Jo Knowles's Blog, page 13
July 30, 2012
Teachers Write 9: FearLess
I've been staying with my sister for the past few days and on arrival, found this message in the driveway:
Even though I know my niece was not writing this for me, I can't help but think each time I see it, that the universe is trying to tell me something. There's something about that capital L. It's as if it's telling me to both Fear Less and be fearless.
All summer I've been working on a new novel and all summer I have been a bit fearFUL of where this novel wants to take me. And then here was this message, FearLess. Almost reminding me that this is what I must be if I want to get it right. And not only that, but it's OK. So stop worrying and just do it.
For today's Monday Morning Warm-Up, I wanted to share this message with you, too. Because I think a lot of times when we're writing, we let fear slip in without even knowing it. And we don't write what our hearts truly need to.
Today, think about what your fears are in regard to whatever you're working on. Write them on a piece of paper, or on a file somewhere. Half the battle in overcoming your fears is to name them.
Then, put them away and open a new file or take out a new piece of paper. Write the word FEARLESS on it. OR, print a copy of this photo (my niece won't mind). Put your word next to your laptop or somewhere you'll see it when you're writing today, and...
Fear less. And be FearLess.
:-)
Even though I know my niece was not writing this for me, I can't help but think each time I see it, that the universe is trying to tell me something. There's something about that capital L. It's as if it's telling me to both Fear Less and be fearless.
All summer I've been working on a new novel and all summer I have been a bit fearFUL of where this novel wants to take me. And then here was this message, FearLess. Almost reminding me that this is what I must be if I want to get it right. And not only that, but it's OK. So stop worrying and just do it.
For today's Monday Morning Warm-Up, I wanted to share this message with you, too. Because I think a lot of times when we're writing, we let fear slip in without even knowing it. And we don't write what our hearts truly need to.
Today, think about what your fears are in regard to whatever you're working on. Write them on a piece of paper, or on a file somewhere. Half the battle in overcoming your fears is to name them.
Then, put them away and open a new file or take out a new piece of paper. Write the word FEARLESS on it. OR, print a copy of this photo (my niece won't mind). Put your word next to your laptop or somewhere you'll see it when you're writing today, and...
Fear less. And be FearLess.
:-)
July 26, 2012
Thankful Thursday: Indie Booksellers
Today I am feeling incredibly grateful to independent booksellers who continue to work tirelessly to promote the books they love. Not just the flashy ones that come with their own stands and posters, but the quiet ones that might otherwise be unnoticed and forgotten if not for the bookseller whose heart it touched, and who presses it eagerly into her customers' hands with the promise they will love it, too.
I love that they take the time to get to know their regular customers, and already have suggestions at the ready when one walks through the door.
And I love that they take the time to create lists for their colleagues and customers. Lists of these very books they don't want anyone to miss.
If you have an independent bookstore in your area, please please please consider giving them your business rather than going to the big guys online. It makes a difference!
Today, I am feeling selfishly grateful to these booksellers.
Thanks to them, SEE YOU AT HARRY'S made IndieBound's Kids Next Summer List, Top Ten!:
I have daydreamed of ever getting on this list. To be on the front page kind of blows my mind.
Here is what one of the booksellers who recommended Harry's to the list wrote:
Knowles takes the reader's hand and deftly winds through the maze of grief and shows how navigating with our hearts will always lead us back home. - Jane Knight, Bear Pond Books
I also learned today that the New England Children's Booksellers Advisory Council (NECBA) has listed SEE YOU AT HARRY'S in the Spring 2012 Top Titles!
Here's what NECBA says about it's mission to select books for their list:
First started in 1996 these lists are our bi-annual attempt to identify as many high-quality titles as possible from among the numerous new middle-grade and young-adult fiction books.
So again, I am simply shocked that SEE YOU AT HARRY'S found it's way there. Shocked, and so amazingly thankful that someone took the time to read the book, but also to write a recommendation and vote. Truly. Is there a stronger word than "grateful"? Because I feel more than that.
Here is what one of the bookseller's who spoke for Harry's wrote:
Jo Knowles's latest YA novel, See You at Harry's, is one of the truest-feeling books I've read in a while...The characters and their emotions feel so real that I could not help but be caught up in their heartbreaks and triumphs, wishing that I could reach into the pages of the book to comfort Fern and her siblings. -Sandy Scott, The Galaxy Bookshop
Thank you Jane and Sandy and every bookseller out there who reads and cares and carries on helping to promote reading and literacy and the love of books!!
I love that they take the time to get to know their regular customers, and already have suggestions at the ready when one walks through the door.
And I love that they take the time to create lists for their colleagues and customers. Lists of these very books they don't want anyone to miss.
If you have an independent bookstore in your area, please please please consider giving them your business rather than going to the big guys online. It makes a difference!
Today, I am feeling selfishly grateful to these booksellers.
Thanks to them, SEE YOU AT HARRY'S made IndieBound's Kids Next Summer List, Top Ten!:
I have daydreamed of ever getting on this list. To be on the front page kind of blows my mind.
Here is what one of the booksellers who recommended Harry's to the list wrote:
Knowles takes the reader's hand and deftly winds through the maze of grief and shows how navigating with our hearts will always lead us back home. - Jane Knight, Bear Pond Books
I also learned today that the New England Children's Booksellers Advisory Council (NECBA) has listed SEE YOU AT HARRY'S in the Spring 2012 Top Titles!
Here's what NECBA says about it's mission to select books for their list:
First started in 1996 these lists are our bi-annual attempt to identify as many high-quality titles as possible from among the numerous new middle-grade and young-adult fiction books.
So again, I am simply shocked that SEE YOU AT HARRY'S found it's way there. Shocked, and so amazingly thankful that someone took the time to read the book, but also to write a recommendation and vote. Truly. Is there a stronger word than "grateful"? Because I feel more than that.
Here is what one of the bookseller's who spoke for Harry's wrote:
Jo Knowles's latest YA novel, See You at Harry's, is one of the truest-feeling books I've read in a while...The characters and their emotions feel so real that I could not help but be caught up in their heartbreaks and triumphs, wishing that I could reach into the pages of the book to comfort Fern and her siblings. -Sandy Scott, The Galaxy Bookshop
Thank you Jane and Sandy and every bookseller out there who reads and cares and carries on helping to promote reading and literacy and the love of books!!
July 24, 2012
July 23, 2012
Teachers Write 8: What's Your Number? :-)
Hello teachers!
Today I thought we could do a fun exercise my friend Cindy Faughnan (also a teacher) taught me this summer.
First, pick a theme. This can be anything. Some ideas: Writing, teaching, summer, parenthood, dogs, friendship, a view you can see right now.
Then, write your phone number down the length of a page, like this:
8
0
2
5
5
5
1
2
1
2
Now, start your poem. Each number represents how many words you must have on that line. If you have a zero, that's a wild card and you can use any number of words on that line as you like.
We did this at writing camp this summer and the students came up with some incredible stuff. This is a really fun one to use in the classroom because it gives a mix of structure and freedom.
Enjoy! And share if you'd like. I always think writers learn a lot by doing exercises like this together and then sharing their results—and thus being inspired by one another. (Although, you may want to share on the private Teachers Write site, since obviously you'd be sharing your phone number!) :-)
Today I thought we could do a fun exercise my friend Cindy Faughnan (also a teacher) taught me this summer.
First, pick a theme. This can be anything. Some ideas: Writing, teaching, summer, parenthood, dogs, friendship, a view you can see right now.
Then, write your phone number down the length of a page, like this:
8
0
2
5
5
5
1
2
1
2
Now, start your poem. Each number represents how many words you must have on that line. If you have a zero, that's a wild card and you can use any number of words on that line as you like.
We did this at writing camp this summer and the students came up with some incredible stuff. This is a really fun one to use in the classroom because it gives a mix of structure and freedom.
Enjoy! And share if you'd like. I always think writers learn a lot by doing exercises like this together and then sharing their results—and thus being inspired by one another. (Although, you may want to share on the private Teachers Write site, since obviously you'd be sharing your phone number!) :-)
July 16, 2012
Teachers Write 7: Pick One!
As I've mentioned, every summer I help teach a writing camp for 2 weeks. It's for students in grades 7-12 and many return year after year and I get to watch them grow up and it is, simply put, wonderful.
During camp, we have an easel set up where campers can write down phrases for writing prompts. At the beginning of each camp session, we all write to a prompt that speaks to us. Here is a photo of our prompt board:
For Today's exercise, choose one! Share! And as always, have fun. :-)
During camp, we have an easel set up where campers can write down phrases for writing prompts. At the beginning of each camp session, we all write to a prompt that speaks to us. Here is a photo of our prompt board:
For Today's exercise, choose one! Share! And as always, have fun. :-)
July 11, 2012
"Earphones Award!"
I was so excited to receive the following Tweet from Kate Rudd, the narrator for the audio book of See You at Harry's this morning:
Very excited that @JoKnowles See You at Harry's audio received the @AudioFileMag earphones award. This story seized my heart completely!
Hooray! I haven't been able to listen to the entire audio book, but that has nothing to do with Kate. She does an AMAZING job. I truly couldn't be happier. But it is very hard to hear your work read to you. With every new chapter you're afraid you'll hear a mistake. Or a sentence that makes you cringe. It's why I never read my books after they are published, other than when I'm asked to read short excerpts at book events.
Here is the review:
http://www.audiofilemagazine.comwww.audiofilemagazine.com/dbsearch/showreview.cfm?Num=71813
Thanks Kate, for your incredible narration!
Very excited that @JoKnowles See You at Harry's audio received the @AudioFileMag earphones award. This story seized my heart completely!
Hooray! I haven't been able to listen to the entire audio book, but that has nothing to do with Kate. She does an AMAZING job. I truly couldn't be happier. But it is very hard to hear your work read to you. With every new chapter you're afraid you'll hear a mistake. Or a sentence that makes you cringe. It's why I never read my books after they are published, other than when I'm asked to read short excerpts at book events.
Here is the review:
http://www.audiofilemagazine.comwww.audiofilemagazine.com/dbsearch/showreview.cfm?Num=71813
Thanks Kate, for your incredible narration!
July 9, 2012
Teachers Write 6: What do you see?
Hello, teachers! I can't believe it's already mid-summer! I don't know about you, but this does not please me AT ALL.
At the beginning of the project, I asked you all to describe a kitchen of your childhood. Today, I'm going to ask you to describe a room of importance to you NOW. It could be a family room, an office, a kitchen of your adulthood, your classroom... Whatever place makes you feel happy when you are in it, for whatever reason. Then follow these steps:
1. Make a list of all the important objects in the room. Write down as many things as you can. Don't worry if these won't make sense to anyone else. Just write them down.
2. Now look! You have a poem! Admire it.
3. But that's not all! Now you have a list of items that each tells its own story. Pick one now, and tell it. Then share!
At the beginning of the project, I asked you all to describe a kitchen of your childhood. Today, I'm going to ask you to describe a room of importance to you NOW. It could be a family room, an office, a kitchen of your adulthood, your classroom... Whatever place makes you feel happy when you are in it, for whatever reason. Then follow these steps:
1. Make a list of all the important objects in the room. Write down as many things as you can. Don't worry if these won't make sense to anyone else. Just write them down.
2. Now look! You have a poem! Admire it.
3. But that's not all! Now you have a list of items that each tells its own story. Pick one now, and tell it. Then share!
July 6, 2012
The Girls of Summer and the Cost of Invisibility
Today I am a guest at the Girls of Summer project. I talk with Gigi Amateau about SEE YOU AT HARRY's, writing, and the cost of invisibility. Hope you'll check it out and leave a comment!
http://girlsofsummerlist.wordpress.com/author-interviews-2/jo-knowles/
Thanks!!!
http://girlsofsummerlist.wordpress.com/author-interviews-2/jo-knowles/
Thanks!!!
July 3, 2012
July Events: Please join me! :-)
I have some fun events happening this month in Vermont and New Hampshire, and online. :-)
Wednesday, July 11, all day:
I am the guest author at Kate Messner's wonderful TEACHERS WRITE project. I'll be answering your questions throughout the day! Go here to take part. :)
NOTE: Every Monday all summer I'll be posting warm-up exercises here specifically aimed at helping teachers taking part in Kate's project.
Saturday, July 14, 4:00pm:
I'll be reading and sharing stories about the making of SEE YOU AT HARRY'S at Bartleby's Books in Wilmington, VT. Come with your questions! There will be GOOD prizes for those who ask one! :-)
Thursday, July 19, 4:00pm:
I'll be recommending summer books with amazing authors Kate Messner and Linda Urban at Bear Pond Books in Montpelier, VT! Fun for all ages! Come share your recommendations too! Great event for parents and kids interested in starting up (or who already participate in) a reading group/book club!
Monday, July 30, 6:30pm
I'll be giving a FREE writing workshop at the Moultonborough, NH Public Library. This workshop will be appropriate for adults AND kids ages 10 and up. Bring a pen and paper and be ready to have lots of fun! I'll also be signing books, thanks to Bayswater Books, who will be selling at the event.
Wednesday, July 11, all day:
I am the guest author at Kate Messner's wonderful TEACHERS WRITE project. I'll be answering your questions throughout the day! Go here to take part. :)
NOTE: Every Monday all summer I'll be posting warm-up exercises here specifically aimed at helping teachers taking part in Kate's project.
Saturday, July 14, 4:00pm:
I'll be reading and sharing stories about the making of SEE YOU AT HARRY'S at Bartleby's Books in Wilmington, VT. Come with your questions! There will be GOOD prizes for those who ask one! :-)
Thursday, July 19, 4:00pm:
I'll be recommending summer books with amazing authors Kate Messner and Linda Urban at Bear Pond Books in Montpelier, VT! Fun for all ages! Come share your recommendations too! Great event for parents and kids interested in starting up (or who already participate in) a reading group/book club!
Monday, July 30, 6:30pm
I'll be giving a FREE writing workshop at the Moultonborough, NH Public Library. This workshop will be appropriate for adults AND kids ages 10 and up. Bring a pen and paper and be ready to have lots of fun! I'll also be signing books, thanks to Bayswater Books, who will be selling at the event.
July 2, 2012
Teachers Write 5: Story Stew
Happy July, everyone! I wish summer would slow down a little.
For the next two weeks, I'll be the guest author at my friends Cindy and Rick's WRITING CAMP! I've been helping out with their camp for several years now, and it's always lots of fun. Kids in grades 7-12 attend for 3 hours/day. We provide writing prompts, individual writing time, and time to read and get feedback. Also, we provide snacks. :)
One of my favorite activities is something called Story Stew.
Here are the ingredients to the stew:
• 2 characters
• 2 objects
• a place/setting
• an adjective
• a personality trait or emotion
For today's warm-up, I thought it would be fun to do a story stew with all of you! Usually we ask the kids to give ideas for each of the ingredients, but since that would be a little too challenging here, I'm going to provide them for you. Let's get cooking! :-)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Monday Morning Warm-Up:
Today's Story Stew
Ingredients:
• An elderly woman
• A young girl
• A hat
• A piece of paper
• A hospital waiting room
• Nostalgic
• Anxious
Instructions:
Start cooking! Write a scene using all of the ingredients above. Try to incorporate dialog, emotion, action. Help us see this woman and girl the way you see them. Help us feel what they are feeling. And remember, have fun!
For the next two weeks, I'll be the guest author at my friends Cindy and Rick's WRITING CAMP! I've been helping out with their camp for several years now, and it's always lots of fun. Kids in grades 7-12 attend for 3 hours/day. We provide writing prompts, individual writing time, and time to read and get feedback. Also, we provide snacks. :)
One of my favorite activities is something called Story Stew.
Here are the ingredients to the stew:
• 2 characters
• 2 objects
• a place/setting
• an adjective
• a personality trait or emotion
For today's warm-up, I thought it would be fun to do a story stew with all of you! Usually we ask the kids to give ideas for each of the ingredients, but since that would be a little too challenging here, I'm going to provide them for you. Let's get cooking! :-)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Monday Morning Warm-Up:
Today's Story Stew
Ingredients:
• An elderly woman
• A young girl
• A hat
• A piece of paper
• A hospital waiting room
• Nostalgic
• Anxious
Instructions:
Start cooking! Write a scene using all of the ingredients above. Try to incorporate dialog, emotion, action. Help us see this woman and girl the way you see them. Help us feel what they are feeling. And remember, have fun!
