCqKRDwFTcIyzxqDe-Z8Z5-ekEKxB9TOhksh3jufResM

Gillette grapples with anti-LGBTQ bigotry. https://wyofile.com/gillette-grapples-with-anti-lgbtq-bigotry/

Librarians in Wyoming face criminal ‘obscenity’ charges for stocking LGBT+ books in teen sections. https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/10/05/wyoming-campbell-county-library-lgbt-books/

LIBRARIANS FACE POSSIBLE CHARGES FOR CARRYING SEX EDUCATION BOOKS. https://bookriot.com/campbell-country-library-challenges/

More Like This:

Sex Is a Funny Word

Dating and Sex: A Guide for the 21st Century Teen Boy by Andrew P. Miller

Doing It by Hannah Winton

The post The V-Word: True Stories about First-Time Sex by Amber J. Keyser | Banned Book Project appeared first on Cynthia Varady.

Trans Mission: My Quest for a Beard by Alex Bertie | Banned Book Project

Trans Mission: My Quest for a Beard Synopsis:

A brave firsthand account of online personality Alex Bertie’s life, struggles, and victories as a transgender teen, as well as a groundbreaking guide for transitioning teens.

Long before he became known for his YouTube videos, Alex Bertie was an isolated, often-afraid transgender teenager looking for answers. In this revolutionary memoir and valuable resource, Alex recounts his life, struggles, and victories as a young trans man. Along the way, he provides readers with accessible, highly researched explanations of gender, sexuality, and transitions. He explores without judgment how complicated all these things can be, and how many equally authentic ways there are to live as yourself and find happiness.

It can be hard for questioning teens to believe in a brighter future, let alone find any sense of community. Here, with clarity and compassion, Alex writes as a supportive older brother for transitioning teens, their allies, their parents, and anyone looking to better understand others — and themselves. — Barns and Noble

Location Banned or Challenged:

Cheyenne, Wyoming 2021 – Conservative parents discovered the book along with several others on a Pride Month display at the Campbell County Public Library. Enraged parents took This Book is Gay, along with the other offending titles to the local police and filed an obscenity report. The police sided with the parent and the titles are now on trial in a Wyoming court. The Friends of the Library have since purchased several of the titles objected to and they are available on the library shelves. After review by the library committee, Trans Mission has been retained in the regular collection.

Reasons:

LGBTQIA+ issues; sexual content; deemed obscene

Sources:

Campbell County officials abet bullies in battle of radicals v. librarians. https://wyofile.com/campbell-county-officials-abet-bullies-in-battle-of-radicals-v-librarians/

Wyoming librarians under fire for books about sex, LGBTQ issues. https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/wyoming-librarians-under-fire-books-about-sex-lgbtq-issues-n1280704

Wyoming librarians under fire for books about sex, LGBTQ. https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-lifestyle-business-wyoming-nonfiction-22b0a682cb5ba95de8eb3975d101228c

CAMPBELL COUNTY COMMISSION. CAMPBELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 7/07/2021 AGENDA. WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021. 9:00 AM. https://play.champds.com/gillettewy/event/117?fbclid=IwAR18s3w0XBuAb18aCqKRDwFTcIyzxqDe-Z8Z5-ekEKxB9TOhksh3jufResM

Gillette grapples with anti-LGBTQ bigotry. https://wyofile.com/gillette-grapples-with-anti-lgbtq-bigotry/

Librarians in Wyoming face criminal ‘obscenity’ charges for stocking LGBT+ books in teen sections. https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/10/05/wyoming-campbell-county-library-lgbt-books/

LIBRARIANS FACE POSSIBLE CHARGES FOR CARRYING SEX EDUCATION BOOKS. https://bookriot.com/campbell-country-library-challenges/

More Like This:

Sex Is a Funny Word

Dating and Sex: A Guide for the 21st Century Teen Boy by Andrew P. Miller

Doing It by Hannah Winton

The post Trans Mission: My Quest for a Beard by Alex Bertie | Banned Book Project appeared first on Cynthia Varady.

Sex Plus: Learning, Loving, and Enjoying Your Body by Laci Green | Banned Book Project

Sex Plus Synopsis:

This groundbreaking book from sex educator and YouTube phenomenon Laci Green has everything you’ve ever wanted to know about sex, sexuality, pleasure, and your body. 

Let’s be honest: most of us think about sex A LOT, and we have plenty of unanswered questions: What’s the best way to talk to my partner about what I want? How do I figure out my sexuality? How do I have sex safely? What does an orgasm actually feel like?

Laci Green—a sex educator and YouTuber who’s been hailed by Time magazine as the millennial Dr. Ruth—has built a platform of millions of followers by answering sex-related questions frankly, nonjudgmentally, and hilariously.

Now Laci brings her signature style and voice to a comprehensive book about the multitude of issues and concerns that go along with sexuality: anatomy, consent, LGBTQ issues, STI and pregnancy prevention, sexual empowerment, healthy relationships, myth-busting, and more.

Sex Plus is the first book of its kind: empowering, sex-positive, and cool. Comprehensive, honest, and vetted by a range of medical experts, this book will help you take control of your sex life.

After all, knowledge is pleasure.

Location Challenged or Banned:

Cheyenne, Wyoming 2021 – After discovering several books promoting sex-positivity and LGBTQIA+ issues, conservative parents began submitting reconsideration forms to the Campbell County Public Library. Sex Plus is under review by the library committee.

Reasons:

Sexual content; deemed obscene; promotes masturbation.

Sources:

Library makes progress on 35 book reconsideration. https://county17.com/2021/10/04/library-makes-progress-on-35-book-reconsiderations/

Campbell County Public Library Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4622803787744021&id=125975157426929

Campbell County officials abet bullies in battle of radicals v. librarians. https://wyofile.com/campbell-county-officials-abet-bullies-in-battle-of-radicals-v-librarians/

Wyoming librarians under fire for books about sex, LGBTQ issues. https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/wyoming-librarians-under-fire-books-about-sex-lgbtq-issues-n1280704

Wyoming librarians under fire for books about sex, LGBTQ. https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-lifestyle-business-wyoming-nonfiction-22b0a682cb5ba95de8eb3975d101228c

CAMPBELL COUNTY COMMISSION. CAMPBELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 7/07/2021 AGENDA. WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021. 9:00 AM. https://play.champds.com/gillettewy/event/117?fbclid=IwAR18s3w0XBuAb18aCqKRDwFTcIyzxqDe-Z8Z5-ekEKxB9TOhksh3jufResM

Gillette grapples with anti-LGBTQ bigotry. https://wyofile.com/gillette-grapples-with-anti-lgbtq-bigotry/

Librarians in Wyoming face criminal ‘obscenity’ charges for stocking LGBT+ books in teen sections. https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/10/05/wyoming-campbell-county-library-lgbt-books/

LIBRARIANS FACE POSSIBLE CHARGES FOR CARRYING SEX EDUCATION BOOKS. https://bookriot.com/campbell-country-library-challenges/

The post Sex Plus: Learning, Loving, and Enjoying Your Body by Laci Green | Banned Book Project appeared first on Cynthia Varady.