Suzy Davies's Blog: Book News, page 25
January 21, 2017
Call Yourself A Writer?
The call to write is a passion, and the pull to write, sometimes, irresistible. But who writes? Who calls himself an author? And how do they persuade their audience to buy their book? This is a question I ask myself from time to time, because the vanity press allows almost anyone to own the title. Anyone with the nerve, and the wherewithal, may lure an audience, with fancy book covers, advertising, and well-targeted spin, to reach into their pockets and buy, buy, buy, a self-styled author's work, irrespective of whether that so-called author can actually write.
Now, I wish to be clear that I am all for giving newbies a chance, and if publishing becomes fairer, allowing unheard voices to be heard, so much the better. It does need a shake-up! But it is a nightmare-in the-making if the public is duped into purchasing lacklustre trash, which is not even grammatically correct, yet somehow passes off for the real thing. I have read semi-biographical books which fall short. I have even read "children's books" which purport to "teach children," and yet the authors have not even mastered the basics themselves.
I am the kind of person who delights in congratulating my peers for their hard won achievements as authors, and long may their success continue.
However, in my search for "the real thing" among new writers, I have come across writers who do not know their grammar, do not know basic spelling rules, use colloquialisms inappropriately, yet, often, they are the first to sing their own praises about the "popularity" of their books, the "awards" and "badges" they have won, and so on. We as writers, should relish the journey for its own sake, and that journey should involve professional development and skills mastery, which involves not only one's own writing, but also reading books.
Now, come on, I am in my sixtieth year, and I wasn't born yesterday. Who are these writers fooling? The public may be deceived in the short run, but some of us are in it for the long haul. We care about the quality of our work, we do not feel we are "entitled," and we continue to strive to make our work better and better!
To anyone reading this, please look carefully at a writer's work, and then decide whether or not he deserves to call himself a writer.
Now, I wish to be clear that I am all for giving newbies a chance, and if publishing becomes fairer, allowing unheard voices to be heard, so much the better. It does need a shake-up! But it is a nightmare-in the-making if the public is duped into purchasing lacklustre trash, which is not even grammatically correct, yet somehow passes off for the real thing. I have read semi-biographical books which fall short. I have even read "children's books" which purport to "teach children," and yet the authors have not even mastered the basics themselves.
I am the kind of person who delights in congratulating my peers for their hard won achievements as authors, and long may their success continue.
However, in my search for "the real thing" among new writers, I have come across writers who do not know their grammar, do not know basic spelling rules, use colloquialisms inappropriately, yet, often, they are the first to sing their own praises about the "popularity" of their books, the "awards" and "badges" they have won, and so on. We as writers, should relish the journey for its own sake, and that journey should involve professional development and skills mastery, which involves not only one's own writing, but also reading books.
Now, come on, I am in my sixtieth year, and I wasn't born yesterday. Who are these writers fooling? The public may be deceived in the short run, but some of us are in it for the long haul. We care about the quality of our work, we do not feel we are "entitled," and we continue to strive to make our work better and better!
To anyone reading this, please look carefully at a writer's work, and then decide whether or not he deserves to call himself a writer.
January 20, 2017
Thank You, So Much!
I would like to thank all the people who have bought "Snugs the Snow Bear" for their children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and for children they love:) It is a pleasure to be able to write books, and do what I love! Children are the future. I am most grateful that all your support helps me write books for this generation, and generations to come.
January 16, 2017
News of "Snugs Airtime!"
Tune in to U.K Talk Radio around 11.40 a.m G.M.T this Friday, 20th January, 2017, when Jonathan Hines, Radio Presenter and Television Personality chats to me about "Snugs The Snow Bear," Book One of my exciting Children's/Young Adult Series! Times are estimated, so may not be exact.
What The Kids Say about Snugs!
I had the most wonderful time at a Children's Center today, reading my brand new Children's Book, "Snugs The Snow Bear," Book One of "The
Snugs Series"
Here are some of the gems:
"Are you coming back? I'm going to beg so that you do!"
" An impression is a kind of emotion." (This was a bright seven year old's explanation of the title of the last chapter - "Snugs Makes A Lasting Impression.")
"Is The Bear on the cliff Snugs? Wow!"
"How long did it take to write the book?
"I like the chapter in Iceland the best, when they are playing together!"
"We want you to read all the books in the series to us!"
Snugs Series"
Here are some of the gems:
"Are you coming back? I'm going to beg so that you do!"
" An impression is a kind of emotion." (This was a bright seven year old's explanation of the title of the last chapter - "Snugs Makes A Lasting Impression.")
"Is The Bear on the cliff Snugs? Wow!"
"How long did it take to write the book?
"I like the chapter in Iceland the best, when they are playing together!"
"We want you to read all the books in the series to us!"
January 14, 2017
Rave Reviews on Amazon.com!
Wow...."Snugs The Snow Bear" has another 5 star review on Amazon.com!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPUmE...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPUmE...
January 13, 2017
Snow and Snowy Tales
I'm thinking about my homeland, Great Britain, and there is a deep sense of nostalgia, as I envision this beautiful land bedecked with snow!
Weekends can be a challenge for parents in the winter months, when the novelty of snowmen and snow angels, and sledding and skating has begun to wear thin, and children just want to get warm indoors, and find something entertaining to do.
I remember my childhood, when, after an adventure in the snow, I would settle down to read a good book in the warmth of home.
Snowy Tales are made to go with snowy weather, and my latest creation, "Snugs The Snow Bear," is a warm and fluffy read, which will teach your children about friendship, loyalty and belonging, as well as providing them with inspiration about wildlife, nature and the environment.
Stay safe and wrap up warm, and Happy Reading with Snugs!
Weekends can be a challenge for parents in the winter months, when the novelty of snowmen and snow angels, and sledding and skating has begun to wear thin, and children just want to get warm indoors, and find something entertaining to do.
I remember my childhood, when, after an adventure in the snow, I would settle down to read a good book in the warmth of home.
Snowy Tales are made to go with snowy weather, and my latest creation, "Snugs The Snow Bear," is a warm and fluffy read, which will teach your children about friendship, loyalty and belonging, as well as providing them with inspiration about wildlife, nature and the environment.
Stay safe and wrap up warm, and Happy Reading with Snugs!
Snugs Radio Interview!
I'd like to thank Jonathan Hines, U.K Talk Radio Presenter and Television Personality, for his very professional interview of me about my brand new Children's/Young Adults Fiction Book, "Snugs the Snow Bear" The chat will be broadcast very soon, and I will let you know when to tune in to the show. It was very useful for me to review my progress, too, and to think about "The Snugs Series," and where we will go with it in the future!
January 11, 2017
Snugs On Air!
Super-excited to be recording an author's interview on my old home ground with Jonathan Hines of U.K Talk Radio! Really looking forward to our chat tomorrow, and I will let you know when it is going to go live. Be sure to watch this blog for details of "Snugs The Snow Bear," my latest creation on Amazon Worldwide!
January 10, 2017
Limitations (Inspired by The Line: The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword)
“I know my limitations,” she said.
Her eyes were honest,
and she shook her head.
So many lines,
so many lines
rehearsed, unsaid,
and crumpled paper,
that blew - confetti,
yet still, unwed.
“To begin, again, is almost unthinkable!”
The specter of polite letters -
the “not quite there” comments,
that made her sink into despair,
crack open the wine,
and celebrate -
magnificent failure, alone.
She flits about the room, a moth,
dives for another plot, another character.
An open door, a newly arrived spectator.
“I need to be alone to hear the voices, Diane.”
The door closes.
She begins to begin, again.
Another chapter, and she’s lost.
Lost to the book, that tells her to give up.
“Just let them write themselves.”
She hears the voices in her head
and feels that it might crack.
A siren outside, interrupts her train of thought.
And from the sash window,
revelers, in the street, run, amok.
“Just get it done” (and it will be enough.)
She types the characters, plods through
the sentences.
She gasps for air. Goes outside.
She walks the forest, alone at night.
An unknown shadow’s at its heart.
She reaches in her breast pocket.
She knows her limitations,
takes the knife,
and draws blood.
Copyright Suzy Davies 10/01/2017. All Rights Reserved. No Copying.
Her eyes were honest,
and she shook her head.
So many lines,
so many lines
rehearsed, unsaid,
and crumpled paper,
that blew - confetti,
yet still, unwed.
“To begin, again, is almost unthinkable!”
The specter of polite letters -
the “not quite there” comments,
that made her sink into despair,
crack open the wine,
and celebrate -
magnificent failure, alone.
She flits about the room, a moth,
dives for another plot, another character.
An open door, a newly arrived spectator.
“I need to be alone to hear the voices, Diane.”
The door closes.
She begins to begin, again.
Another chapter, and she’s lost.
Lost to the book, that tells her to give up.
“Just let them write themselves.”
She hears the voices in her head
and feels that it might crack.
A siren outside, interrupts her train of thought.
And from the sash window,
revelers, in the street, run, amok.
“Just get it done” (and it will be enough.)
She types the characters, plods through
the sentences.
She gasps for air. Goes outside.
She walks the forest, alone at night.
An unknown shadow’s at its heart.
She reaches in her breast pocket.
She knows her limitations,
takes the knife,
and draws blood.
Copyright Suzy Davies 10/01/2017. All Rights Reserved. No Copying.
January 5, 2017
Life Imitates Art!
In Florida, it is rare to have a cold snap, but, in anticipation of a couple of days or so of chilly weather, I went out and bought some jazzy socks!
Imagine my surprise, when, on the underside of the sock feet, I discovered little "grip" pads sewn in, just like the papillae on Snugs' feet, which help him get a good footing on the slippery ice. Everything to do with Snugs has a touch of magic!
Imagine my surprise, when, on the underside of the sock feet, I discovered little "grip" pads sewn in, just like the papillae on Snugs' feet, which help him get a good footing on the slippery ice. Everything to do with Snugs has a touch of magic!
Book News
"The Flamingos Who Painted The Sky," our new picture book is NOW fully available to bring in #Christmas #sunshine, #flamingo #sunsets, and #happiness #worldwide Illustrated by the talented Shirin Mass ...more
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