Kai Strand's Blog, page 72

The Writer's Prayer

The Writer's Prayer
On this, another day of writing, please inspire my word choices and guide my grammar.On this, another day of promotion, please help me to whisper promoting thoughts into the ears of media specialists, classroom teachers, book store owners, parents and grandparents alike.On this, another day of manuscript submissions, please spit polish the query so that the sparkle attracts the attention of the right editor or agent.On this, another day of social media, please limit me to p...

Recents

Must share my recent review of The Weaver by All Consuming Books. Feel free to share reviews with friends, teachers, grandparents.

I have a four day weekend and plan to READ a lot. Maybe write some.  I've got a beautiful, heartfelt new idea forming inside my small mind for middle grade readers who want a story of depth and love and friendship and pain and...did I mention love?  Never know when the idea will be ready to come out.

Recent Reads

The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z by Kate Messner– span

Please Distract Me From Minute to Win It

I really can't explain what it is about this show that makes me so mad.  Might be the host's contrived hair.  Might be the over-the-top drama. Might be the token "accented" sidekick (in this case – the blueprint explainer). Don't even make me think about the fact that the contestants spend loads of time at home practicing these games. If you do, I'm sorry. Really, I am.
For some reason, my husband and kids like this show.  So it is on.  I guess now is a good time for a blog post. 
I've been...

Blogview with Linda Jo Martin and Literature For Kids

Literature For Kids is a new online children's magazine. The creator and editor is Linda Jo Martin. Linda, herself, is a children's author, but she works hard each month to put together a quality product for children, their teachers and caregivers. This magazine is a good addition to a homeschool's toolbox.  Let's get to know a little more about Linda and Literature For Kids.
Linda, what inspired you to take on such a huge monthly project?
Linda: I wanted to develop my website, Literature For...

Review, Winner and a Celebration!

Beverly Stowe McClure has posted a wonderful review of The Weaver on her blog The Story of A Writer.  I hope you share it with all your friends.
Congratulations to the winner of The Weaver from the book giveaway over on I'm A Reader's site.  Rose Red. I will send your book out next week. Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway and, "Welcome," to my new followers.
Happy birthday to my buddy, Jen! 
Have a fabulous weekend, everybody.

Career Goals

I have a lot of goals as a writer.  Some of them are simple; like word count or face time with child readers. Some of them are lofty; like selling one manuscript per year or hosting SNL w/Josh Groban as the musical talent. (I had a dream once that was, frankly, awesome!)
But there is one goal that I'd love, love, love to achieve.  Writerly independence. Currently I work. Which isn't the end of the world by any means. Many writers work outside the home and write in their spare time.  But I'd...

Teachers, I Need Your Help!

Are you, or have you ever been, a teacher of grades 3 – 6? Then I need your help.  I'm putting together a teacher's guide for my novel The Weaver. One problem, I've never been a teacher.  Would you mind taking a few short moments to dash off an email to me about one thing (or two if you'd like) you've most loved in a past guide you've used with your students?  I don't need tons of details, but I'd love to hear what WORKS for you in the classroom.
Please pass this message on if you know...

Recents

I admit, there are times I feel like maybe I'm just in a really good mood and that's why I really like the books I read during that time period.  But I'm pretty sure the authors are actually the ones responsible for the praise, not my moods.
Recent Reads
Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins– humble rating: Golf Clap+ – There really wasn't anything original about this story, so why did I like it so much?  Maybe it is the spunky main character. I loved her voice. Ending was kinda frustrating, but I'll...

How Charlie Sheen Could Destroy This Country

I'm straying far from the topic of writing for this post.  But who am I to not use this skill that I'm working so hard to develop to call attention this issue. So, this is a "Call to Action" if you will for my fellow countrymen.
I have figured out the core problem in this country and Yahoo – with all their investigative talents – were the ones to reveal it.  Our problem is Charlie Sheen.  Sure, you will argue that Charlie has his own problems, why would I want to dump the country's on him as w...

What's Your Interpretation?

Interpretation-nounthe act of interpreting; elucidation; explication: This writer's work demands interpretation. the rendering of a dramatic part, music, etc., so as to bring out the meaning, or to indicate one's particular conception of it.oral translation.
Like so many other English words, this word has many varied definitions. What I like about this particular word is that even the definitions require a bit of interpretation.
Elucidation – make clear, explainRendering – an act of...