Heidi Ayarbe's Blog, page 9
February 22, 2012
What were the odds that ... WIN A BANNER DESIGN AND SIGNED BOOK!
I'd not only have crit partners that are phenomenal writers but also ones that are artists. Like the REAL DEAL. This year I was in sore need of a makeover -- a blog makeover, Website makeover ... (the other kind, too, but since the day you read this will be two days after my second daughter is born, it's likely any kind of personal makeover will be put on the back burner until I get five to six hours of sleep at a stretch ... so like in 2013! Yes. I'm not delusional thinking I'll actually sleep anytime soon in the next year.)Anyway, one of my crit mates is the incredibly talented Lisa Amowitz, and she designed my first banner for my blog and Website and last week sent me a new one because it was time to re-invent myself.
I agreed.
I was tired of the old banner simply because it didn't fit who I am now ... it was one created on the tail end of my travels with my husband, pre-motherhood. It's gorgeous. But it's a bit of a stretch from who I've become over the years. (I'm sitting on a mountain in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.) Not only did it not fit who I am as a person, but I've changed as a writer. I'm four books in. I'm more deliberate now. I take my time whereas before I just spewed things on the page. I LOVED this banner because my husband and I said, one afternoon, "Let's go to Argentina." And we bought tickets and traveled for three months. Ha! Those were the days. It was kind of like my writing.
Here's my 2007/2008 image:
So I wondered what she could possibly do with me ... who I am now ... how I've changed because my image couldn't be based on shadow chasing with a toddler and gestating. I'm still that mountain climber (really ... somewhere in this new life of preschool and finger paints), but at the same time I've grown in different ways as a person AND writer. I take my time now. I'm much more aware of the market. I let a scene simmer and really, REALLY work on character arcs. What could I do that would be interesting? Leave it to Lisa!
They say you can't judge a book by its cover, but we all do. (sorry book world, it's true) Whether it be the cover of a novel, a movie poster, or a blog design, we're wired to be attracted to certain things. Image is important in this business. We're professionals and the first taste someone, whether it be a reader, agent, or editor, might have of us is through our Website and/or blog. Every time we tweet, update our Facebook page, write a blog post or even comment on a forum, we're sharing a little of who we are, and we're either bringing people in or turning them away.
Today, to celebrate my new Website design and blog, THANKS TO LISA AMOWITZ, we're doing tandem blog posts to celebrate image! AND ... we're having a wonderful contest: Lisa is offering an amazing blog design/banner design (way great first prize) and I'm offering a signed copy of COMPROMISED and SWAG by me ... I'm choosing COMPROMISED because it's the first in a trio of books that HarperCollins used to create my book image. My last three books all have a look -- you can tell they're MY books, written by me. It's the image Harper chose for my work. (Personally, I think they're gorgeous!).
So, how do you win such a treasure?
To be entered to win either the banner design (first prize) or the signed paperback of Compromised + swag (second prize), participants should1. follow both blogs2. tweet or mention on Facebook3. briefly state why they deserve and need a makeover and post a link to their blog (which we will both promise to follow)
And, speaking of books, WANTED is out for pre-sale now!! Pub notes say "A modern-day Bonnie and Clyde with a Robin Hood twist from acclaimed novelist Heidi Ayarbe" (ahem, the "acclaimed" was written by others but I LIKE that before my name! ;-) )
Pre-order WANTED today!
Anybody in the universe who pre-orders a copy of WANTED can get a free signed book plate. Just e-mail me at info@heidiayarbe.com , and I'll tell you how to proceed. So, what are you waiting for?
Oh yeah. Back to the banner and image stuff. Go by and say hello to Lisa and WIN A BANNER or a book!! Think about the image you want to create and what you want to say when readers, editors, agents, fellow authors and others stop by your blog. What does it say about you?
Good luck!
I agreed.
I was tired of the old banner simply because it didn't fit who I am now ... it was one created on the tail end of my travels with my husband, pre-motherhood. It's gorgeous. But it's a bit of a stretch from who I've become over the years. (I'm sitting on a mountain in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.) Not only did it not fit who I am as a person, but I've changed as a writer. I'm four books in. I'm more deliberate now. I take my time whereas before I just spewed things on the page. I LOVED this banner because my husband and I said, one afternoon, "Let's go to Argentina." And we bought tickets and traveled for three months. Ha! Those were the days. It was kind of like my writing.
Here's my 2007/2008 image:
So I wondered what she could possibly do with me ... who I am now ... how I've changed because my image couldn't be based on shadow chasing with a toddler and gestating. I'm still that mountain climber (really ... somewhere in this new life of preschool and finger paints), but at the same time I've grown in different ways as a person AND writer. I take my time now. I'm much more aware of the market. I let a scene simmer and really, REALLY work on character arcs. What could I do that would be interesting? Leave it to Lisa!
They say you can't judge a book by its cover, but we all do. (sorry book world, it's true) Whether it be the cover of a novel, a movie poster, or a blog design, we're wired to be attracted to certain things. Image is important in this business. We're professionals and the first taste someone, whether it be a reader, agent, or editor, might have of us is through our Website and/or blog. Every time we tweet, update our Facebook page, write a blog post or even comment on a forum, we're sharing a little of who we are, and we're either bringing people in or turning them away.
Today, to celebrate my new Website design and blog, THANKS TO LISA AMOWITZ, we're doing tandem blog posts to celebrate image! AND ... we're having a wonderful contest: Lisa is offering an amazing blog design/banner design (way great first prize) and I'm offering a signed copy of COMPROMISED and SWAG by me ... I'm choosing COMPROMISED because it's the first in a trio of books that HarperCollins used to create my book image. My last three books all have a look -- you can tell they're MY books, written by me. It's the image Harper chose for my work. (Personally, I think they're gorgeous!).
So, how do you win such a treasure?
To be entered to win either the banner design (first prize) or the signed paperback of Compromised + swag (second prize), participants should1. follow both blogs2. tweet or mention on Facebook3. briefly state why they deserve and need a makeover and post a link to their blog (which we will both promise to follow)
And, speaking of books, WANTED is out for pre-sale now!! Pub notes say "A modern-day Bonnie and Clyde with a Robin Hood twist from acclaimed novelist Heidi Ayarbe" (ahem, the "acclaimed" was written by others but I LIKE that before my name! ;-) )
Pre-order WANTED today!Anybody in the universe who pre-orders a copy of WANTED can get a free signed book plate. Just e-mail me at info@heidiayarbe.com , and I'll tell you how to proceed. So, what are you waiting for?
Oh yeah. Back to the banner and image stuff. Go by and say hello to Lisa and WIN A BANNER or a book!! Think about the image you want to create and what you want to say when readers, editors, agents, fellow authors and others stop by your blog. What does it say about you?
Good luck!
February 3, 2012
What were the odds that ...
... over 2,000 years ago, without computers and technology, the Romans would begin with the concept of Leap Year?
Okay, okay, we're all a bit concerned about the apocalypse, according to the Mayans, and what looks like the end of the earth as we know it. The only thing I can honestly blame the Mayans for is that horrible film, 2012 that came out two years ago. I mean, really? Could it get any more expensive and any worse than that, ahem, *lowers voice* Avatar. Sorry. Sorry. Had to say it. HELP ME AND SAVE ME FROM COOKIE CUTTER PLOTS AND BLUE PEOPLE!
I digress.
Back to Leap Year.
some cool LEAP YEAR FACTS:
Julius Caesar invented leap year but stipulated that any year divided by four, in the Julian calendar, was officially a leap year. This kind of made a mess until it was corrected with the introduction of the Gregorian calendar 1500 years later. (How's that for a revision timeline?) Okay. So that doesn't make sense. Every four years, divided by four, why not? According to Gregorian Rule (which hasn't done too shabby of a job about it since it took over the Julian Calendar mess), here are the RULES OF LEAP YEAR. (Wow, I just envisioned saying that with the voice of PIGS IN SPACE. Muppet on the brain.) It is a Leap Year if and only if ...
The year is evenly divisible by 4;If the year can be evenly divided by 100, it is NOT a leap year, unless;The year is also evenly divisible by 400. Then it is a leap year.
My first daughter was born in February of last Leap Year, and my second one is on her way this February. And this is just a cool fact for me, I realize. But I LIKE Leap Year. I like the magic, the added day. And because of that, I want to begin this month off with a little magic. A giveaway. Four years ago, my first book came out. Four years later, my fourth book will be released (this May). Pretty splendid, I think, and a good reason to celebrate. So, to celebrate, I'm offering a giveaway (see the cool Goodreads Giveaway sign on the right?) of a signed paperback of FREEZE FRAME. Last fall, FREEZE FRAME was the book the Nevada State Library took to represent young adult literature to for the 2011 Book Fair in Washington DC.
I haven't revisited the pages of FREEZE FRAME for a long while but think it's about time I do!
And the magic will continue in 2012 with giveaways, giveaways and more giveaways!
Happy Leap Month of Leap Year! Good luck. (Just go click on that Goodreads thing to sign up to win a copy!)
Okay, okay, we're all a bit concerned about the apocalypse, according to the Mayans, and what looks like the end of the earth as we know it. The only thing I can honestly blame the Mayans for is that horrible film, 2012 that came out two years ago. I mean, really? Could it get any more expensive and any worse than that, ahem, *lowers voice* Avatar. Sorry. Sorry. Had to say it. HELP ME AND SAVE ME FROM COOKIE CUTTER PLOTS AND BLUE PEOPLE!
I digress.
Back to Leap Year.
some cool LEAP YEAR FACTS:
Julius Caesar invented leap year but stipulated that any year divided by four, in the Julian calendar, was officially a leap year. This kind of made a mess until it was corrected with the introduction of the Gregorian calendar 1500 years later. (How's that for a revision timeline?) Okay. So that doesn't make sense. Every four years, divided by four, why not? According to Gregorian Rule (which hasn't done too shabby of a job about it since it took over the Julian Calendar mess), here are the RULES OF LEAP YEAR. (Wow, I just envisioned saying that with the voice of PIGS IN SPACE. Muppet on the brain.) It is a Leap Year if and only if ...
The year is evenly divisible by 4;If the year can be evenly divided by 100, it is NOT a leap year, unless;The year is also evenly divisible by 400. Then it is a leap year.
My first daughter was born in February of last Leap Year, and my second one is on her way this February. And this is just a cool fact for me, I realize. But I LIKE Leap Year. I like the magic, the added day. And because of that, I want to begin this month off with a little magic. A giveaway. Four years ago, my first book came out. Four years later, my fourth book will be released (this May). Pretty splendid, I think, and a good reason to celebrate. So, to celebrate, I'm offering a giveaway (see the cool Goodreads Giveaway sign on the right?) of a signed paperback of FREEZE FRAME. Last fall, FREEZE FRAME was the book the Nevada State Library took to represent young adult literature to for the 2011 Book Fair in Washington DC.
I haven't revisited the pages of FREEZE FRAME for a long while but think it's about time I do!
And the magic will continue in 2012 with giveaways, giveaways and more giveaways!
Happy Leap Month of Leap Year! Good luck. (Just go click on that Goodreads thing to sign up to win a copy!)
January 30, 2012
What were the odds that ... publishing facts numbers and such ...
What were the odds that my books, or any number of other authors' books would hit the shelves??
People are number people. We LIKE statistics. I think there's something solid, REAL about numbers. They give us a tangible context to help us understand our world. And being part of this world of publishing and writing is murky, at best.
So, to appease the masses, I found some NUMBERS ... tidbits and facts that are pretty random and interesting at the same time.
Books published per country (from Wikipedia) per year ... some highlights:
USA (2009, new titles and editions): 288, 355
SPAIN (2008, new titles): 86, 300
I couldn't find a number for Colombia.
Interesting facts from Melissa Bourbon and Misa Ramirez (I'm not sure where they got their statistics, some of which were utterly depressing and I want to pretend aren't real, but I found this pretty interesting ...):
A book shopper will spend around eight seconds looking at the front cover and fifteen at the back. (Yep. Covers matter! So do blurbs and such. LOTS)
The Children's Market (highlights and numbers and quotes from Publishers Weekly 2010 overview)
"Eighteen books for children and teens sold more than a million copies last year: all of them were from authors of big franchises: Jeff Kinney, Stephenie Meyer, Rick Riordan, Suzanne Collins, PC and Kristin Cast."
Other random book/publishing facts taken from Jessiemac:
Nielsen Book Scan tracked book sales of 1.2 million books. According to their data, as of 2004, 950,000 books sold fewer than 99 copies. (Yep. You read that right. NINETY-NINE.) and 200,000 sold fewer than 1,000 copies. 25,000 books sold more than 5,000 copies. (Basically most authors sell around 500 copies of their books.)
I read somewhere that less than 2% of books that hit the shelves (from the big name publishers) come from the infamous slush pile.
A bit daunting, I know. But people LIKE NUMBERS THOUGH I CAN'T FATHOM WHY!! ;-)
Numbers DO tell us something pretty special: Publishing houses lose money on most books they put out there, most authors not even earning back their advances. Why? Because, guess what, publishing houses love books and take chances, BIG ONES, on authors every single day of the year. I get tired of hearing how they're only in it for the money (why shouldn't they be, it IS a business) when there are so many editors and agents and other people in the business of books fighting for novels they think deserve to be out there on the shelves, novels that they HOPE sell, but there are no guarantees.
And as for all those authors who make loads of dough (well, a really small percentage, really small) and criticizing how awful they are, how they're hacks and anybody could write a book like that, here's my take: Honestly, it IS frustrating when somebody like Snooki gets a book deal. It makes the whole world of print look really base. Yeah. I'll give you that. But because of big sellers, I've got a shot to write the books I want to write. How grateful I am for the authors that make big bucks because it gives my editor wiggle room to fight for me who, up to date, hasn't made big bucks. (up to date, I'd like to emphasize! ;-) )
Editors find magic in slush ... a spec of pixie dust in the piles ... that's why the slush pile gets read ... eventually. Imagine reading through slush to find that spec of pixie dust! Ugh.
So, the odds are against us ... just as they were against JK Rowling, Stieg Larson and a whole slew of authors out there that, I bet, we're pretty glad got their first shot.
As an author (published or on-the-road to publishing), I just recommend not looking at the numbers. Focus on your work. Make every word count and then wish on some stars!
When all else fails ... write better.
People are number people. We LIKE statistics. I think there's something solid, REAL about numbers. They give us a tangible context to help us understand our world. And being part of this world of publishing and writing is murky, at best.
So, to appease the masses, I found some NUMBERS ... tidbits and facts that are pretty random and interesting at the same time.
Books published per country (from Wikipedia) per year ... some highlights:
USA (2009, new titles and editions): 288, 355
SPAIN (2008, new titles): 86, 300
I couldn't find a number for Colombia.
Interesting facts from Melissa Bourbon and Misa Ramirez (I'm not sure where they got their statistics, some of which were utterly depressing and I want to pretend aren't real, but I found this pretty interesting ...):
A book shopper will spend around eight seconds looking at the front cover and fifteen at the back. (Yep. Covers matter! So do blurbs and such. LOTS)
The Children's Market (highlights and numbers and quotes from Publishers Weekly 2010 overview)
"Eighteen books for children and teens sold more than a million copies last year: all of them were from authors of big franchises: Jeff Kinney, Stephenie Meyer, Rick Riordan, Suzanne Collins, PC and Kristin Cast."
Other random book/publishing facts taken from Jessiemac:
Nielsen Book Scan tracked book sales of 1.2 million books. According to their data, as of 2004, 950,000 books sold fewer than 99 copies. (Yep. You read that right. NINETY-NINE.) and 200,000 sold fewer than 1,000 copies. 25,000 books sold more than 5,000 copies. (Basically most authors sell around 500 copies of their books.)
I read somewhere that less than 2% of books that hit the shelves (from the big name publishers) come from the infamous slush pile.
A bit daunting, I know. But people LIKE NUMBERS THOUGH I CAN'T FATHOM WHY!! ;-)
Numbers DO tell us something pretty special: Publishing houses lose money on most books they put out there, most authors not even earning back their advances. Why? Because, guess what, publishing houses love books and take chances, BIG ONES, on authors every single day of the year. I get tired of hearing how they're only in it for the money (why shouldn't they be, it IS a business) when there are so many editors and agents and other people in the business of books fighting for novels they think deserve to be out there on the shelves, novels that they HOPE sell, but there are no guarantees.
And as for all those authors who make loads of dough (well, a really small percentage, really small) and criticizing how awful they are, how they're hacks and anybody could write a book like that, here's my take: Honestly, it IS frustrating when somebody like Snooki gets a book deal. It makes the whole world of print look really base. Yeah. I'll give you that. But because of big sellers, I've got a shot to write the books I want to write. How grateful I am for the authors that make big bucks because it gives my editor wiggle room to fight for me who, up to date, hasn't made big bucks. (up to date, I'd like to emphasize! ;-) )
Editors find magic in slush ... a spec of pixie dust in the piles ... that's why the slush pile gets read ... eventually. Imagine reading through slush to find that spec of pixie dust! Ugh.
So, the odds are against us ... just as they were against JK Rowling, Stieg Larson and a whole slew of authors out there that, I bet, we're pretty glad got their first shot.
As an author (published or on-the-road to publishing), I just recommend not looking at the numbers. Focus on your work. Make every word count and then wish on some stars!
When all else fails ... write better.
January 21, 2012
2012: What were the odds that ...
This year is the year: What were the odds ... in honor of Mike, my main character in WANTED and a high school bookie.
So to start off 2012: What were the odds that I'd still be in Colombia after 15 years!!
Okay, technically we traveled a lot and lived all over the world, but truth be told, I arrived to Colombia 15 years ago this month. What were the odds I'd STILL be here? (My work contract was only for two years. Boy have I milked that sucker!)
So, it's officially my Quinceañera ... Where's the party? Where are the rose petals, fancy dresses, hoopla?? I WANT A CAKE!!!
Honestly, though, upon reflection (though nobody's really celebrating my big 15), there are two things that have cracked my world open and really, REALLY, formed my life.
1. Moving to Colombia when I was 23
2. Becoming a mother
I know. What about love and marriage and college and travel and being an aunt and GETTING TO BE AN AUTHOR (which, I must say is like icing and strawberries and cherries on the cake) and all that stuff? Absolutely those are milestones, but the two things that have most profoundly impacted my life (thus far) are stated above. So today, I'm going to take a little moment to tip my hat to Colombia, the gifts its given me, and the things I've learned since I immigrated here! (Yep, I'm one of those ... AN IMMIGRANT!)
Lessons from Colombia (a hodgepodge of tidbits ...)
1. Family doesn't necessarily mean you share the same DNA strand. Family comes from the heart.
2. The friend of the postman of the cousin of the sister of your boyfriend will always be welcome at a party!
3. Now doesn't mean now. Tomorrow doesn't mean tomorrow. There's really no rhyme or reason so just go with it and stop trying to figure out Colombian time.
4. Traffic lights are merely suggestions ... as with most traffic signs.
5. Work hard to live. Living doesn't mean things and possessions but friends, music, family, smiles, unforgettable moments.
6. It's not really wise to smile and wave at those guys who shout out, "Hey Monita!" Unless you want stalkers.
7. Every taxi driver in Colombia has an uncle in New Jersey.
8. Music is part of everything.
9. I will NEVER walk like a Colombian woman. *sigh*
10. There's no such thing as too-tight-jeans in Colombia.
11. There's always time for a friend.
12. "Impossible" doesn't exist here.
13. Everybody talks at the same time -- about different things -- and as confusing as this may seem, it's like watching chaos take form and it all makes sense ... sometimes.
14. There's never too small a reason to have a party. (Once some friends of ours had a big party to celebrate a little gazebo they built at their farm.) ;-)
15. Happiness is a choice ... Colombians choose happiness every day.
16. I've lived, and continue to live, a life a privilege. From this privilege comes a social responsibility to make my community better by sharing and giving the best of me.
17. Dancing is imperative ... or else you will have NO SOCIAL LIFE. (Yep, I know how to salsa!!)
18. There's more plastic here in a square kilometer than at an International Tupperware Convention ... these boobs don't sag!
19. Motels aren't for sleep.
20. "The heart's memory eliminates the bad and magnifies the good." (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
Colombia is far from perfect. The social differences are staggering. Racism and classism are omnipresent. No society is perfect, and I've had the privilege to learn and continue to take the best of Colombia I can. It has made me, I believe, a better person: more tolerant, more aware, more appreciate of the United States as well as aware of the flaws of my country. Colombia is my home.
Colombia, I love you. I'm grateful for all you've given me. I'm grateful that you've accepted me, my funny ways, and the accent that just won't go away. Every day I learn from you.
Happy Birthday to me!
What were the odds??
So to start off 2012: What were the odds that I'd still be in Colombia after 15 years!!
Okay, technically we traveled a lot and lived all over the world, but truth be told, I arrived to Colombia 15 years ago this month. What were the odds I'd STILL be here? (My work contract was only for two years. Boy have I milked that sucker!)
So, it's officially my Quinceañera ... Where's the party? Where are the rose petals, fancy dresses, hoopla?? I WANT A CAKE!!!
Honestly, though, upon reflection (though nobody's really celebrating my big 15), there are two things that have cracked my world open and really, REALLY, formed my life.
1. Moving to Colombia when I was 23
2. Becoming a mother
I know. What about love and marriage and college and travel and being an aunt and GETTING TO BE AN AUTHOR (which, I must say is like icing and strawberries and cherries on the cake) and all that stuff? Absolutely those are milestones, but the two things that have most profoundly impacted my life (thus far) are stated above. So today, I'm going to take a little moment to tip my hat to Colombia, the gifts its given me, and the things I've learned since I immigrated here! (Yep, I'm one of those ... AN IMMIGRANT!)
Lessons from Colombia (a hodgepodge of tidbits ...)
1. Family doesn't necessarily mean you share the same DNA strand. Family comes from the heart.
2. The friend of the postman of the cousin of the sister of your boyfriend will always be welcome at a party!
3. Now doesn't mean now. Tomorrow doesn't mean tomorrow. There's really no rhyme or reason so just go with it and stop trying to figure out Colombian time.
4. Traffic lights are merely suggestions ... as with most traffic signs.
5. Work hard to live. Living doesn't mean things and possessions but friends, music, family, smiles, unforgettable moments.
6. It's not really wise to smile and wave at those guys who shout out, "Hey Monita!" Unless you want stalkers.
7. Every taxi driver in Colombia has an uncle in New Jersey.
8. Music is part of everything.
9. I will NEVER walk like a Colombian woman. *sigh*
10. There's no such thing as too-tight-jeans in Colombia.
11. There's always time for a friend.
12. "Impossible" doesn't exist here.
13. Everybody talks at the same time -- about different things -- and as confusing as this may seem, it's like watching chaos take form and it all makes sense ... sometimes.
14. There's never too small a reason to have a party. (Once some friends of ours had a big party to celebrate a little gazebo they built at their farm.) ;-)
15. Happiness is a choice ... Colombians choose happiness every day.
16. I've lived, and continue to live, a life a privilege. From this privilege comes a social responsibility to make my community better by sharing and giving the best of me.
17. Dancing is imperative ... or else you will have NO SOCIAL LIFE. (Yep, I know how to salsa!!)
18. There's more plastic here in a square kilometer than at an International Tupperware Convention ... these boobs don't sag!
19. Motels aren't for sleep.
20. "The heart's memory eliminates the bad and magnifies the good." (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
Colombia is far from perfect. The social differences are staggering. Racism and classism are omnipresent. No society is perfect, and I've had the privilege to learn and continue to take the best of Colombia I can. It has made me, I believe, a better person: more tolerant, more aware, more appreciate of the United States as well as aware of the flaws of my country. Colombia is my home.
Colombia, I love you. I'm grateful for all you've given me. I'm grateful that you've accepted me, my funny ways, and the accent that just won't go away. Every day I learn from you.
Happy Birthday to me!
What were the odds??
December 23, 2011
The Year of Prime ... ahhh Heck ... just a bunch of books and authors I love
It's NEVER too late to give the gift of a book. So, if you have a few last minute gifts you need to buy, BUY A BOOK!! And a great book is perfect for New Year's, King's Day, a pick-me-up ...
Okay. Anyway, blah blah blah. You get the idea.
First up is Chris Crutcher. He's a phenomenal storyteller and his books do what I think a great book should: make you question your beliefs, pretty much putting you on the spot. Yep. Uncomfy! In DEADLINE, for instance, one of the most interesting and likeable characters is a former priest that has done something deplorable -- this storyline parallels a love interest that has been abused by a close family member. Juxtaposing the two situations is completely uncomfortable for the reader, the main character. STAYING FAT FOR SARAH BYRNES is another of my favorites of his. Crutcher creates fantastic, believable characters who make you think, question, and feel. His characters have to make tough decisions. Not everything is black and white. On top of that, I can't think of another author that writes sports scenes so incredibly well! He's the master of bringing you into the game, meet ... whatever his characters are doing.
Next up is Kate DiCamillo. What a phenomenal storyteller!! Many are familiar with THE TALE OF DESPEREUX, her Newberry winner BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE and many more of her wonderful, WONDERFUL stories. One of my favorites of hers is THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT. When I read LIESL AND PO I immediately thought of this beautiful story -- one of love, loss, heartbreak and magic. It's like taking a break and entering into a world where magic exists even though the rest of us had forgotten about it. Her books are simply astounding.
Finally are my Holiday Book recs! (A TOUCH late ... but these classics are perfect for every year, every age!!)
I wish everyone a happy holiday ... however you may choose to celebrate and a New Year filled with wonder and love!!
Happy Reading!
Okay. Anyway, blah blah blah. You get the idea.
First up is Chris Crutcher. He's a phenomenal storyteller and his books do what I think a great book should: make you question your beliefs, pretty much putting you on the spot. Yep. Uncomfy! In DEADLINE, for instance, one of the most interesting and likeable characters is a former priest that has done something deplorable -- this storyline parallels a love interest that has been abused by a close family member. Juxtaposing the two situations is completely uncomfortable for the reader, the main character. STAYING FAT FOR SARAH BYRNES is another of my favorites of his. Crutcher creates fantastic, believable characters who make you think, question, and feel. His characters have to make tough decisions. Not everything is black and white. On top of that, I can't think of another author that writes sports scenes so incredibly well! He's the master of bringing you into the game, meet ... whatever his characters are doing.
Next up is Kate DiCamillo. What a phenomenal storyteller!! Many are familiar with THE TALE OF DESPEREUX, her Newberry winner BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE and many more of her wonderful, WONDERFUL stories. One of my favorites of hers is THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT. When I read LIESL AND PO I immediately thought of this beautiful story -- one of love, loss, heartbreak and magic. It's like taking a break and entering into a world where magic exists even though the rest of us had forgotten about it. Her books are simply astounding.
Finally are my Holiday Book recs! (A TOUCH late ... but these classics are perfect for every year, every age!!)
I wish everyone a happy holiday ... however you may choose to celebrate and a New Year filled with wonder and love!!
Happy Reading!
December 17, 2011
The Year of Prime ... On the 17th Day of Christmas
Inconceivable.
But true. I'm actually POSTING A BLOG ON TIME! So, my pick of the day is one of my favorite all-time books written by one of the best literary minds today. Truly, though, I don't know of another author out there with more range and who takes bigger risks than MT Anderson. He's done historical fiction, sci fi, fantasy, contemporary -- all executed with skill and integrity and great storytelling. If I knew he was behind all those horrible manuals that explain how to put the freaking desk together, I'd read every line. (He's kind of my hero.)
FEED is one of the reasons I became a YA author. I remember reading it and thinking, "Oh my oh my oh my ... " then feeling totally intimidated by it then realizing that if I wanted to write books then I had to work my tail off. This book is, quite simply, PHENOMENAL. Set in the future, when people are born, an internet/TV feed are directly wired into everyone's brain upon birth. Corporations, read your thoughts and what you're looking at in stores then dominate the information stream, feeding information to each person. Titus and his friends and pretty much everybody else accepts things as are. Everything is owned. Sky (trademark) Clouds (trademark) ... everything belongs to one of the big corporations. And everybody's doing just fine until Titus meets Violet -- a young girl who's been successful in confusing her feed. The problem arises, however, when Violet's feed is breaking and she needs a new one and no corporation will sponsor it because her information is too jumbled -- she's not the "ideal" consumer.
It's truly brilliant. Actually, after having written about it here, I really REALLY want to go back and re-read it. Plus, it has one of the best first lines EVER in a novel:
'We went to the moon to have fun, but the moon turned out to completely suck.'
But true. I'm actually POSTING A BLOG ON TIME! So, my pick of the day is one of my favorite all-time books written by one of the best literary minds today. Truly, though, I don't know of another author out there with more range and who takes bigger risks than MT Anderson. He's done historical fiction, sci fi, fantasy, contemporary -- all executed with skill and integrity and great storytelling. If I knew he was behind all those horrible manuals that explain how to put the freaking desk together, I'd read every line. (He's kind of my hero.)
FEED is one of the reasons I became a YA author. I remember reading it and thinking, "Oh my oh my oh my ... " then feeling totally intimidated by it then realizing that if I wanted to write books then I had to work my tail off. This book is, quite simply, PHENOMENAL. Set in the future, when people are born, an internet/TV feed are directly wired into everyone's brain upon birth. Corporations, read your thoughts and what you're looking at in stores then dominate the information stream, feeding information to each person. Titus and his friends and pretty much everybody else accepts things as are. Everything is owned. Sky (trademark) Clouds (trademark) ... everything belongs to one of the big corporations. And everybody's doing just fine until Titus meets Violet -- a young girl who's been successful in confusing her feed. The problem arises, however, when Violet's feed is breaking and she needs a new one and no corporation will sponsor it because her information is too jumbled -- she's not the "ideal" consumer.
It's truly brilliant. Actually, after having written about it here, I really REALLY want to go back and re-read it. Plus, it has one of the best first lines EVER in a novel:
'We went to the moon to have fun, but the moon turned out to completely suck.'
December 16, 2011
The Year of Prime ... On the 14th, 15th, and 16th Days of Christmas ...
There are few things more exciting than kids that are excited about reading. One of those things, for me, are kids excited about writing. Scholastic has a cool award for books written by kids. The next two on my list are beautiful examples of the creativity of children, what they're capable of given the chance, and how amazing it is that there are educators out there guiding, motivating, and helping inspire children to create great things!
REJOICE: Poetry Celebrating Life in the Amazon Rainforest, Written and illustrated by the Third Grade Students of Mendon Center Elementary in Pittsford, NY
VINCENT VAN GOGH'S CAT, written and illustrated by the Second Grade Students of East Washington Academy in Muncie, Indiana
For a complete list of winners, including 2011's winners, go to Scholastic and prepare to be amazed!
My final rec for the day is another picture book, one I particularly love. I've recommended it before, but I really, REALLY have to do it again. I'll tell you why from my personal point of view. In Colombia (and all over the world), the panorama of family and what "family" means is changing. But people still seem to hold onto an archaic idea of what family "should" be: father, mother, kids, and maybe a goldfish. The "idea" of family is more ingrained than the reality of what family is. Who can define what makes a family? Who has the right to decide what is considered "the right way?" One of the things I most love about our lives is that we surround ourselves with people of all backgrounds and ideas, and our daughter sees families of all kinds: single parents, divorced parents, gay couples, grandparents as primary caregivers, friends living together and more. We have friends who have adopted children. One of our close friends decided to have insemination and raise a child on her own. This spectrum of family and what components make up "family" is always changing, but the core of what family is doesn't: love and respect.
AND TANGO MAKES THREE by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, Illustrated by Henry Cole is my last picture book pick of the day. A love story that encompasses the most wonderful and basic things about the magic of families.
Happy Reading!
REJOICE: Poetry Celebrating Life in the Amazon Rainforest, Written and illustrated by the Third Grade Students of Mendon Center Elementary in Pittsford, NY
VINCENT VAN GOGH'S CAT, written and illustrated by the Second Grade Students of East Washington Academy in Muncie, Indiana 
For a complete list of winners, including 2011's winners, go to Scholastic and prepare to be amazed!
My final rec for the day is another picture book, one I particularly love. I've recommended it before, but I really, REALLY have to do it again. I'll tell you why from my personal point of view. In Colombia (and all over the world), the panorama of family and what "family" means is changing. But people still seem to hold onto an archaic idea of what family "should" be: father, mother, kids, and maybe a goldfish. The "idea" of family is more ingrained than the reality of what family is. Who can define what makes a family? Who has the right to decide what is considered "the right way?" One of the things I most love about our lives is that we surround ourselves with people of all backgrounds and ideas, and our daughter sees families of all kinds: single parents, divorced parents, gay couples, grandparents as primary caregivers, friends living together and more. We have friends who have adopted children. One of our close friends decided to have insemination and raise a child on her own. This spectrum of family and what components make up "family" is always changing, but the core of what family is doesn't: love and respect.
AND TANGO MAKES THREE by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, Illustrated by Henry Cole is my last picture book pick of the day. A love story that encompasses the most wonderful and basic things about the magic of families.
Happy Reading!
December 13, 2011
The Year of Prime ... Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth and Thirteenth
Geez this month goes fast. It's already twelve days 'till Christmas. (And I don't have the energy to do a cool 12 Days of Christmas improvisation.) So ... let's just get to the books. (Without lengthy explanations ... trust me. They're good. REAL good.)
Sound good?
LIESL AND PO by Lauren Oliver is simply lovely. It's touching (without being sappy) and poetic (without being cliche) and one of those novels that's a joy to read. Enter the magical world of Liesl and be swept away.
CROOKED LETTER, CROOKED LETTER by Tom Franklin is a mystery set in the deep south that goes back decades. In a time with CSI and Criminal Minds and every other kind of cop/mystery show, it's hard to surprise. This novel did. (And it had it's creepy element, too). I really REALLY loved the main character and head detective on the case. LOVED.
PERFECT by Ellen Hopkins is a novel that asks four teens the question: How far would you go to be perfect? All hyper-achievers and pushing to meet self-imposed as well as social and family expectations, Ellen takes us on an intense journey into the lives of teens today. It is heartbreaking and a novel that made me reflect as a parent and former educator. What kind of pressure are we putting our kids under.and what are the consequences of it?
Sara Zarr never disappoints. STORY OF A GIRL is the story of Deanna Lambert who's been categorized as the school slut -- a label she can't seem to shake in her small town. (Even her father can't stand to look at her since he's the one who found her in the back seat with her brother's best friend.) This coming-of-age story about a dysfunctional family and this young girl's journey to forgiving herself, her father, and her brother's ex- best friend is poignant, insightful and never feels forced. I loved how Deanna and those who surround her develop in subtle but powerful ways.
HAPPY READING!!
Sound good?
LIESL AND PO by Lauren Oliver is simply lovely. It's touching (without being sappy) and poetic (without being cliche) and one of those novels that's a joy to read. Enter the magical world of Liesl and be swept away.
CROOKED LETTER, CROOKED LETTER by Tom Franklin is a mystery set in the deep south that goes back decades. In a time with CSI and Criminal Minds and every other kind of cop/mystery show, it's hard to surprise. This novel did. (And it had it's creepy element, too). I really REALLY loved the main character and head detective on the case. LOVED.
PERFECT by Ellen Hopkins is a novel that asks four teens the question: How far would you go to be perfect? All hyper-achievers and pushing to meet self-imposed as well as social and family expectations, Ellen takes us on an intense journey into the lives of teens today. It is heartbreaking and a novel that made me reflect as a parent and former educator. What kind of pressure are we putting our kids under.and what are the consequences of it?
Sara Zarr never disappoints. STORY OF A GIRL is the story of Deanna Lambert who's been categorized as the school slut -- a label she can't seem to shake in her small town. (Even her father can't stand to look at her since he's the one who found her in the back seat with her brother's best friend.) This coming-of-age story about a dysfunctional family and this young girl's journey to forgiving herself, her father, and her brother's ex- best friend is poignant, insightful and never feels forced. I loved how Deanna and those who surround her develop in subtle but powerful ways.
HAPPY READING!!
December 9, 2011
The Year of Prime ... On the Eighth and Ninth day of December
"I survived the Bunuelado, 2011" ... I should get a t-shirt that says this. :-) A bunuelado, you ask??
December is "THE MONTH OF THE BUNUELO AND NATILLA" in Colombia. Bunuelos are like donuts, but instead of being sugary, they're made with cheese and are delicious fried balls of wonder. Natilla is a cinnamon-like jell-o/pudding sweet that, though slimy in texture, is pretty tasty (if you can get past the slime).
The seventh and eighth are THE ALUMBRADO in Colombia. Being Catholic, this is the celebration of the immaculate conception and pretty much marks the beginning of the madness to come! It's really pretty. Everybody lights lanterns (even kids!) ... the glow of light is exquisite.
Every year, we have a party at the farm. We invite a choir to sing Christmas carols and eat bunuelos and natilla until, really, I don't want to see another one for a year. There's a catch. We also have the contest of THE BEST BUNUELO.
Since the dough can be "molded", we hand dough out. We have trophies, a panel of judges, and pretty much everybody (adults and kids) get into it. (We now have two categories). And, if you're skilled, you can go home with THE GOLD, SILVER OR BRONZE BUNUELO.
Clark Griswold would have trouble competing with this. Hello Vegas!
Lighting Lanterns
The Golden Bunuelo goes to ... the Pig
I also have a book recommendation! (Of course!) I just thought you ought to know why I was so absent yesterday ... Keeping it "light" (teehee ... okay, I'm tired. My puns aren't really up to par.), I recommend a great book for that person who has "everything" and you really don't know what to give. It's also a good book for those who aren't big readers but are curious. AN UNCOMMON HISTORY OF COMMON THINGS (A National Geographic Publication) has half-page length explanations of how things came to be -- everything from indoor plumbing and pizza to kites and capitalization/punctuation. It's fascinating!
December is "THE MONTH OF THE BUNUELO AND NATILLA" in Colombia. Bunuelos are like donuts, but instead of being sugary, they're made with cheese and are delicious fried balls of wonder. Natilla is a cinnamon-like jell-o/pudding sweet that, though slimy in texture, is pretty tasty (if you can get past the slime).
The seventh and eighth are THE ALUMBRADO in Colombia. Being Catholic, this is the celebration of the immaculate conception and pretty much marks the beginning of the madness to come! It's really pretty. Everybody lights lanterns (even kids!) ... the glow of light is exquisite.
Every year, we have a party at the farm. We invite a choir to sing Christmas carols and eat bunuelos and natilla until, really, I don't want to see another one for a year. There's a catch. We also have the contest of THE BEST BUNUELO.
Since the dough can be "molded", we hand dough out. We have trophies, a panel of judges, and pretty much everybody (adults and kids) get into it. (We now have two categories). And, if you're skilled, you can go home with THE GOLD, SILVER OR BRONZE BUNUELO.
Clark Griswold would have trouble competing with this. Hello Vegas!
Lighting Lanterns
The Golden Bunuelo goes to ... the PigI also have a book recommendation! (Of course!) I just thought you ought to know why I was so absent yesterday ... Keeping it "light" (teehee ... okay, I'm tired. My puns aren't really up to par.), I recommend a great book for that person who has "everything" and you really don't know what to give. It's also a good book for those who aren't big readers but are curious. AN UNCOMMON HISTORY OF COMMON THINGS (A National Geographic Publication) has half-page length explanations of how things came to be -- everything from indoor plumbing and pizza to kites and capitalization/punctuation. It's fascinating!
December 7, 2011
The Year of Prime ... On the Seventh Day of December
Today madness begins. Well, it began a couple weeks ago but now Colombia jumps into the nonstop (literally) December celebrations with the Alumbrado. (pics up on Friday since it's today and tomorrow!) Anyway, to commemorate Colombia and celebrate its exuberance (to say the least ... yes, I'm bracing myself for the next twenty-four days of insanity), I'm recommending COLOMBIA: A NEW VISION by Santiago Harker.
Santiago Harker is an accomplished photographer who has spent his life traveling Colombia and capturing magical moments. We just went to one of his exhibitions this past week. The light, life, color, and dimension of his photos is indescribable. This is a truly exquisite journey into the Colombia I love, not the one we so often see misconstrued in the media. Open the pages and join me exploring the world I love!
Happy Reading!
Santiago Harker is an accomplished photographer who has spent his life traveling Colombia and capturing magical moments. We just went to one of his exhibitions this past week. The light, life, color, and dimension of his photos is indescribable. This is a truly exquisite journey into the Colombia I love, not the one we so often see misconstrued in the media. Open the pages and join me exploring the world I love!
Happy Reading!
